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."