What's God Saying?

This morning I was reading through the book of Zechariah. But I was not just reading to gain knowledge, but really trying to listen to God. As I was having that private time with God, God showed me though His Word that whatever we accomplish as a church is through God's grace and not by our own strength.

As I contemplated on that thought, I asked myself what difference would that make in my life if I lived as though that was true. First, I would trust God more. I would pray more. Second, I would have more confidence knowing that it was not my effort that brought about change. Third, I would be more patient instead of just trying to make it happen. Finally, I would always give God credit for what is done.

Has God said anything to you lately? If so, what? Are you listening?

Why We Do What We Do

Two weeks ago Glenn McKeithan shared with me an awesome story that sums up why we do what we do. He shared with me that his sister and brother-in-law recently visited our church. That may not seem like a big deal, but it was because Glenn said his sister had been out of church for years and that her husband had never really been active in church. But after visiting our church they commented, "if there was a church like this close to us, we would attend." Glenn heard from his mother the other day that his sister and brother-in-law are now in a search for a church where they are from, and the catalyst for all this was their visit to Friendship. Sometimes we never know the impact on the kingdom that are efforts have, but we need to continue plugging along because it is making a difference. We are different to make a difference. Do you have a story that illustrates why we do what we do? If you do, I would love to hear it.

Missed Opportunity

I feel like a missed an opportunity the other night to share the love of Christ. I was in the grocery line waiting my turn when I noticed the lady in front of me, with baby in tow, was having a dilemma. She had brought several cans of formula to the register and some diapers, and as she was counting her money she realized she didn't have enough money. She had to tell the cashier to put three of the cans of formula back.

Immediately I thought I should say something and offer to buy the cans of formula. But being naturally introverted, I started talking myself out of it. What if she doesn't want my help? What if that insults her? What is she takes it the wrong way? What if I don't have enough money? By then, she had paid and was heading to the door, and I had missed an opportunity to share a random act of God's love.

I missed that chance. I blew it. Has anything like that ever happened to you? Where the moment it is gone you realize that was a chance to love someone like Jesus did? Let me know if you have ever experienced that by leaving a comment.

Something Exciting is Coming

For those of you who are enjoying the blog, I have an exciting announcement coming up in the next week. Stay tuned for more info.

Problems with Blog

I have had some problems for the last couple of weeks with people not receiving updates or email updates to my blog. I have attempted to fix the problem. If you are still having a problem getting updates, you may want to try to resubscribe again. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Being Connected with God

Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC, has a great post today on being connected with God. It goes perfectly with what I have been preaching on the last few weeks. Check it out here.

First Impressions

One of the recent decisions I have made is to change James' job title unofficially to our Pastor of Worship and First Impressions. Or as he says it, "the pastor of magnification and beautification." With this responsibility, he will be giving leadership to all of our ministries that make an initial impression on those who come to our church (usher/greeters, building/grounds maintenance, etc). We often don't think about how the newcomer views us. The first impression is often a lasting one.

Here is a great blog on this subject.

It Pays to Have a Happy Face

My wife didn't read my blog today (she never reads my blog. She says she gets enough of it at home.). But she did experience the reality of the benefit of having a happy face. She pulled into the drive-in at Taco Bell this afternoon, and when they asked to take her order she proclaimed, "I don't know what I want yet, but I am so excited to be at Taco Bell." When she got up to the window to pay they told her that her meal was free. The manager said because she was so excited to be there, the least they could do was to give her the meal free. See, it does pay to have a happy face.

Have You Looked At Your Face Lately?

I came across a great blog by Jeff Kaputsa. Jeff is a pastor in Wilmington, NC. Check this out and examine your face.

I just said that!

This week at the end of the service I was speaking about the concept of our church not needing "members" in the traditional sense, but "ministry partners." I happened to be reading another blog and saw someone else discussing the same idea. Check it out here.

Catalyst Conference

Just wanted to keep this growth opportunity in front of you. The Catalyst conference is being held in Atlanta on October 3rd-5th. We are taking a group from the church and would love to have you go with us. Catalyst is a conference for "next-generation" leaders who desire to impact their world. It offers a "unique approach to programming and learning, defined by a fun, dynamic attendee experience". If you desire to grow as an influencer in your world, this would be a great learning opportunity. Also, you get to hang out with me and with Pastor James. (you don't want to miss that!)

Check out the conference website here.

Click here for a highlight video. (This is cool.)

Registration for the conference is $269 if you register with our church. (If you sign up before August 30th, it will only be $229) Let me know if you are interested in going.

Michael Vick's Jury

The Good News of Long Pants?

My wife had a doctor's appointment today, and as my wife usually does, she got in a conversation with someone while she was waiting. She was sharing about what God was doing in her life and reaching out to a young lady who did not have a relationship with God, when another lady decided she would butt in on the conversation. She proceeded to try and "witness" to the young lady Tarsha was talking to by telling her that God didn't like it for people to wear shorts (which the young lady was wearing). Now it was okay to wear shorts when you are working around the house or going camping (?), but that was not proper attire when you go out in public.

People like that make me scream. How is the good news of long pants going to reach anyone for Jesus. After the preacher lady walked away, Tarsha told the young lady that what she had just been told was not the way God was. The young lady replied, "that is why I don't go to church. I am living with my boyfriend right now, and I know that they wouldn't accept me." Wow! We wonder why the church in America is not reaching more people. Maybe it is because we are pushing away the ones Jesus came to love, and we are too busy preaching the good news of long pants.

Why Our Church Must Keep Changing

As a church, we have created a culture of change where we are constantly evaluating things and changing things to be more effective. Sometimes change may frustrate people, but there is good reason for changes. Here are a few:

1) We are not there yet.

We have not yet arrived. We are not yet become all that God wants us to be as a church. While I feel we have an incredible church, we have not yet reached the level of excellence that we desire in our worship service, our small groups, our youth and children's ministries, our greeting/hosting ministry, etc. For this reason, we have to constantly evaluate what we do, and attempt to jettison things that are not effective, and try to begin things that will be more effective.

2) We get comfortable and church becomes about us.

Be honest. Most of the time we don't like change because WE don't like change. It feels uncomfortable. It takes us out of our comfort zone. It is not usually a chapter and verse we can point to that makes us dislike change. It is just our personal feeling and opinion. Change forces us out of our comfort zone and it helps us not get too "comfortable". It reminds us that this is not all about us. We exist for those who are not yet here.

3) Culture is changing and we always have to strive to be relevant.

I have several copies of the King James Version of the Bible. It can be difficult for me to understand sometimes. Romans 7:8 - "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence." I have no idea what that means. In the Holman Christian Standard Bible which I preach from, it says,"And sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind." That makes more sense.

Some churches are speaking KJV Christianity to a 21st century audience. Is it any wonder some people walk away and say that church is irrelevant? We are committed to presenting Christ in an understandable way. For that reason, we must change our methods to reach a changing culture. While the mission and message never change, our methods change constantly.

Happy Birthday, Matt, From a Guest Blogger

Today is my birthday, and so far this week has been terrible. But my friend Doug Mize is going to lighten up the Connection Point with some memories from the past about me. Doug had the privilege (I think) of going to college and seminary with me. So he knows me as well as anyone knows me besides my immediate family. Doug shares ten things that you should ask me about. Let me go on record saying that though all of these occurrences did actually happen (except maybe number 9), I do not necessarily agree with Doug's perspective on all of them. Despite that fact, I will leave Doug's comments unedited (including spelling) Here is Doug's guest post...

Top 10 Matt Stories That Everyone Should Ask Him About
By Doug Mize

If you want to really know Matt Galloway then you deserve all the facts. Here is the pertinent info that every well-rounded member of Friendship Church ought to know.

My personal reflections written to Matt are in parenthesis.

1. Ask Matt about the time that a lady from the local Wingate College Restaurant threatened to “slap his face.” This was only the first similar threat of many to come. (Matt, she must have been a Baptist too!)

2. Ask Matt about the time he ‘convinced me’ to sneak into the New Wingate Building after hours for a visit with some friends. (Matt, it was your idea, right?)

3. Ask Matt about the time he ran the Clemson Triple Option during an intramural game and ended up with the ACL tear. (Our team was never the same after that.)

4. Ask Matt about the time one of our seminary buddies struck out on purpose for the last out during the baseball championship game because he didn’t like Matt and me removing him as the pitcher. (We had come from 5 runs down and you and I were on deck.)

5. Ask Matt about the time Tarsha and my wife were to sing the National anthem at the Minor League Baseball Game but missed it because we were late partially due to Matt’s conviction about driving his car over the speed limit. (I have ridden with you Matt and have noticed that you must have received superior revelation on this particular conviction.)

6. Ask Matt about the time that he and I played Fantasy Baseball with a roommate during our seminary years to learn that our roommate had been cheating, and Matt and I had to practice Matthew 18. ("I don’t know what you are talking about fellas.")

7. Ask Matt about the time us and the girls through (threw) a surprise birthday party for a friend that walked through the door mad and then left while slamming the door right in the middle of us singing Happy Birthday to You. (And many mooore!) (Doug, I think it was because we confronted him on his cheating.)

8. Ask Matt about the time that some demon processed man called us at Wingate and kept us up the rest of the night on Halloween. (What were we thinking?)(I believe Doug meant "demon-possessed")

9. Ask Matt about the time he blew his top at me because I kept dominating him at some stupid balloon game we played at our college apartment. (Matt, I would have acted the same way if I kept getting drubbed like you did.)

10. Ask Matt about the time that he drug me to meet this new girl Tarsha and her friend Janet in Chapel Hill after they had been to a Garth Brooks Concert. As I recall, I was pretty much a party pooper that night. But hey, I got a hot wife out of the deal, minus the black hat. (Thanks Matt…You are still the man for that one!)

Why God Calls It The Body

Just a quick thought on why God calls the church the body: often when one part of our physical body is compromised, another part of the body will pick up slack to help the compromised part keep going. In other words, the body looks after its own parts. When one part is down, the other part does its share to keep things going.

That is what Tarsha and I have experienced this past week. There is no way I can adequately express my gratitude toward each part of the Body who has helped us through this difficult time. The prayers, phone calls, notes of encouragement, food, flowers, offers to babysit, clean the house, wash my car (okay, I made that one up) has overwhelmed us. You guys are awesome. We have even received notes from families who are not yet an "official" part of our body, but who already feel a part. This love that has been displayed is why Friendship Church is the awesome church it is. Thanks to all of you.

Arrangements

The visitation for Tarsha's dad is Wednesday night from 7-9 pm at McNeil Funeral Home in St. Paul's, NC. The funeral will be Thursday at 6:00 PM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in St. Paul's, NC.

Tarsha's Dad

Tarsha's dad passed away this morning around 2:00. Continue to pray for the family. I appreciate all the prayers and all the acts of love that people have done for us. It means more than you can know. No arrangements have been set.

What A Rotten Week

Tarsha's dad is getting worse. There is really nothing more that can be done except for us to continue to pray for God's intervention. Thanks to all who have been praying and all who have called and offered help and those who have helped out in so many ways. You have been awesome to Tarsha and I.

Update on Tarsha's Dad

Tarsha's dad did not have the procedure today (or yesterday since it is now past midnight). He has developed some type of infection and he is not able to have the procedure yet. Please pray that the fever will subside and that he will be responsive to the neurological tests. A decision will probably be made on Sunday on what needs to be done next. Thanks to all those who have been praying.

Update

We have just found out that the machine they were to use to perform the procedure on Tarsha's dad is broken. It will not be repaired until Monday. (That is the sorriest excuse for a hospital I have ever seen. The name of the hospital is Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC.)

Tarsha's dad is being transferred to Charlotte. I am not sure what hospital. Marcus, Tarsha's brother, knows the hospital, and one of Tarsha's cousins is a nurse in Charlotte, so she knows the reputations of the hospitals and different doctors.

They are planning on transporting Mr. Ferguson ASAP. Please pray for him during this critical time. Also continue praying for the family.

Pray for My Father In Law

Some of you have already heard, but if you haven't, my wife's father was rushed to the hospital yesterday with a bleeding aneurysm. We left the beach yesterday, where we were on vacation, and travelled to be with Tarsha's family in Fayetteville.

Right now Tarsha's dad is stable, but he still needs a procedure that is very dangerous to stop the bleeding from the aneurysm. The bleed is deep in his brain, so the only way to get to it is through a vein via his groin. It is much like a catherization, but they have to go all the way to his brain. They will then put in three stints to keep the veins from having a spasm - and then they will insert a coil at the part of the brain with the aneurysm with the hopes that it actually forms a clot to stop the bleeding. It is a very risky procedure, but it is the only option. Right now the procedure is scheduled for sometime tomorrow. We do not know the exact time yet. Thanks for praying.

The 5 Coolest Things I Saw at Northpoint

This past weekend my family was at Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta, GA. Here is a list of the 5 coolest things I saw:

1) Hundreds of volunteers at Children's ministry orientation training on a Saturday - We went by the church on Saturday and it looked like church was going on. There were hundreds of cars in the parking lot. When we went in we found out they were having orientation training for their children's workers. By the way, their children's environments are awesome! (I will try and post pictures at a later time.)

2) Teenagers being trained to impact the life of children - Another cool thing I saw was tons of teenagers being trained on Saturday to work with children on Sunday mornings. Often teenagers can be pretty self-absorbed when it comes to ministry. But Northpoint has mobilized them to impact the next generation.

3) Age groups excited about church that usually are not excited about church - The church was filled with children, teenagers, and young adults. These age groups are notoriously absent from a lot of churches.

4) Two auditoriums filled to overflowing - During the service we attended, it was difficult to find a seat in either auditorium. Many people sat outside in the lobby and hallways watching the service on closed circuit TV.

5) A preacher's kids who still wants to have something to do with God - You hear the horror stories. Preachers' kids who grow up not wanting to have anything to do with God. It is great to see Andy Stanley, a preacher's kid, not only having something to do with God, but in the ministry also.

Can You See It?

The Bible makes it clear that without vision, the people perish. Without a clear direction, things just go haywire. This is certainly true of a local church. It helps to know what our preferred future looks like.

God has given me a clear vision of what He desires our church to be. It is a church that exists not for itself (the way most churches do), but for those who are outside the church. We are called not just to be members of a church, but missionaries to our community.

We envision a church where each person is seeking a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, and where each Sunday is a celebration of that relationship.

We envision a church where each person is connected to a small group of believers for community and accountability and encouragement.

We envision a church where each person is using their God-given gifts and talents to create an environment where people can experience the love and presence of Christ. When we serve we are not just greeting people, teaching children, babysitting babies, manicuring lawns, etc. We are creating an environment where people can encounter the love and presence of Jesus.

We envision a church where each person is actively investing in the lives of people outside of the church and are inviting them to experience what God is doing at Friendship.

Blythewood Football and the Vomiting Dog

Forget the Michael Vick controversy. Forget the scandal surrounding NBA referee, Tim Donaghy. We have a sports mess right in our own backyard. For the second time in just a few months, the defending state AAA football champions, the Blythewood Bengals, have been caught breaking the rules. The latest infraction, engaging in full contact drills before August 1st, has cost coach Reggie Shaw his job. The Bengals were spared by the SCHSL the fate of forfeiting their whole season. They will get to play, but they will not be able to compete in the postseason and attempt to defend their championship. Just last spring, the Bengals were caught practicing in full pads during spring drills, which is against the SCHSL rules.

How could they get caught doing the same exact thing only a few days after the SCHSL ruled they would be ineligible for their spring indiscretions? What were they thinking? They evidently were not.

Proverbs 26:11 says "A dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness." This post is not meant to add in any way to the hurt that this football program is undergoing. Instead we need to learn a lesson. There is something in us that is broken and that draws us back to the dumb things we do. I have seen this dynamic at work in my own life. Why do I keep doing that same thing? Why do I say those hurtful things to my wife? Why can I not break this cycle of destructive behaviors? We naturally have this tendency to repeat our foolishness. Only through Christ can we break free. In Romans 7, after Paul comments on this same pattern in his life he writes, "Who will rescue me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." We need to learn a lesson from Blythewood football and the vomiting dog.

Random Thoughts

Here are some random thoughts on a Wednesday afternoon:

1) I am ready for football season. It is right around the corner. Clemson should be poised to have a good year. Lugoff-Elgin High School is ranked in the preseason top 10. And the Atlanta Falcons don't have a quarterback. Oh well. A good season for two out of three of my teams isn't bad.

2) I am getting old. This past weekend I attended my high school's 20 year reunion. 20 years!!!!! I don't feel old (at least not very often). I am afraid to ask the teenagers in our church if I look old.

3) Working out is no fun after you have missed two weeks. It hurts.

4) Summer is never long enough. I can't believe school is starting in just a few weeks.

5) I can't wait for this weekend. That probably sounds like I am ready to hear myself preach, but actually I will not be preaching this week. My friend Billy Wilson will be preaching (You don't want to miss Billy.) In the meantime I will be in Atlanta rooting for the Braves and going to Northpoint Community Church.