Posted by Bryan | 2 Comments

In four days…

This Sunday, I will step into a role I have never experienced before. I will become the senior pastor at The ROCK. I have a few qualifications for this role.

• I grew up in our senior pastor’s home
• I have a strong relationship with Christ
• I know how to hear Him speaking to me
• I burn with a desire to see our city changed
• I was here the first Sunday in 1988
• I have faithfully served the vision of our senior pastor for 20 years
• Over 17 of those in a staff role
• More than 14 of them as a pastor
• I have directly overseen or served in a key role of quite a few ministries during this time
  • Youth
  • Children
  • Men
  • Prayer
  • Small Groups
  • Ushers
  • Greeters
  • Tech
  • Advertising
  • Inner City Outreach
  • Marketing
  • Worship
• I have been a key part of casting vision for The ROCK for the last 3 years
• I have shared a substantial part of the teaching role for the last few years
• I have helped raise up leaders and train them for their roles in ministry

Here is what I do not have.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN A SENIOR PASTOR!

The closer I get to Sunday, the more I realize the weight my father has carried for this ministry for over 20 years. You can be very close to the leader and still not understand the load they carry. I know I am ready to step into this role, even though I know it carries a whole new level of weight and responsibility.

How can I trust that I am ready? The man who has carried the mantle of leadership for the last 20 years is the same man who taught, guided, corrected, disciplined and cheered me on. He is the only one at The ROCK who understands what it takes to lead and he believes in me.

Thank you, Dad. I’m going to lead by the example you have already set. You are great man and I am honored to follow in your footsteps.

So, dear readers, what will you be doing in four days?

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Posted by Bryan | 2 Comments

Passing the baton

Today I preached what could very well be my last message as an associate pastor. Next Sunday, Dad will pass the baton of leadership to me as I lead the next season of ministry at The ROCK.

I talked about where we are headed as a church in this new season. The reality is that we will not run a different race. We are just going to turn it up several notches and kick things in to high gear.

It does not matter how well you run your leg of the race if you do not successfully place the baton in the hand of the next runner. This was made very evident this last week as the men’s and women’s 4×100 relay teams dropped the baton in a semi-final heat. They didn’t even make it to the finals because they failed to transition from one runner to the next. They were disqualified.

The key to a successful baton pass is dependent on the new runner taking off fast enough to keep the momentum going but not so fast that he leaves before the baton is passed. He doesn’t look back. He just holds his outstretched hand behind him and feels for the baton. The baton holder must place the baton firmly in his hand and release it. Then it’s on! The new runner turns the heat up and runs for everything he’s worth.

Once the next runner hears his approaching team-mate yell “GO!”, he never looks back. He doesn’t stop for small talk. He has a job to do.

When the race is over, every member of the winning team stands on the podium to receive their award. No member of the relay team is more important than the others. They all run with a common goal.

Next Sunday, one of the most amazing leaders I know will pass the baton of leadership to me. We will not drop it. We will not go backwards. We will continue to run the race God has set before us. I am so excited that I can see our time coming!

Hold on ROCKERS, we’re about to kick it into another gear!

I believe the message today was the most powerful message God has ever allowed me to deliver. I was humbled and in awe of what God is about to do.

Carolyn will post the podcast of today’s message early this week HERE.

BOX SCORES
429 in attendance (we just keep growing!)
9 people raised their hands and give their lives to Christ!
God was glorified.
We were all challenged.

Don’t lurk, contribute! Tell us, what was your favorite part of church today? Even if it wasn’t at The ROCK.

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Posted by Bryan | 10 Comments

Leadership Transition

Today made probably the most historic announcement in the history of our church as dad shared what is next for our church.

On August 31st, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of The ROCK. On that day, Pastor Ron and our elders will set me as the new senior pastor of this incredible church. Jennifer and I are so very humbled at the thought of trying to step in to mom and dad’s shoes.

I am very thankful that we did not announce that they are leaving The ROCK, our ministry team or Wilmington. In fact, they will still be central to what God has for us. Pastors Ron and Norma McGee will remain the founding pastors and spiritual Nana and Papa of our church. They have set in their hearts to not only cheer on the next generation, but to set their hands to see us succeed as well.

God has been increasing my vision for this ministry. Thank you to everyone who believes in the God given vision, direction and leadership at The ROCK.

If you have been on the fence about whether you are with us, now is the time to decide. Don’t sit back with a wait and see attitude. Jump in! Get your hands dirty making the dream come alive. We will never see our city changed by the love of God by just waiting. Let’s get to it.

Check out these pics from our service today.

Want to see more? Check out the gallery HERE.

Let’s take the vision God gave our founding pastors and run with it farther than they ever dreamed. I’m in. Are you?

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