Baggage

As we close out 2008 we are starting to gear up for 2009 and what it has in store for us. And if you are like most people you are getting ready to make a New Year's Resolution. But I believe before we can make a resolution for 2009 we need to get rid of some of the baggage we have accumulated over 2008 and the past.
Let me break down the word resolution for you.
Resolution - A thing determined upon; decision as to future action.
Resolute - fixed and firm in purpose; determined
Resolve - to break up into separate parts; analyze to change. to reach a decision, determined to solve ( a problem or situation) Firm determination.
Determined, purpose, take a firm stand, take a decisive step, be firm, iron
When making a resolution we shouldn't make it to say we made one. We should make it, and be determined to see it thru. See God wants to nothing for the best for us, and He wants to see us make decisions in our lives that will benefit us and bring glory to Him. But before we make these new decisions in our lives we need to get rid of the baggage that we have accumulated over the year or years. Some baggage that you may have could be, hate, anger, unforgiveness, worries, your marriage, money, depression, addictions (drugs, alcohol, porn, food), guilt, fears, emotional pain, tired, and bad attitude just to name a few.
You can't move forward until you put the past behind you. Hebrews 12:1 talks about putting aside the weights and sins that ensnare us. Ask for God's help,put the baggage behind you then move forward. See this baggage is just wearing you down, and the further you go without getting rid of it the heavy it is going to get. Matthew 11:28 says come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
If you want to receive the fullness of what God has to offer you for 2009, then give Him your baggage ask Him for help and rest, then move on into 2009 with God leading the way. He wants to do something amazing in your life,and all you have to do is let Him have control.
Philippians 3:13 - Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.
Get rid of your baggage and make a firm determination that is like iron to see your resolution not just through the year, but for your lifetime!!!

I love life stories

Found a great website that gives life stories of people. If you or you know someone seeking God send them here. If your looking for a spectacular website that has all the bells and whistles this one isn't it. It's just people giving their story on video.
The other day I watched as Brian "Head" Welch gave his story. Brian was one of the founders of the heavy rock band Korn. And he talks about the transformation that took place in his life. It was powerful!! So enough said, now go and check it out for yourself at iamsecond.com.

Wow!! I don't know what else to say.

Just read this story and was tremendously moved!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Send me...

Edward Frank Harris Jr was, by most accounts, a "joyful" guy with a "loving spirit" about him.

He served at Pendergrass Baptist Church in Cleveland, Georgia; he was one of those pioneers and laborers euphemistically known as youth pastors. He also served as a chaplain at Compassionate Hospice in Gainesville. His favorite verse was said to be Isaiah 6:8.

This past Sunday, after service, Frank Harris called home. Apparently, he had found two people that needed help and he decided to give them a ride. You see, Frank Harris didn't take his church hat off; he didn't rationalize excuses to drive away. He saw an opportunity to serve, and he took it. It is a little unclear as to whether he knew the couple; it is assumed they were strangers.

Later that day, his lifeless body was found in an empty field, the victim of murder, most likely at the hands of the very people he had helped. He left behind a wife and three kids.

While it is easy to think of the what-ifs, the basic point is that here was a man who never quit serving. He didn't measure his faith by work shifts. He lived it 25/8/366.

Here is proof that you don't have to search too hard for heroes. I never knew Frank Harris personally, and I'll never meet him. I mourn that fact.

In lieu of flowers a college fund for the children will be set up and donations may be sent to Compassionate Hospice 2565 Thompson Bridge Rd, Suite 112, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Online condolences can be made at littledavenport.com

Splitting Wood

Have you ever split wood? I have a few times in my life. We used to live in an old farm house and we would burn wood to heat. I remember when I first started, I was really pumped about splitting wood. You know, how manly it would be to grab the axe and go to town. Well after about two or three times, that was enough for me. I had a friend tell me one time "work smarter not harder". So, that is what I did, I drove down to the rental yard and rented a gas powered log splitter. I can't tell you how that made it so much easier. But after awhile, that also was not much fun. So then I just bought a cord of wood and called it a day.
On Thanksgiving, LifePoint had the opportunity to feed five families. Well, one of those families didn't have a stove to be able to cook the food, so a couple of families volunteered to cook it for them, then bring it over, so they could enjoy. Thanks Kim and Heather you're awesome! While at the home we found out that the family was heating their home with a wood burning stove. The only problem, they had no wood. Not that they didn't prepare, but that they had just moved in and didn't have the resources to get it. So today Nick, Brian, and I went to a friends house (Shawn) and split wood. And Shawn also gave us a truck load to give to the family. Thanks Shawn! After making two full truck load trips to their house, I looked at Brian and said "I could do this all day"!
Isn't it funny that when you do something with the right motive,the right heart, it all of a sudden is more fun to do? When I left their house I was stoked! I was thinking in my head, who else can we serve? Who else can we show the love of Jesus to? I was ready for another round, and it didn't matter to me what it was, they only thing that mattered to me was the people who we would be doing it for. Matthew 20:28 says, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. That is what I want my life to portray, the life of Jesus, a servant!
As I close out this blog the only thing I can see is the smiles that were plastered on the faces of each family member, knowing that tonight, they would have heat! Thank you Jesus for opening our eyes to see the needs of people.

New Series Starting Dec. 7th

We are kicking off a new series at LifePoint this weekend Dec. 7th @ 10:00am. You don't want to miss it! Actually you don't want your family or friends to miss it either. This new series called "It's a Boy", will look at the birth of Jesus in a whole new way. Starting from conception to the birth. So come and join us for a spectacular month.
December 7th - You're Kidding? Right?
December 14th - You're What?
December 21st - So much to do! (will be having a baby shower to help mothers from the Woman's Resource Center)
December 24th - It's a Boy Celebration!!

See ya there:)

I'm a No Lidder :o) Are You?

Sunday Night Release

Today at LifePoint was great!
We finished up our series on Lost with Lost and Found!
We battled sub zero temperatures!
The sound system is stinkin sweet!
Panera bagels in the morning always hits the spot!
Kim your doing a great job with the cafe!
Had a spot light on me today, a little weird at first, but worked through it!
Had a small crowd today, not our smallest, and definitely not our biggest!
Had the opportunity today to see a miracle!
Bi'Ri sweet opening on Enough by Jeremy Camp loved it!
Band was smooth was cool seeing you all get into what you were playing!
God is a God of miracles and He performed another one right before my eyes!
Love seeing the kids come out of KidsLife all charged with big smiles on their faces!
I think my feet turned numb about half way through the service!
Really I think they did!
Shan is on his way to Chicago, pray for no deers to be in the way!
Decorated the Christmas tree today, that was fun!
Went to Walmart three times today in a matter of two hours, the lights we bought, only half of them worked per strand!
God was teaching me patience!
Watched Elf tonight with the family, it's a Christmas classic, I laughed really hard!
Ate pumpkin pie!
The worship leaders did a great job!
You are probably asking what the miracle was that happened today!
I hope it snows soon!
Drum roll please..................!
Another life transformed by the power of the Gospel today at LifePoint!
I hope right now your celebrating this miracle! Whoo Hooo!
Have a good night and a better tomorrow!
I'm out!

Finding Nemo

I love the movie Finding Nemo. I would have to say it's one of my favorites. Today at LifePoint we finished up our Lost Series with Lost and Found. So anyways I was always wondering what happened to Nemo. So I went looking. And this is what I found. Have a great day.

Kickin Back

Man it's Black Friday already, can't believe how fast time has went by. No shopping for me today, just kickin back relaxin! No kids, just Kendra and I :o) Curious on what everyone does on the day after Thanksgiving? Look forward to reading your comments! See ya!

I'm Thankful! Are you?

Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love is eternal.
Are you thankful? Do you take time to give thanks? Maybe you are but haven't taken the time to do so, well take a minute today and tell God what your thankful for. And don't forget we praise Him when we win and we praise Him when we lose. As you sit down to scarf down your thanksgiving feast think about what your thankful for. God has given us so much and sometimes we get busy and forget to tell Him how much we are thankful. And maybe go one step further and tell someone close to you or maybe far from you why you are thankful for them.
Here is what I'm thankful for:
My relationship with Jesus
My wife ( she's hot)
My children
My extended family
Struggles
Heartache
Friends
LifePoint Community Church
United States of America
Freedom
U.S. Military
God's provision
My house
Heat
Electric
Diet Mountain Dew
My van
Clothes
People
Memories of years past
Making memories

So there you have it, just a few things that I'm thankful for. If you have any that you would like to share please do so.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble Gobble:o)

Give A Shout Out!!!!

Wow what a week! God is doing tremendous things at LifePoint and around LifePoint. He is all about what we are doing, and His hands are all over it. Philippians 4:19 says " And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus". There are many times that we don't believe this promise that God gives us. Either we don't have enough patience to wait or we try and do it ourselves to fill our needs. I was reminded this week that God fulfills His promises. Let me just sum up this week for you. #1 God gave us a $10,000 sound and lighting system! #2 God gave us $3,000 to get some odds and ends for sound! #3 God gave us $2,000 for Bibles and Case for Christ books! #4 God gave $10,000 to a ministry really close to us! #5 Many people made decisions Sunday, dealing with being ashamed! #6 LifePoint is feeding five families for Thanksgiving, great job everyone!
Again, wow what a week! Psalm 66 1-3 says " Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, " How awe-inspiring are Your works! Your enemies will cringe before You, because of Your great strength.
Will you join me in giving a shout out to God for His greatness, His faithfulness, and anything else you can think of? He truly is amazing!!!

Gobble Gobble

I'm really excited about this Christmas season for a number of reasons. But the #1 reason why I'm so excited is because LifePoint gets to serve and give in the life of five families. We have been given five names of families who are just going through a tough time. And are having difficulty finding any joy in the upcoming days. So we are going to start with Thanksgiving and provide to these families a full thanksgiving dinner that we will drop off at their homes on Sunday afternoon. The cool thing about this is that we aren't going to just drop food off and tell them to have a great day. We, as a church have a desire to build relationships with these families that we pray will be long lasting. We want to know how we can pray for them, and how we can help them. The bible talks about having compassion for people, the definition for compassion is seeing a need and having the desire to alleviate it. That is what we want to do, see the way Jesus sees, so that we can have compassion for the people around us and be able to help alleviate those needs. See it's all about being the church not just doing church. Showing people the love of Jesus yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I just can't wait to see what God is going to do through this.
And to all of you at LifePoint, thanks for stepping up and providing food you all are awesome!!!
P.S. I can't wait to see what your going to do for Christmas:0)

Speechless Again!

Well once again I found myself speechless. God once again showed me how little faith that I have. Let me give you some background. For quite sometime now we have been searching and praying for a sound system for LifePoint. In the mean time we have been using a borrowed system, that has gotten us by, but every week it seems to be slowly going out. Last Sunday as I was standing in the front row I could barely hear the singers. I went back to check with the sound guy and he pointed to the sound board indicating that everything was turned up all the way. To say the least I was a little frustrated. So this week I really started searching high and low for a system that would fit our needs. On Monday I received a call from a guy in our church who plays in our band and he said he heard about a guy that has a sound system and he wants to sell it. So I'm like cool I'll call him and go look at it. So on Wednesday night I drove out to see what this guy had to offer. He not only had a sound system, but he also had a lighting system that he wanted to sell. And I'm talking a complete set, everything that we need all sitting at this guys house. So I asked, "How much?" He said he would sell everything for $2,500! So at this point, without showing my excitement, shouted we'll take it! So now your thinking we bought the system and lived happily ever after, well if you are then your wrong. He started to second guess himself in wanting to sell it. So as I left I just told him to talk it over with his wife and pray about what he wants to do. And I will call him tomorrow.
So I my way home that night I prayed that God would work in this mans heart and that he would want to sell the system to LifePoint. Oh and also that somehow God would give us the $2,500 needed to buy it. Oh yeh, we didn't have the money:o) Called some people asked them to pray about the situation, Kendra and I prayed then went to bed.
On Thursday I started calling around to see if there was some money laying around somewhere that someone would like to give LP just in case this guy wanted to sell the system. Around 4:00pm on Thursday I called and left a message, at 5:00pm he called back. He said" Kevin after much prayer and talking with my wife we have decided to give you the sound and lighting system". I'm like great! (now thinking where am I going to get the money to pay this guy tonight?) Then he said again" yeh we are going to just give you the system. I'm like what did you just say? He said you can have the system we are giving it to you no cost. FREE!!! At that point it finally sunk in and I started to cry, then I said to him, if you were in front of me right now I would kiss you! I think he got a little scared. LOL I was in the car with Shan and I was literally speechless. Everything we picked up tonight is worth at least $10,000. Man I still can't believe it.
So once again God showed me He is a BIG God, and there is nothing that He can not do! The question is, when am I going to realize it!
All of this just shows me that God has Big things planned for LifePoint and He is committed to transforming this community that He has put us in!
Do me a favor today, thank God for His goodness!

Climbing Mount Everest (LifePoint)

The first attempts to reach the summit of Mount Everest began in the early 1920’s with the opening of the Tibetan route. Over the next thirty or so years, eight attempts were made on the Northeast Ridge and three on the Southeast Ridge. The combination of thin air, extreme temperatures and high altitude brought failure to each successive attempt.On May 29th, 1953 that man - Edmund Percival Hillary - and his companion, Tensing Norgay, achieved the seeming impossible – they climbed Mount Everest. The 34 year old kiwi and the 38 year old Nepalese Sherpa guide leader conquered the world’s tallest mountain after a slow climb at less than three steps per minute up the final three hundred yards from their last Camp. This final climb to the top had defeated seven other expeditions.

Every time I read this story I get really excited, two men, Hillary and Tensing achieved what many people before them had attempted and failed. And I'm sure there were many people who were on the sidelines, were telling these two men that they couldn't do do it either, but they had a vision to climb Mount Everest, and there was nothing that was going to get in their way. Not people telling them they couldn't, not the weather, not their physical bodies, and not the hard work that it would take. Their focus was on nothing but the vision of reaching the top of Mount Everest. And with that vision their goal was hit!

We are in the tenth month of our vision at LifePoint, with many months and years to come. There has been some good times, there has been some tough times, but through it all God has shown Himself mighty! At our official launch on October 5th we had 121 people in attendance. That was awesome and very encouraging. We knew though that the next week would really tell us what we were going to have to start with. And that next week following the launch we had 65 people in attendance. Now we had a starting point. Every week since then we have increased in attendance, with this last week having 97 in attendance. Man God is good. He is faithfully bringing the people who He wants to be at LifePoint. If you count the 3 preview services along with the services since our launch we have had nine services. What can God do in a new church? What can God do when people focus on the vision? What can God do through LifePoint? Well let me tell you what He has done. Twelve people giving their lives to Christ, every week numerous people making decisions of re-dedication, people crying out for help, people asking God to give them victory in areas of their lives like, money, family, loneliness, and fears. God has touched the hearts of people to give food to families in need, to cut grass, clean gutters, trim trees, and rake leaves. God is bringing a group of people together who say it doesn't matter what you look like, what you wear, how many tattoos, how many piercings you have, how much money you have, where you came from, and how you got here. God loves you and so do we. He is bringing people together from all over the community that want to make a difference, to put unity back into community, to love people know matter what, and to make it hard to get to hell from Findlay, Ohio. That is what God has done. And the great thing about it is He is just starting.

I love this quote by Hillary: "He wrote of the pair's final steps to the top of the world: "Another few weary steps and there was nothing above us but the sky. There was no false cornice, no final pinnacle. We were standing together on the summit. There was enough space for about six people. We had conquered Everest."

At LifePoint we are well on our way to the Summit, with our focus on the vision and God as our guide we will make it. And when we reach the summit there won't just be two people standing there, but there will be thousands.

What's Up!

Hello and Welcome to this week’s addition of WHAT’S UP!

Sermon Series: This Sunday begins the Week 1 is LOST and Lonely. Have you ever felt lonely? If you have, you’re not alone. Come this Sunday and hear PK preach what God’s Word has to say about loneliness.

Time Change: Don’t forget to change your clocks Saturday night… or you’ll be late J. Or is it early?? Either way, we get an extra hour of sleep this weekend. Hallelujah!

New NUMBERS: Please make a note of our NEW phone numbers… Phone – 419-425-3649. Fax – 419-422-7095.

Trunk or TREAT: Was a HUGE success! Thanks to everyone who came out tonight!!! We met a lot of people IN the Community tonight and we’re praying that many seeds were planted that will be harvested in the near future!! Where else can you get candy from the toilet???

IN: Mark your calendars for the next IN event, Saturday, November 8^th at 10:30 a.m. Meet in the LP parking lot. IN stands for Investing in the Needs of our community. This IN event will include random and planned raking leaves, yard work and winterization for families IN our community. Looking forward, we’re starting to plan feeding families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Details to come soon.

Set-Up: Dont forget Set-Up, Friday night, at 6:30 pm. (Anyone who can make it early, after 5:30, we’ll try to get done quickly so we can party at the Grubbies.) Anyone is welcome J!

Fall Fellowship: Tomorrow, October 31^st at PK’s house after set-up. Well serve hot and cold cider, coffee and have some games. Bring a snack to share and your favorite game (if you don’t have a favorite game, I have plenty J). Call for directions 419-889-4711.

Invite Cards: Pick up some Invite Cards in the Café this Sunday so you can invite people to LifePoint.

Well, that’s it for now! See ya’ SUNDAY!

PK

The ant has it!

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares it's provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.

Do you want to make a difference in your life or in the life of someone around you? Then pay attention to the metaphor of the ant. It amazes me that one of God's smallest creatures can become one of His greatest teachers. The lessons the ant teaches us can be summarized this way:
A - Attitude of Initiative
Ants don't need a commander to tell them to get started.
N - Nature of Integrity
Ants work faithfully and need no outside accountability to keep them doing right.
T - Thirst for Industry
Ants work hard and will replace their anthill when it gets ruined.
S - Source of Light
Ants store provisions in summer.

God has asked us to be like the ant. To be hard workers for the Kingdom of God without being told to. To glorify Him with our lives by not being slackers in this world, but by being people committed to an Attitude of Initiative, a Nature of Integrity, a Thirst for Industry, and a Source of Light. If we consider and learn from the ways of the ant, we can grow wise. Would you be willing to humble yourself and learn from the ant?

LifePoint Launches

It’s official! LifePoint Community Church has launched! And what a launch it was! The service opened with a video of PK (Pastor Kevin) at the Neil Armstrong Museum talking about VISION, vision that President Kennedy had to send US Astronauts to the moon and that Neil Armstrong had to walk on the moon! That went into the song “Final Countdown” by Europe, but with lyrics written by Shan (who knew he had that great talent??). As the prelude to “Final Countdown” was playing, two LP astronauts moon-walked to the moon (the stage, decorated as a moon) and stuck a Christian Flag and a LifePoint flag into the moon. That led into the song, with Europe look-alikes – the LP Praise Band!! LOL! The hair was too much! Then, the worship set started, as praises were lifted to the “God of Wonders” because “Today is the Day, He Has Made!!” PK shared the vision of LP and the vision that God has for each person on earth, not wanting any to perish, but at all would have eternal life. He concluded that God launched His Son into the world to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. The service concluded with the song “The Motions” by Matthew West.

The launch team enjoyed lunch and fellowship together after the service! Not it’s time to gear up for next week!! Let’s roll!

Thanks again for your prayers! Thanks to all the family and friends that joined us for this special day!!! That meant a LOT! Thanks to all who visited LP today! We pray you were blessed! Thanks to all who have caught the vision of what LifePoint is all about… Connecting the Community to Christ!

Read my wife's blog!!

Read my wife's blog you won't be disappointed!
www.kendragrubinski.blogspot.com

Off and Flying

Well we have taken off and are headed to the Dominican Republic with 11 other people. We have a men's basketball team that will play against the Dominicans at least 7 times. At half time of the game we will have the opportunity to share Jesus with them. Please pray that God will use us to make a big impact in this great country. We left this afternoon at 12:05pm, flew to Dallas, flew to Puerto Rico. And that is where we are now, delayed in Puerto Rico until 12:35am. We will now be arriving in the DR at about 1:30am. Then we will try and get a little sleep (and yes I mean a little) we need to be up by 4:45am to start heading to Barahona which is a 4 1/2 hour drive. Please pray for strength, energy, and clarity of mind. Everyone is totally excited, and anxious to get there. I'm nervous and anxious at the same time. It's been two plus years since Kendra and I have been there. Well I will update more later, I need to find out where everyone went (I think BW3's). Adios!!

Sunday Release

Well well well, where do I start? Man what a week. It was very busy, but great. God is so awesome, He always meets me where I'm at and this past week I really needed to hear some things. So here is a quick recap of my week:

1. Put the construction hat on this week to help a friend's mother fix her floor (still working on it).
2. Was invited to The Leadership Summit for Thursday and Friday.
3. Gary Haugen, Craig Groeschel, and Bill Hybels were great. Their insight on leadership and the church was much needed.
4. Thanks to Steve Long for the invite, you're the best!
5. Worked a french fry trailer for a friend, Go Franks Fries.
6. On Saturday we cooked about 2000 lbs of fries! Wow!
7. Had our second preview service, it was awesome, God was really working, we had seven people link into LifePoint to be a part of what is taking place.
   
8. Man does that make me excited!!
9. Oh yeah and to top it off we had three people who gave their life to Christ! :o)
10. God has a sense of humor. Last preview it was like a hundred degrees, we prayed for cooler weather, and He provided a nice and cool seventy four degrees. I'm not a weather man, but I think it was around there :).
11. Thanks to everyone who set up and tore down, you guys are great!
12. Special thanks to Shan for going the extra mile to get us up and running for Sunday, we appreciate all your efforts.
13. Jessica way to get The Point Cafe up and running. The coffee was much needed.
14. Had lunch at Panera, but didn't have coffee (that had to be a first).
15. Looking forward to our mission trip to the Dominican Republic. (we leave Saturday August 16th please pray)
16. LifePoint rocks and is on a roll.

Great Blog!

This is a great blog written by Perry Noble. The title says Four Types Of Staff Members but I believe this could apply to anyone who serves. In ministry I have ran into all four of these people. At LifePoint it would be great to have all #1's at least in attitude! Give me some feed back to let me know what you think.

Four Types Of Staff Members

from Perry Noble dot com by perry

One of the things I will be trying to spend some time on in our upcoming meetings with our coaching network is the issue of staffing. (WOW…it begins a week from tomorrow!) In fact, a lot of the leadership questions I get have to do with staffing…so, let me lay out five type’s of staff members, some good, some not so good…

#1 - The “Love To Do” Staff Member

This is the person you want around you! They have a positive attitude and are so pleasant to be around. This is the person who pulls up in the parking lot and actually thanks God before getting out of their car for the privilege of working there instead of thinking the church is blessed because they work there.

AND…they love their job! In fact, if they weren’t doing what they did on staff they would do it as a volunteer! They love the church and it’s vision and are willing to do everything they can!

#2 - The “Can Do” Staff Member

The one thing that has to be addressed on a staff is competency level. Because, while you may have someone who loves what they do…they just might not be able to do it. (And…in my opinion, the church should hold a higher standard here than the business community; after all, there is a lot more at stake.)

Can the person doing the job do the job? OR…has their skill set and ability been maxed out? It’s a tough call…but one that must be made in order to protect the church and the staff member.

AND…let me say that the first option should always be to move the staff member to another job…because if they are a “Love To Do” staff member then they will thrive!

#3 - The “Should Do” Staff Member

This is the person on staff that gets to the office 3 minutes late and leaves 5 minutes early. They are gone a really long time for lunch…but no one ever really knows why. They spend a lot of time on their facebook pages (that are completely not ministry related) and often talk to their friends and waste time.

Sure, they get their job done–barely…but their hearts are not into it. They do what they “should do,” nothing more, nothing less!

AND they have to go! You can’t afford this kind of dead weight in your church! God’s kingdom is WAY too important to keep these kind of people around. They are not doing what they are doing because of passion but rather a paycheck. NOT GOOD!

#4 - The “Won’t Do” Staff Member

This is the staff member, when asked to do something, responds with, “that’s not my job.”

I know this is strong…but it has been made clear here at NewSpring Church from day one that EVERYTHING is our job…and if a staff member ever uses that they are asked to clean out their office!

If you ever have a staff member that isn’t willing to do whatever it takes for the good of the church–they aren’t bought into the vision. If a staff member ever becomes more departmental (this is MY AREA) than organizational (this is MY CHURCH) then they are dangerously close to establishing ministry silo’s that need to be destroyed!

One of the things I LOVE about our staff at NewSpring Church is…nothing is beneath anyone. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to get the job done…whether that means helping set out chairs, picking up trash in the parking lot on the way in…or even straightening up the restroom when noticing it is dirty!

When a staff is willing to do whatever…that attitude spreads to the volunteers…which will IMPACT a church in a huge way!

Sunday Release

• Comeback Event at Riverside Park.
• Sunny high of about 84.
• Had a blast cooking food on a raging fire!
• Still like propane over charcoal.
• There was a lot of people!
• Was able to meet and get to know great people!
• KidsLife t-shirts are awesome! Great job Stacey!
• The games for the kids were great! Way to go Jerry,Stacey,Shan, & Jen!
• Everyone did a great job of providing food, beverages, and conversation!
• Josh and Eric need new rules for cornhole:)
• But we still won!
• Thanks to Nick and Dorothy for rescuing me with not one but two dews!!
• Tons of food.
• Burnt hamburgers, will never buy Flanders brand again.
• Did I say it was an awesome day!!
• I love our team:)
• I love the people who are going to be on our team:)
• LifePoint IS going to Impact this community!
• I love people!
• Building momentum for August 10th.
• Next preview service August 10th.
• As Shan would say "WooHoo":)
  

Taking it easy.

Well after a big weekend, I've just been cleaning some things up and getting ready for Sunday's evaluation. Got to spend some quality time with my kids today, no running around, just a little wrestling on the floor, bike ride (I was showing them how to do a wheelie), and then Popsicles. Tomorrow we have a couple ideas for the day, we will see which one works out best (possibly Cedar Point).
Over the years I've noticed how easy it is to lose track of time, get buried in your work and forget about your family. I used to be a workaholic and would neglect my family often. Fortunately I have learned over the years to make sure to take the time, I mean quality time with my family. My kids love it and look forward to it.
Friday we get to attend another Toledo Mudhen's baseball game. Kendra's mom took us a few weeks ago and we all had a great time. I want to catch a foul ball for my kids, last time we were there thats all they talked about. The quality time I spend with my family, has always proven strengthen our relationships with each other.
So if you have been busy doing what you do, and have lost track of time, stop what your doing and put a date on the calender that you can spend with your family. They will enjoy it and so will you.

Sunday Night Release

LifePoint's 1st Preview Service happened today, I was extremely happy how things went. Had a couple kinks, but you will have that in the beginning. Here are a few highlights from the day.

• Morning came really fast!
• The adrenaline was pumping!
• Everyone was on time or early (excitement)!
• We had Panera coffee and bagels!
• Man was it hot!
• We had preservice music!
• The band sounded great!
• We blew a fuse, but worked through the problem!
• It was a scorcher!
• Had someone tell me they thought the service was cool!
• Had someone tell me they thought the service was long and to load!:o)
• Had someone tell me they love it.
• Had someone tell me this is what they have been looking for!
• Did I mention it was really hot!
• Had someone accept Christ!
• Everyone did an excellent job today, pat yourself on the back!
• God is awesome!
• The preaching was ok hopefully better next time!
• Kentucky Fried Chicken buckets for the offering, priceless!
• Hot, Hot, Hot!
• Will blog more later!
  

I can't believe it!

I can't believe it's finally here. LifePoint's 1st Preview Service, tomorrow morning 10 o'clock. So many emotions running through my head, not sure how much sleep i will get tonight, but whatever I get I'm sure it will be sufficient. A special thanks to our Launch Team, we love you all!
Everyone has worked so hard to get to this first milestone, I know going into tomorrow most of us will be running on pure adrenaline. Thats ok we will rest later.
Today was a very busy day, about eleven hours of making sure all the details were taken care of. Had a couple snags along the way, but they are now taken care of and we are ready to role. From the beginning we said this was God's church and we were only laborers, nothing has changed He is in control and we are looking forward to seeing what He will do tomorrow.
Tomorrow is just another step of many of LifePoint making an impact in the community. That will be long lasting and rock solid. It's not about us, it's about Jesus and the great people of Hancock County.
Well that's it for now, I hope to see all of you tomorrow at 10. Good Night!

Really Quick

Well, another busy day almost gone. It's about 6:25pm and getting ready to meet with the best Launch team there is. We are just a few days away to our 1st preview service. Tonight we will go over some of those little details that are still out there. For the most part things are ready to go, everyone has done a great job so that we are not rushing around on Sunday. I have a few things running through my mind, I will try and blog them later tonight or in the morning.

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

Wow, the week is going by really fast. Were gearing up for our 1st preview this Sunday at 10:00a.m. We are making sure we are dotting our I's and crossing our T's. And boy is there a lot of them. There are so many little details, that need to be done. I don't really know why we call them little, to me any detail is big. If you forget one detail, doesn't matter big or small, someone will notice, probably not everyone, but someone. And at LifePoint we are striving for excellence, so every detail counts no matter how big or how small.
The sound system showed up today :)
More fliers were passed out :)
The worship team practiced :)
Everyone is doing a great job :)
God has been amazing :)
Had a great lunch with Steve Long and Ryan Pickerel at the Red Pig :)
Looking forward to a road trip this afternoon to Toledo :)
Picking up chairs and stage pieces :)
Meeting with Panera Bread (maybe a frozen mocha) :)
Having the time of my life :)
I love people :)
Sunday is right around the corner :)
God is in control :)
Man am I happy :)
God is Big and He is looking to do Big things :)

Sunday Night Release

Wow what a day today, I don't even know where to start. So I will start in the beginning.

• Up to 3:30am printing fliers and looking for another video for my message.
• Still to excited couldn't sleep.
• 8:30am walked into the church I was overcome with emotions.
• Got my composure, got ready for our 1st mock service.
• 10:00am started in the parking lot talking about the flow, then prayed!
• Prayed thru the hallways!
• Prayed in the cafe!
• Walked thru service, with no sound. God is in control :)
• The music was great! Great job Shan, Josh, Eric, Erica, Brian, Jen, and Nick.
• Coffee was great. Thanks to Jerry.
• During the run thru got chills, can't wait to see how God is going to use LifePoint.
• Had lunch at Hunan, Yum Yum
• My wife is awesome!!
• Many fliers were passed out today.
  
• Thanks to everyone who served today, job well done.
• Finished night off with a camp fire and a movie, oh yeh made Jiffy Pop on the fire.
  
• Next Sunday is going to be a blast, don't miss it.
  

More Than a Church

At LifePoint we want to be more than just another church building. We have plenty of those around, and definitely don't need anymore. We are striving to be an outward church that is looking to make an impact in the community, to role up our sleeves and dig in to make long lasting partnerships with the people.To leave the confines of our building and show people the love of Jesus by extending a helping hand, serving, and giving back to a community that has given so much. One of our goals is to put "unity" back into community. To make a difference in the lives of this generation and the generations to come. It won't be easy, but it can be done!
Will you join me as we make a difference? There's plenty of room :)

Invitation to First Preview Service

Life is messy. Kids, finances, relationships, stress… our plates are full, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At LifePoint Community Church, you’ll find new friends, great programs, and an upbeat, relevant service. We’re exploring God’s instruction manual and discovering practical tools to help build strong families, find personal fulfillment, and put our hectic lives in balance. So stop in to our preview on July 20^th, and bring the kids—even if they’re sticky.

1^st Preview Service

July 20^th 10:00 am

Corner of Western & Adams

(Old St. Mike School)

www.lifepointfindlay.com

567-208-4866

Future Previews: August 10^th & Sept. 7^th

Official Launch:

October 5^th

Where have I been?

Wow, time flies when your having fun!! I haven't blogged since June 24th,and it feels like it. Life has been fast and furious, we are only nine days away from our first preview service, with still a lot to be done. We are having the most fun that we have had in ministry. Everyday there is a new adventure, or a new snag, you never know what your going get from day to day. Things are falling into place, not in my timing but in God's timing, and that's fine by me (well sometimes:). The excitement is rising as we will be in our building this Sunday to go through a run through for next week. I just can't believe it's almost here!
Here's a shout out to our Launch Team, you guys and ladies are awesome, your doing a great job, and we are so happy that your on our team. Lets stay focused, keep our eyes on the vision, and press on. God is doing big things, and there are big things to come. We love all of you and thank you for your commitment to LifePoint.
If your reading this blog today and don't have a church you currently attend and you want to be a part of an exciting growing church that is looking to make a difference in the community, then come visit us July 2oth at 10:00am at 701 Adams st. Findlay,Ohio 45840. It's a come as you are environment, with upbeat music and an awesome kids program. So come check us out. Also you can check out our website at www.lifepointfindlay.com

Marketing

I came across this in one of the blogs I read. Check it out! I loved it.

Guerrilla Marketing

from Church Marketing Sucks by Joshua Cody

WebUrbanist is in the midst of an eight-part series on guerrilla marketing. The examples used in the series are phenomenal, and they make me wonder, "Why the heck isn't the church on the bleeding edge of this stuff?" Perhaps because guerrilla marketing campaigns can sometimes be intrusive, offensive or shocking. Or perhaps because we're just not thinking hard enough and sharp enough. Get your creative juices to flowing by following these links to your heart's content and find your favorite guerrilla marketing campaign.

• Part 1 - The History of Guerrilla Marketing
• Part 2 - The Origins and Evolution of Guerrilla Marketing
• Part 3 - Major Corporations Go For Guerrilla Marketing
• Part 4 - Guerrilla Marketing Versus Viral Marketing
• Part 5 - Guerrilla Marketing for Social Causes

JOTT

Over the last few years I have been doing more and more research on technology. Years prior I really didn't have any interest in little gadgets, communication things, surfing the web, etc. Now I really get into it. I find myself looking at ways to make my days more efficient, or ways to better communicate with people.
The other day I found a new way to communicate. It's called Jott, (www.jott.com). There are a couple of reasons why I like this new item. First of all, if I'm driving down the road or in a place where I don't have anything to write on, I can call Jott, and they will take my information and then send me an email with the same info that I told them. So I will never forget a great idea! The other reason is if i need to email someone while driving or again in a situation with no email, I can call Jott, and they will take the info then send the email to the person that I chose from my contacts.
This is really cool. You have to check it out! And start Jottin.

What is everyone reading?

Last Sunday I talked more about "Defining Moments" Being Plateaued. Two ways to get off the plateau was to #1 Dream Again #2 Learn Again. One way to learn is to read. To read a book that stimulates your mind. So I'm asking everyone out there, what are you reading? Right now I'm reading Fusion by Nelson Searcy - Turning first time guests into Fully- Engaged members of your church.
This is going to be cool to see what everyone is reading!

Time to move forward!

I was reading a blog from Ed Stetzer (EdStetzer.com (1o)
this morning, and he was recapping the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the convention Pastor Johnny Hunt from First Baptist Woodstock was named President. Congratulations Pastor Johnny! I know he will do a great job. Back to the blog; well read this and then I will comment:

Desire for More Methodological Diversity

"So many I spoke with desire to reach out to churches of different ministry paradigms. That is good news. Now, my only hope is that it is not too late.

Actually, that is not right. It is too late for many. We have preached out a whole generation of contemporary church pastors and they won't return. However, there is hope to connect with some who are still open and willing. My time with Troy Gramling, pastor of Flamingo Road Church (with over 7,000 in attendance each week) encouraged me that such is possible. And the scores of men planting culturally relevant churches (contemporary, urban, emerging, etc.) and many more seeking to revitalize plateaued churches give me hope for a future of biblically sound and missiologically diverse SBC congregations in North America. We will always be a convention of primarily traditional churches, and I am so thankful for them, but I am encouraged that there may be room at the table for other biblically faithful expressions of church and ministry."

I thought this was a good section, it's sad to read and see that in years past the SBC has preached out contemporary church pastors. I do believe this was and is changing. Over the last few years we have been in some great SBC churches, some were traditional and some were contemporary. Like First Baptist Woodstock, Bethel Baptist (Alabama), Fellowship Church, and NorthPoint. Seeing these churches is what helped us to make the decision to partner with the SBC. We are launching a contemporary church that is looking to make a difference in our community by changing the methods of how church is done , but not changing the life changing message of the Bible. So, to see that things are changing, for the simple reason to see more people reached is encouraging. Our partnership with the SBC has been great and I see this partnership lasting for many years. It's time to put the past in the past and "prepare for rain"!

To Much

I have been trying to decide what to blog about today, but there is so much I don't know what to bring to the table. It's almost like a tornado effect, everything is swirling around at a fast rate of speed. I would have to say that my emotions today have been up and done. I've caught myself trying to look ahead to tomorrow, hoping it will be better or at least different.
I'm trying to stand on God's promises, to get me through the day. God tell us to trust him, but there are days when this is difficult. It's hard to trust a physical person, someone you can touch, like your wife or husband, even if they are standing right in front of you. I don't like days like these, I wish they would never come. I need to stay strong, need to stay focused, need to lean on God, need to keep my eyes on Jesus.
I believe God uses these days to test our faith and trust in Him. So all day in my head I have been repeating this verse Isaiah 40:31 - but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
Have you ever had days like these? What did you do? Throw in the towel, or press on.
I pray that you pressed on. Trust in the LORD!!

New Sport: People Watching

If you live on the same planet as me, you may have notice that there are a lot of people. I mean everywhere you go you run into people. And they are all different. By the way they dress, eat, walk, talk, act, work, problems, lifestyle, and etc. I remember when I was younger and living at home, my momma and I would go to the mall, buy a coke, find a nice bench to sit on in the middle of the mall, and just sit there and watch people. We would do it for hours, I started to think that we were inventing a new sport, instead of bird watching, or whale watching, we were people watching. We would watch how people acted, dressed, who they were there with (boyfriend/girlfriend, family, etc.) I think my mom even listened in on some conversations. I would have to admit to you at ten and eleven years old I laughed a few times at what I saw and heard.
I was thinking, as Christians, should we be people watching? Not watching people so we can laugh at them or judge them, but to watch them so that we can help them. The Bible talks about how Jesus is our example, and when I read verses like Matthew 9:36, "When he saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd."
There are two key words in this verse, 1) saw 2)compassion.
The word compassion means to see a problem and being able to alleviate it.
I was in the grocery store the other day standing in the checkout line. I happened to be watching the lady in front of me pay for her groceries, then I noticed she was digging into her purse, then taking things out of the bag. Thanks to God I was able to see the situation this lady was in, and was able to help out by paying for the groceries. The lady and the cashier couldn't believe it.
My point in all this, is that we need to watch or look for ways to help someone out. To have compassion for them and show them the love of Christ. So I challenge you to take up the new sport of People Watching! And make a difference in your community!

Help!!

Have you ever been in your house, car or outside and it felt like everything around you was caving in? The pressure inside of you was building and building to the point of total meltdown. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere you opened your mouth and out came the word HELP as loud as it could come out. Well I've done it many times. And I'm sure I will do it many times to come. There just becomes times in our lives when it feels like things are out of control, everything is going downhill, and we can't stop it or we don't know how to stop it. We look around, to see what we can grab onto. Something that we can lean on or cushion the fall. Only not to find anything. Then to find out we've been looking in the wrong places. Psalm 121 is a great reminder where our help comes from. Instead of looking around here on earth, we need to look up to the Creator of heaven and earth. He loves us ans is waiting to help us. So go ahead and let out that big scream for help, but then look to God and let Him give you the help that you need.
Psalm 121 -
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

5 The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.

6 The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.

7 The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.

8 The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.