Day 2 of Restoration Revolution Boot Camp @Christ' Church of the Valley

Day 2

Today was our official first day of training and boy what a first day. My head feels like it is going to explode with information! But it’s ok cause Don Wilson said it will feel like that, but just as long as we take about 3 important things from each day and then after this is all over filter through the 30 ideas to figure out the most important, so that's what i'm going to do.

Well the day started off early.....a little to early (6, after going to bed at 1)! But it was nice because Auburn cooked us breakfast, eggs and hash browns, yummmmmm! Then our ride, Adam, came and picked us up. He is from here and will be our ride the whole time. We got to the church and I was mesmerized. The campus was so beautiful. It was so comfortable and welcoming. It was also MASSIVE! We checked in and got some food that was waiting for us: fresh fruit and ham and cheese croissants. Then we went to our tables, which I just happened to be right in the middle at the very front! Loved it! Don touched my shoulder! haha.

When it was 8:30 we jumped right in. Russell Johnson (President of this past years National Missionary Convention) welcomed us and welcomed Don as our first speaker. Don got right to it. He thanked us for being there and that we are going enjoy what’s in store for us. He gave us a personality test and spiritual gifts test so that we can see where exactly we need to be serving, so that we can be serving the Kingdom in the best way. After he gave us this test he took us on a tour of the campus where he showed us several key landmarks/focal points of the campus. The first focal point was the baptistry....which was very non-traditional but AMAZING!!!! It was a pool outside. But it wasn’t just a pool, it was an entire scene. If you look closely at the picture you can see the pool, a tomb, and at the top a cross. It is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection. Don’s idea on baptism is that it is often an uncomfortable thing done by a man in a white robe who looks like a member of the KKK that’s done inside the church. He decided to do it this way so that Baptism can be more personal, comfortable and a big event....a statement or celebration. It was awesome seeing the imagery and the idea he had.

After that he took us to the top of that hill in the background where he proceeded to tell the story of where the church was when it started with a few acres, how it is now at 100 acres and how it got that way. Lot’s of prayer, hard decisions and giant steps of faith. After we left the hill he showed us some “mistakes,” he made in the decision making in regards to some buildings and areas of the campus that were bust’s but turned out to be good things he learned from.



After the tour was over we headed back for Don’s first session. In this session he talked about some of His key philosophies of ministry and leadership and how being a leader isn’t easy but leaders make things happen. I could spend 4 pages on his thoughts, but again he said don’t do that, just pick 3 things from each day. So the first key thing I took away was from this session. It was CCV’s 3 things they look focus on as a church: the try to reach the man in order to reach the whole family, reach the young generation in order to have a future and reach our neighbors to change the culture. That was a very simple yet powerful plan to reach the lost. The second thing I took was also from this session. Don made the statement that “I don’t know the formula for success but I know the formula for failure: trying to make everyone happy!” That is so true. To often we try to please everyone instead of making sure we are reaching our targeted group. Everyone will never be completely pleased. Again there were so many things to take away.

The second set of sessions were after lunch. Dean Trune spoke on spiritual disciplines/journaling and how important it is to our spiritual growth. He talked about how dedicated time in prayer, fasting, studying and personal worship are key for personal growth. Which leads into the 3rd thing that was most important to which is this: If we spend time privately, we will make a difference publicly! This hit me real hard. I know I don’t devote the time to my private relationship with God the way I should and it’s evident because I don’t myself making a huge impact publicly! Both Don and Dean really challenged us today with being strong/devoted leaders!

After Deans session we spent a good amount of time in reflection of our start as Christians and prayer for one another at our tables. Then we went to dinner. It has been an amazing first day and I am truly blessed for this opportunity! I was kinda dreading writing this blog to begin with cause I knew it might take a while, but it was totally wort it, i’m glad I did and it was just the re-energizing/refreshment I needed (even though it all happened today).

Until tomorrow........GOODNIGHT!!!!!

P.S-please do not correct any of my spelling or grammar because I am to tired to read back over all of this. Thank you!

RAGE!