Nothing more fun than a game of bowling. Nothing more funny than to listen to Jim Gaffigan talk about bowling!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
monday thoughts
Lots of things happening at Foothills.
** This past Friday night we had Resonate, a benefit concert that was to raise money for some area ministries. It was INCREDIBLE! We raised over $6,000 and donated almost 3,000 diapers and I don't know how much peanut butter.
There is absolutely no doubt that God has blessed us with phenomenal talent. We have 3 outstanding worship leaders and multitudes of awesome singers, musicians, and technical people. They put in so much time to make Resonate the very best it could be. Thank you guys and gals.
** Sunday we started a new message series called, Zeros and Heroes. My message was on decision that we make. I talked about Adam and Eve and some of the poor decisions they made. We are the sum total of all of our decisions. let's make wise decisions today!
** This Saturday we are doing the Trunk or treat at Walmart. We have around 100 cars lined up to participate. Here's one thing we do need though, CANDY! Walmart will be donating much of the candy, but we need more. last year 8,000 people showed up---that's a lot of candy.
** On November the 14th we will be having the Foothills Family Carnival. This is going to be a blast. This is a great event to invite your friends to.
** We will be having our last baptisms of the year on December 6th during both services at the Seneca campus.
** Our Toccoa campus is working hard to complete the renovation of their new building. If you have experience with plumbing, electrical, painting, or are a good laborer, they could use your help. Call the church office and we'll give you more info.
** This past Friday night we had Resonate, a benefit concert that was to raise money for some area ministries. It was INCREDIBLE! We raised over $6,000 and donated almost 3,000 diapers and I don't know how much peanut butter.
There is absolutely no doubt that God has blessed us with phenomenal talent. We have 3 outstanding worship leaders and multitudes of awesome singers, musicians, and technical people. They put in so much time to make Resonate the very best it could be. Thank you guys and gals.
** Sunday we started a new message series called, Zeros and Heroes. My message was on decision that we make. I talked about Adam and Eve and some of the poor decisions they made. We are the sum total of all of our decisions. let's make wise decisions today!
** This Saturday we are doing the Trunk or treat at Walmart. We have around 100 cars lined up to participate. Here's one thing we do need though, CANDY! Walmart will be donating much of the candy, but we need more. last year 8,000 people showed up---that's a lot of candy.
** On November the 14th we will be having the Foothills Family Carnival. This is going to be a blast. This is a great event to invite your friends to.
** We will be having our last baptisms of the year on December 6th during both services at the Seneca campus.
** Our Toccoa campus is working hard to complete the renovation of their new building. If you have experience with plumbing, electrical, painting, or are a good laborer, they could use your help. Call the church office and we'll give you more info.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Start inviting people to church this Sunday NOW!
Start inviting your friends to church this Sunday, right Now! We are kicking off a brand new message series called, Zeros and Heroes, and it's going to be awesome.
This week's message is, "How to Really Mess Up Your Life". You read it right, I'm going to give you 3 sure-fire ways to mess up your life.
The good news is that after this weekend's message, you will have tools to help you make great decisions in your life.
Here's what I'm asking you all to do: Invite your friends! If Foothills is the best hour of your week, then let others know.
Use your Facebook and Twitter and blogs and get the word out. Trust me, this series is going to be phenomenal!
This week's message is, "How to Really Mess Up Your Life". You read it right, I'm going to give you 3 sure-fire ways to mess up your life.
The good news is that after this weekend's message, you will have tools to help you make great decisions in your life.
Here's what I'm asking you all to do: Invite your friends! If Foothills is the best hour of your week, then let others know.
Use your Facebook and Twitter and blogs and get the word out. Trust me, this series is going to be phenomenal!
Monday, October 19, 2009
If I could do it over again
I have a lot of church planters ask me, If you could start over again, what would you do differently?
Well, here are a couple of things that I would do differently:
1. I would begin with a larger core group.
We started with 17 people meeting in my living room, but if I were doing it again I would try to build a core of around 50 people or more.
Statistics show that churches that begin with a core of less than 50, rarely ever get beyond 200 in attendance. I suppose we were very fortunate that the 17 people that helped start Foothills Community Church were unbelievably committed to reaching this community, so we defied the odds.
2. I would put more emphasis on music.
In our early days we underestimated the importance of quality music. We did the best we could, but overall it wasn't too good.
If you are a church planter, don't skimp when it comes to the music. It is basically half of your service, so do what you can to find the best worship leader possible.
3. I would be slower about selecting leaders.
In the early days of a church plant there is such a huge need for leaders, that sometimes we can move too quickly and fast-track people to leadership positions that can burn you later. I can tell you from first-hand experience, you do not need people in your leadership who don't truly buy into the vision (even though they say they do)
4. I would trust God more.
This sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes as a church planter you live with this continual pressure to grow the church. Almost every church planter that I know struggles with the emotional roller coaster of attendance. When the attendance is good--- you like life. But when you have a low attendance week--- you think the sky is falling. It's not!
Over the years I have come to understand better, that it's not MY church, it's HIS! He is perfectly capable of building His church. My job is to just be faithful.
5. I would enjoy the journey more.
Visionary leaders generally struggle with enjoying the moment, because they are always thinking about the future. When you're a portable church, you are always thinking of how nice it will be to have your own facility. When you have no staff, you you're always thinking about the day you have a full staff. I can tell you, that some of the most incredible days of a church are those early days, when you are totally dependent on God. In the early days, it's such an adventure, heck, you're not even sure anyone will even show up from one week to the next. Enjoy the moment!
6. Money is overrated.
Too many church planters are convincing themselves that the reason they're not growing is because they don't have money (or buildings, or all the bells and whistles)
Go back and read the first couple of chapter of Acts. Read Peter's sermon. No building, no lights or sound no fog machines, no big budgets, or guitar solos. There was nothing slick about it, but three thousand people were saved. Why? Because of the Holy Spirit working through a servant that was sold-out to Jesus.
That's it for now. I may think of a few more to share another time.
By the way, if you are a church planter or Pastor of a church with less than 500 people, why not consider being part of The Strategic Pastor coaching network.
Well, here are a couple of things that I would do differently:
1. I would begin with a larger core group.
We started with 17 people meeting in my living room, but if I were doing it again I would try to build a core of around 50 people or more.
Statistics show that churches that begin with a core of less than 50, rarely ever get beyond 200 in attendance. I suppose we were very fortunate that the 17 people that helped start Foothills Community Church were unbelievably committed to reaching this community, so we defied the odds.
2. I would put more emphasis on music.
In our early days we underestimated the importance of quality music. We did the best we could, but overall it wasn't too good.
If you are a church planter, don't skimp when it comes to the music. It is basically half of your service, so do what you can to find the best worship leader possible.
3. I would be slower about selecting leaders.
In the early days of a church plant there is such a huge need for leaders, that sometimes we can move too quickly and fast-track people to leadership positions that can burn you later. I can tell you from first-hand experience, you do not need people in your leadership who don't truly buy into the vision (even though they say they do)
4. I would trust God more.
This sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes as a church planter you live with this continual pressure to grow the church. Almost every church planter that I know struggles with the emotional roller coaster of attendance. When the attendance is good--- you like life. But when you have a low attendance week--- you think the sky is falling. It's not!
Over the years I have come to understand better, that it's not MY church, it's HIS! He is perfectly capable of building His church. My job is to just be faithful.
5. I would enjoy the journey more.
Visionary leaders generally struggle with enjoying the moment, because they are always thinking about the future. When you're a portable church, you are always thinking of how nice it will be to have your own facility. When you have no staff, you you're always thinking about the day you have a full staff. I can tell you, that some of the most incredible days of a church are those early days, when you are totally dependent on God. In the early days, it's such an adventure, heck, you're not even sure anyone will even show up from one week to the next. Enjoy the moment!
6. Money is overrated.
Too many church planters are convincing themselves that the reason they're not growing is because they don't have money (or buildings, or all the bells and whistles)
Go back and read the first couple of chapter of Acts. Read Peter's sermon. No building, no lights or sound no fog machines, no big budgets, or guitar solos. There was nothing slick about it, but three thousand people were saved. Why? Because of the Holy Spirit working through a servant that was sold-out to Jesus.
That's it for now. I may think of a few more to share another time.
By the way, if you are a church planter or Pastor of a church with less than 500 people, why not consider being part of The Strategic Pastor coaching network.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
new coaching network
I am very excited to announce that my friend Eddie Cox and I will launch thestrategicpastor.com coaching network in November 2009.
It is a network designed to help churches with less than 500 in attendance. (As far as I know, this is the only network that is exclusively for smaller churches)
Both Eddie and myself have always felt that part of our responsibilty and calling is to help other Pastors. We get calls on a regular basis of Pastors that have questions about how to take their churches to the next level, so we decided to develop this network and try to cover the most common questions we are asked. We will be limiting the group to 15 Pastors to allow for plenty of personal interaction.
The best part is that the cost is a fraction of what most coaches charge. Our goal is to help churches reach their communities more effectively for Christ.
If you are interested or know of a Pastor that might be, check out our website for more information and to register.
Remember, the first group begins in one month, so hurry!
It is a network designed to help churches with less than 500 in attendance. (As far as I know, this is the only network that is exclusively for smaller churches)
Both Eddie and myself have always felt that part of our responsibilty and calling is to help other Pastors. We get calls on a regular basis of Pastors that have questions about how to take their churches to the next level, so we decided to develop this network and try to cover the most common questions we are asked. We will be limiting the group to 15 Pastors to allow for plenty of personal interaction.
The best part is that the cost is a fraction of what most coaches charge. Our goal is to help churches reach their communities more effectively for Christ.
If you are interested or know of a Pastor that might be, check out our website for more information and to register.
Remember, the first group begins in one month, so hurry!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A showdown with a skunk
I went hunting this past Sunday afternoon. As I was walking back to my truck after dark, I saw a pair of green eyes ahead of me. I wasn't sure what kind of animal was watching me, so I stopped, but it kept watching me at a distance of about 15 yards. Finally it moved on.
As I walked a few more yards, the green eyes were ahead of me. I tried to make as much noise a s possible, so it would move on and allow me to pass, but it wouldn't move.
I still couldn't tell what it was, and by now, all kind of things are running through my mind, and I'm getting a little nervous. What kind of ferocious beast is stalking me? I took off my backpack and found my bright flashlight and shined it on the animal and then I saw what had been watching me---a skunk!
I had a bit of a problem. The skunk was blocking the trail. I really couldn't go the left or the right because of the briers. I picked up a rock and threw it at him, but it only made him mad. He had his tail sticking straight up and was ready to spray me if I came any closer. I threw another rock, but this time he sort of charged me. Believe me, I was backing up pretty quick. Finally after what seemed like 20 minutes of this stand-off, It decided to move on, so I made a dash and got as far away from him as I could.
As I thought about that, it occurred to me that in life we face many obstacles. There are many things that get in the way of where I want to go and who I want to become. Unfortunately many times instead of charging through the obstacles, I allow my fears to hold me back.
What is God wanting to do in your life, but you are being deterred by something? Instead of backing up, why not try blazing a trail? Is there risk? sure there is. Could you get a little dirty in the process? you bet! But I can tell you from experience, once you face those challenges, there never quite as big and bad as you thought they were!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday highlights
** Message yesterday was about sharing our faith. I challenged people to use their social networks to promote Christ and Foothills Community Church. People are already leveraging Facebook and Twitter!!
** It never ceases to amaze me at how responsive Foothills people are. You guys and gals rock.
** I mentioned that it looks like we will be the only church doing the Trunk or Treat at Walmart this Halloween. I can't believe other churches are bailing on this. last year 8,000 people showed up! This is a huge opportunity for our church.
** We need hundreds of people who would be willing to bring their vehicles for Trunk or Treat to hand out candy. You can sign-up this Sunday.
** Don't forget about our benefit concert on October 23rd, called Resonate. All proceeds will go to The Foothills Crisis Care Pregnancy Center, Our Daily Rest, and The Golden Corner Food Bank. Tickets are $10
** We had so much energy at our services yesterday, it was incredible.
** I love to hear stories of people who come to Foothills after having been out of church for long periods of time. I heard about one person that hadn't been in church for 32 years, and came to Foothills and loves it!
** We will be wrapping up the "Disciple" series this Sunday. The following Sunday we will begin a new series called, "Zeros and Heroes"
** It never ceases to amaze me at how responsive Foothills people are. You guys and gals rock.
** I mentioned that it looks like we will be the only church doing the Trunk or Treat at Walmart this Halloween. I can't believe other churches are bailing on this. last year 8,000 people showed up! This is a huge opportunity for our church.
** We need hundreds of people who would be willing to bring their vehicles for Trunk or Treat to hand out candy. You can sign-up this Sunday.
** Don't forget about our benefit concert on October 23rd, called Resonate. All proceeds will go to The Foothills Crisis Care Pregnancy Center, Our Daily Rest, and The Golden Corner Food Bank. Tickets are $10
** We had so much energy at our services yesterday, it was incredible.
** I love to hear stories of people who come to Foothills after having been out of church for long periods of time. I heard about one person that hadn't been in church for 32 years, and came to Foothills and loves it!
** We will be wrapping up the "Disciple" series this Sunday. The following Sunday we will begin a new series called, "Zeros and Heroes"
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
phrases that get under my skin
I mentioned this past Sunday during my message, that I had a pet peeve about people who use the phrase: "I used to go to _______ Church, but I don't go there anymore because I wasn't being fed."
I came up with a few more that I hear occasionally that make me laugh:
I have also included some responses---So Please excuse my obvious sarcasm :)
** "You're not DEEP ENOUGH" (another variation is "they're a mile wide and an inch deep") (This one doesn't deserve an answer!)
** "At my old church we used to do_______" (Come on, If your old church was so great, why did you leave?)
** "We've never done it that way before." (Which is precisely why we're doing it now!)
** "I don't know everyone anymore" (Neither do I. The object is not to know everyone, it's to reach more people for Christ)
** "Why don't we have ______ ? (you can fill in the blank with just about any ministry... Awanas, Choir, Sunday School, etc.) (Some of these things are incredible ministries, but we have made the decision to simplify things and put our efforts into the things that absolutely essential to accomplish our mission)
** "You always talk about money". (ahh, no I don't)
** "You're a Pastor?, so what do you do the rest of the week?" (golf, fish, hunt :) )
** "A Pastor should preach in a suit, not jeans." (Isaiah preached in the buff (Isa. 20:2-3)---so maybe jeans aren't so bad after all)
** "Can we have a southern gospel night?" (ummm, NO!)
** "Pastor Greg, are you always this sarcastic?" (No, I'm just feeling a bit frisky today!)
Have a great day!!
I came up with a few more that I hear occasionally that make me laugh:
I have also included some responses---So Please excuse my obvious sarcasm :)
** "You're not DEEP ENOUGH" (another variation is "they're a mile wide and an inch deep") (This one doesn't deserve an answer!)
** "At my old church we used to do_______" (Come on, If your old church was so great, why did you leave?)
** "We've never done it that way before." (Which is precisely why we're doing it now!)
** "I don't know everyone anymore" (Neither do I. The object is not to know everyone, it's to reach more people for Christ)
** "Why don't we have ______ ? (you can fill in the blank with just about any ministry... Awanas, Choir, Sunday School, etc.) (Some of these things are incredible ministries, but we have made the decision to simplify things and put our efforts into the things that absolutely essential to accomplish our mission)
** "You always talk about money". (ahh, no I don't)
** "You're a Pastor?, so what do you do the rest of the week?" (golf, fish, hunt :) )
** "A Pastor should preach in a suit, not jeans." (Isaiah preached in the buff (Isa. 20:2-3)---so maybe jeans aren't so bad after all)
** "Can we have a southern gospel night?" (ummm, NO!)
** "Pastor Greg, are you always this sarcastic?" (No, I'm just feeling a bit frisky today!)
Have a great day!!
Monday, October 05, 2009
sunday highlights
I know I say this every week, but it was another fantastic day at Foothills Community Church yesterday!
** 2nd week of Disciple series. Did a message called, Grow Up! Basically the message challenged everyone to take responsibility for their spiritual development.
** I am more pumped about the vision of Foothills than ever before. To help people find and follow Jesus.
** I just heard that we have seen nearly 500 people make significant spiritual decisions already this year (1st time salvations, and re-commitments)
** Can't wait for our benefit concert called Resonate on October 23rd. Proceeds will go toward the Foothills Crisis Care Pregnancy Center, the Golden Corner Food Bank, and Our Daily Rest homeless shelter. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Welcome Center. All proceeds will go to support these ministries.
** This Sunday I am doing a message called, Share. I am really praying that something huge happens.
** Had one of the best staff meetings we have ever had this morning. God is about to do something ridiculous at Foothills!
** 2nd week of Disciple series. Did a message called, Grow Up! Basically the message challenged everyone to take responsibility for their spiritual development.
** I am more pumped about the vision of Foothills than ever before. To help people find and follow Jesus.
** I just heard that we have seen nearly 500 people make significant spiritual decisions already this year (1st time salvations, and re-commitments)
** Can't wait for our benefit concert called Resonate on October 23rd. Proceeds will go toward the Foothills Crisis Care Pregnancy Center, the Golden Corner Food Bank, and Our Daily Rest homeless shelter. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Welcome Center. All proceeds will go to support these ministries.
** This Sunday I am doing a message called, Share. I am really praying that something huge happens.
** Had one of the best staff meetings we have ever had this morning. God is about to do something ridiculous at Foothills!
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