Mike Edmisten

Man, our VBS is rocking! So much so that I nearly broke my leg!

No joke. I’m leading worship at VBS this year. In all the dancing and jumping that I was doing, I fell through the stage…literally. Our stage has a grate near the front of it and my right leg went right through it.

Amazingly, no one even noticed that it happened!

Much more amazingly, I didn’t get hurt at all. Honestly, I should have at least sprained my knee, or maybe even broken my leg. But I am fine. Totally, completely, absolutely fine. I can’t explain it, other than it’s a God thing. There’s no logical reason that I didn’t seriously injure my leg, but I’m good to go.

Thanks God!

Avalanche Ranch kicked off in a BIG way last night! Our first night of VBS was off the charts! Tons of kids, lots of adult staff, a great spirit of excitement, incredible drama, yummy snack, human whack-a-mole, etc. It all added up to a great night!

If your kids aren’t at VBS, they are missing out on some serious fun (and lots of learning and growth along the way). Get ‘em here tonight at 6:00 pm! You won’t regret it!

David Foster wrote a hard-hitting post on his blog that I thought I’d share with you.

Before you read it, understand that I’m not seeking sympathy. I don’t feel as if I’ve been wronged or anything like that. I love our church. I know that God has called me here. But I also know that I am replaceable. David’s piece really reinforced this stuff for me.

Having said all that, you can check out David’s post here.

T minus one day until VBS ‘07 is launched! I’m stoked about the possibilities that are in front of us this week. I can’t wait to…

…celebrate God in a fun and joyful atmosphere.

…watch as kids see God’s truth come to life through exciting dramas.

…see God move in the lives of kids who aren’t part of a church family.

…minister to parents as we love on their kids.

…laugh with our adult staff.

…see normally sane adults do some goofy stuff!

…watch our church family work together toward a common goal.

…see what surprises God has in store for us!

Your kids aren’t registered yet? Get ‘em registered online today!

Wow. As an avid fisherman, I just don’t know what to say about this new invention.

Check it out.

I love one of the warnings on the instructions page. “Hooks are sharp, handle with care!”

Got it. Thanks.

Vacation Bible School starts this Sunday night at 6:00 pm! Our facility has already been transformed into Avalanche Ranch. It’s gonna be a ton of fun! You won’t want to miss it.

If you haven’t registered your kids, grandkids, etc., do it now! You can register online here.

I honestly believe that VBS this year is really going to turn some heads. It’ll be first-class all the way. Kids are gonna have a blast! And they’ll learn a lot along the way.

Most of all, I know that God will be honored and glorified. He loves to see his people laughing and having fun. And that will be happening all week long.

I’m getting ready to head out to a pastor’s lunch hosted by Dave Ramsey’s organization. Dave will be coming to Cincinnati for a live event on September 13. The lunch is designed to give pastors the information so they can pass it on to their churches. So stay tuned. I should have lots of details for you soon.

Lots of us are floundering in financial trouble. Dave’s simple and proven method of money management has set thousands of people free from debt. Can’t wait to see him live!

Stay tuned for more details…

David Foster has compiled a list of 16 things that a first-time guest is looking for in a church. I thought the list was worth posting here, with this caveat…I want our church to reach every single person that we can, but there has to be a limit in the consumeristic mindset that pervades some churches.

We will change methods, but not the message. If a change in our method of ministry will reach someone for Christ, then we should do it. But watering down the message to make it more appealing is not (and never will be) an option for ACC.

Having said all that, here is David’s list of 16 things that our guests are looking for when they walk in our doors for the first time.

1. When I enter, do I hear laughter?

2. Are people greeting me as a job or a joy?

3. Does the place look like they were expecting me?

4. Are people buzzing as they greet each other?

5. Is there spirited music playing as people gather?

6. Does the music move me?

7. Do the people on stage look real and engaged?

8. Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point?

9. Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it?

10 Does the pastor smile?

11. Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in?

12. Does the pastor speak with humility and authority?

13. Do I feel the presence of God?

14. Are people listening and engaged?

15. Is the service no more than 71 minutes?

16. Does it pass by fast?

Obviously this list is somewhat subjective, but it’s good food for thought.

Today would have been my grandma’s 97th birthday. I’m terrible at remembering birthdays, but I always managed to remember my grandma’s because her birthday was exactly one month before mine. She always used to tell me, “I’m only a month older than you are!”

Just remembering grandma today. She was a simple woman. Her house was old and run-down, but she was satisfied. When it was dinnertime at her house, you could count on very simple food. She didn’t mess around with luxuries like salt or flavor. :o) Except for her homemade noodles. They were unbelievable! It’s gotta be good when you cook the noodles in about five pounds of lard!

Grandma was born in 1910, grew up dirt poor, and really never rose above that status. She was a stubborn, old-fashioned, and simple person.

Just missing her a little bit more today.

My day just took a turn for the worse.

Click here.