Milo Wilson

Writing a book review

2012-01-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

Do you remember the first time you were told to write a book report? I do. I remember getting a bad grade on it too. I copied a lot of my report from the back cover of the paperback, and spent the rest of the paper re-telling the story verbatim. I didn't go about it the right way.

In college I did much better on the book reviews. I guess it was there that I discovered that the professor already read the book, so I didn't need to tell them all about what happened. Instead, I needed to react to what I was reading and write about that instead. My grades improved.

This year is 2012. I have set a goal for myself to read 12 books this year. The books might be from all types of genres, and may be printed on paper, electronically, or even in audio version. Just get through 12 books.

I had a similar goal in 2011. 11 books. I may have read 3, but I know I didn't finish any of them. So, in an effort to make myself finish the task this year, I will be writing some type of book review on each.

Now, don't expect me to submit a works cited page, or document which page and chapter each thought was derived from, because I won't be doing any of that. I will however, commit to reacting to what I have read and writing it down. Even if it's not useful to you, I anticipate it being useful to me as I reflect back on the books I have gotten anything from. And no, I will not copy anything from the back cover.

Wish me luck! Look for the first review soon, because I have to get going on it.

What folding flats say about church planting

2011-12-30T08:49:00.001-05:00

I spent the day with my wife Erin yesterday away from our kids for our 10th anniversary. We wasted some time walking through a store of trinkets called The Cotton Gin. One of the things they were selling was a purse that contained two foldable shoes. For whatever reason, this caught my attention. You see, someone realized that the elastic around the foot on these type of flats caused the shoe to bend and bow up. Knowing that the clientele would not be interested in wearing shoes that look funny in the closet next to the rest of them, this person decided to turn the negative into a positive. This shoe is different from any other in the closet. Now it's unique. Now it's different. Now it's a shoe that you can carry with you in a small purse and go dancing after a formal dinner. It's brilliant.

Church planters have to figure out ways to turn negatives into positives as well. Let's face it, limited resources, personnel, and time are always obstacles in church planting. Here are a few ways I have learned to make the flip.

1. Ridgeview- the Sunday after thanksgiving was always poorly attended. We turned it into a brunch where people brought their thanksgiving leftovers to church. Turned into a very special day.

2. theWELL- the VFW had a huge bar that we couldn't put in a closet or hide. We covered it in candles of all shapes and sizes, and used it to set the worship environment. Candles of all sizes are still a huge part of our environment.

3. Ridgeview - We didn't have a building for Christmas eve services. Our agreement with the school only included Sunday mornings. We rented an old red barn, and transformed it into a worship center. Shady electrical outlets and all. Christmas eve at the red barn has become a staple in the blue ridge community.

4. theWELL - Christmas is on a Sunday. Do we have church? We decided not to have services at 781 Maple, but sent home a DVD experience for families to share before they opened presents. We also encouraged them to share it with their extended families. The impact was far greater than any service that we could have had at our building that morning.

5. Ridgeview and theWELL - assembling a full worship experience every week can be a pretty big task. Often, we are short a drummer, a sound guy, or lose a key piece of equipment like a bass amp, a speaker main, or a projector bulb to equipment failure. An acoustic set, a media free sermon, or bottled water instead of coffee are all changes that happen from time to time when things go wrong. The key is flipping it from a negative to a positive.

Think about it. What ways are you transforming your limitations into advantages at your church? What makes you different is what makes you different. Use it.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 12.11.11

2011-12-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

Obadiah - God's Punishment Broken Relationships

2011-12-13T11:04:00.001-05:00

The Book of Obadiah is the shortest in the Old Testament. It only contains 21 verses, but packs a big punch. It deals with a very long running family feud between Israel and the Edomites.

The Israelites come from the line of Jacob, and the Edomites come from the line of Esau. These two were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca. When the two brothers split from one another, the relationship was severed, and never fully repaired. There were times that reconciliation occurred, but overall the damage had been done.

The book of Obadiah is an incredible view into the heart of God himself. He is personally offended when the humans he created in his own image refuse to rectify their broken relationships. This book is a prophecy of what would become of the Edomites for how they treated His people.

Recovery is a huge part of what we do here at theWELL. (www.CRwithHOPE.com)One of the primary things we teach is that recovery is not just for those with drug and alcohol issues. We all have hurts habits and hangups we need to gain freedom from. We use the word RECOVERY as an acronym for the 8 principles that will help anyone along the road to recovery.

The 6th principle is this: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others.

What relationships do you need to mend? How many generations could suffer if you refuse to come together with that person?

Praying To Stop The Locusts

2011-12-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

Today's Bible reading took me through chapter 7 of the book of Amos. It starts out talking about a warning vision about locusts that would sweep through the grass of the land and destroy it.

I find this interesting, because for one reason or another the though of locusts is something I have not considered in a number of years. I guess its just something that I haven't had to deal with... well... ever. Interestingly enough, my girls are now hooked on the once popular animated series called "A Land Before Time." It is about dinosaurs and their struggles to escape from meat eating predators, and their constant struggle to find food. Its pretty cute too, not nearly as educational as I just made it appear. Nonetheless, one of the scenes I watched with Hazyl a couple mornings ago was about a swarm of locusts that came and destroyed everything green in the "Great Valley." Talk about a catastrophic turn of events!

Similarly, I remember reading through "The Little House on the Prairie" books as a kid. I read those books numerous times. My entire library of childhood reading could be summed up mostly between Laura Ingles Wilder, and Louis Lamour. Anyway, one of the chapters in "The Little House on the Prairie" talk about an enormous swarm of locusts coming and destroying the years crops. It was an enormous strain on the family and their rural community. Not only was it an inconvenience, it really might mean the difference between living and dying.

What were the locusts all about here in the book of Amos? The power of prayer. Prayer does effect God's actions. Repentance and brokenness can chart a new course for a nation or an individual. Amos took the role of an intercessor on the behalf of Israel, and God changed His mind.

Is there someone I should be praying on the behalf of?

Fighter - Angels and Demons

2011-12-02T02:17:00.002-05:00

11-20-11 Fighter Week 3 - Angels and Demons from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
What you see is not all there is. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Eph 6:12, NLT). Join us as we study spiritual warfare, angels, demons and the Holy Spirit. Together we'll uncover the SuperNatural Battle.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 11.27.11

2011-12-02T02:15:00.002-05:00

FOREVER (G) Chris Tomlin
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ccio4uqomf.pdf
    Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/v20auarb7m.pdf
    Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/cr9lmqo8tv.pdf
    Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/663nbzjibq.pdf
    Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/s4souhtj82.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/kxh1pb1db9.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ujlc9c3bkn.mp3

JUST AS I AM (F) Ginny Owens

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/fud16v16moubgeak8fmf.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7lhxedftqv8olqkrunah.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8x2luxtcqfvcvzghrfes.mp3

[GREET WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS]

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

LEAD ME TO THE CROSS (D) Brooke Fraser
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/adtfiqpufgytiovvfmfp.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/kinu8z0cqk7ehvhl22m4.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ay7otnozn5rod29uvcv5.mp3

SAVIOR KING (E) Marty Sampson
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zf57ouud35.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hnon1hgqmd.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/6bf10djfu2.mp3

SHOUT UNTO GOD (G) Joel Houston
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/96ms08hfp1b5ce15kahy.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/1h19vkkrayyk9z5odhjv.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/0nqoi0bej3tbur7oq5ya.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 11.20.11

2011-11-23T12:55:00.002-05:00

TURN YOUR EYES (A) Vicky Beeching

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/oj56odd3ulaklal8qio5.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ihcofbukjupundia4d3i.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 11-20-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 11.13.11

2011-11-17T09:47:00.002-05:00

Life Hurts God Heals - Mending Broken Relationships

2011-11-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

Broken relationships are something that are difficult to overcome. And, it isn't just something that happens to people in a land far far away. Many of my friends and family have strained relationships that feel like could never be resolved. What can be done? Where do we start? What does God's Word have to say about it?

08-21-11 Life Hurts God Heals Part 6 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
This recovery series focuses upon 8 Celebrate Recovery Principles based upon Jesus’ teaching from Matthew chapter 5 known as the Beatitudes. Recovery is a lifelong process for everyone because we live in a fallen world impacted by sin. We all have areas that reflect our brokenness but with God’s grace we can make changes and become more like Christ. As you learn these principles and choose to apply them to your life, you can experience His truth that will set you free!

As Iron Sharpens Iron - Life Transformation Groups

2011-11-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Today my daily devotional took me through Proverbs 27:17. "As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse has always been important to me, and to many other men who have found spiritual growth through Jesus Christ AND an accountability partner. A few years back I was introduced to an author named Neil Cole. He wrote a book that may have influenced my direction in ministry more that any other text outside the Bible entitled Organic Church. In fact, it influenced me so much that I chose to write my Master's Thesis at North Greenville University on Life Transformation Groups, an accountability model introduced to me in this book by Neil Cole.

A Life Transformation Group (LTG) is made up of two to three people, all of the same gender, who meet weekly for personal accountability in the areas of their spiritual growth and development. A group should not grow beyond three but multiply into two groups of two rather than a single group of four. If a fourth person is added to the group it is recommended that the group consider itself pregnant and ready to give birth to a second group. Once the fourth person has demonstrated faithfulness (2-3 weeks) the group should multiply into two groups of two.

Now, although in a different church in a different city, I meet with 2 men weekly that hold me accountable to living out God's will for my life. Here are 10 accountability questions we work through each week. It's also something that we encourage people at theWELL to work through.

1. Have you spent regular time in the Scriptures and in prayer.
2. Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts, or exposed yourself to any explicit materials which would not glorify God?
3. Have you been completely honest with your financial dealings?
4. Have you spent quality relationship time with family and friends?
5. Have you done your 100% best in your job, school, etc.?
6. Have you told any half truths or outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you?
7. Have you shared your story, the STORY, or heard another's this week?
8. Have you takn care of your body through physical excercise and proper eating/sleeping habits?
9. Have you allowed any person or circumstances to rob you of your joy?
10. Have you lied to us on any of your answers today?

Interestedin forming an LTG? I would love to be of help to you. Mutual accountability has changed my life.

10 Reasons You Shouldn't Bother Dating Your Wife

2011-11-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

She should tell you about what's been on her mind while you are watching tv together. No reason to get all dressed up for that. Have a conversation at home where you are comfortable.
Just because you went out a lot when you were dating doesn't mean you have to now. That's why you got married, so you don't have to interact with each other in that uncomfortable setting any more.
I told her I loved her the day we got married. If it changes I'll let her know. I don't have to go out on a date and be all sappy about our relationship.
Listening to live music is so overrated and lame. We can listen to live music at home with Pandora.
We already have a couple dates on the schedule. Valentines Day, our anniversary, and my wife's birthday. Other than that, it just seems like overkill.
With all the money we're saving by not going out, I can put that into the projects around the house my wife asked me to do.... ...one of these days.
We like to be around our kids. All the time. I want to be able to watch them sleep. They are so cute, and I don't want to miss anything.
Dating is expensive! My wife can make us dinner at home for pennies on the dollar.
My wife is an incredible cook. Why would I pay someone else to make us dinner?
Once the kids are out of the house, we will have plenty of time to "ignite the fire" if you know what I mean. Maybe we will go out on more dates then. Besides, we will have plenty of money to do it then.

Lessons From the Penn State Scandal

2011-11-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

Today I am reposting an article written by my friend and former pastor Tommy Hargrove. I think he makes a few very strong insights that we should all be willing to consider while the media circus wheel continues to spin away. Check it out.

I read the indictment this week against former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. He was entrusted with his "Second Mile" charitable organization to invest in young boys who had tough home lives and backgrounds. Unfortunately, he violated that trust. The damage he incurred on at least eight young boys (some say it's up to twenty) will last for years; many may never recover.

The fallout has been great as well it should. Jerry Sandusky has been indicted and although innocent until proven guilty, could face the rest of his life in prison. The athletic director and another football assistant have also been indicted due to their cover up of the situation by lying to a grand jury. Trustees have terminated the President of Penn State. Perhaps the biggest news of all is that trustees also terminated legendary head football coach Joe Paterno. This is the man who coached at Penn State six decades and won two national championships. Many claim "JoPa", who had reported to Penn State knowing something shady about Jerry Sandusky, should have done more. This story is a tragedy and the real loser is not Joe Paterno who at age 84 has lived a long, successful life. The tragedy is what happened to these boys and the guilt, the shame, the lack of trust, and the challenges they will face the rest of their lives.

As I've thought about this situation at Penn State, I'd like to share some thoughts, lessons, and why we do some of the things we do at Ridgeview:

*Lesson 1: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)."

When we read an account of a child molester we look at that person with utter disgust because of their sin. However, have we ever really thought about the fact that this is the same way a holy God looks at our sin as well. Can we comprehend that our sin is equally heinous in the eyes of a holy God?

*Lesson 2: People need Jesus!

Romans 3:24 states concerning sinners who trust Christ, they "...are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

*Lesson 3: Pornography will take you further than you think you would ever go!

I guarantee you that Jerry Sandusky didn't wake up one morning and suddenly decide to do the things he did to little boys. His actions began in his mind. That's why repentance means to "change one's mind." Pornography fills one's mind with filth. As a person continues to engage in viewing pornography, the sin nature will crave more deviant and disgusting acts. Sooner or later, simply viewing filth will not be enough. Proverbs 27:19 states, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

*Lesson 4: Never allow yourself to be alone with a member of the opposite sex or a child.

I've had a policy in my life for many years; never meet alone with a female. It has caused some inconvenience at times, but I want to finish faithfully the race marked out for me. Also, just protect yourself by not being alone with a child so that there will never be any justification of an accusation.

*Lesson 5: If you see or know something, say something! (if you don't you can go to jail)

If I am told as a Pastor in a counseling session that someone was molested, legally I have to report it. It is simply the right thing to do!

*Lesson 6: Every church should do a background check on children's workers.

Any person serving in our Ridgekidz area has to have a background check done on them. We want to protect our kids. Also, we have a check in and check out system on Sunday mornings for our kids. Some may not like the inconvenience but please understand we are seeking the protection of each child.

These are a few thoughts and lessons we can learn from the Penn State scandal. I am again reminded that our world is sin sick. We must sacrifice our time, our talents, and our treasure to take the good news of Jesus to people living in darkness. This world will only get darker as long as we keep the light of Christ to ourselves.

In Him,

Pastor Tommy

Jesus Heals the Paralytic

2011-11-10T11:25:00.014-05:00

Small Groups, Cell Groups, Growth Groups, Home Groups, or Journey Groups as we call them @theWELLbuffalo are vitally important to the health and longevity of any church. When asked to preach about Journey groups, I went to the Gospels and the story of Jesus and the Paralytic. I believe this one of the very best examples we can find in scripture of what a Journey group should look like in a healthy church.

07-10-11 Jesus Heals the Paralytic from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
Practically speaking, there will never be a way for the staff or elders to personally minister to everyone who will attend our church. That's why we place such a high premium on group life. It's how we will minister effectively at theWELL.

I Heart Buffalo - Love Your Neighbor

2011-11-09T11:28:00.027-05:00

I once heard Tommy Hargrove preach a sermon on The Great Commandment. I was really taken back by the door-hinge illustration that he used to drive home the point - "All the Law and the prophets hinge on these two things." He always gave me a hard time about remembering that message, because it obviously resonated with me strongly, while the other 200 or more sermons I heard from Tommy while on staff at Ridgeview did not stick with me the same way. I used the same illustration when I preached from the same passage. You can watch it near the end of the video below. I pray that it affected someone else in the same way.

07-03-11 I Heart Buffalo - Love Your Neighbor from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Real change happens when people who love God take action to change their city. These people can be defined as city lovers. City lovers get free, get together, get on their knees and get to work. City lovers are in motion. For God, love is not an event, its His every move. Join us for the next five weeks for "I (heart) Buffalo" as we explore how God loves this awesome city we live in.

Ezekiel Write this Down - The Fate of Poor Leadership

2011-11-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

Ezekiel writes a bunch of stuff in his book that I am sure he didn't understand at all. There are things God was speaking to him that didn't make any sense to him at all. I admit, when I read his book right now, there are still a ton of things that don't make a lot of sense to me now either. However, he wrote it down anyway. I am trying to learn to do this as well. I am trying to write down what God is telling me, and showing me whether I get it or not. Right now, I am just trying to be obedient by journaling. Writing it all down.

The story Ezekiel tells in chapter 18 is a sad one. It is the story of a mother lioness and her two different lion cubs. Both individually become strong young lions that rule their kingdoms for a while before they are trapped and hooked by lion hunters. The first is taken away to Egypt, and the 2nd is taken away to Babylon. Both would never rise to power again.

According to Iain M. Duguid in his book Ezekiel and the leaders of Israel, history shows us that the mother lion is Israel, and the two cubs are Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin. Both kings in Israel were robbed from their place of power. Jehoahaz was taken away to Egypt and Jehoiachin away to Babylon.

Here in the United States, today is election day. The church here at 781 maple rd is buzzing with activity as people in this district come and go and cast their ballots. As we think about who should be in leadership on various political levels, I find it interesting that this passage gives the imagery of powerful men acting like wild beasts. It's an image that still makes sense today. Furthermore, in verses 3 through 7 Ezekiel describes rulers who's great leadership mistake was not necessarily political, but instead the moral sin of oppressing their people.

Ezekiel continues on in chapter 18 with an analogy of a tree or vine branch that meets its demise as well. This is probably referring to the final King of Judah, Zedekiah. His fall, and the fall of this vine from power was because of pride. The result of his pride brought disaster on the whole nation.

Today's election will no doubt see the demise of many political leaders around the country. Sure, they may not all be big names that grab the attention of the national news media markets, but falling from power even at the local government level is still difficult to swallow.

In either scenario, I suspect that much of what Ezekiel wrote down will apply directly. I'm glad he wrote it down.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 11.06.11

2011-11-08T10:43:00.004-05:00

A New Covenant With The House of Israel

2011-11-07T15:37:00.001-05:00

Today my devotional reading took me through Hebrews Chapter 8, where the author talks about the new covenant God has with his people, and the old covenant becoming obsolete. Obsolete? Those are terrifying words to many of us. The last thing I want to hear is that my job, my productivity, my sense of style, my athletic abilities, or my choice in vehicles has become obsolete.

But this language is even stronger than that. The author of Hebrews has the audacity to suggest that everything the people of Israel have lived and died for over hundreds of years is now obsolete. This is pretty harsh language... ...whats it all mean?

I don't recommend this for everything, but Wikipedia has a very good explanation as to what the new covenant is.

The Christian view of the New Covenant is a new relationship between God and humans mediated by Jesus which necessarily includes all people,^[21] both Jews and Gentiles. The New Covenant also breaks the generational curse of the original sin on all children of Adam if they believe in Jesus Christ, after people are judged for their own sins, which is expected to happen with the second arrival of Jesus Christ (see also Eternal life).^{[citation needed]} Therefore the global missionizing of Jews (see the Gospel according to the Hebrews) or Muslims in the name of Christianity still remains an important pivotal Christian activity.

In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:—Jeremiah 31:29–31 KJV^[22]

Thus as the Apostle Paul advertises that the Old Covenant of Sinai does not in itself prevent Jews from sinning and dying,^[23] and is not given to Gentiles at all (with the notable exception of Noahide Law and the rules for proselytes in the Torah), Christians believe the New Covenant ends the original sin and death for everyone who becomes a Christian and cannot simply be a renewal of the Mosaic Covenant since it seemingly accomplishes new things.^[24] See also Types of Supersessionism.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.—(John 3:16, KJV)

Also based much on what Paul wrote, a dispensationalist Christian view of the nature of Israel is that it is primarily a spiritual nation composed of Jews who claim Jesus as their Messiah, as well as Gentile believers who through the New Covenant have been grafted into the promises made to Israelites. This spiritual Israel is based on the faith of the patriarch Abraham (before he was circumcised^[25]) who was ministered by the Melchizedek priesthood, which is understood to be a type for the Christian faith of believing Jesus to be Christ and Lord in the order of Melchizedek. The Apostle Paul says that "it is not the children of the flesh (i.e. the natural descendants of Abraham), who are the Children of God, but the children of the promise (i.e. the spiritual descendants of Abraham)."

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.—Romans 9:6–8 KJV^[26]

When I accepted Christ as my Savior, I became part of this New Covenant. I am no longer excluded from God's chosen tribe because I am not a Jew. My inclusion or exclusion is not based on where I was born, or on how hard I work to be accepted. I am no longer slave to living a life of perfection to earn the favor of a Holy God. Instead, I find that through his Son Jesus Christ I am able to be in relationship with the Creator of the universe, because of what his Son did on the cross. That is where the New Covenant is simply amazing to me.

Be on the Alert

2011-11-03T19:17:00.001-04:00

This week started out with the wonderful holiday we call Halloween. I grew up in a church that called it a Fall Festival, or a Harvest Festival, but now I just call it plain old Halloween.

Some of you know that I spent my first four years out of high school in the Marine Corps. The closest I ever came to actual combat was for about 25 days in the woods at Camp Lejune during (appropriately named) Marine Combat Training (MCT). During one of our training exercises, we were told to “dig in” at about sunset on Halloween night 1999, and to be on guard because there rumors of another unit organizing an attack on us. We took turns sleeping that night in the fighting hole, the guy awake peering blindly into the darkness waiting for this “eminent” attack. At about 2 AM I remember being shocked about the guys two holes down, who whispered over to us to “wake us up if anything happens” and both layed down and went to sleep. It wasn’t long after, that I was startled by a hand on my shoulder. It was my Platoon Sergeant, and he had a goofy grin on his face, and a very large machine gun called a “Saw” in his hands. He put his finger to his lips, telling me to remain silent, and moved on to the next hole. You see where I’m headed with this right? About 30 seconds later, I hear: “Trick or Treat!” He opened fire into that fighting hole, (with blanks of course,) and sent those two dreamers scurrying every which way looking for their weapons. One of them had even taken his boots off! Believe me, the Platoon Sergeant made his point: Be on the alert.

How does this apply to you, and your Christian walk? Be on the alert. In other words, do not treat the truth of God’s Word or your own faith carelessly. What God has revealed in his Word is far too important to be neglected. Dangers, real dangers, both spiritual and eternal dangers surround you and want to snatch away from you what is truly important. 1 Corinthians, a letter full of advice and instruction is written by Paul. In chapter 16, Paul is about to close his teaching, about to leave. But in the final verses he adds some concluding remarks, very much like a Mom and Dad in their last few minutes on the college campus, trying to leave his Corinthian college kids with a few important final thoughts. There are five specific instructions, by which people can live by for continuous lifestyle of Christianity. The first instruction is found in verse 13. Be on the alert.

What Paul is saying is this: “Keep on watching, not just some of the time, but all of the time.” Your love for God’s Word and your concern for souls should be so strong that you take to heart Jesus’ warning voiced in the Gospels: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mk 8:36,37) Be on the alert.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.30.11 Encounter

2011-11-03T16:54:00.002-04:00

NEW DOXOLOGY ANTHEM (G) Walker Beach

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5odk8qjiub.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/szs3ol6610.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7sq5yn8ejs.mp3

BEAUTIFUL JESUS (G) Kristian Stanfill

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/65yuxhns4f.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ohib1sablz.mp3

[BREAK 1]

OUR GOD IS LOVE (A) Lee McDerment

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/emyxkpx3ga.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/vah2mm1x65.mp3

WITH EVERYTHING (A) Joel Houston

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uy0jabqpe0.pdf
   Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/3fk8pmrshkh3x9yfe06k.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dhq4l4xcvs.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ggegiltz04.mp3

FOREVER REIGN (A) Reuben Morgan

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/376f117nr6.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zdrrcuyrat.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/iqpej0zso5.mp3

[BREAK 2]

HOW HE LOVES (A) David Crowder

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/logoes61mz.pdf
    Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ox2jezx1ay.pdf
    Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/cpbuosil1p.pdf
    Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/rxqf4urkfq.pdf
    Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7l3vnsn9cl.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/468ohj61a7.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dkgpd0s15r.mp3

ALL YOUR LOVE (A) Darrick Castronova

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/g9uem1olgld7df3avdqj.pdf

MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/01dc4oq8hl5znzk1vozu.mp3

MIGHTY TO SAVE (A) Reuben Morgan

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/2lc2vxrn9l.pdf
   Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9j337f03x7.pdf
   Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4pmmiv04v5.pdf
   Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/899smjym43.pdf
   Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/x0qb8a1p4v.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ob6e3va81l.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hf5lygp0n2.mp3

[BREAK 3]

THE ONE WHO SAVES © Ben Fielding

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qya7714i69.pdf
   Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/sny9i8dsrc.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/1j8ecmb99v.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ydae2n3k81.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.30.11

2011-11-03T16:53:00.000-04:00

MIGHTY TO SAVE (A) Reuben Morgan

FOREVER REIGN (A) Reuben Morgan

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/376f117nr6.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zdrrcuyrat.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/iqpej0zso5.mp3

[GREET/WELCOME]

REAL (F) Sion Alford

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/lkh5aiaoeg.pdf
    Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ocydic3eezzgqd7bfjmf.pdf
    PianoVox http://www.box.net/shared/static/y61bp952u4.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zyx8lr8obm.mp3

JUST AS I AM (F) Ginny Owens

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/fud16v16moubgeak8fmf.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7lhxedftqv8olqkrunah.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8×2luxtcqfvcvzghrfes.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

MY JESUS I LOVE THEE (MY JESUS) – Darrick Castronova

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hbt8kf2ej8.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/sqe3f2lz5j92rkn636ra.mp3

Great is Your Faithfulness

2011-10-31T15:09:00.000-04:00

This weekend marks 2 years since our son Josiah received his tracheotomy, a procedure where a hole is cut in the neck, and a breathing tube is placed there for the ventilator to provide air support to the lungs. It is a semi-permanent procedure that is tough to handle as a parent of a CHD baby, because it feels like steps backward in the wrong direction. It means that your child will not be able to breath on their own for an extended period of time.

About a year ago, Erin and I told our story at theWELL Here is a link to that conversation. Much of it is about losing our son Josiah. Part of it talk through the passage that I read for my daily devotions this morning. Here is part of the video story from that day.

Would you want to know?

2011-10-28T13:38:00.000-04:00

January 2009 Erin and I found out the troubling news that our 20 week ultrasound that our son Josiah would be born with a very complicated and very rare heart condition. If you have not heard or read about Josiah's story, please click here and read about our amazing and beautiful child.

Since then, many people have asked us: Are you glad that you were able to prepare for Josiah's complicated birth, and life? Knowing what you know now, would you want to know? In our case, we are grateful that we did know... but this is not always the case.

I was reading today in the book of Jeremiah. I find it incredible that Jeremiah let the people know exactly what would happen. Again... the news was not good. In chapter 51 Jeremiah gives a word picture that sums up the fate of the Babylonians.

⁶⁰So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.
⁶¹And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, When thou comest to Babylon, and shalt see, and shalt read all these words;
⁶²Then shalt thou say, O LORD, thou hast spoken against this place, to cut it off, that none shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate for ever.
⁶³And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:
⁶⁴And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.

Would you want to know?

Do You Grab a Bull by the Horns, or a Dog By The Ears?

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

I grew up on a farm in the country. I didn't have a job stocking shelves at Walmart, flipping burgers at McDonalds, or slinging newspapers for the local news. My job was built in. Kinda like room and board. I didn't have a curfew in high school, I just had to be at work Saturday and Sunday mornings at 4am. I quickly learned it didn't want to stay out past 11:00 the night before.

Through growing up in this culture I had a built in love for horses, cowboys, and rodeos. One of my favorite things to watch at a rodeo was the steer wrestling contest. The cow was released from the chute, often with a little electric shock on his hindquarters to "encourage" him along.

Time starts. The cowboy spurs his horse out of the box and jumps from his saddle onto the steers back at 20mph or more. He then grabs the bull by the horns and cranks his head around until the steer's momentum and the cowboys good technique and muscle flips the cow over onto his back. Time! All of this happens in a matter of seconds, and a real professional at the sport is incredibly entertaining to watch.

Throughout my life, there have been many opportunities that have come my way where I have needed to grab the proverbial bull by the horns. I need to deal with something quickly, give it all my attention, and resolve it in a timely manner. I believe this is a good quality in a person.

My daily Bible reading plan today took me through Proverbs 26:17. "Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears." This is a very different proposition than taking the bull by the horns. Now that you have the dog by the ears, what are you going to do with it? Why on earth would you want to get into that position? Now you have an angry dog on your hands, and nowhere to run. Why would you just grab some passing dog by the ears? He might be gentle and playful, or he might eat you for dinner. You don't know this dog... you have no business getting "involved" with it.

I have been guilty of taking a dog by the ears multiple times in my life. In fact, while I was in the Marine Corps I earned a poor reputation of walking up on a conversation and forcing myself into the middle of it. It didn't take long before conversations would fizzle out the minute I walked up on the group. It was my own fault... I had chose to grab the dog by the ears too many times, and now I had to deal with the consequences.

What about you? Are you a person who "meddles in quarrels not his own?"

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.23.11

2011-10-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.16.11

2011-10-27T09:37:00.002-04:00

SOLUTION (G) Joel Houston
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/objvkodklducyenle26u.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7jomo6ckn7k570elpymh.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qaej4ohvmugp43re1los.mp3

OH YOU BRING (G) Matt Crocker
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/sku2krm2qi.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/br4jxxq09n.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/epygtbzlha.mp3

[GREET/WELCOME]

RISE AND SING (A) Steve Fee 
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/tno5gb6k8v.pdf 
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/fr9h4mam2tz21jo24e2q.pdf                                             PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7bp90jr2f9.pdf 
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/05avclbz19.mp3

TURN YOUR EYES (A) Vicky Beeching
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/oj56odd3ulaklal8qio5.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ihcofbukjupundia4d3i.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

THE WONDER OF YOUR LOVE (E) Marty Sampson
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/g5x4tuf64f.pdf
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qdmyr3t66u.pdf
PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ttxfp4pokm.pdf
MP3 http://www.box.net/shared/static/5jpv7n2m5g.mp3

Come Before Winter...

2011-10-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my daily Bible reading took me through 2 Timothy 4. This is where Paul is closing his letter to his young pastor he mentored, and asks Timothy to bring a few things to him in prison... and to do so quickly, because he wasn't sure how much time he had.

My first church I served at was in Beaufort, SC. This was while I was still in the Marine Band at Parris Island, but I was just beginning to get my feet wet in ministry leadership at Shell Point Baptist Church. I was the student leader, and the worship leader as well. During my time there, I served with a pastor named Derris Davenport. He was a retired pastor who served us as an interim pastor for almost a 4 year stretch.

This was one of his favorite passages to preach from. He explained to us how Paul was pretty certain that he may be executed soon, and wanted to put things in order before that happened. Paul speaks in this chapter about fighting the good fight, and finishing the race. Pastor Derris also explained that Paul's relationship with John-Mark was now restored after the conflict between the two earlier.

Finally, Derris focused in on the phrase "come before winter." The call is urgent, and it is undeniable. Winter is coming. Particularly where I live now in Buffalo, NY - winter is imminent. The time is now.

Really what Pastor Davenport was teaching was about leaving a legacy. He absolutely left his legacy with me... and continues to do so with others... who am I leaving a legacy for?

Keeping Busy Without Getting Busy

2011-10-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Time management is one of the most difficult things for pastors involved in church planting. It is a problem for all pastors I suppose, but I think church planters get consumed even more easily.

There are a few reasons for this.

First of all, we are constantly trying to improve what we do. Creativity takes a great deal of time. While this is the job of every good pastor, the nature of fighting for survival when a church is still in its childhood causes us to take this responsibility more seriously.
We are consumed with the complexity of meeting with people face to face and building relationships. Again, this is very important for every pastor, but church planters find is a necessity for survival.
We don't know what we are doing. We try and fail... a lot. The nature of church planting is that much of what we are doing in the context of our specific communities has probably not been tried before there. If it had been tried, most likely an existing church would be there to meet the needs of the community.

So, much of what we are learning requires a great deal of meetings, readings, listening, and learning. Its hard to fit it all into the calendar. At what point does it become too much? How do we keep busy without getting busy?

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.09.11

2011-10-11T14:17:00.002-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 10.02.11

2011-10-06T15:40:00.001-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 9.25.11

2011-10-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 9.11.11

2011-09-20T16:26:00.002-04:00

EVERYTHING GLORIOUS (B) David Crowder

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ddf8ys99ls.pdf
    Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/3bkhsn6ehp.pdf
    Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/j1pf97gsb3.pdf
    Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9g8bxb1lar.pdf
    Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/xh7dm30jy0.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zbdnm9a60t.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qtquh860e6.mp3

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL (B) Bon Jovi

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qioj8pploo9ezz7faay7.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/inck015cj336j2an8xl2.mp3

[GREET / WELCOME]

EVERLASTING GOD (A) Lincoln Brewster

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/bn1ke9u9dl.pdf
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/s4lq4aj052.pdf
Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/v6d6n8qfu6.pdf
Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/i7akfe4tjh.pdf
Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ex75p0hqm9.pdf
PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7ktud6g1rt.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/smiy4qs50e.mp3

YOU NEVER LET GO (A) Matt Redman

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/22susxsp9d.pdf
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dxri3a3s4d1yset4mvbj.pdf
Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ndv7ynhnft6atmbv705t.pdf
Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/497r098oaujq03x88ojl.pdf
Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/jrcfrmqmuqr859xmg75i.pdf
Piano Vox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9nyitfdq7hps1ki44i4h.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/2mzve42y2l.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

STRONGER (B) Reuben Morgan

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8rffsjilt57pl2af2aa1.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uxr45zfu4belj7sagxcv.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/r86fgr1rmkujiu9hkp56.mp3

Worship Leaders: How to use The City by Zondervan instead of Planning Center

2011-09-14T16:30:00.000-04:00

Our church, www.thewellbuffalo.com has made the decision to use the City, www.onthecity.org by Zondervan as our main platform to communicate with our church partners.

This is a great tool for the church to use, but does cost to use. Planning Center, www.planningcenteronline.com is an incredible tool for worship leaders and worship planning that I really enjoy, but it has a monthly cost to use as well.

Because I do not want to have multiple websites by which people on my worship team have to check to feel connected to our church, I felt that I should use the City for our worship band scheduling, because it would remain consistent with the rest of the church. I think it is working pretty well.

Here is how we do it. In the City, we formed a group called theWELLband, and invited all of our worship team to join the group. Then, I post the songs for each week as an event that I ask them to attend. This is what the songs look like.

ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS (A) Steve Fee
V C V C B C2 C2 C3[flash_video:www.box.net/shared/static/5asmbtvbvf.mp3:placeholder:325:10]
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qpvirfzc9o.pdf
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5u2je1fj00.pdf
Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8g5t85hcaj.pdf
Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/afjq02yn6q.pdf
Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/fm5k0r0jox.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/u3da6ocd3q.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5asmbtvbvf.mp3
1/23/11, 2/6/11, 4/3/11, 5/29/11, 7/31/11

Let me decode some of what you are seeing. The title of the song is in CAPS. The key of the song follows in parenthesis. The author of the song is next, followed by the way I intend to lead the song, just in shorthand. On this song I will lead it as follows. Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus 2, Chorus 2, and Chorus 3.

Next is a string of code exclusive to the City. It allows you to have an MP3 player imbedded into your event post. [flash_video:www.YOURMP3URL.mp3:placeholder:325:10]

After that, I list all the pdfs for all the instrumentalist. We host all of our files at www.box.net, because they allow you a direct link for each file. People can download just by clicking "save as" on the the link.

Then the City gives you the option to assign roles to the event. I called these roles "Worship Leader," "Lead Guitar," "Soprano," and so on. Then the City also allows you to pick an individual and assign them to a role. This is where I plug in each individual musician.

Then, I post the event. The participants have to option to confirm or deny that they are attending the event, and give a reason why they can't attend. Also, the format of the City allows for open discussion about the worship set list, which is something that planning center can't do at all.

Some of the features of planning center include chord chart transposing, and mp3 transposing. Most people don't realize that they offer this service for free through an alternate entrance to their site called www.transposr.com. So, I am still able to make those changes when I need to as well.

Planning Center and the City both have their own positives, but right now, I feel like I am making the City work really well for us.

What are some of your thoughts?

Is your church ready to grow?

2011-08-17T20:16:00.001-04:00

Church Growth.

We read books about it, we go to conferences about it, but we don't really know what to do with it when it happens.

God has blessed us over the short existence of the community of faith we now know as theWELL. We have done some things right, done a number of things wrong, but God has shown his favor on us nonetheless.

So we are growing, and rather quickly. Our biggest struggle however is staying ahead of growth. What do I mean by this? We want to be equipped for the next level of growth before it happens. Believe me, its not easy Here are a few things we are revisiting in our staff planning meetings this week.

1. Signage - we need to be sure our guests can find their way around better in 2012 than in 2011.
2. Healthy Journey Groups - a journey group leadership training weekend this fall will help ensure that the DNA of theWELL transfers to every person that attends.
3. Quality control - when the church was 2 months old, we used to analyze every aspect of worship services to be certain we are putting our best effort out there to bring God the greatest glory.
4. Kids programming - parents will deal with an uncomfortably warm worship center or less than ideal music quality for themselves, but tend to expect the very best for their kids. We want to be ready.
5. Recast vision - our people need to be able to talk clearly about what their church community cares about. And they need to have experienced this to be true of their church.

All of these things contribute to being prepared for church growth. Notice, you don't see mailers, water give - aways, or door to door campaigns.

We haven't "promoted" our church as of yet. We believe people will tell their friends when they get excited about what God is doing in their life.

Is your church ready to grow?

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 8.14.11

2011-08-17T14:23:00.002-04:00

I AM FREE © Jon Egan
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/t3iynnlpd9.pdf
Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4l43tt41c2.pdf
Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uroos4rxxs.pdf
Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/apsgb7yrjp.pdf
Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/th5medbpa7.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qvcjupsvmh.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ekb3vyjau8.mp3

AMAZING BECAUSE IT IS © The Almost

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zvauykkcaoqcfl1vm0oe.pdf
   Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dh38bh3t7yuxro877cxb.pdf
   Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/lvhqj63fl20psi046aco.pdf
   Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/p6o6ql4pu55muz9kgfle.pdf
   Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dh38bh3t7yuxro877cxb.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zftaeebvu6k56jnf9imr.mp3

[GREET/WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS]

How to Gut a Piano (a lifelong dream of mine)

2011-08-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

Ok, let me preface this post by saying that I have been waiting to do this for nearly 5 years. I had to decide which type of piano to do it with, and I decided to look for a spinet. This allows me to lead worship from the stage and still be able to see over the back. After the piano gutting is completed, I replaced the piano with a full size weighted keyboard.

Why? Why gut a piano if your just going to put a keyboard in it? It looks cool. Way better than a keyboard and keyboard stand. And, you will never have to tune it or worry about mic placement again. So... here goes.

found this beauty on craigslist for free. Waited about a month to get the one I wanted. Lady said " My Grandma would have loved for a church to use her piano"... I never told her I would be removing the piano's insides

this was just after removing the lid

each key has a small dowel running up through them that needed to be detatched

the keys lift right off the balancing pin... no tools necessary up to this point

this is the table all the keys used to sit on

this is the view of the harp. that is the thing that really weighs so much

we used a piano tool to loosen all the strings

after they were loose we pulled the strings off with a pair of pliers

here is the cobweb of detached strings. 3 strings for almost every 88 notes on the piano

the large screwdriver was needed to remove 20-30 screws holding the steel harp in place

after wearing ourselves out turning the piano tool, I figured out that a faucet key for commercial garden hoses fits into a drill. the process picked up steam after that

every one of these tuning pins had to come out. That's where the drill and faucet key came in

here is the piano harp. It is very heavy, and cumbersome to remove, but once it was out, the piano was just another piece of furniture

I removed the old wheels and attached larger casters that will roll much easier

I vacuumed every bit of it out. There was sooo much dust and dirt in there!

The keyboard slid into place nicely. No new supports, just the original piano key table.

I wanted the piano pedals to activate my keyboard pedal. Once again, a roll of duct tape did the trick.

I widened a hole in the back of the piano to run power and mic cables through in an inconspicuous place.

this is where we filed away all the extra parts

here she is. side profile 1

side profile 2. Inside the old piano body is a set of computer speakers with a large subwoofer. It allows the keyboard to be played without a sound system if necessary.

from the back no one will know the difference... unless they read this blog.


and there she is... in all her glory

Feel free to comment and ask questions. I know when I was looking for info on the subject that it was hard to find. Most people who disguise their keyboard as a live piano don't want people to know they have done so. After looking closely at a few live shows, and youtube videos of live shows I have noticed a number of Christian and secular bands using pianos that were actually keyboards... and now I have one!

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 7.17.11

2011-07-20T16:49:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 7.10.11

2011-07-14T10:44:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 07-10-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 7.3.11

2011-07-14T09:58:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 07-03-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 6.26.11

2011-06-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

MADE TO WORSHIP (A) Chris Tomlin
V1 C V2 C B C C END

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/31et34a7h7.pdf
    Violin: http://www.box.net/shared/static/c7fkyxvchhr5g2s6ru6s.pdf
    Alto Sax: http://www.box.net/shared/static/80iqqmze2zzz7h9ho8pn.pdf
    Trumpet: http://www.box.net/shared/static/sh5thurmg3zjraat6eiz.pdf
    Trombone: http://www.box.net/shared/static/55vsscj4svj6c350uxzs.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ykmfmi3mt994omv4mddd.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/nq36r4942s.mp3

TURN YOUR EYES (A) Vicky Beeching
V1 C1 V2 C2 B C2

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/oj56odd3ulaklal8qio5.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ihcofbukjupundia4d3i.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

IF YOU SAY GO (D) Diane Theil
V C V C V
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/443jb2o8hd7ac19z183l.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5rms87jkqbomq0gmxc8o.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9gborvupkr9rzqxkenl1.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 06-26-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 6.19.11

2011-06-23T13:18:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 06-19-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 6.12.11

2011-06-14T18:07:00.002-04:00

FRIEND OF GOD (D) Israel Houghton
V C V C C B B B C
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/eloskmf7vl.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hjlu3p68af.mp3

[GREET/WELCOME]

RISE AND SING (A) Steve Fee
C1 V1 V2 C1 V3 C2 B B C3
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/tno5gb6k8v.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7bp90jr2f9.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/05avclbz19.mp3

EVEN IF I FALL (A) Mike Cowert
V1 C V2 C END
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/aldh5csoyn.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/jejqvu4sq9.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

WITH EVERYTHING (A) Joel Houston
V1 V2 PreC V3 PreC Inst C1 C1 C2 C1 END C1 C1
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uy0jabqpe0.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dhq4l4xcvs.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ggegiltz04.mp3

OUR GOD IS LOVE (A) Lee McDerment
V1 PreC C V2 PreC C B TAG
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/emyxkpx3ga.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/vah2mm1x65.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 06-12-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

The Queen City Farm

2011-06-14T13:09:00.002-04:00

This post was written by my beautiful wife Erin

God had a divine appointment, that we were unaware of, for Milo and me yesterday. We decided to take the girls to their cousins soccer game last night. Their cousins live in downtown buffalo so the game was at JFK park downtown. Milo and I were sitting in the grass watching and I was eavesdropping on a conversation that was happening between two men sitting beside me. I was debating on interrupting their conversation because it had become obvious to me that they were Christ followers who were trying to live out God’s love and serve the city of Buffalo. Finally, one guy made mention of getting some support from local churches that may be willing to help their efforts. The other guys then said, “I’ve heard of this church called theWELL.” That was my obvious cue to interrupt their conversation! God is so AMAZING!

Milo and I then had an awesome conversation with theses two men for the next hour. Steve and Rod are in the middle of serving the city of Buffalo. Steve is pastoring a church plant called Vineyard and Rod is trying to revitalize a community through urban farming and hoping to start a home church. Rod has started a farm on a 3acre vacant lot on the east side of Buffalo. He is trying to provide fresh, local food to a community that would otherwise not have the opportunity for that. Through his farm he and his family are sharing the love of God with his neighbors.

I share all this with theWELL family because I was so encouraged and I think you should be too that theWELL is living out what we value and God is being glorified. When Rod and Steve started a conversation about who could help them in their efforts, theWELL was the first church they thought of. I’m so excited to be a part of a body of believers that is living out it’s LOVE for God and others!

Checkout the Queen City farm here and find out more about how they are living out God’s love in the city of Buffalo.

“God’s heart bleeds LOVE for this city.”

Parenthood: Discipline

2011-06-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

The subject of parenting is something that I get asked about often as a pastor. I have been a student pastor in the past, and parents often would ask me what to do with their child. Truth is, I am still around 8 years away from having my own teenagers, and my kids haven't started school yet. I am sorely inadequate when it comes to personal experience. However, the Bible does have a ton of principles for parenting we need to consider. Check out the conversation we had at theWELL a few weeks back.

05-15-11 Parenthood Discipline from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
If you have kids or even thinking about them, you won't want to miss this four week series that explores what God's Word has to say about all things parental. Whether they're bawling, crawling, walking, talking, driving you crazy, or asking to drive your car, kids are a gift from God - and He provides some very clear guidance and insight on how to raise them to be full of faith and focused on Him, rather than leaving you frustrated, frazzled, and fatigued.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 6.05.11

2011-06-07T15:06:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5.29.11 Encounter

2011-06-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

NEW DOXOLOGY ANTHEM (G) Walker Beach
V1 V2 C V3 C C V4 B

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5odk8qjiub.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/szs3ol6610.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7sq5yn8ejs.mp3

MY SAVIOR LIVES (G) Jon Egan
V1 C V2 C B B B B C C

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/jvoa73hsta.pdf
    PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/3dnee4xszd.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/csto0hnbcl.mp3

[WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS]

[BAPTISMS]

LIKE AN AVALANCHE (Am) Joel Houston V1 V2 C1 V3 C1 B B C2

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4g9j79rgsc.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/i1tphc1ht9.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/cvff2gr6i5.mp3

THE ONE WHO SAVES © Ben Fielding
V1 V2 C V3 C Inst B1 B1 B2 B2 C B2 B2

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qya7714i69.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/1j8ecmb99v.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ydae2n3k81.mp3

[COMMUNION]

WE CRY OUT (F) Kari Jobe
V1 C V2 C C B C

   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ncixej1klc.pdf
   PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/yge6tcxc71.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dzfv6a7p31.mp3

REAL (F) Sion Alford
V C1 V C1 C1 C2 C2

    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/lkh5aiaoeg.pdf
    PianoVox http://www.box.net/shared/static/y61bp952u4.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zyx8lr8obm.mp3

[PARTNERING TIME]

THE WONDER OF YOUR LOVE (E) Marty Sampson
V1 Pre C C V2 Pre C C C Inst C C C

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/g5x4tuf64f.pdf
PianoVox: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ttxfp4pokm.pdf
MP3 http://www.box.net/shared/static/5jpv7n2m5g.mp3

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD (E) Robert Lowry
V1 C V2 C V3 V3 C C

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/x6lt1sv9h5.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/pxe5ry7ltb.mp3

[Dismissal]

ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS (A) Steve Fee
V C V C B C2 C2 C3

Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qpvirfzc9o.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/u3da6ocd3q.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5asmbtvbvf.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Encounter 05-29-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Workday 06-03-11

2011-06-05T23:18:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Workday 06-03-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
We had a great group in to help us from Mississippi. We got a ton of work done on our own property this day, but it is only a fraction of what we want to do to transform our city of Buffalo!

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5.29.11

2011-06-04T23:00:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 05-29-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North (Chord Changes)

2011-06-02T15:17:00.002-04:00

Worship Leaders, this song is a favorite at our church. It is not difficult, but for whatever reason the chord changes were not accurate "out there" to be found. So I did the work for you... Here it is.
(btw these are for "rehearsal purposes only" of course)

Ignore some of the misplacement of chords due to blogger's text editor ... use the video as a template for timing. Check it out!

Love is Here (Tenth Avenue North) [B] [Capo 4]

Intro
Em G/B C2

Verse 1
Em           G/B    C2
Come to the Water, you who thirst
Em           G/B    C2
and you'll thirst no more.
Em           G/B    C2
come to the Father, you who work
Em           G/B    C2
and you'll work no more.

Pre-Chorus:
D               Em        C2
and all you who labor in vain
D               Em        C2
and to the broken and shamed:

Chorus:
G                     C2
love is here. love is now.
        Em               D               C2
love is pouring from His hands, from His brow.
        G          C2
love is near, it satisfies.
Em                D               C2
streams of mercy flowing from His side.
              Em    G/B C2     Em G/B C2
cause love is here.

Verse 2
Em           G/B    C2
Come to the Treasure, you who search
Em           G/B    C2
and you'll search no more.
Em           G/B    C2
come to the Lover, you who want
Em           G/B    C2
and you'll want no more.

Pre-Chorus:
D               Em        C2
and all you who labor in vain
D               Em        C2
and to the broken and shamed:

Chorus 2:
G                     C2
love is here. love is now.
        Em               D               C2
love is pouring from His hands, from His brow.
        G          C2
love is near, it satisfies.
Em                D               C2
streams of mercy flowing from His side.

Brigde:
C2
and to the bruised and fallen,
G/B
captive, bound, and broken hearted.
Am             D
He is the Lord He is the Lord,yeah
C2
by His stripes he's paid all ransom
G/B
from his wounds we drink salvation
Am             D
He is the Lord He is the lord

Chorus 3:
G                     C2
love is here. love is now.
        Em               D               C2
love is pouring from His hands,from His brow.
        G          C2
love is near, it satisfies.
Em                D               C2
streams of mercy flowing from His side
Em                D               C2
streams of mercy flowing from His side.
              Em    G/B C2     Em G/B C2
cause love is here.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5-22-11

2011-05-26T13:59:00.002-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5.15.11

2011-05-16T17:29:00.004-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5.8.11

2011-05-16T17:26:00.001-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 5.1.11

2011-05-06T14:42:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 05-01-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Jesus AND

2011-04-27T13:53:00.002-04:00

This is an incredible blog post by an incredible songwriter named Michael Gungor. Here it is: prepare to be challenged!

In this holy week, I am thinking of Jesus and what must have been going on inside him as he moved towards the cross. In John 17, we find an intimate prayer between Jesus and his Father only moments before he was arrested.

In this prayer, these epic, last moments before he is killed, he prays for those of us who would believe in him in the future. Jesus. Praying for us in these final moments of what must have been tremendous fear and agony. This is pretty amazing. And what does he say?

²⁰…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Unity. That’s what Jesus seemed to want for us more than anything else.

Unity under what? That we would all believe the exact same doctrines? That we would all have the same opinions about the afterlife?

Is the foundation of our faith Jesus AND our thoughts about the Bible and salvation and miracles and heaven and hell…etc Or is the foundation of our faith Jesus and Jesus alone?

Are we unified by Jesus and whether we speak in tongues or Jesus and our thoughts about the priesthood of believers? Are we unified by Jesus and our views on women in ministry and whether or not we believe earth is six thousand years old or six billion? Is our foundation both Jesus and our thoughts about whether hell is a literal place or not? Is the absolute bedrock of our faith both Jesus and our thoughts about transubstantiation, or human sexuality, or predestination or free will or whether clergy should wear robes in church rather than suits and ties? What is the absolute FOUNDATION of our faith that should hold us together whether we disagree about the finer points or not?

Is it not simply that Jesus is Lord? Is it not the Word that became flesh and walked among us and was crucified and rose again and shall come again? Is it not simply and always and only Him that unites us, and is that not enough?

What happened at theWELL Dec 2010

2011-04-26T15:57:00.000-04:00

watch on youtube

Things moved very quickly around here in December. We got the keys to our new facility at 781 Maple Road on December 1st, and the work really began. Darrick and I and our families began eating 3 meals a day at the church while we worked with teams to paint 50-60 gallons worth of paint, dissemble and remove 36 oak pews, remove a 2500+lb marble altar, and install video projectors and lighting.

Here are a few videos of the main workday:

Renovating theWELLbuffalo from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
December 11th was a great day of service for theWELL. We were joined by "Potter's Hands" from the Chapel as well as friends from AA and theWELL. We experienced an incredible transition before our eyes.

Renovating theWELL (Part 2) from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
December 11th was a great day of service for theWELL. We were joined by "Potter's Hands" from the Chapel as well as friends from AA and theWELL. We experienced an incredible transition before our eyes.

The rest of the month followed the same pattern. Work all day, work into the night, repeat.

December 19th, we met at the VFW post where we had been worshiping for the final time. We started the service there, and caravan-ed with the final round of boxes and Rubbermaid totes in people's cars to our current location at 781 Maple Road. We preach about movement, and how important it is to move when God is speaking to you. We ask people to come forward at the end of the service, because movement will help them remember what God has done in their lives. This was a beautiful Sunday to experience. About 70 people engaged in movement across the 3 miles that separate the two locations. It was really a sweet day.

We opened the church for the public for the first time Christmas Eve 2010. It was an intimate candlelight service, with a number of guests coming to see what was happening here in their community. The response that night was overwhelming, and God continues to move in the church we call theWELL.

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 04.24.11

2011-04-25T16:41:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Set List and Video 04.17.11

2011-04-25T16:34:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 04-17-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Set List and Video 04.10.11

2011-04-12T22:11:00.001-04:00

HEAVEN CAME DOWN (E) David Crowder

C1 V1 C2 V2 C3 V3
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/0x0hl4rh9n.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/d3snoy9iiz.mp3

THE WONDER OF YOUR LOVE (E) Marty Sampson
V1 Pre C C V2 Pre C C C Inst C C C
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/g5x4tuf64f.pdf
MP3 http://www.box.net/shared/static/5jpv7n2m5g.mp3

[WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS]

ONE WAY (A) Joel Houston
V1 C V2 C B B B B C C
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/xkjre4fdbl.pdf
    PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9kz5hak1gk.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5sa4r0id0q.mp3

WITH EVERYTHING (A) Joel Houston
V1 V2 PreC V3 PreC Inst C1 C1 C2 C1 END C1 C1
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uy0jabqpe0.pdf
   PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/dhq4l4xcvs.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ggegiltz04.mp3

[SERMON/CONVERSATION]

SURRENDER (G) Marc James
V1 C V2 C Inst C C C
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4c6t4q31ps.pdf
PianoVoc: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8bl7o1116m.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/o319ey7jki.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 04-10-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Set List 04-03-11

2011-04-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 04-03-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELLbuffalo Set List 03-27-11

2011-04-12T11:27:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 03-27-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELL Set List 03-20-11

2011-03-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 03-20-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELL Set List 3.13.11

2011-03-16T08:56:00.002-04:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 03-13-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELL Set List 3.6.11

2011-03-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

GLORY TO GOD (A) Steve Fee
V1 C V2 C B C C B C
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4dct41r2e9.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/691016yn7k.mp3

SHOUT TO THE NORTH (E) Martin Smith
C V1 C V2 C B C V3 C C END
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/1jlbxzxueg.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ndddzh079t.mp3

[WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS]

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD (E) Robert Lowry
V1 C V2 C V3 V3 C C
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/x6lt1sv9h5.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/pxe5ry7ltb.mp3

HOSANNA (E) Brooke Fraser
V1 V2 C V3 V4 C B C C
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/g4g2rx2ojl.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ejco9ckvaa.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

SAVIOR KING (E) Marty Sampson
Intro V1 PreC C1 V2 PreC C1 C2 C3 C4 Inst PreC C1 C2 C3 C4
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/zf57ouud35.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/6bf10djfu2.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 03-06-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELL Set List 2.27.11

2011-03-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

ALL THE EARTH WILL SING (E) Lincoln Brewster
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8xc3mvq814.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/fj3hubnryt.mp3

[WELCOME]

WE FALL DOWN (G) Kutless
V1 C V2 C C2
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8xihypytbl.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/i2dyiutl7p.mp3

EVERLASTING GOD (A) Lincoln Brewster
V1 B C V2 B C C
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/bn1ke9u9dl.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/smiy4qs50e.mp3

WITH EVERYTHING (A) Joel Houston
V1 V2 PreC V3 PreC Inst C1 C1 C2 C1 END C1 C1
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/uy0jabqpe0.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ggegiltz04.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

THE STAND (A) Joel Houston
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/gs2b1poeg2.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/7bahnm74hj.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 02-27-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Preaching a Sermon Multiple times

2011-03-04T12:17:00.000-05:00

Pastors often return to a sermon that "preaches well." This was the case for me when preaching on Moses. However, I find that the sermon never comes out exactly the same as previous times. Why? Because God tends to breathe words into us as we prepare our hearts to preach. He lets us know what the particular crowd needs to hear that particular time. This is the sermon a year ago at www.ridgeviewchurch.net. Below is the sermon a month ago at www.thewellbuffalo.com

1-9-11 How Moses Lost His Margin from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.
Sometimes it seems like the only way to keep up with all the demands on our lives is to run at maximum capacity—and then some. Even Moses struggled with leaving enough space for God and for rest. But there is another way...one where we have room to breathe and space to respond to what life brings our way. Come, join a conversation with Milo Wilson as he explores what it means to live with Margin.

Preaching on Surrender

2011-03-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

The topic of Surrender is a tough one to preach on. It isn't popular, easy, or comforting to hear. Yet, it is a reoccurring theme throughout Jesus' teachings, and therefore we need to be willing to preach on it. Here is the video from my talk a few weeks ago at theWELL.

02-13-11 RESET Surrender from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Reset. Reset everything you think you know about God. What you think you know about what he wants people to do. Learn how to defend Jesus and the Bible. Join us for this week's great conversation which deals with surrender!

theWELLbuffalo Set List 2-20-11

2011-02-25T13:18:00.000-05:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 02-20-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

What happened at theWELL Nov 2010

2011-02-24T14:10:00.001-05:00

November was a very busy month for us at theWELL. We were just begining to settle in to a rhythm of working together Darrick and I,and suddenly here we were on some of the biggest God things I had ever experienced in ministry.

At that point theWELL was meeting in a VFW post, but in just my first full week on staff talks began about the possibility of theWELL already moving to another location. Why? An Episcopal church in the area was closing it’s doors. While we were sad to see a church closing God was opening an unbelievable opportunity for theWELL. The building was still owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Western NY who was ere worried about losing the property to a commercial developer.

So, Darrick set up a meeting with the Comptroller named Howard and we dressed up in our nicest bluejeans to go and meet with him. God’s hand was clearly evident in every meeting Darrick and I had with him. In the initial meeting, Howard was trying to figure out from our website, and from our conversation with him who this church called theWELL really was. We explained some of doctrinal foundations to him, but ultimately hit it off with him really well right away on a personal level. The man is incredibly insightful, but doesn't get listened to very often I'm afraid. I think he was just glad to sit and talk with some people who would listen.

He asked us when we would like to get into the building. The former church would be leaving Nov 21st. Darrick asked if we could ge in Dec 1st. He asked how much we would be willing to pay. Darrick asked if we could pay $0 for rent, and just cover the out of pocket expenses. Howard agreed to both. Darrick kicked me under the table.

We serve an incredibly creative God. The one stipulation to moving into our new building was that we allow the groups that met there throughout the week to continue meeting there. We came to learn of a multitude of 12 step programs that use this building through-out the week, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous and so on. God laid this incredible ministry into theWELL’s lap. The name theHOPEcenter was birthed, and the goal for the building was that it could be used 7 days a week to meet the needs of these groups. Most of these groups met late at night so that no one can see them coming and going. Yet, there were more than 300 individuals struggling to be freed from addiction. The former church had less than 10 people in Sunday attendance, yet they had this untapped, incredible ministry opportunity right in front of them. Now we would have the opportunity to serve these same people.

Over the next few weeks, we had the opportunity to meet with the Bishop of western NY as well as the presiding Bishop of the United States, which was a real honor. Now we really had to get to work, not only did we have to be ready to move into a new facility in less than 30 days, we also had to be ready to renovate it, and continue to have meaningful services at our current VFW location.

We kicked off our 1st Journey group semester ever the 1st week of November. The response was incredible. Close to 50 people began to dig deeper into God's word at various locations throughout the city throughout the week. God was beginning to move, and we were just trying to be ready for it.

theWELL Set List 2.13.11

2011-02-15T17:07:00.000-05:00

theWELLbuffalo 01-13-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

theWELL set list 2.6.11

2011-02-12T14:56:00.001-05:00

YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH (G) Matt Maher
V1 PreC C V2 PreC C C PreC C C2
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/e148zglv4u.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/v96j8ixiuv.mp3

[WELCOME]

ALL BECAUSE OF JESUS (A) Steve Fee
V C V C B C2 C2 C3
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qpvirfzc9o.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/5asmbtvbvf.mp3

MIGHTY TO SAVE (A) Reuben Morgan
V1 C V2 C B C C
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/2lc2vxrn9l.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hf5lygp0n2.mp3

FOREVER REIGN (A) Reuben Morgan
V1 V2 C V3 C C B B B B C C B
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/376f117nr6.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/iqpej0zso5.mp3

[MESSAGE/CONVERSATION]

AMAZING GRACE (MY CHAINS ARE GONE) (F) Chris Tomlin
V1 V2 C V3 C C V4
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/nsyni09qxh.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/irbsbbr64b.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 2.6.10 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

What happened to bring us to theWELL in Oct 2010

2011-02-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

We had a meeting this morning at theWELL with a group of Pastors from the Frontier Baptist Association of which we are a part. After talking through with them what God has done at theWELL in the last year, I realized how much of this I need to get down in writing.

It might take a few posts, but I will try to get caught up to current day.

In September 2010, Erin and I and our girls returned from a family trip to Croatia where we were able to see our friends Jeremy and Petra on the mission field. We knew before leaving on the trip that we would be leaving Ridgeview Church and heading to Buffalo NY to help in planting theWELL. We had prepared to have our house in SC for sale by owner for a month before breaking down and using a Realtor. We figured it might mean living in NY with our family until the house in SC sold. Instead God sold our house in less than 2 days on Craigslist to a cash buyer who was willing to pay almost all of our asking price. We closed on the house 18 days later.

Ridgeview Church rallied around us to help us pack the house up and get on the road for buffalo. So many people came to help in fact, that neighbors began asking our people to park in their driveways, because all the cars were beginning to cause a traffic problem. We packed everything as tight as we possibly could, but it still wasn't fitting into the massive rental truck. So, at 10:30 the night before we were suppsed to roll out at 5am we had an on the spot garage sale where we sold our riding lawn mower, some power tools, and gave away some furniture.

We left SC the following morning by 7am and didn't end up arriving until 3am the following morning. This is about 6 hrs longer than expected, but we made it safe. So, our truck was full and our house in SC was sold, and we had about 24hrs to find a place to rent before the truck had to be returned. Game on!

Our new partners in ministry, the Castronova's had a couple places for us to look at, and by 12noon we had found a suitable house to rent. By 5pm we had signed the contract, and theWELL rallied around us and helped us unpack our things from the truck and move them into the house. Once again, all the cars created a traffic problem. Great help is hard to find.

Our 1st Sunday at theWELL was October 24th 2010. It wasn't until we were sitting in a Journey group in someones home telling them about who we were that it dawned on us that this date was exactly 9 months to the day from January 24th, the day that we had lost our son Josiah to HLHS, from a rare and serious heart defect. January 24th 2010 was also the 1st time that a small group of people had ever met in a home as a launch team with intentions to start theWELL. It was as if God had confirmed with us that while he had taken our son home to be with him, that he had also birthed something that we would be able to be part of. Something very special and very unique. A church that would be the most exciting place I've ever been able to serve in ministry.

More to come...

theWELL Set List 1.30.11

2011-02-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

WE FALL DOWN (F#) Kutless
V1 C V2 C C2
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/8xihypytbl.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/i2dyiutl7p.mp3

FRIEND OF GOD (D) Israel Houghton
V C V C C B B B C
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/eloskmf7vl.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/hjlu3p68af.mp3

[WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS]

EVERYTHING GLORIOUS (B) David Crowder
V1 C V2 C B C C
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/ddf8ys99ls.pdf
    MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/qtquh860e6.mp3

NEVER LET GO (A) Matt Redman
V1 PreC C1 V2 PreC C2 C1 B C2 C1
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/22susxsp9d.pdf
MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/2mzve42y2l.mp3

[CONVERSATION/MESSAGE]

GOD OF THE CITY (C) Chris Tomlin
V1 PreC C V2 PreC C2 Inst PreC C2 Inst
   Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/9hjphfkauy.pdf
   MP3: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4g5damyvhn.mp3

theWELLbuffalo Worship 1.30.11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Our 1st Encounter Service at theWELL

2011-02-01T13:19:00.001-05:00

I have not written enough about the great things God has been doing at our new church here in Buffalo called theWELL. Last night we had our 1st Encounter service, which will be a night of worship and commitment held whenever there is a 5th Sunday in the month.

Preparing for the Encounter service was pretty difficult, because I had never done anything quite like this before. We would be incorporating baptism, communion, partnering (membership), and a mosaic wall all into one service.

The service was incredible. I had the opportunity to lead in worship, but I also had the chance to play some fun keyboard stuff, and even worked on the organ for a couple songs. This was so much fun for me! People's lives were being changed right in front of everyone. Mike Laun did an incredible job telling life stories through video, and we showed these videos before each person was baptized.

The Story of Jess Daley from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

The Story of Mike Measer from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

The Story of Suzie Gortig from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

The service was long, but it flew by in a flash. Our facility also hosts theHOPEcenter, which is where hundreds of people come throughout the week for various 12 Step meetings. Outside near the entrance to theHOPEcenter, there are a few smoking poles where many of them stand and smoke before coming in the building. Near the end of our service, I could see out the back windows of our worship center, and I could see a crowd of smokers beginning to form. They had come early to their meeting times, but wanted a quick smoke before going in. It was so exciting to watch their reactions to what they were seeing in the worship center. They were blown away.

In a city that is predominantly nominal Catholic, a church that is alive, vibrant, and authentic is often a shock to the senses. The facility that we are in is a former Episcopal Church, with only a handful of members. For these people coming to 12 Step meetings, the transformation here has been tremendous. One young woman walked into the service, and came forward to speak with pastor Darrick at the end of the service. She plans to attend church with us Sunday, and get involved with what she sees happening here.

The service is appropriately called "Encounter." It was an incredible night, and I do believe with all my heart that we had an encounter, an interaction, a meeting time with a relational, holy God.

theWELL Set List 1.23.11

2011-01-29T20:12:00.000-05:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship 1-23-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Pictures of Worship @theWELL

2011-01-21T12:35:00.002-05:00

My friend Austin took some pics of our worship service at theWELLbuffalo.com. They came out really good, and I think all he used was his iPhone. Crazy huh? Here they are!

They are really cool! Thanks Austin for snapping them while running sound for us that Sunday!

theWELL Set List 1.16.11

2011-01-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

theWELLbuffalo Worship Music 1-16-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Learning to Learn

2011-01-19T16:52:00.001-05:00

I am having such a time of growth and learning in my life right now.

You know what that means in "real people" terms? I am being stretched, and it hurts.

I was never a person who thought I needed to attend college. But I did, and I needed every bit of it. I never thought I was a person who needed accountability in my life, but I do, and I need every bit of it.

I am learning so much from the 12 step community that meets here at www.theWELLbuffalo.com . We call in theHOPEcenter. Supposedly I am there to be a help to them. They are helping me immensely.

Today's lesson is this. Be vulnerable.

Let me clarify. Being transparent means I allow you to see what skeletons I have in the closet. But thats it, I just show it to you.

Being vulnerable means I am willing to allow you to speak into what you see in my life. Being vulnerable is much tougher than being transparent. That's what I am learning...

theWELL Set List 1.9.11

2011-01-12T12:58:00.007-05:00

KINDNESS (G) Chris Tomlin
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/pz6am6x0my.pdf

HOSANNA (PRAISE IS RISING) (G) Paul Baloche
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/nrnulv5zxx.pdf

FRIEND OF GOD (D) Israel Houghton
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/eloskmf7vl.pdf

SON OF GOD (G) Tim Nuefeld
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/mndye6deq1.pdf

GLORY IN THE HIGHEST (G) Chris Tomlin
    Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/1ftzxzkk5e.pdf

SURRENDER (G) Marc James
Chart: http://www.box.net/shared/static/4c6t4q31ps.pdf

theWELLbuffalo Worship Music 1-9-11 from theWELLbuffalo on Vimeo.

Preparing to Preach at theWELLbuffalo

2011-01-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Our lives have been in a whirlwind for the last few months. If you haven't been following my family terribly close through facebook or twitter, you may not have noticed that we have moved away from Upstate SC home of the Clemson Tigers to Western NY, home of the Buffalo Bills.

After 4 years at a church plant in SC called www.ridgeviewchurch.net as the Worship and Student Pastor, God has graciously opened doors for me to be part of another church plant called www.theWELLbuffalo.com as the Ministry Design Pastor. (Yes, I am aware that my title is a little ambiguous. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing half of the time either.) God is so good to me!

This Sunday, I will be preaching at theWELL. I have been leading worship most Sundays, but every six weeks or so I have the opportunity to teach on whatever God leads me to. This Sunday, I will be preaching from a passage in Exodus 18, where Moses lost his Margin. What is Margin? Its that white space in your Bible where the words stop before the paper's edge. It's the amount available beyond what is necessary.

This passage is one that I need to ruminate over at the beginning of every year, because I have a great tendency to fill every available moment of space in my life with junk. Then I wonder why I don't have the time to do what God intended for to be doing.

Still working out some of the details for Sunday. Here are a few thoughts for you to consider:

Do you wish you had more time to do your hobby?
Do you wish you had more time for yourself?
Do you wish you had more time with your loved one?
Do you wish you had more time with God?

So did Moses... How did he remedy the problem? Exodus 18-19

Ridgeview Set List 9.26.10

2010-10-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

Solution - Joel Houston (view in iTunes)
Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer (view in iTunes)
When Trials Come - Keith Getty (view in iTunes)
Hosanna - Brooke Fraser (view in iTunes)
Revelation song - Jennie Lee Riddle (view in iTunes)

Ridgeview Church Music 9.26.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Ridgeview Set List 9.19.10

2010-09-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

By Your Side (view in itunes)
Mike Donehey

Our God Saves (view in itunes)
Brenton Brown

All Creatures Of Our God and King (view in itunes)
David Crowder

Give Me Jesus (view in itunes)
Jeremy Camp

Ridgeview Worship Music 9.19.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Ridgeview Set List 9.12.10

2010-09-27T16:58:00.000-04:00

(Jenny Dunster Worship Leading)

Not To Us (view in itunes)
Chris Tomlin

Mighty to Save (view in itunes)
Ben Fielding

Revive Us Again (view in itunes)
Michael Weaver

God of This City (view in itunes)
Chris Tomlin

O Church Arise (view in itunes)
Keith Getty

Ridgeview Worship Service 9.12.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Ridgeview Set List 9.5.10

2010-09-27T16:49:00.001-04:00

(Jenny Dunster Worship Leading)

You Are Good (view in itunes)
Israel Houghton

Jesus Hurry (view in itunes)
Kevin Hughley

Everlasting God (view in itunes)
Brenton Brown

What a Savior (view in itunes)
Jeremiah Jones

Be Thou My Vision (view in itunes)
Mary E. Byrne

Ridgeview Set List 8.29.10

2010-09-27T16:38:00.000-04:00

Hallelujah What a Savior
Milo Wilson

Happy Day (view in itunes)
Tim Hughes

From The Inside Out (view in itunes)
Joel Houston

Awake My Soul
Milo Wilson

Revelation Song (view in itunes)
Jennie Lee Riddle

Just As I Am (view in itunes)
Ginny Owens

Even If I Fall (view in itunes)
Mike Cowart

Ridgeview Worship Service 8.29.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Climbing to the Castle Ruzica Grad in Orahovica Croatia: Video

2010-09-21T20:40:00.002-04:00

original video source

Doing Some Yardwork in Orahovica: Video

2010-09-21T01:33:00.001-04:00

original video source

the 1st edition of the Dutch Blitz Croatia Cup: Video

2010-09-20T18:15:00.002-04:00

original video source

another original song by Daylia Wilson (on the Road to Split Croatia): Video

2010-09-11T03:32:00.002-04:00

original video source

connecting with some friends in Split Croatia: video

2010-09-10T19:39:00.002-04:00

original video source

visiting the city of Zadar Croatia: video

2010-09-10T12:12:00.002-04:00

original video source

Getting Groceries in Kukljica Croatia: Video

2010-09-10T06:06:00.002-04:00

original video source

The Wilson's and the Chapel on the Adriatic Sea: Video

2010-09-09T10:16:00.003-04:00

original video source

traveling from Budapest Hungary to the Coast of Croatia: Video

2010-09-09T08:21:00.003-04:00

original video source

in the air from atlanta to amsterdam: video

2010-09-08T14:49:00.002-04:00

original video source

Atlanta Airport Leaving For Croatia: Video

2010-09-08T14:44:00.003-04:00

original video source

Leaving Ridgeview Church

2010-08-23T22:01:00.002-04:00

Sunday morning I made one of the most difficult announcements I have ever made over my 4.5 years at Ridgeview Church. Tommy had preached a sermon on "What is God's Will for My Life." Then, after finishing the final worship song, he asked me to come up and share what God had been doing in our family's life.

Here's what happened.

Milo Wilson - Leaving Ridgeview Church from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Ridgeview has been an incredible place to serve. You stuck with Erin and I last year when we faced the worst thing imaginable: the death of our 8 month old son Josiah. (www.thewilsonheart.com) You have allowed me to do some pretty crazy stuff with your middle school and high school students, and we have all grown very close together in the process. Hopefully your students will continue to learn how to develop into Godly young men and women.

The worship band has grown into something that I am incredibly proud to be a part of. Our little church has learned how to sing and praise God at the top of our lungs together. We love to worship, and we aren't ashamed to do so. What an honor to have been a part of the process.

Pastor Tommy has been an incredible mentor, and a dear friend. You have allowed me to mature as a pastor myself, and have given me the tools to lead others into being a bridge of God's love to all people. Thanks You.

We will still be in Greenville through Oct 24th 2010. At that point Erin, Daylia, Hazyl, and I will begin our trek up northward. I will be joining Darrick Castronova at The Well (www.thewellbuffalo.com) as the Co-Pastor of the new church plant there. Stay tuned for what God has in store!

Ridgeview Set List 8.22.10

2010-08-22T15:21:00.002-04:00

Glory to God Forever
Fee
View In iTunes

Worship the King, O
Chris Tomlin
View In iTunes

Promises
Jared Anderson
View In iTunes

Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
Casting Crowns
View In iTunes

Wonderful Maker
Matt Redman
View In iTunes

Ridgeview Church Worship Service 8.22.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

Ridgeview Set List 8.15.10

2010-08-21T14:59:00.003-04:00

All Bow Down
Chris Tomlin
View In iTunes

Cannons
Phil Wickham
View In iTunes

Everything Glorious
David Crowder Band
View In iTunes

Jesus Paid It All
Kristian Stanfill
View In iTunes

Grace Like Rain
Todd Agnew
View In iTunes

Ridgeview Church Worship Service 8.15.10 from Ridgeview Church on Vimeo.

5 reasons why worship leaders need to repeat songs

2010-08-16T10:17:00.004-04:00

I will start by saying there is never a concrete rule when it comes to being a worship leader. The minute you decide you have a formula that makes it all work perfectly, God tends to come in and shake things up a bit. Don't look at this post as a concrete rule.

1. Repetition builds confidence.
Most congregations like hearing new songs. But, they will only stand and listen to the great new song, unless they have been given an opportunity to learn it over a few weeks/months. Only then will they be confident enough to clap, sing , and shout.

2. Repetition builds trust.
Playing a song in the same structure (something like V1 C V2 C B C C) each time you lead it helps a congregation greatly. No one wants to be the guy who shouts out the bridge at the top of his lungs, while the band has gone back to Verse 1 unexpectedly and reverently. The congregation learns to trust that a worship leader won't set them up for embarrassment.

3. Repetition makes a band play better.
Think of how many times U2 or Dave Matthews has to play the same tunes over and over again. This makes the band passionate, accurate, and tight. Why wouldn't you want your worship band to feel the same way? Don't throw so much new music at them that they can't play with excellence.

4. Repetition makes you lead better
New songs are intimidating for everyone. Doing a song you have led within the last 2 months is good for every worship leader. It makes you sing and play with passion and excitement rather than fear and trembling, because you have a good idea how the congregation will react to different parts of the song.

5. Repetition is necessary for recognition
A congregation will never be able to grasp the theology behind a song before they know the song. Typically a worship leader will have listened to a song 20-25 times before they lead it. This means they have a good grasp on how the song ties into the Pastor's message that day, or why it thematically should follow the previous song. However a congregation will not be able to follow your reasoning as a worship leader for how you prepared a set list, until they know and recognize a song and its lyrics.

Obviously new songs in worship are a must. However, don't get caught putting out so much new stuff that your congregation can't keep up. They are your focus. They are who you are leading into worship. Don't leave them behind. Don't be the leader who forges on ahead only to turn around and realize there isn't anyone behind you anymore...