Today was absolutely, positively, and unequivocally one of the best Sunday morning services we’ve had at PCC in a long, long, time. I was blown away!
The energy in the house was incredible.
One thing I am absolutely certain of: we turned a significant corner.
The teenagers formed a choir as back up singers to the band. Visually it was great to see so many of them on stage standing on the risers. Then for the second set they led the congregation in worship.
Actually, Felicia (Tharp) and Jennifer Tharp (the daughters of Gene & Connie Tharp) led worship with the teenagers assisting. They hit a home run!
The second set was acoustic. There were only two instruments and it had a different feel, a different sound, and a different vibe. And it totally WORKED.
Felicia was on acoustic guitar and Wade Colon was on percussion (an instrument called “Ashiko” – an African drum). It totally worked.
I am very proud of the way things went.
Denise Yates did an exceptional job sharing with the congregation about the good things happening in our age-level ministries. It was apparent that she put some time and thought into her presentation.
There is more happening at PCC right now than I can possibly communicate.
One thing I am certain of: this church is not about me, it’s about God. So many people have bought into our vision, have stepped up to serve, and serve faithfully. Their God-given gifts are taking us to a whole-nutha-level.
After today, I’m totally convinced that PCC will outlive me. Furthermore, I now know that me and Renae can take another vacation (that will take us out of a Sunday service) without me having to worry one bit.
It’s amazing what God can do if we’ll only let Him. He has gifted other people, calls them and raises them up. Our job is to simply get out of the way.
As a leader I’m always trying to fly at the 20,000 foot level so I can gain a birds eye view on the big picture. It’s easy to get tunnel vision or “departmental” vision and lose sight of the whole. My job is to ensure that our church always stays focused on Jesus, the Great Commission, and the Greatest Commandment.
I really enjoyed the talk I gave today. I was more thorough in the first service than in the second service because I ran out of time.
I really enjoyed the talk I gave today. I was more thorough in the first service than in the second service because I ran out of time.
One of the main points I made was this: I have made a vow to myself that PCC will NOT BE a one generational life-cycle church and then close the doors; that we will be a church that out-lives me.
After today, I am convinced, more than ever, that this is the most likely reality for our future.
In case you didn’t know, most church plants do not make it to the five-year mark. They simply cannot make it, and suffer an ignominious death. Now that we are thirteen years in, I would say that we are here to stay.
The other danger, the danger for us, is that the older a church gets the more likely it is to become outdated and turn in on itself. It’s a death spiral that is very hard to break out of because the centrifugal force is too great. You should know that your church leaders understand this and are very deliberate about not allowing it to happen.
Can you believe the number of young people we have at PCC? It’s amazing.
At the end of service today I called all our school-age children, teenagers, and college students forward. Collectively we prayed for them. It was a special moment. It was a God-thing.
I just want to live a life of serving others. It’s amazing how that makes my heart beat.
To that end, I have to die daily.
I’m glad school starts tomorrow. I know all the parents are too.
Attendance today was almost 500.
I love my church.
After church today a group of us took a canoe trip. Had a good time. Gave me a chance to get to know some of our people better. Love these moments.
After church today a group of us took a canoe trip. Had a good time. Gave me a chance to get to know some of our people better. Love these moments.
Last night I watched the last Rambo movie that came out in 2008. It was pretty good. I have to say that when he got on that 50 cal. near the end, he took care of business. Maybe it’s the dark side of me, but those people had it coming.
ANDY STANLEY, of Northpoint Community Church
I wish I had said that. Hey, maybe I will. I know, I’m shameless.
Last summer I shared a talk with all our ministry leaders entitled, “IT’S ABOUT THE WEEKEND.” Today’s service made the point.
The staff of PCC’s family ministries are awesome people. By that I mean both our volunteer staff and our paid staff. If not for them our ministries would fail, kingdom advancement would not occur, souls would be lost, and lives would not be changed.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I leave you with these of VBS, today’s service, and today’s canoe trip after church…
2 comments:
Pastor Ron,
Today, I was moved more than during any other service since our first time at PCC, the first cardboard confession service a couple years ago. How great to see teens/kids so dedicated to and excited about serving the Lord...wow!
Ron I really enjoyed Sunday's service a lot. It is amazing to see the teens step up like they have in the church and it means a lot to parents that PCC allows them to serve and be a part of what goes on at PCC. It gives them a sense of belonging and ownership. Maybe this will help break the cycle of teens and young adults leaving the church in their 2nd year of college.
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