Live... Without a Net!!!

Weekend Impressions

Good AM to you all!!!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of going back to make re-acquaintance with our friends at Maple Springs Baptist Church. It hardly seems like fourteen years ago that we moved into a little gray house on HWY 56 just outside of Louisburg, NC, and we had some wonderful times with Maple Springs' children and students from '97 to early '99. It was good to go back to visit them for homecoming, and I look forward to going back to preach at the revival services through Wednesday night!

But yesterday was a good day for G8way, too! Here's why...

• James Hatfield is a dear friend, a brother in ministry, and I know he brought the word as we closed out our "To Do" series yesterday with Give. Remember that life is about accumulation... accumulation in the right areas!

• Here's a Facebook message I received yesterday, "Thayer, we missed you guys, but we LOVE THE CHAIRS!" After all those years with folding metal, I hope you enjoy the plush padding!

• Really lookin' forward to Tuesday night Connect Group that you heard about yesterday. Our "Connect Group" is all about plugging new people into the life of the church, and, if you're new to G8way, we'd love to see you there! Childcare is provided for those 5th grade and under, but registration is required! Contact us at info@g8way.cc if you'd like to attend!

Next week's gonna be great, too. This coming Sunday, we'll

• begin our new series on the Bible, called "Pages"

• begin the week long fast that many of us do at the beginning of each quarter (click here for more info)

• begin a brand new group for college-aged adults on David Platt's Radical (click here if you're interested or would like to attend)

I have to say that we're pretty excited about what God's got in store for us at G8way! Isn't He amazing?!!

Later ya'll!!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

First, I wanna celebrate what God celebrates - 8 people celebrated their surrender to Christ last night through baptism... There are more to come!!!

7 child dedications, 7 graduates we recognized... I'd say it was a pretty good day!

With Everything... My new favorite song we sing at Gateway.

God help me if I don't leave everything onstage every time I preach... Biblical principles should ALWAYS be the foundation of all things in a Christ-Follower's life, but if we can't convey those principles with passion, let's not waste anyone's time. Remember, nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without passion!

Preparing the messages for "Heir" has been pretty rewarding for me. Elisha lived an amazingly successful life... something each of us really desire no matter when and where we live!

The family room is pretty sweet, people!

Ya'll be good!!

Weekend Impressions

Happy Tuesday everybody!

I hope you all all had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend and that you're looking forward to a great summer.

I knew when I heard the band warming up at G8way on Sunday morning that we were in for a special day... Yep, God moves during rehearsal, too.

I really was truthful when I said that when we moved into the building in Pikeville the floor was covered in orange shag carpet and the stage wall was purple... If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'!!!

It's true that churches publicize what they prioritize... If your church is more prone to make a big deal out of things that don't really bring people closer to Jesus or take Jesus closer to people, watch out! You're in the danger zone.

I really wanna give a shout to our awesome G8way volunteers, especially in our preschool and children's areas... Many of you worked double shifts on Sunday to cover for the holiday weekend! You guys are doing an amazing job! I(your God and those kids) appreciate you much more than you know.

God is really moving in our congregation financially... You guys are bringing it obediently and proving again that our God is faithful to reward your faithfulness as you bring it back to Him. For the fifth consecutive month, our church will bring in more income than we budgeted for. And we will do that this month even after cheerfully giving away everything that we took in on Mother's Day for flood relief in Nashville, TN. On top of that, yesterday we received a special gift that will cover all of our van rental fees for our students' trip to Bigstuf in July!

Francis Chan's Forgotten God is a must-read.

Amy's mom and dad (my in-laws) are ABSOLUTELY AWESOME... It was great spending time with them this weekend!

You know sometimes I just have this premonition that God's up to doing something real big real soon at G8way Community Church. I don't know exactly what it's gonna look like, but I think it's gonna be huge, and I think a lot of it's gonna be the result of what happens this coming Sunday night!

A life without passion is no life at all. Live passionately for Jesus today!

God Bless!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

Long day, very good day at G8way!

God is still God, and He has some great people! We began the day with some pretty big technical challenges (our checkin stations were down, along with ALL of our other church management computers). Thanks to some quick work by techs in Dallas, they were back up and running in plenty of time for us to operate efficiently for both services. Mornings like this make me glad to be a part of the Fellowship One family!

As part of our conversation yesterday, my good friend Dave Morrow and I were talking about hospitality in church. There's no substitute for it. Either you have the heart to take care of your guests, or you don't. We both agreed that having having a guest services coordinator with a HUGE heart for guests isn't optional, and that we're glad to have Jenn Hatfield (and her heart!) to oversee this part of our ministry!

Look for our new family room to open next Sunday morning!

Baptism, Baby Dedication, Graduate Recognition... Sunday night, June 6 (6 PM) will be a very big night!

We must agree that our worship teams at G8way are supremely gifted, but you have to know that there's more at work in them than talent alone. They see themselves as God's (and your) servants. Most importantly they understand their role. As much as they rehearse together (and they do) or practice individually (and they do lots of that, too), they know that they are channels for God to magnify Himself. They approach the wonder of worship with passion AND humility. That people, is an all-too-rare combination.

Quick.... what's the best way, church, to worship Jesus everyday? HONOR HIM THROUGH YOUR OBEDIENCE AND IMITATION!

Your obedience (or lack thereof) in your relationships absolutely affects your worship... Husbands, you especially! But not just you... everyone else, as well.

If you're so financially leveraged that you cannot worship God with your possessions (INCLUDING tithes and offerings), you're engaging in idolatry. Jesus' words... not mine.

If your body is the Holy Spirit's temple, what kind of treasures are you filling it with? What kind of junk must you clean out of it? How are you going to take care of it and maintain it today?

In what part of your life today will people see a little less of you and a lot more of Jesus?

Can I go ahead and say that I'm already looking forward to next Sunday at G8way? I guess I can, it is my blog!

Have a great Monday, people!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

Here are 14 things are rockin' my world right now!

1. At G8way, one of our five core values is Excellence. Though all of our teams operate at extremely high levels, you must realize that our worship team is reaching new heights every week. I am so proud to serve alongside those guys (and girls!) I just hope that one day Scott DeCarlo will love me as much as he loves his new Macbook Pro! :)
2. Speaking of core values, I walked into the children's area this morning (The Big Top) to find boulders all over the stage. Actually they were paper bags painted with stone texture paint, but wow... they looked just like HUGE ROCKS! What does this have to do with our core values, you ask? Well, our fourth core value is Relevance. We must reach every age group we target in a way that opens their eyes to the truth of the gospel in a way that's culturally relevant to them, and our children are no exception. In a day where Disney and Nickelodeon spend millions to get our children's attention, we can't afford to be "cheesy"  when we present the greatest message to ever rock the world. Amy, you totally knocked that one out of the park. I was very impressed, and by the way, the actual waterfall wasn't none too bad, either!
3. Just in case you're wondering, our other core values are: Jesus Christ: For this and every generation. Life Change: Broken lives made new. Maturity: Spiritual growth through discipleship and service.
4. Read this, and then really think about it... "In the end there are no "great" worshipers--only One whose greatness demands our total, unending worship." - Bob Kauflin
5. Read # 4 again...
6. Remember it is impossible for us to consider redemption apart from the context of slavery. Redemption is the cost required to set a captive free. Sin is a the master of the entire human race, but God, at the expense of His Son, paid the cost once and for all for us to be rescued from judgment to forgiveness and mercy, from death to life, from slavery into TRUE AND LASTING FREEDOM!
7. Membership class was a blast this afternoon. We've changed up the format to make it more interactive and more evangelistic, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Oh, by the way, it's shorter, too! :) For more info, on our next membership class, contact us at info@g8way.cc!
8. I couldn't be more excited about what God's setting the table to do in our worship over the next two weeks... I believe He's getting ready to completely blow us away!
9. In light of # 8, do what you must to make sure YOU are at G8way over the next two weeks, and that you do everything in your power to invite and/or bring ANYONE that you know who needs Jesus. These services are gonna be special!
10. First Sunday, June 6, 6 PM - Mark your calendars... Baptism, Child Dedication, Graduate Recognition! One word - AWESOME!!!
11. Read # 4 again...
12. Our next message series will be about one of my favorite players on the OT scene - Elisha! That's coming in June, followed by a series on relationships in July, and another series we're calling "The Fab Five" in August... more details coming soon!
13. Hey guys... I wasn't lying about that 6 second rule when it comes to hugging your wife... Not five, not five and a half... six full seconds! Why? Because it's the minimum amount of time required during physical contact for our systems to release of serotonin and oxytocin into our bodies. Serotonin and oxytocin both stimulate senses of intimacy and help to ensure bonding. Wow, God totally set that up... Just another reason to be amazed that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
14. Now after reading # 4 again, tweet it or put it as your Facebook status... It's totally worthy!

Later ya'll!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

Maybe it’s just me, but the Sundays are becoming more and more incredible every week…

Ladies, if I read you right, I believe the Fondue Station was a big hit. BUT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!! We love all of our mothers at G8way… And just in case we ever need reminding, none of us would be here without you…

Speaking of mothers, G8way was proud to honor and assist all the “mothers and others” in greater Nashville, TN yesterday. Yep, we put together “A Day for Nashville” with all of the undesignated receipts in tithes and offerings going to flood relief in Nashville, TN. That’s right…. ALL UNDESIGNATED RECEIPTS! Together, we were able to collect $3,241 which will go directly to Cross Point Church’s Flood Relief Fund… Our bros and sistas @crosspoint_tv will continue to minister to people’s physical and spiritual needs in Nashville long after the CNN cameras go back to Atlanta, and we’re happy to get in on what God’s doing (and will do) there!

I can’t help but be more impressed each week by our volunteers. Let me give a shout-out this week to all our worship team and media volunteers… You guys completely and totally rock!

Membership Class is this Sunday, May 16 just after second service! Click here to register!!!

Look for a staff addition this summer at G8way… For those of you who attend every week to see what’s happening onstage each week, I don’t think you’re gonna be surprised!!!

First Sunday @ G8way this June 6 will be awesome… Baptism, Baby Dedication, and Graduate Recognition… Can’t wait!

Good Night Everyone!!!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

Isn’t God amazing!? By our count, 7 people stood to say that they prayed to surrender their lives to Jesus over the course of the weekend, either as a part of our DiscipleNow weekend or yesterday morning’s services! On top of that many more publicly stood to say that they were tired of “average Christianity,” and were ready to redirect their lives to more passionately follow Christ! We see a lot of exciting things in church, but the most exciting thing we ever see is LIFE CHANGE!!!

When the church genuinely makes Jesus’ cross and empty tomb its passion, God’s Spirit ALWAYS takes care of the results… Don’t believe me? Read this!

Jesus isn’t an ‘opinion,’ an ‘option', a ‘hypothesis,’ or a ‘conjecture!’ HE IS THE SOLUTION TO YOUR SIN, YOUR FAILURES, YOUR GUILT, YOUR PAIN, YOUR FEAR, YOUR DOUBT, YOUR LIFE, AND YOUR FUTURE!!! AND NOT JUST FOR YOU, BUT FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!

My goodness! Jon Harper brought the word yesterday morning! It was an absolute pleasure meeting him and his wife, Teresa, and having them with our students for the D-Now weekend. We thank them so much for coming to share with us. If you’d like more information about Jon and The Word Ministries, click here!

While we’re talking about D-Now, let me also thank all of our kids, our volunteers, and staff for making this a great weekend in the life of our church. Tim Whitman and his team (small group leaders, host families, singers, musicians, techs, cooks, cleaners, shuttlers, and everyone else) did a great job. And to top it all off, I now have a friend whose REAL name is ‘Shaggy!’

How about our worship team yesterday?!!! Our hope is Yahweh, Yahweh!

Quite a few of you know that yesterday many of us at G8way began a week of fasting. No, this isn’t about weight loss or dieting; it’s about preparing our hearts to be ready when God moves. I believe with all my heart that what we saw yesterday morning at church is but the beginning of a great work of God among us. Some of you might wonder how we’re holding up with the fast thus far. Well, after day 1, the most noticeable physical effect for me is the tiredness and a very white tongue! Spiritually, however, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to live this out! Continue to pray for all of those fasting this week!

What is “IT”? You’re gonna find out this Sunday…!

IT from Gateway Community Church on Vimeo.

What’s God gonna do among us next…? I can’t say that I know, but I can say that I can’t wait!!!

Later, ya’ll!

Thayer

Weekend Impressions

Week 2 of “Pure Church” – Getting Connected!

Pure Church from Kevin Gardner on Vimeo.

James Hatfield brought THE WORD yesterday. Talk about hitting hard… a Pure Church LOVES! I challenge you to keep John 13:34-35 close to your heart always!

The Spirit of God was heavy on our campus yesterday! The singing, the message, and the commitment time were evidence that He’s really working in us. Take this to heart… He WILL DO some amazing things in our church in the days ahead!

In the course of an unrelated conversation I had with someone yesterday afternoon, God has potentially opened the door for G8way to do something ABSOLUTELY and RADICALLY ASTOUNDING in our community this December. That’s right… we’re already preparing for Christmas. I guess it’s true… it gets earlier and earlier every year! :)

If you don’t expect God to do amazing things God’s among us when we gather together, why should God do amazing things among us? He responds to faith… always has, always will! AND “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6

Looking forward to fasting the end of this month. I crave the opportunity to do anything that makes me more sensitive to Jesus’ heart, the Father’s voice, and the Spirit’s leading. Join me if you believe that’s what God wants you to do. Click here for more information!

Twenty days through the New Testament… A fitting end to our “One Bible/90 Days Challenge” which will conclude at the end of April. If you’re interested in joining us on this journey AGAIN THIS FALL, let me know!

I WORK among some of the most amazing people on the planet, but I LIVE among some of the most amazing people in the universe. Amy, Julia, Bailey, Madi, and Avery… YOU ROCK!!!

This weekend provided several all-too-tragic reminders that MARRIAGES ARE UNDER ATTACK. The saddest thing is that most of the marriages I see crumbling before my eyes are imploding. Evil attitudes that lurk in husbands and wives’ hearts are a much greater enemy than any external foes. Pray with me that Jesus Christ will change the hearts and change lives of all who are far from him, including those couples who seem hell-bent on destroying themselves along with their relationships.

“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” – William Carey… What are you expecting God to do in your life, His church, and His Kingdom today? What are you willing to attempt wholeheartedly for Him today?

IT is coming…

IT from Kevin Gardner on Vimeo.

Later ya’ll!!!

Weekend Impressions – Back in the Saddle Edition

Whew! It’s been a long few months away from the blog, and it’s good to be back. The time away was definitely both refreshing and productive, but I’m glad to jump back into the saddle! Here’s a few thoughts from this past weekend (and maybe one or two from the past few weekends, too!)…

Whoa… We had 162 kid registrations at the Pikeville Easter “Eggs”travaganza last Sunday afternoon! Thanks to all our staff and volunteers who made that possible!

Easter Sunday @ G8way was amazing. We had 408 in attendance… our second largest ever. You did a great job inviting your friends (those little invite cards DO WORK)! Think about it… a little invite card holds tremendous power to help you get someone into a place where they can hear the most POWERFUL message of all time. You guys get it, and you rock!

How ‘bout Amber Rivera signing the ENTIRE SERVICE for the hearing impaired??!!! That was a first for us, but definitely not the last!!! Thanks, Amber!

Several of you have asked about the video from yesterday… We actually got it from Elevation Church in Charlotte. Here it is again…

Elevation Church Easter Opener from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Speaking of Easter… what you saw yesterday was the culmination of many weeks of planning. From the music and stage design, to the cleaning, painting, fencing, weeding, planting, mulching and everything in between, we’re talking hundreds of man-hours. There are way too many to thank everyone individually in this post! You guys are amazing… As Scott and Kevin said yesterday, “It is amazing what a lot of hard work can do.” I couldn’t agree more. Thanks so much!

Kevin Gardner, Scott DeCarlo, Dave Morrow, Darren Wilson, Brandon Blackmon, Amy Stamper, and Sue Harrison… Amazing job upfront yesterday! Check out this video by Brittani Schultze…

True Love @ Gateway Community Church - April 2010 from brittani schultze on Vimeo.

And since we’re handing out kudos to the guys upfront, those in the back deserve a shout-out as well… Will Thompson, Rob Wood, Mike Rivera, Stephen Burnette, Davey Harris, and Camaron Herring, I appreciate you much more than you know…

I’m really enjoying my time in the Word here lately. Many of you know that several of us at church and elsewhere took up the B90X challenge on February 1. We’re tracking right along through the latter part of the Old Testament now, and should be finished with the entire Bible by the end of April. I won’t lie, it’s been intensive, but I cannot overstate the fact that God’s Word is fresh and timeless every time I pick it up. We’ll be doing the challenge again later this year… Hope you’ll join us!

Remember. G8way is all about being a place where real people through real church find real hope in Jesus Christ. We’ve come a long way in doing our part to make that a reality, but people, we’ve got a long way to go. But through it all, I’m glad to along for this incredibly amazing journey along with YOU!!!

Wow… that’s a lot already. More tomorrow

Weekend Impressions

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Here’s what Christmas is looking like at Gateway…

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Many of you know that Gateway is gearing up to collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. We’ll take the offering this Sunday, December 13. Check out this video and then click the link above for more information about missions around the world.

If you liked the yesterday’s version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you’ll get to hear it again in two weeks!

Last night, our life group went Christmas shopping for a lady with six grandchildren and great-grandchildren in living in her home. If we only TALK about generosity and do not LIVE it out, we’re not really following Christ.

Remember… greed is something we must continually guard against, that greed is not only about desiring to keep and grow wealth—it’s in wanting it, as well, and that the true value of our lives is directly proportional to the extent we pursue FIRST God’s Kingdom in our lives.

Our Christmas Eve service at Gateway is going to be AMAZING!!! See you at 6 PM on the 24th!

Later, ya’ll!

Thayer