22 Members, 5 Tithers, and 2 Overseers

The Net is moving full steam ahead. Selina and I just returned from the ARC Conference in Birmingham, AL. While we were there, we got to visit with Keith and Rhonda Underwood (and their daughter, Abby). The Underwood's are former Seacoasters who are moving to Chattanooga and are now the latest in a continuing line-up of launch team members dedicated to seeing God move in the hearts of those in Southeast Tennessee (I'm now claiming the entire region... funny how a few small moves of God expand our vision!)

In addition, we have started seeing some people already tithing to The Net... including the pastor and his wife - leading by example here, people! :)

And on a final note, we met with Eric and Darlene Partin while at the conference. They pastor a church in Destin, FL that meets at a Rave Theater and have agreed to be an Overseer for The Net... we are officially accountable to someone... well, technically this makes 2 - Greg Surratt already agreed to Oversee us months ago.

Some highlights from our trip:

• Having Selina's family throw us a baby shower in ATL on our way to Birmingham
  
• Getting to visit with fellow church planters in Birmingham
  
• Getting to visit with my parents in Birmingham
  
• Getting to visit with the Underwoods and their close friends
• Interviewing an Intern from New Life Church in Colorado Springs (potential worship/tech person)
  
• Hearing Greg say that we will always be a part of Seacoast Church
  
• Meeting Eric and Darlene Partin and having them say "yes" to being Overseers
  
• Listening to an amazing line-up of speakers (I'd share the teachings, but then what material would I have to preach from when the church starts?)
• Visiting with Russell & Cindy Hall (friends from Selina's former church) in ATL on our way back to ChuckTown
• Coming back to Charleston, taking a breather, and getting back to work!

We love all of you who are on the launch team, supporting the launch team, or thinking about being on the launch team (WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!?)

FYI - Be praying... a week from Monday we are hosting a fund-raising dinner for the church.

BEFORE SUNRISE...

I hate getting up early. Something's wrong when a person gets up before nature. Yet, as an up-and-coming church planter, occasionally, this is what I must do. Last Thursday morning was one such instance.

I had the privilege of speaking to a morning men's group about the church launch in Chattanooga. 25 men listened as I shared the vision. Then, they asked some questions, made some comments, and prayed over me. Very powerful to have that many spirit-filled men hovering over you in earnest prayer for your future... 8 of the men even asked to be invited to a Fund-Raising Dinner we are holding on April 28th. God is good.

This week, Selina and I are heading to an ARC Conference at Church of the Highlands. We are looking forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, and being refreshed for the season that awaits.

LET THE CHILDREN COME...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to introduce you to Robbie and Kristy Slocumb and their amazing son, Peyton. These are friends of ours from college who have recently moved from the great state of Texas back into the Chattanooga area. Robbie works for the Boys and Girls Club. Kristy is a former elementary teacher and is currently tutoring students in the Dalton area.

Last week while we were in Tennessee we had dinner with them and shared our desire to have them join our launch team and lead our children's ministry. They prayed about it... as did we: "Please God, let them say yes!" :)

This week they have agreed to come aboard! God is good and continues to grow our group. Selina and I are humbled by the willingness of each one who has stepped up to assist in this vision. Each day brings us closer to Chattanooga and closer to the day we will all minister side-by-side.

DO YOU RAVE?

Selina and I are in Chattanooga... this has been the best visit, yet. We have been going non-stop since we arrived Monday morning. We are exhausted, but love seeing God at every turn leading us along His path.

Last night we had a meeting at Jack and Lolie's house. Eleven in attendance... 12, if you count our unborn son, Gannon! It was very inspiring, talking about what is to come.

We also met up with the management from the Rave Theater (see pic). Everything looks a go. We had a great time talking with them. Lots to share on this... but, I will save that for face-to-face meetings with those of you who could not make it to the get-together last night. Suffice to say, God's favor is shining down on us in BIG ways!

We ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT to get to Chattanooga and start this work!!

A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL!

On Leap Day we had our 2nd official launch team meeting for The Net Church. We webcamed the meeting from Charleston to Chattanooga... 19 total in attendance. Here's a video of how it went down:

GROWING THE REPERTOIRE...

It's always good to get ahead, isn't it? Put a little in the ol' reserve for a later day. Well, I got to do just that this past weekend when I was given the honor of speaking at Carolina Forest Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. This is one less message I'll need to prepare come February of 2009, when the weight of being a lead pastor is FULL ON!

The experience in Myrtle Beach was wonderful. Selina and I got a relaxing getaway, spending Saturday evening on the beach. Then, Sunday morning I spoke at 2 services to 700+ people. Thanks to Charles Fox and the leadership of CFCC for the opportunity. Below is a video of the message. It was done in under 30 minutes, so no excuses for not watching!

IT'S A BOY!!!

This morning, Selina and I found out that we are having a “Mayby” Boy! My poor wife was only able to enjoy the announcement amid continual nausea... first it was morning sickness, then it was a sinus infection, and now the 96-hour bug!

We were only able to record the Ultrasound after the initial exam of the Mayby, so by the time the camera was rolling we knew we had a boy on our hands. But, we did manage to catch on video our little guy putting his feet in his mouth (if he’s anything like his dad, it won’t be the last time!) and chewing, apparently (at 2:20 on the video).

When we got back to the car, I presented Selina with a Congrats! card and a pair of blue booties… yes, I had a pink pair on hand, just in case. She cried… I love when I make that happen (well, these kind of tears, anyway)!

Our son’s name will be Gannon. His middle name is yet to be determined. Feel free to reply to this posting with any suggestions (all names are being considered - except Maria... that's just weird).

Click link to see the Ultrasound: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6883979734276107166