ChrisReeder.com

Serving in the Hub City

Chris Reeder — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:42:09 GMT

If you read my wife's blog today, you would would have seen that our church's core team has been traveling to several different churches over the past several weeks.

It has been a lot of travel but we have learned so much!

This weekend though... Revolution Church is going to kick it up a notch!

Later today, we will leave out from Florence for a weekend retreat to Spartanburg, SC.

Tonight's plans... Travel and eat something good! Carrabba's Italian Grill may be in my future!

Tomorrow will be slammed. We will be spend time in prayer, core development, and planning.

One of our focuses as a church is to always have a Kingdom minded attitude. From our very beginnings, my desire and vision is to help other church plants. God has opened a door for us to do that very thing...

On Saturday evening, we will get the privilege of helping Jonathan Everette and Hub City Church do their Movies in the Park event for the city of Spartanburg. They have had such a great turnout the past two months! If you are in area Saturday, July 19th... Come out and see Shrek 3 free of charge in a family friendly environment. Read more on their website.

To add to our blessing... Sunday will be Hub City's very first preview service. They are so gracious to allow us to serve right along beside them for their first gathering which begins at 10 AM at Spartan 16 movie theater. Click here for directions.

This is our first leadership retreat, so your prayers are coveted. Prayer for the three moms on the retreat because we are leaving the kids behind for the first time in our travels. Pray for direction (literally and spiritually) and travel safety.

And while I'm looking outside at the rain... please pray for great weather for the next two days!

Hub City, here we come!!

It's All About The Life Transformation

Chris Reeder — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:26:55 GMT

This week has been pretty awesome for me. Monday night wrapped up a our first four weeks as Revolution Church. We have been meeting as a Church to participate in OnePrayer. The time we shared in fellowship, eating, hearing from God, discussing and challenging each other about what God had said, and praying together was priceless.

Last Monday night, Revolution Church experienced it's first life transformation. After our prayer time was complete and we dismissed. The kids started rocking out on Rock Band, but there was still something God wanted to do that night...

God allowed me to be able to listen to a broken heart. This heart was once on fire for Jesus two years ago... Monday night, God showed up to touch that heart and rekindle the fire that was once blazing high.

To that heart: Thank you for allowing me to be a vessel... to be there during that transformation, and welcome you to our fellowship we call Revolution Church.

That was one of the highlights of my life.

I will leave you with a great quote from one of my mentors, Chris Elrod, from this great post.

"I want to know that Heaven will be a little more crowded because I exist."

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -- Ephesians 2:10

Glad God Loves Big Hair

Chris Reeder — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:47:36 GMT

As being a teenager in the late 80's, I was a HUGE Poison fan. I always felt C. C. DeVille was one of the best guitarist ever. (hold your comments about Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Hendrix, etc...)

Anyway... I was up playing Guitar Hero the other night when I see Pete Wilson twitter (Dustin Willis... see the power of Twitter) about being backstage at a Poison concert. Susanne was rockin' Aerosmith while I was thinking about wanting to see Poison live...

Then I get this tweet from Pete

"Just got done praying with cc deville from Poison backstage. Holy cow it's crazy back here."

I remember thinking...

Wonder if C. C. became a believer?

Read what Pete wrote here and for sure watch the video.

Also this quote from C. C. broke me when he said it to Pete.

"You promise me that, you know, if I have questions, boy... You will talk to me"

To which Pete told him...

"I promise you I will walk with you, support you, encourage you, and pray for you"

Christians must be there for pre, new, and current believers. They are going to have questions. Heck... I still have questions after 8 years of being a Christian. We must disciple and walk with them.

Man... how I love life change!!!

Can't wait to hear C. C. play Amazing Grace...

News Channel of Preachers

Chris Reeder — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:31:51 GMT

Yesterday the two older kids found Emilee's camcorder she got for Christmas. I popped in a few batteries and away they went to play...

A little while later they bring the SD card to me and say...

Dad... We think you will like this!

That was an understatement. Let's just say that the kids are excited about Revolution Church and amazed that their dad is a Lead Pastor.

Why the " News Channel of Preachers" title? have to hang around till the end of the video...

So... take a look at the video.

Actor: Jacob Reeder (reads pretty good for just finishing kindergarten)
Screen Writer: Emilee Reeder
Production Manager: Emilee Reeder

Best Cup of Coffee Ever

Chris Reeder — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:03:00 GMT

As I sit here drinking a great cup of coffee this Saturday morning, I thought of something that happened a little over a week ago, and I wanted to share it with you.

I was running a little late to work and as I walked in... Coffee was on my mind. On the way to get my cup, I asked Darlene (she is a real coffee drinker... she likes it black) if I could I get her a cup. She said, "I would love a cup".

When I get to our cafe area... I notice something... (see top picture to the right)

"Nasty Folgers
sorry
I'll get more
this weekend!"

To help you understand, we have a dual coffee pot... usually Dunkin' Donuts (the best coffee in the world) in the left pot and Starbucks in the right pot (until recently.. see bottom picture to right... Wal-Mart knock-off) BTW: I know Jay Hardwick and Scott Hodge just cringed.

So... I quickly came to the reality that I was going to be drinking and serving this 5 year old coffee from these little red packs. Can you say YUCK!

I took the two cups back to my lovely cube and gave one to Darlene. I warned her... "This is some NASTY... OLD... FOLGERS COFFEE". I sat down and began to endure the nastiness.

About 30 minutes later... Darlene popped her head over my cube wall...

"Chris... I think that may have been the best cup of coffee I have ever had."

Huh??? I was really close to raiding the refrigerator for some caramel to give it a better taste and she said it may have been the best cup ever???

I told her I thought it was pretty nasty. She explained...

Chris... You cared enough of me to ask if I would like a cup of coffee because you noticed I did not already have some.

Chris... It was all about the service. You had your bag over your shoulder trying to keep it from sliding off your shoulder while trying not to spill two cups of coffee.

Chris... That made that cup of coffee the best I had ever had!

Chris... Thank You!

And then we both sat back down. For the next couple of minutes I could not even work (sorry Dean). I was in awe of what just happened.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
--1 Corinthians 10:31

As we go about our days... let us think about that verse. Whether we take someone a cup of coffee, help someone change a flat tire, or massage someone's feet... Do it ALL for the glory of God!

Hum... What is Google Ads Trying to Say?

Chris Reeder — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:49:16 GMT

While checking out Susanne's pictures from our Vacation last week...

I noticed something...

A picture of me displays the 10 Rules for Stomach Fat!!! Hum...

BTW: If you would like to see all 30+ pictures from vacation... stop by TrulyCaptivating.com.

Just don't leave any fat jokes about an Alabama Crimson Tide hat-wearing country boy from South Carolina!!!

A Revolution Has Begun!

Chris Reeder — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:58:24 GMT

WOW what a night. Tonight was one of those nights for the memory books!

Revolution Church had a very private unpublicized meeting in our home to kick off our One Prayer series.

So, what was our One Prayer for "The Church" at large tonight.

God Make Us One

Craig Groeschel shared about the church at large becoming "One" to reach those far from God.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
--Ephesians 4: 4-6

Here are a few thoughts from this message that really spoke to us:

People far from God see the church as hypocritical and divided.
Jesus prayed that we would be ONE.
We have One enemy: The church down the street is not your enemy. That other denomination is not your enemy. That pastor that criticizes you is not your enemy. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). As Craig said, he wants to "steal our unity, kill our churches, and he wants to destroy Christianity".
Unity is different than uniformity. Our diversity is what makes us special.
Awesome things could happen if The Church came together with One heart, and One purpose. The world would not only hear the name of Jesus, but they would SEE JESUS in us!!

Craig is probably my favorite pastor to listen to. I don't know what I was thinking... I now have to follow him next week with my One Prayer for "The Church" and Revolution Church. I am pretty sure the 18 other people that were at Revolution Church tonight will be ready to move to Edmond, OK after I teach next week. :-)

Also, we announced the first mission/outreach of our church. Over the next 4 weeks, we will be collecting money for The CARE House of the Pee Dee here in Florence, SC.

The CARE (Child Abuse Resource and Evaluation) House of the Pee Dee is a child advocacy center established to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team response to suspected or reported cases of child abuse.

Services to children will be conducted in a child friendly setting aimed at making the assessment experience non-traumatic for the child.

Dedicated Professionals from Law Enforcement, Social Services, Mental Health, the Solicitor's Office and the medical arena will collaborate services to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.

(Quoted from http://thecarehouse.com)

If you read this, and would like to make a contribution to help this awesome agency, or are interested in finding out more information, email me here. 100% of the money we raise during the next 4 weeks will go to help The CARE House.

Family is one of Revolution Church's core values... We are going to do everything we can to help those 500+ new kids a year that have such awful, unthinkable, unspeakable things happen to them, and hopefully help make their lives a little brighter! Please be in prayer for Anita, Kathy, Wendy, Debbie, and Kirby, staff of The CARE House.

If you would like to partner with us to make a real difference in the Pee Dee area:

Make checks payable to Revolution Church and mail to:
PO Box 13862
Florence, SC 29504-3862

Please stay tuned... Revolution Church has several things happening very soon which I will share more about later this week.

On kind of a side note, I am experiencing something new... It is 11:38 PM... I have not had supper... and amazingly... I am not even hungry...

I think I am running on adrenalin. Gotta be something... Chris Reeder does not typically miss meals!

Cardboard Testimonies

Chris Reeder — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:13:00 GMT

Ok... I am done crying now...

One of my favorite things to hear and witness are personal testimonies of how Jesus Christ touched a life...
(please take a few minutes to watch and cry over this video)

My cardboard testimony...

Thought I was good enough to get to Heaven

Jesus is the only One good... and ONLY through HIM am I able to enter Heaven

So what is your cardboard testimony?

I would love to read them... Feel free to leave a comment.

Oh how He Loves Us...

Thank you Hillside Christian Church for sharing...

Much Needed Vacation

Chris Reeder — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:53:35 GMT

It's finally here... Family Vacation!!!

Later today, the Reeder family will be in Ocean Isle, NC.

Though I will not get to stay the entire week (have to work 2 days), it is a much needed break. We always have a wonderful time.

Over the years on our beach vacations...

I proposed to my wife.
From a knee I watched and heard Susanne say "Oh my gosh.... Yes!!!" to that proposal.
Heard Emilee say "RED" for the first time while trying to get me to share some Coke (in a red cup) with her.
Witnessed Emilee pulling up to the table all by herself for the first time.
Laughed at Jacob eating sand by the hand fulls... His constipation stopped after that. :-)
Enjoyed watching Jacob run a play football with his uncle Buck and cousin Patrick.
Helped Samuel sit in the wade pool and try and catch fish.
Papa & Samuel ate enough pistachios to make any grown man sick.
Helped all three make sand castles that washed away with the tides.

What memories will happen this year... Hopefully those that will never wash away!

The Kid in Me Is Rekindled

Chris Reeder — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:23:38 GMT

Hasbro's new Star Wars Millennium Falcon!!!

It's bigger and better than the one I had when younger... Probably going to be a lot more expensive too!!!

(Watch Video)

Light-up headlights and loads of electronic vehicle and weapon sounds – engine boost, cruise mode, fly-by, firing cannons, and more
Opening, light-up cockpit can fit up to 4 figures. Vehicle includes Han Solo and Chewbacca and can hold up to 18 figures
Remove outer panels to access the ship’s interior, then head for the medical bay to treat wounded Rebels
Secret smuggling compartments to hide from stormtroopers
Boarding ramp with auto-opening action, deployment sounds and landing lights
Pivoting gunner station to target Imperial fighters
Light-up hyperdrive lights and authentic movie phrases and sounds from favorite characters: Han, Luke, Obi-Wan, C-3PO, Chewbacca and R2-D2
Rotating laser turret fires 2 missiles and makes weapon sounds; ship also features a 3-missile launcher with blasting sounds, and a cannon that launches a “laser” missile
Missile-firing mini-fighter fits inside an opening docking bay that makes electronic boarding and flight sounds
Pivoting training probe makes lightsaber and movement sounds – learn the power of the Force
Illuminated dejarik table with holographic creatures – let the Wookiee win
Being Released on July 26th (not on Amazon.com... yet...)

Gotta get

me Jake & Sam one of those!

(HT: Gizmodo.com)

Time to Fly

Chris Reeder — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:09:05 GMT

What a day full of emotions... Today was our final day in ministry at SFBC.

In September 2000, Susanne, Emilee, and I made our first visit to South Florence Baptist Church. From day one, we knew it was to be our home. Two weeks later, we joined. About 3 months later, Howard Allen (my preacher) approached me about teaching our adult Sunday School class while the teacher was on vacation. "Scared to Death" was an understatement!!! My 45 minute Sunday School lesson lasted 12 minutes. I had said everything in my notes. I think I spoke it all without taking a breath.

January 2001, Susanne and I were given a class of 7th & 8th Graders. A couple of years later... the 9th - 12th Graders.

From that time, until now, my pastor and sponsor church have been a great family to my family. They have allowed me the pleasure to serve as Deacon for 5 years, Church Treasurer for almost 4 years, and really given me a lot of opportunities to grow in maturity and leadership.

I would like to take just a moment to share my grateful heart.

Howard & Nancy Allen (my pastor & his wife): I love you both! Howard, you have been a true mentor and taught me how to love others. You have taken me under your wing, fed me, and taught me so much. You invested time and energy into me and my family. Thank you so much for loving us and taking us in as your and Nancy's adopted children. "Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15
South Florence Baptist Church: Thank you for 8 wonderful years! You all have always loved on us and reached out your arms and hearts to minister to and with us. The Bible is true in saying "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17. I am who I am today because of my SFBC family!
All the Children's Workers @ SFBC: Thank you for loving Emilee, Jacob, and Samuel. Emilee received Christ as her Savior because of you! I am forever indebted for that! You poured your lives out in love and Christ changed hers! Thank you! Thank you for making Jake and Sam feel special. They are so full of scripture and Biblical truths because you cared enough to study and reaffirm what they had already heard at home. Thank you all! "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Youth & Collegiate Students: Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for the past 7 years. We have literally watched you grow up. Please know that Susanne and I are so proud of you all! Pray and seek God's purpose in your life and seek it with everything you have! Never give up... "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14

I could go name after name through all those that have made a difference in my life but I know I would leave someone out. Please know that you are deeply missed already. Thank you all who hugged and cried with us this morning. We ask that you continue to pray with and for us concerning Revolution Church and Florence, SC. There are so many people in our city that need to experience the love of Christ like I have over the past 8 years. Never forget to love. "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." - 1 John 3:14

June 1st, 2008: South Florence Baptist Church sends us out to birth a new church for Christ. Just like a baby bird in it's momma's nest. The day is here for the momma to watch the baby soar. It is never easy for that baby to launch. That baby is scared and nervous. But that baby bird will go. Why? ...because it was made to soar.

So, as we soar... Please know that there will always be a part of SFBC flying with us!

Fellowship

Chris Reeder — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:02:37 GMT

Today was a great day. Susanne actually was able to travel to Columbia to be part of a church planter's luncheon with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. I love it when we can participate in events together.

It was a great time of encouragement and fellowship. I got to see friends like Jay Hardwick, Dustin Willis, Mike Thompson, Bryan Plyler, Jonathan Everette, John Sharp (who still does not blog), Bryan Chapman, Ronny Byrd, Kermit Morris, Neal McGlohon, and our Captain... Dino Senesi. BTW: Where was Chris Ruppe?

It was also great to meet new people like Lee Cunningham, Carl Martin, and Southern Baptist President Dr. Frank Page.

So why did I share all that?

Because it is important to have fellowship of like minds.

It is great for encouragement
It is great for ideas
It is great for accountability
It is great for spouses
It is great for learning
It is great for sharing
It is great for laughing
It is great for creativity

If you are not plugged in with a group of like minds... I encourage you to do so... Don't wait on others to contact you... reach out and contact others...

As my friend Dustin said... THE LONE RANGER would SUCK at CHURCH PLANTING.

During your journey as a church planter, youth minister, or worship leader... you need support from those going along beside you.

No one... NO ONE... knows the struggles of a church planter like other church planters.

No one... NO ONE... knows the struggles of a youth minister like other youth ministers.

No one... NO ONE... knows the struggles of a worship leaders like other worship leaders.

Looking forward to the next time we can all get together...

Whiteboard and Conference Channel

Chris Reeder — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:44:51 GMT

Just a reminder, for those who were unable to attend Whiteboard (Wibo)...

The conference is being broadcast live @ http://www.conferencechannel.org (Starts @ 9:00 AM ET)

You can also follow the event on hashtags.org.

http://www.hashtags.org/tag/WiBo/

What is that you ask???

An aggregate of people twittering about the event. Should be pretty active!
(I know Jay, Boyd, Mike, and Terrace will be providing some tweets)

BTW: You can also subscribe (RSS) to the hashtag Wibo information. Simply add the link to your RSS Reader.

What is Twitter?

Chris Reeder — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:06:55 GMT

I know a lot of you have already seen this and already know about Twitter... If that is you, please hang in there... there are a lot of subscribers and others that read my blog that do not have a clue what it is...

So, what is this twitter thing???

So, if this looks cool to you, go on over to Twitter.com and signup.

Then you can follow me and my wife.

If you are reading this and you created or have a twitter account, please leave a comment on this post so I will know about ya and be able to follow you!

What are some reasons I would want to use Twitter? (from churchmarketingsucks.com)

Ask questions: Sermon research, who's coming to an event, what people might be interested in, etc.

Share insights: Maybe it's a quote from a sermon, maybe it's a sudden insight from a Bible study.

Highlight content: Point people to blog posts, articles or resources on your church web site.

Hype events: Remind people of events and give a glimpse of what they're missing.

If you have any others... feel free to drop a comment... like... Maybe to find out when your boss is coming back to work... or how your kids did at their ball games.

And in case you have been asking the question but been afraid to ask:

Chris, what do you mean when you say subscribe to RSS?

You can find out here.

What's Up

Chris Reeder — Tue, 20 May 2008 07:42:30 GMT

Not Twitter!

Here I am @ 3:40 in the morning and can't even tell the world that I am awake!!! What's up with that... People sleeping need to know these things!!! Come on Twitter...

Been seeing this more and more...

21 Differences Between Fast Growing Church Plants and Those That Struggle

Chris Reeder — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:45:39 GMT

I usually try not to flat out post something that someone already posted... but I thought this was really good and important stuff... This list is from Planting Fast-Growing Churches by Stephen Gray.

Here’s a list of the 21 differences between church plants that grow fast and those that struggle.

Assessment: Using the Ridley Assessment is a must! The higher the score the better.
Finances: Adequate financial support is a necessity. There is a delicate balance between too much and too little support.
Full-time Planters: A majority of fast-growing church plants were led by full-time planters.
Shorter Support Period: An extended period of support is not good for a new church – recommend less than two years.
Give Additional Funding: A higher percentage of fast-growing churches received additional funding beyond the initial salary given.
Limit Additional Funding: Most growing church plants received less than $50,000 additional funding within a one-year time frame.
Planters Add Funding: Planters need to be responsible for raising a portion of their support.
Vision Ownership: The vision for the church plant should be birthed in the heart of the individual planting the church.
Audience Determination: The church planter should have the freedom to choose the target audience they want to reach.
Financial Decisions: Planters of fast-growing churches were given freedom to spend their funding as they saw fit.
Release Control: Sponsoring agencies need to give freedom to the church planter.
Support Emotionally: Adequate emotional support for the planter is vital.
Adequate Training: Church planters should receive more than one week of specialized training.
Staff at Start-up: Planting a church with a team is a must! Don’t send a lone ranger to plant a church.
Launch Team Size: A minimum of 40 people should be involved on the start-up team prior to launch—or wait!
Ministry Opportunities: Fast-growing churches had at least three ministries in place at time of public launch: worship, children, and youth.
Gathering Activities: Preview services and small groups should be utilized to build the start-up team prior to launch.
Preview Services: Preview or “practice” services should be on a bi-weekly basis for at least three months prior to a public opening.
Large Birth Weight: Do everything within your power to get at least 100 people to your public opening.
Stewardship Training: Start teaching stewardship within the first six months. Don’t be overbearing, don’t whine, and don’t be secretive about your finances; instead, be transparent.
External Focus: Fight like mad to keep your ministry focus outward.

What a Weekend

Chris Reeder — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:42:44 GMT

As you may already know, I preached twice today, two different sermons.

I had the pleasure to pour everything I had into sharing the Word of God with Hebron Baptist Church. It has been quite a while since preaching in front of a congregation. It was pretty awesome to get to share from my heart.

They were so loving and caring to me, my family, my friends, and my fellow Revolution Church partners.

One of the best ways to tell if a church has the love of Christ is to ask the kids. Emilee and Jacob had nothing but nice things to say about their Sunday School teachers. We felt at home. Thank you Hebron!

And now for the rest of the story:
I was scheduled to go with the men at South Florence for a men's retreat Friday and Saturday. All was good until I realized I had no vacation to take. I was major league bummed. God had plans that I was unaware of...

The men went to Camp McCall where there is no cell coverage. Henry Simmons would have never been able to get me to preach today if I would have gone. Sometimes God has something up His sleeves when we have disappointments.

Thank you Pastor Proctor for allowing this rookie to stand in the pulpit and share God's word.

Thank you to the congregation for loving us and making us feel welcome!

Thank you for all you out there that prayed for me today!

Thank you friends that came to support me!

Thank you Jesus for turning my disappointment into this awesome opportunity!

I am pooped and need the bed! Gotta work tomorrow.

Excitement in the Air

Chris Reeder — Sat, 17 May 2008 01:35:54 GMT

I just receive phone call about 10 minutes ago...

Your thinking... so!!! :-)

Well... let me tell ya why there is excitement in the air.

The call was from our Director of Missions, Henry Simmons, at the Florence Baptist Association.

What did he call about? (thanks for asking)

He asked if I could preach on Sunday at a church here in Florence.

I told him heck yeah!!!

I will be preaching Sunday morning (11:00) and Sunday night (7:00) at Hebron Baptist Church.
(that is, if they let me come back that evening after hearing me that morning)

So, if you are in the Florence, SC area on Sunday and would like to come support this rookie preacher boy... feel free to join us:

You can find driving directions here (8641 Francis Marion Rd, Scranton, SC 29591).

I invite anyone willing to come 30 minutes prior to start times to pray with and for me.

Now... where is my suit... I know it around here somewhere...