People



Yesterday, I made it to Carrollton really early for the Discovery Group. I took my time and picked up our mail from the local mail store and was going to sit in my truck and read through my notes. My stomach started to tell me I was empty so I drove across the street and got something to eat. I was sitting there enjoying my food and started to look around me. There were 2 middle aged couples and a mother with 3 little children eating. I started thinking about the need that Carrollton has for Jesus. I asked God to allow me and Connection Point Church to be used to reach out to this community with His love.

The topic of last night’s group was the Feeding of the 5,000 in John 6. Other than being a miracle by Jesus, we can take away from it that God can take something small and seemingly unimportant and do something great. I shared with the group that we may be small now, but if we are willing to truly give ourselves over to God’s plans for Carrollton He will create something that only exists in our dreams. God cares for people. He gave His Son to die for people. Starting a new church where there are some already is because God wants to reach people using a different approach than the churches are doing now.

While eating, I asked God to help me never think or pray for Carrollton with dry eyes again. I want to see Carrollton the way God does; to see people who need Him.

Teens In Action



The meeting with Darrel went very well. As we talked about the church plant and other things, I saw in the areas I am weak he is strong. It looks like God is opening the door for us to work together. It will be great to have him and his family on the team.

One of my ideas was to see about using the teenagers Darrel has on the PCS Brazilian Mission team to help with the soon coming monthly celebration events. I was thinking about having some teens play the music and help with the children. Darrel thought this was a great idea and in fact, there are 4 young men who can do the music. It will be cool to have on the team a group of young people who can help once a month as we lay the foundation of Connection Point Church. It will be free trained help and they will get more experience they can use on the mission field next Easter week.

We’re still praying for a location to meet. The church we are praying will open there door to us will be talked with next week. God willing the doors will open. Today I’m calling the owner of a now closed used car dealership to see if he will be willing to allow us to use the property. God willing this will open up. Thanks for the prayers.

Prayer Request Answered: New Partners



I had an e-mail from a long friend of mind who I've been praying and asking God to have him and his family join us with the church plant. I've asked in passing if he and his family could pray about helping us. I've prayed in silence (saying nothing to anyone else) for new helpers. God answered this request. I meet with said friend tomorrow to talk over how we can work together. I look forward to see how God will use this new partnership. I'll keep you posted.

Got a Logo

After looking around for a graphic designer that does good work, I was given a name by a fellow Church Planter last week. I'm glad to say that Josh is not only good at his craft but not expensive. He designed our logo and an awesome looking hand out about the church (postcard) size. Take a look.

Thank You Leaf



This afternoon I was able to help out a new Church Planter who just moved in to the area. Jamie drove from Fredericksburg to Norfolk and Mark, Chris, and I helped him and his brother-in-law (Mark) move the stuff into the apartment that he and his wife are renting. It’s a nice apartment in an older house. Jamie is creating a new ministry to Old Dominion University students. His apartment is only a mile and half form the campus. It was good to be able to help out.
To say thank you, Jamie’s 4 year old boy handed us a leaf as we stood around saying good bye. It was cool that he gave it to us. He’s a cute kid.

Principle’s Office

I only was sent maybe 3 times to the principle’s office in my 12 years of school, but I remember the feeling of, “What did I do to reserve this?” feeling. That feeling hit me yesterday. I sent an e-mail with some ideas and questions to the southeastern SBCV Church Plant Strategist and his reply was, “Sounds like it is time for more coffee. What does your schedule look like?” My first thought was, “Why and what did I write to cause this meeting?” The coffee is because we meet at a coffeehouse near our homes.

I always enjoy the time that Mark and I spend talking over coffee and feel encouraged afterward. I think it’s funny that after being 19 years since the last time I had to go to the principle’s office, my mind remembers the feeling. I look forward to the meeting.

Target Group

While learning the ins and outs of church planting, the term “target group” has been used a lot. I heard in the seminary I attended and have read the term in the books I’ve read. I’ve never been asked who my target group is with us planting a church in Carrollton. Are we looking to target the Gen Xers which Teresa and I are part of? Are we looking to target the down and outers, the Baby Boomers, or the post-moderate generation? The answer to these questions is, yes. We are planning to spread the seed of the gospel to everywhere and to every type of people. We are trusting God to lead people He wants us to reap from the harvest.

The one group I have always been passionate to reach is “Men.” If you press me on what is our target group, I would have to say, “Men.” If you lead the head of the house to the Lord, the rest of the family will attend church with him. There are a lot of stats that point to the importance of the fathers coming to church that affects the sons continuing to attending after graduation, and that affect on the mothers and daughters. I’ve worked in the men’s ministry for almost 10 years now and when the man growing in the Lord, the wives are encouraged and the family is grounded.

There is a church in Tampa, FL (Church @ The Bay) is totally focused on reaching men. From their website to the layover of their church (including color scheme), it’s all geared to reach men. I’ve trading e-mails with the senior pastor and he has shared with me that the women are very grateful for this because their man is coming to church and grow in their walk.

You reach the man and the family will come with him. Reach the man, and you can reach a generation. My “target group” is the men that God leads to me. It’s all about pointing people to Christ and He changes them. I want to be part of change a generation of men.

Tiring Tuesdays

I’ve heard that Mondays are difficult for pastors. I used to work for a man that you didn’t talk to if you could help it on Monday mornings. If he called you into his office before 11 am, you needed a helmet (I kind you not). I know Mondays are a downer to a high energy day (Sundays). I’ve felt it in smaller portions when I preach on Sundays. I’m experiencing something completely different.

My tiring day is Tuesday. I felt it last week but I thought it was just because our first Monday evening Discovery Group wasn’t a big success (in my eyes). Last night went well, but I’m tired this morning; more so than usual. My thoughts are more negative even toward Church Planting. At first I thought it was a satanic attack, but I had it last week too. I think that Tuesdays will be difficult going forward like Mondays are for the pastors who do “church” on Sundays. Knowing this, I can be prayed up for it.

I’m still tired.