Driven or Called

So many times in my life I have been told Carl you are so driven. People would say things to me to encourage me that probably over-inflated my ego and played to my dark side more than I ever realized. I have always been challenged by anything that seemed risky...(except skydiving) and will generally run head first into any challenge, because like "The Little Engine That Could...I think I can." This can be dangerous for me if people like myself if were not careful. I don't want to be driven to succeed or driven to accomplish a task for the sake of conquering something bigger than me. Instead, I want to be called, and there is a difference. One is rooted in what I think I can do, the other is rooted in who God made me to be and what He expects me to do. I will say that I have gotten these things backwards in the past. But right now, as it relates to the decisions made recently in our ministry, family, and church, I truly believed I am in a season in which God has called me to lead in a different capacity than I really ever expected. It's the capacity of "transition." For the next few months I believe God has called me to unify the board, staff, and people of Gulf Coast Worship Center towards one goal...the goal is not just to find a new pastor, but to be a unified group of Christ-followers who understand their role in this time. This Sunday I will be sharing a few thoughts on what I am calling RE-Charge. If you are apart of GCWC, focus your attention the next few days on the book of Ephesians and prepare your heart to hear what God is doing.

Excited About Change

That simple phrase is not often heard in life. We tend to get caught up in routine, the norm, the status quo. But change can be very exciting. One of my core values as a leader is "there is an element of risk in every opportunity." Change is always a risk, always an opportunity. The bigger the change, the bigger the risk, but the bigger the opportunity. I am excited about the transition here at Gulf Coast Worship Center. We are all beginning to realize that this is a monumental moment in the history of this church. Julie and I are excited about serving as Interim Pastors during this time of transition. I met with the staff this morning and they seem very upbeat, excited and ready for the challenge. Tonight we meet with the transitional team and the process of searching for a new pastor hits full swing. In a few weeks I will be sharing a few thoughts from the book of Ephesians but for now this is our prayer for GCWC. Pondering Thoughts...

• What risk is God calling you to take...what are the opportunities on the other side?


• What are your thoughts about all of this "change?"

Comments?

The Decision

Today following a weekend of formal interviews and an opportunity to address the congregation of Kingwood Church in Birmingham, Pastor Jay and Stacey were confirmed as the new pastors. We as a church look forward to the weeks ahead and doing our part in making God's plan for Gulf Coast become a reality, and we pray for God's favor on their family as well. Please feel free to post questions, comments, or words of encouragment.

For more thoughts on staff transitions check out this blog... http://www.evotional.com for May 17, 2009.

What Matters Most?

I can't wait until Sunday as I will share with our church in this time of transition "What Matters Most." If your a part of Gulf Coast, be there. We are praying for Jay and Stacey this weekend, as well as focusing on what God expects from us. You don't want to miss it!

Leading in Times of Transition

This past Sunday was another landmark in the journey of Gulf Coast Worship Center. Our Lead Pastor Jay West announced that he and Stacey were in a time of transition from Gulf Coast to another endeavor of ministry. It's times like these when questions arise in the hearts and minds of people who are involved. As a staff pastor who has served with Jay for 7 years, it is both sad and exciting. It's an opportunity for a family legacy to be carried on for them, yet a time of self-evaluation for all involved. They will be missed! But what does all this mean? For the next few months, it is my goal to just walk through my journey here as things unfold and become more clear. For now, here are a few thoughts...

• Grace and love must be our driving values. After all this is what Jesus' life was all about and the very reason He established the church in the first place.
• Prayer is vital. We must pray that God's will is done for Jay and Stacey, Gulf Coast, as well as Kingwood Church.
• Unity is essential. What excites me about Gulf Coast is that we have a unified staff and board, and a great congregation who I believe will rise up and continue to see God's vision become a reality here on the coast.

Updates as they unfold...

Back in the Saddle

After taking about a month break during a season of prayer and fasting about our family, our church, and our future, I am excited to be back. Here are a few things that are happening/have happened in the last few weeks.

• Our January Servolution touched nearly 1000 people through random acts of kindness
• Jase is almost potty-trained
• I'm sick of travelling - but not done yet
• Met up with some old friends and had good conversation
• People getting baptized like crazy
• Made new friends and partnerships
• Met up with students from a previous ministry - guess I am getting old
• Had an oil leak on my driveway - almost jacked up my car - still mad at the 5-minute oil change on Hwy 49
• Tired of fruits and vegetables
• Julie is sick
• Ready for this Sunday - Cool things will be happening
• Need more sleep
• Family coming in this weekend
• Read about 6 new books
• Reading about 6 more

I'm sure there is a ton more, but that's a brief...

CN

Prison of Failure - A Look Into 2009

Here are a few notes from the message entitled the "Prison of Failure" that I shared in transition to the new year...

In John18:15-18 and 25-27 Peter denies Jesus 3 times because he was paralyzed with fear that he may also lose his life if he claimed he knew Him. Later in John 21, Peter returns to his old life of fishing. It was then that Jesus appears to him to show how much he loved him.

1. Jesus sees your failure but loves you in spite of it

• Peter denies Jesus 3 times and once when warming his hands by a fire of coals
• Jesus re-instates Peter by building a fire of coals, cooking him breakfast and asking him 3 times if he loved Him
• It was as if Jesus was saying I saw it all, you screwed up, but look how much I love you.

2. Jesus doesn’t want failure can keep you from your destiny

• Peter learned to deal with his failure, stood up after the day of Pentecost and proclaimed his love for Jesus publicly and 3,000 people followed Christ that day
• We learn that Peter was later crucified upside down for following Christ. He had overcome his fear and fulfilled his God-given destiny.

3. Learning to fail properly is what allows you to succeed in the future

• The first thing they teach in ski school is how to fall properly so that you will continue to try.
• For reference study the failures of Abraham Lincoln and how he used them as stepping stones for his successes.

As you look into 2009, realize that God is a God of new beginnings. Set some goals. Think in the future, not in the past. Believe in yourself because God believes in you!