You've heard it said-"It takes a whole neighborhood to raise a child." That is true. What is even MORE true-"It takes a whole army of volunteers to have church every Sunday morning--especially if your portable!"
Every Sunday morning I marvel at the team God has brought us. The first volunteers start showing up around 5:45 AM, and the last ones don't leave until around 12:30 PM. And there are MANY that come and go in between. I am not going to name names or even try to give a count. I am going to say this, I want EVERY ONE of you to know how much you are valued. Whether you are behind the scenes or out in the open, if you are serving at Element Church, you are JUST as important to bringing people to know Jesus as anybody else. THANK YOU!!!!
In moments we will begin the process of "build-up" in our new location. Another army of volunteers. Again, Thank You.
Can't wait to see was God has planned for us there.
Grant
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Five Guys Go Camping
Ok, not really.
Yes we were in the mountains for our first ever Staff Advance. Yes there were log cabins, fire pits, wildlife, dirt in your shoes, fresh air, etc. All the stuff you would associate with camping. But when you stay in a motel room , even if it is in the mountains, I wouldn't call it "camping".
But that is not why we were there. We were there for a definite purpose.
Us five guys locked ourselves in a room for two days and let God blow our minds. The one word that keeps coming to mind --"Amazing".
Trust me when I say "Greater things are yet to come!"
Also, trust me when I say that the four other guys that God has me on this journey with are awesome. I love hanging out with them, dreaming with them, laughing with them, being challenged by them, and leading with them.
Elementers, you are in good hands.
Grant
Yes we were in the mountains for our first ever Staff Advance. Yes there were log cabins, fire pits, wildlife, dirt in your shoes, fresh air, etc. All the stuff you would associate with camping. But when you stay in a motel room , even if it is in the mountains, I wouldn't call it "camping".
But that is not why we were there. We were there for a definite purpose.
Us five guys locked ourselves in a room for two days and let God blow our minds. The one word that keeps coming to mind --"Amazing".
Trust me when I say "Greater things are yet to come!"
Also, trust me when I say that the four other guys that God has me on this journey with are awesome. I love hanging out with them, dreaming with them, laughing with them, being challenged by them, and leading with them.
Elementers, you are in good hands.
Grant
Thursday, August 7, 2008
P J
My second "blog-love" goes to Pastor Jeff.
I could write pages of what it's been like as God has forged our friendship over the years, and maybe someday I will. But today is not that day.
I am simply going to quote Johnathan's armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:7 "Do ALL that you have in mind, I am with you heart and soul!"
Love ya man. Let's GO!!!
Grant
I could write pages of what it's been like as God has forged our friendship over the years, and maybe someday I will. But today is not that day.
I am simply going to quote Johnathan's armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14:7 "Do ALL that you have in mind, I am with you heart and soul!"
Love ya man. Let's GO!!!
Grant
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
My Family
So here I am, the morning of my third day as a full-time pastor at Element Church. My mind is racing, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. SO much to be thankful for. So much to do. So much to write about. So many people to thank. So many people to edify "publicly" on this blog, and I will as time goes on. But today there are three people that get ALL my love ---my AMAZING wife Terri Lynn and my two awesome sons Morgan and Nathan.
Nathan---I know this move and transition has not always been easy for you. I'm trying to understand. I want you to know how much I love you and how proud of you I am. Thank you for following us as we followed God's call to Cheyenne. You will be blessed because of it. You have some amazing men in your life as leaders and friends. Listen to them, learn from them.
Morgan---this move might have been easier for you than your brother, but you still sacrificed. Thank you. It has been (and is) an honor to watch you grow in the LORD. God has great plans for your future. Listen and follow. Know that your parents love you, believe in you, and will support you wherever God calls you.
To my wife-----WOW, where to start? Twenty years of marriage. Again, wow. Babe, I cherish you. Thank you for loving and believing in me. You are an amazing pastor's wife. Again,thank you. I love you SO much. Thank you for giving your heart to Jesus and following Him LONG before I ever even considered it. And for being patient with me (Ok not all the time.LOL) all those years while God chipped away at a very hard heart. And then for being willing to let me lead once I was willing, after all those years that I wouldn't. Many people have got to hear the story about the day that Jeff asked me to move to Cheyenne to help him plant Element Church. The part of the story that doesn't always get told that is JUST as important is later that same day when I told you about our "call" and you said "Let's go." Just like that---"Let's GO!". No hesitation, no "what-ifs", none of that. Simply , "If God is calling, let's follow". I cannot tell you awesome it was to hear those words that night in our car as I was telling you about my conversation with Jeff. I am forever grateful.
Element Church, I want you to know that I am not near the pastor I am without my amazing wife beside me every step of the way. I am so blessed to have her as my wife. Babe, I LOVE YOU!
Grant
Nathan---I know this move and transition has not always been easy for you. I'm trying to understand. I want you to know how much I love you and how proud of you I am. Thank you for following us as we followed God's call to Cheyenne. You will be blessed because of it. You have some amazing men in your life as leaders and friends. Listen to them, learn from them.
Morgan---this move might have been easier for you than your brother, but you still sacrificed. Thank you. It has been (and is) an honor to watch you grow in the LORD. God has great plans for your future. Listen and follow. Know that your parents love you, believe in you, and will support you wherever God calls you.
To my wife-----WOW, where to start? Twenty years of marriage. Again, wow. Babe, I cherish you. Thank you for loving and believing in me. You are an amazing pastor's wife. Again,thank you. I love you SO much. Thank you for giving your heart to Jesus and following Him LONG before I ever even considered it. And for being patient with me (Ok not all the time.LOL) all those years while God chipped away at a very hard heart. And then for being willing to let me lead once I was willing, after all those years that I wouldn't. Many people have got to hear the story about the day that Jeff asked me to move to Cheyenne to help him plant Element Church. The part of the story that doesn't always get told that is JUST as important is later that same day when I told you about our "call" and you said "Let's go." Just like that---"Let's GO!". No hesitation, no "what-ifs", none of that. Simply , "If God is calling, let's follow". I cannot tell you awesome it was to hear those words that night in our car as I was telling you about my conversation with Jeff. I am forever grateful.
Element Church, I want you to know that I am not near the pastor I am without my amazing wife beside me every step of the way. I am so blessed to have her as my wife. Babe, I LOVE YOU!
Grant
Monday, June 23, 2008
Erwin
One of my favorite author's is Erwin McManus. I love his books. For whatever reason his books just speak God's truths to me in a very powerful way. In fact his book "The Barbarian Way" is part of our "story"--part of what God used to call us to Cheyenne to plant Element Church. But that's another blog for another day.
Twice I have been blessed to see him speak in person over the last couple of years. Once was two years ago at Willow Creek Church at a small group conference. The second time was just last Tuesday night in Fort Collins. Both times were awesome.
God used both occasions to teach me some things---mostly about myself, but also about people and human nature. What I am going to share, or at least felt led to share, will make one blog too long. So I'll spread it out over a few blogs. At least that way I can have more than one blog a month. LOL
I vividly remember the very first thing I wrote in my journal at Willow shortly after Erwin began to speak. It was this. "Hey, he speaks with a lisp" (Erwin does tend to lisp some of his words when he is speaking but he DOES NOT let that stop him.) I went on in my journal "Here is a guy that has very legitimate reasons, "excuses" if you will, not to do this--not to write books, lead a church, go on speaking engagements, etc. Yet he doesn't let anything stop him. Because the one thing that trumps ALL of his reasons not to do any of this is the one reason to do it---he was called. "Qualified"--maybe, maybe not. "Called"--YES! Since that day I learned even more reasons or excuses or stumbling blocks that could have stopped him. Yet he refuses to let "them" win.
Does Erwin have his critics? Oh, you better believe it. So what? Who doesn't. Once again, he does not let that stop him. In fact(in my opinion) all the more reason he keeps pressing on. My wife reminded me of a quote from one of the Wesley brothers. Can't remember if it was John or Charles but the quote went something like this--"If was able to get out of a town after preaching without at least one person throwing a rotten tomato at me, that told me I was not being bold enough about the Gospel".
So, in summary. PLEASE don't wait until you feel "qualified". If you are called--GO! And really, who cares what the critics say. Don't listen to them.
Grant
Twice I have been blessed to see him speak in person over the last couple of years. Once was two years ago at Willow Creek Church at a small group conference. The second time was just last Tuesday night in Fort Collins. Both times were awesome.
God used both occasions to teach me some things---mostly about myself, but also about people and human nature. What I am going to share, or at least felt led to share, will make one blog too long. So I'll spread it out over a few blogs. At least that way I can have more than one blog a month. LOL
I vividly remember the very first thing I wrote in my journal at Willow shortly after Erwin began to speak. It was this. "Hey, he speaks with a lisp" (Erwin does tend to lisp some of his words when he is speaking but he DOES NOT let that stop him.) I went on in my journal "Here is a guy that has very legitimate reasons, "excuses" if you will, not to do this--not to write books, lead a church, go on speaking engagements, etc. Yet he doesn't let anything stop him. Because the one thing that trumps ALL of his reasons not to do any of this is the one reason to do it---he was called. "Qualified"--maybe, maybe not. "Called"--YES! Since that day I learned even more reasons or excuses or stumbling blocks that could have stopped him. Yet he refuses to let "them" win.
Does Erwin have his critics? Oh, you better believe it. So what? Who doesn't. Once again, he does not let that stop him. In fact(in my opinion) all the more reason he keeps pressing on. My wife reminded me of a quote from one of the Wesley brothers. Can't remember if it was John or Charles but the quote went something like this--"If was able to get out of a town after preaching without at least one person throwing a rotten tomato at me, that told me I was not being bold enough about the Gospel".
So, in summary. PLEASE don't wait until you feel "qualified". If you are called--GO! And really, who cares what the critics say. Don't listen to them.
Grant
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
How Do I Love Her?
Those of you that know me know that music is very important to me. Though I can't carry a tune in a bucket and have little or no musical ability. I LOVE music. It moves me. God used a song to save me and God is always using songs to teach me.
Some of you also know that my wife Terri and I are leading a marriage Life Group (Love and Respect) Which most of the time I/we don't feel qualified to lead even though we have been married almost twenty years.
Just recently God used both, a song and our Life Group, to teach me a great truth.
Though I have heard the song by Steven Curtis Chapman "How Do I Love Her" many times before, just recently I have learned to appreciate it even more.
The song is basically a prayer to God, a plea if you will, how do I love this wife of mine. How do I love and cherish the most important gift (next to salvation) that I have ever received.
I remember thinking the first couple of times I heard this song : "This is Steven Curtis Chapman! Surely he has this thing ALL figured out" Uhhhh....not so much. Kind of like thinking, that is "so and so" or" such and such"(pick a position or title) surely THEY have this thing called life all figured out. Again, uh...... not so much. At least if they are honest.
Then the other night in our Life Group another profound statement from one of the guys. (I share this with his permission, as long as I do it somewhat anonymously.) "I've been a mechanic for thirty years. I get paid to fix things. Yet I feel like I can't fix the one thing that is most important to me! My marriage." Wow. I did NOT have an answer for that one.
Then the next week at Life Group, I get another personal challenge from the DVD: " Would you die for your wife?" Inside I scream out , "YES!" The next question: " Would you LIVE for your wife?" Again, inside I scream out, "YES!" Then I admit " I just don't know how. How do I live for her? "How do I love her?"
Then, later, I get my "answer" from the Chapman song. At least it worked for me. To me the most powerful line in the whole song is this: "I know it's going to take a lifetime to answer this prayer of mine. But that's OK. Because I've given You (God) and her my lifetime anyway."
And I thought " THAT"S IT!" If have TRULY devoted my WHOLE life to God and to my wife, then so what if it takes a lifetime to figure this thing out. So what if I never figure it all out. Who cares. As long as I keep trying. As long as I keep pressing on and don't quit, I'll win. THAT is how I "live" for my wife. A life-time of devotion and a "moment by moment" devotion for a life-time.
Grant
Some of you also know that my wife Terri and I are leading a marriage Life Group (Love and Respect) Which most of the time I/we don't feel qualified to lead even though we have been married almost twenty years.
Just recently God used both, a song and our Life Group, to teach me a great truth.
Though I have heard the song by Steven Curtis Chapman "How Do I Love Her" many times before, just recently I have learned to appreciate it even more.
The song is basically a prayer to God, a plea if you will, how do I love this wife of mine. How do I love and cherish the most important gift (next to salvation) that I have ever received.
I remember thinking the first couple of times I heard this song : "This is Steven Curtis Chapman! Surely he has this thing ALL figured out" Uhhhh....not so much. Kind of like thinking, that is "so and so" or" such and such"(pick a position or title) surely THEY have this thing called life all figured out. Again, uh...... not so much. At least if they are honest.
Then the other night in our Life Group another profound statement from one of the guys. (I share this with his permission, as long as I do it somewhat anonymously.) "I've been a mechanic for thirty years. I get paid to fix things. Yet I feel like I can't fix the one thing that is most important to me! My marriage." Wow. I did NOT have an answer for that one.
Then the next week at Life Group, I get another personal challenge from the DVD: " Would you die for your wife?" Inside I scream out , "YES!" The next question: " Would you LIVE for your wife?" Again, inside I scream out, "YES!" Then I admit " I just don't know how. How do I live for her? "How do I love her?"
Then, later, I get my "answer" from the Chapman song. At least it worked for me. To me the most powerful line in the whole song is this: "I know it's going to take a lifetime to answer this prayer of mine. But that's OK. Because I've given You (God) and her my lifetime anyway."
And I thought " THAT"S IT!" If have TRULY devoted my WHOLE life to God and to my wife, then so what if it takes a lifetime to figure this thing out. So what if I never figure it all out. Who cares. As long as I keep trying. As long as I keep pressing on and don't quit, I'll win. THAT is how I "live" for my wife. A life-time of devotion and a "moment by moment" devotion for a life-time.
Grant
Monday, April 7, 2008
Random Thoughts
Just some thoughts I wanted to share.
---502 at Element yesterday. I tell people all the time -"I'm blown away, yet I'm not, yet I am, yet I'm not." For me, anyway, that describes best how I feel most days. I am totally PUMPED and truly HUMBLED all at the same time. It's an awesome place to be.
---For those of you that have been waiting for me to blog more often, good news. I actually intended to blog every day last week. Every day? Yes, it's true. Could you handle it? I had the titles and themes written down and everything. Well, then life happened and I ended up leaving town last week. It was a much needed break, though. Except for about a fifteen minute time-frame of some wacked-out theology, the rest of the four days was amazing. It truly was a blessed trip.
---Our volunteers are the best. They really are. We had a couple bumps in the road yesterday and they just took it in stride. No big deal. Whatever it takes to get the job done. Wow. Thanks. A million times, Thank You.
---I/We are reading a great book. "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. I've been thinking as I'm reading it--" I should be underlining this, well I'm just going to read it again, I'll underline it the next time through" Just so happens Mark is a church-planter, so there is that connection. But anyone can benefit from it. Prepare to be challenged.
---Life Groups are going great. Once again, God has blessed us with some amazing people. Honestly, that is one area that does need and deserve more of my time and attention. So.. to ALL of you that have been hosting, leading, and attending, thanks for your patience, for your perseverance, and for your leadership.
Loving life,
Grant
---502 at Element yesterday. I tell people all the time -"I'm blown away, yet I'm not, yet I am, yet I'm not." For me, anyway, that describes best how I feel most days. I am totally PUMPED and truly HUMBLED all at the same time. It's an awesome place to be.
---For those of you that have been waiting for me to blog more often, good news. I actually intended to blog every day last week. Every day? Yes, it's true. Could you handle it? I had the titles and themes written down and everything. Well, then life happened and I ended up leaving town last week. It was a much needed break, though. Except for about a fifteen minute time-frame of some wacked-out theology, the rest of the four days was amazing. It truly was a blessed trip.
---Our volunteers are the best. They really are. We had a couple bumps in the road yesterday and they just took it in stride. No big deal. Whatever it takes to get the job done. Wow. Thanks. A million times, Thank You.
---I/We are reading a great book. "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. I've been thinking as I'm reading it--" I should be underlining this, well I'm just going to read it again, I'll underline it the next time through" Just so happens Mark is a church-planter, so there is that connection. But anyone can benefit from it. Prepare to be challenged.
---Life Groups are going great. Once again, God has blessed us with some amazing people. Honestly, that is one area that does need and deserve more of my time and attention. So.. to ALL of you that have been hosting, leading, and attending, thanks for your patience, for your perseverance, and for your leadership.
Loving life,
Grant
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