newpointe chair team

Here's a video we did last summer to thank our chair team volunteers. They're the best. Since this video has been shot, there are many more awesome folks who step up weekly and/or monthly to tear down and set up the 1,400+ chairs in the auditorium at NewPointe. Thanks again to everyone who helps with this huge and very important ministry.

the wisdom of andrew bunn (spelling)

Andrew (age 5): Daddy, I know what 'CAR' starts with . . . it starts with "R."

Naomi (age 9): No it doesn't. 'Car' starts with "C."

Andrew: Naomi, you're a genius.

injury update

Many of you have asked how my ankle is doing. Many of you are praying for me. THANK YOU for that! Here's an update.

Today (day 8), my foot is more purple than it has been so far, but it also feels the best it has since the injury. I'm able to begin to apply pressure (standing) to it a little. I haven't been able to do that since the injury and I was getting very frustrated by what seemed to be a lack of progress.

I'm feeling better. It still hurts...but not quite as much. Did I mention the fact that the initial pain was the worst pain I've ever experienced? EVER. If a visual helps you understand what it felt like, here you go:

And thanks again for your prayers.

another christmas eve youtube video

Had to post this one too. Outstanding vocal (Danny Bunnelle is my hero). Outstanding dance. Check it out:

christmas eve drummer boy on youtube

Because I know you'll want to enjoy it again and again...(although the live version was much better)...

sunday's scuds (christmas eve edition)

Christmas Eve was phenomenal. I hope you didn't miss the opening song. If you're late, you miss a lot. The worship set was powerful. Dwight's message was just what we need to hear (and put into practice) this time of year. The closing song was incredible. Hope you got to experience it all.

Dwight put the bow on the All I Want for Christmas package with a message on peace (All I want for Christmas is...Someone to Calm Me). Here are some of the scuds:

• Jesus Christ came to calm you down...so that you can have the peace of God, be at peace with God, and be at peace with each other.
• Jesus came not to ream you, but to redeem you.
• Jesus came not to scare you but to save you.
• Jesus consistently chose to identify with real people in real crises.
• Jesus lived out his live before humanity in one crisis after another crisis, after another.
• He didn't come to walk over us or walk on us, he came to walk with us.
• Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble...but in me, you can have peace."
• Know what the world's idea of peace is? Everything has to be just right.
• Jesus says, "I want to give you a peace that will carry you through every crisis in your life.
• I wouldn't give you two cents for your peace...if it depends on your circumstances.

The keys to peace:

• Receive God's pardon (Romans 5:1)
• Trust God's purposes (Colossians 3:15)
• Understand God's perspective (Philippians 4:7)
• Focus on God's presence (Isaiah 26:3)
• Ask for God's peace

more thoughts from andrew (churches)

I overheard a conversation at the family Christmas gathering Saturday night. It was between Andrew (age 5) and a couple of his aunts. It went something like this:

Aunt #1: Where do you go to church, Andrew?

Andrew: Duh (while rolling his eyes)... NewPointe.

(laughter in the room)

Andrew: Where do you go to church?

Another Aunt: When we go we go with Mamaw and Papaw to the Mennonite church.

Andrew: Mennonite? I'm not into that.

the upside to injury

Is there an upside? If there is, it's the fact that while I've been laid up, each day I've had at least a couple different friends stop by to check on me, bring me things, and wish me well. That's been the best part by far.

Here are some things I've learned while being immobile the last few days:

• There is NOTHING worth watching on TV during the day.
• There's really no comfortable "elevated leg" position.
• I'll never again take this for granted: being able to go the bathroom any time I want.
• If one fails to shower, one begins to stink.
• I'm not so good with crutches (never been on them before).
• Not being able to do what you want/need to do changes your perspective on things.
• I have a new found compassion for people who suffer from chronic pain.

For those interested, my ankle/foot worse today than any day so far. It's like my whole foot is bruised (black & blue), even my toes! The bruising goes up the inside of my leg almost to my knee. The pain is more bearable but it's still hard to get comfortable. Oh well, I guess that's enough pity-party for now.

christmas eve @ the 'pointe

Jenny and I are travelling to my in-laws this weekend. Typically we visit them over Christmas (arriving Xmas eve and staying a few days). This year, we rearranged our schedule simply because we absolutely do not want to miss the Christmas Eve services. I have inside information on what's going down and...well, I can't wait.

If you're attending, here are some of the things you can expect (in generalities...I don't want to spoil anything for you):

• Something that's never happened on NewPointe's stage before.
• Special effects that will have you talking about it all week long.
• The powerful conclusion to the All I Want For Christmas series.
• An unbelievably important and moving ending.
• All your senses will be engaged.
• A God moment. He has something to say specifically to you on Christmas Eve.

Service times are 3:00, 4:30, and 6:00 p.m.

See you there.

state of emergency

I'm home today...because I totally screwed up my ankle playing lunchtime basketball yesterday. Fortunately nothings broken or torn...just a severe (and very painful) sprain. I thought about posting a pic on this blog but on second thought, I don't want to gross anybody out. As I was headed to the ER, I kept thinking of my friends who showed so much compassion to me after the accident. Especially Scott, Bill, and Kevin. Those guys definitely have the gift of compassion and/or helps.

At the hospital, I kept thinking of what it means to have an emergency. I mean, we all end up in crisis mode from time to time. We've all experienced times when we feel like our world is crashing down around us. And I'm not just talking about physical pain. It could be relationships, finances, family, addictions, sin...and then we end up in a 'state of emergency.'

I was praying with a friend the other day who was experiencing a crisis moment. As I was praying, the thought struck me: there's never a state of emergency in heaven. God never calls an emergency meeting of the Trinity to try and figure things out. God is never caught off guard or surprised by anything. And man, it's just comforting to know that, no matter how messed up and crazy our lives seem, God is in control. No problem is too big for him. And there's no situation for which he doesn't already have a solution.

Isn't that good news?

goat '07...the christmas edition

going all the way

If you read my blog much at all, you know that I'm a big Craig Groeschel guy. This guy, who is about my age, pastors one of the fastest growing, most creative and dynamic churches in America (lifechurch.tv).

I've been influenced by Craig and Lifechurch.tv quite a bit over the past year. I've listened to his messages, read his blog, and read his books.

His newest book is titled Going All the Way. Strong. I read most of it to my wife, Jenny while travelling to Kentucky a few weeks ago. Know what it did for us? It made us want to strengthen our marriage. It created a renewed desire to be more alive to what God wants in our marriage. It caused us to talk about what it means to have a deeper level of intimacy. It made me want to be a better, more godly husband.

And here's the thing: While it's primary target is the singles crowd, it spoke profoundly into my marriage. I'd recommend it for any married couple that's interested in seeing their marriage develop into what God wants it to be.

And if you're single, whether you're in a relationship or not, I'd call this one a MUST READ. I've been pimping it at Aqua over the past couple weeks. I'm not kidding. I wish I would have read this book when I was single.

The NewPointe bookstore has copies available. It'd make a great Christmas gift for the single adult that you care about.

Read it and find out how you can have a marriage that "Goes All the Way."

'boxing at the bunns

We've never had video games at our house. Mainly, we've just never been all that interested. That's about to change. Yesterday, while shopping in Canton, I bought the family a (don't laugh)...I bought the family a (really, don't laugh)...Xbox. No...not the Xbox 360. No, I bought is a refurbished Xbox from GameStop. The way I figure it, we've never had a gaming system, so the Xbox should be a lot of fun for us.

The guy at the store says it's a great system but he tried to warn me saying, "They're just not making any new games for it." I said, "That's fine with me because they'll all be new to us."

So $70 later I left with an Xbox and two games to go with it. They're racing games because that's what Andrew LOVES. I figure it'll be fun for him to race against Daddy.

So...if you're reading this blog saying to yourself, "Sheesh, how lame...an Xbox," and you're finished with yours...feel free to throw some old games and/or controllers my way (the refurb only comes with one controller)...only if you're not going to be using your's anymore. :)

And oh...don't tell my kids. Don't worry...they rarely read my blog.

is it cold in here or did i just forget to put on my pants?

So I'm flipping through the channels last night and I see this Old Navy commercial:



Are you serious? Old Navy?

And, okay, the lady is wearing a sweater--a turtleneck no less, next to the warm fireplace, drinking hot chocolate, and wearing big fuzzy boots...because...obviously it's winter and it's cold...'cept for one thing...DANG! I forgot to put on pants!

preaching in columbus

My old buddy, Steve Combs, called me to ask if I'd be willing to come preach at his church in Columbus on December 30. I told him I'd be honored. Steve planted a church on the south side about 10 months ago...and get this, their average attendance is about 600! In only ten months!

He told me that over 180 people have come to Christ since February of this year. I'm stoked about what God is doing in and through Pastor Steve. He's a great dude. He mentored me, hired me, and turned me loose to lead when we were at Grove City Naz together.

To all my friends in Columbus: I'd love to see you there on Sunday the 30th. Church starts at 10:30.

john maxwell helps the buckeyes

I read this in the Sunday edition of the Canton Repository:

John Maxwell, an expert on leadership skills, has written plenty of books to help others develop those qualities. A few years back, OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel used one of his books as a summer reading project for his team. This past summer, Tressel and his players read “Talent is Never Enough.” Tressel asked Maxwell to speak to all the school’s teams. He offered three general principles:

• The significance of one: The No. 1 is truly too small, and no one has ever accomplished something great alone.
• Dreams are free: Dream anything you want to dream, but the journey is not.
• Make good choices: Make decisions that support your dreams. Don’t overestimate decision making and underestimate decision management.

Maxwell also rode the team bus from Columbus to Ann Arbor for the Michigan game.

sunday's scuds (december 9, 2007)

We're continuing the All I Want for Christmas series. Week one covered Wonderful Counselor, this week, it was Mighty God. A Mighty God is a God who rescues us. What do you want for Christmas? Someone to rescue you? Here are the scuds:

• And we assume God views us through the lens of our performance or lack thereof.
• The Christmas story is this opposite of this approach.
• One word defines our relationship with God: Savior.
• If we can begin to view our relationship with God through the lens of, "He sent me a Savior to rescue me," it takes all the "ought-to's" out of your religion.
• If you can ever begin to embrace Jesus as Savior, it will transform your relationship with Him.
• For some of you, your whole Christian experience is the thought that Jesus is trying to interfere with your life (just leave me alone with the Jesus stuff...I am fine!).
• When you don't think you're in need of being rescued, the idea of a Savior is a big nuisance.
• God's approach to saving us often times reinforces our confusion about him because he's never going to barge in and just save the day. His strategy for saving you is patience, kindness, and tolerance...not threats and/or scare-tactics. (Romans 2:4).
• If you're here today and you're not sure about whether or not you need a Savior, let me just tell you, you need one.
• Not just heaven and hell...If you can't save yourself now, what are you going to do in eternity?

You don't need a Savior because you might die tonight. You need a Savior because you have to live tomorrow. --Rick Warren.

• When someone saves me...that person doesn't have to ask me follow them. They don't have to make me...or beg me...just name it...YOU SAVED ME! That's way different than, "Well, I guess I ought to..."
• Anything you're willing to lay at the feet of the Savior, He will save.
• The first step to embracing the message of Christmas is to acknowledge, "I need a Savior." And that acknowledgement is an invitation for God through His Son to begin rescuing, delivering, saving you.

Thanks, Dwight, for the opportunity to teach about one of my favorite subjects.

sunday's worship

Strong. Dennielle started things off right with a kickin' version of Angels We Have Heard On High. The band followed it up with a great worship set (Is Rescue a great song, or what?). And don't you just love to watch Phebe play the drums. Dude is full of JOY! And then there's my buddy Harry on the bass guitar. That cat knows how to groove.

Carol Miller and Dennielle BROUGHT THE GOODS with that Open Up/Let Go drama/song. Wow. It was a great set-up to the message.

But how 'bout that closing song? Amazing. About a month ago, we sat in a creative meeting looking for just the right closing song to go with the message. I threw out a couple of suggestions and then Danny asked me what I thought about that song...in case you're wondering...it's by a duo called Connersvine. I said, "That's it. That's the song." And I immediately downloaded it to my i-Tunes.

Connersvine, by the way is from Indiana. And get this: one of the dudes in the group is the punter for the Indianapolis Colts: Hunter Smith. Pretty cool, huh? Anyway, the song is called Live For You. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:

Yes I want to live for you
I want to die to me
I want to be emptied
I want to be freed
From all that holds me captive
All that brings me down
All that's tried to lose me
Now that I've been found

Great song. Great day. Hope you got to be there.

just call me scrooge...

...because, believe it or not, I am not a fan of Christmas music. It just wears on me. Same songs, every year, over and over. So...with that thought in mind, I thought I'd go ahead and bring you my top seven least-favorite Christmas songs (in no particular order):

1. The Twelve Days of Christmas. Has a more annoying song ever been written?
2. Little Drummer Boy. Baruppapumpum this.
3. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer. Okay...maybe it was funny the first time I heard it (like when I was eight)...but enough already.
4. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Ahhhhh!
5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Oh yeah, those are some strong lyrics right there (now bring us some figgy pudding?).
6. Deck the Halls. Don we now our gay apparel?
7. Santa Baby. Yeah, you can go ahead and just hurry back up the chimney with that one.

Bah humbug.

scrub it

I'm not sure how to describe it...but I am on a serious quest for integrity. I want so desperately to be a man of integrity. The truth is...I'm not there yet. I fall short waaaaay too often. I sense God working in my life, calling me to higher standards. Currently up for scrutiny in my life:

• Stuff I watch on TV
• Movie choices
• The way I spend money
• The stuff that comes out of my mouth
• Stuff that comes across my computer screen (let's camp here for a moment)

At NewPointe, we have an Internet filter. I'm glad for that. I don't want stuff appearing on my screen, even accidentally, that is inappropriate (well, the problem is, maybe sometimes I DO, so that's why I'm glad there's a filter).

At home, I just installed ScrubIT. ScrubIT is a free recursive DNS server that regulates what comes into my home. Check it out...it's amazingly simple to install...and it's the only public recursive DNS server to actively filter pornography.

It's just one of many safeguards I'm putting in place in my quest for integrity.

What safeguards do you have in place--in any area of your life? I'm always looking for good ideas in my quest for clean hands and a pure heart.

all i want for christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Last Sunday we started our Christmas series All I Want for Christmas. Dwight spoke about the first thing that we want (need): Wonderful Counselor. He talked about how what the really means is an "extraordinary strategist."

This Sunday, I get to share about the next gift Isaiah told us Jesus would be to us: Mighty God. Translated that means: Savior. Because what we need is someone to rescue us.

I'm really looking forward to this Sunday. I'm going to share about how each of us needs a Savior. And His name is Christ the Lord. This Sunday represents an incredible opportunity to invite someone to church. I invited a couple who was at Natalie's basketball game. And guess what? They said yes. They told me they'll be there.

The emphasis is on salvation this Sunday. Don't miss it. And don't miss the opportunity to bring someone with you who needs to hear a message of hope and life-change.

Check out this quote from Rick Warren (I'll be sharing this quote on Sunday):

You don't need a Savior because you might die tonight. You need a Savior because you have to live tomorrow.

See you Sunday.

deadly viper

I read this book over the weekend. Strong. It's called Deadly Viper: Character Assassins. It's a fun, insightful, easy read. Guys, if you're looking for a book that's relevant and easy to get into, this is it. Ladies, you can read it too, but it's got a Kung Fu theme...so the bent is toward guys (makes a great stocking-stuffer, ladies). I'm going to see that the bookstore gets stocked with plenty of copies.

Here's my deal: I need help with how to live life. I want to be full of good character and integrity. This book nailed me on a few areas that I know I need to improve in. And it gave me good, solid, practical steps I can begin taking toward getting there.

Here are the chapter titles (to whet your appetite):

1. The Assassin of Character Creep


2. The Assassin of Zi Qi Qi Ren


3. The Assassin of Amped Emotions


4. The Assassin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken


5. The Assassin of Boom Chicka Wah Wah


6. The Bling Bling Assassin


7. The High and Mighty Assassin

quick hits

Intelligence for your life (stuff worth checking out):

• Several people have asked me for my take on The Golden Compass movie. Cruise on over to Plugged In Online for an interesting article about it.
• Mike's been having some fun with Kevin and Bubba Joe. Check out this post (be prepared).
• Rob Wegner from Granger Community Church shares Ways to Mess Up Your Kid.
• My buddy Benjamin Payne sent me this link to a way you can help fight world hunger that's fun (and won't cost you anything).
• While perusing some old notes from the 2003 Leadership Summit, I came across this quote by Erwin McManus: Courage isn't the absence of fear, it's the absence of self. Chew on that one for a while.
• Click here to see one of my all-time favorite YouTube videos. If this doesn't make you laugh, check your pulse.

sunday's scuds (december 2, 2007)

Today we kicked of the Christmas series, All I Want for Christmas. So, what do you want for Christmas? What is the one thing that if you got it, you'd be happy? What's the one thing you need? Does what you want and what you need match up? One of the things we need for Christmas is godly advice. So God sent us a Wonderful Counselor, or an "Extra-ordinary Strategist." Here are the scuds:

• Isaiah prophesied an "extra-ordinary strategist" who would lead people out of their darkness.
• Most likely, we don't have a plan in place for how we're going to keep from screwing up our lives.
• When you're about to make a decision do you ask, "Is this right or wrong?" Paul says that shouldn't be our approach. We instead should ask, "What is the wise thing to do?"
• If you misappropriate your time, you misappropriate your life.
• What do I need for Christmas? Godly advice...because I'm not smart enough.
• A wise person is one who knows what is right and does what is right regardless of the cost.
• A fool is a person who knows what is right but chooses not to do it.
• There are all kinds of people around you who want to deceive you. Everyone has their own agenda. There's only one agenda worth pursing: God's agenda.
• Commit yourself to God's Word, commit yourself to a handful of people who can offer wise counsel, commit yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.