One Pastor's Perspective

Last night we had a great training session with RSI. We now have much to do in preparation for the upcoming capital campaign and our building project (YES, work does go on in spite of gas prices).

I heard a story yesterday about a misunderstanding months ago involving our building proposal in which a pillar of our church told that he was just a “nobody.” It shocked me for a couple of reasons . . . Number One, as this proposal was formed and fashioned it was necessary to keep it within a circle of about ten people – they were the TEAM helping form the project! They were sworn to secrecy. As we unveiled the plans, we decided to start with a small group of leaders . . . Our active deacons. We rolled out the plans to them and asked them to critique the presentation. They did so, and it helped us take it to the NEXT level. There we decided to roll it out to a little larger of a group – our Sunday School teachers. Again, they listened, asked questions, and really helped us hone the presentation to make it better for the NEXT level, which was the entire congregation.

Apparently, someone somewhere heard a portion of the truth and determined that we were having secret meetings with “chosen” members of the church to make decisions and the scuttle was our building team was not even listening to Joe Churchmember, just their chosen lackeys. NOTHING COULD BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH.

There are NO nobodies in this thing . . . Everyone has a voice, everyone had a vote when we voted for it. Everyone had a chance to pray, everyone had a chance to ask questions, etc. It troubles me that someone would tell ANYONE that they were a nobody and not worthy of the secret meetings . . . There really wasn’t any of that going on, except for the core work of the team itself.

But, off my soap box . . . “Hose me down . . . Feed me slop . . . I’ve got SHOWS to do!!!”

(I will be VERY impressed if any of you know where that quote came from, and you are NOT allowed to search the web for it)

Are there things in my life I won’t blog about?? YES. And sometimes that bothers me. But, to keep peace in my life I have no choice. Let me just say that the difference in 8:30 and 11am worship at Ebenezer is sometimes breathtaking, and not in a good way. Yesterday, 8:30 was ALIVE and there seemed to be a thick fog in there at 11. That is all I can say, knowing that there ARE people at 11 that are really into what God is doing in worship. I would never discount them. But the nonverbal feedback at 11 can be very cold, and that makes it harder for me.

I have often contemplated doing an anonymous blog about being a pastor, and telling NO ONE I know about it. Just doing it to do it. Not to call names or embarass anyone, just to have an outlet. (Okay, maybe the occasional “Did you SEE what DEAN was wearing today???” . . . NAH – too girly)

Self-sensorship is unfair, and I am protesting against myself for the rest of the morning.

United (or should I typo UNTIED) Airline FINALLY brought us back to Columbia last night. We were in the airport for four hours, two more than we expected, and count ourselves LUCKY based on others experiences. The final analysis on Willow is not in yet, but I can safely say that it was awesome. Yesterday was a great finale; we were constantly challenged to think and rethink what God is doing around us vs. what we THINK is happening.

EVERYONE on the agenda yesterday was awesome, and I was particularly impressed with Kendall Payne (singer/songwriter from California). She was genuine. In fact, I did not come across anyone at Willow that was not REAL, and that is impressive.

Yes, we are home again, but home will never be the same. It CAN’T be anymore if we are really obedient.

Yesterday was breakout day. Honestly, three of the four were awesome . . . Two of those three, for me, were about video production. I learned a lot and our setup is not so bad, but we need to use it better . . . And, just as EVERYONE at Saddleback drilled into me, they say we need a Mac. Is there ANYONE out there doing video editing on a PC and loving it????

This place is definitely different from Saddleback. Both have their positives, and both must be taken with a grain of salt by a pastor from Florence, SC. Today, two morning speakers and off to the airport. I have enjoyed this, but I am ready to see South Carolina again.

It was awesome!! A few more than we usually have on Wednesdays . . . Bill Hybels did not teach, but he was there and spent some time before the church. Max Lucado was there, too . . . just worshiping. He sat about four rows in front of us. He is TALL!

I tried to chase both of them down and get a picture, but the Willow secret police maced me and locked me down while the secret service got them away from me. OH WELL!!! (Yeah, just kidding about that part, but that is what I imagined would have happened)

Ed turned up, so we went to the conference today. So far, it has been a great day. It is good to get to spend time with Ed like this . . . It helps us sharpen each other and think about new things.

That is a big challenge for the church today, to step out of the box and allow God to speak in new ways, to teach us a new song. If you want to pray for us while we are here, pray that God will open our eyes. Lots of interesting and new ideas, but lots of good ole-fashioned reminding us that God has a plan and He desires a fresh new relationship with us every day.

I made a BIG mistake today . . . I lost Ed. Oh, well . . . He will turn up by Friday.

Yesterday, she was a nervous wreck. She has never been to anything like Girls’ State before. Krissy usually has a pretty cool head about stuff like that, but yesterday was different. I really wondered if we would be going to Columbia last night on a rescue mission.

Then, the text messages start coming through . . . (Diana has a meeting in Columbia on Tuesday.) Krissy started her list of snacks and supplies she will need to complete the week . . . Salsa . . .That dress she forgot . . . This . . That . . .

Then reminders . . YOU AND DAD NEED TO VOTE TUESDAY . . . EVERY VOTE COUNTS . . . Is THIS my daughter?? I WAS ELECTED MAYOR OF MY CITY . . . What?!?!?! The girl who was afraid she would not be accepted was elected MAYOR?? Then, I wondered what kind of city would elect Krissy as mayor? Do they all have blonde hair and drive Volkswagons??

Anyway, Mayor Krissy seems to be doing well, so I will count my blessings.

Yep, you guessed it . . Travel Softball started TODAY. We had a tournament at Myrtle Beach today. Two pool games. Krissy pitched a couple of innings in both and did well! She won’t be able to play tomorrow due to her departure to Palmetto Girls State in Columbia.

This will be an interesting experience for her. Because she has to play 18 and under this year, she will play with both high school and college players. She went from being the oldest on her team last year to the youngest this year. She can handle it!