Posts by Brent Clark (Page 9)
The Only Thing Constant
As we have turned the calendar page into a new and fresh year, we are reminded once again that as much as we like consistency, the only thing constant is change. Kids will graduate from high school and move off to college or graduate from college into the exciting world of adulthood. Jobs will shift and change. Babies will be born. Friends and loved ones will retire and move off, and some will pass away. As much as I like…
Miss a Little, Miss a Lot
Have you ever been given a task to plan or a project to oversee only to have your best-laid plans go horribly awry? I have. Before I was a pastor, I was in bank operations. I remember a time when I spent months researching and preparing to implement a new system for the bank. After doing everything I thought possible to prepare for the change, everything that could possible go wrong, did go wrong. It took almost twelve months to…
Unity in a Nation of Disunity
As I was reading though my journal this morning, reflecting on yesterday’s message calling us to unity, I ran across my entry from November 9, 2016, the day after the election. While the election may be over, the divisiveness and division is not. I share this now because it seems as appropriate today as it did 9 months ago when I originally wrote it. The Day After an Election November 9, 2016 Congratulations, America. You’ve survived another election. But are…
Why Did I Give Up On God?
Everywhere you look today it seems we are met with more and more reports of churches in decline, people walking away from faith, and people giving up on God. Why this is happening? Unless we are willing to ask what I think can be some very real, but very difficult questions, we will never understand. Does God even deserve a second chance?
Community Impact – Kid Cafe
Check out Kid Cafe, one of our events from summer 2016. Feeding kids at a local park was just one of the may way we invested in our community. Hear more about the incredible success of our Kid Cafe at Jaycee Park in West Des Moines.
All In: A Waste of Talent
Introduction Happy Birthday, Ashworth Road! It was in this month 45 years ago, November 1971, that 43 people came together for the very first worship services of a brand new church with a desire to reach this growing community of West Des Moines. As we approach this Thanksgiving season and celebrate our 45th birthday as a church, we have a lot to be thankful for: the baptisms this morning, another year of service and missions to our community and around…
All In: Sacrifice
Introduction We are in a series called “All In — Taking Risks, Trusting God, Kingdom Impact.” Every week we are looking at a different aspect of faith and asking the question, “Am I all in?” The first week, Pastor Amy challenged us to look at our priorities: how we live, how we spend our time and our money. Does what we give prominence to reveal the priority of God in our lives? Last week, Pastor Stephen did an incredible and…
More Thoughts on Doubt
A few weeks ago, we looked at how doubt can sneak up on us as Christians. Often, because we are unprepared, it can throw us for a loop, making us feel like something is wrong with us or that we aren’t good Christians. But as we discussed, often doubt isn’t what derails our faith but is actually what strengthens it. Recently, I ran across a podcast that death with this issue. As I listened, I was encouraged by the speaker…
Resources to Get MentalFit
This week, the Sunday message tackled the very difficult subject of mental health. All too often, the church struggles with knowing the proper response to those who struggle with mental illness. During my research and study for the message, I ran across this book that I thought was well written and gives a great understanding of those who live every day in the darkness of mental illness. A clear defining of the issue and the personal stories certainly give one…
Is It Because There Is No God?
We all have resources we turn to when we need help, advice, or input. Should I take this job? How do I handle this situation with my child? Is it time to move? Can my marriage be better? Should I eat that second (or third) donut? Sometimes we turn to family. Sometimes we look for the latest and greatest book on the subject. Friends are usually always willing to help out. And those casual acquaintances are ALWAYS ready to tell…
Villains of the Bible – Satan – Real Attacks but Real Victory
Sermon Podcast Audio Your browser does not support the audio element. A Real Attack Have you ever watched the National Geographic channel and seen the videos of the gazelles or zebras on the African plain? The camera cuts to the lion who is laying in wait, just ready to pounce on its prey. The lion is patient and waits to see one zebra pull away from the heard and then he makes his move. Then he pounces and absolutely destroys the…