WholeHeartedLife

One more thing about UNLEASH

What we saw in Anderson, SC CAN happen in Lumberton. Period.

Newspring is located in the middle of a cow pasture. Literally. Like my friend, Michael L. said, "we turned left at the goats and into the driveway." They moved into their new building (in the middle of nowhere) about a year ago. They are only 7 years old. They are averaging approx. 6,500 per week (with big weekends bringing in over 9,000). They grew to 4,000 without owning a building. The church is not a building, it's the people who make up the fellowship.

Anderson County has about 175,000 people in it - Robeson County has a little over 110,000. Anderson (the town) is similar in size to Lumberton. They have a very low growth rate just as we do.

What they do have is vision. Vision to see their town changed. Vision to see their region changed. They are just crazy enough to think that the power of God is still at work in this world and that the same God who parted the Red Sea can SAVE the people of their region and free them from sin and self.

See, Perry believes that JESUS can changed anybody and anybody is welcome at Newspring; all of our churches should be like this. Perry believes that God is just as Awesome today as He was "back then"...

SO DO WE.

We will see great things happen at HP. We will see Huge things happen at HP. God will blow our minds with the way that He will change lives (and change US) and we will observe, serve and give Him the glory He deserves!

If it doesn't happen it's only because we're scared - scared of man and what other churches think. Life is too short; I will not play anymore. Get on, buckle up or get out of the way! I REFUSE TO WASTE THE LIFE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME!

The biggest things I brought back from UNLEASH

I was challenged beyond belief yesterday. What an awesome opportunity we all had to take our ministry teams to a place that has been priviledged to "blow up the box" that we all occasionally try to put God in. Here were the biggest things i've taken away from Unleash:

• We HAVE TO begin a Care team. We must be intentional if we want to provide care for those who attend HP. Care doesn't just happen - we must develop a plan if we really want to see this take place at hyde park. We need to use people with the gift of mercy.
• The myth about growing churches is that it's all about style - it's not about style, it's about the fame of JESUS in your region!
• Moses didn't compromise the vision that God gave to him.
• I need to learn to incorporate rest into my life (our new schedule is helping)
• We need to stop using money as an excuse.

And the biggest thing that I took away?

POWERFUL PEOPLE IN YOUR CHURCH WILL TRY TO ALTER THE VISION. I've seen this ever since I became a Christian; a person with influence (earned AND monetary) doesn't agree with direction and tries to influence me to rethink the way i'm moving...

GOD GIVES VISION TO VISIONARIES. Period. Determine God's vision - Clarify that vision - Pray for guidance to carry out that vision and go after making that vision happen. A good friend of mine once said: "God will never give a vision, that He doesn't give provision to bring it to fruition" Have a great weekend. This weekend, Hyde Park will be hot!

I called Tony Morgan an IDIOT?"

tony morgan This guy (the one in the front) is one of my favorite bloggers. I began reading him after I read his book on Volunteers. Shortly after, thanks to a post by Todd Rhodes over at Monday Morning Insight (one of the best places for a "schmorgasboard" of opionions and bloggers in the church - great to meet you, Todd.) I found out He was a blogger and I was intrigued by his insights and the comments of those who read him.

So, why did I "call him out" and question his intelligence in front of a room full of bloggers @ UNLEASH?

Well, obviously I would never do that, even If I did think he was intellectually challenged (I don't). Hey, you're reading the epitome of challenged.

Honestly, my comment (or question) was "Tony, do you really think that much about what you're about to write or do you just kinda "brain dump"?" My intention was in response to the previous person's question in which he was asking about how Tony chooses what he's about to write on, how to write in a way to facilitate networking. I guess my question, and point, was that most of us write "whatever it is that is rockin' our world right now". That's why people read - they are interested in you and your thoughts.

Anyway, all embarrassment for me aside, I totally enjoyed everything about UNLEASH and the opportunity to meet some of you whom I love reading. (didn't get to meet Gary Lamb, though, bummer. Never saw him. Must have been in the VIP section; )

Oh, and by the way, if you don't know where to find him that would be: www.tonymorganlive.com

I'm Going to this...

The Unleash 2007 Conference is being held @ NewSpring Church. They are "BLOWIN' UP!!!" It's on Thursday, March 15th, in Anderson, SC. Everyone who wants to be challenged like crazy (with me!) should consider going - especially those serious about being a part of going to the next level. It's only $45 (the fee goes up on 3/1) and we'll all ride together. We'll have to leave @ 5am (seriously!) to get there on time - I think it will be worth it (you can sleep on the bus!). If you want to go POST IT ON HERE so others will know that you're going (that way they don't think it will be like them & me for, like, hours! Could you imagine having to hear me? blah, blah, blah, blah for hours....) Here's the link.

This guy will be there! Tony really challenges me...