I've been thinking . . .

• Sunday was another incredible day at FPC from the opening song in the 8:30 service to the end of the children's program that evening. I'm proud to be the pastor.
• Lori Monaghan did a fantastic job leading our kids in "No Wonder" - I don't know how she pulled it off, but she did.
• I love our staff and volunteers - they make me want to go to the office everyday.
• Had an amazing talk with someone after the 3rd service on Sunday - made my whole afternoon. God is moving!
• My son is beginning to drive - pray for me.
• We wrap up our Naked Faith series this coming Sunday - this has been a fun series for me. Much deeper than many people were expecting, but it's been an exciting ride.
• Did you see all of the presents in the lobby last night for our Angel Tree outreach? Incredible! FPC blessed 130 children through Elizabeth City - did I say I love it here?
• My Community Group Christmas party is this coming Saturday evening - I'm ready - bring on the food and bring on the gifts!
• We have the largest Christmas tree that we have ever had at the Neal house - 9 feet! I had to use a latter to put the angel on. Let's hope that it doesn't fall over. I'm saying that because our Christmas tree fell over last year. And I don't care what Lana says, it was not my fault.
• Dr. Leo from Ecuador will be with us in January - he will speak in all three services. I'm so pumped! As you know, we built Dr. Leo a medical clinic this past summer. It's amazing to have him with us here at FPC and to catch his vision.
• If all goes as planned, you will see construction on the outreach center and the covered pavilion in January.
• Our worship team did an outstanding job Sunday morning - God of the Ages - wow! - what a way to end the service!
• Financial Peace University is coming to FPC in February - Dale Jones will be teaching it - if you've never taken it, whatever you do, don't miss it.
• Kate Klein (Director of Connections) led a few volunteers to Wave Church on Sunday morning in order to learn and grow from their connection teams. Way to go Kate! I love to see our teams growing, learning and becoming better and better. Did I say I love it here?
• My kids are growing up too fast - I don't want to miss a second of their lives.
• My wife is too good to me - it's obvious that I married up (no comments, please).
• I love coffee.
• I love books.
• I especially love to drink coffee while reading books.
• I want everyone in Elizabeth City to experience God's incredible grace - how can we make that happen? I want your thoughts.
• Had dinner this evening with several friends in order to celebrate a birthday - food was great - friends were better.
• Last Sunday evening about 50 FPC volunteers prepared and served an amazing meal to several families. Each family received a food basket, the children received gifts and while they were eating, our FPC kids entertained them. We have enough volunteers to served three times the families - next year we'll do it. Did I say I love it here?
• I'm ready for some snow - what about you?
• Are you going Christmas Caroling? If so, meet at FPC next Monday evening at 6:30. You'll have a blast!
• Said goodbye to great man this past week - Doug Simpson - he will be greatly missed by so many people.
• The best days of FPC are just ahead - I can see them on the horizon - can you?
• Lana, Evan, Ashlyn, Camryn and I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Million Miles

I'm reading Donald Miller's book, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. I can't wait for the next chapter. Let me pass a few of his thoughts on to you.

"Your brain doesn't stop growing until you turn twenty-six, so from birth to twenty-six, God is slowly turning the lights on, and you're groggy and pointing at things saying 'circle' and 'blue' and 'car' and then 'sex' and 'job' and 'health care'. The experience is so slow you could easily come to believe life isn't that big of a deal, that life isn't staggering. What I'm saying is I think life is staggering and we're just used to it. We all are like spoiled children no longer impressed with the gifts we're given--it's just another sunset, just another rainstorm moving in over the mountain, just another child being born, just another funeral."

Miller observes,

"I've wondered, though, if one of the reasons we fail to acknowledge the brilliance of life is because we don't want the responsibility inherent in the acknowledgment. We don't want to be characters in a story because characters have to move and breathe and face conflict with courage. And if life isn't remarkable, then we don't have to do any of that; we can be unwilling victims rather than grateful participants."

Are you an "unwilling victim" or a "grateful participant"?

Just wondering.

Alright, back to reading.

Stuff I'm Thinking

• I enjoyed Sunday! From the worship to the beginning of a new series to community group last evening - great day!
• The opening song was excellent - thanks Bob.
• Yesterday was Tony's first Sunday singing on the Worship Team - amazing job! I heard lots of positive feedback - I'm confident that we will see him more often.
• I am so pumped about this new series, Naked Faith: Stripping Off Religion. A lot of positive feedback after part 1 - a lot of people wondering about the Naked Quiz - this is going to be fun!
• Remember for part 2, don't wear any clothes! It's a creative element that we're trying. Come on, it will be fun -- anything for Jesus, right!! (I'm not serious, BTW - trust me, you never know who will take me serious).
• Really excited about the basketball court and pavilion going up soon.
• Thanks for your giving.
• Our Women's Ministry (WOW) had another amazing trip to the Women of Faith Conference. Special thanks to Diane Hollowell and her team for making it happen - you ladies are on a roll - keep it up.
• I love our community group - the people, the fellowship, the teaching (not me), the food, everything - I look forward to it each time.
• We have so many needs within FPC and our community - I'm praying that God will resource our church with more and more people who are generous, so that we can give to others and meet needs. Please pray with me and give with me to make it a reality.
• Winterfest at Liberty University looks like a blast - get your kids there! Trust me, they will benefit a lot more from going to Lynchburg and participating in worship and activities with other kids than getting another expensive gadget. (Sorry kids)
• God is using FPC to change lives! I keep hearing about someone else who has been impacted and encouraged and challenged - it is a humbling experience to realize that God is using us to affect people's eternity.
• I'm diving back into some classes in 2010 - trying to finish up a degree - bitter/sweet - can't imagine finding time to read, read, read and write, write, write - but, there is no better time than NOW.
• Ecuador is on my mind again this week - 2010 will be our best year ever - we will reach more people and impact more lives - go with us, please!
• Lana is doing so good - I'm proud of her - she is and always has been my inspiration.
• I'm making so many new friends at FPC. We really have a great church - I love it!
• I will try to blog more. (Yeah, right!)
• Who are you praying for and investing in and loving into God's kingdom? Just a question.
• I love your comments, feedback and questions - keep them coming!!
• Have a wonderful week. Now, I must get busy doing other things than simply blogging.
• I love you - I really do.

I just began reading Michael Green's book, Thirty Years That Changed The World. I am learning so much about the early church and the character of the first disciples. Please read and reflect on the following two quotes. Each of these were written just 90 -100 years after the death of Apostle Paul (150-200 A.D.) These quotes describe the early church and give us a glimpse into the inner-workings, values, thoughts, reputation and practices of the first disciples.

The first one comes from Clement:

"For when unbelievers hear from our mouth the oracles of God, they wonder at their beauty and greatness. Then, discovering that our deeds are not worthy of the words we utter, they turn from their wonder to blasphemy, saying it is all a myth and delusion." (2 Clement 13:3).

Forest Park, that is still true after 1,850 years!

The next one comes from the Epistle to Diognetus. A little longer but read it slowly and reflect on each line.

"They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens they share in all things with others, yet endure all things as if foreigners . . . They marry, as do all. They beget children, but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table but not a common bed . . . They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. . . They are poor, yet make many rich. They are in lack of all things, yet abound in all. They are dishonored, and yet in their very dishonor are glorified. They are evil spoken of, yet they are justified. They are reviled, and bless. They are insulted and pay back the insult with honor. They do good, yet are punished as evil doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life. They are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks. Yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred."

Wow! Makes me wonder how the church of 2009, especially Forest Park, is doing? What would be written about us? How would we be described?

I've got some thinking and praying to do. Please join me.

Sunday Night Thoughts

• Great Sunday! Thanks to everyone who made today successful. Even though a lot of people were out due to sickness, the Women's Beach Retreat and weekend getaways - you made it work - FPC people, you always impress me!
• I announced this morning that construction will begin soon on our basketball court, pavilion, volleyball court and outreach center. I cannot wait! Lots of planning and it is finally coming - your generous giving made this a reality - thank you.
• Today's message was difficult to present - it wasn't the material (I knew the material) - it was the subject - not an easy one. Suffering is hard to explain, especially when so many of our people are suffering.
• What are you doing to eliminate suffering throughout our world? I know I'm not doing much - God, break my heart with what breaks your heart!
• We have some new microphones ordered - they should be in this week - excited.
• We have some new lights ordered, too - they should be in next week - maybe a few new colors can tone down the shine on my head - probably not.
• I've been listening to a couple of new c.d.s - Hope Rising (Steve Fee) and Epic (Healing Place Church) - great worship experience. I especially like "Rise and Sing", "We Crown You" and "Promise Land" (Steve Fee) and "Beautiful King" and "The Creed" (Healing Place).
• I am so pumped about a new series that I'm beginning in November - I don't know the name yet - but it will be the most bold, clear, strait-forward presentation of the gospel that we have ever done! Trust me - people will either run to FPC or run away during this series. I just finished reading a book that discusses exactly what I have been wanting to say for a long time - it helped me to finally construct an outline for the series - excited and nervous!
• I also just began to read a book that has moved me like NO OTHER BOOK in a long time - it is called The School of Dying Graces, by Richard Felix - unless you want your heart pulled out of your chest - DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. It details the journey of Richard's wife from the moment she discovered she had cancer through her funeral and beyond. I can only read a chapter or two at a time - it is powerful, gripping, eye-opening.
• The Women's Beach Retreat was a HUGE SUCCESS! I have heard so much about it and how great it was - Lana had such a fun time. I'm pleased that we have a women's ministry team that cares about the women of FPC. Great job!!
• Sometimes I don't believe that my heart can contain any more love for my family than I feel. Each of my kids is a gift from God to me - I am blessed beyond measure. Lana is a dream come true for me - I love her with all that I am and thank God each day that He partnered us together.
• The colder weather? - Bring it on!
• I've got a new cell phone - now, I just have to figure out how to use it.
• Our Invite Cards look great - although one of the service times is wrong (8:00 instead of 8:30) - they look incredible - please go by and pick up some and give them to your friends - remember, leave a GENEROUS TIP if you put one on the table at a local restaurant - no cheap people at FPC - right?
• Good night!

How "Feisty" Are You?

I picked this up from Michael Hyatt’s Blog this week and when I read it, I immediately shared it with our FPC staff and just had to share it with you too. If you are a leader, you will appreciate these insights.

Did you know that General Tommy Franks flunked out of the University of Texas in 1967? (Yes, even successful people sometimes fail) Rather than waiting to be drafted to fight in Vietnam, General Franks enlisted in the Army. As he got on the bus to leave for boot camp, his father said, “Son, I have one piece of advice. Be feisty.”

Tommy replied, “But Dad, I am feisty.”

His dad said, “I mean it as an acronym. F-e-i-s-t-y.” He then went on to explain:

“F” is for focus. You need to get focused on what is important and stay focused.
“E” is for energy. Bring all the energy you can muster to every situation.
“I” is for integrity. This is your most important possession. Don’t ever compromise it.
“S” is for solve the problem. Don’t argue. Don’t make excuses. Just solve the problem and get on with it.
“T” is for take the blame when no one else will. Accept responsibility and be accountable.
“Y” is for “Yes, I do windows.” Don’t ever say, “That’s not my job.” Do whatever the boss asks you to do and do it with enthusiasm.

Great advice!

How F-e-i-s-t-y are you? How focused? How energetic? How’s your integrity? Do you solve problems or make excuses? Do you accept blame or pass it off to someone (or something) else? Are you constantly looking for ways to get out of work or do you finish your work and sometimes you do the other guy’s work too -- WITH ENTHUSIASM?

This is the stuff that separates the GOOD leader from the GREAT leader.

Think about it!

Random Sunday Thoughts

• Another Great Sunday!
• Community Group was so much fun this evening - I can't wait to go back.
• Amber Jones said that her banana pudding was sugar-free - I've had sugar-free banana pudding and that was not sugar-free! I love you Amber but I don't appreciate being lied to - it was just too good!
• Bob C. is doing a wonderful job on our new video announcements - they look better every week - today was the best yet - great job!
• Our video recording of the services are getting better too - thanks Brian Sabin and Britney Luton - you guys are priceless to FPC.
• We're getting a few new lights in the auditorium soon - can't wait.
• The new banner looks awesome! Thanks Michele Adlon for getting that ordered.
• I'm confident that the girls cheated at community group this evening - they should have never won that last game of Catch Phrase.
• The message today was challenging to every parent - INCLUDING ME! Now if I can just live out what I preach - PRAY FOR ME.
• Lana and I are going to Cary, NC this coming Saturday to encourage a variety of pastors throughout Eastern North Carolina to partner with us in Ecuador.
• I heard Julie Gregory did an outstanding job representing Ecuador at First United Methodist this evening - several people are interested in going with us - way to go Julie.
• We're getting our drawings completed this week for an outside basketball court, volleyball court, large pavilion and an outreach center - all of it is being built at the FPC campus - it will be exciting to see it completed.
• Several people at FPC need a lot of prayer right now - please remember them every day.
• I had such a good time with my family tonight at community group - it is especially exciting to beat Lana in Catch Phrase - Ashlyn had a chance to play too - always fun to play with my kids.
• I'm still waiting for Chris Eure to cook some brisket - bring it on Chris!
• I'm praying for your family and friends to come to know and follow Jesus - invite them to join us this Sunday.
• I'm pumped about our new series, "You Asked For It!" I need you to post your questions now - we're taking the top 5 questions and we're answering them throughout this series - if you have a question send it to questions@fplive.org. No question is off limits - I want to know what you think - ask!
• After three services this morning and community group tonight - I'm tired.
• I have a really long week ahead - I'm going to bed.
• I love you FPC.

Random Sunday Thoughts

• I loved today!
• FPC live online this morning - we have a few "bugs" to work out - we have to speed it up and we have to get better lighting - we will - it's going to be great!
• Thank you Brian Sabin - you made it possible.
• Someone from Saudia Arabia checked us out this morning at FPC! How cool it that?
• The band did excellent today!
• So did Bill and Britney.
• We had an exciting Discover Forest Park this afternoon.
• 11 people partnered with us in membership.
• I made two new friends today - that's always fun.
• I'm really excited about the future.
• Michele Adlon and Kate Klein are so faithful and do such an amazing job with our classes.
• I don't know what Michele calls most of her dishes that she cooks - but they are all really, really good. In fact, I only teach the classes so that I can try all her food.
• The series, Confessions of An Imperfect Parent, is going to be challenging.
• Our Ecuador Outreach Team represented FPC tonight in Edenton - the service went really well - God is doing amazing things through this team.
• Ecuador 2010 will be the best yet - wait and see!
• Pray for one another.
• Love one another.
• Serve one another.
• I am blessed to have Evan, Ashlyn and Camryn as my children and to do life with Lana by my side - trust me, it doesn't get much better.
• God is sending new people to FPC to partner with us in order to reach people not only here but around the world - I cannot see tomorrow - but if it is anything like today, I'm ready for sunrise!!
• I'm loving Reggie's book, Think Orange. Anyone who leads children and/or students must read it.
• This past week I found several new blogs that I'm beginning to read.
• I'm tired, really tired.
• I can't believe September is here - weren't we just in June?
• I'm calling it a night . . . for I'm starting to ramble.
• I love you.
• I really do.

I'm Dreaming of Oranges

I reading through Reggie Joiner's newest book, Think Orange: Imagine The Impact When Church and Family Collide. Reggie shares the following . . .

"Orange Babies is a group that has dedicated itself to protecting the future of children in an unusual way. Originating in Holland, the group's members are committed to rescuing children in Africa from falling victim to AIDS. A dose of the drug nevirapine during the last month or pregnancy can help prevent an HIV-positive pregnant mother from transferring the disease to her child. Here's the amazing thing: One pill gives the unborn child a 50 percent chance of being born without the deadly virus. The cost of the pill is a whopping six dollars. So Orange Babies has developed a simple plan to fight AIDS: Give the pills to as many mothers as possible so as many kids as possible can have a better chance to live."

He continues . . .

"Imagine you are a doctor who holds in his hands a drug that would stack the odds in a child's favor. Would you use it? Absolutely! Likewise, we as leaders are called to save lives and to give every kid the best chance possible. Although parents don't have a pill they can give their kids to help them have a better chance spiritually and morally, you can implement a strategy that will improve their odds."

As a parent and a pastor, I'm asking, "What strategy are we using that will greatly improve the odds of our kids becoming spiritually and morally healthy?" That really is the most important question, isn't it? Whether our kids are successful in sports or made the honor roll is important, but compared to spiritual and moral health, sports and grades are left in the dust, right?

Let's be honest with ourselves and with our kids, do we have a strategy for our children's spiritual and moral health? Or, are we just hopeful that our kids will turn out all right in the end?

Do you have one? If so, I'd love to know - mine always needs improving!

I have a lot of thinking to do . . .

Welcome to FPC! Smoking or Non-Smoking?

Reggie McNeal's book, Missional Renaissance, is rocking my world and shifting my thinking. Here's what I mean . . .

"He calls it the 'cigar bar church.' Every Sunday night, Chuck gathers a group of guys together around cigars and some drinks. They talk about everything--everything. Including God. 'These guys would never go to church,' he says. 'They'd shock everybody with their questions. Besides,' he adds, 'they don't let us smoke cigars in church.' Chuck is no rabble-rouser; he's an ex-pastor who grew frustrated at not being able to reach men with his church programming. . . . Chuck is providing a connection to the kingdom that doesn't come with all the church trappings that often obscure the primary point. Church is simple at the cigar bar: life is the issue; God is the conversation. Several of the cigar bar participants have become viral Jesus followers, infecting others with their newfound spiritual connections."

When Jesus commissioned his disciples to "Go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations . . . " He didn't anticipate large groups of people huddled together in buildings on Sunday mornings, singing "Christian songs", speaking "Christian language" and fighting for "Christian rights". He never planned for His church to be insulated from the culture. Instead, Jesus expected his followers to use what McNeal calls, "their life assignments as missionary posts to bless people." In our daily lives, in our closest relationships, in our spheres of influence, we are to represent God to people and people to God.

Here's a thought . . . instead of evangelizing people, which has digressed to mean "converting people to our world-view and convincing them to attend our church", try blessing people! In other words, be a priest everywhere you go - at the post office, school cafeteria, classroom, DMV (if that's possible), in the office, at the Y, when your shopping, getting your oil changed, paying bills, doing the laundry, or mowing the grass! Look for opportunities to love people, inspire people, and serve people! And do not allow anyone to tell you that you can't be a priest in a cigar bar - you can - by the way, we "church people" ought to be used to blowing smoke - don't you think?

Sunday's Random Thoughts

• FPC band rocked today! One of the best sets I've heard - incredible! From the opening song to the last note - I wouldn't have changed a thing - I would have just made it longer.
• We've packed almost 1,000 hygiene kits for Ecuador - giving them out in the prison and schools of Ecuador in less than two weeks - can't wait!
• Our new website for FPC is looking good - some new features that you're gonna love.
• The Ecuador Family BBQ was a success - I ate too much - way too much - but let's not talk about that anymore, ok?
• Ok, one more thing about the BBQ - Emil Verde's "Girdle Busting" dessert was off the chain delicious - even though I don't wear one - it busted by girdle wide open!!
• Our new series planned for August is going to be FUN, FUN, FUN!
• I'm sad about MJ - he died way too young - his creativity and talent was peerless.
• We've got some plans to expand the outreach abilities of FPC - let's do it - what are we waiting for??
• I'm going to speak to a group of women prisoners in Ecuador - what do I say to encourage them? I cannot begin to understand the pressure those women are under - God give me the words to say.
• I'm loving www.babelwith.me - check it out - those guys at Lifechurch.tv know what they are doing.
• Reading through Dallas Willard's book, Knowing Christ Today - great book!! - I wish that I would have read it two years ago - of course the book just came out a couple of months ago - I guess that would have been cool, though, huh?
• You know, every time I go to Ecuador I am reminded of a quote that I read from Wes Stafford (Compassion International) - "You can't out give the poor". So true, they always give us more than we ever give them - why is that??
• I'm sitting on my deck while my kids play in pool - what a beautiful night and what a beautiful life - it passes so, so quickly.
• Still trying to determine what I want to be when I grow up - trust me, I've got a lot of growing up to do.
• If my life ended today - like it has this week for Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays and countless others - would I be happy with where I've been, what I've I accomplished and most importantly, who I am?
• The older I get and more road that is behind me the larger God becomes to me - He is closer than our next breath, yet so many of us live as if He is sitting on some distant star.
• I have to be honest - my prayers are getting shorter and shorter - it seems like the more I talk to Him, the more I miss what He has to say to me - AND HIS VOICE IS REALLY THE ONLY VOICE THAT MATTERS!
• Again, as always, I love my beautiful, talented and passionate wife with a love that I wish every man could experience - I am a lucky man!!
• Why do we have to sleep, there's just so much to do.
• I love you.
• Let's do it all over again, starting tomorrow - what do you say?

Sunday's Random Thoughts

• Today was great! Even though Summer is here and kids are out of school, attendance was good, people were engaged and I had a blast.
• I loved Bob and April's opening song - "Life is Beautiful" (I think that's the name) - really good.
• The lighting was great too - super job Britney!
• I am absolutely amazed at how well our Children's Ministry Team decorated FPC for Crocodile Dock - Lana and I are always impressed with those who pull VBS off every year - we wouldn't trade any of you for a year's supply of Muddy's coffee - or at least Lana wouldn't - I would consider it, sorry.
• I'm looking forward to the Wave conference in Virginia Beach this coming August - you need to go with us - call our office, if you're interested.
• The upcoming student trip to Asheville looks incredible - great job T.J.!
• Thanks Shelly S., Wendy B. and Pam P. for making our kiosk so helpful every Sunday morning for our guests and members - I'm so glad for what you do.
• Thin crust pizza is the best!
• VBS every night this week - 6:30 - 9:00 - it will be amazing to see and feel all the energy in the rooms throughout FPC - we love it when it is full!!
• Still reading Missional Renaissance - it is challenging everything I do - great read!
• I'm looking forward to our Staff meeting on Tuesday - I love serving along side of Bob, Michele, T.J. and Kate - I am blessed so much to have these people as my friends and team members.
• I enjoyed bringing the first part of White Space this morning - that one concept - it is ALL BY FAITH rocked my world years ago - I pray it ROCKS YOURS TOO!
• I liked my new podium - did you notice?
• I hated my headset mic in the 10 a.m. service - did you notice?
• We learned a new word this morning - skubala. Trust me, it happens.
• Personally, I think there is a lot of skubala going on in too many churches across our country - what say you?
• I'm tired.
• My kids are excited about school being out - sorry, but I'm not that excited yet.
• Ecuador is right around the corner - did you know that our team has already packed over 100,000 pills for our medical team - that is incredible!!
• I love you.
• I'm brainstorming again - look out staff.
• My wife is a great leader - she knows what to do, how to do it and does it with a great attitude - I saw that again on Saturday - I have learned so much from her.
• I can't believe I am the father of Evan, Ashlyn and Camryn - sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the thought.
• We're redesigning our website - it's looking good.
• We're getting a new logo - it looks slick.
• I love doing life with FPC.
• We need more room - to reach more people - to change more lives - to partner with more people - to expand God's kingdom - agree?
• Good night.

Church with Prostitutes!

What kind of church do I want to build? Within the last few weeks, I’ve been attempting to answer that question with ruthless honesty. All I can tell you is where I am right now - I want a church of: 1) radical inclusion (inviting and welcoming everyone—yes, I mean everyone), 2) radical grace (choosing love over law every-time), and 3) radical service (“washing the feet” of our community).

But, I must be honest. I’m embarrassed at how often I fail to embrace these qualities. Although I am in the process of being re-converted to Christ, there were many years I led people away from God. I preached equality every Sunday but was filled with racism throughout the week. I talked about how Jesus reached out to the hurting and the forgotten, yet excluded people, who lived a lifestyle or practiced behaviors that I considered an “abomination unto God”. I preached about becoming the hands and feet of Jesus, but denied it at home with Lana and my kids. For years I was a bigoted, arrogant and unchristian pastor—I wasted so much time and discouraged so many people from following Jesus.

What began my re-conversion? The beauty of God’s grace – it is as simple as that. His grace is blinding me to what I once saw clearly and opening my eyes to what I could not see before.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

What kind of church do I want to build? Maybe the following story will help define it a little more clearly. A few years ago I read about the beauty of God’s grace demonstrated in the life of Tony Campolo. Please take a few minutes and the read the following true story, for it reveals the kind of church that I want to build.

Tony had just arrived in Hawaii for a conference; because Tony had traveled from east to west, his biological clock was thrown off and he found himself hungry and unable to sleep. It was 3:00 a.m. and the only place open was a dirty donut shop in downtown Waikiki, run by a guy named Harry.

As Tony sat there at the counter enjoying his donut and sipping his coffee, in walked eight or nine prostitutes just finished with a night's “work”. They all sat down at the counter and Tony found himself uncomfortably surrounded by a group of smoking, swearing hookers, discussing their night on the street.

He was finishing up his coffee, planning to make a quick getaway, when he heard the woman next to him say to her friend, "You know what? Tomorrow's my birthday. I'm gonna be 39."Her friend said cynically: "So what do you want from me? A birthday party? You want me to get a cake, and sing happy birthday to you?" The first woman said, "Aw, come on, why do you have to be so mean? Why do you have to put me down? I'm just saying it's my birthday. I don't want anything from you. I mean, why should I have a birthday party? I've never had a birthday party in my whole life. Why should I have one now?"

Instantly, Tony had an idea. Instead of running off, he sat and waited until the women left, and then he asked the guy at the counter, "Do they come in here every night?" "Yeah," he answered. "The one right next to me," he asked, "she comes in every night?" "Yeah," he said,"that's Agnes. Yeah, she's here every night. She's been coming here for years. Why do you want to know?" "Because she just said that tomorrow is her birthday. What do you think? Do you think we could maybe throw a little birthday party for her right here in the diner?" A smile crept over the gruff man's face. "That's great," he says, "yeah, that's great. I like it."

Tony said he'd be back at 2:30 the next morning with some decorations and Harry promised to make a cake. At 2:30 the next morning, Tony returned with crepe paper and other decorations and a sign made of big pieces of cardboard that said, "Happy Birthday, Agnes!"

Together, they decorated the diner from one end to the other. Harry had gotten the word out on the streets about the party and by 3:15 it seemed that every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. At 3:30 on the dot, the door swung open and in walked Agnes and her friend.

Everybody yelled together: "Happy Birthday, Agnes!" Agnes was absolutely overcome with emotion. Her mouth fell open, her knees began to shake and she almost fell over. And as the birthday cake with all the candles was carried out, she totally lost it and began weeping. Harry, who was not used to seeing a prostitute cry, gruffly mumbled, "Blow out the candles, Agnes. Cut the cake." So Agnes pulled herself together and blew them out. Everyone cheered and yelled, "Cut the cake, Agnes, cut the cake!"

But Agnes looked down at the cake and, without taking her eyes off it, slowly said, "Look, Harry, is it all right with you if...I mean, if I don't...I mean, what I want to ask, is it OK if I keep the cake a little while? Is it all right if we don't eat it right away?" Harry didn't know what to say so he shrugged and said, "Sure, if that's what you want to do. Keep the cake. Take it home if you want."

Agnes got off her stool, picked up the cake, and carried it high in front of her like it was priceless. Everybody watched in stunned silence and when the door closed behind her, nobody seemed to know what to do. They look at each other. They look at Tony.

So Tony got up on a chair and said, "What do you say that we pray?" And there they were in a dirty, run-down, donut shop with half the prostitutes in Honolulu, at 3:30 a.m. listening to Tony Campolo pray for Agnes.

When he finished, Harry leaned over to Tony and said, "Hey, you never told me you were a preacher. What kind of church do you belong to anyway? It was one of those moments when just the right words came. Tony replied, "I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning." Harry thought for a moment, and said, "No you don't. There's no church like that. If there was, I'd join it."

So would half of Elizabeth City!

What kind of church do I want to build? A church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning! Do you want to help build a church like that? If so, get some party supplies and set your alarm!

Re-converting everyday,

Scott

A Preacher in Transition

I'm a preacher in transition. At times I get bored with church (and I'm the pastor). To be honest, some Sundays I don't want to go. I would prefer to sit at a local coffee shop with a few friends, drink a gallon or so of the bold blend and passionately discuss and debate the few things in life that really matter.

It may be rather discouraging for you to read this coming from a preacher and all - a pastor at that! But, I grow numb by all the religious "mumbo-jumbo" that so many churches spit out. Trust me, I've spit enough of it out over the years (I have an honorary doctorate in religious garb). It's just that I grow weary of "christians" and "preachers" boasting how "they have the truth" and how they are "changing the world" for God. Really?

Just the other day I read a few comments by a preacher's wife, she was going on about how she "made the devil mad" and then she followed it up with a cute, "and I am glad". (I wonder if she meant to rhyme? I think so.) Give me a break! I'll tell you who is mad - the hurting, forgotten, oppressed people of our world, who have prayed and believed that they would receive food, shelter and protection and yet little, if any, has come. I'll tell you who is angry, it's the homeless person, who sleeps on the doorsteps of a church and gets walked over everyday by the church staff on the way to lunch! You know who is furious? It's the homosexual, who is struggling with his/her identity and is filled with questions and who is coming to the church for acceptance, understanding, compassion and guidance but is met with rejection, judgment and ridicule. I'll tell you who is angry, it's the hundreds of thousands of women and children sold into slavery every year (many into the U.S.!) and although they have prayed to God that release would come, remain in bondage - that's who is angry - I doubt seriously that the preacher's wife made the devil mad because she had her "devotions" this morning, despite her headache.

(Back to my original thought, before the preacher's wife threw me off) I get bored at church because too many do not discuss matters of importance - like the number 26,500. Does that number mean anything to you? It should. It's the number of children who die everyday from preventable diseases - PREVENTABLE DISEASES!

In other words, just this week, over 185,000 children had the ability to live a long and productive life, but were not given the opportunity - why? (Come on, ask yourself the hard question.) Why did we allow 67,000,000 children to die in 2008 from diseases that could have been stopped? Why did all those parents have to say goodbye to their precious children and walk away from a cold grave, when we have the money, resources and ability to do something about it? Why do we seem to care more about our kids wearing a bicycle helmet than we do about other children, who will never have the chance to ride a bike?

Maybe it's because we think that our insider-focused church services and our predictable sermons and our devotional books in the morning "make the devil mad". From the way it appears, (if Satan has any emotions) he is probably more glad than mad.

Listen, I don't know the answers - but I do know that if we talked more about these issues in church and actually linked together to do something about it, I would stay engaged even during my own church service - so would a lot of other people.

As I said, I'm a preacher in transition - in other words, I'm becoming a Christian - want to join me?

That's just my rant - what's yours?

Random Thoughts

• I had a blast in Williamsburg with my family. We just got back a little while ago - it went too fast. I'm a lucky man!
• I think Lana and I may retire in Williamsburg one day.
• Lana and I will never retire!
• I love crablegs - I ate too many yesterday. But, I could eat them again tonight.
• Our dog, Copper, was thrilled when we got home.
• I have a poodle named Copper and drive a minivan - I'm a family man.
• I loved speaking at Forest Park yesterday morning - I looked forward to all three services.
• The iced coffee in the lobby was incredible - great job Kate!!
• I have the best team of people around me that any pastor could ask for - pray that I lead them well.
• I love my wife - she is beautiful, smart, talented and a woman of God - no, I'm not trying to earn points with her (of course, I will take whatever I can get), she really is that good!
• I'm excited about staff meeting tomorrow. In fact, Tuesday is my new favorite day.
• Forest Park is blessed to have T.J. on staff.
• I just started to read a new book that I didn't want to put down - Missional Renaissance - I think I will have our staff read it together - it's outstanding.
• My son, Evan, is growing up too fast - he's already 2 inches taller than me and much better looking.
• I'm drinking a really good cup of coffee right now - I made it too!
• I'm thinking a lot of Ecuador lately and wondering what is our next level of ministry - I want to do what will make a difference long after I'm gone.
• I'm dreaming some big dreams right now - I dream of the day that FPC reaches 2,000 people in E.C.! I dream of the day that 2,000 kids in Ecuador have their present and future changed as a result of what of FPC does there. Yes, we need a bigger building! Yes, we need more services! Yes, we need more staff! Yes, we need a lot more money! But, we have an incredible God!!
• The series, Beautiful, has impacted a lot of women. No doubt many discussions between husbands and wives have followed each week.
• Next week is going to be amazing - I'm already pumped.
• I haven't got into Face Book just yet. I have an account, I just don't post anything - not sure why.
• Cold Stone is great! The founder's favorite is mine too - great minds think alike.
• Pray for me.
• I love my computer - it's the best one I've ever had.
• I wish I could text as efficiently as my kids.
• I think I'm just now beginning to understand the implications of Jesus' life and teachings - I guess some of us are just slow to learn.
• I have a lot of decisions to make about where FPC should go next and how we should get there.
• Now that I'm almost 40, my staff seems younger everyday.
• I need some really good sleep.

Liberty and Tyranny - get it, read it!

If you get a chance to pick up and read Mark Levin's book, Liberty and Tyranny, do it! In fact, whatever you're doing right now is not that important (or you wouldn't be reading my blog), so as soon as you're finished with this, go get Levin's book and read it. In fact, snatch a few extra copies and give them to your friends and family. (Here's the audio version, if you want that one instead.)

I picked up Liberty and Tyranny a few weeks ago, after it was recommended to me several times by a few people. After I got it, I left it on my desk for a few days until I finished a few other projects. Eventually, I decided that I would give it a shot - when i did, I couldn't put it down!

Here's a summary of his book, taken from the inside flap, ". . . in a series of powerful essays, Levin lays out how conservatives can counter the liberal corrosion that has filtered into every timely issue affecting our daily lives, from the economy to health care, global warming, immigration, and more--and illustrates how change, as seen through the conservative lens, is always prudent and always an enhancement to individual freedom."

I especially benefited from Chapter 3 (On Faith and the Founding), Chapter 7 (On the Welfare State) and Chapter 8 (On Enviro-Statism). Each of these chapters confirmed several of my convictions and upturned a few others.

Anyway, every person (liberal and conservative) would do himself a great service if he would get a copy, read and discuss Levin's book with others.

If you do, please let me know what you think.

Scott

Once You Go Mac . . .

My computer crashed last week.  I came into my office and the black screen read, "Operating System Not Found".  I wasn't surprised; I had a feeling that it was going to crash soon (the smoke and the burning smell was not my first clue, I had several throughout the last few weeks).

I'm not sure why, but I have always been a PC fan.  Someone back in 1994 recommended to me that I buy a Gateway2000 (that's what Gateway was called until 1999/2000) so ever since I have owned either a Gateway or a Dell.  Until last week!  Believe it or not, I bought an Apple (not the one that falls from a tree, but the kind that sits on my desk and does anything that I want WITHOUT LOCKING UP, NEEDING TO BE RESTARTED OR CAUSING ME TO SERIOUSLY DOUBT THE EXISTENCE OF GOD! 

As you can probably tell, I'm a little emotional from the years of frustrating reboots, computer stores that either did not know how to fix my ailing computer or had to order a part from overseas and was hopeful to get the part in "soon".  In the meantime, the store would recover as much information as possible from my computer and place it on several DVDs.  If that's not all, my emotional scarring also comes from hours of conversation with people in India who may know a lot about computers but do not know enough English to explain it to me.

Even after all of that, I still would have never considered purchasing an Apple computer had it not been for Bob Chambers (who suddenly knows everything there is to know about an Apple since he now has one behind the Tech Console at church), T.J. Long Jr. (who is just plain arrogant about his Apple) and Jeff Clark (who basically promised that if I bought an Apple it would make me coffee in the morning - I think he meant to say tea!).  

Anyway!  I love it.  It is fast, powerful, lightweight, does everything that I need it to do and even seems to know what I'm thinking (very intuitive).  Needless to say, I'm happy.  I think maybe the saying is true - once you go Mac . . . you never go back.

We'll see. 

Great Day Sunday!

To those who greet our members and guests, to our singers and musicians, to those who manage the lighting and sound, to those who rock our babies, to everyone who makes Sundays a blast -- you're the best!  

Every Sunday when I walk out of Forest Park, get in my van (the one with the dark windows and pimped-out hubcaps!) and start my journey home, I am grateful.  I cannot imagine doing life and ministry with a different team.  Thanks for giving, serving, loving and making me so much better. You guys are incredible and it is an honor to serve with you.

Next week we will continue our series, Beautiful, you do not want to miss it - trust me.  Ladies, have you ever wondered, "Why is it that no matter what I say, he doesn't hear me?"  Guys, have you ever wondered, "Why is it that she keeps talking?"  We'll answer it next week.  Don't miss part 3!

See you next week!