It’s hard to believe Annette and I planted RockChurch 13 years ago! We have learned numerous things over the years, mostly of what NOT to do. But we have learned. And one thing is for sure, RC would not be RC without our incredible staff, leadership, and volunteers. Big props to those who serve!
It was as an amazing celebration that included music, video, vision-casting, confetti, and Jesus! Here’s a little taste:
- RCBand worship set list:
- I Am Free
- Loving, Forgiving, Saving
- Hosanna
- Now & Forevermore
- Offertory by AMPD Band – All For You (RC original by Lp)
- Message Lead-In Song by RCBand (featuring former RC worship leader Mark VanTine) – Higher (Creed)
- I was surprised with an anniversary tribute video that included a few gag reels. Click HERE to watch and enjoy.
- We made two big announcements to coincide with my message entitled Heart & Soul:
- This August we will replace our midweek (Wednesday) service with sermon-based Focus Groups (small groups). Pastor Chris gave a detailed report regaring our Focus Group Pilot.
- Launching a Fundraising Campaign (with future plans to build a new auditorium on our existing property). Click HERE for details about the campaign.
3 THINGS RC NEEDS TO FOCUS ON FOR GREATER THINGS:
(Perry Noble addressed hundreds of leaders with the same at Unleash.)
1. PREPARATION
1 Samuel 14:1-3 (NLT)
1 One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer (who had no sword), “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.” But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. 2 Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron. 3 Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh. No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp.
Jonathan decides to do something.
- He walks away from the safety and security to do something great.
- God did not call us to play it safe.
- We, like Jonathan, are willing to take a risk.
It was a risk…
- to start this church 13 years ago
- to move from location to location throughout the years
- to add staff at times
- to ask to be released from a lease with no place to go
- to move RC back into a hotel while trying to figure out what to do
- to make an offer on our current property the very day our board looked at it
- to purchase a building/property
Every place we are is preparation for where God is taking us.
2. PERHAPS
1 Samuel 14:4-6 (NLT)
4 To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. 5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. 6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
Jonathan was about to step out in faith based on a “perhaps.”
Jonathan was about to ask his armorbearer (who didn’t even have a sword) to step out with him…based on a “perhaps!”
We asked the RC community to step out with us based on the same type of “perhaps.”
3. PARTNERSHIP
1 Samuel 14:7 (NIV)
7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
NLT = “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
Will you partner with us as we continue to reach and impact the Peoria area and our world by delivering the Word of God through relevant worship, discipleship, and relationship?
Heart and Soul.
~PC
