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The Rest Of The Story - Drew Brees

2010-03-04T20:47:00.001-05:00

Humble Pie

2010-03-01T16:59:00.003-05:00

As many of you know I am a huge Clemson fan. I mean there are passionate fans and there is me. I absolutely love Clemson athletics and do not miss very many home football, basketball, or baseball games. As a Clemson fan you have 2 favorite teams...Clemson and whoever is playing South Carolina. You are raised to dislike anything in garnet and black as they are the enemy. And frankly I have said many a words or two about the other school. So you get the picture!

Well the other night I was at the South Carolina State FCA Leadership Retreat and my wife and I were sitting down having dinner with fellow FCA people, many of whom we had not met before. By talking and meeting the folks around us I found out the couple across from us went to Carolina and I started in. (One of these days I'm going to learn and well I think I did.) Come to find out the guy I was talking to was Ryan Succop, former USC kicker and now starting kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. When I found that out I honestly had to apologize to him for how I used to make fun of him and for some of the things I was saying earlier. The guy is one of the most nicest, humble, young men I have ever met and he is an awesome Christian on fire for Jesus!

I guess I got a piece of humble pie that night and know that Jesus loves South Carolina fans and players too. We may all have different opinions on who the better team is but what matters most is knowing Jesus!

Just A Thought

2010-02-15T10:17:00.004-05:00

The following is an excerpt from Francis Chan's book "Forgotten God." (By the way this should be a must read for all church leaders!):

"If you combine a charismatic speaker, a talented worship band, and some hip, creative events, people will attend your church. Yet this does not mean that the Holy Spirit of God is actively working and moving in the lives of the people who are coming. It simply means that you have created a space that is appealing enough to draw people in for an hour or two on Sunday."

Is the Holy Spirit leading through you? Are you fighting the battles on your knees? We have one shot at this and we've got to get it right!

Taking Advantage

2010-02-13T22:11:00.003-05:00

I was watching some videos online tonight and came across this one again. I know a lot of you have probably seen this before, but this is a great example of taking advantage of the platforms in our life God gives us to share our faith in Him.

Personal Life Update

2010-02-12T10:46:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would take a moment to give a personal update about what God is doing and things are lining up for me and Rachel. First off let me just say these last 3 1/2 months, although trying at times and finding my self board at times, have been great. I have been able to spend so much time in the word and just seeking God and it is probably something that only God knew I needed... a long period of time off. I have also been able to start back to school and if all goes well should finish by the end of the year. My health is great as well and things are beginning to fall into place.

Although things are not yet official yet, it appears that God is opening up a door for me to work with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes.) It will be a part time thing starting out, but it will allow for me to get the ball rolling, bring in some income, and provide a face for FCA here in the Foothills Area of SC. Rachel and I have been invited to attend the state FCA Staff Retreat at the end of the month and we are really looking forward to that. It has been a lengthy process but things seem to be rolling and as we all know God's timing is always best.

Thanks for all of the prayers and support and in the days ahead I would just ask for your continued prayers and God's leading every step of the way. I feel God is getting ready to do something incredible and I don't want to get in His way or screw it up!

What I'm Learning or Being Reminded

2010-02-09T22:27:00.003-05:00

Lately God has been rocking my world and teaching me a lot about leadership and just life in general. Here are a few highlights:

*God's not concerned with my religion, He wants a relationship.

*Leadership is about relationships. You must care for your team more than just what they do for their paycheck.

*You can't lead people without their trust and you can't expect them to trust you without you leading them.

*"I shouldn't ask someone to do something I'm not willing to do. Actually, I shouldn't ask someone to do something I'm not already doing." ~ Andy Stanley

*I need to invest more in non-Christians. My focus should always be on the lost while caring for all.

*The easy way is not always the best way.

*Jesus should be the main character in my life's story.

*"Roots produce fruit" ~ Rick Warren

*With God all things are possible!

What is God teaching you lately?

A Manager vs. A Leader

2010-02-03T16:21:00.003-05:00

I am taking a class right now called Organizational Management and Leadership and have studying the differences between management and leadership. A lot of people think management and leadership are synonymous, but in reality they aren't. Here is a list from Warren Bennis on the differences between and manager and a leader I thought was worth sharing:

* The manager administers; the leader innovates

* The manager is a copy; the leader is an original

* The manager maintains; the leader develops

* The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people

* The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust

* The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long rand perspective

* The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why

* The manager has his eye on the bottom line; the leader has his eye on the horizon

* The manager imitates; the leader originates

* The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it

* The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person

* The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing

Where do you fall? Are you a manger or a leader? Are you the rare breed that may be both? Just food for thought.

This is Cool

2010-01-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

Trust and Leadership

2010-01-25T10:56:00.002-05:00

Throughout my 12 years in ministry and dealing with leadership one of the things that has become notable to success as a leader is trust. You must have the trust of your people and team if you are going to succeed as a leader. However, it’s sad to say that a lot of times, we get so focused on policies, systems, and procedures that we get blindsided by the lack of personal leadership and wonder why can’t accomplish anything. Could it be that we forget that leadership should be relational and we have to earn the right to lead by developing trust with our team?

The whole topic of trust and leadership takes me to the scripture in 1 Corinthians 4:2 when Paul writes “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (NIV) In the New Living Translation it is worded “…put in charge as a manager…” It seems that Paul was saying that in order to lead or manage we have to be trusted. Leadership is not just given because of a title or where someone falls on an organizational chart. Leadership has to be earned by building trust and relationships with the people around us. I can honestly say I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. I used to think it was because of my title but boy was I wrong. Once I figured this out my effectiveness as leader and to get things accomplished went to another level and the entire organization was better of as well.

Leadership is a must if any organization is going to be successful, but trust in leadership is a double must. Without leadership there is no trust and without trust you have no leadership.

Does your team trust you?

Gaines Adams

2010-01-17T19:47:00.002-05:00

As many of you have probably heard by now the Clemson family lost a great one in former All-American and 1st round draft pick Gaines Adams. As a Clemson fan here is my greatest memory of Gaines Adams.

He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.

You Never Know

2010-01-14T10:48:00.002-05:00

One of things about ministry is you never know just how much the impact you have on someone's life could also impact the world. Here's a great example:

In 1885 a Sunday School teacher named Edward Kimball won a shoe clerk by the name of D.L. Moody to Christ.
D. L. Moody traveled to England in 1872 and awakened the heart of a young pastor named R.B Meyer.
R.B. Meyer became one of the great Bible expositors,came to the U.S. and preached on college campuses, and was used to convert a student named Wilbur Chapman to Christ.
Wilbur Chapman attended one of Moody's meetings in Chicago and became D.L. Moody's co-worker.
In 1893, Wilbur Chapman employed an ex-baseball player and his assistant. The assistant's name was Billy Sunday.
Billy Sunday became a great evangelist and preached in Charlotte, N.C. where he organized the Billy Sunday Layman's Evangelical Club, later renamed Christian Business Men's Committee.
The CBMC invited an evangelist named Mordecai Ham to Charlotte.
Mordecai Ham preached at a tent meeting in 1934 where Billy Graham was saved.

And as we all know the rest is history. You just never know!

A New Year...Run To Win

2010-01-11T19:24:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! I know I have been away from blogging world for a few weeks, but hope to be back at it on a regular basis again. My goal is to post at least 2 times a week so check back every few days.

As many of you know, last year was a very crazy year for me. In and out of hospitals most of the year was not fun and then loosing my job because of the economy was not exactly how I planned on ending the year. (Here's my post of the job thing in case you missed it.) But here's what I know. God has the 30,000 foot view perspective. He has a plan and I know His plan for me is greater than anything I could ever dream up. As I enter into a new year I am excited to see what God is going to do this year in my life. Excited about a new ministry opportunity. Excited about finishing my degree...FINALLY! Excited just to watch and see what God does.

As we're all off to a start of another year just remember one thing...Run to Win! Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9 that we should run to win. So in 2010 in your walk with Christ...Run to Win. In your family life...Run to Win. In your job...Run to Win. Whatever it is you are doing and God has called you to do RUN TO WIN! I guarantee when we commit to Run to Win we'll look back and say "what a year it was in 2010"!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T10:54:00.002-05:00

Another Update

2009-12-07T09:56:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would give everyone who reads another update on my life. You have seen me mention the possibility of working with FCA. Well, I was able to meet with the state director this past week. We hung out for about 3 hours together and had a great conversation. It was one of those type conversations where you left feeling good about yourself and where God has you and also knowing more about yourself than you did before hand. Great stuff! Anyways, there are still a few things that would need to take place in order for me to be hired, but I did fill out an official employment application and send it in along with my resume.

One thing I would ask of you to help me with in this process is to pray:
*Pray that all the necessary parts (money, people of influence, etc.) would just fall into place
*Pray for Foothills Area FCA and for God's person for the job and if it is supposed to be me then that God would just make it abundantly clear to everyone involved
*Pray for God's continued guidance for me and Rachel

I can say we both are excited about the possibility and working with FCA, not to mention with athletes at Clemson, but ultimately just want to be in God's will. Just pray along with us and we'll see where this road leads!

An Update

2009-11-19T13:09:00.002-05:00

First off I just want to thank everyone for all of there prayers and support over the last week or so. God is good and Rachel and I really have a peace about the whole situation. In case you don't know what I am referring to you can CLICK HERE and read my post from last week or just scroll down.

Lots of you have been asking me what's next. The one thing I know for sure is ministry is what God has called me to do and I have surrendered my life to that. Although at this point I'm really not sure where God is leading, I know he is already at work. Early this week I received a call from the chairman of the FCA board that I am apart of and I may have an opportunity to go on staff with FCA here in the Clemson area. One good thing about this is it would give me an opportunity to combine 2 of the things I love the most into one...Clemson Athletics and Ministry. Although there is nothing definite at this point and we are just checking things out, it is at least a possibility and exciting to think about as well. Just pray that if this is God's will that the right doors would be opened and all the details would work out.

Stay tuned for more updates as I will try to post something at least weekly.

A New Chapter

2009-11-12T08:38:00.002-05:00

Well this week has been a bit crazy. As you all know the economy of our country is the pits right now and unfortunately it has finally caught up with our church. Because of this I was laid off from Foothills this week. Now, I know some of you were already aware of this prior to reading this blog and I want to squelch any roomers that may be flying around:
*No, I didn't loose my job because of my health. (And by the way I am feeling a lot better.)
*No, It wasn't based on the fact that I hated my job or based on my performance. I loved my job and Foothills Community Church. I would do anything for this church and they know that.
*No, Greg and I don't have any issues. I love Greg and we are and will remain great friends.
When it came right down to it, my position was just no longer needed given the economical factors and I happened to be the one to fill it.

So what does this mean for me and Rachel? Well, not knowing all the details, we really see God's hand in all this and believe he is working. We are open to God's leading and excited about seeing what God has in store as we begin this new chapter. You will still see us around Foothills for a while as we will continue to attend here and serve any way we can.

One thing I would ask of you is to be praying:
*Pray for Foothills. There is no doubt that the best days of this church are ahead.
*Pray for me and Rachel. As I said earlier, I know God is working and can't wait to see what he has next for us!

To God be the glory!

Serving Opportunities @ FCC

2009-10-28T08:33:00.002-04:00

As you know we are passionate around here about seeing people use their gifts, talents, and abilities to serve God and others. And as we grow we are constantly trying to be creative and create new serving positions in order to give everyone an opportunity to get plugged in a serve. Well I have some openings on my team I want you to check out:

Get In the Game Host-
Assist with room set up for Get In The Game series
Greet people as they arrive for Get In The Game
Run presentation slides from computer
Commit to serving 2 Sundays a month from 9:00 - 10:30 am

Volunteer Central Host-
Serve the volunteers @ FCC
Greet and Check-in volunteers as they arrive on Sunday morning
Greet and Check-in people attending Get In The Game series
Commit to serving 1 Sunday a month

If these exciting opportunities interests you, please send an email to serve@foothills.cc and we will follow up with you and get you plugged in to what God is doing here at Foothills! Now is a great time to begin serving @ FCC!

A Personal Note

2009-10-21T10:43:00.002-04:00

I have been away from Blogging World for quite some time now. As many of you may know I have been dealing with more stomach complications and this time it has been going on for almost 6 weeks now. It has been an up and down road and at times very frustrating. But despite all that, God has gotten us through. I am not quite 100% yet but have been feeling better recently than I have in weeks.

I really just wanted to write this and say thank you to everyone for your prayers for me and my family. I still have a few tests left the docs want to do but feel like we're finally on the right path. Please just continue to pray for me and Rachel and our families and that we will get some concrete answers soon. Thanks again for you prayers ans support!

In His Grip,
Josh

A Late Edition - Keep Plugging Along

2009-09-15T11:08:00.002-04:00

I usually do my blog posts on Tuesday and Thursdays by 9:00 am, but today you're getting a late edition. This morning was crazy for me as I had a little stomach attack through the night last night and ended up sleeping later than I usually do. (Good ole IBS...this stuff is crazy.) Anyways, then when I got to the office I had a few unexpected things to take care of immediately before I could start into my daily routine. It was just a crazy start to my morning.

Why am I telling you all this? No, I'm not asking for you to pray for me, although I need all the prayer I can get. I'm not looking for sympathy. I am simply writing this because sometimes in life things happen to sway your normal routine but you just have to keep plugging along. I mean hello, Jesus kept plugging right along all the way to the cross! When you look at life that way, our stuff doesn't seem so bad all the sudden. We have to be like Jesus and n o matter what keep plugging along. When we're tired...keep plugging along. When we're night feeling great...keep plugging along. When you feel defeated...keep plugging along. It's well worth the effort I promise! I mean after all there's a new day right around the corner.

Excited

2009-09-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

I am very excited today. Going to catch a bus later on at Clemson and go to Atlanta to watch the Tigers beat up on the Yellow Jackets. Should be a great game and if you're watching tonight on ESPN be sure to wave at me...I'll be the one in orange!

As I was thinking about my love and passion and for Clemson sports (yes I go to Football, Basketball, and Baseball games and I guess you could say obsessed) my mind took me back to a previous post I did a little while back. It's great to be passionate about sports and wanting your team to win, but are we truly passionate and excited about the things that matter most. Click here to read my former post "A Reality Check - Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Calling."

Tuesday Thoughts

2009-09-08T08:50:00.002-04:00

*Great day at Foothills this past Sunday. Dave was on vacation , but Eric and his team brought it in the main auditorium and I heard Bill and his team did a great job in the venue as well.

*Short week this week. Great to have an extra day off every now and then, but got to hit it hard to get everything accomplished. Having a set schedule helps when it comes to this and keeping up with your priorities.

*Got a new cell phone...the LG EnV Touch. It's awesome! I was watching ESPN last night on it. Amazing what technology can do these days. More reason why The Church should be on the cutting edge of technology. The possibilities are endless!

*Praying for Dave Odom and family. His grandfather passed away over the weekend.

*Clemson won. Still got some work to do and short time to do it. They play Ga Tech Thursday night in Atlanta.

*If you come to the 11:15 am service on Sunday DON'T BE LATE! You do not want to miss the beginning of the service. Be in your seat before the countdown clock to be sure you're in and ready for a great service!

Thursday Thoughts

2009-09-03T09:15:00.002-04:00

* College Football is finally here! I'll be watching the games tonight and will be a NC State fan for a day! Go Pack!

*Get In The Game starts back this weekend at Foothills. If you want to connect or find out more about FCC show up at 9:30 am in the small auditorium this Sunday!

*Feel privileged to be a Clemson Fan! This tigers football team has 105 players. 104 of the 105 have spiritual 2-a-day mentors and are growing in Christ. Way to go Coach Swinney. I just pray that God will honor what happens off the field on the field when they play. Go Tigers!

*Clemson's FCA is the largest FCA huddle in the nation. They are reaching so many people that they are having to do live web cast of their Thursday night worship experience for overflow and so others can just log in and still be a part of what's happening. I pray that they will keep it up and that they can reach more than they could ever imagine!

*Did I mention Get In The Game this Sunday at 9:30 am? This is your next step at Foothills! See you Sunday!

Get In The Game

2009-09-01T08:47:00.002-04:00

If you have been coming to Foothills for any time, you have probably heard us talk about our Get in the Game series. If you are looking to connect or find out more about FCC, Get In The Game is your next step! The series is 4 weeks in length:

Session 1- Belong-Becoming a Member (1st Sunday of month)
Session 2-Grow-Growing in your faith (2nd Sunday of month)
Session 3-Serve-Finding your place to serve (3rd Sunday of month)
Session 4-Share-Sharing your faith (4th Sunday of month)

You can start any Sunday you would like as you don't have to take the series in order. All classes are held in the Small Auditorium in Foothills North at 9:30 am. Just simply show up to attend. Hope to see you "in the game" this Sunday!

Steps To Learn

2009-08-27T08:43:00.002-04:00

I am getting ready this morning for a volunteer leadership round table I am hosting. We originally had 10 people scheduled to come. Looks like now it's going to be just a few of us, but it's still going to be a great time because we get to learn from each other.

If you have read my blog for some time who probably have heard me talk about the importance of learning and how that relates to leadership. Learning is a key to great leadership! Several of our staff here at Foothills have been hosting round tables to learn from others in their particular area of ministry. This a great way to learn...networking with other church leaders. So, what steps are you taking to learn? Who do you spend time with on a regular basis that will help shape and grow you as a leader and your ministry? Maybe you should start a round table at your church. I know all of us as church leaders need to take steps to learn and continue learning if we want to be great leaders!

Random Thoughts On A Tuesday

2009-08-25T08:51:00.009-04:00

*Excited about the Volunteer Leadership Round Table I'm hosting on Thursday. We've got a great group coming and I can't wait to learn.

*Sporting my FCA shirt today. The Clemson FCA Adult Chapter has its kickoff dinner tonight and I hear there's going to be a Heisman Trophy candidate there to speak!

*After my quiet time this morning I'm asking myself if I really take my job seriously all the time as I should. I would like to think so. Just one of those reality check questions to ask yourself from time to time.

*A little less than 2 weeks until kickoff! Go Tigers!!

*Had great meetings yesterday and very excited about the future of Foothills.

*I've worked out now for 1 solid week. That's a big deal for me! Praying Jesus just continues to give me the strength to continue and work hard at it.