Monthly Archive for May, 2007

The most important thing on Sundays

I can’t tell you her name. In fact, I can’t really tell you many details about her. But, I can share with you some of her story. The following sums up her life:
- Marriage in trouble, about to divorce.
- Lost hope in life and wondering why she’s even alive.
- Not really happy with any area of her life.
- Ready to give up…

When people join C3 they tell us their story. I read everyone of these because I really want to know how to pray for people and who God’s bringing us. This lady’s story hit me hard. In her story, she went on to say that out of her desperation she called her father for advice. He asked her to try church just one time and she promised him she would. She came to C3 and God worked in her life. Today, she still comes, and now her husband and children come also. Today she is not divorced - her marriage is getting better and better. She has experienced a life-change.

That one Sunday she came, the first Sunday, I wonder what made her come back. Yes, I believe she sensed God loving her and drawing her to himself. Yes, she probably liked the service (who in their right mind wouldn’t?). But there was something that took place that day that was more important than the service. It was something more important that the songs we sang, how much we gave in the offering, or who spoke or what the topic was. The most important thing that happened that day was not even in the worship center. It happened at the other end of the building. The most important thing that happened on this “I’ll give church one shot” Sunday was that her kids were taken care of. She could focus and pay attention and let God speak to her without distraction. All this because some adults decided to truly love God and love others by giving their time and attention to kids.

As we move into our summer schedule, and get ready to transition to a new campus, I know it’s going to be difficult on many of our leaders. The most important job in the church is not mine, it’s the people who pour their lives into kids, and indirectly into their parents by serving in our children’s ministry. For a brief time many will be serving every other week on Sunday mornings. I know it’s a huge commitment so I want to thank you in advance for stepping up and making a difference.

I thank you as a Pastor. You help us create an atmosphere in the worship center where there are few distractions. You help create an atmosphere where kids can learn at a level they can comprehend. Nobody would send a five year old to a college English class because they simply wouldn’t get it - the same thing is true when parents bring small kids to the worship service. Those of you who serve make an impact on both kids and parents that is immeasurable. As your pastor, I sincerely thank you.

I thank you as a Dad. Because of your sacrifice I am able to focus on communicating God’s truth to change lives on Sundays. I never have to worry about my two sons in your ministry. Not only do I not have to worry about their safety, but you’re teaching them. Each week, because of your efforts they are learning more about Christ and his love for them. My kids are experiencing something that I never did as a kid - that is to be excited about coming on Sundays. As a dad, I sincerely thank you for helping me by pouring yourself into my kids.

If you’re in children’s ministry - you have the most important job in the church. You minister to both children and their parents. Because you’re stepping up please know that our Management Team is deeply grateful and working hard to make sure this is a brief process. Very soon we’ll be adding people to the rotation so that it won’t be every other week. Until then, know that I’m aware of your sacrifice, so is God, and so is the lady who gave church “one shot” and we’re all eternally grateful.

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on May 31, 2007
in Church
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Candy aisle meltdown


I’m looking at my youngest son lying on a float in our pool. His arms are behind his head, his legs are crossed and he’s fully relaxed. He doesn’t seem to have a care in the world, and yet this is the same six year old who had a meltdown in the grocery store a few days ago. It happened near the frozen vegetables. He said to his mom, “I’m suffering and you don’t even care!” while holding his side. He was referring to a deep concern in his life. It was very disturbing to him that we were buying food and not candy.

Often people approach God in the same way. We bring him our complaints of the “candy” issues when God is causing us to pause in front of the “vegetables” and take inventory of what’s in our basket.

A lady recently commented that I was destroying people’s lives because - “Have you seen the type of people that go to my church now?” She seems to feel that she’s suffering, but could it be that she’s choosing to suffer over the loss of the things that make her feel good (i.e. the candy aisle), when God is saying, “I have something more.” Just like my son was not going to drop dead of a candy deficiency, this lady’s fears represent a focus on the wrong stuff.

The enemy can develop an influence in our lives in the area of our fears (fear of diversity, discomfort, the unknown, or change). And he can distract us from becoming more like Christ and laying aside our fears in following him no matter what the cost.

My son lived to see another day, even without a candy “fix”, and although so many changes in the church may seem difficult or unnecessary ( like, for some, broccoli), we have yet to see what God can do with a group of people who choose faith over fear.

Dealing with and walking through the changes in the life of a church trying to reach more people is not suffering. Living life without knowing Christ is suffering. Waking up each morning with the deep uncertainty of your future is suffering. Not understanding the purpose for why you exist is suffering.

Becoming the church that God had in mind is not suffering, it’s just uncomfortable. Growth always requires stretching. As I look at the life of Christ he risked everything, lost everything, and sacrificed everything. All because of his deep love for you and me. Aren’t we called to love like that and shouldn’t we be willing to do the same?

Isn’t it time to drag ourselves off the candy aisle and move to the place of life sustaining nourishment for ourselves and the world around us. I DARE YOU TO MOVE!

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on May 30, 2007
in Church, Family and Vision
. 0 Comments

Grateful

It’s all true. Gas prices are skyrocketing. The cost of living is at a crazy pace. The housing market is not doing great. And the politicians seem to move at a snails pace. It’s all true.

And yet, there’s something even truer. I live in the greatest country on the planet. Today we remember those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The reason you and I can complain about gas prices, discuss the cost of living, and struggle in the housing market, is because many men and women have paid a huge price defending our freedoms.

I’m eternally grateful for those who have given their lives for our country. To those of you who have served or are serving in the armed forces, thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for defending freedom. Deep in my heart I thank you.

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on May 29, 2007
in Life
. 0 Comments

Great Day

The last few weeks have been the best in the life of our church, especially in one area: atmosphere. There is such a positive, unified vibe in the room - it really does make a difference.

This morning we talked about the need to really love people who don’t know God. I’m so thankful for a group of people who are serious about making a difference in lives. We’re seeing life-change, one life at a time - and it’s happening because of people who are sacrificing and making every effort to really do what Jesus talked about. I’m always challenged by the heart of Christ to love every person, no matter how others have labeled them. God really is creating a culture at C3 of loving him and loving others. There really is an expectancy of what God’s doing and an attitude that permeates everything we do - a “get it done” kind of spirit. I am truly the most blessed pastor alive.

Next Sunday we’re launching a brand new series called, “Mythbusters.” We’re going to look at a few assertions and discover if they are simply myth or solid truth. Coming up: ” Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven.” Is this a myth or is it solid truth? Be sure to love God by loving someone enough to bring them with you. Don’t forget - our summer schedule is: ONE service @ 10 a.m. on Sundays. I can’t wait to see what God’s going to do next.

Thanks for another great Sunday!

Published
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Byron Bledsoe
on May 28, 2007
in Church and Sunday
. 0 Comments

Put on your bib, you’re about to be served

I heard it again this week. It used to really tick me off, but now it just makes me laugh. The ignorance of some people never ceases to amaze me. Because someone knows how to “google” they automatically believe they have done “extensive research” and are extremely well-informed.

The thing that I heard this week was the word: CULT. Lately C3 Church has been straight-up called a cult. Fear-mongering through the gossip-mill seems to be the flavor of the month, and words like “heresy” and “cult” are so often thrown around by the clucking “well-informed.” It is interesting how the same types of people say the same things using the same words, yet many claim to have done their “own research.” So, if you’ve been busy dishing out this dressed up manure, let me spoon-feed you a little truth.

Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church really sums it up. He wrote an awesome article about this – the following is his article:

“Every time I hear someone refer to NewSpring (or churches like ours) as a cult I have to laugh. Seriously, that criticism has been around since we began…my first thought is, “You REALLY need to get some new stuff…that one is played out.” BUT–like it or not…that comment seems to pop up every once in a while. So, last week I began doing some research–and I came up with some common characteristics of cults. You know what was shocking–it seems that NewSpring doesn’t actually have any cult like characteristics…but there are TONS of churches that do–let me explain.

1 - In a cult everyone is expected to talk, look, act and believe the same thing–at NewSpring (and churches like us) there are people from different walks of life and different backgrounds–and that is ok.

Seriously, this past Sunday morning I saw a guy in a suit sitting next to a guy with piercings and tattoos & had this thought, “Only at NewSpring.” (In most cases the guy in a suit would be a visitor and the other guy would be on staff!) We are not loyal to a particular denomination, nor do we identify ourselves with a particular brand of theology. (Hi, I am Perry…and I am a reformed, Southern Baptist, fire baptized, pre-tribulation King James version only pastor, would you like to come to my church?)

We have people at NewSpring who are Democrats…and then some who are Republicans. We have some who believe in predestination and then some who do not. We have some who love to dress up and some who wear flip flops year around…but we gather under the same roof and worship the same Jesus every single week! You do not have to believe the same on every identical issue–but loving Jesus with all your heart and loving one another–yeah, that’s what its all about. Now I could drive you to some churches where everyone in there looks the same, believes the same, uses the same language–wow–sound kind of cult like to me.

2 - In a cult people strive to keep things the way they are–at NewSpring we embrace the fact that God is wanting to do new things.

If you study cults you will understand that a key motivation in beginning them is so that the people involved can hold on to a certain aspect of society and/or religion. Change is NEVER embraced in a cult, EVER…and anyone who tries to change the way things are usually wind up cast outside of the cult–or even worse–killed. (Remind you of a church or two?) BUT here at NewSpring–it is our passion to embrace that God does not change in regards to His character, the Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that He never changes; however, His methods often change. Take a look in Scripture and you will discover that He does old things in new ways many times. Our God is NOT locked into a formula…and because of that we are not either. That is why we are free to do what it takes to reach people where they are!

3 - A cult’s main concern are those who are insiders while NewSpring’s main concern is those who do not know Christ.

I remember preaching my guts out in a church one time, talking about how we needed to grow and reach that community for Christ. After the service a lady approached me and said, “Perry–we don’t want that here, we love one another and new people coming in would only mess up what we’ve got.” That was the FIRST time it ever occurred to me that some people do not give a damn about people who do not know Christ. (See…some of you are guilty–you are WAY more bothered by my use of the word damn than you are about your friends who do not know Jesus!!!)

There are churches all over America who do not want to grow because it will “mess up things.” Looks like a cult to me!
However, here at NewSpring we are passionate about those who do not know Christ. We believe that heaven and hell are REAL places…and we want as many people as possible to have a relationship with Jesus and know what eternal life is all about. So in order to do that we want to reach more and more people–and we are willing to do whatever it takes to see that happen.

4 - A cult is passionate about man-made rules…and NewSpring is passionate about Scripture.
If you study cults there are MANY that will say they are Christian…but then they have added sayings, books and teachings on top of the Bible. (The Mormons and Jehovah’s Witness are examples) We often look at them…but we neglect to see that churches do this same thing–make up man-made rules such as…

• Women should not wear make-up
• Men should have short hair (Hmmm…every picture of Jesus I see has Him with long hair!)
• You can’t listen to non-Christian music
• You can not watch television
• You must wear a suit or dress to church on Sunday
• “First, second and last verse only…”
• An invitation should be issued at EVERY church service
• Staff members must have a seminary degree

You get the picture–many of you have heard these before…and there is only really one problem with them–THEY ARE NOT IN SCRIPTURE! Here at NewSpring our answer to the questions we receive is, “What does the Bible say?” I believe that the Bible is the complete and inerrant Word of God…but I do not believe it should be added to or taken away from–that pretty much ticks God off! SO…is NewSpring a cult? Nope…our focus is on Jesus Christ, His Word and people who do not know Him. And for those who would call us a cult…I would take a look at my church first…it may be that you are actually the ones with kool-aid stained lips.”
-Perry Noble

With this passion to reach people, Perry started Newspring Church about 8 years ago and now has somewhere around 9000 people coming each weekend in Anderson, SC.

So, for those of you who love to consider yourselves “well-informed” – you’re welcome. I wonder what would happen if people would talk more about Christ than to defame work done in his name (I like our way of doing it better than your way of not doing it).

Published
by
Byron Bledsoe
on May 26, 2007
in Church and Leadership
. 0 Comments