Just Do It

So this past week Ridge Pointe Church had an article written about it in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.  It seemed for the first day or so that everything we had heard back was positive.  From then on, however, it seemed to take a downward spiral.  While this does not at all bother me, I think it's important to say one thing: no matter what is going on or what others may think, Ridge Pointe is going to do it's absolute best to make sure that what we do and who we are glorifies God completely.  What agenda would be worthwhile if God were not involved?  What plan would work without God in it?  We often joke that all of the rules of church planting have been broken by this church, yet we still seem to succeed.  

Success is not what we think it is.  When I think of the "success" of Ridge Pointe I don't look simply at numbers, but at lives changed.  I think of the countless people that even one year ago would not have stepped foot into a church that are now great partners with us.  I love this church, the people in it, and our mission.  Let's remember to always strive, whether as a church or personally, to follow the mission of Christ: love God, love others, make disciples.

Message Recap from 11/9

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to speak again at Ridge Pointe Church.  Here are some notes from our final message in the series "Fanatic":

-God seeks "true worshipers": John 4:23
-Four characteristics of true worshipers:
1. Worship with awe: Revelation 1:16-17
2. Worship with abandonment: 2 Samuel 6:21-22
3. Worship with intimacy: Psalm 27:4
4. Worship with their lives: Romans 12:1

Hopefully this can jog some memories and help out for our home groups this week.

Sunday Recap 11/9/08

Today was another great day at Ridge Pointe Church.  Also had a great day in general with my wife and some friends.  Here are a few highlights from the day:

-band was once again FREAKING AWESOME.  Great job guys.
-attendance was back up to normal again after being way down the week before.  People either thought I was good or that Shane would be back this week...who knows?
-saw the movie "Fireproof".  Acting was definitely not the greatest, but the movie was actually better than expected.
-had a great time hanging out with Mitch and Candice.  They are both really great youth leaders.  
-really enjoyed being with my wife last night.  She was sick, but it was good to have time just to hang out and be together.

On a side note, I will be glad to be back to putting my full focus The Pointe this week after doing double duty between them and "big people church".

Great Weekend At Ridge Pointe

Yesterday I had the privilege to speak in our main service in the AM.  I always love to speak in "big people church".  It's refreshing for me and motivating all at the same time.  I think anytime you get so used to preaching in one venue that you tend to take it for granted.  Switching it up and speaking yesterday (as opposed to just on Thursday nights) was a blast.  Our people were awesome, responsive, and attentive.  With that said, here are some highlights from yesterday:

-the numbers were down but they were into it
-music was awesome.  Had a dude from the Marshall Tucker band.  UNREAL how good he was
-enjoyed having someone yell "snake handlers" as I referenced my Pentecostal background.  Truly funny stuff
-had to tell them if part of following Jesus was handling snakes then this man would have to "peace out"
-enjoyed having my parents in town to hear my speak