Welcome to Crossroads

As the church, if we're going to REACH people we haven't REACHED before, we're going to have to GO places we haven't GONE before, and we're going to have to DO things that we haven't DONE before.  That's in our DNA at Crossroads.  That's what Crossroads is all about.  And we've never said we were here to do anything else.  Crossroads is different by design.  

At Crossroads we celebrate the diversity of humankind (BTW, that's not code for anything).  Some people will like Crossroads and some people will not.  That's just the way it is.  We have said for two years now: "Crossroads is a church for anybody, but not for everybody".  And we've made it plain that we are far more concerned about reaching people with the love of God and teaching them to love and serve like Jesus did, than we are about catering to "mature" Christians who labor under the misconception that "going deeper in God" has something to do with them.  Jesus said "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men". He didn't say, "Follow me, and I'll make you holier and more spiritual".  He didn't even say, "Follow me, and I'll make you a better person".  At Crossroads, we believe that "going deeper in God" has everything to do with how many people we influence for Christ, not how much we know, or how much of the Bible we can quote, or whether we can conjugate verbs in Hebrew and Greek.  We are not here to teach people the Bible.  We are not here to teach the Bible to people.  We are here to teach people how to LIVE according to Biblical values and principles.   

Over the past couple of years that we've been doing this, there are some commonalities that I have noticed about the kind of people that come to Crossroads and enjoy it, and dig in, and go to work, and grow in their relationship with God.  By and large they are:

• People who do not like traditional church.
• People who resist the status quo.
• People who need grace and forgiveness.
• People who do not already know everything.
• People who have a sense of humor.
• People who take the Gospel more seriously than they take themselves.
• People who are touched by the infirmities of others.
• People who are moved with compassion for others.
• People who value others more than themselves.
• People who are willing to learn.
• People who are willing to grow.
• People who are willing to change. 

Is Crossroads the right place for you?  If you don't know God and don't care - YES!  If you used to know God, but quit caring - YES!  If you want to care again - YES!  If you love God and care more about God's agenda than your agenda - YES!  If you need the forgiveness that only comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (something we preach at EVERY service, EVERY week) - YES!  If you are a Christian and the billboard on I-65 north of Montgomery that says "Go to church, or the devil will get you!" makes you laugh and makes you sad at the same time - YES!  If that same billboard makes you say, "I know that's right.  Amen.  That's what people need to hear to get their lives right with God"...well, honestly...probably not.

If you are looking for meaning and purpose in your life; if you've had enough of traditional church (and traditional church people); if you need someone to love you and care about your life; if you would rather have someone teach you how to apply the Bible to everyday life than pontificate a stream of overly-pious religious platitudes; if you are LOOKING FOR SOMETHING REAL, then Crossroads is most definitely the place for you. You'll find us at the intersection of church and life.

Welcome to Crossroads.  

COURAGE (Part Three)

Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates that his desire for us is to have courage.  The great thing is, we don’t do it alone.  Like the measure of faith we receive when we believe, courage comes – from God – as we trust Him for the outcome.  Not just for great exploits written about in ancient manuscripts, but God provides PERSONAL COURAGE for everyday life:

Ø     To STAND UP for what you believe.

Ø     To say “NO”, when everyone around you is saying, “Yes”.

Ø     To FACE your fears knowing that God is with you.

Ø     To RESIST the junk that always seems to drag you down.

Ø     To GET OUT of a wrong relationship.

Ø     To WALK AWAY from your old life.

Ø     To BEGIN a right relationship with God through Christ.

God is a God of PERSONAL COURAGE:

Ø   To TRY new things you’ve never done before

Ø   To SHARE your faith with another person

Ø   To GO where others will not go.

Ø   To LOVE more than others think is wise.

Ø   To SERVE when others want to BE served.

It takes courage to live the life God desires for you and me and those around us.  God has it.  He wants to give it to you and to me.  But we won’t get the courage we need, until we take the steps we must take. What is God asking you to do that makes you afraid?  Do you want the courage to do it?  Then do it.  The PERSONAL COURAGE will follow.

COURAGE (Part Two)

"Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.  Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west.  No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.  Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:1-9)

Courage is CONFIDENCE that God will always be with us, a confidence that grows as we make ourselves ready for God’s work by finding out what He wants for us and from us, and are careful to obey.  Notice that courage is a command.  God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous”.  Courage is a command, not just a really good suggestion.

If God has to remind us to be courageous, command us to be courageous, he probably already knows that what we’re facing might be scary.  And God says the way to ensure success is to be obedient to His Word.  If He says “Go”, then go we must.  He said to Joshua, “I will be with you…so BE courageous…and GO!”  I’m pretty sure we will never have need of courage if we do not act.  It occurs to me that courage comes when people become willing to ACT.   

COURAGE (Part One)

The dictionary says that courage is the “quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear”.  Can I just go ahead and tell you that I completely disagree with that definition  It occurs to me that were it not for the presence of fear, we would have no need of courage.  Revised definition: “Courage is the quality of mind AND spirit that enables a person to prevail to overcome difficulty, danger and even great pain in the face of fear”.

I was reading a story about a man named Vernon Baker.  He was a genuine hero in WWII. Vernon Baker was only 22 years old.  He was an African-American, and he became the leader, and father figure for a platoon of young black soldiers.  He spent time with them.  He got to know them. Most of them couldn’t read or write.  He read their letters to them, and wrote letters for them.  He and his men were in a fierce battle in Italy in the spring of 1945.  Ordered to take a hilltop fortress occupied by Germans, 19 of Lt. Bakers 25 young charges were killed.

During the fight and during the retreat called by his Company Commander, Lieutenant Baker was personally responsible for nine dead enemy soldiers, elimination of three machine gun positions, an observation post, and a dugout. On the night following that horrible defeat, Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the that hilltop fortress that had taken so many of his young men, and through sheer force of will, determination, and raw courage captured the objective.

Vernon Baker remained in the Army until 1968.  On January 13^th, 1997 more than 50 years after his selfless act of heroism, President Clinton presented him with the Medal of Honor.  Vernon Baker became the only living black serviceman from WWII to receive this honor.

You know what Vernon Baker said when interviewed about that day?  He said, “I’m a soldier, I’m not supposed to be crying.  It was 19 men that I left over in Italy there…that couldn’t be with me here today, and without them, I probably wouldn’t be here myself.  And everybody calls me a hero but those are the heroes”.

This attitude is reflected time and time again by men who have been associated with great acts of valor.  Vernon Baker loved those men who died that day.  What he did, he didn’t do out of selfish ambition.  What he did, what made him COURAGEOUS, was a self-LESS act, in response to concern for others.  Courage is self-LESS. 

WEEKEND UPDATE (042510)

Great weekend at Crossroads with Part Two of Oz!  It was an absolutely gorgeous day in LA and so great to see so many folks back from Spring Break!  Here's just a few of the things I noticed:

1. GREAT crowd on Sunday, both services!
2. TONS of First-Time Attenders!  
3. A BUNCH of folks RETURNING to Crossroads who haven't been in quite a while.  So GREAT to see that!  Love to see people whenever they come.  Always encouraging to see folks come back!.
4. On Sunday people made decisions to rededicate their lives to Christ.  Some decided to go public with their faith through Baptism.  That's why we do this!
5. Great job by our crack Tech staff.  Had some hiccups early and they fixed 'em all before the first service.  Way to go, guys!
6. Two words: Dunkin' Donuts!
7. Three words: Dunkin' Donuts Coffee!
8. Teaching about connecting our hearts to God is always challenging, especially when you start talking about how we lavish time (and money) on other stuff.
9. Oz singing the munchkin song was definitely a highlight!
10. Oz talking about Raul was...um...just more than we needed to know. 
11. Quotable quote: "What do you re-arrange your life around?  That's what you've given your heart to.  That's what you love".  That one was either real affirming, or real convicting.
12. 'Nuther Quotable Quote (referencing giving taking a vacation when people go on one):  "You make arrangements for your dog when you go on vacation".  Ouch!  Did he really say that?!?
13. TONS of GREAT comments on Communication Cards!  Thanks so much for your feedback!

As you go through your week, think about what Jesus said, recorded in Luke 12:15, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions".   That is so hard at times, for us to walk out in our lives.  It seems like sometimes there's a pretty fuzzy line between what we need and what we want.  But when our wants line up with God's wants - when His priorities become our priorities - we begin living lives of generosity, storing up treasure in heaven, becoming rich toward God.  Have a GREAT, productive, purpose-filled week!

CROSSROADS CONNECTIONS (Part Three)

How strange a body would be if it had only one part! (1 Cor 12:19, NLT)

A one-part body.  That WOULD be strange, yes?  But is it any less strange to see Christians who have isolated themselves from the body.  “I don’t need to go to church.  I’m a believer and that’s enough”.  C’mon that’s as strange as a one-part body.  Being a Christian out there lone-wolfing it, is like having a body part in a jar of formaldehyde up on a shelf.  It doesn’t look like something that’s a part of something else.  It looks like something that belongs in the laboratory of a mad scientist.  We’re not supposed to be the “body PARTS of Christ” on the earth – we’re supposed to be the BODY of Christ on the earth.  We need each other.  We have to be connected to one another because:

The STRENGTH of the Body is in the CONNECTIONS.

It doesn’t matter how strong the bones in your body are, if you don’t have connecting material – sinew, ligament, muscle, connective tissue – if you don’t have that material you got a sack of bones.

In a building, it doesn’t matter how strong the bricks are.  Without mortar, a stiff wind can blow them down.  Concrete isn’t worth a flip without reinforcing steel; lumber is just extra-large toothpicks without nails and screws.  It doesn’t matter how STRONG you are as a PART.  Your value and effectiveness depends on how CONNECTED you are to the BODY. 

Let’s say, you’re an eye.  And you are not connected to the body.  How bizarre is it for an eye to just go rolling down the street for Christ.  It’s bizarre.  You’re like some kind of monster. “The EYE that looked at Enterprise.  AAAHHH!!”  You follow what I’m saying?  The problem with just being a rogue eye out there, is that you can’t hear what needs to be heard, you can’t speak what needs to be said, you don’t have legs to carry you, or hands to heal.

But as a PART of the BODY, you are INVALUABLE.  The BODY can’t function WITHOUT YOU!!  That’s why we’ve GOT to be in unity.  We’ve got to work together.  We’ve got to be connected.  When we are it’s GOOD.  Good for us, good for others.  The Psalmist sang, “How good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in UNITY”.  

WE NEED EACH OTHER.   

CROSSROADS CONNECTIONS (Part Two)

When our family was younger, Leslie and I and the kids traveled quite a bit.  We took lots of road trips.  When the kids were little, all six of us would pile into one motel room.  But as the kids got older they got bigger, they required more space.  So when we were out on the road and we needed to stop for the night we would often rent two motel rooms. I'd would stay with the boys and Leslie and Caitlin would stay together – or some variation on that theme, but the best set-up was when we were able to get “connecting rooms".  You know, two motel rooms, next to each other, that had a door in the wall between the rooms, connecting them together.  When we got rooms like that, we would open the door between the rooms and suddenly it was as if we were all in one much larger room together.  We had a unity that we lacked otherwise.

We could stay in two motel rooms right next to each other that didn’t connect, and have exactly the same amount of square footage.  In fact, absolutely everything about the experience was the same – except we didn’t do it TOGETHER, which made everything different.  When there was a door in the wall between the rooms, we were always happier, more secure, more peaceful, more content because we were CONNECTED to each other.  We were together.  We were…in unity.  That’s the whole purpose of being connected.

You know, some people have a hard time getting connected to others, because they grew up learning how to build walls and not doors.  Or they grew up seeing that there was a door in the wall, but it wasn’t open to them.  Or they saw an open door in the wall, only to have it slammed in their face as they tried to walk through.  Have that happen enough in your life; you see a door in the wall, and you don’t even try to open it because your experience tells you it’s going to be locked.  Or if you see a door in the wall open up, you don’t try to go through because your experience tells you that you’re just setting yourself up for another broken nose – as another door slams in your face.

For centuries religion has built walls too high to climb. Oh there were doors, but they were usually locked.  In fact, often, if the door was opened, it was only open long enough for someone to shout from the doorway, “We are righteous and you are a sinner – so we can’t have anything to do with you!” 

Jesus didn’t go through all He went through so people could remain separated from the Father.  And He sure didn’t intend for the church to be a place that discriminates against sinners.  ‘Cause if it was, no one would ever be able to go there. Jesus came into the world to connect people to God, not to blow people off because they didn’t measure up.  Jesus came to show the way to the Father.  He said of Himself that he was the way and that no man could come to the Father except through Him.  Jesus is the way, but the way isn’t protected by a locked door.  

You know what Crossroads is?  Crossroads is the place in the wall where the door used to be.  We took the door off its hinges.  You’re welcome to come in.  We have connecting rooms.  Let’s do LIFE together, in Christ.

CROSSROADS CONNECTIONS (Part One)

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. (1 Cor 12:12, NLT)

We’re supposed to be connected in this body of Christ.  As Paul describes to the church at Corinth what this connection is all about, he acknowledges that people have a different heritage, different backgrounds and different circumstances.  He says in 1 Cor 12:13 – “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free”.  And then he tells them how such different people with differing heritage, background and circumstance can be connected, can be collected into a group of ONE.  He says, “But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit." (1 Cor 12:13, NLT)

We’re not all the same.

We have different gifts.

We don’t all have to be the same to be connected.

But we’re all supposed to be connected.

Because we’re all part of the same body.

Crossroads exists to reach in to our community and our world with the life-changing power of the One true God.  Connecting people to God and to each other.  Whatever it takes.  Crossroads is a connecting place.  It’s a place where connections are made.  Not just loose associations, but connections. There’s a big difference.

Have you ever been in a big building somewhere, like a big hi-rise building in some metropolitan area? Doesn’t it make you feel secure as you’re standing 40 floors above ground level that the steel members in that building aren’t joined together by a loose association?  They are connected.  And when they are connected, those individual members form something whole that makes them not only stronger than they are as individual members, but also far more useful.  Some members are welded together, some members are bolted together, but when each member is connected, all the members are connected.

The strength of the MEMBER is in the CONNECTIONS. 

  

WEEKEND UPDATE (041810)

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!  And it sort of showed in Sunday's attendance. Undaunted, we had a GREAT service and a thoroughly energetic crowd, and a brand new series to kick off, and an awesome church picnic...and...well, we just sort of missed the fact that it was Spring Break.  Oops.  Next year, maybe we'll just do one BIG service outside in the park, and then start picnicking!  Spring Break or not, Sunday was a wonderful day with LOTS of big wins!  Here's a few things I noticed:

• Several people came to faith in Christ for the very first time, or rededicated their lives to Christ, or made decisions to go public with their faith through baptism!!  Biggest win of all!!
• A HUGE amount of first-time attenders!!  Another big win!
• Compassion Sunday was in full swing thanks to Gary and Carrie Mitchell and TEN CHILDREN were adopted by Crossroads attenders!!  Another HUGE win!!  This was so great, a Carrie did a great job coming up and talking about it!  The Compassion International table will be in the lobby next Sunday as well, as there are still FIVE CHILDREN needing sponsors.
• Our 3rd Annual picnic in the park was a blast complete with a huge jumpy bouncy thing for kids (and twenty-somethings who couldn't resist!  
• Worship on Sunday was GREAT!  
• The new series "OZ" got off to a great start. "If I only had a _______!"
• Bizarre visit from "The Great and Powerful Oz" himself was a very revealing.  Apparently, he gets all of his insight from sound bites on Cable news channels.  Terrifying!
• I think the disembodied green head will be back next Sunday.
• Quotable quote: "Many people reject the idea of becoming a Christian largely because they know some Christians."  Worth thinking about.
• 'Nuther Quotable Quote: "Becoming a Christian doesn't mean you check your brain at the sanctuary door".

This week, challenge yourself with Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:8. Read what Paul says to think about, and compare your thinking to the thinking he recommends. See any difference? Remember: It's totally up to you to CHOOSE what you think about! Have a GREAT week!!!

A POST FROM PASTOR MATT

Hello Everyone!  Pastor Matt here to add some thoughts I have had since Sunday.  Mainly: What happens to those who have died or will die prior to the resurrection of the dead that I spoke of from I Corinthians?  Ooooouuuuuuuhhhhh!  If you think about what Christ said in Luke 23:43 to the thief it can definitely raise some questions.  Christ said, "I tell you the truth, TODAY you will be with me in paradise" (emphasis added).  Well, that sums it up.  Jesus said that he wasn't lying about being in paradise THAT DAY!  So, where does that leave us.  Our family members that are believers that have past away already must be with Christ in paradise.  Well, what about the whole New Earth and God dwelling with us thing?

 

Here it is, when we die those that are covered in the blood of Christ will be with Him, in paradise.  BUT, that heaven will only be temporary.  That heaven will only exist until Christ return's here to this earth.  This earth will be destroyed, laid bare, made new, etc....  This destruction of the present earth is described in many ways.  I would submit that there are as many scriptures about the destruction of our present earth as there are scriptures about the new earth and It's everlasting nature. [Ed: this will be discussed in detail in a new End Times Series called "OUTTATIME" beginning August 1st]

 

We will wait until Christ's return, our bodily resurrection, a judgment will take place for all, and then the eternal heaven will begin.  We, all believers, will be renewed in spiritual bodies and living in a renewed, better than ever, earth.  Sounds good to me!

 

Thinks about this:  In Genesis 3:21 there is an account of God slaying an animal to clothe Adam and Eve.  Yup.  There are numerous of accounts of there being animals in heaven.  So if there are animals, that would lead me to believe that the animals will need tending to.  In the case of Adam and Eve, God used the skin to clothe them.  So I am saying that not only are we going to have powerful, glorified, spiritual bodies and be living on an awesome new earth, but we are going to have purpose and function too.  The bible says that we will SERVE God in heaven and that God created us to DO GOOD WORKS.  Why would all this stop in heaven?  There are some who believe we will be allowed to complete certain tasks we started while we were on this earth. 

 

I will just simply say this.  The bible is clear that God likes music, dancing, laughing (Luke 6:21), community, and serving.  Why would we ever imagine that God will change all this in heaven?  I see heaven as the most fun, the best music, the best food, dancing, laughing, and serving each other.  Imagine how good the crops will taste on the New Earth.  We will have great cultures and communities.  Heaven really should be the thing we desire most in this life.  It is not God's intent to change us upon completion of this temporary life.  It will only get better for us.  Way better!

 

I can't wait.  That's not morbid, just as Paul said in the bible.  He knew that it would be better to be with the Lord in paradise, but his work had not yet been done.  When my work is done I shall not be afraid but thrilled to finally meet Christ.

 

Compassion Sunday

This Sunday we're kicking off a new series called Oz.  After the service, we'll be gathering together at Johnny Henderson Family Park for a church-wide picnic.  But this Sunday is special for another reason, too.  We'll be participating in a special one-day event designed to draw the attention of the Church to the needs of the world's poorest children. 

It's a tragic fact that about one-third of the world's children live in extreme poverty today.  They are hungry most of the time, they suffer from poor health, they receive little or no education.  They are neglected, abused, and all too often exposed to violence.  Many have come to believe that their lives have no value, no hope and no future.  Worst of all, many of these children have never heard that God loves them.

The good news is that although we cannot change the whole world, we can change the world for at least some of these children.  Through the ministry of Compassion International, each of us has the opportunity to come alongside one particular child and help change the course of that child's entire future.

On Sunday, we want to invite you to join us in sponsoring a child in great need.  The child you sponsor will receive health services, educational assistance, supplemental food - and most importantly, will learn about Jesus.  You'll have the opportunity to choose one specific boy or girl and begin a personal ministry to that child.  You can exchange letters and prayers.  The child you help will cherish the thought that you actually care for him, value him and want him to succeed.

The cost is $38 a month.  After each service, Gary and Carrie Mitchell will be at a special table set up in the lobby, where you can sign up to sponsor a child - and you can take your sponsorship packet home with you right away.

As a church family, God can use us to bring lasting change into the lives of children who otherwise may never know Jesus and are headed for a lifetime of suffering and hardship.  Thank you for your willingness to serve in this important work.  Be sure to stop by the table after either service on Sunday morning and talk to Gary and Carrie about their sponsorship experience.

WHAT IS OZ ABOUT?

This Sunday we kick off a new original 3-part series called Oz.  I specified that it is an original series (as are most of our series' at Crossroads) because I want you to know that your faithful Crossroads staff spends time hearing God's heart for our church, and works diligently to create innovative presentations of the Gospel message that are fresh and relevant for our lives today.  

Oz begins with this statement:  "If I only had a ___________!" 

The Scarecrow said, "If I only had a brain."

The Tin Man said, "If I only had a heart."

The Cowardly Lion said, "If I only had courage."

And they equate filling in the blank with a LIFE well LIVED.  In fact, anything short of filling in the blank meant life was incomplete. Just like the three of them were driven to fill in the blank with something, all of us at times are driven to fill in our own blank with something we feel is so important that without it our lives will be incomplete.

Into this cauldron of swirling emotions Jesus says, "Here's what goes in the blank: love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself".  And Jesus tells us that if we do that, we will have LIFE!  We'll spend the next three weeks at Crossroads talking about what that means and what the Bible teaches us about how to do it.

We're going to have a lot of fun in this series including a weekly visit from the "great and powerful Oz" himself! Can't wait to get started! See you there!!

      

WHOLE HOG COMMITMENT

If you've been reading here over the last couple of days then you know we are neck deep in a remodeling project at the Annex. Joining us in this work is a group of teens and their leaders from CATB that have given up their Spring Break to come to Crossroads and help.  They're kind of like missionaries to Lower Alabama.  It's awesome!  Also, driving hard to get this work done is long-time, hard-working Crossroads regular and volunteer extraordinaire Randy Grimes.  Seeing this work, on the heels of a great weekend at Crossroads where dozens of committed volunteers and servant-leaders made it all happen as they do every week, puts me in mind of the commitment it takes to really be a follower of Christ, and a servant of others.

You know, there's a difference between interest and commitment. When we're interested in something, we'll do it when circumstances permit.  But when we're committed to something, we'll do it no matter what.  Being committed is where the good stuff happens. Being committed is where the life-changes happens.

So...a chicken and a pig were walking down the road one morning. The chicken was getting hungry when he saw a diner ahead.  A sign on the diner said, "Breakfast Special - Ham & Eggs $1.99".  The chicken turned to the pig and said, "Hey, that's a great deal, and I'm hungry.  Let's go eat!"  Pig looked at the chicken and said, "Really not that hungry". 

The chicken was upset.  "Pig, I'm starving!  Let's eat something!" The pig said, "Um...really, no."  They argued all the way up the road to the front door of the diner.  The chicken, exasperated, said finally, "Pig, It's just breakfast! For crying out loud, let's go!"  The pig gave the chicken a withering look and said, "Look, for you ham and eggs for breakfast is a small contribution, but for me - it's a whole hog commitment!" 

I know, it's beyond corny.  But it's a great illustration.  Many of us back away from getting seriously involved in a relationship with God because we fear the cost.  We may take an interest, but we blanche at the idea of "whole hog commitment".  When I look at these young people and their leaders, and the dozens who willingly give of their time, talent and treasure at Crossroads, I can't help but see that they've made that leap.  And they are truly reaping a huge reward in the quality of their lives.

Here's a fresh challenge to wrestle with this week: Don't let the best you have ever done, be the standard for the rest of your life.   Give more.  Do more.  Love more.  Serve more.  Take commitment to a whole new level.  Why?  Because you and I will never know what we can accomplish until we become willing to get committed and stay committed.  Go whole hog!   

WEEKEND UPDATE (041110)

Hey guys, just a quick post to celebrate a great weekend at CROSSROADS and at Church at the Bay in Tampa, Florida.  Leslie and I, accomapnied by Caitlin and John headed down for Tampa at the end of last week and had a great time for a number of reasons you can find here.  Here's a few of the things I noticed about this weekend and a few things I picked up through the grapevine:

• Sunday was the first time that I've been to another church on Sunday morning in years.  If was GREAT!  While I've been to a lot of different churches, when I get a Sunday off, I tend to want to sleep in and be lazy.  
• CATB had great worship and their tech stuff is fantastic.  Learned a few valuable things to bring home to Crossroads, and Hal Mayer's message was great! 
• Then Hal made fun of Alabama.
• Then Hal made fun of Alabama again.
• Then I made fun of Hal.
• Then Hal took the microphone away from me.
• It was BIG fun and according to Hal's Blog this morning, I am the first person to ever yell "Roll Tide!" from the platform of their church!!  Then we met Vickie after the service who is moving to Enterprise.  Her husband's an IP and they're coming for 3 years.  What a great morning.  Hal made fun of Alabama, and we walked out with a new family for Crossroads!!  
• Then the REALLY BIG deal.  Prayed for CATB Youth as they headed out for several days of hard work at the Annex getting the new Highway 68 space ready!!  These young people are giving up Spring Break to serve our church and our community!  Blown away by their commitement and the dedication of their leaders, including Youth Pastor Hal Mayer IV.  Thanks CATB!!
• So WHAT A GREAT DAY AT CROSSROADS, HUH???!!!  Guys, one year ago we had 119 people at the cinema for "Bomb Sunday".  Well, you guys bombed "Bomb Sunday" completely out of our future vocabulary when 296 people showed up, more than 2-1/2 times the number last year!!!  Way to go CROSSROADS!!! 
• Thank you Pastor Matt (PM) for doing a great job Sunday morning teaching about heaven!  Tons of great comments including:
• "PM does a great job of getting God's word across.  I know heaven is a real place."
• "Nice to know this world is our temporary home!"
• "Looking forward to eternity!"
• "A great reminder and challenge to keep my life in perspective."
• "Great way to look at heaven!" 
• And my favorite quotable quote:  "We're not floaty ghosty things with wings". Ha-ha!!
• Great job by Nic on a great song at the end of the service!

What a wonderful day for Crossroads!  I heard from so many people that there were many first-time attenders, that there were plenty of volunteers making short work of set-up and tear down, and that the building was full of happy, smiling people!!  What a blast to celebrate together!  We had a great weekend, but I missed everyone and can't wait to be back next week to kick off a brand new original series called 'OZ'.  I'll post about it later.  Have a GREAT week!!!!!

John & Caitlin and the Really Big Day

Friday we headed into Tampa because John had a scheduled private lesson with Aaron Gillespie of UNDEROATH fame.  Aaron is an incredible drummer and has been John's hero for a long time.  He was so gracious with his time and attention, really nice to the whole family and he absolutely lavished John with insight into his own life and work, and put him through his paces for two hours.  It was the highlight of John's drumming career to this point.  Aaron's comments about Johns abilities really encouraged him and built his confidence.  Talked at length to Aaron about coming up and doing something with the young people in our community.  He's totally into it.  We'll get something scheduled soon.  My big takeway:  Aaron Gillespie is way more than just a great drummer, he's a mentor for young people, a teacher, and a minister.  Great stuff!

Last night Leslie, Caitlin, John and I had dinner with my mentor and teacher Hal Mayer and his lovely and gracious (has to be to handle Hal) wife Sandy.  Really love these guys and it was so great to have at least a couple of my kids meet someone who's been so instrumental in guiding my life and ministry.  The food was great, but the company and the conversation was even better!  Hal, totally missing his now 27 year-old and recently married daughter Ashley, took out all his daughter-missing angst on Caitlin.  She didn't miss a beat, doling out physical and verbal abuse in a way only true friends can (and the way Hal truly deserves).  Hal's a towering and imposing figure as you can see, but honestly, he was silly putty in Caitlin's hands.

Heading out in a few to pick up Hal's Jeep so me and Leslie and the kids can spend the day crusing around with the top down, and head to the beach.  Later we'll have a relaxing dinner somewhere quiet as we rest up for Sunday's service at Church at the Bay, where Hal serves as Lead Pastor.  Tomorrow is another big day as I'll have the opportunity to pray for the youth at CATB.  Listen, for the second year in a row, these teens and their adult leaders, including Youth Pastor Hal Mayer IV (Hal's son and a great friend), will be sacrificing their Spring Break to drive to Enterprise, Alabama and work their tails off helping Crossroads minister to our community!  This year it's carpentry, painting and cleaning as we construct a facility at the Annex for Highway 68!  More on that later.

Love and peace to the the rest of our family, and the whole family of God at Crossroads!  Thanks so much to all who wrote such encouraging comments to me over the last couple of days!  Have a GREAT weekend and don't miss Pastor Matt Menedenhall as he shares in two services on Sunday morning at the College Cinema about HEAVEN!  Gonna be great!! 

  

THIS BLOG'S FOR YOU

This Blog's for you:

• If you're a Crossroads attender.
• If you don't mind my monologue.
• If you post encouraging comments.
• If you're a Body (of Christ) Builder.
• If you're pursuing peace.

Now...responding to a slew of recent "junk mail" I have received: 

This may come as a surprise to some, but I don't write Blog posts for people outside our church.  And I could really care less what someone who doesn't attend Crossroads thinks of my theology.  I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to build an audience outside of Crossroads so your opinion really doesn't matter.  Guys, if your spewing religious diatribe, I'm not going to ever post your comments.  They get deleted immediately.  If it's important for you to see your high opinion of yourself printed in black and white, get a Blog.  They're free.  Spew all you want.  I'm sure you'll build a huge following of intolerant people just like you.    

 

Truly, it's beyond me why some people think I'm somehow obligated to read, let alone publish their 'religulous' commentary.  Here's some things you need to understand about me: I'm almost 50 years old, I've been married for 29 years to one woman and raised four children.  I've worked hard all my life to be a good provider.  I've won (and lost) fortunes.  I've never hidden behind a pulpit or a schoolbook and I could really give a crap what someone who doesn't attend Crossroads thinks of what I think, or what I say, or what I put on a billboard.  I wasn't put on this planet to do, or think, or say what you believe I should and you need to know that ANYTIME I get your crap in my in-box it makes me worker HARDER than ever to keep doing what I'm doing.

 

Folks, detractors don't discourage me.  They galvanize me.  When you criticize me, you make me stronger.  When you personally insult me, you bring me favor from God and those who support me.  When you lie about me, you better know you'll answer for it one day.  You screw with me to your own undoing, and you look like a fool while you're doing it.  I can't abide snipers, looters, or pot-stirring strife-makers.  And I wear size 11 Milwaukee motorcycle boot that would look great in your hind-parts. 

 

ROADIES: Remember this, the only people Jesus was ever mad at were religious people who claimed to love God but cleary did not love other people.  Religious people hung Jesus on a tree, but God raised him from the dead for losers like me!  Woo!!!

 

GOD'S NOT MAD AT YOU!

 

Peace.

 

 

 

EXHALE

So I had this great meeting with Mack (everybody calls him 'Clark') Clark on Tuesday.  He owns the building we meet in (and several other theaters in town).  He's totally stoked about his new project to build a 12-screen cinema in Enterprise.  I'm stoked for him...and for us!  

Way back in November of 2007, Clark allowed us the great privilege of planting Crossroads in his College Cinema building, and giving us first position to buy the building when he moves out.  Well it seems like it's been a long time since that happened, but it really hasn't been.  Shorter still is the time between today and the opening of that new cinema, and Crossroads purchasing the building we have called home since we launched.  Now look, things can change, but as of Tuesday afternoon, Clark told me that he wants to be open in the new cinema no later than the first week of May 2011!  So there it is.  May 2011 is now our launch target.  

The timing seems absolutely orchestrated by God.  Our lease at the Annex will be up and we will be ready.  I'm telling you (so you can go back in twelve months and read this Blog post) that the next twelve months for Crossroads as an organization is going to FLY by.  We need to make the most of every minute.  In the next few weeks I'll be sharing with you our plan - including a financial plan for our church - that will ensure we are truly ready  to make the move when the time comes.

This past Sunday, in a bid to go a bit more public with our plans - and to generate interest with newcomers and first-time attenders - I took a chance that could have backfired with the ownership of our building.  See, in all the time we've been there, we've played this potential move pretty close to the vest, weighing whether going public in a big way would make Clark uncomfortable until he's actually breaking ground.  But I really felt led to do something, and  if you were at Crossroads Easter Sunday, you saw the result.  If you picked up a bulletin, you couldn't help but notice a rendering of the college cinema...in full Crossroads regalia!

Well...Clark noticed it too!  Last Tuesday.  I sort of held my breath as he looked at it, understanding the great emotional investment he has in the building he purchased so many years ago, and the change that it represented.  He studied it for a minute, and then busted out in a big grin and said, "Gene, this is so great!  Oooh, this looks wo-o-o-o-nderful, ha-ha-ha!  Do you have enough of these where I could have this one...so I can show it to my mortgage man?"

Exhale.  "Yes, Clark.  We have plenty of them."  I'm thinking we'll just leave that in the bulletin, huh?