We have an exciting relationship with NetworkChurches.tv which will really help us to grow further and faster together. We've mentioned them here before on the blog.

Recently, Brandon Donaldson and Brandon Livingood paid Bushwick a visit to really get a feel of the big city and to dream of the possibilities of having a Network Church in NYC. We're excited to be a part of Network Churches and cannot wait to see all that God has in store!

Part of what makes us unique as a church plant is that we are a part of NetworkChurches.tv. This means that once we launch our primary teaching will be covered by Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv in OKC, Oklahoma. Crais is an excellent speaker and teacher of God's Word. His messages are presented in a captivating, understandable, and funny way.

Network Churches are made up of over 100 churches throughout the US and around the world. We all share the mission of leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ in our cities.

That being said, especially in an urban context as where we will be, we constantly get the pushback of why video sermons and will it work? The truth is that we are definitely spearheading the way when it comes to this in an urban context. But here are some reason I really think this will work.

1. A CLEAR, SIMPLE, AND RELEVANT PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPEL
Craig is an excellent communicator. He has a way of presenting Biblical truths in a relevant way. 

2. A TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN SOCIETY
We live in such a technology, social-media, and video driven society already anyway. The average family in the US owns four mobile devices. Add TV's, computers, and video games to the mix and in many ways we're always glued to a screen. We cannot deny the impact that technology has had on society. 

As a church we believe that we can leverage technology for the sake of the gospel. We'll use it to get the good news of Jesus out in a way that is relevant to our times. There has definitely been many negative affects in society, but it's time we leveraged it for good. Remember, we will do anything short of sin to reach people far from God.

3. THERE IS MORE TO CHURCH THAN THE SERMON
Remember, the church is not a building. It does not revolve around one man's teaching. The church is and always has been a people impacted by the gospel on mission for the gospel. The teachings on Sunday will simply be the fuel in our tanks to continue to live a life on mission. Loving God, loving people, and serving our community, That's our vision. That's our goal. The video teaching is only supplementary to being the church week in and week out.

If you'd like to hear a message from LifeChurch.tv, check it our here.

Swerve took a trip to Hamden, Connecticut to visit our good friends and fellow Network Church, Frontline! We had a great time just spending some time together, having fun in the pool and eating out. We used this trip as an opportunity to get to know each other more, but also as a spiritual investment as we spent time in God's Word and in prayer. Sunday we were able to help set up church since Frontline meets at Hamden Middle School.

I was so happy to catch up with some great friends. After, Elly invited us over to enjoy the most delicious home-cooked meal that you could ever have! I'm so thankful to have people like this that truly care, love and believe in what we're doing here in Bushwick. God has really placed around some amazing people providing incredible encouragement and support.

Be sure to keep Pastor Rick and the team at Frontline in prayer as they are doing a great work in Hamden leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. I'm so proud to call them friends!

Whoever finds God, finds life!

Danny Torres

One of my great honors was to meet Arnold Gamboa, one of the Pastors from LifeChurch Makati in the Philippines. His YouTube video produced by NetworkChurches.tv really encouraged me say "hey, we can do this". You see, LifeChurch Makati is located in an urban, commercial district in the Philippines. It reminded me a lot of NYC. This was a huge encouragement to me.

I was able to sit down and talk to Arnold who was so humble to answer my questions and really encourage me toward what God was leading us to do in Bushwick. Check out the video that helped me take the step towards planting a Network Church in NYC:

It was an honor to get to get together with Network Church Pastors, some who are five or more years in it, others that just launched two weeks prior. I can't wait for next year already launched and hopefully with some key leaders from Swerve Church!

I'm indebted to Brandon Livingood. Thank you so much for inviting me to the Network Summit and going above and beyond to accommodate me. Thank you to Pastor Ryan who roomed with me and was an ever gracious host. Thank you to all the Network guys for encouraging and praying with me. Thank you to Pastor Craig for his leadership and vision to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ and build up the capital "C" church. Thank you to all the leadership at LifeChurch.tv for the relentless work you do for the kingdom!