GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

1/10/2010 is officially out...................

This weekend the announcement I have been dying to make for several months now was finally let out of the bag. Im so excited I could hardly contain myself as I shared the announcement  in three of our Services.  This historic day in the Life of Oasis Church will be one of the highlights of our 18 years.

For the first time in 17 years we as a Church family will all meet together. Since we were just a year old and had to go to three services in our little trailer , the original building, we have never met together under ONE ROOF!! On January 10, 2010 at 1:10 P.M. we will all meet together for our Weekend service.

All 3 campuses, all 13 services including all our 7 Nights of Worship services will be meeting together. Up until now we have not been able to find any building that will hold our entire church. Several months ago we relieved permission to use the actual church that birthed us 18 years ago. At the time the name was First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, now Hollywood Community. Its located at the corner of 441 and Taft Street.  It is where I grew up, got married, graduated from High School, saw our kids born, accept Christ and Baptized. I served on Staff 13 1/2 years before they sent Tonia and I out to Pembroke Pines to start Oasis Church in September 15, 1991.

Following the service on January 10th, we will use the facilities, gym , football field and parking lots to have a large Dinner/Lunch together.  You'll hear all the details in the weeks ahead.

It will be one of the great days. The auditorium seats more than 2,000 for our adults and our children will meet in their children's classrooms. 

I cant wait !!!! Mark your calendars!

P.S. Today in our Noon service, one of the first 8 people to be baptized in our first ever baptismal was in attendance. Nancy King now one of our Church Council members was part of the night at the church in West-hollywood, when we baptized our first new believers. Right in the auditorium we met in 18 years ago for our first Baptism. We are coming back. Who knows we might even do another Baptism at the service.

I want to thank the Leaders of Hollywood Community Church who have graciously allowed us to use this wonderful facility for no charge. What a blessing.

 Click Here to see what this is all about.

Do you have the "X" Factor?????????? Oasis Weekly Update for October18, 2009

For those who are not on our Local Oasis Email I am sharing this weeks update I sent to our local Oasis Family. I know we have hundreds of folks who we call our extended family who are friends of Oasis, members who have moved away or just friends of mine or family. This way I can keep you up on whats happening here in South Florida and hopefully as you think about us you will be praying for the ministries and peoples of Oasis here in South Florida and around the world. Sometimes you wont be able to open the links below or there is a word or two cut off a line because the format of my blog is different than our email update. Sorry if its an inconvenience. Guy

Dear Extended Oasis Family: So many times we talk about the "X" Factor in sports, business and even in human relationships!! It’s always that special something that person has. Well, this week as we conclude the "REEL Life"series in the book of Luke, we will find out the "X" factor that few people have but every one of us should! I bet you’ve never heard this before. If you want to try now and figure out the "X" factor before this weekend and next week’s 7NOW services (nightly @ 7 p.m.), you can read the passage in Luke 18:9-14.  Once again this week I have been amazed at all God is doing in and among Oasis Church. But especially I love what so many of our folks are doing outside the walls of Oasis Church. That is what Mission is all about. We Worship, we connect through Community, but the third value at Oasis is Mission, and normally that means you take the Gospel out of the building and into the world. Just a few things lately I noted by some of our ministries and individuals who have taken the Value of Mission very seriously.  I won’t mention some of the ones we’ve noted before but want to mention some I’ve just recently noticed. Surge/Youth Ministries is teaming up with His House Ministries of Opa Locka in ministering to orphaned and displaced children in South Florida. For more information on this great Christian ministry to the least of these, and updates on what our Youth are doing you will want to go to our Students Page on visitoasis.org. Women’s Ministry is sponsoring a Food Drive for Single Women in South Florida, along with Sheridan House Family Ministries.  KidsWorld is gearing up beginning in November to partner again with Samaritan’s Purse through "Operation Christmas Child". I hope all our families who have children will get involved. What a great way to teach our children how to give and minister to "the least of these". Marla Tallant of our Hollywood Campus, serves at the Daily Bread Food Bank,which has been in the news lately about their building burning down. This is a huge feeding group that churches and families get so much blessing from all year round. I heard that Ben Windle, our Hollywood Campus Pastor, and John Adams, the Worship leader at Hollywood both went over on Monday and helped Marla clean up the incredible mess after the big fire that destroyed not only the building but the 92,000 lbs of food that was in the building. You might want to learn more about the Food Bank and how to get involved by contacting Marla or Ben at the Hollywood Campus.  One of our Community Groups helped a grieving family recently with a very unselfish act. Check it out --  now that’s community at its best! Our North Miami Campus is doing a food drive also in order to stock their shelves with much needed items for those from the community coming in for help.   One of our long-time members, Angel Betancourt is also involved in a feeding ministry to the homeless that will be hosting a special Thanksgiving meal and service at our Hollywood Campus next month. Some of our people might want to get involved in this.    These are just a few of the exciting things happening among our folks who are "going" on Mission. It’s not all about coming to Oasis, but going to the World!! There are hundreds of exciting stories about what God has done in the lives and families here at Oasis Church. I never get tired of hearing of them and celebrating them. If you want to hear about two incredible stories, of two very special people - a single dad, and a miracle mom, then you can go here, and here at visitoasis.org now and see pics and stories of these incredible people. Over 80 adults attended our first Tuesday night 7NOW study on the Purpose Driven Life. You don’t want to miss this! It is a 7-week study and you can come this Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Hope to have you there.  Childcare is also available for those who are attending the service.   Don’t forget, Monday night we are still studying the Book of Acts. It’s not too late to attend this night of worship or any of the others --  7 Nights a week.  Now I can’t touch on everything, but this is just a little bit of what God is doing this week at Oasis.  If you have not worshiped in giving God His tithes and offerings this week, you can give online here right nowin a secure and very quick way.  Try it out and let me know how you liked going online to give. Have you ever done it before? Do you use envelopes regularly? I would like to have some feedback on how you prefer to give.  This weekend at our Pines Campus, I’ll be sharing live in all the services not only the teaching message, but a very important message and announcement to our Oasis Family.  You do not want to miss it. It might be one of the most important announcements I’ve made in a long time. The campus pastors at Hollywood and NoMi will also be sharing a little along the line of my announcement.  Guy Melton/January 10, 2010 Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org

Multi-Site Church Conf............. 7 Nights of Worship Part 3

This week I have been sharing some of the ideas I shared at a conference in Jacksonville on Multi-Site churches. I was amazed that only one church raised their hand that they had a second campus site, out of probably 75 different churches represented. But when I asked how many were considering it, about 70% of the hands went up. After I spoke frankly and passionately about how you better be Called to do Mulit site or 7 Nights of Worship I imagine there were significantly less churches considering it.

I believe if by telling the truth about ministry and how hard it can be that if you can talk someone out of it, then they shouldn't be doing it. If they are called to do it, no matter what you say they will do it, because God called them to do it.  Below Ill share the Lessons we've learned from the first two years of doing Church/Worship 7 Nights a Week, 365 days a year. Once again,the list of 10 came from our Ministry Leaders . There were almost 100 given on 7 NOW, and I will give 10 Lessons Learned today. Ill share the 10 Wins we've had in a day or two.

Thanks again to our staff who have done such an incredible job of doing whatever it takes to continue to fulfill the Mission and Vision God has given us at Oasis Church. What a great team.!!

7 Nights Of  Worship  (7NOW)

 

Acts 2:42-47

⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the

fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their

number daily those who were being saved.

 

Lessons Learned

 

 

 

1. Success has to be re-defined (mainly among the staff). We like it all BIG, people just want to experience Worship and God when they come.
2. There is a lot of Education about what 7NOW is…not only to your church family, but to the community.  “Worship Nightly at 7 p.m.” -- Simple and to the point in promotions.
3. The backbone of the 7NOW has to be Lay Leaders and servers and not staff and full-time Pastors. Leaders must support and have total buy in of the Vision and DNA of Oasis Church. (Children’s Ministry will need some paid workers, hard to keep enough lay workers in this area). No Pastor is out more than 2 nights a week.
4. Equipment gets a beating, and the budget needs to be adjusted to buy equipment on a regular basis…especially in the tech area.
5. Host Pastors are the key each night. They need to have charisma and strong leadership skills. (Or be able to develop them on a fast track.)
6. It takes months of planning, recruiting and training before launch.
7. DON’T DO IT IF YOU DON’T FEEL GOD IS CALLING YOU!
8. It takes at least a year to evaluate and then to begin to tweak and make needed changes -- (Themes, leaders, etc.)
9. Good, live Worship is important, but it doesn’t take a full band and worship team as it would on a Sunday morning with several hundred people in a large auditorium. Good quality of venue, music and childcare is still important.  
10. Before starting a new campus, experiment with another night or two. At least start a second service at some time before starting a new campus. There are lots of lessons to be learned from multiple services before you do an off-site campus.

 

Multi-Site Conf - Part 2 WINS

    Yesterday I shared the first part of what I am sharing on Thursday to a Conference on Multi-site churches. I'm sharing our Story as Oasis Church, and our journey.  Tonight I am sharing the Wins we've seen since we began our 2nd and 3rd Campus.  Yes, we have learned a lot of things through our failures and mistakes, but there are also a ton of WINS!!

I will do two more posts on the 7 Nights of Worship part also.

Below is the list of wins taken from about 50 different Wins given by our Leadership Staff. These men and women are the ones who have done most of the leading out on this huge effort and continue to lead it. They are an awesome group along with all our Lay Leaders involved.  I distilled down the many Wins given to just the 10 below.

Wins with Multi-Site:

1. Gives the Church a Missions mind-set, you find the missional and missionary

persons.

2. Gives greater opportunity to more people to be developed in leadership, and

the Arts/Worship.

3. Gives greater opportunity to reach people where they live. Culturally more

diverse than all coming out to the suburban campus, or vice versa.

4. Expands your church’s Vision outside the four walls of the present campus.

5. Gets much of the church involved in a Vision, Project, Mission larger than

yourselves.

6. A large, healthy Central Campus, gives a new campus the resources and

momentum that a new church plant does not normally have. Support is more

than just finances.

7. Opportunities to grow beyond a limited campus/parking and location.

8. Combine efforts of outreach, communications, missions etc. without recreating

the wheel in so many areas.

9. Gives gifted laymen and young pastors the opportunity to Teach/Preach. We

use a team teaching approach, of between 7-8 teachers. Rotating around to the

campuses. NO SUPERSTAR!! No name attached to the Sign, TV, Bulletins!!

10.Campuses begin to complement each other. It’s not all from one way -- it’s a

two way street. (For a suburban campus, with little homeless and benevolent

opportunities it gives us an outlet to expose our people to the urban setting).

__________________________________________________________________________

Multi-Site Conf -- Part 1 Lessons Learned

Thursday Ill be sharing our Oasis Story at a Multi-Site Conference in Jacksonville. Im looking forward to sharing. I told the key note speaker/and staff who authored a book recently on Multi-Site when they interviewed me about a year ago,  that Im happy to share but your going to get the brutal truth from me about our story. The good bad and the ugly. We've learned lots of things not to do!!

Multi-Site is hard work, and you better be called to it. Urban /Downtown Campus ministry is 5 times harder than suburban Multi-site in my opinion. God has led us to start both of our newer campuses in the urban setting. There aren't many churches doing this. 

Below I share some of the Lessons we've learned Ill share on Thursday . They actually came out of my question to our ministry leadership staff . I asked them to give me their input. Out of about 100 items listing Lessons learned and Wins achieved, I distilled it down to 10 Lessons Learned. The next several days ill share the "Wins" also. I will also share the Lessons learned in starting the 7 Nights of Worship . (7NOW)  I wish I could explain each one, but that must wait until the book is written. LOL!!

Lessons Learned in Multi-site:

1. Must have a Campus Pastor who buys into the Vision, Mission and DNA of the

Church at large. (Original Campus) Pick within if possible. If not, bring them to

central /original campus for 6 months to a year first.

2. Make sure you’re called to the Area!! When times get tough it’s only the Calling

that keeps you there. (Give it at least two years’ commitment)

3. A merger is not really a merger…it’s a TAKE OVER, hopefully a friendly one.

4. It takes at least 6 months to prepare, and preferably a year.

5. It doesn’t take a million dollars, but it will cost more than you expected.

6. Equip the campus as much as you can to be like the original, especially in the

tech side of it.

7. All ministry Directors of each Campus -- Kids, Worship, Small Groups etc.

operate along-side of the Central Campus with same values, standards and

objectives. They can’t operate as Silos alone and unto themselves.

8. Clarify the Roles of leaders prior to recruiting or hiring.

9. Campus should be self-supporting in a specified length of time. This might vary

according to the location, etc.

10.Launch as Big as you can and get momentum as soon as you can. Don’t wait

until you’re ready or it won’t happen. But do your best to do all you can to put

yourself in the position to succeed.

Thanks to our Leadership staff who gave so much input in order to share this summary of what I feel is the bottom line of the top 10 on my list.

Thanks to all of you that are part of the Oasis Family who have made this a reality. Without you and your support and sharing of your gifts , none of this could have ever been a reality. You guys bless me every-time I am around you.  

Historical News here........................

This has been another one of those weeks. Not much blogging. Facebook is just too easy to post on so I find myself doing my short posts there. But I'm determined to get back. I have so many blog posts I want to write. I will begin to share those soon, hopefully.

Below is our weekly email newsletter to our local Oasis Family. There are some really good updates from our Minsitry Leaders below. For the extended Oasis family I invite you to check it out. As usual the email was done in another format, so the links may not work for you and the last word or two cut off on a line.

God bless and have a great weekend.

Dear Extended Oasis Family: As with any week there are so many great things to share. I have something that is very Historical to share with you…it has never happened before in my family and you just have to see and hear this Historical news. But the only way to do it is join with me and a couple hundred other Oasis families who are Facebook Friends of Mine. If you aren't on Face book it will be worth taking the 2 minutes to join, just so you can share in this incredible Historical announcement I made yesterday, with pictures. So…go to Facebook and sign up, or if you’re a Facebook member already, then just come be my friend.   This week I want to do something I have not done in this weekly newsletter which I began about 4 years ago.  I want to share some exciting things happening at Oasis Church. OK, you say, “You always do that, Guy!”  Yes, but this week, I’m sharing it through our Leadership Team's own words. This week as they gave updates of their various ministries in our bi-weekly meeting, I was so blessed I wanted them to share with you some of the things happening in their ministries, which so many of you are part of. I love our team. We are lean, but we are mean!!! Passionate and excited about what God is doing. So, here they are..............    Ranelle Walkenhorst/Office Manager and my Assistant: Ranelle sometimes feels her ministry isn’t as exciting when she gives her reports. But she might be the most crucial person within our team in so many ways. The behind-the-scenes ministry she and her team provide is incredible. Here is her report: "Finishing input of weekend Connection Card results.  As usual, many prayer requests, many requests for information, most importantly decisions for salvation as well as renewal.  We never get tired of receiving those!  Many great comments about services on Sunday!  They evidently love Julie-Anne (who doesn't!).  3 additional baptisms this Sunday -- one was a follow-up to Discover Oasis, completing the Next Step to make that person a member (which I believe makes 6 who have reached that step since Discover Oasis.)" Katia Driora/Surge/Youth Director:  Katia in her first year leading our youth is one of a kind. In a good sense. Her love for the Lord, His Church, and the Youth just exudes when you’re around her. Just a paragraph of a very exciting report (I can’t share all of it with you. Some of it is going to be a surprise in days ahead): "We will be starting this week a series called "He did What?" focusing on miracles Christ did from John and Mark-great examples of life-changing events when people got exposed to His presence and at the same time addressing the hurting and the skeptics. We will be also incorporating a story from 'The Voice of the Martyrs' to every Bible Study meeting to stir and prepare the soil..." If you have a teen and they don’t come to the Big Event for youth on Thursdays at  7 p.m., they should! Ben Windle/Hollywood Campus Pastor: BTW, Congrats to Ben and Mallika on a new little boy this week -- Logan Anthony, born Sep 30!! "We had a fantastic week in Hollywood! We had 22 kids in KidsWorld! 22 KIDS!! It is causing us to begin to think creatively about our space.   We had 13 guys at our men's breakfast and could've had more!  We had 3 full tables of Hollywood women at the “Girlfriends Journey” event.  John did a great job with worship!  We are really hitting our stride! God is GOOD!" Debby Brown/Women's Ministry Director: Debby just took over this position and she and her team hit the ball out of the park on their first big fall event: "As Saturday began - we had set up for 133 and you know the saying "pray and they will come" --  well, God sent them!  We had a total of 143 and God multiplied the food to feed all.  We had 18 ladies step out of their box and sign up for the Meal Ministry.  We had one lady come forward for prayer and then wanted connection to the Single Mom's Community Group.  After the service we had 3 more ladies come forward for prayer.  We also had several say they wanted to join the Women 2 Women Mentoring program this time around and over 25 ladies signed up for the Wednesday morning or evening 6-week  Bible Study - The Esteemed Journey.  With Jhael Hakimian leading the NoMi ladies and Darlene Stewart leading the Hollywood ladies, I am excited to see God working and challenging the ladies of Oasis Church in all three campuses."  Now there was much more in Debby’s update, she is like me --  loves to give lots of details, but could only share a little bit. Joel Collins/Technical Director:  Joel is another one who you never see but who has a great impact on all areas of our ministry. Practically everything you see, hear, and experience in a public worship environment -- 13 services, 3 campuses, 7 nights, is produced and made possible by Joel and his team. Now, he isn’t a man of lots of words, so his update is shorter than my intro. But you really need to know Joel and appreciate all he and his team do. Hats off to all the Tech Team! Always room for more. I love Joel's desire to train his volunteers on a regular basis, as he puts in his update:  "Team building planning, and will begin Saturday afternoon further training classes. Working on the last short movie for Reel Life Series. Awesome time at Granger Creative Worship Conference last week.” Pat Roberts/Community Groups/Teaching Pastor: Most all know Pat, but what you probably don’t know is he is a big part of all the creative things you see and hear each week as part of our Worship services, from stage decor, to the elements of Worship that go along with our Sermon Series: "Our sermon series have been laid out for the next 8 months.  The creative team will begin to develop these topics over the next few weeks.  The Dave Ramsey financial series will be used the first three weeks of November.  This is at all campuses.  Starting Point got off to a great Starting Point last week as we discussed the basics of the Christian Walk.  We continue tonight with the importance of studying and applying God's Word into our life.  Hopefully people will learn to Come Thirsty for Bible truths."   If you have not tried out the new Monday night Study in Acts, or the Tuesday night "Come Thirsty" Biblical foundations and growth themes, then you really need to do it.  It’s 7 p.m. each Monday and Tuesday as part of 7 Nights of Worship. These are just a sampling of some of the weekly updates I receive each week from our Leadership Team. Isn't it great? Now you note some are missing that are major ministries, but they just might not have had a lot of update that was able to be shared  publicly this week. God is doing so much with so many of you who are part of Oasis Church. I'm blessed you have chosen to be part of the Oasis Family. Guy Melton Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org   P.S.  Don't forget that our New Monday  & Tuesday night 7 Nights of Worship continues each week and you can jump in any time and make that your night of Worship. In just another week, Tuesday Night will begin the most Popular Sermon Series ever at Oasis Church. "The Purpose Driven Life". This sermon series will be taught live and it goes along with the book Rick Warren wrote on the Purpose Driven Life that has sold almost 40 million copies. You can pick one up in our Kona Book Corner.  Hope many of you will take advantage of this New Refreshed Night of Worship. Or come to the Monday night service with live messages being taught on the Book of Acts with Pastor Jack Hakimian.

50% Off Sale - Oasis Church Membership this Sunday

For our Extended Oasis Family, once again I'm sharing the weekly email that was sent out to our local Oasis Family. The links might not work, but most are found on our visitoasis.org website. If a couple words are cut off at the end of a line, it is because the Email was not formatted for my blog. I'm sorry about that, but felt it more important to keep you up to date on what's happening around Oasis Church. Not only would I ask you to rejoice with us in all that God is doing but also to pray for the many ministries that God is using to touch so many lives. God bless you and have a wonderful weekend.

Dear Oasis Extended family;

Yes, you read it right!!! I did say that our Membership Fees to join Oasis Church are 50% off regular cost this Sunday only!!! As you know we are having our Discover Oasis Class this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. following our noon service on the Pines Campus. This class is one where we give the history of Oasis Church, our vision and a picture of who we are. I present this time with other pastors from our team. It’s a fast-paced ONE HOUR and we even give you a FREE Lunch with it. You are given the opportunity to join our church or just to find out about our church. We do not strong arm or push. We believe the Holy Spirit is the one Who should lead a person to join the church where He wants them. We only want you to know who we are. 

 Now as to the Cost to Join!! You might ask, I didn't know membership cost at Oasis Church?  Actually, I saw a sign last week while driving by a synagogue in our area that said "50% off Membership Dues".  I had to laugh and at that moment, I said, “Hmmmmmm”!!!!! No, you don't pay to join Oasis Church! Never have, and never will. Now to be a disciple of Christ there is a cost…make no mistake about that. Jesus said be willing to give up all to follow ME, meaning Jesus. But NO you don't have to pay to join. You do have to attend Discover Oasis. So, if you’re not signed up yet, do so online by the deadline at 4 p.m. this Friday. I hope to see you there if you have not yet joined.

BTW, if you’re a parent who plans on dedicating your baby in October, one of the child’s parents must be an active member of Oasis Church, so if you have not yet joined you need to come to this class on Sunday at 1:30 at our Pines Campus. Our other campuses have periodic Discover Oasis classes and those will be announced at the campus you attend.

I guess you could say the 50% off Membership this week is in honor of our 18th Anniversay as a Church.  September 15, 1991 we had our very first service as a church.  I blogged about why I love Oasis Church on our 18th Anniversary this week, and put the 18 Reasons I love Oasis for you to read. So check it out at guymelton.com.

Reel Life continues this Weekend, and all next week at 7NOW, our evening worship service each night of the week…This week we will be looking at the familiar story of the Good Samaritan, but looking at it in an entirely different way than you might have ever heard it. It fits so much with what Rick Caldwell talked about in his message on Mission and diversity last month, during our Values Series. BTW, Rick’s message is up on our Podcast at visitoasis.org if you missed it or want to send a friend there. It’s awesome.  In the day we live, Jesus has some very important things to say to us as a country and culture. We better listen or else it will be at our own peril. Make sure you don't miss this week’s message. Just in case you are not aware, ALL our messages are up on either video or audioor both on our website each week. Interesting enough, this week on our visitoasis.org Youth page/Surge, Rick Caldwell's daughter, Celeste was highlighted because of an unusual mission she is on.  Check it out.   

 

7 Nights of worship Gets Refreshed!!!! You don't want to miss…this begins Monday and Tuesday night

This is the week we as a staff have been planning for many months. Two very special emphases will be added to our 7 Nights of Worship (7NOW).  Monday and Tuesday night will begin 2 very distinct themes:

• Monday nightwill have live teaching with Pastor Jack Hakimian of our NoMi Campus. His first study will be in the Book of Acts. This is one of my fav books. For more info on Going Deeper, check out the 7NOW webpage with more explanation of Monday night.
  
  
• Tuesday night were are calling "Come Thirsty". Those who are thirsty to grow in their spiritual walk need to come “Thirsty” this Tuesday night as Pastor Pat Roberts kicks off the first study in the foundational growth Night, with a short study called the "Starting Point". For more info, go to our 7NOW webpage and check it out.  

 Why are we making these seemingly big changes in two of our nights?  Simply because in order to fulfill our mission and values of Oasis Church  --  Worship / Community / Mission, we need to be taking our faith deeper.  We can’t do all that is needed in one hour on Sunday morning.  This is your chance. You may attend Sunday and one of these nights, or just attend one of the nights as your weekly time to Worship. We will still have LIVE WORSHIP at all our nights.  The other 5 nights will continue to have the same Sermon Series as the weekend. Folks from all 3 campuses may attend. NoMiwill have the same study as our 7NOW Monday night study with Pastor Jack on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the NoMi Campus.

 7 Nights of Worship is also expanding with our KidsWorld -- Lest our kids are left out on going deeper and being refreshed in their young and budding faith, KidsWorld is also offering special classes both nights on the subject of being "Rooted".These are discipleship classes for kids. How cool is that? Suzie McCord and her staff are to be applauded for the great job they’re doing in grounding our kids early in their faith. Check out the KidsWorld page for info on what classes are offered at what service. We will have Nursery-Elementary classes offered at both our new Refreshed nights -- Monday and Tuesday.  

 New Starter Community Groupsare also forming at our Pines Campus during our 7NOW Monday and Tuesday nights, as listed in the bulletin the past 2 weeks – a Men’s Group on Monday nights at 7 p.m., and a Women’s Group on Tuesday nights.

As you might note, we are serous this fall about taking our faith at Oasis Church to another level. If you’re ready to go deeper, and thirsty to grow in your faith in a way that is measurable and can be tracked, then you will want to try out one of the new nights or one of the new Community Groups. Don't intend to do it. JUST DO IT!!!!!

 

Women’s Ministry kicks off for the Fall Saturday, Sep 26th. Ladies…don't miss this !! Welcome our new Women's Director, Debby Brown by attending this great breakfast for women next Saturday. Check out all the info and how to register on our Adult's Pageat visitoasis.org.

 See you Sunday as we continue our "REEL LIFE" Series, or at 7 NOW this week. BTW Joel, our Tech Director, will have another Original Oasis Production in our Short film series this weekend and all next week at our 7 Nights of Worship. (except Monday and Tuesday nights)

 God bless you, and have a great weekend.

 

Guy Melton
Pastor
Oasis Church

18 Reasons I love Oasis Church on its 18th Anniversary - Sep 15!!

On this 18th Anniversary of Oasis Church so many memories and thoughts flood my mind and heart. I can't even hardly breathe as I type and think of all the incredible things God has done these past 18 years since a small group of 4 couples and one single joined Tonia and me to start this adventure in Western Pembroke Pines and which is now also in Hollywood and North Miami...and even Jacksonville, Florida with the launch of Oasis No Fla. I will just try to narrow it to 18. I'm working on a series of blog posts, that follow the first I made last week of the Top 10 in 2 words or less. 

There are too many to do only 10 of this one, and too much in my heart as I type this to only say two words. So here goes!!!! I love you Oasis Church!!!!

18. The willingness to always change and even embrace change when it makes you feel uncomfortable.

17.  84 Countries who meet together each week to Worship a mighty God without culture, race, or background getting in the way. How many churches in the World can say that? Probably not more than a couple.

16. The incredible lay leaders who are the ones who do the Ministry. KidsWorld, Parking, Hospitality, Community Group Leaders, First Impressions, Surge/youth, Worship teams (this encompasses loads of folks), Lay Pastors, Church Council, Tech, Women's Team, Host Pastors and leaders of 7 Nights of Worship and I know I'm leaving some Leadership teams out. Forgive me. Honestly we have such a lean staff if it were not for an army of servant leaders I have no idea what we would be. I love you guys.

15. The over 1,400 new believers who have followed the Lord in Baptism these 18 years, almost two hundred this year already.

14.  A staff that works hard, long and passionately to not only minister but to deliver the Love of God in message 13 times each and every week and 365 nights a year. They demonstrate incredible ability along with a Love for the Lord and Oasis week in and week out, that just keeps me fired up. (and might I say with so many 20-30 somethings, very tired!)

13.  A church that is willing to do whatever it takes on just 6 acres in Pembroke Pines to continue to reach those who don't know Jesus. The only church doing Church 7 Nights a week that I know of - 365 days a year...and never do I hear a complaint!!! It's incredible.

12. A youth group -- Surge we call them, that has a depth like none I've ever seen. I was a Youth Pastor for 10 years and served several thousand teenagers during that time. It was a great group. But I have never seen such a committed, passionate group of young teens for God in my life. They thrill me just hanging out around them and watching them.   Many are in our adult worship teams and some lead there. They are amazing. Our adults could learn from them just by observing. I love you guys. (I love Katia and her group of leaders also. You guys are second to none. I could just give you a big group hug)

11. I love Oasis Church for the hundreds who sacrificed to make our buildings possible not only in Pembroke Pines but in Hollywood and now North Miami!! Many have moved away or gone to be with the Lord but their/your investment will go on for decades if the Lord tarries His coming.

10. Love that God has given us efficient, and practical facilities. Not too much, not enough sometimes, not extravagant, but just what we needed.

9. I love the four families who gave up very secure, long tenured churches to come out with Tonia and me to follow he Vision God had given us. The Goodwins, Carrs, Padowitz, Oyers, and my Mom. I will be eternally grateful for your love, support and blood, sweat and tears you gave in the early years.  For your kids who gave a lot to attend this new baby church.

8. I love the first Oasis attenders who came that first Sunday, brought desserts when they never had even met each other. Just came from a phone invite. You had no electric, no parking lot, and no a/c in a little building and listened to a Guy who you had never met. I wondered if you would ever come back. Every week I would hold my breath. You did and you still do.

7. I love Oasis Church because you have loved my family, supported it, let my boys be normal boys, and loved them and supported them through their teen years. Nothing is more important than a church loving their Pastor's family, and especially their children.

6. I love you Oasis for what you do for our Community at Christmas year in and year out, through Christmas at the Oasis Light and Christmas display. The hundreds of you who give many hours, some hundreds of hours, and lots of money, to welcome the 40-50,000+ people to our Pines Campus each year. (we are giving our volunteers a much-deserved year off this year and not doing Christmas, but I assure you next year we will come back with more passion and excitement than ever before!)

5. I love you Oasis because you were willing to do what only a few churches in our country have done. You've gone to the urban areas of Hollywood and North Miami and started new Campuses. The hardest place to do ministry in America is the urban and inner cities. Most churches go to the suburbs. Our cities are tough, but you gave and went. I love you for that.

4. I love Oasis Church because we have so many wonderful people on our NoMI and HWD campus who love God and give beyond what they have to minister in these locations, and then even come back to Pines and serve with our Pines people. It's a beautiful sight to observe. I love you guys in the city campuses.

3. I love Oasis for a very personal reason that is more about me, and not you, but If I didn't say this I should be horse whipped. You have the most wonderful Pastor's Wife ever born of man. Tonia is behind the scenes. But let me tell you, I would not still be in ministry, and at Oasis if it were not for a wife who has stood with me through thick and thin. She is spiritual, she is strong, and she models what is preached and she is a big reason God has blessed this church the way He has. I love you Babe, and thanks for putting up with all you've had to put up with these past 18 years in order to fulfill our calling. Words can't express my love and gratitude for you. 

2. I love the Oasis Family because you love me and put up with all my frailties, weaknesses and mistakes. My stupid blog post, and FB comments. My corny jokes, and my ADHD ways. You still love me for who I am and you don't try to make me someone else. You accept me as I am. I love you!!

1. I love Oasis Church more than anything, because God is here and doing a mighty work. Many have invested, worked, sacrificed, prayed and I have thanked you. But honestly, this would not have been worth it 18 years ago, and would not be worth it today, if God was not doing things beyond anything we could explain or take credit for. I'm so grateful He is using me and you even with all our faults and warts. Thank you, God for 18 incredible years. Thank you, Jesus for loving us so much You died for Oasis Church even before we existed!!!!!

So much more could be said, but I'll leave it at that!!

Happy Anniversary Oasis Church

AMEN!!

God Far Exceeds our Expectations....Worship Team update

 

3 months ago at the beginning of the Summer, Oasis Church had a transition in its Worship Pastor leaving. With 13 services, 3 campuses, 7 Nights a week, it would have sent chills up any one's spine.  As you can imagine, it takes a lot of people with lots of commitment to prepare and bring a meaningful worship experience to services in all different venues, sizes and locations -- 365 nights a year, and 52 weekends a year. 

But God always seems to show up when you need Him most. It has been an amazing summer! God has not just met our needs, He has far exceeded our expectations. I'm not sure the average Oasis attender even thinks about all it takes to make it happen each weekend and each week night of the year. But our Worship teams and individuals have stepped up in ways we could have never imagined. Believe it or not, we have had to say at times, we have more Leaders than we have a need for. We have folks right now ready to serve and lead and we are having to pray and ask for God's leadership as to even having a space for them. It's incredible, and beyond anything I could have ever expected or even imagined.

Much of the  credit and thanks from a human perspective goes to Ben Windle, Campus Pastor of downtown Hollywood campus, as he assumed the Worship Arts Director's role.  Along with Ben is Mallika Windle who is the most incredible Coordinator ever, Chris Hughes, who left a stable of wonderful musicians behind at his leaving, and all the different people mentioned below. 

The Post below was part of Ben Windle's Worship update to our Ministry Leaders last week and I just had to share it with you, the Oasis Family. Continue to pray for and cheer these guys/gals on, they are awesome and love the Lord so much. 

"It's amazing just to sit back and watch what God is doing in Worship Arts. We got to see it all come together Sunday night. (Beach Baptism, and Concert)

 You would have thought with all the transitions of the last couple months that we would be gasping for air, (I edited that line, from his original in house wording)  but God isn't limited by our expectations. 

Jhael Hakimian has stepped up in an interim worship leader role in NoMi. They did an awesome job in our beach baptism concert!

John Adams and the Hollywood team are simply amazing! They have a great heart for Jesus, worship, Hollywood, excellence, and each other! They are family! 

Dante and Clive have been amazing and have gone over and beyond in not just leading a band but in growing, mentoring, and releasing. Love those guys!

Julie Anne is a bottle rocket and up for anything! She is a major team player with lots of talent and the desire to see others step up and lead.

Luke, Bryan, Zach, Brian and Kinshiro...where did they come from!? They're amazing!!!

We have THE BEST worship teams in all of South FL! How is that possible? How can it be that we are still progressively getting better, even better than we were last year in the midst of a whole department turning over?? It's GOD!! He's up to something!

We sent 4 worship leaders to Hillsong's Encounter conference in Miami. They had times of worship and break outs with worship leaders. Man! Was it worth the money! That group came back FIRED UP! Hillsong is a very successful touring worship team, we do a lot of their songs. The unique thing about them is that they don't have 1 leader. They all share the spot light. 1 person isn't limiting the whole group to their expectations. Sound familiar? It's what we've arrived at almost by accident! He's up to something!"

Ben Windle, Worship Arts Director/ Hollywood Oasis Campus Pastor

Beach Baptism and Concert/ Hollywood Beach and Broadwalk 09

 

Over 80 Baptized at Hollywood Beach!

We had over 80 people baptized over the weekend at Hollywood Beach! It was an incredible time with our entire church family across our three campuses. After the baptisms, all three bands played at the band shell for all of Hollywood! Thanks to all who came out and supported what God has done through the lives of those who were baptized!