Here’s 4 things on my heart for YOU, US and our FUTURE

1. We had nearly 600 people show up last weekend and plus….people gave their life to Christ!  I love what God is doing in families at TC. It’s mind-blowing – we still a new church and God is working through us!!!! I love it. We can’t forget that the church exists to help people FIND and FOLLOW Christ…and when it happens – it’s worth celebrating!

2.  Last Weekend was one of the most FUN and EYEOPENING services yet! As we jumped into week two of our “Perfect Family” series we talked about the end game with our kids…..it’s not getting them to leave the house or go to college…it’s having a life-long FRIENDSHIP with them.  In order to get one we  have to engage in  a healthy behaviors during the earlier 3 phases – NURSE, KING / QUEEN and COACH. You can’t jump phases and you have to ask God for help – especially if you came from rough home life yourself. God has great plans for your family – believe it.

3.   This weekends message is titled…”Survival Guide to a Blended Home”. Coming from a blended home myself, I understand how over 50% of our population feels. Can God heal, change and help homes that are blended? Does God meet single parents with an additional grace for their situation…YES!  Can’t wait to share what God has helped me live through and put in my heart for this huge topic!

4.  People have coming up to me every week and introducing them self to me. One Question I have begun to ask every time is “have you signed up for a Growth Group”?  Groups are more than a program or a calender filler – they are the life blood of what our church is about. Church doesn’t begin when you walk in the doors- rather when you walk out….that means we should be more about relationships  than facilities and programs.  That’s where Groups step in -they are the best place to grow your faith, make friendships and get encouraged and supported…all the things a church should do… I am beyond pumped for this seasons groups…..Zumba, study groups, basketball, cooking….I think we have it all….except you – click www.thrivechurch.cc for a group list / sign up. Groups start the week of Oct 3

That’s it – loving you, our church and our future….bring a friend to church this weekend….seriously!

Tom

It’s been a while…If your reading this, no I did not fall off our stage and die, or forget how to use a computer (although that might not be a bad idea) I took a break from blogging and turned my energy to our staff, upcoming fall series and helping our teams succeed.  It was a good summer break but now I’m excited to get back in the saddle. So -expect anywhere from 2-3 posts a week and perhaps a guest blogger or two.

A pastor friend of mine  were debriefing from the weekend and he asked me “why I was so excited” – he could obviously hear it in my voice – so here’s how I bragged on what God did.

* Last Sunday God showed up and we had a record (non-Easter) attendance...over 825 people packed our services out!

* Our Teams really stepped up their game, walking people to different ministry areas serving coffee, helping people get a seat, creating videos and rebuilding our entire stage – they say success or failure starts with TEAM….It’s true!

* We launched Sat night service and nearly had standing room only!  I think Sat is going to become one of favorite services – sorry 9:30 /11:00 – the Sat. energy was unreal

* Angry Bird was running wild at our Fall Fun Fest and it was awesome- I loved watching families spend time together and build memories in the church – we officially ran out of snow cone ice on Sat night…to all those that missed out. I sincerely apologize

It’s pretty clear to our team and myself that God is up to something. If you want to be apart and join in…here are three clear steps that will get you there…

1. Start Praying for OUR church! Prayer protects, empowers and changes things…if we do it – we will all know it

2. Invite your friends! Now we have 3 different times to choose from…Sat 6:00 / Sun. 9:30 and 11:00 – so we are actually making it easier to fit into peoples schedules. There is nothing more real and meaningful than a friend wanting to share something valuable with another friend!

3.  Get Involved! You could be a huge part of what God is doing in our church! Why sit on the sidelines? click here to join a team and start making an impact!

See you this Saturday – Tom

Image via Wikipedia

I looked the up the 90′s on this new thing I’ve heard about called the “Internet” and was quickly reminded of my 90′s memories.  Whether it was watching Pearl Jam on MTV (when they used to show videos) or sitting with my wife as we had our eyes glued to “friends”….If you have forgotten what the 90′s were really like…Here’s the reminder as we get ready for week 4 of “Old School”!

* Power Rangers

* The Simpson’s

* Boy Bands

* Nirvana

* Micheal Jordan / Chicago Bulls

* Hootie and  the Blow Fish

* Grunge and Flannel shirts

* Cell Phones

* 90210

* NKTOB

This Sunday is 90′s week for our “OLD SCHOOL series. It’s been a lot of fun traveling back through different decades as we look rituals of Historic Christianity. This Sunday we talking about PRAYER. This is one of spiritual disciplines that I struggled with for a long time.  Actually many people struggle trying to connect with God through prayer. We are going to find out how Prayer can be the missing link to a REAL, MEANINGFUL connection to Christ.

* Last night I watched the rehearsal for the closing of Sunday’s service. I died laughing…it’s crazy -in a good way, seriously don’t leave early – we are truly saving the best for last.

* Let me challenge you to bring a friend to church – don’t wait for Easter to invite someone. Grab lunch with them after and talk about what you experienced together…it could be the beginning of something Huge in their  life…

*  It’s official -Come dressed in your favorite 90′s outfit to church this  Sunday and you might win a commemorative 90′s prize!

Have to go listen to “even-flow” to get ready for the weekend.

Tom

# 1 – We jumped into wk 4 of our Relationship Rehab series this past Sunday. I can honestly say I’ve talked to a lot of people that NEEDED this Series.  When we learn how  get along with others, treat our spouses right, learn to work with people and discover how to build them up…we experience what the Bible describes as -”life and life to the fullest” – John 10:10

#2 – Sunday I talked to the Men about “what women wish men knew”. Men – If we want our marriage to “go the distance” we NEED to show our wives AFFECTION and start being INTENTIONAL. Check back tomorrow as I will be posting some of the  cliff notes from the message…

#3 – Thrive 201 was awesome….packed room, the food was incredible (thanks Aaron Silverstein) and there was serious energy.  I’m convinced one of the best things we’ll do in 2011 is helping people experience God out side of church building.  Most Christians have yet to discover how reading scripture and developing a prayer life becomes a game changer.  You could feel God’s Spirit working in the room.  If you have already attended 101…don’t miss our next 201 session in May.

#4 – We were 100% FULL in our parking lot in the 11am last Sunday. Pray with us and for us as we examine the possibility of launching ANOTHER SERVICE within the next year!  No -Time line , let’s pray together what God has next for us!

#5 – Our Student Ministry’s is going gang-busters. They had an outreach night last Sunday that included – free monster drinks, former NFL player Tyrone Smith and a 10,000$ half court basketball shot.  Trust me when I tell you that their was serious energy in the room. Our Student Director, Rodrigo Vargas and the amazing volunteer team did a GREAT JOB!  The most important thing – kids gave their lives to Christ….that never get’s old.  Keep praying for ONE – they are headed out on Spring Break to New Orleans on their annual missions trip. If you have a teen – send them…it will change their life.

I Love you guys!

Tom

PS – Here’s some images from ONE big night.

* we now have a place to host volunteers. Currently we have over 50 man hours being given each week – visitor follow up, putting together mailers, event planning, etc..etc… Our goal is to have this facility packed with people doing kingdom stuff each week!

* We now can have weekly meetings for Growth Groups, One youth , staff and Creative Team…no more restaurants or the natural distractions that come with them.

*  The  band rehearsal  happens in the warehouse in back  every week- that’s where they will be working on their first CD for this fall – so pumped.

* It is gives us a hub for planning services, building teams, brainstorming sessions and getting ready for all our weekend ministry.

Did I tell ya, it’s 3 minutes from some of the best ribs in TX – Dosiers BBQ!   The thing we are thankful for how  God opened some huge doors to make this space fit within our budget,  so we can continue to send mailers, hire staff and see God change lives. If our landlord Waylan Bolls is reading this – your the man!  Thanks for all your help.

Here is our  virtual tour…click over the pictures for live video feeds…

Tom

Why RELATIONSHIP REHAB?   FACT:  ALL OF US NEED IT. A Relational Tune up is essential for everyone that wants to “Grow” and have better relationships and less conflict in life.

Still reeling from our Our Christmas services. They “blew doors”. I am so proud of everyone on our teams that made it happen. If you haven’t heard… tons of people made commitments to Christ and our attendance from last year was up 125% – that’s crazy -I’m learning… that’s God.

Here are three things you need to know…

1.  JAN 2 WE ARE BACK! That’s right our next service is a whole week away. We are launching into the new year with a series we are calling “irresistible”. It’s all about how my wife feels about me…OK that’s a joke. It’s really about how some places in life just “pull us toward them”. Starbucks – Target….you name it. There are things that just make sense to us and draws us back to  those environments. We are going to talk about what an Irresistible church looks like! Going to be Fun!

2.  END OF YEAR GIVING – If you are wanting to give in time to receive 2010 credit from Uncle Sam….make sure you visit www.thrivechurch.cc and do it online.  You can give your tithe or toward OUR GIFT in the same spot. Easy…

3.   HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU? Recently Jackie and I are hearing about some huge needs in people’s lives.  I believe pray connects and empowers God to change our situation’s. If you have a something going on that you want us to pray with you about shoot us an e-mail at info@thrivechurch.cc

The best is yet to come

Tom

Well,  Tonight we are headed into 2 of 4 Christmas services at thrive. I am bouncing off the walls right now..I’m excited for our team, all the friends and relatives that will becoming and most of all – I’m excited about what God is going to do in people’s Hearts!  If you still haven’t got your tickets – go online and print them out at www.thrivechurch.cc

If you are still on the fence about coming..get off it now. (Note – sitting on fences only end up hurting your butt anyway)  Grab your friend – call your neighbor – and get in your car and come!   It’s going to be some of our best services yet….

Here are a few HUGE THANK YOUS that need to happen right now…

1.  Jez Babarcy and his whole family – you guys went over and above to make these services shine – proud of ya

2.  Ron Palmero – with out you the light’s would just go “on and off” – now they actually make the presentation better! Nice job

3.  Dave and Tricia Munson – all I can say is..never in my life have I seen two people give so much time to God…what you do is huge -we love you guys

4.  Thrive Band…evey week you guys are getting better and better…JP thanks for rocking out on the drums with us -love it

5.  Johnathan York, Lyndsey Minier, Brain Smith – thanks for putting the polish on our new set up – and guys thanks for not letting me win in Basketball…

6.  Max, Alex and Conner – handing out over 1,000 invitations is gonna help change people’s spiritual direction – thanks for doing something Big for God during Christmas!

Got to go over message again for tonight….anyone have a good one? J/J

6:00 and 7:30 tonight and tomorrow night…

Merry Christmas -Tom

It’s becoming increasingly clearer that I have to keep my Tank FULL.  Now I don’t know about you but I love to push my gas tank to the limit. When  my light comes on telling me that the tank is almost empty, I like to think “how many more miles can I get”.  This little game has nearly made me the guy that “pushes his car down the road” many times. It also drives my wife crazy when she gets in my car and has to rush to the gas station. I try to explain my little “man game”. I explain it involves risk,  incredible skills of estimation and great courage. She doesn’t buy any of it.  I am sure she will go her death bed trying to understand it.

My little game can at times be exciting and exhilarating. It often seems fun to keep pushing the limit- see how far you can go and how much ground you can cover before you break down.  I’m convinced after counseling 100′s of people that this kind of thinking doesn’t work with your heart.  As a husband , Dad and pastor I remind myself daily that  I need a full tank to THRIVE (yes I’m using that word). I want to go for the long haul in ministry and with my family.  There are three areas that I need stop and fill up daily and weekly.

1. My Time with my Wife and kids

2. My Connection to God

3. My Clarity of where I’m going!

“God is not cruel, but he is not lenient, He is true! He is not safe. He is unchanging;therefore we must change. We must learn in order to succeed. Our failures do not influence our grades but our unwillingness to learn from them does” -Leading on Empty

Tom

WOW – what a day at Thrive Church….So in awe about what God is doing! Here are a couple thoughts….

* Sunday we kicked off our new series “Faith, Hope and Luck”….I feel like we are headed into a “right now” series for our church.  I am pumped for this Sunday.
* Just became Jesus can or we think he should does not mean that he will – not our job to put our expectations on God but to learn how to follow Him fully.
* We learned together that circumstantial faith is fragile and can be easily derailed by life’s pressures and pleasures.
* Jez Barbacy, Jessica Caldwell our band did a great job leading everyone into worship – Let me say it – our band ROCKS!
* Brought the winner of the Kidz costume contest on stage for the closing of the 11 am service. She was Dorthy from the Wizard of OZ..love it!
* Our Road Crew Team reported that they set up our entire facility in 53 minutes flat!
* Had dozens of people ask me “what happened to my head” – all I can say is that I am learning the price tag of laying on the beach without sunscreen – lesson learned (hopefully)
* Our ONE youth team had it’s first annual “Pumpkin Smash” night.  Imagine….100′s of Pumpkins – baseball bats , food and teenagers – It was a Big messy WIN for everyone.

Three more things…

* THANK YOU for the kindness that you guys showed me and my family for pastors appreciation month.  It is an honor to serve here as the pastor of this church…and I am anticipating 2011 to be most EXCITING year of ministry we’ve ever had.  I love this church…and I believe God has called us NOT to just do church…but to IMPACT and CHANGE the world that we live in by lifting up JESUS in a way that people can understand.

* THANK YOU for your generosity and sacrificial giving to God. It’s because of you trusting and following God with your resources that we can MOVE FORWARD and HELP OUR COMMUNITY FIND AND FOLLOW GOD!  I know as we continue to trust Him we will see more and more families and our friends connected to God’s LOVE.

* THANK YOU to everyone who prayed for my trip this past week to North Central University in Mpls…it literally and amazing week of ministry.  God is using our church all over the place…I wish each of you could see the faces of the college students hearts as I had the privilege of sharing stories from our church community.  For all of this I say…to God be the glory…and I so look forward to the future l opportunities He is going to place in front of us for ministry.

PS – Mark your calender Now / Sunday, November 21 – It’s our big BIG THANKSGIVING DAY PARTY at the Villagio mall pavilion in Katy.

the best is yet to come!

Tom