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BOLD. AUDACIOUS. FRUIT

5 Jan , 2017

So 2017 is here and I am praying for the biggest and most God-filled season of ministry I have ever had to happen. 2016 year started off a little rough, due to some unforeseen incidents, but progressively got better since March. I did the most traveling and speaking I have ever done in one year from April to November. I’ve spoken at some school assemblies, some conferences, preached 10x @ a week-long Summer camp in MI, traveled/preached in Austin, TX and Kansas City, MO amongst other things.

“Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing. Believe in yourself. And believe that there is a loving Source – a Sower of Dreams – just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach

I am praying and asking God for these things this year — and know God will exceed these goals. I have really been praying the Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicle 4:9-10) over my life and 3 main goals for my ministry, Awaken This Heart. This year the goal is to:

travel and speak/minister outside the US
See at least 100 salvations and baptisms
Strategic Partner with more ministries and pastors (coaching/consulting and speaking opportunities)

To prepare for this, I will be doing a fast, starting next week. I am asking all my friends, supporters and partners to join me in prayer daily for me and the ministry. Some key things to pray for:

the 3 goals mentioned above
awakening/revival to break out wherever I go. (believing for a movement of God to break out in this generation. A Joel 2 revival movement and outpouring)
financial blessing (it takes financial means to travel and minister)
Ephesians 3:16-21 to happen in my life and in the lives of those participating in prayer and/or the fast.

“When you seek God with fasting added with prayer, you cannot see his face in vain…” – John Wesley

Leadership, That'll Preach Sayings

The Pain That Change

17 Nov , 2016

Over the last 12 years in ministry, I have faced the dreaded pain of life. The Pain of death, failure, betrayal, and lack. This pain cuts deep but was a part of the process, that God has me on. Pain is a part of ministry and leadership. It’s a reality that must work its course. If you are drawing breath right now, you will go through some kind of pain.

It’s not easy to deal with but it is needed for the journey God wants to take us on. It teaches us wisdom, resiliency, faith, hope and to have tough skin. The necessity of pain is shaped by our experiences in life. Pain doesn’t just show up for no reason; it’s a sure sign that something needs to change.

We have all heard of the old saying that “what doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger,” or “pain is gain” — both are true and Biblical. A.W. Tozer says it this way about pain and trials of life:

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”

There was a man in the Bible who was all too familiar with pain, anguish, and the tears of life. This man found himself in a garden alone, after living a holy and blameless life, betrayed by a friend and tired. He spent that time in the garden crying and feeling the proverbial weight on his shoulders as he will soon carry the sins of mankind upon his back. Knowing fully well that his father for a brief moment would turn his back on him. He knew his impending death for a crime he did not commit was drawing near. This man, of course, is Jesus and this reality surrounds his death by crucifixion. But it lends us a first-hand experience into how to deal with pain.

Pain will either propel you to your destiny or cripple you in being stagnant… the choice in how you respond is solely yours. Jesus could have decided that he wasn’t going to endure the cross (pain). He could have allowed his flesh and human nature to take over his deity. We know with any doubt that if this choice was made, he would have never reached his full earthly potential and destiny (earthly – to atone for sin as the perfect sacrifice, making us sons & daughters of God, the Father).

Practical Ways to Deal With Pain

Identify what or who caused the Pain – was it a boss, parent, friend, an ex, health issues, a death, an accident, yourself?
Seek to understand how you can grow from the Pain – will I grow as a leader, employee, spouse, OR has this happened so I can chase my dreams or fulfill my purpose?
Honor the Pain (probably the hardest part) – can you see the good in the Pain and/or even thank the person or thing that cause the pain? This is for you, and not the other person.
MOVE FORWARD – simply embrace the change and growth from the pain! Pray and rejoice in who God is shaping you to become.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 | That’s why we are not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day. This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting weight of glory, far beyond any comparison, because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.

1 Peter 4:12-13 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

2 Corinthians 7:8-11 | For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point, you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

Awaken This Heart, Jesus, Pain, Pain That Change, Pastor Corey Gibson

Leadership, Mind Dumps, Reflections & Introspection, That'll Preach Sayings

Worth It All

26 Oct , 2016

Two hundred and fifty… that’s 2-5-0. 250 rejection emails. About 5 years ago, I wrote a blog/journal entry about Rejection being my biggest weakness/struggle and learning how to deal with it. Over these 5 years, I have received 250+ emails (sitting in a folder marked “I’m Weak, That’s Okay“) of rejection, with 50 coming since March when I resigned my position in Kalamazoo, MI. That is just emails and not including phone calls, unanswered/unresponded applications or snail mail. I think for me, what’s hard to come to terms with is that while I know it’s not personal, just business & “ministry” — I still take it personally and feel the weight of it all. And while encouragement from friends & family is needed and good, at times it’s not what I want at the moment. For me personally, I am looking for someone to simply respond beyond church rhetoric & Christianese.

If I hear another person say, “well it wasn’t meant to be, God has a better plan!” I am going to go crazy. Duh!!! I am fully aware that God is in control AND I know what the Bible says. Where has the Church gone wrong with all this Christian “pharisaical” babble. Whatever happened to weeping with those who weep and laughing with those who laugh. Our job is to encourage, and not to say stupid things that really doesn’t help people’s situation!!! We cannot lose our compassion in an effort to handout Bible verses. We have to be better listeners and show grace & love in how we respond. Without grace & love, these Bible verses are merely words on paper, filled with confused noise.

I have come to grips that man’s rejection only means that God has something bigger, better and beneficial for me! I have been in a season (for awhile) where God has been teaching, renewing and redefining who He is as a Father and what true faith is. Not this simple level of faith that we hear talked about but a deeper & stronger level of faith, that is actually lived out.

Back at the beginning of March, I remember sitting at conference table with 4 of my friends (pastors, lead staff @ the church in Michigan) letting them know of my church resignation (due to things on their end) and feeling the sting, weight, and emptiness of leaving people I love. In those moments, I was very emotional and had a lot of questions, doubts of calling, loneliness and uncertainty. That moment then has turned into this moment now 6 months later! Same questions, same thoughts, and same emotions. These were people who I had left my family/friends back in Atlanta, went broke to relocate, and became a part of their life. Their family/friends became mines, I engaged in their culture and trusted wholeheartedly. And at that table, that day in March, all I could think about were these questions to God: “What was the purpose?“, “Are we they YET?”, and “What & where is the Good being worked out?” // Through no fault of my own, I felt the full weight of rejection even though I wasn’t rejected. An all too familiar pain that is deep. And now once again, I’m feeling the weight of it all and simply just tired. Tired of the ups & downs, tired of the struggle, tired of the no’s, tired of the pain… just tired!

This isn’t a journal to get you and even myself into all the feels.. just me expressing what’s in my heart and getting it off of my chest. In this, I feel like Joseph. A man who had a vision from the Lord but was rejected by his family. He too gets pull out of the pit and placed in prosperity only to have that taken from him. Due to no fault of his own, he ends up in jail. In jail, after being rejected by people he helped, he has another vision interpreting the King’s dream. From there, he is propelled out of the jail to the #2 person in charge of an entire kingdom/country and saves the same family who rejected him. The main verse I got out of this reality of Joseph was simply this:

As for you, you meant evil against me, BUT GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. – Genesis 50:20

I am eagerly awaiting God’s promotion and trajectory into His glorious splendor he has for me. Until then, I wait patiently with joyful courage, working on my character, learning life’s lessons, continuing in love & grace and speaking of Jesus. Psalm 105:19 says this, “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested ~~Joseph’s~~ _______ character.” Beloved, you and I are the blank. Whatever you are going through… trust that he is working out the details. If he promised it to you, know that his heart equals his hand.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. -Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬

And so, I said all this to say… I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S NEXT. I don’t know if ministry vocationally is where God wants me. My trust is in that what & where ever the Lord leads, it will be WORTH IT ALL. Every pit, every jail/prison experience, and every situation are worth it all in the grand scheme of things that the Lord has for me. For he who promised is faithful!

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Guest Speaking, Leadership

Speaking Engagement: Vertical Chapel – Buda, TX

18 Aug , 2016

Super pumped and stoked to be in Buda, Texas (Austin metro) all next week hanging with the team at Vertical Chapel. I’ll be speaking Aug 28th at their students ministry’s Back-2-School Event and the 1st ever MOTION NIGHT. This is a huge deal as they enter into a new season of ministry and service unto the Lord and for their community. Cannot wait to bring a great message and build relationships. From what I know, this church and it’s student ministry are contending for revival and holy movement of Jesus to be established in the church and in their community. I just love Pastors Shawn Cooper & Jason Eaton hearts and vision.. so there is nothing like being around people who are hungry for God and impacting their community/city.

For more on this church, please go here: Vertical Chapel. And more information on the is event, please go here: MOTION NIGHT

Austin Tx, Back-To-School, COREY GIBSON, featured, God, Jesus, ministry, Motion Night, Pastor Corey Gibson, Speaking Engagement, Vertical Chapel

Leadership, Reflections & Introspection, That'll Preach Sayings, Worship & Prayer

Unless The Lord…

6 May , 2016

This was originally posted by Pastor Corey on February 18, 2012….

¹Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. ² In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for He grants sleep to those He loves. Psalm 127:1-2

For the past few months, I have been sensing the Lord stir something in the atmosphere. Awhile back, I was speaking 3x (November/December) on Psalms 127:1-2 and how God has an urgent need to build his Kingdom. And about 3 months before that I had a dream about that same scripture (Ps. 127) that literally woke me up concerning what the Lord was doing. Without going into too many details in the dream (on the blog), I was speaking at a large youth/young adults conference for a dear friend of mine, with some other young prominent preachers/worship leaders. And I vividly remember a complete shifting in the conference arena, as I stepped on stage after worship. After paying honor to the conference host (my friend) and joking alittle while, I immediately stated that the Lord, sent me on “assignment” to bring an offense to the conference attenders, specifically the Leaders who were there. And how they have been vying for position and status in the eyes of the world and Christendom. That a lot of the people (leaders) were there to hear more from & “rub elbows” with the prominent leaders, then from what God directly wanted to say to them. After this, I went into the context of my message which was on Psalms 127:1-2 and how we are building houses, God never required or asked us to build. Afterwards, I gave an 2-fold altar call and invitation; 1- for leaders to repent for vying for favorites and 2- for everyone else to surrender!

Fast forward to mid-December – I was sitting in an young adults life group with some of the awesomeness people alive, and I got this huge sense of heat all over me. We were discussing some changes in the ministry and where/what we see God doing. My turn comes around and I didn’t say anything… as if I couldn’t speak. Everyone else finished and as we were closing out for the night, I finally felt led to speak. I recall saying that the Lord is about to do some amazing things in our midst and that we as a ministry was about to apart of a revival in our city. Briefly shared with them on Habakkuk 3:2 and that the prayer of our hearts have to shift to seeing God revive things in our day now. That the past revivals, awakenings and movements weren’t good enough for now, we DESPERATELY NEED our own.

Now that brings me to a couple weeks ago – feeling & sensing those same stirrings in the atmosphere. Stirrings of a season of intense prayer and seeking Jesus for the revival & movement that’s about to take place in my life/ministry and in this generation, that only He can do. I find myself at the mercies of Psalms 127:1-2 once again, rendered over the fact that unless Jesus is the foundation & architect of His house we are wasting our time. A blunt but deep & serious call to ALL believers from the Lord… Here’s my rest, let me build. More and more as I read, understand & study my heart is overwhelmed and burden for the church to allow God to speak directly to us and stop “doing” church. Would love your prayers and encouragements during this time of consecration as I pray & seek a greater desire for more of the Lord… as he builds His house and watches His city! I am looking forward to this time of fasting and seeking the Lord! Even as I prep for my message next week, I’m joyful to rest in the Lord’s presence!

Man is building his house in which he wants God to furnish for man’s sake. All the while God is trying to build His House and furnish it for our sake. HIS (Jesus) work can NEVER become OUR work until we surrender to Him & wait at His feet. Then are we able to become co-laborers w/ Christ…

church, COREY GIBSON, featured, God, Jesus, Jesus Focused, ministry, Pastor Corey Gibson, Psalm 127, Psalm 127:1-2, Rest, The Church, Unless the Lord

Guest Post, Leadership, Reflections & Introspection, Student Ministry, That'll Preach Sayings, Worship & Prayer

Guest Post: THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

4 May , 2016

This was originally written and posted by Pastor Micah Berteau here…

Healthy is not a sexy word in youth ministry. If we are ever asked about the status of our youth group we would love to use words like “growing,” “powerful,” “massive,” “explosive,” “game-changing” and then end that sentence with a humble brag like: “but praise God because He’s the one sending the masses of kids to hear me preach!” Don’t flatter yourself. Humility is the breeding ground of revival. Is that one of those one-liners with no truth behind it? False. Think about it. The Bible clearly states how the humble will be exalted. God is moving in places where he gets all of the glory. God is into promoting purity over pride. Which makes it clear that Humility is a strong indication of spiritual health

The word “health” is most likely not our favorite word to describe our impact on culture. The reality is, we get caught up with size instead of health. We must redefine the metric in which we measure a thriving youth group, or any ministry at that. Numbers without health will not sustain. On the other side, healthy ministries cannot and will not stay without growth. Health does not mean taking a picture at that one angle for social networks that make your youth group look like 2,659 students. Health is being huge in spirit before you are ever huge in number. It is the foundation of prayer that starts with the youth pastor. It is reading the Bible for more than just sermons. It is keeping Jesus as the main focus of our entire operation.

What is one of the most effective ways to build a healthy youth ministry? Copy everything you see on Instagram from other churches. Joking. It’s DICIPLESHIP. Discipleship is showing this young generation the reality of Jesus in their every day lives. Discipleship is replicating who you are. Discipleship is dirty. Discipleship is time consuming. Discipleship is the ultimate Jesus model.

Jesus took 12 nobodies and turned them into some of the baddest people to ever walk on earth. Talk about #SquadGoals. How did Jesus do that? Matthew 4:19 (NLT) states, “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” In this verse we learn the Jesus model of discipleship in three steps.

COME. Allow the students to come as they are, not as you would like them to be. The greatest leaders aren’t born they’re formed.
FOLLOW ME. Students need a man/woman of God to follow as they are on their journey with Christ. Someone to text, call, or message at any time of the day for prayer and guidance.
I WILL SHOW YOU HOW. Our young people no longer need to hear about how they should live, but SEE someone living it out in front of them. Discipleship is more illustrative than it is verbal. Show them how to read the bible. Show them how to worship. Show them how to pray. Leadership is more caught than taught and these young people need to see what a righteous walk looks like.

Understand that everyone you disciple may not make it. Even Jesus had a runaway: Judas. However, do not lose heart because though you may not see the temporary impact, discipleship produces eternal impact.

Micah Berteau has grown up in the house of God. Micah, along with his wife Lindsey, are the youth Pastors of Heart&Soul and Stadium Youth & Young Adult Ministries at The House in Modesto, California. Micah influences hundreds of young people on a weekly basis. He has led events with over 2,000 people in attendance and has had the privilege to see thousands of people saved. Micah is a dynamic, powerful, and enthusiastic speaker. He carries an anointing to speak not only to the youth, but to all generations. His passion and love for God is refreshing and contagious. Micah has a heart for evangelism and a desire to see the youth and young adults of this generation intimately know Jesus and boldly make him known.

Discipleship, featured, Healthy Ministry, Heart & Soul, Jesus, Jesus Focused, Micah Berteau, Pastor Micah, Pastor Micah Berteau, Stadium Youth Ministry, student ministry, This Changes Everything, Youth Ministry

Leadership, Randomness, Reflections & Introspection

Some Favorite Preachers

25 Apr , 2016

I am always asked who are some of my favorite preachers… so I wanted to list some of my favorite preachers right now. This list are preachers outside of my circle of influence. *No particular order…

Favorite Preachers

Judah Smith
Chad Veach
Francis Chan
Jentezen Franklin
Matt Chandler
Priscilla Shirer
Robert Madu
Perry Noble
Carl Lentz
Rich Wilkerson Jr.
Robert Morris
Craig Groeschel
David Wilkerson (deceased, but his stuff is heart piercing and soul searing)
Louie Giglio
John Gray
Dustin Woodard
Brian Houston
Bill Hybels
John Piper

church, ministry, Pastors, Preachers

Leadership, Randomness

New Site Launched…

19 Apr , 2016

Welcome to the new website for all things Corey Gibson. Here you will find my latest happenings including journals (blogs), speaking request form, current pastors & worship leaders I follow, latest books on my bookshelf or that I am reading and more.

Here I will be doing live Facebook or Periscope Video Journals and more. I am also working on my first book about leadership, ministry and life. Lastly, you can check out my social media and messages I’ve preached.

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Leadership, Mind Dumps, Randomness, Reflections & Introspection

After Spring Break Mind Dump

6 Apr , 2016

PERSONAL LIFE

Have spent most of the last year focused on me and Jesus.. The Lord has been redefining some key things in my life such as Hope, Faith, Surrender and Joy. Cannot express in the right words how important this season has been to my life and ministry. Times just listening to podcasts, studying scripture and times of prayer/worship.
For me community is everything… it keeps me out of my head (thinking negatively) and keeps me focus on what matters most – God & His people. “Community is only built when you intentional invest in others and have a give/take mentality.”
Was grateful to be apart of my cousin’s wedding. Also for the time to travel and spend time in TN & GA with family and Friends

MINISTRY LIFE

Have some speaking engagements in April and May. Right now, I am accepting more speaking engagements, so if you or anyone you know are in need of a speaker for this Summer or Fall let me know.
I’ve had some solid interviews with some great larger churches. More interviews are being scheduled with other churches. Also working with recruiting agencies to help streamline this process and find a good fit for me. Hopefully, prayerfully, and Lord willingly I will have a new church family/home by the end of May. The waiting is such the hardest part of the search process.
You can join me in praying for God’s best during this process. I have some pretty cool friends and family members who are super supportive and making sure to reach out to me during this time.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

Church Leadership, featured, leadership, mind dump, ministry, Speaking Request, Spring Break, Youth Ministry Leadership

Leadership, Reflections & Introspection, Worship & Prayer

a dog and her crumbs

22 Mar , 2016

Matthew 15:21-28 || Mark 7:24-30

She was desperate (she cried out – Lord Have Mercy on Me)
She worshipped (she knelt before his feet)
She entered into a state of repentance

The Bible never records her name. This woman, who is identified by her nationality, understood her status and role in life. She realize at that moment that she was nothing.. And she went to the very person who could make her something. She humbled herself, cried out after him, worshipped him and accepted her position. Not a position of poverty or of sickness, or even helplessness for her daughter… but a position that would ultimately propel her into the Kingdom of Heaven… She was poor in Spirit.. Matthew 5:3

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Jesus rewards her faith by healing her daughter. Jesus always honors the faith that seeks mercy. She had no resentment, no anger about her situation; she only knew that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah who came to heal people, and for some reason He was in her town. She sought mercy from Him. And this time, Jesus responded with emotion (“O woman” has emotional force & undertones). Her faith was rewarded. And she became one of the early Gentiles to enter the kingdom.

Jesus went into a Gentile territory with a purpose… he was making a point that his Grace and Mercy was freely given to all those who thirst for him. He was sent to the house of Israel, but they chose to challenge & reject him.

She’s asking if Jewish “bad eating habits” resulted in a Gentile blessing. Can’t the Gentiles have what the Jews rejected? She wanted to know that if the provision that were made for the Jews was refused, could even the “dogs” take part in it now?

Sometimes, we are going to have to lay it all on the line… and it won’t matter what our family or friends say, nor what our culture/world tells us. We HAVE to be so desperate and radical about the things that matters to us the most. This woman understood all of this. WILL WE? When you are desperate enough to worship in humility, and begin the process of repentance, Jesus looks passed the “identifiers” and circumstances of life and touches your now. This women’s faith saved her daughters life. What will your faith do?

a dog and her crumbs, Canaanite Women, faith, featured, healing, Jesus, Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 15:21-28, ministry, repentance, worship

Journals @ Awaken This HeartThe musings of Pastor Corey Gibson on leadership, ministry and life.