A churchplanter’s missional influence in the lives of those “least likely to go to church”.

Playing Catch-Up

September 9th, 2008 Posted in Random Thoughts, Church at the Grove

Okay, so I was chastened by someone last night for not blogging this past week and I stand corrected.  At least I know that at least one person reads the blog and keeps up with it. 

Here is the catch-up for the last week:

  • On Sunday August 24, I loaded my car and drove to Norman Park, Georgia for a four day Police Chaplain certification where I learned how to shoot a gun and work with police officers.  Okay, okay, I didn’t learn how to shoot a gun but I did receive training for ministering and providing support to police officers.  I learned a lot about Police life, criminal justice from their perspective and how to support them and their families during the hard rigors of police work.  I love officers and I enjoy supporting them in what they do. 
  • I stayed there through Thursday August 28 and drove straight to Dallas, Georgia and had a wedding rehearsal for Friday’s wedding for Heather Delk and Daniel Poe.  Jill and I spent the night with some sweet friends Keith and Lisa Pettway who attend Westridge Church in Dallas.  We had a blast catching up to them.  On Friday night I officiated the beautiful wedding for Heather and Daniel.  It was great.
  • Jill and I drove back friday night.  On Saturday I spoke at a memorial service for a man that passed away in our community in Walton County. 
  • Sunday August 31 was the last single service Sunday for Church at the Grove and it was awesome! 
  • This past week, I played catch up after being gone the previous week at the Chaplain’s training.
  • Sunday was great as we went to two services at CATG!  Both services were perfectly balanced and it is great to continue to see God work in people’s lives!
  • Our community groups start this week and I heard the groups that began Sunday night were awesome!  I know my group was great.  I understand that the new group at the Ellington’s had 19 people and they are wondering what they are going to do!  They are using the married couple’s curriculum based on the new movie “Fireproof”. 
  • I started something new yesterday.  I am substitute teaching for a school in our community.  A teacher had surgery and will be out for a few weeks and I am filling in.  I am getting to teach “Bible” and “Marriage and Family”.  My wife said that God had a sense of humor in putting me in these classes.  I didn’t know quite how to take that. 
  • I did get to take my son to Athens for the first time this past Saturday to see the DAWGS beat Central Michigan. 
  • I went and walked the streets of Decatur with my friend Scott Nobles this past Saturday morning to get the word out about “The Gathering Church” that started on Sunday.  My friend Adam Walker and his team launched this new church this past week after a year of preparation.  I pray for God’s blessings on their new church.
  • I am seeing God do some great things in CATGrove and in our community and some individual lives and families.  This is a testing time, but a perfect time to see God’s faithfulness at work around us all. 
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  1. 2 Responses to “Playing Catch-Up”

  2. By ridge765 on Sep 9, 2008

    We’re one of those couples that’s “least likely to go to church.” :-) My husband and I went to a pre-screening of the movie FIREPROOF; did you go to one of those? They gave us a copy of the Love Dare book–it lets you work on your marriage in the privacy of your own home. But do you think it’s better to do the study in a group, or to do it at home in private? I can’t decide. If you haven’t seen the Love Dare book, I found it at www.fireproofoutreach.com. I’d like to know what you think. Thanks.

  3. By Russ on Sep 11, 2008

    Hey Ridge,

    I have not seen the movie but one of the couples in our church did go to the screening and was so excited about it they wanted to host a Community Group (small group bible study) in their home to encourage and support couples in their marriage journey.

    I do believe that the best place to start working on your marriage is in the privacy of your own home. There are already too many outside influences trying to pull you away from one another in our crazy world. I do believe there is a lot of value in journeying with other couples where you can find support and encouragement regarding the challenges of marriage.

    I would start at home but I would not rule out finding a group of others in a community of faith (a local church) where you can simply encourage one another in all areas of life.

    Our relationship with God does not depend on our activity or attandance in church but God makes it clear in the Bible that we are to connect with others in a faith community and follow Jesus together. It provides for accountability, encouragement and support during tough times.

    I hope this helps. I don’t think the answer is either/or BUT….both/and

    Work on your marriage in the privacy of your home first, but also look for some other couples to simply DO LIFE TOGETHER.

    I am thankful for the vision of Craig and Lori (our couple leading the group) and their desire to touch couples in a way that encourages marriages. We couldn’t do it without outside support but the true work begins in the home with one another. I would love to hear what you think and continue to dialogue.

    Russ

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