This past Sunday, in our series through Philippians, my message was from Philippians 2:5-11. It's one of the greatest passages in the Bible that describes who Jesus is and what He came to do. Honestly, I think I could preach from this passage for weeks. It's all about the incarnation - God became flesh.

Well, it just so happens that I ran across a great blog post this week from Vince Antonucci, Pastor of Forefront Church in Virginia Beach about this very topic. I'd like to share an excerpt with you:

Well, when God wanted everyone to know the good news that He loved them and desired a relationship, what did He do? He became human. Why? Because God wanted to connect with us, and the most effective way to relate to us was to become one of us. Theologians call this the “incarnation.” Incarnation basically means “to put meat on.” God, who is spirit, took on flesh and moved into our neighborhood so we could relate to Him, so that He could effectively share the good news with us.

This is the task of all of us who follows Jesus. We are to share the good news of God’s love and desire for a relationship with everyone. And so we need to figure out how to connect with people. What is the most effective way to relate to people so we can share the good news with them? Seriously - you need to figure that out. How should you do that at your workplace? At your kid’s Little League field? In your school? With your neighbors?

Wow! Coastal, that's it. That's what we are called to do - to be the incarnation of Christ in this world! Christ came into our "neighborhood" and now we are to take Christ into ours! We exist to share and experience LIFE!

Today is my daughter Lydia's 17th birthday! Wow! This year has flown by so fast. 17 just seems so much older than 16 - although she's still just as sweet and she better not have been, well, you know the saying.

Maybe it's a year of driving, maybe it was the prom, maybe it was visiting colleges, but whatever it is, life is changing. And that's okay, change is inevitable and yes, change is good.

Lydia, I love you! You are the best daughter a daddy could ever have! I've discovered that growth and change simply magnify who you already are. And you, Lydia, are a truly beautiful, kind, sweet, funny, caring, Godly young woman. Happy Birthday!

Here they are - Prom Pictures! I'm sure Lydia will post more later, but she said I could go ahead and put some up on my blog:


Lydia had lots of fun! I have such a beautiful daughter. Janet and I are so proud of her!

Well today is the Big Day at our house! It's Lydia's Prom Night! If this is what it's like for the prom, I can't imagine what it will be like for . . . (I can't go there). The dress is here! Shoes, clutch, and jewelry are all in place ready to go. Hair appointment is set. C.W. let me borrow his convertible silver Corvette to take her. Christopher and I are going to get it washed. The Homeschool Association that we are a part of has rented the Charleston Harbor Cruise for the event. It should be quite an evening. I think I'm almost as excited as she is (I said almost). Actually, I can't wait to see her in her dress. I will post pictures tomorrow!

These are the memory verses from our message series on Philippians so far:

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5

I know I've said this before, but I love my Men's Group. We meet most Wednesdays at 7AM in the church Welcome Center. There's about 7 of us who are pretty consistent. It's a simple format. We drink coffee (sometimes eat a biscuit), share what's going on in our lives, read a portion of scripture, and pray. We only meet for about 50 minutes, but it's such a great group. Today we were all in tears. Not because we had an Oprah moment or anything close. We were all in tears because we were laughing so hard. I don't even remember what we were laughing about. It wouldn't make sense if I tried to explain it anyway. But it's a great way to start the morning. Soon we're going to have to get together for a cookout and invite all of our families to join in the fun. Or maybe we'll get together for the next UFC fight! Jeff, Matt, Bill, the other Bill, Delma, and Dan - it's an honor doing life with you guys. Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

That's right - less than four months until Brian Miller comes home from Afghanistan for good. He's the S.C. State Trooper from our church who's been training Afghani police for the past year. In less than one month he comes home for a short visit. His wife Ashley and daughter Brooke are extremely excited! Here are some pictures he sent me recently. Continue to keep him and Ashley and Brooke in our prayers.

Loved being back at Coastal today. You guys are my family and I really miss you when I'm away. Loved our worship today. We had two new people play in the band - Tristan and Mike. They did a great job! Absolutely loved having Mike sing and play. There's just something awesome about having a strong male voice lead worship. We've not had that in a long time. Our team is so accommodating of new musicians. They lead the way in being Team Builders and Team Players. Way to go guys! You always make me proud!

Attendance was back up from last week. We had a lot of new faces in church today! So many people come to Coastal through our website. And while that's a great form of advertising that we constantly need to keep up to date and look to improve, the best form of advertising is the invitation of a satisfied customer - you. Be bold, talk about your faith, look for opportunities to share what's happening at Coastal, and invite like crazy. The more you pray, the more you invite, the more opportunities that God places before you.

Janet and I had several encouraging conversations with people today. They wanted us to know that even though we've been through some difficult times lately, the best is really yet to come. Coastal, we ARE a great church! God has used Coastal to literally change thousands of lives over the last 18 years. And we're just getting started! There are times when Satan seems to wreak havoc, but I believe that's because we're on the front lines of sharing and experiencing LIFE! And for those who remain faithful, we will only be stronger. For healthy things to grow, there always has to be a pruning, a cutting away, a clearing of the weeds. That process is difficult, hard, and messy. But the growth that comes later is always beautiful!

Prisca & Melanie did a great job with D.O.G.S tonight - our once a month program for Coastal Kidz (1st-5th Grade). As always they had a bunch of kids.

We'll be making a big announcement in about a week! Can you guess what it is?

Anyone want to buy a window for our Nursery? See previous post. Or how about a new playground? We're going to be taking down the old one and replacing it soon.

We might have a new ministry opportunity to serve the underserved and forgotten in our community. I'll learn more about it this week.

Well that's about it. I'm going to chill with the family. I love you Coastal! By the way, if you haven't noticed the sidebar on my blog lately - I'm Twittering!

I added a new Blog to my Blogroll - Stuff Christians Like. I got turned on to this blog a while ago. It's hilarious! It's a tongue and cheek look at today's Christian culture. The author lives in Atlanta, is active at Northpoint, and is a Pastor's kid. He's already in the 160's (number of different posts). It's definitely worth the read. Stroll back through the archives and see which ones resonate with you.

This Sunday, immediately after the second service, Melanie Bowick and our Noah's Park Nursery Ministry are having an appreciation lunch for all their volunteers and their families. I can not over emphasize just how important this Ministry is here at Coastal in sharing and experiencing LIFE with the world around us. There is nothing more important to a young family than their children. And there is no Ministry - it's environment and people - more important than the Nursery. It is not simply babysitting. Yes, it provides a safe place for babies to go so parents and guests can hear God's word and the gospel undistracted. But it is also a place of love and prayer and worship and teaching. For many this is their first exposure to Jesus. Did you hear that? Their first exposure to Jesus. Wow! We can not say thank you enough to all our volunteers in this Ministry.

Melanie has done a great job leading this Ministry - scheduling, encouraging, calling, serving, organizing, cleaning, loving, and praying. She is a Team Player and a Team Builder. At this lunch, however, she is passing the Noah's Park baton on to Jennifer Schroder. Melanie is going to be moving to Coastal Kidz, our 1st-5th Grade Ministry. Knowing both of these women, I'm quite confident they will continue to serve and lead with excellence.

Speaking of the Nursery environment - we're hoping to replace the windows in the Nursery very soon - a project long overdue. As you've probably noticed, they're in pretty bad shape (a piece of plywood covers part of one window). New matching vinyl replacement windows, wrapped and installed are approximately $325 each. We have six in the Nursery, one in the Kitchen and two in the Welcome Room that need to be replaced (basically the 9 windows on the back of the building). If you would like to help purchase a window or take care of the whole thing, earmark your check "Windows" and give accordingly on Sunday or here online.

Matthew 19:14, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”

That's right - according to Google Analytics (a website tracking program) I am big in Africa - or so I thought. For a while now, I've noticed that I get a ton of visitors from African countries. Now we do have one woman in our church, Catherine Makandawire, from Africa, but she doesn't have enough family from that many African countries to justify all the visits to my blog.

I finally did a google search for Pastor Chris, Africa. Pastor Chris IS huge in Africa, but not Pastor Chris Rollins of Charleston, SC. It's Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Embassy Ministries. He goes by Pastor Chris. Evidently he's a rather controversial figure - more of a healing televangelist of the Jim Bakker/Benny Hinn mold.

"Many people are skeptical about his healing abilities, believing that they are stunts performed with conveniently placed actors or willing participants. Others claim that he uses the healing angle to his own commercial gain because such Pentecostal healing shows have high viewer ratings in places such as West Africa."

Other than figuring out why so many blog visits from African countries, it made a passage that we looked at two weeks ago, Philippians 1:15-18, really stand out: "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."

Be discerning - absolutely. Be wary of false teachers - you bet. But ultimately, if Christ is preached, "what does it matter?" God will sort out the rest. We spend way too much time being the spiritual watchdogs of the world, when there are people all around us who simply need to see and hear the Good News of Jesus.

So to all my African Brothers & Sisters - grace and peace to you and welcome to my Blog. I know I'm not who you were searching for, but stick around, listen to a message or two. God has a way of leading people into our lives at just the right time for the right reasons - even if it's a continent away, through the internet.

See the resemblance?

Well, we're back from our trip to Virginia. We really did have a great time. Along with visiting Liberty with Lydia, we ate, laughed, played, and rested with our good friends, the Wardles in Martinsville, VA (unless you're redneck Nascar fan, you've probably never heard of Martinsville). And now that we're home, we feel like we need a couple of days off just to recover from our vacation. Ever feel that way when you get back from a vacation?

Although I love hearing Buck preach and seeing our friends at his church, I did miss Coastal on Sunday. I've heard from everyone that my good friend Pastor Mike did a great job. I knew he would. His message was entitled, "The Order of the Towel." It was all about servanthood. Mike went on and on to me about how friendly everyone was, about how many people we have who serve, and how impressed he was with what we do on Sunday mornings. You always make me proud Coastal!

The only disappointing thing on Sunday evidently was our attendance (I've heard that from several people). It was probably our lowest attendance of the year. I know where a lot of people were, but I guess the reality is, "when the Pastor is away . . . " Let's change that next time. And there will be a next time. In fact, it's not healthy for me or our church for me to preach 50 or 51 times a year. Truthfully, I would love for our attendance to increase when I'm away! Whether I'm here or not, our mission is the same - to share and experience LIFE!

This Sunday we continue in our series through Philippians, "The Secret Revealed." We'll be in chapter 2. You'll also get a new memory verse. So far our memory verses are Phil. 1:6 and Phil. 1:21. Pray, invite, and bring someone with you this Sunday! Can't wait to see everyone!

Usually on Saturday night I'll post a blog about being "jacked" or "pumped up" about Sunday. Even though I'm not preaching tomorrow and won't even be in town, I'm still jacked about tomorrow at Coastal!

My good friend, Pastor Mike Diamond will be preaching for me. For those of you who don't know, Mike was my Youth Pastor when I was in high school. I would not be in ministry if it were not for Mike Diamond and his influence in my life. Much of who I am today is because of him. He led me to the Lord, became my surrogate dad, was my best man in my wedding, and taught me more about preaching, ministry, and life than I could ever share with you. We talk almost daily. I'm no longer just a kid in his youth group, we're friends. He has been with me through every major decision in my life. He has stood by my side through all the ups and downs in ministry. (This might also explain the sense of personal urgency I feel about hiring the right Youth Pastor for Coastal.) I'm glad I get to share him with you. You'll be in good hands! Make him feel welcome!

A personal thanks to Prisca, the Praise & Worship Team, Matt and everyone else who will be doing what you do tomorrow, not for me or Janet, but for the Lord and seeing people come to LIFE! It's just nice to know that everything is taken care of when I'm gone. We love you guys!

This is definitely a weird Saturday for me. Why, you ask? Because I slept in a little bit and I didn't go to the church to finish up sermon, outline, keynote and everything else that has to be done for Sunday.

We're in Virginia staying with our good friends the Wardles (Buck & Laurie). We drove up late Wednesday and then took Lydia to Liberty University for their College for a Weekend on Thursday. I have to admit that I was very impressed with Liberty - from the academics, faculty, student life, the campus, to their vision. Lydia is staying with Emily, Buck & Laurie's daughter, who is a freshman at Liberty, and having a great time. They had 1900 visiting students, 600 parents, and 100 Youth Leaders in for the weekend.

After checking in and getting a tour we had dinner and then drove back to the Wardles - they live a little more than an hour away. We got up early on Friday and went back to Liberty for their chapel service, lunch with the President, and several meetings - admissions, finances, etc. We gave Lydia a hug and won't see her again until Sunday afternoon. She's enjoying experiencing college life and hanging out with her friend Emily. We're having a great time with the Wardles - eating too much, laughing very hard, and getting some rest.

A couple of interesting or funny notes: Jonathan Falwell, the Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, spoke at chapel on Thursday. His text happened to be Philippians 2:1-5, the passage I'll be preaching from next Sunday in our series on Philippians. Loved worshipping with over 10,000 students. Tons of Liberty students were wearing, "Beat Coastal" t-shirts. At first, I was offended! What kind of welcome is this?! Then I realized that Coastal Carolina is their big rivalry in the Big South Conference.

I'm not sure if this is the place that Lydia will end up at, but it's been a worthwhile, positive experience. She still has some time and we have a lot to pray about. It doesn't hurt that tonight they're hosting a Casting Crowns concert. We'll be heading home on Tuesday.

Yesterday we finally got the call! My daughter's prom dress came in. Today she went for the fitting. We met for lunch and I got to see the pictures. My little girl is a beautiful young woman! She takes after her mom. I'm not allowed to post pictures until prom day, but I can't wait to share them with you. My daughter is absolutely stunning!

Tomorrow we head off to Virginia for Lydia to visit Liberty University during their College for a Weekend. She gets to experience college life and we get to experience the sticker shock of an out of state school (and visit our good friends Buck & Laurie).

Prom dresses. College visits. Wow! I'm getting old. That's okay - I wouldn't trade a second of it for anything in the world. And besides, it just keeps getting better and better. And no matter how grown up she keeps getting, and no matter who she ends up dancing with, she will always be Daddy's little girl and she'll always save a dance for me! Loved the dress Lydia - but loved you in it even more!

It's halftime in the NCAA Basketball Championship Game. Kansas is up by 5. I was really pulling for North Carolina to make it (sorry Beam family). This has been a very busy time for me. Much of my time lately has been spent on hiring our future Youth Pastor. It really is a full time job in and of itself. Cover letters, resume's, emails, phone calls, interviews, meetings. In some ways, it has been emotionally and spiritually draining. In other ways, it is exciting and invigorating. I have had the privilege to meet with some very impressive and gifted young men and women over the last month. I am praying like never before - seeking God's direction. We are very close to making a decision. When the time is right, I will say more, but this is a very exciting time in the life of Coastal. The best is really yet to come. Keep me and this process in your prayers.

Sunday was awesome. I'm loving this series through Philippians. Sunday we talked about having joy in spite of all the junk of life. Bill Brown recited this past week's memory verse - Phil. 1:6. Way to go Bill! Actually, a couple of people told me later that they also had memorized the verse, but were afraid to raise their hand. The cool thing was that later that night, David Beam, one of our students, already had this week's verse memorized! You the man David!

At one point during my message, as I do as often as possible, I talked about why Coastal exists - to share and experience LIFE! I love it that more and more people can say it back to me when I ask why we exist. It might seem like a small thing, but the starting point of living out a purpose is knowing what it is. And more and more at Coastal, I'm seeing both.

A few other Sunday observations: I saw Beth Duckworth, a member of our 1st Impression Team, give a new family a tour. It's those small extra touches - instead of simply pointing - that mean so much in creating an atmosphere where we can share and experience LIFE! Janet had an awesome VBS planning meeting Sunday night - lots of volunteers and lots of creative ideas! Did you hear that? Lots of volunteers! And it's only April! She would really like to have the bulk of our VBS volunteers in place by the end of May. Talk to Janet and see how you can serve. This is going to be the best VBS ever! Students love live worship. We had a guy lead worship with our Students Sunday night and they loved it. Loved the new song, "Mighty to Save" we did on Sunday. Melanie has a great Nursery Team. Someone told me over the weekend, "Chris, something is happening here at Coastal." They're right. Just excited to be a part of it!

I was working on Sunday's message and wondering how many of you have last Sunday's memory verse committed to memory when I read this email from Scott Wagoner:

"I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
 
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
 
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
 
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
 
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
 
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
 
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
 
What if we used it when we traveled?
 
What if we used it in case of emergency?
 
Something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?" 

What would you add to the list? Here's one, "What if we constantly asked ourselves, 'How did I ever get along without it?'"

This week's memory verse: Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
There might even be a prize involved for someone reciting it.

On Sunday we began a new message series entitled, "The Secret Revealed." We're using the popularity of the book and video, "The Secret" as a hook, but I'll actually be preaching through the book of Philippians. Philippians is all about joy. While people are searching for joy in all kinds of places, people, and things, the "secret" is no secret at all - joy is found in Christ. It's been a while since I've preached through a specific book of the Bible from start to finish, so I'm really jacked up about this series.

On Sunday my message was from Philippians 1:3-11. We talked about enjoying the people in your life. If relationships are strained in your life, life stinks. Paul mentions four keys to enjoying the people in your life: Be grateful for the good in people (Phil. 1:3, "I thank my God every time I remember you."), practice positive praying (Phil. 1:4, "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."), be patient with people's progress (Phil. 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."), and love people from the heart (Phil. 1:8, "God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.")

Every week during this series we're going to give everyone a memory verse from that section of scripture. Sunday's was Phil. 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What God starts, He will finish! I'm so thankful that God isn't finished with me.

Our attendance was down a bit (sickness, Spring Break, etc.), but there were several highlights. One of our students, Josh Beam, operated our computer for both services (he even helped with sound during the second service) and did an awesome job! Thanks Josh! We continue to have guests every Sunday and many of them are returning. Several people are stepping up and getting more involved in ministry. Easter Sunday, Janet had two teachers in Coastal Kidz, today she has four! We have volunteers cleaning the church until June and July is already filled. Two new people are going to help with sound. Like Janet said during the second service on Sunday, "That's fierce!" Snap. (You had to be there.)

Absolutely love our Students! We had a parent meeting on Sunday night to talk about some changes, Summer plans, and dates (more about all of that later). Yesterday, I met with a potential Youth Pastor for Coastal! Very excited about the possibilities!