Archive for June, 2006
Network Update June 26, 2006
We are SO pumped about this coming Wednesday! It has been our passion since beginning NewSpring to one day be able to pour into other churches and share with them the lessons they can learn from our mistakes so that they do not have to make them.
We are expecting a great crowd for our first meeting – and due to a few unexpected circumstances among those who were coming–a few spots have opened up!
If you still want to come–but have thought it was too late–the door is now open. Once again–the meeting is at 10:00 this Wednesday at NewSpring…it will last through lunch (which will be provided) and will be an awesome time of sharing our hearts and brainstorming as to how this network can REALLY assist you in your ministry.
So…if you have recently discovered that you CAN be here…and you are a current senior pastor or staff member at a church–then please contact me through this blog by the end of the day today (MONDAY) and let me know you are coming. (If you contact me through the blog then please send me your name, e-mail address, church name, and a number where you can be reached.)
OR…you can call our church office at 864-226-6585 and ask to speak to Midori Thompson & she will be more than happy to sign you up.
Looking forward to it…
Watching People Pass You By… June 25, 2006
Sherry Moorhead is our director of volunteers here at NewSpring and one of the people who ran the marathon with our crew in San Diego.
I remember approaching Sherry when I found out she was interested in running the marathon this past December and I told her she should. Her reply to me was, “I just don’t know if I can.” I promised I would do my best to help her, to encourage her, and to challenge her.
Sure enough–she showed up and began to run with us. I would finish my run and then run back to get her and run to the finish line, encouraging her all along the way. When I got to her she would always say, “You don’t have to come back for me,” but when we finished she would always say she was glad that I did.
I remember one run in particular–I think it was our 13 mile run…it was raining and MISERABLE…and I ran back to get her. About 300 yards away from the finish line she began to cry because she had no feeling in her right leg. I told her, “Girl, you have came this far and it is ok if you can’t finish.” That fired her up–she got faster and I had to do my best just to keep up with her.
Training for this marathon was more challenging for her than it was for me because of the simple fact that she has three children under the age of five years old. I can’t even begin to comprehend what it was like to train AND have a full time job AND be a wife AND be a mom…
There were a few times where she would not show up for our training runs during the week. I would either call her or walk by her office and issue a challenge or offer a word of encouragement. She had came so far…I was not going to watch her not follow through. And she was determined to do this thing!
So…the time came for the marathon–long story short–she finished–I did not. She can now say that she has done something that I have never done–completed a marathon. That’s AWESOME! I find a few leadership principals here that I would love to point out…
#1 – You Can’t Pour Your Life Into Everyone–But You Can Pour Your Life Into Someone
I was set free several years ago by the “fairness lie” that exists in ministry. You know the one–it says you have to be “fair” to people and invest the same amount of time into everyone. Where in the world did we ever get that idea? Jesus didn’t do that–He had a group of 72…out of that group He had 12…out of that group He had 3…and out of those three the Bible says that He had one that He loved.
I try my best to pour into people–I spend time with our leaders here at NewSpring…and they do the same with other people. Who are the people you are pouring into?
#2 – When People Who You Pour Into Pass You By…CELEBRATE!
I can honestly say that I am EXTREMELY PROUD of Sherry. The fact that she finished and I did not did not bother me at all. She did something that very few people have ever done…and because she finished–a part of me did as well.
You see…as a leader it should be our goal to raise up other leaders–and then as they pass us by–we CELEBRATE…we REJOICE…and we keep on training up other people. Jesus Himself said that we would do even greater things than Him…which is an amazing concept.
#3 – Look For Other Opportunities
I have already alluded to this–but I am now looking to run the Kiawah marathon in December…and I currently have about two people committed to training with me. They have never ran a marathon before…and so I am excited about the opportunity to invest in them…and hopefully they will finish BEFORE me.
As a leader we should always be looking for that next “diamond in the rough.” My former pastor, Bill Rigsby, took a chance on me. He mentored me for six years and put up with a lot of stupidity from me. However, he was patient with me–allowed me to make mistakes and celebrated my successes…and for that I am grateful! And Bill…you AND North Anderson are as much a part of what is going on here at NewSpring than anyone!!! Thanks!
WOW–Two Posts In One Day… June 23, 2006
Don’t miss this Sunday!!!
I had a message prepared on the marathon BEFORE I went to run the thing in San Diego. BUT…I felt the Lord telling me that the message was not complete and that I would understand after the race.
Uh…yeah…as always…HE WAS RIGHT!!!
I almost didn’t talk about it. I met with the creative team and tried to move this message for Sunday in a different direction. BUT that is the beauty of surrounding yourself with people who tell you what you NEED to hear and not what you WANT to hear.
So…I spent some time with God…asking Him to allow me to reflect on the marathon…and He showed me several things that we can all apply to our lives.
So–show up Sunday…things will be different…and you will notice some “unusual” things taking place…even in the parking lot!
See you then–I can’t wait!
God Help The Braves June 23, 2006
I am sad–depressed, whatever you want to call it…but my Braves are in BAD shape. I have been so used to their winning ways since the early 1990′s…but I just can’t handle what has been happening lately–we are on a 10 game losing streak with no relief in sight.
We used to lose all the time…I remember the days when Dale Murphy played for them; in fact, I think he was the only person who actually played–the other guys often looked like the kids you see playing t-ball, on the field–but not engaged in the game.
Seriously–you used to be able to call Fulton County Stadium & ask what time the game was going to be and they would tell you whatever time you could get there to watch it.
But then in the early 1990′s the Braves started winning…actually–they have DOMINATED their division for well over a decade. I have been to many Braves games during this run…and I have noticed a disturbing trend that has not only damaged the Braves–but can damage the church and our lives as well–it is one of the most dangerous things that could ever happen to us…and it is so suddle that many people don’t even recognize it taking place.
What is it? Simple–the Braves, and everyone else around them, have lost their passion for the game.
I was in Fulton County Stadium the last week of the regular season in 1991 when the Braves HAD to win to make it to the playoffs. The year before they had finished dead last–and so the place was buzzing with anticipation and excitement. They won that night and the place was going nuts…I can’t even begin to tell you some of the sites that I saw.
Just a few years ago a friend hooked me up with some awesome tickets right behind home plate. A friend and I went down…the stadium was about half full…and was about as exciting as watching grass grow. I remember us hitting a home run…and the place didn’t show any emotion at all. It made me think, “These guys are in a lose-lose situation…if they win, well…they should have won…and if they lose then they should NOT have lost and here are all the reasons why.” Victories were NOT celebrated–losses WERE criticized–the passion was gone.
As a church we can NEVER lose our passion. It is my prayer that we will show up every Sunday with a sense of expectancy. We should be ASKING God to do amazing things…and when He moves we should celebrate His moving with all of our might. One of the things we do well at NewSpring is celebrate–but we must never take for granted all that God is doing and when He moves say, “Well–that SHOULD have happened.” NO–we must thank Him…we must ask Him to do more…and we must make sure we do all that we can to lift HIS name up!
Satan has a goal…he knows if he can steal our passion he can eventually rip us apart. Step in most churches across America and I will guarantee you will observe a loss of passion…among the people, among the staff, and with the senior pastor. People show up expecting NOTHING to happen…and quite often their expectations are met. (And if something did happen it would make them mad because it would cause them to be late for lunch!!!)
When I pull in the parking lot every Sunday I am asking God to do amazing things…I EXPECT God to show up in unique ways…I EXPECT God to changes lives…and no, I don’t always get to see what God is doing…but I know He is always at work because His word says that He is.
NewSpring–we can never allow the enemy to steal our passion–EVER. God is at work–but this is ONLY the beginning! There is so much more–so let’s pray and ask God to continue to work and move–and when He allows us to see Him working and moving–let’s celebrate!!
One more thing…on a personal note–the enemy desires to steal your personal passion as well. He will try his best to make you apathetic towards your job…your spouse…your kids. He doesn’t want you to HATE those things…he would rather you just not care about them. Pray for God to set you on fire with passion…and let Him consume you! God has invested WAY too much in our lives for us not to care. If you have a job–it is a gift from God. If you have a spouse–that person is a gift from God. If you have children–they are a gift from God…and we are called not only to “like” them–but to be filled with passion towards them!
I am not sure there is any help for the Braves this year–there has to be serious changes in my opinion before they can win again. But…I think before anything good can ever come from them again…passion for the game MUST be restored. Passion must come back into the stands. Passion must be displayed on the field…if not–then it looks like we are going to make a return to the 80′s.
Pray for passion…for our church…for our lives…and let’s allow God to set us all on fire.
Little Women In Big Trucks June 22, 2006
So I was pulling into Chic Fil A this morning for some chicken minis and a LARGE cup of their dark roast coffee.
(PAUSE: Their dark roast coffee is the best coffee in Anderson right now…and trust me, I have drank coffee all over this town! Praise God for theirs…now back to the story.)
So as I am pulling in I pass this massive Chevy Z71 truck. And guys–it was a “man” truck. It was jacked up…I believe it had a wench on the front…big tires…dead deer strapped to the front…ok, that parts not true–but you get the point.
So I look to see who is driving it…half expecting to see some massive man, maybe with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in his sleeve, sporting a mullet or either a flat top (either would have been fine), and a serious look on his face.
But I had to do a double take when I looked because I thought, “Wait–that dude is wearing makeup.” AND on the second glance I thought, “Wait–that is not a dude–that is a dude-ette!”
Seriously–there was this petite lady driving this massive beast of a truck. It probably took her getting a step ladder to climb into this thing. And I promise she could have crushed any car that dared to stand in her way.
Things are not always as they seem. This lady had POWER and AUTHORITY on the road…and even off the road. I promise that this truck could have gone anywhere because it was equipped to do so.
That’s the way it is with us & the Lord. Yes–when you accept Christ He comes to live inside of you–but the bigger picture that we often miss is that we are in Him…and in Him we are unstoppable.
Just like that lady in the truck–she could have gone anywhere, so can we! I am sick and tired of Christians who sit around and tell God all of the reasons that they can’t do what He has called them to do.
If Christ is in you–and better yet–you are in Christ…then He has already empowered you to do what you are called to do. Odds are you are not waiting on God–He’s waiting on you–hit the flippin’ gas pedal can get on with it.
Christ Jesus makes us unstoppable. Yes, I know that there is an enemy named satan…but folks–HE LOSES! Jesus defeated him on the cross and one day will ultimately kick his butt and send him to hell! WE WIN! We are empowered! And God has not called any of us to sit on the sideline–but rather to “go for it.”
One of the things we need to STOP doing is imagining ourselves as weak, pathetic human beings that are not capable of accomplishing anything significant–well…if you are NOT in Christ then that is true–but in Christ you are like that lady in the truck–a powerful force.
OR–like the great scholar Lee McDerment said once–that we are all like little toothpicks…and we are easily broken…but when you accept Christ then you become a toothpick that gets duct-taped to a lead pipe–and then NOTHING can shatter you because of WHO you are attached to!
What has God called you to do? Is it to invite someone to church…change your major…reconcile a relationship…get out of debt…make a career change? It’s time–get off of your “blessed assurance” and GO FOR IT! YEAH!
Lots Of Awesome Things Heading Our Way… June 21, 2006
I am getting ready for a staff meeting in just a little while–let me just say that we have the most incredible staff in the world here at NewSpring…I love working with these people!
This coming Sunday will be “marathon” Sunday. In this sermon I will be talking about lessons I learned while training for, running in, and failing to complete the San Diego marathon. Someone on our creativity team said it best the other day when they remarked, “We are always blessed when you share your painful experiences with us.” If that’s the case–then this Sunday will be a blessing.
And…let me just say that the environment when you show up this Sunday will be very different from anything you have ever experienced at church…get your friends here this weekend–especially if they think church is boring!
(No–I will not be preaching the sermon in short running shorts!!! Why? Two reasons. #1 – I think it is ungodly for men to wear them! #2 – I do not want to cause people to vomit!)
And then on Friday, June 30 the NewSpring band will be doing a benefit concert to raise money for Anderson Interfaith Ministries and Crisis Pregnancy Center at the William A Floyd ampi-theatre located outside of the Anderson Civic Center.
DON’T MISS THIS!!! It will begin at 7:00 and is completely open to the public. Our band will be rocking out…and there will be an awesome fireworks show! I am serious when I say you had better not miss this!!!
What is the cost? There is a suggested $10 donation at the gate per person…or $20 per family.
What is the money going for? We will be splitting the proceeds, half of the money will go to Anderson Interfaith Ministries and the other half will go towards Crisis Pregnancy Center. These are two organizations in our community that are doing an incredible job of ministering to people–and we are doing this simply to give back to them because they give so much.
And EVERY DIME we take in goes to them…NewSpring is footing the bill for the sound system, the lights, the fireworks…and the Civic Center is allowing us to use their facilities for free. This is one of the ways of doing local missions…so come out and hang out!
Sunday, July 2nd will be the most politically incorrect sermon you have ever heard…it is going to be very patriotic AND personal…and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
We will not be doing First Wednesday on July 5th. Why? Uh–its July 5th…is anyone going to be in town? On a serious note–we plan on not doing First Wednesday in July and January of every year…but it will be back FULL FORCE in August.
And then on July 9th I will be sharing a message on a subject that I have never really spoken on before; in fact, I don’t know many pastors that have ever addressed what I am going to address on that day!
Then of course parents there is Summer Blockbuster for kids who are going into K-5 all the way through the 5th grade. Please make sure to register your child this Sunday in our lobby–there will be a table set up and everything!
Whew–that’s about it for now–have an awesome day!
Almost A Year Older June 20, 2006
I will be 35 on Saturday…THIRTY FIVE!!! How in the world did this happen? It seems like just yesterday I was 10 years old and taking my star wars action figures outside and shooting them with my pellet gun. (EVERY Southern boy did this–if not–then your redneck degree will be revoked!)
For some reason this birthday is a lot different for me. It’s not like the year I had a birthday party at McDonalds. (Come on–raise your hand if you partied with Ronald!!!) I remember it well–cheeseburgers and ice cream for everyone…we played on the playground forever…and the young lady who was the “party host” was the hottest girl I had ever seen. (I had no idea ‘Cretia was even on the planet!) My only concern that year was, “How many presents did I get?”
The next year it was a birthday party at the skating rink…going around and around and listening to the Bee Gees! YEAH! I am still a little bitter about that birthday because it was a co-birthday party with my cousin. His mother said she would invite the family and we didn’t need to worry about it…but she neglected to tell them it was my birthday party as well & so they brought him presents and didn’t bring me JACK! (I am not bitter–really…)
And then there was the first year I was married to ‘Cretia and she threw me a surprise party. I was so depressed that year because no one had called me and said happy birthday or anything…I kept telling her, “Do we have any friends.” She was trying her best not to tell me…and she did a good job. She kept saying, “I love you,” and she told me, “Let’s go to Greenville to City Range Grill.” I LOVE THEIR BREAD!
So we took off–she had worked so hard–there were about 12 people over there in a back room and I had NO IDEA. She had pulled off the perfect surprise…that is until we got to the hostess stand and she said, “I have called ahead–the name is Noble.” The completely clueless hostess said, “Oh yeah–you are the big party in the back, right?”
Keep in mind that Lucretia is a calm, quiet person. It takes a LOT to get her angry. However, I thought I saw fire in her eyes…she had worked hard and this girl had ruined it…I feared for that young ladies life…and so I did what any husband would have done in that situation–I went to the bathroom!
We all have birthday memories…presents we either received or didn’t receive. People that showed up, surprises….all that jazz. AND…I have really been into all of that…
UNTIL THIS YEAR!
Thirty five…that seems old to some, young to others…but it has caused me to begin thinking NOT about how much time I have been on this planet–but how much time I have left here. Scripture says that our life is like a mist–we are here and then we are gone. And I know the reality is that MAYBE I have 35 more years left…that MAYBE half of my life is over…and that both excites me and challenges me at the same time!
I am excited because when I die I get to see Jesus. I found out last July that there is no reason to fear death–at all…IF you know Christ.
And I am challenged because more and more over the past several months I am continually discovering that it is my job on this planet to lift up the name of Jesus Christ and make Him famous.
Now before you fire off an e-mail because you don’t like the wording of the previous paragraph–let me explain. Take a look around the world–Jesus is not famous! He is not known in our culture. He is not worshipped at Lord and God. He is not viewed as the ONLY way to reconcile people to God…and it is my job (and yours) to make sure that He is lifted up over and over again…and that those in our direct circles of influence know that we are Jesus lovers AND that they need a relationship with Him.
A servant works hard so his Master can look good–and we are all called to be servants–to make the name of Jesus famous. By the way–how can people claim that Jesus is famous if people are NEVER talking about Him…except when they cuss!!!?
So I have made the following commitments…
I will live for an audience of ONE–Jesus! And He will govern my steps and my actions!
I will preach and teach the truth…and work hard to offend the religious! Jesus did…seriously, WHY did He keep healing on the Sabbath? He could have healed on a Thursday if He had wanted–but He kept breaking the religious traditions to show people it’s not about RULES…it’s about a relationship.
I will MAJOR on the MAJORS and not shed a paper cut over the minors. For example–I will always defend the facts that Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven, the Bible is COMPLETELY reliable and marriage was designed to be between one MAN and one WOMAN…I will not debate listening to rock music or a person having a glass of wine with their meal. (No–I do not drink…and yes, getting drunk IS A SIN…but I am not going to fight about it either, Jesus didn’t fight about it–why should we–e-mails on this will be ignored!!!) :-)
I will say one more thing about the paragraph above–it has always bothered me that pastors will take a hard stand against alcohol…but that same pastor doesn’t seem to have a problem with abusing food!!! Personally–I believe that is hypocritical!
I will continue to lead NewSpring to have a love for our community–and to do all that we can to reach them!!! We will consistently change…and if you love NewSpring “just the way it is” right now then you are going to HATE it in six months! We will not become what we detest–people who are so steeped in tradition that they have forgotten that people are dying and going to hell around them!!!
I will continue to take risks…and so will our church. We can’t EVER afford to “play it safe” and guard the status quo. Jesus has called us to be “fishers of men” and not “keepers of the aquarium.” We will continue to reach out and make sure that lost people have a place where they can hear about Jesus in a way that they can understand!!!
I don’t have a ton of time left on this planet when you consider the grand scheme of eternity…and so I will not waste any more time. As I said earlier–I will not fight over issues that do not matter. I will love Jesus–love my wife–love His church–and do all I can to make HIS name known…that is my job–that is my calling in life…and I LOVE IT!