On Friday June 26, 2009 news channels all around the world broke the tragic news that Michael Jackson had passed. Instantly the internet, twitter, blogs, youtube, MTV, BET, VH1 began talking, chatting, and remembering the life of the great “King of Pop”.

I sat this weekend and frequently watched TV stations give tribute to the music legend and many thoughts flooded my mind. I remember watching as a young child the music videos, the dancing, the crowds, the packed stadiums, all displaying the creativity and excellence in which Michael brought before us. Just wished I could have learned to moonwalk, just to white for that one! I also remember the other moments… the ones which brought great sadness to the reputation and character of such a great music icon. The ones that left you baffled at the choices he would make in the midst of what assumed to most Americans as the “dream life”.

As I have watched I have realized a few things that I had never pondered before. Things that I think might just go hand in hand with how we lead our churches. Yep, a connection between church and Michael Jackson. Cause “everything is spiritual”

In 1985 Michael had a platform of stars record a song “We are the world”. An attempt to bring about awareness to the aid needed in a country called, Africa. Michael was a pioneer. He wrote songs about “making a change” (Man in the Mirror), the problem with race (Black & White), taking care of the earth (The Earth Song), all before people, countries, and the world were taking notice. Messages that in many ways have great spiritual meaning. These messages were way before Bono asked America to help in aid to Africa. Way before Obama brought a message of… “change”.

A great pioneer in understanding the world was a bigger place and that each race and people group were needed in it. Just one problem. Michael had the message, there was just no model to follow. People dressed like him, danced like him, tried to sing like him, but none of us followed him. Seriously, did any of you try to build a well when you heard the song “Heal the world”? His message through an amazing vehicle of music could go no further than our radios because there was no model to follow. The messenger live a lonely life full of controversy. There could have been a world with a “better place” if the messenger would have just looked in the mirror and “made a change”.

Isn’t that the problem with church? We have platforms, radio feeds, internet feeds, podcasts, and yet people don’t follow cause there isn’t a life to model. Paul said; “follow me, as I follow Christ”. He did not just travel from town to town, use his platform to preach a message of change, and leave. He lived it. He modeled it. He gave, He helped, He took others with him. John wrote; “Whoever claims to live in Him, must live as Jesus lived”. That what we would say from our mouth would be visible in the life that spoke it. Truth lies in the ability to step off the platform and live out the ways in which we are calling others to live. Many of us are great at giving the message. We are creative, we know what “moves” work well, we worry about excellence, but the model is missing. We use one day a week as a platform to declare the message then live lonely in hiding the rest of the week for none to see how it should be live.

Think about it….
- we teach a daily life with God, then personally spend an hour in the morning with him cause of meetings
- we engage and call people to “feel free to worship” while we stand back & “critique” the worship sets
- we pay “missionaries” to go out and do the work we should be doing together as a church
- we spend more time “creatively” trying to achieve excellence in our next series than in study for teaching

Michael was an inspiration to many. He did things at a level none will match, and none will repeat. As a church we can spend all week trying to do things at such a high “excellence” that we forget about the simplicity of modeling it. We can continue to toss out great podcasts, twitter statements, worship albums, but are people able to follow the model that we give day in and day out? Jesus said “come follow me”. Watch my life as I teach it and live it, was his message & model.

Many comments, jokes and thoughts will come of Michael over the next few days depending on your view of him. Truth is Michael made great music. Some had amazing messages. He made music videos that we will watch over and over, and the sad reality is that his departure from this earth left us with a personal life absent of the model the world wanted to see to actually make the change. He missed that part. I think all this begs the question… will we continue in the same disguise that happens in church way to often? Will we continue to declare a great message but forget to give visible moments for others to model? Is our model something that makes the world a better place? As the song suggests… It just might be time if the church wants to make the world a better place to “look in the mirror and make a change”.

We arrived late Sunday night! Finally, after months of talking, planning, and talking… we are here. Our new home. Don’t know if it feels that way right now as we left many family and friends back in Atlanta. We are excited, nervous, and full of every emotion possible. We are looking forward to just getting settled in and learning more about this great city!

Over the next few weeks I will begin to update quite often from my blog on what is taking place and what we are doing here in Orlando as we begin the processes of Genesis Church. As for now… I am NOT doing anything, but spending time with my family. For the next few weeks I am going to focus on them. Their transition, their needs, and their emotions. If I fail with them, then this church thing is a wash. Meetings, lunches, and all that will happen, but my family will always come first. It’s a foundational principle for us at Genesis Church. I mess up with my family, and my ministry is done. So… thing are coming, great meetings are going to take place, some exciting things will come about, but for now, the most exciting thing is our family enjoying some time together after such an emotional time last week.

Pray for us and keep checking back. Those in Orlando… we can’t wait to do life TOGETHER with you.

P.S. For all those who have been asking.
New address to mail to:
8507 Lake Waverly Lane
Orlando, Florida 32829

Everyone has there thing the like to do. Mine……. basketball. Mainly the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. When my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child back in 2000 I was shocked to find that she was willing to let me name my child after my favorite basketball player… Kobe Bryant. She agreed on the terms that we spell it with a “C” after her dad. (best wife ever!) Didn’t bother me, cause I’m the biggest fan and have been so since day one! Most still spell it with a “K” and my son has often asked can we legally change his middle name to “Bryant” (Love my boy!) I have an insane passion for the lakers. Actually split up with two girlfriends over games back in college…. just being honest Kobe is a player that’s driven, passionate, never quits, and is always playing a “me vs. world” game - and I love it!

Now, fast forward to winter of 2007. We had 2nd row seat for Lakers vs. Hawks in Atlanta. My wife decided our son (5) should hold up a sign that read… “Kobe my parents named me after you” Our wishful thinking was that Kobe would just acknowledge us, wave, some small gesture. To our amazement at the end of the game a reporter from the LA times came to us, interviewed us (we were in the LA times the next day) and then took us in the back locker rooms to meet Kobe. Kobe spent time with us, met my family, autographed my sons poster and the next day we found out this video was on Kobe’s main web site… and the NBA photographer had taken a picture for us to keep.

Not only did we grow in our passion as fans of Kobe, but this was a moment we would never forget.

Kobe meet Cobe from Tim Grandstaff on Vimeo.

Tonight the Lakers play in the NBA finals. I am jacked up! My son and I are ready, and we made sure when packing that we kept our jerseys out. We move to Orlando this weekend and God somehow showered down blessings to allow the Lakers to play the Orlando Magic this year for the championship. I have had my share of luck and joy in meeting Kobe Bryant like most will never get……… but I am hoping as a passionate fan with all fingers crossed to see him play in Orlando and win it all! Oh, would that top it all off.

GO - Kobe / Lakers!

Over 8 years ago I received a phone call that rocked my world forever. It was a call from West Ridge Church with an opportunity to come be the Middle School Pastor. I remember the moments of shock, excitement, nervousness… all swirling around inside. I was just about to be married and my world was beginning to move in a pace in which I never expected.

My wife and I visited West Ridge within a month of being married. Lead Pastor Brian Bloye had been part of my life for many years as my Middle & High School Pastor. The thought of working under him was something that I could have only wished in my first ministry position. I remember hearing stories of West Ridge and what God was doing. The “Dream Team” that they had put together, and the miraculous things God was doing within their community. To be a part of Brian’s church and serve along side of his staff was almost to good to be true. Tandy and I visited and made a list of things we believed, wanted, and dreamed of finding in a job. To our amazement we realized on our way back home that West Ridge had checked off every single thing on our paper.

Upon returning back to Virginia, West Ridge gave us a little time to think and pray about the decision to join them. It was more complicated than anyone would have ever known. Personally it was the easiest decision I could have ever made, but I wanted to know it was what God wanted for our new family. As I talked with my mom on the phone one night I told her… “This is supposed to be difficult. They told me in college to prepare to make little stops in smaller church settings to get my feet wet. Opportunities would come later to work up to bigger things.” My mom simply replied; “Why would God make you wait and hold something so good, if you have always done your best to obey Him? Maybe he wants to use you right now in a place you didn’t see yourself being in.” That was all I needed. We called West Ridge and accepted.

Quickly our lives were changed forever. We arrived in a county where we didn’t know how to get around, started a brand new job, left all our family & friends, bought our first house, and had our first kid all before our first anniversary! Life was crazy, and more than we every expected. But we soon found a home here, a church that was sincere in how it loved people, and a community that was more concerned with others than themselves. This place grew us, mentored us, counseled us, and spurred us to limits that we never thought of before.

From working with students, to college and young adults, with opportunities to teach before out entire church on several occasions, I was doing things I never thought possible. From never seeing more than a few states in my life, to traveling the world (Russia, Jamaica, Israel, Africa), I found a church that saw life as bigger than themselves. Changing and crafting my thought, living, and theology all along the way.

I never thought that back in September of 2008 I would find myself sitting before Brian, telling him that all that he and this place had done had helped prepare us for God’s next journey… starting a church. There was never a time in college that I ever thought those words would come from my mouth! But God had other plans. Plans that we had to obey, plans that would be difficult, hard, and emotional. Why? Because our new journey would lead us many miles away from family and friends so dear to us. Yes, we were willing to be obedient, but did not want such a great part of our life to end. But it has…

Today, May 31, 2009 was our last Sunday with this community of people.

Brian, West Ridge staff, family, and friends you have helped grow us and prepare us for what God has done. I never dreamed of working in such an amazing environment. I enjoyed working beside everyone of you. Each of you have played such a significant part in my life, Tandy’s, and our children. What each of you brought to our life was needed and it has helped us for what lies ahead. Our hearts are anxious for what God is going to do, but heavy and emotional at the distance that will be between us. Our love and thoughts of you go deeper than you will ever know, and what we are about to do has your thumb prints all over it. We do not leave in our own personal desires, but out of obedience to simply do what God desires.

Brian taught me all the way back in middle school that our lives our to be about one thing… Kingdom work. God is asking us to play our part, and so we take what we learned and we are living it out. We will keep you updated, we will visit, and know that Genesis Church is a home away from home. West Ridge Church we will cherish and remember forever.

-From the Grandstaff’s with love.

I am in Lynchburg, Virginia at Thomas Road Baptist Church attending Innovate Conference 2009. The conference so far has been amazing. Very refreshing and challenging teachings for us personally. Much needed and not just another big event. Here are some of the notes from what I have heard and am learning while I am here. Will update more later.

Click Here Now.

The next 5 days are really big for us in the process of where we are at. We leave for Lynchburg, VA my home town to be approved for some church planting support, network, attend a conference and prepare for our last 3 weeks here in GA. We covet your prayers greatly during these next few days. I am asking some of you to consider praying for us each day as we are gone. Here are some things we need you to pray for:

1. Our house to sell. We have been diligent in our preparation to sell our house and now we are letting God write his story. Please pray that it would be looked at and an offer would be made. If it sells for what we are asking (which is just what it’s worth) we can erase pretty much all our debt. What a huge release and fresh start that would be in our adventure.

2. That God would find favor upon us this weekend. We go before a board with a Q & A time for this support. Pray that they see God’s vision and plan he has given us for what we are going to do in Orlando.

3. For our family. This month is difficult. School is ending, and many friendships, memories, and moments are soon to distant and different in our life. Separation is hard and my wife and kids are extremely connected here. Pray for our transition, for protection on our relationships, protection on our marriage, and peace as we move forward in obedience to God.

4. Support. We are still in the process of gaining support financially Genesis Church. (we have been extremely blessed so far) Still, we are praying that God would lead a few more people to give, to see the vision, and to be drawn to play a part in helping us reach people in Orlando, Florida.

5. Genesis people. One family has already moved ahead of us to Orlando, the Walker family. Pray for them as they adjust and settle in to a new place. That they would meet people and begin to find home in a brand new culture. A few people are still trying to figure out how to move down, pray for them during this time.

6. Our team. One family (Simpson Family) is in the process of trying to put their house on the market, transition jobs or find a new one, and are expecting a baby this fall. Other team members (Jason & Rachel) are about to be married in 3 weeks and will be moving down in December. Pray for them, their transition, and that God would prepare the way for them.

1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone

We need your prayers and request them greatly. I will keep you updated so check back here later this weekend. Thank you.

As the last few weeks have passed I am now more than ever understanding and focusing in on 3 things I believe have become crucial to this part of our church planting process… (NOT new, just things that you hear but don’t truly understand till you really get into the process)

1. Know, believe, and hold to the vision God has given
- it’s easy to start to questioning, doubting, and giving into great opportunities because of tough moments and miss out on the best ones that wait ahead. patience is a virtue.

2. Stand in the values & philosophies that make up the foundation
- people, organizations, networks, and associations are all great, but if you compromise these up front you lose ground for why you started and were called to lead. it’s not worth giving these up just for financial security. this was never ever supposed to be easy.

3. Turn to God and NOT to man
- we read books, blogs, listen to podcasts, have people who will come, give us praise, feed our self-expectations, our ego, want to speak into the vision, and be a part of what they read and hear, (we love these moments as human beings) but it’s God who is leading this… NOT man. seek Him and listen to what He is asking, then do it no matter what sacrifice it might take.

“HE who began a good work is faithful to complete it”

on Saturday Night, May 16th as I will be right in front of a TV for this one. Yes!!!!

Why because I am his #1 fan… a freak! Named my kid after him… seriously! (HERE)

I write this post as I journey on an inward search for how to effectively balance life with all it’s amazing opportunities and equally as big distractions. Recently the world of twitter  has emerged as a social networking giant, doubling and tripling the amount of users each month. Yet, as I have engaged in this world I have seen some great things and disturbing things that have me asking myself lots of questions…

[The Good - A network of endless opportunities]

I am all for networking, especially with todays technology and possibilities. I have seen great things happen as technology expands our ability to connect, reconnect, and create new networks with people around the world. Just recently within twitter world I have seen people responding immediately in prayer for total strangers, ReTweeting great thoughts to think about, and posting to followers for connecting , support, and encouragement with people they may have or may have never met. Heck, some of you are reading this post because of twitter and facebook. A new international tool to share my heart, thoughts, and journey in life with. Nothing wrong with that, and that’s what I have seen through these tools. 

One girl in our church was recently hospitalized on Sunday night from a serious car accident. Within minutes through facebook and twitter people new about it, responded, were praying, and one their way to the hospital for support. Amazing! 

I am currently in the process of starting a church in Orlando, Florida and twitter has already connected me to people I would have never met. I have learned about the area, networked with other pastors, and found out about the city from total strangers. I have even had a church across the country partner with what we are doing… all through twitter.

When my wife’s grandmother died, when our son went to the emergency room, immediate response and prayer… this blow my mind.

Daily I have the ability at my finger tips to read others thoughts, blogs, encouragements, letters, teachings, hurts, pains, frustrations, and see how I can help, pray, and possibly respond. 

I am reminded of Paul’s letter to a group of people where he shows that they used all forms of communication to connect, support, and teach those in the church:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. (and might I add in todays culture… facebook, myspace, and twitter)

[The Bad - Might Be Too Much]

With each new technological advancement in our society comes a lot more of one thing… distractions! One twitterer Daniel Henderson taught me “Satan doesn’t have to destroy you, he just wants to distract you.” There are great things like tweet deck, twitterific for my iphone, twitterfon, etc. but each one only keeps me from accomplishing some very important things. It used to be email that got in the way and distracted most of us from getting things accomplished, but now facebook and twitter have taken things to new levels.  One person had a statistic that said something like… “the normal working person could receive 100 emails on average a day, now with twitter they can receive over 400 daily.” That’s a lot to read and lot to keep us sometimes from doing other things that might be more important.

I find myself (yes I as well) in circles with other people, pastors, and friends who sit at tables and instead of talking, we twitter, look at facebook, and loose out on time to truly connect. We sit in meetings checking twitter, instead of engaging, listening, and putting forth our best focused efforts on the task at hand. My wife has implemented a “NO DRIVING & TWITTERING” rule, cause I found myself shamefully checking twitter and driving. Not only dangerous, but also keeping from conversing with my own family in my car. So where does it stop, and how do we find balance?

[The Ugly - A self-building kingdom?]

This is where I am having the hardest time. Just this week I deleted twitter from my phone. Moving deeper into my church planting efforts I find myself networked with many other churches, pastors, and ministries. I search hard to find a line cause I want to see what is happening and what is taking place within their community, but for the most part it seems as if twitter has become a huge bragging and competition platform. I see people shouting out stats, stories, and ministries happening that have me often wondering if it’s truly to share God’s glory, or to make themselves more famous? To let others see God’s hand at work, or get their church on the radar for the next conference? I have read people ReTwittering comments about themselves as if they were writing their own promo for a book, and found myself reading endless tweets of people who seem to be trying create the next best comment that gets pushed around twitter to grab more followers. I often feel as if some are even trying to become what I call “the 140 character pastor.” The one who is hoping that while he teaches his quote s are getting posted all over the world because of how creatively he worded something. Is it about God or more about how much you get noticed?  That’s not what this networking device is supposed to be about. That’s not what we entered this journey for. Yes, there are some profound things that we all need to hear, and twitter helps accomplish that quickly to many in need. But, ReTweeting, the most followers, and having our quotes posted are not the goal. The goal is to connect with the body so that more for God’s Kingdom can be done. I’m just seeing a lot of people mix that up with building their own. 

There are a lot of reasons I love twitter/facebook, and there are reasons I don’t know how much I want to engage in them. Some are doing a great job with this new technology and some are abusing it. Even in writing this… am I just getting something off my chest or hoping that someone else will follow? One thing for certain… I know there is a balance, I know there is a line, I am searching, and wondering where and how to find it?

How do you see it? How are you handling this in your life?

Today has been insane! I woke up and turned in all my notes back at West Ridge because I teach this Sunday for the last time. I am done at the end of this month, after being on staff for over 8 years. We will spend the month of May packing and traveling to finish some things before we move to Orlando in June. I am very excited to teach this week and got a topic I am highly passionate about. Last time to open my heart up to my West Ridge family. 

The rest of the day has just been crazy. I actually never made it into one session at the conference. I have been in meetings and conversations all day about church planting. Need to get the sessions on CD. God is doing some amazing things and truly stretching my thinking on what He wants to do with His church in this city. Need the prayers during all of this. God is continuing to refine what is happening and I am enjoying every moment of it. I can’t wait to see what happens over the next few months. 

Tonight I got to spend a few hours at a Leadership Network cookout right in the backyard of where we want to plant. Made some fantastic contacts and found out something that has me just amazed… the zip code on the east side of Orlando where we want to plant has more children in it, than any other zip code in the state of Florida!!!

Heck Yes! That’s lots of families and children that we get to be a part of reaching. The area has so many people, it is overwhelming. I can’t wait to start loving and serving them.  I am getting more and more excited for this area of Orlando: 

- 80,000 + people

- 50, ooo college students at Central Florida

- most children in the state of Florida

- 87% of them do NOT attend church

The opportunities are endless to share Jesus and we get to play a part! Love it and the vision God is giving us. If you would like to play a part or help support our efforts you can always check us out HERE.

Here is small video from today, but not as much since I was trapped in great meetings all day…