For some reason, everything seemed different this Sunday.
The vibe was different, the energy different, and the crowd.
It was a stellar day at The Ridge!
We had our first couple get up and walk out 3 minutes into the first song this week.
It was Sweet Child of Mine from GnR (we are in an 80s series!)
I hated seeing someone leave that soon into it, but that's just part of it.
In our minds, we wish what we do appeals to everyone, but truth is it doesn't.
It did teach me a lesson in how to present things.
Besides that the crowd was awesome!
They had some super energy and it showed during the music and the message!
The band was spot on Sunday as usual.
Sweet Child of Mine halfed with With or Without Your from U2
Freedom-Hillsong United
Run-Hillsong
Stronger-Hillsong
Majesty-Delirious
I love the worship vibe the environment offers at the hotel.....BUT
....I don't like preaching there so much.
The stage is small and because of the size, we have to front project, giving me little room to move around.
Im learning to stay in a small area when I preach and it's driving me nuts
At one point during the message people were clapping and giving some loud amens......
....I could get used to that so keep it up Ridgers!
Yes I did say the church has spent way too much time in the shallow water and it's time to start casting into the deep water
500,000 families became homeless last year and some churches want to spend $$ on gyms, workout facilities, and athletic fields. Please. Dont even think I need to go here.
God IS insulted by our small, weak prayers. He's a BIG God and not a little g god.
He wants to do more for us than we could imagine!
So why don't we let him?
When we align ourselves with things that hold us down, they limit the size of God in our lives.
Took Sunday afternoon to exercise core value #1 and #2 by doing some prayer walking/driving through Oak Ridge.
Split up and hit 3 different neighborhoods praying for the people that live there.
I prayed that we would have an opportunity to have influence in their lives so that Christ would call them and change them.
We're still rocking the 80s this week, so don't miss it!
This week at The Ridge, we're bringing back the 80s again for week #2 of I Love The 80s. Last week you missed the opener with the band playing Jump and part of Beat It. What will they play this week? You'll have to be there @ 10a.m. to hear it for yourself!
We'll be talking about how we many times limit how big God can get in our lives. God wants to do amazing things for us, but there is a process involved. At The Ridge, we are believing God for HUGE things in the city of Oak Ridge. Come out Sunday @ 10a.m to hear about how God can be BIG in your life and in the city of Oak Ridge!
In case you've been wondering what our core values are, here they are in all their glory!
Lost People Matter
Engage the Culture with Generosity
Let God Be Big
Love Loudly
Deliver Wow
Irrelevance is Irreverance
Embrace the Unembraced
Over the course of our I Love The 80s series, we'll be talking about these and how they relate to YOU and to the Ridge. I'm very passionate about these and the implication they have on our church and our community. If you wanna know what the Ridge is all about, come check it out this month and part of August to get the skinny!
We kicked off a brand new series at The Ridge called I Love The 80s.
And YES, it was everything the title suggests!
The band kicked things off with a little "Jump" from Van Halen and "Beat It" from MJ
The synth rounded out the sound very well!
Speaking of our band, I love the effort and dedication they give to the vision of The Ridge.
I don't ever have to wonder if they'll pull something off I ask. They just do it and do it well.
The other thing I love is there is no rock star syndrome from any of them.
They help set up and tear down.
They show up for meetings.
They give input.
And Matt Robbins plays like he has 15 fingers. It's amazing.
I tweeted this yesterday, but I'll say it again....As a church planter, I hate the summer!
Numbers were WAY down yesterday, but that was to be expected.
Just hard to swallow when it actually happens.
Not only was attendance low (lowest ever @ The Ridge) but we were short on volunteers too.
Given, several were out sick.
Set up went slower than normal this week, but the guys still got it done.
Very important to have a good setup crew.
Our set up crew is a good starting point to begin serving at The Ridge.
If people will show up at 7a.m. to help set up, you can bet they're buying in to the vision.
Preached on our first core value.......People Matter
Talked about from the point of Luke 5:17-26
We should be making it hard for people to go to hell
You are either part of the crowd (making it hard for people to get to Jesus)
The man on the mat (needing an encounter with Jesus)
Or one the 4 friends (stopping at nothing to get your friends to Jesus)
People matter to Jesus so they should matter to us. ALL of US
Despite having low numbers, lots of people stood to their feet committing to be like the 4 friends
and to declare that people matter.
I had them write names of a person or people on a card that they wish was beside them in church.
Lots of people stood committing to get them to Jesus.
Our mantra has always been that if you will get them here, we will preach about Jesus.
That will never change
Next week we'll have business card sized invite cards for Ridgers to hand out anywhere they go
We want to make it easy for people to invite others to The Ridge
We provide an Evite on our website, small invite cards, yard signs, and an iCampus to check things out
It should never be hard to invite someone to church
I'll expand more on our core values this week on the blog!
In THIS recent article and latest survey from the Barna Research Group, they are declaring that most people are ready AND looking a different kind of church experience. They are "tired of the typical church experience."
To me this brings up several questions.....
What is the "typical church experience"?
What is the future of the church experience?
If people are tired of the "typical", what does the non-typical look like?
I think these are healthy questions to answer, discuss and brainstorm. I've heard a lot of people argue now that the current church experience most churches offer are the "new traditional" experience. What was once defined by choirs, hymnals, a pulpit and call to worship has been replaced by a band, projectors and table or music stand. To that I would agree for the most part. However, every church has a different kind of culture it fosters making it somewhat different.
So where do we go from here? We obviously need to change and adapt to changing culture. So what does that look like? How can we continue to reach people in this ever changing culture?
I wish I had more answers, but for now, just lots of questions. What says you?
The month of June seemed to move like molases because I only preached once during the entire month.
I don't like long stretches of not preaching, but I needed it.
And it was good for people to experience Rusty Sampson (our Exec Pastor) and Darren Wigington from Townsend Tn.
I'm trying a new format for Sunday Replay.
Not sure I like it yet.
By the way, this is #600 blog post.
Never thought I'd make it to #100 to be honest.
Darren Wigington from Church of The Cove in Townsend Tn came and brought the heat this past Sunday.
He finished up One Prayer with God Is Hope.
(S)your situation + (G) God = (H) Hope
Hope is confident expectation
Darren is one funny dude and really brings the word.
So thankful for Church of The Cove and Darren's leadership to us and to me.
If you are vacationing in the Smokies or Townsend, go see them at one of their 2...yes 2 services on Sundays
And if you're in Gatlinburg, look for news soon about some exciting stuff from COTC up that way!
Not only did one person take me up on my Xbox challenge, but 4 did!
A total of 5 guys from the Ridge are or have sold their Xbox360s to give to our shoe drive!
I was shocked to see anyone take me up on it, but seriously....4 other guys! That's insane!
Not playing NCAA Football on the 360 will be rough this season.
But I traded in something good for something better
It'll all be worth it when I get to see the smile on kids' faces when we give them new pairs of shoes later this year!
Francis Chan's book Crazy Love helped inspire these other guys to give up their game systems.
Oh...and not only did they sale their Xbox's but also their PS3s!
Not sure everyone fully understands the sacrifice these guys are making....gaming is EVERYTHING to them!
So proud of all of them!
Crowd was back up this week too. Gotta love that!
We start a new series this week called I Love The 80s and it promises to be the wildest series we've ever done!
There will be lots of extra things going on during these next 7 weeks as we discuss our Core Values as a church.
Not only will we talk about them, but we'll also be doing them!
We're gonna get real practical and hands on with this one!
Next week will be proof that church plants can do stage design/set design on a very small budget and it still look good
I'm amazed at what God has done with what little resources and money we've had to work with. Somehow, there's money in the bank every week and somehow we get done what needs to be done and then some.
Every week we are gaining traction on our way to eruption. Yes!
Sunday is coming! What are you going to be doing? I hope you will join me at The Ridge Community Church on Sunday. Here's why you should skip your plans....
They will undoubtedly run out of your favorite breakfast bar item at Shoney's
You don't REALLY want to go see your extended family ALL day...just half of it
The Sunday paper will have nothing interesting in it
Really....You don't have anything to do that could possibly be better. Sleep late and you'll feel bad for sleeping too long. Go to the lake and it's sure to rain right after you get lobstered and go to Splash Country/Dollywood and you'll feel like you got kicked between the legs and then find out your wallet is missing. I'm just sayin...
Seriously, I know what it's like to be tired of CHURCH. I know what it's like to not really like church. I know what it's like to sleep in and use the excuse that my alarm didn't go off just to miss church because church was BORING.
Because we've been there, we've set out to create a church experience that is unlike any other church you've ever experienced. The music is LOUD and FUN, the message is relevant and engaging, and we've even thought of your kids with a place called Kid City where they'll have the best hour of their week. Yeah, we thought of all that just for YOU.
Join me this Sunday at The Ridge and see why we say, "Yup! It's church....but waaaaaaaaay different." Sunday at 10a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Oak Ridge (215 S. Illinois Ave)
First let me say this; I'm a Michael Jackson fan. This is not to bash the guy. Regardless of what you think about the dude, you have to admit that you've toe tapped to one or more of his songs. There....enough of that.
But unless you have been under a hole, you've heard countless people talk about how it took his death to get people to stop bashing him, making fun of him, and for people to start buying his music again. He undoubtedly back in the day left his mark on history and the world and is now doing it again. But there was that period where he sort of just went away.
So my thought for you this weekend, is what are you doing to make people talk; to make people take notice about what you stand for? What is the mark you are leaving on the world? Is is a postive one? Is the way you live your life done in a way that will make a difference in others lives?
I have a big vision for my life. I want people to talk about what GOD has done through me (not me on my own) for centuries to come. I don't want to wait till I die before people can truly celebrate the impact that God has had through me. I want them to celebrate in the NOW. I want what God does through me to true thriller.
If you're a pastor or church planter, you like me, probably cringe when the word summer comes up. Truth is, summer is a killer for momentum and growth. It took me a few weeks of this summer to stop watching the door and waiting for people to show up. After beating myself up over this and wondering if people would ever show back up or not, I finally came to the conclusion that there are better ways to handle the summer lull.
We, being a new church, could potentially be buried during our first summer if we're not careful. So, instead of battling Disney World and the lake, we are going to 'think inside the box' and leverage what we have.
One of the ways we'll do this is do a "summer series" called I Love The 80s. It's not original I know, but just wait. This series is going to be all about our core values of The Ridge and will last 7 weeks, leading up to our first SMI (seasonal momentum inititives). During this series we'll really focus on sharing the vision for The Ridge to those that are already committed and to those checking things out for the first time. This isn't about selling The Ridge; it's about sharing the vision that God has placed on us to reach people who are distant from God. This will be about rallying the troops and gearing up for what will be one amazing fall season where I believe we'll see growth beyond our imagination.
If you're a church leader, stop battling summer vacations and work inside your box. It could really help change your perspective and help you leverage your summers.
Later on I'll share some of the creative elements and other things that we'll be doing in this series to make it the most memorable series to date at The Ridge. All I can say is that there will be some Bon Jovi, an 80s prom, an August Rock Night, and a totally FREE carwash and wiper fluid refill giveaway involved!
It's a few hours late, and maybe a day late, but I'm here giving you the low down on Sunday at The Ridge anyway. Here's the skinny....
I don't think someone is living right in our camp. It has rained almost every Sunday since we launched.
If you live in the south, you know that rain keeps people at home. Can't mess up that hair.
Our attendance was not the lowest it's ever been, but it was close. Lots of people out this past Sunday with it being Father's Day and the rain...that gave way to sun...which during the summer leads people to the lake. :)
It blows be away that on weeks when our attendance dips, our giving goes up. That's all God.
Week 3 of One Prayer....God Is To Be Worshiped.
I had not preached in 2 weeks and I wanted to preach all day, but I spared our peoples
I love how those of us who know we don't belong in God's presence, will fight, scrap, and claw to get into God's presence
We ALL should do just that on a daily basis
Even though we don't belong, He wants us to seek Him and to want to be in His presence
Worship starts with a bold sacrifice, will cost us something of value, and is becomes our response to God
YES, I believe that people in the room Sunday are wrestling with a costly sacrifice that God wants them to make but aren't because they keep thinking of how much it's going to cost them!
I love what Joel Houston from Hillsong United said....Our vertical expression of worship must have a horizontal response
We all worship SOMETHING
The hotel we meet in has been very good to us but I think it's time for new space....if we can find it
Why a new space?....new digs for new people. Change is good and good for growth
Plus it's a little stuffy and doesn't have that celebration vibe to it
I've been contemplating a Twitter and Blog sabatical. Not sure yet when and if I will do it
There's a lot to focus on right now and I can't be slipping
Truly blessed to find out that I was selected to attend two HUGE coaching networks. Unfortunately I only have time for one. It'll be a tough choice
There are some great things coming down the road....just gotta work through the static
"Our verticle expression must have a horizontal effect." - Joel Houston, Hillsong United
I love this quote from Joel Houston on worship. Worship is a verticle expression. However, without the horizontal effect, it's just a bunch of songs. What is the horizontal effect? It's how you do life, how you show the verticle expression of love of God towards those we walk in life with. Worship is loving God with our full hearts AND loving our neighbors (each other) as much as we love ourselves. You really can't express genuine worship without both together. That's why I dig the quote so much. It puts it into perspective.
What kind of effect is your verticle expression having?
So far the feedback has been awesome concerning video teaching.
I don't think anyone thought a 29yr old could bring it like pastor Steven did.
The band literally gets better every week. They played Freedom is Here from the new Hillsong United album and toe' it up!
I'm itching to preach this week!
Going to be talking God Is To Be Worshiped
Got news that a mentor and friend of mine is coming in for a visit soon. I'm where I am because of God working through him and his family
Our iCampus is rocking again. Every Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8pm EST we are showing a different pastor preaching a One Prayer message. This week, Craig Groeschel and Mark Beeson
Speaking of iCampus, we are thinking through how we can use iCampus in a more effective way through the use of other pastors, much like the One Prayer messages. I think we might be on to something.....
Don't forget how God was faithful in the past when you're looking for God to be good in the future
Had some new volunteers jump in with both feet this past week. So thankful for people that serve with their hearts!
Summer is tough for a new church plant, but God was faithful in the past and we know he's going to be there and pull us through in the future!
Check back here all week long as we talk about worship, leading up to the experience on Sunday at The Ridge!
In two weeks I will be preaching my One Prayer message on God Is To Be Worshiped. One thing I'm very passionate about in the church is that God's sons and daughters worship at full volume; with full out assault on the Throne of God, shouting to God's love. Ever since this song for Hillsong United came out, I've been singing it, listening to it, and now praying the words.
VERSE 1:
Tear down the walls see the world
Is there something we have missed
Turn from ourselves
Look beyond
There is so much more than this
PRE CHORUS:
And I don't need to see it to believe it
I don't need to see it to believe it
Cause I can't shake this
Fire deep inside my heart
I'm absolutley juiced outta mind to preach on the subject of worship. Growing up in small country, Southern Baptist church, I saw people come in on a weekly basis, sing half heartedly whatever the "song leader" picked out that morning and have no clue that they were singing to Jesus. Now I have this burden to teach and preach whenever I can on worship. And it's more than a song, more than the music, more than just lyrics. But you would be surprised at how many people do not know that. That's not a knock if you don't know it. You just were not taught that. A lot of people growing up in the church weren't. I didn't really understand true worship till I was in my college years. And I'm still learning.
VERSE 2:
Look to the skies hope arise
See His majesty revealed
More than this life there is love
There is hope and this is real
PRE CHORUS 2:
Cause I don't need to see it to believe it
I don't need to see it to believe it
Cause I can't shake this fire burning
Deep inside my heart
Next week I'm going to do a series of posts on worship. I hope to have some guests posts as well. We'll cover the topic of worship in the church, some of the Ridge's philosophy and approach to worship as well as just some personal thoughts on worship. Should be a lot of fun.
CHORUS:
This life is Yours and hope is rising
As Your glory floods our hearts
Let love tear down these walls
That all creation would
Come back to You
It's all for You
CHORUS 2:
Your Name is glorious
Glorious
Your love is changing us
Calling us
To worship in spirit and in truth
As all creation returns to You
BRIDGE:
Oh for all the sons and daughters
Who are walking in the darkness
You are calling us to lead them back to You
We will see Your spirit rising
As the lost come out of hiding
Every heart will see this hope we have in You
My One Prayer for the church....let hope rise and let God be worshiped in spirit and in truth with our lives.
Enjoy the song Tear Down The Walls by Hillsong United below
In Matthew 27, Pilate asks the angry crowd what they should do with Jesus. They have him, in their possession to do with as they please. Their ansewer....crucify Him.
The very same question is posed to us as the church and believers as well. We have Christ. He is indeed in our possession because He lives in us. We in fact, not only have the presence of Christ, but we are also entitled to the same power that rose Jesus from the grave. I think we forget that sometimes. What then shall we do with Jesus who is called the Christ?
What is your heart shouting? Is it crying to crucify Him? (Matt. 15:8-This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me)Or does it cry something different? Does your heart shout with the power of Christ that brought Jesus back from dead? Does it speak of ways to honor Him with your heart and your lips, through actions both in spirit and in truth?
One of my biggest pet peeves in ministry is people who have the power of Christ, Christ in them, who live as though they are powerless. We often times act like the catepillar who turns into a butterfly but still thinks they are the catepillar, rolling in the dirt and not flying (Francis Chan illustration).
You are a NEW creation, not the same, and NOT powerless. You are powerful! The same power that caused the earth to shake and for demons to run is the same power that is within you! Church....big C Church...let's stop acting like we can only do so much. We can NOT do so little! We have Jesus right in front of us....with us...in us. Let's start acting like it!
I love Sundays! I get to be part of one the most exciting churches around and for that, I thank God for bringing me to this place! Check out what you may have missed this past Sunday....
We started One Prayer this week with pastor Rusty coming in and hitting a home run! One of his best messages yet!
God is AWESOME! That's what Rusty preached on....and YES...I agree!
All this month on our iCampus, you will be able to catch One Prayer messages every Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8pm EST.
Look for messages from Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, Perry Noble, Craig Groeschel and others!
I can't wait to preach in two weeks on God Is To Be Worshiped!
Attendance was up slightly this week, but still had a lot of "regulars" out for various reasons. Hope to see everyone back this week!
It's so hard to not look at the door every week when you're in a church plant. Every time it opens you hope to see oodles of people
One thing I LOVE....had 15 first time friends with us this past week! Having new faces every single week and I love that!
If Sunday was your first day with us, THANK YOU for coming! I hope to see you back this week
You simply won't find a better, more fun, more loud, band than The Ridge band. They simply rocked it Sunday!
Setlist was Your Name High (Hillsong) Take It All (Hillsong United) Grace Will Be My Song (Fee) Stronger (Hillsong)
But it ain't about the band...it's about the man the band plays for
No one will want to miss this Sunday at The Ridge....you will get to hear one of the best, most annointed pastor in the land...and he's only 28!
In case you're wondering, THIS news from my friend Gary Lamb made me want to cry and turned my stomach. And if you need to know, I will stand by my friend and pray for his family, him, and Revolution Church.
Not condoning what happened, but that doesn't mean you throw your friend under the bus. You pray harder
Met some really asweome people last week and look forward to seeing what God does in their lives!
Hold on to your potatos Ridgers...One Prayer is just getting warmed up and the series to follow....wow. That's all I can say!
Welcome to Bobby Williams Live! Bobby is lead pastor of The Ridge Community Church, a new church plant in Oak Ridge Tennessee, a father to one crazy son and husband one amazing wife.
