Why Amy Winehouse Matters to Wicker Park

While I do not want to claim to be an expert on Winehouse or the current "fancies" of Wicker Park. I do believe I have a pulse on the young adults out there and why people like Amy matter. Check out my points and let me know what you think!

1. Amy Winehouse Represents a Generation of Extremes: Lets face it, for most in their 20's the "normal" 9-5 life is too boring. So young adults try sky diving, snowboarding, rock climbing, and clubbing. Sad but true, drugs and alcohol begin to follow this sense of extreme living because when the show is over or the weekend at the lake has passed- how do you "keep the high?" Drugs and alcohol.

2. Amy Winehouse Represents Super Talented and Creative People: Listening to a few songs by Winehouse it is very easy to see how talented and gifted she was. She had a unique sound, pushed the limits of her music, and was creative in her look. Just like so many I meet in Wicker Park- super gifted people whether in business or the arts and they have the world in their hands. The only problem is they lack the wisdom and maturity to find balance in life and make time for what matters most- "faith and family."

3. Amy Winehouse Represents Failed Expectations: Wasn't she supposed to change the world through music, be the next "it thing?" Now, it is all over. Sure she will be remembered for her short life, but probably her death will overshadow the real reason why she famous anyway. Really, has anyone listened to a Janis Joplin song lately? So true for young adults today- aren't they supposed to find a cure for aids, end world hunger, and make the world a better place to live?

What happened to all the "MTV" kids who grew up believing they would help change the world? Well, maybe they have gotten so let down by failed attempts at making real change, they just started the slow process of blending in and following the crowd. I wonder what would happen if all the gifted people actually followed a cause worth dying for and that has already changed the world? I can only imagine what would happen if this generation was sparked with a "Jesus Revolution!"

Hope you enjoyed the thoughts and weren't too disappointed I jumped on the "Amy Winehouse Media Frenzy," but maybe you thought of something different because of this blog.

Matthew 16:25-27

²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division. For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Why the New iPhone 5 and iPad 3 Will Not Change Wicker Park

I know as some of you are looking at the "sneak peak" picture of the iphone 5 you are starting to drool- I have to admit I kinda am too. I found this picture today as I was reminded of how slow and over stocked my iphone 4 is. Thus, I wondered when the new iphone 5 is coming out and what it will be like- what new things will it bring into my life.

This time I will actually get the 32g- the one bigger than the 16g because my music collection is getting too big. Plus, I will hopefully find more people to ichat with and not have to be on wifi to do it!

However, as I was considering all the cool "do-dittles" the new iphone 5 may have and all the cool apps that will go with it- I became aware of how little it will actually change for the good the community that I am falling madly in love with. So I thought I would make a short list of things the iphone 5 and ipad 3 wont change about Wicker Park. (Note: I just bought the ipad 2 and I really don't want to even talk about a possible ipad 3 in November- that just wouldn't be fair!)

1. Wicker Park Will Still Have Lonely People: Ya, I know the new phone and ipad could really help lots of people do social networking better- but lets face it- 99.99% of those people on facebook and the new google+ aren't real friends anyways. Sad thing is, many people feel alone in clubs, lounges, and cafes all the time. New techy things wont change that.

2. Wicker Park Will Still Have Broken Relationships: I am amazed at how so many young adults today repeat the same mistake over and over again. Isn't there a "Chinese proverb" about that? Really, I hear the same sad story all the time. A young woman says, "I really love this guy... he is so different than all the rest... and ya, were moving into together... I know its a bit rushed and I said I wouldn't move in with a guy so fast again like last time... but this is really different- we are so made for each other!"

Need I say more? We all know how it ends. Six to nine months later its a different story, the girl now says, "I am so hurt now... I wish I never let him convince me he was serious... I am so over guys right now... I am taking a break... and if I even think about a relationship with another guy like him- just slap me!" Of course, new phones don't fix broken hearts.

3. Wicker Park Will Still Need Jesus: I know it sounds "cliche," but its true. My generation- 20-30 somethings keep thinking that the new car, great house, fun job, and new toys will satisfy... but they never do. Simple answer to man's rat race for happiness- Jesus. Try a new life, being born again, you will never be the same! Yes, you can still have the phone too, but Jesus will do things an app can never do and you don't have to get a new one every year! See John 3

Take it or leave it, but you know its true- new techy toys wont change Wicker Park community for the good. Don't wait till the iphone 12 to find that out!

For more info on the iphone 5 and all the hype, check out this cool website- click here.


Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division. For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Why Start a Church in Wicker Park?

I thought I would share the reasons why we at Metro Praise are starting a new church in the Wicker Park community.

1. Wicker Park is Mostly Unchurched: Though I cannot get an exact number on this, however, from being out there for 6+ years on the streets it is obvious most do not go to church. So where do cable salesman try to sell cable... uhhh, "Where those who don't have cable!" Thus, Wicker Park is perfect for us!

2. Wicker Park is Full of Young Adults: Being 34 myself, I have always attracted younger people in my church. The average age in our Irving Park Campus is around 25-28. The average age in Wicker Park is 29. So the age is spot-on!

3. Wicker Park is Very Educated: I love learning! Having received a Master's in Religious Education from Liberty Baptist Seminary I am pumped to meet other college grads and discuss life's most important questions!

4. Wicker Park is Mostly Single: I love single people! Why? They have tons of free time, great hobbies, and motivation to make one's self better. I spent most of my life single, I didn't get married until I was 28. So I feel I can relate to all the single folks and help them find true love and start a family when the time is right. In the last six years I have averaged 2-3 weddings a year just from within the church! And all the single people said, "Heeeey!"

5. Wicker Park is Beautiful: Wicker Park is so "cool" with great architecture, diverse people, and tons of great activities! I just like hanging out in the parks and on the streets meeting people!

So there you have it, five reasons why we are going to Wicker Park. However, the best is the one not mentioned, but obvious to most, "Because God said, 'Go!'" However, to avoid sounding shallow or just "super-spiritual," I felt led to give the above reasons. At the same time, I believe God said for us to do it because He knew it would be a perfect fit for us!

Acts 16:9, "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Click here for exact demographics of Wicker Park!

Metro Praise is launching a new campus in Wicker Park Tuesday Sept. 13th at 7pm. Located at the world famous Chopin Theatre on 1543 W. Division. For for information visit us at www.metropraise.org

Maybe Wicker Park is For You!

As I have been getting so excited about starting the new campus of Metro Praise at Wicker Park I have been spurred to invite others to come and help! So if you are out of state, live in the city, or maybe in another country and you feel called to reach 20-30 somethings in Chicago's hip swank neighborhood- then come on down!

Here are some things to consider before coming:

1. Pray: Seek God and discover if you are called to come be apart of Metro Praise. Read our website under "Revolution" (Click Here) and see if you feel a connection to our passion. The Lord knows how to lead His people. Psalm 23.

2. Seek Permission/Blessing from Your Pastor: If you are already in a good church please seek his or her advice and guidance. We do not want to remove anyone from their church wrongfully. Therefore, do it right and in order. We prefer those not in churches, but on certain occasions we have seen this work well.

3. Call Me Up: Ya, pick up the "telly" and hit me up on the "celly!" Nancy and I would love to talk and meet with you and see if you joining us is a fersure "God thing!" So don't be shy, make some time to call us and share your heart! My phone number is 773.870.9860 and if you feel better with email it is jwyrostek@metropraise.org

Here is what we are looking for:

1. Those who are out of church and looking for a place to belong: Our "Type A" person would be someone in between churches and looking to reconnect with God and you feel this is your time.

2. Disciples feeling led to start something new and fresh: Someone who has been raised up and is feeling released from where they are to a new season.

3. Talented and trained leaders who have a call to Chicago: Great leaders who are either in Bible College or just finishing up and your looking for a great place to serve!

Check out our current team in this cool video and let us know what God says! Chicago for Jesus!

"5 Things I Once Was..."

Today, as I was enjoying some good Chicago pizza with an ole' friend downtown- some things jumped into my mind. During our talk I was reminded of who I was when I first started ministry. I know it is easy for us as Christians to confess our past before Christ, but sometimes we give the impression that since being saved we have been perfect and have not really needed to change.

However, during this conversation I made some confessions to this friend on the things I am not anymore and I thought you might enjoy them. Some of you reading this might remember who I was 10+ years ago, but please be nice because I also remember who you were!

1. I used to judge people on things not found directly in the Bible- but from tradition: For example: I judged people if they watched movies, listened to non-Christian music, or even celebrated Christmas! Can I still make a good case for certain things not to be listened to or watched? Sure, but I now would much rather teach the "black and white things" of the Bible and let trained disciples make their own personal decisions in the "grey areas," Matthew 5-7.

2. I used to boast in prayer and fasting: Wow, that was hard even to write, but yes it was so true! I would be harsh in comparing my prayer and fasting life to others- to the point if you didn't pray 2 hours a day and fast once a week like me- I thought you were lukewarm! Now, I still love to spend hours alone with God in daily prayer, however, I like to keep it personal. I still teach disciples that they should aim to pray a minimum of an hour a day but not in a judgmental way, but rather in an encouraging way for spiritual growth.  And they don't, "no condo-bondo," just try to give God your best everyday!

3. I looked down on anyone who didn't street preach like me: I remember a time when I wanted to go street preaching on a Sunday night and my good friend said he wanted to go to the evening service and I said proudly back to him, "You can go to church, but I am going to be the church!" Funny how back then I was so quick to judge! Now, I love to teach evangelism and share the love of street preaching, but I won't condemn those who do not. Therefore, I still believe its very important, but its better to help teach people to witness rather than condemning them for not witnessing! (Note: God has sent more people into my life in this season to help than ever before!)

4. I believed low numbers in ministry was because leaders lacked a true passion and anointing: Ouch! I actually remember talking to struggling pastors and leaders and just laying into them with some serious rebukes because they weren't seeing the same things I was. God forgive me! Today, I believe God expects the best out of His people, but I don't let goodhearted disciples blame themselves and sit in guilt just because things go wrong in ministry or don't grow as fast as mine. The event that helped me learn this lesson the best was having to close down my first church.  Its funny how personal failure helps you give more grace to others in their times of failures and testing!

5. I really thought I needed my friends approval to be considered great by God: Even to this day its hard to admit it, but in the early years of my ministry I was such a manpleaser. I would bend over backwards just to have friends and try to get people to like me. Now, I still love to be loved but I have a holy confidence that gives me a peace regardless of what others think. I remember when Nancy and I started Metro Praise in Chicago so many people were against it, didn't understand it, or just ignored us. However, God worked in our lives and did so many great things. Sure, I'm happy to have friends in the city now, but I can truly say I'm just being myself with or without them.

______________________________

I hope you can relate to my short list of things I have changed over the last 16 years and can also look back on your Christian walk and see how you have grown!

2 Peter 3:18, "... grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

Why Google+ is Better Than Facebook for Pastors/Christians!

I know it sounds "weird" that I would say a technology on the interent is better for "Pastors and Christians," but I have some good reasons. Check em' out and let me know what you think!

1a. Facebook has Become a "Information Overload": Because of the all the "friends" a person has that are not really friends, you end up hiding almost everyone- just to get to the feeds you want. Also, you get offended by their content, they get the wrong idea with yours, and you feel like the peps you really want to connect with are avoiding your posts, but really they never see it in the midst of all their clutter.

1b: Google has Circles: So you can still have all those peps in your social world, but you don't have to "hide" their feeds to stay current with your peps. For example: You can make a "circle" for your church members, small group peps, etc. And you can send them updates, chats, and posts that only they see. Much easier to stay current, its like a huge data base! Thus, when you want to know what church peps are up to- just check the circle. When you want to know what your leadership is up to- just check the circle--- simple!

2a. Facebook Chat is Lame: The facebook chat option is an annoyance you get from peps you do not have time for, thus you may be like me and always have it "off." Sorry for those who like it, but you know thats true for 99% of the peps out there- that why you always chat with the same folks!

2b. Google has Video Chat With "Hangouts": Thus, that disciple you've been trying to hang with or that missionary to India can only see when your "in the hangout area" and totally call you up and not feel like they are intruding- its like Tokbox, super easy and totally like real life.

Well, I've only been on Google+ for a couple of days, but thats my thoughts, don't take it too harsh if you still love facebook. However, you might not see me there as much anymore... so google here I come!

p.s. Consider this... How did you feel when you were on myspace and first heard about "facebook?" Ahhhhhh, maybe thats how you feel now!! We were right about facebook, trust "us" were right about google, you'll love it!!! : )