BIG Idea: God’s story is bigger than your prejudices. Why did Martin Luther King Jr. once say, “it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning?” Because Christians have a hard time reaching out to people not like them. It’s tough enough to get us to share our faith. For most, that would be a major milestone, just to invite someone to church. When we do take the leap of faith and... Read more
“As hard as I try, I can’t forget that first night. I was seven years old. I’d put on my Princess Ariel pajamas and brushed my teeth. I’d climbed into bed with my white stuffed pony, the one I always slept with, the one my dad had given me two years before when my parents split up. I knew my mom wouldn’t come to say good night because she was on a business trip. So it didn’t surprise me with... Read more
“I want a new marriage!” Have you ever yelled this statement out in frustration? It might have been after a fight, after another disappointment, or after another broken promise. The beauty and enchantment of the wedding day has long since faded away, and now you and your spouse are stuck in the mud and mire of a monotonous marriage. You’re not sure where or when the marriage went off track, but you’re sure that it’s headed in the wrong direction.... Read more
While I’m out of town, here are a couple of links to keep you thinking. Have a great weekend and see you Sunday (Mt Vernon folks)! Coming Clean – Popular author Max Lucado talks about his recent struggle with alcohol. Incredible courage from such a public figure. 5 Things Scripture Teaches Us About Governments – As the 2012 election heats up, good reminders for all. What I Learned as a Sunday Sinner – Shockingly real testimony of someone visiting a... Read more
When you read this post, I’ll be in Atlanta, GA at Catalyst. An amazing conference for church leaders, it’s something I look forward to each time I go. Going this year with the Mt Vernon staff makes it even that much more special. Since Catalyst is on my mind, let me share ten reasons why I’m pumped to be in Atlanta today. 1. I’ll be inspired by others in the Kingdom. Not only are the speakers amazing, the stories I hear... Read more
When you read this post, I’ll be in Atlanta, GA at Catalyst. An amazing conference for church leaders, it’s something I look forward to each time I go. Going this year with the Mt Vernon staff makes it even that much more special. Since Catalyst is on my mind, let me share ten reasons why I’m pumped to be in Atlanta today. 1. I’ll be inspired by others in the Kingdom. Not only are the speakers amazing, the stories I hear... Read more
If you’re a part of a church, then you’ve got at least a nominal desire to reach your city. In church lingo, we call that our “Jerusalem,” from Christ’s great mandate of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”. Last week we talked about Acts 1:8 being a command to tell your story. This week,... Read more
Being a history nerd, I’ve always loved reading about our nation’s past. While I’ve read numerous books on our Founding Fathers and our critical wars, I’ve never read a book exclusively devoted to the Louisiana Purchase. Today, we take this event as an afterthought. We assume that our nation was always going to stretch across a continent and be the most powerful nation on earth. This book delves into our formative years as a nation, and talks about one critical... Read more
This past Friday night at Mt Vernon, we had Table for Two, a periodic event we have for married couples where the church watches the kids and the married couples get a date designed to strengthen their marriage. Thankful to all the volunteers that helped make this happen! This past Friday, we introduced The Great Date Experiment from Northpoint Community Church. A healthy and successful church based out of Atlanta, Northpoint operates their MarriedLife marriage ministry on six great principles.... Read more
Another great week. A few of these links have been out for awhile, but they’re guaranteed to make you think, give you hope, and probably make you a little mad as well. Have a great weekend! Couple Sues in “Wrongful Birth” Lawsuit – read only if you have a strong stomach. I feel so sorry for this precious child. Why I am Grammar Obsessed – Is it importent to write good when u right emails and stuff? Prominent Atheist Converts... Read more
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