I recently had a chance to catch up with a guy from high school. He was one of those people that had it all- the All-American Boy. He was smart, athletic, funny, and liked by pretty much everyone. I don’t remember who was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”- but he would have had my vote.

As we connected about the journey of our lives from high school through today, I realized I had made some assumptions that weren’t true. While on the outside everything seemed perfect, he was dealing with some pretty hefty issues. Things I would have never guessed.

It’s interesting what you discover when you scratch beneath the surface.

When I think about some the assumptions people have made about me, it makes me laugh. Here are some real life examples:

“You don’t know what it’s like to come from a broken home.”
My family tree is filled with broken branches.
“You’ve don’t know what it’s like to serve your country.”
4 years- active duty- U.S. Air Force
“You’ve never had your heart shattered and learned to love again.”
Don’t get me started.
“You don’t know what it’s like to be poor.”
Two words: Government cheese.
“You don’t understand what it’s like to adopt a child.”
Let me introduce you to my pride and joy- my son Reece.
“You don’t know what it’s like to be unattractive.”
You’re right about that one. I’m incredibly, ridiculously good-looking.

I could go on- but you get the point.

Don’t be fooled by the shiny surface. Everyone has a story. Rich or poor. Young or old. Popular or outcast.

There’s always more than meets the eye.

Filed under: Life, My Story | Post a comment

• Jason
• friend
• loser
• leader
• soldier
• honey
• shorty
• big nose
• j-dogg
• son
• employee
• student
• teacher
• hubby
• hey you
• writer
• daddy
• mr.
• dude
• helluva guy
• jerk
• customer
• chubby
• skinny
• chubby (again)
• likable
• white trash
• stuck up
• blogger
• brother
• sport
• homey
• sensitive
• tough
• manager
• athlete
• geek
• presenter
• christian
• liberal
• conservative
• moderate
• creative
• trainer
• airman
• airhead
• intelligent
• independent
• team player
• kiddo
• sir
• brother from another mother
• funny
• funny-looking
• extrovert
• introvert
• pistol pete
• tall
• ex
• coach
• unlikely
• jason russell (when I’m in trouble)
• church planter
• and soon, pastor

It’s been one crazy life so far.Did I forget something?

Filed under: Life, My Story | Post a comment

You see this white leg with ink on it? Yep, that’s me and my tattoo. And this is the story behind it.

The backdrop was the dry, desert heat of Turkey. Ten years ago, I was in the Air Force and spent five months living in sand where I inspected my shoes for scorpions, cleaned sand out from behind my ears, and wrestled with the reason for my mere existence.

I felt a bit like a nomad as I spent my off-duty time walking around thinking over my life. I was completely broken. I have experienced so much pain in my life and it was as if I didn’t allow my heart to break. Then all at once- it hit me.

Rejection. Loneliness. Desperation. Doubt. Abuse. Insecurity. Pride. Condemnation. Guilt. Abandonment. “Crazy Times” by Jars of Clay was playing in the background as I broke down with my hands on my face recognizing all the sin I had committed and was committed against me.

I was already a Christian- but it was at this moment I discovered the depth of my relationship with Jesus. I began to embrace the identity I had all along- I was (am) a child of God.

I remembered all that God had brought me through. Love. Acceptance. Redemption. Restoration. Relationships. Hope. Joy. Grace. Truth. I had been through so much- but also had been seen through so much. God’s providential hand was guiding my life the whole time. Even more, I realized that my life wasn’t an accident. I read Jeremiah 29:11-12 and finally saw that God had a plan- even for me.

In the desert of Turkey I knew my purpose was to be a messenger of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

This went beyond a vocational calling- it was a life calling. It was as if the scales fell of my eyes. I made a commitment to God to not live a segmented life- but live wholeheartedly. To not be ashamed of my faith- but show people the grace and truth of Jesus.

To mark this moment in my life, I got my one and only tattoo. I wanted ink that would represent my purpose. I knew it would make a bold statement as to what I’m all about. And at the end of my journey in Turkey, I got it, and have never regretted it.

I love the conversations this splat of ink on my leg has instigated. And I especially love the fact that it gives glory where glory is due.

————————————————————————-

Thank you Carlos and my fellow “Splat Your Tat” readers at Ragamuffin Soul for checking this out. I look forward to reading the stories behind your tat’s too.

Filed under: Christianity, Life, My Story | 1 Comment

This last year has been quite a year of change for me. While some of it’s been good, other parts have not.

For instance, my growing waistline. I realized something this week. I’ve gained 30 pounds in 13 months! THIRTY FREAKIN’ POUNDS!!! I wish I had a good reason like a surgery or illness or whatever, but I don’t. The truth is, I’ve dealt with the stress of all the changes in unhealthy ways. I haven’t worked out and I’ve eaten like crap.

It’s time for a change. It’s time to be healthy.

And the time is now.

Filed under: Life, My Story | 2 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

I had lunch with a good friend of mine and we started talking about how his first year of marriage has gone. He revealed a not-so-surprising confession- it hasn’t been easy.

He shared how he and his wife got into an argument over who was going to take out the trash. It turned into a big deal. I asked him why he just didn’t do it and be move on. He said, “Well…I really don’t know.”

It’s a familiar argument isn’t it? My wife and I have been there. If you’re married or in a relationship, I’m sure that you have too.

I asked my buddy this question: “You’d lay your life on the line if it meant saving hers, right?” He replied, “Absolutely.” I replied, “Why is it that we would die for our spouses yet we won’t get over ourselves for a couple of minutes to take out the trash?”

That’s the question.

Some of us are willing to sacrifice our life but we won’t make a small sacrifice to show love to our spouse. I know that’s something I need to work on. What about you? Valentine’s Day is today- but marriage is everyday.

Let’s get over ourselves and not wait until February 14 to show our love! After all, there’s no bliss like marital bliss.

P.S. My buddy decided to take out the trash and his wife can’t keep her hands off of him. Hmmm

Filed under: Life, My Story | 2 Comments

Something strange has happened to me. It wasn’t that long ago I had everything figured out. I had answers to everyone’s questions. I had my life all planned out. My faith fit nicely tucked away in my shirt pocket. I wasn’t caught off-guard by much because I was in control and on a roll.

Then God totally messed me up!

Now, I don’t have much figured out. I thought I had all the answers, but then the questions changed. Apparently my little life plans were way too small compared to God’s plans. And my faith? Well, it’s grown and can no longer be tucked away in its place. It’s exploded and I’m covered in it. And it seems something new catches me off-guard daily- and you know what? I kind of like it.

I’m unlearning and discovering. I’m jumping off cliffs and realizing that the ground I had stood on wasn’t that secure to begin with. I’ve stopped centering my life around me and have found freedom in the process.

This is a peculiar life and I love it.

Filed under: Life, My Story | Post a comment

“OH CRAP!” That was my thought as I stood atop that rock wall looking down at my potential demise. My legs were wobbling as my knuckles turned white from my grip on the rope. I didn’t want to take that first step. I was harnessed and had a spotter, but couldn’t make myself repel down. I freaked.

I was 17 and Adam, my youth pastor, took me rock climbing and repelling. That dude was a stud on the rock. He was super thin but had these huge, Popeye forearms from years of rock climbing. He was also a great mentor.

Adam yelled up in my moment of panic, “JUST LEAN BACK. I GOT YOU!”

“I DON”T KNOW MAN.” I replied. “MAYBE I SHOULDN’T DO THIS!”

He firmly shouted back, “JASON, YOU NEED TO DO THIS. GET OVER YOURSELF. I GOT YOU!”

And with that I took the first step over the edge of the cliff and repelled down. I felt exhilaration as I pounced my way down the face of the rock. I thought to myself, “This is awesome!.” And it was.

When I made it to the bottom, Adam was there to greet me and give me a big bear hug and said “You did it, man.” I replied, “Not without your help. Thanks.”

Adam was (is) an incredible teacher. He knew my tendency to play it safe and he challenged me. He knew that fear often prevented me from experiencing life and he made me face it. He knew that I would always remember that moment, and I still do.

As the day progressed he used that experience to teach me about taking risks, trusting God, having someone to spot you, living free, and so much more. Thanks Adam!

Last week, I stood at the top of a cliff once again and had to take a big first step. This time, it was my fingers that were shaking as I slowly clicked the send button on a very important email. A message containing a new risk that we were taking. Planting a church.

That email was a year and half in the making- but it felt like the first official step in chasing this lion. In taking this risk.

Thank you all for the encouragement, interest, and support. In some ways that first step is still in progress- but it’s nice to know I have some spotters out there.

Let the adventure begin.

Note: Here is a YouTube video someone took of the location of my experience- Falling Rock - just outside Rapid City, SD. Isn’t it beautiful? I love the Black Hills.

Filed under: Church Planting, Cool People, Life, My Story, Rapid City | 1 Comment

Pilot Inspektor . That’s what Jason Lee (star of My Name is Earl) named his son. True story. Odds are, you have one of two reactions to that name. Either you think it is a rad rock star name or you feel sorry for poor little Pilot.

Choosing a name for anything shouldn’t be taken lightly. It establishes an identity. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the name of a pet, an organization, or a child, you don’t want to mess it up. Which is why you don’t see many girls named “Bertha” anymore.

Prior to announcing that we’re going to start a fresh, new church in Rapid City, I made the decision to name it. I wanted a name that was unlike anything else in my area but nothing as extreme as Pilot Inspektor. Because we live in the beautiful Black Hills, most of the newer churches have something related to nature in their names. That’s cool. But for us, I wanted something that was memorable and represented what we’re about. A name that prompted questions. After many, many ideas, a name was chosen:

Project Church A.K.A. projectCHURCH

As I’ve revealed that name to people I usually get a, “That rocks!” reaction. They get the concept of the name right away. The rest have a “Project Church???” look on their face. This look is followed up with the question, “So why Project Church?” Which is a great question and one I’m getting used to answering.

The name isn’t complicated and neither is its meaning. To find out more about the meaning, stay tuned for my next post.

In the meantime, what do you think “Project Church” means? What’s your take on church names? What are some other cool church names out there? Will Pilot Inspektor be a rock star? What’s your name?

Filed under: Church Planting, My Story, church | 5 Comments