Our staff team is reading John Maxwell's "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." Each staff member has an assigned chapter to lead the group discussion. Next week I'm teaching the chapter on momentum - The Law of the Big "Mo." Well, we are living the BIG MO right now at church. And I would say I love going to church these days but that implies that it is a Sunday thing. The reality is that we're doing church all over the community. God is definitely doing some special things. Here are a few of them I'm really excited about.

1. I'm excited about all the work our student ministry and disaster relief team has been doing in the community since the floods in Cabarrus County. I can't tell you how much I have heard people talking about this in the community. I'm really proud of our students and adult teams that have really made a difference in people's lives. There are lots of names but Travis Bush - our Pastor to Students, and Brian Sanders - our Disaster Relief Coordinator have demonstrated great leadership. WAY TO GO!

2. I'm excited about our Sunday services. I have always loved that our services are kind of raw, and Spirit driven. That doesn't mean there's no order or that we just fly by the seat of our pants. Our services are thought out and planned but we give God a lot of room to work. We expect Him to move and change lives. And not just on Sundays but all during the planing process. And, I have to say, I have never enjoyed preaching as much as I am these days.

*THIS SUNDAY IS GOING TO BE OFF THE HOOK! I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING!

3. Speaking of preaching, I'm excited about this week's message - "The Challenge of Difficult People." I'm also excited about a new series we're kicking off on September 14 called "Unchained" (When God's People are Turned Loose). I love the graphics!

4. I'm excited that we have about the people to baptize this Sunday. It will be off the hook. Can't wait! We added two folks this morning. I don't even know what the list is up to now.

5. I'm excited that in a few weeks we'll have a new website and I'll have a new look to my blog. Mark - Mr. IT as we like to call him - is off the hook. Few people realize how blessed we are to have an IT guy right in our church.

6. I'm excited about some risks we're going to be taking in the next couple weeks at the church. I'll tell you all about them in the "Unchained" series.

7. I'm excited for my friend Gary Lamb at Revolution Church. They kick off a new location this Sunday. Those guys are kickin' butt and taking names and I love it. http://www.garylamb.org/

8. I'm excited about a coaching network I'm doing with Nelson Searcy. It's a tele-coaching network so I'm not back and forth in New York these days. But the tele-coaching thing ROCKS. I'm also looking ahead to the Advanced Coaching Network next year. For coaching info go to www.churchleaderinsights.com.

9. I'm excited about our men's golf/fishing retreat next weekend. We still have 2 spots open. If you want to go let me know. I have to finalize everything tomorrow (Friday). My email address is jimmy@rockyriverchurch.com.

10. And finally, I'm excited that the NFL kicks off tonight baby!!!!

Have a great day. To all you Rocky River heads I love you guys! I'm so proud to be your pastor. We're not only the coolest, best church in the world but we're the most compassionate too. Never forget, it's all about the people.

J