People warming up before the walk starts.

March of Dimes walk starting

People walking through downtown Suffolk, VA.

Cameraman filming when walk started.

The Twins and Me

One of Teresa's employees has 3 sons, and they were with her at the March of Dimes walk so we stayed with her to make sure they could finish the 4.5 miles. Deevon and Teevon are 4 year old identical twins. Within the first mile they were running ahead so I walked fast with them. After awhile, they started to get tired so I carried both one at a time. They were cool, energized, and polite boys.

After a while both boys were very comfortable with me. Deevon (AKA the hummer boy) would just sit on my shoulders and hum a song as he looked around. Teevon (AKA the "And then" boy) would tell me stories while on my shoulder with "And then" between sentences. It was cute. The boys called riding on my shoulders "sitting on my head." It was very cool to carry them the 4.5 miles.

Goal Achieved

On Tuesday, 4/15 I posted that I set a goal to run on the treadmill for the entire 30 minutes by Thursday, 4/24. I achieved this goal one day later than planned but did achieve the goal. Not only did I run the entire 30 minutes but I ran for 3 miles. Not too bad for someone who hasn’t run for almost 5 years and is 38 years old.

What goal have you set for yourself lately? Even if you miss the time allowed, keep trying until you achieve it. Goals are just targets; aim at yours.

Gas Relief Ad

I bought a "Smithfield Times" newspaper to check out the ad we placed to announce this Saturday's outreach. It is bigger than I thought for the money. I pray God's will be done with this event. My hope is that people will be drawn to Christ. Check out the ad.

A Dream

This week is very busy getting everything ready for Saturday’s Community Gas Price Relief outreach. I’ve been praying that God’s will be done with this event. My desire is that people will see that we care for them and that they will check us out. Since this is in my mind, there is no wander that I’m dreaming about the outcome of this event. Last night or this morning, I had a very realistic dream regarding the church and the outcome of Saturday’s event.
I dreamt that I was at work in my cubical and my cell phone rings. I answer it like I always do, “This is Tom.” On the other end is lady who wants to get more information about Connection Point. I answer all her questions and I asked how she heard about us and she is one of the people who saved 10 cents per gallon at the Gas Relief event. Before we ended the conversation, I asked if she has any prayer needs and she shares a bombshell with me that caused us to talk another 10 minutes. Just as I was ending the call my alarm clock rang and I woke up.
Not to sound like a spooky Christian but I wonder if God is showing me something or it was just a reaction to dinner. Only time will tell.

Totally Depraved

I recently read through “The Five Points of Calvinism, 2nd Ed.” by: David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, S. Lance Quinn, and it was a very good read. One of the appendices was an article written by Charles H. Spurgeon. I told Teresa now I know why Spurgeon is called “The Prince of Preachers.” The article was just brilliant. One of the things I remember is how humble a man Spurgeon was in the area of being a sinner. One of the points of Calvinism is the total depravity of man. Since we are total depraved, God is the One who chose us and draws us to Himself. We are saved only because before the creation of time and space, God chose those of us who will accept Him as Savior. Spurgeon wrote it is only because God chose him that he wasn’t a worse sinner than he was when he was saved.

Paul wrote in Romans that no one seeks after God. No one decides one day to get saved on their own. It is because God chose that people to turn to Him for salvation. Calvinism in a nutshell is:

God chose people to be saved before He created time and Space.
Jesus Christ came to Earth to pay the sin debt (by dieing on the cross) so the chosen people could be saved.
The Holy Spirit proclaims the truth of salvation in the hearts of sinners and draws them to God and upon salvation the Holy Spirit seals us with the security of eternal salvation.

I believe that salvation is only through God. Humanity has nothing to do with it. We don’t accept anything; God accepts us or chooses us. Praise the Lord!!

Rest

Next Saturday is the community outreach and there is still must to do. This week has been a long and busy one for me with working my regular job and planning the outreach. I left the house today at 10:00 and planned to spend the day putting out flyers for the event. After only an hour of doing so I was spent. I couldn’t force myself to continue. Teresa told me before leaving not to overdo it today. She knows me well; sometimes too well. I got back into my truck and started home. I felt like a loser and a lazy piece of trash. As I drove through Carrollton, I kept praying to God to forgive me of my tiredness. I’m a fool.
After beating myself up, I turned the radio back on and K-Love was playing music that spoke to my soul. God let me know that I did not let Him down. He created man to need rest. We have a week and He will make sure all is done for the event. I tell people all the time that it is God who does the work and we just follow Him. I was trying to take the lead. After my soul was spoken to, I came home and Teresa saw as soon as I walked through the door I was tired. She gave me the couch to relax. She’s a great partner.
Today, I will rest at the house. I’ve watched two DVDs and have 3 more to watch. I’m a couch potato today and am enjoying it. We have time to put out the flyers and if we don’t, God’s will still have His way with the outreach event. I will trust in Him.
I wanted to share my thoughts as I was thinking about the lesson I learned today. I tend to have to relearn these lessons time and again. It’s tough being human, but someone has to do it and I do it so well.

; - )

Discount

I had 500 copies made of the Gas Buy Down flyers at FedEx Kinko’s today. Since I had it printed on color paper, it was 9 cents each. The cost should have come to $45.00 plus tax, but it was $34.13 (including tax). I was looking at the receipt and there is a $12.50 discount. I’m not sure what the discount is for but I’m wondering maybe it’s because I have at the bottom of the flyer “The Gas Relief is sponsored by Connection Point Church” and this person who rang me up gave us a church discount. Either way, God blessed and we have good looking flyers that were less than we budgeted for. Praise God!

Goals

I have set mini-goals for the church plant in Carrollton. We have accomplished one and planning to accomplish the second one next week. Goals help you achieve things that you dream about. The goals for Connection Point Church are set and will be accomplished by God and Him alone.

I was thinking about the goals we are planning to hit for the church and I haven’t set a personal goal in awhile. I set one back in early spring to loss 30 pounds and I lost 35 pounds by September. That was an awesome feeling. I hate looking and being fat. I’m been in and out of fitness since high school and now that I’m 38 I want to stay in good shape. This morning a set a new personal goal and I pretty excited about.

You see I started to run on the treadmill every Tuesday and Thursday instead of just walking. I used to run all the time when I was younger. I started running 2 weeks ago and man I forgot how much I enjoyed it. The treadmills at the YMCAs are preset to run up to 30 minutes. Today I ran 25 of the 30 minutes, and I feel good. My goal is to run the entire 30 minutes. I’ve set the achievement of this goal for next Thursday. After achieving this goal, I have another; to run in a 5 or 10 K race.

My long term personal goals are not only regarding physical fitness but also Spiritual fitness. I want to keep walking with God and learning as I preach and teach His word.

Most people don’t set goals and that’s all right. I need to set goals or I won’t grow. By nature, I’m lazy so I have to set goals to stay moving. It’s too easy for me to sit around and do nothing. I hope you have set goals for youself.

No King

I finished reading through the book of Judges this morning and the statement “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” struck me. The statement is found several times in the book of Judges. There’s a pattern to the book and Israel’s behavior. The children of Israel did their own thing and worshipped other gods and God judges them. The children of Israel say they’re sorry and God delivers them through men He chooses. There is peace for a number of years and the cycle repeats. The book shows the longsuffering of God and His love for His people.

The statement is so true for our society, “In our days there is no king; everyone does what was right in his own eyes.” In our society, we have no king for the most part. People who don’t have the King of the universe as their Lord and Master do what they feel is right in their own eyes. It’s not until the King reveals Himself to them that they see how far off they truly are in their actions and are changed. Until God draws these people to Himself, what they do seems right to them. Remember, only Christians are children of God so we know what is truly right; the average person is still the child of Satan and doesn’t know what right truly is.

Our society doesn’t have the true King. We do as Christians. As Christians (child of God) we have the King and do what He says is right and we have true peace. The world doesn’t have the King so they do what seems right for them and they have no peace. A friend sent me a link to a You Tube video about what Oprah is promoting these days on her show. It’s eye opening. Below is the link to it. If the link doesn’t work, just copy it and paste it and it will take you to the video at You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/v/JW4LLwkgmqA&hl=en

I hope you do know the King and that you do have peace.

Worship Practice

This Sunday, our Worship Leader will be preaching on worship. Since he’s preaching, our co-pastor will lead the worship and he has asked me to help with it. I love to sing and worship but it has been a while since I’ve done so as a leader. We had practice last night and it was awesome. While practicing the songs and harmonizing with the other singers, the Holy Spirit showed up (well OK, He manifested Himself to us). The practice turned into a worship session. I love when that happens.

God Is Closer Than You Think

I finished reading “God Is Closer Than You Think” by John Ortberg. It was a good read. I’m leading the small group study based on this book. John Ortherg worked with Bill Hybels for 10 years and is now pastoring in CA. His insights are quite good.

I know that as a Christian, I know that God is always with us as the Holy Spirit. There are times, it’s great knowing that I’m never alone because He is with me. But there are still other times that I live like I’m alone but He is with me when I acting like I’m alone; He is with me when I’m walking through the sewer and mud. He sees and hears everything; the good and the bad.

In the book, there is a story about a little girl who loves to play in mud but her grandmother is trying to get her to stop it. The little girl asks her grandmother to look away so she can’t see her playing in the mud. The little girl thinks that as long as her grandmother can’t see her, it’s alright. We tend to do the same thing with God. We may not say it, but just before we sin we want God to look away so He doesn’t see what we are doing. It doesn’t work like that.

If you are like me, there are times I take God’s grace for granted. He is always faithful to forgive my short comings. I’m so unworthy of His love and grace, but so thankful for it.

Gas Buy Down

I just talked with the manager of a local BP Gas Station and they agreed to let us use their station for a Bas Buy Down. It is so awesome to have this place; God is working His will out. It’s great to see His hand at work. I’ve tried for 2 weeks to use another station but they never returned my calls and when I talked with the manager face-to-face I could tell she was blowing me off.

The cool thing is that when I was driving home from my encounter with the other station’s manager I looked at the BP station and thought maybe this one. God works at different speeds, and with this one He worked it all out in less than 30 minutes. I called and talked with the asst-manager who gave me the home office phone number. I talked with the owner and he told me to expect a call from his manager (who is his daughter) of the station. Within 10 minutes, Legina called me and after 5 minutes everything was set and ready to go. We serve an awesome God!

Keep us in your prayers as we plan this out. We will have the Gas Buy Down on Saturday, April 26. Pray for good weather and that God will use this to let the community know we care for them.

Mentoring

I read a really good blog today by Tally Wilgis on the subject of Mentoring. It was him talking about what mentors have done for him and how he is looking for one now as he prays about moving forward in the ministry God has laid on his heart. It was a great read because he laid his heart out on the table for all to see.

I saw the mentor I had from my teen years until on late 20’s on Sunday. Lynn and I e-mail one another and have seen each other off and on but not that much that last year because our schedules. Lynn was my pastor from age 14 to 29. He let a teenage boy hang out at the church’s office during the summers and help where I could. He gave me responsibilities that seem unusual because of my age. He allowed me to cut my teeth in ministry. When I failed we talked about how to get past it. I was one of many he mentored. I have no idea how many men are in ministry today because he walked beside them and mentored them. When we talk, I hear that he is still doing it today but with younger pastors. He is making sure that he can be available to help men in the ministry. Because I know he has a full plate, I’ve not tried to keep up with him except for an occasional e-mail.

I know the importance for mentoring. I’ve mentored several men and watched them grow. Since I know the importance of help others and making sure I’m available to them I’ve forgot to have a mentor for myself. That’s why Tally’s blog hit so hard in my heart. In order for me to grow beyond myself, I’ve been reading blogs of men who have planted churches and reading books to learn. I need to find a mentor that can walk beside me and meet with me face-to-face. Talking on the phone and e-mails are alright, but I love face-to-face meetings. Pray that God will send me a mentor that I can learn from.

Community

Yesterday I was able to spend 2 hours talking with a friend at the coffeehouse (Jersey Java) I call my “office.” It was cool just sitting and talking over cappuccinos. I wanted to touch base with him and see how he and his new wife are doing. They’ve been married for less than a year so I wanted to see how they are surviving. I remember the first 3 years were tough for Teresa and me getting used to each other. I think it’s tougher getting used to married life for us who marry later; I was 26 and Teresa was 30 when we married and my friend and his wife were in their late 20’s when they were married. It’s worth the struggle of the first few years because it bonds you to each other.

Through our time together, I shared more on my vision for Connection Point Church. I wanted just to listen to him but when I get started talking about the church plant, I get excited and can’t stop talking. The cool thing about our time together is that we will get a free logo designed for us. My friend’s background is web design so he will design a logo for Connection Point. That’s awesome for him to do that.

When listening I was able to learn new things about my friend that was exciting. He and his wife are praying about joining our plant either for critical mass or to stay. It is encouraging for people to buy in the vision I feel God has given me. I was able to learn what his passion is and was to encourage him to go after it.

All in all, the time we talked was great. We will do it again really soon.

The What The . . . Moment

I had lunch with a co-worker today, and we were talking about things and she told me that she and her husband will adopt a child. I love it when people adopt because it shows the picture of our relation as Christians to God the Father. I was even more excited when she shared that they want to go through the international adoption; either a child from Korea or Ethiopia. She shared with me that her parents are excited for them; however, her husband’s parent are not so excited especially if they get an Ethiopian child. I was shocked mainly because they and their parents are from the New York City area. This is the main hub of emigration and the melting pot of the U.S.
The whole idea of having a grandchild that is black doesn’t sit well with them because they are worried on how they will come across to their friends. My first though was “forget them” and then my heart broke. In this day and age there are still small minded people. I encouraged her the best I could with the idea of international adoption. This lady has a big heart and I can see her be a good mother. It sadness me to think that her in-laws are small minded.
The whole idea of being a mixed society has been on my heart for years now especially when it comes to our churches. Our churches should be diverse with the different people groups who live within the radius of any church. Race should never come into play when we are called to be one in Christ Jesus. My focus with Connection Point Church is to have a church reflecting our ministry area which is 73% white, 22% black, and the rest made up of Asian and Latin peoples.
Small minded people really make my blood spoil. I pray that one day a diverse church will be the norm and not the exception.

Having Fun

I really enjoy getting out and running around. I never out grew that idea of going outside and playing. After our Discovery Group study on Saturday, Teresa and I spent the day with our friend Gil.
We spend 2 hours hiking 5 miles around a beautiful lake enjoying nature and good conversation. Gil and Teresa used their cell phones to take pictures. Gil and I became monkeys when we saw a tree leaning on another tree. We both climbed up and hang for a while (that was fun). We both channeled our inner-child. Once we finished with our hike, we were very hungry so we drove to the Red Start Tavern. Gil has eaten there before but it was Teresa and my first time. The place has some great food. When we got there, the weather was awesome (as it was when we were hiking) so we ate outside. The weather changed while we ate; it got cold fast so by the time we finished eating, we were cold.

The place where the Red Star Tavern is located has a very good coffeehouse nearby. We walked over and spent 2 hours drinking coffee and talking some more. I watched Gil and Teresa do a crossword puzzle. The place played some good music (Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, and some jazz).
Saturday was a nice change a pace. It was a chance to build on the relationship we have with Gil. My friendship has grown the last year with him and I enjoy talking with him. He has been a great partner with getting us connected with a free location for the Discovery Group. He has grown a great deal over the last year. I can’t want to see how God used him in the coming years.

Something to Think About

I'm studying for this Saturday's Discovery Group and came across this really cool illustration that tore my heart in half. It makes me think about my witness at work. Take a moment and read.

On the morning of September 11, Jeannie Braca switched on the television to check the weather report, only to hear that a plane had just hit the World Trade Center.Jeannie’s husband, Al, worked as a corporate bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. His office was on the 105th floor of Tower One.Al had survived the World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and had even helped a woman with asthma escape from the building.Jeannie knew that Al would do the same thing this time, “I knew he would stop to help and minister to people,” she said, “but I never thought for a minute that he wouldn’t be coming home!”A week later, like so many others who were in that building, Al’s body was found in the rubble. Al’s wife, Jeannie, and his son Christopher were devastated!Then the reports began to trickle in from friends and acquaintances. Some people on the 105th floor had made a last call or sent a final e-mail to loved ones saying that a man was leading people in prayer.A few referred to Al by name.Al’s family learned that Al had indeed been ministering to people during the attack! When Al realized that they were all trapped in the building and would not be able to escape, Al shared the gospel with a group of 50 co-workers and led them in prayer.This news came as no surprise to Al’s wife, Jeannie.For years, she and Al had been praying for the salvation of these men and women. According to Jeannie, Al hated his job and couldn’t stand the environment. It was a world so out of touch with his Christian values, but he wouldn’t quit.Al was convinced that God wanted him to stay there, to be a light in the darkness, and although Al would not have put it this way, to be a hero!Al was not ashamed of Christ and Christ’s words…and he paid the price of taking up his cross daily. Al shared his faith with his co-workers….many of whom sarcastically nicknamed him “The Rev.”And on that fateful day…on September 11, in the midst of the chaos, Al’s co-workers looked to him—-and Al delivered!At the same time, Al too tried to get a phone call through to his family. He asked an MCI operator to contact his family.“Tell them that I love them,” he said.It took the operator more than a month to reach the Bracas, but the message brought them much-needed comfort.“The last thing my dad did involved the two things most important to him—God and his family,” his son Christopher told a writer for Focus on The Family. “He loved to lead people to Christ. That takes away a lot of the hurt and the pain.”

Networking

Yesterday, I had the honor to represent NAMB (North American Mission Board) and the SBCV (Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia) at a Newport News church. I wanted connect with the members so I arrived at 8:35 am for their 8:45 Fellowship breakfast. I was able to talk with several members. One older lady (I’m guessing her age was in the 80’s) talked about her daughter and how she grew up in Smithfield, VA. Smithfield is the neighboring town to Carrollton. In fact her daughter lives in Carrollton. The daughter is unable to attend church because she works on Sunday so I gave her my business card and informed her that the Discovery Group meets on Saturday mornings. The older lady’s eyes showed excitement with the idea that her child could attend church. She told me that she will give Mary (her daughter) the information. Lord willing Mary will contact me.

The Set Up

If you enjoy playing volleyball, you will know the term setting up. In volleyball you are allowed 3 hits (with the third hit the ball goes over the net). Usually the second hit is a set up for a spike. A spike is when a player rams the ball down the throats of the front line of the other team.

Yesterday, I met with Mark Custalow (the local SBCV CP Strategist) and we talked about how the Carrollton group is going. We talked about support and how he thinks I should continue to work at Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. and be bi-vocational. I have always known that I’d work with DTS for at least 2 years after the church is launched so this is no big deal. You see my job allows me a lot of freedom to do church work. I get good pay and extra time to organize outreach, study for Bible lessons, etc.

God had “Set Up” this 8 years ago when I stepped down as a paid staff member of a local church. I’ve worked for DTS since then. There were times where I hated this job, but God had taught me a lot in the area of marketing, organization, and how to deal with people. My job at DTS is the “Set Up” and the spike will be when Connection Point Church is launched and reaching the community of Carrollton with the gospel of Christ.

Father, great set up!

Knowing One Another

Last night, Teresa was getting her gym bag ready for today. I already had my bag packed and ready to go (We go to the gym in the mornings before going to work so we get everything ready the night before. I don’t function very well in the morning so I have to pack the night before). She was looking for something; she was trying to describe it to me. As she was talking, I remembered where she put it last. I told her where I saw it; it was downstairs on the loveseat armrest. The way she looked at me I knew she wanted me to go get it for her. I told her that I’d go get it before she asked me. I told her that I knew she wanted me to go get it because I know her looks. She smiled and said, “You think you know me. Don’t you?” She said it with a smile and a gleam in her eye (I love the gleam she has in her eyes).

I’m so thankful to God for sending Teresa to me. She knows me better than anyone has (except for God). I love the fact that we know what each other is thinking before we have to say it. We’ve been married for 11 years; come July 20 it will be 12 years. Teresa is awesome.

Sting Free

The past week and half, there were 2 deaths in Teresa’s (my wife) family. The great thing about these events is that we found out that both people knew Christ as their Savior. Because of what Christ did on the cross, death has nothing on us. Since we have Christ, no Christian should ever fear death.

As I encouraged the family, God brought to mind 1 Corthinthians 15: 54 – 57:

"But when this perishable will put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We are still morning these losses. Uncle Larry left behind a loving wife and 2 little children, and Mary Ann (sister-in-law) left behind a loving husband and 4 sons. Even though the family had to say good bye last week to our loved ones, we have the hope of seeing them again. The hope is found in what Jesus Christ did on the cross 2,000 years ago. Teresa and I will see these loved ones again one day.

Do you know for sure where you will end up if you breathed your last breath? You aren’t promised your next heart beat. Life is a death sentence. No one gets out alive. Think about it.

Proper Way to Use Ministry

In keeping with the theme of what God has taught me the last 10 years, I have to write about the proper way churches should use ministry.

There is a phrase “Do not use people to build a ministry; use the ministry to build people.” I’ve seen both sides of this phrase played out in front of my eyes. A church that builds the ministry on the shoulders and backs of their volunteers have a high turn over rate because people tend to burn out and/or leave because they don’t feel loved; they feel used. The churches that follow the Ephesians 4:11-12 principle of equipping people to lead tends to use ministry to build their people. The people tend to feel loved and encouraged.

I feel God has had me be bi-vocational the last 10 years so can I relate to the lay-leaders or volunteers who give up their free time to serve in the church. The paid staff seems to (from my experience) either don’t consider the time management situation of their volunteers or feel the volunteers should work around the church’s schedule. People working 40 to 60 hour work weeks want to use their gifts to serve their God. They serve the best they can with their time. I think it awesome when I see men and women who I know have plates that are twice as full as the church staff step up and serve. At the same time, I do feel the church’s paid staff need to manage their time for family. It’s a fine line for a church to have healthy church staff and volunteers. If the church uses ministry to build their people, things will run smoother longer.

This is just my opinion. If you have a different one, feel free to make a comment.

Real Worship (The Learning Years)

What I know today about what real worship is truly about is partly due to the man God had replace me as music director of the church I grew up in and worked in as music director/associate pastor. Jerry came in with an idea of what worship is and taught the church what real worship is all about. Before moving to VA, Jerry spent several years studying the Bible and teaching principles of worship to the church he and John (new pastor) lead in Michigan. The year before God brought these men to VA, God was working in my life and those of our church in desiring to worship Him more. Jerry sat everyone down that was part of the music ministry and taught us first what worship is all about. After we learn the truth, he taught the church. Back in 1999, the idea of real worship was just coming to America from countries that already learned the truth years earlier. God used this time for me to learn how I can worship Him in a proper way and with a pure heart. I will always be grateful to Jerry for coming and teaching these truths to me.

Remembering (Time Flies)

Picture taken in Spring of 1996. Picture taken a few weeks ago.

As I look forward with anticipation to what God will do in Carrollton, I can’t help but remember what God has done for me in the past. We are who we are in part because of our experiences. I was thinking about that today, and was thinking about the last 10 years. The time flies by and before you know it, you are different than you were. I like to look back and focus on what was so I can remind myself of who God made me to be. I don’t dwell on failure but I try to remember because God has used it to mold me.

Way back in 1999, I had to step down from being the Minister of Music of the church I grew up in. The pastor had resigned and the new man brought own guy to lead worship. I knew and had worked with both men years earlier. I knew that my time as paid staff was ending with the coming of the new pastor and have taken steps to help make the change as smooth as possible. You see, the pastor who resigned did so after a hard year; his wife left him for another man and the church had decreased in number (from 425 people down to 175 people) so I was the last man standing. The youth pastor had moved back home to TN and the other associate had moved to GA to pastor a small church. I stayed in part because this is the church I grew up in and loved and I was waiting for God to direct me elsewhere. This period of my ministry life, from 1999 to present, is the time I’ve learned the most about God and His calling on my life.

I’ll write more on what I’ve learned and still learning in the next few days.

Good Day

God had His way today. The last half of this past week has been rainy with a forecast of rain today. Our desire was to hand out flyers in the Eagle Harbor Houses so we needed no rain. The day started with rain in the early morning (6:30 am). As we made it to Carrollton, the rain stopped. As I was leading the Discovery Groups’ study (John 3:1 – 21), the sun came out. It was awesome.
Gil had a great idea to speed up the process of putting out the flyers. Since there was Gil, Teresa, and I was putting out the flyers, we did it as a team in the car. Teresa drove the car, Gil sat in the back rolling up the flyers and handing them to me, and I sat in the right seat putting the flyers in the boxes under the mailbox. It went smoothly and fast. Since it was overcast, we saw and talked with only 2 people. But we were able to put out about 300 flyers in an hour and half. We pray God will use these flyers to further His Kingdom.
As Teresa and I drove back home, I was listening to K-Love and looking at my hands (Teresa was driving); as I listened to the music and looked at my hands, I wanted God to use us in Carrollton. God brought back to mind that He is the One Who does, and I’m commanded to follow His lead. My empty hands reminded me that I have nothing He needs. God doesn’t need me; God wants me. I couldn’t say anything but just sat there and said, “Thank you for wanting me.”
May God use these flyers to get something started in Eagle Harbor Houses.

CPN

I was able to make our local church planter network (CPN) meeting. I enjoy these because I get to talk with the men who are either planting a church or pastoring a new church. I enjoy talking with them. Today we had a visitor from our local newspaper. The reporter covers the "Religious" section of the paper. Steve is a real nice guy who just listened and took notes. He was talking with some of us about what we are doing so I gave him a business card.


We met at a church in downtown Norfolk. Robb is renting a old warehouse that was empty for years. I've always liked the idea of meeting in a warehouse so it was neat for me to see it done. The people this church is reaching out to is an artist community so they have art work where. The picture I have on this posting was done my a lady in 5 minutes. I love it. I almost asked if I could buy it. It's different.


I love the fact God uses different types of people to do His work. There is no cookie cutter when it comes to God and His work. He uses former drug users to reach drug uses. He uses the traditional churches to reach some people. Just as we have different tools in our tool boxes, God uses different people for special ministries. It's way cool.

On A Mission

I enjoy reading blogs when I have down time at work. One of these blog sites is written by Ben Arment in the Washington, D.C. area. Ben wrote this update today that made me think about my role as a church planter in Carrollton:

“I can think of dozens of planters who started successful churches because their itinerant ministry or local roots provided a ready remnant who were asking for a church.

Nothing wrong with starting a church from scratch, where nobody is asking you to do it. I did it. But just realize that, at that point, your role is not church planter; it's missionary. Your job is to raise up the remnant.”

We are starting a church from scratch in Carrollton. I do think it would nice to have a larger church sponsor us and give us an X amount of members to launch a church. God has other plans. I’ve never started anything from nothing so I’m completely dependent on God for the increase (no brainer there). There is a positive starting something from nothing; you are actually growing when people come into your group. I call increasing from people moving from one church to yours not growing but swelling. We grow when God draws people to Himself and they become His children. We are looking at outreaching to unchurched/unsaved people and to unchurched/saved (or back sliders). Starting from scratch and targeting unsaved and unchurched people means that it will take time and energy to equip people to grow in Christ but that’s our calling. It’s not about growing to 1000 people overnight. It’s about pointing people to Christ and after they are saved equipping them to grow in their walk with Him. As they grow in their walk with Christ, they point others to Him and the process continues.

I like Ben’s last thought about being more a missionary than a church planter when you start from scratch. My major in Bible College was Missions. I’ve learned to be a foreign missionary; in fact I wanted to be a missionary to Australia when I was a freshman. God has changed my direction since then; I’m a missionary to Carrollton.

The Idea of a Lifesong

Yesterday, I mentioned the idea of the Lifesong we all have to bring glory to God. The idea behind this is taken from Casting Crown’s song and from the book “Lifesong” written by Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns). It’s a very good book. With thinking about my Lifesong, I keep singing the song in my head. The other day, I was singing it in my head while sitting in my cubical at work and it happened; God manifested His presence to me and I was worshipping Him at my desk at work. It was an awesome experience. We are to worship God in Spirit and truth. We are to worship God everywhere and at every moment. I’ve put the song lyrics so you can read (and sing) it. Think about what your Lifesong is, and use it to bring God glory.

Empty hands held high

Such small sacrifice

If not joined with my life

I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You, Let my lifesong sing to You

I want to sign Your name to the end of this day Knowing that my heart was true

Let my lifesong sing to You

Lord I give my life

A living sacrifice

To reach a world in need

To be Your hands and feet

So may the words I say

And the things I do

Make my lifesong sing

Bring a smile to You

Hallelujah Hallelujah

Let my lifesong sing to You

Written by Mark Hall ©2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Lifesong

On Monday, I was at working sitting in my cubical and my cell phone rings. It was Brian, a friend and member of the men’s Bible group I lead on Sunday mornings, and he informed me that his dear friend’s wife had dead Sunday night. His friend’s wife was 28 years old and had 4 children ranging in age from 18 months to 7 years old. He was concerned for his friend and wanted me to pray for them. I told him I told and I prayed with him on the phone. I sent out a mass e-mail to those of our church on the prayer chain to pray for B.J. (Brian’s friend) and the family. The positive of this story is that B.J. is a Christian and so was his wife. She is home with the Lord and getting to dance and worship Him face-to-face.

I talked with Brian this morning to see how his friend and family are doing. It has been revealed that Brian’s friend’s wife had been sick off and on for a year. It didn’t seem serious so she just took over the counter medication. What had happen was that during this time mucus had built up in her lungs. When she took a nap on Sunday and fell asleep on her stomach, the mucus built up caused her to suffocate.

This is a sad story that hits home for Brian because his wife (Jessica) is only 2 years younger than B.J.’s wife. This is a reminder to us all that we are not promised our next breath or heartbeat. Everyday is a gift from God to us to bring Him glory. We all have a “Lifesong” that should be bringing God glory.

How are you bringing glory to God in your life? Think about it.

Boots on the Ground

On Saturday, 2/23, God willing we will be putting boots on the ground so to speak in the housing development behind the apartment complex we meet on Saturdays. I’ve just ordered the flyers that we will hand out. I was able to talk with the president of the home owners’ assoc., and he thought it would be alright to put the flyers in the boxes under the homes’ mailboxes. We aren’t allowed to put door hangers on the doors but we are able to put out the flyers. Our goal is to talk with whoever is outside and talk with them about either attending the Discovery Group meeting in the apartments or be willing host a group in their homes. Since I’m still an apprentice until March, I haven’t gotten any financial support except for what I get for being an apprentice. Because of that, we are trusting God to send us people of peace to open their homes up for groups.

We are excited to see what God will do in Carrollton. We will trust in what He will do. We will be faithful to what we should do and follow His leading. I have a meeting with a pastor of a church in the Carrollton area on Wednesday to talk with him and introduce myself to him. The main purpose to learn what he has learned leading a church in the area. To us, the future is unclear but we serve the One is the Great I AM so He knows what will happen to us and through us to bring Him glory. We are just trying to stay out of His way.

Opening Doors

I had a call last night from the president of the Eagle Harbor Home Owners Assoc. He gave me the impression that he is alright with us putting out flyers about our Bible Study. It’s very exciting! My prayer is that God would send us another person of peace for the homes; a person to be willing to open up their house for a Discovery Group. It’s awesome to see God doing His thing. I was informed by Roger (my pastor) that Common Ground will be willing to help with the paying for some of the cost for the flyers. God is providing. This is one of those Wow moments. You know when you see God working and say, “WOW!” It’s very cool.

I left a message with the Dean of Students of Central Baptist Seminary yesterday. I would like to talk with the students about being willing to help with the church plant. This would be a great opportunity for some of them to learn. I know that I would love to have been able to do something like this when I was in college. I got the idea from “Leadership From the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader” by Kevin G. Harney ($11.99 at Amazon.com). If God wants this to happen, the door will open. He already has people lined to help us. I know these people will come in God’s timing.

Keep praying for open doors that only God can open. That way, all will know that God is doing His thing and we are along just following Him. It’s all about bringing glory to God. He is the One who does, and we just follow.

What A Day!

Teresa's calling me Tigger because I'm bouncing around. God is doing His thing with us and Carrollton. We had 6 people in our group today. It is amazing!

A lady came today who I talked with on the phone. She will bring her next week. Gil talked with one of the apartment's office workers and he said he may come next Saturday since it he is off. Pray that God will bring him into the group. The room is comfortable with 6 people so we may need to "birth" a new group. Maybe a Wednesday night group in Gil's apartment. I lay this at God's feet. If He wants it to happen, we will need to do this. It is so awesome!!!

Taking myself out of the equation, God is letting Himself be seen. The main goal is to stay out of God's way and watch what He is doing; to ride the wave He is creating.

Surf's Up!!!

The Survey

A few days ago, I put together a sociology survey. I will use this to get to know the people of Carrollton/Isle of Wright County. There are a total of 7 questions. I handed a few out at work. Must of the returned surveys are what I expected, but one was placed on my desk when I came in this morning. It was the last one handed out. My co-worker who handed this in took her time to really answer these questions. Her answers to the last 3 questions speak volumes. She is a single mother who is very much into her son’s (who is around 6 or 7 years old) life. About 4 years ago, her husband wanted to be single and left her. She is raising her son on her own.

This is her background, and here are her answers to questions 4 through 7:

Question 4: What social issues concern you?
Answer: Cost of houses (over inflated), the overcrowded schools, gang violence, and the cost of groceries and of gas.
Question 5: What’s your religious background?
Answer: Raised as a Baptist; currently a non-believer.
Question 6: Do you currently attend a church?
Answer: No.
Question 7: If you answered no to question 6, would you mind sharing your reasons?
Answer: I no longer believe there is a God who rewards the faithful and punishes sinners. I believe there is only life, and in life bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. It’s not fair but “that’s life.”

My first reaction was sadness because I could see the hurt and loneliness in these answers. There is a Savior who knows what it’s like to suffer loneliness and pain. He was abandon and rejected. He can answer all her needs and desires. Pray for this co-worker. I will reach out to her as I am able. We are called to love and point people to the One who knows the pains of this world, and gave His life for us.

What Anxiety?

I’ve been beating by head against the wall (or it feels that way) about where God wants us to plant His church. A lot of what I know of seeking God's direction I got from reading "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. It's a very good book and greatsmall group study. You see God is working all around us. We have to keep our eyes on Him and He will direct us. While walking with Him in prayer and Bible reading, God will put a desire in our hearts to accomplish (that's where the Bible says, Godwill give you the desires of your heart). One thing about me is that I'm very cautious (sometimes too much) because of the failures I've had over my life. Some of my “Experiences” of failure has me walking slowly to make sure it is of God and not of me. My “Personality” is a go-getter and I tend to grab the ball and run with it; sometimes before I get instruction or direction so I come across as being flighty (which I hate because I want to be taken seriously). With all that said, my anxiety has been higher than usual lately.

Today as I was driving to work, I turned off the radio and just talked with my Heavenly Father about where He wants us to plant His church. I laid this at His feet, and walked in to work. I get to work early so I can read my Bible before I start my work day. As everyday, I log on to BibleGateway.com and do my Bible reading. This week I've been reading through 1, 2, 3 John and 1 Peter. Today, God sent me 1 Peter 5:6 - 7:
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

This was a reminder to me that even if I don’t know yet where the church plant will be, God does. He will show me as I walk with Him.

Exercise – It Does the Body Good

I just came back from doing an hour on the stationary bike at the local Y.M.C.A. and I feel good! Every year at this time, I take 3 weeks off of going to the gym because of the crowds. Around the 3rd or 4th week, I know the crowds are smaller and by the beginning of February it’s back to normal. I miss working out so much during this time. I do the stationary bike and/or treadmill during my lunch time and hit the weights after work. I’ll start back hitting the weights next week. One of the reasons I exercise is that I want to be healthy as long as I can and to be usable to God longer.

I always get the same verse thrown at me by overweight and out of shape preachers. You know the one in 1 Timothy 4:8. In the King James Version, it says “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I always want to tell them first to lay over the sweets, but I say instead, “It says that exercise does profit.” I like to tell them that since our bodies are God’s temples, we should have a body that is pleasing to Him.

Long story short, I like to exercise and to sweat. For me, it reduces my stress level and makes my clothes fit better. And Teresa (my wife), likes it too. ; - )

PARTY ON!

Coffeehouse Office

Yesterday I went by the local coffee house (not Starbucks). This place actually gives you a real cup if you are staying. This place also has more comfortable sitting and plays jazz music. It’s very comfortable. I call it my office and I tend to meet people there to talk about church planting stuff. I’ve been meaning to go by this place with my laptop and use their free wireless internet. You see, I received a laptop from my wife for my Christmas/Birthday gift. It has wireless options but I haven’t used it yet. I stopped by to test it out.

I bought a cappuccino and logged on the internet and settled in. It was awesome. I spent 2 hours working on John 1:19-34 study I’m leading at a Bible study on Saturday. With the jazz playing in the background, it was very nice. Toward the end of my time, a couple came in who were doing course work because they were talking economics. It was very cool. The coffeehouse makes a great office.

My desire is to use the local coffeehouses as an office instead of staying in a church’s office. Since we are in the very beginning of church planting, I don’t have a core group yet but working on it. Once God has everything in place, we will launch. With that said I’ll use the cell phone and my laptop and set up the office in the coffeehouse. I’ll buy a cup of coffee and get to know the owners and their people. It’s about meeting people where they are.

Diversity

I’ve been thinking about setting the DNA of the future church plant. One of the traits I desire to have in the DNA is diversity. In fact, I’ve put Diversity as one of the 7 core values for our church plant. I’m sure some people may wonder what my definition of diversity is. The website Encarta has Diversity defined as social inclusiveness: ethnic variety, as well as socioeconomic and gender variety, in a group, society, or institution. My definition isn’t that flowery.

I came across the SBCV Church Plant Application in my computer earlier today. There is a section that asked me to write up to one page describing the following my sense of call to church planting. Below is a small section describing my desire for this trait in the DNA way back in 2006. This is my definition of diversity.

“Having lived most of my life in Virginia, and attending and working in a multi-cultural church, I sense a call to not start a multi-cultural church but a New Testament church. The difference to me is that in the New Testament, everyone was welcomed into the body of Christ with no limitations (except no women could be pastors). To have a New Testament church, people will need to feel welcomed regardless of their race, economic background, if tattooed or clear of tattoos, with or without body piercings, etc.”

I envision a church that will have whites, blacks, and other races working hand in hand spreading the message of Christ along with tattoo wearing, body piercing having Christ-followers. It will be great to have people come in the front doors regardless of what they are wearing or look like and feel loved. That’s a Galatians 3:27-28 church (For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.).

Father, I humbly ask you to make this happen if it be your will.

Being Faithful

As I look back on this past weekend, I can’t help but think WOW. I’ve always believed as long as we put God and His Kingdom first, He will reveal Himself in an incredible way.

After reading some great books this past year on church planting and reaching out to the community, I felt it was time to start something. That something is a Discovery Group or Bible Study at an apartment complex in Carrollton, VA. God had planned this way in advance. You see God had put a man in our path many years ago as a co-worker with Teresa. This relationship between him and Teresa grew into brother/sister type closeness where they could talk openly about Christ and other things. Because of this relationship, he came to Common Ground Community Church last year where he knew he would find love and caring. God allowed me to build on the relation Teresa and he had. He and I have developed a good relationship now. Through our relationship, he has grown in the Lord in a great way.

Because of this growth in Christ, he wanted to do something for God. While having one our talks in my office (the local coffee house), we talked about church planting and my desire to start a Bible study. He offered to be our contact to his apartment complex and he reserved the clubhouse. This new venture is only a few weeks old but God willing it will make an impact on Carrollton. We are excited to see what God will do.

I know that whatever happens with this Bible study, Gil is a true person of peace. We have a foot hold in a complex that needs the Light of Christ. Gil is only being faithful with what God has given him. I thank God for Gil.

We are called to be faithful with what God has given us. What has God given you? Whatever it is, trust God to use it for His Kingdom. Give it back to Him and you will see something awesome happen.

Just Do It

When I think about the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28: 19, I wonder if this verse has been used some many times for missions and witnessing that it’s lost any power to encourage Christ-followers to do this task. This is a great task to do, and overwhelming at times. Who is to be doing the going, and why is it that Christ-followers aren’t doing more of it?

Let’s look at the verse:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The King James Version of the Bible has “YE” or “YOU” after Go. The King James Version council would add words to the manuscript that they thought made passages flow better. When they did this, they put the words in italic to show this. Later versions assumed people knew who was to go so they did not add this word to this verse. So basically, as Christ-followers we are the ones who Jesus told to go.

So we are the ones who are commissioned to go and tell the good news of Christ’s gift of eternal life. Why is it that not everyone is sharing this news? I have some theories of why this is.

1. People are under the assumption that this task is for the “Pastors” or “Professional Clergy” to do.
If this was the case, Christ would have only talked with the 11 remaining disciples separate from the crowd. He told everyone that was with Him to “Go.” There were around 500 people present at this meeting.

2. People that don’t have the Spiritual gift of evangelism assume they don’t have to do this task since it’s not their thing.
Even though you may not have the Spiritual gift of evangelism, this commission is for you to do as well.

3. Some people feel that they can’t talk with strangers. They say, “I’m shy.”
The greatness of this commission is that we aren’t doing it. It’s the Holy Spiritual through us who is doing it. Acts 1:8;

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

As humans, we are merely the work gloves. In themself, gloves just lay around. It’s not until you put your hand in them that they are able to accomplish a task like raking the leaves or hammering a nail. The Spirit is accomplishing the task of telling the good news of Salvation. God doesn’t need us, but He wants to use us.

4. People say, “I’m not a good talking.” Or, “I wouldn’t know what to say.”
God will give us the words to use when we need them. Jesus told us that we will be put in situations that we may not know what to say. In these times, He said not to worry because the Spirit will give you the words to say. Mark 13:11;

“When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.”

You have trusted your eternal soul to Christ for salvation. Trust that He will do what He says helping you speak to others about him.
Matthew 28:19, tells us to go and tell the world about what He has done for us. Step out on faith and tell some one today.

Following The Leader


I remember as a child, playing the game “Follow the Leader.” Whoever was the leader, you had to do whatever they did. They raise their right hand; you raise your right. They jump; you jump. And so on. It was a fun game for what I remember. I was thinking today that serving Christ is actually like the game “Follow the Leader.” We are told to do what He did. The gospels show us what He said and what He did. We are called to do the same things (except for the miracles that only God can do).

With looking to start a new church, it would be overwhelming if it was on my shoulders. From the outside, looking in it appears to be on my shoulders. By building a group of people by talking with them and encouraging them to come to the Bible study. By getting money by talking with churches and pastors and encourage them that they can trust me with God’s money. It’s not on my small shoulders; it’s on the massive shoulders of Christ.

If you have asked me 5 years ago, “What would it take to start a new church?” I would have given an answer that was based on me. I would need to do this and that. I would need to formulate this plan or that plan. It would come from a business background and business mindset. I was trained in a church (good, bad, or indifferent) that taught and trained me with a mindset that we need to build the ministry. If a class wasn’t growing, we aren’t working hard enough. It was based on what we had to do or not do. It left you stressed out at times.

I’ve learned over the past 3 years through reading the Bible and walking with different ministry people that it has nothing to do with us; it’s everything to do with God. It’s what God wants us to do and say and go; not what we want to do or say or go. Once I read Ephesians 2:10 (“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”) it felt like chains were taken off of me. Every work we do, we don’t do it. God does it through us. I say this a lot, and it’s very applicable, “We are the work gloves and God is the hand.”

The work glove illustration is taken from a Bill Hybels’ book. Without the working of the Holy Spirit, we are just empty gloves lying on the table. Empty gloves can’t pick up anything or go anywhere. It’s not until the Holy Spirit fills us that we are useable. It’s not until I put my gloves on that the gloves can pick up a screwdriver and use it. We are dependent on God to do anything that is of any type of Kingdom work.

I use the “Follow the Leader” game as a way to show people that we need to do and go what and where we feel God is showing us to do and go through His Spirit. Rick Warren calls it riding the wave God created. Just follow the lead of the One who saved you. The task He has placed in your life has already been completed by Him. Just follow His lead to the end of the task. It’s about bringing glory to God and His kingdom. It’s not about making a name for ourselves.

It’s About Multiplication and Not Addition

The below content taken from The Present Future By Reggie McNeal.

Shifting from Church Growth to Kingdom Growth

The church growth movement introduced a concern for growth and a missiological approach to church.
Unfortunately, it fell victim to the belief that we are the architects of the work of God.
As a result, we have the best churches men can build, but are still waiting for the church that only God can get credit for.
Wrong question:
How do we grow the church? (How do we get them to come to us?)
Missional question:
How do we transform our community? (How do we hit the streets with the gospel?)
A shift from church activity to community transformation.
What the people in our communities need is God in their lives.
The North American Church is not spiritual enough to reach our culture with their greatest need.
Missional spirituality requires that God’s people be captured by His heart for people, that our hearts be broken for what breaks His, and that we rejoice in what brings Him joy. (See the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and the lost son in Luke 15).

Kingdom Thinking

Kingdom theology requires that we reexamine our strategy for penetrating the culture with the presence of the church.
In the church age, cultural presence largely depended on church real estate.
Jesus’ strategy was to go where the people were already hanging out: weddings, parties, feast day celebrations, etc.
We need churches where people are already hanging out – inside of every Wal-Mart, Barnes and Nobles, Starbucks, etc.
McDonalds is leading the way – placing its new stores where people already are.
Bottom line: we’ve got to take the gospel to the streets – incarnating the gospel throughout the community.

Let It Shine

“This little light of mind, I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mind, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m going to let it shine. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine” These words are to a song I learned way back when I was a little boy in Sunday school.

According to John 1, Jesus is the Light of the world. Since we are His children through adoption, we are His light bearers. We are called to shine His light in a darkness of this world. I know that a lot of Christians feel unable to bear this light or to share Christ to their loved ones and community out of fear; the fear that someone will ask them a question that they can’t answer. Since we are His children, we shouldn’t fear these types of questions. Matthew 10: 19 – 20 says, “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” As Jesus’ light bearer, we are to tell others only what we know. We are to tell others our testimonies; how we were lost, God drew us to Himself, because of what Chris did on the cross we are made complete and whole, and how our lives are different now. It’s that simple.

Our job is to be like Philip in John 1, when he said “come and see” to Nathanael about Jesus. We are to say to our family members, friends, co-works, and our community “come and see.” Make a decision to make 2008 the year you start telling people about the Light of the world. Tell them about Jesus Christ.