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

Interest Gathering

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

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

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

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

Confrontation?

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

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

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:

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

In Great Company

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!