Greg Atkinson

For those of my readers in the USA, I’d like to wish you a Happy 4th of July! I also want to thank God that we live in a country where we can worship in freedom and without fear. To my new readers in Nigeria, Africa and The Philippines: WELCOME! I’m humbled and honored that we’ve made a connection and can stay in touch through means like this.

My heart goes out to the many, many underground churches around the world - to the persecuted Church and those that risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel. As we, in America, celebrate our freedom and independence day, I want to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and to some ministries that I watch, pray for, support and thank God for:

1. Compassion (my church, Bent Tree, has a partnership with them, and as a church supports over 400 kids)
2. International Justice Mission (special thanks to my friend, worship leader Chris Joyner, for turning me on to this amazing organization 5 years ago)
3. Voice of the Martyrs (each newsletter I receive puts life back in perspective and shows me true courage and faith)
4. World Vision (my wife and I have supported them for over 13 years now)

PERSONAL:
Last night, my family and I took in a special July 3rd fireworks show. Today we’re going to a BBQ at our church, then to the pool, then to take in some of Dallas’ best fireworks tonight. We’ll also be doing our annual - “let the kids play with sparklers in the driveway routine” - please alert the Fire Department.

First off, let me thank they many of you texted me, called or sent emails saying that you were praying for me. I sincerely appreciate. God is good and is moving in my heart, mind and life. Life is tough, but He is faithful. I’m clinging to Him.

Today I’d like to share about 3 new blogs that I’m now following and added to my blogroll:

• Ragamuffinsoul - Carlos Whitaker
• Rich Kirkpatrick
• Tony Steward

Check ‘em out!

Sorry for not doing my regular blog. God is really dealing with me these days. Last week was a great, but an emotional and exhausting week. I’ll share more about that later. Right now I’m really trying to seek God in the midst of confusion and doubt. Please pray that God’s Spirit would win out over my flesh.

Yesterday I broke 1000 friends on Facebook. As you know, I wrote the Foreward for “Facebook for Pastors“. I’m a pretty big fan of Facebook and think it has tremendous potential for networking and ministry. I’m curious as to how many of you are not on Facebook and what your reasons are. If you ARE on Facebook, but we’re not friends, yet - hit me up for an “add friend” HERE.

Yesterday was “Senior Sunday” at Bent Tree. We have 2 morning services right now and across the entire stage were 2 different groups of high school seniors for each service. Our music was led by our senior high youth band and they did a great job.

For our weekly Wednesday night rehearsal, I had invited the youth tech crew to come and hang out (they’re always welcome anyways, but are usually serving during that time). They came and hung out with our Sunday team and explored “the big room”.

One very bright young man (he’ll steal my job one day - which is a good thing) asked how he could grow in the area of technology. One of the answers I gave him was to read, read, read. I constantly read: online, magazines, books, etc.

He asked if I had any magazines that I could give him. I laughed and said, “Come to my office!” I loaded that dude up with one of every magazine I read. He had a handful. I hope they actually get read - if so, the sky is the limit for that young man.

EXTRA:
We survived the Atkinson family camping trip. We got a few bug bites, but all is well and we made it back safe and sound. My campfire ghost story - “The Marshmallow Man” was the highlight of my kids’ trip. That makes me smile. For pics and more, check out my wife’s blog HERE. Yes, my wife blogs, too, for all you moms out there.

Today the Atkinson family goes deep into the wilderness (actually it’s like 30 minutes from Dallas) - but it will be hot and dark and bug-filled, I’m sure. Nothing like camping with the family. The last time we were awakened during the night with raccoons scratching on the outside of our tent. Looking forward to fishing, reading, swimming and making Smores with the family.

Yesterday was the 11 year anniversary of my dad’s death. I can not believe it’s been that long. Wow - how time flies. I’m a little bummed when I think of how long it has been. If your dad is still with you - hug him, call him. Please don’t take him for granted.

This past Sunday I had a good friend of mine (Chris Kim), who is a worship leader in Washington DC, come visit and attend Bent Tree. 2 weeks ago, Cynthia Ware was in town and got to come out and visit Bent Tree. As I’ve mentioned before, I love to show guests around, give them a behind-the-scenes tour and allow them to attend and listen in to our pre-service, in-between services and post-service meetings.

My hope is that if you’re in Dallas, you’ll give me a shout and come by for a visit. The reverse is true as well. If you see on my blog that I am coming to your town, please invite me out to visit your ministry. I’d love to!

I just learned of the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest daughter, Maria (age 5). I am speechless and can’t stop crying. His song “Cinderella” (inspired by his daughters) is one of my favorite songs and one that’s been a song in my heart a lot lately. Please lift them up in prayer. More info can be found HERE and HERE.

Yesterday was a great day. I taught “Communicating to Those that Listen with Their Eyes” and “Church 2.0″ - both went well. I’ll teach them both again tomorrow. This morning I’m teaching “Leading and Planning Multi-sensory Worship”.

Today from noon to 3pm is the Church 2.0 Local Forum - Chicago. Sponsors for this gathering are Park Community Church, The Shema Movement, iStockphoto and SermonSpice. If you can’t attend, but follow me on Twitter, feel free to text me questions during the 3 hour frame of our gathering.

Tonight, Jonathan and I are going to try to catch one of Willow Creek’s last Wednesday night services.