Dean Herman

May 24, Life Groups

2012-05-24T20:21:45Z

Every other Wednesday I have the awesome privilege of hosting a life group at the Herman home. It definitely is not something I dread but look forward to. Just last night I had 30 adults sitting on my back deck as we discussed our prayer lives. To see how these adults are growing in their walk with Christ is truly amazing for me. Now all of this happened after a fine meal of course. In my opinion EVERY SINGLE PERSON at 5 Point should join a group. Why? Glad you asked.

Why you should join a life group:
1. As our church gets bigger we must also get smaller.
What I mean by that is very simple. When you become large its easy to get lost in the crowd. The best way to stay connected is by getting involved in a life group. Bu doing this you actually know people by their name and they know yours.
2. When a tragedy happens in your life a life group can help you through it. So often things happen and the church never knows about it. Through your group you can receive meals, have hospital visits, share those hurts and receive the help you need and deserve. But if your not involved hard for us to even know. And by the way, just in case you didn't know, the staff of 5 Point and myself can not read minds. Love when people get their feelings hurt and never come back because we didn't check on them while going through a tough time. Yet they never let us know!
3. Showers and meals
5 Point does not do showers for women but life groups do. If we did showers for every pregnant women we wouldn't have time to reach lost people. But if you're in a group they are honored to rejoice in your new addition with giving you a shower. Many times during a death or illness life groups provide some meals. Again, the staff can't do this. We're entirely too busy with a new building & preparing for Sunday mornings.
4. Friends
One of the reason life groups give showers, make hospital visits, provide meals etc is because you become such good friends. I don't think of those in my group as just people who come to my house twice a month but as friends. I love this group of people. And if I'm ever pregnant :) in the hospital or need a friend I expect them to be there for me as I will for them.
5. It is Biblical
God the Father created us to be involved in a group.
Think of it this way. If your are a charcoal set to the side in your grill how long will you burn? A few minutes possibly. But if you're in the middle along with other charcoal you will burn longer and brighter. Same is true in our Christian walk. And my desire is to see you burn long and bright.

So, get involved in a group.

We are going to begin putting a lot of emphasis on life group. Already have someone picked out to hire that will lead our life groups ministry. In fact, on June 6th we are having a very important meeting to begin making preparations. My goal is to see 100% of our people involved in a group somewhere. I know this is a lofty goal but it is one I'm willing to invest in!

Some other thoughts:
* Went by new building today. Simply amazing! Can't wait to have the space needed to reach thousands of people.
* Had close to 300 people turn in commitment cards this Sunday. When we become a praying church we'll become a powerful church.
* Playing golf in the morning with a bunch of friends and can't wait.
* Love what God has called me to do.

May 22, Mocking God

2012-05-22T18:36:20Z

The longer I'm in the ministry the more I realize just how many people mock God. Scripture is full of stories with people mocking God also. Read about King Jeroboam mocking God again this week and couldn't help but laugh at how he handled himself.

The story is found in 1 Kings 13. Let me explain what is happening. A man of God is prophesying that Josiah will be born and will come and destroy all the pagan Gods. King Jeroboam finds out and gets upset.

1 Kings 13:4-5
⁴When King Jeroboam heard what the man of God cried out against the altar at Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the altar and said, "Seize him!" But the hand he stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so that he could not pull it back. ⁵Also, the altar was split apart and its ashes poured out according to the sign given by the man of God by the word of the LORD.

Here we go. God speaks, people don't like and respond and God does exactly what he said he would do. Now here is the part I find so amusing. I've seen it happen over and over through the years. After someone mocks God (I've seen some who would even say there is no God) God responds just as he said he would. Th eperson mocking God then cries out to God for help.

1 Kings 13:6
⁶Then the king said to the man of God, "Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored." So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before.

SERIOUSLY? You mock God then beg God to heal you. But before we jusdge let me ask a simple question, don't we do this on a regular basis? Many Christians know what God expects and when we go against God's Word get upset at the consequences of a holy God. Scripture is very clear about this.

Galatians 6:7
⁷Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

So before you mock God, think about what your doing.

May 21, Thoughts on Sunday

2012-05-21T20:44:59Z

Some of my thoughts about Sunday:
* For some reason our momentum is at an all time high. The Holy Spirit is really moving among our people.
* Finished series on prayer yesterday.
* One of my favorite series thus far.
* My heart hurts knowing just how little the average American Christian prays today.
* Close to 300 people turned in cards committing to pray this week.
* Being honest, that jacks me up. If we become a praying we'll become a powerful church!
* Life change took place. A LOT of people stood and repented of sin.
* Several people talked with me after both services concerning issues in their life. Wanting to quit doing life their way and begin doing life God's way.
* Worship was incredible. I think our band is getting better and better.
* Personally thanked all our volunteers from the stage once again. Without them this church does not operate.
* Was scared to death attendance would be way down with the weather being incredible. It wasn't.
* Every Sunday I have the honor of shaking guests hands and hearing them say some amazing stuff about our church. And here is the truth, a lot of times its not about the message. It's about how welcomed they felt and how much they enjoyed themselves. Thanks to every person who makes that happen.
* Love Pastoring this church.

Some other thoughts:
* Please be in prayer for our building. Specifically pray for the following:
a. safety for workers
b. everything fall into place so finished on time
c. contractors be able to come at appropriate times
d. Tim & Lawson as they are responsible for this huge project.
* Keep your commitment this week to pray.
* Remember, prayer is a conversation with God and He wants to hear form you daily.
* Have an awesome week.

May 17, Building Progess

2012-05-17T18:18:25Z

Doors are up going into the lobby.

Air condition units for the auditorium.

New paint going on the exterior of the building.

May 15, Final thoughts on Prayer

2012-05-15T18:18:13Z

We will finish our "Conversations" series this Sunday. I am convinced it has been one of the most helpful series when it comes to helping people grow deeper in their walk with Christ. Prayed for each person by name this morning that turned in a commitment card.

Finished Sunday morning message a few minutes ago. I will begin preparing for our next series, Doctrine II.
But before I move on from prayer I had one more thing I really felt needed to be addressed. Last Thursday I talked about praying for yourself. I want to dig a little deeper on praying for ourselves.

In my opinion one of the greatest examples of praying for yourself came from King Solomon. God literally asked him what he wanted and he would give it to him. If that happened today I am 110% convinced the majority of American Christians would ask for millions of dollars. Read Solomon's response below:

1 Kings 3:5-9
⁵At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." ⁶Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. ⁷"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.
⁸Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.
⁹So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

Solomon asked for wisdom. He knew what God the Father had called him to do, lead Israel as their king. You gotta catch this, check out God's response:

1 Kings 3:10-13
¹⁰The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹²I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

Did you catch that? God gave Solomon what he asked for and then blessed him greatly with other stuff. Here is what I hope EVERYONE at 5 Point will eventually understand about prayer. It's not about stuff but seeking to please our heavenly Father. And when we come to that point we will ask for Heavenly Kingdom growth and not more of our own kingdom growth. And when that happens God is more likely to bless you with the other stuff.

Spend time in conversation with the King this week. Ask Him to use you to grow His Kingdom. Ask Him to draw you closer to Him than you've ever been.

May 14, Thoughts On Sunday

2012-05-14T20:20:16Z

Yesterday had to be one of the high points of my ministry. Can't remember seeing God move in such a powerful way. Some of my thoughts on an amazing day at 5 Point.
* After the second service I left during the last song and went straight to my office without speaking to anyone. Fell onto my knees and thanked God for what He had just done. I was overwhelmed with emotion and needed to get that out before facing everyone.
* Mothers Day is usually a low attended day for us. Not yesterday. 900 plus packed into this theater.
* AND we had 9 first time guest cards turned in. All time highs for us on a Mothers Day.
* Started by giving all the Moms a standing ovation. Loved having everyone place hands on their Moms and praying for them. I prayed over Deb and thanked God for such an awesome wife and Mom to my children.
* Had baptism at beginning of both services. Always love that!
* In second week of series called, "Conversation"
* Prayer is defined as a conversation with God the father.
* Yesterday I spoke on what I called the 7 Essentials of Prayer.
* Spent most our time on first point, prayer is an honor.
* Had everyone read about the death of Jesus from Matthew, Mark and Luke.
* Wanted to make sure everyone noticed that all three gospels shared different facts about Christ death but all three also shared one common fact, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom."
* With the curtain ripping from top to bottom God the Father gave everyone of His children the right to enter into the Holy of Holies. An honor that only the High Priest was given once a year.
* Main point of message was that if we have the honor to enter the Holy of Holies why in the world do we not do it?
* Stopped the message after this point and gave a salvation invitation. Asked those who wanted to know Christ to come forward and sit on the front row. AND IT BROKE LOOSE! Between both services 20 people stood and came forward.
* I just had a conversatio0n with them about their salvation. Had them say the sinners prayer out loud and you should have heard the tears flowing as people came from death to life.
* Here is the really cool part, since we had the baptism set up and the Bible says to repent, be saved and be baptized I offered all of them the opportunity to be baptized. All but two or three went straight back. I continued teaching and when they we're brought back out I commenced to dunking.
* Asked each one their name and how they heard about us. Each one had been invited by a friend.
* INVITING WORKS! Keep up the good work 5 Pointers.
* A elderly woman came forward and gave her life to Jesus. Told me she wanted to be baptized but no way she could be lifted into baptism. Told her we would take care of the problem. Lawson was standing up front and I told him to deal with the problem.
* Shared with church that is basically how our church works anyway. If there is a problem the staff handles it which allows me to continue working on messages and Pastoral duties.
* After we had baptized everyone she came over with a t-shirt on. We had her bend her head over the pool and poured a bucket of water over her head. I am convinced she is just as saved and baptized as each person who came forward!
* In all we baptized over 20 people.
* As the people we're making their way behind the stage to be baptized our people gave them a standing ovation. I think we're starting to get it. This church is here to reach people far from God and God is allowing us to do it!
* Worship was amazing. Can't help be moved when God moves!
* A special thank you to all the Kid Zone volunteers. I know it was a long day but you took part in changing lives.
* The second service was close to two hours long. WOW!

"Lord Jesus, I am simply amazed at what you are doing at 5 Point." thank you so much and may you be glorified through all of it."

May 10, Praying for SELF

2012-05-10T14:49:41Z

Part three of how to have a better conversation with God.
1. Always go to God first
2. Pray very specific prayer, not vague prayers

3. How to pray for yourself
Through my many years of experience in the ministry I've deal with praying for ourselves many times. In my opinion people look at praying for themselves through two set of lenses.
First, people often ask me if its ok to pray for themselves. I almost find the question funny but realize people are SERIOUS! They really aren't sure if they are being stingy or unholy by praying for themselves.
Second, and this is sad. Many look at praying for themselves as nothing more than their Jesus wish list.

As you read through the pages of scripture you see heroes of the faith praying for themselves:
* Moses asked God to help him lead millions of people
* Solomon asked for wisdom
* Nehemiah asked for the right words as he approached the King to ask for materials to build wall
* Throughout the Psalms David is asking God for protection and deliverance from his enemies
* Peter begged God for boldness
* Paul asked God to remove the thorn from his side
* And don't forget, Christ himself asked God the Father to come up with another plan because he knew the suffering he was about to endure.

But what you don't see is people begging God for more stuff. And being honest, that is exactly how people treat the majority of their prayer time about themselves.
"Oh God, please give me....................................................... and we already have more than any other nation!

I pray for Dean Herman DAILY. Here is some of what I pray:
* please give me the wisdom of Solomon
* Beg God for the boldness of Peter
* the leadership skills to lead our people like those of Moses
* for God anointed messages and to anoint me every time I speak regardless of the number of people
* for my marriage
* my health
But never do I pray for more stuff! I am embarrassed at how incredibly blessed I am.

Now, here is the key to all of this. As you pray for yourself pray about things that will help you build the kingdom of God and not your own kingdom. When you come to the point that HIS Kingdom means more than your own you'll be amazed at how your prayer will change!

Some other thoughts:
* Don't know if I've ever been as excited about a Sunday as I am this Sunday. LIFE CHANGE is going to happen and it just might be you!
* Starting both service with baptism. Love it!
Continue to keep your commitment in prayer. IF you've missed a day don't let Satan beat you down. Get right back on your knees.
* Don't forget about work day this Saturday. Meeting at new building at 9:00 am. Have enough people we'll be done by lunch time.
* I am spending the last couple hours of daylight and several hours of darkness on the lake. Love being on the water and watching the sun set. And if a big ole fish or two grabs my line that makes it that much better!

May 9, Vague Prayers

2012-05-09T20:25:41Z

Ok, here we go. Another really important part of prayer that I won't be able to discuss on this Sunday or next. By the way, this Sunday is finished and I am so excited. God had me change what I had planned on doing during my face to face time Monday. Life Change is going to happen.

Yesterday I discussed going to God the Father first with our request. Today:

God does not answer vague prayers!
The first time I heard this I was somewhat hesitant. But the more I studied prayer, read about prayer and spent time in prayer, I have come to believe that statement 110%.

Think of it this way, when you're having a conversation with a good friend you talk in specifics. You don't throw blanket statements out there. You share very intimate details of your life with close friends. And God the Father should be our closest friend.

I have prayed for very specifics for years now. Some specifics I'm praying for and not blanket statements:
* September 9th - Asking God to give us 200plus salvations and over 2,000 people at our Grand Opening.
* September 16th - That we will baptize 300 plus people. The other 100people are coming from 5 Pointers leading their friends to Jesus.
* Begging God that Jacob (my 13 year old son) will be a virgin when he gets married. Pray for his future wife very specifically.
* Pray for my precious bride by name and in specifics.
* Asking God to save marriages in our church. Not in general but praying over certain families specifically.

And if you come to me asking me to pray for your Mom who is dying you don't want me to pray, "God please heal the sick in our church." You want me lifting your Mom up by name and to pray specifically for what the problem is.

But here is the problem for most, praying for specifics takes time. A lot more time! But I look at it as that's just more face to face time with my King! Prayer isn't something I dread but long for. I enjoy my conversations with God. And I know (because I'm a Dad) He longs to hear from me. God loves me and wants to hear from me. AND THE SAME IS TRUE OF ALL HIS CHILDREN!

So as we continue discussing our face to face time with the King, begin to pray very specifically.

May 8, Conversations

2012-05-08T21:02:10Z

I never have the problem of not having enough to say on a Sunday morning. Have to delete so that our services don't last 3 or 4 hours. So for the next few days I'm going to give you a few gold nuggets on prayer that I won't be able to hit on Sunday morning.

1. In difficult times turn to God first!

So many times people turned to God as a last resort. They've listened to the advice of their friends, co-workers, family, Oprah and Dr. Phil, but haven't mentioned a word to Father. as you begin to pray more and more you'll begin to turn to God the Father first, not last. He becomes the first option and not the last resort. Love how Psalm 5 puts it:

Psalm 5:1-3
¹Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. ²Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. ³In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

You can hear the anguish in David's voice. You can hear his plea to the Father. He starts his day by taking his request to the Father through prayer and we must do the same. So next time you need some help turn to the Father first and anxiously wait for His response.

Some other thoughts:
* This doesn't happen often but during my time with God today He completely changed Sunday morning.
* Will finish it tomorrow morning and can't wait to share what God laid on my heart. I can promise you this, if you have a desire to learn more about prayer, Sunday is going to rock your world!
* We had 175 prayer commitment cards turned in Sunday.
* I prayed over each and every name today. Begging God to show Himself to each person in a mighty way!
* Can't imagine what God will do here if our people begin to understand what prayer can do.
* Lawson is downstairs meeting with our contractor right now. Everything is looking good. As of right now we should have our first Sunday on July 1st. But we all know some things could go wrong and set it back a Sunday or two.
* Thanks to all of you who allow me to be called your Pastor. Love what I do and what God is doing here!

May 7, Thougths on Sunday

2012-05-07T20:52:27Z

We began a new series yesterday, "Conversations." This is a 3 week series on prayer. I have come to realize that the majority of American church people do not pray (unless we need something of course). Found this out by asking people. And, I am convinced God truly wants revival in the American church but is waiting on us to desire it also. SO I decided to teach our people how to pray. I'm not talking about asking for more stuff but real face to face time with our creator.
Some of my thoughts on the day:
* Another great day for 5 Point.
* Amazed at the number of compliments on such a simple message. Proves to me that our people are not seeking face to face time with God the Father.
* Band did an awesome job. Can't wait to see what they can do with an updated sound system.
* Revelation Song at end of message was on the money!
* Really loved the video showing different ways to pray. I don't care how many times I see it (The pastor praying at Nascar race last year) I'm going to laugh.
* My definition of prayer - a conversation with God.
* In my opinion, one of the hardest things to learn about prayer is hearing the voice of God.
* Three ways to do this:
a. the Word of God
b. Holy Spirit
c. the People of God
* Many people just aren't sure how to pray. Nothing to be ashamed of, neither did Christ disciples.

Luke 11:1-4
¹One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." ²He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. ³Give us each day our daily bread. ⁴Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

* Taught our people to use the acronym PRAY
Praise
Repent
Ask
Yield

* This is the way I continue to pray myself.
* Asked people to make a commitment to pray this week for (pick a time themselves) and hundreds did.
* As I promised, I will be lifting every name up this week.
* If our people would begin to to spend a significant amount of time in prayer, OMG!
* Said this yesterday and I meant it, "I can't fathom knowing Jesus as my Savior and not spending face to face time with him. Only reason I could see someone not spending time on prayer is that they don't know the King!
* A Lot of life change took place yesterday.
* Several people went back to talk to counselors about their salvation.
* Hundreds stood and repented of not spending time with Christ in prayer.
* Several came forward and spent time at the altar.
* Truly blown away by what God the Father is doing here.

Some other thoughts:
* Don't forget we will be meeting at the church tonight at 7:00 to pray. Nothing fance, just seeking God to bring revival to 5 Point and our community.
* Yesterday we looked at how to pray.
* Next Sunday we will be looking at what to pray for.
* Sunday after next, how to pray through tough situations.
* Work day this Saturday. Want to get a lot of cleaning done here at the Colony and new building before the heat cooks us all. Meeting at new church at 9:00.
* Gotta go eat something with the family so I can get back here before 7:00. Hope to see you then.

May 2, Say NO so you can say YES

2012-05-02T18:22:13Z

I am 110% convinced that BUSINESS is pulling people away from Jesus Christ. We get so involved with work, our kids school and sport activities, personal leisure activities, yard work, errands, cleaning house etc. etc. etc.
that we don't have any time left to spend with Jesus. And a lot of the things we're doing are good things.

For example, just this week I spoke at Home With A Heart this morning. Speaking at Easley High FCA Friday morning. Staff meeting Monday, lunch appointment today, returning e-mails and phone calls, blogging, exercising and running errands has kept me extremely busy. Not to mention preparing for Sunday morning and future Sunday mornings. None of these are bad things, in fact all of them are very important. But did you notice none of them had anything to do with my personal time with Christ.

I have begun asking people (Christians) how often they read the Bible, pray and for how long. You'd be astonished at the responses I'm getting. For the most part, God's people do not read his Holy Word or spend time in prayer. Number one reason, "I just don't have time." And the devil is loving every minute of it. Business has become one of Satan's favorite weapons in America and we don't even realize it.

EVERYONE must learn to say NO to good things so we can say YES to the most important things. Nothing is more important than your walk with Jesus Christ. Your time in the Word and in prayer defines who you are in the eyes of God. None of us will ever be asked how big a house we have, how much money we made, how great our kids we're in sports. But God the Father will ask everyone of his children two questions:
1. What did you do with my Son?
2. What did you do with the life I gave you?

At some point we must begin to say NO to some good things so we can say YES to the most important. When I realized this had become a problem in my life I did the following:
1. Made a commitment to my Savior that He would be first in my day timer.
2. Began starting my day in prayer and in the Word. Want to give God my best and for me that is first thing.
3. Told Jacob he could only play two sports. Not traveling all over Pickens County year round.
4. Began having more date nights with my hot smoking wife.
5. Cut back on saying yes to every invitation.
6. Deleted certain responsibilities so I could focus on Sunday mornings.

EVERYONE has 24 hours in a day. EVERYONE decides how they will spend those 24 hours. I guess the question at hand is, do you own your calendar or does it own you?

Remember, nothing will bring you joy, happiness and peace like the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can. But to experience that joy you gotta say NO to some things so you can say YES to the most important.

May 1, KNOWN

2012-05-01T18:46:41Z

Believers in Jesus Christ face a tough question everyday, do we want to be KNOWN or do we want to make Christ KNOWN? All of us, no matter who we are will have to answer that question!

Personally, I struggled with this question for a long time. You see I wanted more people to know about Dean than Christ. And even sadder is that I used Christ to try and make Dean known. My platform was the stage on Sunday mornings. Don't get me wrong, I was ALWAYS jacked up when life change took place and especially when dead people became alive people through a relationship with Jesus. But I came to a point where I realized that Dean wanted Dean to be KNOWN more than I wanted to make Christ KNOWN! How many followers I had on my blog and twitter meant something to me. How many people attended 5 Point really meant something.

3 1/2 years ago I attended Perry Noble's coaching network and he asked us if we we're more concerned with life change or the growth of our church? I really thought I leaned on the side of life change. Then he asked this question that forever changed me. "Are you more excited about the number of people in the seats or the number of people saved?" If you only have 300 people show up but 10 people get saved are you more excited than if 3,000 people showed up and none we're saved?" BUSTED! I had to face the reality that I would have rather seen 3,000 people attend. Especially since at that time we had never busted through the 1,000 mark. I wanted Dean KNOWN more than I wanted to make Christ KNOWN!

Same problem took place when Christ walked here on earth.

John 12:37
³⁷Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

Jesus is referring to people who had seen the miracles and heard Christ in person. Yet they still refused to believe. And then there we're those who did believe but we're too embarrassed to say so.

John 12:42-43
⁴²Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

I've been there. I wanted to hear, "Dean, you are the man" more than "Christ is the man." I wanted the praise of man more than the praise of God and I used Christ name to receive it.

The day Perry asked that question God hammered me. I went back and shared with our staff that I was done trying to please man and was consumed with making the name of Jesus Christ KNOWN! And here is the funny part, once I became consumed with making Christ KNOWN and not Dean KNOWN God honored that with major life change in our church. Week after week Christ is made KNOWN at 5 Point and I am becoming less! That is the perfect picture of what John said:

John 3:30
³⁰He must become greater; I must become less.

Let me ask you a tough question, are you more worried about becoming KNOWN or making Christ KNOWN? And remember, your actions speak much louder than words!

April 30, Thoughts on Sunday

2012-04-30T21:24:19Z

Yesterday I didn't speak at 5 Point. Lawson filled in for me. I spoke at my former Pastor's church (The Rock) in Conway, SC. Some of my thoughts on that experience:
* Thanks to the 5 Point staff and volunteers for doing such an awesome job while I was gone.
* Heard Lawson did a great job filling in for me.
* Band, volunteers, Kid Zone all went well.
* Michelle did say she had a bunch of volunteers out for various reason.
* Can't wait for this Sunday as I start "Conversations" A 3 week series on prayer.
* I am 110% convinced that prayer is the untapped power source of the American church.
* And we're going to beg God for more of that power.

My experience at The Rock:
* I try and take a Sunday off every 8 weeks or so. Worked out well for the Herman family that Pastor Kevin Childs was taking a Sunday off to watch his daughter play softball for USC Gamecocks.
* Deb, Andrew, Jacob and myself all went and spent Friday & Saturday night at the beach. Awesome weekend. A lot of family time and 5 rounds of putt putt. Yes, 5 rounds. We had a blast.
* Laid on the beach Saturday and ate (way too much) seafood.
* Sunday morning I was up early and headed to The Rock.
* As I came in the band and sound team we're having problems getting everything set up due to a breaker blowing. They did a great job getting everything fixed.
* To say I was a little nervous is an understatement. I guess trying to fill the shoes of my Pastor, mentor, one of the best friends I've ever had was very intimidating to me.
* The Rock band brought it. Did an awesome job.
* Kevin had made an intro video that I've got to show when I get it. Hilarious!
* I then stepped up and spoke about being bold for Christ. Wasn't sure how The Rock crowd would handle me and my in your face style of teaching.
* In the first service 13 people stood up in front of everyone and said the sinners prayer out loud. It was simply amazing.
* Gave an invitation for people to get out of their seats and come forward and beg God the Father's forgiveness for being cowards and begging for boldness.
* Soon as I gave the invitation I went to a spot and fell on my knees begging God to move. In a matter of 60 seconds I was overrun with people. I don't know how many came forward but I know it was A LOT!
* In the second service 5 stood and said the sinners prayer out loud in front of everyone. 18 salvations. That jacks me up EVERY TIME! Love seeing lives step over from death into life!
* Same thing as first when invitation given, here they came.
* Both services I could hear people weeping as they admitted to Christ they had fallen short when it came to being bold for him!
* Special thanks to Kevin Childs for teaching me how to be a man of God, how to teach the Bible and for our decade of friendship. Love you bro!

Some other thoughts:
* Yes, Debbie and Jacob both beat me once in putt putt. Can't believe she put that on facebook.
* Went to new building today. Holy Cow the people working and the transformation is amazing!
* Starting new series this Sunday, "Conversations" So excited about teaching on prayer. It really is the untapped power source of the American church.
* Two songs and then I will start teaching so don't be late.
* Awesome staff meeting today. Really working hard on our future.
* The norm for staff in a church is 1 staff member per 100 people. We are a church running anywhere from 900 to 1,000 each week and only have 4 full time staff and 3 part time. Our staff rocks and work really hard! Thanks for all you guys and gals do!
* Baptism on Mothers Day. Get signed up.
* As good as yesterday was at The Rock I missed being at 5 Point and can't wait to teach this Sunday.

April 26, My Witness

2012-04-26T18:40:41Z

I asked several Pastors in the area to meet with me this morning to see how we could bring our churches together to better reach our communities. Only 3 of the 15 I invited showed up. Some was due to emergencies in the church and business. But others we're due to who invited them.

What I mean by that is they didn't want to meet with Dean Herman. The reason I know this is because one of the Pastors was honest enough to share what so many others think of me. This Pastor told me that due to my in your face and abrasive personality (which is very fair) I had rubbed Pastors the wrong way.

For years I knew this and really didn't care. I've always said that I wasn't put on this planet to reach Pastors but those who are far from God. While we we're praying together God spoke very clearly into my heart. God the Father said, "Dean, if you really want to reach this city for me you've got to care what others think about you, including Pastors."

If Pastors didn't think poorly of me maybe they would be more willing to work beside me. And hear is the truth of the matter, scripture tells me to care what others think:

1 Corinthians 8:9-13
⁹Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
¹⁰For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? ¹¹So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ²When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. ¹³Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

I can't allow what I've always called my personality or DNA to hurt my witness. If I'm offending others by being so abrasive then I need to calm down in front of them.

On the flip side, if someone says I need to calm down about reaching lost people or some of my convictions, THAT AINT HAPPENING! But chilling so that I can better my witness and help others want to work with me, that is happening. 5 Point can only reach so many people. But if churches would work together imagine what we could do.

So here is my question, are their any areas of your life that is hurting your witness? Are you offending others and justifying it by saying, "that's just who I am?" We can't always have the I don't care what others think because God the Father does care.

Some other thoughts:
* Left new building little while ago, it is really coming along.
* Still hope to be in there by July.
* Our momentum is sky high right now. Pray with me that God continues to move in great ways!
* Loving this warm weather. Going to enjoy it over the weekend.

April 24, Stuff or Character

2012-04-24T21:06:36Z

I had the honor and privilege of speaking to our married couples at our marriage retreat this past weekend. As we ended the session Saturday morning I opened the floor for questions and comments. What an awesome time. Some of the things said we're quite profound. One woman asked about buying stuff for her kids. My comment was that I thought our kids had way too much stuff today and they had come to think they always deserved the best.

The following statement is mine and mine alone. I stick by this and do not see my opinion ever changing.
"Stuff is destroying our kids and our nation! "
I can hear some of you right now, "Dean, why would you say that?"
Simply put, because our stuff is tearing us away from God!
Number one reason people don't read their Bibles, "I don't have time." Why don't we have time? Because we're either working to pay for our stuff or we're enjoying all our stuff.

Scripture puts it this way:

Hebrews 13:5
⁵Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

In America we never see God the Father provide because we have everything or we turn to our bank accounts instead of God.

Africa flat messed me up. One of the main ways was through their lack of stuff. That is why they will come and sit for hours to hear the Word of God taught. That is why they worship for hours on Sunday. As Americans we're consumed with stuff!

Please hear my heart, just because you have nice stuff does not make you an ungodly person. Its when your desire for stuff overrides your desire for God. And that is the case so many times in America.

April 23, Thoughts on Sunday

2012-04-23T19:48:04Z

Another AMAZING day at 5 Point. Some of my thoughts on the day:
* I told Tim earlier in the week to do two songs and let me have the stage.
* Had a special Word form God and didn't want to be rushed sharing it.
* Warned both services this was not a feel good message but in your face as it gets.
* I am 110% convinced the people in the American church want the blessings of God with no sacrifice what so ever given.
* And the sad part is we've been told by many Pastors the safest place to be is in the center of God's Will.
* Ask Stephen if that is true, right before he was stoned.
* Ask Paul if that is true right before he was stoned, flogged, beaten, shipwrecked or thrown into prison to die.
* Ask any of the disciples before they we're martyred.
* The center of God's Will is definitely the best place to be but not always the safest.
* And many times when we find ourselves smack in the middle of a storm the first thing we do is beg God to remove us when in reality it was God who put us there.
* So many times we run instead of standing firm AND we miss the blessings of God.
* We discussed Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego and the situation they we're faced with yesterday.
* They we're told to either bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue or be thrown into the furnace.
* Here is the truth of the matter, if we are a child of God we are going to be put into some tough situations.

Matthew 5:11-12
¹¹"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

* Here lies the problem, every time we deal with any type of suffering we beg God to get us out of it and don't even realize we are missing the blessings of God.
* What if Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego had bowed down to the golden statue? The following verses would have never became a fact:

Daniel 3:28-29
²⁸Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ²⁹Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

* These three men never begged God to remove them from the fire but stood firm in their beliefs of God the Father.
* And this caused the king to decree everyone to worship their.
* Can you imagine what the American church could do if we stood for what we believed instead of running and asking God to save us during difficult times?
* After the message Matthew Littleton sung "Praise You in the Storm" and it was amazing.
* 20 people stood in front of everyone and went back to meet with counselors to receive Christ as their Savior.
* Simple amazed at what God is doing.
* Several came to me after both services thanking me and assuring me they had been radically changed! I love it!
* 3 first timers got saved.
* In both services I had those who we're willing to stand and ask God's forgiveness for running from God ordained moments because they we're uncomfortable.
* Warned them before hand I was going to ask God to put us in the fire if that is where he wanted us.
* Invitation time was simply a God thing.
* We have never had 1,000 on a regular Sunday. Always said we just didn't have the room.
* We still haven't :) Just a few people shy yesterday! And it was crowded.
* Thank you Lord Jesus for changing lives.
* 300 plus went through the Kid Zone. Awesome job Zone volunteers.
* Scheduled another baptism in May due to so many salvations. Awesome problem to have.
* Stepped outside between services and couldn't believe all the new faces.
* Had a couple from Vermont who told me it was their first weekend in Easley and their neighbor had invited them. Both gave their life to Jesus. That is how it works!
* Great job 5 Point! Lets continue to reach this community for Jesus!

April 18, 32 Years

2012-04-18T22:31:25Z

Deb and I will celebrate 32 years of marriage tomorrow. I can't believe it! 32 YEARS! We've had some amazing times and some miserable times. I can't brag enough on my wife. She truly is a Saint. So lucky she has stuck with me with everything I've put her through. Thank you Father God for the love of my life and than k you Deb.

Top things I've learned about marriage the past 32 years:
1. Communication is key
If you can't communicate you won't stick together. You've got to learn to talk to each other even when you don't want to. We still make jokes about not being able to communicate, especially since we communicate so differently. I encourage every couple to communicate. Don't hold it in!
2. Meet each others needs
Please hear my heart. If you don't meet each others needs someone else will. I've heard the same heart breaking story over and over. We have to meet our spouses needs and when that happens they will meet your needs.
3. Stuff does not bring happiness
I know this goes against the American Dream but its the truth. I was brought up believing stuff brings happiness. Wanted everything for Deb and the kids and honestly, even more for me. But our happiest moments have not come form the stuff of life but from the moments of life. Take away everything I have and I still have Deb and the kids. Take away them and I have nothing.
4. Intimacy is a major component
Earlier in our marriage I just wanted sex. But sex isn't intimacy. Now I desire much more than just sex form Deb. I want to be with her, talk to her, hold her and all of that is a part of our intimacy. And let me be honest, after 32 years of marriage, our intimate times are better than ever. NO KIDDING!
5. God must be the center of the marriage
Saved the best for last. One of the reason Deb and I have such an awesome marriage is because we've finally allowed God to be the center of it. I didn't say go to church. I said allowing God to be center of marriage. We tried doing it our way for way too long. Jesus Christ truly is our foundation.

Some other very important facts I've learned through the years:
* Always date your spouse. Never stop spending time ALONE. And that means no kids.
* Don't scream at your wife. The damage it does takes way too long to repair.
* It's ok to enjoy doing things without the other. I love to fish, Deb hates it. Den loves to shop, I hate it. So we do without the other and that's ok.
* Don't allow children to become the center piece of the marriage. I know way too many couples who have worshiped their kids and when the idols (kids) are gone the marriage falls apart.
* You don't have to start out living like your parents in the first year. All that does is create a lot of debt and debt has destroyed a lot of marriage.
* Serve each other and don't expect to be served.

31 years. Wow! I'm getting old! But I know this for a fact, however much longer God the Father gives me on this earth I want to spend it with Deb.

April 16, Thoughts on Sunday

2012-04-16T20:30:52Z

If you don't attend 5 Point and read this blog regularly you probably think I'm exaggerating about what takes place on Sunday mornings. No way we could see the salvations and life change I talk about. No way God could be moving as I explain. But I promise it really is happening and yesterday was another one of those days. Some of my thoughts on how and what God did yesterday:
* Another beautiful day weather wise. That is 3 in a row!
* Told staff to be prepared because I really thought this could be one of those days!
* Started with explaining why we're top be baptized.
* Bible very clear. We are to repent, be saved and be baptized.
* Shared that we had shorts, shirts, towels, everything they needed to be baptized if they had truly been saved but had not taken that step of obedience.
* Baptized 6 in first service and then asked if any other needed to be baptized.
* Two people immediately stood up and came forward.
* We sang couple songs and then baptized them.
* Message was on marriages that are on the brink of divorcing.
* Jason and Sunday Wade shared their story on how close they we're to becoming another statistic.
* I really hammered the men for falling short as the spiritual leaders of their home.
* Told every man he is the Pastor of their family and I meant it!
* I'm not there to read and pray with their kids. I can't answer all the questions. That is their responsibility.
* Used Ephesians 5:22-33 as our text. Look at it as God's guidelines for marriage.
* Men are all about women submitting but don't want to hold up to their part of the bargain.
* At end of message Tim and the band sang, "Whatever it Takes" with the video in the back ground. Song is incredible and video drives home point of message. Are you willing to do whatever it takes not to become another statistic?
* Invitation was very simple yet threefold:
1. for people to give their life to Christ - both services people came to know Jesus
2. living together - ready to stop doing it mans way and do it God's way
3. married couple to do whatever it takes and for men to step up and begin being a man of God!
* I promise, God was all over the place as life change was taking place.
* Gotta share what happened in the beginning of the second service.
* 4 people we're baptized and four others came forward to to be baptized. I had all four tell us why they wanted to be baptized. Didn't want it to be easy. Amazing responses. Very challenging. But the last one took everyone by surprise. A 60 year old woman who needed help into baptismal told me, "I know I've been saved but Jesus can't forgive me because of what I've done." Told her to look at me and with her sitting in the baptismal we talked about how much Christ loves her and no matter what she had done Christ could and would forgive her. Could hear people all over the room crying. After being baptized I felt really impressed by God to ask how many felt the same way? How many we're still struggling that they couldn't be forgiven. Hands went up everywhere. For the next few minutes I dealt with sin and being forgiven. Had those struggling repeat after me a sin of repentance. POWERFUL! Then we worshiped and it was a sweet time of worship!
* After the service a couple that are living together told me they wanted to make things right and do it God's way. WOW!
* My son Andrew had invited a friend of his that was living with his girlfriend. He had no clue the message was about that very thing. Here is the God thing. The girl friend got radically changed by becoming a follower of Christ. They want to get married and start doing life God's way! POWERFUL!
* One of the women who got baptized first service husband stood and went back to speak with counselor. Counselor told me he was radically changed because he accepted Christ as Savior!
* I promise all this really happened.
* Simple amazed at what God is doing in our church.
* Attendance was 900 and being honest, that is about all our building can handle.
* SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the Kid Zone volunteers in second service. Thank you for hanging in there during such a long service. Close to two hours. No clock on God!

LOVE MY CHURCH!

April 13, Are we Enduring ANYTHING

2012-04-13T14:19:37Z

I bet I have read the book of Acts hundreds of times through the years. Love watching the first church develop through the pages of scripture. Read something Wednesday morning that literally jumped off the pages and smacked me in the face!

Let me set the scene for you. In chapter 14 Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra speaking and noticed a man who had been crippled since birth. Paul told him to stand up and get on his feet. He did! The crowd went crazy! In fact, the crowd thought Paul and Barnabas we're Gods and began worshiping them. Paul begs them not to do this that he was just a man like them and doing this through the glory of God.

Make sure you catch this. In Acts 14:8-9 Paul heals a cripple. In verses 10-18 Paul has to beg the people not to worship him. Please read verse 19 & 20 below.

Acts 14:19-20
¹⁹Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

The very people who we're wanting to worship Paul in verse 18 we're persuaded to stone Paul one verse later and did! Worshiping him in one verse and trying to kill him in another. AMAZES me how fickle people are. How their beliefs can change with the blowing of the wind. But that isn't anything new or what jumped out at me. It was the following verses that messed me up. Please read below:

Acts 14:21-22
²¹They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²²strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Several things made me stop and think about my faith:
1. After being stoned would I get back up and go right back to preaching about Jesus?
2. Would I want to strengthen others or want sympathy and others strengthening me?
3. What true HARDSHIPS have I gone through?
4. And, according to this passage we're gonna have to endure some hardships to enter heaven!

Seriously, what hardships does the average American church or Christian endure?
* having to walk across the parking lot to get to church
* stand in line to check kids in
* music or temperature not exactly was I like
* someone thinks less of me because of my stand for Christ

As I'm writing this I'm asking myself what hardships have I ever really had to endure? Asked my life group same question Wednesday night and no one could answer.

Some will disagree with this and I'm ok with that. But I believe the American church has been lied to for years. We've been told if we come down an aisle and sign a card then we will spend eternity in heaven. That just is not true! As I read through the Bible over and over I find nothing further from the truth. I find Jesus saying that we must be willing to forsake everything for him and no one seems to be doing that. I find Paul saying we must go through hardships and no one is doing that. I see Christians hiding in the church but not doing anything for the cause of Christ. Scared to death to say anything or do anything! Jesus himself said it this way:

Matthew 10:22-23
²²All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

So Dean what are you saying? I guess it comes down to this, that if we call ourselves Christians (not people who just go to church) that we will be persecuted. That we will have to endure some hardships. And that only comes through being radically in love with Jesus.

I want to see the miracles that took place in the first church taking place in the American church. And I think many would desire the same. The only problem is that we aren't willing to pay the price they paid.

My prayer for Dean Herman and the people of 5 Point,
"Father God, please give us a love for your son." "Give us a desire to do whatever it takes to reach lost and hurting people." "Father God, please help us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them on you and your kingdom, regardless of the cost."

5 Point, pray with me that we would fall radically in love with Jesus and that God the Father would use us in great ways to grow His Kingdom, regardless! But be prepared for some hardships!

See you Sunday. And by the way, buckle up. Sunday is going to mess you up!

April 11, God owes me

2012-04-11T20:18:28Z

During my 3rd trip to Tabora, Africa I had dinner with Selena and her family. She fed us chicken, rice, vegetables and African bread. The meal wasn't all that impressive but the hospitality was simply amazing. Below you will see a picture of Selena (tallest woman in red) and her 8 children. Please notice the sticks holding her house up to the right.

As we left Selena's house I began weeping. My heart was broken. Not for her, it always amazes me just how happy the African people are. My heart was breaking because of how spoiled I am. Told God if I ever complained again to please kill me. SO GLAD GOD DIDN'T LISTEN!

I was having a pity party week before last because the AC in my truck went out. You probably know how this party goes because you've been to your own. Being honest, was actually a little mad at God because I felt he owed me AC. With all I do for the Kingdom and all I've given don't I DESERVE AC? I actually said that.

Then out of nowhere God reminded me of my promise to him. Think with me, I'm complaining because the AC is out and Selena has never experienced AC. I'm hot because I'm entirely too fat and Selena wouldn't know what fat is.

After feeling like a complete moron I asked God's forgiveness and began thanking him for everything I do have. And may I add that praise went on for sometime!

By the way, what does God really owe me? Hell! I haven't been there but from what I've read its pretty hot and they don't have AC. :)
So the next time you start complaining about what you don't have, just start praising God for what you do have.