David Whiting Live

Volunteers Are My Heroes!

Sunday, in church, we asked for people to volunteer to help us with the stage in the gym.  We are doing parts of the project ourselves to save many thousands of dollars of labor. So - less than one day after collecting names, we started recruiting and A LOT of progress was made on Monday!

Here are a few pictures...

Led by John Romansky, a crew of all volunteers made huge progress on demolition today. This is John and Jeff Peden cut the outlines of the opening for the stage.

I walked over to see the progress to find these three (Scott Bixby, Lloyd Murray, and John Sklenar) reading manuals to attempt to fix the lift.  A few minutes later - they had it running again...

I know this... Scott Bixby with a sledgehammer... STAY CLEAR.... the block was flying.

The bricks are over 50% complete, and the block has quite a ways to go.  This is John R and Matt Burgett using jackhammers to get rid of the bricks.

We had probably 12 to 15 different volunteers helping with the wall on Monday.  We could use MORE on Tuesday.  Are you available?  Show up anytime from 9:00 AM on... During the day or after work!  The guys will keep you busy.  If you have a jackhammer (just kidding)... If you have a wheelbarrow and could bring it with you - that would be a bonus!  Just show up or call Scott and let him know you are coming.

Volunteers are my HEROES!!

While this was happening down in the gym - more volunteers were working in the new building, pulling wires for the communications systems.  Here are a couple of those pictures:
 
Ed Sawyer pulling wires...

Three of the volunteers (I called them "the bosses") - Fray Mapes, Nancy Tomkinson, and Deb Sawyer - giving their husbands instructions and helping with the wire-pulling...

We had at least nine other volunteers in the new building pulling wires.

I love seeing volunteers jump in and serve so willingly!  I look forward to many more volunteers helping in the next several weeks!  I hope to see some of you tomorrow.

Some of today's heroes: John R, John S, Kim S, Matt B, Matt T, Matt S (yes, 3 different Matt's) Dave N, Dave B, Michael B, Gary G, Issac G, Lloyd M, Jason B, Jeff P, Jeff M, Fray M, Ed S, Deb S, Len T, Nancy T, John M, Brian M, and Eric C... And I'm sure I've forgotten some or didn't see some... At least 23 people! And most of you with almost no notice! Just a phone call or email.  THANKS!!!

Suggested Names for Our Church - part 15

Here are some of the names that have been suggested... you've been asking.  More on next steps soon.

If you click on the image above - it will get bigger so you can read many (or most) of the names.

To make suggestions - visit the website (www.northbaptistchurch.org) or Click HERE to go straight to the "Name Change" Page.

Worship Center Pictures

Here are two panoramic of the worship center.  They painted the ceiling black this week and the drywall is closer to completion.

Here is the view from the stage:

Have Other Churches Done This? - part 14

A question we have heard a lot is, "Have other churches done this?" and "What did they learn? What were the results?"

As part of our research - we talked to two churches in our area that changed their names and took "Baptist" out of the name.  Here are some things we learned:

• Neither church lost people over it - although some were very opposed.
• Those who were opposed like the growth that has occurred after the name change (growth through people coming to Christ)
• Both churches had been stagnant or in decline in attendance.
• One church has grown from attendance in the 40's to the 150's now.  It wasn't the only change, but the pastor views it as a very significant reason for the growth.
• The other church as grown 25% in the last year - following the name change.

So - although we don't know the exact impact it will have - nation-wide statistics and local churches have shown that changing the name will help us reach more people with the Gospel. To see how it has helped two local churches that were stagnant (or recently in decline) makes me excited to think how it may be a useful change in a church that is already growing! Believe me - we aren't pursuing this idea because it is easy or pleasurable! It really is all about the Gospel. 

We must be mature enough to recognize the role that denominational names have played in history, but also to recognize that a church's theology NOT denominational name is what matters.

Romans 10:14 - How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Five Study Bibles - part 2 - How Much They Cost...

Yesterday, I mentioned five Study Bibles that I wish everyone at North owned.  You can read that post HERE.

If you were to buy them all at once, the best price is at www.amazon.com.  Buying all five will cost you $131.27 if you purchase them together.  But if you want to purchase them separately - you may want to use the websites listed below.

Here are the best prices we could find at various websites (clicking on the link will take you to the Bible at that specific website):

STUDY BIBLE #5: Archaeological Study Bible - $29.94 (includes shipping) www.bookschristian.com
 

STUDY BIBLE #4: MacArthur Study Bible - $29.69 (includes shipping) www.amazon.com
 

STUDY BIBLE #3: Life Application Bible - $22.12 (includes shipping) www.amazon.com
 

STUDY BIBLE #2: ESV Study Bible - $31.49 (free shipping) www.amazon.com

STUDY BIBLE #1: NIV Study Bible - $18.46 (includes shipping) www.buy.com

I hope this is helpful.  Anything I can do to get you to study the Bible is a win/win!!

Five Study Bibles You Should Own... (or at least two)

When I was growing up I remember asking for a Bible for a gift two different times.  The first time was when I was ten or eleven.  I heard a guest preacher at our church say, "If you don't own a Scofield Reference Bible, you should sell your shoes and get one." Although I didn't sell my shoes, I figured that I ought to have one.  So I requested a Scofield Reference Bible for Christmas or for my birthday (I don't remember which one) and I got one. I soon realized that the study notes didn't make much sense to me, but I carried it to church for years!

The other Bible that I asked for growing up was when I was in eighth grade.  I remember my Bible teacher (Mr. Currie) reading Scripture to us every day. And I remember thinking that it was SO easy to understand. Eventually, I figured out he wasn't reading from the King James Version (the one that EVERYONE used in my church and school).  I found out it was a recent translation (at the time) called the New International Version.  I went home and asked for one for Christmas.  My parents asked our pastor if the NIV was a good translation. He said it was - so they got me one for Christmas.

I still have that Scofield Reference Bible (although I haven't used it in decades).  I also have that original NIV that my parents bought for me.

A few weeks ago, I began thinking - what Bibles do I wish every person in our church had?  When it comes to Study Bibles - I have five that I recommend for every person to eventually own and use.  I use these regularly and they really have helped me know the Bible better and explain it better to others.

Could I encourage you to consider purchasing a couple of them, or even asking for one a year for your birthday or Christmas?  In five years, you will have access to five GREAT Study Bibles.  Here they are - I'll put them in reverse order of my personal preference...

STUDY BIBLE #5: The Archaeological Study Bible

This is a great Bible that gives confidence of how the Bible's authenticity has been verified hundreds of times over.  It is really interesting too, and it will make some passages "come to life."  This is especially helpful for those that really enjoy history.  I've used this Study Bible quite a bit in my preparation for my current series, "Life Lessons from Dead Kings."

STUDY BIBLE #4: The MacArthur Study Bible

What is best about this Bible is that theologically, there would never be a disagreement I would have with it. It will not steer you wrong. However, sometimes I am surprised at difficult passages that the Bible doesn't talk about.  I would also recommend that you purchase this in NASB rather than NKJV (but if you are a fan of the NKJV - get that one).

STUDY BIBLE #3: NIV Life Application Bible

This is the newest edition to my Study Bible collection.  Scott has been getting into the hands of new believers for YEARS! It is heaviest of the five on application, and the lightest on information.  BUT - most of us need to apply the Bible more than we need new information ABOUT the Bible.  So - I highly recommend it.

STUDY BIBLE #2: ESV Study Bible

There isn't anything bad I can say about this study Bible.  I LOVE it.  It is the biggest of the five Study Bibles I'm talking about here, and has the most notes (by far).  It is an amazing new Study Bible that only came out a couple of years ago.  You will REALLY enjoy this Bible!!

STUDY BIBLE #1: NIV Study Bible

I have had my NIV Study Bible since college, and no Study Bible has ever replaced it in my mind.  I think it is a great balance of information and application.  It also seemed to answer the questions that come to my mind when I read better than the others (ESV Study Bible comes close).  The disadvantage of this Study Bible is that it wants as wide of an audience as possible and so it offers options on interpretation that I wouldn't offer (issues such as eschatology, doctrines of Grace, etc...).  So if you get this - you have to be careful with some of the notes (remember, they aren't inspired - just the Bible is)! But the benefits far outweigh the omissions on this Study Bible.  My NIV Study Bible is falling apart, but I just can't part with it - because it has so many of my handwritten notes inside (since I was 19)!!

So - which one interests you the most?  Do you have a Study Bible that you love that I haven't mentioned? I'd love to hear about it too.

Our View Every Morning This Week

This week we've been staying at a friend's vacation home in the mountains of North Carolina.  It is a four-bedroom, three and a half bath house.  It is been very relaxing and beautiful!

Here is the view we've had each morning.  This is taken from the back deck that I spend some quiet time on each morning:

I took that picture Tuesday morning.  Here is the living room view that I took Friday morning:

 

One last shot... I played the country club here on site with my friend, Kyle. I struggled to pay attention to the golf.  I was enjoying the views too much.  WOW - is it beautiful.  This picture was taken with my phone right next to the tee box of hole #5.

This week has been very relaxing, but we look forward to heading home this weekend.

We Need Your Ideas - part 13

We need more name suggestions! I know you probably don't think you are creative, you don't have time, and you aren't good with these kinds of things... but give it a try anyway!  My energy has been focused on explaining the reasons to change the name - not what the name will be. So - although we haven't voted yet - we need to start giving serious consideration to it.

Here are a few thoughts I've had (although you can certainly ignore these ideas):

• I would rather avoid "Bible" in the name (although I LOVE the Bible). Typically "Bible Churches" tend toward legalism in our culture. If we want to be sensitive to Christians looking for a church (even though they aren't our target) - "Bible" in the name will probably repel people who would be like us and attract those who would struggle with who we are.
• I would also rather avoid "Christian" in the name. "Christian Church" is a denomination that tends toward a baptismal regeneration teaching (that you can't be saved without baptism). It may not have a negative impact on our target (unbelievers) - as Christian Churches are most common in the south, but it would confuse believers who are looking for a church and are familiar with denominations.
• I would also rather avoid "Community" in the name. Unbelievers perceive that "Catholics" are the largest "denomination", "Baptists" are second largest, and "Community" churches are the third largest.  Therefore, I think that putting community in the name will put us in the same situation we are in now (tying us together with other churches that we may not agree with0.
• I am hoping to have our leaders settle on ten potential names in the next week or two - then get congregational input on those names.

So - go for it!  Click HERE and suggest a name or two or three...

Are you a Calvinist? Are you a Baptist? - part 12

Whenever someone asks me, "Are you a Calvinist?"  - I almost always answer, "How do you define Calvinism?"  I don't mind the word "Calvinism" - but it isn't a Bible word (so I won't die for it), and each person defines it differently (so I won't answer the question quickly).  More often than not - the way someone defines it - I end up answering, "No, by that definition, I am not a Calvinist."  I have found the same with being a "Baptist."  Our culture defines being a Baptist the following ways:

• homophobic
• believes it is sinful to ever drink, dance, play cards, or go to a movie
• dresses up for church (except Sunday night or Wednesday night, for some reason)
• judgmental
• hypocritical
• hell, fire, and brimstone - sweating preachers
• legalism (rules)
• formal
• Bible-thumpers

So, by that definition, I am not a Baptist.

But if someone said that a Baptist is:

• one who takes the Bible seriously
• one who takes God seriously
• one who doesn't take themselves too seriously
• kind, gracious, loving to others
• passionate about loving God
• focused on loving people
• firmly humble in their beliefs

If THAT is how someone describes a Baptist - then, "YES - I am a Baptist!" But those descriptions should fit EVERY Christ-follower - not just Baptists, right?  So what distinguishes me from other devoted Christ-followers?  The Baptist distinctives - I suppose.  So - how many people, when asked what a Baptist is says things like:

• they believe in the autonomy of the local church
• they believe in the priesthood of the believer
• they believe in immersion following one's salvation, not sprinkling preceding it
• they believe in a remembrance view of communion (not as an imparting of divine grace)
• they believe in saved, baptized church membership

By those descriptions - I would proudly call myself a Baptist.  But how many people define Baptists that way?  No one... I've literally asked hundreds of people what they think of when I say the word, "Baptist" - none of them gave those answers. Not one.

It Seats How Many? 9200?!?!

Today, we drove through Louisville, KY. And we drove by a church that I've been to twice for a conference.  And since we are building, I thought it might be nice to get a tour and check it out - with "building" eyes this time.

Here is a picture. There are two balconies.  A "normal" balcony - and then a SECOND balcony above that. The auditorium seats 9200!!!

 

Here is a picture of the lobby:

That's about three or four times as large as our new worship center.

At this church (Southeast Christian Church) -they serve communion every week.  Imagine serving communion to up to 9000 people PER SERVICE - at three different services.  They use 165 ushers at each service and they use 60 gallons of grape juice EVERY WEEK.  I admit that one of the things that impressed me the most is an invention that a man in their church came up with.  It is nicknamed "The Holy Cow."  It puts the juice in the cups very quickly.  You place the communion tray under the pan with empty cups, and in a matter of two seconds - the tray is full.  Here is a picture of it:

My wife was more impressed with the cookies they sell at the cafe:

  

Anyway, it was a 90 minute diversion, but well worth it. I love seeing what God is doing at various places around the country, and God has used this church in amazing ways!

But nothing beats North in our minds! We missed everyone on Sunday!