Just got off the phone with Gary, and he was jazzed. RidgeStone Church had nearly 900 people this morning at their Christmas services. That’s about 40% more than their normal Sunday attendance. I’m pumped for “the Stone”, and all God is doing in and through them. Here’s a few extra thoughts…
1) Gary got hammered (by other Christians and pastors) for the rap video they did. But know this, anytime you try something for God that’s different than the norm, you will be hammered. A lot of churches didn’t do anything dangerous this Christmas, and they didn’t reach anybody.
I saw some blogs slamming Gary, and they’re all written by pastors whose churches aren’t growing. I’m proud of Gary for knowing why he does what he does, and having the conviction (guts) to do it. Gary, I got your back, bro!
2) RidgeStone reached a ton of people this week who wouldn’t have been in any other church today. Most churches worry about what Christians are attending what churches, Gary and his crew are committed to reaching people for Christ. I’m pretty sure that the people who invited Christ into their lives today at RidgeStone will be allowed into heaven.
3) We’re all in this together. Churches are not competing against each other. We’re competing together against the world, seeking to bring people back to Christ, and to life through him.
So Gary, and all you other crazy church planters, keep doing insanely dangerous and uncomfortable things to reach people for Christ!
