Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

A life lived well

Friday, May 16th, 2008

I know many of you have been up all night wondering about our little “Golden Jumper.”  This morning a 11:37am he/she/it went to Heaven.  We never got a clear testimony from it about salvation, but circumstantial evidence suggest it was saved…(1)found him at church (2) he was golden.  Therefore we choose to believe in the positive aspects.

Sources within the office have said the golden jumber’s death was “abroubt.”  There were many at the scene and most eye witnesses have been interviewed.  Connecting all information is critical.  That last thing we want is for it to become a “cold case.” 

Here is what we know…things were fine then around 11:30am there were some dares and then double dog dares and out comes dollar bills.  Within 7 minutes it was all over.  Our only suspect is Charlie Bibb.  We may never know what actually happened this morning, however we will continue to be the best church we can be and not allow this tragedy to impact Sunday.

Accident…I think not

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

This morning we had a situation at church.  Two of our staff members were spray painting some material for Sunday’s Fusion production.  Well, during the painting a cricket “jumped in the line of fire.”  So, today at Southside we have all been kneeling down to the golden cricket.  And for the record he/she/it is doing great…for now

Golden Hopper

Fishing in a fresh pond

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

Sunday morning I had a young adult come to me and wanted to join Southside.  We talked for a minute and I could sense there was more to her story, so I invited her to come by the church on Tuesday and we could sit down and have a “real” conversation.  She came by last night and shared with us about her spiritual journey.  What was simply “divine” was her story was so identical to the other pastors with me, Charlie Bibb.  45 minutes later she made an intentional decision to become a Christ Follower.  It was a fun moment in my office.

Driving home I was thinking about all the “noise” in church.  So many people are consumed by “this person said this Sunday…” or “did you know these people left church X to join church Y.”  Why do we all fish in the same pond?  I can see why Christianity and church life can become inward focused and bitter…its when you stop fishing for men.  Jesus said he would make us into something we are not…”fishers of men.”  Are you becoming what Jesus said he wanted you to become or are you content with watching other’s fish?  That is fine if you are, just don’t begin to wonder what is wrong with you when everything becomes dull and boring…

Just a thought…

New Website

Wednesday, May 7th, 2008

If you haven’t noticed, we have a new church website.  And it looks good!  Check it out here!

Why I Read Blogs

Friday, April 25th, 2008

I read a lot of blogs.

I read blogs about leadership.  I read blogs about technology.  I read blogs about family ministry.  I read blogs about popular culture.  I read blogs about sports.  I basically read blogs about anything and everything.

I read blogs by pastors.  I read blogs by teachers.  I read blogs by friends and family members.  I even read blogs by people I generally disagree with.    

I read lots of blogs by lots of different people about lots of different topics.

In fact, I currently follow about 100 blogs, and I read (or at least skim) all these different blogs on a regular basis for two reasons. 

First, I read blogs to stay informed with what’s happening in the world.  I don’t read newspapers anymore, but instead I keep up with what’s happening in the world through various blogs. 

As a pastor, I need to know what’s happening in the world so I can speak to it.  Blogs help me “stay current”, and the different perspectives of various bloggers gives me insight into how everyday people are responding to what’s happening in the world.   

I never want to be guilty of ignoring what’s happening all around me, but instead, I want to be constantly leveraging what’s happening in the world to point people to our Savior.  Blogs help me do this better.

Secondly, I read blogs to get fresh ideas, to learn new practices, and to stay up to date with current thoughts and trends.   

Almost every day, I come face to face with a brilliant thought, amazing idea, or helpful principle that helps me do my job better.  And the best part is, I don’t have to read an entire book to discover it. 

Anyway, I read a lot of blogs. 

And I don’t think I’ll be stopping anytime soon.

Help!

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

 

In a couple of weeks I’m starting a series on Wednesday night and I have no idea what to call it. 

I have great Scripture passages and subject matter, but no title. 

This is where you come in. 

I need your help in naming this series. 

Let me describe my idea and then I need you to help me come up with a name. 

In the month of May, I’m going to be sharing a few principles, truths, phrases that have stuck with me over the years and made a tremendous impact in my life. 

I’ve learned these principles, truths, and phrases from various books, conferences, and sermons, and I’ve honestly never any forgotten them, so I thought since they’re so powerful and practical, that that they might benefit all of you as well.

Anyway, I don’t want to give away any of the sermon ideas on the blog, but you need to know that I’ll be passing on some really powerful principles in this series. 

But as far as the title of this series is concerned, I’m stuck. 

So what’s a good title for my series? 

I seriously need your help.

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