Life-change is what drives everything at C3 Church. God is allowing us to experience hundreds of lives changed and it never gets old.
This afternoon I had the privilege of officiating the wedding of Christian and Alexie. Alexie came to C3 having only been in church a handful of times in her life. She committed her life to Christ, was baptized and is a faithful member of the C3 movement. Her and Christian already had two precious kids together, but had never been married. Recently Christian gave his life to Christ, has gotten plugged into C3, and last month I baptized him also. Today they are a family and they’ve placed Christ at the center of their lives and home.
Christian and Alexie - I’m so proud of both of you, and I’m jacked to see how God’s going to use you and continue to bless your family!
I’m worn out from the trip to Texas. Fourteen hours in the car yesterday (b/c of the side trip to Panama City dropping of kids for camp). It really is great to be home for a few before we go again.
This morning I was connecting with our team, going over things and we were talking about some issues we all face. It’s the “grass is greener” syndrome. Often in life we become less than satisfied with where we are and other opportunities, or options, look better. It happens in marriages, jobs, with our houses and cars… it can infect every area of our lives. We begin thinking, “if I had that job instead of this one, or that house instead of this one, or that wife instead of this one…” and we go to a place in our minds that will never exist in reality. Why? Because even if you had that job or house or wife it will not be all that you’re thinking now. There is one thing that your job, house, wife (and church) have in common - you! And, the reality is when you move to the “greener grass” you go with yourself.
You go with yourself.
The path to a better life is not found in changing your surroundings, it’s discovered in changing yourself. How many people have you known that found something wrong with the church they were attending… so they changed churches. Then a few years later (or months) they changed again. And again. The problem… - you go with yourself. The things about your spouse that you really don’t like - the person you’re thinking could/should replace them will have things about them you don’t like (the difference is they haven’t had years to build up… but they will). What if we began to view the people/things God has placed in our lives as blessings and rather than focusing on all that’s wrong with them, worked on changing the things in our own lives that desperately need attention. It’s harder and more painful, but its the only process that will truly take you to greener pastures… because you go with yourself.
Today we launched “You Asked” @ C3 Church. I love the passion of the people of C3 to pursue Christ and lean into him rather than tradition. I’m tired but wanted to crank out a few thoughts:
- Today’s question was, “Can A Christ-follower Drink Alcohol?” - if you’re interested in today’s flow, check out C3’s site and listen to the message - it will be up by Tuesday afternoon.
- When you deal with potentially divisive issues, you have to make a decision. You have to decide if your purpose is to please people or God. You also have to remember that you speak for God, his truth, to people he is crazy in love with… so you better come from a perspective of love.
- Several people made decisions to become Christ-followers this morning.
- It’s hard to change your mind. Honestly, there are issues that I’ve wrestled with and it’s really tough to abandon what you’ve been taught to embrace truth. Not because of what people think, but because I’m a husband and dad before I’m a pastor. I desire to love my bride and raise my kids from the depth of truth, not the facade of traditions.
- I’m headed to Texas this week for a family reunion. Excited about seeing family, dreading the drive…
- Next weekend we continue “You Asked” @ C3 with “Why Do Bad Things Happen?”
- Major news coming tomorrow about The Xcel Experience.
This week, purpose to love God and love others and live life to it’s fullest.
Published in C3 Church,
Church,
Faith,
Family,
Leadership,
Life,
Life Lessons,
Random,
Sunday,
Thoughts,
Vision,
questions and
transitioning church .
Today at C3 Church we wrapped up “Life. Money. Hope.” with Dave Ramsey. This is a series made possible by Lifechurch. Dave spoke there and they filmed it for churches to be able to use. Got to say - best series I’ve seen/heard on money. (Pastors… use this series - seriously, use it - it will help your people a ton!).
After the C3 gatherings we got to hang with some friends from Texas for lunch - great time catching up.
Tonight I’m just worn out… not sure why - didn’t really sleep well last night. So, few thoughts bout my day:
great attendance @ C3 for a holiday weekend… much better than I expected.- Can’t wait for “You Asked” beginning next Sunday - kicking off with “Can a Christ-follower drink?” - gonna be a blast (for some
).
- Excited about C3 hosting the “Xcel Experience” this October - gonna rock! (pastors… check out the site - love to see you there!).
- Love my bride. Seriously - greatest woman I’ve ever known. Her compassion for people and passion for Christ are contagious (and she can stinkin bring it leading worship!).
- Really looking forward to a family day tomorrow… our kids make each day …interesting - keeps us young and old at the same time.
- Diesel is growing… fast… really fast.
- Angie’s purse-dog, Sugar Boy, doesn’t seem to appreciate Diesel…
Finally, I’m grateful. Tomorrow we celebrate Memorial Day. We remember those who’ve given their lives for freedom and in protection of this nation. Right now there are countless thousands of men and women serving our nation… serving us… and I’m grateful. To those who’ve served in our military, or are serving, thank you. My prayers and deepest gratitude are with you.
Published in C3 Church,
Church,
Faith,
Family,
Friends,
Future,
Leadership,
Life,
Random,
Resources,
Sunday,
Thankful,
Thoughts,
Vision,
church leadership,
finances,
money,
pastors,
portable church,
timeless and
transitioning church .
This day has flown by! I’m still pumped about what God did at C3 Church yesterday. Not only were our numbers huge, we continue to see consistent growth, but the atmosphere was awesome. There’s just nothing like an atmosphere of expectancy and excitement. We launched “Life. Money. Hope.” with Dave Ramsey - this series is already having major impact in lives.
I also want to thank each of you who prayed for Angie and our family (her parents, Jim and Joey Wilson are members of C3) during the passing of her Grandmother. Your friendship and prayers are precious to us - thank you!
This weekend we also had an addition to our family… Diesel. He is an English Mastiff - his Dad weighs 278 and his Mom weighs 225! He’s awesome - and will be thoroughly trained …
