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Click the link on the top right of www.aaronallison.com, and you can subscribe there.

I know this is an incovenience, but the new site should prove to be much more effective.

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Taming the Tongue / Monteagle Report #3

I am excited about my message this Sunday . . . Taming The Tongue.    The Scripture says so many good things about our words, and I have been personally challenged as I have prepared for Sunday. 

I originally thought this would be a low Sunday since it is Sumner County's Fall Break.  However, I have not heard of many people who have left town, so I am feeling more optimistic about what our attendance will be.


Monteagle Report #3

My third report on Monteagle is not so much about Monteagle, TN - but its neighboring city of Sewanee, which contains The University of the South.   We made the five minute drive to the campus, and we discovered a little sliver of Europe right in the middle of rural Tennessee.  The campus for The University of the South is gorgeous, especially All Saints Chapel.   Beth took some incredible pictures of All Saints Chapel.   Also, there is a huge white cross visible to the community that we visited one evening.  You will see David and me at the foot ot the cross to give you an idea of how larget the structure is.

I Want To Lead Video Shoot / High Point Restaraunt

 

Thursday was a super-busy day, but it had its fun moments.  I enjoyed spending time with some of our HS Seniors, as we filmed a promo video for the I Want To Lead promo.   

 

We really had fun!

Monteagle Report #2

Believe it or not, there is a 5-star restaraunt in Monteagle called High Point Restaraunt.  This restaraunt has a unique history as told on its website:

 

"Contained in a 1929 mansion, presumably financed by Al Capone, the three-story compound is complete with escape hatches on the roof and underground tunnels in the basement used by Capone for the transferring of liquor in the twenties and early thirties.  It is rumored the floors were complete with a lining of sand beneath each one, suspected to prevent the penetration of a bullet. - www.highpointrestaurant.net

 

The food was delicious with large portions of excellent sea food and steaks.  Many times higher price restaraunts that I visit do not deliver the value their prices demand.  This restaraunt was an exception - the higher prices were justified with an excellent atmosphere,  delicious food and a unique setting.

24 Hour Rule Broken / Special Scripture / Thursday Video Shoot

I have been running a little behind since the staff retreat.  I have broken my "24 hour rule" with e-mails - I am way behind on returning those.   The "24 hour" rule is my commtiment to returning an e-mail within that time frame.  I want to create an e-mail culture in our staff and leadership team, but that will only work when I return e-mails promptly  This is my on-line confession.  I also want to use this blog as a communication tool, which takes consistency too.   Well enough of beating myself up for this, because it has been a good week of work and ministry.

Tonight, I shared a lot of Scriptures that emphasized the phrase "Fear Not" during our Wednesday night service.  I felt like our body needed a lot of Scripture to build their faith, and fight off the feelings of fear.   It was an encouraging night.

On Thursday,  I am taking some of our high school and college students to downtown Nashville to film the "I Want To Lead" promo video.  You'll hear more about I Want To Lead in future blogs, but tomorrow should be a fun morning.

Janeen Kohler / Staff Retreat / Monteagle Report #1

Janeen . . .
Janeen Kohler did a great job speaking tonight!  We are so blessed to have so many talented speakers at Indian Lake. Janeen and her husband Steve are a true blessing to our church.

Staff Retreat - the reason
Our first staff retreat was a dream come true for me because I have always looked forward to raising up a strong team around me.   I am so impressed with the staff God has brought to work with me and Beth. I have been on staff at other large churches, and I found that the times we traveled together had a very positive effect on me.   Changing environments for two days gave us a chance to deepen our relationships, have more time to explore important subjects and analyze issues we had delayed action on.  Some of the nicer parts of the trips are also a reward for a job well done by these dedicated employees.

MonteagleReport #1

The retreat took place on Monday and Tuesday in Monteagle, TN.  Monteagle is half-way between Nashville and Chattanooga.  On the old highway 41 between Chicago and Miami, it is the highest point at 2,000 ft. elevation.  You would expect it to be a typical small southern city, but it is really quite a sophisticated place.  There is a lot of variety in culture for a small community.  We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast called Monteagle Inn.  The house was not as isolated as the picture made it appear, but being in the center of town ended up being quite convenient.  I was pleased with the customer service and laid back atmosphere.  The breakfast was delicious - the blueberry scone was especially tasty.  I wish we would have done more work on the front porch, but there were not enough plug-ins for all of our lap tops on the porch.  Another downfall of technology!

Water Baptism - Should we ever "sprinkle"?

I love that water baptism is becoming a regular part or our worship experience.  It's becoming the norm - the way it should be.  Praise God for this!   This will probably be our last water baptism of the year because of the weather, but if someone wants to be baptized immediately, we will figure out a way to do so.  This Sunday was a little cold.

I did a little research on the history of "sprinkling" instead of "immersion" - which is how we baptized.   From a Biblical stand point, "immersion" is the accurate way to baptize.   However, in the Middle Ages people begin to "sprinkle" for health reasons - especially in the winter.   With this in mind I actually consider doing a version of water baptism in which I just poured warm water on people's head during the winter months.   We may do that someday, but it's one of those "emotional issues" that cold really stir religious people up.  I may want to really think this one through - ha!

Wednesday Reflection / Ray Boltz's Confession

Wedneday Reflection
On Wednesday, Doug Bagwell shared a solid teaching on "How to Avoid Compromise."   I appreciate Doug's friendship to me and his leadership in our church.  He is a very wise man.

Ray Boltz's Confession
If you haven't heard yet, Christian singer Ray Boltz admitted last week that he is a homosexual.  In Lee Grady's recent editorial he informed his readers the following:

The 55-year-old singer, winner of three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, told the world last Friday that he just got tired of fighting his same-sex feelings. He told the Washington Blade, a gay magazine . . . 
Boltz told the Blade that he disclosed his repressed homosexuality to his wife and four grown children in 2004, the year he retired from his music career. He quietly moved to South Florida and began dating. His divorce from his wife of 33 years was finalized this year. - Article "When Christians Come Out of the Closet" found at www.fireinmybones.com)

If trends continue in our culture, stories lke this will continue to come forth.  It's easy for people in the church to make jokes and giggle about homosexuality, but this habit of masking our discomfort will have to change.  The church must provide solid answers and solutions instead of ridicule.  The truth is, there are individuals struggling with either this tendancy or or active sin sitting in our church every Sunday.   It is not God's will for any person to be bound by homosexual behavior.  Still, the church must create an atmosphere in which people with these struggles will have an avenue to get help.  I don't know the answers yet, but I am trying to ask the correct questions.

Sunday Reflection / Quote about Governor Palin

Reflections on Sunday's service . . . 
I got a lot of good comments on Sunday's service.  Most of the good feedback that I recieved didn't focus on one aspect - like the music, preaching, media, movie, ect.    Instead, everyone seemed to leave the service spiritually encouraged, and focused on Jesus.   I look forward to having more services that flow together in unity of purpose and focus - that focus being Christ.


Governor Sarah Palin
On another note, I ran across this quote from an editorial in the New York Times about Governor Sarah Palin.  I'll let you come up with your own conclusions, but I think it is a very interesting comment . . . and quite funny:

Sarah has single-handedly ushered out the “Sex and the City” era, and made the sexy new model for America a retro one — the glamorous Pioneer Woman, packing a gun, a baby and a Bible.
- Article titled "Bering Straight Talk" by Maureen Dowd, New York Times, September 13, 2008

Kim's Message / Study Day

I was so impressed with Kim Driver's message on Wednesday night.  Seriously, it was an excellent message.  It touched me personally.  Like I have mentioned before, I love not only preaching to my church family, but I also love hearing good teaching with my church family.   I think that is an important component of community.

In the last few weeks I have been developing a better personal schedule and rythm.   I am utilizing the excellent staff we have at Indian Lake, and this is allowing me to work smarter.  So, today I had a complete study day at my home office, and I found it to be immensely beneficial.   I think that making Thursday my "study day" will bring great value to my ministry and preaching.

Update . . .

Quote #6 (my favorite quote right now) - "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper."-Robert Frost

You look up one afternoon, and it has been 8 days since you have blogged.  The world has moved on without my blog . . .

Here are some highlights over the last few days:
- Everyone really enjoyed Brent Batson's preaching last Wednesday.  He is very passionate speaker
- It was fun to hang out with my friends from Indian Lake at the Vandy football game last Thursday.  It was great to see Vandy get a SEC win.  
- On Friday, I hear our first planning meeting for the "I Want to Lead" conference (Formerly "Lead Now").  I am gathering a team in hopes that next summer we will conduct an "I Want to Lead" conference for students entering or leaving their HS Senior year. You'll hear a lot more about that as time progresses.
- On Sunday, we started the 4.6 Experience with great success for our 4th - 6th grade.  Also, our parking situation improved as everyone got off the grass, and used the parking spots.
- On Monday, 25,000 post cards started to hit homes in Sumner County.  We are getting good responses so far.

Labor Day Recap

I had a good time at Tailgate Sunday, but pulled my hamstring playing touch football during the afternoon festivities.  On Sunday evening, I treated the injury incorrectly, but after a phone call with Jaroy Carptenter (SWAGU athletic trainer), my recovery is on pace.

I had a nice Labor Day.  I turned down a couple of nice invitations to cook out with friends, in favor or reading and icing my hammy.   I finished True North . . . the second half was as good as expected.  Its always a great feeling to finish a book.

Since the Tennessee Vols just lost their opener, it may increase my counseling cases this week.

Relieved to hear the good reports about Gustav . . . let's pray the positive news continues into Tuesday

Saturday Night Thoughts . . .

Thoughts before I go to bed . . .
- I am thrilled to see my mother-in-law (no sarcasm).   Peggy is a great mother-in-law and friend.   She is in town until Monday.
- Hurricane Gustav is hard to believe.   I feel horrible for all the destruction this hurricane is causing in The Carribbean, and will potentially cause in our country.   There is this part of me amazed at the fury and magnitude of a hurricane, and I feel a little guilty with that fascination.
- Beth, my sister Shelby, Margie Huff and other friends in the "soccer mom" category were thrilled with Sarah Palin as a vice-president nomination.  The circle of women in my life have never been so excited about a political news item.   Brilliant move and timing by John McCain.
- The city of Hendersonville is really excited about MiMi's Cafe.
- In case you ever need a quick Saturday night dinner, the Cracker Barrell in Whitehouse was almost empty tonight.  We met Rich and Jessica there (Beth's brother and wife).

- I think Tailgate Sunday will be a nice change of pace tommorrow.   We are setting up for it at 6:30 a.m. tommorrow.

- Brent and Kirsten Batson - my good friends from Austin - are somewhere in Nashville tonight. They may be in church tommorrow, but they will probably be on their way to Gatlinburg.  Brent will be preaching this Wednesday night.
- Two of my friends from HS are getting married this weekend (not to each other) . . . Both are in their early 30's, both on first marriages.  People really are getting married later in life these days.

Take the Next Step

As I pursue things God has put on my heart, I am discovering the power of the "next step."  Whenever you chase something big, there is a little voice that tells you to stop or give up because the dream seems too hard or so far away.  At other times, we might think someone else has done what we want to accomplish or could do it better.   Taking the next step can sometime seem futile and undproductive.   Yet, when we ignore that voice and take that next step, God often has two or three steps immediately ready for us.   Even if you don't feel like it, take the next step.

Quote #5

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - -Eleanor Roosevelt

A Good Tired / The NET

Oh man, I am tired.   But in a good way!   There is a certain type of tired that feels good - Like:
- The "tired" after a long jog
- The "tired" after winning a game
- The "tired" after finishing an academic test or project you know you aced
- The "tired" after worshipping God with all your heart
It feels great to feel "spent" for the work of God.    I am amazed at how hard the staff at Indian Lake is working right now.   I know God is going to bless this effort, and we are about to see some really great fruit. 

Quote #4
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."   Aristotle

Today, we hosted the Hendersonville Youth Pastor's Network (a.k.a "The Net") at the church for their monthly lunch.   It was good fellowship.   Jonathan did a great job leading some worship, and David did a fantastic job on the devotion.    I felt like our church was represented well by the entire time.

Newcomers / Stocker / College Football

Tuesday night we had a great representation at our Newcomers Dinner.  It was great to meet new people, and to see how a diverse group of people are interested in The Church at Indian Lake.  Steve and Janeen Kohler were great host.

I really enjoyed David Stocker's preaching tonight.   This guy was full of passion and was an excellent communicator.  He is the first of several "home-grown" talents we are going to have in the next few weeks.  I really like having different speakers on Wednesday nights for a few reason:
1. It gives people an opportunity to use their gifts. 
2. It frees me up for more time with staff, church members and creative thinking when I don't have a Wdnesday night message to prepare.  People or sermon prep?  When it comes to Wednesday nights, I choose people
3. It provides different voices to the church.
4. People don't get tired of me.   Seriously, my voice doesn't get too "familiar."  No one is so good of a speaker that people can hear them 2 to 3 times a week without listening fatigue.


Tomorrow night is an important night for me - the college football season starts.   I know that is a little silly, but I love college football.  I am looking for the first upset of the year to be NC State over South Carolina on Thursday.   Though I hate to admit this, I think Miami (Ohio) will beat Vanderbilt.

Speaking of football, Tailgate Sunday will be really great.   David and I have a couple of sideline passes to film clips at Thursday's Hendersonville-Beech game.   It should be fun to use the new camera on some gridiron clips.

The Making of A Great Church Outside of Sunday Morning

When I think about Sunday, I feel great about The Church at Indian Lake.   Beyond the service (which was a good one), we had positive things happen beyond the hour and thirty minutes.

- Our men's Bible Study before church has grown.
- We have a great sign up for our Newcomers Dinner on Tuesday . . . our best group yet!
- The Young Adult lunch was well attended and a positive experience . . . the group is really growing in camaraderie.
- Kenny Powell and Chris Taylor took a small group of boys (including my son Luke) to Circus World as a reward for their Scripture memorization over the summer.  Kenny and Chris are great leaders!  Luke had the time of his life!
 - Both of our 242 Hendersonville Groups were packed . . . we had lots of young families involved (thank you church for paying for childcare).
- We are starting the 4.6 Experience for 4th - 6th graders on September 7  . . . this is our most crucial age of discipleship.  I am pumped about this!

God is building a great church, and the Sunday service is just one aspect of it.   The most effective ministry usually happens outside the Sunday morning service.

Week in Review / Modern Gadgets

I was on a roll in my blog, but this week was wild and I lost steam. Here is a quick breakdown of my week:
Tuesday - Leadership Board meeting . . . the best one we ever had. We were able to dream about the future. Everyone appeared to leave energized. Plus, we got to eat a meal cooked by Beth Barnett and Judy Terry - which is always good.
Wednesday - Loved our communion & prayer time during the mid-week service . . . so nice!
Thursday - Launched our 50+ ministry. Great turnout, great home cooking, and even better fellowship. I think this ministry will be an important part of our future. Any name suggestions?
Friday - During parent's night out, we had an impromptu dinner with Clay and Tawana Baggat (www.livingtogo.org). It was the first time Beth and Tawana have hung out extensively, and they connected as well as Clay and I do.

After resisting quite a while, I am on Facebook. I even started "status updates." If you have or want to join the social networking revolution, look me up.

The latest iphone addict
I also reluctantly got an iphone this week. I must admit, I am in love (i know that is lame!). This really will be a revolutionary device.



Quote #3
""Every man is entitled to be valued by his best moment" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Day Off with "True North"

I had a good day off on Monday. 

I read about half of a book called True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by Bill George.  So far, this is the best leadership book I have read in years.   Bll George teaches at Harvard Business School, and he has lead billion dollar companies.   I look forward to finishing it this week.  I am getting a ton out of this writing . . . perhaps I'll summarize some things in future blogs.

Tuesday has become my big meeting day.   I have my weekly Staff Meeting and the monthly Leadership Board Meeting on this Tuesday.  A long day, but I am looking forward to it.

Sunday Reflections / The Water Cooler

Sunday Reflection
Powerful worship today - as usual!   I was glad to introduce the church to Soul Walk.  I am not crazy about the name (ha!) - but I believe in the event.   I was able to pray with someone who needed salvation, then I took communion with this man - his first time to do so.   What an honor! 

After service Beth and I had a great first meeting with Lead One - a mentoring time with high school seniors.  I think this could be the beginning of something special.   

I will rest a bit this afternoon, then we'll play a game of  Ultimate Frisbee with the young adult group.  I don't know if I am ready for this;  I will have to give a report later.


The Water Cooler
It?s been a long time since David and I have done a Water Cooler Episode.   Its pretty much non-sense, but if you are interested in a potential laugh, visit http://www.indianlakechurch.com/ and click on "The Water Cooler" link on the left.  Laugh with us, not at us!

Children's Conference Over

Just finished the Tennessee District Children's Conference that was hosted at our church. I was in and out during the weekend, but I was impressed with the sessions I was in. I am very grateful for the hard work of Chad Clark (who ran media) and Penny Cowart (who ran sound and was our staff host). I was also glad that Deanna Powell and some of the children's staff attended - they acquired some great ideas for our children's ministry. Bob Driver and Don Tracy did repairs to the sign on our building - those guys are studs!

On this quiet Saturday night preparing for service, I am very grateful for the team God has assembled at Indian Lake!