Got a fair amount of snow over the night but it didn’t seem to affect attendance too bad. First service was definitely down, but as the snow melted, people came out. Had a full but great day at Element today. Here are my ruminations on it.
— 3rd service was packed today. Combination of the snow clearing out and The Tour after 3rd service. Was our largest 3rd service ever I believe.
— Took a Sunday off today and gave the pulpit to Pastor Andy. WOW, did he stinkin’ nail it. If you missed it, you MISSED it! He brought the heat. You guys think I yell a lot. lol
— Why did I give Andy the pulpit? Glad you asked:
#1 He is an EXCELLENT communicator and God can speak through more people than just ME!
#2 As a pastor, sometimes I just need a break! Pastors who won’t give up their pulpit on their own are more prone to giving it up through burn out & exhaustion.
#3 The church needs to hear from different voices every once in a while. YES, I am the main speaker, but it is good for the church to hear from someone else besides me.
#4 Any pastor who refuses to let other staff members speak has a pride issue. Both Andy and Curtis are my pulpit supply when I’m gone and I FULLY trust in them to deliver the Word of God. Pastors who won’t give up their pulpit are typically afraid that the people will like the supply better than THEM. So thankful for my former pastor investing in me and allowing me opportunities to preach. Want to pass that on to those on our team who are gifted speakers.
— You probably didn’t want to know any of that. Too bad. 
— I get nervous EVERY week. I’ve shared that before. I LOVE preaching but I get nervous every Sunday. I take carrying God’s Word very seriously and knowing that people will be listening to me preach on it is nerve racking. HOWEVER, I get MUCH more nervous when I don’t preach but still attend church. I think it basically boils down to this…I’M A CONTROL FREAK!
— Pastor Adam also had the week off this week while he took his final Sunday of vacation for the year and headed to Sheridan. Danielle Nyght from Colorado Springs filled in as worship leader and did a fantastic job! Her and her husband Brad (played drums today) drove up from Colorado Springs last night through the snow. So thankful for their service to us.
— Started a mini-series today called Bailout: Shortcuts to God. I’ll conclude the series next week. Like I said, Andy nailed it today. Here are a few of his thoughts.
— He preached on the story of King David moving the Ark of God and the things that followed their mistakes in moving it.
— David didn’t move the Ark according to the Lord’s instructions. They basically to the “shortcut” easy way and moved it as the Philistines had done before. 1. Shortcuts are a sign of laziness.
— Andy REALLY challenged the church on spiritual laziness. Taking the EASY way (shortcut) instead of God’s way!
— When the cost of moving the Ark was too high (Uzzah losing his life) David stopped the process. 2. Shortcuts breed mediocrity. David was willing to live without the presence of God because the cost was too high.
— “A lot of us want all the benefits of God without making the proper sacrifices to receive them”
— While God does not need us He desperately wants us. We DESPERATELY need God yet most times don’t act like we want him. — Francis Chan (indirect quote from Crazy Love)
— 3. Shortcuts do not create intimacy. It was not until David followed the LORDS instructions for moving the Ark and made the proper sacrifices did he enjoy the intimate presence of God in Jerusalem.
— Thanks Andy for putting in the time to seek God’s word for us today. Proud to call you our youth pastor.
— Had a TON of newcomers at The Tour today. Believe 36 adults had signed up, not counting kids. Had to have that many or more show up. It was awesome! Love sharing the mission, vision and strategy of Element to people.
— Got a GREAT list of people that are going to make their public declaration to Christ through Baptism next Sunday. Wednesday is the deadline to get your application in. Can’t wait to celebrate people’s salvation together.
— Excited to get back in the pulpit on Sunday. Love how Andy’s and my messages are going to link together.
— Vantage Point (Christmas series) begins on Nov. 29. You can get some invite cards at the Element office or on Sunday morning.
— That’s it for today. Gonna chill with some football.
Following Christ,
Jeff
