Brad Wilkerson // COC Metro

Summer Is Here!

Wow, welcome back to the real world and the dog days of summer.  Last week was incredible as I was in Anaheim, CA, for the Coverge Southwest annual meeting.  The best thing about he week was the 75 degree temperature during the days and the cool evenings in the 50's.  What a shock to the system it was on Friday when I got off the plane at DFW and was hit with a blast of that good ole Texas heat.  It hasn't gotten any better as today it is 100 degrees and the heat index is well above 110.  Not only is it just brutal hot but I can hear the sound of money burning everytime that big A/C unit kicks on just on the other side of my bedroom wall.  It is hot but the work of the ministry and the work of COC still goes on.  We are making great plans and prepartions this week for the Independance Day Celebrations at Providence and Savannah this weekend.  The COC worship band will play at Providence and of course we will be doing our usual cotton candy gig at Savannah.  The crowds are expected to be 6,000 at Providence and 3,000 at Savannah.  What a great opportunity we have to not only meet new people but once again be Jesus to our communities.  I look forward to these events and for those of you that will be there....I'll see you on Saturday.

Sunny LA

As I write this week I am in Los Angeles, CA, at the Converge Southwest Annual Meeting at the Marriott Suites.  I am actually in Garden Grove just down the street from Disney Land.  When I boarded the plane at DFW on Sunday it was 98 degrees and the humidity was crazy high.  Well it is tough traveling and being away from my family for this week; but I sure am enjoying the 72 degree days out here.

This morning I was privileged to hear Ed Stetzer speak on the idea of being a Missional Church.  I want to share with you this week just a couple of thoughts that he brought out in his talk that really challenged my mind and convicted my spirit.

First, Ed brought out the fact that our God is a sending God.  He sends people into the work of the ministry and that is not just people who draw a paycheck from a local church.  All followers of Christ have been sent - the question is where and to whom.  I love that thought as we consider our ministry to the 380 Corridor.  We have been sent by God to share the love of Christ with those in our communities and that sending includes every one of us.

Second, Ed talked about the fact that when he consults with churches and church leaders he always asks the question, “What year is it at your church?”  That is a sobering thought as you look at how many churches are still operating like it is the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s.  May we always be challenged to stay relevant to our changing culture with a message that never changes!

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday….Father’s Day!

Writer's Block

As I sat down this week to write my blog I really didn't know what to write.  I guess you could say I didn't have anything to say. (I know, that is not like me!)  So as I sat in a daze looking into my computer screen the little noise came across my computer speakers telling me..."You've got mail."  Not having any incredible inspirational moments of writing I immediately took time to see who the email was from and what it said.  After reading it I was convinced that I had my blog.  I asked the one who penned the note to me if I could use her words for my blog and she graciously said....ABSOLUTELY...I would be honored.  So here it is folks...the whole reason we planted COC Metro and the whole reason we exist.  By the way, this great lady prayed and received Christ as her Savior on Easter Sunday at COC Metro!!!!!  Thank you Lord for letting us be involved in such a great endeavor!!!
 
Brad,
 
I really enjoyed today at COC.  It really uplifted me and just filled my heart with the Holy Spirit. For many many years I have been away from church. It's a long story and had a lot to do with my Mormon upbringing. I was force-fed that lifestyle for many years and it just didn't feel right for me. My husband is a good Christian man so I can imagine it was hard to sit by and wait for me to get on the bandwagon but he did. Your church has changed my life and helped me to come back to God. I have always known and loved Him but from afar. I guess He knew I was ready and so He sent me to COC Metro. My husband is thrilled and so proud of me for embarking on my walk with Christ.
 
I just wanted to tell you a little background and let you know how awesome it is for me to want to be a part of this church....and such a young church. I feel like we can grow together.
 
Thanks again!
 
Now that is why we're here.  Keep on keeping on for the Lord folks.  The victories are worth the journey.
 
Have a great week!

Wow...What A Picnic!

A year ago we had this great idea to do a church wide picnic at Rancho De La Roca in Aubrey.  We had about 35 people come hang out and of course eat....we are baptist you know.  Anyway, we decided to do another churcwide picnic this past Sunday, May 31st, and we had right at 100 people come hang out, eat, fish, sand volleyball, canoe, paddle boat and of course play a mean game of touch football.  It was so cool to see all the people spread out over the ranch having a great time getting to know each other better.  It is so cool to be the Pastor of such a great church.  Sarah and I took time Sunday afternoon to look around at eveyone and just take it all in.  Wow...what God has done in just one short year.  I look forward to see where we will be at next years picnic!  Thanks for taking it all in with us and going along on this great journey.  See you Sunday!