It’s not in stores yet. I just stole one from the author.  Pastors aren’t supposed to steal, but aren’t there loopholes somewhere?

Chapter 8, of course, is the highlight of the book…God’s call to Jackson, Tennessee, “The Great Adventure.”  If you haven’t pre-ordered your copy of Surprised By Worship, written by the one and only Travis Cottrell, you’d better run to amazon now.

P.S. Travis did not pay for this promotion, but in case he is reading, I will accept some royalties.

Last Wednesday night was a special time for the Cottrell and the Mandrell families.  At Thompson Station Baptist Church, Travis was “set aside” and ordained for the gospel ministry.  It was a sweet time of worship and Pastor Tom did a fabulous job of bringing a heartfelt and meaningful message.  Travis’ mentor, Dick Hill, also shared with transparency and from his heart.  I loved every second of that.

I have never had a moment quite like that one in ministry.  It was a beautiful expression of local church partnership.  Thompson Station was sending; Englewood was receiving, and both churches were blessed.   There was a kindred spirit between our churches and a sense of “togetherness.”  Unusual.

Lynley and I were thankful to be present in the service and grateful for all the EBC folks who made the drive to encourage and support Travis and Angela.

Today was a big planning day…the first time that Travis and I sat down and put our heads together about the future.  We had lots of fun and made much progress on two key worship events that are right upon us.

1.  Easter @ Englewood.  As we talked through the opening video, the lead-in song, the two-minute narrative that sets the stage for our first Resurrection song, my heart started beating fast and furious.  Saturday night’s service at 6:30 PM will be padded with a few extra worship numbers since time is not a factor.  The sermon will be focused on the “dead sprint” of Peter and John to the grave of Jesus (no pun intended).  The Word says of John that he “saw and believed.”   That’s what we’re supposed to do.  As I prepare my heart and mind for this special day, I have been playing the Easter music over and over in my car.  I can’t wait to praise Him with His people on April 3-4.  Worship makes me a better man.

2. Inside Out Women’s Conference.  Today’s meeting with Travis helped me to see that I need to focus all my teaching on one key idea: Godly Contentment.  What does the Bible say to women about being content in their lives?  Why do some ladies spend their whole lives wishing they were someone or somewhere else? 

A special video and live testimony from the lovely Lynley Mandrell will kick off the Saturday morning session.  I plan to interview my bride about how she has learned to be content when God brings unexpected change (like being suddenly married to a rookie pastor).  The final session will include a video and live testimony from Robin Parrish, one of our amazing members who has learned to be content even after a great crisis has struck in her life.  All in all, I will teach three sessions: one on Friday night, and two on Saturday on the tail end of each testimony.  Of course, Travis has a handle on the flow of worship.  Friday night’s worship will include a full choir and band. 

Paul stated, even from a dark and dreary jail, that he had “learned to be content in all circumstances.”  As we worship the Lord on April 9-10 at this women’s event, we will learn what the Word of God says on this issue.  My prayer is that every woman will leave with a renewed faith in God no matter what her life situation may be.