I never knew being a pastor was a full contact sport before Sunday.
Baptizing over 200 people left my lower back and right bicep way more sore than any wrestling match or weightlifting program I’ve ever been a part of.
I’m still feeling it.
I love it.

A couple of times a year I do a devotion for 300 or so employees at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association here in Charlotte.
I rolled out there with a crew this morning, shared Isaiah 49:6, the verse I’m currently addicted to, and spent a couple of hours hearing about some cool projects and strategies they’ve got going on.

Afterward, I was riding home, talking with Chunks on the phone about a property we’re looking at, and remembering what a high and holy privilege it is to be a leader in God’s church.

The combination of being at the Billy Graham offices, still being sore and ecstatic from Sunday, praying over the possible near-future home of Elevation Central, and the thought of dozens more people who will be baptized at one of our campuses over the next couple of weeks overwhelmed me in a very positive way.

Think about it:
In the last 3 days, Elevation has baptized 209 adults, received a financial gift that is over 3x our current total weekly offering (!), and identified a possible facility that may enable us to have 4000 people in worship weekly at our campuses very soon.

I personally feel like I’m alive at the greatest time in human history.
There are more resources than ever before for the propagation of the Gospel.
The most innovative leaders in the history of our planet are alive right now, ready to be thrust into places of strategic importance for the Kingdom of God.

Further, there is no city I’d rather do ministry in than Charlotte, NC.
Yes, Charlotte is laden with pseudo-spiritual religiosity. But this is also a town with an enormous spiritual heritage and a rich Christian bloodline.
And increasing national importance.
I’m not going anywhere.

And today God has hit the refresh button on the vision he’s given us to dominate this city for Christ.
I know that kind of brash and bold plain speak turns some of you off.
No problem.
You can have prayer meetings for Sister Helen’s big toe and have committee meetings about generic vs. name brand spaghetti noodles for the Wednesday night supper all you want to.
As for me and this house, we’re taking over.
For the sake of Jesus and His Gospel.
In His power, and in His name.

We have no clue what we’re doing, but we’ve committed to keep on doing it!

Two hand touch ministry is a waste of time.
We’re fully invested in full contact spiritual leadership, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.