Elevation Church

I visited a church today for the first time. I already knew I loved it because I follow the pastor, Steven Furtick, on his blog and I watch the podcast here. Furtick started Elevation Church just barely two years ago and with over 3,000 regular attendees I now know first hand what keeps people coming back for more.

From the second my friends and I pulled into the parking lot to the time we got back in the car to leave all we were was loved. Everyone was so genuinely happy for us to be there. We all agreed we felt like they knew we were coming and waited on us to make us feel welcome and at home. I feel like we got more attention than everyone else. It was overwhelming almost and as I felt a distant welcome from the volunteers one of them came up to us as we stood in a circle waiting to enter the auditorium and made it personal. She saw Grant had a first time visitor’s brochure and asked if we all were first timers. We responded in agreement and she went on to introduce herself and ask how we heard of Elevation. We let her know we were from Anderson University and attended Newspring Church; we just wanted to check out Elevation first hand and see everything live. Coincidentally, she is a former Trojan and Newspringer also. She was happy we were there and made sure that we would come to her with any questions. I like the initiative she made.

The set-up they have going on at the Providence campus is anything but boring. As a mobile church, time has to be taken to make the building look like it does every weekend. Even that shows how much these people love Jesus and are passionate about reaching lives.

The band was awesome — absolutely incredible. Possibly the most emo worship team I’ve ever experienced; actually it was, without a doubt. From the girl jeans Mack Brock was wearing to the emo mullet one of the guitarists was sporting, it was rock ‘n roll through and through. The set list was new to me. One song was announced new to everyone. (I have found the songs on iTunes now and already shared them with you one post down. Check it.) I did know the last song played though, (an addition to the set list in accordance with the current sereis, My Generation) Buddy Holly by Weezer. It was fun.

Furtick came out as the applause was dying down from the Weezer tribute. Following him was his ’student section’ for the day. He was directing the majority of his sermon to the youth and wanted his own little posse up on stage with him Amen-ing and cheering him on as he brought the heat. Elevation is not a quiet church, the people know when to speak up and Furtick lets them know they should have when they don’t.

He preached from Genesis 25:24-34.

Here’s some things I found worth clapping for:
• When you’re running on empty, you’ll end up selling your soul for anything filling.
• Out with the old is good. But the new (the Word) needs to come in quick according to Luke 11:24-26.
• Revelation becomes divine provision for what God wants for you.
• Regulation without revelation equals rebellion.
• One split-second decision can define reality for the rest of your life.
• While God can and will forgive any and every sin, it doesn’t mean He will cancel all the consequences.
• The pressure of a situation creates a distortion. You feel like dying if you are left out.

If you ever happen to be in Charlotte on a Sunday morning you should make it a point to stop by Elevation Church. They are doing great things. I can’t wait for the chance to go back again.

Today I’m listening to:

This should get you going. I’m loving it lately. And this, too. If you don’t have it, don’t look all over the place to get it for free, just pay for it. I gave you the link…and it’s just that good.

They played these songs at Elevation.

Romans 12

Wow, what an awesome chapter.

These are so challenging yet encouraging and motivating.

Going to bed now to get some rest to get me and my gang to Elevation Church in the morning. I’m excited.

It’s Saturday

So my lungs feel heavy and voice sounds hoarse. I still can’t admit I’m sick. I’m not sick. I just am feelings some symptoms of sick. Jacob swears I can get sick like everyone else but I know that isn’t true. I can’t, I don’t, I won’t. That’ all there is to it.

If I were sick I would not have had such a great time on date night last night with Allie. We went out for her birthday/Valentine’s Day. I like to package holidays like this. Saves time and money. Anyway, they didn’t say much about my Sperrys. Actually nothing at all. Allie said I looked hot so, that’s all that really matters. She looked real good too, by the way.

The clouds were present; we could barely see lights on the ground from our 74th floor reserved table atop the Westin Hotel. The clouds were the only less than perfect detail of last night. Oh and finding our way into Georgia Tech area outside of downtown to see Lena. That was a test. I think I faired decently. After we spent some time with Lena we headed to Octane. It was one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever been in. Next time I go I’ll be sure to wear my emo gear though. I’ll bring my Mac too. With those two characteristics going in my favor I’ll fit right in with the Octane patrons.

Two more thoughts from today:

I’m in the middle of Mark right now. I am finding it not so unusual for Jesus to heal someone and tell them to go home and specifically not to go ‘into the city’ and tell people about what happened. That is weird to me. I pray God will give me wisdom and teach me why Jesus said this — There’s got to be an explanation.

Finally, I want a new iPod Classic. Allie got one and I’m jealous.

Subtleness vs Showy

Getting dressed is harder than it should be. An not only for the ladies, but for the gentlemen as well.
I found a new problem today — I have dress shoes that make me sound like I’m wearing women’s heels. I can’t have people hearing me from all the way down the hall/through the lobby/on the sidewalk trying to sneak up on them. You get the point. The thing is I really like the shoes but I’m afraid of people hearing me. Looks like it’ll be a Sperry kind of night. I hope the people of the Sundial don’t frown on Sperrys. I don’t think they will but I’ll let you know.

Before I go eat tonight I’m going get some reading in. First to learn a bit, second to write something mind blowing in my new Moleskin.

Have a good weekend. Happy Birthday Meredith and Wellington.

Macintosh

I am getting the hang of my new MacBook. If anybody read this blog I would say something like, ‘Hey does anybody have any pointers for me using a Mac?’. But, seeing as how nobody reads this quite yet, I’ll just hoe to maybe get a cool pointer or two along the way. 

Action Shot

This was supposed to go in the previous blog. I’m still learning, again, remember that and never forget it. Hey, at least I’m not making the same mistakes.  I’ll work on this sizing thing too.