Brett Thompson

Well done....

2011-07-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about writing this for some time because it keeps coming up in my thoughts and in conversations I am having with people.

As a person who tries to follow the way of Jesus (if that is you..) you have probably heard and been encouraged by the parable of the talents. The idea that when we meet Jesus he will say to us "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25) This parable has been preached on a lot to teach on using gifts, giving money, stewarding leadership, etc. Let me give you the angle God has been giving me on it.

This parable speaks to me about fruitfulness. What kind of fruitfulness would lead God to say "Well done"? There is really only one answer to this and we only have to look as far as Jesus' description of what fruitfulness is. I think it is safe to say from reading the NT that Jesus is most concerned with us making disciples. It is the reason he came, died, rose, and gave us the Holy Spirit. For us to be fruitful and make disciples....people who are learners of following Jesus.

In all of our doing, serving, giving, praying, creating great worship experiences, healing, mending, and mentoring are we really producing what Jesus would have us to?

When I ask my daughter to clean her room she (grudgingly, of course) will comply. Inevitably she will come bounding out of her room very excited and wanting me to see what she has accomplished as a result of the task I have put before her. She will hold my hand, tell me to close my eyes and lead me down the hallway, throw open her door and then reveal to me her great accomplishment...which usually falls short of my expectation. Isn't that what we do though? We serve, and work, and teach, and put on services that look really great and to some extent they are moving towards what we were asked to do. But are they really? If Jesus commands us to make disciples...and that is his standard, what can we expect to hear from Him? Well done? Good try? Way off?

We abide in Him so that we may prove to be His disciples through the bearing of fruit for the Kingdom...more disciples who will make disciples. That is the measuring stick by which we will be judged in the end. I dont know how this hits you, but for me it is a wake up call to be more intentional in accomplishing what Jesus said to get done.

What might this look like for you?

3dM Day One Notes

2011-03-14T21:19:00.001-07:00

Just the highlights folks, if you want clarification or explanation message me or comment.

Teaching 1
Discipleship is the cause, the church is the effect.
Disciples create church. Church doesn't create disciples.

Through Jesus we have become covenant sons.

Programming Language- Covenant and Kingdom
(We are invited to covenant, challenged with Kingdom responsibility.)
Operating system- discipleship
GUI- Lifeshapes
Apps- huddle, missional community

Integrated Theology- what you believe about the Bible you will do.
Missional Community means groups living out the gospel to the community

The Learning Circle Mark 1:15- kairos is an event in time
Repent- metanoia- change the way you think- reconnect to covenant
Believe- not intellectual, lived out where it is seen.
Repent side
Observe- observation is a skill
Reflect- what do you notice?
Discuss- process out loud so others can help
Believe side
Plan- seek the kingdom first Matt 6:33
Accountability- help me in actions, ask for help
Act- do

The foolish man is the one who heard but did not act.

Teaching 2
1 Cor 13:13
Wherever you are, gods love reaches you there.

(Jesus baptism) God was proud of his son before his works. (wow)
Perfect love casts out fear.
Hope- Heb 6:19
Faith is being sure of what we hope for.
Faith comes from hearing. How do you listen?

30% of people are intuitive and will get what you say.
70% need concrete steps (show me)

Information>imitation>innovation
Information without imitation is just teaching, not discipleship.

God has given you people of peace.
Recognize the rhythms of grace.

Attacked or Humbled?

2011-02-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 2:6

We like that verse don't we? So encouraging. It paints a picture of a just God casting opposition to those who are arrogant and full of themselves, and grace to all of us who are humble and trust in God....right? Ummm....pride alert!

Humility dictates that we should probably be placing ourselves in the first part of that verse.
So why do we like to give the devil so much credit when we feel "attacked"? If God truly does oppose the proud and WE ourselves are prideful then who is it exactly that may be wanting to take us down a notch or two?

Who is considered the most prideful people group in scripture? The Pharisees would be a fair answer. Let's look at what Jesus had to say to them...remember, these we guys who were religiously devout MUCH more than you and I are...here's what Jesus said to them in John 8:
"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him."

It is better to be humble. But how?
1 John 2:6 "Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way He walked."
We can only be humble by following Jesus' example. Any attempt on our part to make ourselves humble would be an act of pride, believing that under our own power, we can achieve it. An act of pride that Jesus says is murderous and has nothing to do with truth.

So in your current circumstances where you may feel "attacked" by the devil....could it be your pride? Personally I don't want to give that joker any more credit than he deserves. Additionally, I can only hope that Jesus would use me in a way that warranted a real attack from the devil himself. My circumstances are most likely caused by the sin of pride.

Leaving: Part 2

2011-01-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

The last post seemed to create a lot of discussion, and generated a number of private messages to me that helped me continue this thought process. So, I thought I would post a part 2 to address a few things.

First of all, I want to make it clear that Part 1 was not meant to make it seem as if it was a 'bad' thing when people leave a particular church. I just wanted to give some thoughts from my perspective and to give people some things to think about if they are contemplating changing churches for any reason. The purpose was to encourage people to follow a few steps that may give them reason to stay or give them further confirmation that it is time to go, and to challenge people to consider the seriousness of their decision either way.

Leave well, come back later.
A great point was made by someone that at times the way we leaders respond to someone leaving makes it impossible for the person to come back even if they wanted to. Sometimes leaders react in ways that would make it very uncomfortable to even see the person in public, much less return to their church. I think this is very true. That is why good old step 3 is so important. Just talking it through will help to maintain the relationship regardless of what church you land in. Too many relationships are sacrificed at the altar of 'what church you go to". If you can leave well and maintain relationships you leave the door wide open to come back.

I mess up.
You know that feeling when you realize that you really screwed something up or inadvertently hurt someone? The sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, cold sweaty palms, and just a deep feeling of regret? Pastors know it. I know it. It came up this week as a result of this post. Sometimes we fail people. And while I do believe that the Pastor does not need to be the single person in the church that meets everyone's needs, sometimes we drop the ball and people leave because of it. Sometimes the hurt is deep enough that people will not want to confront it and just quietly walk away, and I understand that. But think about it for a minute. What incredible thing might God want to do through the situation? It is hard to face your hurts and it is hard for me to admit I'm wrong but it is almost always something that, if we will do it, can strengthen trust and make the relationship even better in the long run. And it might even mean that you would feel great about staying in that church.

I would love to hear your thoughts on these topics. I will have a few more later this week, namely unreachable leaders and sketchy theology or doctrine.. This could all be great research for a book I've often considered writing on how people can make decisions on changing churches well without being 'hoppers'. If you know any publishers you can pitch that idea to them :)

Leaving

2011-01-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

I wanted to write about something that many people don't think too much about, but it is constantly on the minds of church leaders and their families.

When people decide to leave your church.

I've left churches before....I know that there are sometimes good reasons to go. And I know that even when we leave for bad reasons, God can steer us where we need to be. But from a church leaders perspective it can be very personal and very painful...and it not only effects the leader it effects his / her family and most of all the church itself. Did you know that a VERY high percentage (over 50%) of pastors are on anti-depressants? A big reason for this is the emotional toll taken when you invest in people (or badly want to) and they either don't respond or simply disappear. Why do I write this? Because this is where I am right now.

To be (maybe brutally) honest, I get a little jealous of the 'attender' and their freedom. Let me put it this way: When I get tired of a particular restaurant I don't agonize over going to a different one. I just go...and I am certainly not missed. I don't consider how the chef or the dishwasher or the waitresses feel about me going somewhere else. I just go...because I can. No pressure, no emotional investment, no solid commitment needed. That freedom feels great! But this isn't a diner, its the church...the body of Christ. When you leave a church you are missed on a deep and emotional level. It shouldn't be that easy.

In a church you may think it is a sea of faces and you are not noticed. Believe me it is quite the opposite. My greatest desire is to help people grow in their understanding and application of the truth of the Gospel. I give nearly every waking thought to it. I think about you all the time. My family prays for you and talks about you and how great it is that you are there. We wrestle with how best to speak to you, serve you, help you, lead you and also...be your friend. We envision a future of serving and doing life together until we are all old and can look back at all God accomplished through US. When you walk away....it actually hurts. A lot. I know how whiny that must sound and I certainly don't expect people to stay in a church so that they don't hurt the pastor's feelings. That's not my point. My point is that 99% of the time people do not even consider another point of view....just like I don't consider the chef, dishwasher, and waitress.

What would help?

Grow where you are planted. A rolling stone gathers no moss; and a church hopper will always live with frustration about their spiritual and relational life. If you think you are in a church where you can't really grow, see #3.
Know if you are worshiping idols of comfort and convenience. It's really important to gut check and evaluate why it is you want to leave. Music over at Church "X" is better? I like Pastor "X's" teaching better? Church "X" is closer to my house? Don't worship at the altar of comfort and convenience...get in the trenches with us and bring glory to God in your sacrifice. Not sure? See #3.
Talk to us. Us pastors really like to talk about this stuff and most of us would be glad to help you find a place if it's just not working. We feel great about that. What doesn't feel great is when people that we love and want to serve simply disappear. Additionally, sometimes we make mistakes with you and your trust. Give us a chance to hear it and repent if necessary. Don't just walk away. Oh, and an email or Facebook message does NOT count. It's better than just leaving, but....it's not a good option. Schedule a meeting.
Dive in. Don't just be a church attender. Be the church...which means dealing with the good and the bad. It's not supposed to be rainbows and unicorns. Get in a group. Be a disciple. Invest in yourself and the church. People who just attend do not last. I see this all. the. time. And I am getting good at spotting it. If you just wont make an effort to be challenged or led by someone else you are not gonna last long. Do the hard work of getting connected, and if after all that it still doesn't seem to fit...see #3.
Leave well. If you just gotta go, leave well. Don't disappear. If you serve, keep serving until your position is filled. Don't try to persuade people to go with you. And above all...see #3.

Hopefully you can see my point. Just talk to us. For the most part we are ok when people leave if they simply talk to us. We can be your biggest cheerleaders if we need to...that's what we want to do, anyway. Give us that gift. See you Sunday? Maybe?

My Top 10 Books and Music for 2010

2010-12-22T08:25:00.001-08:00

Here are my picks for books and music that impacted me this year. Hope it guides you to check some of it out. They are in no particular order and are not necessarily new...just the best of 2010 for me.

My top 10 albums from 2010

Zach Williams- Story Time
Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More
Natasha Bedingfield- Strip Me
Arcade Fire- The Suburbs
The Avett Brothers- I And Love And You
David Bazan- Live at Electrical Audio
Thrice- Beggars
The Low Anthem- Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
Grace-Midtown- Songs for the City
Gungor- Beautiful Things

Honorable Mentions: because for me, 10 isnt enough :)
Black Dub- Black Dub
Heather Williams- EP (Full album will be top 10 next year :))
Ben Rector- Into the Morning
Dustin Kensrue- Please Come Home
Florence and the Machine- Lungs
The Frames- The Cost
Hanson- Shout it Out
John Mayer- Battle Sudies
Kid Cudi- Man On the Moon
Mavis Staples- You Are Not Alone
The Swell Season- Strict Joy
Them Crooked Vultures- Them Crooked Vultures
30 Seconds to Mars- This is War

My top 10 books from 2010

Forgotten God- Francis Chan
Brothers We are Not Professionals- John Piper
The Reason for God- Tim Keller
A Peoples History of the United States- Howard Zinn
Tribes- Seth Godin
Building a Discipleship Culture- Mike Breen
Permission to Speak Freely- Anne Jackson
The Gospel According to Jesus- Chris Seay
Vintage Church- Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
Doctrine- Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears

Leadership is Overrated (gasp!)

2010-11-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

OK, Im just gonna say it: "Theres too much emphasis on leadership."

I know poo poo-ing on the "Gospel of John Maxwell" won't be popular with most church leaders of the day out there, but that's why I have that nifty disclaimer over there. I always reserve the right to say something stupid.

I'm just a little (ok, alot) tired of all the leadership talk that makes it seem that unless you are a great 'leader' according to "Pastor X's" standards then you may not even be fit to lead a church.

You must have a extroverted charismatic personality.
You must have a compelling vision and hammer it into people.
You must be able to build teams that carry out your vision.
You must have great creative ideas.
You must have a popular blog and aspire to speak at Catalyst one day.

To me, this overemphasis on leadership culture has only worsened the problem of consumer Christianity. People are drawn to leadership and vision and they become trapped by the idea that the Pastor is the 'bread giver' and everyone else sits at their feet and feeds. Yes, I have read Nehemiah, Timothy, and Titus and understand biblical leadership principles. I understand that in leading any organization you have to utilize some leadership skill. I know that there is some leadership examples that we can pull out of the scriptures. I just think that it has gone way overboard lately...and forgive me if this offends, but I think for many it has become an idol.

I just want to be a good Pastor and servant of the Gospel. That's it.
What happened to:

(You must) go into the world and make disciples.

Leadership creates followers. Pastoring creates disciples. And not just disciples...disciple making disciples. Thats what I want to do.

I feel like I have spent way too much time on feeding the idol of leadership by trying to be like leaders I look up to rather than feeding on the gospel in such a way that I BECOME a leader by making disciples. Are people imitating your leadership style or are they imitating how you love Jesus?

I think we all know it is a both/and deal, but does our fruit reflect that?
Thoughts?

Adoption and Inspiration

2010-10-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

So my wife and I filled out a first round of adoption papers this week. We realized just how strange adoption is; being given the options to pick and choose just what kind of child you would like your hard earned money to go towards....very strange. As we get into this it is hard for me to not see this system as just a legal form of human trafficking. But that is another blog possibly....

Letting people know that we are beginning this process causes all kinds of reactions. People react in different ways; happy, congratulatory, concerned, inspired. I want to talk about that last one on this post. Inspired.

Inspiration without destination is just constipation.

Inspiration without moving forward on it is empty...of no real value at all. I was there for a long time. I was inspired to adopt. I admired people who had adopted children. But it never really was something that I took initiative to do anything about until I came to terms with the 'why'.

Why adopt?
Here's the part where you are free to disagree with me, but hear me out and consider that this may be the missing piece of the puzzle for you as well. I guess for some, they hear from God on adoption and are 100% sure that is what God wants them to do so they are obedient to that. That's not me. I'm almost never 100% sure on anything. Just being honest! While I cant be 100% sure on God's voice, I can be 100% sure about God's character. I don't know for a fact that I have heard God's voice clearly to adopt. What I am 100% sure of is that it is God's character to do it. As a Christ follower I am to be a reflection of God's character. A dim one at best but a reflection. When you reflect God's character you don't have to be all that concerned with obedience because you know that you are acting in line with who God is rather that what you think He might be saying.

Theologically speaking (if you need it), God exists for His own glory. Our very existence as humans is to reflect God's own image back to Him so that he is glorified. If through scripture it is shown that part of God's character is to care and protect the orphan, which it is....then when we reflect that character by doing the same we bring glory to God. Thats all I am trying to do. I hope that the decisions you will make are not ones made from a 'feeling' or even a percieved 'calling' but out of a desire to reflect the character of God.

Thoughts appreciated.

Whatever It Takes

2010-08-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Im convinced more than ever before that creating a church that will truly have an impact on the community requires people that are willing to do whatever it takes to see that happen.

I think many people are willing to DO whatever it takes, but how many are willing to QUIT whatever it takes?

There are many 'good' things in life to do. We all fill our lives with good things.
What about the 'great' things God is calling you to do? I believe that in most churches (including ours) God has placed people and resources EXACTLY where He wants them in order to see His goals accomplished in our cities.

The real question then becomes "Are you willing to QUIT whatever it takes in order to DO whatever it takes?".

What things can you identify in your life that are good, but may need to be laid down in order that you can be fully used by God to do what He has created you to do?

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Weekend reflections

2010-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

This was an amazing weekend at Seacoast.

We were able to baptize 5 people this weekend during our service. I love doing baptisms during our response time. People being baptized while people sang "I called, you answered...and You came to my rescue" was a powerful visual of the grace of the gospel of Jesus. To me, this is the greatest miracle we can experience in church services. I believe in all the gifts of the spirit...but they are for believers. To see people who were at one point 'dead' come to 'life' in Christ and identify with the resurrection is the greatest miracle of the gospel and we got to see it first hand this weekend. And a bonus...we have members of our leadership team do baptisms now. I love seeing lay leaders involved in these things. Jon and Cory...great job. So proud of you guys!

Then a child dedication. I love doing these. I especially enjoyed this one as we dedicated Anna, daughter of a couple who Carrie and I were able to get to know and love through leading youth ministry. I never feel like we do dedications justice. I don't think we always consider the impact that this can have. Just like baptism, Jesus did it...so I think we should to...and place importance on it. I really believe that as we lay hands on that child and pray for them that they are set on a path of having spiritual guidance in their life that is going to have eternal impact. Brittany and Jason, you are great parents and thank you for the spiritual leadership you have established in your home by dedicating Anna to God. We are going to do our best to help!

Memorial Day was just a great day with my family who I love more and more each day. We hung out at the Arboretum then hit up Chuck E Cheese for some fun together. We wrapped up the day with some 'intense family fellowship', but sometimes we need that so that we can be reminded that we are all imperfect but desperately need grace in our lives for ourselves and for each other.

The day ended with sleep...and no dogs barking or policemen knocking on the door! As it should be...as it should be :)

New Ink: The meaning

2010-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

So, some of you may have noticed I got another tattoo recently.
I thought I would take a second and reveal the meaning behind the tattoo for me.

By the way, heres a disclaimer: Tattoos are a big decision. I do not condone anyone else going out and getting a tattoo unless you are absolutely sure it is something you want to do. Just because mine are awesome doesn't mean that yours will be. They aren't for everybody and you should weigh the consequences and benefits before you get one (or 6). I am not addicted to tattoos or pain in any way, in fact I shy away from it every chance I get. Please do not pull out Leviticus on me because I will shoot so many holes in your argument against tattoos that it will make your head spin. Having said that....

First of all, if you can't tell...the tattoo is of a guy in the midst of smashing a guitar. Ahh, I can hear the questions already...this may or may not answer them but here goes.
A large portion of my life has been music. I love music. I started playing guitar in a youth group band back in Florida. Not gonna say it got me chicks in youth group but...thats when I started dating Carrie...just sayin'. I went to college and got a degree in audio engineering. I then starting playing with some friends of mine in a band called U-Turn, touring around the East Coast and we had a blast and actually did some incredible work for the kingdom during that time. Then I somehow became a worship leader. Didnt ask for it. It just turned out that way.

As a worship leader (and Im sure my WL friends will agree) you greatest friend is music and the instrument you play. At the same time, those things become your greatest enemy. They become your enemy because they are the vehicles to pride. Nothing will pump your pride up more than standing on a stage infront of alot of people and doing something that is considered "good". Problem is that we are supposed to be pointing people to God, not our good. Just this week a friend of mine posted this comment, and it really sums it up: "Pride is the great inhibitor of real worship."

Us musicians spend a lot of time and energy to be 'good' every week. Pretty sure the people listening appreciate that we try to be 'good'. :)

The problem occurs when we try to place the created ahead or the creator. And THAT is where we get in trouble. Suddenly the pursuit of 'good' overshadows our pursuit of God. Honestly, this is a struggle every single week I get on a stage.

This tattoo represents that it is not about the instrument or the music or the 'good' of it all. Forget the guitar, smash it. Forget the creation that we do musically...it's about the creator. The one who created you and me to be able to respond to the music and connect to Him. I could have gotten a really cool guitar or music tattoo, but to me that would have spoken that I place the created over the creator and I just didnt feel good about that. Then I saw the photo that the tattoo is based on. The emotional quality and abandon was there and it spoke exactly what I wanted to say.

I would love to hear your thoughts on it or questions you have....comment away.

Overcoming the Blahs of Leadership

2010-02-16T07:04:00.001-08:00

My friend and colleague at Seacoast Church, Mac Lake wrote this blog post on When Leaders Fall Into Maintenance Mode.

His post resonated with me because I find myself slipping into maintenance mode quite frequently and I think for most leaders its a constant battle. This leader thing doesn't happen easily and even though some of us carry the spiritual gift of leadership, we still have to wage war on complacency and plain old burn out.

So, having just come out of a season of 'Maintenance Mode' I thought I would post a few things that helped me climb out...even if only until the next battle.

Fasting- Im learning that this is probably the greatest weapon in our arsenal against spiritual and leadership complacency. Extended times of fasting are not simply natural acts, they can produce supernatural results in your leadership.
Serving- Regaining a servant leadership mindset is important. We have to remember that to lead means you have to be out front serving, not pushing from the back of the pack.
Being Present- For me, I get into leadership funks when I allow myself to hide in them. Force yourself to get together with leaders, mentors and talk about what you are going through. I could not make it without regular meetings with our regional Campus Pastors.
Submission- I have learned that sometimes my leadership failures are tied directly to times when my faith is low. Understand that scripture says that your faith is authored and perfected by Jesus. Allow the gospel of Christ to be where you find your faith...not in your works (or lack of them) as a leader. Your worth is in Christ.

What about you? What would you add to this list? What things do you do to avoid maintenance mode?

Sticky Vision

2009-06-17T07:39:00.001-07:00

Just a practical example of how vision sticks...

Yesterday we adopted a Golden Retriever from the shelter for my daughter Samantha's 10th birthday. She had no idea that she was getting a dog. I went and picked up the dog from the shelter and, to say the least she was a mess...and smelled horrible.

So I took her straight away to the groomer so that she would be perfect to present to Samantha later that day.
Here's where it goes from routine to the vision lesson for the day.
As I dropped off the dog at the groomer, I explained that I had just picked her up from the shelter and when I came back to pick her up I would have my daughter with me and surprise her with the dog. The groomers eyes lit up. She was locked in now. Not just a normal grooming...this one was special. She was so excited to be a part of Samantha's special day.

A person I had never met before suddenly was captivated by vision. Captivated by being asked to be a part of something special. She went above and beyond with the grooming, and even gave us a discount. Score!

When you can cast a compelling vision....make a task more than just the day to day, people respond in a big way.

You can view the video of the day...and the groomers feet...here. http://www.facebook.com/thethompson

Men and Women

2009-06-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Let me start this post by asking that you please leave a comment. This is a thought-work in progress, so I would love your input.

I have been leading a group of men at our church for almost a year. We have been through doctrine, the spiritual disciplines, and now we are learning about what it means to be a spiritual leader.

My wife has been leading a womens group for the last few months as well. I don't know exactly what they are studying but I do know I have seen growth in the women of that group, including my wife.

These two groups may be the most important thing we are doing at Seacoast right now as far as discipleship goes. Heres why I say that.

I believe something is very wrong in our culture when it comes to gender roles. I don't need to say it, you know it too. It is completely out of whack and perverted from what God designed it to be. As part of God's redemptive plan for the world, this is an area that we as followers of Christ should be working with God to redeem.

The more I talk to couples in trouble, the more I see that the gender role is a huge issue. Even more than the favorite relationship killers that we all know about, communication, fidelity, and finances. I am starting to believe that you can't address those issues and have any success until the couple sees and accepts responsibility for their God given role in the relationship.

Here is Eph. 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

This is the key verse for the Love and Respect Conference that we are hosting this weekend at Seacoast. When we get the roles right, life is better...and I think, culture is changed one couple at a time, one generation at a time. I love how Emerson Eggerichs sums up the gender roles in his book "Love and Respect"...he says the man's role is "first among equals" and the womans role and desire is "to be of first importance". Again, as in all of scripture, the responsibility lies with the man for both of those. The man must consider his position one of equality, but he is first in responsibility. Just like Adam. When Eve and Adan sinned who did God go asking for? Adam. Adam was held responsible. And just like then, his sin and our sin as men today is a sin of omission. Something we are supposed to do, but don't.

As men, we are to know our position and our responsibility. We are to lead...first among equals. And we are to love our wives in a way that they know they are of first importance. Im beginning to believe that the way to change culture is to teach men how to be men. What do you think?

Heroes

2009-06-12T08:21:00.001-07:00

Last night I was talking to Carrie about a book I was reading while in Barnes and Noble. It was a biography of one of my heroes, but when I told her this person was one of my heroes she gave me that "Carrie" look and said "Really?! I never knew that!"

So I thought I would share a few of my heroes with you today.
Walt Disney:
Walt Disney was a visionary. Started from a very humble family, began drawing pictures and developed a vision for entertaining people through his art. That vision expanded and grew into the Disney empire. I grew up going to Disney World pretty frequently. I can probably draw you a map from memory. I still get teary eyed when I see my kids light up when they go there. My kids love Disney movies, my kids love Disney Channel, and dream of going to Disney World again soon (so do I). All of that happens because one man has a vision and carries it out. And the remarkable thing is that for the most part, Walt's ideals are still carried through everything Disney does. It's a crazy huge legacy.

Joe Kittinger:
Joe Kittinger is just a MAN in the sense of the word that I don't think anyone else can compare to when it comes to bravery. He began as an Air Force test pilot. What he did next is incredible. This dude jumped out of a balloon gondola in 1960 from an altitude of 102, 800 feet. Folks, that is 19.4 miles up! That is in space. The dude rode in a balloon to space and freakin' jumped out! He was in freefall for 4 minutes and 38 seconds! He hit a speed of nearly 700 miles per hour on descent! That is enough to break the sound barrier.

One day I would love to meet this guy. (He is still living and in Florida) If you have a hookup, let me know!

William Tyndale:
Gutenberg created the moveable type printing press. Tyndale used that new technology to mass produce and print the Bible. Tyndale was a true rebel...in the Biblical sense, that is. He challenged the Church of England as well as the Catholic Church openly on their treatment of people, as well as their doctrinal shortcomings. He challenged the prevailing idea of the day that the way to God was through the Pope. He stated that the way to God was through His word. I agree. Tyndale's vision was that every person would have access to a Bible. This is one of the statement's that led to his end: "I defy the Pope, and all his laws; and if God spares my life, I will cause the boy that drives the plow in

England

to know more of the Scriptures than the Pope himself!"

In 1536, Tyndale was found and arrested on the charge of heresy and strangled, then burned at the stake.

Vision, Courage, Steadfastness....heroes.

Walking into spider webs

2009-05-27T11:42:00.001-07:00

I walked into a spider web today.

I hate that for many reasons...not the least of which is that along with spider webs usually come spiders, which I hate. I know it will surprise many but I may hate spiders even more than cats. The difference is, spiders are fascinating and cats are not.

The other difference is that spiders tend to shy away from places where people frequently are. (I wish cats would do that!)

Which leads me to the point of the blog post.
Two things about spider webs...

They usually catch us by surprise
They are usually found in places we neglect.

Sound like life, huh.
Ever find yourself in a down place in life or get completely sideswiped by something and then look back on it later and said, "yep, I should have seen that coming"? Maybe it's an area you have been neglecting for a while...finances, marriage, spiritual, time with the kids, etc.

To me, it seems that it is much better to visit those hard to visit places at least every once and a while to chase the spiders away. No one likes to walk into a spider web.

What is an area of life that you have been neglecting?

P.S. For you cat lovers, I intentionally left out references to cats IN spider webs. You are welcome.

Worship thoughts

2009-04-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

Last night our Man-gineering group talked about the spiritual discipline of worship.

Here are some random thoughts.

We all worship someone or something. Because of sin, we worship wrongly.
Most problems people have can be traced to worshiping wrongly
Even church can become an idol that we worship and it is wrong. The 'feeling' of acceptance that we get at a healthy church can be drug-like.
Driscoll- "The human heart is an idol factory"
Corporate worship experience is an integral part of worship as a spiritual discipline.
Submission is always the antidote to pride and thus, idolatry. In Matthew 17, the disciples fell on their faces at the sound of God's voice. Then Jesus extended his hand to them. They were in the position that He needed them to be in. How many times do we worship in a physical position of submission?
We need to place God back at the position of ultimate.
Creation will always fail you because of the curse of sin. Even created things such as church will fail you if you choose to place them over God in the position of ultimate.

What is your worship centered around?

Tattoo (pt.3)

2009-04-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I posted the similarities between Pastors and tattoo artists. You can check that out below if you missed it. I left out the most important one so that I could expound on it today. Would you agree that it would be quite nerve wracking to tattoo someone? I mean, every stroke of the tattoo machine is there permanently. This is a HUGE responsibility that the customer hands to the tattoo artist. So here's a couple more sobering ways that Pastors and Tattoo artists are similar:

We share a high standard of judgement. When doing something of eternal significance we are held at a very high standard. We don't have the luxury of being nonchalant about what we do. Every stroke matters. In James we Pastors are told that we will be judged more strictly. We, like the tattoo artist can't take what we do lightly.
If we mess up, it's really bad. The artist adjacent to me when I was getting my tattoo joked with the guy whose back he was tattooing that he had tattooed the wrong name for his girlfriend who was watching. It was funny, but can you imagine!? As a Pastor, people take what we say very seriously. When we mess up, it's not us that suffers the most. It's the people that trust us. That should be a wake up call.

My passion is reaching people who have been hurt not only by sin and the fall, but by people and Pastors in churches that were unhealthy. Probably because I have been there.

I am not there yet, but I want every eternal stroke that I make on people to be as careful and focused as the lines the tattoo artist drew on me.
When I hand my tattoo machine over, I would love to hear "Well done."

Tattoo (pt.2)

2009-04-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Thinking about the experience of getting a tattoo, a few things come to mind.

The Tattoo Artist
They really are artists. This guy had the steady hand of a surgeon while holding a conversation. I watched him as he worked and it was artistic. It was very cool to sit and talk to him as a Pastor getting a tattoo...something that most people give a double take to. He was very open about his previous lifestyle as a guy who really enjoyed the drug culture! But then ended our few hours together by looking me in the eye and asking me to email him about our church. He was interested in coming on Easter.

We as Pastors really do have a lot in common with the tattoo artist.

We get a front row seat into peoples lives. He had one on mine for about 1-1/2 hours.
We get to be creative and use our God-given talents.
What we do is eternal. Not sure we get to keep our tattoos AFTER death, but you get my point. We both leave a legacy.
Sometimes what we do is painful but well worth it.

Servolution

2009-04-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

This has been an incredible "event" for our campus.

We are only half way through and I feel compelled to write about the response that we've had.
On Friday night a group went out and handed out baggies of quarters at some local laundromats.
On Saturday we washed cars for about 20 people.
On Sunday we had over 250 people out for an Easter Egg Hunt / Block Party...(after service where we hit a non-holiday high and had 2 commitments and 4 re-commitments)
On Monday we went out and handed out free donuts and coffee to people at a busy local Post Office.
Then today, we cooked hamburgers and hot dogs and gave them out for free at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

It's amazing to see peoples reactions when you are doing something just to be nice. It's like a completely foreign concept to them...

My hope is that our folks will catch on and do these simple things without being asked or motivated by a program. My hope is that they will do these things out of an overflow of the gospel working in their lives.

Can you do something like that today? What if it starts with us and a movement to make serving something more natural and less foreign?

Reminds me of the lyrics to this Shaun Groves Song..
Chorus:
Peace has broken out
In every heart
In every house
Peace has broken out
It started small
It drew a crowd
Peace has broken out

Well, they say it all began right down on Fifth and Main
When somebody thought of pushing back but walked away
Somehow the people gathered round just weren't the same
And as the crowd dispersed somebody heard em say

We'll watch the lambs and lions play
We've got no more flags to wave
All our rockets aim for stars
And the way things always should have been
Is just the way things are

No one's sure what happened next but on and on it went
From cubicles and classrooms to the president
Headed west and east and on to every continent
The whole world woke up to read how things are different

Tattoo (pt.1)

2009-04-06T11:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, I did it. And yes, it's real...permanent, forever.

One of the best decisions I have ever made. I know that sounds crazy, especially to those who think it is out of my character.

Actually, the reason why it was one of the best decisions is that it is totally my character...maybe just not the character I have portrayed myself to be all these years.

One thing that God seems to have been doing in me over the last few months is revealing that He is happy with who I am and that I need to be that person. That doesn't mean that I don't care what others think about me because I do. I am just choosing to allow them the freedom to base their thoughts on who I really am, not who I think they want me to be at any given time.

What or who would you be if you were just who you knew you were...who God created you to be.? What could you accomplish if you made a decision to be that person instead of who you think everyone else wants you to be?

BTW, the tattoo says Stand Firm..but if you look at it from the other side it says Stay Alert. It is from 1 Cor 16:13 "Stay alert! Stand firm in the faith. Act like a man in courage and strength." It was inked by Terry Gauldin at Backwoods Tattoo in Whitsett, NC. Great place and a great guy. Visit them here.

Culture and Church Part: Deux

2009-03-20T10:44:00.001-07:00

Today I had another encounter with my friend at the gym. Let's call him "Dave"...because that's what his mom calls him.

These posts would be far too long if I dissected our conversation in one piece so I'll take a couple of posts to do it.

One of Dave's gripes about 'modern church' is that to him it is not respectful to God. The loud music, people getting excited, wearing street clothes, etc. are just disrespectful to Jesus.

To me, the ultimate way that we can respect God is to do what He tells us to do.

In John 21 I think we get Jesus' heartbeat when he asks Peter, "do you love me?" Peter of course replies "You know that I do." To which Jesus responds, "Then feed my sheep." This is a powerful exchange in which Jesus is saying, if you love and respect me then you will show it by loving people. Jesus doesn't respond by saying, "If you love me then show it by cleaning up, bowing your knee and singing me a hymn." He simply says, "Love people" He says we show our affection, thankfulness, and respect for Him by making our lives about others.

That is what we try to do here.

You may feel it is harsh, but I told Dave; "The difference between you and I is that you are all about Dave and what makes Dave happy and I am all about doing what it takes to reach lost sheep."

Yes, we are still good friends.

I just think it would be incredibly disrespectful to Jesus to tell people to go to hell because we were hung up on tradition.

What do you think?

Culture and the Church

2009-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting and heated discussion with a friend today in the gym. He was telling me about some things going on in his life and I asked him if he was still attending church. He said no.

He said he was looking for something more "fundamental". I asked him what he meant by that and got out of him that he really meant 'traditional'. Then it came out that what his real problem with church was is the music.

His take is that (so called) Contemporary music is not honoring to God. It is a step toward being 'worldy'. He believes that people in churches are deceived by Satan himself to use the 'worlds music' in church as a means to dishonor God. Music in contemporary settings is too "emotional" and not worshipful or respectful.

I explained to him my take as follows:

It's not the world's music. It is God's. All of it.
Yes, music has an emotional component. God gave us emotions, sometimes to be used to lead us to worship Him. Music has an intrinsic way of doing that. Maybe that's one reason God created it....hmmm.
I trust the leading of the Holy Spirit in the way we conduct services. So far He hasn't chastised me on our music style.
It is not fair to lump all 'contemporary' models into an entertainment theology...especially when you have never been to one.
Paul and Jesus both instruct us to be a part of the culture. Not giving in to sin, but not segregating ourselves either. Music style is a cultural thing. It's my belief that we are in a city of culture and need to engage and be a part of that culture in order to reach it...not fight against it.

There was much more to it but that's the nutshell.
I was probably a little harsh on him by saying this, but I felt we are good enough friends that he could take it and he did...I told him that the difference between he and I was that he seemed to be more concerned about himself rather than lost people.

One caveat...we all need to be careful not to operate in the opposite direction. Just because a church is traditional does not mean it is ineffective. It means it is engaging a different part of the culture and is a necessary thing. The problem for me in this conversation was that I was being told that what we were doing was dishonoring to God.

Let me also say that I don't think that the music that we do in church is always the best way to worship. It is one way, not THE way. Sometimes it is too happy-clappy. Sometimes it is too theologically shallow. But sometimes it hits the mark and people are drawn into a conversation with God through it and their lives are changed. And through that we are part of redeeming the culture back to Jesus.

What are your thoughts on music in church?

Your church "Home"?

2009-02-09T13:22:00.001-08:00

In our newcomers class here at Seacoast I hear this alot...
"We finally feel like we found our church home"

Just wondering. What does that look like to you? What makes a church "home"?

Seacoast Greensboro on the news

2009-02-09T12:43:00.001-08:00

And thankfully it wasn't anything scandalous...unless you consider a bunch of people getting their financial lives redeemed back to God scandalous, then I guess it would be. Heres the video.

Living your Testimony

2009-02-09T12:19:00.001-08:00

Ever feel like you don't have much of a testimony? Grow up in church and pretty much stay on the straight and narrow? I did, and at times am a little bit jealous of people with a really sensational story.

I know of people who were delivered from lives of drugs or violence, prison, horrible upbringings, homeless, family-less, the list goes on. Those are all awesome testimonies.

But maybe not having one of those testimonies is a great testimony too. Maybe God having his providential hand on your life from the beginning is also a great testimony.

Then again...what is a testimony? If it's your story, isn't your story still being written?

I have a friend who is a great Christian guy, loves Jesus and serves God. He has a great testimony of how he got to that point in his life. But right now he's going through a tough time.. To me, his testimony is ongoing. His story and his testimony will have grown on the other side of this tough time because of his faith. I cant wait to hear the addition to his testimony.

What if we all thought that way in the midst of tough times...always looking forward to our story growing and pointing to Christ? Wouldnt that change your attitude? How is your testimony growing and being added to?

Moose Lodge

2009-02-02T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hit the road today for Mt. Pleasant to go to our monthly all-staff meeting. I decided to take a different route than normal that took a more rural route...just to see something different than Charlotte traffic for a change. God loves Charlotte I am sure, but I'd rather poke my eye with a sharp stick than drive through there at rush hour.

Passing through several small towns I noticed several local Moose Lodges. It never occurred to me before today, but.... what the heck do they do in a Moose Lodge? Almost anything I could envision would make me chuckle a little as I passed by. I had NO idea what was going on in there...and frankly don't want or need to. I am completely content in my ignorance.

Made me think...maybe this is how someone outside the church sees every church they pass on their way to work everyday. We in the church world think about what we do quite a bit and consider it pretty important. Do the guys in the Moose Lodge's feel that way too? People like me passing by certainly don't think theres anything important going on in there. What are we doing to compel the content to see a need for church to be a part of their life?

video of the week.

2009-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Powerful. Someone needed to say it, and Im glad they had the guts to do it. Pass it on.

The Overflow

2009-01-23T08:37:00.001-08:00

So we are in the middle of this 21-day fast. I can't say that I have been as strict or rigid as I would have liked to have been through it, but I have noticed a few things.

First, I think my demeanor is better. Not so quick to get angry, and more intent to listen rather than form immediate opinions.
Seems easier to resist temptation...it worked for Jesus too. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
My mind seems clearer. Still sediment settling to the bottom, but a little clearer.

Worship and ministry seem to come from a different place. A place that I remember but haven't been to in a long time. The overflow.

The overflow for me is that place where worship and ministry come naturally out of the overflow of God's presence and annointing rather than from my gritting my teeth and bearing it. It feels more like God working through me rather than me letting Him fight His way to the surface from time to time.

What evidences are you seeing from fasting? Do you recognize the overflow?

"I am Barack Obama"

2009-01-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

Remember those commercials back in the 80's that had people saying "I want to be like Mike"? (Michael Jordan; by the way I have a vintage Air Jordan Jacket from his rookie season if anyone is interested in owning a nice piece of memorabilia...) Then in the 90's there was the campaign that featured people saying "I am Tiger Woods".

Mike (as I like to call him) and Tiger have one thing in common. They influenced entire generations. They influenced generations by offering hope that if they can do it, so can you.

My daughter is learning about the civl-rights era in school right now, and we visited the NC Museum of History on Monday (MLK Day) and saw an exhibit on the era. She saw signs that said 'colored only' and 'white only'. She saw newspaper clippings that had statements about how we are not equal. Then on Tuesday she was able to witness Barack Obama become President of the US. I am glad she got to see that. I know that it will be a different world for her as she grows up as a result of it.
Carrie made a statement during the inauguration yesterday that was very true. No matter how President Obama performs as president this is one of those moments in history that can influence entire generations. I hope that it will.

As church leaders, we have an even greater responsibility. We have been given the opportunity to influence people in terms of their eternity. This makes me feel an urgency to quit playing the game and start transcending it. Mike didn't just play basketball as it had always been played. Tiger didn't just play golf...I 'just play' golf. Barack Obama did not achieve his influence on a generation by being status quo. I can't just continue to play pastor or leader, father and husband. If I can't be influential and transcend the status quo, I dont wanna play.

Do I agree politically with Barack Obama? Not on much. Am I inspired by his passionate influence and leadership? Yep. So in the spirit of those commercials...I can say "I am Barack Obama"

Where in your life do you need to quit just playing the game? Where can you influence a generation? Sound too big for you? Think about it...you can.

Paging Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy....

2009-01-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here at Seacoast, we have entered a 21-day fast this week.
I've noticed and heard a lot of talk (grumbling) about fasting and how difficult it is. Believe me, I understand what a stretch some of this may be for some of you. Especially those of you doing the Daniel Fast. Let me take a pastoral moment to point you to Matthew 6:16-18

16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

This verse clearly says that we are to go about our lives normally when we fast...in other words, put your big boy pants on and dont complain about it to others. It is to be done with humility and honor. Its a 'get to' not a 'have to'. As Christ followers we 'get to' fast and hear from our God. Its an awesome thing for us, and a very personal one.

I would love to hear what God is doing in your life through the fast, but lets not get into 'looking gloomy' or grumbling about how hard it is. Lets celebrate that we get to enter into this time with God! OK? OK...carry on!

Transforming Change in 2009

2009-01-06T08:31:00.001-08:00

2008 was a year of change, and we hear that even more change is on the way in 2009 and I am sure that is true.

Have you had a life changing event happen in your life? I did when I began to feel God calling me to full time ministry. Then, a few years ago I hit what I thought was a huge stumbling block that turned out to be one of the best life-changing events for me. I broke my jaw playing football behind the church. My mouth was wired shut for 2 and a half months. It turned out to be just what I needed. A time of listening.

It started a discontent within me. Bill Hybels calls it a Holy Discontent and I had it. I was discontent with me and what my part in ministry was. Later that year I heard Bill Hybels at a conference speak about this holy discontent. It was a transforming moment. I knew I would never be the same and it was clear that God had a call on my life.

What it your holy discontent? Have you found it? Have you been quiet enough to hear God communicate it to you? Part 1 of my vision for us this year is that you would find what your God-given Holy Discontent is. Imagine if we ALL found it and acted on it!

The world had a transforming moment when Jesus entered into history.
The world was lost in sin and far away from God. Jesus changed all that.
But it wasnt simply change, it was redemption. Theres a difference.
Change can give you a different view. Redemption gives you new eyes to see with.
Redemption is simply being returned spiritually to the way God intended us to be and returning to the relationship He created us to have with Him.

What was Jesus mission?
Luke 4:18-19 lays out Jesus job description: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captivesand recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

How did He do it? He recruited a team and then worked the plan.
Guess what? We have been recruited to the team. How well are we working the plan?

Heres the vision for 2009 for us at Seacoast Greensboro:

You find your God-given "Holy Discontent"
You join the team and start working the plan with us.

Whats the plan? Our mission is Jesus mission:

Feed the poor. Both physically and spiritually.
Free the prisoners. Freedom for people who are prisoners to sin...no matter what their sin.
Lead the blind. So many people are hurt by church they are blind to what a real community of faith is. We want to seek them out and re-connect them.
Release the oppressed. Freeedom from addictions, isolation, self-worth issues, habits, sin...

So for you, what will 2009 be?
Is this the year you are tranformed? Will you commit your whole life and resources to Jesus' mission? Will you experience the transforming power of Jesus?

Join the team and work the plan with us!

Fill in the Blanks

2009-01-02T09:02:00.001-08:00

First post of 2009.... lets hope I do better at blogging than last year!

Had a God thought the other night. Ever have one of those? Comes out of nowhere, but is profound and sets into motion a whole range of thoughts and ideas?

Heres the thought I had.
New Years resolution time...never a big deal with me. I guess cause I don't have any major vices. I dont smoke, Im not overweight, I dont drink too much, my mouth is somewhat under control...so what should my resolution be? I could come up with a few, I guess but heres the thought that came to me... There are so many unknowns this year for all of us. Lots of blanks to be filled between now and 2010. How about we get out of the way and let God fill in those blanks?

Then I found Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words

I dont know what to ask for in 2009. I think I'll pray that the Holy Spirit will fill in the blanks.

What do you think?

Change.

2008-12-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

We have all heard a lot about change lately huh. Yesterday our campus pastors met to do some message planning and the theme came up.

The idea was to convey to our congregation that one of our desires as a church was to change the communities we are in. Im all for it.

It got me thinking though.

Change is shallow. Redemption is deep.
Change is only really changing your circumstance.
Redemption is your heart being placed back into alignment with Jesus.

Isnt what we are shooting for redemption?
Isnt that what Jesus came to do? I mean, Jesus was not an agent of change. He was an agent for redemption... a way to get hearts back to God.

What if, as a church we were able to redeem the hearts of the people in our community?
How can that happen?

What ways do you see that Jesus was here to redeem?

Doctrine

2008-11-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have been teaching a doctrine class at our campus over the last couple of months now. It has been one of the greatest experiences I have had in ministry.

Just a question to toss out there....let's say you had a personal appointment with Jesus and could ask him one question.
If you could ask ANY doctrinal question what would it be?

Threat Level

2008-09-11T06:01:00.001-07:00

Today is the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As for a lot of people, that was a very profound day for me. I grew up during the cold war and all the talk about possible nuclear armageddon...by the way, I love the movies that came out of that era!

One of the most profound things to me that unfolded on that day is to not take our safety for granted. In my town where I lived at the time, we lived about 3 miles from a nuclear powerplant. I remember almost every day as I went to work in the days after 9/11 watching the f-16's circle around the area almost constantly. It was an uneasy time.

Today I thought about our little threat level matrix that someone came up with. How is this supposed to help? Then I thought, shouldnt we always be on the highest alert? Isn't that what vigilant is?

Then I thought about it in terms of how I protect myself from sin. Do I have a threat matrix for sin? Do you? Are most people just going about their day on low alert? I want to be on the highest alert possible at all times. Our enemy attacks us every single day...for some of us every few minutes! We should be vigilant against sin in our lives...the highest threat level.

What level are you at today? Is it a green day? Be careful. Be vigilant.

Buy a tarp!

2008-09-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody,

I know that our thoughts in recent weeks has been on the people of the Gulf who have suffered losses during Hurricane Gustav, and now it is looking like Ike may become an issue by the weekend for them. It was reported today that some parts of Louisiana could be without power for 4-6 weeks...maybe more with the possibility of Ike hitting the same area.

Healing Place church in Baton Rouge, LA is a church that Seacoast is very close with and they are right in the thick of assisting people in need after the storm. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who you may remember from our "One Prayer" series is Pastor at Healing Place and says that one of the best ways people can help is to send roof tarps. Please check out this video with Pastor Dino. http://vimeo.com/1689234?pg=embed&sec=1689234

As a church I want to ask you to donate the money for us to send some tarps down to Healing Place Church so that they can distribute them. I am asking that you let me know via email, or a phone call that you are willing to donate to this cause. The number of you that respond will dictate how many we can order, but the average cost per tarp is somewhere around $10-$14. If you can donate 1 or 21, please let us know by the end of the day on Wednesday and we will take care of ordering them and having them shipped to HPC. You can bring your cash or check made out to Seacoast Church (tarp) on Wednesday evening and/or Sunday morning.

Thanks for making a difference, and continue to pray for the Gulf region.

Heather Williams in concert

2008-08-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

What a great time down in Florida playing guitar for my friend Heather Willams CD release concert. The concert didn't go on without hitches, though. We had to cut soundcheck short the night before because of a smoking audio console. This was bad because it meant that we didn't practice the last 2 songs of the set! And this group that was put together had never really all played together before! We really weren't sure it was going to work (the console or the band) even with minutes to go until the start of the show. The crowd poured in (Im guessing about 700?) and were ready to rock!

We opened with a piano and vocal only version of "Halellujah" and then kicked in the band. It was really cool to look across the stage and see Tim and Heather again. We have played together hundreds of times, but it had been about 6 years since the last time we were together on stage. The vibe was really good...the band was good...Heathers voice was strong and then I started noticing what was going on outside the window. Thunderstorm. BAD Thunderstorm...like palm tree bending monsoon rain thunderstorm! I looked across the stage at Tim and gave him 'that look'. On the last chord of the most sensitive song we did called "Daddy"...BOOM! Out went the lights! Lightning had hit and everything shut off! Darkness. The crowd burst into applause. It was pretty cool, actually. Heather is a pro and we discarded the setlist and she gave her testimony while all the equipment was firing back up and initializing. Intelligent lights were going crazy...the scoreboards were going crazy...but Heather brought it. After her testimony we did '40' by U2. It was one of the most intense musical moments I have had in all my years on stages. Seemed that the lightning had brought the band together and the audience and the band together. It was cool to see. We finished really strong with a couple of songs and then Heather did an encore. We did a song for the encore called "Beautiful Thing" a very difficult song to pull off that we had never played together. Again, a great musical moment. It was working and the audience loved it.

The audio console made it through the whole show, and thanks to the lightning...it was a memorable one. Ill have some other thoughts on the trip and on the concert as well as some news about Heathers career later on. Be sure and hit up her website and check her out. You should be able to order the CD from there soon. www.heatherwilliamsmusic.com

Why be humble?

2008-07-18T11:46:00.001-07:00

Humility is one of the strangest things to me. It seems to me that the person that says that they are humble must be...proud that they are humble, right? Is that hard for you to wrap your head around too? I was thinking about this the other day. Try this on...why should we all be humble?

You should be humble because....
You're just not that good! At whatever you do someone else is better. Either someone is better now or in the future someone will be better than you, but you are not the best! Think of something that you do that you are proud of. Guess what...someone is better. Maybe you are better than someone else, but someone somewhere sometime is better than you. I know, it's complicated, but it is true.

You should be humble because...
If you are led by the Holy Spirit it's not yours to be proud of. Was Jesus proud of His miracles? Was He proud of his ministry? I don't think so. Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do everything He accomplished on earth. He realized where His power was from. Overcoming temptation, feeding the 5000, walking on water, healing the sick, raising from death. He couldn't have been proud of it because it was through the power of the Holy Spirit! Whatever you do in ministry may be great, but it's ultimately not yours to be proud of!

You should be humble because...
Jesus was humble. God in the flesh laying down His 'God-rights' so that he could serve humankind? That's humility! When you are feeling like something is 'owed' to you, just remember Jesus' kind of humility and you should be....humbled.

Comments?

Looking back

2008-07-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

I may be heading down to my home town at the end of the month to go to Heather Williams CD release concert. Should be awesome...but enough on that for now.
It got me thinking about 'home'. Do you feel like your hometown will always be 'home'? I love it here in Greensboro, I think it is one of the best cities in America to live. But I do miss Florida from time to time. So...I hit up Google Earth and thought I would bring you into my hometown and some of my memories.
Heres my childhood neighborhood. The blue roofs are tarps. At the time this was taken, it had just had a hurricane go through...another fond memory, believe it or not. Hurricane parties are great! I cant tell you how many times I rode my bike around that block! I have so many stories that took place on that one little section of the planet. You can barely see it, but behind our house was a shed building that my dad and I built ourselves when I was like 13. Really good memories there.

Here is Oleander Park. Some of my greatest times as a kid were here. I could ride my bike to the park and play. I learned how to play baseball here. My dad was the coach and when we made an error we had to run around the entire park. In high school years other things happened at the park, but we wont talk about any of those things.... :)

This is the Fort Pierce Inlet. Ocean on the right, Indian River on the left. You can see the 'jetty' here. The jetty was the place to go fish, hang out, talk with the locals. Especially cool during hurricanes, the waves would crash into the rocks and spray up over the jetty. Good times.

More later, maybe!

Pastors Roundtable at C3

2008-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Headed out today and drove 1.5 hours to go to lunch. One of the best lunches I have ever had, and Im not talking about the food!

I got a chance to go have lunch at a pastors roundtable (they were more rectangular...who knew!) at C3 church in Clayton, NC just south of Raleigh. C3 is an ARC planted church with a great relationship to Seacoast. Last year at one of our all-staff meetings in Mt. Pleasant I got to meet and pray with Matt Fry, the senior pastor at C3 (although I don't think he remembered that). It meant a lot to me to be able to pray for a guy I look up to in ministry.

One thing is for sure, C3 knows how to host and make people feel special. On arrival, we had our picture made with Matt and his wife Martha along with the special guests for the roundtable Joe and Lori Champion from Celebration Church in Houston. We went in for lunch and on Carries chair there was a goody purse with earrings, bangle bracelets, and lotion! I got a Starbucks card, a notepad and a coffee mug. Sweet!

The discussion was fantastic. It was uncanny how a lot of stories around the table sounds the same as mine in a lot of ways. The main point in the discussion was the balancing act that pastors have to make in regards to people in their churches seeing them as friends or pastors. It is really hard to be both. I knew it was hard in youth ministry, but it is twice as hard as a pastor to adults. I have great friends in our church and I desperately want to pastor them, but it is tough when you have close relationships with them. It can sometimes color the way you treat them or keep you from confronting when you need to. A great discussion that opened up a lot of thought for me as we move through building this campus.

Oh, BTW when we were leaving we received a framed copy of the picture we had taken upon arrival. A great touch! We were blown away by the generosity and thoughtfulness.

Overall, today my passion for our church was renewed and I met some awesome leaders. I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to rub shoulders with guys like Surratts, Frys, and Champions. One thing that I do know is that God has me in that position to learn so that I can accomplish some great things for the kingdom. Im ready to go!

Summertime, and the pews are empty....sing with me!

2008-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Summer can be a tough time to be in ministry. Ever since the production automobile hit the scene to whisk people away to exotic sandy locations churches have slumped in the summertime. Maybe the gas prices this summer will be a help to our growth this year, who knows!

The question I had is what do we do with that? What do we do in the summer knowing that people are just going to be in and out and that our attendance will be affected, our volunteer pool will be affected, and our operating income will be affected?

Im gonna talk to church leaders now. What does it mean to persevere through the summer slump?
As churches, we start looking at the fall and planning events and marketing to get people in our doors in the Fall, but what do we do as leaders?

The church will be here and ready to go when the Fall hits, but as leaders what are we doing to get prepared?

2 Timothy 2:2 says "So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did."

What are we doing to prepare ourselves as leaders to speak into the lives that will walk through the door in the Fall? What are you reading? What are you listening to? What are you studying? What are you filling yourself up with that can be poured out onto others in the Fall?

We need to take time in the summer and get filled up. We need to prepare and pray that God sends our churches people that can be raised up as future leaders. We need to be ready to pass on encouragement, knowledge, passion, vision.

Throw yourself into Jesus this summer and use it as a time of refreshing and re-filling so that you can be replicating yourself in a good way in the Fall! Its a choice that I have made. I am not going to be discouraged by the numbers this summer. We are gonna do our thing and do it well, but I am going to use the summer to grow and be ready to hit it hard in the Fall!

The Florida Outpouring Part 2b: Todd Bentley

2008-06-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Somewhere about hour 2.5 during worship Todd Bentley comes out on stage. I didn't see where he came from so I don't know how long he was there or not there.

In a way, this was the moment I had been waiting for. I have spent a lot of time researching Todd Bentley and his teachings and beliefs. I know this guy pretty well by now and it was interesting to see him in person finally. I felt like I knew him. Up until that moment I had thought very negatively about the person Todd Bentley because of the things I knew about him and his teachings. At that moment though, it was as if God opened me up to the fact that Todd was created in His image just like me. I still think his teachings are way off base. I still think he is leading people down a dangerous road. But instead of anger, I felt incredible compassion and love for the guy. I can't explain it, which tells me it was the spirit of God leading me to that. It was what I had prayed for coming here; that God would give me what He wanted me to have and let everything else fall to the floor.

Again, I don't want to go into all of the things that Todd Bentley has said or done that are off-base scripturally. I could go on and on about that. If you really want to know, ask. I may or may not answer you! Some of Todd's teaching and beliefs stink. They just do. But I think God wants me to separate the man from the teaching and show compassion and mercy while at the same time not giving in to false teaching.

I often think of what Paul would have done in this situation. Paul was a pretty black and white guy who called sin and heresy what it was but at the same time loved the person enough that his ultimate goal of calling them out was to lead them to the truth of the cross and Jesus Christ. That is what I would like to strive to do. I want to be able to discern what is wrong in the teachings and yet pray hard for Todd Bentley. Join me in praying for this guy. Like it or not, God is using Todd Bentley to strengthen people's faith. People are getting healed (by the power of Jesus), and I believe people are coming to Jesus all despite the fact that the man leading it is imperfect. But then again, so am I. I just happen to have less influence on people than him.

Time will tell ultimately what fruit comes out of this revival. But in the meantime I want to pray for Todd Bentley. Is he led by God or a false spirit? I dont know, but we should pray for him. Is he sincere or is he manufacturing revival for profit or fame? I dont know, but we should pray for him. Is he preaching the gospel of Christ or harming it? I dont know, but we should pray for him.

And we should also pray for the people going down there that they would receive only what God wants them to and that He would protect them from everything that would bring destruction or confusion into their lives and into their relationship with God. I saw many sincere believers down there in wheelchairs and in pain that need a healing from God. We should pray that they will receive it!

I was a little disappointed that Todd didn't speak the night I was there, but I think it is exactly what God wanted. Had Todd spoken, I probably would have been keenly aware of every word and actively filtering everything he said. Instead, I was listening to God change my heart for the guy and putting him on the top of my prayer list.

More in Part 2c: Rob Deluca and healings....tomorrow.
I would love to have your comments...don't be a lurker!

Florida Outpouring Part 2a: Worship

2008-06-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

My prayer as I traveled to Lakeland for the revival on Sunday night I had one prayer. It was that I would see and receive all that God has for me, and those things that weren't of Him would be obvious and fall to the floor. I wanted to put aside all that I had read and heard and seen and walk in the door just as everyone else did that night. Expecting to experience God's presence.

I used my trusty GPS to find the location of the revival which was now at the municipal airport just southwest of Lakeland. I arrived to a HUGE fenced parking lot. There were some parking attendants guiding people in. I arrived at about 8:30, which was about an hour and a half late, but I could hear the worship cranking from a gigantic "tent" setup near the parking lot. I met a few people that had been there a few times and they all had good things to say as I walked past some food vendors and a lemonade/water stand and up to the tent. Wasn't sure where to go since there were no signs and nobody that appeared to be greeting or leading people in. I'm a big boy, I can figure it out.

Going in. I was ready. I had heard from some people that you could feel the weight of God's glory when you walked in. I was ready for it. I expected it. I didn't get that immediately. Sorry, I just didn't. I even stopped for a few minutes at the back and just tried to get aware of my surroundings. I did sense God's presence and I did see many very sincere people worshiping, but I just didn't sense anything that I would describe as a 'weight' or 'heaviness'.

The first thing I noticed as I entered were a few people laying on the floor near the back. I wasn't sure if they were worshiping or sleeping since they had brought blankets or sleeping bags to lie on. As I walked through the tent up to the front on the left side I noticed a LOT of people who were either in wheelchairs or had some sort of disability. The thought ran through my mind that I may see them at the end of the night walking out much different.

Let me talk a little bit about the worship as I experienced it.
As a worship leader, I know two things. One, God's presence always shows up when His people are truly worshiping Him. You can feel it. You know it when you are in that moment. Two, when you bring that many people together to worship it is dynamic. Not because God's presence is there MORE necessarily, but because there is an emotional response to the crowd, the music, the leader, the atmosphere AND the increased faith of the people just being around each other engaging in worship. I saw a LOT of people sincerely worshiping God. I also saw a LOT of emotional 'guidance' from the worship leader. At one point, the worship leader stayed on a single chord on the keyboard for at least 7-8 minutes and stared off into one spot with a completely blank stare. Im not sure what that was for, but the crowd loved it. The longer it went on the louder they got. It didn't seem so much that people were worshiping as much as they were celebrating whatever it was that the worship leader was doing because it was so anti-everything they had ever seen in a church service. This was to become the theme of the night. More on that in post Part 2b.

On a positive note, I really sensed God's presence in the worship and I was engaged in it for some time. Then came the prophetic worship. At times, it was powerful and beautiful. It really was and I enjoyed it. But there were times during the prophetic worship that were just plain awkward moments. The worship leader would be riffing and say something off base and you could hear him backtrack and correct. Nothing major, probably just my sensitivity. There were people dancing in the aisles, lots of flag and banner waving, some crying, some people were slain in the spirit, some were shaking, some were sitting and praying...pretty much the gamut, but not nearly as crazy as I had anticipated. I felt pretty comfortable worshiping there, even given the distractions.

At one point, I moved to the right side of the stage and near the back 2 women were praying and laying hands on a teenage boy who jerked and shook and occasionally screamed out at the top of his lungs. This was a very odd scene even for this revival. From what I could hear, they were praying for God to use this kid, but it looked and sounded more like he was being attacked by them. Many people around were really distracted by it. A guy in a wheelchair rolled up behind where I was standing. I could hear him praying in the spirit. It was beautiful. Actually, I didn't hear much praying in the spirit and I didn't hear much use of tongues even from the stage. I was a little surprised by that. I expected more of that than was there. I don't want to judge, but there was a real contrast between the quiet spirit led prayer of the man in the wheelchair and the occasional outburst of unknown words that the leaders sometimes came out with. Maybe because they had a crowd?

There was another dynamic going on that I noticed. The people closest to the stage were way more engaged in it all. These people were full tilt worshiping with everything they had and were almost as much a part of leading the worship as the band was. That was actually pretty cool to see happen. Then in what seemed like concentric circles out of that the response varied until you got the the farther sections where most people appeared to be observing it all or trying to get away from the clamor going on up front. Interesting to see.

Banners, dancers, flags...they were all there. I didn't see the tambourine lady, but Im sure she was there somewhere near the front. One lady had full camouflage on which she had embellished with gold accents and waved a huge golden banner thing. Something about an army was written on her back but I couldn't make it out. She wasn't still long enough to make it out. I did noticed the production crew occasionally make the banner folks move to the back behind the camera line.

This was an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. There was definitely two things there, God's presence was there...that was obvious. It didn't have the 'weight' that was described to me by others, but God's presence was real and it was awesome. I was able to engage in worship and really did feel like God was being honored there. I don't know how else to put it that doesn't come across negative, but there was also a lot of pure emotion and hype there too. I don't think that emotion is wrong in worship, but when it seems like what is being done is being done to prolong the emotion...it's easy to get caught up in worshiping the emotional response rather than God. I have to admit a few times I got caught up in it and I had to re-focus myself on what I was doing. I sometimes even have to do that during worship at Seacoast. Emotion can sometimes become our religion, or our idol, and I think to some extent it is happening at Lakeland. I don't think that it is any ones fault that this happens, but I do think that leadership at the revival embraces this type of response rather than guiding people to re-focus on the object of our worship rather than the emotional response prompted by a leader, the music, the volume, the crowd, etc. This would become extremely apparent as the night went on. More on that in part 2b. Coming next.

As a worship leader I understand the importance of excitement and emotionally engaging people as we lead them to experience God in worship. Let me be very transparent...a worship leader who can't engage people on an emotional level isn't going to be around for long. It is a vital part of leading people. A worship leader has to learn how to do it. But there has to be a balance. When an emotional response becomes the goal rather than the means to a goal it seems something is out of place. I can't believe that I as a music guy am saying this, but I would love to see what would happen in these services if they cut out the musical worship part of the services for a while and dive into prayer and the reading of the word in it's place and just see what difference it makes. I wonder how many days the revival would have gone without a killer band and sound system.

I will mention this in the next post, but the speaker for the night called out to churches to break out of their box. Actually, he was a little more harsh than that, but that was the idea. To an extent I agree...we do need times of worship with no limitations on time. We need times of worship where people are free to express their worship in any way they want to whether it be praying in the spirit, lifting hands, laying on the floor, dancing, etc. But at the same time, it's not that we need to break out of the box to become like someone else. It's just a different box. God has given churches and leaders vision to reach people with whatever means necessary. For some it is traditional worship services and liturgy. For some it is a contemporary worship service with drama and dance. For some it is full-on, full-gospel charismaniac worship (thank you, tambourine lady). For us it is a 75 minute service where the word is taught in a practical, non-spooky environment and people can respond to God in worship in many ways (candles, cross, communion, prayer, giving). None of them are wrong or evil or even lacking. They are different and serve different purposes for the gospel to go out.

The big picture is that I saw God being sincerely and earnestly being worshiped that night. It was awesome to see and experience. I can't wait to worship with Seacoast this weekend.

The Florida Outpouring Part 1

2008-06-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday while in Florida on vacation I drove the hour and a half from my parents home in Lake Helen to Lakeland, FL to attend a service at the Florida Outpouring; aka the Lakeland Revival.

For those of you who don't know about this, the revival began in April with an evangelist/prophet named Todd Bentley. On the night I was there, the revival was in it's 67th day.

I wanted to attend the revival for a few reasons:
First, I have some serious concerns about Todd Bentley and some of the things he claims to have experienced as well as some things that he has stated publicly. I am not going to go into those things right now on this blog because it would not be productive to point out every issue I have with Todd Bentley. The only thing that I would like to point out is that I have no problem with Biblical manifestations of God's presence. Those are not the things I am calling into question..tongues, slain in the spirit, healing, etc.

Second, as a pastor I feel that I have an obligation and a duty under scripture to 'test the spirit' of any movement that could influence the people of my congregation. There have been some people from the congregation go down to attend the meetings, and some that have asked questions about it, so I decided to go and check it out while in FL on vacation. It would not be fair of me to take a decisive stand on it without going there and experiencing it.

Third, I realize that God is more than able to use someone with a less than perfect track record of ministry to still reach people and make his presence known to them. I wanted a first hand experience of being there. My top spiritual gift is discernment, so I wanted to go and discern it in person apart from the hype of the positives and negatives that I was hearing about. I wanted to be able to separate the experience from the person and make a fair judgment of each.

My experiences at Lakeland will be part 2. Then my conclusions will be part 3. Coming soon.

Post Service

2008-06-02T05:27:00.001-07:00

Its Monday morning. Im trying to get a few things wrapped up here before we leave for Florida for a vacation. I blogged yesterday before service, so I thought I'd follow up.

We had a great service yesterday. Pretty decent crowd. Yesterday was one of those days that everything I said and did was really led by God's spirit. I challenged our volunteers to grow spiritually this summer, not to take a break. I had them pray over our facility and plant seeds this summer that will lead to great things in the Fall.

Then I challenged our congregation to the same things. Asking people to sacrifice during the summer to grow the church isn't the most comfortable thing to do, but I really felt like God was leading me to do it. I want to create a culture that sacrificially loves the community we are in and want to see them engaged with God at any cost.

I thought about all the flak President Bush got when the video clip came out of him talking about the war, and then teeing of on a round of golf. It felt weird and insincere. I think the average church is just like that sometimes. We talk a big game on Sunday morning for an hour or two, then it's off to do whatever the heck we feel like doing the rest of the time with no regard to the hurting people around us. I don't feel good about that, and I don't want to be average.

Pre-Sunday thoughts

2008-06-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

I often blog about our services post-service. Sometimes that is a good thing, but sometimes after a draining Sunday service it may not be the best thing. So I decided to blog Pre-Service today and share some thoughts going in to today.

Im really looking forward to service today and hope the turnout is good. I am speaking to our volunteers today about the summertime season for churches and how it is easy to be complacent about it and just sit back and let summer happen.

Im going to challenge them to make some sacrifices this summer in order to plant seeds that can be harvested in the fall. I think that we can grow our church this summer if we follow Galatians 6:9 "Let us now become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Pastor Brian Houston made this statement at a conference that stuck with me: "Great churches are not built on the gifts of a few, but the sacrifices of many." That is the quality I want our church to have. Our ultimate worship is sacrifice and God will honor it.

I'm also going to challenge our volunteers to view the summer as a time of personal spiritual growth. Go on vacation, take the iPod with sermons, read the Bible, read a Christ centered book while on vacation, etc.

I am praying that this summer becomes a season of growing in our relationship with God, and planting seeds that produce a great harvest in the Fall for our community!

Cinderella

2008-05-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is in the news today.
http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11576057/

When I put myself in SCC's shoes, I don't know...all I think I would feel is anger. I really don't know if I would recover from something like this or not. Even thinking about a dark place like SCC is going through literally makes me ill.

I never wanted to listen to the song "Cinderella" and it was kind of a joke, really because it is about the little girl growing up and moving on. I joked about it, but in reality it was difficult to listen to as a father of girls.

I listened to it today and those lyrics just hit hard. Really hard.

Im going home to play with my Cinderella's.

Sunday Brain Download

2008-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Great service today. It was so good to be back with everyone at our campus. Numbers are still up and we had quite a few out today so that is awesome. Newcomers was fun as usual. Great people and added a couple of members today. And to make it even better, he plays drums and she sings, and they both have experience in student ministry! That could be huge for us as we grow.

Having Cindy and Randy and Cynthia pray for me before service makes such a difference.

Response time was good too. One individual that has openly said that she isn't sure exactly what she believes raised her hand for salvation today. That was really cool to see.

Went on a bike ride with Samantha and had a good talk over cookies by the lake. That was nice. Got to go see Iron Man with some guys tonight. That was much needed after spending 4 days with 5 females and a female cat. Testosterone levels are getting back to normal.

After Iron Man, I picked up Aaralyn and we went to Coldstone for ice cream. She is an awesome kid. Of course, this is what always happens...

What does God think?

2008-05-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

What does God think of me?
How different is it than what I think of me.
I would really like to know...I think.

Spend some time with me in the next week fasting, praying and asking that question. I think I want to know the answer....do you?

Working on these things....

2008-05-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I thought I would list some things going on in my head for the future of our campus and my personal ministry. Let me know your thoughts on them.

Knock a wall down to allow more room for pre-schoolers on Sunday mornings! Good problem to have. And knocking stuff down is fun too. This will be happening within the next couple of weeks!
Get rid of the pews in favor of chairs. If you have an extra $10K laying around it would help. Nothing personal about the pews. They are just constricting and only allow us to use the largest area of our facility once a week. Thats not good stewardship of God's provision. Also, it makes getting in and out of your seat during response time pretty tough.
Start a class on getting going with a written spiritual growth plan. I should have this ready to go by the end of May.
Hire a PT worship leader. I love leading worship, but I have begun to realize my limitations and I dont want my limitations to limit what God wants to do at our campus.
Really build into our leadership team. They are awesome and I want to spend more time with them developing their leadership and gifts. I would love for us to all do a Strengths Finder together.
I want to really dig into scripture and know it better than I do. Not being the primary communicator sometimes seems to make it excusable to not have to get real intimate with scripture and that isn't good. God, forgive me and help me!
I would like to begin the process of identifying and building into a leader to pastor a Raleigh area campus within the next 3 years. If not Raleigh, then somewhere in the Triad. Thinking of being able to spoke out and increase our influence really gets me going.
I want to develop relationships with area Pastors, and also deepen my relationships with the Pastors who are over me.
We need to expand our lobby at the campus. As we grow, it is getting crowded in there. Again, great problem to have, but we have to make it a comfortable place to come.
I want to get organized. Let me rephrase that...I would like someone to help me get organized! A smart phone would be a great start...

Man, I am just really excited about how things are going right now. We are growing great, people are coming to Jesus, and life change is happening. I just want to position us to continue what is happening now and keep ridin' the wave!

New meaning to Church Wars

2008-05-02T13:23:00.001-07:00

Funniest Video Ever...if you are a WL..

2008-05-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Great quote

2008-04-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

“Winners don’t find successors - they create them.” -Noel Tichy

...working on it.

Jeremiah Wright

2008-04-29T07:06:00.001-07:00

Heres a quote from Jeremiah Wright during a question and answer period to the National Press Club:

MODERATOR: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the father but through me.” Do you believe this? And do you think Islam is a way to salvation?

WRIGHT: Jesus also said, “Other sheep have I who are not of this fold.”

For those who hear this and think that Jesus is in any way including Muslims into the fold of His sheep, let me correct Dr. Wrights theology....

In this passage, Jesus talks about being the gate for His sheep. He says that He is the ONLY way to the father...he is the very gateway. The other sheep He is referring to are the Gentiles. In this passage He is speaking to the Pharisees and He is letting them know that He came to be the GATE through which ALL men have access to the Father.

There are people out there that believe that there are many paths to God and heaven, and that even Jesus died to save ALL people including those who do not believe in Him. Jesus makes this clear: HE is the GATE through which all CAN enter...but only through HIM and no one else. There may be many paths to heaven, but there is only one gate. Jesus.

Jesus said this: "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

Back from Charleston

2008-04-27T19:55:00.001-07:00

Wow what a weekend! Beach and sun on Saturday, church Saturday night and 3 different campuses Sunday morning. I'm a little pooped.

We basically just walked in the door, but I wanted to get some thoughts down before I call it a day.

Seacoast is amazing and the people are incredible. Carrie and I have only been at this thing for a while, but it is so cool to be 300 miles away and feel right at home in church. If you stumbled across this blog and are looking for a church, find a Seacoast!
I really enjoyed the weekend, but I really missed our campus! All of the campuses have their own 'thing' goin' on, but man, I really love our people and love worshiping with them. I cant wait till next Sunday. That was my overwhelming thought all day today. There's really nowhere else I would rather be. I just hope they missed me a little.
As I said, all the campuses have their own feel and they are all great. We learned alot from going down and experiencing them. Seeing full services and 1000's of people engaged in following Christ just reminded me that God WANTS to do that with us in Greensboro and that is why he set all this in motion for us. I can't wait to see our building just packed with people experiencing God together.

Off to bed now. I am hoping to have a busy day tomorrow. I cant wait to get at it.

the 5 Kings

2008-04-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

I just got done listening to Chris Hodges talk from the conference we attended last week in Birmingham. At the time he spoke, I was either in bed or hovering my head over the potty so I missed it. I know, TMI.

Good stuff. REALLY good stuff. If you want to hear what every pastor who is striving to do the best he can for the kingdom goes through, that was it. Rejection, Loneliness, Discouragement, Temptation, Demonic attack....all of it. I'm glad it's just not me who gets attacked by these things!
Heres kinda how it goes for me...just gonna lay it out there....

Rejection- I feel this one quite often. The enemy says that I really don't matter in all of this.
Loneliness- There is quite a bit of weight to being the 'top' guy here. Especially with so many great leaders from Seacoast right there to see it all; the good and the bad.
Discouragement- Theres not a Sunday that goes by, no matter how incredible service was, that I dont drive home and think...well that was a waste of time. I know that it wasnt a waste and that it is just the enemy trying to get to me, but the thought still comes. It was comforting/scary to hear from Chris that after 7 years and 6000 people it still creeps in.
Temptation- This comes in lots of forms, but all of them are to bring me down and bring down what God has started. Pray for me, please...I would appreciate it!
Demonic Attack- I think all the above fall into this category. I have begun to accept though, that if things are sailing too smoothly I'd better watch out.

Makes me want to fight all the more. Thanks Chris!

I just want to be stronger and more courageous and take the territory God has given us to take here in Greensboro.

A Sunday Off?

2008-04-25T10:56:00.001-07:00

Im really looking forward to this Sunday. Why? Cause I have nothing to do but attend church!
I think theres only been one other Sunday in 5 years that I have been able to do that. This should be quite refreshing.

Carrie and the girls and I will be heading down to Mt. Pleasant this weekend. We will be doing ALOT of church, but just attending and observing. We want to pick up on some things at other campuses that can help us get to the next level at ours.

Ill report back here what we learn.

Pray for Hannah Miley Montana Cyrus

2008-04-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Hannah Miley Montana Cyrus
My 8 year old (and your daughters too) loves her and I would really like her to continue to be a positive role model.

Twitter

2008-04-23T20:40:00.001-07:00

Im really kinda liking the Twitter deal.

Go check it out and sign up. Then follow me...ok that sounded creepy.

http://twitter.com/seacoastgso

Prayer

2008-04-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

How much do you pray? How do you pray?

Maybe the more important question is how do you listen?

Something I am realizing is that God is near. He is not distant and picking up the phone when I start to pray. He is nearby and just waiting for me to talk to Him and then shut up and listen. Praying comes pretty easy to most people, but the listening is the tough part I think.

What do you think?

Encouraging...

2008-04-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend this past weekend. I think that we hit an all-time high for us for a 'normal' Sunday service. It was exciting and I think people are catching on. I remember this time last year wondering a lot of things about myself and about this church. I still have my doubts about myself from time to time, but I know that God wants to grow this church. I mentioned a little bit about this during our pre-service prayer time. Heres a snapshot:

I think Im beginning to realize that much more than I want this church to grow, GOD wants this church to grow.
It's up to God and in His timing. I have to trust that and let Him work in me and in our people. It's up to HIM but WE have to be faithful servants.

I love this verse that Pastor Greg shared with us at the conference last week:
Isaiah 29:14 Therefore once more I will astound the people with wonder upon wonder...
I wonder what He wil do next!

Can I be Angry at the Pope?

2008-04-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well I am.

I have seen conspiracy theories for a while about the Catholic Church trying to bring about unity between all the world religions in an effort to align itself against protestantism, but I always dismissed them until last night...

Last night I watched C-SPAN and saw the Pope receiving gifts from representatives from different world religions during an inter-faith reception. Now, I am all about being kind and understanding to people of other faiths. I am. But for the Pope to receive gifts and give platform to these other religions is just beyond me. I saw a Jew give the Pope a Menorah. I saw a Muslim give the Pope what appeared to be an ornately decorated Koran, which he opened and thumbed through with a large smile on his face. I saw gifts from a Buddist, and also a Hindi.

"Pope Benedict stated that the primary purpose of interreligious dialogue is to help discover the truth and to address the deepest questions of human existence." Umm. Excuuse me?! Does the Pope need help from a Muslim or a Jew or a Hindu to discover the truth and answer the deepest questions of human exisitence?! Wow.

I feel like a part of the Catholic church has been peeled back and I don't like what I see under there.

ARC Conference

2008-04-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

So I have returned from Birmingham, AL and the ARC Conference. Other than the trip up there and the first night it was a great time. On the way up I had some kind of food poisoning or something. I wanted to be unconscious.

But I digress....

I always go to these things expecting a few things. Get to know the people I am with better and also hear something from God. I think I did both.

Heres some takeaways from the conference:

I am really proud to be a part of Seacoast. These guys are the best. I'm proud of our pastor, he is really amazingly humble. He has such influence over so many people and churches. I was really impressed that on Tuesday night he came up and sat down with all of us instead of being down in the VIP section rubbing elbows with everyone. That meant alot to all of us.
Dino Rizzo might be the funniest human being alive. he also has a huge heart to just see the church be what God intends it to be.
Brian Houston was pretty awesome. Even though I had heard both of the messages that he gave before there were still some nuggets in there. Heres a few: Don't let your eyes grow dim...keep being passionate. The oil is in your house...go find it! Great churches aren't built on the talents of a few but the sacrifices of many.

I am always blown away by these pastors who have built such amazing churches from really humble beginnings. Pastor Greg taking 5 years to get back to launch numbers...Brian Houston starting with 75 and dropping...I guess if I had one thing I think God was saying to me during this time it would be...stay passionate, keep moving forward, and be patient.

Long time coming...

2008-03-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while since I have posted here and I think its about time to start again. Its funny, I see to always get back going with a blog when things are going really well or really bad. In the interim, I dont seem to think about posting.

Anyway, thought I would share what God has been saying lately.
I've been really challenged to stop thinking small and start thinking God sized dreams for our church.
I read through the story of the widows oil in 2 Kings 4 and it really convicted me.
Have I been limiting what God wants to do in me by thinking small? By not creating enough capacity am I limiting what God wants to pour out? I think I have. So I am trying to start thinking big...creating capacity for God to work.

How can you begin to dream God sized dreams for your personal life? How can you create bigger capacity for what God wants to do with you?

Seacoast is getting Exciting!

2007-12-14T11:32:00.001-08:00

I have to say, the last few weeks have been really exciting at Seacoast. I just really feel the momentum building. We have added some great new people in the last few weeks and seen about 5 re-commitments to Jesus in the last few weeks.

It feels like we have hit a new level lately. I am starting to see one of my main goals for this church to take shape. A leadership culture seems to be brewing.

I don't know where this thing is going, but it sure feels better going up than going down!

Today

2007-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

I dont know everything, and I don't do everything right...I have to be OK with that, don't I.
I'm learning.

A Eureka moment?

2007-11-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Eureka! And I don't mean the vacuum cleaner.

You know someone who gossips? I know a few. I don't think that most people who gossip do it out of being malicious. They really think that they are doing some good.
Here's my Eureka moment.
What if we could put the power of the gossiper to work FOR us?

What if we strategically targeted our gossipers and let them in on 'inside' information that was positive and good. For instance, call them up or message them and say, "I don't know if you have noticed, but "so and so" has been really getting alot out of small group recently."...that kind of thing.
I wonder how it might change our culture to use gossipers strategically?

Just a thought. Feel free to shoot at it.

Terrell Owens?

2007-11-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Now why would I bring up Dallas Cowboys wide reciever Terrell Owens?

In the gym that I go to religiously every morning I have a great group of guys that I workout with and am friends with. One in particular is a Cowboys fan. I am not. Another is a Philly Eagle fan. I am not. I am a Dolphins fan, which is irrelevant in more ways that one....ugh.

T.O. has a long history of being a divisive, backstabbing bigmouth. Until he came to Dallas. Now he has been an exemplary teammate and very productive on the field. Anyway, the Philly fan says that T.O. is a bad guy, and that when the Cowboys lose he will be back to his old ways of being divisive, talking bad about the coaches, his teammates, everyone.

This brings to mind a couple of thoughts
1. Can the past ever really be the past for someone? I would rather look at who someone is today standing in front of me. Maybe I am just too trusting. I believe in remembering the past, but giving the person the benefit of observing their current behavior.

2. How much does the culture have to do with it. Some environments are just toxic. When T.O. went to Dallas, the environment may be healthier leading him to be healthier. We all know what it is like to hang out in situations that are toxic. They make us toxic. Show me who you hang with and Ill show you your future.

Just some thoughts.

21 Day Challenge

2007-11-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

Spurred on by a fellow blogging Pastor who I admire (even though they shun me!), I have decided to take the 21 day challenge.
Using the ABC method, I will post my Bible Study each day for the next 21 days. Im looking to you guys to help hold me accountable to it, as well as comment on it.

Not procrastinating, but it starts tomorrow! See you then and check everyday!

Disciples?

2007-11-08T07:11:00.001-08:00

I spoke last night at our First Wedensday service, and I thought I would get some responses from you cool people who read my blog. Thanks by the way.

What is a disciple?
If we look at how Jesus called the disciples you find 2 characteristics.
1. They were willing to give up everything to follow. They displayed the capacity for selflessness.
2. They were completely sold to the vision that Jesus laid out. "I will make you fishers of men" In other words, you will be the guys that connect people to me.

I love this definition of a disciple...try it on.
"A disciple is not simply an accumulator of information or one who merely changes moral behavior in regards to the teachings of Jesus Christ, but seeks a fundamental shift toward the ethics of Jesus Christ in every way, including complete devotion to God”

The disciples did learn and grow just as we should, but they could only go so far while Jesus was with them. You would think that after He left the disciples, they would wither away from being so disconnected from their teacher. Not so. Jesus had a backup. The Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples they became different men altogether. Powerful, courageous, wise beyond their teaching...
So to be an effective disciple, we must have the Holy Spirit operating in our lives. THAT and that alone is how we are able to be effective at seeing the vision that Jesus laid out to his disciples by that Sea a reality that operates in our lives today 2000 years later.

So, DISCIPLE=selflessness, commitment to the vision, being led by the Holy Spirit

So that is what a disciple is...are you one?
Doesnt it seem that being a disciple requires much more commitment than simply praying a pray to be saved?

A disturbing worship experience...??

2007-10-24T07:40:00.001-07:00

I had a disturbing conversation this week. Well, it was disturbing to me. You can let me know if it disturbs you as well.

Heres the gist of the conversation:
A friend of mine was relating what his church had done last week for a Sunday night service. He said that over a few weeks they handed out "ballots". On these ballots people were to vote for their "Top 10 worship songs" Also on the ballot they were encouraged to write a line or 2 on what that song means to them personally that make it one of their "Top 10". At the Sunday evening service, the worship band played the peoples "Top 10" and shared the comments on each. He said the service was packed and it was one of the best services ever at the church.

This made my heart hurt literally. I was going to post a long rant on why, but I've decided to leave it to you to venture a comment or two on why this was so disturbing to me. I could lay it out there, but I want you the reader to search your heart for what your response is to this.

Happy commenting.

Baptism Take 2

2007-08-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great time baptizing 5 more people this past weekend. I thought I would share some pictures!

Simple Church

2007-08-16T14:14:00.001-07:00

Should going to or being a part of a church be difficult? I mean, shouldn't it be simple?

I can remember growing up at Northside Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL...it was simple. Go to Sunday School, go to 'big church', get in trouble at church, then go home. It was simple.

Some people in our church may wonder why we don't offer alot of programs for this or that. We don't have Sunday School, we don't have a recovery program(yet), we dont have a group for single white males with 6 toes on one foot who want to discuss the theology involved in the movie "The Matrix". We just dont have alot of programs. I think that is a good thing.

I and the leadership team are working very hard to provide solid services and discipleship to help people become fully devoted followers of Christ. In doing that, we are trying to keep it simple. Heres how things are looking...
DISCOVER: this is Sunday morning. It is a time for celebrating together and for people to connect to a living God and hear from Him. Worship God...serve...give...connect with people. Discover what He has to say....then what?

GROW: we have 2 main ways to Grow within our church. 1 is personal time spent with God. Frankly we have no control over that. I hear people say about churches all the time "Im just not growing there..." when it's been 3 months since they cracked open their Bible. As a follower of Christ it is YOUR responsibility to cultivate your relationship with God. Yours! The way that WE provide for spiritual growth is small groups. I think this is the best way to do it. A group of people that can study together, learn together, grow together...do life together. Most of the life change that I have experienced in my journey has come from these 2 things.

SERVE: theres lots of ways to serve and use your gifts and abilities to further God's kingdom. I believe it is a sin to hold those God given abilities back when you become a Christ follower. We are to be good stewards of what God has given...including our hands and feet! One of my favorite things is to see people serving in the church because I know it is drawing them closer to God.

So thats simple. Come to church on Sunday(discover), go to a small group and cultivate relationships, study God's word(grow), and find somewhere to serve(serve). I really think that God is in this thing and I cant wait to see what He is going to do!

Opportunity

2007-08-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

A friend shared this with me the other day and I thought that I would share it with you...
Opportunity is sometimes temptation in disguise.

People often use the term "open door" to indicate that God is wanting them to move in a particular direction. But can we always really be sure? I don't think so. I know that I have been wrong enough times to know that that voice is more often my own, rather than God's.

So how do you know? I know we pray about everything, but it's the answers that sometimes are hard to hear. So how do we KNOW?
Heres a few of my thoughts:
1. If it will distract you from your relationship with your family...it's probably not from God.
2. If it will distract you from your relationship with God...it's probably not from God.
3. If it distracts you from serving people whether in church or other ways, it's probably not from God.
4. If it doesn't line up with scripture, it's not from God.

on the other hand...

1. If it will bring you into contact with unbelievers, and for that reason shy away from it...it probably is an opportunity from God.
2. If it puts you in a position to help people, it's probably from God.
3. If it in some way is really uncomfortable or even painful, but makes you grow or mature, it's probably from God.
4. If it makes religious people mad or judgemental....
5. If it lines up with scripture, it's probably from God.

I could be way off base here, but I think that we tend to see things that will benefit us as open doors and use God to affirm us and our decisions. As Christ followers, I think that God really wants us to be in positions to help others and grown closer to Him. Love God, Love others. Sounds like a simpler life to me.

Appalachia

2007-08-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

I got to go to the Blue Ridge mountains for a couple of days this week for some time with family and just resting. I think I learned some things on the trip...heres a list.

1. They need more air conditioners up there.
2. My golf game has gone terribly wrong.
3. I love my wife and daughters and love to see them have fun.
4. I have to get out there and do some hiking and explore.
5. For some reason I feel like an outsider to much of my family...Geography I guess...
6. Rest is REALLY important.
7. It takes me a long time to rest, and then it takes me a long time to get my head back in the game after resting.
8. I dont care how He made it or how long it took, God made the world to be enjoyed.
9. Even though I love my friends, I really want to connect with other people too...maybe you are reading this!
10. One day, I will live in the mountains and be much less dependent on 'stuff'.

Swerve

2007-08-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hey I thought I would pass this on to you. It is a blog by Craig Groschel of Lifechurch that I frequent and comment on regularly.

Click here for the blog and dont forget to bookmark.

The Tabernacle

2007-08-10T06:52:00.002-07:00

Tabernacle Thoughts

This past weekend I got to go to a thing called "Messiahs Mansion". OK, my first thought was how goofy something was going to be if it had that name...
But the name is incredibly fitting. This exhibit was a mockup of the Tabenacle Moses built for God. I have to say, it was a moving experience that did have an impact on me and my relationship with God.

It was amazing to see that something created thousands of years before Jesus pointed directly to Him. Moses was just obeying God and building a house for Him. He must have wondered about all the crazy demands that God had put into building this place, not knowing that it was all pointing to Jesus.

So Moses thought he was building a place for God alone, but it really was our "messiah's mansion".

I may post more on this later, so stay tuned...I have to get back to work now.

Helping

2007-08-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

Helping

I have had the opportunity twice in a month to give help to people who had real, severe needs. People basically off the street, coming to the church. You have to know something about me. I am not known as being a very compassionate person. Now, I am in no way cold or unfeeling...I just tend to be jaded to peoples circumstances. Maybe that comes from a few years of being a fraud investigator...probably has something to do with it.

I have seen and felt God molding me in the last month into a more compassionate person who genuinely wants to help people. I am not totally there yet, but I have felt a real change. I wont always be able to help people in their circumstances, and I am sure that I will mess up from time to time, but it's cool to know that God is changing my heart in a way that I never thought it would change.

New Blog

2007-08-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I got sidetracked with the whole myspace and facebook thing...but I feel the need to reenter the blogosphere.

Hopefully Ill have something to say.

For now, Ill post some of the blogs from the myspace page....read and comment!