Sunday Remix 1-27-08

-I was so looking forward to preaching Sunday. Actually I think I was looking forward to it so much, I preached about two sermons. Ha! Ha!

-I was preaching on "pursuing change". I had the idea to take my clothes off on stage. If we never change our clothes over time we begin to stink, grow stale, and go out of style. If we never pursue change in our lives than our attitude will begin to stink. We will lose our freshness and vibrancy. We also will go out of style. Or in other words, we will stop moving in step with the season God is leading us into.

I talked about things we have to take off. As I did this I got down to a t-shirt and jeans. Then i said there are somethings we need to change in private before it goes public. During this part of the sermon I went into a curtained off area we made on stage with pipe and drape. Well I forgot to throw my t-shirt and Jeans over the curtain when I took it them off. That limited the illustration a little. Worse then that, when I pulled the side curtain, only the top drew together. This left a bit of a swag that left me arse visible. OK it wasn't quite that bad, but a few folks stage left began to say, "close the curtain." I didn't hear them. When I looked to the right it was fine because the upper part was closed. The thing is, my lily white legs were still visible...so I am told. We had planned to have the lights turned down so there would be no chance of me being silhouetted. Our fast acting tech team (thanks guys) killed the stage lights altogether. This relieved me of any further embarrassment.

I changed in there as i spoke about changing some of the more difficult areas in our life. I then stepped on in a suit. Cuffed links and all. This was the first time I have ever worn a suit at the embassy. It was pretty cool to see everybody's reaction. Or maybe they were just reacting to seeing a shot of me in my skivvies. Lord I hope not.

-All in all it was a good day. It was neat seeing so many new people helping tear down. I love it when someone has only been at the embassy a week or two and they are already jumping in. Too cool(thanks Paul)!


-I look forward to next Sunday for our 3rd part in the Epic 08 series.

I am seriously itchin' to preach

I can't wait until Sunday. It's going to be a great day. Plan to be there and bring every friend and family member that you can.

As we go into this new year I am so pumped about the momentum that we are experiencing. I sense passion for God increasing in the emc-ers. There is a hunger to grow and a desire to move forward into what God has for us individually.

I am committed this year to growth. I'm not talking about numbers on Sunday. We have that and will continue to grow until it eventually blows our minds. What I mean, is growth in the lives of those who are coming to the embassy. I so desire to see you connect with all that God has for you. I hope you are sensing the expectancy that is rising in our midst. I also hope you realize that this sense of expectation is the Spirit of God preparing to take us on a journey like never before. All I want to ask today is this...Are you ready? No...I mean really ready?

Hebrews 11:6

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Two weeks ago I talked about expectation (faith). I said that expectancy sets in motion experience.

There is a promise in this scripture, but it is connected with the action of "diligently" seeking God. I want you to take some time to think about two ways that we can be active in our expectation.

#1 Make Space for God. What does that look like for you?

#2 Give God something to work with. Is there anything this year that you need to commit to God?

Miracle Sunday?

God has always provided for the needs of the embassy and I know He will continue to do so. We came out of 2007 a little tight in the area of finances. In December we received a special offering for the African Well project and the Safe Haven Children's home project. On that day the general giving was lower than normal. Then the last Sunday of the year we gave everyone the week off to be with family and friends. The following Sunday we did not recoup those funds. Even though we experienced our highest attendance for a regular service, our offerings for the first two week's of 2008 were 38% lower than usual. Then to follow that up, we didn't have service this past week. Whew!

So what does all this mean:

#1 We are going to make it. We always have and we always will!

#2 We are experiencing momentum in every area, but our finances. The great thing about this is...it can be fixed.

#3 We have many at the embassy who are not used to going to church, let alone give 10% (Tithe) of their earnings. On Sundays we rarely talk about money...and I want to keep it that way. Although, I do want to see more people experience the benefits of being faithful in this area. It's not about the money, but people moving in God's plan for their finances will be blessed and will be a blessing. I want all of us in that flow. Don't feel guilt or condemnation, but rather feel a sense of anticipation about what God is about to do in your life because of your faithfulness!

#4 I think at times people don't give because emc functions at a high capacity. Our commitment to excellence is something that we do not back down from. On a Sunday morning most would never imagine that in spite of our size we receive thousands less than many other churches the same size. We have to be very creative to stretch finances and we are. The need may not appear to be there, but it is.

#5 God desires to do great things in your life personally and through your church collectively. This will never happen if we don't go all out for Him in every area of our life.

#6 Let's make this coming Sunday a miraculous day financially. Let's allow our giving to match up with the blessings and momentum that God is granting to our church!


I love you guys... you are amazing. I can't wait to see all that God desires to do in your lives this year!


This Coming Sunday is going to be off the chain...See you then!

Blizzard of 08

Ok so it wasn't quite the weather we expected. There is ice out there and the DOT asked people to stay off the roads through the night. Most of the roads dried up before they had a chance to freeze, but as of last night we just didn't know.

One thing is for sure, Atlanta overreacts to weather. Last night I told Amie that there is no way we would cancel a service in Ohio the night before. That is unless it was dropping 18 inches of snow. She said "when in Rome do as the Romans" Well all I have to say to that is from now on we are not canceling the night before. We will get out and take a look the morning of. Then we will post our decision by 6:00am.

What to do during the "Blizzard" of 08:
-Make a stack of sandwiches with all the bread you ran out to buy.
-Wash down 2 dozen cookies and a big bowl of cereal with the extra milk.
-Enjoy the day and plan on coming back next Sunday for an amazing emc experience.

EMC is Cancelled

OH! that just hurts to say. I think that things will be fine by 10:02, but our set up crews have to get there early. The drive up to the theater is steep, the back of the theater where we load out is soaked. If it does freeze, getting things ready by 10:02 would be pretty tough.

Two things: #1 If this was Ohio we'd stinkin' be having church #2 If we had a building we'd stinkin' be having church. We would start at 11:00 or so to give it time to thaw, but we would be in church.

Canceling makes me feel like such a wus. Believers around the world tomorrow will be beaten for their faith. 1000's will make their way to watch the football game in conditions worse then we'll ever experience, but we canceled...folded...caved.

We have had such an amazing past two weeks. You can tell God is up to something at the embassy and I don't want to miss anything. Let's all plan to be back in force next Sunday. We'll see you next week.

Church Cancellations?

I'm from Ohio. The thought of canceling church, for the little bit of weather that's out there, makes me sick. We have a service planned for tomorrow that will impact lives greatly. I would love to say suck it up and just be careful getting there, but that would sound too much like a dang yankee. I don't want to pull the plug on the service, but I don't want to put emc-ers at risk either. We will make this decision within the next hour.

Road Trip to Unleashed 2008

Unleashed Conference 2008 Thursday, March 13, 2008. This is a one day conference for church leaders. I would love to see as many emc-ers as possible make this trip to New Spring Church in Anderson, SC. New Spring church began in 1999 and today has over 8000 in attendance. They have done an amazing job of not just drawing a crowd on Sundays, but truly impacting their surrounding communities.

Let's road trip together, get to know each other better, have an amazing time, and expand our vision of what God can do with a group of people "unleashed" for Him!

We'll take off early Thursday morning and come back when the meeting is over. The cost is $55.00 for the ticket. You will then be responsible for food. God is going to use our time together huge! Can't wait!


Email: ross@embassymetro.org if you might be interested in making this road trip.

Safe Haven Project

During our "Peace on Earth" series last month we raise support and awareness of the need at the Safe Haven Children's home in Woodstock. We are ready to begin the work in February. We will be doing a complete build out of the home's basement.

-First two work days will be Feb. 9th & 23rd. Make plans to come help create space for the children at Safe Haven.

Sunday Remix 1-13-08

-Sunday was insane.

-Worship was great.

-Attendance makes me think we may need a 2nd service for Easter.

-Easter, man that will be here in no time.

-You can sense that emc is a buzz with our vision casting from last Sunday. People are ready to flow, grow, and go. And God is putting everything together to help people get involved with what God is doing at emc, in our community, and in our personal growth.

-I spent the afternoon with our Drive Discipleship Team. These guys are passionate about helping people grow. Starting in February we will have a class that meets on Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:45 to help propel people on their journey with God. "Why walk when you can drive" be a a part of Drive Discipleship.

-Spent sometime dreaming about the next step at the embassy. Not sure when that step will take place, but God is definitely up to something. So I would like to encourage our emc-ers to serve, give, and anticipate in preparation for where God will lead us in 2008.

-Amie and I dropped in on Brantley and Hannah's gathering of Kid's Church team
members. They are doing such a great job with E-kids. It was amazing to see how many people want to minister to our children.

-I put my head on the pillow and realized that this Sunday was one of those days in the history of a church planter that will stand out. I am so proud of what all of you are doing to help people journey through life with God, Purpose, and Friends. Keep up the great work!

Leadership Roundtable

Yesterday my worship/media pastor and I went to Oasis Church for a leadership roundtable. The Oasis was listed as the 34th fastest growing church in the country last year. It was great spending time with Troy Shaw, his staff, and 15 or so other pastors.

You got to love Troy's heart to just "love on people". He is strong about his vision and committed to the mission God has for them. They are doing an amazing job. The three sessions were short on teaching and designed to make the time together a true round table. It was great hearing from Troy, and we got a lot out of the dialogue. I look forward to the next round table in a few months.

I know the pastor of Church Alive, Wayne Pugh. They currently are leasing the facility that the Oasis used before they built. After the roundtable we went to see this facility. To see where Oasis was at and where they are now in just a little under four years is mind blowing.

Yesterday served to expand my vision of what is possible. If you are an EMC-er this is going to be a great year. Own the the thought for yourself that together we can radically reach the people of our communities. If we are going to do something significant for God and for our communities than we need to be significantly committed. People are lost, marriages are struggling, addiction holds many, people need a growing relationship with Jesus. This year apply your time, talents, and finances to the cause of Christ and let's dominate this area for Christ!

Clairity for 2008

The week between the holidays I took some time to finish laying out our teaching plan for 2008. As a staff we have in the past designed a preaching calendar based on human need and what categories of thought work best for specific months of the year. Using that as a starting point and getting alone with God to ask the question, "what do you desire to teach into and do with your people this year?" a teaching plan for the year began to be sifted out. During the year this may shift some. Titles or the length of series may change. God may call an audible and we will respond to His game plan in a heartbeat, but we believe at emc that God can speak to you well in advance. God will anoint and use good planning. Working ahead allows a greater number of people's giftings to be used to reach a greater number and diversity of people. With all of that said here is where we are headed:

-"Epic 08" Everyone loves an Epic tale, an adventure of dynamic proportion. On January 13th-Feb 3rd discover with us your place in the story that is unfolding...go beyond the ordinary, surpass life as usual. Get ready to begin your EPIC YEAR.

-"Power of Love"

-"The Office" Positioning yourself for Success on the Job

-"F-3" Fuel, Force, Flow a series on the Holy Spirit

-"Life Bytes" IT for the Soul (This series will launch on Easter Sunday)

-"Check Mate" A series for singles looking at God's word to help us find what it takes to make the right choices in relationships.

-"Parenting" This series is still untitled but will look at the difficulties of and directions for Parenting.

-"Summer of Rock" Jesus told Simon one of his disciples that he would be known as "Peter" which means "Rock" We will develop a solid foundation for our faith as we look at Peter and the two letters Peter wrote in the New Testament.

-"God @ the Movies" We will again this year use movies as a means to illustrate the realities of humanity and the power of Christ's teachings to impact our lives.

-"Confessions of a Pastor" an honest look at the frustrations, doubts, fears, and struggles we all face.

-"Pirates: Reclaiming my stolen treasure" In our Christian lives stands an enemy who desires to steal, kill, and destroy. If we can recognize this enemy and the strategies used to steal from us, the better equipped we’ll be to win.

-"Escalator: Growing Up" Every Christ follower is called to be a leader. This series will help you to unleash your leadership potential.

-Christmas Series: not titled yet

OSU vs LSU

Last night was painful. Chuck text messaged me during the game and asked if OSU's quarterback came from Fumbleton, OH. Ha Ha....not funny.Two years in a row now my Buckeyes have thrown the championship away.

We did have a great time watching the game with a bunch of guys from emc and one new friend I met just yesterday. We set the kid's church projector up with a big screen and a powered speaker. Maybe next year.

OSU vs LSU

It is right now 31 to 10 LSU...third quarter. My hearts hurting...

2nd Anniversary Celebration Thoughts

-We had a great service as we looked to where God is leading us as a church. We took some time looking at Joshua 3 and challenging ourselves to not get stuck between where we have come and where we are going.
-Took time to cast vision on how we're going to flow, grow, and go this year.
-Closed the service with everyone crowding the stage and praying together as we begin the new year.
-Looking out and seeing everyone and realizing where we have come from in just two years really affected me.
-So proud of all the hard work everyone has done the past two years. Great job Team EMC.

I Can't Wait for Sunday

...It's been nearly 2 weeks since we had a service and I miss seeing everybody already.

...The band is going to be amazing

...I can't wait to preach what God has laid on my heart.

...I will reveal some of the plans God has for EMC in 2008.

...CAKE!

...You do not want to miss this important day in the history of EMC as we look back a little and forward a lot! See ya Sunday at 10:02.

...Everybody try and bring a guest with you.

...It will be one week closer until we unleash our new series "EPIC 08".

New Year New Notebook

I have always been one to keep my thoughts and ideas in a planner, a journal, or most recently on my MAC. I use to use Franklin Planners for personal management. Over the past 7 years I have become increasingly digital. I miss the therapeutic and creative nature of putting ink to paper so beginning Jan. 1st, 2008 I have went back to journaling and creating in ink. I recently have decided to try a Moleskine for recording my thoughts, ideas, and dreams.

Blurb from Moleskine's Website:
"For two centuries now Moleskine (mol-a-skeen'-a) has been the legendary notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers. From gifted artists Henri Matisse (1869–1954) and Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890), to poet and leader of the surrealist movement André Breton (1896-1966) to Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) considered the most influential writer of the last century, to famous travel writer Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989).

These notebooks have proven they can withstand the trials of travel and abuses that ensues from normal use. This is the one true trusted travel journal."

I like that I will be able to continue to buy the same notebooks for years to come. Leaving something that my children and their children can look back on has great appeal to me. I plan on buying one for each of my children ASAP. I then want to record Daddy's "Life Lessons" and other thoughts I have about them and their experiences. Upon graduation or their wedding I would like to present them a book full of the thoughts their Daddy has had of them through the years. I wish I would have thought of that 11 years ago when we had Adalee. No time like the present.