We had an incredible plan all worked out for Sunday. We had plans to hold our first "worship Sunday" at Center City Church. I was going to teach on worship and allow for extended times of worship.But that all went down the tubes once we felt God's direction that we were missing the point. We scrapped our plans. We pulled out the guitar and began to pray and worship together as a leadership. We asked that God would give us direction. That prayer was answered. For this to make the most sense, you'd have to listen to the podcast (should be up by Tuesday or Wednesday on iTunes) of Sunday's...

I have had a long standing theory in my life. It goes like this: Everyone needs a John Gum. John Gum is the guy that is the ultimate real life MacGyver. He is the guy that can take seven toothpicks, a gallon of milk, a handful of pine bark and duct tape and make something very, very useful. Let's just talk about the real John Gum for a second. He's one of our associate pastors at Center City Church. He is an incredible worship leader. He runs sound and trains others to do the same. He is training for a triathlon.He likes to hunt. He really enjoys packing large trucks and makes it his...

Our leadership team spent the day at a gathering of pastors from across the state of North Carolina. We discussed leadership lessons, church planting strategy and capped off the evening with sitting under the teaching of Pastor John Lindell (Lead Pastor of James River Assembly). I am so energized by days like today. I love getting together with men and women that I respect and admire. Young and old alike gathered today to learn, grow and discuss. A great atmosphere. I'm also glad this event is in Concord. That means we get to sleep in our own beds and see our kids every day! A personal...

I am so excited to spend Memorial Day with friends here in Charlotte! Having the day to just relax, hang out and have fun with family and friends is so encouraging and rejuvenating. But today is much bigger than cookouts, tossing a football in the park and spending time with loved ones.Let's all join together in remember the whole purpose of today: to honor the veterans and active duty members of the military. Their sacrifice and service has afforded us the opportunity to live in a beautiful country and enjoy the freedom we have today. In a simple act of gratitude, remember to say thank you...

Today was absolutely unforgettable! We had our first baptism celebration at Center City Church. Seven people were baptized and three more accepted Christ as Savior during the service. What an incredible day! All praise to God for all he has done and all he continues to do at Center City Church. I love this!

Dara and I have spent the weekend cleaning out our home office and re-organizing our life. It's all part of an overall plan to bring all things in our life (that we can control) into order so that we can keep everything running smoothly. While we were cleaning everything out, we went through a bunch of pictures from the last 30+ years. Talk about a trip down memory lane. And it's also a reminder to me to never forget the formative years of my life. Growing up in Michigan. Accepting Christ as Savior as a child. Embracing God's call to ministry during my teenage years. Growing up when I went...

I never cease to be amazed at God's provision. We have walked for 2+ years on a journey of God providing for us through the generosity of 100+ different families, individuals, organizations and churches contributing to the dream of Center City Church coming to Uptown Charlotte. What a ride. Lately, I've seen this in a whole new way. There are men and women that have joined Dara and I in this journey that have taken incredible steps of faith. Some are raising their salary to work with us full time. Another is working multiple jobs across town (and state lines) to make ends meet. Even more...

"Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.":: Proverbs 15:22 I have spent the morning sitting under the counsel of men that I respect and admire. We are enjoying an incredible amount of unity and momentum at Center City Church. We are seeing the earliest stages of Biblical community being formed. And it is beautiful. But there is more. There are deeper levels of friendship, unity, service and love. And we all must do our part to see this community continue to deepen and grow. I spent the morning talking to friends and mentors that have been down this road before. They...

We are having our first baptism celebration this Sunday at Center City Church! I am so excited to be a part of a church that is seeing people come to know the love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. Sunday promises to be one of the most memorable days of my life in ministry. So excited for all that God is doing at Center City!**If you have recently given your heart to Christ and want to join us in this celebration, email us at [email protected]

Of all the challenges in church planting, the one that seems to always need close attention is the combination of being a husband, father, pastor and friend. If one of these areas are lacking, life seems to get off kilter. I have grown accustomed to sticking close to my calendar so that all can be given proper time. I have found that my nights of late night work are few and far between because I'm committed to keeping such a strict calendar during the days. I have time set aside for meeting with people from church, studying for Sundays, studying for personal growth as a leader, etc. Dara and...