Bobby Williams Live

Core Value #3: Generosity

2009-07-16T14:50:00.000-05:00

For week #3 of I Love The 80s, we'll be talking about our third core value

Create A Culture of Generosity

Simply, without giving the sermon away and writing a book on the subject (because I am in fact very passionate about it), here's a brief thought on the culture of generosity we try to foster at the Ridge. We want to give ourselves away. Not just our money, but our time, services and resources. But not just as a church. We want to teach generosity to the people. So many people say all that we have is His (Jesus).

But are we really willing to Jesus EVERYTHING?
The cost of giving Jesus everything and doing all He commands, including loving our neighbors AS MUCH AS we love ourselves, could lead us to a cross. And that scares all of us.

So the real question of generosity is, is it worth giving Jesus everything? He gave everything. Why shouldn't we?

Can't wait to expand on this core value and what it means to be a generous church and a generous people!

Sunday Replay

2009-07-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

For some reason, everything seemed different this Sunday.
The vibe was different, the energy different, and the crowd.
It was a stellar day at The Ridge!

We had our first couple get up and walk out 3 minutes into the first song this week.
It was Sweet Child of Mine from GnR (we are in an 80s series!)
I hated seeing someone leave that soon into it, but that's just part of it.
In our minds, we wish what we do appeals to everyone, but truth is it doesn't.
It did teach me a lesson in how to present things.

Besides that the crowd was awesome!
They had some super energy and it showed during the music and the message!

The band was spot on Sunday as usual.
Sweet Child of Mine halfed with With or Without Your from U2
Freedom-Hillsong United
Run-Hillsong
Stronger-Hillsong
Majesty-Delirious

I love the worship vibe the environment offers at the hotel.....BUT
....I don't like preaching there so much.
The stage is small and because of the size, we have to front project, giving me little room to move around.
Im learning to stay in a small area when I preach and it's driving me nuts

At one point during the message people were clapping and giving some loud amens......
....I could get used to that so keep it up Ridgers!

Yes I did say the church has spent way too much time in the shallow water and it's time to start casting into the deep water

500,000 families became homeless last year and some churches want to spend $$ on gyms, workout facilities, and athletic fields. Please. Dont even think I need to go here.

God IS insulted by our small, weak prayers. He's a BIG God and not a little g god.
He wants to do more for us than we could imagine!
So why don't we let him?

When we align ourselves with things that hold us down, they limit the size of God in our lives.

Took Sunday afternoon to exercise core value #1 and #2 by doing some prayer walking/driving through Oak Ridge.
Split up and hit 3 different neighborhoods praying for the people that live there.
I prayed that we would have an opportunity to have influence in their lives so that Christ would call them and change them.

We're still rocking the 80s this week, so don't miss it!

Want The 80s To Come Back? You Got It!

2009-07-10T13:18:00.000-05:00

This week at The Ridge, we're bringing back the 80s again for week #2 of I Love The 80s. Last week you missed the opener with the band playing Jump and part of Beat It. What will they play this week? You'll have to be there @ 10a.m. to hear it for yourself!

We'll be talking about how we many times limit how big God can get in our lives. God wants to do amazing things for us, but there is a process involved. At The Ridge, we are believing God for HUGE things in the city of Oak Ridge. Come out Sunday @ 10a.m to hear about how God can be BIG in your life and in the city of Oak Ridge!

7 Core Values

2009-07-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

In case you've been wondering what our core values are, here they are in all their glory!

Lost People Matter
Engage the Culture with Generosity
Let God Be Big
Love Loudly
Deliver Wow
Irrelevance is Irreverance
Embrace the Unembraced

Over the course of our I Love The 80s series, we'll be talking about these and how they relate to YOU and to the Ridge. I'm very passionate about these and the implication they have on our church and our community. If you wanna know what the Ridge is all about, come check it out this month and part of August to get the skinny!

Sunday Replay

2009-07-06T09:16:00.000-05:00

We kicked off a brand new series at The Ridge called I Love The 80s.
And YES, it was everything the title suggests!

The band kicked things off with a little "Jump" from Van Halen and "Beat It" from MJ
The synth rounded out the sound very well!

Speaking of our band, I love the effort and dedication they give to the vision of The Ridge.
I don't ever have to wonder if they'll pull something off I ask. They just do it and do it well.
The other thing I love is there is no rock star syndrome from any of them.
They help set up and tear down.
They show up for meetings.
They give input.
And Matt Robbins plays like he has 15 fingers. It's amazing.

I tweeted this yesterday, but I'll say it again....As a church planter, I hate the summer!
Numbers were WAY down yesterday, but that was to be expected.
Just hard to swallow when it actually happens.

Not only was attendance low (lowest ever @ The Ridge) but we were short on volunteers too.
Given, several were out sick.

Set up went slower than normal this week, but the guys still got it done.
Very important to have a good setup crew.
Our set up crew is a good starting point to begin serving at The Ridge.
If people will show up at 7a.m. to help set up, you can bet they're buying in to the vision.

Preached on our first core value.......People Matter
Talked about from the point of Luke 5:17-26
We should be making it hard for people to go to hell
You are either part of the crowd (making it hard for people to get to Jesus)
The man on the mat (needing an encounter with Jesus)
Or one the 4 friends (stopping at nothing to get your friends to Jesus)
People matter to Jesus so they should matter to us. ALL of US

Despite having low numbers, lots of people stood to their feet committing to be like the 4 friends
and to declare that people matter.
I had them write names of a person or people on a card that they wish was beside them in church.
Lots of people stood committing to get them to Jesus.

Our mantra has always been that if you will get them here, we will preach about Jesus.
That will never change

Next week we'll have business card sized invite cards for Ridgers to hand out anywhere they go
We want to make it easy for people to invite others to The Ridge
We provide an Evite on our website, small invite cards, yard signs, and an iCampus to check things out
It should never be hard to invite someone to church

I'll expand more on our core values this week on the blog!

I Want Something Different

2009-07-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

In THIS recent article and latest survey from the Barna Research Group, they are declaring that most people are ready AND looking a different kind of church experience. They are "tired of the typical church experience."

To me this brings up several questions.....

What is the "typical church experience"?
What is the future of the church experience?
If people are tired of the "typical", what does the non-typical look like?

I think these are healthy questions to answer, discuss and brainstorm. I've heard a lot of people argue now that the current church experience most churches offer are the "new traditional" experience. What was once defined by choirs, hymnals, a pulpit and call to worship has been replaced by a band, projectors and table or music stand. To that I would agree for the most part. However, every church has a different kind of culture it fosters making it somewhat different.

So where do we go from here? We obviously need to change and adapt to changing culture. So what does that look like? How can we continue to reach people in this ever changing culture?

I wish I had more answers, but for now, just lots of questions. What says you?

Sunday Replay

2009-06-30T08:41:00.001-05:00

The month of June seemed to move like molases because I only preached once during the entire month.
I don't like long stretches of not preaching, but I needed it.
And it was good for people to experience Rusty Sampson (our Exec Pastor) and Darren Wigington from Townsend Tn.

I'm trying a new format for Sunday Replay.
Not sure I like it yet.

By the way, this is #600 blog post.
Never thought I'd make it to #100 to be honest.

Darren Wigington from Church of The Cove in Townsend Tn came and brought the heat this past Sunday.
He finished up One Prayer with God Is Hope.
(S)your situation + (G) God = (H) Hope
Hope is confident expectation

Darren is one funny dude and really brings the word.
So thankful for Church of The Cove and Darren's leadership to us and to me.
If you are vacationing in the Smokies or Townsend, go see them at one of their 2...yes 2 services on Sundays
And if you're in Gatlinburg, look for news soon about some exciting stuff from COTC up that way!

Not only did one person take me up on my Xbox challenge, but 4 did!
A total of 5 guys from the Ridge are or have sold their Xbox360s to give to our shoe drive!
I was shocked to see anyone take me up on it, but seriously....4 other guys! That's insane!
Not playing NCAA Football on the 360 will be rough this season.
But I traded in something good for something better
It'll all be worth it when I get to see the smile on kids' faces when we give them new pairs of shoes later this year!
Francis Chan's book Crazy Love helped inspire these other guys to give up their game systems.
Oh...and not only did they sale their Xbox's but also their PS3s!
Not sure everyone fully understands the sacrifice these guys are making....gaming is EVERYTHING to them!
So proud of all of them!

Crowd was back up this week too. Gotta love that!

We start a new series this week called I Love The 80s and it promises to be the wildest series we've ever done!
There will be lots of extra things going on during these next 7 weeks as we discuss our Core Values as a church.
Not only will we talk about them, but we'll also be doing them!
We're gonna get real practical and hands on with this one!

Next week will be proof that church plants can do stage design/set design on a very small budget and it still look good

I'm amazed at what God has done with what little resources and money we've had to work with. Somehow, there's money in the bank every week and somehow we get done what needs to be done and then some.

Every week we are gaining traction on our way to eruption. Yes!

Sunday

2009-06-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

Sunday is coming! What are you going to be doing? I hope you will join me at The Ridge Community Church on Sunday. Here's why you should skip your plans....

They will undoubtedly run out of your favorite breakfast bar item at Shoney's
You don't REALLY want to go see your extended family ALL day...just half of it
The Sunday paper will have nothing interesting in it
Really....You don't have anything to do that could possibly be better. Sleep late and you'll feel bad for sleeping too long. Go to the lake and it's sure to rain right after you get lobstered and go to Splash Country/Dollywood and you'll feel like you got kicked between the legs and then find out your wallet is missing. I'm just sayin...

Seriously, I know what it's like to be tired of CHURCH. I know what it's like to not really like church. I know what it's like to sleep in and use the excuse that my alarm didn't go off just to miss church because church was BORING.

Because we've been there, we've set out to create a church experience that is unlike any other church you've ever experienced. The music is LOUD and FUN, the message is relevant and engaging, and we've even thought of your kids with a place called Kid City where they'll have the best hour of their week. Yeah, we thought of all that just for YOU.

Join me this Sunday at The Ridge and see why we say, "Yup! It's church....but waaaaaaaaay different." Sunday at 10a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Oak Ridge (215 S. Illinois Ave)

www.ridgechurchonline.com for more info

Thriller

2009-06-26T14:11:00.001-05:00

First let me say this; I'm a Michael Jackson fan. This is not to bash the guy. Regardless of what you think about the dude, you have to admit that you've toe tapped to one or more of his songs. There....enough of that.

But unless you have been under a hole, you've heard countless people talk about how it took his death to get people to stop bashing him, making fun of him, and for people to start buying his music again. He undoubtedly back in the day left his mark on history and the world and is now doing it again. But there was that period where he sort of just went away.

So my thought for you this weekend, is what are you doing to make people talk; to make people take notice about what you stand for? What is the mark you are leaving on the world? Is is a postive one? Is the way you live your life done in a way that will make a difference in others lives?

I have a big vision for my life. I want people to talk about what GOD has done through me (not me on my own) for centuries to come. I don't want to wait till I die before people can truly celebrate the impact that God has had through me. I want them to celebrate in the NOW. I want what God does through me to true thriller.

Tis The Season

2009-06-24T15:04:00.000-05:00

If you're a pastor or church planter, you like me, probably cringe when the word summer comes up. Truth is, summer is a killer for momentum and growth. It took me a few weeks of this summer to stop watching the door and waiting for people to show up. After beating myself up over this and wondering if people would ever show back up or not, I finally came to the conclusion that there are better ways to handle the summer lull.

We, being a new church, could potentially be buried during our first summer if we're not careful. So, instead of battling Disney World and the lake, we are going to 'think inside the box' and leverage what we have.

One of the ways we'll do this is do a "summer series" called I Love The 80s. It's not original I know, but just wait. This series is going to be all about our core values of The Ridge and will last 7 weeks, leading up to our first SMI (seasonal momentum inititives). During this series we'll really focus on sharing the vision for The Ridge to those that are already committed and to those checking things out for the first time. This isn't about selling The Ridge; it's about sharing the vision that God has placed on us to reach people who are distant from God. This will be about rallying the troops and gearing up for what will be one amazing fall season where I believe we'll see growth beyond our imagination.

If you're a church leader, stop battling summer vacations and work inside your box. It could really help change your perspective and help you leverage your summers.

Later on I'll share some of the creative elements and other things that we'll be doing in this series to make it the most memorable series to date at The Ridge. All I can say is that there will be some Bon Jovi, an 80s prom, an August Rock Night, and a totally FREE carwash and wiper fluid refill giveaway involved!

Sunday Replay

2009-06-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

It's a few hours late, and maybe a day late, but I'm here giving you the low down on Sunday at The Ridge anyway. Here's the skinny....

I don't think someone is living right in our camp. It has rained almost every Sunday since we launched.
If you live in the south, you know that rain keeps people at home. Can't mess up that hair.
Our attendance was not the lowest it's ever been, but it was close. Lots of people out this past Sunday with it being Father's Day and the rain...that gave way to sun...which during the summer leads people to the lake. :)
It blows be away that on weeks when our attendance dips, our giving goes up. That's all God.
Week 3 of One Prayer....God Is To Be Worshiped.
I had not preached in 2 weeks and I wanted to preach all day, but I spared our peoples
I love how those of us who know we don't belong in God's presence, will fight, scrap, and claw to get into God's presence
We ALL should do just that on a daily basis
Even though we don't belong, He wants us to seek Him and to want to be in His presence
Worship starts with a bold sacrifice, will cost us something of value, and is becomes our response to God
YES, I believe that people in the room Sunday are wrestling with a costly sacrifice that God wants them to make but aren't because they keep thinking of how much it's going to cost them!
I love what Joel Houston from Hillsong United said....Our vertical expression of worship must have a horizontal response
We all worship SOMETHING
The hotel we meet in has been very good to us but I think it's time for new space....if we can find it
Why a new space?....new digs for new people. Change is good and good for growth
Plus it's a little stuffy and doesn't have that celebration vibe to it
I've been contemplating a Twitter and Blog sabatical. Not sure yet when and if I will do it
There's a lot to focus on right now and I can't be slipping
Truly blessed to find out that I was selected to attend two HUGE coaching networks. Unfortunately I only have time for one. It'll be a tough choice
There are some great things coming down the road....just gotta work through the static

Worship Expression

2009-06-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

"Our verticle expression must have a horizontal effect." - Joel Houston, Hillsong United

I love this quote from Joel Houston on worship. Worship is a verticle expression. However, without the horizontal effect, it's just a bunch of songs. What is the horizontal effect? It's how you do life, how you show the verticle expression of love of God towards those we walk in life with. Worship is loving God with our full hearts AND loving our neighbors (each other) as much as we love ourselves. You really can't express genuine worship without both together. That's why I dig the quote so much. It puts it into perspective.

What kind of effect is your verticle expression having?

Sunday Replay

2009-06-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

For the second straight Sunday, I was not preaching. In fact I'm only preaching one time this month! But it's for a great cause....One Prayer!

One of the better days at The Ridge we've had in some time.
Attendance was up, spirits were high, and the overall energy was great!
Pastor Steven Furtick preached via video this week for our 2nd part of One Prayer
So far the feedback has been awesome concerning video teaching.
I don't think anyone thought a 29yr old could bring it like pastor Steven did.
The band literally gets better every week. They played Freedom is Here from the new Hillsong United album and toe' it up!
I'm itching to preach this week!
Going to be talking God Is To Be Worshiped
Got news that a mentor and friend of mine is coming in for a visit soon. I'm where I am because of God working through him and his family
Our iCampus is rocking again. Every Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8pm EST we are showing a different pastor preaching a One Prayer message. This week, Craig Groeschel and Mark Beeson
Speaking of iCampus, we are thinking through how we can use iCampus in a more effective way through the use of other pastors, much like the One Prayer messages. I think we might be on to something.....
Don't forget how God was faithful in the past when you're looking for God to be good in the future
Had some new volunteers jump in with both feet this past week. So thankful for people that serve with their hearts!
Summer is tough for a new church plant, but God was faithful in the past and we know he's going to be there and pull us through in the future!
Check back here all week long as we talk about worship, leading up to the experience on Sunday at The Ridge!

Tear Down The Walls

2009-06-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

In two weeks I will be preaching my One Prayer message on God Is To Be Worshiped. One thing I'm very passionate about in the church is that God's sons and daughters worship at full volume; with full out assault on the Throne of God, shouting to God's love. Ever since this song for Hillsong United came out, I've been singing it, listening to it, and now praying the words.

VERSE 1:
Tear down the walls see the world
Is there something we have missed
Turn from ourselves
Look beyond
There is so much more than this

PRE CHORUS:
And I don't need to see it to believe it
I don't need to see it to believe it
Cause I can't shake this
Fire deep inside my heart

I'm absolutley juiced outta mind to preach on the subject of worship. Growing up in small country, Southern Baptist church, I saw people come in on a weekly basis, sing half heartedly whatever the "song leader" picked out that morning and have no clue that they were singing to Jesus. Now I have this burden to teach and preach whenever I can on worship. And it's more than a song, more than the music, more than just lyrics. But you would be surprised at how many people do not know that. That's not a knock if you don't know it. You just were not taught that. A lot of people growing up in the church weren't. I didn't really understand true worship till I was in my college years. And I'm still learning.

VERSE 2:
Look to the skies hope arise
See His majesty revealed
More than this life there is love
There is hope and this is real

PRE CHORUS 2:
Cause I don't need to see it to believe it
I don't need to see it to believe it
Cause I can't shake this fire burning
Deep inside my heart

Next week I'm going to do a series of posts on worship. I hope to have some guests posts as well. We'll cover the topic of worship in the church, some of the Ridge's philosophy and approach to worship as well as just some personal thoughts on worship. Should be a lot of fun.

CHORUS:
This life is Yours and hope is rising
As Your glory floods our hearts
Let love tear down these walls
That all creation would
Come back to You
It's all for You

CHORUS 2:
Your Name is glorious
Glorious
Your love is changing us
Calling us
To worship in spirit and in truth
As all creation returns to You

BRIDGE:
Oh for all the sons and daughters
Who are walking in the darkness
You are calling us to lead them back to You
We will see Your spirit rising
As the lost come out of hiding
Every heart will see this hope we have in You

My One Prayer for the church....let hope rise and let God be worshiped in spirit and in truth with our lives.

Enjoy the song Tear Down The Walls by Hillsong United below

What Will You Do?

2009-06-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

Pilate said to them, Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? They all said, Let him be crucified!
http://www.youversion.com/bible/esv/matt/27/22

In Matthew 27, Pilate asks the angry crowd what they should do with Jesus. They have him, in their possession to do with as they please. Their ansewer....crucify Him.

The very same question is posed to us as the church and believers as well. We have Christ. He is indeed in our possession because He lives in us. We in fact, not only have the presence of Christ, but we are also entitled to the same power that rose Jesus from the grave. I think we forget that sometimes. What then shall we do with Jesus who is called the Christ?

What is your heart shouting? Is it crying to crucify Him? (Matt. 15:8-This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me) Or does it cry something different? Does your heart shout with the power of Christ that brought Jesus back from dead? Does it speak of ways to honor Him with your heart and your lips, through actions both in spirit and in truth?

One of my biggest pet peeves in ministry is people who have the power of Christ, Christ in them, who live as though they are powerless. We often times act like the catepillar who turns into a butterfly but still thinks they are the catepillar, rolling in the dirt and not flying (Francis Chan illustration).

You are a NEW creation, not the same, and NOT powerless. You are powerful! The same power that caused the earth to shake and for demons to run is the same power that is within you! Church....big C Church...let's stop acting like we can only do so much. We can NOT do so little! We have Jesus right in front of us....with us...in us. Let's start acting like it!

What will you do?

Sunday Replay

2009-06-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

I love Sundays! I get to be part of one the most exciting churches around and for that, I thank God for bringing me to this place! Check out what you may have missed this past Sunday....

We started One Prayer this week with pastor Rusty coming in and hitting a home run! One of his best messages yet!
God is AWESOME! That's what Rusty preached on....and YES...I agree!
All this month on our iCampus, you will be able to catch One Prayer messages every Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8pm EST.
Look for messages from Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, Perry Noble, Craig Groeschel and others!
I can't wait to preach in two weeks on God Is To Be Worshiped!
Attendance was up slightly this week, but still had a lot of "regulars" out for various reasons. Hope to see everyone back this week!
It's so hard to not look at the door every week when you're in a church plant. Every time it opens you hope to see oodles of people
One thing I LOVE....had 15 first time friends with us this past week! Having new faces every single week and I love that!
If Sunday was your first day with us, THANK YOU for coming! I hope to see you back this week
You simply won't find a better, more fun, more loud, band than The Ridge band. They simply rocked it Sunday!
Setlist was Your Name High (Hillsong) Take It All (Hillsong United) Grace Will Be My Song (Fee) Stronger (Hillsong)
But it ain't about the band...it's about the man the band plays for
No one will want to miss this Sunday at The Ridge....you will get to hear one of the best, most annointed pastor in the land...and he's only 28!
In case you're wondering, THIS news from my friend Gary Lamb made me want to cry and turned my stomach. And if you need to know, I will stand by my friend and pray for his family, him, and Revolution Church.
Not condoning what happened, but that doesn't mean you throw your friend under the bus. You pray harder
Met some really asweome people last week and look forward to seeing what God does in their lives!
Hold on to your potatos Ridgers...One Prayer is just getting warmed up and the series to follow....wow. That's all I can say!

Hillsong United in Nashville

2009-06-04T07:35:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday night my wife and I had the pleasure of worshiping with Hillsong United in Nashville thanks to a good friend at Integrity Music. We could not had asked for better seats...it was almost like sitting backstage and watching stage side.

I don't have a lot of words for this concert....1st...it wasn't a concert; it was worship. I've seen a lot of "worship" concerts....this was so much more. Hillsong United knows how to get after it! They have a pretty simple strategy. They play songs for Jesus. That's it.

The opening was amazing, as you'll see in the video below...the anticipation...the crowd...the light piercing the darkness and the sound of the drums filling the arena....

I'm not sure the video does him justice, but JD is crazy on stage! I would love to see more people lead worship with their hearts like that. Uninhibated and passionate.

The song selection was amazing and vast as well as long. I think they played for about 3 hours. No opening band...just worship. The way it should be. They played some oldies like Salvation is Here and Take It All, Look To You, What The World Will Never Take, From The Inside Out, Tell The World, some recent ones like My Future Decided, Solution, and Hosanna, some new ones like You Hold Me Now and Tear Down The Walls and some Hillsong songs like Desert Song and Your Name High.

There were some amazing moments in the set that are hard to put into words. Moments like the crowd pumping their fist to Take It All...JD going crazy dancing on stage...the anthem of Shout Unto God where the crowd just went for it! They played Shout Unto God and the place just went nuts!

I'll Stand was a powerful moment. However the one moment that just replays in my mind over and over was when they played With Everything and Tear Down The Walls. With Everything has been on repeat in my truck for days now.

Let Hope Rise

Darkness trembles in your holy light

And every eye will see
Jesus, our God,
Great and mighty to be praised.

God of all days,
Glorious in all of Your ways.
Your majesty, the wonder and grace,
In the light of Your name.

With everything,
With everything,
We will shout for your glory.

My wife and I concur, that it was by far one of the greatest experiences we've had and if you choose to call it a concert, then it was easily the best "concert" we have ever been to. And that's saying a lot...we've seen a lot of concerts.

Sunday Replay

2009-06-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

A lot of guys post their Sunday mind dumps on Sunday, and part of me wishes that I would mine too. But, I've made a decision to keep Sundays all about my wife and son. So, most Sundays, I won't be posting. So you'll just have to wait till Mondays....

Seriously a great day at the Ridge despite a huge dip in attendance this week. Vacations, summer break, and "lake weather" make it hard to keep great attendance in the summer for some churches.
No excuses. I'm not belly aching. And no we aren't shutting the doors. I'm just excited about the people we did have! People are still showing up..so that's a great sign!
I talked about serving this week. Yes, if you are part of a local church you should be serving. It's biblical to serve people! You can hear it HERE
Denira and I got home from Nashville Sunday morning at 3a.m. and back up at 6:30a.m. One thing we'll never do again...but totally worth it!
Absolutley tapped out from Hillsong United on Saturday night. I"ll blog about that later. Too much to say.
It was one great weekend with my bride in Nashville. Love that city.
Our worship leaders, Matt and Deena Robbins are really morphing into something different. Doing a great job leading.
Have I ever mentioned that I love our band? I love our band!
We seriously could use you in any area of your choosing at The Ridge! There are so many opportunites to serve here! Be some place where you are serving!
Got one HUGE email this weekend about a certain coaching network I was selected for. Pumped about that! Just won't let the cat outta the bag yet.
Tear Down The Walls from Hillsong United is one amazing anthem!
There's something great about music so loud that you have to sing at the tops of your lungs to be heard. When everyone in a room does that, it's amazing and I think it makes God smile.
Got to hang with our good friends the Gentrys this weekend too! Love that family!
Yes, I did say that being a member of a church and not doing anything is like having a gym membership and not ever going. Useless!
I also borrowed a quote from Pastor Steven that rings with truth: When you do something for the cause of Christ, YOU are a connector to the current of the power of Christ. Powerful!
I don't think most people realize how much of a "connector" they are. Do you realize that you have the OPPORTUNITY to share Christ with people every day as a connector to the current?
I'm kinda getting itchy to do something crazy. Feel like we need to shake the boat to reach some people who aren't being reached in our city.
It's not like we aren't shaking it already. But I'm talking about convulsive type shaking.
One Prayer starts this week! God Is_________ We'll talk about for the next 4 weeks. We have some great stuff planned around the iCampus as well. It's gonna be a full month!

A Few Things I'm Excited About

2009-05-29T11:40:00.000-05:00

I haven't done one of these in a while so I thought for this Friday I would take some time and enlighten you with a few things that are getting me jazzed.

New Music- Very soon (like July 14th) Project 86 will dominate the world once again with a new album that may just melt your face off. I don't know. I'm just sayin. Just out this week are the new tunes from Hillsong United, which by the way, I hear has gone to #1 on iTunes! I'll review the full album once I give it a few more spins. Later this summer is the new worship album from Elevation Church's band...the EP we got at Thr3e rocked! And finally, David Crowder Band will be gracing us with new tunes as well later this fall.
Hillsong United Show- Heading out to to see the boys and girls from down under bring the thunder from the Outback! Gonna be a great time and the best part....it was free thanks to a good friend!
Joe's Crab Shack- Yes, I get excited about food. I'm probaly gonna do some work on the crab when I get hold of it. I'm just sayin....
Preaching Sunday- This Sunday I get to share with The Ridge that God desires to use us and what may seem insignificant is very significant. I love preaching to people about serving a great and powerful God!
The Ridge- There are amazing things happening at our church and I feel, see, and know God is gearing up and preparing us to see even greater things.
Fishing Season- I think in the last one of these I mentioned that I can't wait for fishing season to get here. Some would argue that you can fish any time of year. Yes I agree. However, not like you can during the summer! Trout, bass, crappie, bluegill or whatever is biting...I'm in it for all of it!
My Wife and Son- My wife works for the school system so she gets summers off. I know her and Isaiah are gonna have a blast this summer and I look forward to hearing about all the fun. (And participating when I can!)
This Season- Life comes in seasons. And I think that this particular season of life is gonna be a very good one in many areas. I'm looking forward to experiencing what God has in store!

Kick The Family Life Centers To The Curb

2009-05-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Take a good look at the map above. If what you see doesn't make you sad, angry or move you to urgency, then you might want ask Jesus to come into your heart NOW!

This is a map that shows the percentage of people that are attending church in each state. 29.4% is the very best....and that is sad. Even in Tennessee, where there is literally a church on every corner (that's no joke!) we are at 23.5 %. I don't know about you, but that alone makes me want to go out and plant another church. It says two things....1) There are not enough churches out there to keep up with the growing population and 2) With all the ones that are already here, we better step it up and start reaching people AND planting more campuses/churches.

But let me just send out a warning; DON'T PLANT A CHURCH IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN CALLED AND IF IT'S NOT ABOUT REACHING PEOPLE FOR JESUS!

We have enough churches out there that aren't growing. I don't say that to be mean, so please don't take that as "church bashing." I'm just sayin'. Here's my advice so take it for what it's worth; let's stop putting our time, money, resources, and energy into the scrap booking ministry and the "family life center/gym" and start planting more churches, adding more campuses, and start reaching people who are far from God.

Sunday Replay

2009-05-26T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yet once again, God has to prove that He's God and I'm, well, me. He showed me up this weekend and I'm glad He did. It was one fine weekend at The Ridge. Check out how it went and what is coming up!

All week I had been hearing about how so many would be out of town for vacation. And there were lots of people out. But God decided He would show me up by making it a pretty full room anyway!
Lots of more new faces this week! I love being in a place where there is a new face coming in every week!
It was great to see some old friends as well! I'm a stingy person so I hope they all come back haha
Missed a lot of our familiar faces as well.
The band was as good as it has ever been this past week. On point!
So blessed to have such amazing talent on stage every week. I wouldn't trade our band for any other band in the world.
Yes, it's true. I think that our band plays most songs BETTER than the original artitst!
Finished up Deadliest Catch this week. Great series on Jonah and how God gives us chance after chance. Thank you Jesus!
More commitments to God this week! I'll never let that get old!
The only downer was were not able to launch iCampus this week. But soon my pretties
Chris "The Thrill" Hill was not so thrilled we couldn't get it up. But he's working hard to get it fixed and will have it poppin' soon!
In the mean time, the podcast is always available to listen to or download on ridgechurchonline.com or iTunes
Yes. I really thought I'd be preaching to our band, my wife, and my son this past week. It still blows me away that people show up every week. Thank you Jesus that you work past all that!
I feel like we're gearing up to hit a good stride in a lot areas. It's taken us a few weeks to work out some kinks, but we're getting there! Wherever there is....
I'm so freakin' stoked out my mind about what is coming up at The Ridge!
This week I'm talking about how God can, will and WANTS to use us. (Get your mind around that and let it blow your mind)
Next week, we start One Prayer. It's gonna be sick! We'll be showing a ton of messages on our iCampus from some amazing speakers and preachers!
I think I'll do a little preaching too ;) As well as pastor Rusty
Be sure to invite someone out to The Ridge this week. Use our Evite to email an invite to them!
Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/theridgechurch or me at twitter.com/bobbywilliams

No iCampus Tonight

2009-05-24T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hey Ridgers!!!

Just wanted to let you know that the Ridge iCampus will NOT be live tonight. We had some difficulties with some of our technology and will have to postpone the relaunch. More info on that later.

But for NOW...the Ridge podcast is up from this morning and you can listen to it HERE. (Deadliest Catch week #4)

Let us know if you listened and your response!

This Week at The Ridge Community Church

2009-05-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

It's shaping up to a busy weekend at The Ridge!

Saturday it's the Sampson Benefit concert with Brightgray and the Ridge worship band.
Join us Saturday night at Bissell Park in Oak Ridge at 6pm to get your boogie on and to help out a more than great cause!

Sunday is The Ridge!!! We finish up our series Deadliest Catch. Don't miss it because it's got a little bit of everything in it. If you think church isn't for you, come out Sunday and I'll have you think differently.
Not only that, but the Ridge band may just blow the roof off this week. I'm just sayin....

Can't make the Ridge this week because you're out of town? No worries! The Ridge iCampus will relaunch this week and you can participate in worship, the message and even chat at 6pm eastern time on the Ridge iCampus. Hope to see you there!

In two weeks we start One Prayer and it's gonna be off the chain! I can't wait to unveil all we are planning for One Prayer and let you in all the great speakers you'll get to hear. There's a few rumors flying that Ed Young, Andy Stanley, Francis Chan and Perry Noble may be gracing us with their presence! Stay tuned!

Lot's going on, so invite someone out to the Ridge Sunday at Doubletree Hotel in Oak Ridge at 10 a.m. or to the iCampus Sunday night!

A Little Work Day Fun

2009-05-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

So...we do a little work....sometimes.

You Go To Church In The South If....

2009-05-19T15:01:00.001-05:00

.....~~someone~~ ANYONE can sing a "special" at any given time on any given day.

There are no tryouts. You don't audition. You just need to know how to pick out a performance track from the local Christian bookstore and get on the "special" schedule. Yes, you're one of the three people who get to sing out and perform that "special" song each and every Sunday. In case you're wondering, the "special" is that song that's listed in the bulletin as "special" and it comes right before the pastor speaks. Because you have to have an order of service don't you know.

Just when you think it's time to get to the preaching, the guy (who is rarely a true "minister of anything") who leads the music says, "does anyone have a song on their heart they wanna share?" Then without hesitation, someone gets up, pulls a cassette tape from their back pocket and says, " I wasn't really prepared to sing today...." After they've started, stopped, and started over several times, the "special" is finally sung. Not dry eye in the place.