Can't Even Find the Words...

Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege/blessing to be able to worship with Elevation Church... that was definitely one of the most memorable church experiences I've had in a long time... maybe ever! Pastor Steven Furtick is a crazy man (in a good way, of course), with a straight-up, no holds barred preaching style. And I tell you what... whoever says that that kind of preaching doesn't grow churches today is foolish and knows not what they say, because Elevation is one of the fastest-growing churches in the country: almost 2,000 on two campuses... in a little over one year! Steven taught on giving, from John 6... and it was freakin' off the chain (sidebar: another reason I like him is because, like me, he says "freakin'"). One of the things that stands out when you listen to Steven is his faith in a humongous God, and his unashamedness of his authority in Christ. He's not a big guy (we're about the same height... a couple of inches shorter and we'd suffer from Short Man Syndrome), but he preaches big... and it's evident that he walks in the authority that He has in Christ. And that's refreshing, because you just don't see that in many "contemporary" preachers today.

Last night, they had an evening of praise and worship for their volunteers (of which I think there are over 300... that's just sick), and that joint was almost too much to take... totally Christ-centered, uninhibited, LOUD, passionate worship... definitely a fitting way for me to end my time at Elevation.

Mad shouts out to Chunks, who serves as their Executive Pastor! Chunks took care of me and my new friend, Pastor David Anderson of Crosspointe Church, and showed us all the ins and outs of the church... and got us backstage to talk to Steven for a bit. Chunks, you are the man! Thanks for everything (and BIG CONGRATS on the ordination, dude!) Also, mad props go out to Lori, Steven's assistant, for setting everything up with Chunks... Lori, you continue to amaze me with your helpfulness!

All in all, it was a great experience... something to look forward to as Mosaic takes College Park and Prince George's County by storm! My dreams have been TOO SMALL, and I no longer want to offend God with puny requests... this weekend has been a reminder that He can do SO MUCH MORE than we ask of Him!