So high and so low so soon :(

What a great weekend at the church, but on the personal side some of you know my truck has been down for two weeks. Well my mechanic just gave me word that it will be nearly $2000.00 to fix. Basically the motor that the last mechanic I used put in had issues and the issues finally caught up. This will bring my total in repairs on this vehicle to $4900.00 in the past 14 months. SOOOOOO LOOOOOOWWWW........ I only gave 4,000.00 for it to start with. Well anyhoo the work has to be done or it gets hauled to a junkyard.

Needless to say I am going to have to get the guys in the church that have trucks to go on a rotation for pulling the church trailer because when this bad boy get's to running I am getting rid of it ASAP. The thing I hate about that is by that time I have pretty much replaced everything under the hood and then some. Radiator, water pump, engine, altenator, starter, battery, distributor, distributor cap, the pump inside the gas tank, plugs and wires (man making that list makes me think I should keep it) Well if anyone is good at vehicles has a suggestion whether I should keep it or not let me know)

It's been a vehicular money pit and I'm tired of it. To be honest financially this year God has blown us away by His provisions.....it's just for some reason I have no "anointing" for vehicles... Ha! Ha! What did I do wrong to a car in the past that has given me this bad....CARMA? Well that's the low end of a very high end week and five years from now all I'll remember is how awesome our first Christmas season went at the Embassy!

Record Sunday at the Embassy

This past weekend was incredible! we had a woman come to Christ! we baptized a 21 year old guy in the lake behind my house after the morning service...Oh, and we had nearly 150 in attendance!!!! I think if it would have just been the number it wouldn't have meant so much, but another person putting their faith in Christ and the baptism was the icing!

I loved how pumped the team was because everyone could tell that their efforts since we launched in January are really making a difference. I can't wait to see all that will take place in 2007!

Special Christmas Presentation at the Embassy

This Sunday at the embassy we will have a special showing of the newly released full length feature film "Nativity" at 10:02am. Come early and enjoy bagels and hot chocolate in the cafe'.

Random Thoughts.....

The past two Sundays were rough on set up. Two weeks ago the theater didn't get unlocked for us and we started set up 40 minutes late. The crew that was on for that week rocked and we only started 8 minutes late. Great effort team emc! This week the crew that was on was only about half the guys (holidays and all...things happen) and then we had tech difficulties. We started at least 15 minutes late. we haven't done that in a long time. Even with the difficulties both weeks of our series Christmas at the Movies went great!

Last week we used clips from Christmas Vacation and The Christmas Story and we reminded ourselves that often we experience unmet expectations because we look more at what isn't than what is. We also looked at a few ways we handle unmet expectations. This week we used clips from the Grinch as we examined what in life causes us to have "Missing Peace". we saw that Jesus came looking for us telling us that His peace he offers to us. Christmas is the celebration that Jesus came looking for us. He is Immanuel...."God with us" He is the missing peace and we need to remind ourselves that He is Immanuel which directly tranlated is Immanent within you....God" No matter what is lacking in your life remember immanent within you is God. He is the "Missing Peace".

The past two weeks we have had church planters checking out what we are doing. When you are on the inside of something you are always critiquing, evaluating, and trying to improve what you are doing. This is necessary, but at times it makes you miss what you have already. Having these guys in really made me realize what an amazing place the embassy has become in just a year. Every one at emc you should be proud of yourselves. Your hard work, dedication, and finances have provided and environment where many are finally connecting with their creator! We had people come to Christ in both the last two Sundays!

Ear report: Still can't hear speech, but percussive sounds are registering. I believe the Tsunami in my inner ear is subsiding. Thanks for your prayers and patience (I know you all are hating me saying "say that again")

More random thoughts: It was great having my mom and dad in for a brief visit and some of you may have noticed I was wearing a tie sunday (that was for momma) ha! she isn't to sure about this whole blue jean wearing theater church thing so I thought I would throw a tie on to make her happy.

Holiday Parade

We had a great time getting our float together for this year's parade. . We had around thirty people at our house on Wednesday putting the final touches on everything. We built a giant popcorn box and admit one tickets to draw attention to where we meet at on Sundays. During the parade Saturday we handed out over 1000 packets of Microwave popcorn with an invitation to our December events. Thanks to everyone who helped build everything and to those who walked in the parade!

EMC Baptism 11-19-06

Embassy Metro Church in the AJC

Take a look at this link to see an article that emc was a part of concerning churches that meet in Non-conventional space.

Georgia Outdoors

Wednesday afternoon I got a call from Jeff Nobles. He and his wife Mary have been incredible additions to our worship band at the church and to the Embassy. I knew Jeff was a hunter and that his family has leased property in Waynesboro (Eastern Central Georgia). Well he asked if I wanted to go hunting for a couple of days at the 10 points hunting cabin. We had an incredible time. The property is 600 acres of pristine hunting grounds. The members have done a great job of managing the land to produce incredible environment for deer hunting.

I have always hunted with a shotgun or a compound bow, but for this hunt Jeff provided me with a rifle (30-30). In Ohio we can't hunt with rifles for what ever reason I'm not sure. I always thought it was because there is so much flat land in Ohio and a rifle round carries so much further than a deer slug out of a shotgun, but where we were hunting was as flat as Northwest Ohio. Also when hunting in Ohio I have mostly still hunted (walking on the ground) or hunted from small climbing stands (12-15 feet up). This hunt was amazing as we hunted from 20 foot high blinds that 3 people could fit in easily. We were meat hunting so we let all the bucks with antlers pass and we took 2 deer each the biggest being one of Jeff's does (130 lbs.)

My deer would have got me laughed at in Ohio where we grow monster deer, but they will be great eats and the lady at the butcher's acted like they were fine deer. I would say one was 80 lbs the other about 100lbs. So if you read this Eric, Mike, or George don't laugh at me for taking these little yearlings. I know we won't be laughing when we have a mean bowl of deer chili or fried tenderloins. BTW all my Ohio friends can you believe this one license and tag ($19) gets you two antlered deer and 10 antlerless) that's right 12 deer if you want em' If they did that in Ohio maybe we would have a lot less car-deer collisions.

We had a great time and now I am looking forward to Turkey season. Thanks Jeff & Alex for a great hunt.

K2 Series Comes to A Close

This past Sunday was wild. It started off with Jared's voice nearly gone and my sinuses a mess (I still can't hear after 16 days)
Then the bulletins didn't get brought and the boxes that contain our kid's check in system were left as well. Both of these items were realized at 20 minutes til the hour. So Fred ran to the two different houses to get the stuff and got back just in time for service to start. While he was gone I was trying to talk to Todd our head of guest services and Pastor Robby. With my ear the way it has been and the left side of my face numb from the medicine I have been on (not sure why the side affect) I am talking like a drunk man. I couldn't articulate or keep a train of thought to save my life. The guys were gracious and didn't laugh at me.....thanks. Robby asks if I am ok. I'm like no pray for me and they did.

I went into the service in a fog. This is not how I wanted the K2 series to end because it has been so great. Well God definitely got involved and we had an amazing day. We shared how at the end of an expedition or a day of hiking you get back to the campsite and that at the campsite stories are shared. Gathered around a campfire with friends you begin to share your victories, explain your discoveries, and voice your questions and concerns about life. To me that sounds like the environment that a church should be . So to close out our K2 Series we worshipped together and we opened the floor up to hear what God is doing in people's lives. This is always risky, but it was well worth it. Often things at church are just too sanitized so Sunday we gathered around the campfire and told our stories. The set was great as we sat in camp chairs in front of a tent and fire pit.

It was awesome hearing your stories of finding healing, acceptance, and miraculous provisions while on your expedition of life. The take away for the day came out of Peter and John's story where they were charged to not use Christ's name anymore, but they said "how can we keep quiet about what we have seen and heard" Acts 4:20. In other words they had seen too much on their journey with Christ to keep quiet about it. I challenged us to live our lives in pursuit of God and what God had created us to do and be. Living a life like that will always give you a story to tell because God will meet you on the trail of life and He will change you forever. My take away was this: Live your life in such away that you will have a story to tell.

When church was over we went to Faith Family Church on Bells Ferry Rd. where we baptized 5 people!!! We then had a great dinner together to celebrate the past 6 week adventure we experienced during the K2 series. Later that night I got a call from a couple on our worship team. Their daughter made the decision to follow Christ and that evening mom and dad prayed with her as she asked Jesus to come into her life!!!! Man what a day...it sure did start out rough, but God really had his hand on the whole day. It's so good to know that it's not up to us to make everything come together, but truly He is strongest when we are at our weakest. Thanks God for all you are doing with my friends at the embassy.

OSU Michigan Game did not Disappoint

What a great game with two amazing teams. Truly the best teams in the nation. I think Bo and Woody would have approved. Go Bucks....one more game will say it all!!!!

Today's the Big Game!

The day has finally arrived. My boy and I will put on our beloved scarlet and grey and we will watch in anticipation as undefeated Ohio State takes on undefeated Michigan at the Shoe. This will truly be another great showdown on the Scioto (pronounced sigh-OH-tuh just like O-hi-uh) 3:30 seems like days away, but I am sure the day will warrant the anticipation and excitment.
O-H, I-O / O-H, I-O / O-H, I-O Go Bucks!

It's Not an Ear Stroke!

The past 11 days have been awkward not being able to hear. I tried several other voodoo related treatments to no avail so I finally broke down and went to the doctor. Doc says everything looks fine no sign of an ear stroke! Also the eardrum is in tack, more good news. Bad news for fluid to clear up in the inner ear it can sometimes be a real process. Doc put me on steroids, so in a few days my ears should be really ripped. Yeah that's me....the guy with ears that look like Arnold Swartzenager. "I am the earinator.....I cun ear you fram acrossed da thee-a-tah. ya dats good nahw. I feel much betta. Thank God it wasn't a toomah"

I Am Seriously Off My Game

Last Friday night as we went from P.F. Chang's into the cold air and then into the warmth at a Barnes & Noble my left ear decided to just close up. No pain, no pressure, just all Helen Keller like. In the morning I was fine I went outside and back inside and boom plugged again. Sunday more of the same. At least it cleared up during church so I was able to function pretty normal (that's a matter of opinion I know). Well by afternoon It closed up for the final time and I still can't hear anything three days later. I finally broke down and got some antibiotics so I should be fine by Sunday.I should have just got with doc and got my pills on Monday, but I didn't feel sick one bit.

My folks are crazy with all the homeopathic stuff so mom's like burn a candle and dad's Appalachian roots come out as he tells me get some sweet oil to put in it. I'm thinking sugar oil in my head and saying prayers using candles isn't going to do a thing, but make me worse. Mom explained these candles aren't for praying, but for burning and about this time I'm thinking my mom believes I have a demon.

Well I found out these candles you put in your ear, and yes.....I can't believe I am going to say this.....you light it on fire while it's in your freakin' ear. Did I say this funnel shaped cone of wax is on fire in MY EAR! What was I thinking listening to my mother. well as I lay in the middle of the floor with fire supposedly drawing ought my disease Adalee my oldest says, "hey we should roast marshmallows" Ha that's funny and we had a good laugh.....then Amie passes out forks and marshmallows. My family is roasting marshmallows on the side of my head. Ha that's hilarious, for everybody BUT ME!

Anyhoo when we were done in went the sweet oil as Amie waved a chicken foot over my head counter clock-wise and said neleh rellek three times. Needless to say that didn't help and today the other ear began to plug up too so I gave in and called the Doc (Thanks Doc A. you're still the best)

It's wild how much one ear being plugged can throw you off. I haven't been myself for days. The Bible speaks about how when one part of the body isn't functioning right or hurting it affects the whole body. Boy ain't that right. The church is no different we are the Body of Christ and when something is wrong it throws us off. Listen, if you're hurting get help quick. If you feel pressure there is relief, If you are having a hard time hearing from God, don't go it alone. We have all been their physically and spiritually. Look to others in the body that can help you. If you want call me and I'll hold the candle for you..... hey kids bring the marshmallows. No really let's always be a place where we help each other out when we are off our games.

Annual Thematic Series Schedule

In my previous post I said that I would present the info that we fleshed out during our staff retreat morning work session. Maslow's Hierarchy gave us fuel to power our minds as we explored theme's and possible sub categories for future series. God really used it as a tool to empower our brainstorming session. Below is the info we came up with. I didn't include a copy of the calendar only the thematic blocks and some sub-categories if any body has anything to add feel free:

Thematic Annual Series Schedule
Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Discipleship:
-Personal Growth & Fulfillment
-Worship
-Stewardship
-Fasting
-Prayer
-World View
-Living your Faith
-Holiness
-Self-Discipline
-Evangelism




Esteem:
-Acceptance Issues: labels, insecurities, I’m a star, Image driven society
-Psychological Issues: Hurt, Depression
-Identity & Self Worth
-Who you are in Christ
-Confidence
-Humility
-Pride
-Reputation
-Purity
-What would Jesus do?
-Authenticity
-Creativity


Relationships:
-God’s view of sex
-Dealing with difficult people
-How we relate with/to others
-How we relate to others to bring value to their lives
-Contentment in relationships
-Church family
-Family relations
-Victims
-Relating to the World: evangelism vs fortress mentality
-Dating



Life Security:
-Finances
-Fear
-Worry
-Faith
-Stability
-Emotional Security: peace, contentment
-Trust in Christ/God’s faithfulness
-Insecurity
-Rest
-Boundaries
-Security in the Home
-Abuse: Spiritual, Physical (a response to molestation), Neglect
-Authority: God’s Commands, God’s Order
-Failure


Team Theme:
-Mission, Vision, Values of EMC


Elements that can be used with any Thematic Need

Hooks:
-January, Easter and weeks following, August

Bible Book Studies:

Character Studies:

God at the Movies:

God on the Billboards:

I Love my Staff!

This past weekend we had our very first staff retreat. It was great spending time with my team and with their spouses. Friday we got lost getting to P.F. Chang's that was Jared's fault and for some reason that felt really good. I guess because it's usually me getting us lost. I should have asked Robby how to get there seeing how he has lived in Atlanta forever, but I was trying to keep it a surprise. The food was great and our waiter Michael was amazing. we then went to Barnes & Noble's and each team pastor and spouse got to buy something that would help them grow, or relax. Everything from MUTEMATH's newest cd to Andy Standley's new book Communicating for a Change was purchased.

After that we got back home and crashed. We woke everyone up in the morning with the smell of bacon and french toast ala me' (unless ""ala" means "all over me", not "by me", because that would be gross and reason enough to continue sleeping.) Anyhoo we had a nice breakfast and then began one of several work sessions throughout the day.

The session I will make mention of that I thought was just great was the one when we were brainstorming an annual thematic preaching schedule. OK so what does that mean? We desire to be very purposeful in how we are helping people grow in their faith, self-development, and relationships. To do this well we need to be sure that we are teaching to meet the needs of the total person and their roles in life. I believe a random approach to weekly teachings will fail to connect a person to the vast flow of transformational power and information found in God's Word. Preachers (my self included) have a tendency to find a niche and work that niche to the expense of not delving into other areas that help us become balanced in our faith and how that affects our lives, relationships, etc....

This past year we have been purposeful in our monthly series, but maybe not as purposeful in our major thematic blocks. Ok ,again Ross what are you talking about? I want to be sure that we hit themes that are actual needs that people face in life. On the other hand I want to be sure that year to year we have a tool that will help us when designing specific series to be sure to hit on a variety of themes so as to be speaking towards people's spiritual, physical, emotional, and social concerns.

I have been trying to think of a way to help jog our thoughts during this brainstorming session and what came to me a few days prior was to use Malsow's hierarchy of human need. This worked amazing as we began to identify and define for ourselves the needs of people that we need to speak to on an annual basis. After coming up with 6 or so major themes we then began to look at each month in the year to see when that theme would best fit. Finally when we were finished we had a thematic calendar that year to year we can design and plug series into making sure we do not lean to heavy on one side of personal development at the neglect of other needs.

Sometime soon I'll blog our discoveries and lay out our proposed thematic calendar. For now I'll just tell you a few of the thematic categories; relationships, life security, team theme (vision/purpose of emc), discipleship, etc..........

I am looking forward to using this calendar as a guide as God helps us to design teachings that will meet needs, challenge hearts, and give direction for the entire man while on their journey with God, purpose, and friends.

I'm loving this Series!

The K2 series has been great. People are discovering what they have been created for and are finding themselves beginning their own personal ascent into the life God purposes for them. Each week in the series we have added a call to action and a have designed the journey groups to further place the truth of the week deep into our lives.

The first week was "Kreated 2 Connect" and we designed the service so that we ended with a group connect. The second week was "Kreated 2 Serve" and we presented 2 opporunities to serve others in the community. This past week was an amazing Sunday as we explored "Kreated 2 Worship" What a great day of mixing worship, teaching and communion into a cohesive expression of our response to all that God is. We have two more K2's and then on Nov. 19th we will celebrate all that God has done in our lives through worship and our personal stories. Following the 19th's emc experience we will be borrowing a local church's baptismal and rec space for a baptism and party.

I can't wait to hear what God is doing in the lives our emc-ers. One thing that I am seeing is how many new people are connecting in Journey Groups and serving God through the ministries at the embassy. Both community events that we served at; Woodstock Family Fall Fest & Woodstock Kid's Fest were being accomplished by many who had never done anything like that before. Thanks for stepping out and making a difference.

I'm lovin' this series, and I'm lovin' what God is doing at the embassy!

Great Time Had By All

Well the family reunion was really nice. Amie saw people she had only seen once in her life and our kids met cousins they never knew they had. Amie's Grandma Vonnie is from the Lewis family of Calhoun, GA. Amie's second cousin lives on 500 acres of land that was absolutely beautiful. It was great to see livestock...don't see much of that around Metro Atlanta.

I can't remember all the names of the people we met, but her cousin Donna was such a sweetie and we look forward to knowing them better. She invited us up anytime and I do believe we'll take her up on that invitation. Amie's other cousin Marie and her husband Chuck were great too as they showed us around their place a few miles from Donna's.

We found out that Amie has a cousin named John that lives in the North West Cherokee County. He serves as an officer in the Canton Police force. We can't wait to get him down for dinner. What a great guy.

Another thing to note about the day is that Amie comes from a long line of beautiful women. I've always known her grandmother and mom were fine looking women and to be at the reunion we saw that was a trait that runs clean through all branches of the Lewis tree. Now if you're one of the men in the family I am sorry to say........ya'll ugly. Just kiddin' What a fine family you all are, and thanks for making us feel right at home.

They're Here

The in laws have arrived. Amie's mom, dad, g-ma, and bro have all come for the weekend. Who knew her grandmother's people are from Calhoun, GA so on Saturday we have a Family reunion. I told the girls if there are any cute boys to remember they are your cousins and this is Georgia not Alabama. Ha! No thank God my girls are years away from dating, but I couldn't resist a family reunion joke. Well anyhoo we're lookin' forward to meeting family we never knew we had. Especially that they are so close seeing that we moved 650 miles from home.

K2 Group Connect Big Success!

Two weeks ago we launched our K2 series. This past week we looked at how God has "Kreated us 2 Connect". We examined the subject of relationships and encouraged each other to evaluate which relationships in our lives need nurtured, restored, severed, and initiated. We took a bit of a risk, but I think it paid off. Instead of having worship we began the service with a greeting, went right into a video roll-in for the teaching, and then I spoke. we have done this before and flipped worship to the end of the experience. This time we dismissed everyone to the foyer to connect with the the Journey Group of their choice. For many this will be the first time they have initiated this type of relationship.

The past couple of weeks we promo-ed the event, but didn't tell people it would actually be a part of the service. By the looks of everything we had a great day and a definite win as many of our new emc-ers began to connect with others in this setting. We tried this approach because we wanted to communicate how important we feel it is to journey through life with others.

New Series

This Sunday we will introduce our new series. Then the next 5 weeks we will look at 5 trail markers that will help guide you in your ascent to gain a better view of what the purpose of life is all about. One thing that excites me about this series is, it's tie into the Journey Groups. For the five weeks of this series all the Journey Groups will be discussing the same topics weekly further instilling the trail marker of the week.
Come be a part of the expedition and begin your ascent this week.

Mom's OK

Thanks for the concern and prayer regarding my mother. She found out that she has osteoporosis and a few other things that are causing her pain. She is doing better and again thanks for the concern.

Pray for my Momma

Just found out yesterday that my mother has been in a great deal of pain. She knows she hasn't injured her shoulder yet it is hanging lower than it should and is in extreme pain. Poor mom continued to pinch her upper arm to relieve the pain and now she said the brusing looks like someone beat her. Now that's some pain. Being so far away my heart aches for her. I told her she's just getting old and Georgia's climate would be better for her joints (always trying to get my folks to move here) well anyhoo, just keep her in your prayers. Thanks.

Life's Good

Right now I am sitting on the back porch looking over some of the scriptures I will use on Sunday. I am thinking about how great the last two services have been and how much I have enjoyed this new series dealing with tough questions.

The door is opened and I can hear Amie playing some 15 year old Phil Keaggy album. In the background the kids are just chillin' because they wore themselves out at the park today (no school this week in Cherokee County). I have two humming birds visiting the feeder just six feet from my head. Actually they look like crows.....got to be the biggest hummingbirds I have ever seen. I swear this red throated breed has a double chin. makes me wonder what Amie is putting in the feeder apparently it must be the same thing she'd feeding me, but that's another thing all together. (actually I have dropped 10 pounds and am on my way to a better me....oh the temptation....move over bird let me have a taste of what's in the feeder)
No really.....the bird almost landed in my ear because it couldn't make it's bee like wings carry itself over me as I sit writing on the mac.

What an amazing day in Georgia. The temperature feels like football, no humidity is in the air, the sky is clear, the lake looks beautiful and my heart is at rest. The past 18 months have been crazy, but it's days like this when you know you have followed God's will inspite of the roller coaster ride that you have been on and you can say life's good!

Sunday Night: Something to Celebrate

For the past month we have been in a series called "Goin all in" The culmination of the month series took place Sunday night at our house. We encouraged people for three weeks that if you feel like the embassy is home and you want to be a part of the team then come out for a night of meet & greet and get some insider info on where we are heading. In a sense we wanted to see whose committed. I dislike the idea of membership because often it becomes a "yeah my names on a roll" thing, but there is no passion. I want a team spirit at emc. When you're on a team it's all about passion. You don't have to tell a kid twice to get in the game and go for a goal. When he is called off the bench intrinsically there is motivation to join the others and go for a win. That's the culture I want at the embassy and that's the culture that is developing!!! Go Team (OK that was a little corny.....forgive me as I adjust my pencil protector and put a little tape on my glasses. Anyhoo....

The past three weeks we promoted Sunday night by saying that we are looking for those who are ready to "go all in": people who are seeking God, finding a place to serve, and desire to give faithfully. Well to my awe and amazement we had over 70 people crammed into my house!!!! What a night of hanging out with people who get what we are doing and desire to be a part of it.

To everyone that was there thank you for giving me the great priviledge of being your pastor. Amie and I are loving doing life with you all, and it's great to be on the same team. I truly believe Sunday will be considered a historic night in the life of our church. Many of us will look back in years to come and be able to say, I was there that night at ross & amie's. All praise goes to God because His word says...."He is faithful to complete every work He begins". Thanks for going all in and making embassy the church that it's becoming.

sports mag possibility

Recently I was approached about providing a monthly article for a sports magazine. The column will be called "Life on the Field" and use sports related analogies to look at and examine life. The magazine is in the process of coming together. Check out this piece and let me know if you think I'm on the right track for future columns.

The final whistle blows, fans from the winning team rush the field as several teammates from the bench hoist a cooler full of Gatorade over the coaches head in celebration. You’re one of the lucky ones experiencing this at the stadium right beside some accountant naked from the waist up painted red and black with nothing on his mind but showing his team devotion for an afternoon before having to crunch numbers come Monday morning.

In these moments you find your heart racing, high fives all around, as you raise a can of beer or a Coke to a friend in a clumsy adrenaline filled toast. You barely dropped a tear when little Johnny or Sally was born, but now there’s a lump in your throat the size of a trailer hitch and for some weird reason your eyes are leaking.

Now I would never say I cried at a game but a few times I had to cough twice and scratch once just to gain composure. Why is it that we feel such emotion over a ball hit long, a tackle hit hard, and Jeff Gordon getting hit anytime? (maybe that last ones just me……go Jr.) Anyways… it’s because everyone in life wants to be a winner and in that moment somehow vicariously….We win!!!

We say things like, “We sure showed them!” or “you see that run we hit?” when the only thing we Showed em’ was that we can down 2 dogs, 3 Cokes, and a nacho with the works. And the only thing we hit was the center of the urinal during half time, but I digress

You see, there’s a great deal to learn about life on the field. We all know winning feels great even if we do say, “it’s not about winning it’s just about being in the game.” Can I make a confession? I would rather win then lose every time. That’s why we love it when our favorite team takes the victory. Deep down on the inside it’s a little reminder that winning is possible.

Is it wrong to feel that drive to win? I don’t think so. There are so many things every day that you can be a loser or a winner at. To not go for the win just doesn’t make sense to me. Let me challenge you to hit one out of the park by going for a win at work when you have a choice to act with integrity or not. Catch that hail Mary pass at home by spending time with your children when you have the choice to be their hero or a big zero. Go for a win with your spouse by planning a special night so good that she can’t wait for the victory celebration.


Too often we find ourselves celebrating the wins around us as we fail to practice and discipline ourselves to win in life .We may now have to tape up just to play ball with our nine year olds, but there are some things in life that we can win big at. So don’t be satisfied with the thrill that comes by watching other’s win. Do whatever it takes in life to win and win well and just watch as your friends and family become your biggest fans. Remember this, you only play as well as you practice and you only practice well if you’re disciplined. So get out there on the field of life and go long, swing hard, aim for the fences and be the winner you always wanted to be!

Finding our Groove

Random list of things that are beginning to click:

The past 45 days have really been amazing. We have definitley tapped into Big Mo (Momentum) and things are beginning to roll. We have broke our high attendance record twice in the past few weeks and God is continuing to bring people to the embassy that got skillz. Our small groups are generating buzz for the first time since we launched them in February. My wife has been able to attend service as others have filled in for her at the helm of the embassy kids ministry. The band is really coming together and several new people are on the edge of getting invovled with it. (looking forward to having the band do covers live of popular bands to add to the service instead of just cd versions of the songs). (Thanks Pastor Jared & Charla). We are growing more in diversity and that rocks! Echo youth is growing not only numerically, but spiritually and socially (Thanks Pastor Robby & Jamie). We have had an influx of 20 somethings which is a big reason why we started the embassy in the first place! Tomorrow at 11:30 I am meeting a group of KSU (Kennesaw State University) students for pizza at the Mellow Mushroom across the street from KSU. I look forward to the day when dozens of students are connecting with God and each other through the efforts of the embassy. Lives have been changed. People are coming to Christ, others are finding balance.

AND I'M LOVIN' IT!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone that has given to make the embassy possible, and thanks to the emc team y'all rock!

Great Story.....and if the ACLU calls I'm denying it all

This Sunday a guy came up to me at church and said, "pastor be praying for my nephews they are coming to church today." I wondered how he could be so certain that his 17 & 25 year old nephews would show up. Well, he went on to explain that they worked for him last week and he told them to be at the theater at 10am and when church was over he would cut them their checks. Dude I laughed so hard, but you know what those guys showed up and had a great time....the 17 year old even went to echo youth last night and I got to talk with the oldest brother after church. These guys were awesome and it was so cool to have them at the embassy. I can't wait to get to know them.


Now that's creative evangelism...........illegal.......but creative!

Great Checklist for Church Planters

The whole "I must re-invent the wheel" approach to ministry can be extremely counter productive. Obviously God will cause you to find your own expression of ministry that will effectively reach your community, but also there's a great deal that can be gleaned from church planters that are already doing it.


I came across this list from a church planting friend of mine who is launching a church in North Carolina next September. Tadd has worked hard researching some of the greatest church plants in the country. Here is the list of things that he is looking for and seeking information about when visiting other churches.

Church Plant Visiting Checklist:

Road Signage-
Is there any?
Is it readable?
Does it show me where to go?

Parking Lot-
Is there enough parking?
Is anyone directing me where to park?
Do I know where to go from the parking lot?
Are there signs showing me where to park?

Building Signage-
Do I know where to go without anyone directing me?
Do I know what door I am supposed to enter?
Do I know where the worship center is?
Do I know where the Children/Preschool Ministries are?
Do I know where the restrooms are?
Are they visible and readable?

Greeters-
Are they friendly?
Can they answer my questions and point me in the right direction?
Are they overbearing?
Are they focused on the visitors or talking with their friends?

Café-
How do they set-up the café?
What are they serving?
Is the area chaotic?

Lobby-
How chaotic is the area?
Is there visible signage for me to know where I am going?
Is the lobby messy and things just sitting around out of place?
Do they have an information area?
If so what information do they have available?
How well is it printed?
What is the interaction of the people in the lobby?


Children/Preschool Ministry-
How do they check-in the kids?
How secure is the area?
How clean is the area?
How kid friendly is the area?
Are there friendly people working in the areas?
What are they using for their curriculum?

Worship Center-
How do they set-up their stage?
How do they set-up their chairs/or how is their theatre set-up?
What creative elements are they using for their service?
What are they using for their worship media?
What type of equipment are they using?
How is the lighting?
Too much light or way too dark?
How is the sound?
Is the sound too overbearing?
Is there a good mix?
How is the band?
How does the worship leader engage people to worship?
Are people in the crowd worshipping?
How are the musicians?
How does the speaker communicate to the crowd?
Does he keep their attention?
What is the reaction of the people to his mesage?
What series are they currently doing?
What videos/graphics are they using?
How is their worship guide?


Others-
What makes them unique from other church plants I have visited?
What are they doing right?
What could they be doing better?
What seems to be missing?
What upcoming events do they have planned?
What ministries do they offer?
How many volunteers do they have serving?

Hey Jared, "What did you think about the Summer Beach Party?"

"It was great!"

Last Sunday we concluded our July Series with a Summer Beach Party. We had a great time getting to know the people we see around the embassy week to week. It was also great getting to meet several new peopl who came for the first time not knowing we had a special event planned.

This has been an amazing month for us at emc. We have gained momentum this summer and can feel a real sense of buzz about what is going on and what God is doing at the embassy. The past two weeks have been two of the highest weeks we've experienced in attendance other than Easter. We broke the 100 mark in attendance this past week which is a huge milestone in a church's history. You know I'm not about numbers, but numbers represent people and we had a great group of people last week.

So to all who work to make each week possible thank you. Take a moment to pat your self on the back and tell yourself you're doing a good job. Ok now that's long enough..... there are still many in our communities that need the hope of Christ. Let's continue to live for Him before those we do life with, and provide a church environment that relates to the irreligious and church burnt people of Cherokee and Cobb County!

Kids are off to School

It's hard to believe our girls have begun their second year of school in Cherokee County. They looked so cute today with their "fit there personality" first day of school attire on. Adalee in a skirt and jeweled shoes...Aubrynn workin' the camo capri's and monkey shirt and e-rings. I love how different they are from each other. They both make daddy's heart leap.

Experiencing our First Summer

I have been told that nearly 50% of church plants do not make it through their first summer. With that in mind I was a little nervous around the first of May as I anticipated what June may bring.

We are now more than halfway through the three months of Summer and I am proud to say we are not only making it, but thriving. Yes attendance has been down over all, but we have had new people become a part of the embassy every week this summer. Our attendance has only been down about 15% of our May average. I hate talking about numbers, but I am excited to say that as the summer comes to a close and labor day gets behind us I am confident we will be averaging over 100 people in attendance on Sundays.

Another area that drops off for churches especially church plants in the summer is finances. Obviously God knows this and encouraged the heart of someone in our church to bless the ministry with a sizeable offering. This has allowed us to continue to have momentum through the summer.

We hosted a float in our local parade which brought attention to what we are doing at the theater. We built an eight foot high popcorn box and played up the whole "church at the movies" angle. we had postcards made promoing our Summer Break Series and Beach Party. These we stapled onto microwave popcorn packets and handed them out on the parade route. We built giant Admit one tickets that were in the back of the pick-up that pulled the float with the giant red & white popcorn box. It really served the purpose and we have heard a great deal about it from others in our community including a few that began to come to the embassy the Sunday after the parade! Financially we would have had to scrap this idea if God had not provided.

Another thing that we thought we would have to cut out of this year's summer budget was an end of the summer party to invite friends to and to thank Team EMC for all they have done.

Well the paaarrrrrrteeeeeeeyyyy is on and we are going to have a great time! On Sunday the 30th at 10:02 am be at the theater with some friends to experience our first end of the summer Beach Party. For us it's the end of the summer because Cherokee County Schools start back the first week of August.

We will be outside at the theater. The stage will be set up with live music. We'll be blaring the beach tunes, throwing down some ice tea and Williamson Bros. BBQ, having a treasure hunt for the kids along with a bounce house and 13 foot slide. There will be games for the grown-ups as well or just sit and get to know those you see passing you in the cafe' area on Sundays. This will be a great end to our Summer Break series.

This is my first time writing in so long, but I just wanted to say thanks to God and to everyone that has been so faithful this summer in your service and giving. Team EMC get ready for and incredible ride as we see God continue to reach the unchurched though your dedicated effort.

It is an amazing joy to pastor a bunch of people who get it. You are passionate about trying anything to reach others in a fresh way and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of the journey!

Finally He Writes

I can't believe it's been this long between entries. The past few weeks have been extremely busy and eventful. I have a ton I wish to write about, but I am on vacation now and I hate (yes hate) my in-laws PC. Oh how I long for the touch of our Mac laptop. There is something enjoyable about blogging wherever I wish and usually that's not at a desk hunched over a desktop. Baby Mac, as I like to call her, did not make the journey to Ohio this time so I have finally forced myself to atleast place a few lines into the blogosphere.

My staff back home has everything under control so I haven't worried a bit. It's been nice seeing friends and family in Ohio this week. It was kind of crazy I got asked to speak at an event and ended up preaching 6 hours after I arrived in Ohio last Monday. I got the request on Sunday as we were traveling in. We got to my in-laws and I crashed on the couch, over slept and woke up 15 minutes before we had to leave for the meeting. Needless to say (but I will) why do we say needless to say and then we say it any ways. (just a thought) well anyways, I slept through any time to prepare anything so we showed up Bible in hand and we winged it! God was good, and I don't think I said anything that they could run me oput of town over. If I did I guess it wouldn't have mattered because my place is now in Woodstock, GA and I love it! well I am lookin' forward to getting home and back to work. Thanks to everyone that has worked so hard this past week! you're the best!

We got Video

I finally figured out how to link videos to my blog. Sorry it's a bit grainy. I had to save it in a podcast format to make it small enough for youtube to let me upload. Maybe somebody has a suggestion on what's the best format to put your videos in for youtube? For now it's a start.

mission possible trailer

Embassy Metro Church's 1st Baptism

Opening Night of Cars

Friday night is opening night of the new Pixar animated film called "Cars". I am looking forward to it and am sure the old tow truck played by Larry the Cable Guy will be my favorite. His name is Tow-Mator; I don't care who ya are that's funny right there.

Well not only am I looking forward to the opening I am also lookin forward to a night of showing Jesus' love to our community. We thought about protesting the Davinci Code because you know how well protest proclaim God's love to the lost, but we thought better of it :)

What we are doing is on Friday night we are partnering with our local theater to do face painting for kids as they come to the local premiere of Cars. We plan on putting cars on the kids faces and while we do that we can talk with the parents and allow people to make a connection with the church that meets at the theater.

We have done various things in the community, but we were trying to figure out something to reach people right where we are. We will probabely let them draw to win candy/popcorn from the concessions. We have a kids outreach at J.J. Biello's Community Park next week so we'll hand out flyers for that and church invite cards. I think it will be a great night!

a better week

This week we launched our new series and once we got started the day did go better than last week. We started 10 minutes late though and that always throws me off a little. Our team has been so faithful since we launched, but I can tell we are in need of more people to jump into the rotation. It's the beginning of summer and those sun shining Sunday mornings make it easy to not get to the theater on time for set-up.

I want team emc to know you all are incredible and your service to God and the embassy is priceless. Since it's summer and people will be vacationing we need to be sure that if we are on rotation for a given Sunday that we get there at 8:00am. The past three weeks we've gotten started at 8:00 with a skeleton crew and it has affected our set-up time. The most important part of set-up happens when we are done and we all get to gather as a team for prayer. The past two weeks we have not been able to do that. For me with out that time to settle in as a team and focus on God prior to the service, the morning begins to feel like a production. Sunday mornings at the embassy will always be entertaining, but it should never be a show. We need that time so that we can be prepared and focused and experience the morning as interaction with God, and each other, not running around trying to get everything done so the "show" can go on.

I know I am the pastor and I don't expect this from you, but since the 3rd week of of our launch I have been waking up on Sundays between 3am & 4am. Why? Because if I don't I feel so rushed in my morning that Sunday is just about getting the event on and done. For me that isn't what church is about. So I get up early, have some coffee, settle into my day with Jesus, look over my notes,and allow my heart to absorb what God desires for the day. I even have the guy that pulls our trailer come early and we are at the theater at 7:45am. Why? Because I don't want to be robbed of what Sundays should be by rushing like a crazy man on Sunday. When I feel rushed I roll into performance mode because we "got to get it done" I hate that feeling and for some reason I can tell I carry that feeling into the whole service whenever this happens.

Well I guess that's all I have to say about that. Thanks team for stepping it up and giving God a better week this week. Let's all try to keep getting back on track for next week and do what we have to do to provide the best environment for worship. Not just with the media, Sound, lighting, and the temperature of the coffee, but by the preparation of our hearts ready to interact with God and each other.

New Series Begins Tomorrow

We begin a new series in the morning and I can't wait. I love preaching in series because God uses them to take the church on an adventure. Over the next three weeks it will be exciting to see how God will use this series to bring, vision, passion, and a drive to pursue God's mission for our lives. See ya there... i'll be the one wearing camo and ropelling gear....oops that's suppose to be a suprise....shhh.....it'll be our little secret.

Thanks for Praying for my Friend Gary

I just got off the phone with Gary's wife Ruthann. She said that Gary is in ICU, but he is beginning to get feeling and movement back in his arms and chest. The doctors are amazed that he isn't needing help to breath. He still has no feeling or movement in his lower extremities, but everyone is hopeful. The doctors said that his C6 & 7 are broken, but his spinal cord looks really healthy. Continue to pray for him and Ruthann as they go through (operative word) this ordeal.

On a side note....I did talk to a guy today about buying my bike. This has just hit to close to our hearts.

Tragic Day for my Friends

Many of you know I have been riding dirt bikes since I was a kid. Over the years I have crashed my brains out on numerous occasions and because of that I have a plate that keeps my humeral head attached to my arm and my knees feel like they belong to a 60 year old, but I just keep going back for more. Don't ask why? I don't know. All of the guys I have ridden with through the years have their "war" stories and usually mine tops them all. Dirt biking is definitely a risk reward activity, and injury is just a part of it. You heal up, shake it off, and on to the next riding adventure with your friends.

Well, Tonight I got the kind of call that you just don't ever want to receive (I'm not sure if I'll ever ride again). All my guys we're together back in Ohio at our friends "G's" (Gary Ferguson) house. Memorial day is always a great day to kick off the new season of riding and Gary's track is a great place to get the cob webs out. If I still lived in Ohio that's where i would have been, but I was here enjoying the North Georgia Mountains with my family when I got the call from Med-central Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio. One of our friends Gary Kula who has just started riding again after a long hiatus crashed on a double and was hurt bad.

My friends were calling for me to pray, and to break the news that he could be paralyzed. They sad that everyone was taking a break and getting some food when GK decided to go out and get a feel for the jumps on the track. He hit the double to fast then chopped his throttle and crashed hard. "G" said he started to turn blue in his helmet. They got it off and he was gone...they began cpr and they got him back praise the Lord! After arriving at the hospital in Mansfield they life flighted him to Columbus. Please be praying for Gary Kula and his wife Ruthann. This is a great couple who I had the priviledge of marrying a few years ago. They even were down for a visit when we were just a small group meeting at the coffee house and helped us financially to launch emc. Pray also for Gary & Amie Ferguson and all our friends and their children who were there when it happened.

media woes

Every week I say how great sunday went and blah, blah, blah. Well to be honest this Sunday stunk. On Saturday night I pulled the plug on our Sunday morning teaching. It's the first time I have done this since we launched emc. I felt led of the Lord to take a different direction with the teaching. Even though it was a holiday weekend I just new we were going to have several people coming to the embassy for the first time. The sermon I had prepared, had media designated for, and was ready to roll with was going to be one of the deepest as far as teaching goes that we have done to date. Now some people will say that teaching is boring, I don't feel that way at all. I don't feel that teaching is boring, I feel that boring teaching is boring.

I had prepared an exciting teaching that I was calling "revealing God's covenant code." The thing was God on Saturday night led me to take a different direction. So I decided no media (slides, clips, etc.) this weekend we we're going to do "embassy unplugged" and I was going with a completely different sermon. I heard from many that the sermon touched them deeply so I know I made the right decision to go unplugged and shoot from the hip. This should have been an easy day because we had 50% less media than normal.

Once the sermon started everything went fine until the lights went unplugged for the first time in 21 weeks. I looked like Sting in an old Police video. One blue light shining on my cheek that was growing red quickly. Well that would have not been such a big deal had not every single media element crashed leading up to the sermon. We had a baby dedication and somehow back ground music from our pre-service mix was playing behind the images of children that we're to be dedicated. This music was definitely not the nice eclectic lullaby/ambient sounds tract that Jared found and would have been so fitting.

Dedication ends and our trailer promo-ing our next series only gets half played. All this combined gets me off my train of thought and I commit the church planters cardinal sin...I forgot to take up the offering...duh! Then like I said while I was preaching the lights went out in Georgia. Maybe you can't expect a win every Sunday, but we drive into our team it is all about Sunday. So yes, I expect a win on Sundays.

The whole reason I switched up the week was because I felt that many would be there for the first time and what I had planned wasn't what God wanted to use to speak to these people their first time at the embassy. Then we go on to put forth a sub-par presentation that I didn't feel honors a God who is never sub-par. Some would say Ross that's pride, and you are just red faced because things didn't go well. You know maybe I am proud of the fact that our team with the little resources that we have week after week hits home runs. I guess that's what frustrated me so much. We have what it takes, but this week we blew it, and you can't get that Sunday back.

The great thing is we have another Sunday coming in 5 days. The team will regroup, look at the mistakes, figure out what happened, and then we will go back to the plate and seek to hit another homer for God. Next Sunday we will plan for a win, next Sunday we will give our best. Why? because God deserves it and people need it. That's why we are all about Sundays and that's why when we miss it, it is so frustrating.

bama boy wins big!

The last two nights the Wiseman clan has been glued to the tube. Yes for two nights we became American idolators and Talyor is to be praised (No you can't do that! remember I will have no other gods before me...kind of known as one of God's big 10) Well anyhoo, I was glad Taylor one.

Can't go wrong with a southern boy that rolls like a cross between Joe Cocker and Ray Charles. I also love the fact that he is so non-typical. Taylor is not what you would think the industry would put out if the industry was voting each night, but America loves him. Why?

I think we are all tired of the plastic, phony, surgically improved, mass mediacized
stars the industry puts out so often. Taylor comes across just like one of us. So his hair went grey early and he dances kind of weird (so do you) and he's probably not going to get asked to do a Haynes Taylor's Way commercial (neither am I), but that's the point. What he does he does well and all the other stuff becomes part of his appeal.

I think that's how we should view everyone. Look at everyone for the star that they are and grow to appreciate them for all their idiosyncrisies. If we don't then the only alternative is for all of us to buy into american idolatry (not the show, but the sin) and try to look like, act like, and be like what is elevated by the industry on every front.

I say be yourself, and if you got gray hair and a weird danced who cares. Do all you do for God, and while you are being "the you" God made then people will see "the Him" in you!

To podcast or not to podcast that is the question: an open dialogue

This entry is more of a query for info regarding podcasting from other church planters or leaders.

Many of you are currently using podcasting and some of you have chosen to not go that route. I am looking forward to hearing some responses for and against. I would like to see some dialogue concerning the adventures and misadventures of beginnning podcasting. Finally it would be great to see some of the different hardware and software you are using to get the job done right and what creative ways you are using your podcast or drawing attention to your podcast. I guess that's enough to get us started.

crazy day at the embassy

In October of 2004 I made my first contact with the Cherokee 16 theater management. This was done on one of our many recon visits to Woodstock before we moved here. Ricky the GM was awesome to us from the beginning I was really looking forward to him taking me out and whoopin me at golf, but that day will not come. His wife Ann Marie is from New England and they are moving near Boston. It was great having them attend the embassy several times before they moved. Ricky we're going to miss ya. With that said let me run Sunday by ya.

Yesterday was nuts! We have a new general manager at the theater. This guy is awesome with lots of plans for our theater. I'm lookin' forward to getting to know him, but getting up early on a Sunday morning to let team emc in to set up sanctuary at the cinema was not yet on his mental calendar. Needless to say after several phone calls and a few minutes of panic we got word he was on the way!

We began set up 1/2 late which may not seem like much, but it sure made 10:02 come real quick...whew! Well like always team emc rose to the occasion and kicked butt! It seemed to put us on fast forward and for me I felt a little off in the opening words and even in my preaching a little, but I know God used the day to touch lives. Our video celebration of our first baptism added so much to our worship experience (nice job jared and deena). Following the teaching we had a time of extended worship and communion.

The day got started crazy, we mixed up the service schedule for the day for a little freshness and reflection...all in all with a great deal of help from God the team pulled off another great Sunday! Thanks guys for jumping in there and making it happen. emc is blessed to have each of you and I am grateful for all you do to serve our God! See ya next week....Oh and Erik set the alarm for 7:30 next Sunday :0) -just jokin'

Young Missionaries to Africa

About a month ago I got an e-mail from Damian McCrink. He grew up in the area and now lives near Chicago. He and his wife Nancy are preparing to go to Mozambique to work with rescuing children. God has given them a heart for the lost, hurting, and abandoned children of this African nation. They will be leaving next year for Mozambique to begin developing and building group homes. We had a great time getting to know them today as we talked over coffee and mango smoothies at the Serene Bean.

As a new church we are just now making plans to begin supoorting missionaries. Being a church plant in a sense we are a mission to a mission field that is 75% unchurched called Cherokee County. On the other hand I believe God will take care of your church if you will help take care of His world. God help us be faithful at home and abroad even when to do so at this time is a big step of faith.

emc's 1st mother's day

Yesterday we opened with a song and then I came up to welcome everyone to the embassy. Obviously we wished everyone a happy Mother's Day and then I said that Jared's mom wanted to come from Ohio for the day. but she couldn't. I went on to say..." speaking of Jared's mother...Jared yo momma is so stupid she tripped over the cordless phone" to that he went off saying...Oh no you didn't, Oh no you didn't and then he slammed my momma with "her teeth are so yella she spits butter" or something like that. After a couple more everyone was laughing large. It was definitely not what you expected, but everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Worship was wonderful and to be honest God really took control of the sermon. It was one of those days you could just sense God's presence (yes even after the "yo momma" jokes) As people left many were smiling with tears in their eyes (not that you have to be emotional to experience God, but God was definitely touching hearts at emc yesterday.) At the close of our experience Amie and I got to the theater exit to give away mom' gifts for the day (a relaxation pack: bath salts, lotion, luffa, & a candle).

It was great being able to stand with my wife and speak with everyone as they left the embassy yesterday. I love the people God is drawing to the church and I just can't help but feel as if He is going to use us together in a great way for many years to come!

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.....

it's going to be a bright, bright sun shiny day! Well the past 3 weeks have been a bit crazy. For two weeks I was doing a side job and then last week I was at 2 conferences so to be honest I felt like I was in a cloud a little bit. I like having a heads up and working a head, but it seems like the last month I have been playing catch up. well the clouds have rolled back and the past two days have been amazing. I couldn't stop getting ideas and writing! It looks like we have the rest of the year laid out concerning series subjects and for most of them the weekly break downs/purpose also.

As everything was coming to me so clearly it dawned on me that there is a reason God is giving me such a heads up. See to be creative in ministry it takes preparation. What brings about good preparation is time, energy, & resources. All of which one cat is limited on. So you need others in the process, but if you are only working so far in advance it is hard to include others into the equation.

I really think that God has given me a serious look into the future because He is beginning to bring key creative players into the embassy who will greatly impact what is presented on Sunday mornings in order to reach people more effectively. Really I think as a ministry that is where we are on a whole. We have more than doubled in average attendance since our launch and now it's time for all of us to find our roles and in doing so we will see God impact lives in powerful & creative ways. If you call emc home jump in, link arms, and lets just see what God could do through us!!!

emc's first baptism party

Sunday following the emc experience we made our way over to Sharon & Rick's house where we had an incredible day. When I got up sunday morning it was raining and I thought our baptism party would have to be post-poned. Five minutes before service began we decided we'd go for it and I'm so glad we did. The weather broke and we had a beautiful day.

The first person I baptized as a pastor in Georgia was my oldest daughter Adalee. She came to Christ the day America was attacked, Sept. 11, 2001. We wanted her to wait until she was a little older to be baptized so this past Sunday was the big day! I was so proud as she articulated here faith in Christ and identified with her personal savior through the act of baptism. I wanted her to wait until family could be here to experience the day together, but like Addie said, "it's not about them anyways." That's my girl.

We baptized three others as well. I was so proud of a mother and daughter were baptized together to hear the mother's words of what Jesus means to her blew me a way. I am so thankful that I get to live my life introducing people to Jesus and seeing Him bless their lives.

Following the baptism we had a great time getting to know many of our new emc-ers. Ya'll are the best!

buzzin' bout da buzz

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to go and hang with some of the greatest church leaders in the nation. Most of them you wouldn't know their names if I dropped them, anyways I hate dropping names. What made these guys great is they are out on the edge...pushing back from the norm...their envelopes are stretched, and they don't even know the box exists!

I would say 90% of the leaders gathered are leading church plants or are a part of a church that is less than 10 years old. You get guys like that together and the environment just gets charged. Before I say why this event was different than other conferences let me first say why it was similar.

Like most church leadership conferences it re-hashed the stuff that the majority of participants have been immeresed in for months. Why? It's not because the leadership didn't come with it's "A" game, because I think Mark and his team brought it. Ed Young (love the guy huge) covered amazing stuff that most of us have heard already from him or have read in my new favorite book "Creative Leadership" written by none another than the Edster himself. I wouldn't have changed that session one bit. The majority of the leaders present are students of all things current regarding church planting, sermon branding, media in ministry, and etc.....

With that said it doesn't mean that all of us have a handle on everything there is to know, but the philosophy and basics of doing ministry in today's market we can't afford to not be on top of it. So how was the Buzz conference different than most church leadership conferences?

To sum it up in one word I would say "desperation." You go to most conferences and the participants are relatively aloof and stick to their own agendas. Not at the Buzz. It seemed like people were networking everywhere with everyone. There was a sense of immediacy as people uncousiously realized time was ticking away and each of us wanted to gleen as much info, mutual encouragement, and ideas from each other before we all had to go back to our ministries.

The greatest part of the whole two days took place between sessions, at dinner tables, in hotel lobbies, and walking freakin 6 miles around D.C. (that was just our gang)

It was awesome hearing everyone tell their stories. With some of the stories you were encouraged with where you and your church are at, and with others it pushed you to press on.


For me I'm just at the beginning of this church planting endeavor. We launched 4 months ago and things are going great, but I kind of came to the event with the whole "what do I have to offer mindset" There is a proverb that says..."a man putting on his armour shouldn't boast like the man taking off his armour."

At times that makes me just get a little quiet at events like Buzz, but you know being with everyone I began to realize that what God is doing through the emc team is above and beyond the average church plant and I have a ton to be thankful for. I guess I just didn't realize how well things are going comparitivley speaking...I hate comperatively speaking anyways. All I know is I am so excited about what God is doing at the embassy and I feel dang blessed to be a part of it.


I want to give a shout out to some of the great guys I got to hang with during Buzz

Gary Lamb (props for fittin' my hotel bill) you're crazy, but I love ya
Tadd Grandstaff (one of the wisest young cats I've ever met) you're going to rock!
Tony McCollum (Salt of the earth, real, no wonder you're the cat's meow in Buford)
Greg Rholinger from Palm Valley Church (thanks for Dinner at Boca de Bepo's) this guy is a powerhouse having launched a few years ago and doing amazing things!
Mark Rodriquez and Bob "the guru" Franquiz from Calvary Community Church (genuine)
Roger Blackmore (most relevant 55 year old I have ever met) could hang all the time with him.
Travis Johnson (great guy getting it done)

Coming Down off the Buzz

I got back in late last night from the buzz conference....I crashed...and today I am playing catch up. I am looking forward to laying down some text regarding the event, and the pastors I met while we were all buzzing, but for now I'm going to hang out with my family. later

team emc rocks!

Hey all of you emc-ers that help make our weekend possible. You guys are gettin' it done. The embassy has grown weekly since our launch in January. Nearly 10% of those that now call the embassy home came to Christ at the embassy. That's Awesome!!!!!

This past week when we all gathered for out team prayer I couldn't believe how great that circle looked. Ya'll are definitely doing it! Thanks for being a part of what God is doing at emc and in our communities. MAN I LOVE YOU GUYS (Oh that's soooo mushy) later

T-minus 15 hours

I can't sleep because at approximately 4:00pm tomorrow I will be on a plane with some fellow church planters/new amigos and we'll be on our way to the Buzz confo in D.C. As part of the conference they will have a forum for theater church pastors.

According to their research there are 250 churches that meet in theaters across the country. 50 of these pastors will be at this gathering. how cool! I can't wait to get together and see some great things come out of the collective vibe. Well I best try to sleep even though I'm as giddy as a school girl. peace out.

You ever have just one of those weeks?

The past seven days have been muy frustrating. That's "very" for all you gringos. Last week I took a side job laying a raw stone sidewalk. That should have taken 3 days to finish, but my truck broke down, I got sick one day, got rained out two days, had a meeting on another day so I only got a few hours in.

The mechanic took my truck a part in the Home Depot parking lot where it broke down and then didn't come back to finish the job. He wouldn't return my calls so on Saturday I took a few hours and fixed it myself "well at least that felt good".

Now Sunday was great with church and all and we got to hang out with an emc-er and her husband and met a couple of her friends, but Monday came and my lousy string of days continued. I felt like I was edgy at staff meeting (sorry guys) and then cause I was frustrated that I was frustrated I continued to remain edgy. "edgy" is a nice way of saying Amie was having to put up with me cause I was being a jerk.

Today seemed like I was going to get the stone job done, but NNOOOO it had to start raining so boom back into the mood. At least I got to go to the coffee shop, see some friends and work on Sunday's sermon (that was nice) then as I am getting the kids ready for bed and we're reading the Bible, Grant just wasn't listenening so I whooped him right there. Oh that's really great Ross....."hey Grant what comes to mind when you think about Daddy reading the Bible to you? If I don't listen he spanks me....(Good job Ross) now I'm Parenthetically talking about myself in the third person...I guess all I'm saying is I am really having one of those weeks.

Look on the bright side the truck is running, the job should be done tomorrow by 2:00, I don't think I've done irrepairable psychological damage to Grant, and now I can sit back and experience a fresh dose of God's grace.

excited about our new series!

Easter is over we had a few days to breathe and now we have our eyes set on what's next. I am really looking forward to our next series.

As far as the institutional "church" goes we do a pretty good job of complicating what really is a very beautiful and simple faith. When I say simple I mean "simple" in a good way....you know minus the fluff and extremes that so often characterize and malign the essence of Christianity.

Jesus Christ is the core of our faith and His teachings should be the rule or order of our lives. Over the next few weeks we will be digging into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-Matthew 7) and in it we will find the true beauty and force of the Christian faith as we look at some of the greatest teachings of Jesus regarding life, relationships, spirituality, and a plethera of other things. (I love the word plethera not quite as much as I love saying rutabaga, but what does a swedish turnip have to do with anything?) Speaking of that, what does Godzilla and t-shirt slogans have to do with the Sermon on the Mount?

Post Easter Update

I can't believe I haven't sat long enough to blog since Sunday. After service we had some friends over, that night we had some much needed family time, and then we crashed. Yesterday I got to hang with one of my closest new friends here in GA. We took an adventurous canoe/fishing trek up the Little River. More canoing than fishin', but it was incredible. I didn't know that our county had such amazing sites! Thanks Bill for the invite. Maybe next time the wind will be at our backs.

We've been asked by a lot of friends, fellow church planters, and family how Sunday went. As far as our "experience easter at the embassy" things went great! We kicked the morning off with "when love comes to town" by Bono and B.B. King. Great song-great vibe, and it just started rollin' from there. We had 121 people, not that we focus on numbers, but numbers are people and I'd rather have more than less. Why? because several of those people defined their relationship with God on Sunday! And many others who have been coming to the embassy since our launched jumped in and served. That's what it's all about. As always the emc crew stepped up to the plate and I feel you guys hit a definite home run. Thanks for all you did.

Sunday just made me so proud to be a part of the embassy. It also made me realize that God is with us. Yes... I know he is, but sometimes you just need to know He is, you know. This weekend for me was just a gigantic confirmation that God has and is going to use the emc family to significantly impact our communities.

Well thanks again emc-ers for all you do. And thanks to everyone who was at the embassy for the first time on Sunday. I appreciate that you included us in your weekend plans. It was great getting to meet so many of you after the service.

Well I can't wait until next week. See ya then.

Reach Out and Do Crew

This Wednesday the Road Crew will be meeting at the Serene Bean on Main Street in Woodstock at 7pm.


If you want to help us "get the word out" about "experiencing easter at the embassy" be there.

We'll hang out at the Bean until 7:30 and then go place invitation cards around Woodstock until 9:00. It suprises me how large the percentage of people that have come to the embassy because of a simple invitation card.

T- minus 123 Hours and 20 minutes

Only five more days until our first "Experience Easter at the Embassy." I am so amped I can't wait. Last night we had our final meeting to go over the details and to make our final tweaks on the experience. The next five days will be crazy as we continue to "get the word out" and create the finishing touches on the service.

I love days like this. Days where it really shows what a team of people working together can do for Christ. Days when people who may have never had a relevant presentation of God's love presented to them will begin to see and connect with their creator at a deeper level. A-team days...."I love it when a plan comes together"-John "Hannibal" Smith.


I know the emc team will "go large" this weekend and I want to tell them thanks in advance. You guys are awesome and what you do is making a difference. Since our launch 14 weeks ago we have seen 6 adults express a desire to begin a relationship with Christ. That is so cool! I can't wait to see what God is going to do in people's lives this Sunday and over our next 14 weeks.

emc's first easter!

I can't believe we are just a week and 2 days away from our first "experience easter @ the embassy." People are inviting their friends and family. The Road crew (Reach out and do crew) are putting invitation cards out everywhere, and we are working on all the multi-media elements, music, and various things to make our first easter service an experience that will impact lives in a deep way. This easter We would love for you to show up and get a fresh look at God's passion for you and for your life.

I've been asked, "what's up with the photo?" The photo of the bald guy looking at the egg on his shoulder to be honest was used just because I liked it (don't blame anyone else if it's a stupid Idea). No really I used it without a clear idea of what story the photo could tell, but you know me I love to find meaning in everything. So as I think about it today for me this photo says that God is always near....so near that at times you feel him speaking to you. Your not sure if it's Him or not and it seems very familiar like the loony tune cartoons when the angel is on one shoulder and the devil (mandatory pitchfork included) is on the other.

The egg a symbol of life is resting on this guys shoulder and as the dude gives it the "what are you doing there" kind of look it makes me think about God the author of life's place in our lives. God is close, always speaking and for many an awareness of this is second nature, but there are others that when faced with the reality of God they say, "hey what are you doing there?" In a sense that's what easter sunday is all about. People getting up close and personal with the reality of God and finding out for themselves in a clearer way, "what's God up to when he shows up in their life."

I pray that as we load the last container into our trailer on easter sunday we will be able to do so knowing that we helped people begin to answer the question of "what's God up to in their lives?" Please keep this day in your prayers as we finish our preparations.

April Fools!

It's the first day of April and I guess the jokes on me. Why you may ask? It's 4am and I can't sleep. What gives? So after laying in bed for a few hours not really thinking about anything in particular just pestering Amie to stay up too, I decided to go outside. So here I am sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee and enjoying the sounds of frogs and I think what would be crickets or may be katydids or swarming locust. How many years has it been since the 17 year locust have done their thing? As a kid I remember gathering them into piles and torching them with gasoline. As I listened to the crackle I thought to myself how gross it would have been to be John the Baptist. You know with the whole honey and locust diet and all, but since then I have had chocolate covered grasshoppers and they weren't so bad.

I wonder if John ever sat outside at 4 in the morning? If he did, did the sound of bugs make him want to run for the border for a late night snack. That's the last thing I need right now. For sure a #1 at the old taco bell would keep me up until dawn. So I'll just sit here and caffienate myself a little more (a cup-o-joe always relaxes me at night).

Now John, that was a preacher.....man he sure could challenge people to life change and then point them to the one who could make it possible. I would have liked to have been John; minus the whole camel hair leisure suit and all. Oh, and the loosin' his head thing. You know to be honest what have I really sacrificed to be given the privilege of challenging people to life change and pointing them to Christ. I think most of us would say, "not that much." Anyhoo, there's no other life I would rather have so I think I'll just sit here a little longer and allow God to speak to my heart. You know what's great about God, whatever He shares with you He's not going to say, "April fools"

Disclaimer: These have been the words of a man half alseep and hopped up on java. Good night and Good luck. By the way did anyone see that movie? it did well at the oscars......what am I doing?......go to sleep already.......It was amazing how many awards Clooney got.......enough already log out and crash....now I am talking to myself. I must be more tired than I realize. G-night....really.

Artist in Residence

This week we finished our series entitled Rennaissance: An Awakening. We spent the last few weeks looking at how God desires to bring us out of the dark ages, give us a new life, and how we can creatively express that new life .

No matter how dark your past present or future may seem you can awake to a new day. Arise shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. God desire to give you the kind of life that only He can give and when we experience that life we should creatively express it through worship.

We discovered that worship isn't just singing a song at a sunday service, but its doing all that we do for the glory of God. You may not be able to paint like Da Vinci or sculpt like Michelangelo, but you are an artist in residence and your greatest purpose in life is to creatively express what God has done for you in a way that is consistent with your gifts, skills, and talents. To me that's worship.

Trying Something New

A few weeks ago I blogged about Ed Young's new book on creative leadership. One thing that he pointed out is that he is a very visual person. Since he is visual, he uses a mind mapping process while preparing for his sermons. After a few revisions this becomes his final draft and the notes he uses to prepare for his delivery. This helps with memorization, flow, and continuity for the overall message.

I have known for a long time that I am a visual learner. I have also known for a long time that I hate the typical outline form of linear sermon preparation we all learned in college and have tried to forget in order to be more effective preachers. This week I jumped in and used a mind map to prepare for my sermon. The mind map I used I'm sure is nowhere as effective as the one's produced using mind map software, but hey it was free. I designed a template on power point and it seemed to work fine. If anyone would want this template just e-mail me and I'll send you the file.

Speaking of just sending a file free of charge; one of my all time favorite church planters is now allowing pastors to download everything he has fo free, that's right I said fo free! Craig Groeschel from Life Church in Oklahoma is freakin' awesome and now another reason to appreciate him. If you need some help jump starting your creativity you can't go wrong checking out Craig's stuff: www.lifechurch.tv

Anyhoo, I think I like the mind map thing and plan to continue using it. If anyone has any tips with mind maps let me know.

a little poetic flava tonight

God of awesome power and might you move me

not with force like a wave moves rock from a sea side cliff,

but like a song that moves feet to dance or a sonnet a heart to sing.

You move me, and as I dance, the tide of time ebbs away from me,

You move me, and as I sing the waves go back to the sea.

With the waves the rocks that make my heart heavy and my feet stumble

are drawn into a sea that conceals and a river that does not remember.

God of awesome power and might you move me.


-God thanks for moving me.

great day at the embassy!

Emc Team you ROCK!!! As I reflect on yesterday's gathering at the embassy my heart grows warmer than the cafe au lait with hazelnut that sits on the table beside me. Why? I knew you would ask. Let me list a few things.

1. we had several new emc-ers that have linked up with the team to help make Sundays possible. You know who your are and thanks!

(People hooking up with the vision of creating an environnment where unchurched, or dechurched people can connect with God and each other gets me jazzed. If you are new to the embassy what are you waiting for, jump in and lets make a huge impact together on woodstock and our surrounding communities!)

2. the media team. Thanks for yesterday. i threw a lot at you and you kept up with a crazy morning of cues for visuals, clips, and lighting. (we're always in need of more techno-freaks)

3. the teaching had a different flavor then usual with nearly 11 minutes of clips interwoven into the teaching. To be honest I worried it would crash and burn, but all I have heard has been great responses. Again thanks tech guys for keeping it fluid.

4. Pastor Jared, Charla, & Katie continue to do an incredible job with leading us into worship and great reports are coming out of our embassy kids ministry. Thanks Amie for all you and your team do to make the kids excited about God and church.

(we are in bad need of a drummer, bassist, & lead guitarist...oh and a kazoo player! If interested e-mail jared@embassymetro.org) "I need more cowbell... I have a fever and the only cure for my fever, is more cow bell."

5. saving the best for last, we had one guy express an interest in begining a relationship with Christ! That's what I'm talking about!


I feel like we have a long way to go to become one of the great churches that God will use to impact our community in a real and significant way, but Sundays like yesterday let me know that we are right on track. Thanks to all who have sacrificed so much to make emc a reality. Proud to be your pastor.

Big Church Kid's Ministry on a New Church Budget

When we were preparing to launch the Embassy we new that a large part of our demographic included young married's with children from birth to 6th grade. We wanted to create a fun and planned environment where children could learn character development, Biblical understanding and grow up loving God, themselves, others and church. I refuse to have children grow up hating church or feeling like God isn't relevant to them on my watch.

Well this put us into a great dilemma seeing how we began this endeavor with only eight people including our children. Through our development stage we tried to figure ways we could provide quality children's ministry, but it always came down to our lack of resources; both finances, and personnel.

This fall we came across and incredible find at the Drive Conference. A ministry named Kidmo was in the ministry resource area. Lil' K (pre-school) and Kidmo (K-6th) provide a video base presentation for kids that includes pre-service music, worship, games, and weekly lessons. This looked like something we could do. So long story short when we launched on January 8th with an emcee (my wife, Amie) and a few helpers we were able to offer an amazing and engaging ministry for kids.

We have gained several families already because their children love the kid's ministry. It's so cool to see the kids get to the theater and run ahead of their parents on the way to embassy kids. Kidmo we love you!!!!!!!! If your looking for a great environment for your children I think you'll be pleased with embassy kids. If you are a church planter or in a ministry that doesn't have the resources to provide the quality of ministry children need than check out Kidmo. I know you will be pleased. www.kidmo.com

what'll ya have!

That's the famous line you'll hear when you go to eat at the world's largest drive-in. The Varsity is in downtown Atlanta on more than two acres and can accommodate 600 cars and over 800 people inside. "On days when the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets are playing a home game, over 30,000 people visit The Varsity." www.thevarsity.com

Last night we took our team to the Varsity just to get out of the house. Every Monday night we have our team meeting and since we don't have offices yet there isn't much separation between work and family life. That's the same reason I'm at the Serene Bean this morning instead of locked in my office at the house. Well anyhoo, the Varsity is amazing and we had a great time. My favorite Varsity greasy fix starts with a small order of wings, a chili dog with mustard (don't say coney or they'll know you're a "d--n yankee") a coke to wash it down (don't say pop or they'll really know you're a "d--n yankee") and finally a frosted orange which is a chunk of heaven frozen with citrus and served with a straw. Oh how I love Atlanta. Let me count the ways.....1.the Varsity.....2.Chic-fil-A....3.Waffle House....mmmm good.

What can you learn by going to the Varsity. They do a few things well. There products are few, but their presentations vary enough to meet the needs of those who come through their doors (except maybe non-grease loving vegitarians). Because of that the Varsity has become the World's Largest drive-in.

Often churches try to do too much and because of it they fail to become the great movements that they could have become. I hope our team can continue to discern between what's good and what's best, and from what's just busy from what's beneficial. I'm not a big numbers guy and those of you who know me know that, but is it possible that someday 30,000 people could come through the many campuses of embassy metro church on a given Sunday? I don't know, but the future looks good! Oh, did I mention the Varisty has onion rings? This Sunday there will be onion rings instead of doughnuts in the cafe' at the embassy! See ya then. I keed.