Greg Atkinson

I’ve got 3 and 1/2 words for you: In-N-Out Burger. Yes, sir – gotta love it. I’ve already made the first of a few trips to In-N-Out Burger. Monday was a rough travel day with all the delays due to storms in Dallas. I got on a different flight and had to go back late Monday night to get my luggage from the original flight. I arrived at Saddleback in time to talk with their worship pastor, Rick Muchow. I also got a sneak peak of what they’re doing Thursday night, as well as sat in on a rehearsal with Tommy Walker. I spoke to him briefly and told him we’re looking forward to having him at our church later this year. Brenton Brown is coming to our church later this month, so I need to run into him, too.

After leaving Tommy Walker’s rehearsal, I then went to check in at the hotel they booked for me and found out I was booked Tuesday through Friday (even though I arrived Monday night). I called up Rick Muchow and he invited me to sleep at his house – which I did. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Rick is one of the nicest men I know. I thank God for him and his family’s hospitality. I pray God will bless them. The next morning it was a true joy and blessing to see Rick leading worship with 2 of his sons on stage singing with him. Tim Hughes led worship after him and Rick Warren spoke – it was awesome. God showed up. More to come…

I’m a member of a blogging network that reviews new products from various companies. I’m embarrassed to say that I should have reviewed this product months ago. I let it sit for a while and then forgot about it. I’ll try not to let that happen with the future products. This first product is the new LifeWay resource for 18-34 year olds entitled “Threads”.

The Bible studies are geared toward young adults, featuring flexible formats with engaging supplemental video and audio. The sessions are 4-6 weeks, which fit into busy schedules. Each member book comes with journal pages. The Leader Kit comes with a DVD featuring introductory and companion video segments, a CD-ROM featuring leader tools, music and emailable audio files. You can also find supplemental resources for members and leaders online.

This “Threads” product is called InTransit: What Do You Do with Your Wait? and traces the lives of Joseph, David, and Jesus as they waited, sometimes painfully, to see God’s promises come to pass. What was true for those men is true for young adults today – there is great purpose in waiting. This leader kit will help you in leading your group to focus on how God builds into us during these times of waiting.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK:

I think this is a cool new direction and much needed emphasis for LifeWay. I applaud them for attempting to address this need, which is needed in the Church across the world.

CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK:

I think the videos could have had better lighting and better acting/actors. They weren’t horrible, but I think they could do better.

***You can find an introduction to “Threads” in PDF form HERE… or you can listen to a podcast about ministry to young adults using the “Threads” by LifeWay series HERE.

Yesterday was a great day at our church. Our pastor was speaking on AIDS. We did a video interview with Kay Warren (Rick Warren’s wife), when she was in Dallas. The Warrens are very passionate about AIDS awareness and ministry. What she had to say was insightful, inspiring and a great part of our worship services. We also showed a video entitled “The Straton Story”, about a pastor in Rwanda. I’ll be showing it at all my future conferences – it’s one of the most moving videos I’ve seen.

Speaking of the Warrens – I’m heading to California today to speak at Saddleback’s Worship Conference. I’ll be teaching 3 workshops. If you’re going to be at the conference, give me a shout. I’d love to meet you.

EXTRA:

I came across this guy’s music on Myspace. I’ve been listening to it lately and dig it. Check it out HERE and see what you think.

For my weekly column on Monday Morning Insight, I’m doing a 3 part series entitled “Beginning and Developing Your Church’s Media Ministry”. You can read Part One HERE.

I had a good Father’s Day. Of course I always miss my dad on Father’s Day, but my children are a blessing and made it a special day for me. How was Father’s Day at your church this past Sunday? Did you do anything special or out of the ordinary?

I’m back home after attending my family reunion in South Carolina. The highlight of my trip was spending time with my mom and step-dad, my sister’s family and visiting Brookwood Church, where I visit whenever I’m in town. I enjoyed talking with their youth pastor and senior pastor. The family reunion was so-so. My brother, who I haven’t seen or heard from in 3 years was there. He said “Hi” and “Bye” – that’s about it. My kids didn’t even know who he was. That’s life. We all come from various family backgrounds and dynamics. We all need prayer. I know I do.

BONUS:

• Get FREE “Evan Almighty” video clips from SermonSpice.com HERE.
• Get a cool liquid distressed motion background from WorshipHouse HERE.

Today I fly to South Carolina. I’ve got a family reunion tomorrow, which ought to be interesting since we haven’t had one in years. I fly into Charleston, SC, which is where my wife and met and went to college (and lived for 8 years). The first churches I ever served on staff at were in Charleston. We’re going to do some sight seeing, cruise by our old college and have lunch at my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant with 2 friends from college. One of the friends is my college roommate – he’s bringing his 2 boys and I’ll have my 3 kids with me (should be pretty cool).

After sight-seeing and visiting in Charleston for a while, we’ll head up to the upstate of South Carolina, which is where I’m from and my mom lives. We’ll do the family reunion thing on Saturday and then I’ll get to visit some churches on Sunday. I’ll fly home on Monday and will probably blog again on Tuesday. Peace!

Our whole Worship and Arts staff is reading “The Worshiping Artist” by Rory Noland (author of “The Heart of the Artist”). So far it’s a great read. I encourage you to check it out and consider going through it with your staff and volunteers. This book isn’t just for musicians – it’s for tech, drama and visual art teams as well. What books are you reading with your team?

After being sidelined for a while with a fractured foot and aching back, I was thrilled to join the ranks of the healthy last night as I played in a softball game. I haven’t played softball in over a year, so I’m sure I’ll feel it today. I appreciate all the prayers for my back and overall healing.

My family is out of town this week, so I’m living the bachelor life. After the softball game, I made it in time to catch a 9:30pm movie (it was $.50 Tuesday at the dollar theater). I saw “Next” with Nicholas Cage. I like Nicholas Cage and I enjoyed the movie, except for the ending. I thought it was a horrible ending. Has anyone else seen this movie? If so, what did you think of the ending?

EXTRA:

I forgot to mention Father’s Day resources from Angelhouse Media yesterday. I encourage you to check out their media resources HERE. They have “I Love You Dad” – which is similar to what they did for moms. They also have a countdown and loops. Check them out!

BONUS:

As you know, I love the band: MuteMath. They just recorded the theme song for the new “Transformers” movie. You can check it out HERE.

As you know, this Sunday is Father’s Day. There are a ton of great media resources for you to use in your worship service. New resources this year include media from Floodgate, eight20eight, Highway Video, FortyOneTwenty, Beamer Films and a Father’s Day Collection from Igniter Media. To sort through a ton of options, check out clearing houses like FaithVisuals, ImageVine, Meatloaf Media, SermonSpice, The Shoutable Store and WorshipHouse Media.