To say things are CRAZY around Revolution right now would be the understatement of the year! We are gearing up for our normal fall push, we are gearing up launch a second campus that we are building out ourselves, we are planning long-term on some huge things, and we are doing our normal, weekly things.

I told our team today that things will not slow down for a while and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We started Revolution Church to change North Georgia and that means being all out, sold out to what God has called us to do. I love it!

If you are part of Revolution, you rock! Thank you for all you do to make this place happen week in and week out. We are in one of the most insane times in the history of our church and it is all hands on deck right now. Let me give you some ways you can continue to partner with what God is doing here:

• PRAY!  This is where it starts. The devil would love nothing more than to derail what is happening around here.  Please pray for the staff of Revolution, the volunteers of Revolution, the work of Revolution, the unchurched in this community, and all that God is doing.
• SERVE! If you aren’t plugged into what God is doing here at Revolution you are missing out on being a part of a REVOLUTION that is going to change North Georgia. Don’t sit on the sidelines, get in the game. I can promise you it will be one of the most fulfilling things you have done your life.
• LEND A HAND AT HOLLY SPRINGS! It is crunch time. We are on schedule with construction but we are in the stage now where everyone can help. Contact Tim at tim@therevolution to lend a hand.
• GIVE! You have heard me say many times that BIG vision takes BIG money. God has chosen to fund His work through His people. I am smoking what I am selling when it comes to this subject. You can’t outgive God. Thank you for your faithfulness in this area. Because of your giving, we are able to do what we do.
• INVITE!  Get your friends to church. You are the church’s best marketing.

REVOLUTION, hang on for the ride of your life!

I’m about to load up and head to Anderson, S.C. to hang out with a small group of pastors who were selected for a Leadership Coaching Network that Perry Noble is hosting. To say I am pumped would be an understatement!

One of the hardest things for me as the pastor of Revolution is to find time to grow as a leader. I get so caught up in all that is happening around here that I don’t focus on leadership development enough and that is not a good thing. There probably couldn’t be a worse time for me to head out of town than right now, but the reality is that there is never a good time.

I am looking forward to the next 6 months of hanging out with sharp leaders and learning what Perry has to share.

If you are part of Revolution, I would appreciate your prayers. I want God to rock my world during this time. Pray that I learn what God is wanting to show me and pray that I come back a better leader.  Seems a little selfish to be asking for something like that for myself, but I’m asking anyway. Thanks in advance for the prayers!

Just saw this picture and thought I had to post it. I had one of the crazy people take this picture with my iPhone and to say they were impressed with the phone would not describe their thoughts. I think they thought I was a millionaire for having it. It was funny.

This was before we got the heck out of dodge. We had been there about 3 hours, Tim and Preston were high from diesel, and the rest of our were soaking wet from rain BUT we look happy for the picture

• I forgot to mention that our clothes were so wet that we had to go in the story and buy shirts. The ONLY shirts they had were with confederate flags on them. Mine had a dude riding a dirtbike and said Redneck Boys Drive Bad Ass Toys. It is already in the trash.
• Tim swallowed a ton of diesel.
• As much as I love Swift, I was glad he wasn’t with us because we might be dead.
• They had a saw-off shotgun hanging behind the counter.
• The had one book for sale called The TRUTH about Ruby Ridge.
• They had a paper that told the “truth” about slavery. Yeah, right.
• They HATE Barrack Obama.
• They had a sign that said there were 20 security cameras around the place and they would shoot you.
• To say they had never seen an iPhone would be an understatement

Here are pictures of us sucking diesel from Preston’s van for your enjoyment.

Today, our entire staff (ft and pt) headed about an hour and a half north past Elijay to an awesome cabin someone in our church owns for a day of planning and going through everyone’s questions regarding multi-site and launching our Holly Springs campus.

We had a VERY productive day. Lot’s of ideas were shared, some disagreements took place, better ideas were thought of, etc. We were literally in the middle of nowhere so we had no place to eat but we had some snack food. By about 3:00 we had discussed everything and we were ready to head out because we had not ate at all.

As we headed out, I told the guys we HAD to stop at the first gas station because I was on fumes. Preston said he was very very low as well. We headed out…

As we headed out, there had been some tension building between Tim and I throughout the day. Nothing bad, but just tension and stress that was brewing. So we pull into a gas station and I can’t keep my mouth shut. I say something to Tim and Tim says something back to me and we start going out it. No big deal except Preston was there and Preston is NOT about confrontation so he is very uncomfortable. I’m pumping gas the whole time and Preston is pumping gas in his van and trying to get out of what me and Tim are discussing.

Well, in the heat of the moment, Preston being in a hurry pumps his 2008 Honda Odyssy with DIESEL fuel. Yes, I said diesel fuel. Not just a little bit of diesel fuel, but about 50 bucks worth. Needless to say he is freaking out! Tim and I realize what is going on and suddenly no one knows what to do. Luckily he had not cranked the van yet so we were good. I said we would just call a tow truck and get it pumped out. After calling everyone the people at the gas station knew, we couldn’t find anyone to come and get it. NO ONE wanted to come to this place…in a few minutes we would find out why. So we rolled the van out of the way and got the idea to siphon the diesel out. That was a nightmare.

Three different hoses, numerous attempts to get it going, and 2 hours later, Tim and Preston FINALLY got the diesel pumping out. The whole time it is POURING, I mean POURING down rain. We were soaked to the bone. It took about an hour to get all the gas into this huge container but we finally got it done. We pushed the van back up and got it gas and it is fine.

That part of the story is crazy but that is nothing. After realizing we were at the gas station for a while we started looking around and what we saw scared the crap out of us, made us sick, and shocked us. The place was littered with racist stuff everywhere. I can’t even repeat some of the stuff. It was like being in a different world. People were looking at us like we were crazy (rightfully so). It was very obvious we weren’t from around there.

There are so many crazy moments from Thad and Laney singing a southern gospel song called Highway and Hedges on the front porch, to the owner telling us to pour the diesel on a democrat, to the owner telling us all our ladies on staff were feminist because they didn’t help push the van, to them telling us it is a good thing we broke down there instead of Atlanta because we would be killed. They found out I was a preacher and started talking to me about being spirit filled. I’m sure I will think of other things but to right now I am not doing the story justice.

To give you an idea of where were were, I am going to post some pictures from the place. WARNING: These pictures are offensive. I do NOT agree with the things in these pictures but the reality is this place exists, it exist a little over an hour from Canton, and this is the people God called us to reach. They need Jesus and if we don’t take Him to them, who will? Another reason I am posting the pictures is because I want to show you the type of environment we were in and why it was a crazy crazy crazy day. If you are offended easily (rightfully so) you don’t want to see these pictures.

As awful as some of this shots are, you at least have to laugh a little thinking of our staff being broken down here because we put diesel in a gas-powered engine. I thought these people were going to kill us for being so stupid.

As we siphoned gas for almost 3 hours we drew a decent little crowd. I’m sure we were the most entertainment they have had in a long time. I’ll admit I was a freaking CHICKEN and I kept my opinions to myself (I’m a chicken but I am also not stupid) but by the end of our stay there they were ready for us to plant a church there because “it was obvious I was spirit-filled.” Yeah..okay. Pretty sure they weren’t, but glad they know I am.

We also found out they have a Possum Drop every New Years Eve where they throw possums off the roof, I guess. Kind of like the ball dropping in New York City, just different.

It was truly a crazy, comical, and as I reflect it was a sad day to know there are people like this still in our area.

Moral of story: don’t put diesel in a car that doesn’t take it.

I’m sitting here listening to John Denver (don’t ask) and looking over my sermon for Sunday and I am getting excited to see all of you who call Revolution home!  It is always weird to me when I miss a Sunday. I honesty feel like I have missed something awesome and I hate that!

This Sunday I am continuing our Uncomfortable series with one of the most uncomfortable things we as Christ-followers are COMMANDED to do in the bible. It is my passion, but I would be lying if I said it was something that comes natural to me. It is going to be a great Sunday!

Get there early, be loud, and let’s have a freaking blast!

I will try and get some pictures tomorrow but things are moving quickly at our Holly Springs campus! I got to give a special shout out to Peter Vogepohl and Chris Hogg for the time and energy they have put into this project. Also a big shout out to all the volunteers that are making it happen! You guys rock!

We still need more help making this thing happen. If you are interested in volunteering your time let Tim know at tim@therevolution.tv. We really could use a lot of help this Friday evening and Saturday. Contact Tim for the details.

Here are some of the things going on over there:

• HVAC units are going in as we speak! The units that were in there wouldn’t have cooled down my living room, much less a church that is going to be packed out with people.
• Plumbing is almost done and bathroom fixtures are being installed.
• Jerked down the sign out front and threw the Revolution R up on the building! Even though it is only a temporary sign, I love seeing it up there.
• Met with a great interior designer this week who is helping us create the vibe we envision for the building.
• Electricians start next week. We’ve got a great guy in the church making this happen!
• Painting will start VERY soon and we need all hands on deck!

Things haven’t went as quickly as we thought, but that is what happens when you are working around volunteer schedules. We are going to be done in plenty of time to make our September 7th launch date!

Stay tuned this week as I talk to you about being part of the launch team for Revolution Holly Springs!

I am a broken record when it comes to teaching on the importance of married couples taking time away together WITHOUT the kids! Thank God for the awesome gift He gives us in children, but you are doing your children a favor when you leave them for a few days and go off and enjoy your spouse. I think couples should try to go away at least twice a year for a few days. You are teaching your children that your marriage comes ahead of them, you are showing them the love you have for your spouse, and you are teaching them what a healthy marriage looks like.

This weekend I am practicing what I preach. DeAnna and I left this morning for a quick weekend getaway. We are staying a beautiful bed and breakfast in North Carolina and we already can tell the difference these types of trips make on our marriage. We’ve talked, laughed, napped, and just enjoyed each other without the distraction of a 6 year old and a 4 year old.

The funny thing is there probably isn’t a WORSE time for me to be gone. Things are insane at Revolution right now! We are building out our first permanent facility, launching a second campus in 7 weeks, we have a ton of stuff to do, etc. On paper, I need to be home. But, guess what?  All that stuff will be there when I get back. I have the greatest team in the world and they get more done with me gone anyway.

It is never a good time to get away, but you need to make time for it. Trust me, you will think me when you get back.

Another great thing about getting away this weekend is I get the opportunity to preach for my friend, Tadd Grandstaff. For those of you new to Revolution, Tadd was on our team when we first started the church. Revolution wouldn’t be around without him. About a year into starting the church, he felt God calling him so start a church and he moved to Burlington, N.C. to launch Pine Ridge Church.  We have supported them since they started and they are rocking it out! Tadd and Becki just had their first child and I get to speak for him this Sunday. Pray for me on Sunday morning!

Also, plan on being at Revolution this Sunday and supporting what God is doing! Preston is teaching this weekend and as always, he will knock it out of the park! Preston does a great job as our Connection Pastor and does a great job giving me a break a few times a year from teaching. He is continuing our Uncomfortable series by talking about Praying For Your Enemies. TRUST ME, you want to hear what he has to say. Support him, encourage him, amen him, and get rowdy for him!

I will miss all of you Sunday but know I will be praying for the services and all of you! I’ll see you next Sunday!

Trust me, I will be a better husband when I get back, a better parent when I get back, and even a better pastor when I get back because I took time and rested and recharged.

Since we are 7 Sundays away from launching our second campus, since I have never been to a conference on going multi-site, and since we are launching a campus 8 miles away and that is supposed to be a no-no, I figure I am an expert on multi-site church.

In all seriousness, we don’t have a clue what we are doing and we are flying by the seats of our pants, but that is how we roll at Revolution! Even though we are so new into this thing, I am already learning HUGE benefits to the multi-site model and I thought I would share some of what I have learned already.

• Video teaching is NOT an issue - I will admit, I have been a little afraid of this but One Prayer proved that video teaching is a non-issue.
• Multi-site multiples your volunteers - New opportunities create new volunteers. We have not even started forming our launch team yet (yes, we launch in 7 Sundays) and we have already had a HUGE amount of new volunteers at BOTH campuses.  People are pumped. No matter how big your church becomes there are only a limited amount of people you need serving and multi-site creates more opportunities.
• It is the most economical way to grow - We are spending about 50 grand on launching our second campus and it is in a permanent facility. I will admit we already have a lot of the sound equipment, the video equipment was given to us, but we have done this thing on a shoe-string budget and it is going to be very nice!
• It is a huge buzz creator - I can’t believe the hype from our people and people in the community. To have a church our size in our community is unheard of. To have one church in two locations is insane! Our critics think it is going to be the death of us and our fans are cheering us on. Either way, they are talking about us and I love that!
• Music is the BIGGEST issue - We operate at a very high level musically at Revolution and we will operate at the same level of excellence at our new campus but it has forced to be very intentional about our musicians and especially lead worshipers.  We have some awesome guys we are developing and will be ready long-term. But in the short term, we are getting very creative.
• Don’t over-complicate it - I am sure it gets more crazy at campus 3 and 4, but we are treating this campus like adding services. We aren’t even using a campus pastor. We will have a member of our Lead Team there every week but we don’t feel the need with it being so close. We’ll see how it works out and we are open to change if it doesn’t work. However we are operating like one church all the way down to staffing and budgeting.
• Our people are the most unselfish people ever! - I was at the campus today and as I looked around it occurred to me that not one of our guys there doing construction is even going to attend that campus.  Can you believe that? They won’t even benefit from the campus, yet they are working around the clock to make it happen. Amazing!

I am as excited about launching our second campus as anything we have ever done at Revolution! It is so weird to know we are doing all this work just like we are launching a church and I won’t even be there for the first service because I’ll be at our Canton campus! God is doing an awesome thing and I can’t believe we get to be part of it!

This morning I got to the office early and decided to head over to our Holly Springs Campus and see what the building was looking like. I walked in and was speechless! The entire building is framed and you can see the shape and layout of the new campus.

As I was walking through the building, I was blown away by how awesome God is! If you would have told me 3 years ago that we would be launching a second campus, I would have told you that you were insane. If you have would have told me we were launching a second campus in the same county, I would have had you committed!

It blows my mind to think about the people we are going to reach through this new campus. We have cut the drive from Woodstock, Hickory Flat, Sixes Road, and Holly Springs basically in half. In 8 weeks we will hold our first service at Holly Springs and I can’t wait to see the impact that is going to be made there!