Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee

I read an article last September about a pastor named Rick White in Church Executive Magazine last September. As I read the article I knew that I had to talk with Rick. I looked up his church’s website and wrote Rick an email. Rick emailed me back and gave me his cell phone number and told me to call him. We talked for a half hour or more and he encouraged me to continue on the path I was leading.

We have emailed back and forth ever since. Rick was going to be in Charlotte a few months ago but he had to help another pastor who was in the news through some difficult times. One thing I’ve learned already about Rick is he has a heart for God, his family, unbelievers, his church and pastors. He apologized for not being able to get up with me but said he wanted me to fly to Nashville, TN and spend 2 days with him. I told him I could drive but he insisted that I fly and he would take care of the expenses. I really don’t know how I could repay him and The People’s Church. They not only paid for my flight but they rented me a nice vehicle, took me to Outback, and put me up in an unbelievable hotel. I don’t know what to say. I truly don’t deserve this kindness.

When I got to Franklin I pulled into The People’s Church parking lot. I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who directed me to Rick’s office. Rick’s administrative assistant Venita Graves-Cagle is a gracious host. Rick invited me into his office and then immediately into their Worship Planning session. There were about 7-8 staff members who participate in this meeting. Following that meeting I went back to Rick’s office. He has a study off his office and Rick is a huge golf player. Not only that but Rick is Bama fan and a graduate of my alma mater Samford University.

Rick and his Executive Pastor Dick Wells talked with me for an hour or more. That was a very powerful meeting but the lessons I learned I will keep to myself. Following that meeting I went with the staff to the worship center for their prayer time. They pray for each other then break into groups and pray for members of the church who are in need. Rick invited me to pray with a volunteer staff member Diane Cobb. Diane reminds me of my wife Cassandra in she is very perceptive. The prayer she prayed was spine chilling.

Then Rick took me to Outback Steakhouse and I enjoyed hearing His story. I capitalized His because I mean God’s story for The People’s Church. When Rick came to The People’s Church it was 1st Baptist Franklin. It was a growing church but as Rick says most of their growth was transfer growth. There were many denominational big wigs who were members. Rick attended a Willowcreek Conference and was moved by a church that was actually transforming a community. He came home and realized that God wanted him to transition his church. It has been hard. The People’s Church is a member of the SBC but they are not politically active. Rick himself goes on at least 3 mission trips a year. The church has 7 partnerships with countries around the world. When the tsunami hit they immediately sent $100K then took up another $100K a few weeks later. They have sent over 30 groups to New Orleans. They are impacting their community. I wish you could have heard one of the prayer requests that I heard today from Sunday’s service.

Rick made an interesting observation. He said The People’s Church attenders and members have every kind of struggle you can imagine and that is what happens when you are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Some people don’t know how to respond to that. But think about it–in a hospital you will see hurting people. To me that is what a church should be. It should be a place where people can be healed spiritually. This church is truly missional. For this reason I am naming The People’s Church as Pharisee Busters.

I am looking forward to learning a whole lot more on Wednesday and then I fly back home late Wednesday.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS