Archive for April, 2009
God impressed me this year to push every decision through the impact test.
What’s the IMPACT test?
Look ahead in the future and envision my death bed.
Then ask the questions…Was it worth it? Did I spend my time, energy, and resources in the right place? If I could do it over again what would I do differently?
This is the impact test.
I’m asking the same questions regarding Northway Church. Where are we making the greatest eternal impact? What do we need to stop doing? What do we need to start doing? Far too often we get distracted form our mission in helping those far from God find God.
One of the things I’m thrilled about as a major IMPACT DECISION is our upcoming TV program. Starting this weekend we will be on CW every Sunday night at 10:00 pm.
Check out the intro video my 16 year old son Devin made…
- Live like no one else, so that you get to live like no one else.
- You cant do any of these things unless you do all of these things.
- Debt is a risk
- I did some research and discovered that 100 percent of all forclosures had mortgages
- It’s not a sin if you are in debt…you are just one of God’s stupid kids.
10. Hannah Montana’s new movie….(just kidding.)
9. Hearing I look like a punk rock preacher by the guys at Edge Radio ….never heard that before.
8. Being on Jamz 96.3 with my friend, Big Ray.
7. Getting to share our story with The Eagle, Capital News 9, and CBS…thank you David, Thank you Kim and John, and Thank you Teresa and Shannon!!
6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. I’m addicted. I’m a six pack type of guy (not kidding)
5. Crossing state lines to share the good news!
4. God stirring the Berkshires!!!! More to come!!!
3. Launching our TV program on the CW!
2. Working with the best people on the planet… Northway Church!
1. 118 FIRST TIME DECISIONS FOR JESUS CHRIST!
A lot of people can think or say that they have the best team, but the reality is anyone’s team is only good as their last performance. So how is my team? How is Northway Church doing? When we finished at the Colonial Theatre in the Berkshires, the Manger sought me out and bragged to me up and down about Northway Church. He said he had been in the business for years and worked with all the pros and in different venues but he was pushed back by Northway.
I thanked him for his kind words but then I drilled down. I asked him, “What struck you specifically?” He said, “your people were here early, and watching them all day into the night, from load in, load out, set up, tear down, they were professional, they were highly organized and had an outstanding attitude.” He then replied, “Buddy…Its not just me saying that….its my entire staff.” I welled up with pride about Northway Church…
That, my friends, is the church being the church!
That is Gods light shinning through what we do ….not what we say. I immediately thought how cool it is that someone who has been in this business for years was so impressed by a group of volunteers who love Jesus. Thank you Northway Church….not just for leading the way in the Berkshires, but in Clifton Park and Colonie as well! Keep serving Our King! Heaven is smiling on you!
I love you.
- Pastor Buddy
Here is a follow up email I received, not from the manager, but the executive director of the Colonial Theatre. I wanted to pass it along…
Dear Pastor Cremeans,
Thank you for choosing the Colonial Theatre for your Good Friday Service. Our entire staff was very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of everyone associated with Northway Church.
We appreciated this opportunity to host you and hope you will allow us to do so again in the future. Please extend our gratitude and good wishes to all involved. You are blessed with a wonderful group of people.
Don’t miss this weekend as we have Dave Ramsey with us through the power of technology! Dave Ramsey is a NY Times Bestselling author who reaches millions through his radio program, as well as his TV segments on the Fox Business Network. Most importantly, he is a man of God who uses Biblical principles to share God’s way of handling money.
In this three-week series, Dave Ramsey will talk about many things including the five steps it takes to get out of debt, and the “biggest money myth”. You don’t want to miss this great opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s best financial experts!
Trying to make sense of the economy? Leading financial expert Dave Ramsey joins us to share timeless advice on the money matters right under your own roof.
Learn how to take control of your financial future and launch a personal economic revolution during this brand new series at Northway Church. Make sure you invite your friends and family!
This past weekend we experienced a MORE MOMENT!
Together, we shared the gospel with thousands….3000 people in 3 days, 7 services, 3 locations, and 2 states!
We also launched our TV program reaching thousands.
Hundreds made decisions for Jesus Christ!
So what next you ask?
Easter weekend exceeded our expectations… So much so we must make room and free up seats at our key Sunday times. How?
We are adding an additional Saturday service this weekend at our Clifton Park location. (5:00 & 6:30)
I’ve been in ministry for close to 20 years and its rare that you see this…. I’ve heard it put it this way
When God says run, we run.
We can’t buy the media coverage we received …and with our TV broadcast we should pick up even more guests this weekend.
This coming weekend will be just as big as Easter! Through the power of technology, Dave Ramsey will be speaking to us during our brand new series….LIFE…MONEY…HOPE. CLICK HERE to watch the series trailer. Ramsey is a NY Times bestseller, and a TV and radio personality. He is going to be talking about simple solutions for how families can revolutionize their finances. You’ll be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace!
This could not come at a better time! Invite your friends and family to this brand new series!
After six months of blistering wind, snow, sleet, and ice… Spring couldn’t be more welcomed and anticipated in upstate New York! For us, Easter is the beginning of the thaw process and the start of our official spring break. The kids are out of school! Great family time! And great post Easter rest! All winter long we crave this moment in time ….It’s kind of like breaking through the ticker tape and receiving a psychological medal of honor that you made it through another winter.
Hence, the name “Spring Fever”.
Well, Sunday I was so amped and fired up! Never before in our history have I seen God move like this….so many decisions for Jesus Christ! I wanted to squeeze every ounce out of the moment. The last Sunday service, I could see the finish line. I could feel God give me a boost of energy and adrenaline in my preaching!
And then it was over…I crossed the finish line. High fives, smiles and hugs to the team! They’re the BEST! Now it was time to transition out of spring fever. Heading home… I wasn’t feeling so great. I thought it was just the adrenaline drain. I forwent Easter dinner for bed and I started to feel like I had been shot with an elephant gun.
I slept for 24 hours.
Spring fever had turned up the temperature literally for me to 102. No worries today my fever is gone. However, I still have other complications and I’ll spare you the details. Let’s just say…I’m losing weight.
Got this feedback…
Made my day!
“I live in the Berkshires (Lee, MA) and my husband and I were at the Colonial Theater for your service on Good Friday. I had never heard of Northway but God put it in my heart see you at the Colonial.All I can say is….Wow!! We have been searching for you for a long time and have been spreading the word to all our friends. We have and will continue to prayfor a Northway church location here in the Berkshires. We will do anything we can to help make that happen – just contact us if we can help in any way! God Bless you!” – Comment From Kathy
We have several people from the Berkshires that drive over an hour every weekend to attend Northway Church in Colonie and Clifton Park. I love these guys! They have been praying for years that we bring Northway Church to the Berkshires! Well, we did this past Friday and PACKED OUT the largest venue in the area… the Colonial Theatre! There WILL be more to come!
This is the video that we opened up our Good Friday service with:
Berkshire Stories from Northway Church on Vimeo.
Check out some raw footage from behind the scenes yesterday…
