WholeHeartedLife

Sunday Nite (October 16)

So tired. My throat hurts, my head hurts, my eyes are burning and all that I want is to go to sleep. I'm not sick - I just had an incredible day and feel like I gave everything that I had. To feel this way is totally worth it to have the opportunity to be part of Vertical Church. I am so thankful that Jesus called me to this and has given me this experience.

Here are the things on my heart this evening:

• Today was the final day of our "Real Holiness" series. We have determined that holiness ISN'T any of the following things: morality, a certain style of dress or music, attending church, giving in the offering, wearing your hair a certain way, not having tattoos, etc. None of these things can make us holy.
• My goal for this morning was to connect the dots and answer the question, knowing that holiness ISN'T me trying real hard to be good, "what DOES God expect from you?"
• Once again told the many people attending VC who haven't yet given their hearts to Jesus that today's message isn't for them. I'm NOT calling people who haven't received Jesus to learn to live a better life that looks more "christian". One of the biggest problems in the church is that people think they can fake it til they make it!!!! We don't want people to fake anything - we want them to come to the place that they desire God's power to change. We are praying that the Spirit draw them and that they might desire to be transformed by Him.
• The question isn't "how good can I be? - the question is "how empty can I be?" 
• At the end of my message I asked everyone who is serious about living a holy life, one that is given to God to give us their mobile number so we could encourage them with a daily text. Listen friends, we are here for you!! We are going to do this together. If you are interested in concentrating on your desire to allow Jesus to change your heart you can still sign up to receive our daily text message: http://trunc.us/r7a768
• I poured my heart out to our church today... left every bit of it on that stage. I pray that I adequately made clear all that God expects and how every bit of it is counting on Him.
• Not only was today the last day of "Real Holiness", it was also the last day that Vertical will only have 1 service. BEGINNING NEXT WEEKEND WE WILL HAVE 2 IDENTICAL WORSHIP SERVICES - 9 am and 11 am. 
• Which service will you be attending?
• Next Sunday we kick off a new series titled, "The Office". Honestly... this is a CAN'T MISS Sunday as we will be doing something crazy - something beyond anything we've ever done at VC.
• Music today was pretty incredible. As Jon was on a much deserved break Rhonda led worship and with the anointing she always carries absolutely BROUGHT IT!!! The thing that would surprise most of you is that she was having serious vocal issues, to the point of drinking lemon juice backstage between services and songs (it works - for some reason the LJ helps you to keep your voice). I didn't know this until right before the 10:30 service and was shocked because of the notes she was hitting at the 9am. By the way she was still hitting them at the 10:30.
• Rhonda, Justin, Robby, Christoph and Andrew brought a powerful set this morning starting with a new song, "Your's is the Victory" (Newspring), "A Mighty Fortress" (North Point), and "Your Love Never Fails" (Jesus Culture).
• The conversations happening after the service said it all - people, broken and desiring to bring God glory with their lives. I'm believing that this is a week that God will begin a major transformation in our church... 
• Never forget that before what happened in the bible can happen in our region it must first happen in our own hearts. 

There are some exciting things that we will be unveiling this week at Vertical Church - exciting week - you WILL BE hearing about all that is coming up at Vertical. Honestly, I love you guys... thanks for taking the journey - we're just getting started.

 

 

Sunday Nite (October 9) - Little Different Perspective

A little bit different "Sunday Nite" as I just barely made the service yesterday. Keyna and I took a brief trip to Myrtle Beach on Friday night (love the Grand Strand, especially in the off-season). We had a relaxing time, great food, good movie, a little shopping and most importantly, some free time together. We had no intentions of making it back to Ltown for service but with an earlier than usual check-out time and no real plans for Sunday afternoon KEYNA decided (no, it wasn't me not wanting to miss) that we should leave and go to our church for service.

No arguments here (grin).

So this is my observations of Sunday from a different perspective:

• This would be my 1st time attending Vertical when I had nothing to do with set up, getting there early or being part of pre-service. As a matter of fact, like many Vertical attenders, we got there after service started.
• I have never driven up to Vertical after everything is happening - i'm always on site. So, when I drove up to the stop light at Roberts avenue it was pretty exciting - full parking lot, Vertical flags waving by the road, signage up on corners - it certainly looked like something was going on there. The orange and black VIP tents were up, the road presentation was really great. No wonder people are always commenting to me how it really looks like some great things are happening by the looks of the parking lot!
• I got out of the car and was happily greeted by the VIP team. I know they were happy to see their Pastor and wife unexpectantly walk up late but still, much excitement underneath those tents. I have often said I would love to be on VIP team!
• The lobby looked great - Rhonda was at the NEXT table preparing to help people take that NEXT step. I was greeted by more of the greet team on the inside and was excited to see new members of the team shadowing experienced members and learning what their role at Vertical will be.
• We stopped at the cafe for our 1st cup of coffee of the morning (thank You, Jesus). We also got hugs from Mrs. Libby and the cafe team.
• On the way in we got smiles and hugs from Mrs. Brenda, Sarah and the team at the door giving out worship guides and pens. (I'm smiling right now as I type and think through...)
• Walking in the auditorium was so exciting... the pipe and drape was WAY back and the crowd, music and Spirit was THICK. Our amazing usher team with Mike Jackson and Jason Hammonds showed us to our seats...
• Jon was just leading into the opening chorus of a favorite of mine, "Fire Fall Down", I was so glad to be in there... Robby had switched up to acoustic guitar, Jon on keys. Shay and Chris were laying down a very worshipful groove. We are so blessed with talent. I am so very thankful for the talented musicians giving their blessing back to the Lord.
• Donnie brought week 2 of Real Holiness with a very heavy message based on Leviticus 20. As he was introing it I felt kind of bad as Lead Pastor of VC for strapping him with this (certainly wasn't intentional). That being said, Donnie is such a great preacher he skillfully walked through those heavy passages with the precision of a surgeon, a surgeon bringing healing instead of the death those passages are laden with.  
• "Holiness is not designed to restrict but to unleash the fullness of life that God desires for us". Yes!
• I love what @tomdawg09 tweeted: "Donnie Paschal talking about holiness not being restricting sounds like racing. Both cannot be our best if something is holding us back." Exactly T!!!
• Donnie's candy illustration at the end was just great. God IS NOT holding back on us!! As he said, thinking that is like trying to eat a piece of candy with the wrapper still on never tasting the sweetness of the candy. If we haven't tasted and seen that the Lord is good than we have no clue what we're missing out on.
• We had a big crowd from the UNCP football team with yesterday morning at Vertical. We are so proud of the program, their great coaching staff which believes not just in football but most importantly in making men. I am praying and believing great things for these young men.
• One of the best things of the day: I had the priviledge of worshiping with you all while sitting next to my beautiful wife who normally works VKidz. It was a powerful service and I see why people love to worship at VC.

Yesterday was just an incredible day at Vertical Church. I am very thankful for the opportunity to view it from a different context. To our amazing team - YOU KILLED IT YESTERDAY AND I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!! KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.

We Had a Banjo!! (Sun Nite, Oct 2)

HALLELUJAH!!!! I'm shoutin' with all I have that it's not God AND me, it's God IN me!! (I hope you are as well).

It's Sunday nite, I am absolutely wiped out but I wanted to share with my friends all that which fills my heart to overflowing. Jesus is alive, He's changing lives and I CANNOT believe that He allows me to be part of this move that happens weekly at Vertical Church. I hope that you were there, if not, here's what you missed:

• Today was the kickoff of our new series, "Real Holiness" and it was slammin'.
• I started the message off by sharing that our sermon roll-in for this series makes me a little uncomfortable. The reason it bothers me is that it's doing it's job by pushing my "buttons", creating tension - it's doing exactly what it was created to do.
• The reason that video makes some of us uncomfortable is because we have a screwed up vision about what real holiness actually is.
• The atmosphere for today's service was totally different - the stage set with stained glass windows (amazing job Kelly and team), the big pulpit I preached behind (don't know where Brandon scored that from), the band playing acoustic gospel music (which they did awesomely). We wanted to give our people some of the things that we normally classify/associate with holiness within the church.
• A church that sings from a hymn book is not more reverent than a church that reads words off a screen. Churches that meet in "church buildings" are not more holy than churches that meet in movie theaters or schools. NOR IS A CHURCH THAT MEETS IN A MOVIE THEATER BETTER THAN CHURCHES WHO MEET IN A TRADITIONAL BUILDING. People... NONE of this has anything to do with holiness.
• Our church gets accused of being new, modern, cutting edge, as I heard this week, a “church person” told someone that they just think what we do is a great big show. And that’s a shame... that person doesn’t see the work that GOD is doing in our midst - they don’t experience the passionate worship, the stories of life change you regularly see on the screens - they didn’t witness last weekend people praying to receive Jesus, JUMPING UP from their seats to be immediately and obediently baptized into their new faith - THEY DON’T KNOW... 
• I know that WE ARE different than most, but I believe us to be very old school in what we believe in as a church because Vertical Church believes that God’s people should be holy. We believe that God has called the people who are Jesus followers to be changed, different.
• We literally tackled Leviticus 19 today, to which I said after announcing it, "and all God's people said, "ewwwwww!" I think we did a good job of taking a tough passage and helping people see it in a different way.
• My Worship Pastor Jon Lloyd (who does have a tattoo) just texted me and said, "so, is it a sin to have a tattoo? I don't think you ever said." Answer: No. Let me clarify again: When God said you shall not tattoo your body He was referring to a Caananite religious ritual.
• Nor do you have to grow out the hair from your temples or grow a beard (grin). 
• Thank You Jesus for Your Word!

As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." How is my life being shaped by God’s life? Is your life blazing with God’s holiness?!?

• It's not God AND you, it's God IN you. I hope this phrase changes your relationship with Jesus Christ this week. If you missed it I hope that you'll check out the podcast which should be up by Tuesday.
• Today's crowd was huge again. It was almost as big as last week which is awesome because we knew that some of our people last week were there to see baptisms. 
• I guess that means our church is growing again. So much praise to the Father!!! Glory to Jesus!!!
• Also, most importantly, PEOPLE WERE SAVED AGAIN TODAY! I am always blown away because lately I have the opportunity to pray with people at the NEXT table who pray to receive Jesus every week! Thank You Jesus for Your great salvation - God is so good.
• I am just blown away by our teams every single week - today was no different. Words do not describe how happy I am to be part of the team that makes Vertical Church happen every week. Jesus is just doing an amazing work here (can't say it enough!!!)
• The banjo. It was a pleasure to have my friend Ron Stansel grace us with his talent and presence this morning. Ron was pickin' and grinnin' with Vertical Worship this morning. They were incredible. I thought that the crowd just loved it in a different type way.
• Yeah, we played some Johnny Cash this morning (grin). Jon, Justin, Robby, Bob and Bree were vertically versatile this morning bringing it a totally different way. They continue to bring people to the throne. When Bree brought a beautiful rendition of the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" "Softly and Tenderly" I thought we had a quartet up there singing back-ups. I sounds like I'm joking on them (and I am because it was so different and unlike them) but truly, it was beautiful.
• Music: I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away, Will the Circle be Unbroken, Blessed Assurance, Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus. 
• Next week's worship music will be a little more in the style you have grown to love at Vertical.

This week, as you go remember, everytime you receive a text, a phone call, a tweet or a facebook, before you receive it, STOP, and say, "It not God AND me, it's God IN me... right now, Jesus, fill me with your love, take control of my thoughts, my words and my actions." May this week be the most spirit filled week of your life, in Jesus Name. I love you all.

 

Sunday Nite (September 25)

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!

It's Sunday evening and I am exhausted after a day full of ministry. Honestly, this was one of the most powerful Sunday's in the short history of Vertical Church. I am amazed, blessed and blown away. I'm sorry I don't have words to describe how I feel right now... my vocabulary is just not adequate to describe what we are taking part in.

• This was the last week of our "Intervention" series. Intervention has been a landmark series here at VC. I am blown away at all we've experienced through this series. 
• We're NOT ok.
• Donnie preached today's final message and brought the freakin' heat!!! What a powerful message. I am so blessed by the staff that the Lord has brought around me.
• We had baptism this morning. Baptism days are always amazing as we share the video testimonies of the person being baptized. I believe it's one of the greatest evangelistic things we do as the people in our congregation hear the salvation stories. It's an awesome way to show people that our God saves anyone who calls out to him.
• I had the priviledge to introduce our church to our 2 church planting interns, Matt Harmon and Joe McDaniel. Both Joe and Matt had the opportunity to baptize people that will be on their church planting teams. Way to go, fellas!
• At the end of the service we opened it up for people being saved to be baptized and praise God they did. The church ERUPTED when they got up to be baptized!!!! AWESOME!!!
• We saw 20 people take the Next Step of baptism this morning at VC. Thank You, Jesus. 
• We will not take this for granted. We will not take this for granted. We will not...
• I tell you this: I LOVE what God is doing in our midst.
• I love our team. We have a most incredible group who are making a difference from the parking lot to the stage. Unbelievable.
• Every week I have conversations with people who would never fit in at most churches and I LOVE IT. They love Vertical - God is using Vertical to help them fall in love with Jesus.
• Music was absolutely incredible today. Our band opened the service with the Linkin Park hit, "What I've Done"!!!! It was perfect with our series - not to mention the fact that they killed it. Justin's voice is perfect for LP tunes! I was blown away - love that song.
• After baptism the band brought a song that has become a Vertical classic, "Forever Changed" - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear our people sing out, "forever, I am changed by mercy forever my heart is alive - forever, I am Yours my Savior, forever, my Hope is Christ".
• During the invitation time Jon brought an anointed version of "It is Well". Can you say Spirit moving?!?
• We have been so blessed musically. Dang!
• We moved theaters today. We were totally out of space and decided to move to the largest theater and it was a good thing because...
• WE HAD OUR BIGGEST ATTENDANCE DAY IN THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH TODAY!!!  
• I cannot wait to kick off our next series, "Real Holiness" next Sunday. I believe it will be a life changing series for many. Do not miss any weeks of this series - I'm so serious.

I close by sharing that tonight we had our monthly leaders meeting. As we shared the many "WINS" we've experienced this month I continually was moved to tears. People, I just can't get over this. I love you all. Thank You Jesus for Your favor. I pray You are being greatly glorified by Your children. Hallelujah.

Sunday Nite (September 18)

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY!!!

I am so tired tonight because we have gone non-stop since 5am!! And though I feel exhausted in every sense of the word and my body literally aches from fatigue - I AM BLOWING UP ABOUT ALL THAT I EXPERIENCED TODAY!!!

This will be a short one but there is definitely more to come:

• Week 2 of Intervention we looked at the fact that Jesus intervenes in the lives of those who feel like outsiders when it comes to the church.
• Luke 19 - the story of Zaccheus.
• Thank Jesus that He came to where I was, reached down and drew me to Himself. I am so thankful HE didn't give up on me. Therefore, we will not give up on those who seem as if they have gone too far!
• I am also thankful to find out that I'm not the only one who always had to pee when I found the good hiding spot in hide and seek (you'll have to check out the podcast on that one - should be up by Tuesday).
• We celebrated the Lord's Supper yesterday during the service. Always powerful when we reflect on Jesus sacrifice, ask forgiveness for our sins, and seek reconcilation and celebration through the sacrament of the Supper.
• Worship was great yesterday. One of my favorite new songs would be "Only Our God" by Casey Darnell. I especially love the bridge, really great to sing in a large group as you can really sink your teeth into the bridge congregationally. And "Forever Reign" continues to be a fav of mine.
• 2 of my favorite people, Alan and Karen Sealey made it to Vertical this morning! Long history with both of them - it seemed so natural for them to be with us today. They have both been praying from a far for Vertical. This morning was their first opp to be with us. They said it felt like, "home". 
• My favorite time of the service actually happens after the service when we have the opportunity to pray with people as they take next steps with our church. My heart fills with joy as I think about the times of prayer I shared this morning. I believe that God is TRULY at work through VC.
• I AM SO THANKFUL FOR OUR TEAM!!! All of the people who serve at Vertical are the hands and feet of Jesus. THEY are the difference makers! MUCH LOVE to you all!!!!
• Tonight we had VERGE, our new partners class. 29 people signed our church covenant and became Vertical partners. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL! What a joy to spend that time and that meal with you all. I am looking forward to seeing the way that the Lord uses you to make a difference in your world through VC.

I'm so beat... ibuprofen and my bed are calling my name. Much love to you all - can you believe we get to do this?!? Pinch yourself, it's real, and we're just getting started!!!

Sunday Nite (September 11)

This has been one of the most challenging weeks that I have had in a very long time. We had my Grammie's funeral on Friday night, the pain of her passing hanging over my head and in my heart throughout the week, preparing for multiple messages, a leadership conference which put us driving 9 hours on Wednesday and Thursday... PHEW!

That being said I AM SO, SO, SO, SO GRATEFUL for the move of Jesus in my life, my church, my family and our region. Today was one of the most incredible days I have ever experienced in ministry. There was what I believe to be a powerful move of the holy Spirit within that building all morning long. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I GET TO DO THIS!!!!

Thank You, Jesus, for calling me to follow you on this great adventure called church planting. Here's what I'm thinking tonight:

• Today was week 1 of our new series "Intervention". The name of my message was, "Everything is not OK". Can we agree together that we're not ok?!? The intervention I'm talking about is not necessarily limited to drugs and alcohol. Intervention is about people understanding they need supernatural help.
• I felt led to spend a great deal of time trying to break through the hardness of people's minds which allows them to lie to themselves thinking that they're ok. I didn't feel like there was a person in the place (myself included) that God wasn't dealing with in this area.
• WE'RE NOT OK!!! I'M NOT OK!!! YOU'RE NOT OK!!! "Jesus, heal our hearts and convict us of our sinful, self-reliant heart."
• The message was from Mark 5:1-20. 
• We will let anybody come to our church just the way they are; but be warned, JESUS is in the intervention business and loves you too much to leave you all demon-possessed, dirty, shackled and cut up.
• I closed the service by reading some intervention letters that people sent to me during the week. They were real, raw and heart-breaking. Thanks to all who sent one in. Even if I didn't use your letter in the service, your heartfelt expression helped me to develop the feel of today's message.
• In our volunteer service (9am) the Spirit of Jesus was so strong during the invitation... people were weeping... I WAS WEEPING... my prayer was, "Lord, prepare the hearts of those who will sit in these chairs in the next service - PLEASE!!!"
• He did.
• Seriously, this morning's service was one of the most powerful services I've seen since we've been doing this. Jesus was at work... drawing people to Himself. 
• When it was all said and done there were bunches of people turning to Jesus. Just incredible. It took us over 20 minutes of praying, talking, counseling, giving out new believer kits and bibles. That would be a great big PRAISE JESUS!!!
• The band brought out the Coldplay classic, "Fix You", right before the invitation. Totally set the table for where the Lord was taking us. They killed it!!! And Jon owned the lead vocal. You should totally check it out on the Vertical Church message download.
• There were so many first time guest today... So thankful to be a church that every weekend is someone's first weekend. 
• If you were one of the people who prayed to receive Jesus but didn't follow through you really should let me know - I want to help you in your walk with Jesus.

I love you all... I am so grateful to be a part of this with you. Friends, we're just getting started - I believe that Jesus is going to do a great work in our region! As you go through your Monday shine for Jesus.

Sunday Nite (September 4)

(Imaginary Monday morning conversation between two Christians):

Person 1: Wow, my church was awesome yesterday!
Person 2: REALLY?!? Ours was too!
P1: yeah, our Pastor, you should have heard him... he was super annointed yesterday - on fire!
P2: Yeah, your pastor IS pretty awesome!
P1: So, what happened at your church yesterday?
P2: Our Pastor opened the service by singing a Guns and Roses song!!!!

Welcome to Vertical Church. More about the GnR in a moment.

We had an incredible Sunday at Vertical Church! Seriously, I can't believe that I get the opportunity to do this. Every week just gets better and I AM SO PUMPED BY WHAT I EXPERIENCED AT VERTICAL TODAY!!! God was definitely at work - here's what's on my mind tonight:

• "I have Much Love for Vertical Church". Mike Jackson's #muchlove video was great. I was there when he was filming it and there was a point where he shared a tragedy that just took my breath. If you missed it you can catch it on Tuesday.
• Today was our last week of "I Love the 80's" which has been my favorite series yet. I LOVE to share with people what Vertical Church is about... it's my sweet spot because it's the reason we felt called to do this. 
• I knew today was going to be an incredible day when our volunteer service was on fire.
• Amazing crowd on Labor Day Sunday!
• Today was our last day in our theater. Next Sunday we begin a new adventure in the larger theater. Can't wait.
• Today's message was titled, "Knees". Donnie brought one of the most practical messages about prayer that people really need to hear. This is huge because people have prayer all wrong... you are missing out because you've made prayer something you feel inadequate to bring.
• Donnie busted on people who pray in public and pray in a different voice than they ever use any other time (MOST KIND AND GRACIOUS...) because they hurt the cause of Christ. People actually say, "I can't pray like that!" YOU DON'T HAVE TOO!!! The language that Jesus taught His disciples to pray in was the basic common greek that normal people spoke. He taught them in a language they understand.
• I hope that our people, everybody in the house, understood this morning that God wants them to talk to him. Not just ask Him for stuff... but have constant communication (both verbal and silent) with Him.
• At the end of the service we had a time to pray with people for their needs. People were laying stuff down before the Lord. God is at work.
• I am amazed at the conversations I have after church. Met multiple first time guests this morning who were blown away by the service and the way they were treated as our VIP's. 
• I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF OUR PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR VIP'S FEEL SPECIAL WEEK IN AND WEEK OUT. 
• It's amazing how many people will visit your church when you create an environment which expects 1st time guests on a weekly basis. I believe that God honors our preparation.
• YES. We opened the service with "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns-n-Roses. Yes. I sang it. Why would a pastor of Jesus Christ do that? All in the name of helping to create common ground for people to have ears to hear what we REALLY gathered for today. And you know, there's no shame in my game... I'm proud to be part of a church that understands that we bring glory to Jesus by leading people to Him - I believe we did that today.
• I address this very thing in my message, "Boxes" from a few weeks ago. I realize there are some Christians that disagree with this path. I've said it many times: if this is going to be a sticking point with you it is quite possible that Vertical is not the church for you. There are so many churches that you would probably love in the area - maybe ours not so much so. We love you, but we love our mission and vision more.
• We love Jesus. JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! It's all about Him - the only name under heaven and earth by which men can be saved by grace through faith as we repent from that which has held us back. We're just a little different than what you're used to.
• Last thing about this... more positive comments about it than anything in a while. Vertical people GET IT. Hallelujah!
• By the way... I've said it before, our band is so great and it is such a great honor to work with such an amazing group of musicians who love Jesus. Those guys can play anything! They proved it all month as they slayed those 80's classics.
• After singing, "Sweet Child" I moved to drums. Our worship songs were our Worship Pastor Jon Lloyd's song, "The Lord is My Strength" and Hillsong's "Stronger". Love, love, love playing with these guys.

Next weekend we begin a new series titled, "Intervention". I believe with all of my heart that this will be a series that will free many people. I really need your help, even if you don't go to my church. Many of you have people in your life far from God that you've been praying for a long time. Their issue isn't necessarily drugs or alcohol, it can be anything that has caused them to drift from God. If you were going to write a short intervention letter to them what would you say? Can you help me by sending me your intervention letter? I promise, if I choose it I will make sure it's anonymously. INBOX ME with your short intervention letter.

 

Sunday Nite (August 28)

Blown away tonight after an unbelievable day at Vertical. God has been so good to us... to be privileged to be part of this just makes me speechless. Words do not describe how blessed I feel. Here's what's on my mind on this Sunday night:

• Week 3 of our series, "I Love the 80's" was pretty awesome from my point of view. This series is connecting with people in a major way.
• Every week our production team is knocking it out of the park. Whether it be Kelly Little's weekly ever changing stage design, Jon's "80's" roll in videos, Brandon's service planning, the bands take on some of our favorite 80's hits, the media team's excellence or the sound crew bringing a FAT, FULL SOUND... it has just been amazing.
• By the way... our cafe crew is killing it!!! Their designs and the extra touch is just amazing. Hallelujah! Their efforts make the difference in our environments.
• We had a HUGE crowd today. We had our biggest day in Upstreet. And in the worship auditorium we were totally packed out.
• 5 people professed their faith in Christ to Vertical Church today through baptism!!!! I absolutely LOVE baptism Sunday's. To hear the video testimonies... it just demonstrates to everyone in the house that God is at work. The baptism videos totally help me to preach.
• Today's message was titled, "Crosses". Through the visual of the cross we talked about whether everyone in the house had "nailed down" whether or not the had faith in Jesus.
• There is no reason for you not to know whether or not Jesus lives in you. You GOTTA nail that down!
• We had quite a number of people indicate this morning that they had walked from death to life receiving Jesus as Savior in the service.
• We had people saying to me, "Mike P: I'm a '10'!" Praise Jesus for that.
• Brandon Smith's "MuchLove" video was amazing! Love that dude and what Jesus is doing in his life. No doubt his story resonated with many (especially me).
• The band totally 80's brought the heat this morning opening with the 80's classic, 867-5309. As Justin said after the song, "Guess we all know Jenny's number, huh?". They went on to lead worship with 2 of my favs: "Your Love never Fails" by Jesus Culture and "Give me Faith" by Elevation Worship.
• We ended the day with a leaders meeting down at Vertical HQ. I shared some really, REALLY big news and dates about upcoming events and the remainder of our year. You know, I TRULY HAVE THE GREATEST LEADERSHIP TEAM. These people blow my mind - love them so much.
• Love my Pastors and staff as well. How did I receive such amazing favor that God would allow me the opportunity to lead them.

Many of you have asked about Grammie. As of writing time (10:27 pm on Sunday evening) she is still with us. She is at hospice house and I don't think it can be long now. Thank you so much for your kind words and your prayers. Regardless of the fact that we are not prepared to lose her we know and are persuaded that God's grace and mercy for us in our time of need is more than enough. Thank You, Jesus.

Sunday Nite (August 21)

I am SOOOOO tired tonight so this one might be quick. We had an absolutely, unbelievable, barn-burning, Jesus-filled, people taking a next step in their faith day today at Vertical Church (that was a mouth-full!)

• What an amazing day! Week 2 of "I Love the 80's" - what a fun day. The name of today's message was "Boxes" as I talked about the mobile faith that Christianity is meant to be. 
• The fact that the early church didn’t have a building actually HELPED THEM with their mission BECAUSE it put them in communication with those outside the church. We see the mission of the church happening over and over in the book of Acts because the church wasn’t holed up in their little buildings with white steeples on top but rather, they were among those who were outside of the church. We see examples of this all throughout the book of Acts.
• Church history shows that christians didn't begin building church buildings for 300 years. That being said, it's ironic that today when you ask a person what is the first thing you think about when I say God, the answer if most often: church. 
• They aren't talking about the people - they're referencing the building (sigh).
• From the beginning of VC I have been bold about reminding people WHY we’re here: we want to help people who don’t like church meet God. Because of this, We’ve taken some heat from church people who make the assumption that because what we are doing is different that it is wrong - because it’s not church as THEY know it - they think it’s not from God.
• Today I took time during the message to answer some of our FAQ's, such as: why do we meet in a movie theater, why don't we have Sunday School, what denomination are we, what do we do for missions, why do we wear shorts and tshirts instead of suits to church. I also addressed why we tell people where to sit, why we sometimes play secular music and why our music is so loud.
• I hope you'll check out the podcast (Boxes) to hear me talk about all of this.
• At the end of the service we actually had a ministry fair of sorts, giving people the opportunity to find a ministry that they would be interested in being part of. Too cool to see people taking a next step and to activate their faith through service.
• Really big crowd today. Very exciting. Also glad to see UNCP students in the house today!!!!
• My friend Shay Jones rocked the drums today with Vertical Worship. DANG, THAT DUDE WAS SMOKIN!!!! Shay totally blessed my heart.
• Speaking of music, Jon, Justin, Rhonda, Robby, Bob and Bree (along with Shay) totally brought an anointed moring of music our way! So blessed to have this caliber of music led by people who truly believe what they're singing.
• They opened up with Rhonda leading the 80's classic, "Time After Time" - it was INCREDIBLE!
• Tonight we had GroupLink and it was so great! In spite of the torrential rainstorm (with wind that literally looked like a hurricane), we had a bunch of people come out to take a next step in their faith through joining up in community. Thank You, Lord!
• Don't forget, this coming Sunday is when you need to bring your friends to church - it's gonna be an amazing day in which I believe Jesus is going to change lives.

I am so proud and thankful for our team who totally brought it today. They "bring it" every weekend but today they outdid themselves. Thank You God for giving me the opportunity to be part of this work - I love You.

That's it... time for sleep.

Sunday Nite (August 14)

 

Unbelievable day today at Vertical. I am so thankful for the privilege of doing what we do week in and week out! God is at work - lives are being changed - and I am just without words.

• We began "I Love the 80's" this week. "80's" is a series where we are exploring and teaching the things that we value as a church.
• This week we talked about circles and the fact that we decided early on that small groups (the circle) was going to play a prominent role in the life of VC.
• V Formation #4 (our core values) states that "we are a church OF small groups, not with. There is a difference." Small groups are not just a good idea at VC - our structure is built upon the small group (VGroup)
• Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20 ESV) Ever been there? The people we hang out with matters because the people we hang with influence our actions and decisions. Joining a VGroup will put you in relationship with people who are attempting to roll in the same direction you are. We ALL need that including me (and yes, I am in a VGroup myself. Leaders never tell people to do things they aren't willing to do themselves)
• We will be having GroupLink next Sunday night at 5:30 giving people the opportunity to be part of VGroups. If you didn't register to attend GroupLink this morning you can do so here.
• I was excited to see people respond in life-changing ways through the invitation surrendering their lives to Jesus. You know, before what happened in the bible can happen in our region it has to happen in our hearts.
• Showed some old school pictures of my circle and some of my friends moshing out at the Pirate's Den at Mr. P's. Here's one of me singing with "Sleezy Doc". You can't see it but Vertical Drummer James Ward is onstage with me in this pic. We had some good times.
• For the record, I LOVE THE 80's. It seemed like it lasted forever - I don't know if I can say like Brian Adams, "those were the best days of my life!" because I didn't know Jesus (wish I did) but all and all, they were pretty awesome.
• The stage set was amazing!!! Kelly Little is a stage design guru. So thankful that God brought people to us with amazing talents and that Vertical is an outlet for them to use their talent for Jesus.
• I am so proud of our production team. In spite of the obstacles and challenges we personally throw at them on a weekly basis they always pull it off. So thankful for them - and hoping to be a better Pastor to work with in that area.
• Music today was just anointed even if we did open up with one of the baddest 80's songs ever: BEAT IT! Elisha Mickle killed it. And btw... the Vertical band is just TIGHT! How great is it to have such powerful players giving that talent fully to Jesus?!? "Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher is just a favorite to me - today's whole set were favs.
• Speaking of "Beat it", to see Robby Gaddy tear up a solo like that in church is such a blessing to me (1 Cor 10:31).
• Why take the time to look at the 80's as a part of our service? We'll be talking about that next week in my message, "Squares"

Over in our VKidz environments our kidz have been having some great teaching as well. Here are 3 great updates from our KidMin Pastor Joey Autry.

• from @joeyautry: VKids UpStreet learned what it means to keep cool and self control today. Prov 14:16-17 'Super Cool'
• @joeyautry: VKidz Waumba Land today: God said GO! Jonah said NO! Jonah 1:1-17
• @joeyautry: "What happens at home is more important than what happens at church" Parents have more influence! Lead well.

I love you all. Let's have a great week and allow what happened in the bible to happen in our hearts. Who's with me?!?