“We have to reattach the hands and feet to the body of Christ and start being the church. For too long, we’ve just been a big mouth.”

- Rick Warren

[HT: Jay Hardwick]

Filed under: Cool People, Quotes, church | 2 Comments

One of the coolest blogs out there today is Stuff Christians Like written by Jon.  Awesome stuff that just cracks me up.  If you can’t laugh at some of this stuff (and yourself) then I feel sorry for you.

Jon straight-up, unapologetically ripped off the idea from Stuff White People Like- which is also funny.

Here are some examples- even a few that are directed me:

• #3- Reading “love is patient” at your wedding
• #11- Thomas Kinkade
•  #46- Super, Happy, Shiny Christian Radio
• #47- Rooting for secret Christians on American Idol
• #108- Not knowing how to hold hands
• #116- Using “let me pray about it” as a synonym for “no”
• #125- The mandatory youth minister goatee
• #135- Dave Ramsey
• #142- Gloria Estefan’s song, “Coming Out of the Dark”
• #145- Weird Christian Dating Sites
• #147- Trust Falls
• #149- Boycotting Stuff

Check out the blog for explanations of these and many other funny ones.

What would you add?

Filed under: Blogs, Christianity, Cool People, Funny, Humor, church | 1 Comment

• Lots of emails and comments about my post on the American Idol contestants singing, “Shout to the Lord.” I like how they sang the song again last night and inserted, “Jesus” in the song (which was omitted on Idol Gives Back).  Did they sing that song simply to appeal to the wallets of Christians? Probably. But regardless, I think it’s great anytime Jesus is lifted up.
• My little brother Josh inspires me.
• I get to play virtual golf tonight on a double date with some friends. I’ve never done it. I will probably suck, but it should be fun.
• I’m very curious to read the article in our local newspaper tomorrow featuring Project Church.
• Speaking of Project Church, I’m hoping to more people will be a part of our launch team. People who want to make an impact and be a part of something special and bigger than themselves.
• I’m meeting with the management of the facility I hope our church will meet in when we launch in September.  The vibe really matches us. I wish I could tell you where- but you know how these things go.
• I’m preaching at a local church this weekend and I’m looking forward to it.  I will be on my best behavior.  I think.
• One of my favorite blogs these days- WalktheRazor.com Check it out.

Filed under: Church Planting, Cool People, Jesus, Life, Rapid City, church, project church | 2 Comments

“The Reason for God” by Tim Keller. It’s currently Number 7 on the NY Times best-seller list.

Keller is one of the most articulate Christian thinkers alive today. If you still have lots of questions about God, Christianity, etc., do yourself a favor and read this book. It’s straight-forward and honest; brilliant and simple to comprehend. All typical of Tim Keller.

Book Description
Why is there suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to Hell? Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive? Shouldn’t the Christian God be a god of love? How can one religion be “right” and the rest “wrong”? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God? These are just a few of the questions even ardent believers wrestle with today. In this book, Tim Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations and reasoning, and even pop culture to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.

Tim Keller Resources

Filed under: Book Review, Christianity, Cool People, Jesus | 3 Comments

“We’re Planting a Church in Downtown Atlanta!”

No, not me. (Rapid City is stuck with me).

Actually, that was the announcement my friend, Lloyd Owens, made on his website today.

I met Lloyd and his incredible wife, Esther, last month and we really hit it off. It was fun to hear his vision for downtown Atlanta and his heart for people. His passion is infectious.

Lloyd and Esther are planting a church called, “A Peculiar Place.” Here’s a brief summary from his blog:

“A place where those who are far from God, those curious about God, even those who are mad at God, or say there is no God will be welcomed. Leave all judgment outside please! I don’t want to see another person friend or stranger have to live life hurting, numb, in lack, or alone! Our vision is to see those that are far from God be brought out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Be introduced to a relationship, not a religion with Jesus Christ. Be able to build a community of people from all different walks of life, socio-economic, ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds who simply love God and His Kingdom.”

I love it!

Read this rest of his announcement here and say hello to my brother from another mother, Lloyd Owens.

Filed under: Church Planting, Cool People, church | 3 Comments

Church planters are the hungriest, quirkiest, obsessive, opinionated, imaginative people around. It was so much fun meeting new friends over the last few days and reconnecting with some others. To me, what made the Churchplanters.com Evolve Conference so great was the people. What I said before, that church planters are like a fraternity, I meant it. I love being around them. I love being one of them.

So pardon me while I give some love and shout outs.

One of the coolest things is being able to pick people’s brains and listen to their stories. Most of these folks are further down the road than I am, so I soaked all their advice, wisdom, disappointments, and experiences in. Such was the case in my breakfast with Chris Elrod at the Waffle House. Chris gets credit for being the first person to ever have breakfast with me at a Waffle House. There are 18,719 of them in Atlanta alone. They are EVERYWHERE! Anyways, Chris is a pastor and church planter of Compass Point Church in Lakeland, FL. He and I met last year and hit it off. This year, he was kind enough to wake up early and treat me to breakfast and wisdom. Chris’ story is just remarkable and I would advise that all church planters get to know him. There’s no BS-ing Chris. He’s pretty much seen and experienced it all. A lot of wisdom in that man. He’s a straightshooter and a real cool guy. I’m happy to say that Chris Elrod is my homeboy.

Another cool couple I spent a good chunk of time with was Lloyd and Esther Owens. They are a blast! Lloyd is planting a church in downtown Atlanta called, “A Peculiar Place.” I really love their heart and their passion. Like me, he is sitting on the runway with the engine going and ready to go. Really cool to hang out with people like Lloyd and his better half, Esther. Lloyd says he’s my brother from another mother.

Unfortunately, I didn’t pull out my camera until the end of the conference so I missed a lot of photo opps.

I had dinner with Boyd Bettis and Scott Magdalein and their wives. They are super cool people. I’ve read both of their blogs but it was sweet to visit with them over dinner. Boyd is introspective and insightful. He’s an incredible guy. Scott’s got a quick wit and a brilliant mind. He’ll probably disagree- but it’s true. Both of them together is a good combination. In fact, they are brothers-in-law. Pretty cool dudes.

Remember this name- Jay Hardwick. Not only does this guy have his stuff together but he’s also the Guitar Hero Tournament Champion of the Evolve Conference. He’s got rock star written all over him. With all that acclaim he is a down-to-earth guy who’s clearly a leader. I enjoyed getting to know him more. Looking forward to seeing how his church plant evolves. Glad to call him my friend.

More people I chatted with but wished we could’ve hung more.

Sean and Sara Alsobrooks and team- Met them last year and to see where they are this year as they lead Knoxville Life Church is inspiring. Love you guys! Wish we could have hung out more.

Michael Lukaszewski- He’s one of my all-time favorite bloggers and it was cool to meet in person. He leads Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville, GA. I picked his brain and bit and he offered some great feedback. Michael is wicked smart and a really good guy.

Gary Lamb- Fires me up and makes me want to be a redneck. I’ve always loved Gary and his balls-to-the-wall approach to ministry. Church planters flock to him like teenage girls to Hannah Montana. I guess that makes him the Hannah Montana of church planting.

J.R. Lee- This dude was kind enough to answer a million questions from me a couple of weeks ago on the phone. He’s even cooler in person. Looking forward to big things for Freedom Church in Acworth, GA.

Mark Ayers- I think he’s somewhat related to J.R. (brothers in-law?) and is prepping to plant Reveal Church in Flowery Branch, GA. Really like this guy’s heart.

Dave and Dana Anderson- The picture in my head of Dana sold-out cheering on her husband during the Guitar Hero tournament will never be forgotten. Awesome!

Scott Pollard- It was fun to reconnect with Scott again. When I met him last year he was where I am this year. Really neat to see how things have progressed for him and the church he’s planting. Great guy.

Tony McCollum- I didn’t get to chat long with Tony but I’ve been a reader of his blog for a while. Super guy and glad we got a chance to meet in person.

Tadd Grandstaff- This guy simply rocks. I was glad I had a chance to visit with him. Tadd was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about launch teams, staffing, etc. I love what he and his team are doing at Pine Ridge Church.

I’m sure I’m leaving some people out but I just wanted to take this opportunity to give some love to these people. Through each interaction they had with me, they left an impression and an investment. So glad to be a part of this wave of church planting.

Filed under: Church Planting, Cool People, Misc., church | 4 Comments

Backdrop: “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.

I’m in Cumming, GA attending the Churchplanters.com Evolve Conference. For some reason, I sense a tension in the air and it’s making me antsy. I told my wife before I left that I expect my world to be rocked. And now I feel the weight of anticipation on me. I hope my sixth sense is right.

Church Planters are like a fraternity. I guess that makes us frat boys. There’s a brotherhood that unites us. And as I meet more and more of these dudes I realize that God is up to something. That my prayer, my mission, and my passion for Rapid City, SD is shared by other men in their cities. I love these guys.

Maybe this is all just some Chick-Fil-A I ate but I’m definitely feeling it. Stay tuned. I plan to post notes so you all can get a glimpse into what I’m experiencing.

In the meantime, go read Brad Ruggles post today.  Good stuff.

Next Post: Notes including thoughts from Shawn Lovejoy and Steven Furtick from today’s sessions.

Filed under: Christianity, Church Planting, Cool People, Jesus, Leadership, Life, My Story, Places, church | 3 Comments

Perry Noble writes a great post today about passion.  This guy is like the coach who always seems to give the motivational speech at just the right time.  I love Perry.

If you don’t know Perry, you should.  He’s the pastor of one of the fastest-growing churches in America, NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC.   He’s one of the best communicators I’ve ever heard, one of the most inspirational leaders I’ve ever seen, and of course, one of the most passionate pastor’s kicking it today.  Most importantly, he loves Jesus and it shows.

It’s men like Perry who inspire me to plant a church.

Check out his blog.  Read it long enough and he’ll fire you up too.

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Fellow blogger, and talented graphic artist, Mike Anderson put together this cool e-book titled, “Are You Asleep?” by  J.C. Ryle.

“Are You Asleep?” is beautifully written with a passionate plea.  At heart, Ryle is trying to awaken the person sitting in church somewhere and thinking they are a Christian- when in reality, they are “asleep” and far from God.  At the same time, it a catalyst for personal examination of one’s own walk with God.

It’s worth a read.  You can download your very own copy of this 14-page ebook here.

Thanks to Mike for putting his talent to good use in putting this vintage piece of writing together and blending it with eye-friendly design and thought-provoking side notes.

Filed under: Christianity, Cool People, books | Post a comment