tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319723012011-10-10T09:15:09.390-04:00for my personal prayer team- you-all are the best! Thanks so much for your kindness in praying for/with me!Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.comBlogger3051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-48474744864016538982011-05-18T17:18:00.000-04:002011-05-18T17:18:37.528-04:00

So it would seem that God put on my heart a vision to plant churches in Yerevan Armenia, and in Ararat, Armenia. This strategic nation of 3 million is eager to express it's faith and be sent to the world with this powerful message of freedom in Christ. The time to pray through the how's and why's is now. Maybe also in Dominican Republic! Psalm 2:8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-84728811336600317682011-02-10T20:05:00.000-05:002011-02-10T20:05:00.505-05:00

This morning I met with John Wega and a group of about 10 leaders. John and I pitched to them the idea about doing a large summer crusade to reach our friends with the gospel. John Wega will lead it, so that it not become a Freedom Valley show and is truly a blessing to all churches. At this point, it is being planned for June 16-19 at the Wyndham hotel, perhaps the most prominent piece of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-64334211854078938192011-01-10T18:20:00.000-05:002011-01-10T18:20:00.339-05:00

Local pastor stirs up controversy again—this time with new book Pastor Gerry Stoltzfoos of Gettysburg releases new book 83 Lost Sheep, a autobiographical book claiming that opening new churches across the country is the answer to America’s problems. Gettysburg, PA (Jan. 5, 2011)— In the past decade, Pastor Gerry Stoltzfoos has managed to stir up controversy in Adams County and beyond. In 2007,

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-71007134894350769772010-12-13T19:36:00.001-05:002010-12-13T19:51:30.613-05:00

Just got this on my Facebook. This, my friends, is what I live for, why God created me, and why I am in existence! I can live a LONG time on kind words like these and the opportunity to do this kind of work. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to live this life! Notes like this help me forgive myself for all the dumb things I should have done differently, and leadership mistakes I have made in the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-87821649178272509562010-08-07T14:41:00.002-04:002010-08-10T18:25:06.908-04:00

Hey learners!      I am pleased to announce a new piece to our effort to train men and women for ministry. Starting this month, we are offering all of our Elevate Ministry School courses on-line as well as live. That is, a student could take these ministry classes from home at their computer. and earn college credits at a huge discount! What we are most excited about, is that these students can

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-44013408705467658582010-07-11T14:30:00.000-04:002010-07-11T14:30:29.865-04:00

Mike Fleming has been reaching out to the witches and warlocks of Padre Las Casa. And he, his family, and the church have been under attack for it as you can imagine. Normal people would run away from a battle like this. But that is not what God called us to do, is it? We are called to run TO the battle, not away from it. And that is what about 20 of us are doing this week. We are heading into

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-4683748903424185362010-07-07T09:52:00.001-04:002010-07-09T00:44:24.978-04:00

Cool blog from the church planting people at CMN. God is very nice to me... This Journey Hasn’t Been Without Challenges By Leo CrosbyTuesday July 6, 2010 “83% of my state are going to hell and it breaks my heart,” Pastor Gerry Stoltzfoos shares in response to why church planting is such a vital component of Freedom Valley Church in Gettysburg, PA. Since planting Freedom Valley in 1992, they

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-86223043546310823832010-06-24T21:01:00.000-04:002010-06-24T21:01:49.395-04:00

Miracle Detective is a brand new book by Randall Sullivan. It is also becoming a TV show for Ophra's new network which begins early next year. Because of the piece that Nightline did on me with the medical study which seems to medically show that tongues does not come from the message center of the brain, Miracle Detectives contacted me to see if they can do an episode on the relationship

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-52965805745013256952010-06-21T22:32:00.000-04:002010-06-21T22:32:45.861-04:00

Lot's of Dad's feel so much pain on Father's Day because of choices their kids made. I, too, cry a lot each year these days, but not because of bad choices my kids made. Quite the opposite. And please forgive me if this sounds braggadocious. God has been extraordinarily good to me with my kids, and this proves it. And in case you worry, please know that I am well aware that I do not deserve all

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-25919201913981433152010-06-18T01:30:00.001-04:002010-06-18T01:31:33.093-04:00

Below is a report from The American Religious Data Archive that details some surprising stuff. For example, since 1990, Adam's county grew 16% in population and 22% in total church adherence. The AG in Adam's County, grew 330%! Here's the report:  http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/42001_compare80.asp But while I am glad there are huge gains in 'market share' (percentages of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-3292187913996292492010-05-28T00:29:00.000-04:002010-05-28T00:29:30.297-04:00

Today as I was riding to Tulsa on my motorcycle (thank you Jesus for that wonderful gift! Please bless Tom today for bring a giver. I pray that he will receive back 2 motorcycles, both better than this one), I was listening through the Old Testament. Then I re-listened to some favorites again. Nahum, Micah, Obadiah, Ezra, Nehemiah. Good stuff. In the second chapter of Nehemiah, shortly after I

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-89994723568287607592010-05-07T23:44:00.000-04:002010-05-07T23:44:30.611-04:00

God is teaching me about various resistances that I have received in life. When Julie and I announced our engagement, a Sunday School teacher got critical of us. "what are you thinking?", he laughed. "You are way too young!!" Truth be told, we were only 19 and 17 at that point. I was angry with him for telling me I am not smart. But what that interaction did was cause me to think deeply about

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-79554349133314946962010-05-05T22:38:00.000-04:002010-05-05T22:38:08.595-04:00

Almost every year these days, I get to be in an ordination service, as one of my team members gets ordained. I have been attending them since I started ministry in 1983. Tonight, Rick Roth and Al DiSalvatore got ordained! I am very proud of these guys. It takes me back to my own ordination. In the past 27 years, I have desperately hung onto the hope that we are prevailing and winning in the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-15240425491826703732010-05-02T21:49:00.000-04:002010-05-02T21:49:28.313-04:00

Today it's been 18 years. I forgot about it, actually. We were going about our business and it was a wonderful weekend. I just didn't think about it being our birthday until later. We were busy teaching on forgiveness, graduating a new (and incredibly bright, talented, and anointed) class of Master's Commission students, and celebrating the launch of our newest sites to notice. On the one hand

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-34479848713270459362010-04-29T14:49:00.000-04:002010-04-29T14:49:27.507-04:00

This weekend kicks off a 2 week "blessing-of-the-Mom's" event at Freedom Valley York Road. This weekend we will be washing cars for single Mom's before, during, and after all services here at York Road.   Because I believe if Jesus were walking the streets of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania these days, He would be more likely to wash a car than to wash feet. We're gonna be helping Him do it! Next

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-68679056158652897772010-04-24T23:12:00.000-04:002010-04-24T23:12:48.183-04:00

I read somewhere that most parents say they had the sex talk with their kids. Most kids say they never had the sex talk with their parents. Interesting discrepancy. I would guess that Pastors are the same- believe they have taught their people about sex better or more than they really have. So this weekend we are working at it, at our sites and services. And we are trying to do it in a positive

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-75567826666690529862010-04-23T10:08:00.001-04:002010-04-23T10:09:01.937-04:00

Certain letters that I get, must be re-read often. This is one of those. It underscores the wonder of the "Life Swap" that happens when a person meets Jesus for the first time. I have not asked for permission to print this, so some details have been slightly changed and the names blocked out so that I do not reveal someone's too personal stuff. But I treasure letters like this and wanted to

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-22235176127440511392010-04-22T15:57:00.000-04:002010-04-22T15:57:09.486-04:00

In our Creating Outreach and Evangelism class this morning, Tom Rees opened by directing us to the Southern Baptists' report on the Great Commission. (here) It is sobering and challenging stuff. Here are some findings: 83% of people in Northeast are lost. The population of these states (basically Pennsylvania and north) is 55 million. 83% of this population will be in Hell unless we do something

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-23443677864702432542010-04-20T15:24:00.002-04:002010-04-20T17:13:58.681-04:00

I have a confession to make. I've been hiding some progress that God has given us. It just got easier not to talk about it for awhile, because I am tired of being told that I'm crazy, that is cannot be done, and that it will destroy me or destroy this church. But I gotta give God proper credit for something He did and is doing. This past Easter was a little disappointing in that I thought we

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-45734926942856187772010-04-17T13:57:00.000-04:002010-04-17T13:57:10.896-04:00

Right now, a bunch of Pastors are sitting together to figure out how to take care of about 2000 decisions for Christ here in Butwal, Nepal. What a wonderful problem! The options might include planting more churches, which generally happens if current churches get overwhelmed with follow up. But they are working on what has to be any Pastor's favorite problem ever. The three day Butwal Signs and

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-44944664151647359082010-04-16T04:21:00.001-04:002010-04-16T04:21:14.875-04:00

It's a beautiful thing when a healthy young couple plans carefully, saves money, and prepares well for a wonderful new child. Baby things are gathered, the financial cost is counted and prepared for, and the extended family is carefully informed. But for whatever reason(s), babies don't often come that way. Some come unplanned, even to the couple carefully! Some come when many things are not

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-44329801421589033262010-04-15T20:38:00.001-04:002010-04-15T20:41:17.537-04:00

Last night I participated with my first SOS festival with Johannes. It was the moving experience that I expected. We arrived at the Festival site around 4pm to a crowd of thousands. Local choirs and worship leaders were leading the pumped crowd in worship. We were told that people started bringing their sick loved ones for healing as early as 10 am! Temperatures were around 100 sweltering

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-48634337050679399292010-03-24T11:43:00.000-04:002010-03-24T11:43:02.368-04:00

When I read the writings of the prophet Jeremiah, I get a sense of who I really am. Nobody likes what he has to say, because he calls them on their sin and implores them to forsake their selfishness. He tells them that they are mixing every other superstition with belief in the real Creator God. It's other church people who get the most angry! One day the Senior Pastor (okay the High Priest)

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-11401079274092423312010-03-13T15:10:00.001-05:002010-03-13T15:12:07.594-05:00

 15 Catch for us the foxes,        the little foxes        that ruin the vineyards,        our vineyards that are in bloom.                              -Song of Solomon There are vineyards in bloom at Freedom Valley these days. A bumper crop is looming. But this week I again became aware of pesky little foxes that destroy the vine with their continual "playing" all around it. Little

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-76098773014643619822010-02-26T22:58:00.001-05:002010-02-27T14:03:44.695-05:00

So there are some things I gotta say. Because to not say them would be, well, grossly ungrateful. Just got a comprehensive report on 2009. To my pleasant surprise, in a year when we had the privilege of sending out perhaps 10 times more people than ever before, our finances nevertheless still GREW by 9%! Just to put this in perspective (and to brag on God a little more) we added up about $6000

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-72012319538168050712010-02-01T23:47:00.000-05:002010-02-01T23:47:36.296-05:00

So today we kicked around some new Ministry School ideas. These may sound like slight adjustments, but we get excited about every little idea to get a few more people into their calling. Here's some outlines: 1. We are working on a partnership with Brian Bolt where our students would share some classes via video, and have internships available to them. 2. We are considering a new name City

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-49332283297315566082010-01-31T23:51:00.003-05:002010-01-31T23:54:54.851-05:00

I loved this email from our daughter Shawna so much, I had to repost it here in case some of you aren't on her email list. I love her writing style and the way I identify new feelings when I read it. She is an amazing young lady who I had the privilege to raise, and am amazed at how she seems okay with that. So here you go... Tulsa, chapter 1Hello, fantastic human beings. It is with the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-24808381584233895992010-01-30T09:07:00.001-05:002010-01-30T22:07:18.003-05:00

So I spent all this week in the Dominican Republic preparing for a huge crusade in Padre Las Casas this Fall. I need two huge things to happen here: 1. I want to make many thousands of disciples of Christ in the DR! 2. I want to learn more about asking God for a nation, planting clusters of churches, and doing events that truly make a difference for eternity. We spent the week looking for a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-58187819001133089092010-01-26T22:52:00.000-05:002010-01-26T22:52:47.785-05:00

Over the past week, I prayed with about 7 people to salvation in Jesus. I am a happy Pastor. Wait. I just read Harold Eberly's book where he blasts church leaders for trying so hard NOT to use Biblical titles because they don't have the guts to call themselves what they are. But though I am certain that I am called/gifted to be an apostle, it does seem odd, even to me. My sensibilities have

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-81139351636901504632010-01-23T12:23:00.004-05:002010-01-23T13:02:58.707-05:00

Every time we send out a team of church planters and supporters, we go through a celebration process, and then a painful adjustment period. It's maybe something like the celebration when a much wanted pregnancy is announced (yea-a-a!), and then the less pleasant birthing experience happens. There are periods of happiness, and periods of hoping for better times ahead.I'd say we are in the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-37183147803876296032010-01-17T18:44:00.002-05:002010-01-17T18:59:11.388-05:00

I feel like I'm in a birthing room.I'm sitting in the Freedom Valley York Road sanctuary around people that have been Freedom Valley York Road people. There's about 80 people in the room I guess.But they won't be long. York Road people that is. This is one of the kick off meetings for a new Freedom Valley site, called The Intersection; "where faith and creativity meet". In this meeting Jeremiah

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-1797567817637283742010-01-16T16:49:00.002-05:002010-01-16T17:01:54.251-05:00

Lots of things are changing at Freedom Valley York Road. I am learning and growing all over the place. recently God gave me a voracious appetite for reading and I have been chewing up books like a crazy man. Good stuff.On my learning journey over the past months, came the leading from the Holy Spirit that Freedom Valley's growth is being hindered by our structure as well as our space (most

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-74799830072446872522010-01-06T17:17:00.002-05:002010-01-06T17:40:41.549-05:00

Ever hear of Living Waters Christian Outreach in Three Springs Pennsylvania?Probably not. That would be because it did not exist until last Sunday, even it opened it's doors for the first time! This church opened with 129 people in attendance, in a town that has a population of 420! 10 people got saved and/or rededicated to Christ!!This church is meeting in a building that has housed Three

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-29508274444313481022010-01-02T14:58:00.002-05:002010-01-02T15:30:19.659-05:00

I have enjoyed the process of dreaming and developing new churches. It is what I live for, and was put on this planet for.But this morning, about 6 am, we returned from helping Shawna, Jake, and Evan move to Tulsa for the Freedom Valley Tulsa plant there.I could not be happier. Jason Fitch and his team have an amazing plan. They have researched and read tirelessly, and built a plan like I have

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-43504543218891410602009-11-14T22:55:00.001-05:002009-11-14T22:57:42.922-05:00

My Dad.My father has poured amazing amounts of effort into my life. Truthfully. He's done so much for me. He does the big and little things that I need. With driving, specifically, ever since I have needed rides for things he wasn't going to, he's made it a top priority. Every time I wanted a ride, but didn't need it, he would try his hardest to find a way out of his insanely busy schedule and

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-56163074638321467702009-11-12T00:05:00.002-05:002009-11-12T00:07:45.245-05:00

From my way-to-wonderful daughter Shawna on my birthday! (she actually calls it 'birfday'). What is mean is, my children conspired together to write me a ton of nice things about me on my birthday today! So all day I walk around crying my eyes out.... They deliberately make me cry!----------------------------------------------Dear Jesus,Thank you for giving me such a great father. Seeing too many

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-44423012944311105792009-11-11T16:02:00.001-05:002009-11-11T16:04:20.206-05:00

"I buy ya books, and I buy ya books." Happy Birthday, Dad!Dad, Happy Birthday! This year for your birthday, we've all decided to write some encouraging blogs, notes, or comments to you, so that you are FLOODED with happy thoughts on your birthday.So here goes: I can't begin to thank you for everything you've done for me-- lately, especially. So, I won't overwhelm you with a crazy list of all the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-75856105830801952892009-10-30T21:46:00.002-04:002009-10-30T21:49:08.244-04:00

Church asks Straban for zoning reliefFreedom Valley Worship Center wants to expand and build an indoor therapy facility.By ERIN JAMESThe Evening SunCaleb Beam, 7, of New Oxford, pets his horse Pedro with the help of his dad, Patrick, in 2007 before going out for his lesson at Shining Star Therapeutic Riding Ministry. The ministry which works with the mentally and physically disabled of all ages

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-3505536247724741632009-10-27T22:43:00.002-04:002009-10-27T22:59:14.376-04:00

Tonight, Straban Township held a meeting for public comment on their proposed zoning amendment. I wept through it, but not for the reasons you might think!We opened and I expressed my concern about how we are now a "non-conforming use" due to their last zoning change. This new proposed zoning ordinance suggests that they not allow non conforming uses to expand past 20%! Our proposed building

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-8960570976647774412009-10-13T23:05:00.000-04:002009-10-13T23:06:11.273-04:00

Copied from an email by Tom Rees...This looks so good, I just wanted to pass this on to you...VFCC is partnering with the Church Multiplication Network to host the START Event in two weeks on October 28-30.It will feature this amazing line up:Dr. Tim Elmore - Growing LeadersTom Elmore - Thrive ChurchDakri Brown - Hillsong LondonBrian Henley - Journey Life ChurchLiz Lynn - Women in MinistryJeff

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-23969580637251966152009-10-08T22:53:00.002-04:002009-10-08T23:04:36.797-04:00

I had a wonderful little conversation with Dr. Daniel McNaughton today. We chatted briefly about our boot camp, (he suggested some guys that should come) and about an upcoming "START" event at Valley Forge Christian College, where he and I are participating in an event to stir up church planting among students and Pastors.The we started talking about Philly. About how the answer to the ills of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-58547164177976411582009-10-03T12:28:00.003-04:002009-10-03T12:48:27.068-04:00

We are currently in a series of exploration to allow God to REDEFINE CHURCH in us. Specifically, we are devouring the Book of Acts to discover how concepts that Jesus taught, were lived out in real life.This week, we are discovering what happens when an unstoppable force (God) moves on an immovable object (prison walls)and sets people free. The ultimate lesson? That the real issue is stubborn

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-23865426469414916182009-09-27T21:40:00.005-04:002009-09-28T18:59:17.675-04:00

Tonight, after countless issues, interruptions, cancellations, sickness, and so many more issues, we had a breakthrough! 17 salvations tonight! We feel like God broke us through demonic presences, drunken salvations, and so many interruptions. Huge, huge breakthrough happened, much larger than the 17 salvations, and another dozen or two re-dedications to Christ. This team of guys (Don Danner,

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-10578454799842041742009-09-18T21:41:00.002-04:002009-09-18T22:05:03.210-04:00

Jim Marocco and I finally got it hooked up Thursday.He is planning to be here Monday December 7 for a one day event for Pastors.Dr. Marocco leads a church called King's Cathedral, which meets in more than 50! locations in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Arkansas, Washington state and more.The details for the Dec 7 day are not yet worked out. I hope to have several hours of time for Senior Pastors who

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-27158249531799478042009-09-07T23:50:00.002-04:002009-09-08T00:05:05.220-04:00

I had SUCH a great day today.This morning I rode my miracle motorcycle (yes, the one God gave me for free) to meet with a couple who wants to help make the Three Springs church explode with salvations, disciples, and growth. Denny and Patty Hunsinger are amazing, risk taking, crazy advetnurters for God who are willing to risk everything just in case it might work!They are willing to walk away

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-40590281704431785032009-08-29T15:33:00.003-04:002009-08-29T15:38:31.258-04:00

This Fall we are planning to host our first ever church planter's boot camp at Freedom Valley. This event will happen November 2-6 at Freedom Valley, 3185 York Road, Gettysburg.Anyone who is considering or planning a church plant is welcome to come. Registration is not yet open, but hopefully will be soon.Boot camp is held and taught by Church Multiplication Network, from Springfield, Missouri.

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-38395541503002733002009-08-28T18:05:00.003-04:002009-08-28T18:22:21.992-04:00

I love the rush of a good idea. Hope rushes in where frustration once drained off energy and failed attempts brought a dull plodding gait.But the rush of a good idea often gets tempered with the ache of what you have to give up to get to that new place you dream of.Our new 1pm Sunday service experiment is already looking like it could be that way. We are pumped about the prospects of breaking our

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-44716695951281497842009-08-21T00:41:00.003-04:002009-08-21T00:50:17.887-04:00

What a week.3 more possible church planters contacted me. Could we possible still get the 10 new churches by Harvest Cry next year? That blows me away. Today, it looks possible. There are still 2 more possible planters that I have not even had time to get back to yet. What a crazy, wonderful problem.Also this week, my team took on a gutsy possible idea to add more work to their schedule- a lot

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-24591971975655256222009-08-18T22:26:00.002-04:002009-08-18T22:32:39.974-04:00

I feel like God dropped a very cool idea on me, right out of Heaven.Today I had my fourth coaching session with the largest group yet. I am very excited about meeting with each of my team members (some paid, and some volunteers) to do our simple yet very powerful coaching strategy.This is beginning to feel like one of the best little ideas God ever gave me. I hope to build world class leaders and

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-8748162582621566492009-08-14T15:23:00.002-04:002009-08-14T15:38:04.087-04:00

Last evening Cori Herbert asked me such a wonderful question. It challenged and blessed me, and made me ask myself if I ask God the right questions.She said; "how can my ministry (Center of the Arts) do more to minister to Freedom Valley"? What a great question!Recently I have been asking God to help me pray. It is one thing to ramble on to Him- he is such a patient listener. But, access to Him

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-81042166283890233482009-08-10T14:52:00.003-04:002009-08-10T15:18:37.780-04:00

So for the third or fourth time, I went to general Council because I was hoping for a piece of agenda that I cared about. I was hoping for change in that area.It didn't happen. I am disapointed.But that is not my real disapointment, exactly.I am not even sure if our little idea would have made a big difference. It was just an 4 year experiment for 40 churches nationwide to create a new kind of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-52028953951170166622009-07-30T10:49:00.000-04:002009-07-30T10:51:00.553-04:00

Pastor prays 'in Jesus' name'Controversy marked the Rev. Gerry Stoltzfoos' service as the state Senate's guest chaplain.By ERIN JAMESThe Evening SunPosted: 07/30/2009 01:00:00 AM EDTThe Senate floor, bustling seconds before, came to a halt as the Rev. Gerry Stoltzfoos stepped to the podium."I am painfully aware that there are many here today who have embraced belief systems other than mine. I am

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-71880390609795346352009-07-29T15:43:00.002-04:002009-07-29T15:46:04.243-04:00

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09210/987124-100.stm?cmpid=newspanel4Pastor prays at state Senate after controversy in HouseWednesday, July 29, 2009By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteHARRISBURG -- A Gettysburg clergyman said a prayer before a state legislative chamber today and things went a lot smoother than his first try a month ago.The Rev. Gerry Stoltzfoos opened today's Senate session with

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-23887954018682607042009-07-28T22:38:00.003-04:002009-07-28T22:52:21.824-04:00

My vacation this year was... well.. a wild ride.I did interviews about my choice not to pray in the PA House of representatives after I was asked to remove the offensive word Jesus from the closing of my prayer.TV interviews, radio interviews, print interviews. I might have done more than 20. They are still going on. And emails- hundreds, all but maybe 10 of them very positive.I also came under

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-74328532409796837522009-07-26T17:35:00.002-04:002009-07-26T17:44:54.761-04:00

Sam Masteller has been telling me for years I should come.This weekend I finally had opportunity to do it. I am right now sitting in the lobby of the Wave Church. Somebody told me that this original location may have about 4500 attendees on a weekend.I can understand why. Tight services, carefully packed with all the good stuff, and non of the "uh-oh" moments that a lot of churches seem to have a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-40866247254366574112009-07-25T13:09:00.002-04:002009-07-25T13:21:19.690-04:00

I must have done 7 radio, newspaper, or TV interviews over the past week. Maybe more. And I have like 3 more scheduled I think. The USA Radio Network, Lancaster Sunday News, A TV show in Pittsburgh, The Associated Press, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and many others.I never got hooked up (yet) with my favorite news outlet- FoxNews, but there is still time. Come on Fox!Most interviewers are

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-9993291898310713052009-07-20T10:42:00.002-04:002009-07-20T10:48:12.786-04:00

Friends,I have a ton of thing s going on this week, even while I am on vacation this week. Would you-all pray for me, please?Here is a taste of what I am talking about: Today at 12 noon I am receiving a call from KDKA Talk Radio in Pittsburgh. They want to interview me in connection with the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Article in the paper yesterday. That article (read it here) was another take on

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-33188657849941112542009-07-05T23:03:00.002-04:002009-07-05T23:21:00.485-04:00

I had a priceless conversation with one of our up-and-coming church planters today. He was tired after an outreach, and sort of dowloading with me."It seems like our small group is made up of odd people, those with crazy fears, and everybody who was kicked out (for good reason!) from everywhere else." He went to to say that none of his small group of people seemed smart, or talented, or even good

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-78131959698205557722009-07-04T00:26:00.004-04:002009-07-05T23:02:12.235-04:00

Reprinted from Dennis Petersen...Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ?Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-64805272729376646472009-06-28T22:18:00.003-04:002009-06-28T22:26:46.671-04:00

I did not ask to share this message, so I will change the names at least until I get permission. I'll change a coupleof other details too, just to protect anonimoty of a couple of people. This is such a cool note and so precious to my heart, because it represents the reason I live... to help people get aquainted with an incredible God.Subject: message from **anonymous** girlfriend (who was

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-26178248863576515232009-06-26T23:02:00.002-04:002009-06-26T23:08:11.265-04:00

I am often amazed at her insightful ways of helping people. few people know God's ways better, or how to apply them with more skill to people who are in pain. She's good.And I have never seen a mother that I admire more. She knows how to bring out the best in her kids, and let them shine. She guides when they ask her to, and stays out of the way the rest of the time. And she loves each one of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-91143419541064104062009-06-26T09:57:00.001-04:002009-06-26T10:40:06.852-04:00

27 years ago today, she said yes. I have often wondered why.I love her way more today.

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-55422309514673193632009-06-23T23:03:00.003-04:002009-06-23T23:11:48.839-04:00

Okay, here are the final numbers as I received them this morning at Staff meeting. For Harvest Cry 2009, we recorded 65 Healings 18 Deliverances 43 Holy Spirit Baptisms , 163 Salvations. Our week culminated in 78 Water Baptisms Sunday night. So far this year, God has graciously allowed us 64 baptisms before Harvest Cry, bringing us to 142 as of today!How could I not be a happy man today?Our

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-52178518779338105022009-06-23T00:26:00.002-04:002009-06-23T00:32:46.875-04:00

The after glow of this awesome job of mine, is heavy today. I am deeply tired after 5 days of 16 or more hours a day. But more than tired, I have this incredible feeling.What a time we had in Harvest Cry! The numbers as I have them so far, are something like this: 78 baptisms, more than 140 responses for salvation, 35 baptisms in the Holy Spirit, many healings, and more than a dozen people

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-71951806754732323682009-06-20T00:34:00.002-04:002009-06-20T00:43:20.442-04:00

Wow, Johannes' teaching challenged me this morning. When he speaks of the raw courage that it takes to believe in the miraculous, it stirs something deep inside me. I want to live that life, to be that guy. He talks about becoming a man of such faith that he can actually walk on water, and be 'caught up' like Philip was when he witnessed to the Ethiopian Eunuch. He also talked about how important

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-64098913947871899952009-06-19T00:46:00.002-04:002009-06-19T00:52:30.336-04:00

Harvest Cry started tonight (fonally after planning for months!). Our building was packed with over 500 people. The altar services was mobbed with dozens of glorious salvations. It just feel so good to watch God completely change lives, give hope, forgive sins, and help people get the life change they wished for but could not get. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing it happen.There was a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-88195327793027299152009-06-08T20:06:00.002-04:002009-06-08T20:14:38.884-04:00

Sitting in a meeting just now, David read a scripture from Saint Paul: " he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion".I hardly ever spent time thinking about what it would mean for me to have completed the work God called me to do in Adam's County, in the United States, in the World. What would that look like?Would it look like 50% church attendance again? Or 75%? Certainly the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-81770567545478501052009-06-06T23:21:00.002-04:002009-06-06T23:31:46.852-04:00

Sometimes when I preach, I can feel the spiritual resistance in a big way.Tonight was like that, especially at first. I was feeling led to start the service with a prophecy that I felt the Holy Spirit give me as I prepared the sermon "Something Big", our first installment of the Harvest Cry series. As I prophesied, I felt such resistance in the spirit world. I believe that the resistance I felt,

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-13548798109438298502009-06-04T17:27:00.002-04:002009-06-04T17:33:38.219-04:00

In an hour I leave for our son Evan's graduation!!!! How good is that? Evan is our third child, in case any of you don't know.This afternoon I participated in Jim "Pappy" Strauss's funeral procession, led by 60 Harley's. Even Julie rode with me in the driving rain! Can't say either of us liked the rain much, though. Pappy was a motorcycle chaplain. I think I met at least 15 people he personally

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-59173228277927177722009-06-03T15:21:00.003-04:002009-06-03T15:26:35.998-04:00

Something happens to me in a room full of church planters. I get so pumped up about the future of our nation, that I can hardly keep myself under control.It is the opposite of what happens when I watch the news, even though I am a news junkie, and watch it a lot!I am currently spending two days at Church Planter's Boot Camp in Pittsburgh. When I am around church planters, I get a deep and

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-55517248341447857102009-05-26T16:21:00.001-04:002009-05-26T16:23:18.268-04:00

Steven Sebyala mentioned this scripture last week9 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”Jesus disciples asked him a direct question. They wanted to know why they had failed, and what they should learn. I like their direct attempt to get their issues fixed, and to learn. They asked a humble, straightforward question. They didn't dodge the issues,

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-53661358406079502522009-05-12T21:15:00.004-04:002009-05-12T21:18:54.080-04:00

This weekend we have the privilege of hosting Steven Sebyala of Africa Harvest Mission. I met Steven a number of years ago at Ron Johnson's church in Hampton Virginia. I was amazed to hear about the 300 churches he planted in Africa, and about his vision as an evangelist to reach a billion African's for Christ by the year 2045! I am such an amateur leader compared to a modern day apostle like

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-27967120978786591792009-05-07T13:44:00.002-04:002009-05-07T13:58:17.320-04:00

Last night at Ministries Summit, I got to lay hands on Jason Fitch as he was ordained to the ministry.So many things raced through my brain.Like when we fasted and prayed for his salvation. And how serious he was when he gave his heart to Jesus.  He never seemed to look back, or give God less than his whole self. For example, when  I talked to him about getting trained for the ministry, he wanted

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-6361102230341359012009-05-02T12:05:00.001-04:002009-05-02T12:06:21.914-04:00

This week at Freedom Valley we take an important step on our jouney to See Change As Opportunity.The step? We are learning what Jesus taught about how to Monitor Change!Jesus taught his disciples about how to watch change as it happens and set themselves to ride the wave instead of being crushed by it. Here are some of his insights:Get Shock Absorbers.Jesus made it very clear that even good

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-30865886908977528032009-04-25T21:02:00.002-04:002009-04-25T21:11:25.137-04:00

Jesus worked at preparing His disciples to be ready for the massive changes that were coming to His Kingdom. As a man that is experiencing huge changes in my own life, my interest in piqued at a huge new level.He taught them several specifics (from Luke 9:37-50 that really help me:1. Beware of memory creep.  It's amazing how memory embellishes, reduces, or changes over time. Jesus told us to

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-11042380904510563682009-04-23T23:06:00.003-04:002009-04-23T23:10:56.770-04:00

All this week, I have been eagerly tuning into to Twitter, blogs, and emails to learn how Jason Fitch and his team are doing in Tulsa. They are out there exploring and praying through their plan to plant a church there.God constantly stretches me with this kind of stuff. I love that He does, and look forward to the next stretch. It seems like every day some new tension matures into some kind of

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-78354282359130302642009-04-18T21:56:00.002-04:002009-04-18T22:11:48.979-04:00

Lots of things are changing right now. Politics, economy, maybe even your health. We all have to adjust to and adapt to change.This weekend we kicked off a new teaching series to share what we are learning as we search the Word of God for clues on how to handle change. Cause change happens to us all, but not everyone handles it well.I am very excited about this, because I think it will help a lot

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-7016834344883137752009-04-06T17:39:00.002-04:002009-04-06T17:42:15.422-04:00

check it here) called The End of Christian America. Interesting and sad stuff.On my watch (I've been in ministry for about 25 years), Christianity in America has dropped precipitously, dropping an additional 10 points since 1990. Newsweek is declaring the triumph of post-christian culture, and how wonderful it is that we are more open politicallybecause of it.One of the pieces of information that

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-38579881670892570172009-04-03T20:51:00.004-04:002009-04-04T11:46:22.981-04:00

It often seems like God has me teach certain things so that I learn them better. I am amused and challenged by His graciousness in leading me to self-revelation.Like, right now I am teaching The Developing Outreach and Discipleship course. And I am learning(perhaps a little re-discovering)  so much through the homework students return to me.Like, the 4 interviews of unchurched friends. Tonight I

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-54594226990595674462009-04-01T23:30:00.003-04:002009-04-01T23:42:27.413-04:00

Tonight I taught the opening class of my favorite discipleship teaching concerning the priesthood of the believer- leadership! Jesus teaching on leadership in Luke 10, is still the most amazing, mind bending, life giving stuff on the subject, ever. The more I teach it, the more I learn from it! I simply love his stuff.We just covered the first few concepts that Jesus taught his up and coming

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-73138086600435234472009-03-31T21:50:00.002-04:002009-03-31T22:11:25.619-04:00

We set out to bring Hope. Hence, the Hope Initiative.We want to do two things; 1) double the size of our sanctuary, and 2) plant churches.The result is, dozens of families bought in. Hundreds of people believed these things are worth sacrificing some personal things for.  Some of them sacrificed (I more prefer the II Cor 9 term "sowed") tens of thousands of dollars! Many families stretched

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-18629685159073351282009-03-27T22:06:00.003-04:002009-03-27T22:22:14.266-04:00

This weekend we will watch hope create.Hopeful people see everything differently. When things are darkest, they believe in the coming of dawn. And they act accordingly. When things seem bleak, they rejoice because Spring is around the corner! When they are in lack, they believe that God will create a way for them to come into abundance.They seem unstoppable. The quality of a hopeful heart creates

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-86771549376752824112009-03-25T18:56:00.003-04:002009-03-25T22:21:19.141-04:00

One of my dreams is coming true. One of my nightmares too.I dream of helping world leaders discover their callings, polish and sharpen their leadership sword, and send them out to utterly annihilate something evil.There is just nothing quite as satisfying to my soul. And it is happening again right now. 11 new churches are currently being designed, dreamed, and deployed. It is incredibly exciting

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-80144758936970784372009-03-20T23:52:00.003-04:002009-03-21T00:12:28.461-04:00

People with hope are always generous. Without hope, there is no reason to believe that generosity makes sense.A hopeful person easily believes that if I sow generously, I will reap generously. A generous harvest makes it possible for me to give more again.A hopeless person doesn't give because they cannot believe in the value of giving. To them, there is no hope that giving will actually help, or

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-63534301959783398042009-03-19T23:00:00.002-04:002009-03-19T23:07:32.657-04:00

So here we are, at another one of those places. The breath-takingly scary place where it looks like not everything we planned could come to pass. We don't have enough money. Or time. Or people.It's really tempting to pull back, or change plans. And I am not saying that we won't do that. I have a lot of praying to do.But I have been here before. There is always this time of testing before the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-5790757963737864982009-03-18T22:28:00.002-04:002009-03-18T22:41:32.661-04:00

Good parents raise kids that grow up to leave home, right? The failure to launch syndrome doesn't seem like any fun.But moving day, whether it's a wedding day, or helping them leave for college, has proved much, much harder than it ever looked when I was a kid and my parents were doing it.Raising up leaders can be the same way. I dream of raising up powerful, world changers who grow up to leave

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-78991271619419183992009-03-16T00:01:00.003-04:002009-03-16T00:12:00.982-04:00

Julie and I have been blessed with two sons and two daughters. I just had the best weekend ever with them. We all worked together in our various gifts to make church and our world better this weekend. In the middle of all of that, Shawna used her film school talents to make a funny birthday video for their Mom.This evening after we all had a full day of very rewarding ministry, we sat at the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-55209453245421554742009-03-13T20:46:00.003-04:002009-03-13T22:39:49.792-04:00

Leadership, ironically, is about leading leaders. So we hope to develop and send out strong church planting teams who can lead strong churches right from the start.I am excited about sending out teams of at least 5; Lead Pastor, Administrator, Children's Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Worship Leader. That should start strong churches because it involves the commitment of 5 key leaders, all of whom

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-50714663046032801572009-03-04T22:36:00.002-05:002009-03-04T22:44:37.324-05:00

Yesterday I spent the full day at Valley Forge Christian College. What an exciting bunch of meetings!Our first meeting of the day was with the Academic Dean Phil McLeod. He was incredibly helpful with our plan to do a church leadership school focused on training church planting teams. He helped us envision the possibilities and offered us his expertise so very generously.The bottom line is that a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-22060471699835269892009-03-02T00:56:00.003-05:002009-03-02T01:03:45.405-05:00

So I had this past week off. Nice.I feel rested and ready to get back to work. Ready to take on some of my giants, face some issues, settle some details, and look some more devils in the eye and dare them not to back off. I feel rested, restored, rejuvenated, and optimistic about the future.To top it all off, I had the opportunity to spend the week with my oldest son, Evan. I really enjoy his

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-67893147762217521292009-03-01T15:08:00.003-05:002009-03-01T15:18:50.858-05:00

I held one of God's babies in my arms today.At least that's what it felt like. I visited Connection Point Community church, a new church that we had the privilege of helping get started.To be honest, we helped very little. But we are the official sponsoring church for it, which I count a huge privelege. Steve and Tracy Wulf are excellent leaders, and the church had what somebody thought was a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-29186399184145159522009-02-27T23:41:00.002-05:002009-02-27T23:53:16.873-05:00

At a family gathering a year or two ago, we were up against some new challenges; my brother-in-law was diagnosed with some kind of cancer, and a family friend was suffering terribly with a horribly damaged spinal cord. I'm not a doctor and don't know enough about either of these sistautions to speak intelligently about the exact conditions. But today in Tampa, I met the mentioned family friend at

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-9106517627933810422009-02-26T20:06:00.002-05:002009-02-26T20:17:44.959-05:00

I cannot get on my motorcycle without thinking of my friend Jonas Beiler. He used to tell me about how his motorcycle provided the finest therapy known to man, and that some people could get a lot of help riding.I always laughed at him, and told him he was justifying his hobby.But then, 10 years ago or so, Julie's uncle sold her his bike. One day I decided to ride it. I had not not ridden for

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-58070797061804828462009-02-24T10:13:00.002-05:002009-02-24T10:22:40.649-05:00

Forgiveness is simple and clear enough, right? Somebody does something hurtful, and I am left with the after math.If they asked for forgiveness and are repentant, then it's pretty simple. I can forgive and love to do it.But if they have not asked for forgiveness, and I am hurting over what they did, then it's more difficult. I still need to forgive, for my sake, because to not forgive makes me

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-35570068734071035062009-02-18T08:52:00.002-05:002009-02-18T08:53:49.144-05:00

I was very impressed by this letter from Jeff Wilson (Pastor, Heritage Assembly) to the group of churches that are considering joining us for Harvest Cry... Thi is a really good word for us.Good morning Men of God, I was reflecting on the meeting with Johannes from a week ago.  What a tremendous time it was to be with you all and to feel the Father's pleasure as we came together. I can't help but

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-88542152158677382602009-02-16T17:31:00.002-05:002009-02-16T17:37:39.497-05:00

So, we hope to plant some more churches.But what if we got a LOT better at helping struggling churches turn themselves around? Wouldn't it be great if we found more ways for more existing churches to do really well at helping people?The feeling among most Pastors that I talk to, is that revitalizing a church is much harder than planting a new one.I hear that Jim Ruddy and the really great church

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-74541371242729045382009-02-13T12:04:00.003-05:002009-02-13T23:57:59.531-05:00

Johannes called me yesterday to inquire about how the project was coming. He said that in their prayer time yesterday, God moved mightily and they were all moved to pray for Gettysburg for an extended period. He also told me that he felt The Holy Spirit's excitement about this project, and felt that God will do great things though it!We prayed together and Johannes asked for more than 30 churches

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-75736771959729503472009-02-12T15:24:00.000-05:002009-02-12T15:25:10.300-05:00

The best news ever! (okay, in a long time)Jason Fitch and I had lunch with Mark Chester of Gettysburg Foursquare, and Jeff Wilson of Heritage Assembly. BOTH men said they want to seriously consider being a church planting sponsor!!! This is awesome news! I am so excited about this, I feel like I've just been handed a million bucks. These two guys are willing to check it out, and possibly lead the

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-40991026102049135562009-02-12T15:09:00.007-05:002009-02-12T16:21:02.605-05:00

This morning I had an interesting meeting with the group of pastors who want to be part of Harvest Cry. There was a nice buzz in the room as a result of our meeting at Bethel last Sunday night. Almost everyone was positive and very excited.There was only one Pastor of a non-Pentecostal church in the room. As we talked about involving more churches, he did seem to feel as if it could be a

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31972301.post-9497968001142378682009-02-11T22:18:00.002-05:002009-02-11T22:27:58.764-05:00

So our Sunday night multi-church event with Johannes at Bethel was a powerful night in my mind. I was very excited and felt like God is moving us forward significantly.Today was a little less fun. One friend suggested that my vision is completely wrong headed. Another said he is too busy to help.I am too sensitive. I first felt hit in the gut, like the wind was knocked out of me. I had a hard

Gerry Stoltzfooshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04350943021647447600noreply@blogger.com3