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Top Ten Need to Know Items

August 9, 2010 in Featured, Thoughts with 0 Comments

Here are 10 things you need to know:

1. God loves you – unconditionally.

2. Baptism is scheduled for this Sunday. If you would like to be baptized this Sunday then please contact me.

3. We need 10 more volunteers to help us tonight from 5pm to 7pm with the block party at Daniel Boone Elementary School for their BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH. If you can help out then please contact Carla Perry at 893-4757.

4. Small Group Sign-ups starts this Sunday for our Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign, Life’s Healing Choices by Rick Warren.

5. Madison County School System starts back this Wednesday. Prayer for the students, faculty, and staff as a new school begins.

6. We had 350 people in attendance for our Homecoming Festival.

7. It’s not to late to make a financial commitment to our goal of raising $100,000.00 in 6 months. If you would like to make a commitment to this endeavor then please contact Sherrie Green at the church.

8. Nine new small groups will be starting this Fall. Praise the Lord. We are still going for 20. It’s not to late to become a small group HOST. If you are interested please contact me or Greg Gillum as soon as possible. Greg’s email is ggillum@eastside-baptist.com

9.  I am looking for people to share their personal testimony of how God has helped you to overcome a hurt, hang-up, or habit in your life for this Fall’s sermon series, Life’s Healing Choices. If you are interested then please contact me.

10. I love being your pastor. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Love and Prayers,

Pastor V

How to Know God is at Work

June 10, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

In a couple weeks Eastside will embark upon our Neighborhood Impact emphasis. The dates are Saturday, June 26th – July 3rd, 2010. This is our attempt at doing good deeds in our community. We are asking each small group to take on a community project or to join an existing project. In fact, we are asking each person associated with Eastside to join us in this endeavor.

One of the things we need to keep in mind is this…as we go around doing good deeds (doing ministry) then those who are on the receiving end will naturally asked two questions, “Who are you?” and “Why are you doing this?” When these two questions are asked then it is sure indicator that God is at work. It’s at this moment (when these questions are asked) that we get the opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS (love of God).

Would you join me in praying for 3 requests based upon Colossians 4:2-6:

2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV)

Please pray for the following 3 things as we go forth in serving others:

  • Open the Door
  • Open My Mouth
  • Open Their Hearts

Please start planning and praying right now! To God be the glory!

I love each one of you. I am thrilled to be your pastor and friend.

Love and Prayers,

Pastor VG

Eastside’s Transformational Path of Growth

June 9, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

Eastside Baptist has been evolving or morphing over the last 4 or 5 years. Allow me to explain.

Early on, our existence as a church was the ATTRACTIONAL Model. The Attractional Model of doing church is concerned with getting the community in the church building. The church building is were all the “action” takes place. Ministry cannot happen unless it takes place inside the church building. Eastside started shifting away from this model 4 or 5 years ago to the MISSSIONAL, EXTERNALLY FOCUSED CHURCH MODEL.

The Missional, Externally Focused Church Model is concerned with getting the church in the community. In other words the church has left the building. The church is developing and forging intentional partnerships within the community. A popular spiritual campaign that promotes this model or movement is “Be the Church” Spiritual Campaign. Another proponent of this movement is the Externally Focused Network. This movement is about unleashing small groups to do ministry anytime, anyplace, anywhere. This is where Eastside is currently entrenched. We are seeking to make serving as our DNA! We are very established in this model but we have a long way to go.

The future model which Eastside’s Elders desires for us to move toward as a congregation is the INCARNATIONAL MODEL. This is were you are the church wherever you are! This is YOU being the hands and feet to the people in your community/neighborhood. This is where you invite people into your life to do life with you. It’s relational. It’s powerful. It’s transformational. This is where you take the GOSPEL to those in your neighborhood through relationships. This is passion-driven rather than program-driven. This is organic or emerges from who you are rather than being organized.

In closing, Eastside understands that we need to maintain a balance in all three of these arenas. Where are you personally? Where is your small group? Your family?

Blessings,

Pastor VG

A Couple of Reminders

June 2, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Eastside Family,

Here are a couple quick reminders:

1. Voting has started for our NEW name. You can vote one time per computer at www.eastside-baptist.com/survey

2. This coming Sunday is HIGH ATTENDANCE SUNDAY! Several activities will be going this Sunday:

  • Youth will be sponsoring a breakfast from 9:30 am to 10:30 am then a brunch from Noon to 1:00pm. The cost is $5.00 per person. All proceeds goes to the youth ministry. For more information contact Renee Grant at 623-2730.
  • Faith Promise Commitment Cards are due on Sunday. Click here to download a commitment card: Faith Promise Eastside’s goal is to raise a $100,000.00 in six months. The use for the dollars will be used for: to pack 200,000 meals for Feed My Starving Children; current debt reduction; and some additional audio, visual upgrades for the worship center.

FAQs about Faith Promise Commitment Cards:

What if I can be in attendance this Sunday can I still turn in my commitment card? Absolutely. Just turn in your commitment card the next time you are at Eastside, drop it off at the church, or just email Sherrie Green at church@eastside-baptist.com with your commitment amount.

What if I cannot make a commitment of $1,000.00 over six months can I still make a commitment? Yes. If everyone at Eastside will do their part (whatever that part is) then we will reach our goal. The amount you commitment is between you and God.

Do I have to sign my commitment card? Once again, your commitment is between you and God. If you feel comfortable signing the card then please do so. If you don’t feel comfortable then don’t sign it. I will be signing my commitment card.

What if I make a commitment then I am not able to fulfill my commitment? Once again, that’s between you and God. However I would encourage you not to give up too soon. The entire commitment is FAITH PROMISE! You are giving as God provides. I would encourage you to allow room for God to show up and to show off. You may be surprised by what God will do.

Can I change my commitment once I have made my initial commitment? Once again, that’s between you and God. Do whatever He prompts you to do.

Why are we doing this? The point of this is to allow God to “SHOW UP AND TO SHOW OFF!” The way God does this is through His people. This commitment is not about money rather it’s about you trusting in God and His ability to provide for your every need. This is about faith and strengthening your faith in God’s ability to be your Provider.

What if I have additional questions? Feel free to contact Chris Clark, Larry Taulbee, or Pastor Virgil.

I am really anticipating a GREAT Sunday and seeing what God is going to accomplished!

Blessings,

Pastor VG

Monday Morning Thoughts

May 17, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Eastside Baptist Family,

Here is the deal….On Sunday, June 6th will be “All In” Sunday. 

Several important events will be taking place on this Sunday:

1. We are going for HIGH ATTENDANCE SUNDAY.  Start inviting your friends and mark your calendars.

2. Faith Promise Giving Commitment Sunday –  This will be the Sunday that you turn in your Faith Promise Giving Commitment Card along with your initial offering.

If you haven’t taken the time to look at this emphasis then I would encourage you to Click on the following link: Faith Promise to learn more. In a nutshell here is the emphasis, Eastside is seeking $100,000.00 in Faith Promise Offerings over the next 6 months which will be above and beyond our tithes.  These additional offerings will go toward 3 important projects: Feed My Starving Children, current debt reduction, and sanctuary makeover.

3. Youth Sponsor Breakfast or Brunch – Eastside Youth Ministry will be selling breakfast or brunch tixs for $5.00. 100% of the funds will go toward the youth ministries. You can purchase a $5.00 ticket from any of the youth and/or youth workers. Breakfast will be served from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the cafe or Brunch will be served immediately after church in the cafe. Menu: waffles, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits, eggs, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, and milk. It will be all you can eat. For more information please contact Renee Grant at 661-5194.

Have a blessed week,

Pastor VG

Granite Etching vs. Sand Writing

April 9, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Family & Friends,

One of the hardest thing for people to grasp and to understand is the difference between “never change” and “must change.”  This is not a new issue facing Christians. Jesus had this same issue with the religious leaders of His day. He came along and messed with items that “must change” but the religious leaders considered “must change” items as “never change” items. To use Will Mancini’s language we must write some things in granite (never change core) and some things in sand (must change methods). The problem is that people get too attached to the things wirtten in sand.   

At Eastside, we have always understood what our never change core items are. Plus we have also understood that methods are always changing. Allow me to give you a little historical background. Eastside has 8 primary core items that never change. We refer to them as our core values. Here they are: 

Biblical Authority: God speaks to us through the Bible, and we recognize His Word as the final authority for our lives and ministry.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

People’s Eternity: People matter to God; so we engage individuals where they are and share with them the good news about Christ.

Mark 10: 24 (NIV) – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Next Generation: Starting with our families, through leadership and discipleship, we provide a nurturing and safe environment for preparing the next generation to share the Gospel and lead.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT) – “You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

People’s Giftedness: God has given each believer gifts and it is our responsibility to invest these gifts in helping others to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

1 Peter 4:10(NLT) – “God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:6-8)

Campus & Community Small Groups: Accountability, belonging, care, and spiritual growth happen best with an authentic community of relationally-connected believers, where the Holy Spirit is allowed to work.

Acts 2:46-47 (NIV) – Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Cultural Relevancy: The church should use the current culture as a means to communicate the timeless principles of God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 9:20-23 (NLT) – “When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings.”

Creativity and Innovation: The reach of the Gospel is deeper and wider by strategically leveraging non-traditional approaches to ministry and by continuous improvement of these unique approaches.

Proverbs 18:15 (NLT) – “Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them.” (Genesis 1:1)

Full Devotion: God’s desire for every believer is to grow toward full devotion in Christ. Full devotion is evident by the way the believer uses their time, talent, treasure, and testimony for the glory of God.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) – “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

At Eastside, these are the things etched in granite for us. Everything else is a method.

HOPE!

March 30, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Family & Friends,

I hope you are preparing for a wonderful Easter Weekend! It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend.  

I won’t keep you long, but I wanted to alert you one last time to the opportunity we have this weekend to invite family members, neighbors or colleagues to hear a message on HOPE! I don’t know of any subject more relevant to our world then HOPE! 

I am confident that God is going to work in the heart of every person we can persuade to accompany us to one of our weekend worship gatherings (9:00 am or 10:50 am with children activities at both and ASL at 9:00 am ONLY).  Is it time for you to take an invitational risk?

What if you spent 30 seconds in quietness before God after you read this note and simply asked God, “Who shall I contact?” Let God speak to you and then you take it from there!  Someone’s life and eternity could be redirected!  How about it? Take the risk. Ask God. I dare you. 

Blessings,

Pastor Virgil

I’m Moving the Focus of My Website & Blog

March 21, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Family & Friends,

I am in the process of doing an overhaul on my blog & website. All the previous entries which I have made can be now found at www.eastside-baptist.com. This is the reason you received all the old & multiple email blasts this past week. I am sorry for that glich with the transfer of data from www.virgilgrant.com to www.eastside-baptist.com.

What’s going to be the focus of my new blog & website? It’s going to be a place for FREE RESOURCES.  Anything I have in my possession that I can share with other leaders across the nation then I am going to share it. I don’t have a lot to offer but what I do have to offer…I am going to offer it for FREE!  I want to BLESS others! 

I will still share my thoughts and reflections as it relates to Eastside Baptist and to my personal life.

Sunday Reflections: 

  • The Holy Spirit was most certainly present today.
  • I am proud of each person who shared from their hearts today. Each one of you blessed my heart and the hearts of everyone in attendance. Thank you!
  • Let’s pray for each other! We all need each other and each other’s prayers.
  • Are you in bondage to sin? If so, then please turn to God. God’s grace is sufficient. God is ready to meet you where you are.
  • Don’t forget that Easter Sunday is April 4, 2010. We will have 2 identical worship gatherings at 9:00 am and 10:50 am. Please start inviting someone right now to come with you. If at possible please attend 9:00 am worship gathering to make room for those who will be visiting on Easter Sunday.
  • If you have a prayer request please email your request at church@eastside-baptist.com

Love and Prayers,

Pastor VG

Priority #3

February 27, 2010 in Featured with 0 Comments

Dear Church Family and Friends,

Earlier this week, I started the process of sharing the 3 main priorities of Eastside as outlined by our Elders. If you haven’t read about priority #1 or priority #2 then please visit my blog at www.virgilgrant.com.

In this post, I would like to share with you priority #3 which deals with administrative issues.  Here we go:

Priority #3: Administrative Issues

REMINDER: The goal of all three of these priorities are to continue to position Eastside to REACH MORE PEOPLE so we CAN GIVE MORE!

1. Extreme Sanctuary Makeover – We live in a day and age often referred to as an E.P.I.C. Generation – Experiential, Participatory, Image-Driven, and Connected. 

Let me give a quick example: you go into an Apple Store you will find this to be very true. You can experiment with every ipod, iphone, or computer that Apple sells. The same is very true for the Nintendo Wii System. The Wii is popular because it allows the user to be more hands-on and more interactive with other players.

The “makeover” will consist of us adding the following:
^2 Additional projection screen, to the right and the left of the current projection screen.
*2 Additional projectors
^2 New cameras to project people on the screens (worship team, pastor, baptism, congregation, etc)
*1 Intercom Set with 3 Headsets for the camera crew to talk with each other as they film the worship gathering and project on screen.
This addition will allow us to video tape our worship gatherings and to put our worship gathering online via video (i.e. YouTube, Viemo, Eastside’s Website, and other websites). Hopefully we can continue to upgrade our electronics to get to the place to do live videostreaming. Plus we will have the capacity with this upgrade to video testimonies, put video updates on our website. The possibilities are really wide open.  Click on this link to see the projected cost for this makeover: DVIQ15630 AV Upgrade 

Our goal would be to have the dollars raised first before we begin. Quicker the funds come in the quicker we could implement the new makeover. More information about funding will be forthcoming.

2. Name Change for Eastside Baptist – Our present name represents our current location (i.e. the Eastside of town). Our current name does not reflect who we are as a congregation (i.e. our DNA). We feel that any denominational label limits us in reaching more people for Jesus. Most people at Eastside are not from an particular religious background. When people hear a denominational label then immediately they have negative connotations.

  • We also fully believe that we have to keep our BAPTIST ROOTS and foundation. We are not leaving the Southern Baptist Convention rather we are changing our name to that of a “community church.”
  • We are convinced that changing our name to a “community church” will open doors up for Eastside to reach more people for Jesus and to give more.
  • The next (younger and 20 something) generation is attracted to a “cause” rather than a “denomination label.”
  • A new name has not been selected at this time.  
  • The target date for a new name would be 1-1-2011!

If you have any questions/feedback/comments then please feel free to contact any of the elders: Pastor Virgil, Chris Clark, or Larry Taulbee.

 Love and Prayers,

 Pastor VG, Chris, & Larry

Priority #2

February 23, 2010 in Featured, Small Groups with 0 Comments

For the last several months the elders at Eastside has requested your prayers as we seek the Lord’s face as to what the church’s priorities should be for the upcoming days. After much prayer and thought we are ready to go public with the priorities. Thank you for all your prayers. Your prayers are still needed. Please keep on praying for us.

Yesterday I shared the first of three initiatives as set out by the Elders of Eastside. If you missed yesterday’s post then click here to read the article.

Priority #2: Small Group Ministry:

  • To have more people in small groups then we have in worship. Spiritual transformation happens best in a small group Bible Study setting.
  • To start 15 new small groups by the end of the 2010.  We would like to see more families start new small groups in their neighborhood/subdivision. We are encouraging families to be Jesus to those in their neighborhood/subdivision. 
  • Conduct a Fall Campaign (Life’s Healing Choices:  an 8-week spiritual growth campaign based on The Beatitudes. Help people find freedom from hurts, hang-ups, and habits) as a connecting point to help us with our goal of 15 new small groups.
  • In 2011 have two campaigns as connecting points (February and September).
  • Change the 2010 Summer Small Group Schedule for more opportunities for serving and fellowshipping (more information coming soon!).
  • Mobilize small group coaches for greater impact with small group leaders and small group H.O.S.T.s.

Later this week, I will share the last initiative or priority #3.

Blessings!

Pastor VG

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