Two of my great friends were included in the Top 25 Most Innovative Churches in the U.S. in the January issue of Outreach Magazine…. Dino Rizzo (Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA) and Greg Surratt (Seacoast Church outside Charleston, SC). Dino is a member of our board and one of our presbyters (overseers), and I serve with both of them on the board for the Association of Related Churches (ARC).
I’m so thankful to be connected to so many great churches around the U.S. and world that are passionate about communicating the message of Jesus in a relevant and innovative way. One thing I know about both of these pastors and their churches is that their primary goal is not just to be innovative, but to see lives changed because of it. And they are seeing just that! These are the churches (and I believe The Life Church is among them) that will truly change their world.
Greg is a risk-taker, and has become a pioneer in the multi-site movement that’s sweeping across the country. When the city of Mt. Pleasant told his church that they couldn’t build a new, larger worship center, they stepped out with the multi-site idea and as a result they now have about 9 campuses all over South Carolina and beyond and their influence in the multi-site movement is huge. I have personally been inspired by his life and his vision has fueled my faith for what God can and will do in Memphis with the “one church, many locations” strategy.
What can I say about Dino? He’s one of my best friends. I’m inspired by his passion for people and the love and care that he has for the poor and hurting has caused him to build an incredible church that truly is a healing place for a hurting world.
I’m so thankful for all the friends that God has given me. They’re an incredible source of creativity, strength, and inspiration. Friends help keep you out of trouble, they’re good at making sure you don’t take life too seriously or from thinking too much of yourself, they help guide you through tough seasons and they just keep you laughing and enjoying life. Leadership can be lonely, but only if you choose to go at it alone.
Pastor John-
It’s funny that your blog is about friends. Today as I was sitting in carpool line, I was reading a book by your friend John Maxwell. The quote at the beginning of the chapter says “Relationships help us to define who we are and what we can become. Most of us can trace our successes to pivotal relationships.” When I read that, I immediately thought of you and Leslie and the impact that your friendship has had on our lives. We love yall and are so blessed to call you friends as well as Pastors!
Love,
Kristi and Pete
John…thanks for the props…it’s great to have friends like you…guys who really do believe that nothing is impossible with God! If only I could be half as cool as you…oh well…I’ll keep trying.
Greg