I was pleased to spend Sunday morning with a strong, new group of believers in Nashville, TN.  My dear friends, John and Kristin Ragsdale started this church a few months back and have really ‘gone all in’.  They have done a fantastic job of clearly outlining the vision and culture that The Hills Fellowship is all about.  When you walk in the door, you understand that it is distinctly different and stylistically unique.  The hospitality/greeting area is complete with water, tea, coffee, mints and very friendly people to welcome everyone.  People gather to worship in a very warm, relaxing room.  The floors are wooden and the lighting sets a great atmosphere.

The worship team is loud (in a good way).  The songs are ‘modern worship’.  The singers and musicians are extremely talented.  (It’s Nashville after all).  My kids really enjoyed the children’s ministry after they were dismissed to their classes.  There is a great sense of unity among the believers and authentic connectivity to God.  I was the guest speaker and the topic was Acts 3-4, Living Boldly in the Midst of Everyday Life.

I have a message to the believers at The Hills Fellowship as sort of an “after the service” thought.

The book of Acts gives us a thorough look of church life after Jesus ascended into heaven.  There are 28 chapters of detailed church life described.  Ordinary faith-filled decisions, miracles where God showed up, and persecution suffered for the cause of Christ.  I pray that when we get to heaven we will see another chapter that could be included in the book of Acts.  This one dedicated to the followers in Nashville.  Maybe it would say something like…

Acts 29:1 …There were a group of believers in Nashville and one disciple named, John Ragsdale, who spoke the word of God with great authority.  The believers lived for God with great boldness and many were added to the church daily.  Thousands were baptized and when the apostles laid their hands on them, they received the Holy Ghost.  Some people suffered persecution from the non-believers.  Some lost their income and others fell away from the truth.  The core group was quick to respond to God’s word and were faithful to the work of God…