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Friday is my off day. I always try to observe a Sabbath to rest, refresh, and renew. I plan to do as little as possible today. Today I am kind of like a Veggie Tale pirate; I am the pastor who won’t do anything.

Ritchie

I was thinking early this morning about the church. We know that Christ died for the church. We know God loves the church. Did you know that the Greek word for “church” was actually used way before Christ? The word means “an assembly with a clearly defined membership.” Jesus said that He would build His “church” – His assembly with a clearly defined membership. What are the clearly defined terms of membership in God’s church? You must trust in Christ alone for salvation by grace through faith and you must follow Christ in believer’s baptism after you receive God’s free gift of salvation.

Those are the requirements for entry into God’s family but that does not answer the question about the “assembly” part. I believe in the Church with a capital “C” – all the believers everywhere from all time – but the Scriptures clearly teach the overwhelming importance and priority of the local church – the church with the lower case “c” meaning the local, visible, tangible gathering of believers. So here are just a few questions you must ask yourself to determine whether or not you are a member of a church.

• Have I received God’s free gift of salvation? Just going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.

• Have I been scripturally baptized since I received Christ? Baptism before you actually receive Christ just makes you wet and has no spiritual significance.

• Do I assemble regularly? By its very definition you have to attend church to be a part of a church. Occasional, erratic attendance means that you do not take seriously God’s idea of church. God is a relational God and He has designed us to need relationships and fellowship that can only come through regular assembly with fellow believers.

• Do I give? Once again, if a church is an assembly with a clearly defined mission, then anyone who defies or ignores the mission is not on the team. Jesus was very clear that the mission of the church is to reach the world with the Gospel, baptize people, and teach them the Word of God. It is impossible to fulfill that mission without money! That is, I believe, one of the reasons Jesus talked so much about money, possessions, and generosity. If you do not give – and I do not mean just “tip” – you are defying and ignoring the mission that Jesus gave.

• Do I serve? God gives every believer at least one gift to use for Him. You were saved for that purpose. If you do not serve you are not a part of a church no matter how often you attend!

• Am I a consumer? If it is all about you then you approach church just like you approach going to a restaurant. What is in it for me? When you understand that YOU ARE THE CHURCH then you begin to understand that God left you here to minister to others for His glory.

• Am I inviting others? If the mission is to reach the world with the Gospel then we must participate and partner with the church in fulfilling the mission. You do not have to do it alone. God has given you a team called the church. Invite people so they can hear!

So are you a member? If not you can solve that problem this week.

Ritchie

Every week I spend some time talking to our ministry partners in South Africa. Skype is a wonderful piece of technology. Avalon HOPE, as you know, is our non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to church planting, fighting poverty, AIDS relief, and education. We join with individuals, businesses, churches, and foundations to improve people’s lives across the world to improve people’s lives. We have two ministry partners in South Africa; the Children’s Resiliency Project and Rivera Church.

The Children’s Resiliency Project is a children’s village dedicated to adopting, feeding, and educating AIDS orphans. It is located in Ashburton, South Africa. Dr. Bob Graham is the visionary behind this ministry. He lives there with his wife, Joanna, and their son, Jordan. Avalon HOPE helped purchase the land, build a house, and we are the largest financial supporters of this ministry. Bob and I talked just yesterday and he now has one house – the one we helped build – completely full. I hope you will pray for him. The red tape is very cumbersome and it is a slow process but now they have one of their four houses full. Pray for the others to be filled soon. I also want you to pray about this possibility. We are looking for a couple or an individual who would be willing to spend about four months ministering there from December 2010 through April 2011. Bob and his family need to come back to the States to raise money for more homes during that time. This will be a life-changing opportunity for someone.

Also pray for Ennis and Becky Pepper. Ennis is the founding pastor of Rivera Church. I talk with Ennis each Monday and Avalon is coming along side of Rivera Church to partner in growth and church planting in South Africa. Rivera Church is located in Durban, South Africa. They recently purchased a building that was a former business. They are going through the process of getting the permits to build it out for a church. I have been in the building and it is in a great location. I believe they will be able to grow and reach more than ever if they can just get in this building. I will be preaching for their church in February so I will keep you updated on their progress. Pray for their growth and pray that we will be able to plant more churches in South Africa.

I love you and have a great day!

Ritchie

This comes from Delise Simonton in Ohio.

Hello Ritchie,
Your book was just sent to me from my mother and father in law John and Peggy Simonton. I received the book in Ohio Saturday and finished the book on Monday. Just so you know I’m not normally a book reader but enjoyed yours enough to finish it and to pass it on to my husband and told him to read it. I think he will end up reading it also because he keeps asking me what’s so funny because I was constantly laughing out loud at your stories. My son’s name is Landon he is age five and already I can relate to stories that you told about your son Brandon. Landon already gives us a run for our money LOL so any books we can read to be better parents and create a loving God-centered life I’m game. Thanks once again for your book.

If you are interested in purchasing “Spoiled Rotten: Loving Your Kids Without Indulging Them” just visit http://www.spoiledrottenbook.com. If you are interested in booking a “Spoiled Rotten Parenting Conference at you church or school you can e-mail me @ ritchie@avalonchurch.net.

Ritchie

Yesterday I went to the chiropractor. It was the first time I had been in probably 25 years. My reason for going was because my neck hurt, my shoulders hurt, my back hurt, my knees hurt, and my ankle hurt. Other than that I felt fine. I attributed all the pain to the fact that I have been running way too much trying to prepare for the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day.

The doctor really worked me over and made what she called some “adjustments.” I’ll say. I had gotten in such bad shape I could barely lift my arms to put on a jacket or turn my neck. I was in almost constant pain in my knees and ankles. I was amazed that after just one visit I felt so much better. I could actually scratch the middle of my back, which I had not been able to do for months. I thought to myself, “This is a lot like the Christian life.” Let me explain.

• It cost me something. The price was not incredibly expensive but it was not free. While salvation is free, living the Christian life will cost you time, money, and effort. You can’t be the person God wants you to be for free.
• The benefits outweigh the cost. I feel so much better after just one visit that the price is not really an issue to me. I am kind of a tight wad and I always feel like people are trying to rip me off, but I have to tell you that the benefits are so much greater than the cost. The same is true of living a life that pleases God. The benefits of love, joy, peace, and forgiveness are so much greater than the cost it does not seem fair. Come to think of it, it isn’t fair. It is called grace.
• Little adjustments bring big benefits. I still am amazed at how tiny manipulations of your bones and joints and muscles make such a huge difference. The same is true of the Christian life. The regular, small step is what is important. Accumulated over time, little steps make a big difference. Reading your Bible, praying, serving, and giving may seem like small steps, but they are vital. Regular adjustments to my life each day with God are far more important than an occasional “big experience.”
• One time is not enough. I learned that I have to go back if I want to feel better. My body has gotten used to being out of alignment so it takes more than one adjustment to keep it in good health. If I want a good relationship with God it is a regular, daily thing. I need to spend time with Him each day. It is only then that I will form new spiritual habits that make my life worth living.

Just a little food for thought. What do you think?

Ritchie

Here is a picture of Kim and me at our first church, Central Baptist in Panama City, Florida. This picture was taken in 1987 or 1988. Kim and I both were rocking some sweet hair dos. TBN here we come!

Sunday I spoke on how being thankful changes everything. It changes your perspective, your attitude, your behavior, and your trust issues. Being thankful will eventually change your circumstances too. In light of that I thought I would encourage you to say thanks today every chance you get. Try it. I promise it will lift your spirits. Here are a few suggestions.

Say “Thanks” for …
• Second chances
• Good service
• Bad service (say it anyway)
• Chocolate
• Love
• Children (most of the time)
• A baby’s laugh
• Fresh breath
• Being able to breathe another day
• The person who lets you go first in line
• The person who holds the door open
• A warm place to sleep at night
• Naps (make sure the boss is not looking)
• A good cup of coffee
• A job
• Small group

What would you add? Send me a note and tell me.

Ritchie

Today is Brooke’s 14th birthday. Brooke is our youngest daughter and she was our little surprise. We were not planning for her but God was. I have to tell you that we are so happy that God gave her to us. She has made us happy in every way. We love all three of our children very much.

I will admit that she can manipulate me. She looks at me with those big eyes and tells me she loves me and money just falls out of my pockets. I love being a dad. Amazing how when you love someone that giving is just natural, isn’t it? Anyway, here’s to a happy birthday Brooke. I love you!

Dad

Today I am in Pensacola, Florida speaking at the Unchained Conference at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. Unchained is a pastor’s conference that is designed to encourage and train pastors and leaders to grow their churches. The speakers include Ed Young, Ed Stetzer, Ergun Caner, Jerry Thorpe, and two of my best friends, Brad White, and John Cross. The greatest honor of my life is to speak at Avalon Church every week but I also consider it a great honor whenever I get to speak to pastors.

Marcus Pointe (Gordon Godfrey, pastor) is one of three churches that gave at least $10,000 each to help start Avalon Church eight years ago. The other two churches are Southside Baptist Church, Warner Robbins, GA (Jerry Walls, pastor) and The Gathering, Sevierville, TN (Gene Wolfenbarger, pastor). There were several other churches and individuals that gave as well but these three churches made a significant investment. I want to thank each of them for their love for church planting and their faith in us. We have paid it forward by starting nine churches in our eight years of existence.

Very cool.

Ritchie

I know what it feels like to be nervous and excited about starting a new church. Two pastors in my coaching network had their very first preview services on Sunday. Both churches got off to a good start.

Scott Blanchard is planting Lake Pointe Church in Detroit, Michigan. Scott was on staff at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida and felt called to start a church in the Detroit area. He and his wife, Karen, moved with a team of three families that will serve on staff. They kicked off the first of their monthly preview services with 84 in attendance. Avalon has committed significant financial support to help plant this church through Avalon HOPE. Pray for Lake Pointe! They will have services once a month until their official launch date in March 2010. Learn more about this church @ www.lakepointechurch.tv.

Chris Lockhart has served as the Small Groups Pastor and Church Planting Pastor @ Avalon Church. He and his wife, Susan, have felt God calling them to start The Grove here in Henry County, GA. They had their first preview service at the Henry County Performing Arts Center on Sunday and they had a great response. Chris reported that things went well and that they had an attendance of nearly 100 even though they advertised very little. Avalon Church has committed major financial resources to help start The Grove through Avalon HOPE. Learn more about The Grove @ www.the-grove.tv.

I hope you will pray for these men and their families as they start their new churches. I am very proud of them and I think that they are going to do a great job.

Ritchie