Top Ten Posts of 2008

I haven't posted in a couple of days. Two reasons: (1) I wanted Sunday's post to stay up long enough to ensure that everyone who logs on would read it. It was heart-felt and I didn't want its message to get buried at the bottom of the page too quickly, (2) I was also having a little difficulty with my "comments" section. It seems that no one has been able to leave a comment (since last week) - none were getting through. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

At any rate, I thought a good way to end this year would be to list the top-ten posts of 2008. The following list contains the ones that received most attention.

10. Size Matters - here

9. Dumb Dogs - here

8. Absalom at the Gate - here

7. Absalom and His Campaign Promises - here

6. True Colors - here

5. The Ten-Year Hiccup (Part 1) - here

4. The Ten-Year Hiccup (Part 2) - here

3. I'm Not Being Fed at My Church - here

2. Children of the Devil - here

1. A Church I Heard Something About - here

The Ten Year Hiccup - Part 2

Part one of the Ten Year Hiccup was posted August 26, 2009. You may read it HERE

In the spring of 1998 we officially launched PCC. Our congregation was small, resources were limited, and our budget was meager. But our statements, strategy, and leadership structure was solid and Biblically based.

Along the way, and over the years, we encountered a few problem people who challenged our mission, but that’s a normal part of church life. Besides, our philosophy of ministry was firmly established and this provided us with stability during those times. But at year number nine, as we began experiencing more growth and moved into our new building, it didn’t take long for the most vocal to start asserting themselves as leaders of our church resulting in a great amount of unrest. Their varying demands and voluminous complaints quickly threatened to sidetrack our church. The internal tension quickly overshadowed our mission.

What happened was a very small group of people expected to be placed in certain leadership positions they were not Biblically qualified to fill, or either did not have the time to devote to. The new and increasing demands of our church was now requiring the highest levels of integrity and more full-time attention than what these people were able to make themselves available for. Yet, they were insistent that our forward progress be held (back) to the level of their availability, or eligibility. This was the real source of tension. It was a power play on their part. They viewed our church as a “share holders” club and felt entitled to certain considerations. When they didn't get their way, their resulting behavior only confirmed their ineligibility.

Let me pause here to say – when a church has Biblically unqualified people sitting in seats of authority, anarchy and dissent will threaten everything. This is why the Bible places very high standards upon those who serve in churches at the highest levels of leadership. These standards are non-negotiable. Biblically un-qualified leaders will cause a great deal of harm to a church. In contrast, men & women who are Biblically qualified will bring safety and health to the body of Christ. This is the standard we have always held to for those who serve as elders, overseers, staff members, or on our corporate board.

Sensing they would not be able to take over, certain individuals began vicious campaigns of discord and dissent. This in turn resulted in other people becoming beguiled and misled. These instigators had to be removed, and were. Still others needed discipline. Others quietly stepped down. Some went out loudly. This was a tough time for us. But we met the challenge and decisive action was taken without backing down. Without it, our church was on the verge of being taken over by people who would have ruined it.

For the record, the people who serve at the highest levels of leadership at PCC, and those who serve on our corporate board, are people who are Biblically qualified to do so. Additionally, they are able to devote the amount of time required. For them, this is not a hobby. Neither is it a spare-time (or part-time) endeavor. It is a first priority for them. It’s always been this way at PCC. These individuals are called of God, and have the proper disposition to be where they are. They have the right kind of family skills (honed in the context of their own families) that they use for managing God’s family. They possess the necessary gifts to lead our church in a God-honoring, Christ-exalting manner. They understand the ministry, and have only the best interests of PCC at heart. They have the authority to provide leadership and administrate the church. They are empowered to exercise church discipline when necessary. They show troublemakers the door, teach the teachable, and encourage the broken. They train others for future leadership, reach the lost, and expose heretics who creep in unawares so that our church won't turn into an asylum of false-gospel crackpots or a haven for beguiling lunatics.

PCC has always had, currently has, and in the future will have more of, such leaders. In 2009, our ministry leadership team will be expanded. This is something I am very excited about.

The need for Biblically-based, formal, and qualified leadership has always prompted me to keep the ministry leadership pure at our church. This is why our church has grown, both in spiritual health and size.

And this is why 2009 will be even better.

The Ten-Year Hiccup

Fellow Pastors,

I once heard Bill Hybles say that most churches will experience a “hiccup” about every ten years or so. That is, something difficult happens about once a decade that becomes a defining moment in the church’s history. It might be a crisis over direction, the moral failure of a staff member, a power struggle, or simply a transitional period as the church moves from one phase to the next. How the senior pastor and leadership team leads the church during this time is crucial. If led right, the outcome for the church will almost always be positive and beneficial.

Let me tell you about our ten-year hiccup.

When PCC first began we were very happy. Full of hope, dreams, and great enthusiasm, we launched our church in faith. Over time we gathered a loving congregation. Everyone knew everyone else. We had incredible fellowship. In many ways it was the ideal church. We were a tight-knit community of believers who ate meals together, visited in one another’s homes, and enjoyed corporate worship together.

Over the years we began to grow, just as we had always envisioned. New people were joining our family and assimilating in very nicely. This was easy enough. But as our church continued to grow even more, it became apparent that our old ways of operating would not work any longer. At one time in our church’s history everyone could get together and have meaningful discussions about the church’s direction. Spare-time thinkers and part-time participants were enough to make it happen.

But once we started approaching five hundred in attendance and moved into permanent facilities, it became impossible to operate that way. Our systems became overtaxed. More was happening than we could keep up with. Issues needed immediate attention. Legal matters needed to be addressed. Key people, who we had relied upon to get things done, could no longer devote the amount of time to church business that was now being required – and our church began to suffer for it. Church officers were missing scheduled meetings on a regular basis. Meetings were constantly being postponed and rescheduled until all parties could “get some spare time.” Decisions that should have taken only a few minutes to make were stretching out for days at a time, sometimes even weeks! In short, the work of the church was NOT getting done. On top of that, mission-drift was setting in. Groups operated independently of our church. Ministry leaders and staff were pulling their departments in their own direction, draining limited church resources. Ministry teams had their own agenda and operated accordingly. These "independent operators" no longer supported the mission of PCC, rather their own. We had become a federation of sub-ministries with each one doing its own little song-and-dance. Turfism was setting in. We were wobbling out-of-balance.

Something had to be done, and quickly. Otherwise, we were headed for a major train wreck. And quite frankly, not everyone was spiritually gifted to be steering the ship at this level. Our happy little church of potluck dinners had grown to a whole new level. We had reached the place where everyone no longer knew everyone else, nor could everyone know all that was going on. The church’s business had become very complex and needed immediate, full-time attention with improved systems.

At this stage every person in our church family (including me) had one of two choices: (1) adapt and rise to meet the new challenges, or, (2) resist.

Some people did not adjust well to the challenges. Our new reality was too much for them. Yet we could not stop the growth of our church (and emphasis upon the Great Commission) just because a few people were not adjusting. Besides, we had already spelled it out from day-one (in seminar 101) what our mission was, our vision, our strategy, how our church was structured, and how it was to be led. And now it was actually happening. These events should have come as no surprise to anyone.

Those people who found these new realities difficult to cope with expected us to go back to what we used to be. One man even suggested we “go back to the days of Freedom Hall.” A couple of others even attempted a coup d’état (overthrow). I discovered that the “small church mentality” was still alive and well at PCC. It was the “big fish in a small pond” syndrome. We had reached critical mass and it crunch time for us.

What did we do? We pressed forward meeting the challenge before us. The pond got bigger. I held fast to our statements, strategy, and structure. We corrected the misison drift and got this ship back on course. We improved our internal systems, implemented new policies, and expanded our church’s structure. We included new people in the process, adjusted the organizational flow-chart, assigned new job descriptions, and established additional tiers of leadership.

We lost a few people over this. A couple of them went out loudly; even sinfully. On the other hand, supportive, godly people in our church family covered me with their prayers. Reliable church members stepped up and filled the gaps. Loyal staff members and other key leaders “stayed the course.” We even witnessed new leaders emerge who had been hidden in our ranks all along. All of these people proved to be real champions to me.

The end result? Our ministry today is more fruitful than it was in the past. God is truly “building the house.” Our church has continued to grow. Nearly every Sunday we see people commit their lives to Christ. We have baptized over 100 people in last twelve months, (here on-campus, as well as at off-campus sites). Lives are being changed in very dramatic ways. Small groups flourish. Teenagers are on-fire for God. Worship is authentic. Unity and harmony exist. New discipleship classes have been launched being staffed with new teachers. Our departments are staffed with happy volunteers. Giving is strong as our people give sacrificially – even in today’s bad economy!

We are still a very happy church. Why? Because our long-range vision is finally becoming a reality. What we have dreamed about for so many years is finally happening! And we now have the right people in place to help make it happen. They have expressed full “buy in” to what we are doing. And for the record, these people are (1) charter and long-term members who adapted, and, (2) new members. They have the “can do” attitude necessary to get ‘er done.

We still have incredible fellowship in our church family too. Strong friendships have been forged on the anvil of adversity. There are multiple congregations within our congregation, making for a tight-knit community of believers who still eat together, visit one another’s homes, and who share life together. In many ways things are still the same as it was at the beginning – only larger, and better.

Myself, I serve with a great deal of gladness. I am happy and fulfilled. I have made a lot of new (and close) friends. I am thankful to be just a small part of what God is doing in PCC. I don’t deserve this, but I am enjoying the ride.

Now, none of this could have been accomplished if we had “gone back.” If we had caved-in our church would be only a shell of what we are today. PCC was led well during a time of transition, and we are the better for it!

That’s what happened. It was a “normal event” in the life cycle of any growing church.

The best part of all?

• Most of the people in our congregation never knew any of this happened
• And all the new people who are now coming to PCC could care less about it

It was only a hiccup.

So take heart and lead well.

Porn in My E-mail

QUESTION: If I receive an e-mail from a church member which contains an attachment of porn, what should I do? ANOTHER QUESTION: What if that same e-mail is sent to my wife, and half a dozen other women in our church?

Well, that’s exactly what happened, and it is connected to our ten year hiccup. This might help shed some light on that situation and let you know the kind of junk I’ve had to deal with.

This person was an active member of PCC who sent it to us accidentally. He thought he was sending it to a group of men who were in his small group, but somehow got his e-mail addresses mixed up with our addresses and inadvertently included us in this tasteless practice. Talk about a blunder.

To be honest, this incident put us in a tail spin. Situations like this call for decisiveness, but they also call for prudence (caution) lest we do more harm than good. I wasn’t sure what to do. Do we confront him on it? What about the other men on his e-mail list – were they willing participants? If so, the problem is bigger than I thought. What about his wife? – think of the public embarrassment she would suffer if it came out into the open. Should we shield her? And what about the other ladies who received this e-mail and were offended by this dastardly deed? You can see the dilemma I was facing. I wasn’t the only one involved here - there were seven other women affected by this… not counting the men on his e-mail list that he intended to send this to.

Let me pause to say that if this man is secretly into porn that was his business and he’ll have to settle up with God one day. But once it was sent to me, my wife, and the other women in our church, as well as the men on his e-mail list, then it became my business. Judgment day would have to wait. This was happening in the church that is under my charge, and was affecting a lot of people.

I decided to handle this matter quietly and make him aware of what I knew. Which I did. It was then that the fertilizer hit the fan! Oh boy did it ever. He turned on me like a chameleon having hot flashes! Here I was trying to do the right thing in the right way (discretely), but when he realized his e-mail was sent to at least seven women in the church (and me) he went ballistic and got vicious in an attempt to divert attention away from himself. These were godly women whose honor needed to be respected and I’m attempting to handle this in a quiet Biblical manner and he wants to cop an attitude on me? It became obvious that containment was no longer possible… all his own doing (I might add) because he was the one making the scene.

Next I spoke to a couple of men who were on the e-mail list, and they sloughed it off, and laughed.

After that, I even made our church trustees aware of the situation. All three of them ignored the issue and refused to respond. Neither did they offer me any support in addressing the matter - I was on my own and alone. Then, much to my chagrin, I discovered that one of them, and possibly two, were complicit in this e-mail having gladly received it and were delighted to get more!

Man, I knew it was time do something. I needed to clean house. A church member needed correction, a group of men needed rebuke, a small group needed to be disbanded, and a broken leadership system that was installing unfit leaders into position needed to be overhauled!

• I Peter 4:17 (KJV) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

This man quickly joined himself with the malcontents in his group (and who were on his e-mail list) and launched into a vicious campaign of rumors about me and our church. He deliberately tried to bring ruin to me by concocting the most absurd lies you could ever imagine. While preposterous, they did cause me some damage and harm – especially to my family. If his campaign of slander had succeeded it would have destroyed the congregation of PCC. This action, in and of itself, made him an enemy of the cross and maybe even a two-fold child of hell. After all, he was willing to damage the Bride of Christ just to cover his own corruption. The things he said to people in the community among unsaved people were inexcusable – they brought reproach to the cause of Christ.

This should have come as no surprise to me, but it did. I understand now that when a person lives in the gutter they don't mind pulling other people (even respectable people) down into the gutter with them - even if they have to lie to do it. He became one of the main instigators and a primary ring leader during our ten year hiccup. But it was all a smoke screen to hide the fact that he was a dirty old man who got caught.

Does this begin to shed some light on people you think you know?

In spite of my attempt to provide godly and compassionate leadership in handling this situation discretely (for all the parties concerned), a few people chose to side with this son of Belial rather than remain in a good church. They chose a brute beast over a shepherd, and I took the brunt of blame for it.

Now, this is the kind of junk my family and I have been dealing with from these people. Could you do this job?

Let me offer some pastoral advice from a shepherd who knows what God expects. If you want to align yourself with people like that, fine, that’s your business. But if you are a sheep in this flock, what you do is also my business. The Bible warns you to withdraw yourself from such a person:

• I Corinthians 5:11 (KJV) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Here the Bible commands us to not to keep company with a man who calls himself a Christian when you can clearly see he is living in unrepentant sin. In fact, you’re not even supposed to have a hamburger with him! I am astonished at the people who willingly ignore these teachings from Holy Writ and also ignore the evidence (of corrupt fruit) that is visible in such a person’s life. It is much better to keep yourself under the care of a godly shepherd who has been charged to watch over your soul and who guards the flock. Follow the wrong people and you could be led astray like others.

From a leadership standpoint, there are instances in which we have to go public with situations like this – not always – but sometimes. I attempted to handle this incident discreetly, but it was not to be. So it’s time that I reveal the facts as they occurred, and here’s why – for the future health of our church.

• I Timothy 5:20 (NIV) Those who sin are to be REBUKED PUBLICLY, so that the others may take warning.

This passage shows us that the sins of an unrepentant person are to be brought out into the open for all to see! One of the reasons for public disclosure is for the sake of the church. It tends to deter others from committing similar crimes, and in so doing keeps the congregation and their worship pure.

It was a painful and humiliating ordeal for me, my family, and some godly women of PCC - and I have carried this burden in silence for a long time. Now that the situation has been fixed and our church is well and thriving, it’s time for you to know. It was the height of disrespect for me as a pastor, and these women as ladies. But I got it cleaned up. It cost me a pound of flesh to do so, but our worship is pure. This brute beast and his complicit companions no longer defile our church or disrespect our women.

Again, does this begin to shed some light on people you think you know?

This is no longer a secret. Just ask.

Saturday 411

My home computer has been in the repair shop for over a week.  That's why there has been a slight slow-down in my blogging activity.  i.e., I do most of my writing from home because I am usually too busy at the office or during normal business hours to write there/then.  But I'm back up and running with my home computer again and look forward to posting this week.

Writing is a pastime of mine that I enjoy a lot. 

I also enjoy gardening (vegetables, herbs, and flowers), bonsai, guitar, fishing, and exercise.  Anything outdoors.

I'm playing guitar in the worship band tomorrow.  Looking forward to it.  It's been a long time - probably more than one year.

New service time begins tomorrow too.  9:30 AM

I still have one Jack Russell puppy to find a good home for.  Male.  Eleven weeks old.  Tri- color:  black & tan on white.  Exceptional dog.

2012 is going to be a great year for me personally and for PCC.  Really looking forward to it.

Our church is perfectly positioned for such as time as this.  God has raised up and brought in some exceptional people over the last few years (since our ten year hiccup) to take us to the next level.

The time is now.  It's all good.

The inside of our building has experienced an extreme makeover this week.  The atrium, children's wing, and sanctuary have been redesigned.  Even the landscaping has been improved.

You're going to be impressed.

New Year.  New Beginning

Our First Members and a Thirteen Year Journey

The very first members of PCC were:  Renae Christian, Chuck Bell, DJ Bell, my father (Hoss), my mother (Jewel), Renae’s mother (Carylon), and myself.  There were seven of us.  Humble beginnings.  I am deeply indebted to them and filled with gratitude for believing in the vision of starting a new church.  Of course, it wasn’t about me, but their love for Jesus that caused them to “buy in.”  We spent six weeks in my living room hand-addressing 5000 envelops which contained an open letter to the community inviting irreligious people to our first public service on Easter Sunday, 1998.

Here it is, almost fourteen years later.  In April of next year (just six months from now) PCC will celebrate fourteen years of ministry!  I can hardly believe all that has happened over that time:  planting the church with no financial backing, no people, and no income; being a bi-vocational pastor for almost a decade; growing as a congregation; buying 25 acres of land with very little money  (this purchase was MIRACLE in itself); meeting in a school cafeteria for 8 ½ years; our building program; Hurricane Dennis and the collapse of our building; baptizing hundreds of people; discipling almost as many; our Ten Year Hiccup (which cost me a pound of flesh); having to officiate at my father’s funeral and then preaching two days later in the Sunday service; to eventually becoming a multi-staff church with dozens of ministries led by exceptional leaders. 

Wow.  What a journey.

It feels like a whirlwind, but when I stop to remember the entire journey I am reminded there were plenty of disappointments and successes along the way.

After resigning from the denomination I had belonged to for a number of years, my family and I returned to Santa Rosa County to establish PCC as a church for the unchurched.  We deliberately positioned ourselves differently than the existing churches in the area because we wanted to reach the kinds of people that the existing churches were not reaching.  We prayed and sought God to confirm the calling and then proceeded to have a Bible study in my home for our launch group, consisting of the original seven.

Six weeks later we launched on Easter Sunday, 1998, having our first public service.  Seventy people showed up.  We met for a while, God added a few more people, and our church was off to a decent start.  Looking back, I didn’t totally know what I was doing.  But I had a vision and had enough faith to believe God for the impossible.  I always felt like this was my calling.  Other people were inspired, bought in and supported the work and eventually God’s favor began to manifest itself in fruitfulness.  Somehow in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, we grew.

Of necessity, I was bi-vocational for almost a decade.  I owned an operated a landscaping business, and a pine straw sales business, just to make ends meet.  My two sons were in elementary and middle school, and by the time they entered high school, it was the most expensive period of my life when my income was the lowest.  We lived penny-to-penny and paycheck-to-paycheck.  Yet, we marveled as we watched God provide just in time.  Our faith grew.

We didn’t want to take people from other Christian churches because we felt like there were enough unchurched (or de-churched) people in the area that we could target.  We had a lot of church hoppers, church shoppers, drift in and out of PCC.  We also had a lot of double-dippers show up (i.e., people who attended with us on Sunday morning but attended other churches on Sunday or Wednesday nights) to take advantage of every opportunity offered without giving anything back, so I encouraged them, rather, I insisted, that they choose one church they could commit to and serve in.  Many left us.  I was glad because it was too draining to have these double-dipping consumers bleed us dry. 

In time, new families started to come – some even drove from great distances away to attend with us; as far away as West Pensacola and East Milton.  There were also some real conversions taking place and we started to look like a real church; baptisms, disciples, and personal growth.   In spite of the dirty school cafeteria we met in, we found a niche in our community among the irreligious and those who had given up on traditional churches.  The straight forward teaching we offered appealed to many, especially the unchurched, which was a surprise to me.  The most common compliment I heard was, “I am learning what the Bible actually says” or “you make it plain for me to understand.”  No higher compliment could be paid to a teacher.  Our casual atmosphere, church band, exceptional talent, emphasis upon fellowship, and down-to-earth style was attractive too.  We had no traditions – except the Bible, baptism, and communion – so we were free and flexible to try new methods when the notion struck us.  All of this worked in our favor.  We wanted to attract irreligious people, and we succeeded. Yet this came with it own set of challenges.  Ministering to messy people is messy work.

Disappointments

Both Renae and I sent endless hours with dysfunctional people, working through life issues, sexually deviant behaviors, violent marriage problems, and fragmenting families.  Along the way we also busied ourselves by doing all the church hospitality events (like refreshments wedding showers, baby showers, dinners, fellowship activities, etc), all while struggling with our own home-related pressures of raising kids, paying bills, and coping with family illnesses.

Without a mother church or denomination supporting us, we were more alone than I ever realized we would be.  We were on our own.  We assumed this was what church planting looked like and just kept at it until our joy got depleted.  The stress affected our home life, causing significant strain at times.  But God always came through, and because of our commitment to each other, Renae and I have always seen our way through the difficult seasons.  There have been plenty of times when both of us felt like we were drowning.

We genuinely cared about the people in our church, but realized that many of them didn’t feel the same way about us.  Relationship drama is probably the hardest part of church planting (or pastoring an established church for that matter).  We constantly had of people in our home, trying to serve them, disciple them, minister to them, and embrace them.  People virtually lived with us, others called at all hours of the night, and we poured our lives into the church.  The stress and long hours were exhausting.

I kept praying for God to bring some mature people to help, but that didn’t happen instantly.  We had faithful people like my family members and a handful of friends who did childcare, served on Sunday mornings, stacked chairs, set up the sound system, who served in hospitality, and served unselfishly in a variety of areas on Sunday morning.  We even had band practice in my garage for a number of years.  It was a great picture of people doing what they could to keep the burden off one person.

In the midst of it all, God was doing a deep work within me for His glory and our redemption.  I have never liked confrontation, but now I realize there are times that confrontation is necessary in order to protect the truth and the people we love most… and to grow in Christ.

We had a lot of confrontation along the way.  Almost every week there was some “issue” arising that I needed to address.  I developed thick skin along the way too.  I know how to fight and was willing to do so when necessary.  I had been laying down my life for the sheep of this congregation, and there was no way I would ever allow anyone else tear it apart.  The most significant confrontational period in my life was PCC’s Ten Year Hiccup.  What started out as nothing more than “work place junk” turned into a lot of very sinful behavior.  It was withering.  Yet PCC survived and so did I.

Highlights

Over the years a lot of non-Christians came to see what was going on at PCC.  It was different than anything they had seen before in churches in our area, and they didn’t feel like an outcast.  As someone who had been exposed to traditionalism and heavy doses of legalism for a number of years, I had to really change what my definition of what a Christian “looked” like.  It was no longer the conservatively dressed, Victorian-laced, proper-mannered, nice person that I had usually seen in church.  Rather, we began to see raw people, with complicated lives, who didn’t wear in suits, or listen to the Lawrence Welk type music that I had usually seen in church.  We saw flip-flop wearing, short-pants wearing, independent-minded people from all walks of life show up at PCC who surrendered their lives to God and had a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.  We also saw a lot of hurting people find healing in Christ.

I was so excited to see this.  It also convicted me of my judgmental attitude of people that didn’t fit the Christian stereotype.  It’s hard to change your DNA, unless you are wiling to be a “growing” person.  I was ashamed of the way that many churches had excluded such amazing and servant-minded people, and I didn’t want to be part of that rejection.  Jesus is our great example of serving and saving sinners like me.

God kept saving people (in spite of a few self-righteous types who found their way into PCC, and even on our staff), and our church kept growing.  People loved to hear me teach the Bible, bringing it to life.  It was evident that God had given us a humbling opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.  The stories of life change (and salvations) were nothing short of miraculous.  I can recall dozens of married couples recovering form adultery and unfaithfulness; divorced couples getting remarried; married couples celebrating their silver and golden anniversaries; addicts being freed form drugs and alcohol, single moms getting married to godly men, numerous baby dedications; and people simply excited to learn about Jesus!  Additionally, we practice a great deal of church discipline at PCC and I am amazed at how much God blesses us for this.  It’s also a pure joy to see the many people in our church family who humbly submit to it and eventually find their way back to ministry involvement.  It really is amazing.  I think we have a good New Testament church.

Optimistic about the Future

I’m not very emotional, but I am moved when I reflect on all that God has done and how much His people have sacrificed to PCC for His purposes.  God has done the impossible in Pace Florida, saving hundreds of people who were totally lost, totally depraved, and incapable of finding their way to Him except for His sovereignty in drawing them to salvation, and He did so through the ministry of this church.  I might add, He did so “in spite of” us because we are far from perfect.  We don’t always get it right.

The journey of PCC has been the hardest and the best thing that God has used to develop me as a person, as a minister, and as a husband & father.  My family and I love Jesus.  We understand the importance of living a God-honoring life.  We have amazing friends that surround us and we experience community – like an extended family – along with people who are still coming to the faith.

Today, right now, at this very moment, I trust God in ways I never knew I could.  I didn’t do anything to deserve the blessings of PCC.  He is a good God that makes sinners holy, wondering people whole again, and lost people found.  He honors faith, and can even use regular people like me, the original seven, and hundreds of others, to plant a church that brings glory to Him.  My hope is in God, and that He hasn’t finished His work at PCC or in me.  I am very thankful for His forgiveness and patience.  I look forward to many more years of serving and loving His people.  I can’t wait to hear more amazing stories of lives being changed by the power of God.

This never gets old.

Sunday Mind Dump

• Today was a good Sunday.
  
  
• After the first service, I didn’t think people were going to leave. The atrium was still fully crowded when the second service began. It’s good that people like to hang out that long. I’m glad that church is not a bummer for them.
  
  
• In some ways I love the rumors I hear being spoken about our church. Some of them are so off-base that there is nothing to do but laugh.
  
  
• On the other hand, there are more good things being said about us than bad. I’m glad God has given us favor among men. I’m glad the devil is mad too.
  
  
• We got some new faces at PCC who are helping make things happen. Always glad for this.
  
  
• I was thinking this week how important it is to be around people who make you laugh and you can relax around.
  
  
• Our newest drummer - Greg G - is nailing it right now. FYI, a major rule for a musical band is this – no drummer is better than having a bad drummer. Here's why: Because a bad drummer will throw the timing off and the whole band will sound like a train wreck. Better to not have one than have a bad one. But Greg is nailing it. His timing is good and he adds a lot of cool elements (like drum rolls and quick turn arounds). Most amazing of all is he taught himself!
  
  
• Have you ever had that feeling like something big is about to happen? I can’t put my finger on it exactly (yet), but I feel anticipation rising in me. Do you feel that way?
  
  
• Some people think I’m kidding when I tell them my last name is Christian and they know I am a pastor. Some actually think I had my named legally changed.
  
  
• There are some people who left PCC in the past who need to come back. I’m thinking of those who were collateral damage in our Ten Year Hiccup. They were not the instigators, but followers who got caught up in the junk of others. Some of these victims have stopped attending church altogether. Someone messed with their mind and messed them up to church. They need to come back. This is their home. This is where they belong.
  
  
• We are going to be conducting a direct mail campaign soon and plan to penetrate more than 15,000 homes with a message of encouragement from PCC. It’s good we get a non-profit discount (just mere pennies each) or we would not be able to afford. In fact, we hope to do this twice before the end of the year, and then again next year just before Easter. People in this are need to know PCC exists, what we are about, and that God is the answer for whatever challenges in life they are facing.
  
  
• Next April PCC will be twelve years old.
  
  
• I think PCC could very likely become a regional church, instead of only being a neighborhood church.
  
  
• This Sunday starts the new message series, Future Shock.
  
  
• Renae is out of town for a few days. She left after church today and will be back Wednesday about noon. She is visiting friends in our previous church near Gainesville FL.
  
  
• That means I’m a bachelor for the next few days……. I guess it’s fish sticks and cold tater tots for me!
  
  
• You can’t out give God. That’s not just “preacher speak” – it’s a principle for managing your life and finances. When we do our part, God promises to do His part. In fact, the only time in the Bible that God says PROVE ME or TEST ME is in regard to the giving of tithes to Him. See Malachi 3.
  
  
• For now, I'm chillin in my easy chair.

Sunday Mind Dump - September 5, 2010

• Okay. Where to start…. It was Labor Day weekend, attendance was off 70 people. Still we had over 400 in attendance (about 410 I think)
  
  
• We now have 38 people signed up to be baptized next Sunday. Wow!
  
  
• Today’s talk on baptism was one of my better talks on this topic. I really liked the insights that Romans 6:1-11 was able to offer. As often as we have baptized people over the years, it’s hard for me to talk on the same topic time after time and keep it fresh.
  
  
• The key thought: When Paul was appealing to the believers at Rome to break with their former life and stop the sin business, he did NOT tell them to recall the day of their conversion or the day they said the sinner’s prayer. Instead he had them recall the day they were baptized. Three times he used the word “baptize” to remind them that this was the turning point in their lives – now live accordingly.
  
  
• I also enjoyed having the “family talk” too. I opened up and shared my heart. It was personal to me.
  
  
• The new song, “Revelation Song” was simply amazing. Beverly Johnson hit it out of the ball park! And I mean it. Taylor Broz did an excellent job on the flute again! What a nice addition her instrument has been to our musical mix; it adds a whole new layer. And Jodi Burgess is nailing it on keyboard!
  
  
• I have counted 35 comments on Facebook this afternoon that people have posted about Pace Community Church, how much they love it, and today’s service.
  
  
• You know, we don’t have all the big time amenities that other churches are able to offer. But we do have a good church. Our strengths are in simple things like giving God our best, good music, God-honoring worship, solid teaching, strong fellowship, lasting relationships that have been forged over time, and a congregation full of humble servants. Thanks guys.
  
  
• I made some buffalo wings yesterday (Saturday). My son Nathan said they were the best he has ever had. My wife and sister enjoyed them too. They were hot, and needless to say I had a major attack last night.
  
  
• College football season has began. I’m glad. With a touch of fall in the air this morning I’m now getting into the mood. Looking forward to some football parties (small group type gatherings) soon.
  
  
• I like the people I go to church with.
  
  
• I have a confession to make. Preaching & teaching two services each Sunday is beginning to be much harder on me than before. I don’t just mean tired; I mean total exhaustion and mental fatigue. Keep me in your prayers.
  
  
• Next Sunday afternoon I will be in a leadership meeting. It’s no coincidence that this will happen on a Sunday when we have ONE service.
  
  
• Leadership development is my main priority right now. For the remainder of the year I will be devoting most of my energy to that single task – discovering, developing, and deploying others.
  
  
• A lot of exciting things are on the planning board right now for PCC, and a few are on the drawing board too. If you read my blogs regularly, you will notice a common theme for the last several weeks. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read between the lines.
  
  
• Renae and I are looking forward to our 10-12 day break in October. I’m hopeful that I will come back totally rested, refreshed, and recuperated. Taking an extended break like that will give me clarity about some things.
  
  
• It’s taken a long time (especially after our ten-year hiccup) to get back into the full swing of things, but PCC is about to see a more focused and on-purpose leadership team than she has ever seen before. Mentally, I’m getting back into the game like never before.
  
  
• God has sent PCC a group of people (most of whom were born and bred right here) who are beyond committed and I’m looking forward to seeing how God takes this church to another level.
  
  
• I am totally convinced that before my time at PCC comes to an end, we will be busting a thousand in weekly attendance.
  
  
• Random thought: I’m craving some of my buffalo wings right now.
  
  
• Okay. It was gagging hot in the sanctuary today. We had the A/Cs set on 60 degrees, but it never got lower than 75. Something’s up. The filters are probably clogged. We WILL get that resolved this week.
  
  
• Work day next Saturday – 8:00 AM. This is for the outside; mowing, edging, trimming, etc.
  
  
• I’ve have been reading a lot of excellent books lately; mostly church-related stuff.
  

• This week is going to be crazy. After taking a day trip tomorrow with Renae, the remainder of the week at church will be devoted to next weekend. We’ll be getting the A/Cs fixed, cleaning up the building, setting up 500 chairs, setting up the baptismal pool, Saturday workday, Sunday baptism, and Sunday afternoon leadership meeting.
  
  
• LET ME CLOSE by saying something I seriously mean. We get 52 Sundays each year to invite people to church and to lift up Jesus Christ through God-honoring worship. Labor Day weekend is no different. A lot of people were away because it was the last holday of summer and I understand the importance of doing this because eveyone needs time to get away for rest or to visit family. That's a lot different that simply skipping church every chance you get. Yet we were very forunate today to have so many dedicated followers in service on a holiday. Your effort did not go unnoticed. The building was full – that means something. Several people prayed today to receive Christ – that’s a big, big deal. About ten people signed up to be baptized – that’s a big deal too. Both services had several first-time guests – that’s huge also. So many (most) of our volunteers were found at their post of duty – that’s dedication. I would like to thank everyone who made the effort to be in service at PCC. Some of you even made extraordinary efforts to be there, and I realize it. Thank you. What a great church we have.
  
  

Sunday Mind Dump - November 14, 2010

• Great day. Solid day. Attendance was a little lower (we were off about 25 people), but still had a pretty full house. The music and worship was excellent – very easy to “enter into.” Giving was solid too – something we are very much in need of as the year comes to an end.
  
  
• Today was the last Sunday that Leaf & Crystal Ballast will be with us. They are moving to Louisiana for a new position at Louisiana State University. Aside from being good friends, they have been an important asset to Pace Community Church. Our loss will be another church’s gain.
  
  
• NEXT SUNDAY’S MESSAGE: WHAT IS GOD’S WILL CONCERNING QUESTIONABLE ACTIVITIES? Some things in the Bible are not clearly spelled out. Right? We all know that. They fall into a “grey area” or as a “matter of conscience.” So what do we do in these instances? Fortunately, we are not without answers. God’s Word gives us principles for guidance in every situation. You will not want to miss this one!
  
  
• POTLUCK THANKSGIVING DINNER after second service next Sunday. Bring a covered dish and join us. This is a great way to meet new people and get acquainted with others just like yourself.
  
  
• We must be going OLD SCHOOL to have dinner on the grounds. Now all we need is a toe-tapping quartette to complete the picture.
  
  
• In case you don’t realize it, we have some people at Pace Community Church who know how to THROW DOWN in the KITCHEN! Trust me, they do.
  
  
• COMMUNION SERVICE - The Sunday after Thanksgiving. This will be a very special time together. You’ll not want to miss it.
  
  
• I’m thinking about teaching a series after the first of the year entitled, “Doctrine – What Every Christian Should Know.”
  
  
• Next year I am planning teaching series from the books of Job and Esther (OT); a topical series entitled “Toxic” (Toxic Religion, Toxic People, Toxic Relationships, Toxic Words, Toxic Behavior, etc.), and a series from the book of Revelation - “Jesus’ Message to the Church.”
  
  
• We are going to be receiving a SPECIAL END-OF-YEAR CHRISTMAS OFFERING in the month of December. This will fund two things: (1) Enable us to end the year in the black and (2) Underwrite our essential ministries for 2011.
  
  
• I’ll be sharing more about this soon. I will begin by mailing a letter to our entire church family in two weeks that spells it out.
  
  
• In the month of December, we will be moving the offering time to the END of service.
  
  
• A lot of new people have recently plugged in with us. I’m very glad to see this happening. If God is indeed sending these people to our church family they will be a great help to us. This is very encouraging to me because it lets me know that God has not given up on PCC. I look forward to getting to know these people better and making new friends.
  
  
• I am still working on and rewriting Seminar 101 (Discovering the PCC Family). This is no small task. When I originally wrote the seminar (14 years ago) it took me about nine months to complete. That should give you an idea of how labor-intensive this project is. It won’t take that long to rewrite because all the material is not being changed. BUT I CAN’T WAIT until it is finished and we can offer it again.
  
  
• Here are some comments from Facebook about TODAY’S SERVICE:
  
  
• Brian says, “Great sermon. That's the bottom line.”
  
  
• Christy says, “CHURCH WAS AWESOME!!! If you were not at Pace Community Church this morning then you missed out. You should come next Sunday at 9:30 or 11! See You there!!!”
  
  
• Alyssa says, “Blessed and thankful for an AWESOME church, PCC, where I get "fed" by the word of God in a practical way every week. This series on God's will is FANTASTIC!”
  
  
• Kimberly says, “Church @ PCC was so awesome. Knowing God's Will and being in it is my absolute first priority!”
  
  
• Shelby says, “Church was great.”
  
  
• Cathryn says, “Church was great.”
  
  
• Lorraine says, “Preaching was powerful, worship Spirit filled, and fellowship uplifting! Thankful for God's blessings!!”
  
  
• Terri says, “That preaching was amazing. Pastor Ron's tells it like it is. No sugarcoating going on there. Love it.”
  
  
• Sherri O. says, “Today's service was a huge blessing in my life! The whole "Discovering God's Will" series has been awesome. I have the first two CD's if anyone wants to borrow them! Third and last in the series in next Sunday. Join me 9:30am Pace Community Church... I'll show up on time AND save you a seat!”
  
  
• Sherri W. says, “Great start to the week. Church was wonderful. God's Will for my life.”

• I had no idea that this message series would resonate with so many people in the way it has. Only God can do this.

• As a pastor I just love it when I see so many happy, fulfilled family members. There are so many churches that are filled with so much junk (conflict, power struggles, backroom conversations, politics, disunity, etc) that make it a pure grief to belong to. But PCC is much different – for this I am very grateful.
  
  
• There is no better feeling than seeing a vision God has given becoming a reality.
  
  
• Since Renae and took our vacation in mid-October I have felt better about PCC and myself than I have in a very long time. A certain “balance” has come back to me. Three years ago we had our ten year hiccup. This event was filled with a lot of junk that occupied an inordinate amount of my attention and energy. Yet, in spite of that unpleasant experience our church continued to grow...but without any additional staff. As a result I became overwhelmed by being spread too thin and often felt like I was drowning. Since our vacation, however, I have had the energy to dive head first into some matters that need to be addressed. There is still a lot that needs to be done but the important thing is the fact that it is BEING done… one step at a time. I’m not going to get ahead of myself, nor will I allow anyone to push me too quickly. GOD IS IN THIS WORK so I am confident that our best days are ahead of us.
  
  
• Aside from recovering my personal energy and focus, the other thing that is most encouraging to me is the cadre of leaders who are stepping up. A lot of people have risen to the challenge in the last couple of years. This too is very encouraging to me. I’ve got my eye on a handful of people who (I think) might make a big difference in the future of our church.
  
  
• There is a great vibe at PCC. You can just feel it. There is a certain momentum that is building.
  
  
• I enjoyed sitting with the teenagers on the front row today during music time.
  
  
• We have a changing church because we are growing in maturity. But in other ways we should NEVER change. Specifically, we should never lose our willingness to see unchurched and irreligious people come to Christ. The MISSION of PCC is to MAKE DISCIPLES and it BEGINS with REACHING the LOST.
  
  
• I love seeing our church family being faithful to God in their FINANCES. As with any church finances are usually tight. There are ministries to fund, building maintenance issues that need to be addressed, administrative supplies that need to be purchased, and congregational care that needs to be provided. I am thankful that some people at PCC understand this and really step up.
  
  
• Can I say something? The volunteers at PCC make this church happen. Without you we would go under. Plain and simple.
  
  
• Our hospitality team makes some of the best coffee in town.
  
  
• I have been to the movie theater in a long time. Any recommendations on a good movie to watch?
  
  
• Thanksgiving is getting close. I’m going to eat a ton of food. Looking forward to cooking the turkey this year. I’ve got some ideas.
  
  
• I’m a pretting decent cook. Don’t believe me? Ask my wife. But still, she is a better cook than I am. I don’t know how to bake anything. She does. But I do a pretty good job of grilling, smoking, and kettle-type dishes. I can make some pretty mean buffalo wings too.
  
  
• I’m looking forward to the holidays. In fact, I’m already getting into “holiday mode.” It feels good. I think we’ll have company over for a few holiday parties.
  
  

Sunday After Church

• We are bursting at the seams in our first service. Would some of you move and commit to the second service?

• Second service is here to stay! The attendance is strong enough that it has taken on a life all its own. Indeed, there is really a second congregation at PCC now. I would like to see the attendance in both services a little more balanced.

• The last song in the song service today was awesome! It was “God With Us” by Mercy Me. If that song didn’t set your heart on fire, your wood is wet. Renee J. knocked it out of the park.

• The buzz at PCC is astonishing. I don’t know what God is up to, but I think something big is about to happen.

• Got a new small group forming for college-aged adults. About 12-13 signed up on the first day of registration. Not sure of the exact number,- about ½ of the sign up sheet had names. Wow!

• Thirty people are (currently) signed up for Seminar 101. There is bound to be even more by the time we offer it in 3 weeks.

• A lot of new people attend PCC.

• I met a lot of newcomers today too.

• We got a “pass” on Tropical Storm Fay. Instead of 15 inches of rain, we only got 2-3 inches. Not enough to rain us out.

• Attendance was about 8% lower than average. Still had a full house.

• I’m going to log about 50 miles on my bike this week.

• The sermon today was powerful. Part 2 of the “Prodigal Son” series – “The Goodness of the Father.” CDs flew off the shelf.

• Next week we will be looking at the SIN of ELDER BROTHER. I’m really looking forward to that one. It’s about the legalistic mind-set of the Pharisees. And I thought that I would WARN YOU – the descendants of the Pharisees are still alive and well in the church today! Fasten your seat belts for this one.
  

• We have a lot of hurting people in our community. My prayer is that God will SEND as MANY of them to PCC that WE CAN possibly HANDLE!

• Renae, Gene, and I are going to a pastors/ministers forum Tuesday at Pace Assembly of God. Should be interesting.

• The grass at PCC needs to be CUT in a major way.

• I am always in someone’s headlights. When I go into town I bump into people all the time who know me, but I don’t know them. Freaky. I’m trying to get used to that. People are always nice.

• I will not endorse your political candidate for the presidential election. Government can't save you anyway.

• I’m amazed at the number of young couples God is sending into our church. It is a new season at PCC. The number of 20-something year-old couples with small children who are walking in our doors each week is very exciting.

• Between now and Christmas is going to be insane.

• This Wednesday night is a youth, family picnic. Grills are hot at 6:00 PM.

• Renae and I are fixing to hit the bike trail in Milton.

• Be sure to check in this week. I've got a creative writing spurt going on right now. Tomorrow mornings post (or Tuesday) will be entitled:

"THE TEN-YEAR HICCUP"

• That's all for now. Time to go bust a gut.

Friday's 411

THIS SUNDAY
We will be in part two of the series, “Prodigal Son” and will be taking a look at the “Goodness of the Father.” This part of the story is filled with so many nuggets of wealth that you are bound to leave with fresh insights into God’s grace. Most importantly, people WILL connect with God this Sunday and Christ will be glorified.

TROPICAL STORM FAY
Yes, it is supposed to arrive in our area beginning tomorrow. It is likely to be raining very heavily Sunday. Services ARE scheduled – no cancellations.

SMALL GROUPS FALL SEMESTER
Our fall semester is about to launch, beginning the week of September 8th. This is a good way to get connected, make new friends, experience accountability, and grow in your spiritual journey. Next Sunday we will have a full display of groups to choose from located in the sanctuary and atrium.

We at PCC are not alone in this belief. In fact, reliance upon cell groups meeting in homes dates back to the earliest days of the Christian church, when Christians who had actually walked with Jesus Christ gathered together to support each other and grow in their faith. For 2,000 years, this tradition has strengthened and nourished believers, as it still does today at our church.

BLOGS COMING NEXT WEEK

• Swatting at Gnats
• Thoughts on Leadership
• Three Secrets of Super-Achievers
• Playing it Safe or Taking a Risk
• Ten Reasons to Attend PCC
• and MORE!
  
  

BLOGS I’M WORKING ON

• One “No” is All It Takes
• A Meeting I Had (still trying to decide if I’m going to post this one or not)
• Elderitis
• Things You Should Know About Your Pastor
• Our Ten-Year Hiccup
  

Sunday Mind Dump - March 21, 2019

• Very good day at PCC worship services. Attendance was up in the second service – something I’m thankful for.
  
  
• I met about five our six people who are new to our church, all of whom have been attending for a few weeks. I just love meeting new people; they are always so nice and friendly. Plus, it is very encouraging to me to know that God is always active in His work of drawing people to Himself, and many of those people He sends to us.
  
  
• God is untiring in this regard. He never slumber or sleeps. Psalms 121:3-4
  
  
• Preached on Jonah chapter 3 – “Failure is Not Final.” This message was very encouraging to me and many others.
  
  
• A quote from today: The victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.
  
  
• Another quote: God loves to give people second chances.
  
  
• The best part of chapter 3 to me is v.1-2. where it says the Word of the Lord came to Jonah a “second time” and God said “Go to Nineveh.” In other words, God said to Jonah this second time the SAME THING He said to Jonah the FIRST TIME. God doesn’t change His mind about His Word.
  
  
• We also talked the “gifts and calling of God” being “without repentance.” God doesn’t change His mind about that either.
  
  
• I’m still enjoying the series immensely. Apparently others are too - I’ve gotten more feedback from this series than I have from any other in recent memory. I think everyone can see a little bit of themselves in the life of Jonah.
  
  
• Next Sunday will be part four (on chapter four), and will conclude the series.
  
  
• Last Friday night a group of us gathered at a coffee house on Woodbine Road. My oldest son and another guy were playing acoustic guitar there, which added to the ambiance and mood. It was real nice. (My son is on the left in the picture above, and the other guy helps leads worship at a church in Pensacola). I think they both got embarrassed when I shouted out a request, "Play some Olivia Newton John!" You should have been there.
  
  
• PCC CHILDREN’S MINISTRY has a FACEBOOK page. Check it out. I think we have one of the best age-level ministries in the area!
  
  
• After service today (after both services in fact), I stood in the atrium and was very impressed after noticing how long people stay after church visiting with one another. It’s really is a sight to see. The conversation was SO LOUD and lively. You would think these people hadn’t seen each other in years.
  
  
• The people in our church eat out together, visit in one another’s homes, go on boat rides together after church on Sunday, take motorcycle rides together, and some even vacation together. It’s amazing.
  
  
• And to think, none of this existed twelve years ago.
  
  
• I had a very deep time of reflection this afternoon about our church. I was thinking about how happy, healthy, and successful PCC is and it dawned on me how faithful God has been to bring this about. LET ME EXPLAIN. About 27 months ago our church experienced (what we now call) a ten-year hiccup. A small group of people left our church family which was a sad and painful time for us. But the miracle of it all was how quickly God sent other people to our church family to take their place. I mean almost as quickly as they left, others came in. These new people quickly proved themselves as “God sends” that were a great encouragement to us – not to mention an asset to the ministry. They were friendly, easy to get along with, willing to pitch in wherever needed, and have turned into great friends. In fact, even to this day they continue to labor at PCC simply because they love their church. They have all become personal friends of mine too.
  
  
• What I’m trying to say is that in the hour of our greatest need, God sent the right people at the right time… and we never missed a beat. I marvel at God’s faithfulness.
  
  
• This gives me great assurance because I absolutely know that God has His Hand on this church and a vested interest in seeing it prevail. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. This church does not rise and fall on me, or anyone else’s agenda. It’s all about God and we have seen a demonstration of His handiwork.
  
  
• ANOTHER LESSON I LEARNED: A church grows as much through subtraction as much as it does through addition.
  
  
• I received a testimony from Karen Smith this week. Here is an EXCERPT from HER LETTER:
  
  I just want to say Thank You!!! In the beginning of me becoming a Christian 3 years ago, during one of your teachings, you made the statement that a major part of new Christians will not last more than a year; that they start out strong and on fire, but within a year they will give up and go back to their old lifestyle. This statement really resonated with me.
  
  As time went by and I would be going through struggles, I have to admit I would get to a point where I would think 'this is too hard. I can't do this.' I would start to weaken and want to give up, but then your words would echo over and over in my mind. Those words (your statement) would be the motivation that made me determined not to be one of those statistics. I would then dig my heels in and push harder to find a way to draw closer to God in any and every way I could, feeling I was holding on for dear life. Needless to say, because of this, my life has changed dramatically.
  
  Now three years later, I realize how blessed I am to have become a part of the PCC family. I have learned so much and continue to learn daily. For the first time in my life, I have learned what it means to have a true relationship with Christ. It's not perfect by any means, but my life is more than I could have ever imagined it could be. And more than ever, I want others to know and even more so, experience how life changing accepting Jesus into your life is. I know God gets all the glory and I am truly thankful. But also, THANK YOU for staying strong and preaching the truth. Karen
  
  
• This is why we do what we do… and it never gets old.
  
  
• After church today I made a pot of red beans and rice for the family. It was the perfect meal for a cold, windy, March day. I’m a good cook…. Ask my wife if you don’t believe me.
  
  
• We had my mother over for dinner after church today. It’s her birthday tomorrow. She’s still 53. I’m glad Renae thought to invite her. I’m too boneheaded to think of stuff like that. I should be tied to a whipping post and beaten.
  
  
• This WEDNESDAY NIGHT – Unite Family Picnic and Egg Hunt for the kids. Grills hot by 6:00 PM. Bring your own meat. Good hang time and fellowship.
  
  
• Some good things are happening in our small groups right now.
  
  
• We don’t have as many groups this semester as we normally do, but this is a good thing. We now have an opportunity to restructure and reorganize this ministry. We are raising the bar for any future leaders.
  
  
• Here’s a blog I read about protecting your pastor. Pretty good stuff.
  
  
• I’m starting a new blog series tomorrow. I might call it "Lighten Up" based upon Jesus' invitation "Come unto Me... for My yoke is easy and MY BURDEN IS LIGHT." This series will be designed to CHALLENGE many of our modern-day, widely-accepted, and deeply entrenched IDEAS about what it means to know God and what it is that PRODUCES TRUE SPIRITUALITY. Quite frankly, in our zeal to know God better, we have raised the bar with definitions that are beyond the reach of the common person - and more importantly, beyond the heights set by God Himself. Don’t miss it.

• BTW, I will continue my "Confessions of a Church Planter" series as it comes to me. But I think this new series will be a good teaching moment and very helpful for the people of PCC.

• Peace. I'm out. Time to go eat some more red beans and rice.