Blue Ridge Views

Jennifer White

2012-02-09T18:04:00.001-05:00

Eight years ago January Ridgeview Church officially launched our first
worship service at Mountain View Elementary. All our praying,
dreaming, and planning were coming to fruition as we opened our doors
wide to the Blue Ridge community. I'll never forget the first family
to walk through our door that Sunday morning. It was Jennifer White's
family. They made their way through the foyer down the hallway to
check in their precious girls at the Ridgekidz desk and then entered
the worship service. After the service they expressed how much they
enjoyed their experience and would be back.They actually did come back
again and again and made their way into the life of our very young
church.

I have had the wonderful privilege of seeing Jennifer White grow not
only as a musician but as a woman in Christ. In August of 2004
Jennifer was rebaptized. It was a renewed commitment she made to
Christ. Since that time I have seen her conquer so many odds because
of her faith in Christ. She is the embodiment of "I can do (endure)
all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Pastor Rick Warren says that you do not judge a church by the seating
capacity but by the sending capacity. I also believe that we should
judge a church by the disciples it makes. I am so proud that our
church has been used by God to be a bridge of God's love to Jennifer
White. We have seen her grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Now, we
are seeing her go as a disciple to lead worship in a new church in
Spartanburg.

I couldn't be more proud of Jennifer! This Sunday will be her last
Sunday at Ridgeview and she will be leading us in worship through
music. We will miss her on Sunday mornings but know God will continue
to use her gifts for His glory!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Ecclesiastes' Challenge For Us All: Living Above Or Below The Sun?

2012-01-26T16:10:00.001-05:00

Today our church had a wonderful opportunity to feed close to 50 high school students breakfast for their Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. Bill Howell, Ken McCormick, Jack & Linda Lewis, along with Pete Baker were there to help set up, serve, and take down. They were awesome to work with! While we were there I shared briefly with those students the message we've been looking at in Ecclesiastes on Sunday mornings. I shared with them the challenge of Ecclesiastes 1 where the Teacher states many times "Meaningless! Meaningless!...I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

The challenge I laid out to those students is the challenge we all face. If we live our lives "under the sun" with a "this world only" perspective, then yes, life can be meaningless. However, as Christ followers, God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We are not living our lives for the here and now under the sun. We are living our lives above the sun. It doesn't mean we should withdraw from everything around us and cocoon ourselves. Quite the opposite. We go into our schools, we go into our neighborhoods, we go into the marketplace, we go into government, we go into the prisons, we go into countries to unreached people groups; we go anywhere and everywhere to share the good news of Jesus.

The challenge I face everyday is to live with an eternal perspective. How about you? I am grateful for the fact God hasn't left me alone in this endeavor. He's given me His Holy Spirit. He's given me brothers and sisters in the church to walk alongside me. As we look at Ecclesiastes 4 this Sunday the Teacher will remind us that "Two are better than one...if one falls down his friend can help him up."

My challenge for you: live above the sun keeping your eyes on Jesus; and while you do it let's do it together. It's called the Church. Jesus died for His bride the Church. We need one another!

Hope to see you Sunday,

Pastor Tommy

Awakening: 21 Days of Prayer And Fasting Begins This Sunday

2012-01-13T06:58:00.001-05:00

This Sunday we will embark on our third prayer and fasting campaign. We will join with thousands of churches across our land and devote ourselves to praying with fasting. The national emphasis is called Awakening and you can find more information on it along with fasting resources at awakening21.org.

Oswald Chambers said, "Prayer does not equip us for the work; prayer is the work." Setting aside a time for concentrated prayer and fasting is the work we must do! Jesus assumes His disciples will do this. He says in Matthew 6:16, "When you fast..." He doesn't say, "If you fast." So, I invite you to devote the next twenty one days starting this Sunday for a time of prayer and fasting.

What are the areas that need prayer and fasting?

*Your walk with Jesus.

*Your family.

*Our nation.

*Our church.

January Bible Study: Ecclesiastes

2012-01-05T14:24:00.001-05:00

Every year Southern Baptists have designated the month of January where they focus on an expositional study of a book in the Bible. High priced ad agencies have been hired for some creative marketing and have come up with the title: January Bible Study. Okay, that's not true. What is true is the book has been chosen and we are going to make our way through it verse by verse, chapter by chapter. That book is Ecclesiastes.

Ironically, as many years as Southern Baptists have been conducting these January Bible studies, the book of Ecclesiastes has never been chosen. If you've read through it at a passing glance you may know why. It seems so depressing. For example, Ecclesiastes 1:2 states, "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." This book has been labeled the "black sheep of the Bible" along with adjectives like pessimistic and depressing.

I would say those labels ring true if you only give a passing glance at this book. However, we are not going to do that. In fact, you will find that this book is actually inspiring and will call you to action when you discover what it is truly saying. I invite you to join us this Sunday to discover Ecclesiastes. God has a word for you!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

P.S. Many thanks to those of you who helped make our eighth annual Christmas Eve service at the Red Barn a success. We saw over $400 given to missions that night and one person placed his faith in Jesus. According to my scorecard, that is success! Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom!

Stop The Hop This Christmas & New Year

2011-12-14T16:43:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share a blogpost that Pastor Steven Furtick wrote way back in January of this year. Pastor Steven Furtick is one of our nation's most gifted Pastors. He is a North Greenville University graduate and grew up near Charleston, SC. He started Elevation Church in Charlotte in February 2005 with 121 people attending their first worship service. Since that day Elevation Church has been one of the fastest growing churches in America. They saw 11,500 people attend their Easter worship services this year. They have seen over 15,000 people make professions of faith and have baptized over 4,600 people. We were honored to have Steven's father in law, Murrill Boitnott, speak at Ridgeview this past May.

Steven's blogpost is not written from a Pastor who has seen a declining church. They continue to see explosive growth. So, I share his message as a challenge to us all. It is a challenge shared with love. We are not Elevation Church, I know. But, God has called us to "go and make disciples" and my desire is for Ridgeview Church to make the biggest impact in this world for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Stop The Hop

By Steven Furtick

One of the things that really troubles me about the church today is the phenomenon of church hopping and church shopping. It's a consumeristic mindset towards the body of Christ that grieves the heart of God.

It's time for us to stop the hop. This isn't Christianity. Jesus didn't die so we could sample different churches like varieties of meat on a party platter. Jesus died to establish His church as the most powerful entity on the planet.

We are alive at the greatest time in history for the advance of the gospel. We have so much going for us.
We have the ability.
We have the resources.
We have the people.
What we don't have is them committed to a place where they can actually be used for their God-ordained purpose.

If this generation doesn't make the impact it should, it won't be because it didn't have the resources. Or even the passion. It will be because it was too busy hopping to different churches to stop and commit to one where its resources and passion could actually find an outlet.

The church is the change the world is waiting for. God help us if we keep the world waiting for us while we try to find the perfect church for us.
If you've fallen into the trap of church hopping, let me encourage you: embrace your place somewhere where God can use you. At the end of your life, God's not going to be impressed or pleased that you saw what He was doing at ten different churches. He's going be more pleased that you were a part of what He was doing at one church.

And you're never going to find the perfect one, so give up looking. If the church you're visiting doesn't have what you're looking for, it might be because God wants you to provide it.
Let's all commit together to begin a campaign to stop the hop.
Find a place to get planted. Embrace it. And start changing the world.
The question of our day isn't if God wants to do incredible things through the church. The question is will we be in place to experience it?

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Is For Tim & Anna

2011-12-01T14:06:00.001-05:00

Several years ago a young couple named Tim and Anna attended our church. They were North Greenville University graduates and were preparing to be assigned as missionaries with the International Mission Board of our Southern Baptist Convention. It was a pleasure getting to know them and it was a delight having them in our Growth Group. In fact, when I had to switch back to Verizon from AT&T (remember those days when only AT&T had the iPhone?) I painfully gave Tim my iPhone that they would take to the country they were assigned. If I had to give it up, I was consoled it would be used for missions.

Recently, I received an email from Tim. He stated,

Tommy,

I would like to think we are sent out from Ridgeview and you would claim us as YOUR IMB Ms in ____________. I just got back from the trail. I hiked 5 hours in on Monday, preached to more than 100 people before coming home today. No one responded in faith so continue to pray that God would remove the blindness and they would receive the gift of faith.

Eph. 2:8&9

tim

Sent from my iPhone

This Sunday we will show a video of Tim being interviewed by the International Mission Board. Aren't you proud that when you give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering you are helping Tim & Anna take the gospel to unreached people groups? There is no better investment of your money this Christmas!

Pastor Tommy

Stage A Simulation

2011-11-29T11:33:00.001-05:00

Recently, I finished reading Tim Sanders' book Today We Are Rich. It is an excellent book and has helped me tremendously. One of the chapters is entitled Prepare Yourself. Lots of great content in that chapter. One very practical piece of advice he gives is to "stage a simulation." If you speak publicly, have a job interview, etc, seek to simulate the experience by rehearsing it live.

For me, I preach each Sunday. Before I ever get up on the stage on Sundays I rehearse messages out loud in my office. I seek to prepare for things beyond my control such as sound system feedback, a baby in the audience crying, people getting up out of their seat to go to the restroom, and many other factors. All these things have happened while I've been preaching/teaching at my church.

Whatever you find yourself doing, seek to "stage a simulation" before actually doing it. You'll find in the moment when obstacles arise in the live event you're prepared. You will silently say to yourself, "I was expecting that," and then move with confidence.

2011-11-21T11:53:00.002-05:00

You've Got To Play The Game

Back in 1997 I attended my first and only Baylor University football game in Waco. My girlfriend at the time and Baylor grad, Tanya, wanted me to go with her down there for homecoming. Baylor was playing Texas with Heisman winner Ricky Williams running the ball for the Longhorns. To my surprise, Baylor defeated Texas 23-21. A classic David and Goliath match up. The fans stormed the field and tore the goal posts down. It was a surreal feeling! I have had some of those memories come back as I saw Baylor defeated #5 ranked Oklahoma last Saturday.

I also had the unfortunate opportunity as a sophomore at Carolina to witness the Citadel Bulldogs defeat the Gamecocks back in 1993. It was an awful feeling that day for us Gamecock fans as we left Williams Brice stadium.

I've learned a few things in life when it comes to sports. You've got to play the game. Just because a team is ranked nationally and the other team is not doesn't mean the underdog just needs to go ahead and forfeit. Sports is a great microcosm of life. You've got to lace it up and play the game, regardless of the odds against you. You've got to believe in yourself and the God who created you. Attitude makes all the difference. Henry Ford said, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Thank you Baylor for reminding me of that lesson this week. And by the way, that girl named Tanya became my wife. I knew I was out of my league but laced it up anyway and went after her. So glad I did!

South Carolina Baptist Convention Great Commission Task Force Report

2011-11-16T11:06:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I traveled to Columbia, SC for the annual SC Baptist Convention meeting. I served on the enrollment and credentials committee registering people who forgot or never received their messenger cards. Messenger cards allow people to receive ballots so they may vote in SC Baptist proceedings. Later that night we had the "Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report." This task force and report was mandated by the messengers from last year's convention to study the effects of the GCR on our state's institutions. This task force brought forth a plan that would allow our state to to increase our contribution to missions (both foreign and domestic). It would mean some state Baptist agencies would take a cut.

Getting Baptists to agree on anything is no small task. After discussion of the report, the plan presented, and others offering amendments to the current plan, we took a vote. The messengers spoke and by majority the recommendations were accepted as is without any amendments.

Not everyone agreed with the totality of the changes, but at the end of the night many left on a positive note in which our state convention is headed. Here are some of the recommendations that really got me excited:

1. "We increase South Carolina's contribution to the IMB (International Mission Board) by 21.95 percent over the next three years.

2. "Church revitalization, Missions Mobilization/Evangelism, and Church Planting be made the primary focus of the SCBC."

The theme of the report was "The harvest is plentiful." That is so true! Six billion on this planet are living in spiritual darkness, desperately needing the light of Jesus Christ. I'm proud SC Baptists are uniting in purpose; to help take the light of Jesus Chrsit into the darkness.

Quickest Answer To Prayer I've Ever Received

2011-11-14T11:21:00.001-05:00

Sunday night I headed over to Rock's Restaurant where our students meet for Bible study. As I walked in the restaurant, there was a distraught senior adult woman with one of the restaurant owners, Gene Hunter. They were looking for something. I asked what was the problem. The lady approached me with a tear rolling down her face. She said, "After church today we ate lunch here. I noticed after lunch as I got home that my purse was gone. I don't know where it is. I've looked all over. Would you pray that I find it?" Gene Hunter laughed, "You've come to the right person, he's a preacher."

I have a policy if it is possible at the moment to pray right then and there if someone asks me to pray for them. So, I asked her if she would like for me to pray right then. She said, "Yes!" I reached for her hand and gently held it. I then prayed to our Heavenly Father who cares about the big and small concerns in our lives. I prayed for a specific answer, that this purse would be found. I prayed Philippians 4:6-7 for this woman, that she would not worry but present her request to God. I thanked God in advance that He would take care of this situation. I prayed God would give this woman a sense of peace. And then I said, "Amen."

As I opened my eyes, Gene Hunter was returning to where we were standing with something in his hands. He asked, "Is this what you were looking for?" It was the woman's purse! She was ecstatic. Some of the first words out of her mouth was, "Praise the Lord!" I gave her a hug along with high-fiving Gene and Tim Camilletti who was there to lead the Bible study.

What was the lesson I learned last night? Paul instructs me in Philippians 4:6-7 not to worry but to pray about everything with a good dose of praise and thanksgiving. And then leave time for God to work. It may be immediate. It may take years. The principle remains the same.

Lessons From The Penn State Scandal

2011-11-10T13:46:00.001-05:00

I read the indictment this week against former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He was entrusted with his "Second Mile" charitable organization to invest in young boys who had tough home lives and backgrounds. Unfortunately, he violated that trust. The damage he incurred on at least eight young boys (some say it's up to twenty) will last for years; many may never recover.

The fallout has been great as well it should. Jerry Sandusky has been indicted and although innocent until proven guilty, could face the rest of his life in prison. The athletic director and another football assistant have also been indicted due to their cover up of the situation by lying to a grand jury. Trustees have terminated the President of Penn State. Perhaps the biggest news of all is that trustees also terminated legendary head football coach Joe Paterno. This is the man who coached at Penn State six decades and won two national championships. Many claim "JoPa", who had reported to Penn State knowing something shady about Jerry Sandusky, should have done more. This story is a tragedy and the real loser is not Joe Paterno who at age 84 has lived a long, successful life. The tragedy is what happened to these boys and the guilt, the shame, the lack of trust, and the challenges they will face the rest of their lives.

As I've thought about this situation at Penn State, I'd like to share some thoughts, lessons, and why we do some of the things we do at Ridgeview:

*Lesson 1: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)."

When we read an account of a child molester we look at that person with utter disgust because of their sin. However, have we ever really thought about the fact that this is the same way a holy God looks at our sin as well. Can we comprehend that our sin is equally heinous in the eyes of a holy God?

*Lesson 2: People need Jesus!

Romans 3:24 states concerning sinners who trust Christ, they "...are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

*Lesson 3: Pornography will take you further than you think you would ever go!

I guarantee you that Jerry Sandusky didn't wake up one morning and suddenly decide to do the things he did to little boys. His actions began in his mind. That's why repentance means to "change one's mind." Pornography fills one's mind with filth. As a person continues to engage in viewing pornography, the sin nature will crave more deviant and disgusting acts. Sooner or later, simply viewing filth will not be enough. Proverbs 27:19 states, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

*Lesson 4: Never allow yourself to be alone with a member of the opposite sex or a child.

I've had a policy in my life for many years; never meet alone with a female. It has caused some inconvenience at times, but I want to finish faithfully the race marked out for me. Also, just protect yourself by not being alone with a child so that there will never be any justification of an accusation.

*Lesson 5: If you see or know something, say something! (if you don't you can go to jail)

If I am told as a Pastor in a counseling session that someone was molested, legally I have to report it. It is simply the right thing to do!

*Lesson 6: Every church should do a background check on children's workers.

Any person serving in our Ridgekidz area has to have a background check done on them. We want to protect our kids. Also, we have a check in and check out system on Sunday mornings for our kids. Some may not like the inconvenience but please understand we are seeking the protection of each child.

These are a few thoughts and lessons we can learn from the Penn State scandal. I am again reminded that our world is sin sick. We must sacrifice our time, our talents, and our treasure to take the good news of Jesus to people living in darkness. This world will only get darker as long as we keep the light of Christ to ourselves.

In Him,

Pastor Tommy

Is leaving a full-time ministry leaving ministry?

2011-11-08T12:23:00.001-05:00

While I was a student at Southwestern Baptist seminary in Texas, I remembered being told that there were thousands of graduates of Southwestern in the metroplex who had come through our school but were no longer in ministry (i.e. full-time church staff). I've heard Pastors recount how those who graduated with them in seminary years later only a few were still in ministry (i.e. full-time church staff). Their challenge was to stay faithful and to persevere the race marked out for us. I heartily agree with that challenge! However, the more I'm in full-time Christian ministry I see the merit of those who may be working full-time jobs outside of the church being just as involved in full-time ministry as I am. Also, I believe it is wrong to categorize those who may have stepped out of a full-time Christian vocation as having left "the ministry." There are many bivocational pastors on the front lines who are having a huge impact for the Kingdom. In fact, the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker and some argue that the Apostles didn't leave their jobs entirely in following Christ (i.e. they went back to their nets after Christ was crucified).

So, whether a person is in a paid, full-time Christian vocation or whether a person left that arena and is now in the marketplace, hopefully their vocation/calling stays white hot. Christ has called His followers to "go and make disciples." As long as they have that passion to share Jesus and make disciples, they can do it in whatever profession they choose. The Bible says in Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!

Pastor Appreciates You Month!

2011-11-02T13:22:00.001-05:00

This past October was Pastor Appreciation Month. So, let me express my appreciation and gratitude to be the Pastor of Ridgeview Church. Here's what I appreciate about many of you at Ridgeview Church:

1. Your love for Christ.

2. Your love for people (all people).

3. Your attitude.

4. Your servant's heart.

5. Your desire to meet needs of people in our church.

6. Your desire to meet needs of people in our community.

7. Your generosity,

8. Your time you give to serve Christ.

9. Your talents and abilities you give to serve Christ.

10. Your treasure/money you give back to Christ.

11. Your desire to bridge people to Jesus and see them become fully devoted disciples.

12. Your prayers.

13. Your forgiving spirit.

14. Your flexibility in meeting together for corporate worship in rented schools for almost 8 years.

15. Your faith.

16. Your allowing me to be me.

God has blessed me to be surrounded by an incredible group of people at Ridgeview Church. I appreciate you. I love you. It's hard to believe we began this journey almost eight years ago when my firstborn was only a month old! It has been such a ride. I still get a thrill and my joy comes each week as I see you grow "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Thank you for allowing me and my family to be part of the journey with you!

Many thanks!

Pastor Tommy

2011-10-24T14:16:00.004-05:00

Two weeks ago all of our Growth Groups went over the story in Matthew 18 where Jesus tells Peter about the importance of forgiving. It is a powerful story of forgiveness and makes it clear we have been forgiven much therefore must forgive. It made an impact on our people who were in Growth Groups that week.

For every person in our church the goal is to make disciples. It was encouraging for me to receive a comment card on a Sunday after that Bible story on forgiveness from a person who had been struggling with that issue. This person acknowledged how convicting the Bible story was in Growth Group and how changes needed to be made to get to a point of forgiveness in her own life.

Discipleship occurs when a person's heart and behavior is being transformed by the power of God's Word, God's Spirit, and God's people speaking into their life. The process can be slow at times but it's what God has called us to do.

2011-10-19T10:29:00.003-05:00

Recently I finished reading Eric Metaxas' book on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. So many great lessons I am reminded from his life. He spoke against the concept he coined "cheap grace." It is simply the idea that faith without works is not faith at all, but a simple lack of obedience to God. In fact, Bonhoeffer's mother was a huge influence on his life and this concept. She prodded her son to make the church live out what it claimed to believe by speaking publicly against Hitler and the Nazis, and taking action against them. For Bonhoeffer, this cost him his life.

Several books and messages are out in print today speaking to this same issue such as Francis Chan's Crazy Love book or Craig Groeschel's Practical Atheist or Kyle Idleman's book Not A Fan. Our church is grappling with cheap grace this week as we look at the story in Luke 9:57-10:1 where Jesus does not accept excuses in following Him.

Bonhoeffer wrote a book called The Cost of Discipleship. Jesus implores all of us in Luke 9:62 "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." I don't want to look back. I want to be all in for Christ and His Gospel.

I could never forgive them for what they did!

2011-10-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

I met with some men this morning at Peggy's Diner for our Friday Men's Growth Group. We are exploring the Bible stories in the gospels. Today we looked at Matthew 18 where Jesus shares the story of an unmerciful servant. This servant owed the king billions. The king took pity on him and canceled his debt and let him go. He did the Dave Ramsey yell, "I'm debt free!" But, then he came across a fellow servant that owed him the equivalent of a couple thousand dollars. This debt free servant had his fellow servant thrown into prison until he could pay the debt back. Word got back to the king who was justifiably angry. This servant was brought to him and the king gave him a piece of his mind. He then had him thrown into prison.

Jesus' words to us are at the end of this story; "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Ever heard someone say, "I could never forgive them for what they did." Based on Jesus' teachings, what would you say? Better yet, what do you need to do?

The beauty of Growth Groups

2011-10-13T12:35:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday night a week ago Aaron and Kayli Williams welcomed their first child into their family, Lexington Grayce. Throughout the day I received texts of Kayli's progress from Aaron. I received my last text Thursday evening. It was a picture of the baby! I made my way to the hospital to see them the next morning. It was a great visit and I enjoyed celebrating with them. As I was leaving the hospital, I ran into two Growth Group members from Aaron and Kayli's group coming to see them. In fact, this same couple had also seen them the night before!

As Aaron and Kayli returned home two days later, both present and past Growth Group members had called to check on them and bring them food. They are being cared for by their church family. It is the church being the church!

I love what our Growth Groups provide! First and foremost, they are making disciples. Out of discipleship there have also been many other side benefits. Relationships are formed in our groups. When people experience the joys of life (i.e. birth of child, engagement, wedding, job promotion, etc) their Growth Group is there to celebrate with them. Their Growth Group is there to pray for them. Their Growth Group is there to provide support for them through meeting practical needs.

In the last few weeks I've seen our Growth Groups put their discipleship into action. I've seen them help a single mom find a place to live, move her belongings, and do some home repairs she needed. I've seen another Growth Group provide meals and house cleaning to a family who is experiencing some tough times. I've seen baby showers thrown by Growth Groups. The list goes on and on!

Ridgeview Church is a church of small groups. They are biblical (Acts 2:42-47). They are our primary way of making disciples. They meet many needs whether they be spiritual, emotional, physical, or financial. I am grateful for all that I see God doing through them!

Pastor Tommy

P.S. Here's a video of Ridgeview's newest family member. Congrats to Aaron & Kayli Williams!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysyzc8j0LeU

2011-10-11T10:01:00.002-05:00

Detroit Lions? Oh Yes!

Can't believe I actually wanted to watch the Detroit Lions last night! For many years they have been one of the worst teams in the NFL. They have been the team that gets beat every year as we sit around on Thanksgiving Day and watch them lose to the Cowboys, etc. But something is different this year. They are now undefeated. What happened?

They began to practice what Jim Collins refers to getting the right people on the bus and then getting them into the right seats. I'm not up on all the right people at Detroit. I actually only know two. Matthew Stafford was drafted as QB from Georgia and has made an immediate impact. His receiver, Calvin Johnson, from Georgia Tech, has also been a great draft pick. They are winning and the culture is changing in Detroit.

Whatever organization it applies to; getting the right people on the bus in the right seats is the key to success. Wrong people on the bus going in the wrong direction will kill any team. Who needs to be on your bus? Who needs to get off?

2011-10-10T15:39:00.003-05:00

Aaron, "Lexi," & Kayli Willaims

Part of my role as a Pastor is to make hospital visits. My most recent visit was to Spartanburg Regional to see our newest Ridgeview family member. Her name is Lexington Grayce Williams. She is adorable and her parents are very proud! I am very happy for them!

I have been making hospital visits ever since my first church position back in 1998. There are a few things I've learned along the way. I try to practice these things:

1. I knock on the hospital room door if it is closed and wait for someone to open. I never walk in on my own.

2. When I first walk in the room, I squirt my hands with the antibacterial lotion on the wall.

3. I assess what's going on as I walk in. If there's a nurse talking with the patient, I wait my turn.

4. I ask general questions. I don't want to appear intrusive when it comes to a person's illness.

5a. If I'm talking with the patient and the nurse/doctor comes in, I step out of the way.

5b. If I'm about to leave and pray with the patient and the nurse/doctor comes in, especially if it isn't an emergency, I ask for 3 minutes to pray with the patient and then I move on.

6. If I'm visiting someone who just had a baby, I never ask to hold the baby. If they offer, I will accept.

7. I never overstay my welcome. Most people appreciate my visit and I want it to stay that way. I try to keep my visits to 10 minutes.

8a. I always seek to share a word of Scripture and always pray with those in the room.

8b. When praying, I always seek to touch the patient by holding their hand or placing my hand on their shoulder, etc. There is power in touch when praying.

9. I try to resist eating any leftover hospital food they have on their tray (:

Just a few things I try to incorporate in making hospital visits. This isn't an exhaustive list, but a few insights I've incorporated along the way. The most important aspect anyone can bring in making a hospital visit is a sense of love and care for the patient.

2011-10-09T14:01:00.009-05:00

Effective Praying

We have been looking at the life of Elijah on Sunday mornings at Ridgeview and the principles we can learn from this great man of God. One of those is effective praying. Elijah was effective in praying. How so?

1. His prayers were marked with humility.

(Elijah)...bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 1 Kings 18:42

2. His prayers were specific.

"Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said... 1 Kings 18:43

Why did Elijah ask his servant to go toward the sea? He was specifically praying for rain!

3. His prayers were marked with persistence.

"Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 1 Kings 18:43

4. His prayers were marked with expectancy.

The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea," So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.'" 1 Kings 18:44

What have you stopped praying about? Start back today with humility, specificity, persistence, and expectancy. God answers prayer!

2011-10-07T14:35:00.002-05:00

In my Bible reading this morning one passage really jumped out to me in 1 Samuel 30. David was being pursued by King Saul who was jealous and wanted him dead. On the other end, David and his men were gone and in their absence the Amalekites came and raided their home base. They took the women, sons, and daughters away with them. David and his men returned to Ziklag to find an empty camp that had been burned by fire. The men were ready to stone David.

David had nothing to do with what happened. This was beyond his control. And yet, the stones were about to fly at him. Leaders always have the bullseye on their head. Here's what jumped out to me as David faced this situation: "But David found strength in the Lord his God."

Ever face situations in life where you had no control over circumstances and yet find yourself being blamed? Do what David did. Find strength in the Lord Your God. How do you find strength in the Lord? I have a few things I do to draw strength from Him. What do you do?

2011-10-06T10:54:00.003-05:00

Steve Jobs' life on this earth ended yesterday. He made a huge impact on the world in his role with Apple computers. I am reminded of the legendary story when Steve was recruiting John Sculley, the VP at Pepsi, to come work at Apple. The game changing question Steve asked him was whether he wanted to continue to sell sugared water the rest of his life or did he want to change the world? John left Pepsi to go work for Apple.

As a Christ-follower, that's a question Jesus asks me as well. He asks me to come follow Him and He will make me fishers of men. He asks me to come follow Him and He will use me to make disciples who in turn make disciples. That's an incredible way to change the world. I do my part in participating with God in advancing His Kingdom one disciple at a time. So glad He invites me to be part of His team!

2011-09-29T12:24:00.002-05:00

A Week In The Life Of Ridgeview Church

(That I know about)

Sunday

*New Message Series on Elijah. Looked at the life of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 and how God takes us through the valley to do a work in us in order to do a work through us.

*Ridgekidz- Great time of teaching using our 252 Basics curriculum.

*Sunday night Growth Group- met at home of Don & Beverley Brown. Aaron Williams facilitated. Great to see disciples being raised up to make more disciples.

*Ridgestudents- CJ Cauble & our students met at Rock's Country Store. They are using the same Bible stories our adult Growth Groups are using. CJ has challenged the students to share that Bible story this week with someone at school. I love it!

Monday

*Staff meeting at Moe's restaurant. Great food and great time to pray over the Connection Cards turned in from Sunday; yes, right in the middle of the restaurant!

Tuesday

*Tuesday Growth Group met led by Paul & Paula Eill. Hearing great things from that group!

Wednesday

*Wednesday Growth Group met led by Lane & Renee Stovall. This is new group that branched from the summer semester. This is a win for us as a church; making disciples who give birth to new Growth Groups who in turn make more disciples!

*Ridgekidz Summit Group met at our home. Amy Eldridge taught the older group "How to read God's Word." Tanya Hargrove led the younger group as they learned more about David and how "man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart."

*Ridgeview provided refreshments for the Mountain View Elementary for their faculty meeting. Sharing the love of Jesus in a practical way. Great bridges built!

Thursday

*Thursday night Growth Group to meet led by Rex & Carolyn Culbertson. I am attending this one tonight with my family. Love being a part of it!

Friday

*Friday morning men's Growth Group to meet at 6:45 a.m. at Peggy's diner. Excited that Max Culbertson is going to share the Bible story this Friday. More disciple-making! Excited one or two more men will be joining us!

These are just a few things I know about this week in the life of Ridgeview Church. The exciting thing is there are other ministry related acts going on in Growth Groups that I know nothing about. I can't control it, and that's a good thing. I love to hear about how God's people are responding in ways the Holy Spirit is leading them to go. I believe our structure is in place at Ridgeview to continue seeing that happen. I just try to stay out of the way and let God lead!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2011-09-28T21:21:00.002-05:00

Loving People When They Don't Love Me Back

I was reading my Bible this morning. Good thing to do, right? I'm using Wayne Cordeiro's Bible reading plan of reading through the OT once and the NT twice in one year. Anyway, came into Matthew 5 today as Jesus taught His listeners in verse 45, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven..." This verse was a great reminder for what I continually need to practice.

Over the last couple of years since I started a church, I've had a number of people in the church hurt me. Not physically of course. Sometimes I wish it was physical rather than emotional. Physical scars heal. The other kind take much longer. As a Pastor, I love the people God has entrusted me to shepherd and disciple. Sometimes, I've had some sheep bite me. Then, they go find another pen to graze in. It hurts; really hurts! But, Jesus calls me to love and pray for those who for one reason or another just don't like me or the way I go about ministry anymore. Now I could pray God would strike them with leprosy, but I guess that would negate the whole love thing. Seriously, I have a list of people in my prayer journal I pray for that have hurt me in some way. God does an amazing thing when I do that. He changes my heart toward them. It also shows the Lord that when I actually obey this command He is truly Lord of my life.

I'm not always perfect in this arena but God is doing a work in me so that He can do a work through me. I want to be all that I can be in Christ living to glorify God in all that I do. That means loving people when they don't love me back.

2011-09-26T11:29:00.002-05:00

I sat in last night on the Sunday night Growth Group from Ridgeview Church. Aaron Williams facilitated last night (his shoe & Bible are shown at the bottom left corner). The encouraging thing to me is to see disciples being made and disciples being raised up to disciple more people. Aaron is one of those people. He has made himself available and is well on his way to leading a Growth Group on his own in the very near future!

Our goal for our small groups is to make disciples who are making disciples. We want to reproduce! Judging from what I'm seeing, we are definitely heading in the right direction!

What is the "win" for Ridgeview Church?

2011-09-22T14:02:00.001-05:00

This past Monday and Tuesday I served as a co-facilitator at a conference called Immersion 1. It is sponsored in part by the South Carolina Baptist Convention. It is held quarterly at Trinity Point Church in Easley under the direction of Pastor Michael Mohler. It is the same conference our leadership went through last Spring as we began our new direction in Growth Groups. We thought it was so important that we brought Pastor Mohler to lead our church retreat at Lookup Lodge this past May to teach these principles. I had a great time meeting and sharing with a great church from Missouri and the fine folks from Sans Souci Baptist in Greenville. People from all over the country attended (Florida, Alaska, Missouri, Oklahoma) and many denominations were represented. As we all gathered in our separate break out sessions, we talked about alignment. In developing a winning team, there must be alignment on what the goal or the win entails. Sadly, churches are filled with well meaning people who have different scorecards on what is the win.

Since Ridgeview began, I have been confronted with different ways of what the win looks like. So, what is the win anyway? Jesus laid it out in Matthew 28, "Go and make disciples." The win is making disciples who in turn go and make disciples. From our earliest days one of things I believe we got right was focusing on small groups as our best vehicle to accomplish discipleship. After almost eight years at Ridgeview, I still see our small groups and the relationship environment they provide as being the most effective means of making disciples. We will never waver from that! Our Sunday morning worship gatherings are important and we work hard on that element, but we are seeing disciples made most effectively in our Growth Groups as we open God's Word and share the Bible stories each week.

As we initiate our Fall semester this week, we have gone from three groups to five groups. We have a Growth Group meeting almost everyday of the week! We already have a Growth Group reaching out this week meeting a huge need a family in our community has. The core, the lifeblood, the heart of Ridgeview Church is in our small groups! As we come together each week sharing the Bible story, rebuilding that story, and applying what God is saying to us from His story, hearts are being changed! It is exciting to see God's people being mobilized to do what He's called us to do.

Let me say for those who read this article who actively attend Ridgeview: if you are not involved in a Growth Group you are missing out on God's plan for your life. Jesus invested His entire ministry into twelve people, a small group. Before Jesus even went to the cross He said in John 17:4, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." He made disciples who in turn would make more disciples.

Don't tarry, don't waste your life! Sign up for a Growth Group and make it a priority. Discipleship for a Christian is not optional and God expects us to do it with other believers. There is no discipleship outside of relationships. Hope to see you in a Growth Group this semester!

Pastor Tommy

P.S. My friends Brian Parker and Chad Hall from Trinity Point Church in Easley wanted to say hello to you and provide another encouragement to join a Growth Group today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn6zVv7LIGU

2011-09-14T10:48:00.005-05:00

Black Bear Spotted In My Neighborhood Yesterday

Last night after dinner, my boys wanted to go to our neighborhood pool. I agreed to take them. My wife decided while I hung out with the boys at the pool, she would go walking in the neighborhood. She would meet back with us at the pool after her walk. All went as planned; the boys were having a blast jumping in and out of the pool when I got an email on my phone. I decided to check it. It was from the neighborhood Facebook page. A neighbor wrote a blanket email that she just saw a black bear run behind her house into the woods. Those same woods where my wife would be walking by. I immediately yelled to my boys to get out of the pool and that we needed to hurry up and go. They saw the urgency in my eyes. I grabbed my phone and called Tanya. She answered and I told her the news. The boys and myself jumped in the car and headed quickly down the road to pick her up. She got in the car and we headed back to the house safe and sound. We didn't see any bear and I just may have permanently scared my boys out of ever going in those woods down the road.

I got to thinking about how this relates to evangelism. Several thoughts came to mind:

1) In receiving the email, I quickly realized a real danger to my wife- a black bear that could rip her to shreds.

When it comes to evangelism, do I really believe there is a real and present danger to people in this world without Christ? I believe in a literal hell, a place where Jesus says those will go who reject Him (Matthew 13:49-50). That leads to my second thought.

2) I immediately left lounging at the pool with a sense of urgency to go pick up my wife walking unprotected by the woods. I didn't say to my boys, "five more minutes" or to myself, "she'll be alright." I didn't stay at the pool and pray, "God, would you protect my wife from the black bear while I continue lounging at the pool doing nothing about it."

When it comes to evangelism, it can be real easy for me to fall into the trap of saying "five more minutes" or just hoping someone else comes along to share the gospel with others while I do nothing.

3) While driving back to the house with my family in the car, I saw a neighbor walking with his small dog on a leash. That dog would be an appetizer; that man would be the entree to a black bear. I stopped to tell him a bear had been spotted. He thanked me for the info.

When it comes to evangelism, I interact with people in my world all the time who do not have the information that I have. They need to know it!

One of the battles I must continually fight against when it comes to evangelism is complacency. I know there is a real and present danger for sinners who die in their sins without Christ. I must fight everyday against evangelism procrastination all the while enjoying any kind of lounge by the pool type Christianity.

Not trying to be morbid, but if I had not gone to pick up my wife and she was attacked by a bear, I would be negligent to say the least. The same is true for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people all around me. God's prophet Ezekiel received a word from the Lord in Ezekiel 3. God told him, "17) Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18) When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die, and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19) But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself."

When it comes to evangelism, I want to live my life with "no blood on my hands." The loving, responsible, natural thing to do when I heard my wife was in the vicinity of danger was to warn her and get her to safety. As a Christian, the loving, responsible, hopefully natural thing to do is warn the sinner and lead him or her to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing it in my head is one thing. I must continually fight the battle of "ought to" with action everyday.

2011-09-13T11:10:00.003-05:00

Itching Their Ears?

I've had some fun with the message series the last two weeks called FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). I got much of the ideas from Lifechurch.tv for this series and have added some of my own stuff to it as well. Each week I've shared that as we address these frequently asked questions, when the Bible speaks directly to them, we will let the Bible speak for itself. Where the Bible doesn't speak directly to the question, we will incorporate biblical principles. Also, if I offered an opinion, I would let everyone know it was simply my opinion.

This format has been unlike any series I've ever done at Ridgeview. Never covered so much so quickly ranging from homosexuality, tattoos, cremation, suicide, the coming judgments, living together outside of marriage, gambling, interracial marriage, pets/animals in heaven, and Sunday's 9/11 question of why bad things happen to "good" people. It has certainly kept people interested!

As I've gone through this series addressing these questions, I know some in my church are dealing with some issues that are very clear sins. The Bible speaks very clearly to that. As I dealt with an issue in the message, part of me quivered a bit with the thought, "What if this person is offended and leaves the church?" Granted, I'm just sharing what the Bible says. But, what if? I certainly have had it happen before (i.e. tithing message).

Hopefully, as a person of integrity, I will not shy away from preaching truth to the church I pastor because of fear it may anger and cause people to leave. I don't want to be the preacher Paul refers to in 2 Timothy 4:3, "...they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." I'm not going to cast stones at any preacher that may do that or play the martyr card either. I'm simply reminded that John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." I want to be the Christ follower who shares His truth to people far from God. But in sharing that truth, I do it with grace. Both must be at work. All grace and no truth; that will take one down a road of liberal, believe anything theology. No grace and all truth; well, that's just not being like Jesus! A balanced approach is what I try to take. Hopefully, I honor God in it all.

In My Seat

2011-09-07T13:20:00.001-05:00

Three years ago on a cold, overcast day in February, I took this picture of ground zero at the World Trade Center sight. All of us remember where we were on September 11, 2001. It rattled our nation to the core. For many people, at least for a while, it caused a time of reflection on what is most important in life. All of us wanted to hug our loved ones and hold them close. We realized life wasn't about more money to be made but about relationships that God gave. For us as Christians, it reminded us all that evil is real, sin is serious, and there is no hope in this world without Jesus.

As we approach the ten year anniversary of 9/11, this video of American Airlines pilot Steve Sheibner who was supposed to fly flight 11 dramatically shares the power of the gospel. First Peter 3:18 states, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit." After watching the video, I thanked the Lord Jesus again for being "in my seat." Paul said it best in First Corinthians 15:56-57, "The sting of death is sin, and power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLj4akmncsA

Some Baptist Press?

2011-08-30T12:24:00.001-05:00

I was contacted by email this week by a writer working on an article for publication in Baptist Press. He was looking at church plants that are using Bible storying in their churches. Now, I don't feel like Ridgeview is a church plant anymore. We are so past that; we are seven and a half years old! We have our big boy pants on now! All kidding aside, I enthusiastically shared with the writer the wonderful things I witnessed this summer in our Growth Groups using Bible storying.

This past Sunday night at my home fourteen people gathered together for our once a semester Growth Group leadership training. We ate together and heard from our Growth Group leaders the celebration stories of what God had done in their groups. For about an hour we poured into them much of what we know in leading a successful Growth Group. There was a great energy in the room. I had much excitement from that meeting anticipating what God is going to do this Fall semester. As we started with three Growth Groups this summer, we are seeing "disciples who are making disciples." We are seeing people grow up in their faith and are looking to lead others to do the same. New Growth Groups are being spawned from existing groups because we are doing something right; we are making disciples!

As we begin our time of promotion for the Fall 2011 Growth Group semester, I am extremely excited about the Growth Groups we have formed and the Bible storying sets we are ready to dive into. Let me challenge you this Fall to join a Growth Group. Ninety-percent of our church was involved in some type of small group this summer. Many people have grown in their faith this summer due to connecting with God, God's people, and through the stories in His Word. There is no better tool we have in our church to disciple people than our small groups gathered around God's Word. For the ninety-percent of our people who know this; don't stop being part of Growth Groups due to the busyness of the Fall. Life will always be busy! For the ten percent who are not involved in Growth Groups at Ridgeview, why not give them a try this semester? It could be the most helpful tool you have this Fall in your spiritual growth!

Lastly, I'm looking forward to this Sunday as we start our new "Frequently Asked Questions" series. We'll look at questions on homosexuality (can a gay person be a Christian?), Christians having tatoos, Heaven (cremation, marriage in heaven, recognizing loved ones, can they see us from heaven?), and suicide. Where the Bible speaks clearly on these issues, I will lay it out. Where the Bible does not, we will apply biblical principles. In all things, we will show love. This should be fun!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy (aka Little Tommy, the Big Nasty, Daddy, Stud Muffin- if you have no idea what these names mean, then you are just going to have to listen to last Sunday's message from our website found at the "media" tab.)

2011-08-23T12:06:00.002-05:00

Unchristian

I recently read the book Unchristian by David Kinnamon & Gabe Lyons. Okay, let me be a bit more honest; I read the book summary of Unchristian. It was an interesting read on how Mosaics & Busters (my generation) perceive Christians. There were six themes the authors identified of how Christians are viewed. They are: 1) Hypocritical, 2) Too focused on getting converts, 3) Anti-homosexual, 4) Sheltered, 5) Too political, and 6) Judgmental.

These things may be true, they may not. It doesn't matter. This is how many Christians are viewed. So, what are my thoughts?

As a Christian, God has called me to love him wholeheartedly and to love my neighbor. As an expression of love for all God's people (red, yellow, black, white, gay, straight), I believe the greatest thing I can do for them is to share the good news, the hope of Jesus. Hopefully, my motives are pure and I do it all with love. One of the ways I try to lead in that love is by serving others in the name of Christ. Our church calls them bridge events. Recently, as teachers returned from their summer break, our church provided them an awesome breakfast from Chic-Fil-A. It was a small way to share with them the love of Christ. We had a blast!

The old adage is true; people don't care how much you know (or who you know) until they know how much you care. Caring for people is my way and our church's way to build a bridge to the "unchristian." A bridge that leads to Christ who is perfect in every way and who is not hypocritical, too focused on getting a convert, anti-homosexual, sheltered, political, or judgmental. He's none of those things; he is God who wrapped himself in flesh to rescue all of us from the depravity of our sin and wants us to be in relationship with him.

I acknowledged my sin and need for Jesus' forgiveness about twenty-six years ago. He changed my life. My heart's desire is for all people to come to know this Jesus who is alive and real and is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). I may not convey that message very well at times. But, to those who do not know Jesus, please understand that I am a sinner just like you who has found forgiveness. You can too! His name is Jesus.

2011-08-17T14:58:00.002-05:00

As we finish our summer Growth Groups semester this week, I would like to say thank you to the following people for facilitating a group this summer: Paul Eill, Don Brown, and Rex Culbertson. They stepped out and helped us test this Bible storying experiment this summer with our groups. They have done an excellent job! I have received more positive feedback this summer from those in Growth Groups than at any other time in the history of our church! We have seen time and time again that the Word of God is "living and active" from Hebrews 4:12. The more we examined God's Word, the more God continued to reveal His truth. As group members shared what God was teaching them, life-transformation was taking place every week.

I also want to thank those of you who volunteered in your Growth Group to share the story, rebuild the story, and even facilitate. Some people did this for the first time ever. It was exciting to see you step out of your comfort zone. That's usually when we grow the most. At Ridgeview, our goal is to make disciples who are making disciples and Growth Groups are the primary vehicle we use to do that. We saw disciples being made this summer! We are now seeing disciples who want to make more disciples!

As we take a month off from Growth Groups, let me remind us all that we never take a day off from discipleship! May we as followers of Christ continue daily to see God shape our thinking, our hearts, and our burden for those who do not know Him.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Reflections on Sunday's Message & Discipleship

2011-08-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

What a great Sunday we had last week as we kicked off our new message series. It was great to have so many of you join us for lunch after church. As we learned Sunday, a practical atheist is one who believes in God but lives his or her life as if God doesn't exist. There is no evidence in a person's life that he or she knows God or fears Him. At the root of practical atheism is real discipleship. So, what is a disciple anyway? How do we define the term disciple? There are three areas to look at:

1) A disciple is one who is committed to following Christ. They have made Jesus Lord or their life. Jesus said in John 8:31, "...If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples."
2) A disciple is one who is committed to being changed by Christ. They are becoming like Christ in attitude and action. Jesus said in John 15:8, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
3) A disciple is one who is committed to the mission of Christ. We call it being a bridge of God's love to all people at Ridgeview. It is about seeking to build a bridge for people so they can connect to Jesus who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and is the only way to the Father.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said "Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without Christ." Our Practical Atheist series has challenged us all to examine our Christianity and whether or not it has Christ in it. If it does, then we will obey Jesus as Lord, we will become more like Him everyday, and we will be burdened for those who do not know Him and we will look for opportunities to share Jesus with others.
As Jesus clearly lays out in the Scriptures, there is no room for casual, lukewarm Christianity when you follow Him. What steps can you take today to align your life with true discipleship?

Pastor Tommy

Do you believe in God, but don't fear Him?

2011-08-03T10:50:00.001-05:00

This Sunday we will begin a new message series entitled, "Practical Atheist." As you survey the spiritual landscape of our country, 94% of Americans claim they believe in God or some kind of universal spirit. Unfortunately, there are many today who claim to believe in the God of the Bible but do not fear Him. They do not fear Him by living with an attitude of "I can do whatever I want to do." Many people today believe in God but live their lives as if He does not exist. They are practical atheists. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "1) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3) without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4) treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." We see these characteristics today in those who claim to believe in God.

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 not to "conform any longer to the pattern of this world." I look forward to sharing this Sunday the characteristics you will see in your life when you truly love and fear God.

Blessings,

Pastor Tommy

2011-07-27T11:32:00.003-05:00

Fanning The Flames With Our Words

This Sunday we will conclude our message series dealing with the words we speak. It certainly has caused me to focus on speaking words of life rather than negative words of death. As we have learned from Jesus' teaching, our words are an indication of what is going on in our hearts. We must guard our hearts!

Paul encouraged Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you..." in 2 Timothy 1:6. We as the body of Christ have great opportunities to fan the flames for Christ as we speak into each other's lives. I have found our Growth Groups to be great vehicles to do that. Just last night at our group I told a brother in Christ I was proud of him.

As we gather for worship Sunday, may we all fan the flames in others by lifting them up with positive, edifying words. As we will see this Sunday, they literally do have the power of life and death.

See you then!

Pastor Tommy

Mega Sports Camp Opportunity 1 1/2 Weeks Away!

2011-07-16T15:09:00.001-05:00

I'm excited about participating in Mega Sports Camp 2011! It will be held again this year at Northwood Baptist Church (888 Ansel School Rd, Greer) beginning Sunday, July 31 through Thursday, August 4. The camp hours are 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the total cost is $15 which includes a t-shirt, a sports bag, snacks, and tons of fun! Sports offered for kids will be basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and baseball.

The most exciting part for me is that through the vehicle of sports a number of kids will come to know Jesus Christ! My 40 year old body will be out there each night running, jumping, clapping to the worship songs, kneeling in our sports huddles, and kneeling in prayer with the kids each night. My skills aren't what they used to be; but I believe God is okay with that. He can use me just by being available. Maybe you feel you can't really contribute to a sports camp because there's no way you can get out there and play. That's okay. We'll have plenty of others who can do that. We have opportunities for people who will sacrifice their evenings for five nights for a couple of hours. In return for your investment, the Kingdom of God will grow.

If that's a team you'd like to be a part of, how about emailing me and letting me know you're in. We'll find a place for you on the roster!

Thanks!

Pastor Tommy (tommy@ridgeviewchurch.net)

Don't forsake the small things this summer

2011-07-12T16:46:00.001-05:00

I appreciate the encouraging words I received as we finished up our Man 2 Man series. In many ways this series was about stewardship; being a good manager of what God has entrusted us men with. For many of us men, we can always have our eyes set on the next big goal, career track, etc. Sometimes the less glamorous things like being in a Growth Group at church, spending time with family, giving God the firstfruits of our income, exercising, or personal time with God can get postponed "until tomorrow" or "the fall semester."

Jesus said we must be faithful in little matters: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10). God has entrusted us with stewardships; are we being obedient in them?

I was challenged recently by this statement: "How can I pray for God's blessings on certain areas of stewardship when I'm being a disobedient and poor steward in others? What does my lack of faithfulness reveal about my relationship with God? Am I truly making Him the Lord over all my life?"

Wow, those are strong and convicting words! God expects me to be a good manager over many thins such as my physical body, my family, my friends, and my income to name a few. A lack of faithfulness in the small things reveals a character flaw of mine. I must turn and repent each time I realize I'm falling into that trap. I want to hear my Master say "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). I've got to stay connected to Jesus everyday. I pray for wisdom that He would show me areas where He wants me to be faithful and I pray for strength to be fully obedient in all those areas.

As we fly through these dog days of summer, take a moment and think: "Are there any areas of your life that you've been neglecting? Don't forsake the small things this summer. A good word for all of us!

Pastor Tommy

Man 2 Man Series Finale This Sunday: Ally

2011-07-07T11:02:00.001-05:00

Our four week Man 2 Man message series will wrap up this weekend with what I believe will be one of the most important. I look forward to challenging all of us as men to have an ally in our lives. Why an ally? Because even the greatest of men have weak spots and vulnerabilities that the Evil One knows about and looks to target. We need men in our lives who have our back! The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."

Men, do you have an ally in your life? The key thought I want you to think about for Sunday is this: Without accountability, you are vulnerable. I look forward to sharing this Sunday how we all can thrive as a Shepherd Warrior, a spiritual coach for our family, and a knight who lays down his life for his bride.

Men, don't miss this Sunday! God's Word and God's Spirit are going to work in your heart to shape you to be all that He wants you to be in Christ!

Blessings,

Pastor Tommy

2011-07-02T20:24:00.001-05:00

16 Things I Pray For My Boys Every Month
That I Received From Evangelist Tom Harmon

1. Their salvation.

2. Their mate.

3. That they would fall in love with God's Word.

4.That God would keep them from the evil one.

5. That they would have a conscience void of offence before God and man.

6. That their character would be more valuable to them than their credentials.

7. That they would stand up for what is right even if it means standing alone.

8. That they would be kept from the love of money.

9. That they would be kept morally pure.

10. That they would have the heart of a servant.

11. That eternity would burn in their hearts.

12. That sin would always be distasteful to them and that they would be broken easily over sin.

13. That they would love each other.

14. That they would trust God with their parents and not allow rebellion to set in.

15. Regardless the hardship, that they may never become bitter against God.

16. That our boys would be glad to be boys.

17. That I do not stir up anger in them, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Ridgeview Church Membership

2011-06-29T10:44:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday we had a membership class after church. I am pleased to share with you that Brian & Kerri Timms, along with Dillon and Kim Key, have agreed to live by our membership covenant and desire to unite with our church through formal church membership. I believe that joining a church is very important. I picked up a brochure some time ago from our parent church that lays out nicely why they encourage people to unite officially in membership. Allow me to share them with you:

1. Joining a church helps one identify with a body of believers
In the New Testament, when the apostles would go from town to town, they always sought out a group of believers with whom to identify. It gave them a sense of belonging as they joined together with their Christian family in the local towns. When you join a church you are saying, "I belong here; this is my family."

2. It is important to join a church in order to have a relationship of accountability

One of the most important reasons for joining a church is that it puts you in a position where you can be accountable by others. The Bible talks about this accountability in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5.

At Ridgeview, we recognize the need for a formal membership. We teach in our membership class to commit to membership for four reasons:

1. A Biblical reason

Christ is committed to the Church- "...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..." Ephesians 5:25

Christ expects us to be committed to His Church- "Consequently you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household."

Ephesians 2:19

2. A Cultural reason

Membership swims against the current of America's "consumer religion." Commitment always builds character.

3. A practical reason: It defines who can be counted on

Every team has a roster. Every school an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.

4. A personal reason- It produces spiritual growth

Accountability to the body will produce growth.

When someone joins Ridgeview church, they agree to the membership covenant. Here is what they are agreeing to:

"Having received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with what we believe and what we practice, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Ridgeview Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:

1. I will protect the unity of my church

*By acting in love toward other members

*By refusing to gossip and resolving conflicts using Matthew 18:15-17

*By following the leaders

(Romans 15:5,19,1 Peter 1:22, Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 13:17)

2. I will share the responsibility of my church

*By praying for its growth

*By inviting the unchurched to attend

*By warmly welcoming those who visit

(Luke 14:23, Romans 15:7, 1 Thessalonians 1:2)

3. I will serve the ministry of my church

*By discovering my gifts and talents

*By being equipped to serve by my pastors

*By developing a servant's heart

(1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 4:11-12, Philippians 2:3-4,7)

4. I will support the testimony of my church

*By attending faithfully

*By living a growing and godly life

*By giving regularly

(Hebrews 10:25, Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Leviticus 27:30)

Let me again welcome our newest members! It is not only exciting to see them unite with our church through formal membership but also to see both families involved in the Eill Growth Group and serving Christ at Ridgeview. They are growing as disciples of Christ. That's a goal for all of us!

Summer Growth Groups Rooted Strong

2011-06-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to visit each of our Growth Groups during our kick off week. It was great to see the groups filled with people studying the stories in God's Word. As we have entered week two, we are seeing the power of Growth Groups. God's Word is alive and we are seeing discipleship occur in our church through our groups. I am delighted to see new people are in Growth Groups this semester. I am thrilled to hear each week new people are sharing the Bible story or facilitating the group. Our goal is to see disciples made who in turn will make more disciples.

I have two challenges for those who call Ridgeview their church home:

1) Join a Growth Group this summer. Do the things needed to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

2) If you are in a Growth Group, consider now the possibility of leading one in the Fall. Start asking to share the Bible story for the next week. Start asking now to help co-facilitate with your Growth Group leader.

Growth Groups are the primary way we make disciples at Ridgeview. Join one; look to leading one in the future. You'll be glad you did!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

2011-06-15T13:36:00.004-05:00

Summer Growth Groups: Here we go!

We've gotten off to a great start to our summer Growth Groups semester. Our Growth Groups are meeting each week during this summer up to August 14. They are open groups. If you would like to jump in on one of them, I promise you will enjoy your experience. Also, because each week we will be taking a story from the Gospels, you can jump in at anytime and not be behind. As I shared Sunday, there is no discipleship without relationships. We want to see people at Ridgeview become disciples!

I'm looking forward to this Sunday as we begin a new message series on Father's Day entitled "Man 2 Man." Men, I will unpack for you what it means to be a shepherd warrior. We are going to look to God's Word and the model of Jesus to help us become better men, better husbands,
better fathers, better leaders, better co-workers, better Christ-followers.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Are we making disciples at Ridgeview who are making disciples?

2011-06-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

That question above has convicted me deeply as a Pastor. There are many things a church can be busy doing; good things. But, are we doing the main thing? Jesus gives us the main thing in His Great Commission. He says in Matthew 29:19-20, "19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
I believe we are doing a good job in the "going" part of the Great Commission, at least in our community. I believe there are a few minor tweaks we will be making for this summer Growth Group semester that will improve the "making disciples" part of Jesus' command. At Ridgeview, we have people at all different levels of spiritual maturity. We have new Christians (infants) who are just learning the truth of the Bible. We have Christians in our church who are on the child level who are coming out of the infant stage of Christianity and are growing spiritually, developing habits of Bible study and prayer, and giving of their time and money to God, and are building relationships with God's people. We have people who are young adults in their spiritual journey. Just like natural children, spiritual children do go into things with the attitude of "it's more about me." Christians who are young adults in their faith move into more of an attitude of becoming less self-centered and more others centered. They begin to see themselves as a minister. They tithe and give their time not out of duty or sense of obligation, but out of a sense of thankfulness and love. Then, there are those who are spiritual parents. They have not arrived spiritually but they are growing and serving. They see themselves as one who intentionally needs to invest in others so they can make disciples who are making disciples. Parents reproduce and make babies!

My question is where are you? Are you at the infant level in your discipleship stage? The child level? The young adult level? The parent level? There is nothing wrong about being at the infant or child level in your Christian faith. But, God does not want you to stay in that stage. I recently saw a documentary on television about a thirty year old man who is known as an adult baby. He had the capacity to feed himself but chose as he came home at the end of the day a caretaker to feed him, put diapers on him, wear kid's pajamas, and tuck him in his adult sized crib at night. He even built an adult high chair. It was the strangest thing I'd ever seen in my life because that is not normal! It is not normal, or it should not be normal, nor is it God's will for Christians to stay stuck in the child level. The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:2-3, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Here's my challenge. We are beginning our summer Growth Groups semester starting this Sunday, June 12. We are not doing any topical type studies by a popular Christian author or going to go through a Christian devotional book. Nothing wrong with them. But, we are simply going to go through the Gospels this summer and take one story each week from the Bible and go on this journey of "Following Jesus Together." MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU IS TO JOIN A GROWTH GROUP THIS SUMMER! Why? BECAUSE I BELIEVE THEY ARE THE BEST TOOLS WE HAVE IN THE CHURCH WHEN COMBINED WITH THE BIBLE & THE HOLY SPIRIT TO MAKE DISICIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES! The Bible says in Hebrews 3:12-13, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." You cannot make disciples in the church without being in relationship with other believers who are open and transparent with one another around the Word of God.

When we combine Growth Groups (people who are in a relational environment with one another) who are taking the stories in the Bible and in cooperation with the Holy Spirit are open and honest with one another, we will see disciples made. We will see disciples who follow Christ, are being changed by Christ, and are committed to the mission of Christ.We will see people move from the infant stage of Christianity to the parent stage where they are investing in others to raise others up to become spiritual parents themselves. Listed below are the Growth Groups we are offering this summer. You can sign up for them Sunday on your Connection Card or at the Growth Groups table, or you can contact Paul Eill (paul@ridgeviewchurch.net) to find a Growth Group for you. Make the choice today. God has called you to be a disciple who makes disciples!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

*Brown Growth Group: Sundays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the home of Gloria Bupp (10 Windward Peak Ct, Greer)

*Hargrove Growth Group: Sundays, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the home of Tommy & Tanya Hargrove (14 Swenson Ct, Taylors)

*Eill Growth Group: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the home of Paul & Paula Eill (21 Cottage Ln, Taylors)

*Culbertson Growth Group: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the home of Rex & Carolyn Culbertson (4476 Hawkins Rd, Greer)

Please welcome our new worship leader!

2011-06-03T13:20:00.001-05:00

This Sunday will mark the first official Sunday our new part-time worship leader begins. His name is Taylor Strutton. He is pictured above in the middle. Taylor is a North Greenville University student working towards his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. He is going into his senior year. Taylor loves the Lord and is excited about leading Ridgeview in worship through music. He is a very talented young man with the ability to play a variety of instruments such as piano, guitar, and any form of percussion. Vocally, he is top notch! Please make a point of welcoming his this Sunday as he makes this transition to Ridgeview!

Also, I would like to thank those who have taken the mantle of leadership on the worship team during this time of transition. Jenny Dunster was a huge help and did an excellent job after our worship leader left for Buffalo, NY. Most recently, Jennifer White stepped in and led us in sweet times of worship. I appreciated how both ladies gave their very best to God in leading worship. There's a lesson for all of us, no matter what we do to serve Christ. Scripture says in Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." When we all have that mindset, we realize we must give our best for God. To this end we labor!

See you Sunday!

This Sunday: Morning Student Sunday/Graduate Recognition Service, Evening Banana Splits & Outdoor Movie Night

2011-05-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

I am pumped about this upcoming Sunday! C.J. Cauble and our Ridgestudents will be leading us in worship. C.J. and the student worship band are ready to go! We will also recognize our graduates on their fine accomplishment. Later that Sunday evening we'll gather at O'Neal Village to enjoy banana splits and an outdoor movie. I encourage you to invite your family and friends to the great time of fellowship we'll have Sunday night. It's a great way to build relationships and share the love of Jesus with many people! It's going to be a great Sunday morning and evening!

Hope to see you then!

Pastor Tommy

Former Ridgeview Worship & Student Pastor Milo Wilson To Preach Live This Sunday! (And Why I Believe It Was A Good Thing They Left To Help With A Church Plant In Buffalo, NY)

2011-05-18T11:38:00.001-05:00

Okay, before the hate mail comes, let me explain. Just read some excerpts from the book, The American Church in Crisis. Please let this sink in:

"More than 91 million people live in the United States today who did not live here 16 years ago. 70 million of them are under the age of 17. (factoring in birth rate and immigration). In no single state did church attendance keep up with population growth. The states with the greatest decline were in the New England region."

"We need 3,205 new churches every year to keep up with American population growth. That number is 10 times higher than the actual net gain of churches."

"3,700 church closings and 4,000 church starts each year. Net gain of 300. We need 3,205 just to keep up with population growth."

Ten Reasons to Plant Churches

Large majority of Americans do not attend churches.
New churches are more effective than established churches at conversion growth. 3-4 times the conversion rate of existing churches.
New churches are more effective to reach ethnic populations as it's more difficult for existing churches to become more diverse.
New churches are historically the best method for reaching the emerging generation.
New churches are a test lab for lay leadership. People often report that helping launch a church was the most spiritually significant part of their faith journey.
New churches provide research and development for the Church.
New churches provide a channel to express the energy and ideas of passionate, innovative young pastors. Denominations need stabilizers and innovators.
New churches can sustain growth for the next forty years
New churches provide synergistic benefits to established churches. Denominations that plant many strong churches have more healthy, growing and established churches.
New churches lower the age profile of the American church, increase its multiethnicity and better position the whole church for future changes.

Predictions for 2020

Population attending Christian church on any weekend will drop from 17.5 percent to 14.7 percent.
55,000 churches will close between 2005 and 2020, while 60,000 new churches will open. Net gain of 4,500 churches, though the population will require 48,000 new churches.
Evangelical church attendance will be 8.5 percent.

"Whoever wants to save their life will lost it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." – existing churches must embrace this teaching of Jesus.

I believe Milo and Erin Wilson made an incredibly selfless decision to lose their lives for Christ and go to Buffalo, New York in helping with a new church. I believe church planting is one of the most important things churches must be doing as they make disciples. I look forward to interviewing Milo and Erin Sunday on the great things happening at The Well Church and how our dollars are being used to reach people in this heavily unchurched area. I also look forward to hearing Milo share our final message in the Parenthood series as he tackles the issue of discipline.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2011-05-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Our Parenthood series continues this Sunday as we open up one of the most known stories in the Bible, the Prodigal son of Luke 15. We will see that God understands the pain all of us go through when someone we love rebels against God. From this story in Luke 15, we will learn some principles we can apply in reaching the prodigals in our lives whether they are a son, a daughter, a spouse, or a relative or friend.

Hope to see you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Mother's Day Celebration With Special Guest Ruth McWhite, North Greenville University Director of Women's Ministries

2011-05-05T10:18:00.001-05:00

What a special Sunday we are going to have this Mother's Day at Ridgeview. I am pleased to share that my friend Ruth McWhite, director of women's ministries at North Greenville University, will be our speaker. Ruth is a dynamic speaker and will touch your heart with her love for the Lord and love for His Word. As we are in the middle of our Parenthood series, Ruth will speak directly to our mothers this Sunday. She speaks from experience as a mother who has kids both in school and who are married. You will be encouraged!

Also, I look forward to sharing a children's message with our Ridgekidz in the worship service and they will be singing a worship song they've worked on to present this Sunday. There's even going to be some motions to it! It's going to be a great day! Hope to see you then!

Pastor Tommy

2011-04-28T12:29:00.002-05:00

I am excited about this retreat! It will be an incredible opportunity to come together to receive some training on principles of making disciples who make disciples with guest speaker Mike Mohler of Trinity Point Church, Easley. One of the last things Jesus said as He ascended into heaven was, "Go and make disciples..." We must obey what Jesus commanded!

Every Christian in our church is at a certain level as a disciple. They may be a spiritual infant who has just come to Christ. They may be a spiritual child that is developing the habits of Bible study and prayer and growing in their relationship with God. Others are spiritual young adults; they are becoming less self-centered and more others centered. They are beginning to see themselves as a minister. Our goal for every disciple at Ridgeview is to become a spiritual
parent. A spiritual parent is a mature disciple but continually growing and developing in their personal relationship with God and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. They understand their role as one who needs to intentionally invest in others- making disciples who can make disciples.

The most important thing we must be about doing at Ridgeview is going and making disciples who can make disciples. We are convinced that the best way to do that is through relational environments! The relational environment tool that we use at Ridgeview is Growth Groups. We have seen time and time again over these last seven years great spiritual growth in the lives of those who choose to be a part of a Growth Group.

So, let me ask you to seriously consider coming to this retreat May 6-7. For $25 you will have three meals paid for and an incredible opportunity on how you can learn to be a disciple who makes disciples. This is one of the most important training events we've ever done. I hope to see you there!

Easter Sunday and Parenthood

2011-04-19T12:14:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful Palm Sunday worship celebration we had, especially the baptisms! I'm looking forward to this Easter Sunday as we begin a new series entitled, "Parenthood." This Sunday we will deal with the parent's two priorities in raising their children. Let me encourage you parents to be here Sunday with your family. I'm going to share an interesting study Sunday. You've got to be here this Sunday to fill in the blanks, but here it is:

Kids Who Become Active Christ-Followers As Adults
If mom and dad went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If mom only went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If dad only went to church: __________ % of kids will as adults.
If neither mom nor dad: __________% of kids will as adults.

I promise the percentages will surprise you and are a big wake up call for all of us! One final thought; what does a series on parenting have to do with Easter? Well, I believe that because Jesus rose from the dead, He can help us with our families. Scripture says in Ephesians 1:18-20, 18) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19) and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20) which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." Because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead, the penalty for our sin has been paid for. And because He rose from the dead, for those who have believed in His name (like many of the parents at Ridgeview), they have the power to lead their families; the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!

Praise God! You may be struggling in your parenting skills but you have help available. You have God's Word and you have God's Spirit that gives you power. I look forward to seeing how God's Word and God's Spirit come together as we share principles from Deuteronomy 6 on effective parenting and praise the Jesus who gives us all hope!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Good Week; Great Palm Sunday Coming!

2011-04-13T11:37:00.001-05:00

I am looking forward to this coming Palm Sunday as we celebrate together the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. I am also looking forward to celebrating the lives He's changed Sunday as we baptize several people. It will be a unique service as we host the North Greenville University drama team, Act II. They will bring to life the book of Jonah that we have explored the last four weeks. This will be such a powerful service that we want our Ridgekidz in for the service this Sunday.

Let me remind all of us as we enter this Easter season to look for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with people and invite them to church. I'm so thankful for the crew that came out this Wednesday morning and passed out free coffee at O'Neal Village along highway 101. Week after week our church is building bridges in our community. So thankful God gives us those opportunities!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2011-04-07T08:54:00.003-05:00

This Small Church Made A Big Kingdom Impact This Week!

Okay, let me state the obvious. Ridgeview Church is a small church. But I believe Jesus uses the small things of this world to make a big Kingdom impact. All he needed was five loaves of bread and two fish and fed the 5,000! Ridgeview Church is a small church that is making a big impact! This week the Brown Growth Group went out on Monday night and took Panera bread to new homeowners. We built more bridges in our community! On Wednesday, we provided refreshments for the Skyland Elementary faculty meeting and our Ridgekidz had their service project where they went to the Cottages off Fairview road and passed out more Panera bread (see pics above). Let's celebrate the number of people we touched with the love of Christ this week (over 100)! I look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday as we finish up the book of Jonah. I will be preaching live, in person, in living color!

See you Sunday!

2011-03-30T10:49:00.005-05:00

Rediscovering Biblical Discipleship

This past Monday & Tuesday John Mauldin, CJ Cauble, Paul Eill, Tanya Hargrove, and myself attended a conference at Trinity Point Church in Easley. This conference was called Immersion I. The point of the conference was to help churches rediscover Biblical discipleship. Okay, I know what you are thinking. Pastor Tommy has gone off to another conference and now he's going to try the latest church growth fad on us. Well, actually we have some great structure in place to continue to make disciples. This conference reiterated the things we are doing right, and how we can do them even better.

Some things we were reminded about in discipleship:

1) God's plan is relational discipleship- We weren't created to do life alone. To be successful in our relationship with God and in the mission He gave us requires relationship with one another. (John 15:4-5, Hebrews 3:12-13).

2) God's plan is intentional leadership: Jesus focused his resources on making disciples. He was a coach and didn't play all the positions himself. He invested in a few to reach the world and released his key players to develop other leaders.

We as a church must do the same. Also, as we develop intentional leadership we must all be on the same page. We must be in alignment. The key areas we must be in alignment are: 1) Theological alignment- we are a Southern Baptist church. We teach our key doctrines in our membership class. 2) Aligned philosophically- our vision is where we're going, our mission is how we are going to get there, and our process is the tools or road map to the mission. It is the intentional discipleship process. 3) Aligned relationally, 4) Aligned organizationally.

3) Relational Environments (Growth Groups!): We have always believed that true discipleship comes through relational environments with real teaching through God's word and by interacting with it.

As we continue to work through this process, we will be training our leadership on the discipleship process where we can see where people are and help to move them out of that stage into a deeper level of commitment to Christ. Our goal is to move everyone in our church into a mature, parent level discipleship where they are discipling others. We believe this is best accomplished through our Growth Groups. We will be implementing some incredible, life- changing Bible teaching through what is known as Bible storying.

I know this is a lot to process. In many ways this has been helpful for me to put in writing the things we've been through the last couple of days. I promise, this is not a conference we went to and the notebook will end up collecting dust on my bookshelf. You will see our church do a better job of making disciples in the months to come. After all, that's what Jesus called us to do!

From Pastor Tommy

2011-03-17T09:10:00.001-05:00

Wow, great week! Lots of great stuff happening in the life of Ridgeview Church!

1) The Advisory Team, upon the recommendation of the student search team, has approved CJ Cauble to be our new Pastor to students. CJ brings a wealth of experience to this position. He has served churches in Rocky Mount, NC and Ware Shoals, SC. He is a graduate of North Greenville University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has preached numerous times for me in my absence. Welcome aboard, CJ!

2) Stepping up our bridging! We had some great bridging opportunities this week in our community with our bridging with bread and Dunkin Donut Coffee Giveaway at Blue Ridge Middle. I will let the video share the rest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_3eGnvuMv8

3) Jonah series begins this week! I promise this will be a powerful message series. Here's where we are heading:
March 20- The Jonah In Us
March 27- Jonah's Prayer
April 3- Jonah Obeys
April 10- Jonah's Anger
April 17-(Palm Sunday) Act II Drama Team from North Greenville University (The Book Of Jonah Drama)

4) So proud of Kathy Green and family! Last Sunday they brought to church a young girl named Alexis that we saw come to Christ in our Good News Club a few weeks ago who is unchurched. That's what being a bridge of God's love is all about!

Japan
Also, the recent events in Japan have been awful to watch and read about. If you would like to help financially, let me encourage several options. You can write a check to Ridgeview Church and memo: Japan Earthquake Relief. We will send it to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. They have personnel on the ground in Japan and will meet physical and spiritual needs of the Japanese people.

Also, if you want to give directly to the IMB:
The IMB has established a relief fund for the Japan earthquake. Donations may be sent to Office of Finance, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230. In the memo line write "Japan Response Fund." Or you can give online by going to imb.organd clicking on the "Japan response" button. For further information call the IMB toll-free at (800) 999-3113.

I also recommend Samaritan's Purse organization led by Franklin Graham. You can give online at samaritanspurse.org.

Pastor Chip Ingram has a great video blog response to this tragedy entitled, "How Jesus Would Respond To The Tsunami."

You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiQiyaMG22o&feature=related

May the peace of Christ be with you this week. I look forward to celebrating Him with you this Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

--
Tommy Hargrove
tommyhargr@gmail.com
twitter: @TommyHargrove
864 630 9459

FYI

2011-03-10T12:31:00.001-05:00

Random things I wanted to pass along...

*Lance Owens from SSI physical therapy will be sharing some thoughts this Sunday as we finish our series on A Bod For God. It's been a great series to focus us on the importance of taking care of the body God has given us.

*Dunkin Donuts free coffee giveway Thursday morning at Mountain View Elementary went well! Wish I had a picture to share but things were hopping so fast there wasn't a minute to spare. Great touches made!

*Our Bridge with Bread team visited several unchurched families Monday night whose kids attend our Good News Club. One family is allowing us to pick up their daughter for church this Sunday. This child accepted Christ recently at Club. That is so encouraging to me!

*Daylight Savings Time this Sunday which means set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2011-03-02T12:31:00.003-05:00

Wednesday morning several from Ridgeview were able to serve free Dunkin Donuts coffee to midterm exam weary North Greenville University students. It was a great bridge event! As I came home I was reminded of the days when Ridgeview was just a dream God placed in my heart. As God continued to bring that dream to reality and brought a team of people together, I wrote a vision for the church that we now share in the membership class. I'd like to share it with you.

"Ridgeview Church will be a place where people are actively involved in a life-style of personal and corporate worship. It will be a place where Christians actively share the good news of Jesus throughout our community, our state, our nation, and our world. Our sharing will be done through acts of kindness, the development of authentic relationships, and seeking to meet needs in our community. Ridgeview Church will help people develop and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We will also connect people to their Christian family where they will be valued and accepted and grow closer to one another and Christ through small group Bible studies. Ridgeview Church will be a place of faithfulness. We will be faithful in serving God by serving others. We will be faithful in finding how God has gifted us to serve and put our gifts into action."
Over these last seven years Ridgeview has sought to stay true to our vision. There have been challenges along the way and when one is gone another is right behind it. We also have to remember that this is spiritual work we do with real spiritual enemies who oppose the work of God's Church (Ephesians 4:12). Nevertheless, we press on! We have God's Word. We have God's Spirit. We have God's people. Serving free coffee to North Greenville University students this week was just one of a myriad of ways Ridgeview is seeking to fulfill the divine mandate Jesus has given us to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). We believe good deeds become the bridge upon which we can share the good news of Jesus. Sometimes it helps me to just step back and be reminded of the vision of our church. I hope it helps you too!

Pastor Tommy

2011-02-24T11:05:00.003-05:00

Great To Be Back From Western New York!

Had a great time with our Ridgestudents & Brian Green at Circle C camp in New York! We were able to spend some time with our former worship & student Pastor Milo Wilson, Erin, and the girls. I was able to break away from camp Sunday morning and worship at The Well Church in Buffalo. It was exciting to see what God is doing there! So glad our church is able to partner financially to help this new church be a bridge of God's love to the wonderful people in the Buffalo area.

I want to say a big THANK YOU for the incredible gift I received when I returned. Pictured above is CJ & Shaneki Cauble's van we used for the trip. When I returned their van Tuesday I told CJ I had the oil changed and had his van washed and vacuumed. I was proud of myself. CJ then walked me over to my car and said, "Well, let me tell you what we had done for your car." I was in shock! Thank you for my new tires, my CV axle joints replaced, an oil change, and a good car wash. I understand the Growth Groups took up a collection. I can't thank you enough for your blessing! I serve such a wondeful church!

Again, so glad to be back as we continue our Bod For God series. We have some great worship services lined up in the coming weeks and months. Very excited about what God is doing at Ridgeview!

See you Sunday!

Daryl Hopkins To Speak This Sunday

2011-02-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to have Daryl Hopkins, family life minister at Taylors First Baptist Church. Daryl is an expert in the area of health and fitness. He has been helping people in this area for a number of years. The last seven years he has been leading the family life center at TFBC. Most imporantly, Daryl loves the Lord and will share how taking care of our bodies will further enable you to pursue the purpose God has for your life. You will be blessed!

I would appreciate your prayers for me, Brian Green, Brice Green, & Spencer King as we head to our student retreat to Circle C Camp near Buffalo, New York this Thursday through Monday. We have a smaller number going but we are looking forward to growing closer to the Lord and to one another.

See you soon!

2011-02-09T13:53:00.014-05:00

A Super Sunday!

What a wonderful day we had last Sunday! It was a pleasure to have Phil and Amy Parham and hear their weight loss story. They gave us hope that we all can win in the weight loss battle. Much work went into Sunday. Special thanks go to Brian and Kathy Green who provided the smoked chicken for us to enjoy. An employee of Blue Ridge High who ate lunch with us Sunday said the cafeteria never smelled so good! I appreciate the work of those who helped with other capacities of the meal: setting the tables, providing the paper products, and the many of you who brought a side item. It was a great time of fellowship. Our flag football game after lunch was a blast but I confess my legs are still sore

Let me thank all of you who invited family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to this event. We had a great crowd of 187 people! Our purpose at Ridgeview is "To be a bridge of God's love to all people so they may experience His purpose for their lives." We want a full house each week at Ridgeview, especially during this series because we know God's purpose is that people take care of their bodies and honor Him in their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). As I mentioned in my state of the church address two weeks ago we must work hard, pray hard, and ask God shower His growth and His momentum on our church. Let's keep at it! God is blessing!

Special Guest Interview This Sunday
Dr. Ernest Carswell, Former Pastor Of Taylors First Baptist
And Heart Surgery Survivor

I am looking forward to interviewing Sunday my former Pastor, Dr. Ernest Carswell. He pastored Taylors First Baptist for 33 years and has been a model for me in ministry. I am honored that he is available to come this Sunday to Ridgeview to share his story. I could go on and on about what a great man he is, but I wanted him to share his story about how he almost lost his life. He had quadruple bypass surgery in the 1990's and almost died. After his surgery, he implemented changes in his diet and exercise that he still practices today. Lesson for us all; it is never too late! This is a don't miss event! I know his story will help many people!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2011-02-01T10:00:00.004-05:00

A Bod For God Message Series Begins This Sunday With

Phil & Amy Parham!

You don't want to miss this Sunday as we begin our "A Bod For God" message series. This Sunday we will kick it off with former contestants Phil & Amy Parham from NBC's "The Biggest Loser." Phil & Amy were contestants on the show in 2008. They lost over 250 pounds as a couple setting a record on the show at the time. Their lives since the show have never been the same. They now have devoted their lives to promoting health and wellness. They speak all over the country with a distinct message: God created our bodies; we need to take care of them by healthy eating and exercise choices. You can learn more about them at: www.philandamyfitness.com.

This message series is timely! So many people battle with weight issues and it affects self-esteem, energy, attitude, and it also affects their health. Obesity is becoming a national epidemic, especially among kids. Obesity related health issues range from heart disease, type II diabetes, cancers, hypertension, and stroke. We will take a biblical look at the theology of our bodies in this message series. It will also offer prescriptions for optimal health, fitness, and well-being. We will also have a companion Growth Group offered that will use Phil & Amy's book "The 90 Day Fitness Challenge" along with the corresponding DVD each week.

Let me encourage you to make it a point to be here this Sunday and each week during this series. Let me also highly encourage you to invite someone to come with you. This series can change a person's life not only physically but forever spiritually! It is an incredible opportunity tor us to build a bridge to our community. I'm dreaming that we have to set up chairs in the foyer because the auditorium is packed out. Our goal is 300 people. We can do it! Invite! Invite! Invite!

State of The Church Address This Sunday

2011-01-25T11:07:00.001-05:00

This week President Obama gave his annual state of the union address. Millions of people will watch, listen, or read it. When you are the leader of the free world, people listen. This Sunday I will be giving our annual state of the church address. It will not garner much attention outside of our church. It most likely will not even be covered by the Greer Citizen. Nevertheless, I believe it to be important because we serve the Leader of The World, Jesus Christ. We serve in the one institution He established on earth, The Church. One day every President, Prime Minister, despot and dictator will bow the knee to Christ. We are dual citizens; citizens of the United States and citizens of heaven. We must be about our Father's business and He loves His Church! I look forward to sharing with you Sunday where we are as a church, where we're going, and the process we will employ to be about the Master's orders of making disciples who make disciples.

See you Sunday!

Awakening Prayer and Fasting Week 2 Insights

2011-01-19T11:49:00.001-05:00

I certainly hope you've made some type of commitment this week to prayer and fasting. Here are some gleanings I've gathered this week concerning prayer and fasting:

*As Jesus began His public ministry and whom He chose it came out of a time of prayer and fasting (Matthew 4:1,17)

*Esther had her people pray and fast for 3 days. She needed the favor of the king. She saw fasting as the release of favor. God opens doors and fasting paves the way for this. He's going to break through circumstances.

*Barnabas and Paul were sent out on the mission field because of a time of prayer and fasting. (Acts 13)

*Don't quit fasting when it gets tough- this is spiritual warfare.

*Through prayer and fasting you bring an extraordinary God into your ordinary circumstances. Prayer changes things. (James 5:16-17)

*D.L. Moody- "Before you see the face of men see the face of God."

*Abraham's servant fasted to find the right mate for Isaac.

*Fast about everything- it will direct your path.

*"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Have an ongoing conversation with God.

*Some things only change through prayer and fasting.

*Prayer connects us to God. Fasting disconnects us from the world.

*Prayer and fasting increase your faith and God responds to faith, not need.

*"No one is a firmer believer in the power of prayer than the Devil and the reason he believes in it is because he suffers from it."

*We must be persistent in our prayers- to ask and keep asking.

*If you pray prayers according to God's word and God's will He's ready to move on your behalf.

*"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

*The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is available to God's people. (Ephesians 1:17-20)

*There is a connection with fasting and insight. Daniel turned to the Lord with prayer and petition through fasting (Daniel 9:3). What do you need clarity on?

Blessings,

Pastor Tommy

Fasting for spiritual and physical health

2011-01-13T10:48:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday I encouraged our church to embark on a 21 day time of prayer and fasting. We are joining hundreds of other churches across our land for what is a national movement known as "Awakening." That is my prayer for my life, our church, our nation; that we would see a spiritual awakening. As I shared last Sunday, fasting gets the "gunk" out. As we live out our lives, the daily grind can wear us down and we lose our passion. God wants us to live our lives for Him with passion. Romans 12:11 states, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." I can't think of a better thing to do than to dedicate the first part of the year to God and drawing near to Him through prayer and fasting. We all need to start out 2011 fully alive and attuned to God's Spirit.

There are not only incredible spiritual benefits to fasting, but there are physical benefits as well. Obviously, losing weight is a natural benefit of fasting. Stoval Weems in his book "Awakening" states that when we fast "our bodies reset themselves." Also, Steve Meyerowitz in his book "Juice Fasting and Detoxification" states, "When you fast, you are on nature's operating table. The body changes hats. Instead of being in the business of receiving, processing, storing, analyzing, assimilating, discriminating, and discarding, it shifts to the job of house cleaning, removal, sanitizing, refurbishing and renewal. It is a big job and it is not without its inconveniences, especially when there is someone living in the house."

Just like our souls, the inside of our bodies needs a good spring cleaning from time to time. Fasting is a simple way of cleaning house. I encourage you if you didn't have a chance this week to pray and fast, to commit yourself to do this before we finish January 30. It will be a wonderful benefit for you spiritually and physically.

Pastor Tommy

Awakening 2011

2011-01-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

I am looking forward to our second church wide time of prayer and fasting called Awakening. We will not be alone. Awakening is an incredible event, consisting of churches and ministries all around the world, coming together in a 21 day season of prayer, fasting and personal devotion at the beginning of each year. Two of the main goals of the national Awakening campaign are:

For churches and leaders to come together to pray, fast and seek God at the onset of the year .
To inspire pastors and leaders everywhere to establish or strengthen a culture of prayer and fasting in their church or ministry.

We will officially start our 21 day prayer and fasting time on Monday, January 10 through January 30. This Sunday I will begin a 3 part message series sharing some principles I've learned about fasting. I will also hand out a resource from awake21.org that will give much information on the basics of fasting.

This year I will be embarking on a 21 day juice fast. I did that last year as well. The point is not whether you go 21 days or not; the point is that you set aside a time to renew and refresh yourself in your walk with God. Fasting allows you to clean the gunk out and "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). I look forward to starting the year off again with this time of renewal. I am praying for an awakening!

Pastor Tommy

2010-12-29T11:59:00.002-05:00

What a great year in the life of Ridgeview Church! We baptized thirteen, gave over several thousand dollars to international missions, and continued to go about "bridging" in our community! It was great to cap off the last service of the year at the red barn where 300 people came to our Community Christmas eve service. It has been a great year!

I am so pumped about 2011! I look forward to our church wide time of prayer and fasting as we begin "Awakening" on January 9. We saw God move in our church this past year because of our obedience to the biblical practice of fasting. I can't wait to see what He does in 2011!

Bridging

2010-12-15T11:10:00.001-05:00

Pictured above is our first Christmas Eve service in the red barn back in 2005. In the beginning stages of Ridgeview Church, I spent considerable time crafting our church's purpose statement. I have asked several people from time to time at Ridgeview to repeat it after me. They usually start out strong and then taper at the end: "Seeking to be a bridge of God's love..." I then say, "so that they may experience His purpose for their lives." I recently read a book that said if you can boil down your organization's existence to a few words or just one word, it will be far more memorable. The more I thought about Ridgeview the more the word "bridging" kept coming to mind.

Everything we do at Ridgeview is about "bridging" people to Jesus who is the bridge to God. 1 Peter 3:18 states, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." Once we bridge them to Jesus we want to provide bridges of growth and service and give them opportunities to continue bridging out to others and do for others what was done for them.

I am proud of our church and how we've tried to maintain a bridging focus over these last 7 years. I have made a renewed commitment to step up our bridging efforts. It's called the Bridge 200 initiative. As Pastor, I have made a commitment to make 200 touches in our community each week myself. It's been said if you want to measure the temperature of a church, put a thermometer in the Pastor's mouth. I am excited about possibilities of what can happen in our community, in our church, and in our own lives if we make 200 bridge touches of God's love with people. We will not be the same!

We are already seeing fruit in our church because of the seeds we planting. Allow me to share some examples just from this week:

*9 kids came to Christ in our Good News Club.
*13 bridging with bread visits were made Monday night.
*13 stick signs were placed by Ridgeview volunteers in our community this week advertising our Community Christmas eve service.
*Over 300 Christmas eve invite door hangers were delivered to homes in our community.
*By Friday at 8:30 am we will have served hundreds of parents free coffee as they dropped their kids off at school.
*By Sunday after church we will have baptized at least 3 people! (13 for the year!)

I am so encouraged by the comments left on our Connection Cards this week on how our people are bridging:

"Gave a Ridgeview card and a tip to a lady at the drive through Friday."
"Shared my lunch with a co-worker."
"Met a hispanic lady whose husband had left her and she needed a twin bed. Texted my Growth Group and we are gathering items for her."
"Prayed with a lady that works at AT&T store who is suffering from depression."

In this newsletter there are some great opportunities to go about the task of "bridging." Jesus commands we go and bridge (Matthew 28:19-20). I am so blessed to partner alongside you this Christmas season in this most noble duty of bridging!

See you Sunday!

Christmas Bridging

2010-12-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

If there is ever a season to seize the moments to show God's love to others it is during the Christmas season. It seems as though God just opens up the airwaves to his love and kindness during this time of year.

So, what can you do this season? Here are some quick ideas I have and some I gathered from servecoach.com.

1) Invite them to our Community Christmas Eve Service
The photo above is the backside of the direct mail piece we're sending out to thousands in our community. We're providing air support for you as you invite those you know to this wonderful bridging event!

2) Bring Christmas goodies to your neighbors
It's a great conversation starter and can provide opening opportunities to tell your Jesus story.

3) Buy a Coke or candy bar for the cashier checking you out
People working cash registers around the holidays have a very high demand, low reward job. Surprise them by kindness and generosity.

4) Give 30% tip to your server
While you're out enjoying your shopping and enjoying your day, your waiter or waittress is working serving you. These are people that are so easily overlooked this time of year. A big tip is the perfect way to show them that God is a God who notices people.

5) See what God would say to you about you giving above and beyond in your time, talent, and treasure
Our annual Christmas missions offering is in full gear. We also have some great bridging opportunities available as a church (see the Bridge section). There are also opportunities in our community organizations to lend a hand as well.

6) Treat a coworker to lunch- boys with boys and girls with girls, please!

7) Take a poinsettia to work for your boss- if you are the boss, get one for your receptionist.

8) Take some Christmas goodies to the place you frequent
Every Monday I go to Moe's to eat after staff meeting. Last Monday my server Brian knew exactly what I wanted and what I wanted on it. (Joey bag of donuts!) Most likely these people "know you" even if you have never spoken to them before. This is a great way to break the ice and start having an actual relationship with them, even if it is just a small one.

Whatever you do this season, make sure that the people you serve know that God loves them. After all, the point of the season is, "For God so loved the world...that He gave His only Son."

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Our Largest Attended Worship Service Each Year Is Held In A Cold, Drafty Barn!

2010-12-01T14:18:00.001-05:00

Five or six years ago I drove by the red dutch barn on Gap Creek road and the thought hit me, "That would be a unique place to have a Christmas Eve service." That first year at the barn Jennifer White and myself put the service together. We had around 100 people show up. The rest is history: In 2006, we had 400 people. In 2007, we had 381 people. In 2008, we had 472 people. Last year we dropped a bit but still had 237 people.

Now, I know a great thing when I see it! It turns out the Christmas Eve service at the red dutch barn has been a great way to bridge out to our community with the love of Jesus. It's one of our most effective events. Each year, the gospel is clearly explained and we share the real meaning of Christmas. This year I am praying our Community Christmas Eve services are the biggest we've ever had. Why? Because I want people to hear about Jesus! I am praying 500 to 600 people come this year. In order to see that happen, we must do several things:

1) Pray for our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers; pray for our community that they would be receptive to an invite to the service.

2) Invite them!
We are sending a direct mail piece to over 15,000 homes in the area. We are also making 200 personal visits a week leading up to Christmas eve. We are running an ad in the Greer Citizen and will be putting stick signs in the community. All that is great but none is as effective as you personally inviting someone you know!

3) Volunteer
We have numerous teams that you can be a part of: parking, photography, greeting & registration, set-up, take-down, ushers, refreshments, media and sound. Much help is needed to pull this event off. Every job is important! Did you know by serving on the parking team you will assist a family in finding a parking space. They in turn will come to the service and will hear the gospel and respond and find a church home at Ridgeview. You had a part in changing a family's legacy by serving on the parking team. Each volunteer position is part of the chain in bridging people to Jesus.

There will be two Christmas Eve services at 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm. May we all be part of praying, inviting, and volunteering for this event. I believe there is no more important investment of your time this Christmas season.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Thanksgiving Weekend at Ridgeview

2010-11-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

I always look forward to Thanksgiving weekend at Ridgeview! We've used this weekend to do something once a year: a Thanksgiving brunch/worship service. We will have the morning worship at the same time (10:30 a.m.) in the Blue Ridge High cafeteria. You are encouraged to bring a food item to share "potluck style." If you are unable to bring anything, please come anyway. We will have plenty of food! Paper products and beverages will be provided. There will be a time of worship music, a Thanksgiving message from C.J. Cauble, along with the lighting of the Advent Candle and partaking of the Lord's Supper. There will be no Ridgekidz (elementary); we will provide a space with a tv/dvd player for preschool parents to take their kids if they get a bit antsy.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Christmas Eve Service @ Red Barn

2010-11-17T16:13:00.001-05:00

Ridgeview Church will again have its Christmas eve service at the Red Dutch Barn off of hwy 101 & W. Gap Creek Rd. This is one of our biggest community bridge events we do all year. We will culminate our Christmas message series Christmas eve entitled "The Gospel." I will be sharing with as much clarity as I possibly can on what is the Gospel and will offer an invitation for many to accept the Jesus we sing about and celebrate during Christmas.

Much work is to be done in preparation for this event. The most important thing we must do is to bathe this in prayer. Second only to that is to invite our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who need a church home and/or need Jesus. I would like to ask you now to begin praying for this evening- that many would experience the salvation Jesus offers. Also, this will not happen without our volunteer teams. We will need a picture team to take pics of families, a parking team, a greeting and registration team, a set up/take down team, a refreshment team, a media team, along with an usher team. We will get more information on all the details of these teams soon. I look forward to this day!

--
Tommy Hargrove
www.ridgeviewchurch.net
864 630 9459

How To Have A "Radical" Thanksgiving

2010-11-10T14:52:00.001-05:00

Can you believe Thanksgiving is only two weeks away? It's one of my favorite days of the year! As I've been thinking about the upcoming holidays and in light of the Radical series we've experienced, I wanted to throw some ideas your way I recently discovered.

How to have a Radical Thanksgiving for individuals & families

*Fast and pray for those who don't have enough to eat.
Did you know that according to the United Nations, over 5 million child deaths occur each year due to starvation. How about on or around Thanksgiving this year, spend a day in fasting and prayer for the world's hungry.

*Discover what the Bible says about thankfulness to God.
The Bible is full of references to thankfulness towards God. Grab a concordance, topical Bible, or online reference tool like www.biblegateway.com and look up verses about thankfulness in the Bible. Choose one passage that seems relevant to your family. Meditate on it. Memorize it as a family. Think about what it would mean to live it out, and then act on that understanding.

*Give a secret gift of money to someone you know.
In tough economic times like these, you probably have several friends and acquaintances who are hurting financially this Thanksgiving. Maybe your finances aren't great either. But if possible, pick at least one person who would be encouraged by a gift of money. Send whatever cash you can afford to this person, along with an anonymous note of encouragement.

*Invite an international visitor to your Thanksgiving dinner.
The United States is one of only two countries to celebrate Thanksgiving (the other is Canada). Think of a newcomer to our country-perhaps an international student, whom you could invite to share your Thanksgiving celebration this year. Prepare to share with your guest(s) the history and meaning of the day. More importantly, share with this person what you are personally thankful to God for.
*I would recommend calling Joshua's Way Ministry in Greer (801-4804) and asking for Florine Palaghia. He works with their Cross Culture Network and knows international students from the colleges and universities in our area.

*Comfort a hurting brother or sister in Christ.
Think about people in our church who might feel as if they don't have much to be thankful for this season. The Bible says we are to weep with those who weep. Don't feel like you have to fix anyone's problem, or perhaps say anything at all. But give encouragement, a listening ear, and best of all, your presence.

These are some great ideas as we approach the Thanksgiving holidays! Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
(P.S. Don't forget to bring your Operation Christmas Child shoebox for our collection day this Sunday.)

Seeking to live radically for Him,

Pastor Tommy

Leaders Who Last Message Series Begins Sunday, November 7

2010-11-03T12:46:00.001-05:00

The old maxim is true, "Leadership is influence." Everyone is a leader in some area because of their influence over someone whether it be a parent, a teacher, a coach, a friend, or a supervisor. But how are we leading in the marathon race of life? We have all seen runners running alongside us who have stumbled, burned out, or veered off the track. That may have even happened to you at one time or the other. It is not automatic that a leader finishes well. How do we finish well? Leaders Who Last message series will show you how to finish well based upon God's Word so you may hear from Jesus as you cross the finish line, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Radical: Where do we go from here?

2010-10-27T13:29:00.001-05:00

This Sunday we finish our Radical message series but the journey is just beginning. The words Jesus spoke concerning the rich young ruler are haunting because they apply to me. "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God...It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:23 & 25)."
Will we choose short term treasures we can't keep or long term treasures we can't lose? If we are willing to choose the latter, then let's not miss this Sunday as I share practical ways we can lay our treasure in heaven by meeting the needs of the poor and the lost. It will be a powerful day!

Pastor Tommy

2010-10-20T13:07:00.002-05:00

What a privilege it was to co-teach with Milo Wilson Sunday. It was a God-honoring day and I am grateful for the many of you who came and expressed your love and appreciation to the Wilson family in their last day with us. The fellowship reception after church was delightful! I was also proud of the willing servants who showed up Sunday afternoon to help them move. Ridgeview is a giving church!

This week you will be receiving your Ridgeview financial contribution statements for the quarter. As we looked at the story last Sunday of Jesus and the rich young ruler, let me remind us all of the take-aways from the message.

1) Our use of money is a sure barometer of our spiritual condition.
2) Our use of money is a sure indicator of our future eternal destination.

When Jesus commanded the rich young man to sell everything he had and give to the poor, it says in Mark 10:22, "At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth." As I shared Sunday, the rich young man's eyes were blind. He suffered from the sin of affluenza. His face was sad. Little did he know the real treasure he was walking away from. His hands were full. He had great wealth and he wasn't willing to release his grip on things.

Fleeing from our grip on money & possessions is what Christ is calling us out from. Radical abandonment for Christ is what He is calling us to. He alone brings us ultimate joy in life. The love of money and possessions will simply rob us of that joy. Don't let your joy be robbed this week!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2010-10-13T12:26:00.010-05:00

Best wishes Milo, Erin, Daylia, & Hazyl Wilson!

1) This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position." 2) So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3) He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4) He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5) For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? 6) An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7) Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 NLT

This Sunday will be the last Sunday Milo, Erin, Daylia, and Hazyl will be with us at Ridgeview. We have had quite a ride in ministry together! I have enjoyed working with both Milo and Erin as church staff members at Ridgeview. We have been a team; we have had a great partnership. When I was part of Milo's ordination, 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is the Scripture passage we looked at for qualifications as a Pastor. His character and integrity as a minister has served our church well and brought honor and glory to Jesus Christ. I look forward to hearing how God will use their family in Bulffalo, New York to be a bridge of His love to a heavily lost population.

I would like to invite you to attend our morning worship service this Sunday as we commission the Wilson family to go make disciples in Buffalo. I would also like to invite you to bring your favorite dish for an after church potluck reception in their honor at Blue Ridge Baptist Church. There will be a money tree at the reception for you to give financially to their family. I know it will certainly help them as they incur moving expenses.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. It will be a special day!

--
Tommy Hargrove
http://www.ridgeviewchurch.net/

Sticky Teams

2010-10-12T15:07:00.001-05:00

I just finished this great book by Larry Osborne. It is loaded with
tons of practical advice in leading a church. One thing that struck me
in the opening pages of the book was the warning about church unity.
He states that a unified & healthy leadership team doesn't just
happen. It must be a priority. He spent two years focusing almost
solely on building a cohesive leadership team. That's one area I am
looking to improve upon in the coming months at Ridgeview. If anyone
knows of some good resources, especially in the arena of Biblical
Church Leadership (i.e. Elders based) and some sample bylaws, I'd sure
appreciate it!

--
Tommy Hargrove
www.ridgeviewchurch.net
864 630 9459

The Gospel Demands Radical Urgency- Sunday morning extension

2010-10-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

I wanted to follow up from the message I preached Sunday on the radical urgency we must have in sharing the Gospel. I recently read a book by Mark Dever entitled, 9 Marks Of A Healthy Church. There are several insights he shares in his book that are helpful to us in the "Radical" series we are in.

First of all, in sharing the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must remember it is not about simply telling people they must live right. In sharing the Gospel with someone you are calling them to repent of their sins and rely on Christ alone to save them. Jesus said in Mark 1:15, "Repent and believe the good news!" There are many things we do that we chalk up as evangelism that are not evangelism. They build bridges for evangelism to occur. But, simply doing an act of kindness for someone is not evangelism. We must open our mouths and share the Gospel for evangelism to take place.

Secondly, how radically urgent are we to share the Gospel with people? Mark Dever makes several important points in the way we share:

1) Tell people with honesty that if they repent and believe they will be saved- but it will be costly.
We must share the truth and the whole truth with them- not holding back parts that we think will offend them.

2) Tell people with urgency that if they repent and believe they will be saved- but they must decide now.
They must not wait for a better deal to come along. There is no better deal.

3) Tell people with joy that if they repent and believe the good news they will be saved. However difficult it may be, it is all worth it!
What do we gain in coming to Christ? A relationship with God, forgiveness, meaning, purpose, freedom, community, certainty, and hope. Being honest with the difficulties doesn't mean we mask the blessings.

4) Use the Bible!
We must show we are not using our words and ideas but the words and wisdom from God.

5) Realize the lives of individual Christians and of the church as a whole are a central part of evangelism.
Our lives should give credibility to the Gospel we proclaim. This is one of the reasons why we should be involved in the life of the church and why church membership is important.

6. Remember to pray.
The Adversary does not want you sharing this radical message to others. He will do things to stop you. You must bathe your radical urgency with prayer.

I have been convicted in my own life I must turn up the heat in my urgency to get the Gospel message to everyone in this community. There are changes I made in my life this week to do just that. I pray you would do the same!

Commissioning Service & Reception For Milo Wilson Family

Please make plans to attend the commissioning service and reception for Milo & Erin Wilson and their family next Sunday, October 17. It will be their last Sunday with us. We will commission them in the morning worship service as they head to Buffalo, New York to work with The Well Church, a new church plant. We will have a potluck reception immediately following the morning worship service at Blue Ridge Baptist in their fellowship hall. The church will provide the soft drinks and paper products. You are encouraged to bring monetary gifts to place on a "money tree" that will be at the reception. We look forward to blessing them as they embark upon their new ministry opportunity.

Blessings,

Pastor Tommy

--
Tommy Hargrove
www.ridgeviewchurch.net
864 630 9459

Radical

2010-09-29T12:03:00.001-05:00

Radically Concerned For The Lost

Last Sunday I challenged those in our worship service to write on the back of their Connection Card one thing they could do to reach out to the lost around them this week. It was great to read the responses such as: tell my boss God loves him, spend time with my unsaved family members, write a letter to my family member, take food to my neighbors and sit with them, fast and pray, and take gift boxes to the kids at the elementary school.

Each week we have divine appointments and opportunities to share with people about the love of God in His Son Jesus Christ. This week I've personally made some visits to people in our community and will be sharing with 80 kids at the Good News Club and speaking at Greer High's FCA. Yes, I'm a Pastor; I should be doing those things. But you are a missionary to the school you attend, the office where you work, the people in your cul-de-sac, and to your family members. You have incredible opportunities to build bridges in those places that no Pastor could ever replace. You are God's ambassadors! I look forward to hearing some stories this week of how you've been on mission.

Radically Generous Send-Off For Milo Wilson Family

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 17. It will be a special day as we commission Milo, Erin, Daylia, & Hazyl Wilson to go to Buffalo, New York and be a bridge of God's love through the efforts of church planting. After the morning worship service, Blue Ridge Baptist has graciously allowed us to use their fellowship hall. We will have a reception there and allow everyone time to express their love and appreciation to the Wilson family. We also will have a money tree where you can give financially and bless them as they incur expenses in moving up to Buffalo. If you will be unable to attend but would like to give a financial gift, you can send it to Ridgeview Church, PO Box 1077, Taylors, SC 29687. Please mark it as "Milo Wilson Gift."

Jenny Dunster To Step Into Role As Interim Worship Leader

We have asked Jenny Dunster to lead our worship team after Milo's departure in the interim period. Please pray for her and the team as they lead us in worship through music. They do an incredible job and I appreciate the musical talent they have!

Come help us Paint the Stage @ Blue Ridge High School!

I'm looking forward to bridging out to Blue Ridge High school Saturday morning by painting their auditorium stage. We use this stage every week and it's a great way to let the school we appreciate what they allow us to do. We are in need of some more volunteers. This is a great opportunity to help model for your kids a practical way to serve- so, your kids are welcome!

Hope to see you then!

--
Tommy Hargrove
www.ridgeviewchurch.net
864 630 9459

What does success look like for us as a church?

2010-09-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

I have been challenged recently with the question: What is the mark of a successful church? What does success look like for us at Ridgeview? Every person, family, team, & organization, etc. has a scorecard for success. For sports teams it is to outscore the opponent, or in golf, underscore the opponent. It may be making sales quotas, having kids pass the PACT tests & making good grades, or a good home & social life. For churches, we are measured by the big three: nickels, noses, and numbers or bodies/baptisms, buildings, and budgets. The most common question I'm asked by those outside our church is, "How many are you running?"

Having grown up in a large Southern Baptist Church and having attended some of the largest churches in the America while a student in Texas, I've seen large. I've enjoyed being part of something large like a church. There is an energy that can come from large crowds in a church. Also, there are many resources a large church can use to make an impact for the Kingdom. However, if I'm not careful I can keep score only to realize I'm measuring the wrong things. For example, I like to play golf. I will take a few practice swings before taking a real whack at the ball. I don't write on my scorecard at the end of the round how many practice swings I made. I don't consider it a win if I made more practice swings than my playing partner. I measure how many strokes it took me to get the ball in the hole and if that number is better than my playing partner, I win. That is success!

Jesus Christ gave us a scorecard upon which to measure the success of Ridgeview Church. It says nothing about how many people we have attending or how big our budget is or how many our auditorium seats we have. Jesus says the measure of success for a church is the Great Commission. We find it in Matthew 28:19-20. It says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." When He returns He will measure the success of our church on how well we implemented that commission.

Inherent in the commands of the Great Commission is that of making disciples. That is our scorecard. In fact, even more specifically, success is making disciples who make disciples. At Ridgeview, we are intentional about making disciples. We believe disciples are made in community with other believers. We believe our Growth Groups are huge tools in the disciple making process. We have seen life-change this year as people have been part of a Growth Group.

We want to grow as a church numerically but that can't be the only indication of a win for us. We want to make disciples. Let's measure how many people we have in Growth Groups and how many people are growing in their faith, serving in their faith, and sharing their faith. I believe that is the kind of measuring God wants us to do. When we are doing those things, God will give the increase.

--
Tommy Hargrove
www.ridgeviewchurch.net
864 630 9459

2010-09-15T21:04:00.000-05:00

Just a few thoughts...

*Radical message Sunday was tough to preach but challenging to us all. Encouraged by the postive feedback!
*Points from message Sunday that I can't shake: 1) Do we believe this book (the Bible)? 2) Do we believe what it says about the church? 3) Do we believe what it says about the lost? 4) Do we believe what it says about the poor? It's time to get radical!
*Growth Groups have gotten off to a great start! We've sold out of the Lifejournals but more are on their way!
*Worship team did a wonderful job these last two weeks. Great job Jenny & team!
*So proud of our folks taking tickets at the Blue Ridge High Varsity football game!
*Interview this week with a potential part-time student minister. He will meet with Advisory team along with some parents of kids in our Ridgestudents. Your prayers are appreciated!
*Convinced we must change the scorecard to "How many are we running?" to "How many are we sending out each week?" Convinced we must do more sending out each week!
*Good News Club starts Thursday at Mtn View Elementary. Over 90 kids enrolled: 50% have no church home. Incredible opportunity!

See you Sunday!

2010-09-15T16:10:00.001-05:00

I am excited about our upcoming Fall Growth Group semester! Every semester we see people growing in their faith, connecting with one another in community, and serving their community in the name of Christ. I believe this Fall Growth Group semester will be one of our best! Based upon the best-selling book, "Radical: Taking Your Faith Back From The American Dream," we will be challenged to obey and follow Christ wherever He leads. Each week I will preach a message based on the words of Christ in the areas of radical living. The Growth Groups will meet throughout the week and will explore more deeply the Scripture passages and message notes. The Radical Workbooks will be used to emphasize key points and will have discussion questions. Life Journals will also be provided to encourage Growth Group members to write down what God is saying to them through the reading of His Word. The Radical Workbooks and Life Journals will be sold together for $10 total.

Now, you may be asking the question, "Why should I get involved in Growth Group?" Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan says, "We live in a culture in which the interests and desires of the individual take precedence over those in the family, group, or community. As a result, a high percentage of people want to achieve spiritual growth without losing their independence to a church or any organized institution...There is no way you will be able to grow spiritually apart from a deep involvement in a community of other believers. You can't live the Christian life without a band of Christian friends, without a family of believers in which you find a place." (p. 114, Transformational Church, by Ed Stetzer & Thom Rainer)

There are several Growth Groups available for everyone in our church. Some are filling up and are full! You can sign up in the foyer on Sunday or by email (http://www.blogger.com/paul@ridgeviewchurch.net), or you can fill out your Connection Card during the worship service. Make the commitment to growth this semester!

2010-09-15T16:09:00.001-05:00

Pictured above is an exchange student we hosted for the 2005-2006 school year. His name is Jirawut-Othni Wiraspun. We called him "Ong." Ong is from Bangkok, Thailand and is a Buddhist. For one year Ong lived with our family. Ong also became a part of our Ridgeview Church family. He attended Ridgestudents every Sunday night. Yes, as his American parent I made him go! The Ridgeview family showered him with love. I'm tearing up as I write this. I'll never forget several of our students at Blue Ridge High School invited him to sit with them at lunch and really included him in the social scene. Day after day, week after week, month after month, Ong lived among our family and watched our church intently. He was very quiet and shy. There were times Ong and myself ate breakfast together in the kitchen and after my, "Good morning, Ong," not a lot more was said. But, through it all, God was working through His Spirit, through His Word, and through His people in Ong's life.

I'll never forget a Sunday night as I pulled into the driveway to drop him off for the Ridgestudents gathering. He asked me, "Can I be a Christian and a Buddhist as well?" We sat in my car for at least thirty minutes as I shared the gospel with him and gave him the opportunity to respond. Ong was not ready yet to give full allegiance to Christ. But the seed of the gospel was planted in his heart.

I share that story with you because that's a very small way that I can be radical for the sake of 4.5 billion people who are lost without Christ. It's a drop in the bucket, but it's a start. Did it cost our family financially? Yes. Did it mean I lost some of my free time? Yes. Did it mean we lost some of our privacy? Yes. But these were small sacrifices to pay. Our family gained so much more. Jesus says in Luke 14:33, "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."

I want to warn you that this Radical series we begin Sunday will challenge you with the question, "Am I really a disciple of Jesus Christ?" It is going to make you uncomfortable. It makes me uncomfortable. It is going to make you question some things in your life. But we must grapple with the question: Do we believe this book? And if we believe the Bible, then we must look at it with fresh eyes and evaluate what it says with our current way of life and our obedience to the clear commands of Christ.

Radical series begins this Sunday. I'm praying God would use this series mightily so His glory and fame would be spread throughout our lives and our community and our world.

2010-08-25T14:32:00.002-05:00

Milo Wilson - Leaving Ridgeview Church from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

This past Sunday Milo Wilson shared with our church the news concerning the next step of God's will for him and his family. That next step will be to join Pastor Darrick Castranova and a new Southern Baptist Church that will have a September launch date in Buffalo, New York. This is a huge gain for the Kingdom of God! We get to have one of our own go and help start a new church in one of the least evangelized areas of our nation. Not only that, one of the values taught in our membership class is the "Multiplication of churches and leaders" (Acts 13:2). Did you know that the multiplication of churches is one of the most effective means of evangelism we have? Did you know that in order to reach our nation for Christ we must start new churches? Praise God for how He has been working in Milo's heart to take seriously his role in the Great Commission. Many lives will be changed in the great city of Buffalo because of Milo & Erin's obedience.

Now what? Obviously, there will be a need to replace his leadership in our worship and student ministry areas. Our Advisory Team will be working with me in finding the right persons to build upon the foundation he has built. I would ask you to do two things: 1) Pray for our Advisory Team as we seek God's will in the ministry search, 2) Let us know of anyone you feel would be a viable candidate for these ministry areas.

I mentioned Sunday that God has always provided great staff team members at Ridgeview. We will all miss Milo, Erin, Daylia, & Hazyl and their presence with us each Sunday as they transition out Sunday, October 24. But, as I said Sunday, I see some neat partnerships developing between Ridgeview Church and The Well Church in Buffalo. I am excited about what God is going to do in their lives and what God is going to do in our church! He is able to do "immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine..." (Ephesians 3:20).

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

2010-08-17T13:33:00.002-05:00

Fall 2010 Growth Group Semester to be one of our best!

Brace yourself! I believe that if you sign up (& attend) a Fall Growth Group semester at Ridgeview you will be a radically different person by the end of this year! No small claim to make I know. But, I am passionate about the journey we will take as a church. Our theme will be "Radical: Taking your faith back from the American Dream." Much of the study will be based on the best selling book by Dr. David Platt. The power of this semester will be in its concentration. I will be preaching for 8 weeks on the radical theme. Our Growth Groups will align their study with the messages.We will be challenged by the words of Jesus and what it means to truly be His disciples and to obey what we know. We will also be challenged to take the "Radical Experiment," a one year journey of discipleship that will transform how we live in a world that has so many needs.

Here is what you will receive in the Fall Group Semester:

1. The Radical Growth Group material

Each Growth Group will go over specific facilitation questions related to the passages studied on Sunday morning and will explore them in more depth.

2. A Life Journal

Each Growth Group member will be challenged to read through the Bible and to journal daily. We will have Life Journals included with the Growth Group materials that will show you how to journal using the S.O.A.P. plan. Also included will be read through the Bible passages that will help you stay on track.

3. Summit Groups!

Our Ridgekidz will also be going through this material on Wednesday evenings during the Fall semester. We are changing the name to "Summit Groups" from Champions 4 Christ (C4C). They will also be provided a Life Journal known as SOAPY with a reading plan. The kids journal has a reading plan for different ages. Kids ages 8 and under read the first (pink) column of Scripture (usually 2 or 3 verse), kids age 9 & 10 read both the first and second (yellow) columns of Scripture (about 6 verses) and kids 11 & 12 read all three columns (purple is #3) and that's around 15 - 20 verses long. And of course, they can read beyond their age group if they want to!

I strongly encourage you to sign up for a Growth Group this semester. Our Growth Groups are listed below in the Grow section of this email newsletter with options on how you can sign up. I also encourage you to involve your Ridgekidz or Ridgestudents in the groups we have for them. I believe this will be a time of unprecedented spiritual growth in the life of our church. I look forward to seeing you on this journey!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

What is God's Will?

2010-08-11T14:11:00.001-05:00

What is God's Will?

This Sunday I will begin a new series entitled, "What's God's Will For Me?" There are so many decisions to be made in life. Should I get married? Is it him or her? Should I go to college? Should I take that job? I already have a good job. Should we have another baby? Should we adopt? Our decisions do matter! It's been said we make our decisions and then our decisions make us. Many people, perhaps even you, wonder what is God's will concerning the particular issue they are facing. I look forward to this series as we unpack this great question many have, "What's God's Will For Me?" I am not promising a mechanical formula of step one, two, three equals knowing the will of God. What I am promising is God wants you to know His will and there are things you can do today to discern it.

One thing I do know; God's will is that we seek to be a bridge of His love to all people. 1 John 4:18 states, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." I am so proud to be part of church that puts actions behind it's love. Pictured above is Blue Ridge High Principal Renee Watson (center) and teachers as we served them Wednesday morning with Panera bagels and coffee. We're serving the Blue Ridge High marching band dinner Thursday night. We served over 90 kids last week through the Mega Sports ministry and we saw over 40 receive Christ! God's will is being accomplished at Ridgeview Church!

See you Sunday!

Owning our Community

2010-08-03T12:39:00.001-05:00

Owning our Community

Last night we began our first night of Mega Sports Camp with Northwood Baptist Church (see picture above). It got off to a great start and I came home grateful for the volunteers from Ridgeview and Northwood who made it happen. It is a Kingdom thing and it's great to see two churches working together for one purpose: to see kids come to know Christ and to help them grow in their faith. I've been challenged this year to "own" my community. That is to say, to take responsibility for every man, woman, boy, and girl in Blue Ridge. I want to make sure that every one of them has an opportunity to hear the good news of Christ, to repent of their sins and trust Christ for salvation, and to see their lives transformed as they live for Christ and not for self. I also realize that our church cannot reach them all. We must partner with other churches in our community. It is not about being the biggest church in our community (and yes, we want to grow numerically) but seeing our community churched. So, if a church down the street is doing a wonderful job in a certain ministry, let's pray for them, support them, encourage them, etc. Let's celebrate they are reaching people and look at a need in our community that no one else is meeting. It is about the advancement of the Kingdom of God! To this end we must labor!

Mega Sports, Mega Bridge!

2010-07-27T14:02:00.001-05:00

Mega Sports, Mega Bridge!

Next Monday, August 2, Ridgeview will join forces with Northwood Baptist for our second year partnership of Mega Sports Camp. Last year, around 100 kids enjoyed sharpening their basketball, baseball, soccer, and cheerleading skills. Not only that, the worship time rally, the huddle coach times, and the gospel presentation Thursday night all worked together to see many kids place their faith in Christ. There are several things I am asking everyone to do as we lead up to camp:

1) Pray that many kids would come to know Jesus Christ as forgiver of their sins and leader of their lives.

2) Pray for rally worship leaders and speakers, basketball, baseball, soccer, and cheerleading coaches along with the huddle coaches.

3) Invite the families and kids that live all around you to come. There will be invite cards in the program this Sunday.

Many thanks in advance to those of you who will be participating in this bridge event, especially our director, Beth Farmer. It takes a lot of work, time, money, and people to pull something off of this magnitude. But, to see kids give their lives to Jesus makes it all worth it!

See you Sunday!

--
Tommy Hargrove

Bridging Out In August

2010-07-20T15:12:00.001-05:00

In our email newsletter this week you will find many opportunities to get involved in being a bridge of God's love to our community. I am especially excited about the month of August. I don't believe we've ever had so many opportunities for outreach as we have in August. I especially like the fact we are partnering with other churches in our community. We as a church will not be able to reach everyone in our community. We must partner with our sister churches in our community and own our "circle of accountability" which is the Blue Ridge area. So, peruse the many bridge opportunities in this newsletter. Then, sign up and get involved as we partner together with God's people not only in our church but sister churches to give every man, woman, boy, and girl the opportunity to respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Tommy

Connecting & Growing!

2010-07-13T17:09:00.001-05:00

Connecting & Growing!

Pictured above is the Eill Growth Group that meets on Tuesday nights this summer. I've enjoyed being a part of this group! We are studying the book of John, praying together, and connecting as a group in fellowship. I enjoy the times before and after the "official" group time where we share some food and desserts, catch up on how things are going, and just hang out. A couple of weeks ago several people stayed over at my home to watch the college world series after the Growth Group Bible study time was over. We had a blast!

This summer we continue to do what Christ has called us to do; seek to bridge people to Himself. I'm fresh off our church mission trip to Staten Island, New York. I get a chance to catch my breath and then bam! August will be here. During this month our church will be partnering with Northwood Baptist for Mega Sports Camp. Then, we are involved in a community back to school bash. Then, we will provide a meal for the Blue Ridge High School marching band. There's a "whole lotta" bridging going on! But, there's a "whole lotta" connecting going on as well through our Growth Groups.

I believe spiritual growth occurs through bridge projects that our church does. But, I also believe we must have a steady diet of God's Word in our Growth Groups and times for just enjoying the fellowship of one another in those groups. There's a giving out and a taking in. Some Christians are always looking to be fed and the taking in of another sermon, Bible study, conference or retreat, etc. Other Christians are always looking to bridge and serve others and never take time to care for their soul and they wonder why they are burned out.

Let me encourage you in this mid point of the year and this very hot month of July to strike a balance between the giving out and the taking in. Don't let your burden for those who do not know Christ wane. Take the summer bridge challenge seriously! But also, don't neglect to care for your soul. Hebrews 10:25 states, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." By engaging with others in our Bible study Growth Groups your soul will be fed and you will be encouraged! All of us need to be engaged in both the taking in and the giving out!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

Every Member A Missionary

2010-07-07T12:20:00.001-05:00

This week Brian Bowen, Brian Green, Milo Wilson, and myself are on our church mission trip to Staten Island, New York. We are involved in a sports camp in the mornings and have done free bottled water giveaways on behalf of Crossroads (Southern Baptist) Church. We are seeking to build bridges with people here in order to connect them to Christ and His Church here on the island.

Every person who calls Ridgeview home is on a mission trip this week. You may not be 12 hours away but you are on a mission nonetheless. As you go to work, take a walk in your neighborhood, etc., look at those around you with missional eyes. What kind of impact could we make in our community if we went about each day as a mini mission trip?

On mission with you,

Tommy Hargrove
864.630.9459
tommy@ridgeviewchurch.net

Why our 4th straight mission trip to Staten Island, New York?

2010-06-29T13:58:00.001-05:00

Why our 4th straight mission trip to Staten Island, New York?

This Saturday night we will embark upon our fourth consecutive mission trip to Staten Island, New York. And, for the fourth straight year, we will be working with Pastor Ray Parascondo and the Crossroads Church family. We have developed a great partnership with this church. They are much like us; a church plant that meets in a school seeking to bridge their community to Jesus Christ by serving them.

Why are we going to Staten Island, New York? That's a great question. To help answer that question, take a look at some facts about the state:

*The population in the territory served by the Baptist Convention of New York is 26 million.

*The area is 95% unchurched.

*25 million unchurched people live in the territory.

*429 Southern Baptist churches serve the area.

*That is 1 SBC church for every 61,000 unchurched persons. In the south the ratio is 1 SBC church for every 1,000 unchurched persons.

*One out of three adults in New York State do not speak English at home.

*One out of five living in New York State were born in a foreign country.

*Ten percent (10%) of the lostness of North America lives in the territory of the Baptist Convention of New York.

The needs are great! Please pray for Brian Green, Milo Wilson, and myself as we seek to bridge people to Jesus Christ through the work of the Southern Baptist Crossroads Church of Staten Island.

Summer Bridge Challenge & Woody Allen

I recently read an article/blog about sharing Jesus with people. I felt it affirmed exactly why we are doing the summer bridge challenge (mowing or paying for your neighbor's grass to be mowed & inviting your neighbors over for a barbecue, ice-cream, etc). In the article, Christian intellectual and historian Eric Metaxas was asked the following question: "How would you share Christ with Woody Allen if he were sitting next to you on a plane."

He replied, "I have to somehow figure out how to connect with him. . . . If you come across as morally superior, that's unbiblical, that's wrong, it's a lie, so you're confused. But also you'll push the person away. You've got to find a point of connection, otherwise they won't hear you. If you walk around New York you might see someone, semi-homeless, almost always from out of town, with a hat and a Bible "preaching the word" on the street. Nine times out of 10 they are not preaching the Word any more than Satan was when he was quoting the Bible to Jesus in the wilderness. The words are not magic. Some people will respond, "The word of God will not return void," and yes, the capital-w Word of God, the Logos, will not return void—but the words of the Bible can certainly return void unless they're anointed by the Holy Spirit. Many people think that if they just spew out Scripture or something that people are hearing them, but it's not true. Jesus never did that. He always connected with everyone around him."

Let me challenge you this summer to find a connection with those around you who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Doing an act of kindness for them and developing authentic relationships with them open natural doors for you to share your faith. Remember, every member at Ridgeview should look to themselves as missionaries to those around them. We go to Staten Island as missionaries. We are going internationally next year as missionaries. But, we must also go as missionaries across our yard as well!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

What Walt Disney World Can Teach All Of Us At Ridgeview

2010-06-23T15:12:00.001-05:00

What Walt Disney World Can Teach All Of Us At Ridgeview

Last week we made our way to Walt Disney World for our family vacation. It is the most visited vacation destination in the world. I read that twelve million people come through their gates annually. They have around 62,000 employees they call cast members which makes them the largest single sight employer in the United States. What stuck out to me was their attention to the details, their making me feel welcome, and their going the extra mile to help me with my questions.

This was my first trip back to Disney World since 1986. I was a little overwhelmed and confused after being away for twenty-four years. Questions arose in my mind like where's my hotel, what bus do I get on to get to the park, how do I purchase the tickets, how do I use the meal plan, and what are the essential rides I need to experience in the park? Disney cast members were extremely helpful to me. They were easily accessible out by the doors and gates showing me exactly where to go and answering all my questions. They took pride in their jobs and who they worked for and the experiences they were providing our family.

I know I have to be a little careful in comparing Disney World and the Church. But, here are the takeaways for me: We have guests who show up at Ridgeview who have similar questions I had at Disney. Where do I park? Which entrance do I use? What do I wear? Where do my kids go and are they going to be safe? Am I going to be made uncomfortable/look silly in the worship service because I don't know what to do? Are the people greeting me in the parking lot and doors glad to see me? Did I experience the love of Christ at this church and love from His people?

As Christ followers we must do everything we can to help people who show up at Ridgeview for the first time experience the love of Jesus Christ and hear the gospel message. We must be extremely diligent in removing any and all barriers that may hinder people from hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. So, that means we put people in the parking lot to welcome and direct first time guests, we put people at the doors as greeters to welcome and direct where to go from there, we buy the best children's curriculum out there and expect a lot from our Ridgekidz leaders, and we put our best efforts into our worship gathering. If Walt Disney World puts all that effort and hospitality into people coming to see Mickey, how much more effort should we put into what we do as people come to see Jesus?

I was challenged to continue giving my best to Christ and His Church by watching those who work at Disney. I am thankful that many of you at Ridgeview have that same attitude. Let's keep at it! The stakes are high!

In Christ,

Pastor Tommy

We are part of something much larger than us!

2010-06-15T12:45:00.001-05:00

We are part of something much larger than us!

Our family is in Orlando this week mixing vacation and attending the annual Southern Baptist Convention. As a messenger from Ridgeview Church, I will be voting today on our next SBC President and some very important proposals.

As Southern Baptists we come together for one main purpose; the Great Commission. Small, medium, large, and megachurches within the SBC pool their resources together in seeking to win the world for Christ. Ridgeview Church comes along over 40,000 SBC churches to take the light of Christ to our community, our state, our nation, and our world. It is all about His Kingdom!

See You Soon!

Tommy

Pure & Faultless Religion

2010-06-08T12:19:00.000-05:00

Pure & Faultless Religion

This past weekend we had two teams from our church ministering to people in the name of Christ. The first team helped put a coat of primer on the walls of a Habitat For Humanity house in Travelers Rest. They also helped put siding and steps leading out to the back porch on the house. They worked alongside Ms. Floyd who will be moving in to the house when it is completed.

The second team helped moved a widow in our church and her son out of their home into a new place. Due to unfortunate events, she was forced to move. She had no one to help move her. What she would have done without the wonderful caring people at Ridgeview Church, I don't know?

I am grateful for those who gave of their time and abilities last Saturday to work on the Habitat House and to help a widow move her belongings. It's not the kind of ministry that is glamorous or will end up being on the front page of the paper, but it is as important nonetheless. James 1:27 says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." For those that volunteered last Saturday and all the ministry that happened in the life of Ridgeview Church that I know of and don't know of, thank you! You are beautiful people!

We need a Great Commission Resurgence!

I will be attending the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando next week. It will be a historic time for Southern Baptists. As a messenger to the SBC from Ridgeview Church, I will be voting on a motion from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. The Task Force has brought to all Southern Baptists a report detailing a new direction for the SBC to be more effective in reaching our world for Christ. I ask that you pray for for the Southern Baptist Convention as a denomination for wisdom in this very important matter. I am so grateful we are part of a denomination that is focused on the Great Commission. Several billion people in our world do not know of the love of Jesus Christ for them. Millions of people in America are without Christ and are heading to a Christless eternity. We must do everything we can to reach them!

I encourage you to check out the website www.pray4gcr.com. It has much more information. Two important links I also encourage you to check out from the website are:

The lostness of America:

http://www.pray4gcr.com/reports/downloads/

The Great Commission Resurgence Report:

http://www.pray4gcr.com/reports/penetrating-the-lostness/

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

2010-06-08T08:17:00.003-05:00

Tis the season where many are gearing up for summer vacation. I have to admit there is much work to do to get ready for it. Many things need to be in place before I leave. Sometimes it feels it would be easier not to go and a lot less stressful. Actually, going on vacation for me really does not provide rest. In fact, it adds to my load. The reason I do vacation is for my family. It builds memories that we will be able to look to years down the road. That's what makes it all worth it.

2010-06-07T10:22:00.002-05:00

Cut the cords; burn the ships (or ski boat)!

I have a friend named Lee. He called me Friday as he was coming in to town. I caught him up with my life briefly. He did the same. He then shared he was going to meet with a potential buyer of his ski boat. Many who know Lee know that waterskiing is his passion. He has taken hundreds out to Lake Hartwell. This is a bold move. Why is he doing it? Because he feels God leading him to serve a people group outside of the United States. He's cutting the cords, burning the ships. He is moving in that direction and making every effort possible not to turn back. I admire that. Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "No one who put his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Summer Bridge Challenge

2010-06-02T12:23:00.001-05:00

We have some great opportunities for bridging people to the love of Christ this summer. We have tons of people ready to go this weekend for the Habitat for Humanity project. We will be in downtown Greer June and July hosting the kid's area for Greer Idol. We are partnering with Northwood Baptist for Mega Sports Camp in early August. We are headed to Staten Island, New York to work with Crossroads Church in their sports camp. These are some great opportunities!

I also want to lay out another personal bridge challenge. It involves two things you can do for your neighbors. The first is to mow your neighbor's lawn or pay to have it done. What a great way to serve them in the name of Christ. The second way is to invite your neighbor(s) over for a summer party. It might be relaxing at your pool, grilling some burgers, or enjoying some homemade ice-cream. You do all the planning. You do all the work. You do it all in the name of Christ!

Why the challenge; what's the point? The Bible says in Romans 2:4, that "...God's kindness leads you to repentance." We want to show the kindness of God in order to bridge people to God. Good works can be the bridge upon which the good news of Jesus Christ can travel. It provides great opportunities for relational evangelism.

I look forward to sharing more about this with you Sunday as we begin a new series on the book of Ruth. If you get the opportunity, how about reading the first chapter of Ruth?We will see in this great story how God works all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

See you then!

Update: Nathaniel and Morgan Balough

2010-06-02T12:22:00.001-05:00

1LT Nathaniel and Morgan Balough were married by Pastor Tommy on 20 December 2008. They are living at Fort Knox, KY where they have been for about two years. Nathaniel is working as a Basic Training Company Executive Officer. They will be moving to Hawaii later this year, and Nathaniel will be heading to Iraq for a deployment in the near future. Nathaniel is looking to get his Masters in Physics and Morgan is looking receive her Masters in Marine Biology hoping to get some experience while in Hawaii. They are both North Greenville University graduates. They are looking to start a family in the next few years, but right now have two dogs, Baxter and Oreo.

Bridge Initiative Summit This Sunday!

2010-05-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Dr. Frank Page, Keynote Speaker For Bridge Initiative Summit This Sunday!

This coming Sunday, May 30, we will have our first Bridge Initiative Summit. It will be a time to share what God is doing in our world and how we can join Him on mission. We will hear from our own Ed Niles on international bridging. We will also hear about how we can be involved in national, state, and local bridging. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Frank Page. No stranger to many at Ridgeview, he is the former Pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church. He was instrumental in leading Taylors to start its first daughter church we know as Ridgeview. He is currently the Vice President of Evangelism for the North American Mission Board. He has been nominated to be the next Executive Director of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is a sought after speaker all over the nation. It will be his first visit to Ridgeview. This is a don't miss event!

Last Week To Sign Up For Summer Growth Groups

Our Growth Groups director, Paul Eill, is extremely pleased with Growth Group sign ups for the summer. We are coming off a great Spring semester and have had almost a month off. Like all good weight lifting programs, there is a principle of stress and release. Many were stretched spiritually this past semester. We have now given you a month off and now it is time to hit the gym again for some more growth. We have some great Groups being offered. You can sign up by filling out your Connection Card on Sunday, signing up at the Grow table in the foyer, or emailing Paul Eill (paul@ridgeviewchurch.net). The list of Growth Groups being offered are in the Grow section of this email newsletter.

Great Baptism & Barbecue Fellowship!

What an incredible night we had last Sunday at O'Neal Village! The weather, the pool, the food, and the fellowship were fantastic! Most importantly, we saw ten people baptized! Praise God for what He is doing! We give Him all the praise and honor. Special thanks also goes out to Brian and Kathy Green for catering the barbecue. It was delicious!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

Memorial Day

2010-05-25T13:13:00.001-05:00

This Memorial Day weekend as we remember those who have lost their lives fighting for our country, please also remember two soldiers near and dear to the Ridgeview family. Andy Howell, the son of Bill & Deb Howell, is stationed in Iraq. Nathaniel Balough, a former North Greenville University student who made Ridgeview his home church, will be heading for Iraq soon.

Thank you!

Pastor Tommy