Ethos is Turning 3
Posted by Dave Clayton on 10/03/2011
On October 23rd, Ethos Church will be 3 years old.
It was just a few short years ago, that 12 people gathered in a living room off of Shackleford Drive to pray and dream about a new church family in the heart of downtown Nashville. It wasn’t long before that little living room could no longer hold our church and so we moved — first to a coffee shop, then to a park, and then finally to the Cannery.
As we approach our 3rd Birthday, it is hard to believe all of the things we have seen God do. The group of 12 has now become more than 1500 strong. One little house church has become more than 60 house churches scattered all across our city, and in April of 2011 we planted two churches and a school in India.
We’ve seen God heal people physically and spiritually, marriages reconciled, friends and neighbors baptized, parents and spouses return to Jesus, babies born, life celebrated, and so much more. It has been an incredible 3 years, and I can’t wait to see what the next 3 years will hold.
As we approach our 3rd Birthday there are two main ways that we are going to celebrate Jesus and the last 3 years as we gather:
ONE : BAPTISM SUNDAY
We can’t think of any better way to celebrate our 3rd birthday than by giving you the opportunity to take the next step in your relationship with Jesus publicly through baptism. On October 23rd, you will be able to be baptized at all of our Sunday Worship Gatherings. If you would like to be baptized or would like to find out more about baptism (…more)
TWO : CLEAN WATER
Last year we celebrated our birthday in a big way by giving our birthday away to provide clean water in 4 villages through Charity Water. Last October, on one Sunday, you gave more than $20,000 to celebrate Ethos Church turning 2. This year, we are praying we can give even more. On October 23rd, 100% of our offering will go to dig clean water wells through Charity Water, who just celebrated their 5th birthday by kicking off the campaign featured in the video below.
There are 3 ways we are asking every person in our church to participate in this celebration :
ONE : PRAY
Spend time praying about what God would have you give towards our clean water project. Our goal is that every man, woman, and child in our church will spend the next 3 weeks asking the Lord what he desires for us to GIVE.
TWO : SHARE
Share the story of Clean Water. Tell people about what we are praying God will do through us on October 23rd. Tell everyone you know (i.e. Friends, Co-workers, Parents, etc) and invite them to help us. On October 4th, we will relaunch www.AwakenaMovement.com, a site designed to help you share this part of our mission with people outside of the Ethos family.
THREE : GIVE
Give Generously. Give Sacrificially. Give Joyfully. 100% of the funds given to our Awaken a Movement Fund, and 100% of every donation given on October 23rd will go to provide clean water. You can give online HERE.
What a great 3 years it has been. I can’t wait to celebrate on October 23rd. I love our church, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.
Love you guys,
Dave Clayton
Vision and Teaching | Ethos Church
The Run For Mercy 5K – Join Team Ethos
Posted by Ethos Church on 09/27/2011
The Run for Mercy 5K is a Family Run/Walk to benefit Mercy Ministries in Nashville.
One of Mercy Ministries biggest annual fundraisers is on October 22nd, 2011 in Maryland Farms – the Run for Mercy 5K. We have created a Team Ethos to participate in the race to help support this awesome ministry. The cost is $20 per person, and you will be guaranteed a t-shirt if you register before the end of September.
How to Sign Up
Go to www.runformercy.org/Nashville5K2011 to register, and be sure to join Team Ethos.
Follow the instructions on the website and feel free to contact Brooke Akin at bakin27@gmail.com or 476-3358 (cell) if you have any problems or questions. The race is family-friendly and so much fun. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support an incredible cause!
About Mercy Ministries
Mercy Ministries is a Christian residential program for girls ages 13-28 who are struggling with life controlling issues such as eating disorders, depression, self-harm, alcohol addictions, and unplanned pregnancy. The girls apply on a voluntary basis and live in the home for an average of six months. While living there they receive Biblically-based counseling, life skills training, and transitional services free of charge. Mercy Ministries raises all of their own money and does not take any from the government in order to be able to teach the girls about the healing power and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Sunday Preview (Oct 2nd)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/27/2011
Good afternoon,
It’s been an awesome week in the life of our church family. If you haven’t heard yet, God completely answered our prayers regarding Jenny Stites’ surgery (read here). We are so thankful for that awesome blessing. This week, we will continue our study of what it means to be MORE LIKE JESUS.
Take a moment to Read Mark 10 before we gather this Sunday, and as always, bring a Bible and invite your friends. Love you guys – Dave
OVERVIEW
This week will begin the seventh week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.
WEEK 8 Preview
During our time together, we will be jumping into Mark 10 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our connection to others?
MISSED A WEEK? CATCH UP BELOW >>
WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.
WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father? Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.
WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?
WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.
WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week 5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?
WEEK 6 Recap (Listen)
During week 6, we explored Matthew 5:43-48 as we asked the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in love?
WEEK 7 Recap (Listen)
During our time together, we will be jumping into Matthew 14:1-21 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our priorities?
Baptism Sunday (October 23rd)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/27/2011
BAPTISM
At Ethos Church, we believe baptism is one of the most exciting moments in a person’s journey of faith.
Baptism is a powerful moment in which we publicly identify ourselves with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as we surrender our ways to His way. It is a life changing moment.
BAPTISM AT ETHOS CHURCH
At Ethos Church, we celebrate baptism in a variety of ways.
In the past year, people have been baptized in front of large crowds during our Sunday Worship Gatherings, in small groups after a house church meeting on a Wednesday Night, in rivers and pools — even during lunch breaks in our church office with just a handful of friends to celebrate.
Regardless of the time, the place, or the number of people watching — we love to celebrate as people decide to follow Jesus through baptism.
BAPTISM SUNDAY | Oct 23rd (9:15AM, 10:45AM, 5PM, 7PM)
Over the last several months, many of you have made the decision to follow Jesus for the very first time. What an incredible decision! Some of you know you are ready to make that decision, but for a variety of reasons have yet to jump all the way in.
On Sunday, October 23rd, at all of our worship gatherings, you will have a special opportunity to take the next step in your journey with Jesus through baptism.
We believe baptism is a big step, and not something to just rush into — so that is why we are giving you a heads up about October 23rd. Take some time to think, pray, search the scriptures, and your heart about your relationship with Jesus and what it means to commit your life to Him.
ARE YOU READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If you or someone you know is ready to be baptized :
1) Send an email to baptism@ethoslove.com and include your Name, Age, and tell us a little bit about your faith story.
2) Once you have sent an email, someone from our ministry team will contact you to set up a time to talk, pray, and fill you in on the details for October 23rd.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate send us an email (baptism@ethoslove.com) and someone will get back with you shortly.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ON BAPTISM?
If you would like to explore further what the Bible teaches on Baptism, please download the PDF below for a list of scriptures regarding baptism. Baptism Verses (PDF)
Sunday Preview (Sept 25)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/19/2011
Good morning,
It was such a joy to gather with our church family yesterday. It was an unusual but exciting day. If you weren’t with us yesterday, you can read about what happened HERE.
As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, take a minute to catch up on weeks you’ve missed and read ahead for this Sunday. I truly believe that our time together will be far more fruitful if our hearts are set in a unified direction.
OVERVIEW
This week will begin the seventh week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.
WEEK 7 Preview
During our time together, we will be jumping into Matthew 14:1-21 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became MORE LIKE JESUS in our priorities?
MISSED A WEEK? CATCH UP BELOW >>
WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.
WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father? Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.
WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?
WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.
WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week 5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?
WEEK 6 Recap (Listen)
During week 6, we explored Matthew 5:43-48 as we asked the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in love?
Holy Distractions
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/18/2011
Wow, what a morning. I am writing this to those of you that worshipped with us at the 9:15AM Worship Gathering today. If you did not attend the 9:15AM, this won’t make as much sense, but feel free to keep reading of course.
THE PLAN
The plan for today was to continue in our series “More Like Jesus.” Our passage for today was from Matthew 5:43-48, and the goal was to explore how we go about loving people that are difficult to love … ironically, it never crossed my mind that God would allow for some really challenging moments to happen during our time together.
A FEW MINUTES BEFORE 9:15AM …
A few minutes before the 9:15AM began this morning, my wife Sydney and son Micah, ran into a guy in the parking lot that was yelling obscenities at the top of his lungs. He was not interested in talking, just yelling, many of you encountered him as well. So I went outside looking for him, hoping to have a conversation, but unfortunately, I could not find him. This was an interesting way to start the morning to say the least.
DURING THE 9:15AM …
Not long into our Worship Gathering, I found this guy as he came into the Cannery and began yelling (many of you heard him, even over the music). As I was attempting to teach from Matthew 5, he was making noises, talking and fussing at some of you in the crowd, making some interesting gestures towards me from the back and so on. It was distracting to me, to all of you, and I know some of you even felt scared.
To be completely honest, I was a bit concerned he might harm someone, and it made it next to impossible for me to teach, or spit out a somewhat coherent thought. You guys weren’t alone in your feelings.
BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE
Anyways, amidst the chaos and distractions of the 9:15AM, it was beautiful to watch the way you guys responded. I saw person after person, go over and sit with him, talk with him, encourage him, etc. I was so unbelievably proud to watch the way you guys did exactly what we were talking about. Nobody shunned him, or made him feel like an outsider.
The truth is, none of us deserve the grace of God, and yet it has been given to us so freely by our amazing God. You guys extended that so beautifully this morning to a man who desperately needs the grace of God and God’s church, just like each and every one of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
HOW TO HANDLE THIS IN THE FUTURE
Many of you know this is not the first time something like this has happened. In fact, in our setting, it happens fairly often. It happened today, and chances are it will happen again soon. Our church exists to serve, love, and bless ALL people — no matter where they currently are in their spiritual journey. Several of you grabbed me afterwards, and asked me what is the best way to handle similar situations in the future … the answer is simple, handle it just like you did today.
1) No matter the distraction, love the person and treat them with honor.
2) If they are threatening people physically or intimidating folks, just get up and help walk them into the lobby or some other neutral place where you can talk thru the situation.
3) Don’t hesitate to grab a couple of other folks to help you out.
4) Trust your instincts.
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
After the 9:15AM Worship Gathering, I took a few minutes to just pray about what had just happened. As I was praying, my good friend Brian, a family member at Ethos who currently lives in Seattle, sent me an email.
The email was about a dream he had this morning. The dream was so vivid that when he woke up (6:30am his time which is 9:30am our time), he got out of bed and sent me an email describing the dream. I got the email just before we started the 10:45AM Worship Gathering. It felt like a word from the Lord for sure.
I will paraphrase the dream here, but you can go on to the podcast this week to listen to the dream in detail (I’ll read it out loud at the rest of our services today). Brian said he had a dream, that someone wandered into Ethos and created quite a stir during the service. In fact, in his dream, this person was making a lot of people feel scared and uncomfortable. But despite their feelings, people from the church kept standing up and encouraging this person who was causing the commotion. (I thought this was beautiful because this is exactly what happened).
Towards the end of Brian’s email, he ended it like this …
“In the dream you (Dave) were frustrated that weren’t able to finish the sermon you had worked so hard on because of this person’s disruption. You seemed to miss the beauty of what had actually happened. I don’t know if any of this dream rings true at all for what has happened at Ethos today, but I want to encourage you to leave room for the Holy Spirit’s work in all of your plans so that you can receive well the unexpected ways God is breaking into our world. Love you dude -Brian”
CONCLUSION
I was so blown away after reading Brian’s email. It was a powerful reminder that Jesus’ life and ministry was constantly bombarded with people and situations that were uncomfortable. As we follow Jesus, the same will be true of us. I pray our church is the type of church that is constantly bombarded with Holy Distractions. Distractions that shake us out of our comfort zones and remind us of the work of God and the messiness of life. May we never be too comfortable, or feel to safe in our own skin.
I am so grateful to God for the chaos that happened in the midst of the 9:15AM and the way our people responded.
This is our mission.
Our God is great. To him be all the glory.
Love you guys,
Dave Clayton
Care Team: Meals for the Gradys
Posted by Care Team on 09/17/2011
We are so excited to be celebrating the arrival of yet another Ethos baby. Mallory and Andrew Grady welcomed their daughter, Loralei, on Thursday, September 15th.
As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support both Mallory and Andrew as they begin this journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for this beautiful baby girl and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the family as they spend time enjoying life with new arrival.
A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups once again. To access the Gradys’ personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/86787. Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 86787, SECURITY CODE:5291. Click on a date to select it. Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.
Thank you so much for loving on so many beautiful families this summer! It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.
Contact Information: If you need anything or have any questions or difficulties, please contact Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com
Recap & This Sunday
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/13/2011
Good afternoon,
I hope you’ve had an awesome week. As we prepare our hearts for our time together this Sunday, take a few minutes to review where we have been, and prepare for where we are going. I really believe God will do something great among us if we will come ready to encounter God and bless people.
OVERVIEW
This week will begin the sixth week of our series “More Like Jesus.” The feedback has been great as we’ve really been digging into the implications of what would happen if we actually became More Like Jesus. For an overview on this series go here.
WEEK 1 RECAP (Listen)
During our first week we started by laying a really important foundation as we discussed the reality that before we could become More Like Jesus we must realize that all of us are DIFFERENT THAN and IN NEED OF Jesus. Our text for Week 1 was Matthew 9:9-13.
WEEK 2 RECAP (Listen)
During our second week we explored one big question, what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we TRUSTED God the Father? Our text for Week 2 was Matthew 6:19-34.
WEEK 3 RECAP (Listen)
During week 3 we explored one big question from John 5, as we asked what would change if we became more like Jesus in the way we VIEW and PURSUE community with God and others?
WEEK 4 Recap (Listen)
During week 4 with wrestled with Luke Chapter 10, as we ask what would change if we became more like Jesus in regards to His Mission, our joy, and our identity.
WEEK 5 Recap (Listen)
During week 5 we will be dove into Luke 15 as we asked what would happen if we became more like Jesus in our view and pursuit of the lost?
WEEK 6 Preview
This Sunday, we will be exploring Matthew 5:43-48 as we ask the question, what would happen if we became more like Jesus in regards to perfect love?
BEFORE WE GATHER THIS SUNDAY
Here are a few practical things I’m asking everyone in our church to do before we gather this Sunday.
1) Pray about who you will invite and then invite them.
2) Read Matthew 5:43-48 at least one time before we gather, and ask God to open your heart to his word.
3) Come ready to bless someone’s life on Sunday. (i.e. look for someone new, take someone to lunch, be a listening ear, etc).
I absolutely love being a part of what God is doing here at Ethos Church. I love you you guys and can’t wait to worship our great God on Sunday.
Dave Clayton
Leader | Vision and Teaching
New Music
Posted by Will Shinnick on 09/01/2011
I thought I would take a moment and update you on some albums that I have been listening to over the past few months. I always strive to find new songs that are spirit filled and strong lyrically. I have listed some of the key tracks on each album and have put in BOLD the songs that we have led at Ethos. I hope this is beneficial for you.
-Will
AARON KEYS – DWELL
O My Soul, I Am Not the Same, Sovereign Over Us, Song of Moses, Dwell, In the Name of God, Only Just Begun, Sinless Savior, Raised Me Up
BETHEL LIVE – BE LIFTED HIGH
You Are Good, One Thing Remains, Furious, God I Look to You, I Will Exalt, What Would I Have Done, Love Came Down, God of the Redeemed, One Thirst
BETHEL LIVE – HERE IS LOVE
My Soul Sings, I’ve Found a Love, King of Wonders, I Love Your Presence, I Need You More, Worthy is the Lamb, Here is Love
BRIAN JOHNSON – LOVE CAME DOWN
Love Came Down, Here is Love, Oh Lord You’re Beautiful, Worthy is the Lamb, What Would I Have Done
GUNGOR – BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Beautiful Things, Cannot Keep You, The Earth is Yours, We Will Run
HILLSONG LIVE – GOD IS ABLE
Rise, With Us, The Lost are Found, God is Able, My Heart is Overwhelmed
HILLSONG UNITED – AFTERMATH
Take Heart, Go, Rhythms of Grace, Aftermath, Bones, Father, Search My Heart, Awakening
MATT REDMAN – 10,000 REASONS
We are the Free, Here for You, Holy, 10,000 Reasons, Fires, Never Once, We Could Change the World, Magnificent, O This God, Endless Hallelujah
TIM HUGHES – LOVE SHINE THROUGH
Counting on Your Name, At Your Name (Forever), At Your Name
Care Team: Meals for the Boyds
Posted by Care Team on 08/15/2011
We are so excited to be celebrating the arrival of yet another baby into our Ethos family. Ryan and Chelsea Boyd welcomed their second son, Koi, on Wednesday, August 10th.
As a family at Ethos, it is our Christian calling to love, encourage, and support both Chelsea and Ryan as they continue this journey of parenthood. I am asking you to pour out your hearts in prayers of thanksgiving for this beautiful baby boy and prayers of petition for wisdom and strength for the sometimes trying adventure of being parents. You can also help out by providing meals for the family as they spend time enjoying life with their two sweet boys.
A care calendar has been set up to allow convenient online signups once again. To access Chelsea and Ryan’s personal CareCalendar site, visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/82055. Enter the following information in the appropriate spaces: CALENDAR ID: 82055, SECURITY CODE: 2464. Click on a date to select it. Enter your information into the appropriate blanks and you will secure the date.
Thank you so much for loving on these beautiful families! It is truly God’s calling for His church and I am so proud to be apart of a church who lives out His love.
Contact Information: If you need anything or have any questions or difficulties, just contact me.
Courtney Steele: 615-417-3697 , courtneycsteele@gmail.com
