Always Check You Child's Homework...

Things aren't always what they appear...just remember that as you go through this journey of life.
From the mom (the names have been changed to protect the innocent)

Dear Mrs. Jones (the teacher),

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer.
I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn’t show me dancing around a pole. It’s supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Home Depot

Thought you might enjoy this...hope you did.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Common Sense...

Some people just don't have common sense: children, teens, 20-something's, parents, and even some pastors. For example...take a look at this playground at a church. Who in the world would design such a thing? And who in their right mind would pay for it? People without common sense...that's who.

I know that I don't have everything figured out...and my common sense probably far outweighs my "book smarts"...but it's so encouraging to know that we're doing things right. How do I know Lifepoint is doing things right? Growth! We're seeing on average around 150 people at our weekly services (Sunday morning, bible studies, youth, etc...), not bad for a guy that some felt shouldn't plant or is just a "dreamer." The thing is...there are a lot of churches that aren't growing and a lot of churches that aren't even maintaining. How do I know this? Because I see them...I know who they are...unfortunately they're everywhere. That saddens me because people who haven't encountered Christ see those churches and think they are a direct reflection of Him...stale, without vision, and lacking direction...who would want to be a part of something like that? Nobody with common sense.

Common sense should tell leadership to follow what God has placed on your heart (vision, direction, style, etc...). Common sense isn't trying a new format, fresh paint, or a facade to cover up what isn't working. Lifepoint is only about 15 months old (and again - we don't have it all figured out) but we have a great deal of common sense...and more importantly we seek God for wisdom and direction.

Just a side note:
I wonder if the church that installed the above play area even tried to get a refund?!

Have an amazing Christmas!

Hope to see you Sunday.

What You Won't See @ Lifepoint...

I'm constantly thinking of new ways to do church: appearance of our facility, stage design, atmosphere, lighting, music, video, etc... Some churches think that using dance can help increase the effectiveness of a message or teaching. This video came across my desk...



I just want to ease everyone's mind...we aren't going to be doing this number anytime soon at Lifepoint Church. However, if Blake is really up for it and finds two back up singers with mad dance skills...I might reconsider.

Oh, and if you watched all 2:50 of that video...I'm guessing there's a pretty good chance you're one of those people on the freeway who slows down to look at a crash scene. Just kidding...sorta.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Christian Paraphernalia...

I'm reading this great book right now...actually two: "To Busy Not To Pray" & "They Like Jesus But Not The Church"...today we're gonna touch briefly on the latter of the two and something I saw this morning at Starbucks.

In "They Like Jesus But Not The Church"...the concept (at least in the first few chapters) is that people who aren't "Christians" have a distorted view of "Christians" - and rightfully so. We use a coded language - calling each other "brother & sister" - we talk about the blood of Jesus (which to the outsider seems bizarre), there have been numerous moral failures by pastors that make the 6 O'clock news, and church can seem like a club that doesn't want new members. We as "Christians" insulate ourselves in this church bubble...where all our friends are christians, we all have the similar habits and lifestyles, and we even have our own "Christian paraphernalia" (clothing, jewelry, bumper stickers, etc...).

Which brings me to my time at Starbucks this morning. I got there early to get my $4 caffeine fix and to study for Sunday mornings teaching. About an hour into my studies...three guys walked in. As a pastor and having held other staff positions in the past...I'm pretty good at spotting "church staff / pastors" when I'm out and about. These three guys walk into Starbucks...and instantly I peg them as "staff pastors" and I notice they're wearing Christian t-shirts (their t-shirts weren't as lame as the ones to the left...but pretty close). And instantly I recall the stuff I've been reading in "They Like Jesus But Not The Church."

These guys might as well be wearing t-shirts with the text printed in Sanskrit or Hieroglypics...stuff that is completely foreign to everyone alive today. That's what non-Christians see when we're promoting our "religion" on t-shirts and bumper stickers...something that isn't relevant or meaningful to them.

I'd challenge you on a few things...
* Get out of your "bubble" of Christian influence...your Christian friends are already Christians...spend some time with non-believers.
* Be real and transparent with people you come across.
* Let people see Christ in your actions...BEFORE you ever mention Him.
* Please don't wear lame Christian t-shirts...just kidding...no I'm not...yes, I am...kinda.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Kids Are So Smart...

So last night we went to a Christmas banquet...it was great...three beautiful words - "child care provided." The food and fellowship was a lot of fun.

We came home late - one of those nights where you just want to put the kids straight to bed - and go to bed yourself. Emily went straight to our room (her contacts were bothering her) and I tucked the boys into their beds. Our boys: Greyson 5yrs & Tate 3 yrs old (below picture is Tate - my 3 yr old).
I tucked them in and turned to leave the room...and Tate started yelling for mommy - "mommy...read me a story...mommy...kiss me." I told him mommy was already in bed - it was time for him to sleep. I turned and he yelled "daddy...kiss me again...read me a story." I firmly told him "Tate...no more yelling for MOMMY or DADDY, ok." He agreed.

As I left the room and took about 10 steps down the hall...I suddenly heard "Pastor Rick...read me a story!" I almost lost it...it took everything to keep from laughing. He didn't yell for mommy or daddy...but Pastor Rick. 3 yrs old and so smart.

I tell that story for this reason - they may be young...but they are so smart...if you have kids you know what I'm talking about. We must realize this and be a Godly example to them at all times...they are constantly learning and watching...we as parents need to be aware of this.

Hope to see you Sunday