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David R. Fletcher
Executive Pastor

September 3

Welcome to a New Look!

The Chapel launched a new website and this new e-newsletter this month. Bring out the balloons and confetti and celebrate with us!

Grant Erikson, our Director of Communications, has worked with many members and staff to determine layout, content and style. He has a terrific team and they have brought many great ideas.

The website has had my highest priority. We want to give you ministry stories and information so that you can see what God is doing through The Chapel.

If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to e-mail me. My door is always open.

September 10

Ever go to the kitchen drawer and find a dull knife? At The Chapel, may you always find our pastors sharp and regularly honed! Here are two examples of how your pastors are growing to serve better with you in ministry.

Today, we had Jim Tomberlin meet with our pastoral leaders. Jim launched the multi-site initiatives at Willow Creek and now helps churches around the country. He has spoken at several of my events for Executive Pastors and is one of the top leaders in the country concerning multi-sites.

Our Embrace Tomorrow vision is to develop 7 new sites and venues. So, we sought out the best person to advise us, challenge us and share national ‘best practices.’ We are planning to start Resonate II, a new venue at the Green campus, in early 2010. We also hope to launch another one or two venues in 2010.

Next Monday, we are hosting an event for our pastors, consortium pastors and area church leaders. Scot McKnight is coming for a Super Monday. He is a widely recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. Then on Tuesday, a few of us will spend all day with Scot, studying through the book of Galatians. In the future, expect some great preaching from Galatians!

September 15

On Tuesday, I spoke to thirty or so of our missionaries. The topic was Biblical Conflict Resolution with a specific application of the 7 A’s of a Confession. Romans 5:1 says that because we are justified with God, we should live in peace! Part of living at peace with others is confessing when we have done wrong and being forgiven.

So many of us approach an apology like the fast food window at McDonalds. We order a happy meal with a “burger of forgiveness.” While driving away, we quickly eat our burger.

Often we approach forgiveness the same way. Without explaining much, we say “will you forgive me?” It is hollow and insincere. Instead, we ought to follow Ken Sande’s “7 A’s of an Confession.” Ken says, “many people have never experienced freedom because they have never learned how to confess their wrongs honestly and unconditionally.”

Address everyone involved—all those whom you affected
Avoid if, but, and maybe—do not try to excuse your wrongs
Admit specifically—both attitudes and actions
Acknowledge the hurt—express sorrow for hurting someone
Accept the consequences—such as making restitution
Alter your behavior—change your attitudes and actions
Ask for forgiveness

See Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13.

With the missionaries, I had a tremendous time talking through God’s Word and applying it to everyday missionary life. Having been a missions pastor for many years, and having been to over 40 countries, I have a great love with those who serve God overseas. We gave away copies of Ken’s book, The Peacemaker, to many of our missionaries. This book is a must read!

We all have had issues that we need to confess and find freedom:

Speaking poorly to a family member
Writing a judgmental or harsh email
Being angry for weeks at a friend or neighbor
Hurting our spouse by doing or not doing something

Do you know how to resolve conflict biblically? Find freedom by confessing your wrongs honestly and unconditionally.

Our pastors work hard to be God’s best and to serve with you in ministry. Are you staying sharp? In a group? Serving in the church or community?

September 17

Finding the best person for the job can be a herculean task. I thing we should look far and wide, asking God to bring to us bright, talented Christians for our staff.

In our current search for an administrative assistant for our youth department, we have received 120 resumes—so far! We often place paid ads in the Akron Beacon Journal, free ads on Craigs List and notices in our bulletin and website.

Each applicant receives an email response when we receive their resume and another email within three weeks. I am training our staff on the “best practices” of how to telephone key applicants, helping us determine best fit. For most positions, we do group interviews in the department and a final interview with me—and for some positions with Paul. In treating all applicants with dignity, we want to live out Christ’s gospel of the kingdom in how we hire staff.

Talking about positions, we have restructured Hal Webb’s stewardship department. In just a few days, we will be advertising an Accounting Manager position.

Also, high on Paul’s and my priority list is a new Singles Pastor, and we included it in the budget year that began September 1. That search will be on a national level, using great contacts of ours from around the country (your pastor friends should check out the Great Resumes page on the XPastor site).

Gary Glosner has open positions in the Facilities Department. We are also looking for a Video Intern in the Communications Department.

Feel free to let your friends know about these positions. Have them send their resumes, with a cover letter, to Tami in the HR department (Tami is volunteering for 10-15 weeks to help us organize this area).

Let’s remember this. The role of staff is not to do your ministry. According to Ephesians 4, pastors should be “equipping the saints for ministry.” It is your “job” to do ministry—it is ours to equip you to do it.

September 23

A heartbeat of the New Testament is “the priesthood of all believers” (I Peter 2:9).

This means that every Christ-follower can pray directly to God. Every Christ-follower can directly intercede for others to God.

This also means that every Christ-follower must have a place of service, a place to exercise his or her priesthood.

There are some great training times coming up. Hone your “practical priesthood:”

Operation Preparation for Disaster Relief will provide instruction to be prepared to offer physical and spiritual relief quickly, efficiently and effectively to those suffering the effects of a disaster. Saturday, October 3 at the Green Campus; 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Read more …
Learn how to run sound for ministry events. “Sound Training,” October 8, every Thursday evening for six weeks from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Green Campus, Room 124. Contact Rick Zuercher.
If you are considering a second marriage or already are remarried: We will explore critical questions you need to ask. Discover what it takes to know whether you are ready to marry again, identify your love styles, how to combine a family, and how to become soul mates. Green Campus, Room 211, Sundays, 9:00 am. Contact Joey Martin.

Read more about these and other “big events” at The Chapel on the events page.

If Jesus were to come back one year from today, how would he find you? Would you be prepared, trained and equipped? Would you be serving actively and joyfully as a believer-priest?

Please don’t be disappointed when he comes back. Today is the day of salvation and today is the day of service.

October 8

Input from the congregation is vital to making good decisions. When we were planning the new website, Grant Erikson sent out a survey to many folks. The response was tremendous. We learned what you read online, what you liked and what didn’t interest you. Your input helped us develop a stellar new website.

Now, we are brainstorming about giving our Sunday bulletin a facelift. How can we make it better? How much can you read on a Sunday morning? What can we add or subtract?

Grant Erikson and Carmen Beasley have developed a ten question online survey for you to share your thoughts. Feel free to forward this to other members, family and friends (Chapel connected or not). Our plan is to have an improved bulletin by the end of the year.

Also by the end of the year, we will add “information video screens” (e-info) in the hallways. Instead of spending wads of money on posters, we will have full color ministry pictures and information on these e-info screens. There will be various channels, such as missions, children, and the sermon (live from the worship center). The screens are even remotely powered off and on, so we can save electricity.

By carefully using technology, we are cutting our costs and improving the quality of our information to the congregation and newcomers.

Thanks for your help with the bulletin survey. Your input is essential.

October 15

Each January I travel to India. I made a ten-year commitment to teach pastors and this will be my fourth year.

India is a long journey by airplane. Ten hours from Chicago to London and then another ten to Bangalore, India.

More than a physical voyage, India is a long spiritual trek. The Hindus believe in karma, being judged for your works when you die. Then you are reincarnated based on how well you did. There are thousands of idols, each with food and flowers brought in sacrifice.

Christ-followers bring concepts like resurrection—that God personally knows you and eternal life is based on a relationship with Christ. Paul talks about sacrifice: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1).”

My twenty students are pastors who come from all over India. Several travel five days by train to come to class. Another takes eleven days to come to Bangalore. They are hard working pastors, church-planters and teachers in Christian colleges and seminaries. The students study with me for 5 years, earning a doctor of ministry degree.

This is a part of my life and ministry that most of you won’t see. It is very near and dear to my heart. I have great affection for these Indian pastors who are working so hard to share the love of Christ.

Each of us has a different part to play in God’s world. Have you found your part?

October 22

So many of us approach an apology like the fast food window at McDonalds. We order a happy meal with a “burger of forgiveness.” While driving away, we quickly eat our burger.

Address everyone involved—all those whom you affected
Avoid if, but, and maybe—do not try to excuse your wrongs
Admit specifically—both attitudes and actions
Acknowledge the hurt—express sorrow for hurting someone
Accept the consequences—such as making restitution
Alter your behavior—change your attitudes and actions
Ask for forgiveness

See Matthew 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13.

We all have had issues that we need to confess and find freedom:

Speaking poorly to a family member
Writing a judgmental or harsh email
Being angry for weeks at a friend or neighbor
Hurting our spouse by doing or not doing something

Do you know how to resolve conflict biblically? Find freedom by confessing your wrongs honestly and unconditionally.

October 29

"Ask opinions about taste, not truth." (if you want to know what this means, skip to the bottom of this article).

When we sent out our web survey in early summer, we got 120 responses. We learned that our site was in a sorry state of affairs. Some responses were funny and asked, “we have a website?” Others said, “definitely old school, sterile” and “dull, boring, hard to navigate, not intuitive.” We all said “ouch,” and then got to work on a new website.

Within 60 days of the web survey, we launched a new site to loud acclaim. People find it easy to use and full of information (by the way, look for a facelift on our site in 12-18 months; we will be on the cutting edge!).

Just a few weeks ago, we asked your opinion about a new bulletin. With our new e-newsletter and better communication, over 800 people responded. 800 people! Thanks so much for giving us your thoughts.

Here are some conclusions about the bulletin:

Almost everyone said they read the bulletin every Sunday.
Many feel our current bulletin is “okay.”
Most people say, “We gotta have the bulletin!”
Older folks take the bulletin home to read more thoroughly. Younger folks read it and trash it.

Plus, over half of the respondents gave their opinions of how our bulletin can best portray our love for Christ.

In the next 3 months, look for a new bulletin. Look for a bulletin that is not just “okay,” but really appealing and informative.

So, why do we ask for your input? We ask about matters of taste and opinion.

We are not going to do a poll on matters of truth, doctrine or the Word. The Word is eternal and unchanging. Our expositional preaching will be excellent and challenge you to change your life. “Be conformed to Christ” is our unapologetic cry! There is no opinion survey there.

But, in matters of taste, we want to know your thoughts. We want to be current and cutting edge. We want to be the very best that God would have us be. Thanks for your help!

November 5

Having received eternal life from God, we can be so generous with our time, money and energy. Many become “super-generous” when they see a tangible need or strong vision.

A friend of mine, Brad Leeper, recently wrote for my website:

Passionate vision will continue to attract abundant giving. People want to make a difference even in the midst of troubled times.

Expand spiritual formation as the underlying foundation of generosity. Based on emerging data and scores of conversations with churches and leaders, the underlying sense is that we have weathered the worst of the recession. While it may not get better soon, the prevailing idea is that it will not likely get any uglier.

Generosity has become the new evangelism. We can debate apologetics, preach articulate sermons, dazzle an audience with coordinated lights and sound, and build imaginative structures. The impact of these investments is multiplied many times over when we simply and unapologetically give ourselves away. The watching world is confounded when we build wells in communities lacking fresh water or when we give medical care to those who lack such attention. Our faith takes on deep validation when we serve the community, feed the homeless, and adopt orphans.

Have you read about our Vision Projects? Jesus said, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34). We want you to know how your earthly treasure can be invested in things that promote the kingdom of God. On the Vision Projects page, you can see the strategic projects that we are considering. Join us in prayer, in giving, and thinking creatively about how to share the gospel of Christ!

Being a generous Christ-follower is about loving our neighbors and world. We invest in others with our time and energy.

Thanks so much for your generous partnership in The Chapel—for the world!

November 12
Green Worship Center Acoustics

Let’s be honest about a pressing issue. We have problems with the acoustics in the Green worship center. There are “hot” spots where the sound is too loud. Move over three feet and there can be “cold” spots where the sound is too quiet. You have probably noticed how hard it can be to hear. Our sound technicians work so hard for us but they are battling the impossible! They turn up the volume for the cold spots and then the hot spots are hotter than Texas in the summer.

The problem gets into how the auditorium was designed. Some designs are better for instruments while others are better for the human voice. At Green, when we have a civic orchestra perform, the acoustics are great! But, when you want to hear the preaching or want to sing along, then we have trouble.

The acoustics were an issue at Green from the time it was built. At his own cost, the architect even brought in a specialist from Chicago to try to fix the original design. Over the last six years, we have done various “band-aid” fixes. This fall, our worship department brought in an outstanding consultant to give us world-class advice on how to solve this lingering problem. They told us that what we need is a complete overhaul of the acoustics. The cost will be $250,000.

On our Vision Projects page, we listed the Green acoustic issue as one of our upcoming projects. Now we are beginning to save our pennies—well, more than pennies! This is major dollars.

We are looking at when we can do this important upgrade. I can’t promise when it will be done, but it is on our list. We want everyone to be able to hear the message and not be overpowered by being ear shattering.

Join us as we look for God’s best in worshipping Him! And, don't visit Texas in the summer.

November 19
Growing in Words and Deeds

Did you come to the Bathos Lecture Series? Three weeks ago we had the international Christian thinker, Os Guiness, come to The Chapel. The word “bathos” means “deep” in Greek and the lectures were rich.

Paul invited Os to help us get perspective of “the place of Christianity in our shrinking, post-modern world.” Os gently challenged us to be salt and light with our friends and neighbors. I have a copy of his latest book, The Case for Civility: And Why Our Future Depends on It and am looking forward to reading it.

Here are some questions for you: how are you going “deeper” with Christ? Are you applying the great sermons that Paul, Jon and Mike are bringing to us? Are you connected with a small group?

Many of you should contact Dane Allphin or Jeff Martell to get into a small group. In January, along with Paul’s sermon series in Galatians, we will have Galatians Groups for about six weeks. As it says on the website:

Galatians Groups are short-term groups that will give you the chance to get acquainted with a few others and an opportunity to dig a bit into the sermon. You might call it: "try community before you buy." For six weeks you can join to see what they're like. At the end of this term, your commitment is done. However, if you like, you can continue with the same group or join another.

The meetings will be a casual and comfortable gathering to get to know the others in your group. You'll generally meet in a group member's home. You'll enjoy some coffee together. Additionally, you'll have the chance to think through the sermon together. The meetings will last a little over an hour. Read more about Galatians Groups.

So, you might have missed Os Guiness, but you can listen to his messages from Friday night and Saturday morning.

But, you can get into a “live” small group for six weeks in a Galatians Group! Whatever you do, make sure that you are growing in a small group!

November 27
Buffalo

Our Thanksgiving tradition is to have buffalo. I don’t mean the city of Buffalo. I mean the American bison, commonly called buffalo. In Ohio, the bison were hunted to extinction by the early 1800’s. I suppose that my distant great-grandfather, John Fletcher, would have seen bison when he moved to Ohio in 1812 or so.

We have had buffalo as our Thanksgiving tradition for as long as our kids can remember. Speaking of kids, Lauren and her husband came up and joined us this Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, Lauren prayed for snow—and got it! Many folks at The Chapel have laughed that anyone would pray for snow!

In past years, we have eaten buffalo brisket and steaks (in the southwest you can grill on Thanksgiving). This year, we prepared a buffalo roast. It was terrific!

What is your family tradition? Most people have turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Some add in noodles, rice and potatoes. Dessert can include pies and some do cake—one of our staff always has German chocolate cake.

What a great loss it would be if Thanksgiving was just about food and games. Thanksgiving is about acknowledging that our provisions in life come from God. Christ has given us the greatest spiritual provision, a new life that is with God for all eternity.

Whatever was on the holiday table, I hope that you had a great meal. More importantly, I hope that you are continually thankful for the life that God has given to you.

December 3
Kavod, The Glory

A few weeks ago, I spoke for a few minutes to the choir at the Green campus. My wife, Tami, and I arrived early, while they were still practicing. As it turned out, the choir was rehearsing several pieces from the Christmas concert, The Glory.

It was terrific to be so close to the choir and hear them sing. Kenton got them started, would let them sing, then stop and give some expert musical direction. We could hear the people singing each part and Kenton would rehearse each part as well. It was a great time to see the choir and Kenton in action!

This will be our first time to see a Christmas concert at The Chapel. I have talked to several people who have purchased fifty tickets each, planning to bring family and friends. This is a great event to bring friends to and let them enjoy the real meaning of the season.

When I spoke to the choir, I mentioned that the word glory in the Old Testament is just like the word from the 60’s, “heavy.” Remember when people would say “that’s heavy”? It meant, “that’s important, that’s big!”

Here’s what one Bible dictionary said about glory. Glory comes from having weighty importance and shining majesty that accompany God’s presence. The basic meaning of the Hebrew word kavod is heavy in weight (1 Sam. 4:18; Prov. 27:3). It can refer to a heavy burden (Exod. 18:18; Ps. 38:4).

“To give glory” is to praise. When people glorify God, they recognize that God has supreme importance and weight—and so is worshipped (Ps. 22:23; 86:12; Isa. 24:15).

At the Christmas concerts, I don’t think that you will get any Hebrew. You will get great Scripture (in English) and music that will inspire you. You will see that the Glory of God is weighty and shining in majesty.

Along the way though, you can enjoy the fact that the word glory comes from the word kavod, heavy.

December 10
One Christmas Gift

Could you possibly give one less Christmas present this year? Consider redirecting a gift to have global significance!

For almost twenty years, I have been the treasurer of a mission organization that educates the next generation of pastors in India. To do our part, Tami and I are headed over to India in a few weeks. Consider the words I sent to some friends about ministry in India:

Imagine being destitute and without hope … one day, a kind person, perhaps a pastor, takes you in. Through God’s grace, you are given the opportunity for a quality life and education. This is exactly the path of the 36 children who now live in the House of Joy, a home founded for needy children. They come from various regions in India, and each has a unique story—but a common theme unites them all.

They found their way to a new home because of death and poverty, but God’s light has lifted them up. The power of the gospel is evident on their faces. There is no better way to describe their home than the “House of Joy.” In addition to food, housing, clothing and other necessities of life, children at the House of Joy also receive a holistic Christian education through High School, where Bible scripture study begins in grade 5.

India … it’s one reason that Tami and I came to The Chapel. With you, we have a shared passion for the people of India.

Have you thought about “doing without” one Christmas gift this year? Consider not spending $5, $40 or more on just one gift for a family member or friend. Instead, give a gift from The Chapel’s Christmas Catalog.

We have so many “toys” and clothes and televisions in our homes. Let’s do without a few items and give generously to folks in India, Mozambique and local areas!

December 17
Preaching

This week, the sermon will come from the second chapter of Luke. Now, I’m not going to give away what Paul and Jon will be preaching on.

What I will say is that it is always exciting to talk with our preaching pastors about their upcoming messages. And true to form, I have been talking with the guys about their sermons.

I’ve got to tell you, we have some fantastic communicators in Paul, Jon and Mike. Obviously, Paul as the Senior Pastor leads the preaching team. But we also have these amazing teachers in Jon and Mike.

As I listen to many preachers from around the country, I hope that you realize just how good we have it!

Now, here’s the bummer. Tami and I are going to miss attending this Sunday since we’ll be in Dallas having an early Christmas with our kids and their spouses. I wish that I could be here!

A good sermon takes hours of study and preparation. The guys have to thoroughly examine the passage. Then they have to consider the biblical principles in their own lives. Finally, they have to apply the text to our lives.

Enjoy the great preaching this week. It’s not designed to be entertainment. It’s designed to change your life and mine.