en http://www.cccfw.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=132 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:35:15 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=110 Talk back to Brett! - Pastor's can develop a bad habit of delivering "monologues" every Sunday, never pausing for real interaction and "dialogue" with those who listen. Our pastor, however, welcomes your thoughts and insights into his messages and observations, even if you don't agree. Check out his blog and let your voice be heard. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:21:26 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=131 God uses unique and special ways to advance His Kingdom. The Mary D. Walsh Foundation has given Central the approval to display and house The "Last Supper" wax artwork at the new Christian Arts Museum in the Arts District of Fort Worth. The museum is housed on Central's campus and construction is almost complete! Click here for more. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:20:51 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=119 Central is a serving church. We serve our community because that's what we think Jesus wants us to do.Angel Food is our "signature" serving event and has enabled us to serve thousands of area residents over the last 3 years. Click here to see this month's menu and more. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:20:51 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=118 Central is serving the Arts District - God uses unique and special ways to advance His Kingdom. In December, 2001, the Mary D. Walsh Foundation granted approval to display and house The "Last Supper" wax artwork at the new Christian Arts Museum in the Arts District of Fort Worth. Donating our funds and land - The Christian Arts Commission of Fort Worth was formed in the Fall of 2003 to help raise awareness and funds to build a facility that would properly display this fine artwork for the general public. Central Christian Church has worked in close partnership with the commission by donating the land and $100,000.00 to build the museum on our campus. This is an especially good "fit" since Central is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Arts District. Come see our progress - Our purpose is to contribute to the art community of Fort Worth by displaying DaVinci's "Last Supper" artwork in such a way to attract visitors to the city, both educating and enriching their lives. The building is almost complete and you are welcome to come see and tour the facility! Click here to visit the official Christian Arts Museum website. Click here to see a recent article in the Star - Telegram about the museum. Click here to see a news report about the Commission from CBS 11. (Make sure your browser pop up blockers are turned off.) Fri, 7 Nov 2008 11:54:06 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=129 We are a group of people who believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is not the "only" thing we can do for each other, it is the best thing we can do! Why don't you join us for our special prayer services on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM. These services include a little music, a meditative thought from the Bible and lots of individual and group prayer time. If you have a request you'd like to include, then click here to send a secure and private email to our staff."Without constant prayer you can never know the inner peace God wants to give you."Billy Graham Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:25:54 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=49&article_id=130 We invite you to make a 'Sacred Space' in your day, and spend ten minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day. Click here for more. Need help keeping your prayers on track? Try the ACTS pattern - a way to focus on God, ask for forgiveness and pray for others. Click here for more. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:19:11 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=117 Central is a serving church - We serve our community because that's what we think Jesus wants us to do. We give away 10% of all monetary offerings collected to causes of our community, outside of our local church campus.Angel Food is our "signature" serving event and has enabled us to serve thousands of area residents over the last 3 years.Everyone is qualified and invited to order. All you do is order, pay and pick up your food in our Fellowship Hall. It's that easy! Click here to see November's Menu. Click here to see the official Angel Food Ministries website.Questions? Click here to email our church office. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:19:57 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=128 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:10:49 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=113 Sunday Mornings are Exciting at Central! Live B.I.G. helps children see, hear and live their Belief In God. Our volunteer teachers are fun to learn with and short video segments bring faith-filled, high-energy excitement to your children. All Live B.I.G. classes meet downstairs in our educational wing and are staffed by loving volunteers from Central. Click here for free, online Live B.I.G. activities for kids. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:01:27 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=114 Jesus loves the little children and so do we! Give us the opportunity to help your child grow in a safe, loving and learning environment. Your child is a name, not a number - We offer 5 age groups (3 months-5 years) with 5 teachers and 3 assistants. We have small classes to give one-on-one attention. We are here to serve you, year 'round. Since 1997, we have been helping parents have time alone, experiencing the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is in good hands! Our facilities are new and clean. All workers undergo regular training and background checks. Program times are currently Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 AM until 2 PM. Click here to contact Michele Balthrop, our PDO Director. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:01:27 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=116 Want to register your children for PDO? Print and fill out the following forms and bring them to our office for easy sign up! Click here for current registration fees and tuition. Click here for child registration form. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:01:27 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=7 Brett Ballard - Senior Minister - brett_ballard@yahoo.com - Click here for more biographical information. Craig Smith - Minister of Worship - craigsmith2@yahoo.com - Click here for more biographical information. Michele Balthrop - Associate Minister - Children / Parents Day Out - michele_balthrop@yahoo.com - Click here for more biographical information. Austin Stubblefield - Associate Minister - Worship - a_stubblefield@yahoo.com - Click here for more biographical information. Barry Hogan - Associate Minister - Small Groups - hoganbj@yahoo.com - Click here for more biographical information. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:26:19 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=96 Barry, a long time member of Central, has served our congregation in many different leadership roles including three years as Chairman of the Board. He has served as interim Youth Minister and accepted the call to serve as Associate Minister of Small Groups in October 2008. His desire is to encourage others to spiritual growth as they learn more about God. Barry graduated suma cum laude from Texas Wesleyan College with a BBA in Marketing, attended graduate school at Texas A&M and currently works for Procter & Gamble as a pharmaceutical representative. He has been married to his college sweetheart, Karri, for 19 years and they have two wonderful children - Tabatha and Tristan. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:22:49 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=121 "Faith, Hope and Love" Series - Exploring the First Epistle of John, we will examine the basic tenets of our faith, find hope in the teachings of Jesus, and experience God's love through his amazing grace. "Awakening" is a unique worship experience with our band around a simple communion table. "Awakening" occurs every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 9 a.m. in our sanctuary. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:01:49 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=111 It's simple. We trace our statement of belief all the way back to the early church, when things were just shaping up, right after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Those early Christians had only one creed, "Jesus is Lord" that they used in worship and repeated publicly just before baptism. Also, during the first century the phrase Jesus is Lord was intended by early Christians as a political contrast to the popular greeting amongst Roman citizens -- Caesar is Lord. After that, we believe that it's up to YOU and God on how that plays out in your life. We're here to listen, encourage, support and provide feedback, but ultimately, how Jesus becomes Lord in YOUR life is YOUR business. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:56:25 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=125 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:51:57 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=53 Everyone really does belong! The word "belong" is defined by the dictionary as "to fit into a group naturally." We all know the great feeling that comes from belonging to something we wish to be a part of. Belonging means experiencing acceptance. We are accepted for who we are by others...we belong. When it comes to churches, belonging can be more difficult than one might think. While larger churches offer many great programs and activities, some remark they feel like "another number" when attending with such a big crowd. Often times, they may never be able to meet or speak personally with the pastor or other church leadership. In smaller churches, belonging can be just as challenging. While personal access to the pastor and leadership is readily available, other pitfalls can interfere with belonging. Perhaps the church has just a few "power" people who "run" everything or maybe the church so strictly holds beliefs, there is no room for other points of view. "At Central, what you see is what you get. And hopefully, some of what you get is something worthwhile!" says Brett Ballard, the senior minister at Central. "The ability to show up at church ‘as you are' is very important. Unfortunately, most people don't feel comfortable in church because of the way they have been treated or judged by a church in the past. Our knack for helping people feel welcome and that they belong is our greatest strength at Central." Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:50:29 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=124 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:50:12 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=112 We believe God's ultimate goal with us here on earth is to make us faithful servants, serving our community on behalf of Jesus, until He returns again. As a church, we share our money, resources and ourselves with no strings attached and attempt to demonstrate the life of a servant. We believe this is strongly taught by Jesus himself in Matthew 25. We believe that we attract people who wish to serve, rather than people who only wish to be served. We're very excited about what we are doing to serve our community, both locally and globally. Of course, we always need the help of others and the more resources we have, the more we can help. That's why we are making every effort to meet new people and to tell them about Central, the Christian Church of the Arts District. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:50:09 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=36&article_id=123 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:49:34 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=100 "4 Things I'm No Longer Worried About" Series - Wow. In times like these, there seems to be many things to worry about. How low will the stock market go? Who will win the presidential election? Will the Cowboys make the Super Bowl? But an ancient teacher thousands of years ago said, "only one thing is necessary." Join us as we discover what's really important and why we don't need to worry.October 19 - I'm No Longer Worried About What the Stock Market Does - If we aren't careful, we'll begin to place our trust in our finances and investments, rather than God. This is idolatry. Come find out why we're too greedy if God isn't enough for us. October 26 - I'm No Longer Worried About Dying, with special guest, Matt Nelson - Death offers a second chance to the living. It stirs emotions once thinly veiled, forcing those caught in its wake to confront their own mortality. Through such unwanted introspection, a profound appreciation of life is gained - regrets are mended, failures forgotten and hope for an ever-fragile future is renewed. Matt Nelson understands the sway death holds over the living. He, too, has been changed by its presence. Only this death was his own. November 2 - I'm No Longer Worried About the Presidential Election - Do you support Obama, McCain, Nader or none of the above? Find out what the Bible has to say about our citizenship and how it might affect our perspective on the election. November 9 - I'm No Longer Worried About the Cowboys Making the Super Bowl - So far, so good. Romo, Whitten and the 'boys look like they may return the shine to the star in Big D. But at what cost? Why does America worship it's celebrities and athletes? Is there something wrong with our devotion and pre-occupation with sports and show biz? Come hear our pastor Brett, a recovering football fanatic, about what God has done in his life recently about his love for sports. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:17:50 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39&article_id=97 Austin Stubblefield has been leading the worship team at Central Christian Church since 2006, and has recently joined the staff as the Associate Minister of Worship. He is currently a student of Brite Divinity School seeking a Masters of Divinity. His wife, Courtney, is a graduate of Brite Divinity and also is a member of the worship team. They have two daughters, Ava and Avery. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:57:08 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=29&article_id=23 Craig Smith is the eldest tenured staff member at Central. He joined the staff as Minister of Worship in 1995. Craig is a graduate of TCU (former band member) and works at RadioShack Corporation in Fort Worth. Craig is married to Kathy and they have two children, Corey and Chad. Click here to send him an email. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:38:36 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=21 Brett Ballard became Senior Minister of Central Christian Church in August of 2004. His wife Jacque, is a school teacher, working with middle school, special needs children and she is a graduate of North Texas University. They have a 19 year old son, Blake, who serves in the United States Marine Corps and a 14 year old daughter, Maddison, who is entering her freshmen year of high school. Brett is originally from Alabama and holds a B.A. degree in Religion and Philosophy from Samford University, 1990. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Beeson School of Divinity, 1994. Brett loves classic television shows, The Andy Griffith Show being his favorite. Click here to interact with Brett on his blog.Click here to send Brett an email. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:32:17 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=91 We are happy to have you as our online guest! Central is a unique gathering of friends that believe the following: Everyone Belongs - We mean that. Regardless of your background, style of dress / car / hair / music, color, bank account balance...you name it, YOU belong with us. Click here for more. We Believe Jesus is Lord - That's it! We don't maintain a moral list of do's and dont's, we don't memorize creeds or covenants, we don't believe just like our pastor or leadership, we believe that "Jesus is Lord" and we believe that YOU (along with a little help from the Holy Spirit) know best about what that means for your daily living and life. Click here for more. We Want to Become Servants - We want to become "Matthew 25" Christians. Our faith is meaningless if it doesn't prompt us to "love our neighbor and the least of these" as we love ourselves. Click here for more. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:20:14 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=33 Michele Balthrop has been serving as the Director of the Parents Day Out program since 2003. Proir to taking this position, she was a teacher for 2 years within the same program. She began her tenure as Children's Ministry Coordinator in early 2006. Her passion is to help children have a knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith. She loves to see children excited about God's Word and coming to know about His unconditional love for them. Michele has been married to her husband Erik for 16 years and they have 2 boys, Ethan and Griffin. Click here to send Michele an email. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:30:30 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=4 Today's culture celebrates and promotes individualism over community. Privacy and seclusion are valued over connection. However, God didn't design us to live our lives alone. He created us for relationship with Him and with others. We were made to be part of a community-a group of people living life together. At Central, we believe the best environment for lasting life change takes place within community and small groups. Small Groups for all ages meet every Sunday @ 10 AM. We divide our groups using the following guidelines: Children - grades 4 and belowYouth - grades 5 and upAdults - ages 20 and upClick here to see an updated listing of ALL groups with locations and times. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:43:05 MST http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.cccfw.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=98 Worship occurs when people gather to focus their thoughts on God and then experience God's presence - together. There are many different ways to worship, styles of worship and places to worship. At Central, we offer a truly blended worship experience. You may sit next to a rich, poor, young or old person. You may sing along with a piano and organ or guitars and electronic drums. You may pick up a hymnal to sing with all of your might, read the words from the PowerPoint presentation screen or sit quietly and focus on God. It's all OK and it's all worship! Our worship services always include music, a brief message from our pastor and the sharing of communion, or the Lord's Supper, around the table. Most services last about an hour and we always have trained childcare available for your small children. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:24:39 MST