Stories That Excite Me

We all love to hear a great story. In fact, many evenings at staff meeting time, we share stories about you. Things that you are wrestling and working through. Sometimes it is habits that need breaking, other times it is the beginning stages of developing new habits. Either end, it is an awesome journey to be able to hear all God is doing.

Sharon has done an amazing job in our Xtreme ministry (Grades 1-5). She and John Mark are preparing for their third baby to come into the world. At the end of February she will take some time off, but God has raised up a number of incredible leaders. Glenn and Sherry are going to step up and lead out in this ministry team, with Amanda stepping way out of her comfort zone as well. Thanks guys, your faith and belief in this God really encourages me.

Last but not least, I heard about a guy who a year ago would have never been seen leading a life group. In fact, he says what all of us say. "I don't know the Bible well enough, what if someone ask me a hard question......etc etc" Well, he stepped out and is now having a ball leading people in his Small Group. God is pushing so many folks out of their comfort zones. My prayer from the beginning of this series was that God would do some gigantic things in people's lives. We'll continue to wait and see all that God will do. Keep up your great work and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Philip Thurman

unChristian

On an earlier blog I discussed what people outside the church from 16-29 years old thought of those in the church. They said a number of things, such as Christians are hypocrits, judgmental, too political and homophobic. What has happened to those who claim to be followers of Christ. Why do we not love and serve as Christ did? Well, check out this video from one fo the guys who did some real life research on this topic. I hope it makes you think like it did me.
Philip Thurman

We just finished a powerful series on "How To Be Rich." Our culture talks a ton about getting rich, but tells us nothing about how to be rich. How do we live once we are rich. We chiseled away many lies that marketers and retailers tell us about money and life. If you have not listened to the entire series, I cannot think of a better one you should burn and give away to friends.

I'm really excited about the next series "Shift Happens!" We'll be looking at three exapmles of men and women who made major shifts in their lives to obey God. God may call some of us during this series to make Shifts. Would you be willing to do something drastic if God asked you to? If God asked you to down size and give to the poor, would you do it? If God asked you to leave your massive salary to serve or start some new opportunity, would you do it? If God ask you to make some relationships right that are currently estranged, could you do it?

I hope these next four weeks, we will be willing to listen to God and then do what He ask us to do. See you Sunday

Philip Thurman

Been To The Land Lately?

We continue to see incredible growth at LifeBridge. Sometimes we take things for granted. Not everyone knows we have acquired land. We have 15 acres of God given land off Gluckstadt road about a mile and a half west of Bozeman and Gluckstadt, south of Providence Subdivision and east of Reunion equestrian center. Take a look at the new signs that went up today thanks to Greg Miller, Jay Criddle, Sean Dodds, Jay Gujrati, John Chappelear, Johnny Ervin, Jim Fries and Johnny Gilmore. Thanks guys for all you did to make this day happen. Please go to the property and see the prayer wall and take a prayer walk around the land.










There are some awesome days ahead. Better get to church early, the seats will fill up fast.


Philip Thurman

What's Next?

Every week I have men and women say to me, "Philip, what's next?" You may be saying, "NEXT, what is that all about?" Well a few months back we paid off our land and thus what's next. Well we have put together two men to lead the teams and they have started some amazing work. Sean Dodds will give leadership to our building team while Johnny Ervin will give leadership to our finance team.

They have had some preliminary meetings and over the next few weeks and months will share with others what God is leading the to do. I hope you will do a couple of things. First, please pray for them as they seek God's heart and direction for this incredible task. Honestly, both of these men are great leaders and up for the challenge. Secondly, would you begin praying what your part of the journey needs to be. Ask God now to begin to prepare your heart. Also, pray for these men as they seek to see who needs to help and serve with them on their team.

When we know more, we will get the word out. Thanks for your prayers and continue praying and asking God to do incredible things, cause He is able to do far more than we think.

Philip Thurman

We Have More Than We Need

Last week we started a new series called "How to be Rich." Our culture bombards us about getting rich, but then does not tell us how to be good rich people. This is tough because we don't see ourselves as rich. The problem is where is rich? It is always the next level up. It is never where we are, it is a moving target.

We said this week that we all have more house than is needed for shelter, more vehicle than is needed to get from point A to B, more food than is needed for health, yet we don't think we have enough. We admitted at the end of our service that we have more than we need, we are rich. Let that soak in a bit.

Now, what do you need to do? Do you need to re-evaluate what you are doing, what you are trying to achieve? Do you need to downsize, do you need plan better, do you need to re-prioritize? I hope in this series you will stop, evaluate and then determine what God wants you to do. See you Sunday.

Philip Thurman

Bring On The Throwdown

WOW! If you missed the throw down last night, you missed an incredible event. It was a night packed with fun and competition that was simply spectacular. We saw an amazing crowd turn out for the event as well. I saw many guest who were present as well and really getting into the action. In fact some teams got so into the action they got a ticket while driving down a road that is not open yet....oh and did I mention they were on the winning team. That should have been at least a 20 point deduction for breaking the law! 

I want to recognize a few folks that rose to the occasion to make it an incredible night. First off Jim and Tracey Fries came up with the idea and put it all together. They planned everything. Their leadership on this was incredible. You guys really know how to organize and throw a party. Thanks for making last night awesome. Johnny Ervin, our small groups pastor stepped up huge. He helped to challenge our leadership to be involved, worked out the food and kids stuff. Johnny, thanks a ton for your work. Davis Jones, Sharon and John Mark Coon, you all are also awesome for helping take care of the kiddos. I am forever grateful for all you do to help do to encourage the adults. Thanks to anyone else I am leaving out. It was an awesome night and Congratulations to Greg Miller's group for winning.