Dependable

Psalms 46:1 states,"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." What a great statement to describe God--what that is saying is that God is dependable, whenever we need him he's there. A good definition for someone dependable is trustworthy, reliable,and consistent. The character quality of dependability is almost lost in the 21st century but is a necessary quality to fulfill the destiny of the local church. I want you to think about the people that you can "depend" on anytime. I bet you could count them on one hand.
This reminds me of the faithful people of Life Church. I want to thank all the dependable people that has made Life Church a reality. Not only those who have made Life Church their home, but the "behind the scenes" team that shows up and does the grunt work on a consistent basis. Those who are there on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. doing the grunt work, rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty for God. Those who have the amazing ability to transform a movie theatre into a great church. To the men and women of the setup team which include: Bryan and Nikki Butts, Tonia Hornsby, Kimberly Pitre, Matt Crews, Steve Braddock, Bryan Gennusa, Taylor, Laney, Kaley, and Nic Butts, Brian, Jennifer and Joshua Jones, Richie Jones, Paul and Breanna Sweet, Tyler, Stace Shook, thanks for being dependable people.

Here are some character qualities of dependable people:

1. Consistent-Always available whenever needed.

2. Faithful-Continue to do the right things no matter what. People who continually show a "pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7)

3. Enduring-Go through storms and trying circumstances with grace, dignity, and strength.

4. Stable-Not easily shaken. Emotionally balanced.

5. Willing-Ready to get-r-done at a moments notice.

6. Responsible-Take personal responsibility for the church and ownership of the vision.

7. Able to think soundly--Make right choices.

I believe the team that I spoke of in the beginning exemplifies this by what they do in Life Church and how they do it. Thanks also to all the people who have chosen Life Church to be their home. Way to go Team!

I love being your pastor.

Pastor Franko

A Visit with A Vision

I just returned from The Life Church of Memphis to see a church reaching a multi-cultural mix of people. The pastor of The Life is John Siebeling who started the church ten years ago with a handful of people from the Baton Rouge,Louisiana area.
It was great to be allowed to be a part of their Wednesday night service and hear John teach on Spirit-Led people, I was so inspired by the teaching that I am beginning a series next week on "A Spirit Thing: Being led by the Spirit".
This visit really excited me about the possibilities of a true multi-culutural church in the south. John and his team are "getting-r-done" in the "new south" with a congregation mix of about 45% African American, 50% Caucasian, and 5% Hispanic.
The similarities between Memphis and Jackson are astounding except that Memphis is about three times larger but with the same type cultural mix.
This visit gave me a great vision for Life Church and being effective in reaching all cultures and crossing cultural and religious lines established by man. I believe John is a pioneer and great example to other churches in the south with like hearts to win all men.
I was totally impressed with the excellence of The Life Church of Memphis and the "spirit of celebration" and love found throughout the church.Thanks John and Leslie (his wife) for the hospitality and the graciousness of the church for allowing me to be a part. I look forward to a continued friendship in the future. Let's win Memphis and Jackson for Jesus.

Your Friend

Franko Hornsby

Crossing The Great Divide

In the book of Revelation chapter 7 vss. 9&10 I read of a snapshot of what heaven will be like. A multi-cultural mix of people all with the one purpose of worshipping Jesus. Here is the eclectic mix of what the Bible reads in verse nine--"After I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." As I read this passage in the Bible I can't help but wonder where is there a mini-representation of that on the earth? Especially in the southern part of the U.S. I know there are some great examples but I truly believe there should be more. The 21st century has made some great inroads into racial reconciliation but has not even come close to conquering it. I believe the true litmus test of a local church and its effectiveness is its ability to cross racial and cultural lines "the great divide" in order to truly have a global church. My heart is to see the "mini-representation" of the snapshot of Revelation seven in Life Church of Jackson. While others are moving away from this Ifeel compelled to move toward it. I am currently looking for an area closer to Jackson proper to better serve the city and reach into a more diverse area. To have a church that welcomes all races and people for the express purpose of worshipping Jesus together. Please pray for us as a church as we move toward fulfilling our destiny in becoming a true expression of what God has called us to be . Franko "Life to the Fullest"!

BoilaPalooza

As I reflect on this past Sunday I can't help but smile. It was a tiring, strength sapping experience but the best win yet for Life Church Jackson this year. We had our third teaching on our series "Reset: Starting Over in Life" and it was a powerful time. Two people gave their hearts to Jesus and several others rededicated their lives.
What is "BoilaPalooza"?, you ask. It our first annual baptism\crawfish boil\family day of Life Church Jackson. We had 4 people baptized in the resevoir and we ate crawfish until our eyes bulged. We were blessed to have Troy Mayeux and George Villa(two very good friends) come all they way from south Louisiana to cook up 300 lbs of Louisiana crawfish and all the fixins for the great people of Life Church. Courtney melton provided supplies for face painting and went picasso on the kids faces. The kids also had fun bouncing all day on the blow up slide provided by "Moonwalk". It was a great time for our people to connect and enjoy the great cuisine and fellowship with one another while gorging on crawfish, throwing the football, and hanging out under the trees. These times are very important for us considering how we have to be out of the movie theatre so quickly. Congratulations Ellis Solomon, Steve Braddock, Chasity Goolsby, and Joshua Jones on their public demonstation of the private faith with Jesus Christ--I am so proud of you guys, it was a great privelege to be the "dunker" . I also would like to thank everyone who worked so hard Sunday to make BoilaPalooza a smashing success. Way to go Team! I love being your pastor.

Oh yeah, Congratulations to Richie Jones for his promotion to store manager at Mississippi Music. You da man!

Pastor Franko