Monday, June 30, 2008

David Platt

Yesterday me and the girls took in a service at Brookhills Church in Birmingham, Alabama. David Platt is the Senior Pastor. He's only 29 years old. You read that right. He's ONLY 29!

But if you think age matters, you need to hear this guy speak. God has gifted this young man with the voice of a prophet. Yesterday he concluded a series titled: "attachment: The Gospel and our Families" with a message on one of the most difficult subjects any pastor can tackle, "The Gospel and Homosexuality."

Here are a few thoughts about David's message.

* He spoke with humility and compassion, aware that countless families have been touched by this very issue.

* His message was intellectually informed. His research was thorough and excellent.

* His message was powerful and prophetic. I left the service feeling as if I had just heard a "prophetic word" from one of God's servant's. His message went beyond pointing out someone's sin "out there," and dealt with the sin in my own heart.

* His message pointed me back to Jesus.

* His message pointed me back to the gospel.

* His message reminded me that all sin usually involves some kind of problem in the area of my worship.

If you've never heard David speak, I encourage you to check him out. Downloads of his messages are available on the Brookhills website.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

HEALER

A friend of mine just shot me an email to let me know that he is praying for my Dad and continuing to believe God for Dad's healing.

He also sent me a link to a testimony and song that ministered incredible grace and encouragement to my life.

Regardless of what's going on in your life, check out the following links. Let God minister. Thank Him that He really is OUR HEALER.

Click HERE for the testimony.

Click HERE for the Scripture and song.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

TWO IMPORTANT PRAYER REQUESTS


UPDATE ON DAD
Last Monday, June 23 after a full day of a2 related work; me, Janet and the girls loaded up and took the 3.5 hour trek up to Dad and Mom’s house in TN. It was awesome to hang out with Dad and Mom for a few days.

Dad is doing great mentally. His attitude is upbeat and positive. He’s just as sarcastic as ever when it comes to “one-liners” with Mom. We really enjoyed getting to spend a couple of days with the family.

Dad is pretty weak. He has some difficulty getting around. But all in all, he’s doing well.

It’s important to point out, the doc’s report still hasn’t changed. But we are continuing to believe God for a miracle. A God-sized miracle.

Thanks so much for all of your emails, thoughts and prayers related to Dad. God has proven Himself to be so faithful in the past. We are trusting God to come through in a big way today.

Please continue to join us in prayer.


PRAYING FOR MCKAYLEE BORKLUND
Last Friday, June 20 I received this email from Jessica Borklund. As most of you know, Jessica and Stephen’s baby, McKaylee was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. This family has exhibited incredible grace throughout this difficult time. Let’s continue to lift them to God in prayer. Here’s Jessica’s email:

“I just wanted to ask you to continue in prayer with us for sweet little McKaylee. We have made the move up here to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. The doctors have told us that McKaylee has less than a 50% chance of survival and her odds of beating this cancer and overcoming the tumor are small. We are devastated at this news, but still believing in our awesome God for an awesome miracle. McKaylee is being admitted to the hospital here tonight and will start her first round of chemotherapy tomorrow afternoon. It will be 12-15 months worth of chemo for her here at St. Jude's and it will prove to be a very challenging time for all of us. Please lift her up and plead with Christ to heal this precious little girl. We are exhausted and have been worn extremely thin on all fronts; spiritually, emotionally and physically. Thank you for continuing to support and encourage us during this time. Also, I wanted to share this info with you so hopefully you can spread the word about this on your end. Thanks for your time!” ~Jessica Borklund~

I also received this email from someone who is organizing a benefit for McKaylee. I hope you’ll plan on participating. Here’s the email:

“Hi, my name is Misty Alexander and I work for Grifols PlasmaCare in Birmingham Al. I have kept up with McKaylee thru Stephen since the beginning and we have been trying to come up with a way that we could help your family. On July 19th and 20th we are going to hold a Walk-a-thon at UAB track to raise money for little McKay lee. We are teaming up with St. McKay lee to make this possible. While we know that all donations raised by corporate sponsors will have to go to St. Judes, there are a lot of personal donations and sponsors and all of those donations will come straight to your family.

We just wanted your family to know that your in our thoughts and prayers and also to let you know what was going on in case of anybody else you know may want to just come out and support McKaylee on her day. Anyone who may want to walk is more than welcome to come and join us they can just give myself or Trisa Bender a call at 205-322-2400.

God bless your family and we are all praying for McKaylee.”


Please continue to join us in praying for McKaylee’s healing. Let’s also lift the entire family to God in prayer. We’ll try to keep you updated with additional information.

VIVA LA VIDA

On Tuesday, while in TN, we also got to spend time with my brother Stephen and his family. Stephen is TRUE COUNTRY. In fact, because he’s so much bigger than me, I think I’ll just call him BIG COUNTRY.

God has blessed this guy. God has blessed his business. God has given him a neat family. God has blessed him with a beautiful house. Best yet, God has given Him a gift of hospitality. He loves entertaining family and friends. I mean, he LOVES IT!

So, Tuesday morning he prepared breakfast for Dad, Mom and our whole family. We ate breakfast. Swam in his pool. Then he got out the toys. A Polaris Razor. It’s a four wheeler on steroids. The thing will fly. For the better part of the day, the girls jumped in one after another and I took them “four wheeling” over a bunch of dirt trails in TN.

The longer the day went on, the more confident I got... Finally, Chelsea got in the four wheeler. It was time to teach the almost twenty-year-old that her Dad was still wild and fearless.

I gunned the Razor. I took her on the ride of her life, and everything was going great until I FLIPPED the four wheeler. That’s right! I tried to take a turn a little too tight and rolled the Razor over on its side...

After getting over the panic of wondering whether Chels was hurt, and if she was, whether or not Janet would kill me... After the fear, I could hear Chels laughing... Laughing... Belly laughing...

Yep. She was fine. On a less important note, I was too. We both walked away with no broken bones, bruises or burns. Only a bruised ego from all the “digs” I got when the family found out what I had managed to do.

When we finally made it back to Stephen’s, he had prepared some amazing fajitas that we all enjoyed, while we laughed and talked about life and growing up in TN.

My time in TN reminded me of a few things:

* I love my family. God has given me a great Dad and Mom and some awesome brothers. I love them.
* I love my wife and kids. I love laughing with them until it hurts. I love getting to do this adventure with them.
* I love LIFE. I wouldn’t choose to flip a Razor in a million years, but today me and Chels have a memory that we’ll be talking about for a few decades. I hope I can always LIVE LIFE to the full.
* I need to cultivate the gift of HOSPITALITY. My brother Stephen may be the best at hospitality there is. After flipping his new Razor and breaking the rear axle, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “No big deal. That’s why it’s under warranty. Let’s eat.” Somehow Stephen knows that what counts is relationships, not stuff. I need to remember this more often. “Thanks Little Brother for reminding me of what matters most.”

PRAYING FOR BIG THINGS

The last few months have been quite an adventure. Twelve months...two years...or ten years ago, me and Janet would have never dreamt we would be where we are today... In our early forties, three kids – one in college, one in high school and one in third grade – planting a NEW CHURCH in the city of Birmingham. But here we are...and WE LOVE IT!

I haven’t always been able to say that... For months I earnestly prayed that God would allow me to experience the “freedom” of a fresh start in some place desperately needing a life-giving church... I’ve come to believe that God has let me know – THIS IS THE PLACE. THIS IS IT!!!

That doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. CHURCH PLANTING is not without its challenges. It requires MORE FAITH than I’ve ever exercised. I’m not certain I’ve got it... (In fact, I could just be certifiably insane...) But I really BELIEVE God wants to do something amazing and unique in BHM.

Here’s THE SCOOP about where we are right now related to the POSSIBLE LAUNCH SITE for a2 Church. Even though our negotiations with the management team that oversees the facility have been very positive, the COST is still pretty substantial for a church that really doesn’t have a “financial history.”

Please PRAY that God will give us wisdom, insight and direction. Also, please PRAY that God provide financial partners for this new ministry. One of my MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES at this point in time related to a2 Church is attempting to raise SUPPORT and AWARENESS for the new church plant.

We’re operating by a few principles:

1. First of all, we don’t want to BORROW anything when it comes to launching a2. We’re believing God to “supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
2. Second, I’m convinced that God will usually show you WHAT you’re supposed to do before He shows you HOW you’re going to do it. Right now, we don’t really have a clue as to how God is going to come through with the resources required for the “build out,” equipment or operating budget.
3. Third, our present need is WAY BIGGER than our current resources. WAY BIGGER. WAY, WAY BIGGER. WAY, WAY,WAY BIGGER.
4. Fourth, we don’t want to BEG or PRESSURE our constituents for resources. As a pastor, I hate doing it. As attendees, you hate experiencing it. Right? Right. If God speaks to you to give, GIVE. If God doesn’t speak, DON’T GIVE. Simple as that.
5. Fifth, I’m totally convinced that God is FAITHFUL and ABLE! Compared to OUR GREAT GOD, our present need is “small potatoes.”

God has given a2 an incredible Board of Directors. I thank God for the four guys and one gal who serve on the board. They are incredible people who bring a lot of skill, insight and wisdom to the table.

We’ll be meeting via Conference Call this Monday night, June 30 and we really need God to lead us in what we should do about the proposed Launch Site for a2. We don’t want to “blow it” right out of the gate. On the one hand, we don’t want to be so cautious that we can’t trust God to do something HUGE. On the other hand, we don’t want to be so presumptuous that we go out and do something completely STUPID.

So, would you please pray.

The monthly budget numbers we’re “crunching” are pretty substantial. It will require God’s activity and involvement.

We’re also exploring other possible options that might exist. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned. It would be terrible to sign on the dotted line of the lease, walk away and a day later get the nagging feeling, “Oh, I wish we had...” (You can fill in the blank... You’ve been there before...)

So, we’re praying and asking God for a miracle. Please join us. Thanks IN ADVANCE for your partnership in prayer. I’ll update you on the outcome.

UPDATE - LAUNCH TEAM MEETING II

Last Sunday evening we had an incredible turn out for our second Launch Team Meeting. I’m blown away by the people God seems to be attracting and gathering for the a2 Launch. Wow!

We met in the proposed Launch Site for a2. A lot of people worked really, really hard to make this happen. Hats off to Clay. Thanks for the fans and taking the lead on clean up. The fans were a life-saver and the place looked a whole lot better than it did on Friday! Thanks, BIG TIME! Hats off to TR, Ahntuan, Sunnish, PJ and Ron for the help on clean up and set up... You guys were amazing. Thanks.

Thanks to all of YOU. I know, the building was incredibly HOT! I mean, REAL HOT. Thanks to all of you who ENDURED THE HEAT and, in spite of it, you were PUMPED UP about the meeting and God’s apparent activity.

For those of you who didn’t get to make the meeting, we talked about the possible LAUNCH SITE for a2. The site holds incredible possibilities:

* 11,400 square foot commercial real estate space located in Vestavia City Center on 600 Montgomery Highway (US Highway 31).
* Within walking distance of Rave Theaters, Starbucks Coffee, Panera Bread, Dale’s Restaurant, Moe’s, and more.
* Location is only 4.5 miles from downtown. About 4.5 miles from I-459. 2.5 miles from Highway 280, and 4.2 miles from I-65.
* Approximately 30,000 cars pass directly in front of this location every day.
* More than 141,688 people live within a 10-minute drive and more than 243,503 live within a 15-minute drive of this potential site.

This space holds some incredible potential and would give us the opportunity to provide a “unique ministry” to the city of Birmingham.

We talked about the possibilities this kind of facility would provide. For instance:

IMAGINE walking through the front doors of a2 and when you walk inside you feel like you’re in a good friend’s living room... You can smell the coffee. You see the faces of people who look like you. There are several couches, chairs, tables and plenty of room for you to “hang out” with your friends.

IMAGINE vibrant weekend worship services and people streaming out of a2 “hitting” the restaurants in the Vestavia City Center “pumped up” about the love of Jesus Christ...

IMAGINE a Friday night coffee house and concert venue for young adults... Imagine a weekly midweek worship event for students... Imagine week day classes for women... Quality areas for infants, toddlers and children...

IMAGINE offices and a life-giving ministry center right in the middle of the marketplace... That’s just a glimpse of the potential this site holds...

After talking about the POSSIBLE LAUNCH SITE, we also talked about the importance of the church being a PARTNER with believers in the process of EVANGELISM. We really want a2 Church to be a church where people get pumped up about taking their unchurched, non-believing friends. To use a phrase I heard a few years ago: we want a2 Church to be “a safe place where people can hear a dangerous message about Jesus Christ.”

Here are some thoughts we presented to the a2 Launch Team about the church as a partner with believers in evangelism:

1. Outreach / evangelism was never intended by God to be a “solo adventure.” God designed the church to be a strategic partner with you in reaching the unchurched with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. When the local church is at its best; it’s the most powerful, persuasive and life-changing movement on the planet. A local church “hitting on all cylinders” disarms barriers to belief and opens people’s hearts to the gospel.
3. Whenever the church gathers, organizes and strategizes around “official Jesus business”, Jesus shows up in its midst (Matthew 18:19-20).
4. The “come and see principle” is an effective method of reaching people with the gospel (John 1:40-41; John 1:43-48; Luke 5:27-32; John 4:29-30).

Here’s a2’s SIMPLE STRATEGY for reaching people with the gospel. It’s not original. I heard Andy Stanley share this years ago. But it’s really effective:

1. INVEST in unchurched people. Love them unconditionally. Let them know they matter to you.
2. INVITE them to experience what God is doing in your life and through your local church.

Again, it’s not “ROCKET SCIENCE,” but it’s extremely effective. When we really begin to INVEST in the lives of people, opportunities will arise for us to INVITE them to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That’s basically what we covered at the last a2 LAUNCH TEAM MEETING.

We concluded the meeting by challenging those who feel called to be part of the a2 Launch Team with two questions:

1. Are you willing to invest and invite? Are you building relationships with unchurched people and looking for opportunities to invite them to experience a personal relationship with Jesus?
2. Are you willing to serve with your gifts, talents and abilities so that a2 Church can be a powerful, persuasive and life-changing movement where the unchurched will encounter the very presence of God?

These are important questions. I hope you’ll take time to prayerfully consider them...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

BACK IN THE GROOVE and a2

We’re so excited about the breakthroughs we recently had related to a “worship space”...just as we were heading out of town and even during our time away. God has an incredible sense of humor and “timing.” It was amazing how most of “the action” on the meeting space really started just as we were heading out of town and could only stand back and “watch.” Yea, God!

Here’s the update:

* All of the “anchor stores” in Vestavia City Center have signed off on the a2 launch site.

* AIG Baker (the Realty Company that manages Vestavia City Center) presented a2 with a lease agreement on Friday, June 13.

* We’ve asked a lawyer friend to examine the lease to make certain that the interests of a2 are being protected.

* I’ll be communicating with a2’s Initial Board of Directors later this week to present the lease, along with additional options.

* If changes or “tweaks” are recommended by our lawyer and board regarding the lease, those changes or “tweaks” will be presented to AIG Baker.

* I spent time yesterday with an individual who develops and designs site plans. We walked the proposed worship space and launch site and dreamed about the possibilities that exist. They are working on a site plan and recommending space allotment.

* Ultimately, if things continue to move forward in a positive direction, we will begin interior physical improvements to the facility ASAP, moving towards our ultimate August 17 launch date.

* Your HELP will be essential. In order to lower cost, we’ll be doing as much as possible with the gifts, talents, abilities, energy and involvement of the people who feel called to be a part of our “launch team” or just want to “lend a hand.” If you’re not scared of sweat, hard work and laughing until you almost cry, get ready for some great times, hard work and incredible fun... We’ll keep you posted...


a2 LAUNCH TEAM MEETING
THIS SUNDAY, June 22, 5:30 p.m.
Vestavia City Center
600 Montgomery Highway, Suite 208
Vestavia, AL
Proposed a2 Launch Site

We had previously announced a “preview service” for this Sunday AM, June 22... Due to the lengthy process related to securing a meeting space for a2, this Sunday, June 22 we will hold our 2nd LAUNCH TEAM MEETING at 5:30. The meeting will take place at the Worship Center and Launch Site for a2 Church.

You’ll get your “first glimpse” of the worship center. I want you to see the physical space “as is.” The interior is a “mess.” I’m being kind... It’s an absolute “mess.” But every time I walk through this space, my heart beats fast as I think about the possibilities...

This Sunday we’ll gather for a time of prayer; dreaming about the possibilities; planning for ministries like Children’s Ministry, Hospitality, Guest Services, Worship, etc.; and hopefully some inspiration...

This meeting will be incredibly IMPORTANT! I hope that you’ll make plans to attend.

PS: Because of our meeting location, we will NOT provide CHILD CARE for this week’s Launch Team Meeting. Children are welcome to attend. In fact, it could be exciting for some elementary children, middle school and high school students. But because this space is very “raw” and unkempt, presently it’s not a suitable place for preschool children to play... Parents, you’ll need to make your own call on this one...

After our meeting, we’ll walk down to Panera Bread, Moe’s or Starbucks for dinner and / or coffee...

By the way, for those of you who are partnering with a2 financially, you can continue to mail your contributions to the following address:

a2 Church
PO Box 661556
Birmingham, AL 35266

Thanks SO MUCH for your faithfulness to God and partnership with a2 Church.

25 YEARS IN THE MAKING

We had an incredible time celebrating 25 years of marriage! We laughed, talked, thought about the last 25 years and dreamed about the next 25...

All I can say is, “I am a BLESSED guy.”

Most of you’ve heard this story. I met my wife when I was ten and she was eight... We got married when I was just out of high school. That’s absolutely crazy. There’s no reason a couple of “kids” like us should have ever made it for 5 months, much less 25 years... We were young, naïve and STUPID – especially ME. One factor made all the difference in the world: GRACE. God’s amazing, incredible and extravagant GRACE. I can honestly say, “God is sooooooo GOOOOOOOOOOD!!!”

We loved getting to spend some time away! We had an absolute BLAST. I hope we don’t wait another 25 years before doing something like this again.

With that said, it’s great to be back in BHM and back in the groove.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

BIG WEEK - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!!!

Next Tuesday, June 10 me and Janet will celebrate 25 years of marriage! Wow! Time flies while you’re having fun, having kids, doing life, church and ministry! (Yep! That's us a long, long time ago..)

I am so thankful for the grace God poured out upon me by bringing Janet into my life. Her love, faithfulness, friendship and partnership in ministry has made an incredible difference in me. We’ve been doing life and ministry together for about 28 years... Married for 25 of those years. God has blessed us with three great girls: Chelsea (19), Caley (16) and Camryn (6).

We’ve experienced some setbacks, difficulties, challenges and pain. But we’ve also experienced grace, joy, friendship, love, and laughter.

You can bet, we’re not celebrating 25 years because of anything good on Chris Goins’ part... We’re not even hitting the 25 year mark because of my amazing wife; even though I agree, “She’s the bomb” and a big part of it. We’re celebrating 25 years because of GOD – His love, grace, mercy and FAITHFULNESS. He has been the glue that has held our marriage together. He has been the “secret ingredient” that has made our marriage work. He has been the DEFINING DIFFERENCE.

Later today, Janet and I are heading out of town for about nine days. We’ll be taking time to talk, reflect, laugh, have a boat load of fun and just be together. The cell phones will be OFF! Very limited access to email. (My wife is smiling... I’m addicted to my MacBook.) The kids are staying home... (I’m smiling...)

Of all the incredible blessings God has sent my way, I am SO THANKFUL for my amazing wife...

We look forward to time away, and we look forward to being back in BHM – refreshed, revived and ready to see God do some amazing stuff through a2!

BIG NEWS - POSSIBLE LAUNCH LOCATION!!!


a2 Launch Location
After an extensive time of prayer, a thorough investigation of every possible scenario, tons of phone calls, several miles, lots of dead ends, and even more prayer; it “appears” that we are near the end of our search for the launch location of a2 Church.

Yesterday all of the “anchor” stores in the Vestavia Hills City Center gave the “green light” for a2 to secure 11,400 square feet of prime retail space to house our offices and worship center. This space will allow room for a nursery, children’s area, coffee and fellowship area and worship space; all within walking distance of Starbucks, Panera Bread, Dale’s, Moe’s, Rave Theaters, City Diner, Stein Mart, etc. Unlike an arrangement with a local school that would only provide space for Sunday morning activities, this location would be available to a2 seven days a week, 365 days a year...

The possible location of a2 Church is on 700 Montgomery Highway (Highway 31) and is part of the Vestavia Hills City Center. This location is only 4.5 miles from downtown Birmingham. It’s only about 4.5 miles from I-459, 2.5 miles from Highway 280, and 4.2 miles from I-65... 30,000 cars pass directly in front of this location every day... More than 141,688 people live within a 10-minute drive and more than 243,503 live within a 15-minute drive of this potential site...

It’s important to note that this is NOT a “done deal.” We still have a couple of additional “hurdles” to cross.

Today we will need to secure the approval of the president of the management company that oversees this space. This is crucial. If this occurs, the management company will prepare the necessary lease documents which must be reviewed by lawyers representing a2... It is important to make certain that the interests of a2 are protected in this transaction...

Upon receiving a recommendation from the lawyers representing a2 Church, I will then present the final version of the lease agreement to a2’s Initial Board of Directors.

We are EXCITED about this possibility. However, we are also DILIGENTLY PRAYING that God’s will be accomplished... Should this not be the location where God wants to plant a2, we want this door to tightly close and THE LOCATION that represents God’s ultimate desire for a2 to become clear. Please join us in prayer today...

A series of “small miracles” have already occurred related to this location. We firmly believe that God will reveal His plan and purpose and that His WILL will ultimately be accomplished.


a2 LAUNCH TEAM MEETING
Sunday, June 22, 5:30 PM
Location: a2 Church Future Site (700 Montgomery Highway – Vestavia City Center)

We had previously announced a “preview service” for Sunday AM, June 22... Due to the difficulties related to securing a meeting space for a2, on June 22 we will hold our 2nd LAUNCH TEAM MEETING at 5:30 in the afternoon. Hopefully, this LAUNCH TEAM MEETING will be held at the Future Worship Center for a2 Church.

We’ll gather for a time of prayer; dreaming; planning for ministries like Children’s Ministry, Hospitality, Guest Services, Worship, etc.; and inspiration... This meeting will be incredibly IMPORTANT! Please make plans to be present.


a2 PRAYER NEEDS
In the next few days, as we secure worship space for a2, preparations for the launch of a2 will kick into high gear! As we move forward, there are some definite and major needs:

* Lease Payments (Most likely we will be called upon to make the first and last month payments of the lease right up front).
* Remodel / Build Out (This space will require some major improvements and renovations. Finances will be required.)
* Furniture / Equipment (Everything from chairs, staging, sound equipment, lighting, nursery equipment, children’s ministry equipment, etc. will be necessary for the start up. We are starting from “Square One.”)
* Signage (Appropriate signage to direct people to our location.)
* Promotion / Advertising
* Outreach / Evangelism

a2 will need some major financial breakthroughs and blessings over the next few weeks as we move forward towards our August 17 Launch Date. Should God lead you to be involved financially with a2 Church, you can “snail mail” your contributions to the following address:

a2 Church
PO Box 661556
Birmingham, AL 35266

Thanks SO MUCH for your faithfulness to God and partnership with a2 Church.