Former Soviet Union

Over the last year, the former Soviet Union has been on my heart. One reason is because my wife and I are adopting from Russia. The former Soviet Union had never been on my radar screen until we began this adoption process. Recently, I've been talking with missionaries in Russia about what God is doing in Eastern Europe. And on November 8-9, I'll be attending a "Volunteer Summit" here in Nashville, and I'm so excited about hearing more about how God could use Peace Community Church to reach those who have never experienced the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

If you'd like to hear more about what God is doing around the world, specifically in Central and Eastern Europe, then I invite you check out the following websites: http://www.hope4cee.org/index.htm

http://www.imb.org/main/lead/page.asp?StoryID=5229&LanguageID=1709

Here are a few Bible verses I'm committing to memory over the next couple of weeks:

PSALM 67:2

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.

PSALM 2:8

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

Catalyst

Last Thursday and Friday, I attended a church leaders conference in Atlanta called Catalyst. Although I wish the Braves were still playing so that I could have squeezed in a game, at least a friend and I had a chance to eat at Fuddruckers on the way down.

Anyway, I thought the conference was pretty good. I had been praying for God to teach me and encourage me during the conference, and He answered my prayer. Here's what God taught me:

• As a leader, I must use my position and power for the benefit of others. Jesus modeled this for us in John 13, where the disciples were stunned by His humility. Is anybody really stunned by my humility? When I fail to follow Christ's example, I'm saying that I'm greater than Jesus. (from Andy Stanley's talk)
• The people I am leading need recognition and relevance. They want to know they are making a difference, especially when it comes to making an eternal difference in people's lives. (from Patrick Lencioni's talk)
• Jeremiah 1:4-19--This passage was the most encouraging part of the conference for me. Francis Chan, one of the key speakers, challenged me by asking: "Do you really believe God put you in this position (as pastor/church leader), or are you just running a church?" I left the conference on Friday encouraged by God's words to Jeremiah.
• If I want God's blessing on my life, I must get in on God's agenda. (from Rick Warren's talk). This principle has been foundational from the very start of PCC. It helps drive everything we do--from small groups to the P.E.A.C.E. Plan.
• I also left the conference with this powerful quote from Francis Chan: "If Jesus had a church in Simi Valley, mine would be bigger. People would leave his church to attend mine because I call for an easier commitment."

I'm still trying to digest this one! I think Chan's words are true, but it's so tough to call people to the same level of commitment that Jesus expected. You always have people get mad at you personally, and it's a challenge to help them understand that the Christian life is not about following the pastor's expectations. It's about denying self, taking up your cross daily, and following Christ (Luke 9:23).

Hangin' Out with My Nephew

My 4 year-old nephew (Luke) and I hung out a little bit this afternoon. First, I picked him up from school, and we went to Wal-Mart. There was a CD signing there, and we had a little "meet and greet" with The Oak Ridge Boys, Collin Raye, Bryan White, Teddy Gentry (from Alabama), Marty Raybon (from Shenandoah), and Rebecca Lynn Howard. Here's a picture of Luke and William Lee Golden of the Oaks (Luke calls him "Billy Lee")-

Here's a picture of Luke with Marty Raybon and Rebecca Lynn Howard:

After Wal-Mart, I took him to Station Camp High School, where our church meets on Sunday mornings. The principal had to sign some paperwork for me, and he gave Luke a football! Next, I took Luke to the local LifeWay bookstore and bought him a VeggieTales toy. Then, we went to Dairy Queen.

It was a great few hours. You know, I've got a bunch of stuff to do. I've got books to read, sermons to write, small groups to organize, etc. I've got a lot to do between now and tomorrow afternoon before I leave for Atlanta's Catalyst Conference.

But it's worth it to take a few hours out of a busy schedule to spend time with my nephew. On the way back to his house, I missed the turn. I've been to Luke's house many times, but for some reason, I missed the turn. Luke realized what I did and asked me, "Did you go past our house?" I replied, "Yeah, I missed the turn. I don't know why, but I did." Luke said, "You just made a mistake." I smiled and then commented, "That's right. I made a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes, don't they?" As Luke nodded his head, I asked him: "Do you know the only person who never make a mistake?" He shook his head. I added, "Jesus Christ is the only person who never made a mistake."

I just couldn't pass up the teaching moment. Tonight, since my wife is out town, I'll catch up on some of the work I missed this afternoon. Today, the right thing for me to do was to invest in the next generation, specifically my 4 year-old nephew. To all of you out there, I say: Work. Work hard. But make sure to make time for the next generation. They need us. They need spiritual leaders they can look up to. The Bible says in Psalm 78:4:

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Commercial for Family Ties

There is always something or someone crying out for our commitment. When trying to balance the family life with all the other demands of life (work, soccer, football, hobbies, etc.), there just doesn’t seem to be enough time.

I struggle with this in my own life. Yes, I’m a pastor. So because I’m a pastor, my work is church work. Even church work causes there to be some tension in the O’Neal household. And I’ve been guilty of working too much at the expense of quality time with my wife. Sports are a source of tension. I want to watch the Braves, but my wife doesn’t care to watch them EVERY night. Thankfully (I guess), the Braves are pitiful, and I don’t have to worry about this tension until next April. Somehow, I don’t think Carrie and I are the only ones who deal with these tensions. But what do we do when our families are pulled in so many directions? Is it possible to have a healthy marriage if you don’t spend quality time together?

This week, we kick-off the I Love the 80's series with "FAMILY TIES." Tune in this Sunday!

How Strong Are You?

There's a pastor out in Texas who I really admire and respect. His name is Bob Roberts, pastor of Northwood Church and author of two inspiring books: Transformation and Glocalization.

I read his blog regularly as well. In his blog today, he talked about the importance of disciple-making (leading people in the community to become committed followers of Christ). As I was reading, he touched on something that I think is crucial in understanding Christianity in the 21st Century. He said:

"A church is only as strong . . . as the disciples."

In other words, a church is not a building or a place. It's a group of Christ-followers. SO, the health of the church depends on the commitment level of the Christ-followers. And this commitment level will affect all aspects of life: work, family, marriage, other relationships.

How strong are you? Who are the others around you, helping you to connect with God and others?

Big D and Bubba

"Big D and Bubba" are popular radio personalities based here in Nashville. Their show, however, is heard around the country, from Seattle to Key West. Every Friday, they have a pastor come and pray for all the football games that will be played that evening. Folks, this is not Christian talk radio. This is mainstream country radio! I don't know much about these guys, but I'm impressed by what they're doing.

Earlier this week, their producer asked me to come and tape something for tomorrow's show. I was so nervous, but excited! So this morning, I went to the WSIX studio downtown and taped a little prayer for the "Big D and Bubba Show." What an incredible God-given opportunity--to pray on country music radio for thousands of people to hear across the country.

In my prayer, I didn't hold back. I prayed for students, coaches, and schools around our country. And I closed the prayer by thanking God for His love and for sending His Son Jesus Christ to forgive us from sin, to give us purpose in this life, and to give us eternal life. And I prayed in the holy, life-changing name of Jesus! I'm just praying they don't edit it out!

Tune in to the "Big D and Bubba Show" tomorrow around 5:00 central if you're interested. I think you can listen online: http://www.wsix.com/pages/listenlive.html

Plans for this Sunday?

Do you have plans for this Sunday? This is BIG Sunday @ PCC, and we would love for you check it out (http://www.thebigsunday.com/). We're going to have a FREE lunch for everybody, we're going to give a little sneak preview of the I Love the 80's sermon series, and we're going to have some of the PCC kids sing a song or two. But do you know what I'm most excited about? Bob and Larry from the VeggieTales (pictured below) are going to be there. You can bet I'll get my picture made with them...You know you want to. Everybody's doing it!