Eagle LifeChurch

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Next Steps – How to Get Involved at Eagle LifeChurch

September 18, 2017 by Brad Murphy Leave a Comment

A common questions that new comers ask is, “How do I get involved at Eagle LifeChurch?”

It’s a great question and so important for our growing church.  We average 5-10 visitors every Sunday, so here is how we help people move from visitor to member.

There are three steps of involvement at Eagle LifeChurch.

THE FIRST STEP IS REGULAR ATTENDANCE. 

Join us every Sunday for Worship Service and join a LifeGroup.

LifeGroups are a great way to get connected to others and grow in faith.  New LifeGroups start each September and January.  It’s almost never a bad time to jump in.  There is an online list of active groups at www.EagleLifeChurch.org/LifeGroups.

Regular attendance is a great start, but it’s not the destination.

* If you are new to faith and would like to learn more about following Jesus, receiving forgiveness, and experiencing God,
please email us so we can help you on your journey.

THE SECOND STEP IS SERVING.

Serving at Eagle LifeChurch is a great way to work with others and help people experience God in a life-changing way.  Currently, we are looking for volunteers to serve in hospitality, community outreach, children’s ministry, grounds keeping, and worship arts (music and media). If you are interested in serving as a volunteer you will need to complete and return the Volunteer Application provided online at http://eaglelifechurch.org/volunteer-application-safe-church/.  Then we can get together and chat about a best fit for you.

In addition to serving at LifeChurch, we have several volunteer opportunities in the community.  We partner with BSU Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, Path Pregnancy Clinic, Boise Girls Academy home for at-risk teens, and INsideOut Cares (a local effort to end Human Trafficking in the Treasure Valley and across Idaho).  Contact Us if you are interested in any of these and we can get you connected.

THE THIRD STEP IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP.

Church Membership is offered to those who have been active in serving and supporting Eagle LifeChurch for at least six months and wish to participate in the annual Membership Meetings that shape the future of the church.  Members are invested in the mission and organization of Eagle LifeChurch.  They vote on leadership, direction, and major initiatives.  They review and accept annual ministry and financial reports.  Each spring we host a Membership Information meeting for those who are interested.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like more information about getting involved or would like to talk with a pastor about a life-changing experience with God, please contact us.

Filed Under: Blog, Church Business, Leadership Training, LifeChange, News Tagged With: community, community outreach, helping, involvment, serving, volunteer

Are you a Christian?

December 13, 2013 by Brad Murphy 3 Comments

Today, a childhood friend noted a blog article on Facebook, Why Switchfoot Won’t Sing Christian Songs, and the quote* in the article is something that I’ve been thinking about for a while.

Earlier this fall, 2013, I was working on the Vision and Values for Eagle LifeChurch (to be announced in January, 2014!).  One of the major values was, We are NOT Christians.  While the board members understood the meaning, the language was a little startling.  We have since edited it to say, No Religious Expectations.

Here is what I think about knowing what is of Christ (Christian) and what is not.

Scripture says,

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

BUT,

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

Are you a Christian or Not?

The title, “Christian,” has come to describe a religion and religious people.  Christ didn’t come to start a religion.  Ealge LifeChurch, and the Assemblies of God, is not a religion.  Christ came to start a relational, incarnation, movement of servant love.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Unless it is a work of the flesh, which Paul says are obvious, then it should be done “for the Lord.”  This makes everything else SACRED, if done unto the Lord.  However, if you are working to please people, if you are motivated by a heart of conceit, provocation, or envy, then it is SECULAR – even if people think you are religious.

I choose to describe myself as a follower of Jesus Christ

You may say, that’s what Christian means.  Well, that’s what it used to mean.  The title “Christian” has become a product, that marketing executives are trying to sell.  Have you seen the newest CHRISTIAN MOVIE? Christian t-shirt? Christian music? Christian school? Christian book?

I’m not suggesting we simply change a word and start calling Christian Radio, Follower of Christ Radio.  I’m giving testimony to how Christ is changing my heart, and I’m searching for meaningful ways to communicate it, so that I won’t be misunderstood by a skeptical culture.

When I find myself thinking, “I’m Christian,” that’s when I start working to please people.  That’s when I get weighed down with the burden of being a “good Christian.”  When I actively pursue following Jesus, that’s when I am encouraged and motivated to continue serving and loving even if people aren’t pleased.  I am free to bear the fruit of the Spirit, as Christ, His Word, and the Holy Spirit lead me.

In 1988, Carol Wimmer, noticed the early change of the name “Christian” happening in America and wrote this poem, When I Say, I am a Christian:

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Now, almost 25 years later, I avoid the title Christian to describe myself.  Not because of what it meant when the title was first used to describe Jesus disciples, but because of how it is used in our culture today.

Jesus said to his first disciples, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of people.”  What we have become, when we think of our selves as Christian, is salesmen.  I am not selling a product, I’m lighting the way, learning the truth, and loving the life.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.”
John 14:6-7

Would you join me in saying, I’m a follower of Jesus Christ!?

*After some research on the quote by Jon Foreman,
lead singer of Switchfoot, 
I cannot find the original source,
but it is widely attributed to him.

Thank you @jonforeman and @garymodine
for inspiring me to post this!

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Following Jesus Christ, Leadership Training, Vision & Values

Pastor’s Annual Report

March 9, 2013 by Brad Murphy Leave a Comment

Do you remember your first year in a new job?  Remember the new systems, the unfamiliar personalities, the stressful nights, and confusing policies?  Some of you have experienced that with me during this last year.  I have learned so much about God and how He loves me as I have uncovered what it takes to lead a congregation, care for my family, and stay healthy.  I continue to be humbled by the grace He shows me through the church family at Eagle LifeChurch.  Thank you for loving the Murphy’s and giving us room to grow and learn in our new assignment here.

During this year, we had some failed experiments and some wild success.  Easter 2012 was one of our off-the-chart successes.  Through your diligence in inviting people, and God’s work drawing them, we had 150 people at Easter service, the Egg Hunt, art show, and reception.  Praise God!

In the area of Music Ministry, we have seen a 400% growth in on-stage participation with various instruments and voices being added.  This team of dedicated leaders arrive early each Sunday to practice and encourage each other.  We have a lot of fun and enjoy each other very much.  We have continued to worship with a variety of timeless hymns, classic refrains, and new favorites.  Finding a balance in musical style is our goal, which supports our vision of a multi-generational church that welcomes all ages to the same table.

Our U.S. and World Missions ministry continues to remain strong.  We have created greater bonds with our twelve supported missionaries and have increased support for the Tran family to $50/month.  We hope to continue this growth in support by raising all our missionaries to $50/month, from $705/month to $860/month total.  In addition to these pledges, we continue to give away $1000/month average to special projects or guests.  We also hope to get all twelve missionaries adopted by encouragers who will contact them each month and bless them with messages of love.  Our final Missions goal is to develop greater relationships with local outreaches that we can support with our time by volunteering.

In August, we hosted the first annual Eagle LifeFest.  This outreach party for those in our community featured food, party games, water activities, face painting, a school supply give away, and the Eagle Fire Department.  We hit our attendance goal of 30.  There were two dozen volunteers and many donations that made LifeFest possible.  In the future, we would like to add special guest entertainment and a carnival.

Over the past year, we have transitioned our ministry departments into a LifeGroup ministry model.  The goal of this change is to encourage authentic relationships, facilitate growth, and to establish leadership opportunities.  Many groups have been doing very well, with regular attendance and solid relationships.  We are learning how to balance ministry with fellowship, and what our church and community really need.  With nearly 40% of our Sunday attendance participating weekly, we are happy with the progress so far.  Our goal is to have 60% participation by this time next year, with three new groups.

Our Men’s Ministry has seen a growth in encouragement, affirmation, and participation.  Nine men attended Men’s Retreat in 2012 and we have an average of 16 at Men’s Breakfast, monthly.  Our men support and help the church family by helping families move, yard work & home projects for struggling families, work days on the church grounds and facilities, work days at Teen Challenge, and many individual ministries with organizations like the Boise Rescue Mission, Love Inc., Salvation Army and others.

Women’s Ministry has been in continuous transition this past year, with the arrival and then departure of Danette Whitehead as Women’s Ministry Director.  However, ministry continued at two Women’s Bible studies, and Ladies Night Out.  In 2013, several ladies, led by Pastor Lori Murphy, are forming a Women’s Ministries Leadership Team that will work together to develop a comprehensive Women’s Ministry plan.  This team should make it possible for more women to be involved and for many hands to make light work.

We thank the dedicated families who help in the area of Multi-Media on Sunday mornings.  Kiel Alloway, Laurie Alloway, and John and MaryAnn Wilkie work hard to keep the words on the screen, the sound in the speakers, and the people on stage happy.  We have cleaned up the stage, rearranged the instruments, replaced the sanctuary computer, replaced bulbs, and learned how to work together.  We look forward to updating some of our sound equipment and repairing some broken components.

Finally, I would like to thank my family, Pastor Lori Murphy, Naomi, Talia, Kaila, and Ariah for hearing the call of God and making this first year at Eagle LifeChurch a fond memory.  They have stood by me as I have been learning, struggling, and loving our new church family.  I couldn’t be as happy and healthy as I am without their love, support, encouragement, and forgiveness.  Thank you Murphy Girls!

 “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Ephesians 1:18-19

Looking ahead to 2013, our goal as a church is to find a place for everyone and everyone a place.  We cannot let another year go by with unsaved people stepping into eternity while we are confused about what God wants us to do.  I pray that through our messages, our LifeGroups, our events, and our ministry, we will see every member of the Eagle LifeChurch family DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and DEPLOY their unique purpose in the church family here and around the world.

God wants to use you, here, now, to do great and wonderful things.  Will you Embrace Your Place?

Serving Together,
Pastors Brad (and Lori) Murphy

Filed Under: Blog, Church Business, Events & Conferences, Leadership Training Tagged With: Annual Report, Business Meeting, Leadership, Thanks

Faithful with a Few

March 29, 2012 by Brad Murphy Leave a Comment

Faithful with a Few

By Brad Murphy, Lead Pastor Eagle LifeChurch

Over the past weeks, God has been bringing newcomers through the doors and into the lives of the church family at Eagle LifeChurch.  Some have attended a morning worship service; some have not.

We have met those who have a church home and those who don’t.  We’ve met those who think they have God and religion all figured out and those who don’t have a clue.  We have met those who are mad at their previous church because they were too superficial, or too big, or because they were ignored or hurt.  We have met those with no previous church experience.  God is bringing us just what we asked for – hurting people.

Jesus tells a story in Matthew 25 & Luke 19 to help His followers understand the concepts of the Kingdom of God.  In His story, a master who is going on a journey leaves one servant with five measures of provision, one servant with two measures, and one servant with just one measure; each according to his ability.

Each of these servants-of-the-master invested in and took care of the provision of the master.  When the master returned, the one with five measures had gained five more.  The one with two measures had increased it to four.  The servant with one did nothing.  He buried what the master had given Him in fear that he would lose it and be punished by the master.

Each of the people God has put in your life and has brought to Eagle LifeChurch are a measure of God’s provision.  He has already assessed our ability and rationed out the provisions.  Will you be faithful to develop and grow the ones He has given you or will you burry them in fear that you will lose them and be punished by our Master?

Eagle LifeChurch family, and Christians everywhere, we must be faithful with the people He has put in our lives.  This past Sunday we had three visitors, all who need a church family.  Will you take care of them, nurture them, and grow them into six? Will you call them, take them to lunch, or invite them over for dinner?  Will you bother answering the phone when they call, or risk getting involved when things get messy?  Will you welcome them into our family?

If you do, Jesus said that the Master will look on us and say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

The true test of whether Eagle LifeChurch will have a lasting impact on the city of Eagle, the state of Idaho, the United States, and the World, is in how we are Faithful with a Few.

Comment on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EagleLifeChurch

Filed Under: Blog, Leadership Training Tagged With: Compassion, Imagine, Jesus Words, Luke 19, Matthew 25

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