Atlanta Weekend 2 of 3
Well, another off weekend, another trip to North Point.
This weekend was great as I got to show off NPCC to a good friend who’s visiting from Ohio before he starts into a new ministry there. The trip was quick, but good.
We drove up on Saturday afternoon so that we’d be there in time to find somewhere to watch the Bucks game. And did we ever! There’s a place near the outer perimeter in Atlanta called “American Pie.” Check out the Flickr photos to see some pics I got from my phone. It was great. They had a DJ and everything who played Buckeyes music during game commercials.
On Sunday we did the whirlwind tour of NPCC seeing North Point’s main environments in the AM and then even made it down to Buckhead Church in the evening to see a quick bit of rehearsal for the adult environment and then a small portion of InsideOut (high school ministries).
It was a fantastic day of just seeing how God is working in Atlanta.
Favorite Commercial of the Moment
Love it. Love it. Love it. I laugh everytime still.
Tuesday Evening
I guess the great afternoon put me on big high…
I stayed an extra day here in Atlanta to check out the environment that was my first exposure to North Point – 7|22. This environment is geared toward people just like me - post-college singles. I was so excited. I saw this environment while still in college, then again a year ago.
Tonight, 7|22 took another giant step in it’s life by moving to Buckhead Church. It helps by not making people come to the event, but by really bringing this great environment to them. I was so excited.
I got to Buckhead early so that I could avoid all of the traffic Atlanta itself provides, plus I knew that parking was a concern and I wanted to be selfish and take a spot for myself. When I got there, I went and just hung out in the auditorium as the production team was finishing up with the final touches for the evening. I was a bit bummed that I had missed sound check.
I was just chilling and relaxing behind FOH for an hour when this girl came and asked if I needed anything. I explained who I was and that I was fine. She still insisted that I had to leave. I’ve never been thrown out of an environment before, especially when I’m observing within “the family.” I guess that’s built up the idea in my head that I’m above the rules. I argued for a minute and then decided it wasn’t worth it and walked back to the video production area to see what was happening back then. Now, I had a bad attitude. Didn’t she hear who I was? I’m family. I’m on the same team, just trying to glean whatever I can to take back with me.
Well, this attitude I had developed over such a small issue just stuck with me for the rest of the night. It took me out of a great worship set, and even kept me a tad bitter toward the communicator. I knew that he’s not my favorite and had set my mind that I would leave early when he started. I did stay for a few minutes and listened to him and his stuff was great. At this point though, my attitude and now stomach were begging me to leave.
On the way out, I ran into a musician that has played at Access in the past. We briefly chatted and he complimented our church and put everything back into perspective without knowing it. Thanks E. God teaches great lessons on the best of days.
Wonderful Afternoon
What an exciting afternoon! Let me explain…
After a great strategy meeting with the smart people of North Point, we went to lunch with one of those smart guys. We headed over to a great lunch place, Locos, in downtown Alpharetta. Lunch was fantastic - both food and company. We got to hear more of Donald’s story and how he made it from First Baptist Atlanta to North Point.
It was another great story of God’s leading through small steps and preparation all the way. While we were sitting there, we were talking about churches and other organizations in the area. Donald mentioned that the Passion house was just around the corner. He said we’d drive by on the way back.
Here’s the side story… I love the Passion movement. Read previous posts from the Passion conference, other events and so on and you’ll find how much this organization has had an impact on my life. Even more, I find that my favorite communicator right now is Louie Giglio, the founder of Passion.
So, when Donald said we’d just drive by, I was more than content just to see this house where all that happens. As we drove by, he noted the number of cars in the parking lot and said we should just stop in and see the house and meet some of the people. So we did.
We got a great tour from the girl that packs all of the phone and web orders. We met Louie’s sister - the Passion receptionist. And we saw where sixsteps records happens, the regional events are planned, the war room for the world tour and met most of the people that go along with that list – most of which Donald knew and they knew him, it was crazy!
The last room to see was at the end of the upstairs hallway - Louie’s office. Donald made his way in and peeked his head around the corner and greeted Louie. I got so excited. Donald introduced us from Jacksonville and we said hi. Rarely do I get star struck, but this was definitely one of those times. It was just great to meet this great man of God that I look up to so much. I mentioned that he had spoken for us a couple of messages at Access and he immediately responded saying that he had known and even knew where we met and how long we had been going! I was blown away that this guy who’s out of town every weekend right now for Passion events knew about us. How great! We chatted for a few more minutes then made our way out.
Highlight of my weekend, if not month.
Semi-NPCC Attender
Well, I’m in the midst of trips back and forth between home (Jax) and Atlanta. Last week, we (access church staff) were up in ATL for the Catalyst Conference (see previous post). We made it back for Access Church services on Sunday. It was a great service. I was able to work for both Access and at the Bux for a couple days.
I returned to Atlanta on Saturday after driving up during the afternoon. Today, it was a great day of visiting North Point. I was feeling a little down as most of my NPCC production contacts weren’t around today. I did get to meet a couple new people though. Again, the highlight for me was KidStuf. This is by far one of the most cutting edge church things going on right now. The whole idea is this is where kids bring their parents to learn. It’s fantastic. Let’s just say today’s story involved “KidStuf Masterpiece Theater.” Moving on (I could spend all day there).
I caught lunch with people then chilled (slept) at the hotel for a while and then headed down to Buckhead. I wanted to see the opening of Andy Stanley’s newest series “Judgment Call” and would have been content (from KidStuf) with that. I got there early enough to meet Los the new SPD at Buckhead. Great guy. I also got to meet Angie who’s supposed to hook me with the contact for sweet production team jackets.
I was already content before the service even started. I was excited enough to meet them that I could have gone back to my car and made it back to the hotel a happy camper.
THEN, I was led in worship by Chrystina Fincher and James David Carter - two of NPMi’s finest. We’ve had James David at Access and Chrystina is coming next Sunday. It was fantastic. Chrystina’s version of How Marvelous, then From the Inside Out, and closed with a very cool laid-back version of Everlasting God. All in all, a great night. There were 2 baptism stories that were the icing on the cake.
Couple meetings tomorrow. Long strategy meeting (and 7|22!!!) on Tuesday and then back to Jax. Be there for Access this weekend! So excited for that. Then I get to continue the bouncing back and forth between NP and Jacksonville. Lots of miles, but it seems like every trip up is worth it in a different way!
Check out pictures on my flickr stream.
