SouthPoint prayer..........and continued thoughts

Okay, today was our first prayer time together and it was good. I could think really hard and come up with some profound unmerited hyperbole, but I'm not really sure what hyperbole means so let's move on……

I talked with the lady on the phone this week about using the movie theater for church and she was all for it. She is willing to lease it to us to start SouthPoint. Yip-eee!!!! I am meeting with her this week to go over details but I'm still not saying yes yet. I asked God that the first three places we went would all say yes. That way we could then wisely choose the best place to have church. So far God is 2 for 2. The first place we went said yup, and now the second place said, "yup." So Wednesday we go for number three. Keep throwing up prayers for us b/c God is doing some awesome things and I know this is gonna rock!

New statistic: Did you know that 11 new families move to DeSoto County EVERY DAY!

Okay so let us continue our discussion on the unchurched. So, Characteristic #3 of churches that are reaching the unchurched.

3.) Give evangelism priority and passion.

A program won't cut it. Someone else's idea won't grow the church, but a true passion for evangelism will. Now I'm not talking about the old "stand on a corner and hand out tracks", evangelism. That was horrible! [If your church still does this, sorry, it's still horrible] Evangelism is, and should be all about relationships. Building relationships not just to convert someone [we call that manipulation], but building a relationship with someone because you have a passion for them. Because you care about them, because they have intrinsic human value. AND then once befriended, they will WANT to be like you b/c you are LIKE Jesus! Evangelism is not a program, evangelism is a way of life. It’s a lifestyle. It is not something you do on a missions trip, it's something you do every time you take a breathe. Ah yes. Show me a church where the attendees have a passion for evangelism like this, and I will show you a huge freaking church that is making an impact in their community.

4.) Teach the Bible

Duh

5.) Develop a small group ministry.

I would discuss this in profound detail and truly amaze you with my stunning vernacular, but I'm tired of writing, and to be honest, you stopped reading back when I said it was horrible to hand out tracks.

And their off……..

Dates to Remember

8-19-06 This Saturday is our first prayer time here at SouthPoint. It begins at 10:30AM, and will last for one hour. If you would like directions simply email me us at info@southpoint.tv.

9-3-06 [Saturday] First official SouthPoint launch meeting. This will be a great time for you to come and invite the world! It will be strictly casual with lots of food and great conversations. This will be a meet & greet time. No flow charts, no diagrams, and not too many rules. If you need directions email us at info@southpoint.tv.

9-9-06 [Sunday] Craig & Patti [I’m the first part] will be having a neighborhood party where we will be inviting our entire neighborhood over for a cookout. Make plans to attend this event and meet some people.

9-10-06 Sunday] This is the Sunday night that we will begin our Sunday night launch services. These will be ideal times for you to invite people to give them a taste of what SouthPoint will be like. During these times we will be having music, food, and speaking. It will begin at 6PM every Sunday night. Location is TBA depending on size of crowd.

Thus begins the basic schedule. Every Saturday at 10AM we will have prayer for an hour. Every Sunday night following 9-10-06 we will be having our launch services at 6PM. Mid-week bible study and meet & greet time will be announced shortly. If you need more info or directions to any of these gatherings email us at info@southpoint.tv.

Zacchaeus was a wee little man...

I was reading a book today and the writer referenced the story of Zacchaeus. He said that it was the “affection of Christ, not the brutality of a town that healed Zacchaeus”. I had never really thought about it, I guess, although with the good “preachers” I’ve been around in my day, one of them probably preached this and I just don’t remember.

Anyway, I realized that Zacchaeus lived in Jericho. Now Christians had been living in Jericho since, I don’t know….Joshua’s time. And there must have been one or two there, since the CROWD wanting to see Jesus was Zacchaeus’ problem to begin with…well, actually, his problem was being short, but I don’t want to offend the Lolly Pop Guild, so we won’t go there.

Anyway, anyway…so Zacchaeus lived in a town full of Christians. Yet, he had never heard the gospel nor felt the love of Christ in a way that compelled him to want to change his lifestyle. But when Jesus came to town and reached out to the outcast, he felt the love and invited Jesus to his home for dinner. Now, it takes some guts to invite someone to your house for dinner – or does it? Doesn’t it just take knowing someone who eats food and doesn’t have plans. That’s kinda what I’m getting at. Let’s get out there and show our new neighborhoods the love of Christ….the real love of Christ….not what they’ve been used to seeing passed of as “love”. Let’s use the “affection of Christ” to combat the “brutality of a town” to heal the Zacchaeus that might live two doors down.

SouthPoint is.......

Lately I've been sharing the vision of SouthPoint. What does that mean? Well, it simply means I have talked to a lot of people about a dream. More than a dream though, because dreamers dream of how it could be; visionaries envision themselves doing it. I can see it.

I can see a church where people gather with a purpose. More than gathering with a purpose on Sundays; waking up on Mondays with a purpose. Actually desiring to reach, touch, and impact the unchurched and the de-churched [these are the people who grew up in the church but have left and not been back]. Many churches across the board have become internally focused. Sermons, events, programs, and teachings are basically all focused on the believer. Not training the believer or equipping them, but merely satisfying them. Of course my goal is not to slam any ministry or church because there is enough of that garbage going on. My goal is to embrace the body of Christ and make SouthPoint a unique entity that is not in competition with other churches [God forbid!], but to be different. To reach the unchurched. Our tag line is true and real. It says, "A new way to do Church." It really is a new way. Its different. Its focus is the outside not the inside. Its programs are limited, because its focus is narrow. We will not meet everybody’s needs. That's just impossible. But we will offer a safe environment where people can come and connect with God. Where, in that connection, they can download goodness from the father. Removing the 'cringe' factor from church and making it enjoyable and user-friendly.

Okay so how do you reach the unchurched? Over the next few blog entries I am going to show you a few ways. So let's look at the first one or two (depends if I get bored typing or not).

1. Major on Majors
There is an old saying that we learned from Dino Rizzo. "We don't do tacos" Let me explain.
Burger King does burgers, not tacos.
McDonalds does burgers, not tacos.
Hardees does burgers, not tacos.
Get it?
"I think our church needs another program to minister to our toddlers. I think if we should combine our homeless outreach program with the toddlers. Coupling these two ministries will give the toddlers more adult interaction and will give the homeless people wonderfully child interaction with new found hope." ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!? First that would be insane, second we don’t do tacos! The only way we can stand up and say we don’t do tacos is if we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what we do do! To reach the unchurched we MUST major on the majors and that means having a clear concise vision that says what you do.

2. Be Biblical and Convictional

Churches that are reaching the unchurched are across the board Biblical, and have strong convictions. You might say the strong convictions go back to the whole, “we don’t do tacos.”

Okay I’m bored with typing. More to come……………..

Our First Baby is Born!

Olivia Ann Kness was born today. She was our very first baby born here at SouthPoint. We are so excited for Sonja and Cory and their new bundle of life. All is well. Mom & Dad are doing great. If you want to see more pictures of Olivia simply click the picture bar to the right.

What are you praying for?

I was reading the Bible today and Matthew 9:37 made me stop and think. I'm sure you know the verse [and yes I do read the Bible]. It's the verse that is quoted so often it starts to sound like Charlie Brown's teacher. Try to stay focused:

"The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

So what are we praying for?
I believe that very few churches are actually praying for laborers, or workers. Churches pray for revival, money, help, direction, vision, mission, opportunities, open doors, publicity, less publicity, more people, and better buildings. But when do we actually pray for more workers? I know in the years growing up in the church we didn't really pray for workers because every time they came they were never ready by our standards to actually work....they needed more prep time. Or we didn't ask for workers because if we really got them what would we do with them? I mean we already had all the teachers, singers, and preachers we needed. What's left?
So my thoughts wandered to the fact that the reason Jesus even said this was because he was moved with compassion. As believers and followers of Christ we should be moved with compassion for the lost. We should have a feeling in the pit of our stomach that says, "There are hurting people out there, and I can make a difference." See we are not planting SouthPoint Church to have a few thousand people go through some biblical exercises to make them smarter and to feel better. My goal is that we will have a few thousand poeple that want to make a difference not only in this city, but in our nation. Advancing the Kingdom of God past our little pew filled walls and out into the streets. What does that look like?
Good question.
What would it look like if more followers of Jesus got involved in AIDS relief? What would it look like if more followers of Christ took an active interest in polution? What would it look like if more followers of Christ would take a hard look at abandoned children? Or maybe genecide in Rwanda; or how about ecology? See the list is endles and followers of Christ are called and chosen to be activists not antagonists or reactionists.
Why should we pray for more laborers?
If you don't need them we'll take'm.
And b/c Jesus said so.
Pray for laborers.

Church Planting is Good

Well, Patti and I just got back from Atlanta where we were "Assessed" as Church Planters. Whoopie! We passed! Of course if we would have failed we would still be doing what we are doing, but all of that is a mute point since we passed with flying colors. The really kool thing about the couple of days in Atlanta was that we got to hang out with 6 other couples planting churches. It was awesome, and I realized a couple of things.

#1) Church Planting is not the safest profession to aspire to.

#2) There are harder things we could be doing, like becoming a nuclear physicist,

Seriously I did realize that here at SouthPoint we have an incredible team. I am so in awe at the quality of people that have joined the team. I cannot think of a single person that is not a "top-Shelf" servant. [Of course "top shelf" is an old bar term. If that offends you……..stop reading]

The team that is already here in Memphis is excited and chomping at the bit to get started. We are getting together this Sunday night to eat, hangout, and enjoy life.

Ted Haggard once said that you don't need to hire staff at your church, just gather your friends, have fun, and do ministry. I feel like that is what we are doing. Gathering friends with a common passion to win the lost and impact an area, and we are gonna have fun doing it. I am ready.

I finished painting the last room of the house this morning, unpacked most of the boxes and now I am hanging out my shingle that says, "Now Open." It is a good feeling.

All can pray. Pray that over the next few weeks we will meet some awesome people here in town, and that we find favor in finding a place to gather. Not only for church but for our meetings too b/c I know that my house will only work for a little while b/c we will soon be too big for my home. Yip-EEEE!!!!!!

Thoughts - Prayer - Boxes

Well. Today was our first Sunday here in Olive Branch. I decided to step out in faith and instead of going to visit another church that I would rent the civic center here and just trust God to fill the seats. I started praying at 6AM and by 10AM the seats were all still empty. I kept praying. Then people started coming in by the droves! Several thousand people stated coming in it was amazing! I started praising God and shouting for joy. Then a guy came and asked me to leave because it was the 5th annual gun and knife show and I didn't have a ticket.
Okay so I didn't really do that but it sounds like a good story. We did visit a church today and got to know the pastor which was great.
Also I just got off the phone with Shana. You guys who are reading this need to pray for them. They [plural due to the fact that Shana is actually a group of three girls:Shana, Liz, and Cyndy] need to rent their house. They are moving here in 23 days and a wake up and still no one to rent it. They have lots of traffic so pray that one o these lookers will stick. These chicks SO want to come and help plant this exciting new kind of church. So pray for them vigorously!
Did I mention we are still unpacking? We are so excited to get our stuff outta boxes! We only have about 15 more boxes to go and then some furniture stuff and wall hanging stuff. We are working really hard on the house so we can be finished with it so next week we can be 100% focused on SouthPoint. Pray for us this week we travel [more traveling can you believe it?] to Atlanta fo an ARC [Association of Related Churches] meeting. So pray for safe travels and a good meeting.

They're heeeerrrreeeeee!!!!! Do you remember that movie, Poltergeist? Freaky. If you do remember it you probably wish you could forget it. Of course that movie has absolutely NOTHING to do with this blog entry except for that one line.

Anyway, we are here. We arrived in Memphis Tuesday night and unloaded our trailer. I would say the trip was uneventful but that would not be true. Get this:

I was driving my truck pulling the trailer and Patti and the kids were behind me following. I was driving minding my own business driving across I-40 when we came upon an entrance ramp. In the right lane was a slow moving semi. A car got on the interstate and was obviously Inpatient because she cut over in front of me. I mean she totally cut me off to the point that I had to slam on my brakes so hard that they locked up. Ah nothing like the sound of big ole truck tires squealing at 70mph. Wait; did you forget that I was pulling a trailer? I did too, until I felt it begin to slide around the truck headed for the infamous jack-knife. Somehow [God] I let off brakes just enough, and just in time to correct the trailer and yet not hit this woman who was merely inches from the front of my truck. Yea God! Okay that is kool wanna hear something even more kool? Behind me, remember, was Patti and the kids in the van. Patti also had to lock up her brakes and swerve to keep from hitting me. So what is so kool about that you ask? Well 5 minutes prior to all of this excitement, Phoebe [my 4 year old] said out of the blue, "hey mom, did you know you're gonna hit dad's trailer?" Man! I sure am glad somebody in our family hears form God. Isn't that kool! Man, I love that child like faith. Those child like ears, and that child like love.

God make all of us more child like. Open our ears to hear not only the answers to our own wants desires and needs. But open our ears to hear your heart, your desires and the needs of the Kingdom. Help us to love the unlovable, touch the untouchable, and actually make a difference where we are.

You Make Everything Glorious

“You make everything glorious.” That is a line from a song that I can’t seem to get outta my mind this morning. I’ve been humming it since 6:15AM. It is a little annoying since that is the only line I know. But I think it is valid this morning since this is this morning of my final Sunday here at Mosaic Church.

I’m sorrowful.

Sorrowful is an old term that we rarely use today; but today it seems appropriate. Today I’m sorrowful. But God makes everything Glorious! Even my sorrow he can, and wil turn to his glory. I mean think about it. I may be leaving Mosaic, but I’m also leaving behind incredible friends that I did not have a few months ago. I’m leaving behind an exciting environment and real, true community. So what is so glorious about that you ask. Well how about the fact that I have more friends now. I have more knowledge now, I have more sense of community now. And on top of all of that I can take and transport this kingdom dynamic where I am going. Yes today is a sorrowful day, but it is also a day that God makes glorious.

I know that today is also the day that Mike and Judy (launch team members) are leaving Florida. This is their last Sunday at Tree of Life Church. I’m sure their sad. I’m almost positive that tears will be shed and they will be missed. Sorrowful. But God will make it glorious. Their sacrifice will drive, bring, and attract a whole new group into the Kingdom of God. Just their willingness will advance a positive flow in the kingdom.
I got an email this morning from another girl who is sorrowful that she mad a change. She moved and is being messed with. Sorrowful. But God can, and will make it glorious.

You make everything glorious.

Whatever is plaguing you this morning…….He can and will make it glorious.

I almost cried. Patti came closer than me, but still, I almost busted a tear gland. Once a man cries it's all down hill. I must admit, I cried at me wedding. I cried at the adoption of Sierra, I cried in the delivery room with Phoebe, and yes I even cried when Noah came into my life. So as you can see I'm not scared of crying it's just that I prefer not to do it while standing in front of people.

Wednesday night I almost cried.

Naeem and the crew from Mosaic did a going away party for us and it was spectacular. They showed a video that Jacob put together for us, they did a photo album for us to remember them by and they all stood and spoke really nice things about us. It was great. Even if all the nice things were lies, it still felt good!

Mosaic blessed SouthPoint with an offering that was stupendous and I was totally surprised and humbled. All in all it was a great, great, evening.

This Sunday is our last Sunday at Mosaic and I can honestly say that it will be very difficult to leave. To walk out that Sunday and say good bye. Not see ya later. I have formed many great friendships here that I know will last a long time. I would love to stay but I know God has called us to a different place to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. So I am sad in my leaving but at the same time excited at the possibilities that lay ahead of us. So here we come Memphis!

Inside Mosaic

THis is a picture of th etypical Sunday morning experience at Mosaic Church Charlotte. If you look real close you can see me singing. Okay NOT!

Book Review

I just finished Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Now Rob is a pastor in Grand Rapids Michigan. To be honest I was not sure if anything good could come out of Michigan (just kidding, I mean after all I came out of Michigan), but Rob's book is simply that, good.
I was challenged and intrigued. There were a few parts that I did not agree with, but I think if I agreed with everything I read I would be but a mindless drone looking for the next piece of literature to condone my way of thinking. Rob didn't do that. Velvet Elvis made me.....forced me....to view and look at things from the Bible in a totally different light. In fact he made me look at the Bible itself in a totally different light. Then on top of that I was running the other day and I was listening to Andy Stanley and he said, "The Bible is equally God inspired, but it is not equally applicable." It took me a few blocks to unpack that statement but it really made me think.
Rob's book did the same. It's a thinker. I will have to admit I liked the first half way better than the second, but it was definitely a good read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wanted to consider the repainting of the Christian faith in the 22nd century.

It's a Journey

I had it all planned out. I was saving money, working all the time. I didn’t really make time for anything else, but that was OK. I was going to buy a house. Not just any house… my first house. And it was going to be CUTE. A garage, an extra bedroom, and decorated to the nines. I could see it. It was all I talked about, and it was all I was working towards.

Problem was (as I mentioned before), I was working all the time. And I didn’t have time for anything else. Of course there was the occasional night out with the girls, conversation with the parents, but work took precedence over everything. I loved my job and where (and what) it was going to get me. I was so focused on me. Me. Me. Me. There wasn’t time for good friends, good relationships, and most notably God. My God, who had been there for me through thick and thin, was missing from my life. Oh well. I was going to buy a house! Buy my independence!

Of course God was always in the back of my mind. Poking and prodding me here and there. But I pushed him aside, focused on what I wanted. Where I wanted to go. What I wanted to accomplish. I told him I’d come back - just to wait while I fulfilled my dreams.

Then I was thrown for a loop. The job that I loved so much suddenly changed. I worked for a relatively small company with about 20 employees. I had established a great relationship with my boss, who was also the founder and president of the company. From day one we had a great working relationship, were mutually trusting of one another, and made a great team. One day in late February, however, I learned that this man that I admired and respected was not all that I thought he was. Without going into too much detail, I will say that he showed me that he was not as trustworthy or respectable as I had imagined, and that he was not the “father figure” that he made himself out to be.

For the next few months I struggled with where that left me. As much as I loved what I did for a living, I couldn’t respect myself if I remained with the company. But I had my entire identity wrapped up in what I did for a living. And all of my plans depended on that paycheck - without it I couldn’t buy that house that I had dreamed so much about.

At almost the same time all of that was going on, I was invited to attend a church service at a new church called Mosaic with my co-worker, Cyndy, and her roommate, Shana. With everything that was going on, I was feeling pretty down, and that poke God was giving me was a little less daunting. So off I went one Sunday in February, and WOW did I find out what I had been missing. I became involved in the children’s ministry almost right away, and met an amazing group of people. And I discovered the compassion that God has for a hurting soul - even one that had been turning him away for the past few years. Through God, lots of prayer, and the support of some great friends, I finally found the courage to leave my job in May. I also finally stopped working towards things that were solely material. I learned that the greatest things come when fulfilling God’s will, not my own.

When I met Craig and Patti (on their second night in Charlotte), I was taken right away. Not only did they have the 3 most adorable kids ever, but they were such friendly, compassionate people - and passionate about God. When they told me they were going to start a new church in Memphis I thought, “How cool would that be?!” From that point on, every time I heard them speak about their move and their ministry I had such a desire to go along. Just a desire, though - I wouldn’t really move to Memphis. Away from my family, away from a place I’d just learned to call home over the past couple of years. But God had already cut my strongest tie to Charlotte (my job), and had prevented me from making another strong tie (the house). So after much prayer and the discovery that my two dear friends (the ones who led me to Mosaic) also felt compelled to go to, we all finally made the commitment.

So Memphis - here we come! To meet new friends, new family. To minister to other souls, just waiting for that one final prod that will bring them back to God. There is still a lot to be prayed about - for us and for everyone else making the move. But that which is done to fulfill God’s will, God’s plan, can only be good. So now we’re off to love on Memphis. See you there!

From some of the team

Mike Thompson said...

Our youngest cat disappeared for a couple days, we would call him, went looking for him, no luck. We had just about given up hope! I had been draining the hot tub, and had a side panel off, it started to rain one afternoon, so I put the panel back on to keep the rain out. Well, I was sitting on the deck one morning, and heard a scratching noise, this particular cat has never meowed or anything. So I opened up one corner of the hot tub, lo and behold, guess what sprung out, yep, Mr. Kitty.

I think we can be like that cat sometimes, God is calling, but we're not making enough noise for him to hear us. Sure, when things get tough enough, and we're scratching and clawing to survive, we can get through to God, but he wants us to answer him, and listen for him, long before we get to that point. Amazing the lessons we can learn from such a simple thing!

Dawn Whittington said...

Music is the same way. It has been years for you and your trombone days, but I'm sure you remember. Every piece of music is black and white, until a person adds character by performing it. The audience is waiting and watching to see what will become of this performer and piece. That's why music is so incredible and emotional. Each day is different when you pick up your instrument. The music is there, the spirit is there, but we must run with it, take a chance. Will the music glow and flow, or will it fall apart and become another piece of music in the library. Passion will make anything sparkle, and Craig has a passionate team with him at South Point.

Potential

Well, here we are in Memphis. Last night we met with Cory, Sonja, Ed, & Robin. They are the four adventurers that have come here before anybody else. We all went to the city park for the Fourth of July festivities. It was really cool. They had tons of stuff for the kids to do, and band stage with of course…….a band. They also had some really good singers, it was great. Then the fire works started. I must say I was impressed. They were really good. As I sat there I was in a great euphoric state, sitting with good friends, watching a beautiful display, smelling the gunpowder [guys like that kinda stuff], and basically just thoroughly enjoying myself. As I sat there and watched each fire work sail into the air waiting for the thunderous POP! I thought that is kinda how life is right now. I’m waiting for the pop.

Each firework that sailed into the air looked exactly the same until they popped. Before the explosion there was just a bright ember that sailed high into the air. All eyes on the lone ember waiting to see what color would come out, what sound, how loud, how big a dispersion? Will it sparkle or just explode? Will it be one of those kool double ones or will it be a dud? All eyes waiting and watching….each ember full of potential. Ah yes potential.

I kinda feel like an ember right now. A lot of people watching, waiting, expecting. Waiting to see what will happen.

I was reminded of this quote form Soren Kierkegaard [yes I really did think of Soren while watching the fire works. So I’m weird].

“if I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for eye which ever young and ardent, sees the possible. What wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what is so intoxicating, as possibility.”

We are all embarking on an incredibly journey that will transform our lives, and the lives of many other people. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Imagine.

Dream.

Just think of the Potential.

one step closer.

We are one step closer to Memphis. WE closed on our house in Naples the other day. It is no longer home. That was a difficult mind jump. I really didn't think it would be, but it was. I failed to realize how connected my heart had become. but enough of that past stuff let's move on to the good stuff. I speak at Tree of Life Church tomorrow and then Patti and I head out for Memphis! Yip-eee! In about 30 minutes I'm gonna go have lunch with the launch team that is still here in Naples. I have randomly talked to all of them, but now we are gonna get together. Everybody is so excited about going is awesome! And today I get to meet another couple that is interested in going. We will see what God does. Ya just never know. But at this point things are in full throttle forward. I trust that God will give us the rudder we need to go with this forward moment and we will not only reach our goal, but we will reach it well!

Team update:
Cory and Sonja are now living in Olive Branch and Cory got a job opening a business for a contract company. Go God!
Ed and Robin are now living in Southaven and Ed got a job at a plant in Olive Branch. Go God!
Mike and Judy have sold their house in Naples, bought a new house in Hernando. They close on July 12th (I think) and are chomping at the bit to get out there.
Marc & Nina are going to visit Olive Branch & Southaven in one week. They are scoping out the lay of the land so keep them in your prayers.
Shana Leonoviche is praying about whether she needs to sell her house in Charlotte or rent it. Keep her stoked in prayer. Her, Liz Stowalter, and Cyndy are planning on moving to Memphis by the end of August.
Dawn Whittington is transferring her job to the Memphis area and is planning on moving by the end of July, so pray for her for a place to live and a good settling.
How about Tony and Shirleen? The Alabama couple? Well, they are working on money, housing, and job. So keep them in prayer. Things are slowly falling into place for them let's just all believe that it will work exactly like it needs to!
There are a couple of mystery guests that are nameless at this point until they tell family so just keep them in prayer.
Jason & Christina need money. (Don't we all) Seriously they need certain amount of finances to make the move happen so really lift them up in prayer so they can make the move effectively by October.
Larry and Melanie Presnal are already in Memphis and are awesome people that are praying about joining in the fray! Pray blessings on them-their money-their jobs-and their family.
Okay there are more but as long as this entry is I'm sure no one is still reading. So to all those team members that I left off of this crazy list just remember, the last will be first. :)

Calling all adventurers

Well, many people have wondered what Our three Mosaic translplants look like....well, here's two outta 3. That third one is a little shy. Well, Patti and I leave for Florida tomorrow to close on our house and move. While we are in Florida we want to hook up with all those in Naples that are on the launch team and still in Naples, we want to get together. So Saturday afternoon we are gonna meet at Jason & Christina's house which is on the church property. WE are gonna provide the hot dogs and hamburgers, you guys all bring a side dish and we will have a great time catching up and hanging out. I'm really looking forward to catching up with everyone. See you FLoridians REAL soon!

Return From the Land of Sweat

I returned from the land of sweat a few hours ago. What is this sticky land you ask? Well, that would be Alabama youth camp. As you know I as asked to be the speaker for the youth camp, and I had a great time. I did however forget that it is FOUR MILLION degrees in Alabama. It was so hot that when you stepped outside it felt like you were stepping into a sauna. The air itself was hot. Anyway, as I pulled into the cabin I was staying in I heard a quiet sssssssssssss. I knelt doen and realized I had a hissing tire. Yes, that's right within the first five minutes of being there I had a flat tire. So I unpacked the car and began changing the tire with the smallest jack known to man. It was so small in fact I was pretty sure I would have been more successful with a small Pigmy on steroids, alas I could not find one so I went with the jack. It worked. So I out the spare on and guess what? The spare was flat as well. You would think somebody would check those things now and then. Alas, I still needed a small Pigmy. I eventually found help. Nice.

So I decided at the last minute to take the whole family with me to camp. I'm glad I did, it was great. We had some quality family time while at the same time getting to minister. It was the best of both worlds.

Hey thanks for praying for us. The camp went really well. Several people spoke in toungues for the first time, some kids said they spoke in tongues for the first time in a long time. Had several others make committments to Chrsit. Some for the first time and others wanted to give'r another try. All in all it was a great camp. I felt like I really made a great connection not only with the kids, but I also met soe great musicians who know people in Memphis! Yip-ee! If ya wanna see some pix from the camp and our little trip check out flickr for the latest.

House Cleaning

Hebrews 12:18-29 (MSG)

In verse 27 or so, it talks about how God is doing a “thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.”

All of us, at some point over the next few months will be experiencing this housecleaning. Somewhat in the natural, but probably even more so in the spiritual. Know what I mean? Some of you are already seeing it. Like when you start to move, you start getting ready to pack up and what do you find? That you have WAY TOO MUCH JUNK!!! Some of us can’t even fit it into the Uhaul that we rented…HAHAHAHA.

But really, as we are going through this time of cleaning out, packing up, moving and putting our stuff away in our new homes (temporary or permanent), keep in mind that God always does things in the spiritual, sometimes before, sometimes while He’s doing them in the natural. Look around for things in your life that you don’t need. And I mean REALLY NEED.

When we moved into this 3 bedroom apartment, I had to make some tough choices. Even my kids experienced it. Just about every day they ask, “where’s my such-n-such” and I say it’s not here. They have learned that their follow-up response is, “oh, it’s going to be in Mississippi.” Yes, that’s true. Most of their stuff will be in Mississippi, but I’m learning now what they actually play with and what they actually miss. And what they could live without, without ever asking about it.

The scripture says that God is getting rid of the “historical and religious junk” so let’s let Him do that. As we are cleaning house, throwing junk away and packing up our lives to move, let’s do it with our hearts too. Let God get rid of all that history and religion so that we can present a pure and life-giving gospel to the cities of Southaven and Olive Branch and the surrounding areas.

Here He IS!

Well here is the infamous no-name-grandson. Of course now he does have a name, it is Jaden Phillip Gonzalez. So I guess he is official now since he has a name and a photo. All is well, Amanda is home with Jaden recovering nicely. Patti is helping her with all the new baby stuff. Of course I'm still working, and watching three kids. How in the world does my wife do this EVERYDAY! I am truly convinced that my wife is wonder woman!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike and Judy have sold their house in Florida. They have sold their bussiness in Florida, and as of today they now have bought their very first home in Hernando Mississippi. Which in case you didn't know is REALLY close to Memphis. Congratulations guys. These are huge changes, but they are all great!
The team is gathering and converging. It is gonna be.....it wil be... a great time! I love all of you and am SO looking forward to serving side by side with ya'll. (The ya'll is practice)

Two Stories in One

This is the same blog entry as "Myspace" but it definetly bares repeating:

I will start with the exciting news.....As of 7:55PM eastern Standard time, Amanda had her baby! 9 1/2 pounds! Holy cow! i have used bowling balls smaller than that. So Im on the phone with them and I ask them what they decided to name the baby. Even though they have had NINE months to figure out this minor thing they waited. David (AManda's Husband, AKA my son-in-law) had it narrowed down to two names and said when he saw the baby he would know which one to name it. I laughed b/c I have had my share of kids and the only thing you know when they are born is.....well, actually when the baby is born you don't know anything. You turn into a snot faced sniveling idiot that coos and gaas over theis slimey lump of flesh that is your only take home prize from the torture chamber named "labor and delivery." Anyway, so they call me to tell me the baby has been born and it is 9 1/2 punds blah blah blah, and then I say, "Hey what did you decide to name the boy. My forst granchild?" And David said, "Oh I don't know we forgot about that part." Yea, so that my first grand son does not come into this world nameless I herby take up my grandfather mantel and declare that this boys name is, Edibeirto Craig Gonzalez. It has a great ring especially if you put a think Mexican accent on the first and last name with a strong mid-western accent on the midle. See even right now you're trying it. Kool huh? Pictures soon to come.
Story two:
THe other day I was sitting on our 2 inch by 2 inch second story balcony listening to the kids play below. ( I could not see them due to the railing only hear them). Then I hear Sierra scream, "NOAH NO! OH DAD THAT IS SO GROSS!" You would think I would jump up to see what was going on, but by your third toddler you really have seen it all. From poop in the bathtub, to licking toads. Really what could rank with that I ask you? So I sat. Calm and relaxed. Up the steps came Sierra......I waited.......She slung open the door and said, "Dad! Noah is playing with dog poop!" (Okay this does rival previously quoted goss incidents.) I turn around in my chair to face the accussser of the brethren and lo-and-behold, behind her is Noah standing with pure innocence on his face. Of course I think it was innocence I could not tell because it was COVERED IN DOG POOP! Not only was it on his face, his hands, and jammed under his finger nails, but he was holding a tootsie roll all of his own! Sierra just pointed and said, "See!" AS if to say, case closed; your son is holding poop, he is not right. I composed myself and thought for a moment, 'yes poop playing does seem to cancel out all the days of pink hat wearing, lipstick smearing, and purse carrying.' So to the shocl and horror of Sierra and looked at Noah and said, "Go play, but don't eat the poop." He smiled and said, "okay daddy." And off he went. Needless to say, Patti was not home.

Is that right?

I waited for years. Years I say! After Amanda, then Sierra, then Phoebe, finally Noah came on the scene. A boy! A little package full of testosterone. Yes; Noah is all after burner and no rutter. But with all that man-hood I have a question.... Today, he walked down the hall from Sierra's room wearing Phoebe's pink hat, with lime green crocs (Sierra's), and then to top off the colorfully GIRL outfit he was wearing Sierra's BRIGHT pink lipstick from ear to ear! So of course I cast that spirit out of him and sent him to his room. Then Sierra informed me, with great disdain, that Noah had covered their furniture in the bedroom with glitter powder. That made me super happy. (Can you feel the sarcasim?)
So I guess my question is, with all of this pink/powder/makeup/barbies/and high heeled shoes in one house, does my son have a chance to like guns, hammers, trucks, sharp objects, bugs, engines, leaving the seat up, power tools, greese, girls, and toads?

Youthful Thoughts

I am sitting here trying to think back to an era that seems to have escaped me. I was just asked to be the speaker at a summer youth camp of several hundred kids in grades 7 through 12. So obviously you can already see my quandary. At first you probably think, “Yea but you used to be a youth pastor so what’s the big deal?” Well, for starters, used too, and are, are two totally different things. Not to mention the fact that I was a youth pastor 10 years ago! And I was a youth, oh say way before that! Then to wrap it all up I look at the age demographics and realize that I am speaking to a room full of teens that, some, are not in puberty, and others are, well, working on the frustrations of not only being out of puberty, but enjoying all the inner workings of being a vibrant young person. So hopefully you see the gamut of which my quandary lies. What’s that? You don’t think I should use words like quandary and gamut when talking to youth? Okay.

So, anyway, I am really excited about getting to speak to them and share what’s on my heart. Could you imagine what it would be like to be a teen again, but be set free from all that stupid baggage that you walk around with? Could you imagine how freeing it would feel to walk the halls of school and know beyond any doubt that you really are important and that you really do matter? That your life is not a mistake or a screw up, but that God not only planned for you to be the exact way you are but on top of all that actually “pre-filled” you with all the right gifts and talents that you would need for your journey that there would be no worries? Could you imagine that? Kinda funny because most of you reading this blog are all grown up and yet we all still struggle with the exact same issues. Oh sure they might have a different hue, or maybe a deeper shade of pain, but the truth is the problem is the same. We just don’t understand who God created us to be and how He wants to use us to not just survive, but to impact the society that we live in.

So go ahead and go for it, I mean after all, you are all ready “pre-filled” with good stuff, you might as well use it.

(By the way, you could pray for me while I’m speaking it would help. Dates: June 20-22)

(Also pray for Cory's house to sell, Marc's house to sell, more launch team members, and money for the launch.)

The wheels keep moving

The last few days have been kinda crazy. It is that time of month....not that time of month....that Patti and I have the priveledge of mailing out our "Hey can you support us" letters. And the infamous "Hey thanks for supporting us" letters. And of course not to be out done by the "Hey don't forget to continue to support us" letters. And a newsletter to boot. All in all we have been running our own little Kinkos with extra kinks. But as of this post we only have about another 20 minutes of work and they will be all done.....this time. It's not bad it's just busy work ya know. Some have already been mailed out and I have received some phone calls from people telling me that they really liked it. Kool!

Our dates seem to becoming more solidified as time goes on. It looks like we will be closing on our house in Naples on June 30th and closing on our house in Mississippi July 6th. That also means our last Sunday at Mosaic will be around the 15th of July. That will be a sad day. I have made So many really kool friends. It will be sad to leave, but the fun thing is now I KNOW that I have a whole new set of friends that I can always come and hang out with. It is a good thing to have friends. Of course as much as I will miss Mosaic, and I that excited about moving to Memphis and going for it. WHat a challenge! I absolutley LOVE a good challenge!

So far the launch team appears t be shaping up to around 35 people or so. WOW! How freak'n kool is that? Some from FL. some from NC some from TN and some from AL. God rocks!

Change or Transition

Change is never fast. It is a slow grueling road that can wear a person down. The road to change is a long road that always upsets our apple cart. Today I am not talking about or to those people who do not want change. B/c you can't help people who don't want change. Help, in its very essence is change. Someone drowning wants help. That is, they want change from their current situation. You can never help anyone who does not first recognize that they need change, and then second admit and confess that they want change. Until those two factors are met the person just wallers around in a mire of self-indulgent pity that forces this to remain in their exact location.

What we fail to realize many times is that change is the end. It's the solution or the finale'. We don't struggle with the change, we struggle with the transition of moving from our current state to the changed state. Transition is the hangman's noose of change. If transition is not handled properly then the very motivation and incentive that you had for change will be choked out by the noose of transition.

The Children of Israel's biggest struggle in accepting the change from Egypt to Canaan was not the better food or easier work load, it was the transition of the dessert. Transition will always bring out your true motives and issues of the heart.

Ways to Wade

Through transition:

1. Pray
2. Stay acutely focused on the goal.
3. Let go of the old way.
4. Find humor in the details
5. Do the work, don't wait on God.
6. Be Barbarically persistent
7. Journal
8. Stay Pliable
9. Take the crap, it grows fruit
10. Don't stop at Good, push through to Best

Why do transitions take so long?

1. Make us completely let go of the old way.
2. Help us to appreciate the new way.
3. Teach us lessons to prepare us for the new way.
4. It's just a process.

Stocksdale Principle

"You must retain faith that you can prevail to greatness in the end, while retaining the discipline to confront the brutal facts of your current reality. What can you do today to create a pocket of greatness, despite the brutal facts of your environment?" Okay that is the Stocksdale principle, now go back and read it again. It will only take you about 15 seconds – trust me it’s worth it.

Okay now that you have this principle firmly planted in your brain let’s look at it for just a second. Its not just about making it. We need to have faith – all of us – that we will not only see this thing to the end but we will achieve GREATNESS! However we must face the brutal facts that are before us, and face them honestly. We each need to assess ourselves and how we can fit in to maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses. For example if you are horrible at computer work and hate sitting at a desk then what do ya say we don’t volunteer for administration tasks. I know it sounds simple but what we end up doing is trying to fill a hole in the machine to keep it all running smoothly, but in reality our filling a hole with our weakness only makes things worse and stops God from being able to fill it with a supreme person that excels at that task.

On a grander scale what can you be doing RIGHT NOW to create a pocket of greatness where you are? Greatness in your family? Greatness in your finances? Greatness in your new church (that would be SouthPoint by the way)?

WOW! Peeps!

Okay this last Wednesday Iwas blown away. Patti and I have felt a certain afinity towards three girls here at Mosaic. Their names are Shana, Liz, and Cindy. Any way these girls/ladies/women came up to me and Patti after our gathering and said, "Hey pray with us, because we are seriously thinking about moving with you guys to Memphis." My jaw hit the floor. it was awesome. So we told them that we would pray that God would keep them up all night until they finally agreed to come no matter what! And then we told them that they HAVE to talk to Naeem first. So they did and they have one more talk with him, but they are seriously considering coming. Kool huh? Also I just got a number from another guy who lives here in Charlotte. His name is Chris, Anyway, he has a friend who lives in Memphis and is a muscician and is interested in talking with me about our new churhc. Who knows, but it is all about relationships. So I want to challenge you guys in your walking around daily lives. Whereever you are. Charlotte, Nap[les, Birmingham, whereever. Begin asking your friends and everybody, "Hey do you know ANYBODY in Memnphis?" Cause if they do get their number and call them. It is really easier than you think. And imagine-we have all played the 7 steps to Kevin Bacon right? (if you haven't then I would say you have NEVER been on a long boring car ride, nor stranded in any airport for very long) So if we can get to Kevin B. in under seven steps than we can get to somebody in Memphis. So lets do it. Its time to cast of any restraint and lets rock this place. We are already putting everything on the line so lets keep it up!

FYI-Cory, Sonja, Ed, & Robin are moving to Southaven in the next couple of weeks so lets keep them in our prayers. safety, easy of travel, blessings, open doors, and divine opportunites.

more logo ideas

more logo ideas for you to paruse.

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!!

Just in case you didn't hear the shouts of joy and the dancing all the way from NC, let me tell you that WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!!...wait, that sounds kinda final, doesn't it!?!?! Well, I guess it's official. We have to move now, so it might as well be to Olive Branch - anybody wanna go?

Really, we are excited that God has moved on our behalf. How do we know that? Because, if I am not mistaken, this will be the first closing that our real estate agents have had since September of 2005. That sounds like God was on our side, huh? That's good news to all of you guys too. Everyone who has a house on the market - you have an opportunity for God to work a miracle in your midst....very soon, I pray.

Anyway, so it looks like we'll be coming to Naples the last week in June. We'd like to have a get-together with everyone, so I'm recruiting a volunteer to put that event together. It doesn't have to be at your home, just let me know what you want to do and we'll work it out....

We love you guys and can't wait to see you all very soon....

Listen and Learn

Here is a link for the audio from the ARC conference. If you were unable to atend you can still catch the fever! If you did go then you know you wanna listen again! I will add this page to the side link bar but for now here it is. THE LINK!

Travel'n Time

Memphis Mississippi, sounds like an oxymoron yet the place is real, of course we have all come to know it as Southaven or Olive Branch. Anyway, Patti and I went to the "place" this past week looking for stuff. We were looking for a place to do church and a place to live and we were also looking to meet some people. People we found. We met a great couple named Melanie and Larry. They are a delightful couple that seems to be very interested in joining our little adventure. They also know a few other couples that may be interested so we will see how all of that plays out over the next few months.
Patti and i also bid on a house in Southaven/Olive Branch. It is right on the line between the two towns. It is just north of Goodman road. It's just off of Pleasent Hill Road. Anyway, we put a bid in on it with 4 million contigencies(sp?). That was yesterday. Today they sent it back to us with the counter. So we will see how it all plays out. If this house doesn't work out then something else will. But for now we will work on this one. If you are interested in a picture of the house (Sonja K. calls it a castle) then I believe it is in the picture side bar to the left.

We looked for a place to do church and found more options than we had before. Of course we have not ruled any out all we have done is add more options to the list. I wanted to have a few more returned phone calls but that did not happen. So maybe that will come with time as well. We head back to Charlotte tomorrow morning. Of course we are gonna stop in Atlanta and Corey Civetta's and have some pictures taken for the website and brochures. All in all, things are going well. Love you all!

Logo ideas- thoughts? comments?

Big Dog in Da House

I'm sitting here with Andrew, Da' Big Dog! It's good to have him in Charlotte with us. We are gonna hang out today and tomorrow and then he is gonna visit Mosaic with us. Kool huh? I'm looking forward to it. It is always good to have friends and family come and visit.

Hey while I have your attention for a short span, why the HECK have none of you responded to the last entry? I was asking for input on the newsletter. This is your opportunity for your moment of fame! Come on, dig deep! Talk to me goose!

Question

I am getting ready to do a newsletter for everyone that supports us and others. Is there anyting that you would like to see in this newsletter that you think would be good for people to know? PLEASE click the commetn button and give me some input. In fact if one of you would like to write a short 150-200 word articel for it that would rock. Simply post it here.

The big 2

I never thought Noah would make it to two. I mean the kid jumps off of high things, plays with sharp objects and think that bugs are kool. When my girls would see a bug they run and scream. Noah...well, he sees a bug and he picks it up to taste. Every time he sees the girls running run way, he runs to it. It's like, "AH TERRORIST, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Noah: "Hmmm, I wonder what a terrorost tastes like?"

But He made it. Noah is now officially two years old. We were gonna do a huge party and invite everyone, but then we realized it might be long commute for you guys so we just did with us here at home. We had a godd time and missed you all! In fact I still miss you guys tons! Cant wait to begin serving with you guys, it is SO gonna rock!

The Lesbian Story

The Lesbian Story

Craig wanted me to tell this story to those of you who were not at the conference meeting that we had, so here goes. I was at the mall the other day, actually we were all there. We go to the mall alot, since we don't really know what else to do to get out of THIS APARTMENT!!!! So I was shopping in a new store for me. I was trying to purchase couple of pieces of clothing and the transaction was taking a while. Craig was out in the hall waiting on me with the younguns....
Anyway, I started talking to the young lady who was waiting on me (she happened to be the manager of the store - don't remember her name). She asked me why we were here - the subject came up that we had just moved here. I told her the basics and she said she had heard of Mosaic since it's the church that meets in the movie theatre at the mall where I was shopping. She asked what "kind" of church it was. I gave her the good 'ole "it's just a normal church that talks about Jesus and no "denomination" or specific "theology". She said she'd like to find a church she could go to, but every one she had tried didn't work for her. See, she's a lesbian (thus the name of the story), and whenever she goes to church, all she gets is condemnation and judgement. She wanted to know if she would be comfortable at Mosaic. I told her that I had only been here a month, but that I thought Mosaic was probably the least judgemental church I knew of around here.
She wanted to know if the pastor preached against homosexuality. I said, "not since I've been here." She wanted to know what he thought about it. I told her that I didn't really know his exact stance because it had not come up. I told her that I didn't think he would openly discuss his stance from the pulpit - that he would let God deal with those issues. I realized that by getting her to that "safe place", she just MIGHT hear the gospel and just MIGHT figure out the sin issues all on her own. What a novel idea?!?!?! She talked about how she couldn't help it if she was born this way (I didn't get into that with her, obviously).
Another girl that worked there was standing there and asked if we had any other gay couples at our church. I told her I didn't know if we did or not, because it's not ever been discussed or an issue, so I wouldn't really know if we did or not.
It was refreshing to be able to say "you will be comfortable" i.e., it's a safe place. And she said she might check us out. I asked her if she ever worked on Sunday and she said "yes." So I told her she might as well come to church, since she had to be at the mall anyway. And she could come to church before having to be at work. I hope she'll come.
But it got me thinking. One of her issues was that her homosexual sin was discussed in every church she had tried to attend. But what about our sin of judgement or our sin of gossip (about homosexuals coming to our church) or the sin of being two-faced - wanting anyone and everyone to come to our church, but then not really making it a safe place for them to hear the gospel.
The pastor of the church where we just went to this ARC conference has several homosexual couples in his church. He doesn't put them in leadership in any way, but he makes a safe place where they can come and hear the truth and decide for themselves. And guess what - it doesn't always happen their first Sunday either. He has homosexual couples that have been in his church for a while. They just haven't made that decision yet, but they keep coming because they know there's something to this "God" thing that gets them through the week. Yet again, what a novel idea.
Speaking of novels, I think I'll stop typing now.

Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, and then Ask again.

Today is our day off. So we stay at home or do something with the kids. Well, getting back from the conference I really wasn't in the mood to do anything but be a slug. However, my children were very excited to have us home so they wanted to do something together. Sierra began asking me at 8am if I would play Go Fish with her and Phoebe. Of course I said no. In fact not only did I say no I emphatically told her that I would not play it all day! Not in the mood. She said, "okay." Of course then she very sweetly asked me the same question at 8:10, 8:15, 8:22, 8:30, and again at 8:40am. After a while a kid can wear you down. Yes I did play go fish.

That got me thinking about Luke 11:8-12 where Jesus tells the parable about the dude who needs bread but his friend is in bed and doesn’t want to get up. But since the dude is so persistent then he finally gets up and gives it to him. The Jesus goes on to say this, "Ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive."
HOLY COW! So okay I'm really praying for my house to sell, and everyone else’s on the launch team, and I believe it will sell! I mean I might have to yank on God's train, and I might have to knock on the gate a few more times, but I really believe that it will happen and it will be in time! So be encouraged it will work, it will happen, because remember God really does have our best interest in mind, and after all you really are His favorite!

ARC conference

We went to ARC and had an awesome time. I hope Sonja will send me some pictures of it soon so I can post them (hint). We had a great time. I was sad to hear that Marc, Nina, Kelly, Mike, Judy, Jason, and Christina couldn't make it but all in do time. The conference really was invigorating. One of the things that was talked about was how people at a church -and especially on a launch team- should not just support the vision or even buy into the vision, but they need to OWN the vision. Because if everybody owns the vision then there is never an "us" and "Them" it's always just "us" It's your vision! It is ridiculous to think that someone would undermine their own vision. Then everybody is working for exactly the same thing. Kool huh?
I learned a new term at the conference that I just ate up. It is the "de-churched" That is those people that grew up in church and know the bible. They went to church with their parents through school and then when they got on their own they stop going because they found church to be boring and irrelevant. These people NEED OUR KINDA CHURCH! A place that is never boring and is based on relationship not rules and regulations. Are ya pumped yet?
One item of business before I close out this session. After talking intently with Naeem and Andrew we feel that it is prudent to change the name of the church plant to SouthPoint. The tag line would be "A new way to do Church." We are changing it to SouthPoint b/c it is more practical for the area we are going PLUS there are four million "life" in the name churches in that area. I shared are new name with many of the guys at the ARC conference and they all agreed hands down that SouthPoint is the way to go. So.....taking the advice of those that have gone before us the new name of the church is SouthPoint. Now I ma REWORKING the graphics and logo stuff. It is costing more money but the real question is if I don't change it now how much will it cost me to NOT change it later? I chose the now.

ALSO: Congrats to Mike and Judy- they are grandparents again!

How Safe is God's Will?

The other day I was doing my devotions and I was amazed to hear God talking. Funny how that works huh? Actually I’m not sure if he did a lot of talking or just really got me thinking. Thinking about His will. I realized I was raised with faulty theology. To top it off I realized I had taught faulty theology. I had taught that if everything went well and doors opened and all was well then you were in God’s will. If things went wrong then you were not in God’s will. And if we were unsure then we broke it down to the big three. Remember – “The good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” So if it kinda messed up then we must be in the Good will of God but not the perfect will of God. Now I would love to follow this whole line of thinking for you but you can do it yourself. Because after all if we work our way from good to perfect then that makes our belief structure performance based instead of faith based. But let’s get back to the God’s will thing before you get tired of reading this blog.

If we say that we can know God’s will based upon our safety, provision, and ease then we are not reading the same Bible. Let’s do an old school recap of our favorite bible characters. John the Baptist; was he in God’s will? Jesus said he was the greatest man to ever walk the earth – oops imprisoned and decapitated. John the disciple; beloved of Christ – mocked, eyes gouged out, outcast, and martyred. Paul the apostle; writer of 1/3 of the N.T. – whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, etc. This is but a small sampling to show that being in God’s will has really nothing to do with our present circumstances. I think sometimes we say well, it’s not God’s will because this didn’t happen or I’m uncomfortable. So what is God’s will? “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.” Anything we do to advance the kingdom of heaven, IS his will. Many times that is the most dangerous-tricky-scary-place to be, but its still his will.

I am SO excited to be teaming up with you guys to help fulfill God’s dream for South Memphis. You guys are awesome and we are gonna rock. I know that for some of us everything is not going exactly as we had imagined. And that is okay. Because what we are embarking on is an adventure not a tourist train ride through Graceland. Its an adventure. Our ending is not guaranteed, our ease of life is not promised and our safety is not a promise. But in all of that is an outrageous chance to make a difference in this life. TO impact not just a few people for the cause of Christ, but a chance to impact an area, a city. To step out of the stands and step onto the battlefield. To drag off the wounded and to enlist the healthy. To shoot the enemy and protect the innocent. You guys can not only do it! We will do it!

Thoughts to Ponder

Ah, lessons learned. A couple of things I've learned since I've been here that I think you guys will be interested in.
1.) Systems MUST be liquid.
Last week Naeem (The Pastor) changed his entire flow chart in about 10 minutes. He said the old one worked for the launch but now three months into it, it needs to be this new way. The type of system is important but a little lengthy for the Blog. What I wanted to point out is that from the start we have to be liquid. WE must be willing to adopt change and not get bent out of shape. The minute we build a monument is the moment we get left behind. Our systems must be fluid, our relationships must be fluid, and our concepts of ministry and even our theology must be fluid. Now you might freak out about me saying that our Theology must be liquid as well. Well freak not! Think about it; Do you believe everything exactly as you did when you first got saved? Of course not! You have spiritually evolved(don't be scared of the 'evolve' word). Ed Young says it this way, he says that the church evolves, God is. How true. So we have to be willing to change.
2.) Give direction, authority, and responsibility away.
Direction-authority-responsibility. These three things are linked at the core of their being. Many times we have seen leaders give direction but then don't pass on the authority to carry it out, or they give someone responsibility but no direction. Of these three things you can't be successful unless you have all three operating side by side in unison. They don't just compliment each other they are vital to the existence of the other. In order for our new church to work we have to all be willing to take up responsibilities, listen to direction, and properly use our authority. And then just as quick we have to be willing to give it away. Raise up others to do what we do. How vital is that? (My Space also Updated)

OUCH!

Noah fell and busted his head on the cofee table. We opted for the no-stitches route bt found the largest butterfly bandage we could find. The bunny and the raggedy-Anne dolls are his two sisters attempt at comforting him. I think somewhere in the process they might feel a little guilty for something.

I'm gonna puke - wait, I just did!

Last Saturday Patti started puking. She was sick for a day in a half-then Wednesday, Phoebe got sick. She was puking all night long. Of course she is not quite old enough to understand the whole vomit in a toilet thing so DAD got to wipe it up all night. Then Friday night Sierra felt left out so she got sick, and then I joined her in the puking extravaganza! It was horrible. Today however, I almost feel like myself again. Man you just don't appreciate keeping food down until you go a day and NOT keep it down.

I stoked that all of you guys got together at Pizza Hut the other night, that is awesome! I wish I could have been there but I was busy up-chucking. Okay I guess I didn't actually upchuck until after we talked.

I sat around this Sunday at Mosaic and watched everybody’s roles and the people doing their jobs and I was thankful. I watched a guy named Dave on the sound board and I thought, "Yea Mike not only can do, He will do great at it." I saw the lady in charge of prayer praying for Naeem and I thought, "Yea Robin will rock at that." And the list goes on. Our team is not yet complete, we have just begun to assemble the dream team, but I have no doubt that God is placing the right people in the right place for the right job. I can't wait to work with you guys in this fun, and powerful adventure.

One of the ladies at Mosaic just move here form Memphis. She is really nice and she told some of her friends in Memphis about us and our arrival in Memphis. They are so excited about us coming and think they want to be a part so they are driving over to Charlotte to meet us. I told Kelly (the lady) that we would go there to meet them but she said they were so excited about a new church plant in Memphis that they would come here to meet us! WOW! No guarantees, but I love how God works things out and moves peoples paths so that they will cross.

Speaking of which, Hey Jason, I'm still waiting for your friends to email me. :)

Practice makes perfect

I know many of you wonder if I've always been fat. Well actually know, I used to be really skinny. So skinny in fact, that I didn't weigh enough to play little league football. You had to weigh at least 55 pounds and I weighed in at a whopping 50. Until one year my dad had the idea to fill my pockets with fishing weights and a hunk of solid brass. I could barely keep my pants up, but when I stepped on the scale it leveled out at exactly 55 pounds. The lady nurse said, "Wow, you barely made it!” I didn’t care if I barely made it or blew the doors of trying, the point was I made it!

I left that room and went directly outside for my very first practice. I was ecstatic! I didn't think about the fat that everybody there out weighed me by 1200 pounds, or for the fact that they all had two years of experience, all I knew was that I was finally going to get to play ball!
I John 3:7 says, "He that practices righteousness, is righteous just as Christ.” See we don't have to be perfect. In fact it doesn't even matter when you screw up. Really I'm serious. Think about it for a second, how many people while practicing for anything, get in trouble when they screw up? None. When i tripped on a hurdle in track practice my coach never yelled at me. I wasn't kicked off the team. My coach would just say, "Come on Wendel, you can do it! Get the knees up and go for it!"
Self-criticism and self-condemnation is SO debilitating. It's time to stop looking at what you think is wrong with you and what you think is lacking in your life and realize that you are only practicing. So screw up! Make mistakes! Do it wrong! But do it nonetheless. See God is way more gracious on those who get off the bench and do it wrong or right; as opposed to those who only sit on the bench. This is your day! Don't focus on you faults or on how many times you’ve screwed up. Focus on the goodness of God and the calling that is on your life. Focus on how many hurting people there are around you and what you can do about helping them.
We will never be perfect on this earth. But one thing is for sure, we will become more perfect the more we practice.