Dean Herman

March 10, Feeling Poor

2010-03-10T19:20:00Z

Do you ever get tired of not having the money you think you deserve? Ever see the guy down the street with a bigger house, newer truck, boat of your dreams, four wheeler, pool, land (the list could go on) and wish you had them also? I know I certainly have. I can remember not only wishing I had those things but thinking I deserved them. Then I went to Africa and saw how the majority of the world lives. For the first time in my life being asked if I ever went to bed hungry because there was no food. Seeing lepers actually starving to death. Seeing kids sleep under a tree because they have no home or parents.

Africa helped me realize just how fortunate I am. Sometimes it takes a reality check to wake us up. I am so scared the majority of Americans will continue thinking we deserve the best of everything without working for anything.

I saw this site and statistics on a friends blog the other day and couldn't help but share them also. (Thanks Burl)

According to http://www.globalrichlist.com/ I am in the top 1% which makes me one of the richest people in the world!!! If you have been feeling poor, check this site out and it will make you feel quite rich!

If you don’t have time to check out the site, here are some quick facts we all need to look at:

$10,000 annual income = top 13%

$20,000 annual income = top 11%

$30,000 annual income = top 7%

$40,000 annual income = top 3%

$50,000 annual income = top 1%

Instead of always wanting more we need to take our eyes off more stuff and say thank you to our Father above for blessing this nation and us individually so greatly.

Egg Drop 2010

2010-03-09T21:51:00Z

2010 Egg Drop

I am so excited about our upcoming egg drop on Saturday,March 27th from 3:00 - 6:00. We have rented the entire J. B. Owens complex for this event. We had over 10,000 in attendance last year and we're expecting twice that this year. We are adding a new element, a bunch of the eggs will be dropped onto the fields from a helicopter. Doubt it gets caught into the lights.

Many people have asked why were doing this? Several reasons:

1. To show our community we love them. Everything we do is free. The hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, drinks, face painting, 200,000 stuffed eggs (each one has candy in it) dozen inflatables. We just want people to see a church giving instead of asking.

2. Incredible opportunity for our people to come together and serve. So many people told me they loved doing the egg drop last year because it allowed them to serve and get to know others from the church. This is huge as we continue to grow.

3. Show people the love of Jesus. I ask every volunteer to be Jesus with skin on. No matter how rude or obnoxious people become, just smile and love on them.

For this event to be successful we need some help from our people:
First, sign up n Sunday to serve. I promise you you'll have a blast.
Second, come this Saturday from 10:00 AM until to help stuff eggs. And if you can come anytime during the week, please do so.
We already have individuals coming in during the day and stuffing. Mandy Dowell stuffed over 3,000 today by herself. WOW!
Third, we need candy and a lot of it. In fact, about another 196,000 pieces. Please go out and buy a lot and bring by the church any time this week. Bring on Saturday, bring more on Sunday, just bring candy. Remember, it has to be individually wrapped pieces and can't be chocolate.
Fourth, be praying for the event. I've already starting praying these three things:
     a. beautiful weather. there is no plan B
     b. 20,000 people in attendance
     c. people to see the love of Jesus through our people
     d. through our efforts thousands of people will come to know Christ in the upcoming months and years

Here is a video from last years event if you weren't with us at that time.

5-Point Church Egg Drop 2010 from Corey Miller on Vimeo.

March 8, Thoughts on Sunday

2010-03-08T14:41:00Z

Another really good day at 5 Point yesterday. Just a few of my thoughts about it:
* Awesome to have such a beautiful day weather wise. Loving this weather.
* Volunteers were on their A game. High energy with smiles and open arms. Great job guys.
* As I walked through the Kid Zone I was amazed at how many kids there were and how the volunteers were ministering to kids.
* Kid Zone had 210. Kids had fun and learned about Jesus. That equals a good day.
* Spoke to a bunch of first time visitors who commented on how much they enjoyed the service. Loving that.
* Received one of the greatest compliments I've received about 5 Point thus far. A rough looking man around the age of 30 came to me and asked if he could talk to me. Thought this was going to be ugly by his tone. Told me he had been out of church for many years because he thought church was nothing but a bunch of bull crap. (It was at this point I though it was going to get ugly) He then took a couple of minutes to tell me just how awesome 5 Point was because it was so real. Shared how much he loved it and that he and his family would be back next week. WOW! That's what were all about.
* Met a woman who had lost her 18 year old son a few weeks ago and it had all of them thinking. My heart ached for her. First time in church for years.
* Had several other first time visitors share just how much they enjoyed the service. Here is the funny thing. Before I stepped onto the stage I thought the message sucked but felt it was exactly what God wanted. Goes to show you no matter how much you think it depends on you its really all about the king.
* Really thought worship was powerful. Didn't feel as if Tim and the band tried to perform at all but just led us to the throne. Makes teaching God's Word so easy after a powerful time of worship.
* In our second week of "FOCUS." Discussed Satan's three attacks:
     a. Lust of the eyes
     b. Lust of the flesh
     c. Pride of life
* Really excited about what God is doing. We have great momentum right now.

Some random thoughts:
* Four young people gave their life to Jesus last night during the youth service. LOVE IT!
* Announced we'll be starting a third service Easter Sunday and continuing during the month of April. Re-evaluate at that point.
* We've begun to really promote serving at the egg drop. Great opportunity to get to know a bunch of people and serve our community.
* Started up my home group again last night. We had a blast. My precious wife does such a good job hosting so many people. Truly one of her gifts. Most of them took their shoes off, the rest of them will spend eternity, never mind.
* Going to Sherman this evening to have dinner with Andrew, my 21 year old med student. Want to see the campus and have dinner with my upcoming chiropractor.
* Gotta go, God is already burning a message in my heart for this Sunday.

March 5, What it takes

2010-03-05T01:52:00Z

The past four weeks have been incredible. My four days in California listening to Rick Warren were some of the best teaching I've received thus far. The staff and I were at Mountain Lake last Monday and Tuesday and it was unreal. All of us left excited about taking 5 Point to another lever. While there I had the opportunity to have lunch with Rick Warren. This past Monday I led the staff meeting for Foothills in Seneca. I consider Pastor Greg Oraham a friend and mentor. I was honored to share some leadership thoughts with their staff. And then today 30 plus 5 Pointers attended Unleash at New Spring in Anderson. WOW is all I can say. Perry, his staff and volunteers had their game faces on and did an unbelievable job.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about all I've heard and learned during the past four weeks. Upon much reflection I want to share what God has laid on my heart about myself and 5 Point:

1. Dean Herman has to be Dean Herman. I'm not Perry Noble or Rick Warren. God created me to be me. My style of leadership and teaching is nothing like these two men, but I'm ok with that. I just gotta be me.

2. Everything rises and falls on vision and leadership. I gotta do a better job of sharing vision weekly and taking our leaders to another level.

3. Never be scared or apologize for challenging people. Jesus ask people to come and see and later demanded his followers to come and die. As I teach the Holy Word of God I must challenge God's people to step up and be everything God expects.

4. To love all people regardless. Seriously, love all people regardless because Christ does.

5. Volunteers are the heartbeat of any successful church. We've got to do a better job of allowing our people to serve their
Savior. I'm as excited about this challenge as anything.

6. I'm 100% convinced God wants churches to gage their success not by their seating capacity but by their sending capacity. As the Pastor of 5 Point I can promise you we're going to make some radical changes in discipling people.

7. I've got to do a better job of enjoying what God is doing right now. It seems like we can't enjoy what we have because of what we want. My goodness, think about what is happening right now. A woman got saved in our New Members class last week. 3 people stood in front of hundreds of people last Sunday and admitted they didn't know Jesus. Counselors led all of them to Christ. WOW!

I'm as excited about what God is doing at 5 Point as any time in our brief history. Hold on 5 Point, we're just getting started.

March 4, Lepers in Africa

2010-03-03T20:27:00Z

Life Change has become a key term in the life of 5 Point Church. Its what we're all about. It is my honor to show you a great deal of life change today. Through the generous giving of our people we have fed the leper colony for the next two months. Thank you so very much to everyone who gave. We are making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Renatus sent me some pictures and you know the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." I'm about to write my longest blog ever.

ENJOY THE PICS:

Here comes the food. Can you imagination the excitement it would bring if you hadn't eaten anything.

Here are just a few of the people sitting patiently as they wait for their allotment of the food. I recognize many of them.

Some of the people of 5 Point Tabora are giving out the corn to the lepers.

This is some of the soap that was bought with the money. We take something as small as soap for granted. For these lepers it is a special treat.

This is a good picture of the bathrooms to the far right. The straw hut looking bathroom.
The white building is similar to a duplex in America. Numerous people live in each side.
all the houses are identical in the colony.

Great picture of how the food is divided among the people of the colony. Everyone brings a bag and it is measured out with the five gallon buckets.

Feb 2, David Putman

2010-03-02T22:37:00Z

I have spoken about leadership numerous times on this blog. I am convinced everything rises and falls upon it. I have realized that the leadership it took to lead a church of 30 to 200 won't work in leading a church to 500. And the same is true with leading a church to 1,000 and so on. This is my first church. I have never Pastored before and I'm not ashamed to admit I don't have all the answers. My life passion is to reach and teach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and because of this we have asked David Putman to come and help us answer some of the tough questions we're facing.

Last night David arrived at my house to a grilled steak. We then talked for the next four hours about families, church growth, leadership and whatever was tossed out. This morning we started throwing ideas back and forth over a bowl of cereal. David hung out with me and the staff until 5:00 pm. I don't have time to share everything we discussed. But I do want to list a few:
* How to best maximize the space we have.
* Creating a culture of life groups into our church.
* Leadership styles.
* Going to three services on Easter Sunday.
* How Dean Herman can grow as a leader.
* Conducting staff meetings.
* Creating an atmosphere of teaching people and not just reaching people.
* And A LOT more.

Really looking forward to spending a lot more time with David in the very near future as he helps 5 Point become everything we can be.

March 1st, Tim's Thoughts on Sunday

2010-03-01T19:30:00Z

Hey Guys, Tim here, and I wanted to talk a little bit about Sunday's service. First of all let me say that Satan was/is ticked off about what happened here yesterday. All week we knew something amazing was going to happen at 5 Point, and let me tell you, Satan knew the potential for life change yesterday, and he was working hard to stop it. From the second I walked in the door at 6:15am on Sunday, I knew satan was working hard against us. If it could go wrong before the service yesterday, it went wrong! First all getting the computer to work with the projector, and the cameras to work with the projector was an extreme pain(keep in mind that this is something that has been setup numerous times with no problems). Then the band run through was a complete nightmare because no one could hear themselves, not to mention that an amp that previously worked with no problem decided it would not work at all yesterday, so it delayed practice about 20 minutes. I think we made it through one song without any sound adjustments needed. We are normally finished with band run through no later than 830, but yesterday was 9:05, that is how bad it was! Then around 925 the computer crashes, and all of the adjustments that had been made between 8 and 925 was completely lost, so all of Dean's church pictures, and numerous song slides had got out of order(sorry to the first service attenders who became dizzy due to quick changes of slides) the guys in the booth did a great job not completely freaking out, and they stayed for another service). Then there was the whole picture taking issue(thanks to the band for stepping up and getting a ton of pictures after a very stressful run through). When all of the pictures were taken, it was then time to get them printed, well that was taking entirely too long because our copier/printer has not been working properly. Under normal circumstances the pictures could have been printed in 15 minutes total, but instead it took 30, so to get them downstairs in time was very stressful. Having said all of that, it was absolutely amazing to see the reaction of people seeing their picture nailed to the cross. I think for many people it was the first time they thought of it that way, that Jesus didn't just die on the cross, he died on the cross for me! Thanks to all the band, tech crew, and other volunteers who fought off Satan yesterday and helped to see Jesus WIN again! Several people gave their life to Christ to yesterday, so take that satan!!

I thought I'd let you all know that $1900 was raised for the Leper colony in Africa yesterday! Dean challenged the church to raise 2 months worth of food money, and you guys came through with 3 months worth. GREAT JOB!

Thanks for listening to me and a special thanks to Dean, the staff,the band, along with all the Volunteers for making 5 Point Church what it is.

Tim

Feb. 26, Marines vs babes

2010-02-26T16:12:00Z

While in Georgia one of the speakers hit me right between the eyes with a statement. I'm going to try and quote him,
"As a Pastor, you must love the babes as much as you love the marines."

You may be wondering what this means so let me explain. As Pastors were driven to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm telling you right now, there isn't much that excites me more than seeing people get saved. But as Pastors, we also desire to see people who are driven to become more and more like Christ. But that isn't the case with a lot of people. Churches are full of people who have been saved 20 -30 years and still haven't read the Bible or led someone to Christ. As Pastors, its easy to appreciate the person who once saved is ready to attack hell with you and take nothing but a squirt gun. In other words, they become the marine style Christian. Their attitude is, "I don't care what the world thinks, I'm winning the world to Jesus." That is the correct attitude but it doesn't come to some as easy as others.

Now here is the tough part, who does Jesus love more? The marine who has nothing but a squirt gun and his Bible or the person who is growing but at a MUCH slower rate. JESUS LOVES and DIED for them both.

The speaker asked all of us if we loved marines any more than the others and if so why? He continued to point out that if we were about names, we loved them all the same as Jesus. But if we loved numbers, we loved them more because it helped draw more numbers into the church.

As a Pastor, I am guilty of loving the marine more than the slow developer and one of the reasons (just being honest here no matter how painful it is) because he can help me grow a church, not the kingdom.

What I've come to realize through all this is that I will never apologize for wanting to draw as many numbers into this building as possible. Each number has a soul, but I must slow down and recognize each number also has a name and Jesus loves them both equally and so must I.

As Pastor of this church I can promise you we will continue reaching as many as possible, but we will also put names with each one as we disciple them to become the marine Jesus expects of them.

Some other thoughts:
* Awesome new members class Wednesday night. One of the main reasons, a woman admitted to not knowing Jesus Christ and was saved. It was amazing. I had to regroup to keep teaching.
* Having a home group (calling life group) meeting in the morning. I want to see people getting plugged in and one of the first places were starting is life groups.
* Had a meeting with the elders this morning about some major decisions for the church. More later.
* Thankful for my elders. Their wisdom and maturity is always a great help.
* Just finished recording part three of the New Believers DVD. Hope to finish next week.
* I truly believe something awesome is going to happen this Sunday morning.
* See you there and bring a friend with you.

Feb 24, God working on me

2010-02-24T19:34:00Z

I have had the privilege of attending two of the most powerful and life changing conferences of my life the past three weeks. While in Georgia yesterday God and I had some pretty tough conversations on the topic of people and how we look at them. You see God looks at people through their names. The majority of us Pastors look at them as numbers.

Several of the speakers in Georgia we're honest enough to admit that successful pastors are successful because they have a lot of people, also known as large numbers. My heart's desire has always been to see changed lives through salvations and to reach as many as possible. Every person that spends eternity in hell or heaven is a number. But, everyone of them has a name also. Jesus Christ sees every person through their name, not just another person with a number.

One of the speakers asked how we saw people, as names or numbers? I gotta admit, the question got all over me. Why, because one of the first questions I ask at the end of Sundays is how many did we have today?

Rick Warren pointed out that Christ did give us the great commission and it says,

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I've begun to ask myself if we're making disciples or just reaching a lot of people. Don't get me wrong, nothing excites me like seeing lives changed eternally through accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But, Christ said to make disciples. I can't get this thought out of my mind. God just keeps pressing me towards taking those we've reached and turning them into warriors for Christ.

Let me be real honest with you, turning baby Christians into disciples of Christ is tough work. But its a job I'm excited about tackling. With this in mind your going to begin to see a few changes at 5 Point. I'm going to begin to encourage people to get involved into some type of discipleship and we're going to offer several ways.

Some other thoughts:
* Excited about teaching New Members class tonight. Have a big group coming.
* Lunch with Rick Warren yesterday was incredible. Definitely an experience I'll never forget.
* Tim, Corey and myself met this afternoon and I'm jacked up about what we're doing this Sunday. Off the chart creative and I'm convinced God is going to do some incredible stuff.
* Make plans to be here and bring a friend. I promise you they won't be disappointed.
* We start our new series FOCUS this Sunday.
* Easter is almost here. We need eggs. Stop by Hobby Lobby in Easley and buy thousands (seriously) or just give Sunday towards the eggs. We'll be stuffing 200,000 eggs this year. Can't wait to see them being dropped from the helicopter.
* Got word on my foot today, no ruptured tendons which means no surgery. But the doctor still has no clue why this has happened again. So aggravating.
* Quick question, have you done anything to help the Kingdom of God grow this week?
* Another question, how much have you already done to grow your personal kingdom?
* Go do something radical for Jesus!

Feb. 22, Mountain Lake Conference

2010-02-23T00:50:00Z

Due to some unique circumstance, the majority of the 5 Point staff is in Cummings Georgia attending a church conference called Velocity. The only thing we had to pay for was gas to get here, motel and two meals. I didn't really want to go since i was in California week before last at the Radical conference, but it was too good a deal to pass up. And I am so glad we came. Today was incredible.

Some Highlights:

Started the day by attending a break out session led by Larry Osborne. Topic was closing the back door of the church THeir formula is through home groups. They have over 80% attendance in a church running thousands. His philosophy is that for a church to grow large it must grow smaller through home groups. All they're discipleship is done through home groups also. Very good session. Agreed with a lot he said but disagreed with some also.

Shawn Lovejoy spoke n the first main session and it was awesome. Hs topics was being yourself. When were not ourselves and begin to copy others it due to our lack of security.

When a leader is insecure they will:

1. compare ourselves to others

2. start copying others

3, begin to condemn other leaders

4. doubt your call

5. use somebody else's armor

We've got to be what God has called us and not someone else.

Rick Campbell led the next break out session on how to create an environment of generosity. By far the best lesson 've heard on this topic. I will be definitely applying some of his principals.

Some statistics he gave:

* 70 of people won't give more than $200 a year

* People do give but only things they feel a sense of urgency for.

* Must make giving easy. People don't use checks anywhere bu the church. Hadn't really thought abut this.

* Most people in the church are renters, not owners.

* When people become owners they are invested.

* Must give people a reason to want to give.

Tomorrow the day will close with Rick Warren. Always excited about hearing such a man of God.

Thoughts on Yesterday:

*Discussed church membership yesterday. Looking forward to seeing how many people actually signed covenants.

*I will be teaching new members class this Wednesday. Had a bunch of people sign up which is encouraging after message yesterday.

*Had the opportunity to meet several visitors yesterday.

* I have never spoke sitting down the entire time. Didn't like it. Be glad when ankle is better.

* Start new series titled "Focus" this Sunday. Gonna be a lot of fun

Feb 21, Great & Sad news

2010-02-21T17:32:00Z

As we finished our Sunday services I checked my e-mail and found this letter from Pastor Renatus of 5 Point Tabora.

Dearest Pastor Dean,
I greet you in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. I hope that everything is fine with you. I have been away for a week but now am in Tabora. I would like to let you know that now our Land property has been given to us officially, and we are at the final stage of getting the drawing. I hope that everything about the trip is fine. I would like to let you know that If you are ready to send the money for constructing the church we are ready. We will like to start building the foundations and buy materials necessary before you arrive. We will like to build the foundation and put the wall structure so that when the team comes we will work on roofing and electricity. If you have and money regarding this project I will like to ask you to send it. If you send $ 12,000, that will be good for we can build and buy all materials probably everything. We need to start this march.
About the Mission trip:
As the church, when you come we will be celebrating a one year. So will like you guys to be here. Also on this event you will baptize people. I will not baptize people in June that is your job this June. You will teach and construct the house of the Lord. I have done your booking so let me know the exactly dates so that I will be sure. The church needs to plan its happy birthday ceremony for it wants you guys to be here.
About the Lepers:
I went to the leper’s colony. One of them has passed away. I went there just to visit and encourage and comfort them. The time they saw me they started crying. They have no food, no cooking oil, no maize flour, they have nothing in the store. This broke my heart. I am writing this letter to you that If there is any support we can make please I will like to ask you to rise $ 1200 so that we can feed them for two months, that is march and April.

Please pray for this before doing anything. I have two big sacks inside my house my wife and I have agreed to give them to this community. It is sad.

God bless you,
Renatus

I couldn't help but rejoice that the land has finally become the property of 5 Point Tabora. Renatus text me this morning and shard that they had 140 people this morning at the service. WOW! That is amazing. Then I receive the e-mail about being ready to start construction. AND, we have the money raised for them begin construction. I am stoked!

But how could anyone as fortunate as Americans read about the lepers and not be heart broken. I don't need to pray about it, as a body of believers we have an obligation to help the less fortunate. So I'm asking anyone who wants to help feed this colony, please give. This is money I can guarantee will be spent on food for these people. 100%

Go to our web site, www.5pointchurch.com and give. Make note that it is for lepers.

THANK YOU in advance. Here is one of the ladies that live in the colony. Notice what leprosy has done to her feet

Feb 19,Whats going on with life

2010-02-19T16:54:00Z

Wanted to share what is going on in the world of Dean Herman.

Let's begin with the ankle. Wednesday I did the liptical 20 minutes and ran on the treadmill for 10. While lifting weights my right ankle began to hurt. Within minutes I was hurting so bad I could barely walk. Long story short, doctor believes I have ripped some tendons in my ankle. Got a MRI yesterday and waiting for the doctor to read the results so he can determine if I need surgery or not. Ready to have problem fixed and move on. Always amazes me how I take my health for granted until something goes wrong.

This Sunday we will discuss the topic of church membership. I have asked several people why they should join a church and not one has had a good reason. I blame a lot of this on the church. With all the fighting going on between churches people wonder why they should have to join a team.

I will be teaching our new members class this Wednesday, February 24th. You can sign up Sunday morning.

Really looking forward to our marriage retreat tonight and tomorrow morning. I always enjoy getting away with my precious bride. Then add hanging out with a bunch of other 5 Point people and listen to Eddie Cox discuss how to have a better marriage. Gonna be good.

Changed our next series on the staff this week. Starting next week we'll be looking at what we're FOCUSED on. Have some really cool stuff planned.

Going to share some of my thoughts from conference in California next week. Had planned on doing so this week but ankle changed a bunch of that. Rick warren really challenged my thinking about the way we do some things.

As far as the challenge I laid out for our married couples last Sunday (to have sex every day or night this week). I have had a bunch of feed back with 98% of it being positive. There are some funny comments traveling through face book. Several husbands have thanked me personally. Other church staff have shared they wish their pastor would issue the same challenge. For the few who have had some negative criticism, I'm ok with it. You have your opinion. But please understand, the only reason I would issue such a challenge is because I know from marriage counseling, talking with other pastors and from all statistics that the lack of sex between a husband and wife is one of the leading causes (second only to finances) of divorce in America today. And as pastor of this church I will do everything in my power to help married couples. Heaven forbid we address the issues people are facing.

Have a great weekend and bring a friend with you on Sunday. Great topic for everyone. Really going to make you think.
Do something radical for Jesus while your enjoying such a beautiful day.

Feb. 17, I'm back

2010-02-16T15:37:00Z

Hello Blog world. I know it has been a week and some of that was on purpose. While I was in California I didn't try and write. Yesterday after the staff meeting I took my son Jacob to RUE 21 and bought him a pair of jeans and and a shirt for making straight A's again.

I wanted a week away from blogging to make sure I wanted o continue to do so. Result, i do. I enjoy putting my thoughts out there for anyone who actually cares.

Today I wanted to share another e-mail I received. For the first few years I received a lot of attack e-mails. Lately they've been really encouraging. Thought you might enjoy this one.

Tomorrow I'll begin sharing a few insights and pictures from sunny California.

E-mail I received while gone:

It has been almost a month since I was back in Easley because of my Dad being in the hospital. I was able to visit the church again. The first time I visited I was totally blown away by the band. This time it was the sermon. It was about secret sins during Dean's marriage series. The one done about half the time in the dark. It is rare to be recalling more than a couple of points two days after a sermon. Almost unheard of a couple of weeks after a sermon, but to recall 10 different points and statements and illustrations a month after a sermon has never happened to me. Because your church means so much to me I started following Dean on Twitter and can keep up with things a little more.

5 Point is in my heart and I know God will continue to bless your ministry as you continue to follow His guidance. I want to thank your congregation and leaders and staff for what they are doing in Easley.

Some random thoughts:
* You want to see people act like complete A holes, spend a couple days in a airport due to weather.
* Rick Warren is so full of wisdom. I could sit and listen to him speak for hours. In reality, I did last week.
* As I draw closer to Christ, I want to do more for him.
* Begging God for better leadership skills. He spoke to me about this matter this morning. Leadership is about following Him.
* Finished with Ugly Truth. Looking forward to our next series, FOCUS.
* Don't forget new members class rescheduled to next Wednesday, February 24th at 7:00 pm. I will be teaching that class.
* Really looking forward to this weekend at Bon Clarken with a bunch of our couples and Eddie Cox.
* And yes, I challenged every married couple to have sex EVERY NIGHT this week. For those who do we have a special prize for them.

Feb 8, Thoughts on Sunday

2010-02-08T13:23:00Z

We discussed debt and how it affects the marriage yesterday. I'm always a little nervous when discussing the topic of money. But regardless of the topic, we had another great day at 5 Point. Some of my thoughts on the day:
* It was awesome to see the sun actually shining on a Sunday. Hope we have a lot more of those.
* Spoke to several visitors yesterday. Hope we have a lot more of those also.
* The energy and atmosphere was good.
* Band bought it again yesterday. Great job guys.
* Didn't know if Tim was going to make it through both services due to sickness.
* I don't think the guy has taken a sick day since we began. He loves Jesus and this church.
* Kid Zone was rocking again today. Michelle made some room changes and it freed up more space.
* Two older children came and shared with me that they gave their life to Jesus.
* I spoke entirely too long. Got fussed at by Michelle. Really tough to get all the kids out of first service and sign in for second service.
That won't happen again. (I hope) Someone who doesn't know Christ won't endure the long lines.
* Opening video really mad me think. We are so blessed and take so much for granted in this country.
* If you didn't sign up for the six week "how to get out of debt class" Sunday feel free to call the church and do so. The number is 864-850-0580. We truly desire to help you get out of debt.
* I have enjoyed this marriage series and believe God has used it to strengthen marriages.
* Really excited about next week's message. Ten facts about sex. We're going to laugh a lot, probably be embarrassed a little and be challenged in ways you never thought possible in church.
* Great opportunity to bring some unchurched friends and family.
* Challenged everyone to give something away this week. To begin to look for opportunities to give to others. So hard for Americans to comprehend this principal, but it shouldn't be hard for followers of Jesus Christ.

Some random thoughts:
* Pastor Renatus text me yesterday and shared that they had over 130 people and 7 gave their life to Jesus. I am so proud to be part of what is happening in Africa. Only 120 days and I'll be headed back to teach and share with my African brothers and sisters.
* Don't forget the following week (21st) we'll be renewing church membership. Explain what membership is all about.
* Leaving at 5:00 today to attend a conference in California. Really excited about going. Pastor Craig Lee form Georgia is going with me. Won't get home until Friday night. Conference begins early in the morning and ends at noon on Friday.
* I've already begun asking God to speak to me in a very real and radical way.
* Please pray that God does something super natural in me.
* Having dinner with one of my cousins Wednesday night. We grew up together and haven't seen each other in over 20 years.
*

Feb. 5, Helping others

2010-02-05T18:02:00Z

It is a cold, rainy, windy and flat out miserable outside. Temperature is hanging around 38. Just one of those days no one really wants to be outside. I was down stairs warming some left overs from dinner last night for lunch when the doorbell rang. I knew instantly this was going to require some of time. I'm at the office because I'm trying to get everything done for next Sunday before going out of town on Monday. I want to be able to enjoy a conference I'm attending without having a Sunday message hanging over my head. Remember, I've been praying for God to give me the burden to help people. I've also been praying for more ways to help people financially.

As I went to the door I recognized an older man who has come to worship at 5 Point. He was soaking and shivering from the rain and cold while carrying a two gallon gas can. Asked me if there was anyway I could help him get some kerosene for heat in his house. Let me make a long story short. I allowed my mind to start thinking about all the reasons I shouldn't help this man, but my heart began to kick in. I had just finished looking at Sunday's message and one of the verses is:

Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

Not an hour after reading over the message I have a man asking for something as small as two gallons of kerosene. I now began thinking not about how sorry he was but how sorry I am. Been praying for God to open my eyes to help people and God brings one to my door. Just finished reading verses about giving to anyone and God brings a man to church door asking for something so small.

I got my coat and took the man to get his kerosene and then home. Let me share something really cool. I gave him $10.00 and knew the kerosene was around $4.00 a gallon. When he got back into my Navi he offered me the change. BUSTED again. I'm convinced this man is more righteous than myself.

"Father God, please forgive me for not listening and obeying quicker." "Help me to help people without any strings attached."

That is my new prayer. Look for someone to help. Pray for God to open your eyes. Then don't be like me and try to make excuses, just help them regardless if you think your getting conned or not. God knows your heart!

Feb 3, Prayers from Africa

2010-02-03T20:03:00Z

I received this letter from Pastor Renatus in Africa this week. Last Sunday he and the people of 5 Point of Africa prayed for us. You can hear the passion in his voice. You feel his true love and appreciation for all we've done for them. Read and enjoy. And then take time to pray the same for them.

Dearest my pastor Dean,
I hope that you are doing fine in the Lord. My family and I are doing fine in the Lord. My family and I love you. How about the family of 5point of SC? Please tell them that we love them and we pray for them as our mother church.

I would like to let you know that yesterday we had prayers for you. We did pray for you for 20 minutes. Every member was truly dropping tears and lifting their voices for you. The church prayed for you in a way that it is hard to explain. Everything we prayed for every person was real. We took this as our personal prayer request.

We prayed that God will give you stamina and boldness.
We prayed that God will provide jobs for those who had lost their jobs.
we prayed that God will give you wisdom in every decision you make.
we prayed that God will touch you understand his truth and apply it practically.
we prayed for pastor dean and his big ministry in SC at 5point of SC and 5pt of Tabora.
we prayed for God to touch you so that you can reach black America and join you at 5pt church.
We thanked God to have you as our mother church
We thanked God for every person who has been faithful to give money so that we can have a building.
We thanked God for everything including money that you have been giving to 5point Tabora.
We prayed for Tim & Ann and the staff.
We prayed for Tim that God will use him in a way that God would be pleased.
We asked God to make us love each other.
We prayed for the Mission trip to Africa 2010

Thank you so much. Over 120 people prayed for you.

We are going to have three months drive fasting for our church and also for our mother church. We will have a church birthday in June when you come. We will give history and see what God has done through you. We will do that when you come in June.

God bless you and we love you

In him
Renatus
pastor 5pt Tabora church.

Feb. 1, Thoughts on Sunday

2010-02-01T14:45:00Z

Sixth straight Sunday in which the weather was awful. Tell you one thing for sure, we're definitely finding out who wants to be at God's House on Sundays. Due to the storm of 2010 we only had our 11:00 service. Wasn't sure how many would show up but knew that those who did had a desire to worship Christ. And they came by the hundreds.

Some of my thoughts:
* A special thank you to George and Andy who spent well over an hour getting the ice off the sidewalk. That portion of sidewalk never gets any sunlight. So glad they were here early to keep everyone from slipping and falling.
* Due to us only having one service, many people served in the Kid Zone without worshiping. Thanks to everyone who works every week to provide our kids a safe and fun place to learn about Jesus.
* Worship was incredible. Band has really took our worship to another level. Great job guys.
* I'm convinced our people appreciate the band from the loud applause given yesterday.
* Great energy during worship and the fun songs.
* Personally, I thought it was incredible to see so many people piling into the auditorium eager to worship.
* Message seemed to go over really well. Everyone was locked on and paying attention.
* To all the men who came forward admitting you needed to communicate with your wife better, good for you.
* Something special about seeing the altar full of nothing but men.
* The message dealt with men communicating with wives. The five helpful tips were:
     1. Listen
     2. Don't scream
     3. Care
     4. Feed back
     5. Time
* All of them were one word so men could handle them.
* Yes, I said the word orgasm. And I meant what I said, "An orgasm does not constitute as communication." "It does constitute as breeding." Entirely too many relationship are built on sex and not from knowing each other spiritually and emotionally. And this can only come from communication.
* Actually had some visitors and they told me they loved it. I never get tired of hearing that.
* All in all another great day at 5 Point. Word is that another storm front is on the way, guess we'll have those who really want to be here again this week and I can't wait to see them.
* We'll be discussing debt. The Bible actually has a lot to say about debt and how to get out of debt. Gonna be fun.

Some other thoughts:
* Really excited about what God is doing here. We have incredible momentum. Let's keep it going.
* Remember, one of our goals this year is to invite everyone in the county at least once.
* Thank you to everyone who served yesterday. You guys are the best.
* Have this Sunday almost done. Debt is a touchy topic but one that must be approached.
* And the following week is sex. Can't wait to have some fun that day.
* Went to the Clemson/Maryland game last night. Jacob and I sat at mid court 4 rows up. It was incredible. Watching Gary Williams (head coach of Maryland) would have been worth it. He is so animated.
* Pray with me that we continue to see life change at 5 Point.
* Thinking about going to a conference in a couple weeks. Not sure yet.
* Gotta get back to working on this Sunday morning.
* Do something radical for Jesus this week.

Jan. 28, Glimpse of Heaven

2010-01-28T16:50:00Z

Every now and then God allows us a glimpse of heaven while living on earth. I’ve personally experienced this 3 or 4 times during my walk with Christ. Last night was one of those times. I had the honor and privilege of speaking at Presbyterian FCA.

I had started praying (no, begging) that God would do something super natural earlier in the week. Curtis Middleton made the hour plus drive with me. When we started there were 60 – 70 college students in attendance. The worship band was pretty good and all the students were very attentive. I spoke on the deep hidden secrets all of us have yet pretend everything in life is in the light. Used John 3:20 as text.

John 3:20

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Halfway through the message felt really led to ask students if they had some hidden secrets that were keeping them in the dark. 75% looked me in the eye admitting they were. I felt sure at this point something BIG was about to happen.

As I gave the invitation seven students (all who had admitted being in church most of their life) stood and accepted Christ as their Savior in front of everyone. It was incredible. But God had even more in store.

I then asked for everyone who needed to expose a dark side to get on their face before God. Didn’t ask them to just sit, but to move somewhere they could get alone with God and get honest. Here is where it broke loose. Within the next couple of minutes 100% of the students had gotten out of their chairs and were lying on their faces weeping. I was so overcome by this sight that I soon found myself on the floor thanking God for what he was doing.

The band made their way to the stage after they regained their composure and began playing worship songs. One by one the students began standing and worshiping Christ. Hands were raised, hearts were clean, the Holy Spirit was moving in such a way that all I could do was join everyone in worship and stand in complete awe of what was taking place.

We sang four or five songs. How good or bad the band was didn’t matter. If it was songs we knew or not, it didn’t matter. If it was too hot or too cold, it didn’t matter. All that anyone was thinking about was the awesome prese4nce of god in that room. I can’t explain exactly what took place. All I can say is that we all saw a glimpse of heaven.

We than all grabbed hands and sang one last song together.

I figured the students would begin leaving at this point, but they didn’t. Everyone continued to hug, cry, pray and absorb the power of the moment.

January 27, Conversations With Jesus

2010-01-26T21:44:00Z

Our next series will be entitled, "Conversations with Jesus." Really looking forward to answering your questions.
So, ask away. Ask those questions you've always wondered about. The things you were scared to ask. you might just get the answer on a Sunday morning real soon.

Jan26, Prayer for 5 Point of Tabora

2010-01-26T15:56:00Z

I just received a phone call from the pastor of 5 Point of Tabora. Renatus called to let me know that he and his church are having a special time of prayer for 5 Point of America. I could hear the passion and excitement in his voice. They truly desire to see God bless our church in an awesome way. I had to fight back tears as I thought of my African brothers and sisters on their faces before God lifting up our church and me.

This got me to thinking, why don't we do the exact same thing for them. Would you stop what your doing right now as you read this (if possible, if not do later sometime today) and pray about the following things for 5 Point Church of Tabora:
1. Pastor Renatus - great vision and boldness.
2. His family & their protection. Pray for his wife to understand the troubles they endure for the cause of Christ. And that she would support Pastor Renatus in all he does.
3. Protection for the new converts. Its not like America. Christianity cost them something. Possibly their life.
4. Continued growth - They have around 120 a week. Would love to see them doubled when I arrive in June.
5. Permanent building - We have six acres of land but need $30,000 to build church.
6. God would pour vision into Pastor Renatus.
7. Leaders in the church. Men and women who are willing to help 5 Point of Tabora reach their city for Christ.
8. Renatus as he teaches Word of God. Holy Spirit would fill him and use him as he prepares and teaches.
9. Revival - that a true outpouring of God's spirit will touch Tabora and thousands will come to know Jesus.
10. Leper Colony - That God would provide those so much less fortunate than us the basic essentials of life.

I love Pastor Renatus and his family dearly. Pray for them often. Yearn to see them. Please lift them up in prayer regularly.
But today, right now, will you beg god for the above items.

Some pictures that might help you while you pray:

Pastor Renatus is the one in the suit in the back left hand corner.

A new Christian being baptized. May there be thousands more.

A typical house in Tabora. Quit complaining about our small discomforts and start praying for those who have so little.

One of the lepers. Notice her feet. My heart breaks for these people.