Everyone has people that speak into there lives, as a pastor one of those guys for me is Mark Driscoll. I just came across this video where he is discussing the seeker sensitive approach to ministry vs. being Missional. It will definitely make you think!

A great Steeler and a great man…Watch this!

My favorite song of the hour…EVERYTHING by Hillsong!

Well today marks the one year anniversary of me becoming the Lead pastor of Ridgewood Church (And the merger of two churches into one). When I look back at all God has done it’s really amazing to see how He works. Ridgewood Church is really an amazing place…it’s a family not just in name alone but in reality.

There’s a couple of things that I have learn / know for sure…God has a perfect plan that he will work out and as long as we hang with him he will never lead us astra. Second I’m living my dream…I believe that the best is yet to come!

The MCM Ministry School is designed to provide a prospective student not only with classroom training but with real life experiences in ministry. Every day we involve students in our PRAYER SCHOOL. Once a week, we engage in PRACTICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH in connection with one of eight churches that have been planted in Pittsburgh. Once a year, the students participate in an INTERNATIONAL TRIP to work in partnership with Mission SOS in a Signs and Wonders Festival among UNREACHED PEOPLE’S GROUPS.

The passion of the MCM Ministry School is to raise up faith-filled adventurers who are committed to living out the supernatural lifestyle of the book of Acts. The practical experiences come in the context of a growing church that is actively planting churches and sending teams to reach unreached people groups.
If you’d like more info, you can visit MCM Ministry School’s website at MCMMinistrySchool.com.

This afternoon I experienced an event that I would have never expected. In fact if you would have told me even three years ago that God would have directed my steps as he has. I would have never believed you…but he certainly has. As you know the last couple of years have been an interesting ride. Just about a year ago we merged Evangel Church with Ridgewood Church and God has done some phenomenal things. From the joining of two congregations into one with remarkable favor, to partnering with an incredible friend and ministry Brian Bolt of PCO, to seeing 200 people in church this past Easter Sunday. It’s really been awesome to watch God unveil his will and plan.

Well today was possibly the finale confirmation that God was leading and directing our steps all along. During the morning session of district council, Pastor Steve Tourville recognized Ridgewood Church for their faithful commitment to building the kingdom of God. And thanked us for our obedience to the heart of God in giving of the former Evangel building to PCO. While its nice to be recognized, its better to know that you are making and investment into the lives of those who will come to know Christ because of the work of PCO. I would have never thought that God would have done this … but I sure am glad that I could be apart of it all.

Some special thanks: To Brian Bolt for being such a man of God, and being faithful / obedient to the call of God on your life (I can’t wait to celebrate with you all that HE does). To the my Ridgewood family for being so generous and receptive to God’s plan (I love being you pastor). Pastor Mark my friend and teammate you mean more to me and my family than we can express with words. Last but certainly not least Pastor Jeff for being a mentor, spiritual guide and friend, I’m so thankful for your investment into my life. You are a gifted leader and great man of God…the example that you set for all of us is making us better pastors and leaders.

We are so excited this coming week to be hosting Dave Ramsey’s live simulcast event “Town Hall for Hope”. The even will be broadcast on the big screen live at 8:00pm on Thursday, April 23 at Ridgewood Church (131 Ridgewood Ave. West View, PA 15229). Here’s a short description from their website:

“In the opening half hour, Dave will offer straight talk about the economy, recession, foreclosures and more. He’ll carefully explain where we’ve come from, where we are now, and what we should be doing with our money during this time. Then, Dave will spend an hour answering your questions live! He’ll take questions by phone, email, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more!”

Don’t miss out! It’s going to be amazing, and the cost is free! If you are in the area we would love to have you join us!

I just watched this video on my friend Nick Poole’s blog. It was to powerful not post on mine. One day maybe I’ll preach like this…thanks Nick and Brian for showing it to him.