Tag Archives: Soul Revolution
Soul Revolution at Gateway Church and the 60-60 Experiment
Posted on 16. Dec, 2008 by Kenny.
The following article was just published about the 60-60 experiment we just wrapped up as a part of Soul Revolution. I know I’ve written about it some in this blot, but this article sums up what happened very nicely.
Continue Reading
Soul Revolution: Creating an environment for life-change
Posted on 09. Oct, 2008 by Kenny.
Since I’ve been doing the 60-60 experiment I’ve been thinking a lot about spiritual growth.
When I look back on my life when I’ve seen season of dramatic growth, I’ve found that they’ve usually been the result of some kind of catalyst. Usually a summer camp, joining a new youth group or a missions trip. It often feeds into the typical roller coaster ride of spiritual growth that many of us experienced as teenagers.
I’ve reflected on this a lot and I think a lot has to do with the environment. When at camp or on a missions trip, we’re in a special environment where growth is encouraged and nurtured. While at camp or on a mission trip, God is very present in our lives. We’re either learning a lot about him, we’re serving him, or experiencing him more than we do in our every day lives. This environment causes extreme growth. Then we go home and growth tapers off. Excitement fades. Maybe we even find ourselves in the same patterns as before the experience.
We’re adults though. It’s different for us. We don’t go to camps and go on mission tips like we did as teenagers (well, some of us do). It’s no wonder that spiritual growth is so slow or non-existent for so many.
What I like about the 60-60 is that it is a catalyst. It creates an environment. Even though I have a watch or a beeping phone to help me, I know that at least every hour (more if my mind naturally goes there) my thoughts will be on God, his presence and on how he wants to be involved in my life. I know that a least during every hour, I’ll be in communion with God the way he designed me to be and it’s not because I’m having my quite time or singing a worship song. I’m just living my life with him in the middle of it. Could abiding him him really be that simple? It has made a big difference in my life so far.
Continue Reading
Soul Revolution: The 60-60 Experiment
Posted on 08. Oct, 2008 by Kenny.
Here’s what Soul Revolution is all about. Read the first part of John 15. It talks about God being the vine and us being the branches. If we abide in him, he will abide in us. The result? We’ll produce fruit. We’re supposed to stay connected. So, how do I grow spiritual fruit? Just like a branch produces fruit. Stay connected to the vine. Could it really be that simple?
Here’s the deal. I’ve taught many times about how God doesn’t just want one part of our day. He doesn’t just want Sundays. He wants all of us… all the time.
How many times have we said that God is our number one priority but then felt guilty because we spend way more time on 4 or 5 other things than on time with God? How does this even compute?
What about when hours and hours and hours pass by and I don’t even think about God. Not even once. Why does this happen? It’s not because he’s not important, because he is. I just forget. We all forget. If we forget, are we abiding?
Then I think about when we first fell in love. I met my wife at college and we did spend a lot of time together. But even when we weren’t together, we were thinking about each other… a lot. Even when we got busy and didn’t get to hang out, our thoughts were of each other. Shouldn’t that be what our relationship with God looks like? Too bad we have this pesky habit of forgetting.
Oh, that’s what the 60-60 experiment is about.
I can say, “oh, I’m going to be more aware of God from now on.” I’m lucky if that lasts a few hours. But what would happen if I intentionally set up a system of reminders? What if I was constantly being reminded that God is here, that God loves me and that God desires to abide in me and I in him? In some ways it sounds pathetic, but if my desire to connect with God all day long is so strong that I’d be willing to do anything to stay connected, then I say this system is genius.
So the 60-60 is simply about being reminded. I set me watch (in my case it is my phone) to ring/beep/sound every 60 minutes. Every hour I’m reminded that God is here and that he desires to be involved with my life at that very moment. I don’t have to pray, sing a song or anything like that. I just think about him and be aware of him… maybe even invite him into what I am doing right now. Intentional reminders every 60 minutes for 60 days.
Could it really be that easy?
I’ve been doing the 60-60 for over a month now and I would say that I’m more aware of his presence now that I have ever been. The reminders help me re-focus, recalibrating and put things in the right perspective.
What would happen if thousands of people in your church banded together in relational small groups and did the 60-60 experiment together? I think that would be a revolution.
Continue Reading
Soul Revolution
Posted on 07. Oct, 2008 by Kenny.
My church began a revolution this week. Actually the revolution has been in the works for months and months (depending on how you look at it, this things been developing for years). To be honest, it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been a part of. I guess a lot of churches did the 40 days campaigns several years ago and those were usually a big deal, something the whole church can rally behind. Back in 2000, my church in Indiana was very involved in the Louisville, KY Billy Graham Crusade which also was an amazing thing to be involved with. However, there is something different about Soul Revolution. I really believe it has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of people which in turn can radically change our church and have a huge impact on our city!
It’s already had an impact on me and I look forward to seeing what else happens. Basically it’s all about being in community with others and doing the 60-60 experiment, the most practical spiritual practice I’ve ever done, and it’s changing me forever.
Continue Reading
