I used to think American football was boring and for meat heads. Just a bunch of guys who liked to hit each other or try to take each other out. As I would watch the NFL it seemed the harder they hit, the more they thought they could hurt their opponent and thus the better they thought they were. I never could understand that mentality. But this year, my 13 year old son has started playing and man I'm having a blast. It is a great team sport as is the other futbol (soccer). Last week though I experienced something that made me really think about sports, team sports and the importance of having someone else to rely upon. Let me explain.
Last Tuesday night was cold and rainy and miserable. Nonetheless our Middle School team played Northwest Rankin's eighth grade team. Our coach decided we were going to spend the night running the ball until they could stop us because it was cool and wet and slippery. So we did. Man we won big time. We have a kid that is a great running back. By the third quarter we were up 21-7 and still rolling. This running back came to the sideline and was jawing back and forth with his dad. At one point the son pointed to the board and bragged, "Yea, I did all that...look at it!" The moment he said that the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I know for a fact that twice that my wide receiver son made critical blocks to free him to get into the end zone. Then I began to think about the linemen who were blocking and the other players who blocked for him. What an arrogant thing to say. Have none of those guys and that kid couldn't do jack!
As I thought about that, I thought about the local church. We can't do jack without people who care, who set up chairs and tables, teachers teaching the kids, greeters making connections, and everyone else. For a moment it made we realize what a special thing we have going at LifeBridge. Thanks to the whole team who makes it possible. I love and appreciate each one of you.
Philip Thurman
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Total Nudity
I'm currently reading a great book. It is by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons called unChristian. It is a challenging book to those of us in leadership and those who have been in church all of our lives. It takes a painfully honest look at how those outside the church walls see us Christians. At first glance I had a tendency to get a bit defensive, but when I stop and think about my actions and thoughts, the book has really challenged me to think about myself and how I react to those outside the church.
The current chapter I'm reading is talking about "total nudity." They (16-29 year old unChristian) say that they have a number of issues that turn them off about the churh and the "inside" people. They see massive hypocrisy. We've been hearing that for years about the church, but it seems to be growing with greater intensity. As I thought through people I have seen or been with, it is too often true. There's something about us when we become followers of Christ and we seem to take on this "Holier than thou" type attitude. We look at everyone else on the outside as if they are not as good as us. Sometimes we may do it by accident, but many times I think it is done on purpose.
So what do we need to do?
First, we need to strive to be more like Jesus Christ. Did you hear what I said--like Him, not someone else. Jesus never possessed a "me verses them" type mindset. He was always part of the "outsider's" world. Through His life on this earth He shared His life. In fact, when He walked this earth, more people who were unlike Him loved being around Him. Today, unfortunatley, very few outsiders care about being around any Christian people.
Second, let's be real with our lives. Let's let people see we don't have it all together; we're not perfect. But as we go through our lives let's strive to be honest, transparent, and more like Christ. If we do these simple things, we could make a huge step toward building incredible relationships. People might be drawn to the Jesus coming through your life.
Philip Thurman
The current chapter I'm reading is talking about "total nudity." They (16-29 year old unChristian) say that they have a number of issues that turn them off about the churh and the "inside" people. They see massive hypocrisy. We've been hearing that for years about the church, but it seems to be growing with greater intensity. As I thought through people I have seen or been with, it is too often true. There's something about us when we become followers of Christ and we seem to take on this "Holier than thou" type attitude. We look at everyone else on the outside as if they are not as good as us. Sometimes we may do it by accident, but many times I think it is done on purpose.
So what do we need to do?
First, we need to strive to be more like Jesus Christ. Did you hear what I said--like Him, not someone else. Jesus never possessed a "me verses them" type mindset. He was always part of the "outsider's" world. Through His life on this earth He shared His life. In fact, when He walked this earth, more people who were unlike Him loved being around Him. Today, unfortunatley, very few outsiders care about being around any Christian people.
Second, let's be real with our lives. Let's let people see we don't have it all together; we're not perfect. But as we go through our lives let's strive to be honest, transparent, and more like Christ. If we do these simple things, we could make a huge step toward building incredible relationships. People might be drawn to the Jesus coming through your life.
Philip Thurman
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday's Heroes
Every Sunday we have some amazing heroes who make things happen. Our Sunday morning Porch leader Greg Miller continues to do an amazing job to make that environment work. We also have some amazing non-paid heroes such as Sean Dodds and Glenn Trammel who show up at 7:00am this past Saturday to unload the trailer and set everything up in its proper location. Then on Sunday morning the band under Davis Jones' leadership rocked out. We had a new guy in the band, Richie Hootsell, who was banging away on the drums. Russell Atkinson did a great job on the sound board. He so gets what we're doing and is encouraging. Just weeks ago this guy had never done sound and now he's the man! Jim Fries was one of the Sunday setup guys who shoed up at 8:00am but stayed to the end of tear down. He is a marketing genius as well. He's helping John Chappelear with some ideas for helping LifeBridge be better known throughout Madison County.
We also had a number of guests hanging out with us as well. Johnny Gilmore invited a couple. The man works with Johnny and through that relationship Johnny was able to "invest and invite." After worship I talked with the couple and they want to come back. In fact, the wife is going to be a part of the Sunday refreshment team led by Dianne Gilmore. It's so simple--invest and invite--and people get connected.
I heard that Xtreme also had an incredible day. Sharon Coon had a ton of volunteers working with her and the 1st-5th graders. In fact, my youngest son came home talking about TOP: Telling Other People. He got home and walked through our cul de sac inviting friends to come to his church. WOW! You never know the impact you can have. Great job volunteers! You are our HEROES.
Jay and Andrea Criddle have a new family member. Carli Grace is in the world, but is experiencing some problems with hearing. We're praying for you guys.
Philip Thurman
We also had a number of guests hanging out with us as well. Johnny Gilmore invited a couple. The man works with Johnny and through that relationship Johnny was able to "invest and invite." After worship I talked with the couple and they want to come back. In fact, the wife is going to be a part of the Sunday refreshment team led by Dianne Gilmore. It's so simple--invest and invite--and people get connected.
I heard that Xtreme also had an incredible day. Sharon Coon had a ton of volunteers working with her and the 1st-5th graders. In fact, my youngest son came home talking about TOP: Telling Other People. He got home and walked through our cul de sac inviting friends to come to his church. WOW! You never know the impact you can have. Great job volunteers! You are our HEROES.
Jay and Andrea Criddle have a new family member. Carli Grace is in the world, but is experiencing some problems with hearing. We're praying for you guys.
Philip Thurman
Friday, October 26, 2007
Big Money
Today is the day! We head to the bank to pay off the land! YEA! I have never held such big amounts of money in my hand. It's funny how having that much money in my hands makes me feel different. When I carry it around I act like I am somebody. Why is that? Even though it's NOT mine, I try to act like I'm somebody important. Isn't it funny (or maybe just sad) how money makes us act?
Yesterday I read in the Gospel of John about the rich guy and the beggar. The beggar ends up in heaven and the rich guy goes to hell. (He didn't go to hell because he's rich, but because of the way he USED his money and focused his life--all on himself.) This passage intrigued me all day. Here's a guy who had everything, but really had NOTHING. The beggar had nothing, but in all reality had EVERYTHING. If the truth be known, wouldn't we all have wanted what the rich guy had? Money and possessions make us feel, look, and act important. But that $$$$$$ makes us do weird things.
Philip Thurman
Yesterday I read in the Gospel of John about the rich guy and the beggar. The beggar ends up in heaven and the rich guy goes to hell. (He didn't go to hell because he's rich, but because of the way he USED his money and focused his life--all on himself.) This passage intrigued me all day. Here's a guy who had everything, but really had NOTHING. The beggar had nothing, but in all reality had EVERYTHING. If the truth be known, wouldn't we all have wanted what the rich guy had? Money and possessions make us feel, look, and act important. But that $$$$$$ makes us do weird things.
Philip Thurman
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Do You Ever Get Excited About Anything?
The last few weeks have been amazing at LifeBridge. We have watched some amazing things unfold, some of which have been several years in the making.
First, in September we received a monetary gift from a family for land and/or building for $216,000. Then just this past Monday we received a check from an organization for $300,000.00. WOW! Friday we will go to the bank and pay off our loan. LifeBridge now owns LAND free and clear! Can you believe that?
On Sunday, November 4th we're going to have a great service on the property and then a massive tailgate party back at the school. There will be inflatable games for the kids and some great food. Our Biker LifeGroup is hosting it. You guys are awesome!
We have been in the process of adding on to our office complex. Greg Miller has given amazing leadership to this project. Jay Criddle, Chris Davis, Sean Dodds, Jim Fries, Johnny Gilmore, Mike Jarrett, Tommy Jones, Woody Osborn, and Scott Stacey have given of their time to help with framing, hanging/finishing drywall, and wiring as well. Thanks guys--you ROCK!
Week after week we are also hearing stories of life change: Men and women talking about all the things God is doing in their life. Thanks to everyone who makes LifeBridge an awesome place.
I also want to say thanks to the greatest Staff Leadership Team. I feel so overwhelmed getting to work with such a dedicated team. They challenge and push me in incredible ways. If you don't know them, I hope you will get to know them. They are the real brains behind LifeBridge.
Philip Thurman
First, in September we received a monetary gift from a family for land and/or building for $216,000. Then just this past Monday we received a check from an organization for $300,000.00. WOW! Friday we will go to the bank and pay off our loan. LifeBridge now owns LAND free and clear! Can you believe that?
On Sunday, November 4th we're going to have a great service on the property and then a massive tailgate party back at the school. There will be inflatable games for the kids and some great food. Our Biker LifeGroup is hosting it. You guys are awesome!
We have been in the process of adding on to our office complex. Greg Miller has given amazing leadership to this project. Jay Criddle, Chris Davis, Sean Dodds, Jim Fries, Johnny Gilmore, Mike Jarrett, Tommy Jones, Woody Osborn, and Scott Stacey have given of their time to help with framing, hanging/finishing drywall, and wiring as well. Thanks guys--you ROCK!
Week after week we are also hearing stories of life change: Men and women talking about all the things God is doing in their life. Thanks to everyone who makes LifeBridge an awesome place.
I also want to say thanks to the greatest Staff Leadership Team. I feel so overwhelmed getting to work with such a dedicated team. They challenge and push me in incredible ways. If you don't know them, I hope you will get to know them. They are the real brains behind LifeBridge.
Philip Thurman
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
What in the world is this life coming to?
Can you believe this? There are very few things in life that I can do. And few is the operative word. There are a ton of things that I am terrible at doing. One thing is writing. I write like I talk. In addition, I am NO technical guru. I like to act the part, but in all honesty have no clue how to do anything. Yet, here I am doing the two things I am terrible at doing. Greg is standing behind me with one hand tied behind my back and typing with the free hand. He's even telling me what to say! Just kidding.
I've felt for sometime now that I wanted to have a blog to share ideas and thoughts with my friends from LifeBridge and others. So Greg Miller pushed me off the cliff by starting a blog. No, he really figured out how to do it and walked me through it.
I'll be posting periodically, so I hope you will come back and see what all we talk about. It might surprise you!
Philip Thurman
I've felt for sometime now that I wanted to have a blog to share ideas and thoughts with my friends from LifeBridge and others. So Greg Miller pushed me off the cliff by starting a blog. No, he really figured out how to do it and walked me through it.
I'll be posting periodically, so I hope you will come back and see what all we talk about. It might surprise you!
Philip Thurman
Creating Environments
At LifeBridge Church, our mission is to connect people with God and others so they can experience life at its very best. We do this by creating environments where people can discover the difference God makes when He's directing our lives and the value people make when they come alongside us in the journey. We focus primarily on three environments:
PORCH
In a house, the front porch usually is the place new persons come the first time (or first few times) they visit. It's often a person's first impression of the house (and perhaps the family). It's the place where a family works to "put its best foot forward."
At LifeBridge the same is true for our worship on Sunday morning. We call this environment simply, "the porch." It's the place where guests usually show up first and make their first impression of us. Thus it's where we work hard to put our best foot forward, so that God's Spirit can be at work in people's lives.
DEN
While guests may come first to the porch on your house, you usually invite them off the porch and into the house. Often the first place you go is to the den. And while some people call it a living room or others call it a family room, it's the place where you spend time together getting to know each other.
At LifeBridge the same is true for what we do in some of our gatherings beyond Sunday morning. It may be a cookout, a motorcycle trip, a building project, or a short-term study. But whatever it is we've created so that people can spend time together and get to know one another a little better.
KITCHEN
There's one place in every home that's the primary connecting place, and often that's the kitchen. The kitchen is the place that the family gathers; it's the place where friends gather as a meal is being prepared; it's the place where people talk about things that are important in their lives.
At LifeBridge the same is true for our small groups, which we call "Life Groups." This is the place where people gather as friends and become like family. It's where we talk about things that are important in our lives. It's where we consider how we can live according to God's plan so we can experience what the Bible calls the "abundant" life (which we call life at its very best).
PORCH
In a house, the front porch usually is the place new persons come the first time (or first few times) they visit. It's often a person's first impression of the house (and perhaps the family). It's the place where a family works to "put its best foot forward."
At LifeBridge the same is true for our worship on Sunday morning. We call this environment simply, "the porch." It's the place where guests usually show up first and make their first impression of us. Thus it's where we work hard to put our best foot forward, so that God's Spirit can be at work in people's lives.
DEN
While guests may come first to the porch on your house, you usually invite them off the porch and into the house. Often the first place you go is to the den. And while some people call it a living room or others call it a family room, it's the place where you spend time together getting to know each other.
At LifeBridge the same is true for what we do in some of our gatherings beyond Sunday morning. It may be a cookout, a motorcycle trip, a building project, or a short-term study. But whatever it is we've created so that people can spend time together and get to know one another a little better.
KITCHEN
There's one place in every home that's the primary connecting place, and often that's the kitchen. The kitchen is the place that the family gathers; it's the place where friends gather as a meal is being prepared; it's the place where people talk about things that are important in their lives.
At LifeBridge the same is true for our small groups, which we call "Life Groups." This is the place where people gather as friends and become like family. It's where we talk about things that are important in our lives. It's where we consider how we can live according to God's plan so we can experience what the Bible calls the "abundant" life (which we call life at its very best).
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