by David Docusen | November 1, 2011 | Uncategorized
God put a dream in my heart five years ago that never seems to be too far away. Instead of building a regular church facility, the dream has been to open a non-profit coffeehouse/venue for our community. All profits will go into making a lasting difference at home and across the world.
We are partnering with Mark Batterson and National Community Church (Washington DC) to open the second Ebenezers Coffeehouse. It’s going to come to pass. And until that day we will faithfully continue to take one step at a time until the Lord brings this to pass. Check out this video we made that gives a preview of what’s coming to Uptown Charlotte in the near future:
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/22973206 w=398&h=224]
by David Docusen | October 31, 2011 | Uncategorized
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see they they get justice.
These words have become an overwhelming, passionate and personal calling. I came across these words in a familiar place: the Proverbs. I have read the book of Proverbs over and over again, but for some reason, God saw fit to allow these words (Proverbs 31:8-9) to jump out at me and arrest my attention recently.
God created me with an ability to talk. To communicate. To carry a message and pass it along with passion. My heart is breaking over the fact that there are millions of children across the world that cannot rise up and speak for themselves. Their circumstances have stolen their voice. Orphans at home and across the world. Kidnapped children forced against their will into human trafficking. Babies dying because they have no clean water. This is not right.
Here is a pretty startling confession: I don’t know what I’m doing. And I’m becoming more and more comfortable with that reality. I don’t know how to change the world. But I have learned how to listen for and respond to the voice of the Lord.
We are in the process of partnering with organizations at home and across the world that are making a lasting impact in these areas. And I am resolved to commit my voice to this simple charge found in the Proverbs.
If you feel this deeply. If your heart races at the thought of doing something much bigger than yourself, email me: [email protected].
It’s time to see the world impacted by our actions. God has prepared the body of Christ for this moment. He has given us time, resources and talent to change the world. We can’t do everything alone, but we can accomplish more than we could imagine together. Let’s do something.
by David Docusen | October 13, 2011 | Uncategorized
I stayed up last night staring at the ceiling. I couldn’t get the thoughts out of my head: there are kids across our city and across the world that are going to bed tonight with no mom or dad in their life. There are children in our country and others around the globe that are in danger because they have been kidnapped and put into modern day slavery. This is not ok.
I’m looking for people that want to change the world. Not the kind of world changing that brings a ton of fame or notoriety to ourselves. But the kind of people that want to change the world one person at a time. One child at a time. We can make a difference. And if we work together, we can make a big difference.
I’m looking for people that want to change the world. If that’s you, I want to hear your story, your passion and your ideas. Email me: [email protected].
by David Docusen | October 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
Comparing yourself to the other guy/girl down the street or next door or across the world doesn’t get much accomplished. Considering that God created each one of us uniquely to accomplish unique purposes, I say we all rise up and embrace exactly what God created us to do.
Galatians 6:4-5 speaks directly to this:
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Let that resonate in your spirit today. And let it free you from playing the comparison game. If another person is successful in your field, celebrate with them. Continue to work hard, because your hard work is all you can control.
God created you to be you. Just be you.
by David Docusen | October 6, 2011 | Uncategorized
We are kicking off a new series this weekend called “Life. Money. Hope.” at Center City Church. We cannot become fully devoted followers of Christ without becoming a faithful steward of the resources God has given us. This includes every aspect of our lives, not just finances. But finances are a huge indicator of our trust in God. Excited to bring the truth this weekend – and some practical tips on managing money according to biblical principles!
by David Docusen | October 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
A special thanks goes out to Nathan Longbrook for designing this 4×6 card that we handed out on Sunday at Center City. It graphically represents the vision & values of our church family. These statements describe who we are and how we express our faith.
