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!

Glenn Weekley made 'em count

Just got a call from my wife a few hours ago. She told me that Bro. Glenn Weekley, the beloved pastor of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, TN, has passed away. He was only 59 years old. But he made those 59 years count. God used him to touch thousands of lives, and now he gets to party in heaven where there is no sickness or pain.


Please pray for his family and church this week. To read more about Bro. Glenn and his ministry, please go to http://www.firstbaptisthendersonville.com/.

And follow Bro. Glenn's example: Make your years count!

Community Group Projects

This summer, our community groups @ PCC have been reaching out in the community as part of our P.E.A.C.E. Plan. Below are a few pictures. For more pictures and stories, come and check out "Show & Tell Sunday" this coming Sunday (Sept 9)!

One group making food bags for those who have HIV/AIDS:

Another group feeding hundreds of parents and children at a "Back to School Night" at a local elementary school:

It was like 105 degrees that day, and Jeremiah and Dan are sweating like they stood next to a grill or something: