Why do Christians feel compelled to say this to each other?
Don’t we realize that it cancels out the encouragement we’re about to offer?

What if I encouraged Holly like this?
Before we went out to eat last night, what if I said:
“Baby, don’t let this go to your head, but you look nice tonight. I don’t want you thinking it’s all about you or anything, or to put confidence in outward beauty instead of the inward beauty of a pure heart, but you do look nice.”

Why bother?

More people are dying inside because of the encouragement that they are starving for than the compliments that “went to their heads”.

Let’s encourage each other! No qualifiers, no disclaimers, just build each other up!

Today, some people encouraged me, and they didn’t preface it with any kind of caution. I guess they figure I walk with God, and am aware enough of my own weaknesses and limits to understand that it’s all about Jesus.
Trust me, this small town boy from Moncks Corner South Carolina knows where his help comes from.

One man told me today that my preaching had saved His marriage and that his wife had told him before he left the house to meet with me that my preaching had saved her life this year.
Glory to Jesus.

It doesn’t go to my head.
It goes to my heart.
And gives me courage and joy.
And inspires gratitude and faith toward God.

Encourage someone today, in a reckless and uncensored way.
And let it go to their hearts.

We had Volunteer Leader Training (we’re working on a catchier name) last night.

It was our first time having this meeting. I wanted a format to pour into some of the volunteers who pour so much into Elevation.
Larry Brey did a great job setting it up (complete with pipe and drape… of course!)
And I poured it all out last night.
Everything.
I didn’t hold anything back, and I talked for an hour 15.

It was one of those times when I could perceive the manifest presence of God as He spoke directly to the souls of people. I could see God penetrating hearts when I looked into the eyes of those 70 leaders.

You may think I’m being melodramatic or super spiritual. I’m telling you, it was a holy time. Sometimes God just rests in a place, in a moment, in the midst of His people, and He did last night.

Highlight of the night: Chunks cried! He’s denying it, but there are just too many witnesses, he won’t get away with it. Yes, Amy, your husband cried. Quivering lip. Moist eyes. Definitely crossed the line and it was official: He cried.
(Chunks is our Executive Pastor, and I asked him to stand up and talk about trusting God in faith to help me start this church, and what it has meant to him, and whether it was worth it. And that’s when he cried.)

Excitement levels here in the office are at an all time high.
We’re pumped about the next 2 weeks… The Sound.

Jacked about the live recording on the 11th.
(If you can get to Charlotte on the Feb. 11th at 7pm, come out and join us!)

And we’re ready to Bring Sexy Back (there may be a leisure suit involved at some point. Stay on your toes.) on Feb. 18th.
Our funnest series yet. (My spell check is telling me funnest isn’t a word. But we all know it is.)

Oh yeah, go check out Tonia’s blog. Good stuff.

Finally, I’m thankful to have our newest staff member, Lori Black, on board. Lori will be my assistant, which means she will run my life, keep my to-do-list current, tell people no, serve my family, make sure I never run out of Diet Coke, and get me home earlier.
She’ll also be running this blog.
Welcome Lori!

This Sunday I’m casting vision like a madman. I will probably spit and turn red.
Bring friends.
It’s gonna be loud!

Every Tuesday and Thursday our staff starts the morning off together with prayer.

And almost every time we do, I look the staff in the eyes and say something like: “Can you believe we get to do this?”

I mean a couple of things when I say that:

1. Can you believe we get to be a part of a church like Elevation? A church we love? A church that’s growing, not just numerically, but in favor, influence, and effectiveness…

2. Can you believe the freedom to innovate and dream and imagine that we have as staff members at a church like this? Some staff members in other churches this morning are drawing up a battle plan for how they’re going to convince the deacon board that changing the scent of the air fresheners in the bathroom is not a violation of Hebrews 13:8.
We’re busy trying to book the horn players for the Motown medley to kick off our Bringing Sexy Back series.

3. Can you believe that we, as staff members, make our living advancing the Gospel? That’s like getting paid to eat!
We could be working in coal mines. Or in jobs we hate, at least.

Elevation, your staff is privileged to serve you. When we go into staff meeting in a minute, you can rest assured that this staff leads with honor. We don’t take it for granted. We pour every ounce of energy into the task. Every day.
Thanks for making it a joy for us to lead you, according to Hebrews 13:17.

I can’t believe we get to do this!

For all of you who took me up on the challenge to pray extra hard for services today… I bring you 2 highlights… the fruit of your labor:

1. 20 people gave their lives to Jesus for the first time today!
2. 148 people showed up for our Newcomers Lunch, and most walked away plugged into volunteer roles.

Wow!

Don’t underestimate the power of authoritative, faith-filled, audacious, belligerent prayer.

Clayton brought it hard today! Good shot Bishop! We love ya!

I’d say we’ve got some accelerated velocity heading into the One Year Anniversary festivities. Get ready.

Thanks again for praying everyone.

By the way, meeting people who have given their lives to Christ in the last few weeks at Newcomers Lunch today gave me chills. It always does.

Now get ready for The Sound… more details on the way!