Ragamuffin Soul: Ragamuffin Soul » Finish This Sentence…
Mud Puppy
· 1 year ago
Period.
Trevor DeVage
· 1 year ago
that he is even bigger than I ever give him credit for....
Randi :)
· 1 year ago
That when we seek Him and expect to find Him - He is everywhere. Anywhere.
Cody
· 1 year ago
that I aint sh*t.
Bobby Jones
· 1 year ago
...that the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory... Psalm 108:12-13
rick
· 1 year ago
... but am I paying attention in class?
Marcelo
· 1 year ago
...to be still and know that he is God.
Michiel
· 1 year ago
...to trust Him.
Daniel Dulaney
· 1 year ago
...that it requires more faith to "Go" and pray for God to close doors than to sit on your "blessed assurance" and pray for God to open doors.
Jason Harrison
· 1 year ago
what true love is.
samgamgee
· 1 year ago
about walking/being and not rushing/doing
Aaron Blevins
· 1 year ago
to have a little faith... which is enough to move mountains.
J.C.
· 1 year ago
about priorities and that my heart needs renovation
Amy Storms
· 1 year ago
...that I don't need to know all the details about the future. I just need to obey today.
Matt Clark
· 1 year ago
Nothing (this morning).
Which means He's saying something now, "Hey... come spend time with me"
Gotta go... dad's calling.
Jesse
· 1 year ago
that He really does love me because He allowed me to wake up this morning after what I thought, did, and said yesterday.
Toby @ WTLF
· 1 year ago
He will speak to different people through different avenues
nicole
· 1 year ago
that he CAN and WILL do more then i can ask or imagine..... so why am i worried or planning
Matt Bunk
· 1 year ago
...that he is bigger than this.
Heather
· 1 year ago
Discipline
AnnieBlogs
· 1 year ago
that He is my portion.
Travis Williams
· 1 year ago
the strength of learning from those who are at a place where I want to be.
paul
· 1 year ago
... to stop being such a control freak
bub
· 1 year ago
that I really do need Him to overcome myself.
Rachel
· 1 year ago
to stop hiding.
Rita
· 1 year ago
that the Bible really does have answers.
Greg
· 1 year ago
how big He is.
VickiS.
· 1 year ago
to be anxious for nothing even when I can smell the breath of the monster that's trying to eat me.
Stacey
· 1 year ago
self control
nickhoss
· 1 year ago
...to be proactive in patience, guarded against over-commitment, and sensitive to His Voice.
haemin
· 1 year ago
to let go! and live by his timeline, not society's.
Crystal Renaud
· 1 year ago
to let go of control.
Tracey
· 1 year ago
persistence and continuity.
Wish it would sink in. ~:-)
Jason Bedell
· 1 year ago
...to lead through the fear of failure. Man it's tough.
Julia
· 1 year ago
...that I need Him. i was in a car accident last week which could've been really bad but God protected us and is (sweetly?) breaking me through it. it hurts but it's sweet.
Adam Lehman
· 1 year ago
all those stresses with ministry that I thought I was "above" are actually starting to wear on me
C.Harv
· 1 year ago
that I am dependent on Him.
Kyle McDonald
· 1 year ago
...how to rely on Him even on the smallest of things.
...what I'm really passionate about in life.
Steve Murphy
· 1 year ago
...that when my life seems out of control, His isn't.
To build someone elses vision, submit to the authority I am under and help them with the dream God gave them. It may not be my dream but one day I will need people to help me and submitting will always come back around in life.
The great thing is, I am learning a lot about humility, serving and dieing to self.
Lisa @ put-it-on-the-list
· 1 year ago
... that I should seek His call for MY life, not anyone else's (i.e., I should seek to by who He wants me to be, not long to be someone else).
Leo
· 1 year ago
...how misunderstood he is and how we "christians" have it all wrong
Scott
· 1 year ago
...that to be who I should be will take discipline and perseverance.
Mike Moore
· 1 year ago
...that my family is more important than church..
Chris Topher
· 1 year ago
That He is more interestedin me living His purpose for me than in being productive and popular... and it is hard and I am scared. But I am called to be a psalmist and I know He has given me sufficient grace.
Akash
· 1 year ago
To rely on Him for everything
Heather
· 1 year ago
...to take things slow. I can't do everything!
GrahamProuty
· 1 year ago
that life's challenges are a magnitude of scale; if i make it through this challenge with faith and trust in Him, He will bring on the next challenge - a little bigger, and more daunting than the last... will I continue to Trust Him?
skiescolliiide
· 1 year ago
to not stress out about the million things I have to do in the next 48 hours but give them to Him.
McCall Queen
· 1 year ago
to trust, have patience, and to wait. His plan & timing is perfect...I far to often forget that. Also, that in order to grow & hear Him I have to be in His Word daily.
ally
· 1 year ago
that I can trust Him completely.
Jake
· 1 year ago
that there is a difference between 'wanting' to spend time with Him and actually spending time with Him are two totally different things.
John
· 1 year ago
that fertilizer doesn't always work.
Jake
· 1 year ago
sorry for the crappy grammar. forgot to proofread
Lemmings
· 1 year ago
a lot through my kids on how much He loves me and wants me to rely on Him more.
Sully
· 1 year ago
about the adventure of chasing after Him
Eli Ruggles
· 1 year ago
... that most of what I thought I knew is wrong.
Chris Chowdhury
· 1 year ago
to get through transition with patience rather than pity.
Sharon
· 1 year ago
...that His ways are not my ways :)
Kevin Lloyd
· 1 year ago
Patience, how to be a better husband/dad, selflessness. I know those are random...but that's it.
amy sanders
· 1 year ago
how to be a better steward of this earth and my body
Bridge
· 1 year ago
to trust His Love - and that He knows and works all things together for my good because of His Love.
craig
· 1 year ago
what "Sabbath" means for me in today's culture...
and, ironically, not quickly enough!
Mike High
· 1 year ago
...to trust Him despite my frustrating circumstances.
Evan Courtney
· 1 year ago
grace
Cami
· 1 year ago
that His ways are better than anything I could ever ask or imagine.
Andy Denen
· 1 year ago
...not to try so hard to please Him and earn His favor, but to just trust Him.
Tina
· 1 year ago
to open my horizons.
Anna
· 1 year ago
that He is all I need
Heidi Reed
· 1 year ago
...to trust Him alone and not to fear.
CoryT
· 1 year ago
...that at some point along the way, I have drifted from my first love, and I need to fight like hell to come back.
...that He is going to work things in His time, regardless of how fast I think He should do them.
...that He is more than enough.
Malachi
· 1 year ago
...to hear His voice and to take Him at His word.
alyssa
· 1 year ago
...to quit making lists, and to be willing to take leaps of faith.
Abs
· 1 year ago
patience...
christian
· 1 year ago
trusting in HIS provision and plans - not mine!
Joni
· 1 year ago
to stop whining and act like a big girl.
meg
· 1 year ago
that my doubts are ok-he has all the answers.
Jackie @ Family Daze
· 1 year ago
that He is here to fill all the empty places.
Brooke
· 1 year ago
that He will provide if i just trust him.
tabitha
· 1 year ago
that he really does have a plan for me.
Lindsay Best
· 1 year ago
...to find Him everywhere and to be joyful.
exchangedlife
· 1 year ago
that when I pray for him to help me live for him, I'm wrong . . . instead, He wants to live through me.
ruthie
· 1 year ago
A lot of patience. A lot. And faith.
Jay King
· 1 year ago
To live my life moving forward and not backward.....its the only way I can keep going!
Brian
· 1 year ago
...to not always pick what is comfortable.
Liege Davis
· 1 year ago
... how to sit and wait. Patience...
erin
· 1 year ago
a lot :)
Silvana
· 1 year ago
...to prioritize my life and what matters the most.
Traci
· 1 year ago
He is bigger than all problems and is involved in the details
Josh
· 1 year ago
. . . how to keep moving forward
sarahlewie
· 1 year ago
...how to hear and obey in the seeming silence.
Kristie
· 1 year ago
what contentment is.
Chris Baker
· 1 year ago
To approach people with a grace-centered attitude rather than a judgement-centered one. And to rely on Him in times of need and that He is my full and complete satisfaction.
Brandi
· 1 year ago
...patience.
He is always teaching me patience.
I wish he would just give it to me, COME ON, GOD.
Jo-Jo
· 1 year ago
to humble myself, and to be patient.
Angela
· 1 year ago
patience, patience and more patience... and to slow down and look for him in the small things of life. Like giggles from my kids,and the growth from all this rain and storms, even though I am afraid of bad weather!
Andrew Tagliaboschi
· 1 year ago
to sit down and shut up
Justin Brackett
· 1 year ago
... That the dreams I have, are not his. Because they are to small..
Gary Durbin
· 1 year ago
"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
Copper Nelms
· 1 year ago
Trust him, even when I cant see the end. I am having to just remain patient. My dilemma is do I start a church plant or take over the church I am in now. I don't know yet which one is him. So I trust that he is going to lead me in the direction he wants me.
Sunnie
· 1 year ago
To slow down and take care of myself and He will take care of me.
Rob
· 1 year ago
Tolerance and patience as I trust in him.
Michael Harrison
· 1 year ago
love more .... expect less
Keith
· 1 year ago
Not to spend time reacting, but to do what I'M needed to do.
Robin
· 1 year ago
To lay things down and trust him to take care of them. Then quit worrying about when he'll get to it.
Jen
· 1 year ago
patience
mike
· 1 year ago
what it means to be in friendship
amy
· 1 year ago
patience and how to totally rely on Him through this adoption
Michelle
· 1 year ago
to love my husband selflessly
Matt
· 1 year ago
to simply trust.
Jenny
· 1 year ago
the Jesus way instead of the religious way!
Andrea
· 1 year ago
how much I DON'T need!
Ali
· 1 year ago
that when He calls you somewhere, He will move "mountains" so that you can get there
Ruthie
· 1 year ago
We all have issues in life we are dealing with. I call it my thing. You have yours and I have mine. I will love you unconditionally with your thing, but I will love you enough not to leave you there. I will walk beside you, hold you up, give you to God but not leave you to walk it alone. I am in it for the long haul.
mike p
· 1 year ago
that HE doesn't need my help in the way of manipulating things that HE has shown me. He doesn't want me to get in there and give it a little push of my own to help it happen... He wants me to wait on Him and allow Him to show me, once again, that He is Lord of all.
Nolan
· 1 year ago
that my actions care more for myself than for Him.
Josh
· 1 year ago
that i need to love like Jesus, not just admire him.
Liz
· 1 year ago
to stand firm in following all of his Biblical teachings not just the ones that are popular to the majority of my friends/family.
Carrie C
· 1 year ago
To be more patient in Him and in everything else in my life.
I'm failing miserably....
Wendy D.
· 1 year ago
(***This should have been posted a couple of days ago, but I didn't know if you checked old posts for comments)
Carlos,
You don’t really know me, but we did meet one day at Buckhead Church. I have been following your blog for about six months.
I know that this is not going to be a popular post, but I just feel compelled to let you know how I feel since you seem to be striving for an authentic community here. I hope that my heart comes out here, rather than my emotion that may prevent you from hearing what I have to say; please know that I am trying to be as rational as possible.
I have been really upset by the posts you have made that subtly infer that the people at Buckhead Church were not truly worshipping until you decided to teach them how. I was even more upset when you posted “Close The Gap - My One Year Anniversary at Buckhead Church” I have not ever been to Sandles church and it is clear that you love it. Although Buckhead Church may not worship in the same way, it is entirely off base to suggest that we don’t worship. Further, it is not fair to suggest that one must raise their hands, dance, or move at all to worship. Clearly I can’t speak for the entire church, but I can speak for the people whose hearts I know and they WORSHIP – in God sized ways. I have experienced some of the most powerful worship in my life in the old grocery store location of BC. However, your public reticule of the corporate worship has damaged their experience of worship at Buckhead Church and several of them have left. I believe that it is less about the outward expression and all about one’s heart. I am not suggesting that BC has nothing to learn about worship, but I am suggesting that a leader should be respectful of his followers and their personal journey with God and as well as their individual differences. We have a powerful opportunity in the Buckhead area, but if you define successful worship as the number of people who are raising their hands, I have a feeling you will continually be disappointed. I know that things felt different at the Night of Worship, but they always do. The people who come to Night of Worship or Community Celebration, etc. are largely people who have a relationship with the Lord…rather than an auditorium filled with seekers. Those are always powerful services and of course it will feel different.
Basically what I want to say is that, while people here on the blog who don’t know BC, will applaud you in your quest to get BC to “worship,” it saddens me that you would judge the hearts of the congregation so openly in ways that feel disrespectful, and harsh. I think if there is something that is preventing BC to connect with God in a deeper way, we should walk along side them to find out why.
I am not going to post this anonymously because I want to make myself available if you would like to discuss this. My heart is for Buckhead Church and for the Lord’s Fame and Renown.
I will email you my contact info. I would also other’s input from Buckhead Church if they feel differently.
Wendy D.
Stephanie
· 1 year ago
to trust that He goes before me.
Jessica Eveland
· 1 year ago
to love even when it hurts.
Ben
· 1 year ago
That, in the midst of my 3-month-old son having to have surgery, He is in control. He hasn't taken his hands off the wheel. http://benandjacq.tumblr.com/tagged/baby
BIlly
· 1 year ago
that we don't see His power more because nothing we are doing requires it...ouch.
meghan
· 1 year ago
that despite the fact that i feel WAY overwhelmed, HE's got it all under control and thinks i can take the responsibilities even if i don't think i can
Lisa
· 1 year ago
that humility in leadership is non-negotiable.
ash
· 1 year ago
i wrote this at about 3:00 am the other day. "I’m sitting here. Wondering and having my heart twisted round and about. I can’t contain it. This is all so messed up. I can’t sleep. My mind doesn’t stop. It revolves around this one question that I can’t really seem to answer. Are you there? Really? Or is this some joke. A scheme? I’m here and I am willing to give you my life. I am. I am here. Are you? Are you listening? The world is laughing at you. You are rules. You are boundaries to them, limits. I am sitting here thinking that maybe they are right. That all these questions really won’t be answered because they can’t be because you don’t exist. There’s the world. And then there’s you. What is the connection? Why is there so much space? Why do we have to think about things so much when the answer could be love. But no, it couldn’t simply be just love because there is still pain. What’s the connection?? The link. The end to questions. I can’t wrap my mind around you. Who are you? Do I truly know you? You are too much for me. What’s the connection?? There’s this world and all of the questions, and doubts, and theories, and ideas, and lies, and opinion. And then there’s you and your love. This love I can’t explain. This love that I can’t seem to fathom. So, where’s the link. Why is it so hard to understand??? Why are there so many doubts. Why do I doubt?? Why are you so far. I don’t have answers. I can’t explain it. I’m left here alone screaming I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU. And they say it’s just my theory. It’s just my opinion. What connects opinion and you?
Maybe the connection…
…is me?"
Randy
· 1 year ago
that i need not compare myself to Los.
Casey
· 1 year ago
Loving with patience.
tracy
· 1 year ago
The power I have because of the Holy Spirit in me. I easily forget!!
Kendra
· 1 year ago
patience
Amy Auel
· 1 year ago
to trust Him
Julie
· 1 year ago
Patience. And that while I may not see anything happening in my life, He's at work.
gbrad@mag
· 1 year ago
that the Gospel is simple, we make it complicated,and that as long as we draw near to him He'll draw near to us. . . just like He said he would.
Joni
· 1 year ago
Thank you Wendy D for not posting anonymously.
Randi
· 1 year ago
Phil 2:5 To have an attitude like Christ. Boy, this week has really challenged me on this one!
Jen
· 1 year ago
That I live in the United States, and although I know it's unnecessary to have any other identity than loving God and loving people, that because He's placed me here I also have the identity of teacher, Aggie, church member, etc. And that's ok, because I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be (even if I just wanna be back there...).
Los
· 1 year ago
Hey Wendy. Again. Thanks for not posting anonymously. See anonymous people out there!!! It's possible. Since we have apparently only had one conversation face to face I can see how my passion for comfortable Christians to become uncomfortable in their worship can seem harsh. I know that I am not going to convince you otherwise in this response so I am not going to try. But I will say a few things.
When I pay the bills I am worshiping God. When I take out the trash I am worshiping God. When I said..."the vision God has placed in my heart to see a church within the city of Atlanta striving towards authentic worship on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.", I meant it. It is not a popular place to come into an orginization and point out a sore spot. But leadership of this church and the larger organization agrees that there is a gap that needed closing. So again. I apologize if you think I am judging the worship of your heart. I don't know you so I can't make that assumption. But what I can do is do what God has called me to do. And that is to ignite a movement of authenticity among all generations of Christians that morphs the face of the evangelical church into a place of being real with yourself, others, and God. And if that means calling people out and making them uncomfortable in spite of what they think of me...then that is what I'll do. I don't think I have publicly ridiculed anyone and if I have I am truly sorry. I am sure more people will leave as Jeff, myself, and the leadership team continue to ask hard questions and move our church to a place where we all cannot help but shout the name of Jesus in every facet of our lives. (This is not saying you, Wendy, are not) Thanks so much for your note and again, thanks for your authenticity.
vagabondrunn
· 1 year ago
God is teaching me ENDURANCE. (and I'm hating every min of it...lol)
I have to say, I love how honest Wendy was. Honestly. Now hear this, I am not saying that Los' is wrong in saying what he has said about worship, or that he is right. What I do know is that as a leader of a church's corporate worship, Los' is also responsible in helping the church body create a 24/7 worship in their own lives. It's his responsibility to say the things that nobody else will say because they're "too dangerous" and will make us feel uncomfortable. Not because the church has placed that responsibility on him, but because God has called Him to do so.
I wish I could be a part of the community of BC, but it's a long drive from Indiana. However, I believe that there is a reason God has called Carlos to Buckhead. God will use Carlos, if Carlos allows Him to do so. God will also use the church body of BC, but only if BC allows God to do so.
I will be lifting this up in prayer. Serious stuff.
how to finish a sentence that starts with Him teaching me and ends with him having taught me how to finish the sentence He started with His teaching me from the beginning of how to... um...
I'm going to have to rethink this.
Stephanie
· 1 year ago
that I am right where he wants me to be, doing exactly what he wants me to do.
Christian
· 1 year ago
...how to not get caught.
jill
· 1 year ago
Maybe God is teaching Wendy how to follow leadership she disagrees with. I go to Buckhead church and had never experienced coorperate worship like I did 2 weeks ago. Jill
Wendy D.
· 1 year ago
I working on a response to Carlos, but Jill, I want you to know that I can follow and disagree with leaders at the same time. I'm am simply doing what I feel like is healthy in the body of Christ, and that is to let a fellow member know when I see something that could potentially be a problem. I am also following the Biblical directive to go to those with whom you have problems.
I never mentioned the worship at Buckhead in terms of whether is was good or not. I too have experienced some really great times. What I was talking about was confined to the blog post and the public expression of blanket opinions that can be hurtful. I also think that it is VERY unhealthy when people in an organization quit questioning the leaders in that organization.
By the way, I think that Carlos and I are fine.
kacie
· 1 year ago
to be me. to make up my own mind. to think for myself.
kayla
· 1 year ago
who i am, what i like, and where i am suppose to be.
FireMom
· 1 year ago
To be patient and rely on the fact that it's ALL in His control. Oh, Los. I haven't seen my daughter in over a year and I'm devastated. But I'm learning to trust.
Annalise
· 1 year ago
...that sometimes it takes a little bit of discipline in order to desire Him. (Ex: I read the bible not because I want to but because it's the right thing to do, and as I do that, He'll change my heart so it will end up that I read it because i /want/ to. Same for praying, going to small groups, etc.)
Ryan
· 1 year ago
that He sees me as so much more than I really am...
Nicole
· 1 year ago
that at the foot of the cross, my pride is diminished, and i can find exactly who he intends for me to be.
alicia
· 1 year ago
patience.
Clint
· 1 year ago
the depth of Grace.
Rhi
· 1 year ago
he IS all I need and I can always depend on that truth.
Also, Carlos, THIS is why your once-a-little-blog haw truly turned into an authentic community. Aren't you glad that you opening and sharing your heart opens up the doors for others to do that same, even if they are disagreeing with you in some way? Folks always say, "God works in mysterious ways" which I think is a lame statement. God works in HIS ways. We just should not assume that it's mysterious just cause it's odd to us. He can move in any facet. I appreciate folks like Wendy who will share their heart and not hide behind their "anonymous" label. Thanks for keeping it REAL. rhi
Deneen
· 1 year ago
...that vulnerability is not a four-letter word.
Wendy
· 1 year ago
Thanks for your reply – you are quick! Also I appreciate your apology and accept it.
About your response: I want to start by saying that its true I don’t really know you …only the “blog you.” But I do know and trust the leadership of Northpoint and Buckhead Church. I know and trust Jeff, and I have rarely seen Andy without a strategic plan. I have no question that you are all working to make decisions that will further the mission of the Church and ultimately make Christ better known in this City. However, I am questioning the “blog you” and the way that you use the blog. After all, that is all I know of you.
I believe that, in order, to protect the integrity of the goals of the organization and further them, one has to be conscious of the way that one presents the goals to the audience. Isn’t that why we (at BC/NPMI) spend so much time and money creating environments – so that we can do our best to make sure our message is best/clearly communicated/presented/received? I think that because you are on staff, you represent a bigger picture and the bigger goals. Every time you post on your blog, people who read it assume you are speaking for BC/NPMI. When you say they are not worshiping right/good enough/active enough/etc it sounds like it comes from the Church and they know it comes from a Christian. I am on the Host Team – what happens if someone new comes on Sunday into the environment that we have created, experiences worship, and then catches your blog on Monday which is critical of their experience/participation or worse, come to believe that Christians are critical of people’s worship experience? There is a difference in saying “ignite a movement of authenticity” and something to the effect of – the people in the building were inauthentic, guarded, and only my daughter was able to connect with God (to be clear you didn’t say that last part I was using it to give an example, but I do think much of it was implied).
To be honest - I don’t really care, when it comes right down to it, whether you judge my heart or not. But it really bothers me that someone will read what I and others have perceived as judgmental statements and believe those statements are reflective of Christians or BC/NPMI. That is what scares me. A lot. It scares me even more that they might not come back.
I’m suggesting that you think more critically about how you might come across in ways that it sounds like you don’t intend to. Perhaps consider whether you would say what you write on your blog to the audience before you lead worship next time. It seems to me that you are not someone that will want to sensor yourself to a great extent, but I believe you have a responsibility to consider what impact your uncensored statements will have on behalf of Christians and BC/NPMI.
By the way…I love the picture of Sohaila worshiping. Beautiful.
Its about now that I’m thinking authenticity is a little messy huh?
Jeremy Killian
· 1 year ago
To visit Ragamuffinsoul like 9 times a day.
pinkcamojeep
· 1 year ago
....to watch for His way of escape from the temptation of sin. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He makes it so easy - and He's often so funny in the process. I love it!! I wrote about it JUST this morning: http://waistingaway.wordpress.com/
Tamara Cosby
· 1 year ago
to trust Him. To not seek myself for answers but seek Him.
George R. Eddy
· 1 year ago
...that there's nothing I think is manageable that won't quickly become unmanageable and that there's nothing I think is unmanageable that He can't manage.
Rebecca
· 1 year ago
how hard forgiveness can be . . . and how worth it!
Matty
· 1 year ago
to love those who I profoundly disagree with.
SDG, Matty
Tstaires
· 1 year ago
Crazy love!
Michelle
· 1 year ago
to trust Him completely in all areas of my life!
TeriRN
· 1 year ago
to know that He has a reason for everthing, that He hears my cries and will answer when I am ready to hear His answer.
Hollybunch
· 1 year ago
to get my cerebral 'fluffy' faith out of my head and back to where it matters
E
· 1 year ago
God is teaching me. Period.
Josh
· 1 year ago
to rely more on him.
kristin
· 1 year ago
how to trust in Him totally, even when it hurts.
Joe Louthan
· 1 year ago
Hosea 2:14
michael
· 1 year ago
kindness and forgivenss
Shanda
· 1 year ago
To pray... A lot... And to believe He will answer.
bianca
· 1 year ago
...how to be fearless,self control, and will power
rebeccamoon
· 1 year ago
discipline and obedience
clowe
· 1 year ago
...that i only have to worry about what is wrong with me. He'll take care of everybody else.
Beth
· 1 year ago
How much He loves orphans, how much He has placed that love of orphans in my heart, and to relax and trust Him
Paul Kuzma
· 1 year ago
... that He is especially fond of me!
BTW, the dialogue between Wendy and Los here is beautiful! I think God is especially fond of His kids when they respectfully bring their differences to the table.
All Comments
Which means He's saying something now, "Hey... come spend time with me"
Gotta go... dad's calling.
so why am i worried or planning
Wish it would sink in. ~:-)
...what I'm really passionate about in life.
The great thing is, I am learning a lot about humility, serving and dieing to self.
and, ironically, not quickly enough!
...that He is going to work things in His time, regardless of how fast I think He should do them.
...that He is more than enough.
He is always teaching me patience.
I wish he would just give it to me, COME ON, GOD.
I'm failing miserably....
Carlos,
You don’t really know me, but we did meet one day at Buckhead Church. I have been following your blog for about six months.
I know that this is not going to be a popular post, but I just feel compelled to let you know how I feel since you seem to be striving for an authentic community here. I hope that my heart comes out here, rather than my emotion that may prevent you from hearing what I have to say; please know that I am trying to be as rational as possible.
I have been really upset by the posts you have made that subtly infer that the people at Buckhead Church were not truly worshipping until you decided to teach them how. I was even more upset when you posted “Close The Gap - My One Year Anniversary at Buckhead Church” I have not ever been to Sandles church and it is clear that you love it. Although Buckhead Church may not worship in the same way, it is entirely off base to suggest that we don’t worship. Further, it is not fair to suggest that one must raise their hands, dance, or move at all to worship. Clearly I can’t speak for the entire church, but I can speak for the people whose hearts I know and they WORSHIP – in God sized ways. I have experienced some of the most powerful worship in my life in the old grocery store location of BC. However, your public reticule of the corporate worship has damaged their experience of worship at Buckhead Church and several of them have left. I believe that it is less about the outward expression and all about one’s heart. I am not suggesting that BC has nothing to learn about worship, but I am suggesting that a leader should be respectful of his followers and their personal journey with God and as well as their individual differences. We have a powerful opportunity in the Buckhead area, but if you define successful worship as the number of people who are raising their hands, I have a feeling you will continually be disappointed. I know that things felt different at the Night of Worship, but they always do. The people who come to Night of Worship or Community Celebration, etc. are largely people who have a relationship with the Lord…rather than an auditorium filled with seekers. Those are always powerful services and of course it will feel different.
Basically what I want to say is that, while people here on the blog who don’t know BC, will applaud you in your quest to get BC to “worship,” it saddens me that you would judge the hearts of the congregation so openly in ways that feel disrespectful, and harsh. I think if there is something that is preventing BC to connect with God in a deeper way, we should walk along side them to find out why.
I am not going to post this anonymously because I want to make myself available if you would like to discuss this. My heart is for Buckhead Church and for the Lord’s Fame and Renown.
I will email you my contact info. I would also other’s input from Buckhead Church if they feel differently.
Wendy D.
http://benandjacq.tumblr.com/tagged/baby
"I’m sitting here. Wondering and having my heart twisted round and about. I can’t contain it. This is all so messed up. I can’t sleep. My mind doesn’t stop. It revolves around this one question that I can’t really seem to answer.
Are you there? Really? Or is this some joke. A scheme?
I’m here and I am willing to give you my life.
I am.
I am here. Are you? Are you listening?
The world is laughing at you. You are rules. You are boundaries to them, limits. I am sitting here thinking that maybe they are right. That all these questions really won’t be answered because they can’t be because you don’t exist.
There’s the world.
And then there’s you.
What is the connection?
Why is there so much space?
Why do we have to think about things so much when the answer could be love.
But no, it couldn’t simply be just love because there is still pain.
What’s the connection??
The link. The end to questions.
I can’t wrap my mind around you.
Who are you?
Do I truly know you?
You are too much for me.
What’s the connection??
There’s this world and all of the questions, and doubts, and theories, and ideas, and lies, and opinion.
And then there’s you and your love. This love I can’t explain.
This love that I can’t seem to fathom.
So, where’s the link. Why is it so hard to understand???
Why are there so many doubts.
Why do I doubt??
Why are you so far.
I don’t have answers. I can’t explain it. I’m left here alone screaming I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU.
And they say it’s just my theory. It’s just my opinion.
What connects opinion and you?
Maybe the connection…
…is me?"
See anonymous people out there!!!
It's possible.
Since we have apparently only had one conversation face to face I can see how my passion for comfortable Christians to become uncomfortable in their worship can seem harsh.
I know that I am not going to convince you otherwise in this response so I am not going to try.
But I will say a few things.
When I pay the bills I am worshiping God.
When I take out the trash I am worshiping God.
When I said..."the vision God has placed in my heart to see a church within the city of Atlanta striving towards authentic worship on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.", I meant it.
It is not a popular place to come into an orginization and point out a sore spot.
But leadership of this church and the larger organization agrees that there is a gap that needed closing.
So again. I apologize if you think I am judging the worship of your heart.
I don't know you so I can't make that assumption.
But what I can do is do what God has called me to do. And that is to ignite a movement of authenticity among all generations of Christians that morphs the face of the evangelical church into a place of being real with yourself, others, and God.
And if that means calling people out and making them uncomfortable in spite of what they think of me...then that is what I'll do.
I don't think I have publicly ridiculed anyone and if I have I am truly sorry.
I am sure more people will leave as Jeff, myself, and the leadership team continue to ask hard questions and move our church to a place where we all cannot help but shout the name of Jesus in every facet of our lives. (This is not saying you, Wendy, are not)
Thanks so much for your note and again, thanks for your authenticity.
I have to say, I love how honest Wendy was. Honestly. Now hear this, I am not saying that Los' is wrong in saying what he has said about worship, or that he is right. What I do know is that as a leader of a church's corporate worship, Los' is also responsible in helping the church body create a 24/7 worship in their own lives. It's his responsibility to say the things that nobody else will say because they're "too dangerous" and will make us feel uncomfortable. Not because the church has placed that responsibility on him, but because God has called Him to do so.
I wish I could be a part of the community of BC, but it's a long drive from Indiana. However, I believe that there is a reason God has called Carlos to Buckhead. God will use Carlos, if Carlos allows Him to do so. God will also use the church body of BC, but only if BC allows God to do so.
I will be lifting this up in prayer. Serious stuff.
www.vagabondrunn.wordpress.com
I'm going to have to rethink this.
Jill
I never mentioned the worship at Buckhead in terms of whether is was good or not. I too have experienced some really great times. What I was talking about was confined to the blog post and the public expression of blanket opinions that can be hurtful. I also think that it is VERY unhealthy when people in an organization quit questioning the leaders in that organization.
By the way, I think that Carlos and I are fine.
(Ex: I read the bible not because I want to but because it's the right thing to do, and as I do that, He'll change my heart so it will end up that I read it because i /want/ to. Same for praying, going to small groups, etc.)
Also, Carlos, THIS is why your once-a-little-blog haw truly turned into an authentic community. Aren't you glad that you opening and sharing your heart opens up the doors for others to do that same, even if they are disagreeing with you in some way? Folks always say, "God works in mysterious ways" which I think is a lame statement. God works in HIS ways. We just should not assume that it's mysterious just cause it's odd to us. He can move in any facet. I appreciate folks like Wendy who will share their heart and not hide behind their "anonymous" label. Thanks for keeping it REAL. rhi
About your response: I want to start by saying that its true I don’t really know you …only the “blog you.” But I do know and trust the leadership of Northpoint and Buckhead Church. I know and trust Jeff, and I have rarely seen Andy without a strategic plan. I have no question that you are all working to make decisions that will further the mission of the Church and ultimately make Christ better known in this City. However, I am questioning the “blog you” and the way that you use the blog. After all, that is all I know of you.
I believe that, in order, to protect the integrity of the goals of the organization and further them, one has to be conscious of the way that one presents the goals to the audience. Isn’t that why we (at BC/NPMI) spend so much time and money creating environments – so that we can do our best to make sure our message is best/clearly communicated/presented/received? I think that because you are on staff, you represent a bigger picture and the bigger goals. Every time you post on your blog, people who read it assume you are speaking for BC/NPMI. When you say they are not worshiping right/good enough/active enough/etc it sounds like it comes from the Church and they know it comes from a Christian. I am on the Host Team – what happens if someone new comes on Sunday into the environment that we have created, experiences worship, and then catches your blog on Monday which is critical of their experience/participation or worse, come to believe that Christians are critical of people’s worship experience? There is a difference in saying “ignite a movement of authenticity” and something to the effect of – the people in the building were inauthentic, guarded, and only my daughter was able to connect with God (to be clear you didn’t say that last part I was using it to give an example, but I do think much of it was implied).
To be honest - I don’t really care, when it comes right down to it, whether you judge my heart or not. But it really bothers me that someone will read what I and others have perceived as judgmental statements and believe those statements are reflective of Christians or BC/NPMI. That is what scares me. A lot. It scares me even more that they might not come back.
I’m suggesting that you think more critically about how you might come across in ways that it sounds like you don’t intend to. Perhaps consider whether you would say what you write on your blog to the audience before you lead worship next time. It seems to me that you are not someone that will want to sensor yourself to a great extent, but I believe you have a responsibility to consider what impact your uncensored statements will have on behalf of Christians and BC/NPMI.
By the way…I love the picture of Sohaila worshiping. Beautiful.
Its about now that I’m thinking authenticity is a little messy huh?
He makes it so easy - and He's often so funny in the process. I love it!! I wrote about it JUST this morning: http://waistingaway.wordpress.com/
SDG,
Matty
BTW, the dialogue between Wendy and Los here is beautiful! I think God is especially fond of His kids when they respectfully bring their differences to the table.