Last night we had our second community outreach event for the area we are about to launch our fourth multi-site campus. Our event was one that we have been planning for the past month. We brought in an incredible band that plays Beatles music bluegrass style called Beatlegras. We also booked our good friend and worship leader's band The Robert Gotcher Band. All the wheels were in motion. We had sound, light and staging lined up and ready to go. We rented the public pool for the community to use and set the concert up outside of. However, this past week we had all sorts of hurdles to get over. On Tuesday the city almost tried to shut down our event...well...one guy from the city tried to shut down our event. For whatever reason he did not. We were fearful that he was going to come out last night and shut us down. We prayed all week and all day for that not to happen. Turns out he was not even working last night and the guy that was wanted to come watch the bands. God answers prayer … [Read more...]
WHAT DO I TALK ABOUT?
So today I was reading this blog and he was talking about this site that tells you what words you use the most in your blog. So I went and typed in my RSS feed and this is what popped up. I am encouraged by what we talk about here. … [Read more...]
CHILDREN WHO BUILD CITIES
Here is a portion of the letter that I wrote to our launch team of our new multi-site location that opens in 6 weeks. Isaiah 58 really rocked my world. So did 57 and I will share more of that later, but I would love to hear your thoughts on 58. Please read and enjoy: I want to share with you some thoughts from the Word of God. If you would turn in your bibles to Isaiah 58(I am such a preacher at times). No really, open your bibles right now. If you don’t have it in front of you read it when you get home. Ok, here we go. There are a couple of things I want to share with you in regards to this passage of scripture. One of the very first things that sticks out is in verse two where he says, “yet they act so pious! They come to the temple every day and seem delighted to hear my laws. You would almost think this was a righteous nation that would never abandon its God.” I read that and my initial thought was that I did not want God to look at me or our team and say that you would … [Read more...]
BLAINE’S BLOG
You want to read a great thinker and a creative genius, then go to my buddy Blaine's new blog site. If you are creative or want someone creative to rub off on you then this is the place. Go here!!! … [Read more...]
ROB GOTCHER
My friend Rob at my house last weekend. Check him out here. Thanks to this guy for the texture that I used on this photo. Hope you enjoy!!! … [Read more...]
QUOTES TO DWELL IN TODAY
Here are a couple of quotes from Francis Chan in his new book "Crazy Love". I would love to hear your thoughts on these: "True faith is loving a person after he has hurt you. True love makes you stand out." "The person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough," and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known." Wearing The Hearts Of Others On My Sleeve!!! … [Read more...]
JUST DO YOUR JOB
Over the past couple of weeks there have been some things that have troubled me. They have troubled me because I feel that if you are working at something you should take responsibility for your actions. In other words, just do your job!!! The bigger issue for me is that these that are supposed to be responsible for their jobs are within the church and they are dropping the ball all the time. Why is it that when we are given the greatest calling on the planet we have a tendency to slack and hope someone else will pick up the ball and run with it. Don't get me wrong I think we need to help one another, but at some point you need to take responsibility for your own job and actions. If you are not doing what you were designed to do, then figure out what that is and stop doing the the other. I know it is not that easy, but at some point we need to do our job and do it well. If we cannot do that then we need to find another place to plug in and serve. I am blown away time and again when … [Read more...]
LATE NIGHT THOUGHTS
Tonight is one of those nights where I cannot seem to shut my brain down. After preaching four times in a row this weekend my brain is fried. I made the mistake of taking a nap this afternoon and now I cannot fall asleep tonight. So alas...yes I said alas...I am sitting here on my couch in the dark reflecting on the day. Here are some thoughts as I process the weekend: 1. I really do love to communicate Gods word 2. I really love seeing people get what God is saying and applying it to their lives 3. I love my wife and children more and more every day 4. My campus pastor Jeremy is incredible and I would not trade him for the world 5. My lead pastor Drew has more faith in me than he probably should, but for that I am grateful 6. I have a great network of people serving and encouraging me weekly and daily 7. Rest is crucial in ministry 8. Loving People is what it is all about 9. I love the bride of Christ even when she whore's herself out 10.I need to go to bed. What is it from … [Read more...]
I AM OVERWHELMED!!!
I could write a whole post as to why, but I would rather just let you all read how one little act of loving someone has ministered to others. Thanks Los...love ya bro. Go HERE to check it out. … [Read more...]
LET'S SOCIALIZE