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I thought the idea of using the chips to represent something that seems impossible to you was a good one.  What I didn’t realize is how meaningful it would be to people.

FYI, we asked people Sunday to take a woodchip and let it represent the impossible, and then pray about that issue or need in their life.  I then asked them to place the woodchip on the stump of the tree we had cut down the previous week - after they had reached a point of surrender.

I pass by this stump each day.  People have begun by placing the chips on the stump, and to my surprise, they are writing their “impossibles” on the chips. 

The one that touched my heart the most (so far): “Mommy and Daddy back together.”  That made me stop and pray for God to do the impossible for this child.

A packed weekend - four Passion Play performances, three worship services - great spirit through all.

We had 16 professions of faith through the Passion Play performance.  Well over 20 families who indicated they were not churched.  Attendance was over 2,400.  Great performances by cast and crew.  Hats off to Robbie Miller who really stepped up to play Jesus - a very demanding role.  Also great job by the set crew - hands down the best set we’ve ever designed and built.  PLUS, I got to play an inebriated host for the wedding at Cana - and several people told me I was a convincing drunk.  Wonder what they were saying?

Normally the Sunday of Passion Play weekend is low energy - but not this Sunday- lots of positive response - several people have told me the wood chips helped them to focus on what they needed to do next.  One lady even showed me her wood chip - she had written a very important character issue she was focusing on.  A husband told me his wife suggested he pick up several wood chips.  I have noticed several chips around the stump.  Be praying that God will help you know how to release the “NOT ME” attitude. 

I am loving this series!  I believe that God can do the impossible - I’ve seen in my life and I want you to see it in yours!

This Sunday I’m preaching on one girl who refused to believe the “Not Me” label. 

How often do you let others define you, instead of God?

It’s a busy weekend with Passion Play and Holidays, but make time to hear from God this weekend.

God has impressed several things on my heart about leadership lately (see my post about singing in the wrong key).  I was reading in Nehemiah 3-6 this morning and this is what stood out:

1.  To do something great (like re-build a wall), everyone has to do their part.

2.  Every section of the wall had to have a stand up, turn to leader.

3.  Never let opposition keep you from God given mission.

4.  Sometimes you have to go slower to be wise and on guard against those who would undermine you - both outside the group and inside the group.

Think any of this applies to ADBC?

I blew it.

It all started when Jock told me we needed to have an older guy, with a big voice, to sing a solo in the Passion Play.  It was the older guy part that I had the most trouble with - I knew it would be a stretch to play that role!  But I said yes.

He didn’t tell me that this part would require starting with out music and hitting the right key.  I’ve practiced, but not enough.  During last night’s dress rehearsal, I started my solo, missed a few notes, and then waited for the track to start.  It did.  I was in the wrong key.  I couldn’t adjust.  And since I’m the pastor, everyone else followed my and my big mouth - er, voice.  We all sang this wrong.

What did I learn from this?  People follow the leader.  You need to be right.  I wasn’t prepared.  And I blew it for dozens of people. 

I think I need to go practice.

This weekend, we hope to have between 2,500 and 3,000 people come to the Sumter Passion Play.  If you ask most of them, they would tell you they are Christians.  Many could tell you where they go to church.  Many of these who are self-identified Christians, have no real connection with God.  To use the right theological term, they’re lost. These are some of their thoughts:

1. “My granddaddy was a preacher, and my daddy was a deacon - of course I’m a Christian.” In the South, and in Sumter especially, some folks think being a Christian is their birthright.   Jesus dealt with people like this continously.  Here’s the truth:  every person is responsible for their own spiritual journey and choices.  It really is your decision. 

2.  “I go to church every time the doors are open.”  I go out to my garage every night to feed the dogs.  Does that make me a car?  Or a dog?  Following Jesus is about transformation of life, shaping of character.  God’s saving power brings change - is there any evidence in your life?
3.  “I believe in God and Jesus, but church if full of hypocrites.” Here’s the reality:  every person I have heard use that excuse is hiding something.  It may be a private sin they don’t want to deal with.  They may be ashamed of something in the past.  They were hurt but don’t want to admit it.  Christians need the church, imperfect as it may be, because church is where we grow our faith.  If ADBC isn’t the church for you, that’s fine - of the 200+ churches in the county, there is one for you.

4. “I know I’m not spiritually right, but I am too embarassed to admit it.”  If you grow up your whole life knowing the church answers, but you realize that you never had a real spiritual experience, you might feel so much shame, you’d rather fake it, than make it real.

So what can ADBC offer people: 

1.  The true story of Jesus.  Jesus had to deal with religious people who were out of touch with God.  Passion Play gives us a chance to tell the true story and give the Holy Spirit an environment in which to move.

2.  We can be real.  People who are trying to pretend their way through faith are drawn to realness.  Let’s not pretend to be put together, but talk about real ways God helps us on our journey.

3.  We can love people where they are.  Just because someone is out of touch, doesn’t mean our responsibility is over.  Love them anyway.

4.  We can give people a safe environment where they can see the gap in their own lives and the lives of real followers -and they can say, “I want what those people have.”

I’m praying Passion Play will be used by God to break through all kinds of spiritual barriers that people put up.

*Thanks to David Foster at davidfoster.tv who gave me idea for this form.

I’m in the Worship center, watching Passion Play rehearsal - it will be great! I’m working on PowerLunch for tomorrow.  The theme for Powerlunch this year is Shift into Gear - it’s all about finding the right gear for the right time of life.  My observation is that most people don’t know what to do with the gears of life.

My original topic this month was N- Neutral is for stopping bad behavior.  But after thinking about this, I’ve decided that N-Neutral is more about being in a decision making place.  Before we know which direction to go, we have to be in a place of tension - neutral.

I hope you’ll bring a friend to Powerlunch and join us as we learn the life principles of success. 

I admit I like preaching in jeans. Most Sundays I don’t because I don’t want to set up a stumbling block to anyone, but the video really called for it.

So, speaking of the video, how did you like it?  I need some feedback - is this a place for us to keep exploring - maybe not a regular thing, but every now and then?  Let me know by dropping a comment.  Even if I don’t post it, I’ll read it.

I also meant what I said about sending me a picture of your family.  I would love to be praying for your family in the coming year.  Send the cards to the church - 1305 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29150

I was touched by the number of people in every service who raised their hand, indicating there was something impossible they knew God wanted to do in their lives.  I am praying this will be a breakthrough month for you all.

Quick story - woman comes up to me after third service.  I know she has had a contentious relationship with her father, but through God’s grace, there has been some healing.  Her dad is coming to the Passion Play this week.  She told me, “I invited him and he accepted.  Amazing.  It’s like God has done the Impossible!”  We both laughed and smiled - because that’s what God does!