EdYoungBlog

LisaYoungBlog.com

Lisa is starting her own blog! That’s right. Now you’ll have a chance to connect with her and hear straight from her online – right here.

And, as she says, "as long as there is purpose," she’ll be giving you some phenomenal personal insights and perspectives on life from the viewpoint of a wife, mother, and woman on the frontlines of ministry.

Let the blogging begin!

The Next Generation

For the past three weeks I've had the chance to speak to the students of Fellowship Church - something I would challenge every lead pastor to do every now and then. It gives you an opportunity to connect with the next generation. It helps you get a read on the pulse of your students. And you will definitely catch some seriously contagious energy! Check out what I'm talking about:


 

 

 

 

 




 

3 Big Wednesdays

If you're in the 7th-12th grade; or maybe you have a student who is, remember what I said this weekend.

"Bring them to church!"

I can't wait to connect with them at 3 Big Wednesdays! Check it out...

Family Fun Fest '09

It's not just another big, church event. It's the event of the summer.

At Fellowship, we've always believed the family is something worth celebrating. That's why this weekend we're hosting the biggest event in recent memory - Family Fun Fest '09.

Maybe you have a family of four or forty. Maybe you’re an empty-nester or a newly married couple. Or maybe you consider your closest friends to be your family. Whatever the case, bring everyone you can with you. It's something you don't want to miss!

Summer - Blockbuster or Flop?

 (Guest post by Buddy Cremeans)

In the heat of the summer, visit any church in America and you would probably describe your encounter as a "lackluster experience" more than a "blockbuster experience." Not at Fellowship Church! Even the biggest critic couldn't argue their runaway smash summer success... At the Movies.

I had a suspicion the reviews were going to be good when we pulled into the parking lot of Fellowship's Miami campus to discover it was jam packed. Seriously, not a single space! The attendants kindly redirected us to a make shift grass parking lot and I immediately thought, "This is every pastor's dream! How can this be happening in the middle of the summer? Everybody is on vacation, right?"

Apparently not.

"And how can this be the same campus I visited two years ago when there was plenty of parking?"

Not any more.

You could instantly feel the movie buzz as my family and I walked onto the Miami campus. Blockbuster soundtrack anthems were amped outside, followed by the unmistakable aroma of popcorn popping that captured our senses. We were having a multisensory experience of creativity before we ever entered the church.

And what happened next? I burst out in laughter when I saw the entrance of the church. Everyone had to walk across the Red Carpet, which included a high-speed flash photographer, paparazzi style! Unbelievable!

Next, we were ushered off to find seats (none of those left either) to experience passionate worship and an unforgettable message woven seamlessly into the movie, "Gladiator." Now every time I see or hear about that movie I will think about Ed's message on betrayal.

"God's purposes are bigger than our perpetrators."

Thank you, Ed. I now understand why the parking lot was full. FC Miami's ingenuity and hospitality made everyone feel like a VIP. Thank you, Fellowship Church, for reminding us all of the privilege we have in playing a role in sharing the Gospel story!

A Quick Shout Out

When it comes to creativity, I think it's good to borrow ideas from other leaders. I think it's important. But I think it's even more important to give credit where credit is due. So I want to give a quick shout out to my good friend, Craig Groeschel. Every now and then, Craig and I will call or text just to bounce ideas off of one another.

I always say, "God gave you eyes, plagerize." Of course, I don't mean that literally. But I do think we need to look at the ideas from other leaders and use them within our own contexts. Over the next several weeks, I'll be talking more and more about this.

But that's one of the main reasons for CreativePastors.com. I want to help you bring as much creativity to your church as possible. And we're getting more and more leaders to contribute their resources to bring more and more creativity your way. No matter what size your church is; whether it's urban or rural, you'll find ideas that work for you.

And a while back, Craig brought up a phenomenal idea for a series - an idea that became At the Movies at Fellowship Church. For the past month, this series has been one of the most popular series we've ever done.

So thanks for the initial idea, Craig. We took what you had and put it through our own creative filter at Fellowship. And to give you a quick glimpse of the influence it's had, here's a snapshot from our Miami campus last weekend.

Thanks again, Craig. God used you more than you may ever know!

 

A story of surrender

This is an amazing story of surrender to our God, who is greater than anything we will ever face.

Ted Blair is the Senior Pastor of Livingway Church in Garland, TX. Please join Lisa and I in prayer for Ted, his wife and daughters, and their entire church. Check it out...

I'll see you... At the Movies

At the Movies - This July from Fellowship Church on Vimeo.

One year later

A year ago, Fellowship Church opened our very own camp - Allaso Ranch - a place where lives are changed! Check out the stories of these students' experience.

And if you haven't signed up your children for this year, don't miss out. There's still time...

Death by Process