Our church is growing. That's a great reality. But it also changes things. We are seeing new people every single week come into our church family. That's amazing. But will it change the church that you've come to know and love? The answer is a resounding YES. Change will come. And I believe that change is upon us right now. And this is incredibly exciting. Let me explain...Our church is known for being a loving, accepting and genuine place to explore and grow deeper in our faith. Now that lots of people have heard about this, there are lots more that want to check it out. But that means that...

I had the great privilege of being back on campus at my alma mater, Southeastern University yesterday for a series of meetings and to teach two classes for undergraduate students. Really memorable day. I was able to meet the new administration for our university and was so impressed with their passion for excellence, commitment to the student experience and their unashamed love for Jesus. Great feeling knowing that this institution is in great hands moving forward. I had the really unique privilege of teaching in two classes today: Sport & Ministry and Pastoral Theology. Two very...

During the story of the nation of Israel being released from captivity to Egypt, there is one sentence that stuck out to me this morning while reading. The picture was being painted of the battles that Israel had to fight after being freed from captivity. They had battles to fight after earning their freedom. As they were approaching their land of promise, they had to battle through other lands to receive their promise. The sentence that hit me so hard this morning was in Deuteronomy 2:36 - "No town had walls too strong for us." I am reminded today that no matter how hard the battles of life...

John 3 introduces us to the story of a man named Nicodemus - a religious leader that was intrigued by the presence of Jesus. This story teaches us what happens when we allow the love of Christ to illuminate our lives. Click the link to view this week's message from Center City Church: [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/36691355 w=500&h=281]

I love our church. We are a predominantly young, passionate and motivated group living and working in a major city. There is an energy and authenticity to our community that I've never experienced before. And there is a common thread among those that call Center City Church home: We want to change the world. And we believe that we can do this through obedience to Jesus and the power that's found in Him. As the first year and a half of our church unfolded, we took a pretty passionate approach to making a difference in our community. We served at a bunch of different community organizations...

God is doing something in me that I've never felt before. It's like a revival in my heart. Something shifted in my heart and my spirit with the beginning of 2012. The biggest lesson - by far - that I have learned since the turn of this year is really simple: Silence. I came to the realization that God does not need my voice. I need His. I have spent more time than ever resting in God's presence. Listening. Turning off the noise and just allowing my mind to be at ease. And I'm feeling something that I've never felt before in my life. It's like John 15 is coming alive in my spirit. I've always...

I am consistently blown away by the fact that God decided to use people like you and I to accomplish his plan. In all of his wisdom, he decided to include imperfect people to communicate the perfect plan of redemption, love and grace. We GET to be a part of HIS story. Amazing. Click the link to view this week's message from Center City Church and learn about the people that were included in the first miracle of Jesus' public ministry. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/36251473 w=266&h=150]Click the link to download the note sheet from Sunday to follow along with the message:

"If you created a space for Jesus to fill, he will fill it." That quote resonated so deep in my spirit this past week. As Dara and I gathered with about 50 church planter's from across North Carolina, Darla Rakes spoke those words to us. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head. As I've been sharing on this blog recently, I have been doing the best I can to learn how to delegate and let go of things. And a challenge for me is to live with open spaces. I have become so consumed with the pace of life that includes juggling church stuff, husband, daddy, friend, etc. It is almost like I had...

Where is your anchor? This question is one that I hope each person gives great consideration to seeking a solid answer. Far too often this answer is answered in ways that bring false senses of security. False comfort. Fleeting stability. We think that finances will be the anchor that holds us steady into our future. So our lives are given to working tirelessly to gain another dollar. What happens when the economy crashes? We think that relationships will be the anchor that brings comfort when everything else crashes. But what happens when one imperfect human disappoints another? What happens...

As I have been learning to let go in so many areas of my life, God led us down a very unexpected path this Sunday at Center City Church. I have always said that I want the Spirit to lead us during our services, but this week was a whole new level. In short, I scrapped my prepared message and we talked about freedom and healing. It was a powerful expression of God's love and healing. If you need healing and freedom, I ask you to click the link and receive with an open heart. [vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/35983640 w=266&h=150]