Area 10 Hires it's first full time staff member!

Me-  I'm full time now!  Woo-hoo!  I couldn't be happier.  Starbucks was a great 2 1/2 year journey.  I look at it as the coffee break of my adult life.   I made many friends there and have some great memories.  

The time has come now, for me to do something audacious-launch a church.  This is the craziest best thing I've ever been a part of.  I've been on the job all of one day now and I'm loving it.  

People ask me, "What will you do now with your time?"  The answer is, there is 1000 point checklist I have to slog through to get ready to launch this church on September 21st.  We have TONS to do.  Here are a few things I'm working on:

1)  Fundraising-  I'm talking to anyone who will listen about the church plant!  If your church wants to partner with us to launch this thing, let me know.  If you grandma wants to partner with us, I will come to her house and bring her tea, and give the pitch.  If you have money in your sofa cushions that you want to give to the project, that will be great too.

2)  Facilities-  I am VERY close to announcing something big about this.  Stay tuned for more info.  Area 10 needs a home in the city and I'm searching for it.

3)  Core Group-  The revolution needs some volunteers.  Who wants to join Area 10 to get this movement launched in the city of Richmond?  MWM  ISO anyone for God sized dreaming, fun, and long walks on the beach.  (OK there is no beach here...but a brother can dream can't he?)  If you live in Richmond, and want to love the city until it becomes a more beautiful place, contact me.

That's just a start.  I'll also be a more consistent blogger now, so look for some more updates.

PEACE!

The Gas Station in Ohio

Abby and I are in Ohio traveling around talking to churches about the project. I'm praying that people will catch the vision for what we are doing and get behind us. It has been a fun and tiring journey.

One weird thing happened on our way here. We stopped at a gas station outside of Chilicothe, OH. It was the only station around for miles. While we were there I used the men's restroom. It was as wonderful as most gas stations bathrooms. But the best was that I stole the men's restroom key. Usually they give you the keys to the bathroom attached to something like a 2x4. But this place just gave me keys on a small keychain. That keychain ended up in my pocket and traveled about 80 miles West with me. So if you are driving on US 35, and you see Bud's Gas Stop and you think that might be a great place to stop to use the restroom, you better just hold it, cuz you're not getting in. I have the key! Call me...if I'm in the area, I'll come unlock it for you.

Thanks a latte, have a Grande!

This week is my last week working at Starbucks.  I have been with them for 2 1/2 years but it's coming to an end.  It has been a long fun road.  I've made great friends and learned a lot.  I will miss a lot about the company but not the EARLY mornings.  On that note, I have to run.  It's 5 A.M. and I need to get to work!

Update on Area 10

Things have been going well for us here in the last month.  I will begin working full time for Area 10 on March 1st and I can't wait!   There are a few things going on for me that I will be working on when I start.

1)  Fundraising.  This is a big deal.  I currently have about 35% committed with quite a bit more out there dangling but not committed.  I'm out there speaking to anyone who will listen telling them about the dream.  I have an I have a dream speech.  Ask me about it sometime...it rocks...(at least I like hearing it!)

2)  Hiring staff.  I need a quality worship leader who loves Jesus and wants to see a new be birthed in Richmond.  God has the person in mind.  I can't wait to find out who it is.  In addition to that, I'm trying to find a gifted children's pastor and an administrative/organizer type.  I have some leads on possibles in these areas but nothing is definite yet.  I'll let you know when I know.

3)  Location.  Our church will need to rent space.  I have a GREAT place in mind, but I don't want to tell you yet, in case it doesn't work out.  Your prayer should be like this:  "Lord give Area 10 that GREAT place to meet.  Lord you know the spot"  I will update you on this the moment I find out.

4)  Core people-  We already have 15-20 people who want to be part of this church but we need many more.  I'm praying that God is tugging on people to join us and help this thing happen.  I keep bumping into people who live in the area and might be willing to be a part of it.  We'll see. One thing I'm learning is that God has been in Richmond for a long time and is already been preparing people for this.  That's one of the most fun things about this adventure.

That's what my new life will be looking like in 1 months time.  In addition to that, I'm going to be playing soccer, playing with my 3 kids and doting on my wife as much as possible.  

The Pursuit Launches

The Pursuit Christian Church launched on Sunday January 27th in Miramar, Florida and I'm glad to say I was there!  

Matt Mehaffey, lead pastor is a good friend of mine.  He did a fine job pulling a team together to get the church off the ground.  As I told him, the wedding is now over, the marriage begins!  I was pretty impressed with a lot of what I saw there.  The team put together a quality worship service with great signs, children's area, etc.  

The thing that was so interesting to me was the truly multicultural feel of the place.  Alex, the worship leader mixed English and Spanish pretty freely in the worship music and in his speaking.  That was a cool thing and had a "slice of heaven" feel to it.  Just walking around Home Depot I noticed how ethnically diverse the area was..ie...I was one of 5 anglo people in the whole place!  And it was great to see the church plant reflect that diversity.

Matt tells me quite a few people are interested in learning about Christ.  That is awesome...The kingdom is expanding.  Here's to many more life changing stories from the Pursuit in South Florida.

Visiting the Sunshine State

I'm spending the week in Florida.  I spoke at my home church on Wednesday night-- Christian Church in the Wildwood.  It was a blast to see that place again and see many old friends.  When I finished high school in 94 that church was averaging about 250 in attendance.  They now have about 800 on the weekends.  It's good that I left so they could grow!

I have my oldest son with me.  We are taking him to Kennedy Space Center today.  That should be a blast.  Sunday, I'll be in Miami for the launch of The Pursuit Christian Church.  I'll tell you how it goes.  Matt Mehaffey, my very good friend is the lead planter and should do very well.  It should be a great weekend.

Possible logo for the Area 10 church

How about this?  Sorry I can't resist.  This new mac is too much fun.