At First Baptist Norfolk, meeting Pat Robertson, and the Coast Guard

Saturday August 25, 2007 ~ 3 Comments

I am at First Baptist Norfolk today.

It seems that there are two "First" Baptist megachurches in Norfolk, one here and the one I am at here. Interestingly, according to pastor Eric Thomas, it was the predominantly African-American "First" Baptist that birthed the predominantly Anglo "First" Baptist.

Eric wrote his PhD. dissertation on evangelism in postmodern culture. I read it last year and was impressed with his thinking and approach.

If you came to the SBC this year, you know that Eric Thomas "preached" a great offering at the Pastors Conference.

I preached three services this morning and did their Fall leadership training tonight.

Oddly enough, this one church has employed Ken Hemphill, former President of Southwestern Seminary, Bob Reccord, former President of NAMB, and Geoff Hammond, current President of NAMB.

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Pat Robertson

At lunch today, we visited briefly with Pat Robertson who is in better shape than I am-- though I did wonder if he could still do that 2000 lb leg lift. :-)

By the way, if you want to work on your own 1 ton leg presses, see this how-to article here.

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Coast Guard

Tomorrow morning I will be at a guest of the Coast Guard. They have asked that I train their chaplains in the Spring, focused on understanding emerging culture and generations. As part of that preparation, I will be touring some bases and learning more about Coast Guard culture. It should be interesting and I have received clearance from the Public Affairs Office to blog on the trip... and I will do so tomorrow.

Posted on August 25, 2007 at 7:38 PM ~ 3 Comments

Tagged with: baptist, megachurch, norfolk, robertson

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3 Comments

By Sheila Arnold on August 27, 2007 5:50 AM

Thanks to Philip and Eric for having Dr. Ed come. Wow! What he spoke on was so on point where we as a church are focused, it was, is, incredible. I continue to be fired about God's missionary work for me in my neighborhood. I have a new slogan, "Be a Squirrel" - multiply quickly, move fast for God and enjoy hanging with nuts. :) Loved the interactions between Eric and Dr. Ed - reminded me that there should be lots of fun between those who love each other and God. Paz, conviccion y mucho amor, Sheila.

By Tracy Carlson on August 28, 2007 5:15 AM

Dear Brother in Christ's Love,

Thanks for coming to share your vision with First Baptist Church of Norfork (lol.. I mean Norfolk)! This is great validation in my own life for what needs to be happenning: small groups with a missional out-look for our lost nation and dying churches. A friend and myself had already begun this among ourselves, since there was nothing in-place through our Bible Study class at church. Then you came along to add to Eric's wonderful out-reach vision! Our own little group is but 5 to 8 people, meeting every few weeks in each other's homes for the past few months now (comprised of various people each time). The next fellowship, in His holy Name, is tonight at my place. We'll chant Psalms 8 together (everbody sings it once alone -- we had a great time doing Psalms 4 when we last met), share various Scripture verses, pray intermittently through the evening; and do some sing-alongs with various Christain contempory singers (David Phelps, Michael W Smith, Aaron Shust, Third Day, Tree 66, and many others)... then, of course this host is providing dinner tonight: homemade stew!

I'm praying for national revival and for this small group thing to take-off in the Crossroads class; that it'll reproduce! Ditto in the other classes at our church in these days... Acts 2:17.

You have a wonderful vision, keep share it in all God-Speed!

God Bless and enrich your life with His Holy Spirit, in Jesus Christ's name, Tracy Carlson

By Sheila Arnold on August 28, 2007 7:33 AM

Okay, Dr. Ed. Sorry for writing twice, but I saw this headline and I thought of the things that make you say, "hmmm...." Enjoy! Sheila

"Cannibal tribe apologises for eating Methodists"

(No apologies for eating Baptists - taste just like fried chicken. LOL) Have a safe trip back home.

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