It’s been way to long since I last blogged. Been faithful for over 18 months and for the past two to three weeks been absolutely swamped (even my twitter has suffered). Today… a little blog love.
Been a crazy couple of weeks that culminated in a great weekend at Cornerstone. We’re a fully fledged campus with a clear vision and shared set of values. Excited about the future! This past weeked felt like one of these spiritual watershed moments and I’ve been so amazed at God’s faithfulness and guidance!
Really excited this and this may be a part of my future within the week.
Seriously considering saving any money I get for Christmas and my Birthday and getting one of these.
Wow it’s been a crazy couple of weeks… been writing a lot - volumes on vision, identity, organizational structure, multi-site stuff etc. My brain hurts, but there’s tons of clarity. Will be posting some stuff next week on vision. Been squeezing stuff into the twitter world, but neglecting the blog world. Need to get back on that. Thus the short sentences…
Been thinking a lot recently about Christmas and specifically something that most churches do right before Christmas… some sort of Christmas extravaganza. Anyhow I’ve noticed God growing the artistic side of church life and my dream has been to see these talented people released as a gift in the body of Christ. Been dreaming about some creative music sets, painting as we worship and a few other things. Anyhow I saw this recently and was blown away by the level of creativity. Not sure where it fits, but pretty creative.
Soccer’s been a little hit and miss lately, but I did make it out tonight. 2 goals and lots of fun under the lights. As you may remember about 3 months ago after a physical the doctor told me I was obese… Obese? A little over weight, but not obese.
So tonight (didn’t seem any different than any other night) I hear the defense barking out this, “He’s too fast, we’ve got to get ahead of him” (after I’d beat them five or six times). Then this from a teammate, “How are you running so fast?”
Not sure how to take that. “How does an obese guy like you run so fast?” or was it meant to be “how are you able to out run the younger, seemingly more athlete guys on the opposite side of the ball?” or was it just “you’re running pretty fast?” Regardless it made me smile and I score two goals. Love soccer on Monday nights (only two more weeks to go).
You need to download and allow to wash over your soul… We’re in perhaps an unprecedented time in our history. Fear and confusion are running rampant on a personal, cooperate, national and even global level. These seven worship songs have engaged my faith and spirit and reminded me who’s really in control. Over the past week I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with my true north. Go ahead and take a listen.
1. Breathe On Me (Todd Fields - Louder Than Creation)
2. Psalm 62 (Aaron Keyes - Not Guilty Anymore)
3. God of this City (Chris Tomlin - Passion: God of this City or Hello)
4. All Because of Jesus (Steve Fee - We Shine)
5. We Shine (Steve Fee - We Shine)
6. Everlasting God (Todd Fields - North Point Live)
7. Help Me To Find You (Todd Fields - North Point Live)
Catalyst is done and tomorrow I rise early to head back to Albany. My faith has been challenged and renewed. Andy Stanley closed this afternoon by challenging us to never stop wrestling with the issue of ministry and how to better serve the church. My tool belt is full and now the hard work of executing the things that God has birthed and confirmed in my heart begins… I strongly encourage you to make your way to catalyst next year… if your a west coaster look for Catalyst West April 22-24 in Orange County.
I serve as the campus pastor at Cornerstone in Albany, NY.
While I'm the campus pastor, I'm not immune to an occasional "oops should I have said that?". Cornerstone doesn't pay for or approve this message. My thoughts are my thoughts, but don't let that scare you.
Posted by Gareth Gilpin
Posted by Gareth Gilpin
Posted by Gareth Gilpin
