*Chad Jarnagin

We talk a lot about relationships and community in church. Unfortunately, I’m not so sure that we are great at authenticity and follow through sometimes. I know I’m not. We can be very conditional and political. But true friendship comes with no conditions and most certainly shouldn’t be political. To have true community we have to be willing to “let people in”, be transparent, as well as genuine.

Do we allow ourselves to be as real as possible with others, especially our friends? Consistantly, I doubt it. I mean I know we can’t go “all in” with everyone we meet or work with, but there should be a level of security, loyalty, and trust with those that should know us best.

As far as friendship goes, this hit me in my mouth when I read it. ”A friend is one who walks in when others walk out” (Walter Winchell).

Ouch. I have to confess that I have not always been a true friend. To those, I am sorry. Life is indeed too short to allow things to bind away the fullness of life that we can all find in real relationships. I have always been blessed with a great group of friends over the years. I just hope I can continue to be a great friend in return to those that call me friend. It takes time to form genuine community and friendships. Here is reminder how we should process… 1 Cor. 13 (Message) says,

Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Did you need this reminder today as well, or was it just for me?

Here is a little more info on Rolling Hills Community Church where I will join the staff as Worship Arts Pastor in March.

Where: Currently meeting at the Carmike Thoroughbred 20 in Cool Springs (Franklin, TN).

When: Sundays at 9am & 10:30am (in theater 15).

Coming Soon: We plan on moving into our first permanent location at The Warehouse in Franklin (1 1/2 miles from historic downtown Franklin).

This is an exciting new time for Jennifer and I. We are ready and waiting to join this fine young team at RHCC. Pretty stoked to see how God uses the body of Rolling Hills here in Franklin and the planet.

So, March 8th will be my first Sunday to lead at Rolling Hills. Looking forward to seeing many of my friends! Several of you have already told me or Jen that you were planning on being w/ us that day. That would be so cool to begin this new chapter with you. We are truly bless by you all.

I was very proud to be a part of this band for 5 years. This was one of our more fun tunes. Peep it out… HERE

Buy the music here…

Rolling Hills has a great team in place and it is going to be an honor to work with along side them. Some of you have asked, what does being Worship Arts Pastor mean? Being Worship Arts Pastor means that I over see the Sunday morning experience like a Service Programming Director (audio, video, media, band, vocals, etc…) as well as lead out on the creative elements. All this in addition to the roles of RHCC pastors. And I’m sure I will get into more stuff as I get there and see how the team works.

Can’t wait.

For those of us that attend church, what are some things that you really dig about yours? It’s easy to talk about about what we don’t like, but what do we enjoy? What keeps us coming back each week?

Keep in mind that the “C”hurch is different from the “c”hurch. The “C”hurch is the body of Christ (if you attend or not)… the “c”hurch being the actual services we attend on Sunday.

You all always have great insight and gut-level honesty… so this is why I ask… this is YOUR TIME TO BRAG ON YOUR LOCAL CHURCH.

Go!