A Serving-Story at LifeChurch Café

21Mar

A Serving-Story at LifeChurch Café

Frae & Rafael with their baby Luke under the LifeChurch Makati Café signage

This story was told to Prudy by Rafael…

Since becoming a part of LifeChurch Makati family, having Frae baptized here, this has been a great blessing to our very young family life.

We’ve experienced better changes in our lives. We’ve been blessed spiritually, emotionally and financially. Most importantly, truly we are blessed by having a relationship with God making Him center of our everything. Through LifeChurch Makati a God centered-life is at hand.

This being said, we are happy to serve Him in our own little way by being part of LifeChurch Makati Café. It is one way of paying forward the blessings that we have.

LifeChurch Makati is God-driven and God-centered church, and Jesus is with us here.

While Mommy Frae serves Dad Rafael & Baby Luke look over.

13Jul

LifeChurch Makati’s Vision

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As I review the blogs that LifeChurch Makati leaders have posted I took note that there was no specific blog about our church’s mission & vision. Yet despite of that, I am so appreciative that every time I ask the lifers (LifeChurch Makati volunteers, partners & regular attendees) to recite our mission almost everyone say it from their memory!

Let me write here again the Mission of LifeChurch Makati, which is from LifeChurch.tv’s mission: To lead people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ!

If that is our mission we need to have a mind image or picture of that mission…That is our VISION!

Arnold presenting the vision of LifeChurch Makati.

In our last rainy Vision Casting Night we have talked about our vision where Arnold described its details. So, for those of you who were not able to come that night let me share it here with you and for those of you who were there please read this so that you will have a good reminder of our vision:

“To build a church where people far from God would love to attend!”

Let me share with you my personal thoughts on this vision…

Building an edifice is never a loner’s job. It is always a Collaboration. It is always a Team Work. As partners and regular attendees of LifeChurch Makati we need you to share with us the joy of working for God in building this church, which is a church of living PEOPLE. This is not an organization, a denomination nor an institution. We need your expertise. We need your talents. We need your contribution. We need YOU to be part of this building project!
We love to see PEOPLE who may know God but on a very distant reality and who doesn’t have any inclination to talk about Him or ‘allergic’ on ideas pertaining to religion or spirituality. They could be one of your family members, a neighbor, a childhood friend, a friend from your work, from your school and from civic group or club you are a member, someone from a place you regularly visits like the gym, barbershop, saloon, your favorite shop, a client or a regular business contact or competitor. They maybe just around your circle of community whom you sense is far from God. Invite them to experience our church!
And that we like to see these PEOPLE enjoying and loving to be in our church because they feel not pointed out, labeled nor forced to be ‘Christianized’ or just simply find our church a cool place to hang around.

It would be wonderful when one day when our church is bigger than you could imagine, people you know and whom you do not know will approach you and will say THANK YOU for inviting me, THANK YOU for welcoming me, THANK YOU for singing for me, THANK YOU for taking good care of my kids, THANK YOU for just being with me in times that I needed it the most.

Lifers own this vision and keep this vision!

The lifers who attended the rainy Vision Night

14Apr

EVERYTHING we do is OUTREACH!

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Everything is everything…

I recently had a conversation with someone about Outreach (or Evangelistic) Activities. Most of us think that a church reaching out to people equals to a church sponsoring or doing activities such as, distributing of Christian booklets or tracts, an Evangelistic Crusade, a mini or full Christian concert, giving food to the street people, medical missions and the likes.

Those are noble activities and worthy of recognition and, more often, those can really make the targeted people be blessed and be led to Christ.

Some of you maybe asking why don’t we have such church activities at LifeChurch Makati. My answer is we will have those too, but those will be more of an on going program than activities. And we look at those to happen when there will be volunteers who are gifted by the Spirit to do such services and are convicted by God beyond any doubt and fear to handle courageously those great programs!

For the moment, as we gear up our church in going to another year of journey with God, let us focus on one thing…that is to MAKE EVERYTHING THAT WE DO as Outreach (Evangelistic) programs and activities!

What do I mean by that?

1. First, let us recognize that as Followers of Christ we must be consistent in being aware that EVERYTHING we do, from the moment we wake up, to the time we eat, start to converse with our friends and the moment we start to work, relate with our parents, siblings, spouse, our co-workers, our bosses, our subordinates (if you have), our clients, classmates and people we meet…we should be REACHING OUT TO THEM! Let us be sensitive of their needs then provide it to them.

2. Secondly, let us be aware that EVERYTHING THAT WE DO in our church…from the time the Worship Team practices the song line up for worship in their homes and at the studio, the praying time of the Prayer Team within the week, the lesson plan preparations of the LifeKids Team before Sunday, to the meeting of every LifeGroup during week days…Then on every Sunday Experience, from the time we get into our lobby, as we welcome people, give them program guides, usher them to their seats or set up the whole place for the experience…lead the praise and worship time or simply singing with the other worshippers, even our saying good-byes to each other and our guests – LET ALL THOSE BE AN OUTREACH TO THEM!

When we do those we are doing it not only to them but to God…as St. Paul said in 1st Corinthians 10:31, 33 “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God…I, too, try to please everyone in EVERYTHING I DO. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.”

05Apr

We all are GROs (God’s Relations Officers)!

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Two of our Welcomers Kate (left) & Jessica (right) with Joy (center), our Welcomers' team leader!

As we prepare for the BIG MOVE of LifeChurch Makati on September it has been my desire that everyone who comes into this church family becomes a volunteer at the “Welcoming Team” as GROs (God’s Relations Officers).

Welcomers and ushers are the faces and the front liners of the church. They are the first group of people whom the guests encounter. They are the team who gives the first impression of what and who are the people in our church! Because of this our first time attendees and guests will determine whether they will be coming back to our church or not, in just 3 to 5 minutes.

That is how very important and crucial is the role of our “welcomers!”

It is the reason why I give much appreciation and commendation to God the leaders of our Welcoming Team, Joyce and Deo and their volunteers!

As what I have mentioned at the beginning of this blog - I desire that everyone will become a volunteer to this team!

You may ask why do I have that desire? Here are my reasons…

When you become a devoted follower of Jesus you wanted to be of service and use your gifts for God, the welcoming team is one great jump off point of exploring your gifts and abilities in serving Him!
It gives you the feeling that you are part of something great for God! Imagine you are one of the front liners of His Church!
It also helps you to practice and exercise Love for people whom God loves more than anything else!
Lastly, yet the greatest determinant of being a devoted follower of Jesus is…serving at the Welcoming Team is HUMBLING and SELF-SACRIFICING!

When you go through the process of service at the Welcoming Team – you will find serving at the other Teams a piece of cake!

I encourage everyone…who are even serving at the other teams to volunteer in your free time at the Welcoming Team – I should tell you, it is very REWARDING and FULFILLING!

Approach Joy and Deo at the entrance of Glorietta 4 Cinema 1 every Sunday Experience at LifeChurch Makati to volunteer!

18Jan

Inviting people…

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LifeChurch Makati’s mission is “to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” We are focused on that!

Church invitation

How can we lead people? First, we have to have people to lead! Where are these people? They are around you! They are within your vicinity! They are within your reach! They are the ones we will invite to be led to Jesus!

In your invitations I would like to remind you, you just not invite anyone – you invite people whom you know and people who know you. You invite people who know the good and the bad in you. You invite people who know your strengths and weaknesses, yet they continue to be with you. You invite people who see the changes in your life…people who recognize your love for God.

Why do we do that?

1. We are following what Jesus said: First “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV). People who are within your reach are your Jerusalem.

2. We will be effective in inviting people we know or who knew us because they are the ones most likely who trust us [or who doesn''t ] and who care about what we care for, on the contrary people who don’t know us don’t care about what we care about.

3. Inviting people we know is inviting with focus! If we invite anyone now is like lighting the entire mountain at night with one “flashlight” (torch). Which is not possible and effective.

Before I end this blog I am again reminding you that there will be struggle and you might hesitate inviting people you know! Yet there is great reward when you see the wonderful changes you will see in them when they meet Jesus!

I pray for the Lord to bless your invitations!

09Jul

The fruits in the lives LifeChurch Makati Attendees

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By seeing Him we are CHANGED!

Changing lives are the inspiration of every church planter and that makes him move forwards despite of the challenges ahead.

As Lifer-Volunteers I would like to share with you some of the comments by those whom you have invited, those whom you welcomed as walk in guests and those guests who found us in the web world. Please know that your efforts are not in vain. Through you God is touching lives and these lives are changing for the better…

First time guests couldn’t help but commented:

“I’m having a great time in my first visit here. Thanks! God bless!”

“Thank you…My first impression of the gathering (worship service) was truly caring. God bless!”

“Everything is excellent, the Word (message) is anointed, the venue is comforting.”

Some guests said after hearing a message:

“The Lord spoke to me today. Praise Him.”

“…I related with our topic. Thank Lord for always being there. Hope you will help me with the trials I am going through now.”

“I was touched by this message, ‘make a valley of Achor a door of hope.’ Thanks to Pastor Craig & Kuya Prudy. I’m blessed today…Praise the Lord.”

“…every topic touched my heart and has been an eye opener. Continue praying for me as I seek to do His will…Salamat!”

“I have faith in God with all my heart, I believe Him, trust Him and no fear can tear it down.”

Two wrote in the connection card, after hearing a message from the recently completed message series, Once Upon a Marriage:

“I am so blessed with the message of Once Upon a Marriage. Pray that I’ll be the husband that God always want me to be…A leader! Thank you…”

“This is my first time to write in the connection card. I’m so enlightened. Thank you God. Thank you Kuya Prudy. Sana makita ko na ang husband ko (I hope to see my husband soon) to say sorry to him.”

Then after FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Part 1 message, an attendee said:

“There’s no enough space for all my questions. But I know God is so good. I claim that He already answers all my prayers in Jesus name.”

And lastly, someone simply but heart-felt penned:

“I’ve found God here in LifeChurch Makati.”

Didn’t those words inspire us to continue and improve more on whatever God has place in our hands to lead these people to Christ? I know Lifers that you will to do things for people to see God’s glory in their lives!

GOD BLESS YOUR SERVICE AT LIFECHURCH MAKATI!

12Jun

The power of the bench

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Basketball fans, let me see you hands?!

If there’s anything that Kuya Prudy and I are not in total agreement at this point, it’s with the NBA Finals 2010. He’s routing for the Lakers. Well, I’m a Celtic baby. I grew up with Larry Bird, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish — that’s your original triangle offense, dude!

Anyway, Game 4 was crucial. They are the underdogs. And their superstars — Garnett, Pierce and Allen — are having an off night. How did they win? Their second crew, the bench, stepped up. Big Baby Davis, Nate Robinson, Tony Allen, Rasheed Wallace and the rest of the bench saved the day for the Celtics.

Before this post becomes a basketball review, let me just say how this relates to the game we call “honoring God at Sunday Experience”. When you attend LifeChurch Makati on Sundays, you’ll experience excellent worship with music, lights and sounds that you can relate with, being lead by our praise team. You’ll see Craig Groeschel or Kuya Prudy teaching a life-changing message. They’re the superstars! They’re what you see on stage.

What you don’t see, though, are those who are working in the background to make your experience enjoyable and a blessing. The people who greets you when you enter the cinema (we call them our “welcoming team”), the people that ushers you to your seats, so you will not have the hard time finding one (our ushering team), the people that sets up the stage and the lights and sounds (our pitstop team), the ladies that take care and teach your kids about God in the language they will understand (our lifekids team) — these people are out of the limelight, and yet are equally important. They serve you with smiles and unselfish care. They are our heros.

So, let’s say, if you don’t know how to sing — and sing really well — or play any instruments, no worries. Not everyone is gifted with such talent. Yet, you still can do great things for God on Sundays! Smile for the people, and smile well! Be an usher. Help in the building up and tearing down of the lights and sounds equipments. Teach the kids.

Make a difference. Be a volunteer!

Who agrees with me that it’s going to be Celtics in 7? Raise your hand?

11Jun

Guest blog: On Spiritual Gifts

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We have a guest blog from Ritchie Carbajal, pastor of another friend church in the US, Crossweave Church.

True story: After the devastation caused by Katrina, I went on a mission trip with another church to repair homes in Louisiana. I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to sport a leather construction belt around my waist complete with nail pouch and holster for my cordless drill. It was so cool to be a construction worker for a few days with a bunch of other guys.

Then there was Sammy (not his real name). This was his third trip to the area. He had two suitcases full of brand new power tools and hand tools. But one thing about him caught my attention. He was planning to leave all of his tools with the local families and other workers like he did on previous trips. You see, he knew exactly why he was there. He could care less about looking good or having more tools than anyone else. He had skills and abilities. He was there to serve because he genuinely cared for those who had lost their homes.

The same goes for the skills and abilities from God’s Spirit—aka spiritual gifts. They may be fun exciting to have but the reason for the gifts is for the other person. They are given for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ—the individuals that make up the church. What it all translates into is a love for others that is sincere and not for your own benefit. Discover that gift, and then use it to bless others.

31May

Make a difference. Volunteer!

The Welcoming Team Volunteers

Whether you’re into numbers, words, technology, or people, God can use your gifts and skills to make a difference. Below, you’ll find a list of specialized volunteer positions we’re actively looking to fill – just click on the links to find out more.

Not seeing anything up your alley? Your dream volunteer role may be just an email away. Let us know about your professional experience and how you’d like to put that to work at LifeChurch Makati. We look forward to serving alongside you!

More than a job, it’s a calling. We’re passionate about seeing lives changed. Are you?

Praise and Worship team

The praise and worship team leads the church in worshiping God through passionate words, loud music that lifts our voices in praises to God.

If you have the talent — you can sing, play an instrument (keyboards, drums, lead guitar, bass guitar or accoustic guitar) and has the passion for worship, we encourage you audition for the praise team.

Note: auditions are conducted for those who would like to be part of the Praise team.

Welcoming team

This team is LifeChurch Makati’s face. They are the first ones that you will see when someone attends LifeChurch Makati. They will give you a beautiful smile and greet you upon entering the hall.

If you can smile — and I assume you do — be one of our welcomers.

Ushering team

Ushers put things in order inside the worship service. They are the ones that lead us into our seats and makes us feel comfortable where we are.

Pitstop team

The unsung heroes of LifeChurch Makati, the Pitstop team are the once that builds up and tear down all the equipments we see on Sundays — the lights, the sound system, the audio-visual tools. They are the first ones to arrive and last to leave.

Be one of our pitstop team member if you think you have the strength and the talent to organize electronic equipments.

Audio-visual team

The audio visual team controls what we see in front on Sundays — the projectors, the screens and the controls being done on our computers and switchboards.

If you want to be part of either one of these teams, please fill up the form below.

23Apr

Be part of the launch team!

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We’re bringing the LifeChurch.tv experience here in Metro Manila!

LifeChurch.tv is a US based innovative church with a global impact! Lead by Craig Groeschel, its powerful, relevant, Bible based and life-changing messages will be experienced through LifeChurch Makati, a new non-denominational church that will officially launch on May 16, 2010. Our passion is “to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.”

You can be part of this movement!

As we set into motion, we are searching for volunteers who will be part of our Launch Team. We are praying that you could partner with us.

If you are:
• a follower of Christ (we don’t mind about denominational affiliation),
• willing to take a temporary leave from your church (if currently attending one), and,
• have a passion to reach people (especially the urban professionals) for Jesus, you are very much welcome to be part of the launch team,

…particularly the:

• Praise and Worship Team (for those musically inclined and/or can play music instruments e.g., keyboards, drums or guitars).
• Pitstop Team (for those physically fit who can assist in the set-up of lights and sounds equipments).
• Greeters and Welcomers (for those with a cheerful heart giving a warm welcome).
• Teacher (for those who have heart in teaching the kids).
• Or simply someone who has the heart for people and bring friends who needs to hear about Jesus.

Everyone is enjoined to help!

If you feel the excitement and challenged enough to make a difference, you may contact us in any of the following:

Prudy, Lead Pastor
mobile: 09172462587  
email: prudy@lifechurchmakati.com
 twitter: @prudyverzo

Arnold, Executive Pastor
 email: arnold@lifechurchmakati.com
 twitter: @arnoldgamboa
 ym: arnoldgamboadotcom

We invite you to take part of this exciting and challenging endeavor!