The Tri-Vocational Pastor

Church planting is a risky endeavor that requires a lot of faith, tough skin, and perseverance.  Unless you are independently wealthy, the issue of providing for your family is always at the forefront of living out this calling.  Since we began the process of planting C3Magnolia (@c3magnolia), I've had several discussions with other planters, supporters, and friends about how I plan on providing for my family.

Please note that what I have been doing and what will be shared here is not intended to be prescriptive, but descriptive of how we've been 'making it' so far.

When we began this adventure, I was serving as an elder at Christ Church in Brenham, TX, building websites through my media company, publishing books through my publishing company, and traveling and speaking.  By God's grace, even in the midst of the recession, we were able to make ends meet, but there was very little margin of time to work on planting the new church.

In May 2010, I was assessed by a group of peers for the Acts 29 Network to be a member of this great church planting organization.  During my assessment, I was confronted by the pastors about being so busy.  This was hard to hear, especially since I felt that the multiple projects I was involved in were necessary for the survival of my family.  However, one of the conditions following my assessment was to work towards getting out of day-to-day operations of all of my interests so that I can focus primarily on planting a new church.  This was hard to hear, but it really was the best recommendation.

Since that time, I have been working diligently on planting the church, and working on my other companies to transition myself out of the daily operations.  One of the best decisions I have made was to bring on a partner in my media company and publishing company.  Together, he and I have hired an administrative assistant who has done a phenomenal job, and my partner, Brad, has assumed the reigns of the daily management of the companies.

The church has been growing steadily, and I am almost making as much as a first-year teacher (in 1996), so I am still working some outside of the church.  Most of my outside time is spent traveling and speaking, helping behind the scenes at the publishing company, and doing some very select consulting with a handful of clients.

Our hope and prayer is that by September I will be able to be full-time at the church.  I'm already serving full-time, but not compensated as such.  Until then, I will be focusing primarily on the church, speaking at 3 summer camps, and doing some side projects.  It is my responsibility to love, lead, and provide for my family, and by God's grace I have been able to do so.

What questions can I answer for you?

Mission: Suburbs

I originally wrote this blog post for one of our sponsoring churches, New Life Baptist Church in College Station, TX.

The Great Com­mis­sion that Jesus gave to His dis­ci­ples is often quoted when dis­cussing world mis­sions. Jesus sends His dis­ci­ples out to make more disciples,

All author­ity in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go there­fore and make dis­ci­ples of all nations, bap­tiz­ing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teach­ing them to observe all that I have com­manded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)

I remember sitting in a seminary class and the professor began talking to us about the Greek and the idea that the word ‘Go’ in the Great Commission could really be read, “As you go,” or “While you are going.” This opened my eyes to an understanding that Jesus command doesn’t only apply to world missions, but to living our lives as missionaries. As we go, we make disciples.

This is an eye opening truth that brings some meaning and purpose to those of us who reside in the security of suburbia. This is not written as an opinionated diatribe towards those who live in the suburbs. I live in and minister to people of the suburbs. It’s a reminder that all peoples matter to God, and that you don’t have to go to obscure lands to make disciples. To be honest, if you are not an effective missionary where you are, as you go, then what makes you think you have any authority serving as a missionary elsewhere?

To serve as a missionary in a suburban context has several inherent complications. People in suburbia enjoy their individuality and privacy. They are busy and often living beyond their means. We need to realize that we have a mission at hand, not in a far off land, but down our street, in our schools, in the stores and restaurants we patronize. There are people all around us who are separated from God and need to know and love Jesus.

I often receive questions on how to be a missionary in a suburban context. Here are a few things to keep in mind as we consider our calling to make disciples as we go:

1. People Matter to God: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s good to remember that God has sent us into the world as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) to bring the message of reconciliation. We are not sent to only reach those like us, but to minister to all whom we come in contact with.

2. Places of Impact: We are creatures of habit. We all have places that we frequently go to eat, shop, and play. Remember, the people who work in these places are often dismissed, but this is a great place to start building intentional relationships. Not only is it important to minister to them, but also they can connect us with other regulars.

3. Go Out in Pairs: The mission we are on is a communal mission and an individual one. We are not just inviting people to ‘church’, but calling people out of darkness into light, from death to life, from isolation to biblical community. Jesus sent His disciples 2-by-2, so we should be intentional about being on mission together. Examples of this include BBQ’s, play dates, library activities with kids, work out spots, etc.

4. The Golden Rule: Remember what it was like to be lost? If not, then you should begin there. Isolation from God may give the appearance of freedom, but ultimately leads to death. We need to do for others what we would hope they would do for us, especially when it comes to sharing spiritual truths.

5. People are NOT Projects: One of the most arrogant things we can do is to treat people as projects. People do not need to be ‘worked on’; they need to be loved on. What are ways that you can serve them, speak to them, and treat them that in a way that communicates your love for Jesus and your love for them?

6. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: We never know when God is going to regenerate a person. That’s not our business. What we are to be about is making disciples as we go. Befriending people, serving people, and pointing people to Jesus with our lives and our words. This could take years in some instances. Perhaps it is just as much about your sanctification as it is about their salvation.

7. Jesus Saves People / You Are the Mid-Wife: I’m often stunned how bad theology leads to ineffective evangelistic lifestyles. People get paralyzed when they believe that they are the one’s to save people. What I mean is, when people believe that it’s up to them to lead a person to the Lord, they get stuck with fear, or prideful with their ‘success.’ Keeping in mind that God is the sovereign King who is able to save even the hardest of people, should give us rest in His provision. Our calling is to be faithful to the Gospel, to share the faith, and to serve as midwives to those who are born again.

While these points are valid regardless of your context, it is important to note that while we are in a unique context living in suburbia, we are not relieved from the commission at hand. We must be faithful to present Jesus in our lives, words, families, and deeds. We live in a fallen world that is in great need of redemption and restoration. The question is whether you will make disicples as you go, or will you wait for other, more professional people, to do it for you? Let’s not fall into the suburban stereotype of outsourcing local missions, rather, let us invest into our communities, connect with our neighbors, and continually strive to be intentional about seeing lives transformed by Jesus.

On the Cusp of a New Season

This upcoming Sunday we will have our 3rd and final Preview Service for Christ Community Church.  Not only will this be our final preview service, but it will also serve as a soft-launch since we will begin meeting weekly from this week forward on Sunday mornings.

As I reflect over this past year of meeting people, gathering people, losing people, gathering more people, and seeing lives transformed by the Gospel, I am overwhelmed by gratitude to God, to Steph, to Braelyn, and to those who have supported us through thick in thin.  Thank you, all!

We are so grateful to God for this opportunity to serve Him in this capacity and we look forward to this new season!

Suffer Well or Grumble

Cheesy Picture Intentional

I thought my fever was gone and I was on the mend.  I know better than that, but what's wrong with being hopeful?  As I laid in bed, wearing pajama pants, socks, t-shirt, and a fleece, while underneath a sheet, blanket, and comforter shivering, I was reminded that I have a choice, even when I suffer of who or what I will worship.

This point was even more poignant because my little girl, B, has a low fever as well, so we were sitting in the 'sick bed' together.  Not to be so self-centered as to think that it's all up to me for my daughter to fall in love with Jesus, but I can set an example for her in all aspects of my life, including suffering.

The 'self-centered' caveat may not even be necessary, but I do have a fever and I don't want to miscommunicate.

Rumor has it, men are wussies when they are sick (True).  Also, as I mentioned in my previous blog, we have our next preview service for our church plant this Sunday.  I have a choice to either shake my fist at the Heavens (misplaced angst) or rest in the sovereignty and goodness of God.  After all, I preach of a big God who is in control, so it would be prudent to live in view of that, would it not?

To be honest, I have been tempted a few times to grumble about being sick, and may have once or twice (or 12 times), but I am aware that God is in control and I can rest in Him.

Here are a few things I have learned:

1. God is the One who will build His church.  There is only so much that I can do to gather people, but at the end of the day, it is His.
2. My wife and daughter, whom I have the great privilege and responsibility to lead, get to see up close whether or not I live what I say what I believe and what I teach others. (Thank God they are super gracious!)
3. "God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 -  While I may not see it at this moment, I am very hopeful.

Thanks for all of the prayers and encouragement.

No me gusta la gripe... (FLU)...

I woke up in the middle of the night with chills.  Thinking that it was just because another cold front was heading in, I didn't put much concern into it.  However, when I woke up in the morning, I felt sick.  I took my temperature and it came back at 101˚!

Immediately flashbacks started flooding into my head of all the people coughing in the airplane this weekend.  I remember one lady was covering her mouth in such a way that it seemed like she was trying to project her cough for the world to share.  I'm sure it's just my imagination... Right?

I went to one of those clinics in the grocery store, had them stick this thing up my nose, and almost immediately they let me know I had the flu.  Bummer.  They told me that I was lucky that I had caught it early and that with some meds I should be feeling better in a few days.  This is good news since Christ Community Church of Magnolia has our second preview service this upcoming Sunday!

I'm seriously considering wearing a SARs mask (like the one above, gotta be stylish, no?) and carrying cans of Lysol with me.  Or, maybe I should just plan on getting a flu shot.  Either way, no me gusta la gripe...

There and Back

This past weekend I had the privilege of preaching at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, FL. I have always enjoyed my time with the leaders and students from this church and was greatly looking forward to being with them again. However, on Friday morning, I wasn't sure that I was going to make it there.

At the end of last week, Houston experienced a serious(?) ice storm. Now, Houstonians have a rough enough time driving in rain, so you can imagine their struggle when ice forms. My flight was scheduled to leave Friday at 12:05 pm from Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU), so I left extra early in order to make sure I had adequate time to get there.

My wife, Steph, was a bit worried about me driving through the ice, but I told her that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was compelling me to at least try and make my flight. I assured her that I would take my time and be extra careful.

On my way there, I was shocked by how many accidents I saw.  It seems that the 'ol boys down here in H-Town got a bit impatient and decided to slam on their brakes when things got slick.  Whoops...

After taking the scenic route through South Houston and over the ship channel, I finally made it to the airport and was overwhelmed by how long the lines were.  By the time I made it to the counter my flight was scheduled to have already left.  So, they took my suitcase and put a 'Transfer' tag on it.

I then proceeded to enter into the 45 minute+ security line and slowly made my way through the maze.  Security was a breeze once I got there and I got through without a hitch.

As I was going to the desk to find a later flight, I noticed the door was still open for the gate I was supposed to leave from almost an hour earlier!  I went up to the guy and said, "Is the flight to Tampa still here?"  He answered that it was and I replied, "I want to go to there." (or something like that).  As I was going over to the desk to get my original boarding pass printed up, I was allowed to cut in front of a huge line (made tons of fans) and got my boarding pass.

Once on the plane, I felt like I was re-enacting the school bus scene in Forest Gump with all of the boys and girls having middle seats open shifting their weight in such a way that let me know that they were not going to let me sit without a fight.

Finally, I made it to the back of the plane, and had no other choice but to sit between two, although I'm sure nice, but large folks.  I'm no lightweight myself, so as I was getting in, I assured them that I could make myself super narrow.  Apparently they liked the idea and took me up on the offer.  After getting settled (squished) in, they got on the intercom to inform us that our pilot was running late due to traffic (later than I was!?) and that we would be leaving in a few moments.  Phew!

I landed in Tampa, picked up my rental car, and then headed to the hotel.  I didn't have a change of clothes, but fortunately, they had an event T-shirt that I could wear.  So, I donned the new shirt, went on stage, and preached.  Afterwards I was informed by my friend that when she went to the airport that they still had not located my luggage...  Grr...

So, I did what anyone would do, and went to Target™ and bought a new shirt, socks, under-roos, etc.   Later that night I received a phone call from the airline that my bag had arrived and that they would be delivering it overnight.

Overall, it wasn't that horrible, but definitely a bit inconvenient.  The ministry event, however, went very well and I pray that as the seeds are watered, that the students and leaders will bear much fruit and that God will bring the harvest.

Christ Community Church of Magnolia - Promo Video 1

C3Magnolia.org - Christ Community Preview Services from Casey Cease on Vimeo.

Zach McNair.com is the Man!

Photos by Zach McNair

29 Coffee: A Freshly Brewed Way to Support Church Planting

If you like coffee, and love church planting, then you need to check out 29 Coffee.  This coffee company was created to help support church planting, while providing quality coffee.

This Christmas season you can give the gift of great coffee and support church plants by going to 29Coffee.com and purchasing your gifts via their site.  Also, if your church serves coffee, this is a very practical way for them to begin supporting church planting without having to add a new budget line item.

Since I am planting in the Texas Region, then I know first hand how much all support helps.  Thanks for your consideration!

To Blog or to Vlog™

I'm wondering if I'd do better with this blog if I posted Vlog™ posts...  I'm a better orator than a writer.  However, if I ever want to become a better writer, then perhaps I should begin blogging more regularly.  What do you think?  Post your comments/votes...

We Need You - Christ Community Church

As many of you know, my family and I moved to the Magnolia/The Woodlands area in June of this year to begin the process of planting a church, Christ Community Church.

God has been blessing our work and we are weekly meeting new people who are excited about our work and desire to join in.  Over the next few months we will continue meeting people and adding to our core/launch team.

Some Important Dates:

• January 16th - Preview Service @ 10:30am - Bear Branch Elementary
• February 13th - Preview Service @ 10:30am - Bear Branch Elementary
• March 20th - Preview Service @ 10:30am - Bear Branch Elementary
• April 3rd - Public Launch Service @ 10:30am - Bear Branch Elementary

More than ever, we realize that church planting is a Kingdom project, and we need your help.  We need people who will commit to praying for and with us.  Also, we are needing to raise over $50,000 by the end of 2010 to cover start-up expenses, rental of the school, salaries, etc.

Ways that you can help:

• Spread the word - www.c3magnolia.org
• Join our Prayer Team
• Give Financially

We thank you ahead of time for your help and we look forward to partnering together with you in this ministry endeavor.

Core Group Characteristics

Recently I have been asked, “What type of people are you looking for to join the core group of the church?”  Below are a list of qualities/characteristics that I believe are important.  If you know anyone who meets these qualifications and you believe that I should meet, please put us in touch (www.c3magnolia.org).

1. Christian – It is important at this stage of planting the church that we have people who are followers of Jesus Christ.
2. Biblical – In order for all of us to be moving the same direction, we must all be submitted to the authority of the Lord and His Word. 
3. Missional – Our community exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  This occurs through all people of the core group understanding that all believers are called to live on mission in their immediate context.
4. Flexible – Church planting has a lot of twists, turns, and bumps along the way.  We need people who are flexible and willing to ‘go with the flow’ as we move forward through the beginning phases of planting.
5. Generous – We are in need of families who are willing to be generous with their time, their gifts, and their financial resources.  During the core phase, we are not in a position to minister to the need of those who are not willing to contribute to the mission.  Furthermore, it is our desire to do our very best to avoid a consumer type church that allows people to attend and take, without participating in the life of the church.  This is important to begin cultivating now as we are gathering a core.
6. Committed – Lastly, we need individuals and family who are willing to commit for a set period of time.  We understand that there are times where the Lord will call someone away, but it is important to have some consistency in the early stages.  

What am I missing?

One Name

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

(1 Corinthians 1:10-13 ESV)

By God's grace, many of men have gone before me in church planting, so I don't feel I have to go at it blindly.  One thing that I believe needs to be reiterated time and time again is the fact that above all else, we exist in the name of Jesus Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone.  There is a great temptation that has existed for generations to divide so much that we miss the whole point of the Church based upon theological convictions.  While I value greatly theology, doctrine, and the Bible, I think that it is easy to get so entrenched in a 'camp' that we deny the existence of the Body of Christ and live as 'The Body Parts of Christ.'

Learning from those who have gone before me, I understand and embrace the importance of clearly articulating certain convictions and beliefs at the beginning of a church.  There have been pastors who have not articulated these convictions and have ended up in hot water with the people of their church because of their unarticulated theological convictions.  This is a fine line, but a necessary one at that.

Last night I was talking with a new friend who has been visiting our church for the last few weeks and we were discussing Reformed Theology and the church.  I shared with him specific convictions that we have and why I feel that it is important to articulate them clearly and often early on in the life of a church plant.  He responded with a great point, quoting the above passage, and it got me to thinking a lot about the Church as a whole and some divisive issues going on throughout.  Some of the issues of basic doctrine need to be confronted, but other areas can go too far and lead us to a place of claiming a name other than Jesus.

On one hand, it is important to let people know that you are Reformed or Calvinistic in your hermeneutic (the way you read and interpret the Scriptures), but on another hand, it is crucial that you do not forsake the banner of Christ for the banner of Calvin, Luther, Wesley, or the like.  What a tough balancing act!

I believe that we are to be a people identified first and foremost by our allegiance to Jesus Christ.  If we begin there, then we can then delve into the deeper mysteries of the Scriptures together, seeking how to "spur one another on towards love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24).

Again, I am convinced that it is very important to articulate clearly non-negotiables at the onset of a church-plant, however, it is also equally important to not carry any other name than Jesus Christ as the identifier as a people.  If you are a 'Calvinistic' or "Arminian' congregation, begin as one for Jesus Christ, and as your family grows, be up front about how you are, but never forget whose you are.

Helpful Resource:

We're finally here!

So, this blog is two weeks late, but I wanted to let the few of you who still read it know that we have finally made it to the Magnolia area!  God has been so good to open doors at just the right time.  I knew that while I was going through the transition, but I still seem to have short & long-term memory lapses.  Anyone else there with me?

We have decided to live in an apartment for at least a year in order to meet people, and free up time to focus on planting the church.  I must confess, I LOVE IT!  First of all, we have 2 bathrooms now (with locks on the doors!), and are right in the area we want to plant in.

Thanks to all of you who have been praying with and for us during this time!  They have been heard.

I will be writing on here more often, Lord willing!

Recommended Reading:

Better is Open Rebuke...

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; 

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” 

- Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV)

Steph and I had a wonderful time with our pastor and our good friend, Justin Hyde, in Denver, CO this past week for the Acts 29 Boot Camp.  It was an encouraging time of meeting fellow church planters, learning from seasoned pastors, and enjoying quality time with Steph and Justin.

Our assessment for membership into the Acts 29 Network was Friday morning.  There are tons of rumors and stories about how grown men are made to cry, arguments that almost get to the point of throwing punches ensue, etc.  However, this was not our experience at all.

We met with three sincere Acts 29 Pastors who truly appeared to have our best interest at heart.  They confronted me seriously about my favorite sin, busyness.  They led Steph and I through a series of probing questions helping me to see how my busyness effects/affects my own heart, my wife, my daughter, and my little seedling of a church.  I hate my sin...

Now, I could see how some grown men might be made to cry by this experience, but I was so overwhelmed with gratitude, that Steph and I left the process eternally grateful to God for people who did not measure success the same way the world does and cared more for our hearts, our marriage, our daughter, etc., than our "success".

Part of my busyness has been due to necessity, as in, providing for my family.  However, part of it has been motivated by my lack of faith in God's continued ability and desire to provide for all of our needs.  I live in a constant tension of living by faith, not wanting to be lazy, and needing to provide for my family.  The assessors helped me to identify my need for growth, maturity, and most of all, transformation in this area of my life.

There is much more to be discovered on this subject, but suffice it to say right now that we need your prayers.

Please be praying for:

1. Continued godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
2. Someone to buy our house so that we can get settled in Magnolia/The Woodlands.
3. Discernment about what needs to go from our lives, what needs to be added, etc.
4. More discipline in our lives.
5. God to continue to bless our new little community.

Lastly, if you are in the process of planting a church at any stage, I highly recommend you look into partnership with the Acts 29 Network if you align with their vision and doctrinal distinctions.

Book Recommended to me:

Inspired...

My bride recently had a landmark birthday and since then has been blogging on a daily basis.  I realized that I missed blogging.  However, I thought I missed it because of my own vanity, i.e. liking people to read my grand ideas and then leave a comment, etc.  To be honest, though, that's not it.  Steph has like 4 times the amount of readers I do, and often I write and receive no comments.  I'm okay with that.

This will continue to be my personal blog, which will be a culmination of my life with God, my family, as a pastor, as an entrepreneur, etc.  If you are looking for my pastoral blog, you can go here.

Looking forward to writing more frequently.  You're welcome to join the ride!

I'm back...

Church planting, book publishing, dual living (home and lakehouse), traveling, meeting, preparing, etc. etc.... Lots of excuses, but I suppose no good reason.

I met with an editor today. Looks like I'm actually going to REALLY work on publishing my story.

More to come soon.

'Love is Something You Do' by John R. Bisagno

I am excited to announce that my publishing company, Lucid Books, released Pastor John R. Bisagno's 35th Anniversary Edition of Love is Something You Do. This is a revised and expanded (12 new chapters!) edition of his 1975 release under the same title. We are very excited about this project and feel that God will use it in great ways. Here is what people are saying:

“Love Is Something You Do will change the face of marriage in America. This book should be in every library and tucked away in the heart of every marriage.” - Dr. Tim Clinton, President, American Association of Christian Counselors

"Martin Luther said “A man can become more like Christ in a marriage than in a monastery.” How true. Marriage chisels us in the image of Jesus with every decision of faithfulness and commitment. This book will help to shape you and your spouse. Let Dr. Bisagno speak from the heart of a faithful husband and effective pastor to guide your marriage to be all that God desires." - Pastor Gregg Matte, Pastor, Houston’s First Baptist Church

"Once again John Bisagno has captured the heart and imagination of his readers. In this clear concise writing, John makes a case for love as a verb. Love is Something You Do stimulates the heart, motivates the mind, and saturates the soul with helpful, holy hints." - Ralph Douglas West, Pastor, The Church Without Walls

“I had the joy of being under John Bisagno’s leadership for 25 years as he served as pastor of our church in Houston. I love and respect him and Uldine, the love of his life, so much. ” - Beth Moore, Author, Living Proof Ministries

"This is the book America's been waiting for." - George Gallup, Jr., Pollster

Click here to get your copy or request it at your local bookstore!

(Disclaimer: New laws require me to let you know that if you buy this book, I will profit financially. So, there's that.)

Proverbs 18:22

"He who finds a wife

finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord."

- Proverbs 18:22

Steph and I have been married 9 years today. I love her more everyday and thank God for blessing me with an amazing, God-fearing, humble, and hilarious wife! We have so much fun together.

We are on our little anniversary get-away. Yesterday we went shopping in the Rice Village and used some of our gift cards to buy me some new clothes. We had a blast! Then we went to see a movie and finished the night by enjoying some Maggiano's. This morning we got up and went for a couple's massage. It rocked. Now we are enjoying some time at our favorite coffee shop and then going to The Melting Pot tonight.

For 9 years, here's 9 things I love about my wife:

1. She loves Jesus. Not superficially, but consequentially.
2. She's easy to look at.
3. By some miracle she loves me.
4. She's a phenomenal mother.
5. Her laugh. If I can get a belly laugh from her, then I know what I said was REALLY funny.
6. Her desire to disciple women and her faithful perseverance in doing so.
7. Her passion for orphans.
8. Her authenticity.
9. She's my best friend.

I pray that as we move into our 10th year that we will continue to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Here's to many more.

Christ Community Church of Magnolia - New Site

Click here to visit the new site!