Any pastor can tell you, pastoring a church is very rewarding and very discouraging.  So often we (pastors) only hear the bad news.  People aren't as willing (or just don't) to share the good reports as they are the bad.  But in saying that, there are so many joyful experiences.  This past Sunday is a prime example, when a young woman who has been attending for some time stood and admitted she didn't have a story and was willing to do something about it.  WOW!  Hearing that Ryan and Lindsay had given birth to their first child was awesome.
Knowing that lives are being changed each and every Sunday is wonderful.  I can't imagine doing anything else on this planet.  I can't wait to get to work each day. 

BUT, there are days I wish I was doing anything but this.  Right now, at this very moment, I am so discouraged with Christians in America.  It seems as if everyone wants to have their heaven ticket in their wallet, but aren't willing to admit Christ as their Savior.  What we must understand is that we can't have it both ways.

We had hundreds of people here this past Sunday and only 70 - 80 were willing to commit to sharing their story with someone who didn't know Christ.  I left as discouraged as I've ever been as a Pastor.  How could children of God not want to share? 

I'll never forget the excitement I had in my heart for Jesus the day I got saved.  In the weeks to follow I wanted to share what Christ had done for me with anything that a heart beat.  One of the deacons in our church told me, "Dean, you need to calm down, its not your job to change the world."  And what is sad is that the majority of the church felt the same way.  Through the years I've come to realize that not just the majority of that church but ALL churches feel that way.  But, when I read scripture Jesus doesn't seem to feel the same way:

Mark 8:38
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

This Sunday I will be sharing in great detail the passion and vision God has burnt in my heart for our church   This is a message to help all of us realize Jesus is ALIVE and Jesus wants us to be ALIVE in Him!   There is so much more to a walk with Jesus than a heaven ticket. 

Bunch of thoughts running through my head:
* Had a great meeting with some great people last night. 
* Tim just left with the band to get costumes for this Sundays opening song.  Talk about doing something different.
* Corey Miller (our tech guy) just left for the hospital.  His Grandpa is dying. 
* Dwain text me and said God was doing some pretty cool stuff at camp.
* I'll be e-mailing everyone who made a commitment for Africa in the morning. 
* Remember, helping our African church is not your tithe.  This is above and beyond.  Just reminding some!
* Heading to Texas Road House for dinner tonight.  We have a gift certificate.  Then were heading to Lowes to get a few things for the house and then onto Sams.  Don't tell me I don't still have it when it comes to romance.  OK, that is what Deb wanted.
* Thursday night is dinner on the lake with candles and everything.
* We'll be feeding the Liberty High football team during their camp on July 31st.  Need some desserts.  Anyone willing to help please leave me a comment.
* Clemson football is right around the corner.  Love it. Hope Dabo and the Tigers have a sensational year.
* Yesterday afternoon I had three vehicles all in the shop.  Only one in shop now. 
* Begging God for some serious life change this Sunday.
* I haven't worked out yet.  getting ready to go and jog/walk for an hour.  Gained a couple pounds while in Virginia.  Working hard to get it off and A LOT more.