Strategic: Reason #1...

Over the next few days or weeks I'll be submitting short blogs...each explaining why our future site is so strategic. Each blog in this series of blogs will contain a title that reads "Strategic: Reason #" (other random blogs will carry completely different titles).

Reason #1 - The Price Is Right

In our location land is EXPENSIVE! Not just "...hmmm, that's a lot of money..." expensive. I'm talking "...there's no way in the world we could obtain land unless God has extreme favor on us and does a miracle..." expensive. Which is exactly what has happened. The exact amount is not important at this time...just know that God has given us extreme favor.

We've taken this entire church planting / reaching people for God thing VERY serious. We've done everything we can to be wise with what God has given us, we've committed since day one to give no less than 10% of our general income to missions and we've been faithful with the little things. Luke 16:10-12 says "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?" We've been a blessing to others, we've been faithful, diligent and we've done everything short of sin to reach people...and God has provided!

Hope to see you Sunday.

Question...

Question: When was the last time you set up a "portable church" in the pouring rain?

If you would have asked me that Wednesday morning...my answer would have been - never. However, this morning my answer is very different. Last night we set up our student ministry, preK, and Kidz club...in the pouring rain. It wasn't just pouring...it was stinking freezing...like 37 degrees. Me and 4 other guys pulled up and unloaded our trailer in record time! It's funny how freezing conditions and soaked bodies can increase productivity.

Setting up my thoughts instantly went to "...man, our student ministry, kids and adult activities tonight are gonna take a huge hit because of the weather..." It's so easy to dwell on the externals and not focus on the job that God has given us. I challenge you to not allow the enemy of your soul to mess with your mind. It's hard...I struggle with it just like everyone else...but the bottom line is that God is God...and we have to trust Him regardless of situations and circumstances.

When the night of frigid temps & rains was over...everyone went home, trailer was loaded and dropped off at the storage facility...we added up the total attendance for the evening. Honestly, I was shocked. We had over 70 people come out to connect with God and grow closer in their relationships with others...despite the freezing temperature and rain. Freakin' awesome! I'm constantly proud of YOU (attenders / members) Lifepoint Church!

Hope to see you Sunday.

Prayer...

Today we started a great series of talks called "Prayer." We kicked off the series with just a simple foundation of what prayer is: communicating with God...that's it. I'm really excited and the feedback today after the service was great. Next week we'll be looking at the mystery of unanswered prayers and in week 3 we'll learn how pray like Jesus prayed.

Today, in week 1, we covered why people don't pray:
1. People aren't sure how to pray.
2. We get bored or distracted while trying to pray.
3. We think our requests are too small for God.
4. People aren't sure if our prayers will make a difference.

We also looked at four steps in talking to God:
1. With gut-level honesty.
2. Talk to God about everything that matters to you.
3. Pray continually.
4. Listen for His response...this is the most important in my opinion!

I'm excited with what God is doing at Lifepoint and the direction, momentum and future...

Hope to see you Sunday.

Crazy Awesome...

So, I had the opportunity to go to C3 last night...and took it! What's C3? C3 is the "creative church conference" that Fellowship Church puts on every year. Last night was amazing! Pretty much standing room only and the crowd was truly electric. There was a tremendous sense of anticipation around what was going to happen.
Last night's session had both Ed Young (Pastor of Fellowship Church) and Craig Groeschel (Pastor of Lifechurch.tv) speaking...and what they had to say was incredible!
In all honesty when we pulled into the parking lot last night I was sick and really just wanted to go home. I decided to tough it out and I am so glad that I did. I walked away from the conference last night excited, inspired, challenged and ready to take on the world. To all my friends in ministry...let me just say this - go to C3 next year OR any conference that inspires you! I LOVE being around so many creative, innovative, inspiring and God fearing leaders!

If you can't tell...I'm pumped!

Hope to see you Sunday.

The Heart Of The Matter...

Yesterday we continued our current series "Red Letters" - looking at "the heart of the matter." It's interesting when you fully examine Matthew 5:8 how wrong so many churches and religious systems are. To often churches, leaders and religious systems try to "fix" people from the outside in - "...don't do this...don't do that...start doing this..." and that's not what it's about. Here's the question we need to ask "...if you stop doing 'bad habit XYZ - aka SIN'...will your heart be right with God...or have you simply changed your habits?"

The problem is not with external issues OR habits...it's ALWAYS a heart issue. Always. And for the church world to place so much emphasis on externals is wrong. And what is saddening is that those who have yet to cross the line of faith...they see this and want nothing to do with the church because they think it's all about rules.

When our hearts grow cold...our values get inverted. It's that simple. When our heart grows cold - things that should matter don't. When we don't have God as our single-minded ambition...everything gets out of whack. The heart has to change...has to be renewed. It's the heart of the matter...it's the heart that has to change. And we are all in need of a new heart...a begging dependancy on God.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Leadership Thought...

After watching a recent televised event I came to several conclusions...here's one that I want to share with you:

A true leader will take responsibility and deal with what needs to be dealt with...without blaming those who came before him / her. A true leader (regardless of the setting: church, marketplace, politics OR even the local PTA) will take care of business and not push blame, will handle situations and not say "...it's not because of me..." and a true leader will lead even if nobody is following.

I'm continually honored and humbled to be able to lead such an amazing church, amazing people, and those in the surrounding area. While we are currently reaching roughly 175 people on a weekly basis...I do everything I can to lead as though we're reaching thousands. Why? Because someday we will be reaching thousands...and we're already praying for them and that day.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Messing With My Head...

Here's a few quotes / ideas that I came across today that are completely messing with my head:

-A problem cannot be fixed by the same consciousness that created it.

-The church needs artists to help people see clearly what they have always vaguely felt.

-Churches too often look for "Lights, Camera, Action" instead of "Father, Son, Holy Spirit."

-Technology functions somewhat as alcoholism and drug abuse used to. As a counterfeit experience of the ecstatic.

-Every 500 years the church has a yard sale and decides what to keep and what to get rid of...we are in that moment.

-It's amazing that in a faith where we see death and resurrection as beauty...yet we're unwilling to let our churches die (some churches just need a proper burial).

Pretty heavy ideas...but oh so very good!

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.

Tough Talk...

Sunday's talk was a rather tough one. Not only did we discuss Hell, in our current series "So You're Dead...Now What?", but I also touched on giving / tithe. How do Hell & tithe go together? Let me explain it this way...

During our talk yesterday I said that "...If I were the devil...my number one priority or strategy would be to convince people that Hell wasn't real...or at the very least...Hell wasn't that big of a deal." By convincing people of that...2 things would happen: 1.) Unbelievers would continue to reject Christ & believers would not fear (be in awe / have respect) for God and ALL His commands. 2.) You wouldn't feel the need to share your faith. - - I'd submit this because of the way that most of us live our lives...we don't fear God (we don't obey ALL his commands) and we don't share our faith...which means we must not fully believe in Hell. That's hard to teach and hard to hear isn't it?!?!

In America we have a "cafeteria" approach to Christianity. It's like we walk through a cafeteria line picking and choosing the things from the Bible that we want to believe and live out in our lives...while leaving the things we don't want to believe or follow sitting on that "cafeteria" counter.

I was VERY CLEAR THAT NOT TITHING WON'T KEEP A BELIEVER OUT OF HEAVEN. However, I pointed out that all to often the tithe is one of the things we decide not to put on our tray as we go through the cafeteria line...and by doing so I was also perfectly clear in stating that "...by not tithing...you may be keeping someone else out of Heaven." Let me explain...

When we are not obedient in EVERYTHING that God calls us to do...which includes the tithe...churches won't be able to function...churches all over America close every week because of the lack of finances. And when churches close...well, that means fewer people are likely to hear about the amazing love and grace of God...thus missing a chance to have a relationship with Christ. Again...it's hard to hear, isn't it?! We've all got to do our part...not just in the easy things (like showing up to a service, giving of our time & energy)...but in the things that we as Americans find so hard...giving of our finances.

Tough talks are hard to teach and hard to hear. But when those tough talks come (and they will)...we have to remember that reaching people who are far from God is what we are called to do. That's what it's all about...LOVE WINS.

Hope to see you Sunday.

What Do You Take For Granted?

So it's Friday night and I've just made my way, very slowly, up the stairs on crutches. I've been on crutches now for about two weeks moving slow, carefully maneuvering, and rarely getting up...only when I have to. This immobility has really got me thinking about my legs and how up until two weeks ago I really took them for granted. I could walk, jog, and even run if I wanted to...now, I hobble along and can't wait until mid-November when I get clearance to ditch the crutches.

My legs, the ability to freely walk...I took that for granted. My question to you is: what have you taken for granted?! Your job? Your family? Friends? Your stuff - house, car(s), clothes, etc...? A pantry and refrigerator full of food? How about your relationship with God?

So many of us have either had a relationship with Christ for so long that it's just not "fresh" or new to us anymore...we're not excited like we once were OR we've recently crossed the line of faith and maybe we just don't know how to share Christ with our friends, family, co-workers or neighbors. Either way, I'd submit to you that all to often we take our relationship with Christ and what he's done in our lives for granted.

We need to...we must...be diligent to keep our relationship with God fresh and new. This will require work on our part. We need to spend time with God daily (prayer & bible reading), surrounding ourselves with other believers (for encouragement & support), and we need to keep our eyes open and see others as God sees them. Don't take for granted the greatest gift you've ever received...grace, mercy, and salvation. Value it, embrace it, and most importantly share it with those you come in contact with...we're living for Christ...let's wear His name well.

Hope to see you Sunday.

I'm Alive...

For those of you who read my blog and noticed it's been over a week since my last post...let me just assure you that I'm alive. Alive and in more pain than I've ever been in!

My right knee (see picture above) feels like hamburger after going through a meat grinder. I've been in bed for 7 days now...just getting up to use the restroom and go to physical therapy...at this point I hate getting out of bed...it hurts. I'm debating on if I should get some adult diapers from Clint (his wife Jenna is our children's director and he sells medical supplies and diapers to hospitals)...if I had the diapers I'd only need to leave the bed for physical therapy. I'm joking of course...kinda.

So, since I'm a pastor...this blog should tend to have something spiritual in it, huh?!

During times of extreme frustrations, pain, depression, and uncertainty...regardless of how difficult it may seem...we must trust God. Just because my job is to "pastor" and teach...it doesn't mean that I'm immune to trials and hardships. During the last week I've been beat down emotionally and physically and my strength can't be my wife or kids...no. My strength and yours, in times of difficulty, MUST be God. Nobody else can provide the comfort, support, love, and understanding we need during our darkest times. Dark times like: job loss, divorce, financial instability, personal struggles, loss of loved ones, or even knee surgery. You are loved...never forget that.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Something To Think About...

"Pray like it all depends on God and work as if it all depends on you." - Pretty bold statement, huh?!?! Something to think about isn't it?!?!

That statement, made by a friend of mine & someone I consider a mentor, has really bothered me lately. Why? Well...because, in all honesty, I haven't. I haven't been praying like it all depends on God...mostly I've been working as if it all depends on me. And for that I'm sorry. It's something easy for us all to do...believe me, I know. I apologize to my spouse, staff, people in the community I haven't met yet, and those who call Lifepoint their church home. As of today...and from here on out...I commit to: "Pray like it all depends on God and work as if it all depends on me."

For my penance and punishment (for not doing the stated above in recent weeks)...I will undergo ACL (ligament inside my knee) reconstruction this Thursday. I'm joking of course - not about the surgery - but about that being my punishment. Keep me in your prayers. Pray for skillful hands doing the surgery and a QUICK & PAINLESS recovery.

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.

I Feel Like A Proud Pappa...

We'll today I got my student pastor, Johnny, a Macbook...his very first Mac. It's funny to watch people as they make the transition from a "personal computer" to a Mac...I crossed that line back in August of 2007...and I'm forever changed.

So anyways...we got Johnny a Mac today...and watching him open and remove the computer from the box made me feel like a proud pappa on Christmas morning watching his kid open the "perfect" gift.

You know I can't help think that's the same way God feels towards us...He offers His perfect gift of mercy and salvation...and when we come to Him...I know that brings Him joy.

Hope to see you Sunday.

To-Do List...

I know I'm not the only one with a "to-do list" that feels like it's a mile long. We live in a world where we are constantly running: mow lawn, clean the house, pay the bills, go to work, finish projects, drop kids off at soccer, run to Wal-Mart, pick kids up at soccer, make dinner, "quality time" with kids, put kids to bed, "quality time" with spouse, sleep... Sound familiar?

I would submit to you that the bible says we can't plan for tomorrow B/C we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Today is the only time that we have…that is why today matters. And most of the time we miss it B/C of a few reasons.

1st thing: We over-exaggerate yesterday…our past successes or failures often look bigger to us, in hindsight, then they actually were.

2nd thing: We over-estimate tomorrow...most of us are optimistic and we believe that our future days are going to be better than today.

3rd thing: We under-estimate today...we often fail to recognize today's value and potential.

Today matters...don't let that "to-do list" overwhelm you...know that today is the only day that you have within your grasp.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Tired...

Have you ever been this tired?

I'm that tired right now. It seems like this past week has gone by so slow and has been so jammed packed with events, meetings, prep, and busy stuff. It's 10:40pm on Sunday night...and I'm ready for bed.

It's easy for us to get tired during the course of the week...and when Sunday rolls around some of us have a tendency of convincing ourselves that it's ok to "rest" by not going to church. Don't try to tell me people don't do that...I stand on a stage every weekend and I see who's there and who isn't. I know we get sick and travel...but staying home on Sunday morning to rest?! Come on.

I'd say this... If you're drained, tired or worn out...the best place you can be ISN'T at home in your bed...but instead in the presence of God. Try it. Allow Him to strengthen you. Ask Him to recharge your internal battery. Feed off the energy and excitement of those around you - who have come to stand and be counted as Christ followers.

Don't try to "rest" or recharge on your own. Instead, why not allow the creator of the universe to take care of His creation...YOU.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Upgraded...

I got it! The new iPhone 3G. I had to wait 6 days after its release, stand in lines 2 different days and upgrade to a 16GB B/C the 8GB were sold out...but I got it!

Spiritual / church application?! Hmmm... How about this...something for you to think about.

*What it would be like if churches had people lining up outside of them before they opened?
*What if people brought their bibles to church? (we take our cell phones everywhere we go, right?)
*What if we chatted about Christ or what God has done for us...just 1/2 as much as we talk about our new toys?
*If Steve Jobs (Apple founder) ran a church...you would be greeted and welcomed as soon as you walked in the door by volunteers wearing colorful shirts.

Hope to see you Sunday.

My friend...

My friend Micah (see picture to the left) said he stopped checking my blog because I wasn't consistent in blogging...he's right. I tend to forget about the blog, be consumed with other things, or at the end of the day I'm just to tired to mess with it. The thing about planting a church is that there's TONS of stuff to do. I'm not a gifted secretary, accountant, or highly organized...but I'm great at delegating. But you can't delegate your blogging to somebody else can you?! Can you outsource your personal thoughts, ideas, what's going on in your world, or relationships?

I think to many Christians tend to outsource their relationship with Christ. They leave it up to some guy on Sunday morning to feed them, teach them, and try to connect them with what God wants to do in their life. It's so important that our only time with God is NOT just on Sunday mornings at church. You wouldn't go 7 days without feeding yourself food...you'd waste away if you only ate 4 times a month. Your relationship with Christ isn't any different.

Anyways...I've come down off the "soap box". It's my friend Micah's fault...he's the one that got me thinking.

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