Archive for category Thoughts from the Week
more excited than ever….
Posted by tomelmore in Everything Else, General, Series, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on September 16, 2011
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
message to Thrive Church – 3.2.11
Posted by tomelmore in General, Series, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive, Uncategorized on March 2, 2011
Hey Thrive…five things I wanted to share with you today…
# 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.
Weekend thoughts…
Posted by tomelmore in General, Next Right Step, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on February 11, 2011
I am pumped for this Sunday! We are pulling out the all stops. Considering the topic and some of the great things we have planned , it could be one of our most life-changing mornings yet….
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.
7 reasons your church plant won’t make it
Posted by tomelmore in Everything Else, Family, General, Leadership, Philosophy, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive, Wrapup on October 27, 2010
Just came across this blog and thought you would enjoy it. By the way – all the reasons are 100% true….
Tom
Here are seven reasons your church plant won’t make it.
1. You imported your vision, mission and strategy from another church because you really don’t have a vision, mission or strategy.
2. You’re drunk with vision but haven’t developed healthy systems.
3. You sacrifice your family in the name of ministry.
4. You don’t talk about money.
5. You’re a cheap church planter who won’t spend money on leadership development for you or your staff.
6. You download all your sermons from the Internet because you don’t study, pray or read your Bible.
7. You started a church because, deep down, you have a problem with authority and don’t want a boss.
Michael Lukaszewski is the lead planter of Oak Leaf Church in Cartersville, Georgia.
Seven things that made me smile (this week)
Posted by tomelmore in Everything Else, Family, Next Right Step, Philosophy, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on October 16, 2010
I thought I would give you a recap of some of the beset moments of my week.
1. Last Sunday and our worship night at Thrive Church – Baptizing the 12 people that said “YES -I’m going public for Christ”….amazing stuff!
2. Slipping out mid day to see the movie ” Secretariat” with my wife…the movie was good – spending time with my wife was better!
3 Sitting in our Parenting 101 Growth group and learning that real parenting should happen between the conflicts – not during them.
4. Talking to my Mom on the phone about her coming down as soon as she gets her new “wheel chair friendly” van – so excited, love her so much.
5. Having the privilege of praying with Tina Martin as she continues to battle with cancer on the brain. You never know how much faith you have until you need it…she has TONS!
6. Seeing my in-laws arrive on Wednesday. It’s a gift to have family in our house (and help with the kids)
7. Thinking about our vacation that starts this Sunday after church, come this Sunday it could be the shortest message yet – Going to be on a boat in the ocean….ready to relax and refresh.
Smiling right now
Tom
Why Men Hate Going To Church
Posted by tomelmore in General, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on October 15, 2010
We just had our first Tuesday night growth group a couple days ago. It is made up of a bunch of guys trying to figure out life and faith…and I loved every second of it.
I must say our group this week came out of the gate strong. As we sat around and smoked cigars and drank IBC cream sodas (the best soda ever made) we also shared our family background and talked about how we ended up at Thrive. We made a commitment to explore a book called “Why men hate going to church” by David Murrow. Growing up in too many churches the only man that actually practices his faith is the pastor. Lately this has really bothered me because the circle I sat in last week was filled with men ready to conquer something – ready to live out their purpose and asking God ”how can you use me”? It was stinking amazing!
As I dig through our book and reflect on last Tuesday night …Here are a few thoughts
Read the rest of this entry »
5 things I am Looking forward to this Sunday!
Posted by tomelmore in Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on August 20, 2010
It’s Friday! That means Sunday’s around the corner. Here are some of the things that I am looking forward to this weekend at THRIVE.
1. Sharing with you my journey this week as well as some exciting news for our church that has emerged from it! Can’t wait to tell you what’s going on!
2. Hearing our guest speaker Joel Hunter from Northwood Church share God’s truth from the hit movie “Grown Up’s”. This Guy is a great teacher and an awesome friend!
3. Experiencing worship with our TC community. It’s one of my favorite moments of the week.
4. Watching the men of Thrive donate their Flat Screen TV’s and New Bikes that they bought for “The Ultimate Giveaway”. We have over $250,000 in prizes to give away during this New Series-let’s get ready to invite our friends!
5. Eating BBQ at my house with about 50 new Thrive friends! Don’t even try to crash this party!
More to come!
Tom
Check out this bizarre attraction at Katy Mills…
Posted by tomelmore in Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on August 13, 2010
Running around Katy Mills Mall and saw this and thought it was totally bizarre and I had to share it…
Tom
Thrive, you’re making a difference!
Posted by tomelmore in Thoughts from the Week, Thrive, Wrapup on January 27, 2010
Today I am still coming down from what I experienced last Sunday! I am nervous and proud to say that we broke our largest attendance barrier in the history of the church. I am truly in awe of every person in our church that stepped up and invited their friends – family – neighbors and co workers. Thrive – you made a difference for God’s kingdom! I am humbled and proud to be on the journey with you….let’s keep making it easy for people to Find and Follow Christ. Here’s to you – your courage – your energy and passion to for what God is calling us to do….I Love it and I love you….
Here are some of the snapshots that still are flashing through my mind from Sunday….
· Praying that God would bring 50 new guests as a result of our campaign – and watching God laugh at my prayer by bringing 150 new guests….my faith was weak!
· The moment one of our production team told me we could “run out of chairs”!
· Watching our Dream TEAM kick into guest mode, making people feel welcome and creating the “right environment” for people to experience church for the first time.
· Seeing so many people laugh at video we played behind the song “so happy together” by the turtles – yes the turtles my friend…we went old school and people loved it…
· Meeting all the new families from Sealy, Richmond and Katy and hearing their incredible stories on how they made it to a church that’s only 9 months old…
· Hearing the story of a guest that said she’s taking the idea of divorce “off the table” and making a new commitment to quit looking “over the fences” and “water where she is at” – Go GOD!
· Seeing people leave service with smiles on their face – knowing God has an incredible plan for their LIFE / MARRAIGE / FAMILY
Here’s what I am looking forward to this Sunday…
· Talking about HIS NEEDS / HER NEEDS….ready to help people see their spouse through a new set of eyes….
· Our band has something cooked up - something “really good” that will put a smile on top 40 lovers faces
· Hanging out with the dozens of people that signed up for THRIVE 101 this Sunday! It’s our story – mission – values – future all wrapped up with food and some laughter – sign up if you haven’t yet www.thrivechurch.cc
· Having the privilege of being a part of our first child dedications as a church – it’s going be historic – I love it when families take following Jesus serious…
· All the husbands and wives that think their marriage is “tanking” find hope and healing through the crazy love of God…..
Sunday can’t come quick enough.
Tom
