Scripture References: Psalm 19:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Acts 19:10 (concept)
Intro: Speaker Jeff Atherton shares his family's journey into planting Pipeline Community Church in Visalia, a call cultivated over several years. This journey illuminates his life verse, Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Key Points:
- The Call & The Conflict: After years in youth ministry, Jeff & his wife Cindy felt called to plant a church. Initial proposal met strong opposition from previous church leadership, urging patience (Jer 29:11).
- Uncontainable Fire & Breakthrough: The call intensified over 2.5 years, becoming uncontainable. When presented again, expecting conflict, Jeff received surprising, unanimous blessing and support from leadership. God's timing and presence were evident.
- Psalm 19:14 Unpacked:
- "Words of my mouth": Recognizes the weight and influence of speech. Aspires for words that T.H.I.N.K. (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind).
- "Meditation of my heart": Stresses inner integrity matching outward actions. Inspired by his father's consistent example, valuing authenticity over appearance.
- "Acceptable in Your sight": Addresses the struggle with fear of man and people-pleasing. Focuses on finding validation solely in God's view, a necessary breaking process God took Jeff through.
- "O Lord, my rock": God's dependable faithfulness. Illustrated by a story of facing homelessness early in ministry and God's miraculous, last-minute provision of housing. He is a reliable foundation.
- "And my redeemer": God's redemptive purpose extends to communities. Pipeline's vision is to bring the Gospel (living water) to the ~90% unchurched in Visalia, believing God wants to redeem the region (Acts 19:10 concept).
- Pipeline Church Vision: Launched Mother's Day 2025, growing rapidly. A partnership (with churches like Radiant) to reach untouched parts of the community, made up of a solid core and "crazy people" ready to follow God's lead.
Conclusion: Jeff's journey highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His call, often through unexpected paths and necessary character shaping. Psalm 19:14 serves as a constant guide: striving for integrity in word and heart, seeking God's approval above man's, trusting Him as the unshakeable Rock, and joining His redemptive work. This is the foundation upon which Pipeline Church is being built.
Call to Action: Reflect on Psalm 19:14 for your own life. Are your words and heart acceptable to God? Are you seeking His approval or man's? Lean on Him as your Rock. Consider how you can partner in God's redemptive work in Visalia, perhaps through prayer or involvement with Pipeline Church.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.