LEADERS ARE INTERCESSORS

Several weeks ago we began discussing what it takes to be a leader.  The first quality that we mentioned is not often recognized by the secular world, but highly valued in the words and actions of Jesus Christ.  I am referring to humility, an attitude that is hard to attain and even harder to keep. I must admit that humility is certainly not a characteristic that I have mastered.  My mother used to always say,  "the Burkholders don't have a problem with pride, because Brian has it all."  I trust, though, that as I contunue to mature in my faith, that my pride decreases and and that the Lord produces humility in my life.

The second essential leadership characteristic that sets a leader above the rest is intercessory prayer. Once again, that certainly is not an attribute that is secularly recognized, but then again, we are not talking about secular leaders.  A spiritual leader realizes that the best way that he can teach, mentor and encourage those under his leadership is to cry out to God on their behalf.

No doubt, Moses is one of the greatest leaders in human history.  His ability to lead a nation of people some one million strong through the desert and to the brink of the Promised Land is nothing less than remarkable.  Among his many admirable leadership qualities was his consistent intercession to God on behalf of his rebellious people.

The most well-known example is found in Exodus 32.  Even though, the Israelites, under Aaron's failed leadership had set up a golden calf and worshipped it in place of God, Moses still pleaded with God to spare them.   We find that he petitions God to do three things...

1. He pleads with God to remember - Exodus 32:11-13

His plea to God was based upon three historical facts:  God's actions (v. 11), God's testimony, (v. 12), and God's promises (v. 13).

2. He pleads with God to relent - Exodus 32:12, 14

The word "relent" had been a source of much discussion.  Did God repent of His plans?  Did God actually change His mind?  Was His initial course of action wrong?

The idea is not that God changed His mind, but rather that He embarked upon a different course of action.  God's character does not change, but He does respond to the prayers and confessions of His people.

3. He pleads with God to restrain - Exodus 32:31-33

Admittedly, these verses are difficult to interpret.  Succinctly stated, here is what Moses is saying…

 “Lord, if the Israelites are going to be destroyed, then destroy me with them.  I do not desire to see the name and family of Moses built upon the ruins of Israel.  I do not want to enter the Promised Land without them.  Please restrain from starting a new nation upon me.”

Wow!  What a powerful intercessory statement!  What kind of churches would we have today if pastors had a heart of intercession like Moses?  How many lives would be changes in our Christian School classrooms if teachers pleaded to God for their students?  How many disciples would be produced if we prayed for every new convert with such conviction?

Often, I have heard it said that leaders are readers.  Although, I certainly encourage reading books that will help and enhance our ministries, I am convinced that today's leaders must be intercessors.  Let's ask God to give us a burden to spend time on our knees interceeding to God for those underneath our leadership!

What you need to lead!

One of the things that we feel very strongly about at Hollywood Community Church is the importance of producing followers of Jesus Christ.   One of the key components of producing followers, though, is the need to develop leaders as well.  That truth is evidenced in the lives and ministry of the twelve disciples.  Remember that the apostles not only committed their lives to follow Jesus, but their dedication to follow Him pushed them to the forefront and they became leaders of the new Cristo-centric movement known as The Way.  

 Just as devout followers of Jesus in the first century were transformed into leaders, so today’s Church must be used by the Holy Spirit to grow passionate followers into passionate leaders.  That brings us to several pertinent questions…

ü What type of leader does God desire to use? 

ü Are the leadership characteristics that are so admired by the world what we should strive for in the Church?

ü Are godly leaders any different than secular leaders?

As we talk through these questions in the next few blog posts, I trust that you will begin to get a clear picture of biblical leadership.  In today’s article, we will deal with the first leadership characteristic.

Humility

In today’s alpha male and female, type “A” personality world of leadership humility is not considered a necessary ingredient.  In fact, many would go so far as to say that humility will get you nowhere.    You need assertiveness, bold confidence and even some hubris if you are going to succeed.  Yet, that clashes with the teaching of some of the New Testament’s greatest leaders.

 ü What did Jesus say about humility?

 Matthew 20:25, 26 – You know that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different.  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

John 13:14 – And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feel, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

ü What did John the Baptist say about humility?

John 3:30 – He must become greater and greater and I must become less and less.

ü What did the Apostle Paul say about humility?

I Corinthians 15:9 – For I am the least of all the apostles.  In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

Ephesians 3:8 – Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

As you read those verses, it doesn’t sound like Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul possessed a large ego.  There wasn’t a lot of leadership testosterone flying around.   They each demonstrated humility even though their leadership skills were “off the charts.”  What an example to us!

I am reminded of the words of Augustine, “if you ask me what is the first precept of the Christian religion I will answer; first, second and third, humility.”

As we close this first article, let me give you four biblical thoughts about humility.  I trust that they will challenge you as much as they have me.

• Humility is the realization that without God you are nothing – John 15:4, 5
• Humility is the realization that you are a servant and not a savior – Matt. 20:27
• Humility is the elevation of other’s needs above your own – Philippians 2:3,4
• Humility is the embracing of Jesus Christ’s attitude – Philippians 2:5

As I read those I am reminded that I need a lot of work.  Would you pray with me that God would make us humble?  It is only when we truly humble ourselves before Him and others that we are really ready to lead.

Hollywood Community Church Position on Heterosexuality & Homosexuality

We fully affirm that the Bible is the infallible Word of God with supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:15, 16; Hebrews 4:12).  Secondly, we affirm that God is offended by man’s sin however large or insignificant it may seem (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23).  Thirdly, we believe that every Christian should live for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).  With those foundational truths in mind we offer the following eight declarations about heterosexuality, homosexuality, and ministering to homosexual persons.

1. We believe that heterosexuality is God's revealed will for man. God, as our loving caretaker created woman as a partner for man so both his and her physical, emotional and familial needs would be fulfilled.  (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:5, 6)

2. We believe that a homosexual orientation is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that affects every person.  Whatever biological or familial causes of homosexuality that may be determined, we do not believe that these would sanction or excuse homosexual behavior.   We do admit, though, that these factors should deepen our compassion and patience for those who are struggling to be free from sexual temptations.  (Romans 1:18-32; 3:10, 23)

3. We believe there is hope for the person with a homosexual orientation and that Jesus Christ offers a healing alternative in which the power of sin is broken and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ and in the fellowship of His Church.  (Romans 6:6, 7; I Corinthians 15:57)

 4. We believe that this freedom is attained through a process which includes recognizing homosexual behavior as sin, renouncing the practice of homosexual behavior, submitting oneself to Bible study and discipleship, embracing a biblically acceptable sexual lifestyle, and realizing that in the age to come, we will receive a glorified body that will be free from every sinful temptation. We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit. (Romans 8:1-11)

5. We believe that all persons have been created in the image of God and should be treated with human dignity. We reject and repudiate any hateful, fearful, mean-spirited harassment of persons with a homosexual orientation.  We believe that respect for persons with a homosexual orientation involves a loving, honest articulation of the biblical facts concerning the immorality and liability of homosexual behavior (Genesis 1:26, 27; James 3:9).

6. We believe that Hollywood Community Church has been commissioned to reach out in love and truth to minister to people touched by homosexuality, and that those who Biblically fight against their own sexual temptations should be patiently encouraged and assisted in their battle, not criticized, ostracized or disdained (Galatians 6:1, 2: Ephesians 4:29-32).

 7. We affirm that both heterosexual and homosexual persons should find love, help and encouragement in the church to engage in the Biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts and behaviors (II Corinthians 2:5-7; Galatians 6:1, 2; James 5:19, 20).

8. Since we believe that homosexuality is sinful just as viewing pornography, committing adultery, lying and stealing, we hold that a person involved in such an action is not qualified to serve in leadership at Hollywood Community Church (I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9).

What are you Reading?

Repeatedly, throughout my 30 years of ministry I have been encouraged and challenged to read.  This begins, of course, with my regular and systematic reading of the Scriptures.  It was Paul that directed Timothy in I Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  This year, I am once again reading the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation.  It is a tremendous experience!  If you have never read the Bible from cover to cover, I would strongly encourage you to do so.

In addition, I would challenge you to read other Christian books that will educate you mind and stimulate your heart for God.  Someone has said, "Leaders are readers."  That is a convicting statement.  The vast majority of individuals that lead, both in the Christian as well as the secular world, are voracious readers.   Although, I wouldn't say that I have an insatiable desire to read, I read several books a month which help to keep my on track both spiritually as well as ministerally.  Here are a few books that I have read that I would highly recommend.  I have also included the brief review that is found on Amazon.com. 

The Case for Christ

Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates from schools like Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis who are recognized authorities in their own fields. Strobel challenges them with questions like: How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event?

Jesus + Nothing + Everything

It’s so easy to forget what the Christian faith is all about. We struggle so much, work so hard, and fail so often that we frequently sense something in the equation of life must be missing.  Tullian Tchividjian argues that what we are missing is the gospel—a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life.

During a year of great turmoil, Pastor Tchividjian discovered the power of the gospel in his own life. Sharing his story of how Jesus became more real to him, Tchividjian delves deeply into the fundamentals of the faith, explaining the implications of Christ’s sufficiency—a revelation that sets us free and keeps us anchored through life’s storms.

Today's All-star Missions Churches

Near the close of the century, Tom Telford was criss-crossing the country researching the best ways to do and support missions. He found that the top missions churches have active, healthy, innovative programs. With the help of missiologists and church missions pastors, he compiled Today's All-Star Missions Churches.
Telford's book uses case studies from churches representing a variety of denominations, sizes, and locations. From the detailed descriptions of the churches' missions history, vision, and programming, readers will glean practical ideas for starting or strengthening missions programs in local churches. Each chapter focuses on the unique qualities of a church that has succeeded, ranging from excellence in missionary care to involving children in missions.

Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem



How do we know the Bible is God's Word? What is sin and where did it come from? How is Jesus fully God and fully man? What are spiritual gifts? When and how will Christ return? If you've asked questions like these, then 'systematic theology' is no abstract term. It's an approach to finding answers every Christian needs to know. Bible Doctrine takes a highly commended upper-level textbook on systematic theology and makes it accessible to the average reader. Abridged from Wayne Grudem's award-winning Systematic Theology, Bible Doctrine covers the same essentials of the faith, giving you a firm grasp on seven key topics: The Doctrine of the Word of God The Doctrine of God The Doctrine of Man The Doctrine of Christ The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption The Doctrine of the Church The Doctrine of the Future Like Systematic Theology, this book is marked by its clarity, its strong scriptural emphasis, its thoroughness in scope and detail, and its treatment of such timely topics as spiritual warfare and the gifts of the Spirit. But you don't need to have had several years of Bible school to reap the full benefits of Bible Doctrine. It's easy to understand--and it's packed with solid, biblical answers to your most important questions.

Other recommended books:

The King's Cross - Tim Keller
Heaven - Randy Alcorn
Every Man's Battle - Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Becoming a Contagious Christian - Bill Hybels
His Needs, Her Needs - Willard F. Harley, Jr.



Living in the Light

This week at Hollywood Community Church we begin a new sermon series titled, "Living in the Light" from I John.  This small book, written by the apostle John towards the end of his life, is certainly relevant for the day in age in which we are living.  Just as the first century Christians, you and I have been called to shine the light of Jesus Christ in the midst of a dark world.

As we begin our study let me mention several reasons why this book is so relevant for those of us that are living in the 21st century...

* I John was written between 85-90 A.D.  The vast majority of this book's recipients were 2nd and 3rd generation believers that had never seen Jesus Christ.  Their knowledge of Jesus, His life and work was dependent upon eyewitness testimony.  Like Thomas, they had to believe without seeing.

We can certainly relate with that.  Today, we are dependent upon the testimony of the Apostles and the reliability of the Gospels in order for us to know, understand and believe in Jesus Christ.  Our faith comes by hearing, reading and studying God's Word (Romans 10:17).

* Secondly, John encourages his readers to be light in the midst of a dark world.  Just as the darkness of sin prevailed at the close of the first century, it definately prevails today.  We live in a world that embraces sin and rejects God.  Our family, friends and neighbors, desperately need to have the light of the Gospel shined in their lives.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world." We must live in the light so that they can see Jesus!

As we being this study, let me encourage you to take the time and repeatedly read through I John.  Allow its words to sink into your mind and heart.  Meditate upon its truths, and memorize some of its verses.

The book is small enough that you can read through it several times during the course of the week.  I challenge you to do that!  This summer, let's allow the truth of I John to change our minds and hearts so that we can truly be a bright light in the midst of a dark world!

 









Serving as Senders!

This past Thursday, the Ridderings, our missionaries to Burkina Faso, returned home for a brief furlough.  Needless to say, it was great to see them!  They looked wonderful and it was so great to see how excited they were about all that God is doing through their ministry.

As we picked them up at the airport, I was, once again, reminded of the tremendous privilege that we have to serve as their sending church.  How many churches never experience the satisfaction, the joy and the burden of sending one of their own to the mission field?  Yet, God has given us this awesome responsibility. 

As many of you know, Vickie and I served for fifteen years as missionaries to Mexico and Central America.  During our tenure as missionaries, we were blessed to have a phenomenal sending church.  They not only gave us very generous support, but they also loved us, cared for us and were involved in our lives and ministry.  To this day, they serve as an example for us to follow.

What are the responsibilities of a sending church?  How can we at Hollywood Community Church serve the Ridderings and any other missionaries that follow in their steps?  Apart from our obvious responsibilities like financially supporting them and praying for them, here are a few practical things that would bless them greatly.

1. Read their blog and prayer letters

This sounds like a simple and insignificant task, yet it is extremely important.   In their blogs and other communications the Ridderings share  their struggles, their hurts, their needs and their blessings.  They open themselves up and share these personal experiences and feelings with us so that we might better understand and pray for their ministry.  When we fail to read their communications we drop the ball and we neglect our responsibility. 

I will never forget the hurt and disappointment that I experienced on one of our furloughs.  It was after the birth of our daughter Amber.  We had faithfully shared with our supporters all of the struggles that we had faced with her birth, near death, and prolonged hospitalization.  We shared those things believing that our churches were reading them and praying for us.  How sad we were to realize that some of our supporting churches were clueless to Amber's birth and condition because they failed to read our prayer letters.  Let's make sure that Hollywood Community Church does not make that mistake!

You can find their blog at www.reachburkina.com

 2. Remember them on their birthdays and on holidays

Without a doubt, holidays and special days are some of the most difficult times for a missionary to be on the foreign field.  Everyone, including missionaries, wants to be with family on those special occasions.  The fact that they are separated from their loved ones is just part of the struggle, though.  They often are unable to follow the family traditions that make the holidays so special... they may not be able to get a turkey on Thanksgiving or a tree for Christmas.  They miss hearing Christmas carols or participating in 4th of July cookouts.  

It is amazing how a simple phone call, an e-card or a birthday note on Facebook can bring a smile to a discouraged missionary. The realization that they are not forgotten, but extremely loved gives them unbelievable comfort and joy.   So, put their birthdays on your calendar and make sure and communicate with them during the holidays.

3. Express interest in their kids

Often we forget that missionary kids are missionaries too.  Often mom and dad get all of the attention and the kids can be ignored.  From experience I can tell you that it is a huge blessing whenever someone takes special interest the missionary's children. Here are a few things that you can do for them...

* Keep them stocked up on their favorite candy.

* Send DVD's of their favorite movies.

* Have your kids write to them.

* Tell them how much your appreciate their dedication as MK's.

* Have the children's ministry or youth group correspond with them.

* Pay to have them go to youth camp.

The Ridderings are in the US for the next thirty days.  Let's look for ways to love them, honor them and let them know how special they are to us.  Let's serve as senders!



Cusco, Peru

Lessons from Cusco

Last week, six of us from Hollywood Community Church traveled to Cusco, Peru to visit and minister with Rudy and Lorraine Johnson.   Having spent ten years in Mexico City as a missionary and having traveled to more than 15 different countries on missions trips I have had many missionary experiences.  This past week, I flew out of Miami with the thought that this was going to be just another trip. Little did I know that God had some very special lessons that He wanted me to learn. 

The purpose of this trip was to help the Johnsons with the preparation for the eighth anniversary celebration of Tambo de Gozo.  Eight years ago Rudy and Lorraine founded Tambo de Gozo which is a camp and retreat center an hour outside of Cusco.  Actually located in the small town of Pisac, Tambo de Gozo has been a rest haven for missionaries and pastors in the country of Peru.  In addition, to operating the camp, the Johnsons have a desire to reach the town of Pisac with the Gospel.  That has proven to be a challenge.  With the majority of the town being of Quechua Indian descent, that task has proven difficult even for experienced and successful missionaries like the Johnsons.

Spending five days in the high altitude environment of Pisac was therapeutic for me in a variety of ways.  Here are a few of the lessons that God taught me during my short stay.

1.  Ministry passion is not dependent upon ministry success -  After seven years of ministry in Pisac, the Johnsons have just a handful of believers that are meeting on a regular basis.  For many pastors and missionaries, including me, that just might be an enthusiasm buster and a passion popper.  But not for Rudy and Lorraine, their passion for the people of Pisac seems just as strong as when they arrived.  I will never forget setting across the table from Rudy and seeing him express his burden for the people of Pisac with a broken heart.  At eighty-years old he still has a God-given burden to reach his town with the Gospel.  

2. The Gospel message must be planted and watered before there is any chance of a harvest.  After 40 years of success in city of Lima, the Johnsons are now ministering in an area where there has been very little evangelistic effort.  As a result, the spiritual fruit will not be reaped as quickly nor as abundantly as in other areas of Peru.  The present work of the Johnsons is one of planting, watering and cultivating the hearts of the residents of their small town.  That is a process that could take months or even years.  Yet, the harvest will never be reaped until the planting and watering work is done.

The apostle Paul made reference to that truth in I Corinthians 3:6 - I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.  I am determined to fervently pray that God blesses the preaching of the Gospel in Pisac and that soon there will be a stable and growing body of believers.

3.  God fulfills his promise to send laborers into the harvest.  Several years ago while in their late seventies, the Johnsons prayed Luke 10:2 asking God to send another missionary family to Pisac who could carry on the work that they had begun.  God did just that by sending the Duke family.  Daniel, his wife Laura and their three kids answered the call to Pisac four years ago.  In a short period of time they have adjusted to the culture, learned the language, jumped into the work and even started a growing church in the city of Cusco.  Our group was greatly impressed with the passion and dedication of Daniel and his family.  We are excited about the possibility of working for years to come with the Duke family.

There are so many lessons to be learned on the mission field.  Why don't you travel with us?  I am confident that God will do a work in your heart as He did in mine!

Cuzco, here we come!

This week our Peru Mission's team leaves for the city of Cuzco.  Our Peru team is made up of Jim & Bev Russell, Donna Anderson, Tara Hahr, Steve Shirley, Cathy Humphrey and me.  The team will be traveling in several shifts.  Five of the team members leave from Miami International Airport Sunday night at midnight; Mrs. Cathy Humphrey joins them on Monday and I will be flying out late Tuesday night. 

The city of Cuzco is located in southeastern Peru.  The city is nestled in the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range.  The elevation is around 11,000 feet, and it is most known for being the historic capital of the Inca Empire.  Although the city is close to 1,000 years old, it is still considered one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

We will be working with missionaries Rudy and Lorraine Johnson.  The Johnsons have been missionaries in Peru since of May of 1958.   After spending many years in Lima, the capital of Peru, God has now called them to Cusco...and specifically the town of Pisac.   God has used them in a mighty way in their seven years in Cuzco.  During that time they have been able to start several churches, Open Doors community outreach, a bi-lingual school k4-4th grade, and an Upward Sports program.  You can check out their web site if you would like further information - http://www.cuscoperu.org/CuscoPeru/CuscoPeru.org.html

Our team will be helping to prepare and lead a large city-wide evangelistic event that will take place on Saturday, April 14th.  According to Rudy, hundreds of people from the surrounding community will participate in activities for both children as well as adults.  In addition, there will be an evangelistic service in which the Gospel will be presented to all of the guests.

Here is how you can pray for us

1. Pray for our health.  Anytime you travel to another country, eat new food and adjust to an new environment there is a possibility of sickness.  Specifically pray that our bodies will quickly adapt to the high altitude.

2. Pray that we can be a blessing to the Johnsons as well as the other missionaries in Cuzco.

3. Pray that the Saturday's evangelistic event will produce fruit.  As with any missions trip, our primary purpose is to share the Gospel with those to whom we will minister.

4. Pray that the Lord speaks to our hearts.  Our desire is that this trip will produce in our hearts a greater burden for missions and a greater willingness to serve the Lord at HCC.

5. Pray for our families during our absence.

Lord willing, we will be able to give you some updates from Cuzco.  I am so thankful to be part of a church with a heart for the world.  Thank you for partnering with us in prayer! 

Preparing for Easter at Hollywood Community Church



This weekend, we  remember and celebrate the fact that our Lord is alive.  That truth is the foundation of the Christian faith.  Theologian Gerald O’Collins said it this way:  “In a profound sense, Christianity without the resurrection is not simply Christianity without its final chapter.  It is not Christianity at all.”   Theologian Brian Burkholder would say it a different way, “Christianity without the resurrection is like apple pie without the apples.  It's like Raisin Bran without the raisins.  Why, it is like black beans without the rice."   

You get the idea.  The resurrection of Christ is vital to everything that we believe.  Jesus Himself stated in John 11:25. “… I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying."   What a tremendous thought.  Because Jesus rose from the dead, we do not have to fear death.  As Paul says in I Corinthians 15, death has lost its sting.  We are now completely victorious in Jesus Christ.

Let me remind you that there are three tremendous opportunities to worship at HCC this Easter weekend.

Good Friday

Communion Service - 12:00 pm

Easter Sunday

Encuentro - 9:00 am

Easter Celebration - 10:00 am

Let me challenge you to do the following things in preparation for this glorious weekend...

1. Plan on attending both Friday and Sunday - The Good Friday service will be powerful, contemplative and worshipful.  You will be given a unique opportunity to take the Lord's supper in an initmate and memorable way with your family.

2. Fast and pray -  Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to do something. It is not our trying to prove to God how much we love Him, as if He would be motivated by our commitment. Fasting simply reminds us of our complete dependence on God. In the same way that our bodies hunger and thirst for food and drink, our souls long for God. Fasting gives us an opportunity to focus on that hunger and thirst, then to seek after the presence of God that satisfies us and fills us with joy.

I want to challenge our church family to take either a lunch hour or dinner time to fast and pray. Use the time to pray for revival in yourself and your family, in our church, in our city, and beyond.   Pray that God's Word would convict hearts and show them their need of Jesus Christ. 

3. Invite a guest - 96% of South Florida is unchurched.  Yet, many of those unchurched people will be looking for a place to worship this weekend. Let me encourage you to invite your family, friends and neighbors.  Who knows? They just might accept your invitation, come to church and give their life to Christ!

4. Come expecting a blessing!  Come with a sense of anticipation, expecting God to do something in your heart and in the lives of others.

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

Missionary Prayer Groups at HCC

Last week we concluded a tremendous Missions Celebration at Hollywood Community Church. During the weekend we were repeatedly reminded of the fact that each of us has a responsibility in fulfilling the Great Commission.  Regardless of whether we go to a foreign country as a missionary or whether we stay at home to serve as  senders, all of us have a job to do.  All of us are a piece in the puzzle of world evangelism.

One of the most effective ways that you can serve as a sender is to faithfully pray for our missionaries.  With that goal in mind, we are excited to announce the formation of Missionary Prayer Groups (MPG’s).   

What are MPG’s?  MPG’s are small groups of individuals that make a commitment to pray for HCC missionaries that are located in a specific geographic area. 

What are the geographic divisions?  Right now we are planning on forming groups for Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

How often will each MPG meet?  The plan is for each group to meet once a month.

What will happen in the MPG meetings?  Before each meeting you will receive the missionary prayer letters from the missionaries in your region of the world.  As you meet together you will discuss the missionary’s blessings and prayer requests.  You will then spend time in prayer for each of the missionaries.

Can the MPG’s communicate with their missionaries?  Yes, we encourage each group to maintain contact with their missionaries via Facebook, Skype, and email. 

We must remember that the fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission becomes possible only by the power of God, released through prayer.  Will you become part of our prayer team?  Allow God to use you as a prayer warrior for missions.

Please contact the Hollywood Community Church office for more details  954-322-4302