The Call of the Entrepreneur

My new friend, Jay Gary, posted this video clip on his site. I watched the trailer and it seems very interesting. I'm challenged by those who shape our culture, economics, politics and faith. I wonder who are the next that will shape and the way people experience Jesus.

Check out the trailer.



Categories: Culture, Leadership

Who and What is Going to Reach the Next Generation?

This past Monday night I had dinner with some old and new friends, Rich Lotterhos, Don Wilcox, Shane Deike and Jay Gary. We had some great conversations about where we are at in church, mission and reaching the coming generations and most importantly where we are going to be; what is God going to create to reach the coming generations who will be mostly non-church going and ethnic.

I came across this video from a friend's site, Ethan Rietema. It got me thinking of the generations to come. Who is going to reach them? And with what new form is God going to touch their hearts? It seems to me they have already said 'no' to Jesus and the church. But I think their hearts are screaming for Jesus and a real, authentic, grace and loved filled community.

Check it out and put some thought and prayer on what you think God is going to do.



Categories: Kingdom, Movements, Culture

Who and What is G

A Great Response!

I came across this post about churches that are helping and responding to the wildfires. These responses have nothing to do with my post yesterday but I wanted to share the great opportunities for those of us who live far away from these fires.

Support these churches affected by the Wildfires

Categories: Kingdom, Church, Community, Prayer

Are we racing to help

I caught this photo on Foxnews.com today and I have been thinking about the fires in So Cal. Yes, I have family living down there but they're in the middle of the concrete jungle, therefore, Safe.

The question that has been hitting me in regards to the church, ministries and the Christian body is "How fast and well are we racing to stop and help the affected by the inferno?" This cuts to the core of who I am, believe and do. In light of the Katrina mess, Thailand devastation and now this horrible disaster we have to think about how we are responding.

It doesn't matter if you're all about traditional church, big building, powerful programs or simple church, eating together, worshiping in your home and have no costs. It doesn't matter if the disaster hits poor countries, ethnic minorities in our south or rich countryside homeowners. It doesn't matter if you're a conservative or republican and are angry or happy in the way our government has and is responding. In stead of passing blame, worrying about who is going to teach our next Bible study, does our youth group room need a Nintendo WI or Xbox 360 to match their 5 flat panel TVs, or should our outreach flyers be in yellow or blue paper we should be spending our time, energy, money, time and talents as the body of Christ to plan, prepare and respond to the current tragedy or the one that will hit your community.

This hits me right to the deep of my heart and really tests what I believe about Jesus. If He really did come to give life, love and forgiveness to a lost and hurting world then how is that world experiencing Jesus through the Christians who hold His message tightly. We share it loudly on our streets and through our evangelistic booklets and preach it boldly in great 3 point sermons that challenge our allegiance to God yet I wonder if we're loving those who really need love. Can I believe and share the love of Christ in a language and with hands and feet that the world can hear and respond? Or is my message all about joining the holy club that thinks its theology is correct?

One of the areas I believe God is calling me to put forth my leadership efforts is to help the church (large and small), para church, and the informal body of Christ to be equipped, prepared and ready to help a world that really needs help; to help them in ways that really meet their physical needs. My guess, assumption and prayer is that if the world were to see the Church as the first ones on the ground (before the Red Cross), providing food, shelters, opening their homes and buildings, staying until the final moment, setting aside tons of cash to give freely all without the strings attached of "come to our worship service," WE MIGHT JUST SEE A RESPONSE TO JESUS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

I really do believe that if we started raising money, setting aside building projects, calling our congregations and groups to action, and worry about sharing the Love of Christ with our hands and feet as well as our mouths the rest of the world, those who have already 'kissed us off' will respond with "who are these people and what do they believe?"

One of the issues our leadership team in Mexico City, Mexico talked about often was if we are launching hundreds of spiritual movements led by students yet they are not ready to respond to the physical needs of a hurting world, then are we relelvant? If we're planting hundreds of churches, big and small, yet not meeting the physical needs of those around us than are we really all that impacting? I guess Jesus modeled and answered this in feeding the 5,000 and on His Sermon on the Mount.

Lets start the race with fellow Christians to stop the inferno that is affecting people who need to be loved and cared for. Talk to you friends, congregations, small groups, and families about what you could do and then do it.

The American Red Cross Link to the Wildfire if you need it.

Categories: Community, Kingdom, Culture, Prayer, God, Movements, Church

Practical Atheism

I have heard this term, Practical Atheism, in an article written by Craig Groeschel, often and relate to it, sadly, more than I want. I too am a current/recovering Practical Atheist. My biggest prayer now is that I have my one thing:

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. Ps 27:4

This is very difficult and often times I feel like, as I'm waiting on the Lord to do only what He can do and should do, I am a lazy Christian leader. Ouch. It took some serious pain, brokenness and time to reflect on my disease. Now I'm praying to God for a healing from this disease. He is the only one who can fix this. Maybe you're infected too.

Categories: God, Ministry, Spirituality

Take a Look at this!

I just posted on our other site: VanDiestClan a whole bunch of cute shots of our family.

Enjoy

Categories: Family, Photos

Following the Person of Christ

“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.”
Isaiah 30:15 (Message)

These past months have been so refreshing and enlightening in our own personal walks with Jesus. We have been reminded of the simplicity and power of just following Jesus; it is easy and light. In this past year we have seen God’s mercy and grace surface our own issues of performance and self worship. God showed us that often we seek strength in ourselves and efforts. We’re finding that as God’s power is made evident in our weakness we are experiencing a whole new intimacy with Jesus. We are seeing strength come from depending only on Him and being faithful to Him only.

“God does not demand that I be successful. God demands that I be
faithful. When facing God, results are not important. Faithfulness
is what is important.” Mother Theresa

We have been praying daily that God will lead us into deeper intimacy in following Jesus. Around every corner of following Him we are seeing new fruit produced in our lives and a passion to help others follow Him in this manner.

We are also seeing God use our greatest weaknesses and failures to be our greatest strengths to others. As we have shared our story of marriage struggles, moving home from our initiative in Mexico City and the realness of Jesus’ love and forgiveness we have seen others open up to us and God.

Three weeks ago a CU football player, Pat Deveny, who Steve had the opportunity to lead to Christ 2 years ago called and wanted to talk. Over lunch Steve shared our story of this past year. Pat began to share openly his struggles and a deeper desire to know Jesus. It is amazing to see God at work when we allow Him. Steve hasn’t seen Pat in about 1 1/2 years yet the Spirit of God does the work that we can’t even imagine to do.

Thank you for walking with us in this journey of following Jesus. We know that there are many great stories yet to be told. We are grateful that you are partnering with us in seeing God’s power unfold. Thank you for loving us!

Categories: God, Newsletters, family, spirituality, Newsletters, Movements, Kingdom

Needs all around us

Living in Greeley, CO we have seen a whole different way of living. We are in a much smaller community than Mexico City (28 million) and Boulder/Denver (2 million) as Greeley has about 100,000 people, half of which are Hispanic. We have enjoyed the smell of cows, the open space and the lack of cars piling up in intersections.
Steve has been coaching the boys’ soccer and football teams and has been spending time at our local rec center getting to know the people of Greeley. They are no different from anyone else. They too have marriage problems. They also struggle in finding meaning in life. They too are busy hustling kids to and from school and practice.
Yet what we observed is that there are few ministries that are serving outside the walls of the Church. Boulder and Denver are such popular places to live that many ministries call these places home. Our hearts are broken for the families, youth and neighborhoods that are not targeted specifically to hear the message of Jesus.
We feel God is calling us to start some fresh ways of expressing the grace, mercy and love of God to our community. As we walk forward in this we ask that you pray for us, support us and challenge us to follow Christ more intimately. Join with us in praying that we can be a loving presence in Greeley.

Categories: God, Prayer, Newsletters, Family, Movements, Ministry, YouthSports, Community, Kingdom

Please Pray

Please Pray:
· That we will wholeheartedly seek out the person of Jesus.
· That we will slow down to rest and allow God to speak to us.
· That we will model, teach and encourage our kids in following Jesus.
· That as God grows us we will be sensitive to loving and caring for those around us.
· That we will seek God for every detail, step and plan for our future.
· That God will protect us from the evil one who wishes to destroy our lives and relationships.

Categories: Newsletters, God, Prayer, Family

My Office Cubicle

I know many people may relate to this wonderful song/video. I now can relate with my Boulder office job.

Categories: Music, Culture

Samson and the Pirate Monks

A few months ago a good friend of mine, Kirk Adkinson of All Souls Church in Boulder, CO recommended that I go out and get Samson and the Pirate Monks. It took me awhile to have my library order/buy it for me because I kept forgetting the goofy title. If you read it you'll understand the title. But about 4 weeks ago I received one of my favorite phone calls, 2nd to the phone calls I receive from Christine, from my Weld Country Library. My book was in. They bought me a brand new copy to be finding its home forever in Farr Library; good tax money being spent.

The complete title is Samson and the Pirate Monks: calling men to authentic brotherhood by Nate Larkin. At the end of chapter 1, I was saying, "No way!" I was blown away by the realness, authenticity and candor of N. Larkin. I was hooked and ready to listen, learn and be changed.

If you're a man, then read it. No questions. Read this with a good buddy. Open your heart to the desire to be changed, transformed and to continue a journey of meeting with Jesus in a powerful community of men. This aint 'bout accountability, men's groups, rah rah tool time. Nate and his group of Pirate Monks paint a picture about real walking with Jesus that does change and transform your life.

This is one of the few books I didn't write down quotes. Sorry. I have photo copied stories because I don't want to miss the lessons and stories told.

I'm encouraging some of my friends to read this and prayerfully God will lead us to start a similar Samson Society. Go and get it.

Categories: Masculinity, God, Books, Spirituality, Movements

Prayer for the Van Diest

Please Pray:
· Ultimately that God will lead us in our decisions & steps to a new future of ministry
· That as we serve God He would be our first love
· That we daily depend on God for the spiritual battle before us
· That God protects our family and keeps us healthy
· That God will make our hearts sensitive to the work of His Spirit around us
· That we will walk by faith, humbly serving others
· That as we move ahead we would do the internal work of rest & listening to God

Categories: Prayer, Family, God

Van Diest Happenings

We’re still committed to the work of bringing Spiritual Movements everywhere yet we are confident God is calling us to bring them to everyone, not just college students. We’re hearing the call of God on our hearts and minds to venture out and bring the Gospel to our community. Many of you have been asking, what is next? Where will you serve? The answers to these questions and more are the being revealed to us every day and we’re leaning on God to make those things very clear. You can keep us in your prayers so that we will not move unless God calls, nudges and moves mightily.

We know that Kingdom work is not a solitary, individual act. We need each other, you, the body of Christ to walk with us in this journey. That has been very clear these past 10 months as you have stayed with us, gave us tons of time to process, restore, rest, hear from the Lord and move ahead by faith. We are so grateful for you. This past year has been difficult and trying in our lives yet we know the greatest days of serving God together are before us because of what God has done in our hearts through brokenness and falling on our faces before Him. We also know that these letters every month can’t explain all that is happening in our lives and ministry so we encourage you to visit our website: (New Address):www.stevevandiest.com which tracks almost daily as to what God is teaching us. Thank you for your love and encouragement!

You are a blessing to us.

Categories: God, Family, Newsletters

Spiritual Movements Everywhere

For many years we have felt the call of God in our hearts and minds to launch, coach and train young, ordinary college students into starting and leading spiritual movements. We believe that is exactly what happened when Jesus sent off the 12 apostles after he ascended into heaven. They started a spiritual movement that was crazy for and crazy about Jesus Christ that penetrated every nook and cranny of the Middle East.

Today is no different. It was no different in Boulder, Mexico City and now in Greeley. God has taken us on an internal journey to grab our hearts, deal with our issues and restore our relationship. He cares more about what is going on inside of us than what we do for Him. We are so grateful for the grace God has given us these past 10 months in our lives and marriage.

God’s transformational work is so evident in our lives and in the community around us. We’ve seen God move in the soccer families we’ve met, the people at the gym, our neighbors and in our own hearts. We are trying to listen, walk by faith and respond to God’s Spirit.

Two weeks ago, Christine joined our good friend Emily on a local community college to see what God is already doing. They walked around the campus, sought God’s face and then just waited. It was powerful to see God use Jacob, our 4 month old, attracting others. While Christine was in the bathroom Jacob was doing the work of the Kingdom. People were being drawn to his cute smile. It is amazing when we allow God to work, He does. Christine and Emily met two women who were interested in starting a spiritual movement on their campus to reach other students. One was a mom of 2 kids who came to Christ 3 years ago and has a heart to reach others. The other gal was a young freshman. Amazing! God is already at work around us. He cares that we are experiencing Him and He will do the work of spiritual movements everywhere.

Categories: God, Family, Newsletters, Movements

The Inner Work of God

The past 10 months in our lives we have been given a renewed and maybe even a completely new look on life and walking with God. I know that many things, activities, idols, relationships, ministries we were part of have been stripped away and have been rebirthed and some have been removed. Thank God!

We would call this the Inner Work of God that He is doing on us. This is much harder, more painful, emotional yet rewarding and joyous than any other type of work we have done for or with God. It goes down deep to the core of who we are, what we value, where we find our significance, to our inner wounds, those things and people we worship. The words of our counselor, Michael Cusick of Restoring the Soul, from day 1 of our intensive counseling session back in December of 2006 still ring as hopeful and encouraging to my heart, "You old marriage is gone and done, your new one is starting today." I would even go farther and say that our old way of living, relating, doing ministry and knowing God is gone and done and our new way of being and doing is starting today. That is really what we have experienced the past 10 months. Rebirthing a whole new outlook on God and life; at times painful but also super refreshing.

Lately we have been encouraged and challenged by a book called The Celtic Daily Prayer of the Northumbria Community (all found online). John Lamb recommended it to me as I have been tossing around and chewing on the ideas of Daily Office and Sabbath. Christine and I when together and apart read the morning prayer, read the devotionals and meditations. We're trusting that God will bring a rhythm to the way we interact with Him, not just a religious experience. I realize more and more that I'm honest with myself that I don't have a lot to offer God in the spiritual disciplines. Most of the time it requires all I have to wake up in the morning and not be a mean, selfish, stubborn Dutch pain the you know what to my family and everyone around me. I need something to grab my heart and mind and I trust the Holy Spirit will connect me to something much deeper and grandiose that I can attain on my own. I also realize the hardness of my own heart that even if I connect with God in the morning, I soon am running on my own a few hours later. The daily office that we have been practicing is our attempt to walk, live, think, relate and practice the presence of God.

Each morning on my hour long drive to Boulder, CO I also read, meditate and relate to God via a Daily Prayer found on John Eldridge's site, Ransomed Heart (click on Going Deeper and then Prayers) or here. This has also been very helpful in grabbing my heart, centering my affections and reminding me of a great Saviour.

Yesterday I read this from page 48 -Day 2 in the Celtic Daily Prayer,

There is a contemplative in all of us, almost strangled but still alive,
who craves quiet enjoyment of the Now, and longs to touch the seamless garment of silence which makes whole. Alan P. Tory
CARMELITE VOW: Let each stay in or near their own cell
meditating, day and night on the law of the Lord, and vigilant in prayer, unless
otherwise employed by the Holy Spirit.

and today from Day 3:

The Cry to God as 'Father' in the New Testament is not a calm acknowledgement of a universal truth about God's abstract fatherhood. It is the Child's cry out of a nightmare.
It is the cry of outrage, fear, shrinking away, when faced with the horror of the 'world' - yet not simply or exclusively protest, but trust as well.
'Abba Father' all things are possible
to Thee ... Rowan Williams

As you can see there are themes of doing the inner work of God before going out. This has been hard for me. I have either been trained or just lived the way of going out and then, if called or employed by the Holy Spirit to come in and rest. I want to make that vow my vow for life and ministry. I also see this cry of 'Father' so true. When we have come to grips with our inner being, the darkness of our own sin and evil, the ways of the world, this cry becomes a 'help me! I'm dying' cry to God.

Just some thoughts I have been noodling on lately.

Categories: God, Prayer, Spirituality