Jason Bedell Online

• Loved the band this Sunday @ Beach Campus, you guys crushed it.
• Missed having my wife at church, she was at a funeral in Ernul, NC
• Yes, I said Ernul. Don't worry, I had no clue where it was either.
• Our second of three teams arrived back from Vietnam. AMAZING things are happening.
• We have been approved for the office/warehouse move.
• The space is going to be great for ministry during the week.
• Spent some time with a really good friend this weekend.
• We talked until it got dark about some deep stuff, man I love my friends.
• Looking forward to the G.I. Joe Movie this summer. It looks crazy!
• Loved seeing a couple this Sunday whose relationship is coming back together.
• Excited about leaving for Vietnam in about a month.
• Praying God will bring the rest of my funds together (just $800 left). I think...
• Been reading the daily bible plan. Man, the Bible is intense.
• Looking forward to our new series next week, "Commercial Genius."
• We'll be taking a look at a few different kinds of commercials
• Stoked to see all the new faces at church this past Sunday
• Spent a lot of time with my wife this weekend. She's the best.

Jason *over and out*

You know those booty shorts? The ones that have mess like "Princess" or "Lil' Cutie" written smack dab on the gluteus maximus of a young girl's TOO SHORT shorts? Well, the day I found out Carrie and I were going to have a little girl, I vowed our daughter would never where anything with writing on the butt. That's my little girl and I'm not having it. Step off boys (this is where I go and turn on "Cleaning This Gun" by Rodney Atkins).

Well, she got food on her outfit today and I changed her. Low and behold, what catches my eye as she's playin'? Yep, writing on the booty. And what does it have on it? A Forefront logo?!? Seriously? No disrespect to whoever got this for Chloe, but I don't want anything drawing attention to her butt- even if it is about Jesus.

My wife and I took the China Town Bus from Va Beach to NYC awhile back for a trip to the Big Apple. It was unreal. They played the Big Lebowski (unedited) which was awkward for everyone with some of the content/scenes, there was a certain smell that was almost like a Chinese buffet- but the food had been there a little too long, and then there was "The Lady."

"The Lady" had some issues. With everything.

Her seat. Her ticket. Her comfort level. Her fellow passengers. Her bus driver. Her luggage underneath. Her hair due to the humidity level of Hampton Roads. It was a mess.

I wonder if you took her out of the equation how much different the bus ride would have been? Even including the movie and buffet smell, it was a good trip. The people were nice, we all had an unsung agreement- "We all know this is going to be a long ride, but our goal is to ride this bus together to get to our destination." And had "The Lady" not thrown a monkey wrench in the mix, the journey would have been much different. All of us had heard the same expectations from the driver, the same rules and regulations, and the same speech about knowing where we fit in the mix of this trip.

How is it that we sometimes end up like, "The Lady" when it comes to our faith? We've been given the proper instruction (the Bible), we've been granted the grace by God (which we clearly don't deserve), and we've been given a great community of Christ-followers to share in the journey with (the Church).

I will venture out to say that I loved all the people on the bus, including "The Lady." But, when it comes to being together on a bus and journey towards a destination- it's much more conducive to success for the goal/vision if everyone is on the same page. It's passages like Ephesians 4:3-6 that really drive this home for me:

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

As we come under the grace of God and call ourselves "Christians" or Christ-followers;" my prayer is that we strive to live this passage out. When we do, it makes the ride even that much more enjoyable. So as you look at your church body and the mission of reaching those who are far from God, the question is...

Are you on the bus?

Got another email from Dan Pollard this evening. Here is the latest update from the team:

Dan

My wife and I were given tickets to Coldplay last night by some good friends. Carrie told me it was the first time in awhile that it felt like we were when we "dated." Translation= "I need to step up my game in the continually dating my wife department." I have some insights about the concert later, but for now... thanks for a terrific time. We needed it.

Jason *over and out*

Kris Allen was crowned the American Idol winner last night. I enjoyed this season, while at the same time kinda getting over it to. It seemed like a lot of drama was surrounding the show from week to week, but I'm glad a guy like Kris won. He is a down to earth guy who has great potential as an acoustic/rock artist.

Didn't know much about him during the course of the show, but just found out about where he stands as far as God and faith. Read an article about how God is first in his life and marriage. Very cool. Also included in the article was this video where he performed in his home town to 20,000+ people. What a cool opportunity to share his faith.

Get to church early.

You won't want to miss this. Seriously. We're wrapping up our current series, "Business Time" and it is going to be a great Sunday. Bring your friends out as we enjoy a weekend of community and learning more about God's plan for our lives (as well as have some fun and laugh at ridiculous stuff together).

Jason *over and out*

131 people over Facebook, Twitter, & here on the blog have spoken. Your voice has been heard. So, without further delay... enjoy this video (I know I didn't).

Got an email from Dan Pollard this evening. Sounds like the team is doing great. Here is his update from the team:

Deep down we all want to fly. Right? Maybe not literally, but we all have dreams, aspirations, and goals in life. What's hold you back from jumping out and really living life to the fullest? In my review of this Sunday's message- I think I've found the answer. Lack of experiencing a genuine love. A love that pays a debt we should have paid.

Check it out: "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Luke 7:41-43

There's nothing like encountering the love of Jesus. It makes you want to fly, soar, and move. But, it also shows you the ways that you fail, stumble, and ultimately- sin. In the midst of this encounter, is where I believe we find the passion to fly. When we have our debt paid for us; the love that boils up inside of us is so intense that we cannot contain it. When it comes out- it's in the form of living life, a full life- a complete life. Because it's life in Him. It's the only way to soar.

But to have that, we need to begin to understand His grace (that we don't deserve), encounter His love, and begin to comprehend the magnitude of our debt that He paid for us. It's wiped clean. It is no longer. So guess what time it is... time to fly.

Goose & Maverick ain't got nothin' on this ride.

Jason *over and out*

[photo via: technicolourkendall]

It could be the next big thing?! Who knows...

There's been a lot of texting, tweets, and Facebook MSG's sent my way in reference to the manly goodness growing on my face.

Most of the response has been "for the beard." But, I put it in the hands of my online peeps- "To shave or not to shave?" What say you...?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

[photo via: technicolourkendall]

From funny guys to desperate husbands, and everything in between- my sister Natalie is living out her dream. I couldn't be more proud of my sis. She's a journalist for a newspaper right outside of DC. Her latest run in was at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Seriously?!?

She was rubbing elbows and sharing personal space with the likes of Jim Cramer (Mad Money, MSNBC), Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Gov. Mark Warner, Bradley Cooper, Megan McCain (yawn), Owen Wilson (who’s a lot skinnier in person), Chace Crawford (who is a lot shorter in person), Keith Olbermann, and even Kyle MacLachlan who plays Orson Hodge on Desperate Housewives.

So, after reading her post on this, I wanted to ask a question-
"Who is the most famous person you've ever met and how did you meet?"

Got an email from Dan Pollard this evening. Sounds like the team is doing great. Here is his update from the team:

"We arrived at the school on Monday with 24 teachers ready for the conference. The construction workers were there working on the fence. We immediately went to work. After a short introduction Dan and Monica worked with the construction crew and Becky, Crystall, and Michelle started the conference. Initially as expected the teachers were a little quiet and reluctant but by the first session after lunch they were participating fully and enjoying the methods they were being taught. The transformation was awesome. By the end of the day we were laughing, singing, and enjoying each other. The fence is moving along well and Dan has already built a cool rapport with the workers. We even had some Mien helping us move bricks. Very cool. The team is doing great. Nobody is sick and except for a little insomnia with one of the team, all is great. A very cool change in the schedule is that we will be eating lunch with the teachers for the rest of the week at the school.

My wife and I love the show, LOST. It's a pretty strange show, but I love how JJ Abrams weaves mystery into everything he does. Well, I have to wait until 2010 to see how the story concludes in the final season.

Until then, I've outfitted my laptop with a super nerdy LOST wallpaper & icons. Those of you who don't watch the show and could care less... you should really drink the Kool Aid. This show is amazing.

Jason *over and out*

The May Team for Vietnam has completed their first day working with the people there. Thanks for the update Dan Nichols (via Facebook). We look forward to hearing more as you guys continue the work there.

Jason *over and out*

Just an update to let everyone know that our Vietnam Team arrived on the ground safely and they are doing great (update via Dan Pollard's Facebook). We're waiting on some more updates and I will keep you posted as they come in.

I'm so excited to be heading to Vietnam in July. I'm a little more than half way to my financial goal for the trip. If you guys can keep praying for that, I'd greatly appreciate it. Much love people!

Jason *over and out*

I love this photo. I was clearing off my computer of some unnecessary junk and found this image I snapped on December 7, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. This photo is a keeper. The guy in the photo is Tom.

Tom is a simple man who loves his family and loves God. My mother-in-law was having trouble getting to down the steps to her van without falling. Tom volunteered to come build a solid ramp for her. I wanted to pay him. He declined, because Tom is a nice guy. I insisted he take it anyway.

I walk that ramp every day, even though I can get up and down the steps fine. It was meant for my mother-in-law Sharon. She died 7 days later. She only used it once. But, the ramp is still there... and, I don't think it was built for her.

I think it was built for her family.

Everyday it reminds me of a man that loves Jesus.
Everyday it reminds our family that life is short and we need to cling to the ones we love.
Everyday it tells me that there are people who want to serve God in the little ways. Not because of recognition, but because they care.
Everyday it reminds our family that life is not about us, but about others.

And, everyday I walk down that ramp to go out into the world and it's a physical reminder. A reminder that God's plan is to use me to build bridges between people and Jesus.

Thanks Tom. God uses you more than you ever probably realized. I pray that we all can find the courage to do the little things in love...

those little things end up being the big things we remember.

Jason *over and out*

Every morning I pray. It's my lifeline to God to receive strength to make it through another day and live fully devoted to Him. Lately, I've had a strong and immense tug at my soul and being to feel a lot like this guy.

I grew up in the area where Forefront started. I heard all kinds of interesting things about how nuts, crazy, and intense the church was. I was serving at another local church, but couldn't stop hearing about the work going on at Forefront. 8+ years later God moved my family and I to be a part of the body here. We loved everyone immediately. The vibe was exactly as the body promoted: Love God, Love People, Turn the World Upside Down.

Two years later, I'm in the hot seat. Making the final decisions, answering people's pressing emails, helping to save marriages, leading a great staff, and looking to the future on how we can reach people who are far from God- because THAT is the goal.

But, when you accept God's call to be a leader, it's not all rainbows and sunny days. You get to see the deep-dark, underbelly of ministry. Everyone has an idea of what things should look like, sound like, feel like, etc. And in our culture (and we all can admit this) it's all about me (or you... or you over there, and so on).

This can cause a leader to be discouraged, want to fly, run, jump, or leap to anything but the call. In the 10+ years of ministry- I've felt it a few times. I can see the signs, look back at the symptoms, and and feel the burden of needing to buckle down, listen to God, and follow His leading.

This morning I woke up and felt that burden. More so than I have in quite awhile. I know I'm not perfect, and since God's church is moved my imperfect people- Forefront isn't perfect. But, that's what I love about God's grace. His loving gift that we don't deserve.

Forefront is meeting people. People far from God. People who are now moving closer to Him in the process. THAT is our goal. Those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus; we were once in the gutter too.

So, it leads me to look inside myself and ask a couple things (maybe you need to ask yourself these things too): "Jason, have you forgotten the gutter I found you in...?" and "Have your ears been adjusted so closely to the voices of those around you- that you forgot to listen to me and my call for your life? Listen close Jason, it's about other people. Unchurched people. It's time to make sure I am the reason you live and I am the one you are telling them about. Nothing more. Nothing less."

Jason *over and out*

James Davis, our student ministry pastor preached at the Beach campus today while I fronted the Chesapeake Band for the "Business Time" opening song. I tried to record a video of it, but it sounds like doodie recording the sound off my laptop microphone. Oh well.

Now off to do a wedding for a couple who are part of Forefront. It's like a tattoo convention at this thing and I love it.

J-del *over and out*

Carrie,

I know becoming parents was a difficult process for us. Having Chloe has been such an amazing thing to happen in our lives. You have done a fantastic job with her and it completely shows that you were born to be a mom. The way you hold her, meet her needs, and teach her... she is going to grow up to be a Jesus-loving, people loving, precious young lady.

And it's all because of you. Happy Mothers Day. I'm honored to be married to such a beautiful wife and mom.

Love, me.

As you can see- there are a couple new ways to keep the conversation moving. Aside from commenting and sharing your thoughts with others to keep community moving... you have two new ways to connect.

Twitter & Stumble Upon. These two sharing methods are very prominent in the www and it's a nice little feature to use when you want to share the discussion with friends. Stay classy people.

Jason *over and out*

I'll be the first to admit, that a broad cross section of the American Church has in many respects gone to the wayside for the sake of trying too hard to be relevant. Hence the photo of a dude wearing a "Jesus is my Boyfriend" sweatshirt. Awkward on a couple of levels, and just plain dumb if you ask me. Who wears this kind of stuff? Ha. Anyways...

But, I came across a site from a friend's twitter feed that made me think on a number of levels. A Little Leaven: A Museum of Idolatry- it's goal is to bring people back to a more Bible based model of preaching and doing church without all the flash and marketing.

I can admire the tenacity and zeal these individuals have. I commend their ideal for being about God's most precious work: seeking and saving those who are far from God by preaching Christ crucified for our sins and turning to Him to find true life.

So that point is where we agree. I also came a way with a few laughs of some pretty ridiculous posts that showed ways people "sell" Jesus through the market place. But, aside from that, I believe we part ways.

As I watch the ministry of Jesus and the early church, I see the use of culture, illustrations and things happening during that culture to relate back to the story of God, Jesus, and His unfailing love for us. Jesus used numerous parables involving farming, fishing, sheep, money, weddings, etc. to bring people into a better understanding of the gospel message.

Paul used the many gods and the alter to the unknown god to point to following Jesus (Acts 17:16-35). Now I know the counter point of this is (Romans 12:2) we are not to be "of this world." But in full disclosure, I believe that means we live lives of holiness, drawing close to Jesus, and reaching out to others who are far from Him and need to hear "His" message (not ours, just pointing to a watered down version of His).

To reach those who are far from God, I believe it means relationships are the #1 way to make this happen. One on one interaction with people is the ability to share God's love, His story, and His story that entered our lives- and in turn enter their lives.

But to meet these people, we need to be out in our community. Spending time with our co-workers, walking across the lawn and meeting our neighbors, going to PTA meetings, getting into community sports, etc. Once we make those relationships, it's then, and only then that God has set up the ground work through us to lay out His message. People trust things from a friend, they don't respond to bullhorns & Bible beat downs.

But once we share it, how do we get them to church? How do we get them to share in community with other people? Well, just as Jesus used cultural parables and ideas to show the people truth and Paul used what they saw everyday to share Jesus- the modern church should follow in their footsteps.

The use of movies, songs, cultural pop-ups such as Twitter/Facebook, engaging faux pas topics such as Sex or Finances, and the list goes on- is very taking the example of Jesus & Paul and allowing it to breathe life into people as a vehicle to uncross people's arms so they are ready to hear the one and only truth that God sent His son Jesus to die because we are all dead in our sins until God shows His grace on us and we accept that gift by turning our lives over to Him.

Slamming all-kinds-of-individuals-in-Christendom for trying to preach, teach, and engage this culture of people who are so far from God seems like it's extremely counter productive. I believe as Christ-followers we are to spend time with the ones who matter- those who are far form Him. If a blog, podcast, radio station, and the likes were aimed at reaching people instead of pointing fingers, I believe God's movement in our country would stop declining and start making some real headway.

To my friends, fellow pastors, and Christ-followers- when we realize that religion is man made and God hates it, ridicule is counter productive, and relevance is important, but should never take the place of true relationships- we'll see God revive a movement that will blow the roof off of Hell. People will be saved. Critics will be silenced. And God will receive all the credit.

From "Rebels" to "Livin' Venti" and all the "Lame Relationships" in between... I know it's a vehicle to preach the truth and I thank you.

I'm just glad they never got a hold of our YouTube page. They'd have a field day. Ha.

J-del *over and out*

I say fellas, because let's face it- sometimes we just forget crap (my wife sounds like a broken record with all the things she has to remind me about), but follow these simple steps and you'll be a great son/husband (at least for a moment).

Step 1: Stop what you're doing.
Step 2: Hop in the car and start driving.
Step 3: Pull up to Target and head directly to the card section.
Step 4: I know you normally go for funny, but don't- instead get a serious card.
Step 5: Go home and fill the card out from the heart.
Step 6: I said "from the heart" and you just took 35 seconds to sign your name, sit back down fool.
Step 7: Put a little certificate in there for a day of daddy duty or if it's your mom, son duty- so they can go relax for a day while you take care of their normal day to day tasks.
Step 8: Pucker up, because you are about to get some love from your sugar momma (or a really wet cheek kiss from your mamma. come prepared with a hanky to wipe that mess).
Step 9: Don't wait until mother's day next time to do this. Your wife & mom will love you for it.

Leading up to this week's "Business Time" series kick-off... I figured it would serve us all well to get a little inspiration, education, and some good ol' fashioned laughs.

If you ever wondered how you planned to tell your kids where babies come from- here's a great solution. Enjoy.

Remember cassettes? They were the best! What was the first cassette tape you ever bought?
Guilty pleasures are included.

James Davis and I were talking about a new series they are doing with Cardia (ms/hs gathering). It's based on songs and this week is the kick off with "You Found Me" by The Fray. We talked a bit about a different take on the song.

Here's a piece of his post, view the entire thing here.

"In the chorus I had always thought it was the singer who was saying 'Lost and insecure, You Found Me...Lying on the floor...' but I think it may actually be God saying that to the singer. It's like he's saying, 'You were lost and insecure, and that' when you found me...you were on lying on the floor, having hit rock bottom - remember that? Then you found me.' "

The song ends up more like a conversation between us and God. When looking at it through that lens, it becomes an interesting take on something that is getting huge play in the media and possibly a good conversation piece with unchurched friends who might take a listen to them... (though I should note, they aren't really my thing, but my wife loves 'em).

J-del *over and out*

I was reading over my usual morning Bible study as I get to the office and came along this passage that I've read probably a hundred times or more- but it was like reading it through fresh, new eyes...


13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Psalm 139:13-15

He's talking about you. You were uniquely made. You are God's craftsmanship. You are different from all the other people who have ever lived and who ever will live. No one else is you- and God meant for it to be that way. Don't hide behind an image of someone else to fit it, be cool, gain status, or to seek false community.

People want to know who YOU really are.

Make a choice. A choice to be you today. A choice to be who God made you without having to please people or put on a show. Pleasing God and being YOU for HIM... now that is a life worth living.

J-del *over and out*

[ht: stephen]

I read this over at Fox News and couldn't believe this was true... but alas my friends, it is. Enjoy.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee man was accused of shooting his lawn mower because it wouldn't start. Keith Walendowski, 56, was charged with felony possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle and misdemeanor disorderly conduct while armed.

According to the criminal complaint, Walendowski said he was angry because his Lawn Boy wouldn't start Wednesday morning. He told police quote, "I can do that, it's my lawn mower and my yard so I can shoot it if I want."

A woman who lives at Walendowski's house reported the incident. She said he was intoxicated. Walendowski could face up to an $11,000 fine and six years and three months in prison if convicted.

Imagine if the lawn boy had somehow messed up his grass... what would've happened to the kid?! Craziness.

I love seeing this picture of my daughter being held by my sis while my mom and dad look on in awe. It reminds me of how great my parents really are. And... it's that time of year again. A Sunday in May where you honor the woman who brought you into this world and thank her for being your mom. Sometimes this is easier said than done. I gave my mom hell as a child. If she's off her rocker now as a mother of three grown kids- I'd have to unfortunately take the blame.

Mom, I know I was a little demon and didn't make it easy, but you are one amazing mom. I know through the worry and phone calls that I many times take for granted is a mom who loves me, my wife and beautiful daughter. You taught me how to make wise choices, you pushed me to give Jesus a shot even when I didn't think it was real or mattered, and you let me know that even through the screw ups- that people can be loved past it all.

I don't tell you enough, but I love you so much and thank you for being there for me. Through the lies, addiction, lashing out, and rebellion. I needed someone when things got tough and you were there. Because of your example I befriended others who loved Jesus, showed me how to live for Him. And now I'm able to share my story with others who need to know Him. People who are far from God and just need to know that Jesus can heal their brokenness like He did mine.

And when I trace it back, it started with... you. A navy mom who many times had to raise three kids while dad served our country. Thanks for not selling us to gypsies or putting us up on the black market. You never gave up.

You're the best.
Love, Me.

You'll want to get there early and snag a good seat. I would share more, but I can't spoil any of the surprises. Make sure to invite a friend this week. They'll love it. Seriously.

Va Beach Campus:
Sunday, May 10th, 10am Ocean Lakes H.S.

Chesapeake Campus:
Sunday, May 17th, 10am Cinema Cafe in Greenbrier Mall

"If we have the power to be tenacious and press closer to God with all of our might; what is the one thing we haven't asked God to do yet that could revolutionize our lives and His church?

And... why haven't we asked Him?

A little over a week ago I had the opportunity to visit Forefront's Chesapeake Campus in our new venue, "Cinema Cafe." All I can say is... Awesome. The team out there is great, the volunteers totally make it happen out there. The environment is so cool and I really felt a buzz out there with the people I talked to.

The thing I loved the most was once I sat down in service and looked around me. I kept hearing about Chesapeake having different people than Va Beach and how it isn't really our target. Well, of the 10 people directly around me, 7 of them were around my age and had tattoos. And- all of them had been coming for less than a month! So amped on how we are reaching people who are far from God in Hampton Roads. Great job Forefront peeps in Chesapeake. You guys rock! Keep loving God, loving people, and turning the world upside down!

Here are some photos I snapped during set-up and as service started: