Merry Christmas Eve!

It's a different Christmas for us. We usually travel to Knoxville for a few days before Christmas and stay through till Pam's birthday. That gives us about a week to chill, unwind, see family, etc... etc. Because of a couple of reasons, we are actually traveling twice this year. I wont bore you with the details, so keep reading.

What this has meant for us, and for our families, is change. No one, and I mean, no one, likes change. It always makes us a little uncomfortable. But for me, this change has been good. It's given us more time to think, and be thankful. It's given us a fresh perspective.

Last night, when Pam, Ben and I sat down for our traditional "night before we leave for Knoxville Shrimp dinner" (we've done that for 15 years!), everything seemed a little new. And hey, isn't that the point? Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ, should make everything feel new. He brings new life, new choices, new opportunities... new birth.

So, whether you find yourself knee deep in Christmas tradition, surrounded by family, laughs, and noise, or maybe in a more quiet, reflective situation... remember, it's Christmas... celebrate the new, and don't be afraid to do it in a new way.

Merry Christmas from Eddie, Pam and Ben!

Taste of community

With the Christmas season in full bloom, it stands to reason that our Life Groups would be enjoying a bounty of sweet and savory.  Who am I to argue with that?  Pam and I were able to visit with two of the groups this past Sunday evening, and we had a great time.  What is really exciting, however, is to see people with varied past and interest come together not just for food, but for legitimate communion and fellowship.  

One of the groups that we visited last night put out a major spread, complete with a cupcake bar...  A what?  Yup, a cupcake bar.  The group laughed, ate, ate and laughed.  They truly enjoy being together.  Another group that we shared the evening with chose to go out for dinner.  Conversation was great, and the food superb.   The night held two very different venues, very different "feels," but with one huge commonality:  Christ followers and Christ seekers enjoying the evening and the season, and learning that we truly are created to do life together.  

I hope each of us can enjoy some time with those special people in our lives during this busy season.  

Good theology

I don't do this very often, but I want you need to take a look at another blog today.  Pat Hood is the Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church Smyrna.  I served with him for 4 years prior to coming to Ridgeview.  He is a self described, "dumb, old, country boy from East Tennessee," but God continues to bless his leadership, and he's written several really good blog postings back-to-back. Check it out, it's worth the read!

 

www.pathood.org

Christmas: from good to ....

Ok, we are almost through with the first week of December.  Everybody ok?  Everyone still breathing?  

It's almost funny (almost) how we simply get sucked in to this almost carnival craziness that our culture calls christmas.... yes, with a little "c" because it's not the way it should be.  

We've been decorating the house, doing some shopping, making plans for the rest of the month, and trying to keep "normal" life going.  Wow, I'm already exhausted.  

My friend, Kyle Goen, Exec. Pastor at FBC Smyrna, introduced a concept to me several years ago that has been so incredibly helpful since rocking my world originally.  This whole notion of good being the enemy of great can be applied to all areas of life.  I realize this is not really the place to discuss the philosophy of G2G, but I did want to comment on its application to Christmas.  

There are so many things that we can be involved in this time of the year.  And, most of them are good... few of them are great.  The challenge, both for me and for all of us, is to decide what is best.  What is best for us personally?  What is best for our family?  What is best the Kingdom purpose that we've all been called to?  We have to intentionally ask ourselves those questions or we will begin to spin out of control just adding "stuff" to our already busy schedule.  I talked with someone yesterday who sounded absolutely exasperated because of all that "they had to do."  Maybe one of the best things we can do is say "no."  It doesn't sound very "Christmasy"  but it might be best.  

So, I'm going to finish my Americano, take a final look at my "6 by 6" list for the next 10 days (we'll talk about that later), and get busy.  I'm going to say no today... maybe more than once.  I don't want just a good day.

Tell them... tell Him...

The drive to Knoxville yesterday was beautiful. Bright sunshine and a crisp blue sky provided the perfect backdrop for Pam and I to talk almost non-stop. In our crazy world, the opportunities to just talk come far too infrequently. As we talked and laughed and dreamed, it became increasingly clear to me how truly blessed I am. Today, make sure you actually tell someone how much they mean to you. Don't assume they know just because they are your spouse / child / parent / friend. Tell them. Then, tell the Father how thankful you are for His continued blessing. Tell Him.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving thoughts - A Christ Follower in the US

The big day of gluttony is just around the corner!  Most of us are having our attention drawn to the blessings that have been showered with, and those thoughts will no doubt intensify as we get later in the week.  If you have time, take a look at the link below.  It's a long article, but one that every American needs to read.  We, as a nation, are so blessed.  

www.worldmag.com/articles/14714

(copy into your browser!)

Middle of the Night Thoughts

Maybe it was the late supper...

Maybe it was because I knew Ben had to be up at 5am...

Maybe it was medicine that I'm still taking for this cold that wont go away...

Or maybe it was something else...

Regardless, I've been up since just before 3 this morning.  It's funny what you think about in the predawn hours when you wish you could sleep, want to sleep, but just can't get there.  As I tried to slowly breathe in the still, cold, night air, I couldn't help but begin to think about how blessed I've been.  Now, before you move on to something else because you think this is going to be a boring Thanksgiving post, HOLD ON!

This season tends to make all of us reflect on how blessed we are because of the stuff we have.  And, it's somewhat typical to be thankful for our family and other significants in our life.  Interestingly enough, as I listened to the silence this morning, I've thought alot about the process of life that has shaped me.  Decisions made, churches served, family circumstances, etc.  

These are the things that have shaped me; the things that have hardened, softened, smoothed, and roughed.  Does that make sense.  Sometimes we think that life just rumbles along leaving us in it's wake.  I was reminded again this morning how God desires to use our circumstances to shape us in to the people he has called us to be.   Circumstances turn in to processes when we act on them, and more importantly, act on them through faith.  

I wont get into too many specifics, but most recently Pam's fight (our fight) with breast cancer and the decision to step into the life of a family in our church and walk with them on an extremely personal level are two examples of circumstances turning to processes that will forever shape me. 

 And I am thankful.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28 ESV

Motivation

So what motivates you?  That question has come up lately in our family as we really settle in to the school year and deal with homework on a daily basis.  For an HS junior, there has to be some self-motivation as the notion of freedom really takes hold... but this is not a post about parenting.

Really the question is, what motivates you in general, and more specifically, in your Christian walk?  Rarely do I talk to someone who says, "I'm really happy stuck in neutral in my faith journey."  Even someone far from God is likely to realize that "something" is "lacking."  However, it is a different story when you begin to talk about a plan for forward movement, and certainly, for most of us, the wheels really come off when we begin to execute that plan.

Which brings me back to the original question:  What motivates you?  You can talk about your drive and motivation all day long, but if you don't actually DO something, you really aren't motivated.  Why isn't there a greater desire to move forward... closer, in our faith walk.

If you... if I really want to grow closer in our walk with Christ, then we must evaluate why... When we realize how much He loves us and desires to dwell with us every second of every day, we may begin to unlock the keys to motivate us to give our selves over to him every day.  Motivation found...

Shut up and listen

I had lunch with one of our Group Life leaders yesterday.  I love the opportunity to set down, especially over coffee or lunch, and just chat.  Sometimes it's about family matters, sometimes leadership principles, and sometimes important things like UT football.  I think this leader and I covered just about all of the above.  It was the second such meeting that I've had this week, and I have several more scheduled for next week.

One of the things that we talked about was how important it is to listen to people.  Listen to what they say, and, as importantly, to what they don't say.  This leader is far wiser than I, but it was a great reminder of this simple skill.

Whether you are a leader in your family, in your church, small group, or business, maybe the best thing you could do for your organization, is just shut up and listen.  In the crazy culture that we live in, it will be a breath of fresh air to the person across from you... 

shhhhhhh... just listen

On Faithfulness

You may be having a bad day.  Or, maybe worse, your perspective is beginning to sink, with confidence waning.  It could be job related, with the uncertainty of the economy.  Or maybe, a family member continues to make poor choices, causing you to question so much about your ability to lead at home.  Maybe, after a series of  setbacks, your faith foundation is beginning to show signs of cracking and stress; fractures forming in the bedrock of spiritual confidence.  Anybody out there relate?

Now before you find the closest blunt, rusty object to impale yourself with (attempt at humor) hang with me.  We all have seasons of questioning, and this writer is no exception.  Thrust into parenthood this past year has certainly caused we to wonder about my own sanity, although the highs of the journey far outnumber the lows.  Other obstacles of the past few years have presented their own challenges from time to time.  But this is what I'm learning:  it is in these challenges that God's faithfulness is strongest and most evident.

Before I go down the path of a "Guidepost" article (some of you know what I'm talking about), I'm not downplaying the tough times.  I have a friend in ministry who is at his wits end.  I have another friend, single parent, who is feeling enormous financial pressure, especially this week.  I just know that no matter the depth of despair and even grief, God hears our cry, He feels our fear, and He loves us.  He longs to comfort us.  And He is faithful to provide our rescue... even if it doesn't look like we think it should. 

How do you need to see God's faithfulness today?

Plans on purpose

I love it when a plan comes together.  Our worship arts crew has been working their tales off for weeks to make this movie, "Here He Comes," come together.  Filming here in the office has been crazy.  Have you seen "The Office?"  If you like that style of production, you'll love the film.  

The important thing to understand is it's not about the movie.  We are working hard to find creative ways to engage the community and culture that we find ourselves living in.   If a staff working together and making fools of themselves so that the Christmas message can be delivered, then, so be it!

There will be tons of advertising in the community beginning the week of Thanksgiving, but we need to start talking about it now.  Seize the opportunity.  And here's a pre-Thanksgiving Merry Christmas.

60 Minute Lunch Break cont...

Yesterday, I posted some global stats that really got me focused on the needs of our world.  Today, I'll continue in that same vain, with a little twist....

During that same happy 60-minute meal, here's what took place in the United States:

78 people died from heart disease

64 people died from cancer

50 people died from tobacco use

42 people died from poor diet or physical inactivity

10 people died from alcohol use

2 people died from illicit sexual behavior

2 people died from illicit drug use

Again, the needs are great.  The church must mobilize to meet needs and share Jesus along the way.

60 Minute Lunch Break

Here are some staggering stats that I ran across today.  While enjoying that tasty fast-food meal during your 60-minute lunch break, here's what took place around God's globe:

2,738 people died from starvation

342 people died from malaria

76 mothers died from childbirth issues

9,582 babies died from induced abortion

8,898 infants and children were abandoned

4,650 rural poor people migrated to cities

2,088,751,996 personal income was earned by church members

2,737,851 was given to global foreign missions (about .01 % of church member's income

2,966,005 was embezzled by trusted church leaders (nearly 250 thousand more than was given to global foreign missions)

20 Christians were martyred

Kinda puts the rest of my life in perspective.  We have a great task, and a greater God.

From Mission Maker magazine 2009

The world keeps spinning

Craziest thing.... the sun came up this morning.  Regardless of how  you voted (and I hope you voted), this year's political season has been one that will be written about for years to come.  There was lots of speculation about what "might" happen if this candidate won, or if there would be voting "irregularities" that we saw a couple of elections back.  Here's the thing that I know, and that I've communicated to several people.  God's still on the throne and I still have a purpose.  The church is still the vehicle for communicating the Good News and there is still an audience that needs to hear it.

So, everybody calm down, take your signs out of your yard and bumper stickers off your SUV.  Stop forwarding crazy emails, and let's get busy being salt and light.

The creative juices continue to flow around here as we start Day 3 of filming this year's Christmas movie.  Our Creative Arts team is doing an amazing job, and Jameson continues to knock it out of the park with his filming and direction.  So far, Scott's head has not spun off of his shoulders, but the day is just beginning so stay tuned.

I love being a part of a church team that thinks outside of the box.  Why churches are not the most creative organizations on the planet is a mystery to me.  Too often, we just keep doing the same things over and over, and yet expecting different results.  Not around here.  Ridgeview, from day one, has been determined to try (and fail) new things to reach people who are far from God.  Our pastor continues to deliver "conversational" messages that provoke thought, challenge the mind, and encourage conversation.  He makes me proud to be his friend and co-servant.

Here's your challenge... go be creative for the kingdom this week.  Get outside of your comfort zone and do something unexpected.... just like Jesus.

Group Life Conference 2008

The 2008 Group Life Conference concluded today at Willow, and as usual, it was an amazing time of both challenge and renewal.  Both the general sessions and the more intimate breakout sessions pushed us as leaders to re-imagine both how and why we are currently leading a small groups ministry in our church.  

One of the dangers of a attending a conference like this is that it can be overwhelming trying to process all that you've seen and heard.  One friend said he felt like he'd been in the matrix while here, and that he will never be able to look at his "small group world" the same.  That is both a good and terrifying thing.

I'm going to post some notes and thoughts from the conference in the next few days.  This first post is actually from the last session, and speaks to the possibility of evangelism being a purpose and result of heathy group life.  I'd love to hear your comments...

Principles for community bringing transformation

1.  Redefine your evangelism starting point as God's response to a broken world.  Exodus 3:6-10 (God has heard the cries of His people)  People are crying out all around us.  Sin brings death, death brings tears... we must respond.  Help me respond, help me hear.  That is much different from:  "Listen to how I want to help you and change you."

2.  Identify God's response to the brokenness of your own life.  It's easy to think that we have been fixed.  What is God doing in your life?  What is he working out in you today?  If you don't know that, evangelism slides to information only.  Forget evangelism and forget transformation.  Our church and small groups are full of people who are filled with pain and they are waiting for us to respond.

3.  Identify and love the brokenness in your group.  When we identify the hurts and brokenness among us we can use that as a launching pad for ministry.  See the brokenness as a launching point.

4.  Re-establish evangelism priority.  The church exist for those who are not a part of it.  

That last point is especially important to me.  It has been ringing in my ears for several years now, and today was a good day to hear it again.  

More later....

Are you any different?

Still writing from Willow...  Here's a question that I've been chewing on throughout this conference:  Are we moving forward?  Now, just to get everyone caught up, the whole point of this conference is to challenge church leaders to raise the hood and do a complete diagnostic on the workings and function of the local church.  If we don't how can we know if we are actually helping people to "move forward" in their faith journey.  

It's kinda odd to me that we go for annual physicals (at least we should), we have our teeth cleaned and examined regularly (again, we should), and most of us work to keep our cars in working order.  So why in the world would it seem odd that it's important to make sure that we are healthy in our churches.  Sadly enough, most of our churches are content to just keep doing things the way we've always done it.  Even churches that "live outside the box" can stuck in the rut of routine.

Of course, if we are not willing to do a personal spiritual examination, why in the world would we want to do a church "check-up?"  

Now, back to my question:  Are you any different in your spiritual walk today than you were 6 months ago?  1 year ago? 5 years ago?  If not, why?  If not, what is your plan?

I'm thankful for a church, like Ridgeview, that continues to push the envelop on some things, but I confess to you that we don't do a good enough job of asking tough questions of ourselves as leaders and of each other as church members/attenders.  Our world will change because our country experiences change.  Our country will experience change because our state has experienced change.  Our state will experience change when our city experiences change. And yes, our city will change when MY street is changed because of the love of Christ.  

Yep, the time is short and the challenges are huge.  It's time for a check up... I don't want to keep doing the same thing expecting different results.  

Quick thoughts...

I'm sitting in the vast atrium of Willow Creek Community Church in the 'burbs of Chicago.  This is one of those places that "does it" for me.  I make an annual trec up here just about every fall for the Group Life Conference, and this year I'm also attending the Reveal Conference immediately preceding GL.  Now, don't get me wrong, I come for the challenge and sharpening of my leadership skills.  I want to know how to do what I do better.  But I will also confess that this trip serves as a "retreat" for me as well.  It's a great opportunity to dream.  A great location to learn.  And a great opportunity to refocus on the call that God has placed on my life.  

Willow gets bad press occasionally, but for me, I am thankful for the enormous positive Kingdom impact that has come from this determined and focused church.

Seasons change...

I stepped out of the office a few minutes ago to run a quick errand, and for some reason the fact that leaves were falling from the trees caught me totally by surprise.   I know that my favorite student pastor will made fun of me for talking about falling leaves (that younger generation), but it just seemed to be one of those moments when God says, "hey, slow down and take a look... and learn."

The seasons, and how they change, have always fascinated me.  In some ways the "change" is subtle, in other ways, it roars.  I couldn't help but think back on my own life the past 18 months, and how the "seasons" have changed.  Our battle with Pam's cancer last year seemed dark in cold in some ways, but in other ways, there was a certain "renewal" that came from it.  In January, when our family grew by one, there was a sense that old was passing and new was beginning.  While the past 9 months haven't been a bed of roses, Ben has been a blessing to not only Pam and I , but our whole extended family.  He's an amazing young man who is seeing seasons change in his own life. 

So, what season do you find yourself in today?  I've been a little tired and dare I say, even frustrated lately.  Not entirely sure why.  What those falling leaves reminded me of is that God is in control.  We are always moving in to and out of seasons.  In order for new life to emerge, the old must pass.  

Resources for families

This past Sunday, RCC completed a month long series on the family.  We really believed that God was leading us to address some family issues that continue to plague our community (most communities, actually).  Pastor Ridley did a great job every week of encouraging and equipping us to deal with issues that really ring with the complexities of everyday family life.  Below is a list of resources that we felt would be beneficial to anyone who is a part of a family.... pretty much all of us.  Obviously, the first place to start is with scripture.  Knowing The Word and practicing its teachings will take each of us a long way down the road to more healthy families.

The Five Love Languages by Chapman

Five Love Languages of Children by Chapman

Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Chapman

Building Better Families by Kelly

The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family by Lencioni

Teaching Your Children How to Pray by Osborne

To Own a Dragon by Miller

Bringing Up Boys by Dobson

Wild at Heart by Eldridge

This is not an exhaustive list.  In fact, should you choose read read any or all of these books, you will undoubtedly read some things that you don't fully agree with.  That's ok... just be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings to look at your family and your role in it in a slightly different light.

Praying step by step

Staff meeting is always something that I look forward to... as odd as that sounds.  We have an awesome team, and leading leaders is something that I think I've grown in to over the years.  (Props to the team at FBC Smyrna)  Anyway, we spent some time yesterday morning thinking through the economy and its impact on our community and how we can respond as a church.  Obviously, we will also be impacted by the economic turmoil of the day.  As we concluded our discussion and clarified our purposes individually and ministry areas, we divided into two teams and prayed/walked through several blocks of downtown Franklin.  As we gathered back in the office, it was amazing to hear the comments of our staff.  We had prayed that God would let us see our community (we should all pray that prayer every day) as He sees it, and the "walk" helped each of us in that area. 

As I turned a corner during my walk, I saw one of my favorite sites in all of Franklin.  The HUGE Oak tree at the corner of Bridge and Hillsboro was a reminder that God is forever.  That tree has stood at the corner for several hundred years.  It has withstood storms, pollution, auto accidents, insect attacks, etc.  And still it stands.  God has not been taken by surprise by our current economy.  God is not threatened by our questions.  God is God and He will continue to be faithful.  He will stand.   The other interesting observation came as I looked past the tree... the street sign at the corner, just behind the tree is Bridge Street.  We have a huge responsibility AND opportunity to direct people to the one is THE bridge to God.  Christ makes a way for us to embrace and be embraced by God our Father and Creator.  Christ is the bridge that spans the depth and width of our sin to connect us with mystery of God's love.  

When have you walked and prayed through your neighborhood?  I hope you will take the challenge that our staff has accepted to walk and pray.  Ask God to "give you eyes" to see things the way He sees them.  I think you will be surprised at what you see.

Hands on Franklin

Some things never get old.  This past Saturday, several Ridgies (Ridgeview Community Church) partnered with "Feed Franklin First" for the annual fall event of assisting under-resourced residents of Franklin.  I know the weatherman said it was cooler, but the sun was hot as we pitched in to set up a clothing area, food distribution, stage, and inflatable for kids.  Once again, Paul Kevetter, our Student Pastor, had his hands all over the event.  Several of our students where there to do some "heavy lifting" and multiply what Paul was able to do.  Just watching the people gather from the neighborhood told me that we (RCC) had an opportunity for Kingdom impact. 

We always learn from these kind of events.  Probably, we could have coordinated better, and executed better.  I guess my point is that this past Saturday was an opportunity for our church to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

Now, if we, as individual and families, can just begin to see the opportunities that we are presented with every day.  

Lets go change our world.

Where does the time go?

Ok, I'm back...  Is it really possible that I haven't posted a blog in 4 months?  What??  Are you serious?  The easy thing would be for me to make excuses.  Lots and lots of excuses.  Life has been crazy busy.  I've been to Destin with for RCC's Student camp, I've been to Livingston, MT for our mission trip, I've assisted with Ben's lawn business, done a little preaching, planning, dreaming, and praying, and tried to be good husband.  All of that said, 4 months????  Thats crazy.  Well here's the deal.  I'm back, and I'll be regularly blogging from here on, at least when I can (:-). 

Stay tuned for sometimes random thoughts on leadership, the church, family, community, and just for kicks, some politics.... It will be fun.

Exponential 08 - National New Church Conference

Conferences are good - conferences are bad.  Ridley and I are finishing up the National New Church Conference "Exponential 08" in Orlando tomorrow.  After a day and a half of listening to speakers known world-wide for their insight into the church planting movement, by brain is just about mush.  No really.  Allan Hirsch has led my track, dealing with the"Missional" understanding, and it has been great.  I've heard him speak before, and he's been just as challenging as before.  I wont begin to download all of my thoughts from these sessions, but I will say this.  As a church, we have the greatest message the world could ever hear.  If we continue to do things, do church, the way we've been doing it, and expect different results, we will continue to see our culture slide further and further in to chaos.  We must do a better job of engaging the community.  We must do a better job of being intentional in starting conversations.  I did hear today that as churches become more missional in their understanding and practice, consumer driven participants will be propelled away.  Interesting thought.  We've seen a little of that at RCC.  

I also heard an interesting statement that comes from the Korean church planting movement... "Every Christian, a church planter.  Every church, a church planting church."  I wish more of our people and churches could embrace that.  

It's been a great experience to network with and talk with nearly three thousand people who are passionate about church planting.  It's been both challenging and encouraging to be exposed to, and reminded of, the need for new church starts.  Now is the difficulty of sorting through the info and prioritizing our action points.  It's also been pretty cool to hang with my favorite pastor.  I can't imagine this journey with anyone else.

Pam, Ben, I'm headed home tomorrow... get ready to listen to my download.  See you soon!

www.exponentialconference.com

Finding Perspective in the Sunshine

I've spent the last couple of days with the Pastor and staff at C3 Church in Orlando... wow, intense.  Scott, our worship pastor, and Robbie, a righteous dude from our church, had some great "hang time" with a staff that has been through it in the past few years.  The amazing thing is that while there are certainly some battle scars for this courageous group, they are sold out and determined to reach east Orlando with the saving power of the Gospel.  It's been a great experience of dialogue and observation.  Pastor Byron has a huge heart and determination, and C3, through God's grace, is getting it done.  

Now, with that as a backdrop, today is a "down day" for me in that I'm just chilling in the FL sunshine until Pastor Ridley lands tomorrow for the church planting conference.  So, I made a quick trip to Cocoa Beach, enjoyed some sushi on the beach, and had some one-on-one time with Jesus.  Nothing like the crash of waves to help put some things in proper perspective.  For whatever reason, God whispered through the waves that so much of what we do is temporary... just like the kids building the sand castles 50 feet from me.  They put so much effort in to their sculpture, but tonight's high tide will leave no trace of their work.  We are the same way, both personally and in our churches.

Hang with me, I'll tie this together in a sec... I got an email just a little bit ago from a Ridgie (someone at RCC), and it kicked me in the gut, but in a good way.  Again, just a reminder of how God is orchestrating so much all around us.  I wont get in to the specifics of the email, but he was just excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of RCC.  I would echo those thoughts.  All of this, combined with the way our family has changed in the past three+ months has really made me evaluate what is important.. what is lasting... what matters.

What a journey!

Student Pastors and LIFE Groups

Ok, I admit it, I don't always read other staff postings in a "timely" manner.  Yesterday afternoon, I was reading some past posts, and there was our student pastor giving some props to LIFE Groups.  You know things are good when the student guy is giddy about community building.  Go Paul!

I couldn't help but think back to the early days of RCC.  We were firm in our thinking that LIFE Groups would be our primary vehicle for relationship building and discipleship.  Some would say that we were hard headed.  but I prefer to think of it as confident obedience. 

Let me be clear:  we don't have the "group thing" perfect.  We haven't duplicated ourselves nearly enough, and almost all of our groups are too big.  However, every week I hear amazing stories of how important groups are to our people. 

Thank you Ridgeview for buying in!  Thanks for welcoming new people into your little "families."  And thanks, RCC staff, for taking the plunge!  The ride continues!!

Reflections on Easter

Yesterday was an amazing day.  After planning, preparing, and certainly lots of praying, our first Sunday with 2 services was a complete success.  Now, don't get me wrong, if God doesn't show up to do what only God can do, it's just an early morning with a bunch of people setting around listening to music and a south Georgia preacher.  But at the same time, we have a responsibility to work hard, and provide an environment that will be positive for people who are looking for a Christ encounter, whether they know it or not.

I was so fired up to see so many volunteering to serve in capacities that might be uncomfortable.  People serving in our children's area, people greeting in the parking area and on the sidewalks; people serving coffee; tables being moved;  breakfast prepared and served.  The RCC family was hard at work yesterday, and I believe the guest that came through our doors found our faith family to be real...

Thanks RCC for "getting it."  Thanks for stepping up so that people far from God could have the opportunity to hear the Gospel.  My prayer is that all of us will "act" on the challenge that our pastor gave to us.  Let's go be a reflection of our risen Christ this week.

Life, frustration, and in over my head

Good grief, has it really been over two weeks since I've blogged?  Where does the time go?  Actually, I know exactly where it goes... life has a way of sucking it up.  I really don't mean to sound like a downer.  It's just the way it is.  Stuff in the office, families in crisis, "parenting" surprises, follow-up with church members.  It's all good stuff.  And, blogging is as well, but I'm just trying to see where it falls in the priority list.  

The one thing that keeps coming up in my head is just how incapable I am.  I can't solve (READ:  FIX) my problems, let alone everyone else in my sphere of influence.  All I can do is be faithful... faithful to Christ, faithful to my call, and faithful to what I know I'm supposed to do.  

That all sounds simple, but my "control freak" nature is screaming to do something about things that I can do absolutely nothing about.  I guess it's just a part of human nature... and that is no excuse.  So, again today, I'm just saying, "Less of me, Lord, more of you."

What is God Up To?

Sometimes, even when God's direction is apparent, we are slow to respond. Yesterday, Ridley and I had lunch with a guy from KY who is ready to plant a church in Lexington. The fact that someone who knows someone helped us connect is pretty amazing in itself. The thing that makes it interesting, is that it is the 4th "church plant" conversation that Ridley and I have had since Christmas.

From day one, we (Ridley and I) have believed that Ridgeview would be a strategic church used to plant churches throughout North America and even around the world. Today's conversation, coming on the heels of my trip to India last week, and the numerous other conversations that have taken place in the past 6 weeks, has just confirmed that God is up to something.

What does this mean for our church? Does this mean we abandon local ministry? No way! It just means that we have to do everything possible to align ourselves with what God is already doing. We've been praying for men to step up in their leadership in our church... and Sunday we saw evidence of that very thing. We've been praying for multiplied leaders... we are seeing a glimpse of that. We've been praying for clarity in our worship planning... These past few weeks have been amazing in our corporate worship time.

So what is God up to? I believe He's saying, "Trust me... trust me enough to obey me, no matter what." These are exciting days, but we know that warfare is real. Stay tuned.

Catching Up

Wow, where has the week gone. The trip to India was amazing! Our friends there are doing such an incredible work. The trip home was overwhelming, but boy was it a great feeling to be back in the USA!

I've thought alot the past couple of days about how blessed I really am. Being away from family and familiar can do that to you. Especially with Valentine's Day falling just after my return, I've really been reminded how thankful I am for all that God has entrusted me with.

One of the things that had me a little anxious about going to India was being away from Pam. She's doing great... She is almost 6 weeks removed from her last radiation treatment and is getting stronger every day. Still, being that far away for that long caused me to second guess the timing of the trip more than once. Funny how God's timing works.....

I blogged several weeks ago that we had added a member to our family. A certain 16yr old has brought a very new perspective to us. It has been an amazing 5 weeks with Ben. Which brings me back to God's timing. On the one hand Pam and I were unsure if it was a good idea for her to suddenly be a "single parent" while I was away, but a few days before I left I had a real peace about the whole thing. As it turned out, I'm so thankful that Ben was able to be good company for Pam, especially the night the tornados were ripping through middle Tennessee.

Now back to the blessings. God new exactly what He was doing when He brought Pam into my life. The past year has had more than its share of surprises for us as a couple, but His fingerprints are all over the calendar. She is a perfect partner in ministry, an amazing friend, and a wife off the charts... and I love her. He's allowed me to be part of a church that continues to "get it," and he's added to my family (even if it's temporary) in an amazing way. I am truly blessed.

Awesome... Amazing... Almighty God

Village Life and Warm-up the Shablam

Wow, the past 36 hours were amazing.  We traveled to Samastipur to meet with a local pastor and mission leader.  From there we traveled to a local village to meet with who we might share the Gospel.  The day was rainy and cool, so we new that it was unlikely we could really "draw a crowd."  Almost immediately we were invited into a "home" for Chi tea, and to talk with a family.  As much as anything else, I've learned a great deal about Spiritual Warfare.  While our group leader shared his story and the Gospel, you could feel the air thicken with the intensity of warfare.  It was intense.  One of the adult members of the family was open to hear and talk, and from there we walked to the "market" area.  Just so that you will know, we were the first "white" people to come to the village since 1978 when two Europeans visited.  Within minutes, we were surrounded by wide eyes, coming to talk to the Americans and eager to hear about Jesus.  A short time later we were invited into the home of the most influential member of the village.  I wont bore you with the details, but the meeting was certainly a God thing.  The gentleman didn't pray to receive Christ, but he is definately a man of peace, and he wants to have more "conversations" about the gospel.

Today we traveled from Samastipur to a second village.  Based on local research, the village had never been presented with the Gospel.  I had the privilege of sharing my testimony which was followed up by the Good News.  15 villagers indicated a desire to receive Christ.  Local pastors will be following up with these villagers in the coming days.

What a trip!  It's been amazing to see God work things in His timing, and see eternity change in the process.  Tomorrow, we head to a third village to attend a worship service.  Paul will be speaking (hence the shablam), and I will be sharing my testimony.  

We only have a few days left... keep praying and we'll keep trying to make ourselves available.

Darkness to be Shattered

So maybe I haven't blogged asmuch as I had hoped... It's thursday night here in india, and it's been a full day. Paul and I are both struggling with jet lag tonight, but the day started with lots of energy and an eagerness to see the local area.

The trip itself was memorable. Traffic laws are almost non-existent, but our driver was amazing. After about 3 hours on the road, we arrived at the birthplace of Buddhism. While it is a significant historical place, the spiritual darkness there was beyond anything I've ever seen. There were multiple nationalities present, all making a personal pilgrimage. I couldn't help but be taken back to the Acts passage where Paul reasons with the Greeks concerning their "unknown" God.

Many people continue to jump on the "political correct" bandwagon and talk about acceptance and tolerance, blah, blah, blah. Today, as we silently prayed for a shattering of the darkness that entraps so many, I was reminded of all of our responsibility to be immersed in scripture and pursue relentlessly the Gospel and cause of Christ.

Tomorrow, we journey to a "first contact" village. We go with the humility of knowing that we bring nothing, but we carry the power of a Gospel that brings hope. We'll go, you pray.

Surprises, adventures, and a really long flight

I don't know very much Greek or Hebrew, but there has to be something in scripture about God being "One who Surprises."  The past 12 months have been full of them, and His finger prints have been all over them.  

Tonight, I'm sitting in the food court at Newark/Liberty International Airport, and will board a Continental jet for a 14.5 hour flight to the East in just about 2 hours.  Where in the world did that come from??  I chuckled to myself last night when our Lead Pastor, Ridley Barron, mentioned that yesterday was the 3 year anniversary for Pam and I being at RCC.  All that did was remind me again about the surprises and adventures that come with pursing Christ.  Didn't mean to chase that rabbit, but it goes to the point...  when we determine to place our lives in His hands, He will surprise.  Sometimes it's a surprise of a smile, and sometimes it's a surprise of traveling around the world for His fame.

Some believe that the life of being a Christ follower is confined to a list of do's and don'ts or the safety of a "Christianized culture."  I'm learning that there is amazing freedom and adventure that comes with pursuing Him.  If you are struggling with the "safety" of your faith; if you are board with the cobwebs of religious tradition and opinion; then cast your sails fully and make yourself available to the breath of the Holy Spirit.  You'll be amazed where He will take you.  It might be across the street, across town, into unchartered relationships, or maybe to the far corners of the world.

The journey is big... the challenge is great... but my God is Mighty.

Check this blog frequently this week for updates from India.

Connecting the dots.... Connecting lives

Maybe it would surprise people to know that our staff spent some time wrestling with the notion of community this morning in our weekly staff meeting. The importance of community and providing an environment for people to connect to one another is a high priority for our church. In fact, the highlight of the week comes on Mondays when we reflect about the stories that we hear coming from our LIFE Groups and individuals about how God is using people in the context of groups to "encourage each other in the journey."

So what was so special about our discussion to day? I guess it struck me as significant that after three years of promoting community as a cornerstone of a church, we still are willing to wrestle with the concept. We are still asking each other questions... often the same questions that we've asked before. But occasionally, we get new answers. Sometimes, in fact, we get answers that we don't really even want. The b0ttom line is we have to continue to create opportunities to connect. And they (the people that God continues to bring our way) get to define what "connect" looks like.

Each of us need significant relationship in our lives. Figure out how that looks for you and connect with someone with whom you can passionately pursue the Savior.

One at a time...

This may seem to ramble a bit... but hang with me.  

Sometimes I wonder what the Church is doing.  Over the years I've seen churches get so caught up in maintaining and promoting programs.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of organization, but I'm a bigger proponent of intentionality and transformation.

Here's where I may seem to ramble.  Churches can so easily get caught up in their own little world and be consumed by things that the world couldn't care less about.  In the mean time, community transformation bogs down and usually completely stops.  How it must sadden the King when we forget about The Kingdom and focus so much on our kingdom.

Which brings me to this... While it is true that Jesus spent "quality time" with the masses, so much of his attention during his earthly ministry focused on one or a few.  How does that example change what we do as Christ followers?  Doesn't it mean that we should be looking for people who need to experience Christ when we are near?  Doesn't it mean that instead of saying come to us, that we as church leaders help and equip our people to "go to them?"

I'm so excited to see our faith family begin to "get it."  Reaching out... going to the community... being the hands and feet of Christ.  The Twelve followed Christ's example and changed the world... let's go change ours.

Second Chances, New Beginnings, and Snow

Yesterday was a little strange. I guess "new" territory always feels that way though. The staff (at RCC) is always encouraging our people to step outside of their comfort zone and live radically for Christ. Ridley mentioned that as recently as this past Sunday, in fact. Yesterday, Pam and I took the plunge.

Sometimes people need a fresh start. Sometimes, people need a new environment with new challenges. And sometimes, for the church to really be the Church, we have to cross some boundaries. So, yesterday, Pam and I welcomed a new member of the family into our home. We don't know how long he will be there... as long as he needs, I guess. It isn't exactly convenient for us, but wow, what an opportunity to be an encouragement. Today when I dropped him off for school (new experience for me!), I reminded him that it was a new day with a fresh start. Oddly enough, it seems like a new day for me as well.

How does the snow comment mentioned in the title relate? Easy... last night as I was driving home from REVOLUTION (our student worship event), I was reminded how clean and fresh everything looks when it's snowing. Everything seems to glow with newness. It seemed fitting. A young man "re-starts" a life that has been overtaken by some bad decisions, and a crazy couple takes a dive into faith that has already been stretched over the past year.


Let it snow!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Ever been to Montana in January?  One word... actually, two....cold & windy.

I'm here in Livingston visiting with Paul Sedon and Cody Wood, two church planters that we (Ridgeview) have partnered with to plant a church.  Livingston is between Billings and Bozeman, and in many ways, is a very typical western, frontier town.  This is my third visit to Livingston.   Paul and Cody are really beginning to see some fruit as seeds planted in the past months and years are beginning to grow.  

I'm so thankful to be a part of a church and staff that is committed to exponential kingdom growth.  Much of our DNA is being replicated here in MT as Cornerstone Church continues to invest in people and serve the Livingston community.  

We ran in to another pastor from a near-by town earlier today.  He's been here for 20 years.  Church planting, especially in frontier areas, is L O N G term.  I've just been reminded, yet again, how great the need is for us to be about the task of taking the Gospel to our local community, our state, nation, and certainly around the world.  

It's cold and snowy outside, but the fire in me has been stoked, once again, but the courage and determination of these church pioneers.  

The end of a chapter

Today is a huge day!  Pam is finished with radiation!  Now before you think I'm already straying from my purpose of talking group life and leadership, hang with me a few minutes.

Back in March, we got the diagnosis that Pam had stage 2 breast cancer.  After first being told it was small, contained and would be relatively minor, further investigation revealed that it was a "bigger deal."  Short story - 6 chemos, surgery, and 30 radiation treatments later, we are finished with treatment.

Now here's where the community stuff comes in.  In 2002, while serving as Minister of Spiritual Development at FBC Smyrna, our staff began to explore this whole "small group" thing.  Pat Hood, Smyrna's Lead Pastor, really challenged me to become a student of the small group paradigm.  I was clueless, but took the dive.  Fast-forward... I've spent the last 4+ years doing lots of listening, writing, teaching, and dreaming about what true New Testament community looks like.  This year, I've experienced it.... no, really experienced it.

As word began to spread about Pam, we began to hear from not only close friends, but also people we hadn't talked to in years.  Then, people in our neighborhood began to stop and say, "this is what we want to do for you," rather than the obligatory "let us know if there is ...."  

I wont bog down in all that we experienced, but I will mention one thing that Pam and I both learned.  We talk about how important it is to give in our groups.  We talk about giving (tithing) as part of worship, and we talk about giving to our community.  Interestingly enough, Pam and I found it very difficult to receive.  At some point, it clicked with me that if we didn't receive, we were in effect "stealing" a blessing from others.   We learned that it was important that we simply said "thank you for thinking of us" and receive what our friends were doing to serve us.

Maybe this doesn't connect with anyone else, but it was one of the many lessons that we learned in this process.  Community is giving, growing in grace, laughing, being vulnerable, and yes, sometimes, it's receiving.

It's a Messy, Messy World

Ready or not, here we go...

After much prodding, I'm officially launching my blog.  This should be interesting.  I have a long history of my mouth getting me in to trouble, and now my thoughts will be posted for the world to see.

With my church (Ridgeview Community) launching a new and improved website, I decided this would be a great time to take the plunge.  After all, my mind has been churning the last few weeks as I continue to learn about community, and just what that really means to people.

I've spent the last 5+ years teaching (and a little preaching) about how important it is for people to embrace community.  Especially for Christ followers, we simply can't grow in our faith alone on an island.  I stand by that.  In fact, I believe it more than ever.  

There are tons of positives that happen when we "do life" with one another.  But I'm learning there are some risks involved as well.  People can disappoint us.  Love given may not be returned.  Confidences could be broken.  

Now, before you think I'm being Danny Downer, listen up.  Life is full of risk.  All of those things are possible, but so is the opposite.  Because we've taken the risk, people amaze us, we are loved and supported beyond any expectation, and our weaknesses that we've shared are carried to the Father in quiet confidence.

Yeah, building community can be messy; some would even say, dangerous.  But I know that if I'm going to be all that He has created me to be, I have to engage... I have to trust... and I have to risk.

There you have it... my first post.  In the coming days and months, I'll be sharing some of the stuff that rattles around in my head about group life, community, and even some leadership thoughts.  I'd love for you to post a comment or two... we might even build a little community.