2008 January | Bryan McGee: Carpe Diem Coram Deo

Jan 31, 2008

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Somebody’s getting fired

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Jan 30, 2008

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Insert title here

The last few days have been crazy. Let me try and break it down.

Sunday was a pivotal day for us as a church. Kleetus and Haley rocked out an acoustic version of “Dream On”. Yes, we did an Aerosmith tune. It fit perfectly. You never know how people will respond, but they cheered when they finished. Check out what Helen had to say about it here.
Hang on ROCKERS. God is about to take us on a wild ride at The ROCK. It’s all about Jesus and what He has done for us and our city.
On Monday, we had our first staff discussion of our current team read, Visioneering. If you haven’t read it, pick up a copy now! It is an amazing book. I’m still contemplating the next book for our team to go through. Suggestions are appreciated.
Had a great time Monday night drinking coffee with Matthew while talking about the deep issues of life. We also talked about how difficult it is to understand women. As soon as I figure it out, I’m going to teach him about it.
Tuesday brought some crucial conversations for the future of our church. I don’t like hard discussions, but I love the fruit that comes out of them.
Jen was scheduled for surgery to remove an orange from her ovary at 5:00p last night. They ended up taking her back at 9:30! Before surgery, Jen’s doctor came into pre-op and prayed with her. He is an amazing doctor. I have decided that if I need surgery, I want him to do it and I’m not even a woman. He’s just that good!
Surgery went great. He was able to save the ovary. That’s important since she only has one. We returned home around 12:30 this morning and crashed. Jen will hang out around the house for the next week or two to heal up.
It was challenged to read about Jeff taking his team to see Perry Noble at Newspring and Gary Lamb at Revolution. Jeff and his team are taking some bold risks for God and they are paying big dividends on the south end of town. I’m proud of what they are doing in our city.
We are taking a team of about 16-17 down to Anderson for Unleashed in March. Matthew got me a hook-up to spend some time with Perry before the conference. I am humbled and excited that he is taking time to spend with me… with ME! I am formulating questions now. If you could ask Perry anything, what would it be?
Did I mention that Carolyn has gotten a green light from Carlos Whittaker to shadow him in Atlanta? Thank you Carlos and congratulations to our Lion Chaser of the week, Carolyn Mejia! WOOHOO!
We are gearing up for our next series “Question Authority” beginning in two weeks. Do you have a question you have always wanted to know but were afraid to ask? Why not surf on over and fire away?

Until next time, here’s a thought… When’s the last time you ordered pizza using King James English?

Jan 26, 2008

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Bono talks about our worship pastor

“I believe being a worship leader is the highest of all art forms, to worship and call people into the presence of God.” ~ Bono

It is possible that Bono was not talking specifically about Abs. But, I am humbled to witness such a high calling and art form every Sunday as Abbye and her team lead us into the presence of God.

This year we are going to take some huge risks in our worship. We are going to try new things for our God.

Our services are not about us. They are about drawing those far from God closer to Him.

Tomorrow is going to be amazing. I hope you are going to be there. I am sure if Bono were in town, he would want to come check it out with us.

Jan 25, 2008

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Is your church big enough?

Jen and I spent yesterday at Duke with Mom and Dad for Mom’s surgery. She came through very well and is back home in Wilmington resting well tonight.

While we waited for mom during surgery, I had the opportunity to talk with a very interesting older couple. They were in their late 80′s and had been married for over 60 years! I loved talking with them about growing up in the 20′s and 30′s. We talked about how they met in church. We talked about the secret to staying married so long.

But one statement jumped out at me. When talking about their church, they said, “It’s not big, but it’s big enough.” I was immediately saddened. They love God, go to church every Sunday, and would probably give you the shirt off their back. But, this Sunday, they will reach the already converted.

I have heard people say they leave growing churches because they are not fed. I have heard that you cannot know anyone in a large church. But, I have never heard anyone say they were leaving a church because too many people were following Christ. It is always about what the exiting individual did not get.

“It’s not big, but it’s big enough.”

This could be translated we don’t want to change. If staying the same means we do not grow, then we are big enough. I live in a city where over 100,000 people do not know Christ. I do not want The ROCK to reach the already converted. I want it to captivate the hearts, minds and souls of the lost in my city. Not so we can entertain them. I want to see lives changed. I want to see a city transformed. Do you know what will bring revival to a city? I’m willing to bet that a city where overwhelming numbers of people become Christ followers would be a pretty good start.

I want to see MANY people become fully committed followers of Christ. If that means I can’t have music, teaching, programs or style my way, so be it. In order to reach our city, we must give up what we want so we can reach others. Sound like a worldly concept? Check out this quote,

I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. ~ Paul the Apostle

Is your church big enough? Not mine.

Jan 24, 2008

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Heading out

It’s 7:00am.

Noah and Adam have already left on their bus.

Gabriel is staring blankly at the toaster oven waiting on something… I think he is burning a bagel for breakfast.

Jennifer is trying to wake up. Her orange is making it increasingly difficult to do anything.

Within the hour, we will hit the road headed to Duke for mom’s surgery at noon.

Sometimes, if we let life happen to us, we forget how awesome it could be. I have chosen to happen to life before it happens to me.

As this morning seemingly creeps by, I have thought back on the week so far. It has been a pretty adventurous week. So far, I…

connected with a new friend in the blogosphere. He’s going to help me learn Canadian, among other things.
mistakenly insulted a blog icon. Although it was hilarious.
worked on plans to fulfill a part of the dream dad shared just a couple weeks ago (listen here).
got my birthday present two weeks early from Matthew. He arranged for me to have a private lunch with this guy. HOLY COW! I need to start narrowing my questions now so I don’t sound like a babbling idiot when we talk. (note to self: bring a notebook ask questions. then shut up, listen and write what he says in the notebook… got it.)
blocked time so Jen and I could go on vacation… just the two of us. We are going to be staying here.