At yesterday's staff meeting we went around the table and asked our staff to share some stories of how they experienced God' movement from Sunday's service. One by one people shared their stories, and at the end I wrapped up by saying, "we have truly experienced God in a remarkable way in yesterday's services, but I want MORE of God. I want to see God do even greater things!" Everyone agreed---we want MORE of God than ever before.
I have never received so many emails of people who were moved in such an incredible way. A common statement that I heard was, "this was the most amazing church service I have ever been in."
My wife told me she talked to a woman who came to Foothills Community Church for the first time Sunday. She came to the 9:30am service and was so moved that she drove home between services and got the rest of her family and made them come back with her to the 11:15am service!
Some people have asked me, "what are yo going to do to top last week's service?" Well the answer is nothing. That's God's job. We can pray, plan, and prepare for services, but if God doesn't show up, we might as well just go home. So I am praying for more of God than ever before. Would you join me in that prayer?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
sunday recap
Unbelievable day today! I really can't put into words what we experienced at Foothills today, but let's just say that God showed up!
Our special guest was Joy Honeycutt who was featured on the A&E show, Intervention. She has experienced some amazing things in the past year since her intervention and God is truly using her. She sang the feature song and just knocked it out of the park. We did something a little unusual for Foothills Community Church, we asked people who wanted God to do a divine intervention to come forward to be prayed for---and the people came. In fact in the 11:15 service there was not enough room down front so people were literally all the way up both aisles. It was crazy!
I have had many people tell me that this was the most powerful service they have ever been at. I am hoping to be able to have the entire service put up online.
Also in Toccoa our new campus launched today! I heard that they had a fantastic day. I don't know all of the numbers yet, but I think they had over 200 people there. What a great start.
Then to top things off, tonight we observed the Lord's Supper. WOW!
Foothills people keep inviting your friends because I believe that the best is yet to come.
Our special guest was Joy Honeycutt who was featured on the A&E show, Intervention. She has experienced some amazing things in the past year since her intervention and God is truly using her. She sang the feature song and just knocked it out of the park. We did something a little unusual for Foothills Community Church, we asked people who wanted God to do a divine intervention to come forward to be prayed for---and the people came. In fact in the 11:15 service there was not enough room down front so people were literally all the way up both aisles. It was crazy!
I have had many people tell me that this was the most powerful service they have ever been at. I am hoping to be able to have the entire service put up online.
Also in Toccoa our new campus launched today! I heard that they had a fantastic day. I don't know all of the numbers yet, but I think they had over 200 people there. What a great start.
Then to top things off, tonight we observed the Lord's Supper. WOW!
Foothills people keep inviting your friends because I believe that the best is yet to come.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tommorow is going to be huge!
Tommorrow is going to be huge for Foothills Community Church.
Our Toccoa campus will have its grand opening. They will launch with two services, 9:30am and 11:00am. I can't wait to hear what God does there!
Also in Seneca tommorow could be one of the greatest services in our history. Don't miss it and bring someone with you. I'm not going to tell you what's happening, you'll have to come to find out.
See you tommorow.
Our Toccoa campus will have its grand opening. They will launch with two services, 9:30am and 11:00am. I can't wait to hear what God does there!
Also in Seneca tommorow could be one of the greatest services in our history. Don't miss it and bring someone with you. I'm not going to tell you what's happening, you'll have to come to find out.
See you tommorow.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Spirit led preaching
I have always tried to preach with 2 thoughts in mind--what do I want them to know? (information), and what do I want them to do? (application)
I think that many times Pastors focus only on either information or application, but I believe there must be a combination of both. Jesus was a great example of this. He preached about 1/3 information and 2/3 application.
Spirit led preaching should compel people to do something. In the book of Acts, Peter got up and preached his first sermon. Filled with the Holy Spirit he lets it rip. In Acts 2:37 it says that "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and the other apostles, Brothers, what must we DO?"
Then he tells them they need to repent and be baptized. And that day 3,000 people follow through with action.
To the pastors that read this blog, do you always give people an opportunity to respond in some way? If not, why? Life change happens through the application of God's Word.
I think that many times Pastors focus only on either information or application, but I believe there must be a combination of both. Jesus was a great example of this. He preached about 1/3 information and 2/3 application.
Spirit led preaching should compel people to do something. In the book of Acts, Peter got up and preached his first sermon. Filled with the Holy Spirit he lets it rip. In Acts 2:37 it says that "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and the other apostles, Brothers, what must we DO?"
Then he tells them they need to repent and be baptized. And that day 3,000 people follow through with action.
To the pastors that read this blog, do you always give people an opportunity to respond in some way? If not, why? Life change happens through the application of God's Word.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
just for laughs
Here is a little Rodney Dangerfield to brighten up your day.
He was one of the truly funny comedians.
He was one of the truly funny comedians.
Monday, September 22, 2008
catching up
I haven't posted in a few days, but here's what's been happening in my world:
** Went to my Pastor's Coaching network last Thursday. Had a great time, and learned so much! Looking forward to next month's meeting.
** Our Toccoa campus did their last run-through Sunday. It sounds like things are going well. This Sunday will be their official first service!
** We started our "Intervention" series yesterday. This is going to be an incredible series. This Sunday is going to be amazing--don't miss it!
** Archery season has started, other than my chiggers, things have been kind of slow. Hope that will change soon!
** My wife has been beating me in cards lately. What's up with that? I hate to lose.
** More great stories of life change shared with me this Sunday as I walked around the concourse. God is doing a great work here at Foothills.
** Today is the first day of Fall. I don't mind Fall---I just don't like Winter.
** Clemson won big Saturday. I know it was only SC State, but 54-0 is still a big win.
** I heard that some of our Toccoa campus folks had some red Foothills Community Church T-shirts made up that had a Georgia Bulldog logo on them! (If they send me one I MIGHT wear it)
** Went to my Pastor's Coaching network last Thursday. Had a great time, and learned so much! Looking forward to next month's meeting.
** Our Toccoa campus did their last run-through Sunday. It sounds like things are going well. This Sunday will be their official first service!
** We started our "Intervention" series yesterday. This is going to be an incredible series. This Sunday is going to be amazing--don't miss it!
** Archery season has started, other than my chiggers, things have been kind of slow. Hope that will change soon!
** My wife has been beating me in cards lately. What's up with that? I hate to lose.
** More great stories of life change shared with me this Sunday as I walked around the concourse. God is doing a great work here at Foothills.
** Today is the first day of Fall. I don't mind Fall---I just don't like Winter.
** Clemson won big Saturday. I know it was only SC State, but 54-0 is still a big win.
** I heard that some of our Toccoa campus folks had some red Foothills Community Church T-shirts made up that had a Georgia Bulldog logo on them! (If they send me one I MIGHT wear it)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Little things mean a lot
The difference between a good restaurant and a great restaurant are the little things. After all, they both serve food, they both have menus and wait staff. But there are the subtle small things that separate good from great. Spotlessly clean restrooms, candles on the tables, a waitress that goes the extra mile... the little things.
The difference between a good car and a great car are the little things. Both will get you where you want to go, but one does it with more attention to the details, creating a more enjoyable experience.
The difference between a good church service and a great service are usually the little things. Things like attention to detail. Tying the message theme into all aspects of the service. Making sure that there are no spelling mistakes in the bulletin, spotlessly clean restrooms, a smooth check-in for new children.. the little things.
Never overlook the little things.
As I write this I am reminded how noticeable the little things are. I have about 20 chiggers that have taken residency in various parts of my body. Chiggers are nearly microscopic, but I promise you, when they are present you notice them! (If you've never had the joy of having chiggers and being itchy all day and night, you'll have to trust me on this one)
One of the things that we attempt to do at Foothills is to give attention to the small details, in hopes of making a guest's first visit be enjoyable.
The difference between a good car and a great car are the little things. Both will get you where you want to go, but one does it with more attention to the details, creating a more enjoyable experience.
The difference between a good church service and a great service are usually the little things. Things like attention to detail. Tying the message theme into all aspects of the service. Making sure that there are no spelling mistakes in the bulletin, spotlessly clean restrooms, a smooth check-in for new children.. the little things.
Never overlook the little things.
As I write this I am reminded how noticeable the little things are. I have about 20 chiggers that have taken residency in various parts of my body. Chiggers are nearly microscopic, but I promise you, when they are present you notice them! (If you've never had the joy of having chiggers and being itchy all day and night, you'll have to trust me on this one)
One of the things that we attempt to do at Foothills is to give attention to the small details, in hopes of making a guest's first visit be enjoyable.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Intervention
This Sunday we start a new message series called Intervention. We are fine tuning the creative elements that will support the message, and all I can say is, "this series is going to touch some lives in a powerful way."
I can't tell you what we have planned during the series (you'll have to come each week to find out), but I can tell you that we are going to be doing a couple of things that we've never done at Foothills!
If you or someone you know is in need of an intervention from God in their life, then get them to Foothills!
On another note, on September 28th at 5:30pm we will be sharing the Lord's Supper (or communion). It will be the first time observing this in our new building and we are revamping the way we do this. It's going to be a great time, not only will we observe the Lord's Supper, but I will be sharing a message and both of our worship leaders (Eric and David) will be there leading worship. It will last an hour or a little less, and there will be child care for the little ones. We're hoping for a full house that evening, so plan on coming.
I can't tell you what we have planned during the series (you'll have to come each week to find out), but I can tell you that we are going to be doing a couple of things that we've never done at Foothills!
If you or someone you know is in need of an intervention from God in their life, then get them to Foothills!
On another note, on September 28th at 5:30pm we will be sharing the Lord's Supper (or communion). It will be the first time observing this in our new building and we are revamping the way we do this. It's going to be a great time, not only will we observe the Lord's Supper, but I will be sharing a message and both of our worship leaders (Eric and David) will be there leading worship. It will last an hour or a little less, and there will be child care for the little ones. We're hoping for a full house that evening, so plan on coming.
Monday, September 15, 2008
weekend recap
** We wrapped up our Bonding With James series yesterday. 5 weeks in the book of James. It was fun to teach, but I feel like we barely got started, and it's already over.
** It was a little strange yesterday not having the Toccoa group with us. They were busy setting up and tearing down their new worship location. It was only a dry run, but they are super excited about September 28th (their official first services!)
** They are still people "smuggling" coffee into the new auditorium. We know who you are!!
** Our worship teams knock it out of the park every week.
** I had a couple of incredible conversations in the concourse yesterday. One lady told me that for the last 3 years she has been in depression because of a divorce, and basically all she did was go to work and come home and cry. 5 weeks ago she started attending Foothills and she has discovered purpose, and she is excited about life again!
** Met a couple who are part of a new church that will be starting in the Simpsonville area. they are going to be part of a new campus of Marathon Church, whose main campus is in Powdersville. Their Pastor is one of my best friends in ministry, Eddie Cox.
** Looking forward to my Pastor's Coaching network meeting this Thursday.
** Very pumped about a new message series we are starting this weekend called Intervention! This could be the best series we have ever done.
** Don't forget to invite your friends.
** It was a little strange yesterday not having the Toccoa group with us. They were busy setting up and tearing down their new worship location. It was only a dry run, but they are super excited about September 28th (their official first services!)
** They are still people "smuggling" coffee into the new auditorium. We know who you are!!
** Our worship teams knock it out of the park every week.
** I had a couple of incredible conversations in the concourse yesterday. One lady told me that for the last 3 years she has been in depression because of a divorce, and basically all she did was go to work and come home and cry. 5 weeks ago she started attending Foothills and she has discovered purpose, and she is excited about life again!
** Met a couple who are part of a new church that will be starting in the Simpsonville area. they are going to be part of a new campus of Marathon Church, whose main campus is in Powdersville. Their Pastor is one of my best friends in ministry, Eddie Cox.
** Looking forward to my Pastor's Coaching network meeting this Thursday.
** Very pumped about a new message series we are starting this weekend called Intervention! This could be the best series we have ever done.
** Don't forget to invite your friends.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
surrounding yourself with good people
When you read about the life and times of David in the Old Testament. You read about a man with a lot of ups and downs in life. At one of the lower points in David's life he was on the run from king Saul. He finally ended up hiding at the cave of Adullam. At that moment in his life I'm sure he felt alone and abandoned, but he was eventually joined by family and friends that believed in him. In 1 Samuel 22:2, it says that "others began coming---men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented--until David was the captain of 400 men."
These men who joined him were people who were also struggling, but they believed in David and David believed in them. Later when David eventually became king, many of these same men would play important roles in David's army.
David understood the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. By "good", I'm speaking of loyal people. The kind of people who will have your back in times of trouble. That will fight back to back with you. Every great leader that I know has good people around them.
I am thankful for my family, friends, and staff that I have around me. There's something comforting about knowing that there are people you can count on in your life!
Unfortunately I meet people from time to time who don't have that network of friends around them. When difficulty comes their way, they buckle under the pressure and usually crash and burn.
Who do you have around you? If you have good people around you, stop and thank God for them. If you don't, then make it a point to try to build that infrastructure around you.
These men who joined him were people who were also struggling, but they believed in David and David believed in them. Later when David eventually became king, many of these same men would play important roles in David's army.
David understood the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. By "good", I'm speaking of loyal people. The kind of people who will have your back in times of trouble. That will fight back to back with you. Every great leader that I know has good people around them.
I am thankful for my family, friends, and staff that I have around me. There's something comforting about knowing that there are people you can count on in your life!
Unfortunately I meet people from time to time who don't have that network of friends around them. When difficulty comes their way, they buckle under the pressure and usually crash and burn.
Who do you have around you? If you have good people around you, stop and thank God for them. If you don't, then make it a point to try to build that infrastructure around you.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
wednesday stuff
** We had an amazing time at our creative team retreat yesterday. We firmed up pretty much everything as far as our services go, until the end of the year.
** Some of the series titles are "Intervention", "The Vine", "Back In Black", "Wrap It UP", and "Switch"
** We really sense that these will be some of the best message series ever at Foothills! I can't go into a lot of detail, but there are going to be some incredible "God moments"
** Our Grouplink on Monday night went well. We have tons of people who are going to be in groups this year. It's not too late to join one, just contact the office for more info.
** Our Toccoa campus is right around the corner ( first services are September 28th)---can't wait to see it get started!
** Some of the series titles are "Intervention", "The Vine", "Back In Black", "Wrap It UP", and "Switch"
** We really sense that these will be some of the best message series ever at Foothills! I can't go into a lot of detail, but there are going to be some incredible "God moments"
** Our Grouplink on Monday night went well. We have tons of people who are going to be in groups this year. It's not too late to join one, just contact the office for more info.
** Our Toccoa campus is right around the corner ( first services are September 28th)---can't wait to see it get started!
Monday, September 08, 2008
weekend recap
** Got a chance to go to the Clemson game with my wife on Saturday. It felt like a hundred degrees out there but we had a great time watching the Tigers beat the Citadel!
** Our services at Foothills were awesome yesterday!
** We had over 500 again in our Children's ministry!
** David Odom gets the Iron Man award for leading worship with a 101 degree fever. He actually had been throwing up earlier in the morning, but somehow managed to lead us in worship! (I thought "Live and let Die" was awesome!)
** It was so cool to bring the Toccoa launch group come up on stage and pray for them. What a great group of people (even if they are Bulldog fans!). They are fired up.
** This Sunday we are going to finish our Bonding With James series. I'm sure going to miss old James.
** I hear that phenomenal things are happening in our Youth Ministry. Brian is doing a great job!
** Have a Creative team retreat tomorrow up in the Georgia mountains to plan out some future message series.
** Hard to believe it's September.
** Our services at Foothills were awesome yesterday!
** We had over 500 again in our Children's ministry!
** David Odom gets the Iron Man award for leading worship with a 101 degree fever. He actually had been throwing up earlier in the morning, but somehow managed to lead us in worship! (I thought "Live and let Die" was awesome!)
** It was so cool to bring the Toccoa launch group come up on stage and pray for them. What a great group of people (even if they are Bulldog fans!). They are fired up.
** This Sunday we are going to finish our Bonding With James series. I'm sure going to miss old James.
** I hear that phenomenal things are happening in our Youth Ministry. Brian is doing a great job!
** Have a Creative team retreat tomorrow up in the Georgia mountains to plan out some future message series.
** Hard to believe it's September.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Exciting Times at Foothills
After Labor Day historically has been a huge time of growth at Foothills over the years. I am really excited about some of the things that our creative team is working on for services between now and the end of the year!
** This Sunday is one you do not want to miss. I'll be talking about something all of us can relate to; improving our relationships. Plan on getting there a few minutes early because of the crowds.
** The next Sunday, we'll wrap up the Bonding With James series. Then we'll start a new series that I am pumped about, called Intervention.
** After that we will have a 2 week mini-series that I think will be one of the most helpful and practical series we've ever done. (And there are some others that I'll give more details about later. All I can say is, get ready because God is doing some unbelievable things!
** The stories of changed lives are everywhere at Foothills. Not a week goes that someone doesn't stop me and tell me how God has used Foothills Community Church to transform their lives!
** Keep inviting your friends, because there is always room for more!
** This Sunday is one you do not want to miss. I'll be talking about something all of us can relate to; improving our relationships. Plan on getting there a few minutes early because of the crowds.
** The next Sunday, we'll wrap up the Bonding With James series. Then we'll start a new series that I am pumped about, called Intervention.
** After that we will have a 2 week mini-series that I think will be one of the most helpful and practical series we've ever done. (And there are some others that I'll give more details about later. All I can say is, get ready because God is doing some unbelievable things!
** The stories of changed lives are everywhere at Foothills. Not a week goes that someone doesn't stop me and tell me how God has used Foothills Community Church to transform their lives!
** Keep inviting your friends, because there is always room for more!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Toccoa Campus update
It's hard to believe but Foothills Toccoa campus will have their first service on September 28th! Just a few weeks from now. I wanted to give you some general information.
Our Campus Pastor is Shannon Chiles. Shannon and his wife Amy and kids have been at Foothills for a long time, almost since the beginning. They now live in Toccoa.
We will have services in the Gym and Fitness Center of Osborne Wood Products at 4618 Ga. Hwy 123 just outside of Toccoa (4 1/2 miles east of Big A road) This will be a temporary location as we are actively looking for a location a little closer to Hwy. 123 and Big A road
We will launch the new site with 2 services to choose from. Service times will be at 9:30am and 11:00am
There will be full children's programs for birth thru 5th grade available during both services.
It looks like there will be about 75 people from our Seneca Campus that will help get things started in Toccoa!
This Sunday will be the last Sunday that the Toccoa group will be at the Seneca Campus, so we are going to do something special for them at both services.
Our Campus Pastor is Shannon Chiles. Shannon and his wife Amy and kids have been at Foothills for a long time, almost since the beginning. They now live in Toccoa.
We will have services in the Gym and Fitness Center of Osborne Wood Products at 4618 Ga. Hwy 123 just outside of Toccoa (4 1/2 miles east of Big A road) This will be a temporary location as we are actively looking for a location a little closer to Hwy. 123 and Big A road
We will launch the new site with 2 services to choose from. Service times will be at 9:30am and 11:00am
There will be full children's programs for birth thru 5th grade available during both services.
It looks like there will be about 75 people from our Seneca Campus that will help get things started in Toccoa!
This Sunday will be the last Sunday that the Toccoa group will be at the Seneca Campus, so we are going to do something special for them at both services.
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