
This morning (5/31) we released for the first time the Hoboken Grace Growth Path. Simply put, this is our plan as a church community to accomplish the mission of helping people find their way back to God. In Ephesians we’re challenged to live our lives with purpose and intention.

_1Cor. 9:24-27 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified._

We’re challenged to not simply run, but to run strategically as we pursue the one who has pursued us. How do we do that? [Click here to see how we as a church are intentionally designing everything that we do to help people not only experience Christ, but mature in the mission and purpose that they have been given](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2015/05/Hoboken-Growth-Path.pdf).


Growth Path

Have you ever sat down to read the Bible and felt intimidated? Have you ever wondered, “Where do I start?” Have you ever felt you had no idea how to understand what you just read? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be like that.  
For the next six weeks we’re going to read through the beginning of Acts together. We’re going to talk about how you can begin to interact with the Bible as it was intended. We’re going to work through how you can begin to understand it in a way you never have before. Join us and begin a journey that will change the way you interact with this incredible, powerful, crazy book!


This Crazy Book

It’s never too late to join us in our [Bible Reading Plan](http://hobokengrace.com/bible/). We are reading through the New Testament in one year, one chapter per day. In Acts 16 we see God and the Holy Spirit defy race, social economics, background, and aptitude. Acts 16 is where we also see the church of Philippi formed, to which Paul will eventually write the book of [Philippians](https://www.bible.com/bible/116/php.1.nlt).

Philippians is one of my favorites because it is filled with encouragement for this church. In most of Paul’s letters, he is trying to get churches back on track. Paul knows the people of this church personally and baptized them all. He is impressed with what they are doing and wants to encourage them to continue on. If you have not read Philippians, I encourage you to do it! It is only 4 chapters and will take you no longer than 10 minutes to read.

Back to Acts 16 where it all starts: there are three very different people that come together to form the first church in Philippi. First is Lydia, a very rich, intelligent, business-wise woman. Next we meet the poor, uneducated, demon-possessed slave girl. Finally, we are introduced to a blue collar, middle class, ex-Roman soldier, who is now working as a jailer. These three individuals have no business even knowing each other, let alone being friends with each other, but they are united because of the gospel.

This is what makes [dinner groups](http://hobokengrace.com/dinner-groups/) so unique. We are groups of 8-10 people who are united by the gospel. They are led and made up of all different types of people: accountants, counselors, teachers, salesmen, architects, mothers, writers, college students, and more. There will always be a temptation in all of us to want to do life with those who are exactly like us, because it seems easier. Do not allow the tension of diversity of your group keep you from going. People do not have to be similar, or older, or smarter, or richer, more experienced or have gone to church longer than you for you to learn and grow with them. In the same way do not allow your imperfections to prevent you from uniting people through the gospel. God can use you. There is no limitation that he can not overcome.


Anyone and Everyone

On Friday, June 5th, we will have our second Teams Night of 2015\. Our first one, in March, was an incredible night of prayer and worship, and just of time spent leaning on God. Over the past several months I’ve had a lot of questions about it, mainly along these lines:

“Can I go to Teams Night?”

“Can I bring my friend to Teams Night?”

“What the heck is Teams Night?!”

I’d like to take this opportunity to diffuse some rumors and incorrect assumptions about this event. Ready? Here we go!

**Lie No. 1.) “Teams Night is only for people who serve on Sunday.”**

I can understand how that could be a pretty easy assumption to make. But it is not true. Teams Night is for everyone and anyone serving in any way in our family. This includes dinner group leaders and coaches, people who serve on teams that don’t meet Sunday like the food donation tables, those who serve with TRUE Mentors, you name it. If you’ve used your time and talents to serve God and others in our community, then this is for YOU.

**Lie No. 2.) “I just joined a team, but I haven’t served yet, so I can’t go to Teams Night.”**

At Teams Night, we are going to spend time talking about things that speak specifically to those serving – this much is true. Does that mean it will be completely over your head if you’re not? Maybe, maybe not. But we want you to know that the songs we sing, the words spoken and the things we do are going to have a drastically more potent impact on you if you’ve been serving. It’s going to hit home a little more, it’s going to be that much more relevant.

So no, you do not HAVE to be on a team and serving, but your experience is going to be more whole and purposeful if you are.

**Lie No. 3.) “I’ve got a friend who is interested in joining our team, but they haven’t yet, so I can’t bring them.”**

I think one of the best things you can do for a friend who is new is to invite them to serve along with you. We say this all the time, and talk about it in Intro To Impact – never serve alone. Part of that process could be bringing them to Teams Night. My hope is that for people who are on the fence about diving into this thing we call “church” and “family,” they would be inspired, motivated and excited about becoming a part of it after attending a Teams Night. In the plainest of terms, we create this time to be rejuvenated by and spend time with our God. But it is also a reminder that we are NOT in this alone – that there are hundreds of people who make this thing happen week to week, that are pouring out their hearts in worship to Him through serving. Teams Night brings that all home. It gives us a chance to come together, stop before God, and take a look at what He’s doing through our service.

**Lie No. 4.) “Teams Night is an excuse for Dana to wear her bright red Vans sneakers and jump around on stage.”**

The only lie in that statement is the fact that they’re green shoes, thank you very much.

PS: If you’re looking for a way to serve or just get involved in being a part of Hoboken Grace and the community, going [here](http://hobokengrace.com/connect/) is a great place to start.


What the Heck is Teams Night?

Our dinner groups at Hoboken Grace are all about building community. A half-dozen groups took that to heart last week by preparing more than 500 meals for local students rehearsing for opening night of _Shrek The Musical_.

For four nights, the dinner groups provided more than 150 plates to the hungry cast and crew of elementary, middle and high school students from the city’s public schools. They set up a full taco bar, assembled scores of sandwiches and baked trays and trays of ziti.

The drama club was so grateful that Hoboken Grace got a special shout-out during the live production at Hoboken High School over the weekend! That’s the magic of dinner groups: we were able to impact hundreds of students and their families across Hoboken and build more relationships within our community.

Want to join a dinner group? Sign up [here](http://hobokengrace.com/dinner-groups/).


Lights, Camera, Action!

Guatemala City Mission Trip


As Director of Missions and Outreach, I have a passion to see people connect. I love it when people learn something new about someone else, find something in common with a complete stranger or even discover something unique in cultural differences.

We have an opportunity coming up to experience all of the above. Our friends at Liberty in North Korea ([LiNK](http://www.libertyinnorthkorea.org)) and [St. Peter’s University](http://www.saintpeters.edu) have approached Hoboken Grace with some special chances to get first hand looks at new cultures and languages and to add new dynamics to your family.

I’m talking about the opportunity to be an American Homestay family. What is that you may ask? It’s simply opening up your heart and home and sharing your daily lives with students who are coming to the United States for the first time.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us two things. One, that we must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. (Luke 10:27 NLT) but then, later on in the same verse He tells us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Hosting an international student is a perfect opportunity to love our neighbors from all over the world and all walks of life. You have the opportunity to help your student learn about your city and community, practice hospitality and generosity, support diversity and cross cultural understanding, and create an international friendship that lasts a lifetime.

By living with an American homestay family, participants will be fully immersed in American culture and get an authentic cultural experience and perspective. They’ll experience first-hand the customs they will have learned about during their preparation and will also be able to speak English with native speakers everyday. Additionally, the homestay family will help participants deal with homesickness and provide a great support system for them during the exciting yet anxiety-filled time abroad.

A couple of years ago, my wife Dana and I got to spend time with Mary, an international student from Korea, who came to live with one of Hoboken Grace’s family members. I’ll never forget the opportunity we had to take her to her first Broadway show. We saw “Phantom of the Opera,” and I wish you could have seen her eyes light up when the nfamous chandelier made its way to the rafters. Mary grew up in North Korea and defected through 2,000 miles of rough terrain. She later told me that her experience while in the United States allowed her to see and learn what loving others was all about – something Jesus talked about too.

If you’re interested in furthering your understanding of what Jesus was talking about in being a good neighbor and opening your home to a student or two, please feel free to email me at anthony@hobokengrace.com and I’ll be more than happy to sit down with you and get you all the details.

It’s not just State Farm that can be a good neighbor, Jesus says we can too.


Like a good neighbor…

Now is your chance! One of the first steps we are called to take when we become a follower of Christ is the step of baptism. It’s an outward expression of our faith and a symbol that we have been made new because of Christ.

If you are interested in taking the step of baptism or have questions, we will be holding baptism meetings this Sunday following each service at 301 Garden St upstairs in The Hall (look for signs at the top of the stairs). The baptisms will then be held on Sunday, May 31st.


Baptism Meetings This Sunday


At Hoboken Grace, we know it’s possible to improve a city in a single day. That’s the goal of Go! Jersey City, a one-day service event hosted by Downtown Community Church.

We’ll be working alongside them to complete projects for New City Kids, St. Anthony’s High School and other local organizations, while also transforming parks across the city.

This is an amazing opportunity to serve and connect with our neighbors and to celebrate everything that God is doing through Downtown Community Church.

So, join us, Saturday, June 20th, at 10 a.m. in Hamilton Park, where we’ll divide into groups and disperse across the city.

You’ll be amazed at the difference one day can make!

Sign up [here](https://www.facebook.com/events/1603697279876747/1609341542645654/).


Go!  Jersey City

We will have six licensed, professional massage therapists on hand this Sunday, May 10th, to give every mother a well-deserved 10 minute chair massage! The spa experience will also extend to offer lemon water and chocolate covered strawberries. Relaxing and decadent!

Mothers will be able to listen to the message while relaxing. So, this is your last chance to invite your mom, sisters, aunts, grandmothers or friends to experience this special Sunday service. Let’s honor and pamper some of the most loving and hardest-working people in our lives.


The Mother of all Sundays


Our connection event line-up is off the charts! If you haven’t visited our [events page](https://www.facebook.com/hobokengrace/events) to plan your month, you need to ASAP.


It’s Ridiculous

Your preschoolers will be happy to know that this month The Happy Helpers Club is back in Grace Kids! And, it’s better than ever. This is one of our FAVORITE themes to do with preschoolers. At a young age, children start saying, “I help,” and it’s our responsibility to teach them how to help. God wants them to help others, to think of others before themselves.

This month we’ll hear how Ruth helped Naomi, how Nehemiah led an entire city to build a wall, how a women built a room for Elisha when he was in need and how Aaron helped Moses by physically holding up his arms during battle.

The children will finish off the month with a Happy Helper Party where they will receive a certificate that they are an official member of the Happy Helper Club. It’s so exciting!!!


May Happy Helpers!

In Clubhouse this month, our Kindergarten through 5th graders will learn that there’s something about the things we say that kind of stack up one way. Then there’s the way we live, or the reality about certain situations that stack up another way. If both stacks line up, you can build something strong on them. When what we say lines up with what we do, people know they can trust us—our words have strength, our lives are built with integrity.

Honesty really is a big deal. That’s why we’re spending the month of May talking about it. Honesty is choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.

When we’re honest, when our words line up with our actions, people know they can trust us. Our relationships grow stronger. God understands the relationship between honesty and trust. This is something God sets into motion in the first place.

Since the beginning, God has been in the business of making and keeping promises.

God told Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation of people—he was.

God told the Israelites that He would provide for them in the desert—He did.

God told Joshua that the wall of Jericho would fall if the people marched around it for seven days—it did.

God told Mary that she would give birth a Son, Jesus—she did.

As we look at these great stories and principles from the Bible, we hope that kids begin to live with honesty and integrity, that what they say will line up with what they do. But this won’t always be easy. That’s why our memory verse for the month can serve as a prayer for our kids when they need God’s strength to tell the truth. Psalm 119:29 says “Keep me from cheating and telling lies. Be kind and teach me your law.” We pray that this month will be a great reminder to all of us to be honest no matter what the situation looks like.

###### _By Dan Scott ©2015 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com \*Used by permission._


Clubhouse Kids in May!


Today as we talk about how we can take off our plans for the future and put on His plan for our future we’re returning again to our experience plan. Here is a link to where you can download the plan and begin using it in your life as well.

[Click here to download!](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzs7qxusf/image/upload/v1/archive/2015/02/Experience-Plan.pdf 'Experience Plan')


Experience Plan


If you’ve been walking through this [Release](http://hobokengrace.com/series/release/) series with us, I’m going to guess that you’re not looking at your relationship with God the same anymore. And what’s crazy and awesome about that, is that you’ve probably begun to experience some changes in yourself. Something changes in you when you truly begin to follow Christ.

You become a little …weird.

Yup, I said it. You’ve been trying to ignore it, but your coworkers are looking at you differently, so is your family – people are noticing. You’re different. And you’re kind of weird.

It’s okay, you’re not the first to experience this. Here’s a small example of how that’s played out for me.

A couple months ago I went on a contemplative retreat with some of our staff up in Connecticut on a lake. We had a period of about 4 hours one day where we were encouraged to go off on our own outside and allow for time and silence to listen to God.

I’m an introverted person, so I should have been excited about some time alone, right?

Apparently not that day. For some reason, I couldn’t sit still. I tried reading my Bible, reading the Bible study they gave us, just sitting and listening – nothing. I could. Not. Sit. STILL. And the interesting part was I felt like God wasn’t saying that it was wrong, he just wasn’t going to give me the answer about it. I was getting the silent treatment – great.

After about an hour of moving around to different sitting spots I finally gave up and decided I was straight up going to climb a tree. Yup. I was so frustrated I started just talking to God out loud as I climbed this big ol’ pine tree. I talked about the difficulty of getting up to the next branch, about the pine cones that were poking me and about how much more I could see at each level I reached. I just was completely honest about what I was experiencing and the frustrations I had. I was totally open to whatever he had to say. If God wasn’t going to talk to me, I was certainly going to talk to Him, even if it was just about this tree.

Pretty soon I started feeling like this tree climb was more than just a distraction. It ended up turning into this beautiful conversation with God about doing scary things, taking risks and not being afraid to fail. God used the tree climb to work through some stuff I was wrestling with.

And that is totally WEIRD. What “normal” adult goes out and talks to an invisible God while climbing a pine tree in the middle of the day?! I’m pretty sure most people would say that is NOT normal.

But I think that’s kind of the point. Once we really let go of whatever is holding us back from a conversation with, and an experience of God, there’s a good chance that what we do, say, or experience is going to be weird in the eyes of the world. In the words of Pastor Craig Groschel, “Normal may not be good when it comes to God.”

God doesn’t call us to be “normal,” he just calls us to follow Him. His word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). Even when it doesn’t even make sense and our own understanding of what He asks fails us, He promises us a better life if we follow Him. That’s bound to result in some life decisions, big or small, that sound completely ridiculous at first. And that’s actually good.

I’ll leave you with a quote from a worship leader who I once found extremely weird (now I think she’s pretty cool). Kim Walker Smith was once leading the song “How He Loves” when she paused to address the crowd.

_“…There are some of you here that have not encountered the love of God. And tonight God wants to encounter you; and wants you to encounter His love, His amazing love. Without it, these are just songs, these are just words, these are just instruments; without the love of God, it’s just like we’re up here making noise. But the love of God changes us, and we’re never the same, we’re never the same after we encounter the love of God.”_

And it’s true. I don’t think I would have climbed that tree if I weren’t so desperate to experience God, or if I weren’t so hungry for His presence. I wasn’t the same because of my relationship with Christ, and it caused me to act a little weird. But I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Our weirdness may be hard to understand, but don’t shove it down. God may need that extra bit of weird to get through to you.


Everyone’s Thinking It, No One’s Saying It

Compassion Sunday 2015 is coming up at Hoboken Grace on Sunday, May 3\. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about the work of an amazing Christ-centered organization called Compassion. Through their child sponsorship program, Compassion enables people just like you to help provide for the physical and spiritual needs of children around the world living in poverty. Compassion provides supplementary school programs, Bible education and church planting, medical resources, and much more to any sponsored child. The letters that are written between the child and sponsor are a blessing and an encouragement to both sides.

I have sponsored Cila, a girl from Indonesia, for the past 5 years, and it has been incredible to hear about how Compassion is investing in her life. She is doing great in school and is able to share what she is being given with her family. Her faith is growing strong, and in her letters she often quotes the Bible and tells me about her favorite worship songs. It is really amazing to hear how Compassion is able to transform an entire village by setting up a center and caring for the children of the community. I can’t think of a better way to have such a large impact.

We hope you will join us on May 3 to hear more about how Compassion is impacting children all over the world and how you can sign up to sponsor a child. If you don’t want to wait, you can sponsor a child at any time by going to compassion.com.

_Written By Rob Williams_


Compassion In Action

As of this writing, I only have a few days left in my twenties. While other decades of my life had more formal education from teacher to student, in my twenties, life itself has taught me a lot. Here is what I would love to share with you:

### 1. You are already perfect.

There is always going to be next step in your life, but because of God’s grace we are already perfect. Grace should give us the freedom to take that next step. God loves you more than you could ever imagine and nothing you have done or will do can ever change that. Jesus has paid the cost; it is finished.

> *God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are RIGHTEOUS. He did this though Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. – Romans 3:24 (NLT)*

### 2. It’s not about you.

Okay, I took this one from Rick Warren’s [The Purpose Driven Life](http://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-Earth-Expanded/dp/031032906X/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?ie=UTF8\&qid=1429198594\&sr=8-1\&keywords=the+purpose+driven+life), but it is true! The sooner you learn this the more you will succeed.

> *If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. – Galatians 6:3 (NLT)*

### 3. Internships/Co-Ops are the most valuable thing you can do while in college.

Doing will always be more valuable than knowing. Everyone who graduates from college walks away with a degree, but if you want to differentiate yourself from the other candidates it will always come down to your experience over what you know. My internships with a consumer product company in Princeton and a reinsurance firm in Chicago while completing my degree opened the door for me to work at my dream job (at the time) at an investment bank. Quality internships will send you light-years ahead of the other candidates when it comes to getting a full-time job.

> *Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! – James 1:22 (MSG)*

### 4. Never stop learning.

You can learn from anyone. Everybody can teach you something because we all have had different life experiences. One of the best questions you can ask someone is, “What are you learning?” I learned this from my friend Steve Gladen. Steve is the Small Groups Pastor of Saddleback, a church with 8,400 groups! He is humble enough to ask me, a leader with 40 groups, what I am learning.

> *I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. -Phillipians 3:12 (NLT)*

### 5. Get out of debt as soon as you can.

In my early twenties, I built up quite a bit of debt. School loans by themselves accounted for $30K of that. Debt will make you a slave. I know people who are in jobs and careers they hate because they have no other choice but to stay because of the debt they have. This past month my wife and I had a major dental emergency and a plumbing mishap. These events would have crippled us when we were in debt and did not have an emergency fund established. Now when life throws us a financial curve ball, we are pretty much able to brush it off.

> The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NLT)

### 6. If it’s not essential, it’s a luxury.

If you want to tackle your debt this is a big lesson you will have to learn. When we first started out, my wife and I moved to a neighboring town with a cheaper cost of living to save $850 a month in rent. We eventually sold our car to save $250 a month. We got rid of cable and saved $50 a month. Even that smartphone you have with the expensive data plan is not a necessity. When you realize that it is just a luxury it is a lot easier to let it go. Also, it will help you appreciate the luxuries you do have.

> *For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 (NLT)*

### 7. It’s better to give than receive.

You typically only hear this around Christmas, but did you know that it was Jesus who originally said this ([Acts 20:35](https://bible.com/116/act.20.35.nlt))? I experience this throughout the year, but one area that I see it most is with baptism. My own baptism was an important milestone, but watching others take the step elevates it to a whole other level. Maybe you have mastered something new. Go share it with someone else! You will find it far more rewarding.

### 8. Facebook debates are worthless.

I have been learning this the hard way. We all have that uncle who posts a really insensitive article or an old friend who posts a status that just makes you angry. It is not worth giving them real estate in your mind. Just hide or unfollow their updates. Your reply to them, however intelligent, is not going to change their mind.

> *Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. -Proverbs 26:4 (NLT)*

### 9. Find a healthy church in your community.

When I first moved to Hoboken, I went on a search to find the perfect church. Let me save you some time. A perfect church does not exist. Why? Because they are all run by humans. If you find one that is not in your existing community then it is worth moving to be a part of their community. You need a place where you can worship together on Sunday and grow with and care for each other during the week.

> *They worshiped together at the Temple (church) each day, met in homes (small groups) for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – Acts 2:46 (NLT)*

### 10. Find authentic community.

Judah Smith once said, “You are the pastor you listen to most, which can be a dangerous thing.” This is why having an authentic community is so important because there are going to be times in your life where you want to say, “I give up”, and you will need people in your life who will say, “we will not!” You need others who have you seen how you have grown and who will be truthful and gracious enough to call you out when you are taking steps backward.

> *Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. – Phillipians 2:4 (NLT)*

### 11. Don’t wait to fix issues you know exist now.

If there is an issue in your life where you think, “Well this will not be an issue when I… have a job/relationship/get married/etc.” That is a lie you are telling yourself. The issue you are facing will only grow bigger the more you avoid dealing with it. If you find yourself trying to stop but keep failing, seek professional help.

> *Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 (NLT)*

### 12. Counseling is a good thing.

I am not sure what it is about going to a professional counselor that makes people think it is a bad thing. Maybe it is because it forces them to acknowledge there is an issue in their life. My wife and I have received so much because of seeing a counselor. Our counselor has helped us through some difficult areas of struggle in our relationship and has given us the tools to greatly improve how we communicate with each other.

> *The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5 (NLT)*

### 13. People can’t help you if you can’t be honest.

When people ask you how you are doing do not hide behind the responses “good” or “busy.” When you are in dinner group and people ask how they can pray for you, be honest with them. You have to be willing to be transparent with your struggles and not just put up a front that you have it all together.

> *Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. -James 5:16 (NLT)*

### 14. Don’t go at it alone.

We are better together. There is nothing in life that you have learned to do 100% on your own. Someone had to come alongside you to teach you how to walk. When you accomplish tasks with others, you have the benefit of sharing in the celebration of success. We foolishly believe we can do it on our own. Most of the time, it is not even possible and if it is, it is not worth earning the credit of doing it by yourself.

> *Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. -Proverbs 18:1 (NLT)*

### 15. Go on a Mission Trip.

I went on two mission trips in my twenties and the opportunity to experience God on those trips was overwhelming. The people you meet and serve with on trips like these will be ingrained on your heart forever. My trip to Uganda taught me everyone has something to give – that poverty is not just restricted to finances. While the people there may not have much, they were spiritually wealthy and able to expose my spiritual poverty.

> *God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs -Matthew 5:3 (NLT)*

### 16. There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.

This is actually a quote from Fred Rogers, but it is so true. Take the time to listen to those around you. There is always a reason people do the things they do. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Caring must start with listening first.

> *Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. -James 1:19 (NLT)*

### 17. If you want to make an impact, consistency and proximity are your best friends.

We all desire to live lives of significance and leave an impact on our communities, but we tend to underestimate the time it takes to make a difference. Continued investment is the most effective way to make an impact. That means more than just giving money – it is going to take time and energy. It is also hard to make a lasting impact when living in a state of constant transition.

> *Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. -1 Corithians 15:58 (NLT)*

### 18. Set your priorities straight and build your schedule from there. (God, Spouse, Work)

I learned this from Pastor Chris. Make a list of the priorities in your life. It should hopefully look like this: God, Spouse, Kids, Friends, Work. Then take a blank schedule and fill it out based on your priorities. When will your time with God be this week? When will your date night be? Then with what is left, fill in your work. What you give priority to ultimately shows what you care about most.

> *Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:33 (ESV)*

### 19. Honor those who came before you.

You think that you are being revolutionary, but more often than not, your contemporary is just the new traditional. Things can always be better. More often than not the reason things could be better are because someone before you put in the hard work to give you the platform to make it better.

> *Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father. -1 Timothy 5:1 (NLT)*

### 20. The best is yet to come.

Do not get me wrong, I love a good #tbt post, but do not live a life where you alway feel like your best days are behind you. Enjoy the now and look forward to the future. Find the people that love and care about you and celebrate with them.

> *Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philipians 3:13-14 (NLT)*



20 Things I’ve Learned in My Twenties

Continue to join us as we explore how to live like it is finished. This past Easter we looked at the beautiful reality that the pressure is off. But knowing it and living it are two totally different things. How do you let go of the pressure you’ve experienced your whole life? Is it really possible to live free of expectations? Join us for week 3 of Release as we explore everything that has kept us from a life of freedom in Christ.


Release

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A Diverse, Growing, Contemporary, Community Church in Hoboken

Everything we do revolves around our mission of helping people find their way back to God. Our goal is to demonstrate who God really is and to let others know that God wants a relationship with each and every one of us.

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