MIssional Holiness

Last week Dr. Tim Tennent, the president of Asbury Seminary gave his convocation address during chapel. As always, Dr. Tennant had powerful and deep words to share. In the address he compared the Church (in the United States) with Cracker Barrel. He stated that Cracker Barrel was selling more than food and trinkets, they were selling a feeling of the past. In fact, Dr. Tennent notes, Cracker Barrel is really a shrine to the past. And so are most of our churches. (I would add and argue that this goes for "contemporary" churches as well, but that will be another post for another day.) The Church functions on a "come and see" model, asking people to show up, enjoy the experience, attain a feeling, and then go on their way. The Church needs to function (as ministries like Young Life do) as a "go and tell" (or "go and do") model.

How do we move from one model to another? Dr. Tennent suggests, and I agree, that faith and fruit have to be wed. This is what we find in Wesley's theology. So much pop theology today ends with the death and resurrection of Christ: the beginning and end of our relationship with God is faith in Jesus. But Scripture moves past the Gospels and into Acts and the Epistles. Here we see that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church and the Church became the incarnation of Christ in the World...and it still is today! In other words, Faith in Christ is the beginning, but it must progress to an endless production of fruit in our lives by the Holy Spirit

The Church doesn't just proclaim what Christ did for the world, the Church is what Christ is doing in the world today! Because the Spirit has been poured out on the Church, we are made to be fruitful, to be Holy just as He is Holy (Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16). As we grow in Christ, then the Spirit matures us and we become more and more fruitful. Faith and fruitfulness. Without fruit, our faith is meaningless (James 2:14-17).

One final note from Dr. Tennent's address: "Holiness is the mark of the Church. The world will not be won with unholy people." First God called Israel to be his holy people. That calling carries over to the Church, for in Christ we become Abraham's descendants and members of the Kingdom. If we refuse to carry the mark of Holiness, then we refuse to belong to the Kingdom of God. If we are not part of the Kingdom of God, how can we fight for it? This is Missional Holiness. Missional Holiness leads us from seeing church as something that we go to, to being something that we are.

If you want to hear Dr. Tennents address, click here, and look for the September 9th address. One note about the address: Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit.

P.S. Sorry that my post is late this week. Only a week and a half into the semester and I already feel behind! I'll try to be on time next week.

This Weekend

This weekend is the first larger gathering for the Gainesville Church. Our partners in planting, Dan and Patti Cleere, are hosting a group at their home on Saturday. This will be our first meeting now that we have definitely decided to go to Gainesville. Technically then, I think that this is the very first gathering of the Gainesville Anglican Church!

Maybe it is a little too early to begin thinking about a name, but I can't help it. I am open to suggestions, so offer any bright ideas any of you may have. I have mixed feelings about naming a church,and since I process information by thinking out loud, I will think "out loud" while I'm typing:

On one hand there is the school of thinking that would say to shy away from anything that sounds too "churchy". No Saint names, no denominational tags, no biblical geography: Mt. Zion, St. Peter's, or anything that ends in Anglican Church (or Methodist, or Baptist, or whatever) would all be out of the question. The thinking is that all of these carry such negative connotations with un-churched or the disenfranchised. Names that are vague like South East Community Fellowship or The Journey are cool because they sound a little more open and don't suggest dogmatic, uptight, and hypocritical people reside on the inside.

And I can see the point here, I really can. But I have also really come to appreciate the art of naming something. Naming a church St. Patrick's carries with it the Celtic churches traditions, a church named St. Jame's hopefully would try to embody the truth of Jame's epistle, and so on. There is meaning in a name, and people and places live into that meaning.

OK. I really am no closer to coming to any conclusions. Maybe I should name it Gainseville's North Georgia Journey Anglican Community Fellowship. Any help?

Keep praying. Our meeting is at 3:00 on Saturday. We really are underway!

New design, new direction for Night Time Hike

As you may have noticed, I have taken about two weeks off from the blog. Now that God has clearly illuminated the next step in the path and we are working directly towards an Anglican Church plant in Gainesville, GA, I wanted to rethink the direction of the blog. For the past few months, the Night Time Hike has served as an update about the personal lives of the Fitzgeralds, a place to write out thoughts, express insights that God has given me, and give updates about to progress of our plans. In short, this has been a catch all place for whatever I wanted to write about on that particular night. This has been fun and I hope that all of you have enjoyed a peek into my life and my mind.

It is time now though for a change in Night Time Hike. I think that it is time for me to begin work as the pastor of this fledgling church. And while I cannot actually be present in Gainesville on a permanent basis until next summer, I can share the words and insights that God has given me right here. I can use this to blog to continue to report on the progress of the church, to update everyone on upcoming meetings (we will meet once a month in Gainesville until we launch next summer), and a place to ask help, prayers, and support. The plan is that I will be writing and posting updates on Mondays. Periodically, if I feel that there is something really pertinent (or just really funny), I will post when the mood hits.

Can I ask for your help? First, above all, pray. Pray that the Holy Spirit begins the work, first and foremost, in preparing the hearts of the people in Gainesville. Pray that God brings to this church the right people for the right jobs. And pray that I am able to handle all of this while finishing school, being an assistant swim coach at Asbury University, teaching art one day a week at a private school, and being the husband and father that God has called me to be.

Secondly, can I ask that you spread the word? Tell other people about this blog and about the mission of this new Church in Gainseville. I would love for word to spread all around about the work that God is going to do there. The more people that know, the more prayers will go up. I truly would love to have global prayer coverage. I know right now I have people faithfully praying in Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and here in Kentucky. How cool would it be to know that we had prayers in all fifty states and around the world being focused on Gainesville, GA?

You may have also noticed that the design of the blog has changed. I am experimenting around, so it may change a little until I get it right. I will be adding gadgets, videos, and a few other things as well. Hopefully it will end up looking polished and professional. Kinda the opposite of me on most days.

One last thought: When I served on staff with Young Life, I heard another staff person excitedly speak about the new area he had been assigned to and said with complete confidence, “God’s gonna blow this place UP, man!” With your help, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, that is exactly what God can do with this church to Gainesville, GA. God’s gonna blow this place UP!

To Gainesville we shall go!

Well, unless I am reading everything completely wrong, Brandie and I really feel like God is leading is to Gainesville, GA. We made phone calls today and have decided to go for it!

This is a pretty scary step, maybe the scariest step we have made in this nighttime hike. I mean, coming to seminary was big, but we always knew that it was for a finite time: 3 years and we would be gone. Now, we are making a step that really could plant us somewhere for the rest of our lives. Unless the path turns again, the boys will end up going to high school in Gainesville, maybe even finding their future wives there! This is big stuff...

So, the adventure is focusing, but it really has only begun. We have a LOT of hiking left to do. Good thing I have plenty of batteries for my head lamp.

How did my little Luke grow up?

Luke is starting preschool tomorrow. He is in the Lion Room and his teacher's name is Mrs. Debbie. I can't believe that my little Luke is old enough to go to school.

Tonight he was riding his bike. We had bent the training wheels up so they couldn't touch the ground, and he was doing incredible. In the next two weeks, I bet those training wheels will be off. I can't believe that my little Luke is old enough to ride a bike without training wheels.

He went to his Sunday school class by today at church, and Sam and Jack weren't even with him! This is an amazing feat for him. When did he grow up?

As he was going to bed he announced to us, "I not show my private parts at school tomorrow, 'cause I get in trouble."

Glad he was clear on that one before school started. He really is growing up...

Are some churches trying to be too cool?

Interesting article here about churches that are trying too hard to be hip and cool. I really have to agree with the author of this article. In an attempt to be reach culture, churches are desperately trying to imitate everything around them and it just comes across as, well... fake.

As someone who has worked in youth ministry for a LOOOOONG time, I first noticed this trend here. Youth ministries and youth pastors that try too hard just end up being cheesy and shallow. I think that this is why Young Life has been such a successful ministry. Young Life has always insisted that their ministry is relational. It is not based on glitz, glam, leaders having gelled hair and skinny jeans, or being cutting edge. I mean, I am pretty sure that Free Fallin' was sang at least once at every Young Life camp this year, and that song is far from cutting edge...its 21 years old. No, YL is simply adults (being themselves) sharing the love of the Gospel of Christ with teenagers.

Simple formula huh? Make a friend and share Jesus with them. The Holy Spirit doesn't need for us to make worship into a fancy light show with shocking and "cutting edge" sermon titles for Him to work. What He wants are hearts that genuinely love others and are willing to share their very lives them.

Can you imagine a church like that? I can.

Friday night

About to go to bed. We went to Cici's Pizza with Sam's soccer team tonight and then decided to run by the dollar theater and see what was playing. Ramona and Beezus was the only thing for kids so we went to go see itdespite much protesting by Sam that it was a girls movie. Brandie, Luke, Jack, and I loved it. Sam pretended to hate it, but I could tell by the twitch at the corner of his mouth that he thought it was pretty funny. He will deny to the end that he thought it was duuuuuuummmb, but I know the truth...Sam watched a girlie movie and LIKED it! Just don't tell him I told any of you....

Ministry together...

Brandie and I just had a great talk about the future. Don't want to give anything away yet because, well, you never know...

Since Brandie and I first started dating, I have felt that we had complimentary gifts for ministry. Just a week before we moved to KY Brandie and I were invited over to a friends house. Our friends had invited another couple, who God used to speak a word over us. This couple (who did not know a thing about us, including that I was about to start seminary) stated that God had gifted Brandie with insight, and I was gifted with the ability to proclaim these things. If you know Brandie and I at all, you know how very true this is. Brandie has the unique ability to not only "see" into the heart of a person, but to hear from God exactly what that person needs. And I stinkin' love to preach and teach. Complimentary gifts....

So, my question is which of the two options before us better uses our gifts together?

a clear picture

I realized that although I have given updates on our plans and on our life, I have not necessarily painted the clearest picture. My posts have been vague in many respects, partially because we really don't know what will happen, but also I think out of a bit of fear as well.

I have felt for a long time that my call was to ministry, and specifically to being the pastor of a church. In the past year, that vision seemed to be gaining more clarity as Brandie and I explored the Anglican Church. This, I decided, was were I really wanted to be. So Brandie and I began conversations with folks in the Anglican Church and the path looked as if it would lead us to Marietta, GA. Through continued conversations, that door seemed to close and another in Gainesville, GA open.

As Brandie and I began to discuss with each other this approaching decision, old fears and new desires were expressed. I am a known procrastinator, sometimes fail to communicate my plans to those that I work with, and love to fly by the seat of my pants. It has caused problems in ministry before. Are these indications that I shouldn't pastor? Plus, Brandie and I both have a desire to do something crazy, live on the other side of the world, and have an adventure. Add this to the success that God has given me in school, and the idea of pursuing a Ph.D and teaching on the college level has emerged.

So after an incredible meeting with the folks in Gainesville (as I have mentioned the past few days) we find ourselves at a crossroads on our night time hike. The headlamp has revealed a fork in the road and we have to read the signs to find out which way to go. Gainesville really excites me, and there seems to be a deep need there, but Brandie and I both want to make sure that this is God's will and not ours. If I am meant for something else, but decide to go to Gainesville, am I preventing someone else from being there? Am I really capable of being a pastor? Would my gifts be better suited to teaching? These are the things that we are praying about and seeking wisdom on.

Well, there it is. Everything in complete honesty. I hope that that gives anyone reading this a little bit better understanding of where our hearts and minds are as we look at this decision. As always, would you all keep praying? Thanks!

The boys start school tomorrow

Sam and Jack start school tomorrow. Because Jack's birthday is the cutoff age date for grade level, he was the youngest kid in his class last year. This year we decided it would be best for him to do first grade over again. He is such a smart, sweet kid, and I think this will really give him an advantage.

Sam will be going into 4th grade. Man, I don't feel old enough to have a 4th grader! I told him that he needs to read the classic Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I really don't remember much from this book except the main character had a little brother they called Fudge and he swallowed his pet baby turtle. At the time I thought that that was the height of comedic genius. Now, I am afraid, if we had a pet turtle Luke would eat it. More reality than comedic imagination....

Luke won't start his pre-school until next week, but we have open house tomorrow night. I better warn his teacher to hide the classroom pets. Luke in school ought to provide some pretty funny stories. I'll keep you all posted.

Where we're at...

As we drove home to Wilmore today, Brandie and I discussed the Gainesville church plant. There is so much to be excited about there and so much potential, but we still just don't have a clear vision yet.

So, this is where we find ourselves in our "night hike" journey. God has illuminated the trail just enough to show us our next few steps. We'll pray and keep walking. Right now I think I know what direction the trail is going to take, but I really want to be grounded deeply in prayer before I say anything. Hopefully I can get a chance in the next week or so to spend a day by myself out in the woods. That is definitely where I do my best praying and thinking.

Until then, I have five essays to right for Church History II, a book review and 3 more papers due for my Psalms Class, and some prep work/ reading for my independent study that will start with the other Fall classes. Plus, now that I am the assistant swim coach at Asbury University, coaching duties will start next week. Whew. I am exhausted just thinking about it...

Great meeting with the Cleere's

We had a great meeting tonight in Gainesville, GA with the Cleere's and the most Rev. Foley Beach. We are really excited to see if this is where God is leading us, but still don't have a clear vision yet. We have set a date for August 29th to make a decision, so if all of you could be in prayer for us, that would be awesome. There is definitely a need for a church there and it really seems like we could get this church up and running pretty quick. The real question is not whether or not a church could survive there, its if we are the ones to start it. If anyone has any great words of wisdom, let us know!

Keep praying for us!

I'll post twice....

Down in Warm Springs for my mother-in-law 60th birthday bash. We didn't get here until 1:30 AM, so that's why I didn't post last night. I'll post again tonight to make up for my lost post. I did run yesterday, so I haven't messed up to bad.

I'll write more later...

Last day of class tomorrow...

It was a good week of Church History II. Great survey class and it really makes me want to dig deeper into several periods. The Pietism movement really seems fascinating as well as the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings. I didn't realize it, but the 2nd Great Awakening really began at a camp meeting at Cane Ridge here in Kentucky. More people came to this revival than lived in the entire state at the time. Pretty amazing, huh?

Blog: Day 17 Run: Day 16 Weight lost 7 lbs

Tersteegen

I have no idea how to pronounce Gerhard Tersteegen's name, but we read some of his writings for Church History II today. Tersteegen was a Pietist in the 1700's and had some profound insights. Tersteegen wrote that true godliness comes from cleaving to Christ. The only way to hold fast to Him is to completely abandon ourselves; our every desire, our very will. As we cling to Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to transform in us our desires and our very sense of pleasure and joy. Pleasure and joy comes not in the indulgence of the carnal self, but in the denial of self and in the conforming our will to the will of God.

Something to ponder over...

More vintage ads

So THAT'S why my wife is so cute!

Good run tonight and good day in class

I took a break from straight-up running the past couple of days. On Friday I ran wind sprints up hills. On Saturday and Sunday I hiked with Sam about 3.5 miles each day. Since I was carrying pretty much everything in my pack except Sam's clothes and sleeping bag, I had a pretty heavy weight on my back. Tonight I got back to running and had my best run yet.

Blog: Day 14 Run: Day 13 Weight Lost: 7lbs

Today was the first day of Church History II with Dr. O'Malley. It was a long day, 8-4, but it was great. Talked about Luther and the beginnings of the Reformation. Tomorrow we'll talk about the English Reformation. I guess since I'm looking at planting an Anglican Church, I should really pay attention.

Long weekend, Long night, and a long week

Well it was a long but fun weekend. After the Braves game Friday night, I took Sam hiking and camping on Saturday. We got home this afternoon in time to go to the pool with the rest of the family and then go to church after that.

I took Sam camping so that we could have "The Talk". Sam was thoroughly disgusted and really couldn't believe that God would make having babies, in his words, "so gross!" He then told me that he would never get married and would just "fly solo" the rest of his life.

I will be up for a while reading tonight. I have an intensive class this week on Church History. Should be fun, but it will be a looooooong week. Wish me luck and keep Brandie in your prayers since I will be too busy studying to be much help around the house.

Bravos at the Reds

Braves WIN! Braves WIN! Braves WIN!

Yes, maybe not as dramatic as the game 7 of the NLCS of 92, but Jason Hayward hit a game winning double in the 10th last night. It was AWESOME! And all those Reds fans around us were pretty ticked when the whole family jumped up and started screaming and high fiving. It was a great night of baseball!

Heading to the Braves game in Cincinnati

Just wanted to post quickly. We are heading out to watch the Braves play the Reds. I'll post some pictures tomorrow!

Blog: Day 11 Run: Day 10 Weight lost: still 5lbs. I need to step up the game if I'm going to lose 10 more pounds in the next 20 days...

Psalm 73

Here is another incredible Psalm. It begins with the psalmist's confession that he was close to stumbling away from the Lord. The psalmist was envious of the wicked. While he suffered, they prospered. Being righteous did not seem to have any benefits, while being wicked seemed to offer everything: good health, wealth, and influence.

And then the pivot point of the Psalm:

¹⁶But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
¹⁷until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.

Being in the presence of God, the psalmist realizes that God does indeed bless the righteous and that the wicked will not always prosper. But here is the biggest revelation of the Psalm and what actually had me in tears today:

²¹When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
²²I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
²³Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.

²⁴You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
²⁵Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
²⁶My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

So there it is. When we are brutish and beastly toward God, He is still lovingly holding us. He is our portion, our strength, our savior, and brings us into His glory. Amen!

not much going on...

Short post tonight. It's day 9 of the blog and day 8 of the run. Still about 5 lbs lost.

Nothing much in the works right now. Just busy with school work and feel a bit low. I kinda fell a little like the psalmist did from yesterday's post....

But I will remember. And I know that despite my shortcomings, God is still at work in my life and the life of my family. So, I will praise Him and I will recall all His wondrous deeds!

Keep us in your prayers folks as we search out how and where God is going to use us. We need the revelation of the Holy Spirit and the guidance, wisdom, and prayers of friends and family.

Goodnight and I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow!

Psalm 77

I have been working on Psalm 77 for one of my classes and have really fallen in love with this Psalm. The author of this psalm uses the first 10 verses to proclaim the depth of his sorrow and his fearful questioning of God. God has seemingly abandoned the author (and presumably all of Israel) and the author of the psalm is experiencing great torment and pain.

Can you relate? I know that I have been in similar places before, where God's presence seems far off. The remedy for the author of the psalm is to remember. In the final verses the redemptive and creative acts of God, from creation to the salvific act of deliverance at the Red Sea, are recalled. As the author recalls God's work, the very presence of God seems to return. Remembering is a powerful act. Hindsight, as the saying goes, is 20/20. As we remember, we can see how God has been at work in our own lives and throughout the history of humanity.

Here is the Psalm:

¹My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud;
My voice rises to God, and He will hear me.
²In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;
In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness;
My soul refused to be comforted.
³When I remember God, then I am disturbed;
When I sigh, then my spirit grows faint. Selah.
⁴You have held my eyelids open;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
⁵I have considered the days of old,
The years of long ago.
⁶I will remember my song in the night;
I will meditate with my heart,
And my spirit ponders:
⁷Will the Lord reject forever?
And will He never be favorable again?
⁸Has His lovingkindness ceased forever?
Has His promise come to an end forever?
⁹Has God forgotten to be gracious,
Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Selah.
¹⁰Then I said, "It is my grief,
That the right hand of the Most High has changed."
¹¹I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
¹²I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
¹³Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
¹⁴You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
¹⁵You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
¹⁶The waters saw You, O God;
The waters saw You, they were in anguish;
The deeps also trembled.
¹⁷The clouds poured out water;
The skies gave forth a sound;
Your arrows flashed here and there.
¹⁸The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹Your way was in the sea
And Your paths in the mighty waters,
And Your footprints may not be known.
²⁰You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Goodbye to Kelly Billy and Eisley!

We had to say goodbye to our good friends the Lawsons today. The whole Fitzgerald family will miss Kelly, Billy, and Eisley very much! I can't wait to see how God uses them as they move to live in a Mennonite community in Waco, TX. We love y'all Lawsons!

In other news, the next few weeks are going to be pretty busy. I am still working on my on-line class, I have Church History II next week as an intensive, and we are meeting on August 8th in Gainseville, GA about the possible church plant there. We really are in a holding pattern right now as we try to discern what the next move is. Please keep praying for us to seek and know God's will.

Blog: Day 7 Run: Day 6 Weight lost: 4lbs. I seem to have gained a pound back. Thank you Totino for making such delicious pizza rolls for my snacking enjoyment.

Running with my boys

Sam and Jack ran with me tonight. Sam ran 4 miles without stopping and Jack ran 2.25. They were really amazing! They both inherited endurance from me, but their speed comes from Brandie's side. And they are freakin' fast! I can't wait to see if Luke is the same way. He's already pretty fast, but he's a little more of a bruiser than the other two.He may be the fullback. Give 'em the ball, let him light it up right down the middle. He'll run the other players over Herschel Walker style. Jack and Sam will take it to the outside, hurdle a few players and do a front flip over a linebacker in their best imitation of Knowshon Mereno.

Can you tell that UGA football is getting closer? Oh my goodness, it's almost time to hunger down you hairy DAWGS....

Blog: day 6
Running:day 5
Weight lost: 5lbs

The Nicholasville Pool

Blog: Day 5 Running: Day 4 Weight Lost: 4 lbs

Ya' know those little fish that swim around you and nibble on your torso when you're swimming in the lake? Yesterday I was at the pool with the family and a little boy with upside down goggles, a snorkel, and a nose plug kept swimming around my legs and waist. I kept thinking about those little fish and he kept swimming closer, making me feel very uncomfortable. Just as I was looking around, trying to see if his parents were around or if I was on a TV show, when he grabbed my wrist and looked at my watch. When he looked up at me I asked him his name. Here is his response, word for word:

"My name is Hunter. I'm seven. My mom just signed me up for golf camp and I have golf balls."

Can't think of anything profound to say about this incident. Just another day at the Nicholasville Pool.

Old Spice

Thank you Old Spice. Because of you humorous commercials my sons wanted to buy your product. Tonight, wanting to "smell like a man" they scrubbed themselves with a vengeance. They are cleaner than they have ever been. And they smell like men...

Blog: Day 4. Running:Day 3. Weight lost 4 lbs.

Baseball, sleep overs, and The Sandlot.

Blog: Day 3. Running: day 2. Weight lost: 2 lbs.

Jack’s friend Caleb is spending the night tonight. Caleb LOVES baseball, but unfortunately is an Indians fan. I tried to reason with him and explain just how bad the Bravos spanked the Indians in the 1995 World Series, but he’s only 7. He’ll see the ligh this year when the Brave win it all…

They watched The Sandlot and laughed hysterically. I don’t care who you are, if you don’t get a little choked up at the end when the adult Bennie is stealing home and Smalls is calling the game from the announcer’s booth, then someone stole your soul.

As I tucked the boys into bed (inside a pretty sweet sheet fort I made for them) Caleb looked up and said, “Mr. Joey, do you think I can make it to the majors when I grow up?” It was such an innocent, sweet, hopeful question. I kissed him on the forehead and told him that I absolutely thought he could make it.

Of course I now expect a cut of his major league salary. And I’ll cheer for him even if he plays for the Indians.

Independent Study

I had a great lunch with an Asbury Professor today, Dr. Mike Pasquarello. He is going to oversee an independent study for me as I look at the use of art work in the history of Christianity. Specifically I will be looking at the effects of the Reformation on Art, how we are still recovering from the violent overreaction of the Reformation, and how the Church can use art today. I know, for some that may seem like torture, but I am really geeking out here! I can't wait. I am going to write 3 papers, create 3 corrosponding pieces of artwork, and organize and host an art exhibit at the seminary. You are all invited to attend.

It's day 2 of the 30 day blog and day 1 of the 30 day run. I ran about 3 miles this morning and it felt pretty good. I just weighed and I am right at 185. Hopefully on August 19th I will be down to 170 or under.

News and notes...

OK, I am going to start again. The past month I have been awful at my posting. Here we go: I am going to post every day for the next 30 days until August 18th. I am also going to run everyday for the next 30 days in an attempt to lose 10-15 lbs. I am tired of being out of shape, undisciplined, and always so exhausted. So here goes...

Here are the news items that I have neglected:

• Here is the picture of Ringo, our new Dog.
  

• I am the new assistant coach for the Asbury University Swim team. Doesn't pay much, but coaching is the one thing (besides the kids themselves) that I have missed since I left Dalton High School and came to seminary.

• We'll be heading to GA to talk with some folks in Gainesville about doing the Anglican church plant there. I am excited to see what happens. Keep this in all of your prayers..

• I have also finished my job as a youth pastor. This is so bittersweet. On one hand I know that I am in God's will in leaving, but on the other I really am going to miss those kids. But the guy that took over for me will do a great job and I know that the kids will love him.

Well, that's all the news for now. I'll have something witty and clever tomorrow.

Wesely Drinks a Coke

Thanks to my friend Kelly Lawson, here is a picture of Wesley drinking the heavenly Cola of the Trinity.

No Coke at Asbury

I am upset. They have replaced the Coke machines at Asbury Seminary with Pepsi machines. And i thought that we loved Jesus here...

I was so upset that Sam, Jack, Luke, and I went and taped a Coke can in the hand of the John Wesley Statue and hung a sign around his neck asking for the Seminary to bring back Coke. I plan more extensive protests in the future.

In other news, the NL just won the All Star game. SWEET. That means that when the Braves win the World Series this year they will have home field advantage.

Ringo

So I have not written in about a week and a half. I think that have lost my bet. I may be getting the rabbits after all...

I did get a new dog. He is a black and white border collie and is 5 1/2 months old. We named him Ringo. No matter what my wife may say, he is NOT named after a certain member of The Beatles. We were going through names while the boys were playing with him. Luke had a hose and was spraying the dog, who absolutely loved it! Since he liked the water so much, I started thinking about all the swim teams I have coached. The Ringgold Tigersharks popped into my mind and since I love and miss my old team, I suggested Ringo for short. The boys and Brandie all agreed. So Ringo it is.

Plus Ringo was one of the bad guys in Tombstone, one of the greatest Westerns of all time. And for a little bonus, there is a classic country song about a cowboy named Ringo sung/spoken by Lorne Green. Here is a video I found of it on Youtube:

an ER visit

Well, we tricked out the slip and slide today by digging a hole, covering it with a tarp, and filling it with water. The boys loved it. Right after this video was taken, I tried my turn. At the bottom, my foot hit a stick and sliced it right up. Now I have 7 nice stitches on the bottom of my foot. I am in pain....

two things

Two things tonight:

First, there seems to be some direction for the church. Still looking, still praying, but things are beginning to gain clarity. We are still not in a place where we feel like we know exactly where God is leading, but things are definitely taking shape. I can't wait for the day that I can sit down and write where we are going to be! Someday soon....

Secondly, here is the video of the redneck slip and slide and the homemade push-powered go cart. Sam and Jack did the paint job themselves.

more homegrown fun

So we had so much fun making our own slip and slide yesterday that we made a go cart today for all of about $10. We took the wheels off some sort of cart that I found and me, Sam, Jack, and Luke went looking for scrap wood at some construction sites. After a trip to Lowes for some hardware, we got busy building. It's a pretty sweet ride with tail fins and a rope for a steering wheel. Isn't this what summers are all about? Making cool stuff and having fun?

I really will post up some pictures tomorrow of the slip and slide and the go cart. Now it's off to bed.

random thoughts

• We made a homemade slip and slide today. It was very redneck and unbelievably fun. I'll put up pictures tomorrow.
  
• I really love IBS. IBS is a method of studying the Bible that I have learned in seminary and it is REALLY fruitful.
  
• More thoughts on where-oh-where this church is supposed to be, but still no real concrete affirmations from the Lord on location. I know that it will be coming soon, but I really would love to be able to say for sure where we are going to be a year from now.
  
• I am excited about my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces coming at the end of this week for the fourth. As Sam would say, "this is going to be BEAST!" (Apparently this means "really good" in 9 year old boy language.)
  
• I miss all my youth that went on a mission trip today with the new youth pastor. The reality of not being their youth pastor anymore is starting to set in and it makes me sad. They are an awesome group of kids and I love them and am proud of them.
  
• I am going to bed. But not before I stay up and watch a movie. It's a free HBO week for DISH customers and I recorded Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey. Most excellent.
  

Radio in our van

I love how God blesses us in so many small ways! Our van radio went out and we really didn't have the money to fix it. The radio controls the DVD player too, which makes for long car rides back and forth to Georgia without it. We asked around several places and it was going to cost no less than $250 to fix or replace.

After a little discussion, Brandie and I decided to put it on the credit card. I know, I know...Dave Ramsey would not approve. So Brandie took the radio back to the Honda dealership where she had been given the best price. When she walked in, the man who had helped her the other day was there. When Brandie said she was going to have the radio fixed he said to hold on a moment and walked away.

When he returned he was holding a box with a radio the identical make and model as ours. Somehow, he said, they had one just sitting in the back that was not logged into their computers. He had no idea where it came from, and it did not belong to anyone, and he didn't know if it worked, but it was ours if we wanted it!

When she got home I plugged it into the dash and sure enough, we now have music back in our car! Little blessings from a Big God. How cool is that?

Sam and Jack do a McDonalds Rap

Oh, I am so proud of my rapping sons. Maybe they will be famous one day.

The A Team...I love it when a plan comes together!

Just to let everyone know, The A TEAM was absolutely incredible. If you were a fan when you were little, you will not be disappointed in the least bit. I really want to go back and watch it again, right now. I pity the fool that doesn't see it.

As far as Shudder Island goes though, I was very disappointed. Rented it last night and it was just unbelievably depressing, not to mention the "twist" ending wasn't so much a "twist" as it was a "rip" from several other movies. Oh well.

As long as I am reviewing movies, I will go ahead and tell you all that Toy Story 3 was amazing too. Yes, I cried a little, but by far the best bits were with Micheal Keaton as Ken Doll. Brilliant.

OK. no more movie reviews tonight. I have to go and finish a paper that is due tomorrow.

Another Vintage ad

Ummmm....I think that this ad was created for Nicholasville, KY.

part II

So picking up where I left of yesterday:

If a suburban church is to reach the lost, make disciples, and be the diverse group of eclectic people that it was meant to be, then several things have to happen. I want to talk briefly about two of them now.

First, it must intentionally develop community. A week or so ago I wrote about the church being a "contrast society". We as Christians are called to be different, to stand out in contrast to the world. If this is to happen, then it will only happen as a church builds deep community. This takes much intentional work and isn't something that can happen overnight. But the payoff for this investment is the foundation that is necessary for a deep thriving church. I will talk more about what true community entails another day.

Secondly, if a suburban church is to go beyond the superficial, they must be intentional about who is involved. This means intentionally reaching out to those that are not like us, whether that is in age, race, socio-economic status, etc... This does not mean that we weaken the Gospel to accept others. On the contrary, I think by embracing the diversity of the body of Christ, we strengthen how we proclaim the Gospel. But we have to remember that our ideals cannot be modeled after middle class values, our values must be created by the Word of God. So often we mix these things up and begin substituting worldly values for Godly ones.

Well, so much more still to be said, but I am tired. More to come....

oh no...

I have not posted anything for several days. This is unfortunate because I made a bet with a friend that I would post for 21 straight days. I miscounted and I think I only have 19 days in a row. Crap. This means that I may inherent some rabbits for failing on the bet. This is not good...

Well, here goes again. I will start my 21 days of posting over right now. Including today, I have to post everyday until July 11th.

In case there are actually people that are reading this (and I am not convinced that there are) class went really great last week. I am convinced more than ever now of the importance of community. There was a lot of "suburban bashing" from the class participants, and for good reasons mostly. Statistics, research, polls, etc... are fairly clear: Suburban sprawl has weakened community, civic responsibility, involvement in formal and informal organizations (including church), and has contributed to the rise of depression, loneliness, poor health, and many other negative factors in our lives.

It seems like there is this resurgence of interest in urban areas here in the academic world of seminary. Much thought, and many people, are putting time and energy into urban churches and missions, assuming that the suburbs are either taking care of themselves or that they can rot in their self-indulgences. But despite these thoughts and conclusions, I do not think that I am ready to bash on suburbia and completely abandon it as a helpless wasteland of selfishness, greed, and endless supply of Starbucks and strip malls.

There are great things in the suburbs, but most importantly, there are people that need the redeeming power of the Triune God. There are people that are hungry and thirsty for something much deeper than what most suburban churches are offering. If this is to happen, more of the suburban churches need to quit buying into the consumerism model. In this model churches sell themselves as a "brand". If a church isn't your brand, then choose somewhere else. In the past, churches were branded by denominations (which is a form of theological branding). Now they are branded by what they offer: contemporary music, ministries in the arts, great children's programs, solid missions, small group focused, etc...

Oh, how this seems so much like division to me. Yes it makes sense from a marketing standpoint. And if your goal is to get large numbers of people then this works. At least for a time. But if your goal is to make radical followers of Jesus Christ, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and empowered to serve the Kingdom of God, then I am not convinced this model will work well. The communities that are fostered in this model are typically built around common interests, common socio-economic status, or generational preferences. Churches become homogeneous masses. The Body of Christ, as pictured in Scripture, is far from homogeneous. It is diverse and often messy, but the people are held together in all their differences through the resurrected Savior and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Well, I could go on and on about this, but I really have to go now. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow, after all I have 20 more days before I can take a break.

humility

Here is a great quote from a book by Jean Vanier, the founder of the L'Arche communities (L'Arche are Christian communities for the mentally handicapped):

He says, "People come to L'Arche to serve the needy. They only stay if they have discovered that they themselves are needy, and that the good news is announced by Jesus to the poor, not to those who serve the poor."

What more triumphant phrase can be uttered?

"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?"

Thanks be to the Father, who sends the Son. Thanks be to the Son, who suffered died, and was raised for our sake. And thanks be to the Holy Spirit, who draws us into perfect unity with Trinity.

Amen!

class started today...

Good day of class, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now. The boys and Brandie are leaving tomorrow to go visit a friend, I have assignments due in this class plus my online class. I have chores (although my wonderful wife did mow the yard today). I have work stuff at the church. I need a break, but I don't know when I will get it. Please say a little prayer for me 'cause I am feeling a little discouraged.

Bacon and Pancakes together!

Foxnews.com had a slide slide of vintage advertisements the other day. Some were absolutely hysterical. Here is one though that I think is a fantastic idea, and I really think Homer Simpson would agree:
mmmmmmm...bacon.

Overwhelming love of God

Ever have on e of those moments where the Love of God just simply overwhelms you? I hope you have. If you have not, it is my deepest prayer that you experience it soon.

I am sitting in a Starbucks in Marietta, GA listening to itunes and trying to write a paper for my class next week. A few moments ago the David Crowder song "How He Loves" came on and I was simply struck. Tears filled my eyes and I had to stop writing for a moment. Even as I write this my eyes are filling up again.

Think about it: The Creator of All loves you and me so passionately, so completely, without condition, and completely undeservedly. David Crowder's lyrics say it better than I can. Watch and listen:

Whew...I'm beat

Well, we head home to Kentucky tomorrow. It was fun in GA, but I am ready to be in my own bed. Family was great, meetings about church planting were great, got to play a little; all in all a productive and fun trip.

I still have a lot of work to do before my class next week on Ethics of Community, so I am going to go and read a little before my brain shuts down completely. I have about 400 more pages to read and 5 more pages to write before Monday morning (not to mention 7 hours in the car tomorrow and work on Sunday)...gonna be a loooooong weekend.

Sitting in the hospital waiting room in Newnan, GA

I am sitting in a hospital waiting room in Newnan, GA. Brandie's Grandmother is having surgery on her leg. A few weeks ago she fell and shattered her femur and now one of the wounds from the original surgery has not healed properly. Infection has set in and they have to clean it and remove the infection.

Infection sets in to unhealed wounds. Taking this from the medical to the Spiritual, the truth of this statement doesn’t diminish. Ruminate on that one a little.

Called to Contrast

I am doing some reading for my class next week. The class is called Ethics of Community and is taught by Dr. Christina Pohl, who is one of my favorite professors. Peace and joy simply radiate from her and I can't wait to sit in her class next week and soak up the deep wisdom she will be dispensing. I am sure that I will have some posts later related to the new knowledge of Ethics that I will have.

One of the books that I am reading now refers to the Church as being a contrast-society. We are called, according to the author, not blend in with the world, but to stand starkly out against the world. The Israelites lived this way. Their regulations (directed from YWHW) about eating habits, circumcision, and ritual cleanliness set them apart from the rest of the world. They certainly didn’t try to fit in with culture in order to tell others about the LORD. And in the New Testament, Christ told his followers that they were to be a city on the hill, a light to the darkness. No one was asked to feign darkness so that they could infiltrate culture. They were called to be a contrast of light to the darkness. By this contrast, others would see the goodness of God. (Mat. 5)

The early church understood this. They stood so drastically opposed to the rest of the Roman Empire (and everywhere else) that they were prosecuted and killed. Their behavior was mocked by non-Christians, who could not fathom why the Christians wouldn’t feast with them, go see the games (gladiators), or engage in wanton sex. Throughout history other Christians have done the same. The early reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, those that fought against slavery and poverty like John Wesley and the early Methodists, Mother Teresa, and many, many more.

While most Christian churches today certainly do not espouse much of the behavior that is accepted outside the church, there is still a deep degree in which the church is seeking to blend in with culture. To be different is seen as elitist and legalistic. So the general conclusion is to imitate what the world finds attractive. A service of worship becomes entertainment and a church a coffee shop. Pastors are pressured to be megastars with nicely gelled hair and hip clothes. Go to any Christian bookstore. What you get in the books, music, and decor, is an imitation of western culture with a Christian spin. Some Christian musicians are advertised as sounding like a secular counterpart: If you like Lady Gaga then you will LOVE (fill in the blank)!

It is time that we stopped imitating the world and began to contrast it. Our lives, lived righteously, need to stand as a light to the rest of the world. We cannot allow our worship services, our homes, our marriages, our children, or anything else to blend in with the world. We cannot withdraw from the world around us, but we can be a light in the darkness and by doing so we will proclaim the goodness of God across the nations! We must be a contrast-society!

Friends

Wow. We had an incredible time with our friends, Jud and Carrie Thompson, tonight. The Thompsons have 5 kids to our 3, and all 8 kids ran around and had a blast. We adults sat around and talked about churches, about our futures, and about the visions that we believe God has given us. It is amazing to see how all of our thoughts have dovetailed together.

Whatever the outcome of our decision is about where to plant a church, reconnecting with our friends has been an incredible blessing. I have known Jud for 22 years now, ever since our freshman year at McEachern High School. I cannot even put into words the joy that filled my heart as I watched our oldest sons (who are only 6 days apart) run around and play together (and the rest of the kids as well). Before we left, we all gathered together, kids and all, and we prayed for blessings, guidance, and wisdom.

I really can't wait to see what God does...

Back in Georgia

Man I love this state. Don't get me wrong, I like Kentucky too, but there is something abut being home in Georgia that just feels good. The air, the pine trees, knowing that there is good BBQ within a 5 minute drive...all these things do my heart good.

We are here to have a meeting tomorrow about our possible church plant in Marietta. Right now, I am not sure at all where God is going to have us plant this Church. The possibilities are Marietta, Gainesville (GA), Athens, and a few other possible places. We are praying, and seeking God's guidance. Things are beginning to clear up, but I'll give some more details later. The meeting tomorrow will help clear things up as well.

Keep praying for us and if you get any insights from the Holy Spirit, let us know!

So sleepy...must write post...

I am very tired and really want to go to bed right now. But because a friend has challenged me to write a post everyday for 21 days, or otherwise he will give me three bunny rabbits, I am putting up a post. So here goes some vital information that all need to know:

1. If you ever decide to make a giant slip-n-slide for a youth group, don't use laundry detergent to make it more slippery. Laundry detergent, I now know, causes sensitive areas to break out in a rash.

2. The trail that God has us on REALLY does twist and turn suddenly. I'll keep you all posted on what that might mean for us later...

3. Throwing your wife a princess party for her birthday is a VERY good idea.

4. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich at Chick-Fil-A goes on sale to the public tomorrow (6-7-10).

5. The Atlanta Braves are in 1st place in the NL East. Go Braves.

7. I am so sleepy I skipped number 6.

8. The God of All is crazy in love with you.

Good night everyone. I am off to sleep.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Wife

We had a princess party today at my house. Tomorrow is my sweet wife's birthday. Me and the boys decorated with pink and let her wear a tiara. This kind of girly stuff just never happens in our house filled with boys, but my wife deserves it!

She really is an amazing woman. I don't know where I would be without her. Watching the Lord work in her life has been amazing. She has such an ability to hear from God, to discern the spiritual world around us, and to sense the movement of the Holy Spirit. She is one of the most compassionate people I know and has the ability to look past sinfulness to see child of God in everyone.

I am blessed beyond measure to have Brandie as my wife. I cannot wait to see how God is going to use her gifts and mine together in ministry. It is an incredible adventure that we are on and I couldn't be blessed with a better hiking partner!

Another way to say "walk the talk"

Something to think about...

"The world can be changed only when the people of God itself changes. It is not possible to liberate others unless freedom radiates within one's own group. It is not possible to preach social repentance to others unless one lives in a community which takes seriously the new society of the reign of God."
-Gerhard Lohfink

Cornerstones

The Cornerstones are a group of older adults that gather together monthly at the church that I work at. They have a potluck luncheon, talk a little, make plans for future outings, and then listen to a speaker. Today I joined them for lunch and had the opportunity to be their speaker.

It was a lot of fun and a little intimidating. For lunch I had about 6 different casseroles, coconut cake, chicken fingers, and an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade). There were 5 Asbury Seminary graduates in the room, three of them from the 1940’s. What do you say as a 36 year old that any of these folks haven’t already heard? They have lived life and experienced things that I may never experience. They have seen far more than I have and their wisdom is far beyond my own.

I was asked to speak on the subject of God as Father since this was their June gathering and June is when we celebrate Father’s Day. So a little intimidated, I began to share what being a dad has meant to me, how being a dad has helped me understand God’s love a little bit better. I shared about my own father and the security and comfort that I always felt snuggled against his upper arm on those nights I was too scared to sleep by myself. I shared about God the Father and how we get to call Him “Daddy” because of the sacrifice of His Son and the presence of His Spirit dwelling within us. I talked about the comfort of His arms and that nothing can take us away from His embrace. Nothing.

What I shared was nothing that they all had not heard before. It was nothing that was new for me. But it was nice to be reminded how incredible our Heavenly Father is and the depth of His love for us. It really was an honor to get to talk with these adults today.

Plus one of them said that I looked like Don Johnson.

A twist in the trail?

Thank you all so much for praying for us as we seek God’s guidance on planting a church. From the looks of things, the trail that we are on may take a turn up ahead. But it’s hard to tell…the headlamp only shines so far.

I spoke with an old friend and a soon to be Anglican bishop (same person) yesterday and had a great talk with him. I am also having breakfast tomorrow morning with an Anglican priest who also happens to be a friend as well. Things are beginning to gain a little more clarity, but nothing is for sure yet. We are supposed to have a meeting with some folks next Tuesday as well. Keep praying!

Chick-fil-A

It has long been known by theologians, especially those from the South, that two people serve as God’s personal cooks: Frank Gordy, the founder of The Varsity, and Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. Today, Truitt Cathy has provided us with answers to two great theological questions.

First, thanks to the new Spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich that was introduced today, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Wesleyan doctrine of Entire Sanctification is possible. Yes, the Spicy Sandwich is Perfection on a buttered bun, with two pickles. With just the right amount of heat, and all the flavor of the original, it’s slap your mama good.

The second truth is this: We know what will be served at the banqueting table of the Wedding feast of Christ. That’s right, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. With ice cold Coca-cola. And Onion rings from The Varsity. (Those last two items have been on the menu for a while, but I wanted to clarify things for any of those that have not encountered Truth before.)

Yes, just as John Wesley said of his experience at Aldersgate, my heart was strangely warmed today. I am pretty sure it was the Holy Spirit. Or heartburn.

My cell phone

The other day I heard a twelve-year old boy say, “I have two iPod Touches. One is for music, the other is for games and apps.”

I don’t know…call me crazy, that just seems a little excessive to me. I mean, I'm 36 and I have an iPod Shuffle that I bought used and my cell phone is held together with duct tape. (Yes, I know that an iPod Touch is not a cell phone, but role with me here.) I am not complaining. I love my cell phone. It makes calls. I can text when I need to. And it makes me feel like a good ol’ Georgia boy to walk around with something stuck in my pocket that I fixed myself using duct tape. But two iPod Touches? I just don’t get it. I'll pass along my duct tape phone to my boys when they turn 14 and they can buy their own iPod.

Three Amigos and a dying world...

El Guapo. Just say the name around any male in their thirties and immediately they will laugh hysterically and begin quoting from the classic movie Three Amigos! It is one of my all time favorite movies and it never gets old. Here is one of my favorite scenes:



As funny as that clip is, I also think it's a pretty sad allegory of the Church in America. Do you remember the woman at the well in John's Gospel? She was a woman that if most people walked past her in Target, they would inwardly call her a slut, grab their child's hand, and briskly walk past her while desperately trying not to make eye contact. Yet Christ sits next to her, tells her about the Living Water that only He can provide. He cares for her, spends time with her, and doesn't bother about her sinfulness. She is a dying woman that needs a drink.

Our world is dying. It is filled with people like the woman at the well. They look like Martin Short and Steve Martin, emptying their canteens in desperation, only to find a drop of water and heaps of sand. A 2006 Baylor University study stated that as low as 17% of North Americans are in church on any given Sunday. Most churches that are growing are doing so because of church hopping, not because more and more people are giving themselves to the saving grace of Christ. Let me say it once again, people are DYING and they are desperate to be saved! We CANNOT sit around, swishing water in our mouths, carelessly spilling the Living Water onto the ground, while offering only lip balm to the parched, dying people.

It's time that we stopped being selfish fighting over trivial things like whether or not we should sing hymns or contemporary music or have VBS in the morning or evening; it's time we started passing the canteen...lives depend on it.

Lessons from Amos

Here’s a little ditty from the sheep farmer turned prophet Amos. Speaking words directly from The LORD, he says:

²¹ “I hate all your show and pretense—
the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
²² I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.
I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.
²³ Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
²⁴ Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,
an endless river of righteous living. (Amos 5:21-24)

In Amos’ day, God’s chosen people were divided into two kingdoms: Judah in the south and Israel in the north. At times, both kingdoms had their problems of idolatry and unrighteousness, but at this time Judah was living under a king named Uzziah. According to Scripture, Uzziah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” The northern kingdom however was not living righteously, despite having a king who was a brilliant general and expanded the boarders of Israel. He allowed the people to live in luxury, but Scripture says that he did not depart from the sin of his father. The books of Hosea, Amos, and Joel all harshly criticize the sin in the land.

One of the sins mentioned repeatedly is the lack of justice for the poor, the widowed, the orphaned. While the wealthy lived their lives, others were horrendously oppressed. Although they attempted to have some sort of worship to YHWH, His response was rejection and a call for repentance.

I look around at the attitude of many churches in America and I wonder if these words could be spoken over us? Does God look at our Sunday morning activities and say, “I hate all your performances. It is just noise without meaning. Show me that you are about justice. Show me that you will feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned. When you show me righteous living, then will your worship be genuine” ?

This is the kind of Church that I want to pastor. I want to see “a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” And when that happens, the worship that we will experience will be sincere, boundless, extravagant, and irresistible!

Stepping onto the trail...

So here is the short version of where we are. Maybe I'll go into more details another day, but for now:

I married an amazing woman who I have been in love with since the 8th grade. About 7 years and three children into our marriage, she looked at me and said that God was calling me to be a pastor. Two years later God miraculously provided the resources for us to move to Kentucky so that I could go to seminary, and I began studying at Asbury Theological Seminary. Now a year away from graduating, God is beginning to show us where we are headed next.

Henry Blackaby, a pastor and author, wrote in his wonderful study Experiencing God that we should look for where the Holy Spirit is moving and then join Him in His work. Well, I have looked and seen the Holy Spirit working in incredible ways in the Anglican Church. Through an organization called Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA), God is planting churches that are dynamic, Spirit filled, evangelical Bodies of Christ that have an ancient foundation.

Right now we are praying about planting an AMiA church in Marietta, GA, our hometown. We have some friends that are interested in helping and the doors are wide open. Now we need to pray, fast, and seek guidance. Could I ask for each of you to support us through prayer? Send us an e-mail and give us your thoughts. We would love to hear from you.