1.   Having the privilege of marrying off Dan and Kathy Hertwick last night – so excited for what God is doing in their lives. Truly an honor to officiate that ceremony – plus the food was awesome!

2. Thinking about the new guests that will be joining us for our new “GAME CHANGER” Series that we are kicking off tonight! We started the church 2  1/2 years ago for people that were far from God…still get pumped when people show up, find out and put their hope in Him!  I want to challenge you to bring a friend – don’t come to church alone – to much is at stake…

3. Our creative team worked hard on our new stage that you will see this weekend. They amaze me every time, excited to see what they have up their sleeves!

4.  Still Lifting Tina Martin up as she is still recovering from her surgery last Thursday. As many of you know this is her second battle with Brain Cancer.  Word is, she did well and is talking and eating. Let’s keep praying for her FULL Recovery!  If your interested in helping her and Aaron with meals click here to get on meal list

5.  My wife’s birthday this week – This Tuesday…she thought she had to remind me….I played it off…she was right and for that..every-birthday from now on is 29!!

Thanks for reading – more soon

Tom

Dear Friends,

I got caught by surprise….It’s happened as the result of our church starting a New Sat night service.  Over the last two weeks people have been coming up to me and “THANKING US” for starting a Sat night service option. Didn’t expect that one…..

When we realized that our parking lost was getting too small and our crowd too big – we knew we needed to do something…..after a season of prayer and discussion with our staff. We pulled the trigger on Sat nights.  We realized there were some unique benefits to that placing a service on that day and time… Here is what we came up with with….

1.  People love having a full day with their families – Unfortunately Sat with our economy being what it is, employers are asking more from their staff and that includes working half days on Saturday….that means Sunday is the only full day people get with each other…

2. Sat Service reach a different crowd! What’s been surprising is the clear difference between our Sunday 9:30 and 11:00 services…same  programing – different feel. We had a hunch that Sat night would have a different feel and pull a different crowd as well – we were right. I Love the different types of people that are showing up – it makes our church FUN.

3.  We have an option to eat together! Being in a semi-portable facility forces us to tear-down after our 11:00 Sunday service. That keeps us from hanging out and spending time with thriver’s. Once we added the Sat service – problem solved. Each week we announce a HOT SPOT restaurant and we all show up and eat after service…last week I met the coolest couple and had the opportunity to hear their story….they are awesome. This made me love Saturdays even more….

4.  We give more OPPORTUNITY for people to SERVE!  yup – by creating a separate service, we also created a strategic hole for our church to fill…and they did.  I love seeing the SNT team. They are excited and pumped up. So much so, they end up inspiring me!

So – show up to saturday night, leave your kids in our FREE AFTER SERVICE CHILDCARE and hang out with our staff….gonna be fun! Saturdays are the NEW Sundays…

Tom

4.

thought about another Sunday service (and we still may launch that down the road) and parking on the

My counselor shared a statistic with me two years ago that floored me…90% of the people entering ministry DO NOT RETIRE from ministry, they either quit or have some sort of moral/ethical failure that disqualifies them.

I’m not a rocket scientist…but I honestly do not believe that is what Jesus called us to OR what He wants for our lives.

AND yet so many of us (church leaders) struggle/wrestle with this (usually inwardly because if we said out loud that we are dying inside we fear that people may perceive us as weak!)

Here are ten signs that you are near a burnout and/or meltdown…

#1 – You are beginning to despise people and your compassion for them is continually decreasing rather than increasing.

#2 – You OFTEN think about doing something other than ministry…and your biggest desire isn’t to honor God and reach people but to simply find relief from the pressure that seems to be building daily inside of you.

#3 – You cannot remember the last time you simply had fun with family and friends…and joy is something you talk about but are not experiencing for yourself.

#4 – You are disconnected at home…when you get there you do not want to engage with your spouse or your children, you cannot enjoy being around them…you spend more time online than you do with your family…and you find yourself wanting to sleep all of the time.

#5 – You continually tell yourself and those you love that “this is just a really busy season and that you will slow down soon.”  (However, the truth is that you have been most likely “singing that same song” for years!)

#6 – You are continually becoming obsessed with what others say about you…and one negative comment from someone who does not like you can put you in an incredibly deep valley and cause you to feel hopeless.

#7 – You begin to make easy decisions rather than the right ones…because the right ones take too much work.

#8 – There is no hope in you…and, you actually despair life.  You have actually thought of death…and some have even entertained suicidal thoughts.

#9 – You are experiencing unexplained depression and/or anxiety.  You are even having panic attacks and you can’t explain it!

#10 – You are increasingly becoming withdrawn from family and friends.

“How did you come up with this list,” you ask…it’s quite simple, I went back to December 2007 until January of this past year and listed out the qualities that were the most prominent in my own life.  That’s right…my life!  I went through a trial of intense depression and anxiety during that time period and, the best way I can describe my life would be “dark!”

However, through me swallowing my pride and asking for help, the support of an incredible wife, the support of great friends and seeking out an incredible counselor…and the unbelievable mercy of God I broke free from my darkness this past January.  Oh sure, I still struggle with it more often than I wish I would…but I cannot tell you the incredible feelings of freedom and joy I’ve had since January that I haven’t had in YEARS!

God called us to do a lot of things for Him…but He did not call us to flame out or drop out.  I want what Paul said in II Timothy 4:7 to be true of all of us!  I want us to finish well!

Here’s 4 things on my heart for YOU, US and our FUTURE

1. We had nearly 600 people show up last weekend and plus….people gave their life to Christ!  I love what God is doing in families at TC. It’s mind-blowing – we still a new church and God is working through us!!!! I love it. We can’t forget that the church exists to help people FIND and FOLLOW Christ…and when it happens – it’s worth celebrating!

2.  Last Weekend was one of the most FUN and EYEOPENING services yet! As we jumped into week two of our “Perfect Family” series we talked about the end game with our kids…..it’s not getting them to leave the house or go to college…it’s having a life-long FRIENDSHIP with them.  In order to get one we  have to engage in  a healthy behaviors during the earlier 3 phases – NURSE, KING / QUEEN and COACH. You can’t jump phases and you have to ask God for help – especially if you came from rough home life yourself. God has great plans for your family – believe it.

3.   This weekends message is titled…”Survival Guide to a Blended Home”. Coming from a blended home myself, I understand how over 50% of our population feels. Can God heal, change and help homes that are blended? Does God meet single parents with an additional grace for their situation…YES!  Can’t wait to share what God has helped me live through and put in my heart for this huge topic!

4.  People have coming up to me every week and introducing them self to me. One Question I have begun to ask every time is “have you signed up for a Growth Group”?  Groups are more than a program or a calender filler – they are the life blood of what our church is about. Church doesn’t begin when you walk in the doors- rather when you walk out….that means we should be more about relationships  than facilities and programs.  That’s where Groups step in -they are the best place to grow your faith, make friendships and get encouraged and supported…all the things a church should do… I am beyond pumped for this seasons groups…..Zumba, study groups, basketball, cooking….I think we have it all….except you – click www.thrivechurch.cc for a group list / sign up. Groups start the week of Oct 3

That’s it – loving you, our church and our future….bring a friend to church this weekend….seriously!

Tom

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I am learning to love app’s for my I-phone. The reason I say “learning” is because naturally I am not a techie kind of guy. I am still “in process” on how to create “folders” on my I-phone and I think that says it all…

My point is there seems like an app for everything.  I wonder if anyone thought about creating one for the Perfect Family?  How amazing would it be to hit a button and presto your fight with your spouse is over, your 2 year old stopped crying and your teenager suddenly has a respectful tone in his/her voice….think of the possibilities. How much would you pay for it? I’d empty my bank account right now…

Wouldn’t that be amazing! Ok – Reality would tell us there is no magic button that can do all that, but wouldn’t it be a hit!

In our new series “Perfect Family, is there app for that” we gleaning advice and insight from scripture to improve our families. To help us get along better, love more, to strengthen our commitment to each other and learn how to enjoy our lives the way God intended.

Is it as simple as hitting a button – nope! It takes work, effort and serious communication,but I honestly believe when we understand God’s vision for our families…we have the potential to change – to grow and ultimately become a better version of what we already are!

I’m beyond excited for this weekend’s services -Sat 6pm / Sun 9:30 and 11:00 – Oh yeah, if your needing a date night out..try our new Sat night service, we are offering free baby-sitting from 7-9:30pm.  Take advantage of it!

PS – this is a great weekend to bring that friend or neighbor that you have been thinking about!

See you soon -Tom

It’s been a while…If your reading this, no I did not fall off our stage and die, or forget how to use a computer (although that might not be a bad idea) I took a break from blogging and turned my energy to our staff, upcoming fall series and helping our teams succeed.  It was a good summer break but now I’m excited to get back in the saddle. So -expect anywhere from 2-3 posts a week and perhaps a guest blogger or two.

A pastor friend of mine  were debriefing from the weekend and he asked me “why I was so excited” – he could obviously hear it in my voice – so here’s how I bragged on what God did.

* Last Sunday God showed up and we had a record (non-Easter) attendance...over 825 people packed our services out!

* Our Teams really stepped up their game, walking people to different ministry areas serving coffee, helping people get a seat, creating videos and rebuilding our entire stage – they say success or failure starts with TEAM….It’s true!

* We launched Sat night service and nearly had standing room only!  I think Sat is going to become one of favorite services – sorry 9:30 /11:00 – the Sat. energy was unreal

* Angry Bird was running wild at our Fall Fun Fest and it was awesome- I loved watching families spend time together and build memories in the church – we officially ran out of snow cone ice on Sat night…to all those that missed out. I sincerely apologize

It’s pretty clear to our team and myself that God is up to something. If you want to be apart and join in…here are three clear steps that will get you there…

1. Start Praying for OUR church! Prayer protects, empowers and changes things…if we do it – we will all know it

2. Invite your friends! Now we have 3 different times to choose from…Sat 6:00 / Sun. 9:30 and 11:00 – so we are actually making it easier to fit into peoples schedules. There is nothing more real and meaningful than a friend wanting to share something valuable with another friend!

3.  Get Involved! You could be a huge part of what God is doing in our church! Why sit on the sidelines? click here to join a team and start making an impact!

See you this Saturday – Tom

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Do you remember people asking you the Q – “If you could have any super power in the world -what would you pick”? Now I grew up being totally into Super Hero’s.  I even had the super hero dolls that you could change the costumes on. Have you ever seen the head of Batman on  a Spider-man body…I have-  it’s disturbing.

The fact is I used to  love it when people asked me that question because as a kid  it was so EMPOWERING. Thinking about the possibilities literally blew my mind…flying – shooting webbing from my wrist and dodging bullets…that’s the stuff that dreams are made of.

I have come to grips that I may never soar through the sky with a cape  (and yes I know your probably thankful for that) – When I read the Bible I believe that God has deposited in each of us raw super powers.  The God of the universe has empowered us with unique talents and abilities.  These are the raw powers that if developed and nurtured can help us impact the world and point people to the life-changing power of Christ.

That’s why this Sunday we are kicking off our new series called “Super Power”. It’s all about help us  get up and experience our God size destiny.  When it comes to being heroic – I often can easily talk myself out of being courageous. I know with God age, gender, bank account size or past screw ups don’t matter.  He only sees the gifts that HE HAS put in us and the POTENTIAL that we have to use them for good.  He sacrificed his life so we could have these gifts and discover what real life is!  I can’t wait for this Sunday…

PS – This Sunday 4x MMA Champion Rocky Long will be with us at THRIVE for a Live Interview. For those of you that don’t get out much – MMA is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and currently draws larger pay perview audiences than boxing.

Bring a friend to church – It’s going to be one of our BEST SUNDAY’S YET!

Tom

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Have you ever been lied to?

I have and at times I have lied. (now I know a pastor is not spoused to be that honest…but it’s true)

It stinks when you find out you have been sold a bunch of half-truths. You were meant to believe something that latter on you find out was made up or filled with a hidden agenda.

Just getting back from LA last week, this topic is on the front burner of my brain.  Over the years as I have tried to move forward with my relationship with Christ I’ve come face to face with some of the un-truths that culture has sold me. It’s caused me to do some soul searching and refocus areas of my life to be more on Him.

That’s one of the reasons we launching a new series this  Easter Sunday. We are calling it “what no one is telling you about..”. We are going to dive into some of the big rocks that make our world roll..like media, sex and wealth.  This series is going to be filled with strait-up, truthful talk and practical help from God’s word.

We are kicking it off with “What No One is Telling you about EASTER” this Sunday. Remember our Easter service times are 9:00 -10:15 and 11:30. If you want to join us for prayer – this Sat. at 4pm. Come join us – it’s open to everyone.

Excited – Tom

It’s still hard to believe that 24 months ago, a rag tag group of 35  huddled in circle and prayed. We asked for God do something big in Katy / Richmond TX.

We were not sure how God would answer that prayer….Last Sunday we got a glimpse. Here’s some of my highlights from last Sunday’s 2 yr Celebration.

*     Hearing people go crazy and applaud for the original 35 that help launch our church.  When I asked them to stand and be honored, everyone in the room got the fact that “they went first”.

*     Feeling in serious AWE as our our history video was shown…I realized how far God has taken us…and also being freaked out after realizing that this is just the beginning…

*      Asking people to hold up a Glow Stick Survey to answer Q’s about their faith journey. Imagine a black room and lights poping up all over the place when we asked who committed their life to Christ and who went public in baptism since coming to TC.  It was amazing….in a rave kinda way.

*     Watching my friends Mark and Denna Bridges sitting in the front row as we showed their video story of a marriage that Gods putting back together – God has big plans for these guys! So glad they are part of our church family!

*    Teaching from Colossians about “why we celebrate Birthdays” – here’s the cliff notes:

1.  We Celebrate What we DISCOVERED – Col 1:21-22

2.  We Celebrate How we CHANGED – Col 3:1-3

3.  We Celebrate Where WE ARE GOING – Col 2:5-7

*    Watching people get emotionally moved as the band sang “God of the City” as the closer – That song was powerful….

*     Eating the some of the BEST BBQ ever during our Cook Off competition…All of our teams deserve a HUGE THANK YOU . It was all  good…really thankful I was not a judge. Loved watching people hang out together as a church! It felt good!

* Hearing ONE youth had one it’s largest attendance on a regular night…If you have a teenager and they are not in ONE youth – let me be honest with you….your kid’s missing out.  Do something about it!

I can’t wait for this Sunday…SOMETHING BIG is going to happen on Easter at thrive.  I am personally praying for every person that is bringing friends, inviting their neighbors, unashamedly sticking yards up and egging peoples houses. Thanks for going for it with us.  I’m excited to be on the journey with you guys…

PS – If your a regular, FYI -because of the number of guests that are expecting, we are asking you to park around the back of the building. We appreciate you making it easy for a guest to get connected.

PSS – We are getting together this Sat at 4pm to pray for our Easter services. We will meet in the auditorium. Love to have you join us…It will last 30-45 min, then volunteer teams will set up for Sunday services

See you Easter at 9:00 – 10:15 or 11:30

Tom