Ragamuffin Soul

Caption Please…
Los

Bobby Gruenewald is one my favorite thinkers in church world.
He is always pushing and moving in directions most churches will only dare go once he has tried.
He had this post on the Swerve blog a year ago that I use on an almost weekly basis in conversations I’m in with churches where “Excellence” is a core value.
I’ll let you go to swerve to read the entire article but I want to sit on this statement for a second…

While there are still many examples where there is not excellence in the American Church, I see a new problem emerging in some places: Too much excellence. You might ask how can you be too excellent? This graph will illustrate my point.”

The graph basically points out that excellence can be achieved quickly but after an initial push it gets more time consuming and expensive to achieve certain definitions of “excellence.

So you know, I believe everything we do should be done to our personal best.
I mean, that’s what my kids stick at the end of the pledge everyday at their elementary school.
But when we grow up it suddenly becomes…
I pledge to do everything at THEIR personal best.
I think that there needs to be a clear message sent out saying…

Excellence does not equal what Church A is doing.
What Church A is doing might be stupidity on Church B’s part.
Church B needs to do what they can with the talents and gifts they have been given.

I’ve seen lots of people come to Jesus without HD.
Los

Growing up in the Atlanta suburbs during the 80’s was a blast.
I had an amazing childhood.
Never had TONS of money, but my parents always made us feel loved and safe.
This is not sappy, at all.
Some of your responses should be.
But my favorite present of all time was my Stretch Armstrong.
He was said to be unbreakable.
But my brother Eddie and I soon found out that bb’s through the crotch were not covered by the warranty.

So what were one or two of your favorite Christmas presents from back in the day?
Carlos

I am moving to Chicago to BE a part of a movement.
Of’ course the movement is initially a selfish one.
I want more transformation in my life.
I feel like this is the community where the next stage of growth in my family’s life will happen.
Some people think I’m crazy.
But I’m just following the story that God has placed in my heart to lead my family with.
So with that, I feel confident in asking you guys to pray about contributing in some way to Soul City Church.
Not it’s not an orphanage.
No it’s not a women’s shelter.
No it’s not a teen crisis center.
But I think it will be ALL these things one day.
I believe in my pastors, Jarrett & Jeanne Stevens – they spent 12 years at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL and 3 ½ years at North Point Community Church in Atlanta, GA.

I can only imagine that guy. Let’s call him Carlitos.
In the HUSTLE that is the city life of Chicago.
Hustle, sleep, play, hustle, sleep, play.
He puts his head down every night wanting that other thing.
But he can’t put his finger on it.
I can.
Meaning.
Transformation.
Community.
I think this community could be the one he’s been dreaming about and we aren’t even there yet.

There are lots of things that the church needs to get rolling…one would be to create a gathering space where we can communicate the transformational message of Jesus Christ.
You know I’m all about environments.
It’s what I do.

Here is my ask.
If you have resources at the end of the year that you are looking to give away for any reason…
I simply ask that you pray about providing for the Start of a new church at the End of your year.

Your gift will help install sound, lighting and video systems that will be used to create authentic weekend experiences that speak right to the heart of that hustler I was talking about earlier.  Carlitos
Let’s help Soul City Church Start. Click here and give a one-time gift!

YEAREND START.COM

PRODUCTION – $50,000

Thanks again for your partnership in this adventure. You are playing a huge role in the Kingdom of God extending in the city of Chicago.

Late,
Carlos

People love quotes.
Usually the best ones are from dead guys.
Or girls.
I love them as well.
They are easy to tweet.
Easy to remember.
Here is one I found today that is going to have some life in my head…

What you see and hear has a lot to do with where you’re standing. – C.S. Lewis

What are some of your favorite quotes?
Inspire us…
Los