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Sunday night download, recap, brain dump, whatchacallit

• I have to admit that I did not feel that great today. My body was revolting on me and did not want to go to church. I had the shakes. My stomach felt like it was really mad at me and I felt very weak. But, I knew God wanted to do something huge today.
• Attendance was way down today. As a pastor, it’s hard to not let that affect you. But, I believe we should dance with whoever’s here. So, that’s what we did today.
• Yes, I said today that I believe our giving to missions over the next five years would at least equal what we gave since ROCK Church started 20 years ago. That’s over $900,000!
• Yes, I said that I believe the whole $2.6+ million mortgage for our building would be paid off within the next few years. Let me go another step and say that I believe it will happen within the next 5 years. That will free almost $19,000 per month to devote to the vision God has given us. I believe we are going to see our ministry to children, teenagers, the poor, widows, missions and the arts go to a Hole Nutha Level!
• Just so everyone knows, ROCK Church is not filled with rich folks. That makes me even more excited about what God has been showing me. He is going to use ordinary, everyday people who will step up. This is going to be HUGE!
• I preached out of Judges 6 where Gideon was threshing wheat behind the winepress. The recession was so bad then that Gideon had to hide his work to keep it from being taken. He was fearful, poor and didn’t feel like a mighty man of God… until the Angel of God showed up! Then Gideon brought a significant offering (in a time of oppression) that took him to another level. That’s where God is calling us.
• I had someone find me in the lobby after church and say (paraphrase), “I’ve been waiting for 4 months to hear vision in bold, clear way. Today, I heard that vision.” That was inspiring and yet stung just a little. They didn’t say it to sting. But, I felt like God was saying to me that I should never hold back on the vision He is giving me. So, hang on ROCKERS. We’re about to put this thing in high gear.
• I’ll post more this week about what we will begin doing to see our debt disappear and our missions giving explode.
• Today’s message was not a salvation message at all. But, at the end of service, I gave an opportunity for people to give their lives to Christ and 6 people raised their hands! Thank you Jesus!
• Tomorrow morning, I’m headed to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist to see if I can get some relief. I’ve had a sinus infection/demonic nasal possession (that’s what it feels like) for about 4 months now. Pray for me.
• Adam’s 8th birthday party was today at Jelly Beans Roller Rink. I did not skate. Not because I was scared. I just did not feel like paying a hospital deductible today. I’ll save that for Noah’s party at the Skate Barn next month.
• This week is going to be another huge week for us. So, I’m checking out and heading to bed. Good night!

How was your day today?

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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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Posted by Bryan | 1 Comment

Anticipation

There is a lot happening at The ROCK recently.

• Clearing land to make our building more visible.
• New lights in our auditorium.
• New paint on our stage.
• New murals taking shape in our Kid’s ROCK area.
• Glory Academy production Creation is just around the corner (get your tickets NOW)
• New direction for our Creative Arts Ministries.

But, we are just warming up.

Tonight, I have sat in my study chair (not the one in the bathroom) and asked God for wisdom. Tomorrow is a huge day for us at The ROCK. I will have an opportunity to speak as a part of our new series next. Dad will bring the message. But, I will have a part in it and it makes me very nervous. If you know me, you know I don’t get nervous often.

But, the next part of the vision for our church is big enough to make even me a bit nervous. I hope you will join us tomorrow to hear what’s next.

I’ll blog later tomorrow for those who will not be able to join us.

Go GOD! Go ROCK!

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