Last Thursday Deb and I took Jacob to meet his 5th grade teacher at the Liberty middle school.  This was the first time any of us had ventured to the fifth grade hall.  As we approached the front entrance we saw a sign that said, "if you haven't registered your child please report to the media center."  Since we hadn't registered Jacob we headed to the media center which was locked.  A lady came to the door and told us to go the office.  We tried to explain to her there were signs up telling people to report to the media center.  Another lady came to the door and told us to go to the main office. 

Andrew (our now 21 year old) had attended this school so we knew where the office was.  Had he not attended we wouldn't have known because there was no signage anywhere pointing you in the right direction.  Upon coming to the office we were told to head to the fifth grade hall.  Like we knew where that was?  As we started down the wrong hallway another parent told us the fifth grade hall was the next building.  You would think a sign stating what grade each hall represented could have been put on the doors.  DUH!

As we entered the fifth grade hall we had no idea where Jacob's room was.  We knew who his teacher would be but not where the room was located.  Each teacher had a sign on the door but it was so small you couldn't see it unless standing within a couple of inches.  Anyway, you couldn't see any signs because there were so many people.  I was very frustrated in just finding the room, much less actually getting to meet the teacher due to all the people.

As we were leaving you could see and hear the aggravated parents looking for their children"s teacher and rooms.  I told Deb as we were leaving the school should have done a better job of signage and had some people answering questions.  Told Deb it reminded me of a first time visitor to a lot of churches.

With September 13th right around the corner (and I'm praying and expecting to see a lot of visitors because all of us are inviting and handing out cards) it made me look at our church and ask some very real questions:
1. As a visitors step onto our property do they know where to go and are they welcomed with a smile?
2. Do our regulars remember what it felt like to walk into the building for the first time?  So many times we become familiar with a place and forget what it was like the first time.
3. Do we have the appropriate signage for those who just want to come in and check us out?
4. Are others walking around with that lost look in their eyes?
5. Are volunteers doing their job and not talking with their friends which puts their back to those who know no one?

All great questions that must be addressed if we truly want to reach this city for Jesus.

Some random thoughts:
* Just finished meeting with Alfred and Chris Robinson about remaining in the Colony theater.  More on this later.  Need to pray.
* Have a meeting with all the key leaders this evening.  Were about to make some changes in the way we serve.
* Had my accountability time with Liberty coaches this morning and then spoke at Home of the Heart.  Love teaching God's Word.
* About to begin writing next weeks message.  Opening message of American Jesus.  Not leaving until its done!  It has been brewing in me for the past three weeks and I'm about to explode if I don't get it all on paper. 
* Who are you bringing on the 13th?
* I am praying about a number for the 13th.  Not how many are here but that 100 people will give their life to Jesus.
* Something pretty cool about Sunday after next, it is our 5th birthday.  Can't believe we have our first four years behind us.  WOW!
* Live today as if it was the last day of your life!