Many of you who were at church on Sunday have asked for a copy of the pledge we used to close out the service.

The pledge originally came from Saddleback Church in California; they used it as part of a worship service celebrating their 20th anniversary as a church. I've had it in my files for a long time and knew it was a good way for people to respond to the sermon. Here's the version we used:

Today I'm stepping across the line.
I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering;
I've made my choice, the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable.
I'm going God's way. There's now turning back now!

Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven,
I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living,
petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting,
hurtfult resenting, or faithless worrying.
Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry,
and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say:
However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do,
my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost,
I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.
Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes!
I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I'll hear you say:
"Well done, thou good and faithful one."

May it be true.

Jesus never said keep using the same old wineskins.

He never said that following him would routine, predictable, or safe.

He never said his church would remain the same.

He never wanted us to confuse the form of the faith -- worship style, bible translation, denominational affiliation -- with the faith itself. Forms change and evolve, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

That's what we'll explore together on Sunday.

Anjie Carpenter leading in worship and Rebecca Grayson bringing a message. All while I'm in Russia.

8:30. 10:00. 11:30.

So we started Things Jesus Never Said yesterday. To find out more about the series, check here.

The best moment in our gathering was at the very end. And not because it was time to leave.

We had asked the people of the church to email us the names of those people who had been instrumental in leading them to faith. As soon as we sent out the emails, names began pouring in.

Our video friend Joe Jackson then did an extraordinary job making a video out of all the names we received. So the sermon closed with a visual reminder of the fact that people were sent to us. Jesus' authority sends us with love to other people in the same way people were at some point sent to us. You can listen to the sermon here.

Here's the video, one of the best ones we've ever had around this place.



I love it on Sundays when things turn out exactly as I had envisioned a month before. This was definitely one of those times.

Say good-bye to Confessions Of A Pastor.

And hello to Things Jesus Never Said.

For the next six weeks, we'll explore what Jesus really did say by first looking at his words from the perspective of the absurd: what he didn't say.

You know, he never said . . .

Stay right where you are and make disciples of people just like you
Keep using the same wineskins
I've come to bring peace on earth
The harvest is small and the workers are plenty . . . so have a beer and relax!
Store up for yourself treasures on earth
Always give in public and make sure your picture gets taken

Seeing those absurdities will allow us to hone in on what he really said. And really meant.

And this Sunday is going to be so cool. You won't believe what we're going to do with all the names so many of you sent in last week. Just wait. 8:30. 10:00. 11:30

Confessions Of A Pastor comes to a close this Sunday. We had so much fun with it that we extended the series a week from its original design!

OK, there were some other reasons as well. But of all series to extend, this seemed like the one.

So my last confession has to do with my attitude. It can be bad. Cynical. Suspicious. Sarcastic (see Wednesday's post). Negative.

Sound familiar? Does it sound like your attitude?

Come for a big attitude adjustment on Sunday. 8:30. 10:00. 11:30.