VintagePastor.com

2008-03-30T18:37:00.016-04:00

Design #1

Design #2

Design #3

Design #4

Design #5

We are designing a new website for Vintage. Which design do you like best? Vote in the right sidebar.

Interest Gathering

2008-03-27T09:51:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow night we are having an interest meeting about Vintage Church. Vintage is a new church coming to the Piedmont/Triad area of North Carolina. If you are in that area, and looking for an adventure for Jesus, come check us out. We are meeting at 7 p.m. at the Adams Farm Swim & Tennis Club in Greensboro. For directions, click here.

Reflections from Galations

2008-03-26T10:15:00.003-04:00

I've spent the last few days reading through Galatians. Here are some things (just a few of many) God taught me.

Trying to please people rather than God will mess you up! (Gal. 1:10)
Acting in response to "revelation" from God will produce results. (Gal. 2:2)
If you've got a beef with someone, confront it face to face. (Gal. 2:11)
In Jesus we have no color, gender, or class. We are all loved and have value. (Gal. 3:28)
Don't let anything steal your joy. (Gal. 4:15)
Passion is no good if it is misplaced and inconsistent. (Gal. 4:18)
Our faith should move us to act in love. (Gal. 5:6)
Christians are too often their own worst enemies. (Gal. 5:15)
We can't do life alone. We have to help each other. (Gal. 6:4)
Don't be a wimp. Do what needs to be done no matter the consequences. (Gal. 6:12)

Twins Update

2008-03-21T09:48:00.004-04:00

Ashley is now 25 weeks & 2 days pregnant! She has been on bed rest for around 3 weeks now. At 22 weeks she started having contractions (way too early for that). So, the doc has her laid up. Laying around is one of Ash's favorite "hobbies". Or so she thought. She definitely has developed cabin fever. But it has been good for her to rest during the day, because she sure hasn't rested well at night. A doubly pregnant women requires an act of God to roll over in the bed.

We are so pumped and are doing all we can to prepare for Aidan & Leah's arrival. Their room is almost ready. Yep, their going to have to share one for a while. Church planters don't do mansions. And we weren't expecting a double dose of kid. We've had two baby showers so far. We weren't able to be at either. Not physically anyway. Thanks to Dustin Wilson we attended one shower virtually. It was so cool. Through the magic of iChat we got to see and speak to tons of friends in SC and watch our mom's open all the cool gifts. Thanks to everyone who has been so generous. These kids already have so much crap! It's crazy.

We need to keep these "buns in the oven" for a least a couple more months. So, we have to remain patient. God continues to blow our minds with all he is doing. We are on a crazy journey. Lift us up!

5K Run and Free Family Festival

2008-03-21T09:43:00.003-04:00

If you are in the Triangle area you will not want to miss this event. For more details, click here.

Confrontation?

2008-03-19T10:59:00.004-04:00

Are you good at confrontation? Do you even like it? Maybe even seek it? If so, I envy you a little. In the past I've tried to pretend I'm a gutsy dude. I'm learning that at times I'm a straight up wimp. I don't like confrontation. And that's not a good thing. As a leader, I have to be willing to get in the face of people who threaten the vision God's given me for his church. I have to be like Paul.

When Peter came to Anitoch, I (Paul) opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Galatians 2:11

Peter was a heavyweight in the church, and Paul got in his grill. Why? He had to. Paul could not, and would not, stand by and watch Peter do something that was "clearly wrong". Paul wasn't worried that Peter may have been "above him". He wasn't worried that Peter may think bad of him. He did care if others got upset because he called Peter out. Paul was more concerned about the integrity of the Gospel and the greater health of the movement.

I want that same boldness. I need that same boldness. As guardian of the vision of Vintage Church I will have to confront people who will seek to dilute what God has called us to do. I can't stand for that! I can't allow anyone to slow the snow ball that is God's church!

The ACC Tournament

2008-03-14T12:20:00.004-04:00

The ACC tournament used to be the biggest sporting event on my calendar. I'm so into college football these days that the tourney has lost some luster. Today I was thinking about how all my teachers in high school would let us watch the games in class, and the fire for the tourney was rekindled a little. Plus, my Tigers are playing fairly well. So, I've created a little poll. Cast your vote (right sidebar) for who you think will bring home the title.

Unleash Unpacked

2008-03-14T11:23:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I went down to Unleash at Newspring Church in Anderson, SC. God has absolutely blown this church up. It blows my mind every time I go down there. It reminds me what's possible if leaders will tune in to God, catch a vision, and bull rush the community with that vision.

Here's the top 5 things I took home from Unleash:

It's always been and will always be about Jesus!
I need more intentional and intense time with God.
I need to rejoice in being in over my head and completely dependent on God.
I need to find a deeper security in who I am and not be ashamed of who I'm not.
I need a staff I can lean on.

In Great Company

2008-03-04T10:00:00.004-05:00

God calls us to do huge things. He calls us to attempt the impossible. That's a fact. I'm realizing that now more than ever. Staring Vintage Church is the "hugest" thing he's ever given me to do. It is the most overwhelming thing I've ever experienced. In a matter of six months Ashley and I abandoned everything we knew to move to a different city, in a different state, to attempt a different task. This calling overwhelms me to tears some days.

I was reminded today that I'm not the only one whose calling has overwhelmed him.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is OVERWHELMED with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:36-39

The calling Jesus had been given by his Father overwhelmed him as well. The enormity of what he was about to do suddenly rushed over him and became painfully real. The thing that separates (one of many things of course) Jesus from so many others? He stayed the course. He didn't let his fear lead to disobedience.

When God calls you to something huge, be prepared to be overwhelmed. Remember, when you feel that way you're in great company. Don't let those feelings keep you from following through. Stay the course. I'm going to!

The Bridge Project

2008-02-29T09:18:00.003-05:00

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow the Vintage team is heading down to Asheboro to serve alongside the guys at The Bridge Project. We will have the opportunity to deliver food to folks who need it desperately. I can't wait to serve alongside this group of people that God is using to build His church. This is what the Vintage movement is about, coming together to invest in the lives of others.

Josh and Laura LeRoy (founders of The Bridge Project) are launching an amazing ministry in the Asheboro community. God is going to use them to do some really cool things. I'm pumped to have Vintage partner with them in serving people. If you are in the Randolph County area, find out more about The Bridge Project. This is a ministry you will want to invest in.

Friday!

2008-02-22T14:02:00.003-05:00

It's been a crazy week! (As most weeks are these days)

Sunday -
I had the privilege of bringing the Word at newhope church. That was awesome. newhope is at three services now. Preaching three straight times is so draining, but really cool. Some Vintage folks came to the second service. It was so cool to look out and see faces that have committed to this movement. I can't wait until I'm speaking to them, and hundreds more, on a weekly basis in Greensboro. If you would like to listen to Sunday's message, click here.

Monday -
Since Ashley's pregnant, the cleaning duties are all mine. Cleaning our house is a pain! Bathrooms suck! After spending the morning cleaning, a stomach virus came for a 24 hour visit. Fortunately, I was able to keep it together long enough to spend time working on Vintage with Jason Austin (Jason & Jenny are such a blessing, and will be a key element in launching Vintage). That evening the virus really kicked in. It was back and for to "throne" and a fever that made me feel like death. Not wanting to spread my germs to Ashley, I slept (or attempted to) on the couch.

Tuesday -
Laid in bed all stinking day! Recovered from the "virus from Satan".

Wednesday -
Caught up on some much needed work. Worshiped at newhope and was challenged by Benji's message on Fasting.

Thursday -
Had a good C.R.A.P. That's right a Creative Arts Planning team meeting. I love it! Brainstorming creative ways to present the Gospel? Doesn't get any better than that. That night we had dinner with Jason & Jenny and were given the opportunity to share the vision of Vintage Church with another awesome couple. We're praying that God will write Vintage on their hearts, if it's His will.

So, this weekend will be a time to catch up around the house, maybe catch a movie, and do as little as possible.

A Need for Balance

2008-02-15T11:20:00.004-05:00

Churches must be, as Ed Stetzer says in Planting Missional Churches, Biblically faithful and culturally relevant. In the latest church planting movement we have often abandoned Biblical truths and expectations. We have masked that with the cloak of "cultural relevance". We must maintain a solid theology. There are things we just can't compromise. Too many churches are offering people a "quick fix" instead of a long-term solution. Jesus isn't a band-aid. God wants control of you and wants to wreck the old way you think and act. He wants to develop you into the person He intended you to be. Churches have to help people catch of vision of who they could be, not who they are. Then they have to equip them to move toward that vision.

Must Reads

2008-02-15T11:04:00.002-05:00

If you are in local church ministry in any capacity you need to read these books:

Seven Practices of Highly Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley

Simple Church by Tom Rainer

Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer

Get'em, read'em!

Sometimes it is all about you!

2008-02-14T15:53:00.006-05:00

We live in world where people are self-absorbed rather than self-aware. Self awareness is a vital building block to becoming an effective leader. Understanding how you learn, how you communicate, and how you best relate with others, are all essential to maximizing your productivity and impact. Being all about you can be a good thing, if it's for the purpose of becoming self-aware. There are many good resources to help you learn more about yourself. Here are a few I recommend:

Living Your Strengths by Donald Clifton (includes a code on the inside cover for a great strengths test)

Now Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham

The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Games

2008-02-14T11:39:00.004-05:00

One of my strengths is competition (according to Strengthsfinder). So, I love games. Video games, board games, any kind of game. And some would say I can get a little nutty when competing.

One thing I really miss about SC is the game nights we used to have. This week I was introduced to a new game. It's called Settlers of Catan, and it is awesome! You have to think, you have to strategize , and you have to barter. It's a blast. Get it. Play it. You'll love it.

Weekend Reflections

2008-02-05T13:44:00.000-05:00

Wow!! Last weekend was really busy. But awesome!

On Friday, we had a gathering of our Core Team for Vintage. I'm so pumped about the team God is building to launch this church. It is a group of gifted people, passionate about Jesus and in love with the vision God has given us. We spent the evening hanging out, talking about the year to come, and ended up worshiping until around 11:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the in-laws came up from SC. I value my relationship with Ashley's family so much. It was good to spend some time with them. They brought gifts for our expectant twins, including their first Clemson gear. Between my family and Ash's, our kids are going to be so spoiled.

On Sunday, we worshiped at newhope. It was awesome to hear the Word from Matt LeRoy. Matt is such a gifted speaker. He is going to do (and is doing) amazing things for the cause of Christ.

We capped the weekend off with the best Super Bowl ever! What a game! I was on the edge of my seat the entire forth quarter.

Busy weekends are good if you're busy at things worthy of all the energy. That was definitely the case this weekend.

Overwhelmed, excited, anxious, and a little freaked!!!

2008-02-01T13:39:00.001-05:00

Yep, I'm experiencing all of those. Right now I'm on staff at newhope church in Durham. I'm preparing to plant Vintage in Greensboro. And to top it all off, we're expecting TWINS!! Good reason to feel all these things? I think so. God seems to be doing the most amazing, life-changing events at once. As hard as it is sometimes to deal with it all, I wouldn't change a thing. These are cool days. I've never been more dependent on God. I've never been surrounded by such awesome leaders. I've never experienced such an awesome spiritual awakening. I once gave a message titled "On a Limb", now I'm living on one. It's the adventure I requested.

Is your life boring? Are things mundane? Are you in routine with no surprises? Pray for God to give you a new adventure. I dare you!!!

2008 is going to be one heck of a year. Lift me up!!

It's a boy. . .and a girl!!!

2008-01-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

That's right. Ashley and I are having one of each! God is blessing us with a boy and girl.

Vintage Leadership

2008-01-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

Preparing to lead Vintage is a task I’m taking very seriously. The last six months I have realized, like never before, the importance of great leadership in the success of a church. Every great movement has been started and sustained by great leaders. There are a lot of books on leadership, but I have just been seeking God about how He can build me into the leader Vintage needs. Through reading and praying God has taught me the following leadership principles.

Great leaders of men must be great followers of God.
Great leaders find a way to bring out the best in those around them.
Great leaders know how to balance truth and grace.
Great leaders know who they are and who they are not.
Great leaders are never motivated by the spotlight.

For those who didn't know!

2008-01-23T14:52:00.000-05:00

We're having twins!!

I'm Back

2008-01-23T11:34:00.000-05:00

I've gotten a few emails about discontinuing this blog. So, by popular demand (that may be a stretch) I will begin using this blog once again!! With a few changes. I'll post the last few posts for our church website in case you missed it.

Vintage Church

2007-11-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

I'm no longer blogging through this site. To read new posts please visit: www.vintagechurch.net

O.C.D.

2007-07-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

Once again it's been awhile. But the past month has been crazy busy. I have so many thoughts that one post will not contain them. So, expect a lot over the next few weeks.

As for today, three letters are etched in my mind - O C D. That's right Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a full-blown case of it. We moved to Greensboro this week to begin this new journey. Monday was moving day. And a long day it was. By the time we got to G'boro on Monday all we really had time to do was unload the truck and unpack enough to sleep. It drove me crazy. All I could think about that night was those boxes in the garage, how many there were, what was in them, where we'd put the contents, exactly how would it look when it was complete. Needless to say sleep was at a minimum. I woke up at 6 am. Stupid boxes!! I had to get them unpacked. Of course Ashley was comatose. That is until I woke her up banging on the back door about 5 minutes later because I had locked myself out. All week I find myself freaking out of the smallest details. Everything has to be in the right place. Everything has to be neat & straight. Ashley is ready to stab me in the throat.

I never realized how OCD I am until now. Pray for me. And definitely pray for Ashley.

Roasted

2007-05-25T10:11:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday the church threw us an awesome bash. They had a meal catered and invited pretty much everyone we know. I knew they had been planning something, but had no idea what all they had in store. It turned out to be one of the most memorable evenings of my life.

We were given gifts of all kinds. They had a football signed by Coach Tommy Bowden presented to me by a former player. We were presented with a hand-made quilt (in Clemson colors of course). The squares of the quilt are filled with messages from people who have meant so much to us. There were many other gifts, for each we are very grateful.

We (especially me) were also “roasted” pretty well. My oldest friend came down from NC. This is a guy I met on the school bus in kindergarten. You know he had some funny stories. I have to say they said some pretty embarrassing (but completely true) stuff. It was awesome!! So many said such amazing things. I felt very unworthy. I was completely humbled.

The youth shot the coolest video. It’s hilarious. Most of what’s in only a few of us got. (A lot of inside jokes.) I laughed till I cried. (Dustin, thanks for putting that together. It was awesome!)

Ashley and I are so grateful for the friendships we’ve made during our time in SC. Thanks guys for the words on Saturday, both the encouraging and the embarrassing ones. Thanks for allowing us into your lives. We’re going to miss you all.

Timing

2007-05-16T16:04:00.000-04:00

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Ecclesiates 3:1-14

God's timing remains a mystery to me. I've never struggled with "why" God does what He does. As for "when" He does it, I just don't get it. Maybe it's because His timetable for doing things never seems to match mine. Waiting for Him to do His thing has never been easy for me. At times it has lead me to take matters in my own hands. Yeah, that only makes things much worse. Trying to do it myself usually ends up in delaying things further.

Life is full of seasons. Good ones and bad ones. Most of the time the duration of each season is not up to you and me. We have to trust that God is in control, ask Him to help us distinguish between His part and ours, and then "wait on the LORD".

Prayer/Share Partnership

2007-04-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

As most of you know, Ashley and I will be moving to Greensboro, NC this June to plant a church. We are so pumped about this new chapter of our lives. God has been working out the details of this plan for longer than we know. We can’t wait to see what He has in store.

The first year of this journey will be spent building relationships, learning from other church planters, and really getting to know the community. To do this we need the generosity of God’s people. We need to raise financial support for at least the first two years and possibly a third. The NC East District has developed a strategy to help raise this support.

The Prayer/Share Partnership is a way for you to invest in the building of God’s kingdom in another community. Your prayers and resources are vital. If you feel that financially you are unable to support this ministry, please do not let that keep you from supporting us with your prayers. If you feel that God has blessed you with the means to support His work in Southwest Greensboro here is how you can contribute financially:

Full Share –
A commitment of $10 per month for at least 24 months (with the possibility of extending 12 extra months). This may be sent on a monthly basis or can be a one-time contribution of $240.

Half Share –
A commitment of $5 per month for at least 24 months (with the possibility of extending 12 extra months). This may be sent in on a monthly basis or can be a one-time contribution of $120.

It is our responsibility to gather 300 Prayer/Share Partners. If you would like to commit to multiple shares, you may do so.

Please email me if you are interested in supporting us in anyway.

Subscirbe

2007-04-27T16:17:00.000-04:00

If you're like me you get sick of checking your favorite blogs for new posts everyday, only to find there are no new posts. So, I've added a feature to make mine easier to keep up with. You can now have posts sent straight to your inbox. Enter you your email address in the box to the left to subscribe.

Communicate

2007-04-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

Anyone ever had a conflict born out of poor communication? It seems to me that a majority of the problems we face, especially relationship problems, could be avoided if there were clear communication.

Being a good communicator takes a lot of work. Whether it's communicating with friends, communicating with employees, or communicating with your spouse, if you do not clearly express your needs and expectations, problems will most definitely arise. We have to learn to say what we mean and mean what we say.

Good communication requires more than your mouth. It also requires your ears. How often have you missed what someone was saying because you were rehearsing your response in your head? When people are talking, LISTEN!!! Pay attention. If you do, maybe you can understand what they are saying, and react appropriately when they are finished.

All relationships hinge on communication. I have heard that my entire life. Like most things I was told as a kid (that I thought were complete junk at the time), I've found that old saying to be dead on.

As a Christian, communicating has even greater significance. We have the responsibly of communicating on behalf of Jesus himself (Ephesians 5:20). We have the obligation and opportunity to communicate the absolute truth of Jesus as Savior. A task we cannot afford to do poorly.

Communicating is what I do. It is a huge part of my job. Daily, I have to communicate with people who are looking for advice, answers, and encouragement. Each week I have the huge task of communicating God's Word. I stand (or sit) before a group of people who need something they can live by. A group of people who are searching for how the Bible can make a difference in their daily lives. If I fail to do this clearly, if I fail to be true to Jesus, there are eternal consequences.

Commit to being a better communicator.

Visioneering

2007-04-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading Visioneering by Andy Stanley. Awesome read! Anyone who has a burden for anything to be changed should read this. We need more visionaries. In churches, in businesses, in schools, in cultures and in homes. We have settled for how things are, even when those things fall well short of what they could and should be. A visionary is someone who is so passionate about how things could and should be, that they are willing to do something about it.

What have you settled for? A job that only provides a paycheck? A marriage that is stale? A church that has plateaued? Pray that God will give you a vision for how things could and should be in every area of your life. If you are ready to begin the journey toward what could and should be, then read Visioneering. It outlines great building blocks for making your vision happen.

Testify

2007-04-09T13:27:00.000-04:00

We've made people feel like they need to have the resume of Tony Soprano in order to have a powerful testimony. Those who have made "minor" mistakes throughout their life, and tried to always honor God, feel like sharing their testimony is going to bore people. Yesterday I heard the testimony of a friend who felt like she had very little to offer through her testimony. However, hers may have been one of the most powerful I've ever heard. It pointed to a God who had consistently been there for her. A God who had been so prevalent in her life that she could not recall a moment when He wasn't there. Wow! If that doesn't get you interested in her God I'm not sure what will. And that's what testimonies are supposed to do. They are supposed to inspire people. They are supposed to turn people's attention toward God. They are supposed to show the world that you have something they need. Hannah's testimony did all those things. Everyone who heard about God's complete and empowering presence in her life left thanking God for the same in theirs or wondering how they could experience the same.

Never shy away from an opportunity to give voice to who God is and what He is doing. God does do anything boring. Like Hannah, we all have to testify!

Home Sweet Home

2007-04-04T09:07:00.000-04:00

We've been house hunting in Greensboro this week. Day one of this journey was not good. We didn't like anything we saw. Day two started the same way. Until we walked into 4009 Auburn Hills Dr. We loved it! The funny thing is, it hadn't even been put on the market until the day before. Amazing how God does that. Everything we had looked at online before coming up, and had liked, had already been sold. So, we took a shot and made an offer. The seller countered with a reasonable offer.

We now have a contract on a house in Greensboro!!!

Quick Update

2007-04-04T09:02:00.000-04:00

Ashley and I are in NC this week. I've been very nervous about being up here. We needed to accomplish a lot while here. On Monday we met with the pastors from the region where we will be planting the new church. Those guys were very supportive and asked some great questions. I look forward to partnering with them. We have another meeting this afternoon with the staff of NewHope Community Church in Durham. They will be an awesome resource for us as we prepare to plant.

On Monday I sent out a mass text message for prayers this week as we had these important meetings. Instantly everyone replied with their support. Thanks for all the prayers guys! They have meant so much.

YOU

2007-03-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

The average tenure of a youth pastor is approximately 18 months. Hard to believe? It's true. There are many reasons why. Too often churches and senior pastors just don't have the patience to allow young guys (and girls) to grow and make mistakes. Also, far too often youth pastors see their postion as a stepping stone to something else.

I've been youth pastor at Welcome for over 7 years now. Maybe because my pastor and my church allowed me to develop. Maybe because I never saw my position as a stepping stone.

Seven years is a long time. The coolest part of being here so long is seeing these students grow into amazing young adults. Last night at Flame, during and awesome prayer time, I found myself looking around the room. I saw the faces of so many young people that I admire. People who know Jesus. People who love Jesus. People who, if allowed, can take the church to new heights. People I'm going to miss so bad I can hardly stand it. (Ok, now I'm crying. Yeah, I'm a woman like that.)

You guys are an amazing generation. This is your church! Take responsibility for it! Don't abandon it! What the church should and could be is up to you! Make noise! Be loud! Don't shy away from leadership! Don't wait for it to come to you, go for it! Don't forget about each other! Stay close, all the while reaching out!

You are what keeps me going. You are the reason I do what I do. Just hanging out with you guys inspires me. You will be with me everywhere I go.

I love you guys!!

Help For Any Situation

2007-03-23T11:43:00.000-04:00

"Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome!"
- Nehemiah 4:14

Enough said!!

Struggling financially? . . . "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome!"

Frustrated at work? . . . "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome!"

Marriage problems? . . . "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome!"

Nehemiah said this to his people when they were experiencing bumps in the road. There will always be obstacles to overcome in pursuit of anything worth pursuing. When they come . . .

"Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome!"

Stuck in the Middle

2007-03-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

Nearly two years ago Ashley and I were given a great opportunity (for what? doesn't matter). Anyway, we prayed about it and felt like this opportunity was a God thing (not all opportunities are), so we took it. Now we are in the midst of it. Things haven't worked in the way and time I wanted. And I'm freaking out!

Why? Why I'm I so worried? Why, if God opened a door and I walked through it, am I worrying about how things are going to turn out? I walked through a door, into a room of God-given opportunity and now that I'm here and things aren't as I expected I've jumped into the closet of DOUBT. Why have a I done this? Why do we all do this? If God puts us in a situation (and we are certain it was Him who did so), why do we worry that it will not work out?

Following a "God thing" is never easy. It's never exactly the way we expected. But, it's always to our benefit. So if you're stuck in the middle of a God thing right now and things seem a little scary, don't freak. If He's put you there, or allowed you to be there, He's there too.

What God starts, He finishes!!

From Dream to Reality

2007-03-06T09:27:00.000-05:00

For the last seven and a half years it has been awesome to serve as youth pastor at Welcome Wesleyan Church. The people here have supported our ministry from day one. That's why it's going to be so hard to leave.

When I finally surrendered to God's plan for my life, I promised Him I would listen to His voice from then on. No matter how crazy what that voice was saying seemed. My prayer has always been that God would put me in the best place for me to be in to help people understand how much they need Him.

Church planting has always been a dream of mine. The thought of going into a community and starting from scratch. I want to help build a church that is tailored to the needs of a community and not the wants of long-term believers. To start a movement of God that will birth a church.

God has opened the door to make that dream a reality. This summer Ashley and I will be moving to Greensboro, NC. Greensboro is a city of nearly 230,000 people!! Only 15% of that are attending evangelical churches. If we are missionaries (and we most definitely are), then this is an amazing mission field.

When you ask God to do something, He does it big. We are excited, scared, and a little overwhelmed. But most of all we are certain. Certain that this is God's will. And that's what matters most.

Church (As it should be)

2007-03-05T15:13:00.000-05:00

Church should be an experience WITHOUT CONFUSION. There should be no confusion about where to go once you arrive. No confusion about whether or not you are welcome or needed. No confusion about what you are going to experience. You should leave with no confusion about what will happen next time you come. With no confusion about what the church believes in. No confusion about how you can get to know other Christians. No confusion about what the church expects from you. No confusion about anything.

That's the kind of church I want to attend. The kind of church I want to help create. We find ourselves in enough situations and places that are confusing. Church is too often one of those. No wonder 75% (or higher) of our nation isn't attending.

Join me in starting "People for a Confusionless Church". (Yeah, I think I made that word up.)

Breaking the Missional Code

2007-02-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer. One of the best books I've ever read. Get it!! Read it!! Do it!!

New Template

2007-02-15T13:46:00.000-05:00

I switched to the "new blogger" so my template has changed. Don't really like it so it may change often over the next few days.

Still Going!!

2007-02-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

These are words I've heard and read more times than I can remember. Recently I've found new meaning in them. When Jesus said "go" what did he really mean? Most of us think Jesus meant we are to find a destination and when we get there we are to be His witnesses. Wrong!!! This word "go" is actually better translated, "while you are going". We are to be witnessing throughout the journey, not waiting until we hit a certain destination. "While we are going" about our daily lives we are to be focused on exposing people to the person of Jesus Christ. If you are waiting to get somewhere before you begin influencing people for Jesus you are going to run out of time. "While you are going" to school, to work, or wherever your headed, make disciples!!

No, I'm not dead.

2007-02-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been a really long time since my last post. I really don't have any excuses for not posting. I just haven't made it a priority. There has been a lot going on in my life, way too much to put in a single post. Here's a brief update:

Christmas was great. Ashley and I spent time with both our families. We are very lucky. We both have awesome people that have been there for us from the beginning.

Ashley and I went to Boston for a few days after Christmas with my parents, It was blast. Definitely a must visit. If you are a history buff like me you have to go walk the Freedom Trail.

We spent a week in Indianapolis. What a week it was! The most beneficial experience I've ever had as a pastor.

I've read two great books. Simple Church by Rainer. Great read. Every person serving in local church ministry should read this book. It is amazing how far from the New Testament model of church we've strayed, how over-churched we are. (Some will not like that statement.) I also read The Barbarian Way by McManus. It inspired me to be a "rhino". I'm pray for a faith that would make me appear uncivilized.

I've also left the boring world of PC's. I sold my Dell laptop and bought a MacBook. We bought a Mac Mini last year as a desktop computer. Once you go Mac you never go back! For those of you still stuck in PC land, I hope one day you too will see the light of the glowing Apple!

Anyway, I'm going to attempt to post something at least once a week. So stay tuned.

Consistent

2006-11-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

There are very few things in our lives that stay the same. Change seems to be the only thing we can count on to always be there. This is one of the many reasons I give God praise. He's always the same. He never changes. His faithfulness to you and I never wavers. He is once again answering prayer in my life. So it seems anyway. He is in the process of answering a prayer we've been praying for some time now. Now many might say I should wait and post this after the prayer has been fully answered, but I disagree. I praise Him in advance, and no matter what. I give Him glory at this moment, and if for some reason things fall through, I will give Him glory then. If things don't work out it just means He has a better plan. To quote a line from a movie I've seen recently (Facing the Giants), "We praise Him when we win, and we praise Him when we loose." If only our praise would become as consistent as His provision.

Breaking Loose

2006-11-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

How much does our past success reflect the level of our future accomplishments? Or vice versa. Do we think because we have failed in the past, we will fail in the future? Do we think because we have been successful in the past, we will be successful in the future? Our past is, or can be, very valuable. As we look in the rear view mirror we can evaluate ourselves, if we look honestly. In doing that we can make the necessary adjustments. However, sometimes objects in that mirror may appear larger than they actually are. We can be tricked into thinking that past success ensures the same in the future. We can also refuse new adventures because of the many botched assignments of the past.

Far too often we lack the confidence to really pursue God's calling because we have done so poorly with what we've been given so far. Do not misunderstand, we must be accountable for what we've done. We must deal with the consequences of our actions, and be accountable to God. But true accountability should birth change. Change in perspective. Change in behavior. Change in possibility. Satan tries to convince us it's too late. Too late to start over. Too late to make a difference. Too late to do something amazing. So, we don't. We believe it. We get tethered to the past. Instead of the past motivating us to transform and adjust, we allow it to harden around us like concrete, keeping us from moving forward.

God has a huge task for me, and for you. That scares me. I'm sure it scares you too. I feel inadequate. I say to myself, "God, what makes you think I can do that. Look how mediocre I've been with what I've been given so far." God is challenging me to change. To grow. Sometimes we allow our growth to stall out, and the only way we can get growing again it to be stretched.

What's holding us back? US!

Turning Orange?

2006-11-14T10:36:00.000-05:00

Barry and Caleb, two South Carolina fans, came to the Valley with us. We even managed to get Caleb to wear a little orange. I think he liked it.

Totally Converted

2006-11-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Growing up in North Carolina, college basketball was the sport I lived to watch. I grew up loving Duke. I know many of you now think less of me. Sorry. But Duke basketball and March Maddness was my favorite sporting events to of the year. Since I've been in SC, for the majority of 9 years now, I've been converted.

We are only a few miles from Clemson University, so a few years ago Ashley and I got some tickets to a football game. The atmosphere in Clemson on gameday is amazing. I was hooked. This year, for the first time, we got season tickets. So Death Valley in Clemson is where we've spent most of your Saturdays this Fall. Tallgating with friends and acting like nuts in the West Endzone. College football should be played all year round!!

It's been awhile!

2006-11-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been a nearly two months since I've posted anything. I've been busy, but not that busy. I just have taken the time to sit down and type. I'm going to start doing this regularly again.

Another Answered Prayer

2006-09-22T12:39:00.000-04:00

As most of you guys know Ashley and I have experience two miscarriages since January. After the second we got concerned that there may be some sort of recurring biological issue that was causing this to happen. I am blessed to have a mom (for many other reasons as well) who is in the medical field. She contacted a high-risk pregnancy doctor who recommended a number of tests. Two weeks ago we went to NC to my mom's clinic to have the blood drawn for these tests. We have been waiting nervously and prayerfully for all the results to come in. All results are now in.

EVERYTHING IS PERFECTLY NORMAL!!

To everyone who has been praying with us, thank you.

A Cold Dark Place

2006-09-22T11:31:00.000-04:00

Most of us have memories of a cold dark place. A place where people are rude, impatient, and stuck there for what seems like forever. THE DMV!!

Well I have good news. The DMV has changed!! I went there yesterday to transfer a license plate. The lady at the desk was very polite and helpful. I was able to print the form I needed off the internet. Before I knew it the speaker rang out, "Now serving B148 at window number 2". With a couple pecks on her keyboard the lady at the countered had me on my way. It did however cost me a few hundred dollars, that was the only negative. I was in and out in less that 20 minutes.

So don't be afraid anymore. Go to the DMV.

Too Much To Say

2006-09-21T11:24:00.000-04:00

Alright! I know I haven't posted anything in a while. There's just been so much going on. My reason for not posting is not because I haven't had anything to say, it's because I can't decide what to write about. So, I've written about nothing. Life seems to be really full right now. The good thing is, it's also fulfilling.

Life can be full of meaningless stuff (just read what Solomon has to say in Ecclesiastes). Luckily, life can also be full of things that bring fulfillment. However, too often we get busy at being busy. Do you remember when your school teacher would give an assignment just to keep you quite? That's what we always used to call "busy work". Things that really had no great purpose. Sadly, many people spend their lives wrapped up in "busy work". Constantly spending energy and time on things that have no purpose can be really draining.

God's Will is never "busy work". It always has purpose. Always has meaning. Pursue that. Stop toiling away at "busy work". Stop wasting precious hours on things that don't bring you joy or Him glory. Seek His will. It's fulfilling. It's inspiring. Most of all, it's eternal!

Patient vs. Complacent

2006-08-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

Question: How do you determine when your being patient and when your being complacent?

The answer to this question continues to elude me. I'm a very impatient person. My wife, and others who have been around me for at least 5 minutes, will agree. I tend to want to leap from the starting line way before the gun is fired. God has really been helping me better develop this "virtue" the last year or so. Especially my patience with people.

However, I am now struggling to determine when I'm being patient and when I'm being complacent. I despise complacency. I hate to be stuck. I like to see results. I like to finish the job. I like to complete the task. But there are many things in my life right now that are not complete, not finished, not producing like I feel they should. This makes me want to do something. Anything! So, what I tend to do is over analyze. I tend to try and force things. Which never works. I want to be patient and "wait on the LORD", but I don't ever want to be complacent. It is complacency that has deteriorated the effectiveness of the local church. The local church would not have become complacent if the individuals in it hadn't. I will not contribute to the complacency of the body of Christ.

I refuse to be complacent. I want to be patient. Discerning one from the other isn't an easy task. Hopefully I'll be able to post some suggestions on "how to", soon.

Moving Toward More

2006-08-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

For months, even years, now, we have been praying for God to move. In order that people would move. We've been asking Him to take over. To take over our Sunday school classes, our small groups, our youth meetings, our worship experiences. So that finally, people would allow Him to take over their lives. We've prayed this because we knew if that would happen, then people begin living powerfully, passionately, purposefully. Instead of living aimlessly, apathetic, average.

Most "preachers" think they can teach people into the kind of lifestyle I'm talking about. They think with three points and a poem, they will move people to a life of purpose. If that were true we would not have been waiting so long for our prayer to be answered. You see, only a movement of God can bring about permanent life change. Only a movement of God can shake people out of spiritual ruts. Only a movement of God can produce a life that is consistently Christ-centered. Only a movement of God can cause a person to take an honest look at his own life.

Last night a movement of God caused people to just that. To look at the life they are leading, and search for the missing piece. In doing that we all realized something. Something I don't think any of us ever truly realized before. At least not completely, not honestly. What was it?

I NEED GOD!!

Not that I love God, or that I want God, but that I need Him. I can't function without Him. I can't be a husband or a son or a father or a boss without God. I can't work, play, or sleep, without Him. I can run, walk, drive, or fly, without the protection of His presence. I can't be or do anything without Him.

I NEED GOD!!

Fantasy Football

2006-08-08T14:31:00.000-04:00

Everyone who knows me, knows I love football. I've always wanted to be in a Fantasy Football league but never have. Well, this year I'm starting my own league through ESPN. If you'd like to join send me an email. There is room for 10 teams total in the league. I think I have 5 spots taken, so that leaves 5 more. The first 5 to send me an email are in. Our draft will be live online, Saturday, August 19 at 9 a.m.

1st Annual WWC Basketball Camp

2006-08-03T09:31:00.000-04:00

This week our church hosted a basketball camp for kids age 5-14. We had over 40 kids each day. We had these kids running drills from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and they did it with just a little bit of complaining. It was a lot of fun, but it made me feel really old. I came home everyday ready to pass out. I'm glad we had people who were committed to doing this camp. To everyone who made it happen, THANK YOU!

Looks can be deceiving!

2006-07-27T17:08:00.000-04:00

From the looks of these pictures you'd think we played pretty well at Azelea Sands in N. Myrtle Beach.

Me and Dad played one (ugly) round of golf last week. The golf wasn't so great, but hanging out with Dad was a blast.

Pain

2006-07-27T13:17:00.000-04:00

There are many words that are over used. Words used too often, in the wrong context. One of those words is "pain". I hear it a lot. "I hate my job, it's a real pain." 'My little sister is such a pain." "I stubbed my toe this morning, and it was the worst pain." To me, none of those examples truly use the word "pain" as it is properly defined. There are however, things that we experience that are truly "painful". Things that gnaw on us. Things that make everything seem a little darker. Things that chip away our joy. In the last six months I've experience two of these "pains". These experiences have given me new insight and understanding of this word. They have also taught me how to replace the pieces of my joy they have chipped away. With every "painful" experience comes a gash in our joy. If we don't make an effort to repair the holes, eventually our joy will be completely gone. Thankfully, God has given me the right tools to make the needed repairs. Sometimes it takes a while to fill in the gaps, but with Him, it can (and is) happening. God can equip you with the same tools. There is no "pain" He can't heal.

Back in NC!

2006-07-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

It is finally here. VACATION! Ashley and I are at Mom and Dad's in Asheboro, NC. Last night I had the privilege of speaking at the NC East District Wesleyan Women's Banquet. Yeah, I thought the same thing. Why am I speaking at a women's banquet? The theme was "Living Water for a Thirsty Generation". I attempted to challenge them with the same challenge God has be pressing on my heart recently. That is, to be willing to sacrifice my own comfort for the good of His kingdom. That's something real easy to say but very difficult to do.

It was a pretty cool evening, featuring a rap about a lost cat (I'm serious). It was like Phoebe (from Friends) on speed. Just kidding, it was really creative and very funny. I was able to see some people that I hadn't seen in a very long time, and of course that's always good. There were people there from various churches my Dad has pastored throughout the years. Even a couple former Sunday School teachers. I'm grateful for the invitation. It was good to be home.

But now it's time to kick back and relax. Tomorrow we head to Myrtle Beach. Pray I don't get fried.

The Flowin' Samoan is back!

2006-07-06T11:06:00.000-04:00

I ran across something today. I couldn't believe it. All those who were at SWU about 6 to 8 years ago, and those from NC East, will probably recognize the guy in this video.

Check out more of Dem Player Haterz. Featuring my long time homie, Dustin Ahkuoi.

July 4th with The In-laws

2006-07-05T12:23:00.000-04:00

Every year Ashley and I spend the 4th the same way. We go to Landrum, SC and spend the day with her family. Ashley's family is really close. It's cool. They (or should I say "we") spend pretty much every holiday together. When I say the family, I mean the whole family. Grandparents, uncles, second cousins, the whole lot. It's awesome. We spend the day laughing, catching up, playing games, and of course eating like pigs. There's always enough food to feed a small country.

This has been a blessing for me. As I get older (and saying that makes be sound really old) family is becoming my haven. Around our families is where we should feel safe, comfortable to be ourselves. There are few places that provide that blanket. At the office you have to be together and act like you know what you're doing. At school you have to make sure you don't say something that'll make everyone thing you're an idiot. And of course at church, you can't let people know your struggling. If you do it will hit that gossip line we call the prayer chain before you know it. But around our families it SHOULD BE different. They are the people who have seen us at our best and at our worst. And love us anyway. They are the people who can see us with our with hair down, and not pass judgment. They are the people that can laugh when a little boy busts a water balloon over their mother-in-law's head. (Which was hilarious!!)

I know when some hear the words "in-laws" they get a little uneasy. Mine are great. They're a bunch of nuts, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm blest to have both the families God has given me.

New Template

2006-06-30T12:15:00.000-04:00

As you can see I've changed my template. Not because I didn't like the old one, I just like to change things up every once in a while. What do you think?

Senioritis?

2006-06-30T10:51:00.001-04:00

Does anyone remember the last two weeks of your senior year in high school? If yours was like mine, you didn't do a thing. It was all about hanging out with your friends and counting all that graduation dough. I put it on cruise control and coasted to graduation.

I feel like I'm in the same mode right now (except instead of counting money, I'm pinching every penny). Two weeks from today we leave for vacation. I'm so looking forward to that (much needed) time away that I can't seem to focus on anything. This is very bad!! I have so much to catch up on before we leave, because of being gone two weeks for youth camps. As I'm trying to write and plan for up coming series for The Flame and events for our student ministry, all I think about is lying on the beach, eating crab legs, and playing golf with my Dad (not all at the same time). I'm sure you can identify.

There's so much work to be done! But all I'm thinking is, "Myrtle Beach or bust!"

TGIF

2006-06-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

Does any one remember TGIF? No, not just that these letters stand for "Thank goodness it's Friday". ABC used to have a set of tv shows that were called TGIF. Every Friday at 8 o'clock that block of tv would begin. It included such classics as Family Matters, Full House, and Just the 10 of Us. Other shows rotated in and out. For some reason they wrapped up the night with 20/20. So Barbara Walters followed Stever Urkel. Wierd!

When I was a kid I looked forward to Fridays and TGIF. This week I have looked foward to Friday like I did back then. Our church has had VBS this week. Tonight it comes to an end. TGIF!!! I now know why God didn't call me to do children's ministry. I love kids, but it takes a special person to be able to handle large numbers of children for long periods of time.

To those of you who serve as children's pastors or teachers or any other vocation that works with large groups of children on a daily bases: GOD BE WITH YOU!!

The Pastor

2006-06-14T22:13:00.000-04:00

My Dad recently announced his retirement. He has pastored in local churches for nearly 40 years I guess. It has not always been an easy road. As a matter of fact I think the journey has been harder on him than I will ever know, harder than he'll ever admit. Because that's the kind of man he is. For years he has pastored churches that, despite his commitment and love for them, have criticized and questioned him. Often he would take an arrow of disgust and yet head out in the middle of the night to the hospital to be at the bedside of the one holding the bow. He exemplifies what it means to have a "pastors heart".

Don't misunderstand. He has had many great and fulfilling years. In each church there was a majority of wonderful people. But it's the loud minority that impacts us all. We can please nine of the ten people who are under our care, but it's that one that causes the sleepless nights. Why? Because we are so personally invested. Pastors of local churches have a job that, unless you have walked in those shoes, one can not fathom. If a roofer does not complete his job the worst that will happen is a few rain drops on your head. If pastors don't do theirs properly people will spend eternity separated from God. That's how we feel at least. That's the burden we carry.

Seeing the impact the churches have had on my Dad has greatly effected me. You'd think those negative ignorant church members, who've said horrible things to my Dad, would have forced me away from the church. But, here I am, a pastor. Serving in the same church for nearly 7 years now. Why? Because seeing the impact my Dad had on the churches was more impressive. He never allowed their impact on him influence his impact on them. There has never been a moment in which my Dad wavered. He has lived his calling.

Dad, the kingdom is bigger because of you. You are and will always be my PASTOR. Never forget it.

Post of Praise

2006-06-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

God has been doing some really amazing things around me over the last few weeks (really over the last 28 years). We have seen people's lives changed through The Flame. Something we (or I) was almost convinced was never going to happen. That's one thing that stands out at the moment. There are many others I could list, but I've been told by someone (Matt Rhodes) that my posts are just too long to read. The point is, I just haven't thanked Him enough or publicly.

God - You are so amazingly real! The power of your presence is what motivates and sustains me. Thank you for being a God that cares about each moment of my life. - AMEN

Camping

2006-06-12T09:14:00.001-04:00

Alright! I know it has been a while since my last post. I'm discovering finding time to blog is difficult. Especially this time of year. Last week camping season begin. Now those of you who know me know that when I say I've been camping I don't mean in a tent, in the woods, without air conditioning and running water. I'm talking about Christian youth camps. Last we we had Middle School Camp at Table Rock. It was an amazing week. God showed up in some really cool ways. There could not have been one student who did not feel His presence.

I have always loved camp. The most important spiritual moments of my life took place at a youth camp in NC. It was there that I accepted Jesus as my Savior and surrendered my life to full-time Christian ministry. But, it was also a place where I made a lot of commitments I never kept. So today I left up all those young hearts who knelt before God last week. Being a consistent follower of Christ is the most difficult thing anyone will ever pursue. I pray, and I hope you will as well, that God will be more real in lives of those students than they ever imagined He could be.

The Da Vinci Disappointment

2006-05-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

Extremely disappointing! That is the only way I know how to describe the highly anticipated Da Vinci Code film. When you see the film version of a book you've read it never seems to live up to the way things look and play out in your imagination. That has never been more the case than as with this movie. The way the story evolved in the movie was quite different than the book. Boringly so! There were many interesting things left out, which made the story somewhat hard to follow for someone who had not read the novel.

But for me the most surprising thing about the movie was how "watered-down" it was. In the novel the main characters (Robert Langdon, Leigh Teabing) were passionate about the (false) theories about Jesus. However, in the movie Langdon's character actually argues with Teabing about some of the things Teabing claims to be fact. Langdon even appears to have a glimmer of faith at the end. A faith that is not evident in the novel.

So, why does this bother me. There are two reasons.

1. I respect people who are passionate.
When someone stands true to what they believe, and does not wavier no matter the situation or the circumstance I can respect that. Even if they stand for a lie, at least they commit to it. There are far too many people in the world who are "wishy washy". The movie proves Dan Brown is one of those people. If he wasn't he would have stayed true to his writing. Brown has said he doesn't have anything to appologize for because his book is "just a work of fiction". If this is true, why doesn't the movie and the book line up. He did co-author the screen play. If the movie is the way it is because he has had a heart change, and is now trying to find true faith, I appologize.

2. People are going to wonder why the Christian community is so upset.
This watered-down version of The Da Vinci Code still presents unfounded theories about Jesus, but not with nearly the amount of vigor or distortion of history as the novel. Because of this there are going to be many, who have only seen the film, who will see Christians as just overly sensitive fanatics.

I guess it is true. You can not stand on a foundation that does not exist. You can not lean on a lie. Maybe this movie ended up the way it did because of those facts.

Unsure?

2006-05-17T12:21:00.000-04:00

Until recently I had never realized how many people struggle with uncertainty about their salvation through Jesus Christ. It seems many Christians, especially young Christians, constantly deal with doubt about their eternal home. It is a fear that one does not have to experience. These fears are brought on by feelings of inadequacy. Adequacy does NOT save us. Our imperfection is the very reason why God sent His son Jesus to earth. If we could've ever been adequate enough to merit forgiveness, there would have been no need for the Cross.

I'm not a believer in the doctrine of eternal security (at least not as I understand it). I am, however, a believer in God's inescapable grace. As a Christ-follower I take comfort in living in that grace every day. Living in it, not abusing it. Living in His grace means living in a way, through His power, that mirrors the life of Jesus. We are saved FROM something, and FOR something. Even on the days I feel like a miserable failure at that "for something", I never doubt the power of God's forgiveness through the blood of Christ. That blood has covered me, completely. This is the center of the Christian faith.

Being a Christian is something we are, not something we do. The "are" must be reflected in the "do".

Another New Toy

2006-05-17T11:02:00.000-04:00

In my ridiculous desire to always have the latest technology, I ordered a new cell phone. I've become a text messaging nut. I love it. Like email, it's quick, to the point, and people can read it whenever they get around to it. However, it takes way too much time to enter text on a phone with a normal keypad. That's why I brought The V by LG. It should be here today.

Try to contain your excitement!

Indescribable

2006-05-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

Last night a group of people gathered in a metal building out in the country in a small South Carolina town. In that place something amazing happened. They had planned a "worship" service, as they do every week. The service is known as The Flame. A service that was to include great music, cool videos, and a sermon by a defeated pastor. Part of that plan happened. Then something unusual (unfortunately so) took place. People actually allowed the Almighty God to invade their plans. Their minds. Even their hearts. There are no words that could accurately paint a picture of what took place in that brief, but desperately needed, powerful moment.

LIVES WERE CHANGED, PERMANENTLY!!

Especially the life of that defeated (no longer) pastor.

Mother's Day

2006-05-12T09:45:00.000-04:00

As everyone knows Sunday is Mother's Day. I know many people think all these holidays are just a way to make Hallmark rich. But this one is most definitely one we should celebrate. Unfortunately I will not be able to spend Sunday with my Mom, and haven't in years. Living four hours apart and having responsibilities at church on Sundays makes it impossible. So this post is dedicated to my Mom, and my Dad.

My birth mother was just a sixteen year old kid. That's pretty much all I know about her. I've never met her, nor have I ever had a desire to do so. It's just something I've never needed to do. I don't think giving birth makes someone a mom, that happens from that day forward. One thing I've always wondered is, did she ever consider aborting me?. I have no way of knowing. For all I know the thought never crossed her mind. Roe v. Wade was in 1973. That legalized abortion. So there may have been a time when my existence almost wasn't.

Luckily for me, God, and I believe it was His intervention, allowed me to have life. Just the fact that I was born has always been a miracle for me, and part of the reason why I have such a strong faith in Him. I believe He had a plan for me even before I was born. Just as it says in Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (1:5). I believe that is true for everyone. We are all hand-made by God himself. Even before we take in our first breath we are (you are) important to Him.

If that was the end of the story it would still be worth telling, but there's more. In 1978 there was a couple who, because of various reasons, were unable to have biological children. They had adopted a little girl some seven years or so before they were sent my way. I've never been more grateful for anything, than I am for Tommy and JoAnn Smith. My parents. These two amazing people have been the greatest example of how to "do" life. There love for God, for their children, and for each other, has always inspired me. Through both word and deed, they have taught me how to be a man of God. There has never been a moment when I haven't felt their love and support. Their impact on my life can not be measured.

God not only allowed me to have life, but to have it in a home centered around Jesus Christ. I know many have not been as fortunate. And those who have been usually take it for granted, as I did for many years. So, this Mother's Day (and on Father's Day in a month), let the people who have meant so much know that you couldn't have done it without them.

Mom & Dad, I love you!

From the Mac

2006-05-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

This is my first post from our new Mac mini. This thing is amazing. The computer is about the size of a turkey sandwich. That may seem to be a weird description, but that's what I think of every time I look at it. The adjustment from Windows to the Mac OS X operating system has not been to difficult. I now believe it's true, "Once you go Mac, you never go back." (quoting our friend, and soon to be mom, Jill Wood)

The Wonderful World of Mac

2006-05-09T12:54:00.000-04:00

I've become a computer junky. I use it more and more in every aspect of my life. But I've gotten bored with my PC. This has inspired me to step outside the walls of familiarity.

Everyone has told me that Mac was the way to go. So, as a gift for our birthdays, Ashley and I ordered a Mac mini. It should be delivered today. I may seek some advice from you Mac users.

I love new toys!

The Rooster League

2006-05-03T11:01:00.000-04:00

A very good friend (or used to be, ha!) posted a comment on my last post. He said, and I quote, "Dude, you're old." I don't agree, but I am, as we all are, headed there. That has inspired me to become fore active. Or just active. I've noticed over that last few months I have less room to move in my clothes than I used to. If it wasn't for the Rooster League I'd be a lot worse off.

The Rooster League is what I call the group of guys I play basketball with every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I've given us that name because we play at 6 a.m. The Rooster crows and we get up and play ball. Some mornings I think we are on the court before he even makes a sound.

Until recently I've been "by far" the youngest player in the Rooster League. I'd love say that I take those old guys to school, but that'd be a bold faced lie. They may be "season" but they can play. They have those sneaky old school moves.

More important than the basketball (and I desperately need the exercise) , the fellowship with these guys is awesome. They are all great guys, passionate about Jesus Christ. We pray together before we leave each morning. There's no better way to start a day than with a good game of basketball and a conversation with God.

Here's to many more mornings with The Rooster League!!

Class of '96

2006-05-02T14:20:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago this month I graduated from Lee County Senior High School in Sanford, NC. It seems impossible. TEN YEARS!! Wow!! For some of you that may seem like nothing, having possibly been out of that prison for many more years. For me, however, it's hard to believe. My high school has created a homepage through classmates.com, where we can all catch up with one another and see the different paths we've all taken. And there are many. It's been cool to get emails from some of my former classmates, who I haven't seen or heard from since that summer a decade ago.

It's amazing how much can change in that length of time. I've been thinking about how different my life is now. How different I am. The events which have shaped me so. When I graduated, if you'd have asked me to paint a picture of my life in 2006 it would not resemble the one I currently live. It would have paled in comparison, looking now from this side of the table. I'd never thought I'd be a pastor, nor did I want to be (and I'm sure some of those I went to High School with would say the same). I'd never thought I be living in South Carolina. I'd never thought I'd be given such an amazing women with whom to share this journey. But God has allowed all three to happen, and I would not change any of it. It's funny how, when in the moment, we think we know what's best for us, for our future, but as the events unfold in real time we learn otherwise.

Wonder what I'll write about 2006 in 2016? I can't even begin to imagine!!

The Search

2006-04-28T10:51:00.000-04:00

I've had many comments and emails about my last post concerning The Da Vinci Code. It seems this book and this topic are even more popular than I thought. Since that last post, I've read more of the novel myself. I see why people everywhere are reading it. The book is a very good work of FICTION. It has not fallen out of the top five of the NY Times bestseller list since it hit the shelves. I've also done more reading about the origins of the theories on which the novel is based. If you haven't done any research yourself I encourage you to do so. I think you will find the truth (or lack there of) behind The Da Vinci Code very interesting. But, I'd like to pose this question: Is the thrilling story of secrecy and deception really what has made it so appealing? Maybe. Or perhaps there is more to it.

Have you noticed that over the last five years there has been more newspaper and magazine articles, more television documentaries, more media centered around the person of Jesus Christ? Is this happening because people are trying to attack the Christian faith? Maybe in some instances. However, I think it is evidence of an awakening in the human heart. People are realizing there is something missing. People are trying everything they can think of, yet their marriages are still falling apart. They are talking until they are blue faced, yet their kids are not hearing a word. People are working ridiculous hours, yet feeling like they are getting nothing accomplished. Something is missing. There is a hole deep inside their hearts that nothing seems to fill. So they are searching.

That search has led many people to the The Da Vinci Code, and other books like it. The reason is that search always leads people to the same conclusion. The realization that they need something bigger than themselves. That something is a relationship with God. Whether they want to admit it or not. And the only way to have that relationship with the One who created the universe, is through Jesus Christ. Thus, people are, as Tom Brokaw did in a documentary a few years ago, SEARCHING FOR JESUS. Unfortunately their search gets clouded. Blurred by the ego of mankind. Who thinks that all that is God should be concretely explained. Although there is much historical evidence for the Christian faith, there is still a reason it is called a faith. As a Christian there are things that I can't completely explain, things I've yet to figure out. Things I'll never be able to prove, by the standards of science anyway. To me that's what makes believing easier. Now I know that doesn't make sense, but the way I look at it is, if as dumb as I am I could figure out the Almighty God, He would not seem so mighty.

That's why books like The Da Vinci Code are such a hit. Because people are longing to believe in something. Searching for something to fill the hole in their hearts. Trying to shove the round peg in the God shaped hole has become tiresome.

If people only knew that the peg they search for is within their reach, they need to just make the decision to believe and insert it. Doing so will not solve all their problems, but it will put them in the proper perspective.

I wonder who will tell them?

Contributing to the Ignorance of a Christian

2006-04-24T14:51:00.000-04:00

I have noticed that many churches are taking a proactive approach to the release of The Da Vinci Code film, set to be released May 19. To the churches, like ours, who are doing so, I applaud you. This is going to be a blockbuster film that will be seen by our neighbors, our co-workers, and our school mates. And we need to be prepared to field the many questions that will be raised.

To do that we have to do something many Christians are refusing to do. Read the book and/or see the movie. I purchased the book about a month ago and just started reading it last week. It is a thrilling story. I'm about half way through it. The story presents a character labeled an "expert" and a "historian" who is obviously neither. This character spouts statement after statement that contradicts the fundamental truths of Christianity. The books paints a very poor picture of the church, discredits the reliability of scripture, and makes some very unfounded claims about Jesus. That of course has stirred up some emotion in me. I'm passionate believer in Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine, and the reliability of the God inspired word (and all its claims concerning Jesus), and a member of the God ordained body of Christ. So I read up on the origins of the theories presented in the novel. They are interesting, as well as completely bogus. They are also theories that have been around for many years. These are not Dan Brown's (the author of The Da Vinci Code) theories. They have been developed by various people throughout history. To get into all the details in one post would take more words then you probably have time to read. Let me suggest a couple books. The Da Vinci Code: A Quest for Answers by Josh McDowell and Cracking Da Vinci's Code by Garlow & Jones. I understand this novel is just that, a novel, a work of fiction. However, there is just enough fact tossed in along the way to make distinguishing what is true, and what is not, a bit difficult.

Some might say they don't want to line the pockets of the author of a book so blasphemous. So they refuse to even consider reading the book or seeing the movie. That is one way to approach this whole situation. It is the approach that many Christians have taken throughout the years. It has not however, stopped the people God has called us serve from doing so. And the gaping hole created in their beliefs caused by these types of medium need to be filled by someone. How can I be that someone if I have no clue what truths are actually being questioned in books like The Da Vinci Code. To merely respond to inquiries from people in our communities with "You shouldn't believe that junk" is no longer sufficient. Although that is true, people need to know why. They need to be given the evidence that supports the truth. And there is much to be given. People need to know exactly what Christians truly believe and why. All that boycotting these types of films and books does is contribute to our own ignorance. Ignorance severely damages our witness for Jesus Christ. We can longer be ignorant to the cords Satan is using to pull our friends and family away from God. If we are, how will cut them lose?

There has also been a lot in the news about this document entitled The Gospel of Judas. It's funny, people think just because something is old it must be true. Well, let me ask one question. If two thousand years from now someone in California discovers a copy of The National Enquirer from 2006, in a cave near Hollywood, does that mean they should believe aliens landed in Beverly Hills?

BREVITY

2006-04-21T08:47:00.000-04:00

Today is Friday, already. It seems like this week as gone by unusually fast. As a matter of fact, it's Friday April 21, another week and this month will be just a memory. The year 2006 will be 4 months old! Before you know it we (or at least I) will be wanting to break out some Bing Crosby and put up the Christmas tree. Which for me usually happens in October anyway. What can I say, I love Christmas. When I was a kid Christmas to Christmas seemed to take a decade. Now it seems less like 10 years and more like 10 minutes.

I'll never forget what an older gentlemen told me on the Sunday after my high school graduation (which was 10 years ago now). He said, "Son, enjoy it while you can. 'Cause now each year will go by quicker than the one before it." At the time I thought this was just another unwanted nugget of wisdom from some old dude. Of course, like most things that generation has said to me throughout my life, he hit it on the nose. Time seems to be rapidly gaining speed.

Time is a weird thing. It's slippery. It seems to always slide by without us ever getting our hands on it long enough to make use of it. How many times do we wake up on Saturday morning feeling like another week has gone by and all our good intentions remained just that, intentions. "Next week!" The motto of life. "Next week I'll _____." I've got things that have been on my "next week list" for at least three years.

The problem is the window of opportunity is narrowing. After all our lives are but "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV). The list of things we planned to do and didn't, has piled so, that the things we need to do now seem impossible. Thus we do nothing. So now that we are all depressed, what do we do? How we be get a grasp on this fleeting yet vital gift called time? I wish I had the magic formula, but I don't. However God has been teaching me a few things that are helping.

Some crumbs that are helping me make better use of my time:
1. Think Today ( I spend way too much time on what was and what could be. Think about what is.)
2. Slow Down (I know it seems impossible. But where we going in such a hurry? And can hurrying really get us there sooner?)
3. Priority One (Do the important things! Don't waste time on the insignificant.)

The Parent Trap

2006-04-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

On April 8 I had the privilege of performing a wedding cermony for some friends. The wedding was as all weddings should be, short and to the point. The following Monday Ashley and I headed to Asheboro, NC to spend a few days with my parents. Those two events got me thinking about some things.

My parents just built a beautiful new home. We enjoyed our stay with them, especially the nice HD plasma over the fireplace. The whole time we were there I was wondering if Ashley and I, a preacher and a teacher ("income challenged"), would ever be blessed with a home as nice. I wanted to come home and call a contractor to begin the plans for something similar. As I balanced my check book reallity sunk in. Knowing full well we could not afford it, I was reminded I needed to be content with what we have (which is more than many). My parents will celebrate 40 years of marriage in May. Ashley and I will celebrate 6 years in June. Thinking or expecting that it would even be remotely possible for us to have all the things they have, to be in the place in life they are, is unreasonable and unfair.

All this made me think about the couple whose cermony I'd just done. They are like most starting out on their own, trying to establish themselves. As I did counseling with them before the wedding I realized they had a good awareness of who they are and where they are. But so many don't. We attempt to begin at the same level we currently see our parents. We want to have what they have. We lose sight of the fact it has taken them years to get to that place. This need to be at that point causes us to make poor decisions. Consequences from which we are not ready to pay.

This place our parents are in is more than just a finacial one. It's a position of life. A position of love. A position of wisdom. A position of self-awarness. A position of clarity. A position that can only be reached by traveling the road of life, and there are no short cuts. Sometimes we get bored with our spot on the journey, and in our impatience we seek side roads to what we think will be a more exciting location. As with most short cuts, when taken, they usually lead us down a one way street going the wrong direction (it has happen to me, literally).

Patience is a virtue I have a very small (if any) dose of. I need more. Because patience is such a key to life. It leads to contentment. The future holds blessings beyond our imagination. Being patient can keep us from building speed bumps to the amazing tomorrow God has for us.

Third Day and David Crowder Band

2006-04-15T11:45:00.000-04:00

We went to an awesome concert last night. Check out some photos.

Lifting An Elephant

2006-04-10T07:35:00.000-04:00

When I was 16 years old God called me to serve him in full time vocational ministry. We are all called to full time Christian service, but God called me to service to Him as my career. It was a call that I attempt to evade for a very long time. But God, as He did Jonah, pursued me until I surrendered to His will. I was 19 at the time. It was July of 1997 when I finally began to walk the true path God had intended for me. It led me to Southern Wesleyan University, a place where I acquired a great education, built amazing life-long friendships, and of course found my bride. There has been much that has happen between those days and this one, too much to put into a single blog post. But there has been one feeling that has constantly following me along this path. A feeling of inadequacy.

I have constantly had to battle feeling like I just don't have what it takes to do amazing things for God and His kingdom. Sunday night I had a conversation with a friend that made me think about this feeling. That conversation has really changed my perspective. What I realized is that I have been right all along. I do not have what it takes. I, myself, am incapable of doing any thing significant. But so was Moses, who led thousands out of slavery that had encompassed them for hundreds of years. So was Peter, who was as imperfect as any follower of Christ to accept God's call. So was Paul, who admitted openly that he struggled with something that he wished so much he could control. The separation between these guys and You and I , is they realized much sooner that they were dependent on the only ability they really had. Availability. Available to God, in every sense of the phrase. Available to be shaped and molded. Available to be equipped and empowered. Some view their initial reluctance to serve God as disobedience. I'm not so sure that's always the case. I believe that many of the heroes of scripture were so completely insecure that they were certain the task was too large. They knew that God was the only source from which they could draw the power and wisdom needed to accomplish the task laid before them. Their reluctance serve was not rebellious disobedience, it was insecurity. But that insecurity led to humility, which led to dependence. Which led to greatness.

So, God has called me, and most likely you as well, to something we are certain we can not do. Realizing that fact is the first step to making it all happen!

Igniting The Flame

2006-04-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Flame now has a blog to keep you up to date on all things blazing.

18 Going On Crazy?

2006-04-06T19:49:00.000-04:00

I've always had a burden for those between the ages of 18-22. For 18 years most have been allowed to be, and treated like, children. Now all of sudden a child has to make a lot of adult decisions. Consider the choices that a person in this age range will make. Where will I go to college? What career path will I choose? And for many, who will I marry? These are major long term choices, that if not weighed with the proper perspective and influence, can lead to deep wounds. Not to mention all the new temptations that will rise from the freedom and independence of campus life away from the watchful eye of mom and dad. And many of those saddled with this responsibility are not ready to undertake it. So one might think!

This week I had the opportunity to lead a Bible Study/Discussion Group with a group of seniors at Oconee Christian Academy. After spending time with this group of amazing young men and women I'm not as concerned, that the 18-22 year olds are going to struggle with the vital choices of life, as I once was. This is a group of young people who some would consider to be sheltered by the umbrella of a small Christian school. But they are not blind to the reality of life. They have not been kept in the dark, given a false sense of what lies ahead. They have been given the opportunity to build a foundation that will hopefully save them from the scars of indecisiveness. A foundation that will aid them as they venture into unfamiliar territory.

Hope is not lost. Despite what the images on Fox News and CNN depict. God is raising up a generation with extreme faith in and passion for Jesus Christ. A generation that realizes that God is bigger than the box, and therefore their ideas of what they can accomplish and how they can accomplish are not contained by it either. They will storm college campuses and invade the future workforce with bold clarity about who they are and what they believe in.

Throughout scripture we witness the amazing accomplishments of people who were "chronologically challenged" (not very old). Why is it that we don't expect the same to take place in the 21st century?

Ready, set, blog!

2006-04-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I posed the question, "Why am I doing this?" So what do people attempt to accomplish with their blogs? I'd love some feed back on this question from you "bloggers".

Well I've read only a few blogs and it seems their purpose is to share information and allow people a glimpse into their daily lives. Here is my attempt to do that and hopefully as I share my experiences with you, and you with me, we can learn from each other. God has wired us to need others. Yet for some reason we attempt to deny that fact of our nature. I'm a very independent person, always tring to do everything, and do it my way, by myself. That makes life very hard. So God is teaching me to appreciate the ideas and talents of other people. And He has blessed me with so many amazing people to share life with. People I need to help me accomplish His calling on my life.

As the title of my blog says these are only "crumbs" because I don't have all the answers, only a few insights I've gathered along the way. So I drop them from the table of my life, in hopes that they will benefit someone else. Together, through the divine provision and protection of God, we can figure out this thing called life.

I look forward to this new experience. And I promise all my posts will not be so deep, and cheesy.

Why Am I Doing This?

2006-04-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

Because of many requests (like two maybe) I will, as of tomorrow, attempt to express my thoughts on various subjects, those vital, and absurd. As well as let the entire world know what's happening in my life. Try and contain your exitement.