If you’d like to register for baptism, fill out the information below and we’ll send you the details on being a part of our Baptism Service on November 16. If you have any questions, email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Tarnished

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 ~ 11:34 am

It’s said that reputation is what others think about you and character is what God knows about you.

What happens when your reputation and your character are tarnished? Moses wondered the same thing.

For 5 weeks, we’ll meet a man whose life became a movie, a man whose mistakes reflect our own.

Join us as we look at the life of Moses, knowing those blemishes on his life maybe aren’t so different from our own.

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Field Party 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011 ~ 9:21 am

Some fields were just made for dancing. It’s a truth many farmers struggle to come to terms with. But, The Walk has indeed found a field ripe for a square dance. Not just a square dance though…who just square dances? Nope, we’re throwing in a bonfire, hot dogs and s’mores. We realize this is a lot of hazards – twisted ankles from a dosey-doe, eyes poked out with roasting sticks, burnt tongues from toasty ‘mallows. Just throw on some solid boots, a helmet and protective eyewear and you’ll be fine…you won’t stand out at all.

Meet us Friday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. for Field Party 2011! Square dancing, bonfires, free food – all the ingredients to a successful party.
That field will never be the same.

Directions to Field Party 2011 From Church Parking Lot
Right on Maloney Rd
Right on Maryville Pk/TN-33
Left on Rudder Rd
1st Left on Brown Rd
Field Party on the Right

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White Lies and Whispers Recap

Thursday, September 22, 2011 ~ 3:04 pm

If you get slightly frightened when you hear “White Lies and Whispers,” fear no more. It was just the first series at The Walk this semester. Take a peek at the quick recap below. We promise nothing will jump out at you. We hope.

White Lies and Whispers // Deceiving Ourselves
• When we buy into lies, they impact our attitudes, our behaviors - our entire lives
• John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
• There are a few lies that we regularly buy into, but we have to attack these lies with truth:

Lie: “We’re not really accountable.”
Truth: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Revelation 20:11-12

Lie: “I could never be forgiven.”
Truth: “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Lie: “It’s not worth it.”
Truth: “…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29

• For every lie we attempt to believe, God gives a piece of truth to take instead

White Lies and Whispers // Deceiving Others
• In order to control your mouth, you must change your mind
• “… the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6
• Our tongues can cause harm to our reputation, our character, our relationships
• To control our tongues we must:
- Talk less.
- Think twice.
- Speak the truth in love.

White Lies and Whispers // Deceiving God
• God’s goal isn’t to make the road clear. His goal is to bring us closer to Him
• Sometimes we don’t know what’s hanging in the balance of our obedience. God doesn’t just want to change your circumstances, He wants to change you.
• The greatest tragedy in disobeying God isn’t the consequences, it’s the tragedy of missing God.
• We seem to think if we stall and claim we “don’t know what to do,” or that we’re too busy for that right now…then we won’t be held accountable.
• We get concerned with the immediate benefits, not the ultimate benefits.
• We can either obey God with a sigh of relief, or rebel with a life of regret.

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Car Wash

Thursday, September 01, 2011 ~ 11:38 am

the walk 8.31.11 from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

The Walk thrives on doing the unexpected. Even more so, we thrive on doing the seemingly impossible. When the two are combined…the result will inevitably change the way students view church.

A parking lot full of 700 interstate-weary cars covered in dried rain drops, squished bugs and droppings from not so kind birds. A softball field full of 400 volunteers willing to get a little soapy, armed with a bucket, two sponges and a towel. Combine these two elements with a 45 minute window of time…and see what happens.

The Walk and the members of Sevier Heights wanted to impact a generation, to show God’s love in a way college students weren’t expecting. What seemed to be an impossible task – wash 700 cars in 45 minutes – became an overwhelming example of what God can do when His people are willing.

While students were experiencing The Walk, these volunteers raced through the parking lot with buckets of soapy water and adrenaline pumping to accomplish our goal. With the help of a couple of high-powered water trucks and some good aim, every car was scrubbed…and some were rinsed. (Please excuse the excess suds.)

Why?

Because we love these students. We want them to feel like they have a family here in Knoxville. A family that is willing to get uncomfortable for one night so students will visibly see and physically feel how much Sevier Heights cares for them.

God loves them. So we love them. It’s that simple.

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White Lies and Whispers

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 ~ 1:48 pm

For the next three weeks at The Walk, we’ll listen in to the White Lies and Whispers in our lives and uncover the truth behind the deceit that so easily weaves its way into our hearts. We’ll look at how we deceive ourselves, how we deceive others, and how we attempt to deceive God - all with a little white lie and a hushed whisper.

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We Need a New Walk Logo

Thursday, July 14, 2011 ~ 4:46 pm

We’ve been stewing over a new logo for The Walk over the summer. But, we’re coming up with nada. Zelch. A big goose egg. So, we thought we’d turn to the people who know The Walk best - you all who have come once or maybe you come every week. Whatever the case may be, we need your creative juices because ours aren’t really all that juicy right now.

The current Walk logo is the grunged out look you see at the top of this page. The one before that involved a sketch of a bare foot. We think it’s time to re-invent. That’s where you come in.

If you have an idea for a new Walk logo, draw it out, write it down, whatever it takes and get it to us ASAP.

If we pick yours or if your idea sparks an idea for a new logo, you’ll get a brand new IPAD 2. Now THAT is a deal.

Get your submissions to us by August 4. We’ve got the IPAD, now you’ve gotta have the ideas.

Submission guidelines: 
Graphics need to be less than 10MB in file size or it won’t get through to us.  Also, we’ll take just about any file format, but EPS or PDF is preferred. 

If you don’t know what any of this means, it’s okay, just find your nearest nerdy neighbor and have them help you.

Maybe technology isn’t your friend.  If that’s the case, don’t you worry. Draw it, paint it, color it, sculpt it, bake it…we’re unsure how far to take this.

Email your submission to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or drop it off by our offices (3232 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, Tn 37920).

We’ll announce a winner via Facebook and Twitter. Remember, get it to us by August 4 so you get a shot at the fancy schmancy IPAD.

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97 Days and Counting…

Tuesday, May 03, 2011 ~ 5:44 pm

I can do anything Jesus asks me to.

Peter walked on water, because Jesus asked him to.

The disciples fed 5,000 with only five loaves of bread and two fish, because Jesus asked them to.

The paralytic got up and walked home, because Jesus asked him to.

What is Jesus asking us to do?

“Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant to all.” Mark 9:35

You have 97 days this summer to serve. You could serve every day, or just a few days. Either way, you’re doing what Jesus has asked you to do. Go ahead, take the challenge. Check out all the volunteer options available throughout the state of Tennessee. Don’t hold back.

You can do anything Jesus asks you to.

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Internship Applications

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 ~ 5:27 pm

Want to apply for an internship at Sevier Heights? We’ve got several openings. Check out the details below and download an application. Drop off your completed application by the church or at The Walk or email it to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Primary Responsibilities:

Small Groups: Assist with recruiting small group leaders for the year. Coordinate and monitor the creation, health, and placement of all Small Groups within the College Ministry. Develop and distribute all materials necessary for Small Group Leaders to lead their assigned small group. Assist small groups with organizing and executing one (1) Service Project per semester.

The Walk: Attend weekly planning meetings for the Walk (every Monday at 3pm). Recruit volunteers for the Walk Welcome Team. Assist in planning and production of The Walk every Wednesday night.

Events: Assist with creating, organizing, and implementing events and college-wide service projects throughout the semester.

Work Schedule: Part-time (10 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Friday, April 29

Job Description (Word Doc)
Application (PDF)

Primary Responsibilities:

Assist the Communications Director with projects and tasks related to all ministries/areas of the church. Projects will include print and web-related/interactive materials. Participate in project development from start to completion, including concept phase, design and production. Print promotional materials (posters, flyers,  banners, etc.) in-house. Help keep promotional materials throughout the church campus up-to-date.

Work Schedule: Part-time (10-15 hours per week)
Application Deadline: TBD based on response

Job Description (Word Doc)
Application (PDF)

Primary Responsibilities:

Attend Student Ministry creative and planning meetings. Outreach and follow-up to all prospects. Attend at least one school lunch or extracurricular activity a week. Assist with creating, organizing, and implementing weekly programming (Bible Fellowship, In-Depth, and Elevate) and special events.

Work Schedule: Part-time (10 hours per week)
Application Deadline: Friday, April 29

Job Description (Word Doc)
Application (PDF)

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Storytellers

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 ~ 2:15 pm

Everybody has a past. Everybody has a history.

Everybody has a story.

Over the next four weeks, students will become Storytellers. Their hearts will become the worn spine of a favorite book as they open up to share the elements of any good story: fear, hurt, loss, redemption, hope.

Except this time the story won’t come from a book, the story is their lives.

Join us at The Walk as these students express stories with one over-arching theme: Grace.

And who knows? You might discover your own story.

Because, after all, everybody has a story.

March 23 – Dealing with Loss
March 30 – Facing the Unexpected
April 6 – My Family Has Issues
April 13 – Life Out of Control

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Haiti Update

Tuesday, February 01, 2011 ~ 3:31 pm

Over the past few years, The Walk has intentionally invested in the non-profit organization, One Vision, and their work in Haiti. We’ve donated the shoes off our feet, the money from our pockets and the prayers of our hearts to the people of Haiti.

Last semester students gave over $20,000 to construct a pavilion on the site for a new orphanage. This orphanage will be used by children that One Vision has taken in over the years. Students at The Walk have adopted these orphans as their own. They have taken the responsibility of praying and donating to help these children until they are adopted by a loving home.

Students from The Walk have taken various trips to the current One Vision orphanage in Haiti. Every trip results in the same response, “When can I go back?” Previously, the answer would have been May. However, The Walk has rescheduled this trip for December due to the current circumstances in Haiti. One Vision has put out a statement regarding their response to the existing upheaval:

Over the past few months, the presidential election process in Haiti has been met with political strife and civil unrest.  Due to the continued delay and uncertainty surrounding this process, we have been unable to make trips to our area of operations.  Fortunately, these events have had no impact on the children at the One Vision orphanage.  Their daily lives have not been interrupted by the country’s instability and our workers are conducting operations as usual.

Please continue to pray for the situation in Haiti and One Vision’s efforts in Arcahaie. We firmly believe God is going to do good things in this country in the months and years to come.

Continue to check back with The Walk’s blog for details on our future trips and updates on the One Vision orphans. If you have any questions, please contact us at {encode=“info@insidethewalk.org” title=“info@insidethewalk.org”} or check the One Vision website (http://www.onevisionintl.org/news/).

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Erosion

Friday, January 07, 2011 ~ 12:21 pm

Erosion- to diminish or destroy by degrees. To eat into or away.  A slow destruction of substance.  To cause to deteriorate or disappear

Instead of occurring rapidly, Erosion is slow.  Instead of making a lot of noise, Erosion is silent.  Instead of being obvious, Erosion is subtle. It’s happening, and you don’t even know it.  Erosion doesn’t just concern us physically – it’s a greater threat to us spiritually.

Over the centuries, there’s been a natural pull toward Erosion.  Jesus created the Church to be a reflection of Him - His purpose and His personality.  How has Erosion - slowly, silently, subtly - changed what the Church was intended to be?

January 12:  Let’s Start Here
January 19:  From Authentic to Hypocritical
January 25:  From Relational to Religious
February 2:  From Contagious to Boring
February 9:  From Loving to Prejudice

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The Walk Through

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 ~ 10:24 am

The Walk is Back

The Walk hit the Amphitheater stage at World’s Fair Park on August 25, 2010. Free Chandler’s Deli (featured on ESPN’s Taste of the Town) coupled with a spit-flying performance from Maximillian made the semester’s first Walk unforgettable. Hopefully. If by some ridiculously outrageous chance you did forget, or if you want to see how we attempt to change the way you view church – take a gander at some highlights:

Walk Highlights from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

It’s About Time

After the Amphitheater, we brought The Walk home to Sevier Heights and began our “It’s About Time” series. (Get it? There are numerous inflections to use while saying the title. Go ahead, try it. We’ll pause for a second.)

“Yesterday” – The first message in the series dealt with the guilt of yesterday’s decisions. Tim spoke of monuments in our lives that represent a past screw-up (that couch where you crossed the line, that bar you drank too much in, etc). We gave everyone an opportunity to write their struggle in the sand (go to 24:30 on the time marker) and gently wipe it away. Students were given capsules to fill with sand. The capsules represented a new monument – a monument of forgiveness. Because at the cross, God said, “You don’t owe me and you don’t owe yourself.”

“Tomorrow” – Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. We zeroed in on what a majority of students worry the most about: finances, food, fashion, fitness, and the future.

“Today” – Are you taking full advantage of today? The clock is ticking. Where are your priorities? Check out this jar analogy (27:00 on the time marker) to make sense of picking out what’s most important in our lives. If you hadn’t put the big rocks in first, would you have been able to at all? Seek first the kingdom of God.

Whatcha Say?

Hey, your mouth can be annoying. Case and point. We moved into a two-week stint on watching what you say.

“The Heart of the Matter” - A couple of students helped Brad start the night with “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap (Which is actually the original “Whatcha Say?” that Jason Derulo remixed. Don’t be alarmed when Brad doesn’t start flowing mid-bridge). We learned our words are a direct reflection of our hearts (Ephesians 4:26). To change what comes out of your mouth, God has to change what’s in your heart.

“My Stupid Mouth” – John Mayer, or possibly a student, got the night rolling with “My Stupid Mouth.” We settled into James 3 to learn that words are easy to speak, but their echoes are endless.

In His Name

Brad and the Walk Band opened up the first night of this 5-week series with a song from ol’ Johnny Cash (not old, ol’. Of course.) Field Party 2010 was on its way and the people demanded to know – can we walk/dance the line?

“Working in His Name” – Colossians 3:23-24 taught us three specific lessons: Every job has eternal significance. God’s more concerned with how you’re doing your job now than how you think you’ll do later. Poor work ethic is not balanced out by great character. What’s your motivation?

“Calloused in His Name” – This was a special night that zeroed in on the true nature of our hearts. Are we living life with a calloused, hard heart? Three areas to consider when evaluating your heart: Am I losing concern for spiritual matters? Do I keep returning to the same sin? Am I ignoring the stories and testimonies of others? A few students had a chance to address personal issues in their lives. Click here and fast-forward to 30:00 to hear how a student answered “Where am I?,” wrote a “Dear God” letter, and decided to take action with “I Will.”

“Resting in His Name” – Just to alleviate the balloon of stress that seems to well up around students this time of year, we decided to offer a group activity to pop that stress bubble. Look here and go to 3:20 on the time mark. Guest speaker David Landrith spoke on the importance of resting the body, soul, and spirit. They’re all connected. When the body tires, our attitudes reflect it. When our attitudes change, it’s a direct reflection of a heart struggle. Are you allowing time to rest – body, soul, and spirit?

“Giving in His Name” – We partnered with One Vision International to help build a new orphanage in Haiti, specifically to build the pavilion. Why the pavilion? Learn why here. Over three weeks students gave $20,808.71 - more than enough for the pavilion. We have more than we need because others have less than they need.

“Baptizing in His Name” – A student shared her own struggle over the decision to be baptized as she took the short walk to the baptistery. Hear her story at 24:10 on the time marker. We learned from Matthew 3:13 that Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything that he wasn’t willing to do himself. He walked 40 miles to be baptized, could you walk 40 feet?

Happy re-Birthday!

It was time to celebrate baptisms! Beach balls causing minor concussions, hand-clappers causing a ruckus after each baptism, streamers hanging from every surface, praising Jesus via kazoos, confetti canons – these are the ingredients to any worthwhile re-Birthday party. Oh, plus pizza and birthday cake. Duh. You gotta see it all to really get the complete picture.

What does next semester hold? Who can really be sure? Come find out January 12, 2011.

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Sign-Up for Baptism

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 ~ 12:44 pm

Fill out the information below and we’ll send you the details on being a part of our Baptism service on November 17.

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Pavilion in Haiti

Thursday, November 04, 2010 ~ 3:57 pm

We have more than we need because there are people with less than they need.

Now is our chance to act on behalf of those with less than they need. The Walk has partnered with One Vision International to help build their new orphanage. Specifically, The Walk is funding the new pavilion. We wanted to have a hand in not simply building a structure, but in building a generation.

We want to give you a chance to impact the lives of countless children by choosing to be a part of building not just a pavilion, but a future.

What you choose to do Today brings them one step closer to their One Day.

Pavillion in Haiti from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

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Generation Me

Monday, October 25, 2010 ~ 1:05 pm

“Generation Me: entitled whiners who have been spoiled by parents who overstocked their self-esteem, teachers who granted undeserved A’s and sports coaches who bestowed trophies on any player who showed up. The consensus is, they’re a generation of basket cases: profoundly narcissistic and deprived of a sense of urgency. In short, they’re a nation of wimps.”

According to the NY Times, that’s us. That’s our generation. That’s who is about to take over the world. Is that us? Is that me?

I graduated last May and was presented with a decision to make: take a comfortable government job with full benefits, good pay, and the option of grad school. Or…take a job working full time with The Walk. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Walk. I always have. I mean, I was an intern for about 17 years. But I also love getting off for ridiculous holidays like Columbus Day.

I struggled with this decision for a couple of months. Eventually, God led me to some scripture.

Matthew 11:16-19
“To what can I compare this generation?”

Whenever I read scripture, anything with the word ‘generation’ makes me stop. It’s such an encompassing word. It just seems so big, so important. Those verses always make me want to act on behalf of my generation. Did you know that our generation (Generation Y it’s called) is the biggest generation to date? Reportedly, nearly half of the world’s population is under 25 yrs old. Half. Clearly, we carry a lot of weight.

Jesus goes on to make a comparison, check out verse 16:
They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
” ‘We played the flute for you,
    and you did not dance;
  we sang a dirge
    and you did not mourn.’

The marketplace was the IT place to be back then. Everything took place there. Two of the biggest events of the time were weddings and funerals. When children came to the marketplace with their parents, they played two main games together: Wedding or Funeral. They mimicked what they saw.

Wedding involved music and dancing. Kids would expect everyone to dance when they played the Electric Slide on their imaginary flute. For Funeral, children expected everyone playing to mourn and wail as they played an imaginary dirge.

With the first part of this comparison, Jesus was pointing out the difficult kids that always showed up. Obadiah wanted to play Wedding, but Bathsheba wanted to play Funeral. Some kids just didn’t want to play at all. They sat on the sidelines and watched - they didn’t “like that game.” They felt the urge to be in the marketplace, to be a part of it, but they didn’t feel the urgency to actually play along. Critiquing the game was much easier.

Jesus was saying, “Hey, I know there are some of you who are just refusing to believe the gospel, but you’re covering your unbelief with criticism, with refusing to take part.”

He continued with the description in verse 18:
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

The ‘funeral’ illustration also applies to John the Baptist. He was a man of the desert, dressed in camel’s hair and living on locusts and honey. His message was serious. He taught judgment and repentance. He pointed out their wrong. People dealt with it for a while. He was a novelty, something new, something different. They were intrigued. But he wouldn’t let them simply stand to the side and watch…he asked for a decision, for a commitment. They had the urge to listen to what he had to say, but they didn’t sense the urgency to make a decision. Instead, they turned on him.

Jesus continues in verse 19:
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’

Jesus was saying, “You wouldn’t accept John, so God gave you another option: Me.” Jesus lived a pretty normal life by their standards. He built relationships, got to know people, loved people. When it came down to accepting what He was saying, many declared he was a glutton or a drunkard. They felt the urge to know him, to listen to him, but few felt the urgency to act on what they heard. Again, they covered their unbelief with criticism.

The bottom line for that generation still holds true for our generation: When people don’t want to accept something, when people don’t want to follow through - they find an excuse to stop looking, to stop listening, to stop acting. There will always be an excuse. There will always be something to criticize.

There’s a reason this passage and passages like this stick out to me: I feel a huge burden for our generation. I had always felt an urge to act on our behalf. But I finally felt the urgency.

As I said earlier, our generation is the biggest the world has ever seen. We’re innovative, creative, big thinkers – but we get bored quickly. Centuries ago people got bored with John the Baptist. The novelty wore off. How much worse is it now? How many times do we upgrade to the next phone? We start criticizing our old junky phone because we want to rationalize getting a new one. I’m guilty of getting new clothes because the closet full that I have seems boring to me. We thrive on change.  A survey was done that found our generation, as a whole, switches jobs/residences/mates more than any other generation to date. Change has to happen. And it has to happen a lot.

That’s why we have trouble committing to any one thing. Boredom. We’ll inevitably find something wrong with whatever we’ve committed to (volunteering – “they don’t have a good system”, “they don’t really need me, “they already have too many people” or a job “the boss doesn’t like me”, “they don’t care about their employees enough”). We’ve gotten really good at finding excuses.

Many media outlets refer to us as “Slactivists” - slackers and activists. We want to get involved, we’re passionate about making a difference - but we limit ourselves to signing a petition someone forwarded us or dropping a dime in the homeless man’s tin.

The potential is here. And the potential is on the brink of creating a movement.

At Catalyst, Seth Godin said, “The more change we can make, the more likely people are to join. No one joins a movement that’s been done. Create a movement by doing something some might not like…something people talk about.”

Change? Sound familiar? Changing the way you view church. The Walk thrives on change because that’s what this generation thrives on. If we want to impact lives, if we truly want to change lives and make a dent in this universe – it’s time we sense the urgency.

How about you? Do you sense the urgency? I think all of us, to some degree, want to feel like we’ve had a hand in something big. Something unexplainable. I’ve heard it said that if it was explainable, God wasn’t in it. I want to be a part of something unexplainable.

A lot of times we’re left wondering how? What do I do? You invest - in people, in relationships, in ministries like the Walk. We want to give you a hand in building the Walk, in building a movement. A movement that could potentially encompass our generation – the biggest generation this world has ever seen. We can invest now in our generation. In what’s coming.

Many sense the urge. Few sense the urgency.

Are you one of the few?

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Catalyst

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 ~ 11:59 am

Since I can’t imitate Maximillian’s beat boxing to introduce the topic of this blog post, I guess I’ll spare myself of the embarrassment and just tell you straight up. Catalyst. They define themselves as an event to impact the next generation by creating “changing agents” within the church. I’d say their definition is pretty dead on, as we left the conference with some great creative ideas to apply to the Walk and, personally, my own leadership opportunities. Here’s just a taste of what we experienced:

Andy Stanley - What are our appetites as leaders? As humans we spend much of our lives looking for a way to satisfy our appetites. In Genesis 25 we hear about the story of Jacob and Esau where because Esau was so famished, he was willing to trade his entire future for a bowl of stew. The same applies to us. What are we trading our futures for? Recognition? Wealth? Pride? What is it in my own life that is hard to say no to? God is the only one who can reframe these appetites, and they won’t go away, even as a leader.

Christine Caine - Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? I personally would like to say I would be the Samaritan, but when I look at it from a biblical perspective - who am I really? What did I do the last time God gave me an opportunity to share with a classmate? The last time a homeless man asked me for some change? My answer to those questions would probably place me many times with the priest or the Levite, avoiding the situation as a whole. We’ve gotten good at DOING church, but sometimes we forget that God calls us to BE the church.

Perry Noble - Remember Elijah from 1 Kings 17? Basically the story goes that Elijah is hiding in the desert without food or water. God provides ravens to bring him food and gives him a brook flowing with water. But soon the brook dries up, leaving him at square one. The same happens to us. As leaders, we think we’re following God, but sometimes nothing is happening to show it. Our brook dries up. The problem was that Elijah thought the brook was his supply, when in actuality God was. God actually brought Elijah to the brook to prepare him for something greater in his life (In the next chapter Elijah is calling fire from the sky). God brings you to the brooks in your life to prepare you for what’s ahead!

Catalyst was a great opportunity to hear how we can strengthen leadership in the future church. God calls us all to become leaders. How are we supposed to impact our neighbors, our classmates, our families when we simply go week to week DOING church and sitting on the sidelines? I’m speaking to myself here too, as this is an area I continually need improvement in. If anything I hope you read this and are encouraged to continually grow in your relationship with the Lord…to step up, become a leader. In doing so, we’re striving to impact people’s preconceived notions of what church is. Then, and only then, can we do our part in changing the way people view church.

Ryan Pratt

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In His Name

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 ~ 11:17 pm

There’s a great sense of confidence in knowing God’s honor is on display in my life. He’s at work in everything for His own name’s sake.  My life is to be a reflection of the nature and image of God.

As Paul put it in Romans 11:36, “From Him, through Him, and to Him are all things, to Him be glory for ever.” 

Am I living with a sense of God-consciousness? What does it look like when I approach my life from His perspective? 

What if I really did approach the rest of this semester In His Name?

New Series, “In His Name”, begins Wednesday, October 13.

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Whatcha Say

Thursday, September 16, 2010 ~ 12:00 am

Hey, don’t tell anyone I told you, but rumor has it there’s a series at The Walk called “Whatcha Say.” It starts September 22. I heard they’re talking about words and how damaging they can be. Apparently, our words are a reflection of our hearts. Then someone else said, “If we have spiritual heart problems, it will show itself in what we say.”  I guess our words are powerful. They can either build others up, or tear others down.  At least, that’s what they said.

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Maximillian at the Walk

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 ~ 4:49 pm

Who’s Maximillian? Just take a gander at the video from the 1st Walk and you’ll find your answer.

Disclaimer: Do not try to imitate him. You’ll just embarrass yourself. But if you’re going to try…make sure no one is around.

Maximillian from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

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The Walk at the Amphitheater

Friday, August 27, 2010 ~ 11:28 am

The Walk is back. As our countdown hit zero, we were ready to change the way you view church. For anyone who couldn’t make it out to the Amphitheater, here’s a tiny idea of what you missed…emphasis on tiny. If you want to truly experience the Walk, you just gotta be there. We’re back at Sevier Heights September 1. Remember, only 2 left turns from the strip. Need a visual? Check out “Directions and Contact” at the top of the page. Apparently we’re big on video depictions. See you next Wednesday at Sevier Heights. Give us a chance to change the way you view church.

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Wouldn’t You Like To Know?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 ~ 2:05 pm

Wouldn’t you like to know everything about the new Walk interns? So would we, but there isn’t enough time for that. So here’s a few fast facts. Try to keep up.

Full Name: Julianne Michelle Poe

Name you wish you had: Julianne…Momma did good.

Hometown: Hendersonville, TN

Favorite Place to Eat in Your Hometown: 2 Country (hole in the wall meat and 3 that’s the bomb) or Itty Bitty Bake Shop (sandwich shop in an old house where a woman plays the tuba for the 4th of July) 

Favorite Place to Eat in Knoxville/Favorite Thing to Eat There: Moe’s. Hands Down. Manager Brad knows me by name and my order. I eat a Moo Moo Mr. Cow and definitely guacamole. 

Favorite Sonic Happy Hour Drink: Watermelon Coke/Diet Cherry Sprite

Best Movie You’ve Ever Seen: The Blind Side. I want to be Leann Touhy.

If You Could Only Watch One Show on TV, What Would It Be: Say Yes to the Dress. Randy entertains me to no end. 

Pet Peeve: Terms of Endearment

Country You’d Want to Live In: Italy. Pistachio Gelato. Yes, please! 

Best Mission Trip/Mission Opportunity You’ve Ever Had: I worked in the 9th Ward in New Orleans after Katrina. It was extremely dangerous, but the hope that just finding a photo brought made me appreciate all the blessings I have so much! 

Why Did You Want to Be a Walk Intern? Ministry is my passion. I want to work with students and women for the rest of my life developing their faith. The Walk is where I found my home to facilitate my faith at school, so I love the opportunity to help be a major part of sharing that with other Knoxville students. 

5 Top Songs on a Road Trip Playlist:

1. Greyhound: Dave Barnes
2. Why Don’t We Just Dance: Josh Turner
3. Strawberry Wine: Dena Carter
4. Carry Out: Justin Timberlake
5. Sir Duke: Stevie Wonder

Best Pet Name: Pet as in animal: I want a dog named Gus Gus after the mouse in Cinderella.
Term of Endearment Pet Name: I’m not a fan of these, but if I had to say either sunshine or cupcake.

Round Two:

Full Name: Ryan Christopher Pratt

Name you wish you had: James Bond

Hometown: Maryville, TN

Favorite Place to Eat in Your Hometown: Buffalo Wild Wings

Favorite Place to Eat in Knoxville/Favorite Thing to Eat There: Wasabi’s

Favorite Sonic Happy Hour Drink: Sprite w/ Vanilla and Orange

Best Movie You’ve Ever Seen: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

If You Could Only Watch One Show on TV, What Would It Be: The Office

Pet Peeve:  Loud, Lip-smacking Chewers

Country You’d Want to Live In: New Zealand

Best Mission Trip/Mission Opportunity You’ve Ever Had: VBS in Haiti Orphanage Summer ‘10

Why Did You Want to Be a Walk Intern? It’s an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, serve God, and experience spiritual growth

5 Top Songs on a Road Trip Playlist: 1. Snow Patrol- Run, 2. The Killers- Somebody Told Me, 3. Arcade Fire- Wake Up, 4. Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody, 5. Shiny Toy Guns- Le Disko

Best Pet Name: A Wiener Dog Named Oscar

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Tell us what you think

Monday, August 02, 2010 ~ 6:29 pm

What’s the best charitable give-away?

   Car for a single parent
   Playground equipment for inner-city schools
   Groceries for a year
   House renovations
   Other:

Email Address (optional):

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Certain Uncertainties

Thursday, July 29, 2010 ~ 1:37 pm

Tomorrow will always be uncertain. Fortunately, the Bible was written by people that faced uncertainties. Some of my favorite stories are typically about people that faced the most difficult circumstances. They weren’t strangers to pain, to sufferings, to disobedience, or tragedy. In the midst of all their uncertainty, God did something. He didn’t abandon them. He was right there with them.

Typically, I respond to my uncertainties by sleeping a little longer, eating a little more, or secluding from people that mean the most.  I have this overwhelming sense of wanting to focus on me. After all, it’s my life, my job, my house, my future, my car, my clothes, my money….

Unfortunately, in the midst of my self-centeredness, I miss God and the lesson He wants me to learn.  In essence, I lose an opportunity to trust. 

Matthew 6 is especially challenging to me because Jesus spoke specific words to people facing specific uncertainties that I haven’t faced.  He said, “Listen, I know you’re worried about uncertainty. I know you’re worried about your jobs, where you’ll get food, and how you’ll pay for rent.” He understood their predicament. But three times in this passage he tells them not to worry. He offers a trade. “Give me your worry and I’ll give you something in return.”

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25a)

He covers all the essential worry issues like food and drink. Then, he covers the not-so-essentials, like clothes and everything else that creeps into our minds. Both consume us emotionally.

He continues, “Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25b)

His challenge: Stack up all the things you’re worried about…is that really what life is all about?

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:26)

The Implication: Who has been responsible for helping you make it this far?

“Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26b)

How much more does he care about you?  How much more does he love you?  And yet we still worry, stress, and agonize.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

So, go ahead. Worry. Come back and report. How’d it go?  I’ll tell you how it helped me.  I came back with no sleep, broken friendships, a family that’s been ignored, and I still hadn’t dealt with the worry.  It got me nowhere. 

“And why do you worry about clothes?” (Matthew 6:28a)

We waste so much time and so much emotion worrying about our image. Not to worry, Jesus covers that too-

“See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28b-29)

God made each of these things. I can’t compete with God.

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matthew 6:30-31)

We can all interject our own worries here: Who will I date? Where will I go to school? Where will I work?  Where will I live?  Who will I marry?  Will I get married?  Should I buy this car?  Should I rent this apartment?  It goes on and on… But here’s where it gets so convicting-

“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (Matthew 6:32)

Take time and make a list of what you worry about the most. Go ahead, think about it. Now just for a second, make a list of what “pagans” worry about most. When I did this, I noticed very little difference.  Talk about disturbing.  But He offers an exchange-

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

My goal is to make His Kingdom and His righteousness my primary concern this semester.  I’ll let Him take care of everything else.

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Haiti Trip Highlights

Thursday, June 24, 2010 ~ 12:00 pm

Check out some Haiti Trip highlights!

Haiti Summer 2010 from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

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Haiti Trip - day 7

Thursday, June 03, 2010 ~ 8:42 am

Well, we’re up early this morning packing all of our things and preparing to depart Haiti.  Some of us are ready to get back to the States to take a warm/clean shower with no running dirty water.  Some of us are ready to get back home to drink a huge Diet Coke (water has been the drink of choice all week).  But all of us are not ready to leave behind the kids we’ve grown so attached to.

Every day this week, a new side of God’s love was displayed.  Whether it through the kids loving us, us loving them, or our group loving/serving the workers, new ways to love were learned this week.  God’s love is endless and wider than we can imagine.  If we didn’t know this before, we know it now.  And if some of us knew this before, we’re more grateful to be reminded and refreshed on this unending love God has for His world.

We arrive in Miami at 3:00pm this afternoon.  We depart for Knoxville around 8:10pm.  Hopefully during this waiting, we can get some personal testimonies of the week posted from our group.  I know we all have a lot to say. 

To everyone who has prayed for this trip, given support to an individual on this trip, or anything else, we thank you.  God has truly used this trip for His glory and His kingdom.

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Haiti Trip - day 6

Thursday, June 03, 2010 ~ 8:34 am

We started the day by going to the orphanage for one last time. We had a chance to share the rest of our Vacation Bible Studies stories which included Jesus’ death and resurrection. We also gave the kids a chance to respond to the gospel at the end and the amount of information they have about Christ is overwhelming.

Some of us also had the opportunity to help the women at the orphanage cook lunch. These women were so happy and the work they do is so hard. Everything is cooked over charcoal in huge pots. The whole time we were working these women kept offering to serve us and offering us chairs to sit in while we worked. The ladies were always more concerned with our comfort rather than their own. These ladies do this everyday for these children, EVERYDAY, no vacation, no holidays, no weekends and their joy was infectious. It is apparent that there is a joy that carries them through the day.
It was so convicting to be around people that pour so much into their work that is far harder and more uncomfortable than we will deal with. Even though we wanted to bless these ladies by lightening their load, they blessed us by their attitude and spirit of joy.

We wanted to take the kids to the beach to close out our final day here. What made this day different was that many of us wanted to take the time to just watch the kids have fun and really try to soak in what little time we had left with them. Once again the kids displayed a real happiness and laughter despite many of them knowing that after today we would be leaving. God truly blessed our team by allowing us to go to the beach several times this week.  Nearly getting drowned by kids who could not swim, having salt water shoved down our throats, and just sharing this experience with them, made the mile walk to the beach with 74 kids worth every exhausting minute. Their smiles made it worth it all. 

Without a doubt the most difficult part of this entire trip was our final goodbye to the kids, workers, and translators. Not many of us expected to get so deeply attached to the kids. Tears filled the eyes of our team, the kids, and the workers as we said our goodbyes.  None of us predicted to react so deeply to this farewell.  Many of us expected to love on these kids, pour into their lives, and then leave unattached to them. Instead we got to know them as separate children of God. We learned individual traits, personalities, characteristics of these kids that made us know they were not orphans but children that needed to be loved; not as a group but for the tremendous kids they are.

Many of our goodbyes were filled with tears and hugs not only from us but from the kids and the workers. They wanted to know when we would be back. All we could tell them is we loved them and God would care for them better than we could. Many of us are already talking about coming back to pour into these kids lives again. We know even if we can not make another trip down to Haiti that through the work of God and One Vision we will one day see many of them in heaven.

Tonight, our group discussed what we were going to take back to America from this trip.  We discussed how important it was to seek and know God’s personal vision for our lives.  Whether it is coming back to Haiti to visit the orphans again or going into college or our careers with a heart for the widows & orphans, we will attempt to find God’s vision for our lives and live it out.  The generations of tomorrow are depending on our following through with the plans God is breathing into us today.

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Haiti Trip - day 5

Wednesday, June 02, 2010 ~ 9:49 am

**Day 5 blog up a day late - sorry everyone, but we were exhausted and went to bed early**

Humbling, eye-opening, life changing. These are only a few of the words that our team has been dwelling on throughout today and this evening. Right now, it is raining or more like down pouring. Our team’s thoughts are immediately drawn to the kids in the open air orphanage who must be scared of the thunder and lightening. Even more so, however, we remember the tent cities we passed yesterday in Port-au-Prince or the families in the stick and mud huts outside of the OneVision property. These people don’t have any shelter or way to be relieved form the storm or running water and we realize that many of them are not getting the peaceful night’s sleep that we are.

This morning, we started the day by visiting a primary school just past the orphanage. As we pulled in, it was evident that the 412 kids attending this school had a very different school experience than any of us did.  Their school “building” was an open pavilion area with a thatched roof and no walls. The Kindergarten and First Grade classes were separated by hanging tarps where around 40 kids sat on the ground in a small dirt area. The other 4 grades were under the roof divided by age and all were without books, pencils, and any materials. We were able to share bible stories with them and gathered to sing a few songs before we left.

The team returned to the smiling joyous faces of the children at the orphanage. The afternoon was full of more VBS activities and another exciting trip to the beach. While we began the week focused on the kids, yesterday and today several of our team members have been reaching out to the workers as well. We have helped with piles and piles of laundry, served lunch, change dirty sweaty clothes, and watched the ladies cook a meal for 80 kids over coal ovens. It is amazing the endurance and love these workers show through their service and their joyfulness has been so encouraging to us and what our walk with Christ should be. 

As we begin transitioning into thinking about our time after we leave here, its getting really hard for us to envision leaving these orphans and this nation we have grown attached to. We all have picked up on bits of the kids’ individual personalities and God has just allowed us some incredible avenues for communicating His love and ours. To think that tomorrow is our last day with them could be heartbreaking, but we all know this is just the beginning of our role in the lives of these orphans. We are all shedding our own pride and seeking how we can continue to be vessels in sharing the message of God with the people of Haiti. Please pray for us, the orphanage, and OneVision as we do so.

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Haiti Trip - day 4

Monday, May 31, 2010 ~ 11:47 pm

The first stop of the day was visiting the property where One Vision will soon start constructing their new orphanage, complete with a school and team housing to freely house future mission trip attendees. It was such a shock from the culture we had previously seen. We had gone through Port Au Prince and seen shacks stacked on top of each other and seen the tiny houses on the side of the road around the hotel, but the property showed us a different side. Houses were made of sticks and mud. There was no privacy for these people from the outside world because you could see into the one-roomed huts. But we were welcomed with the smiling faces of kids running to us as soon as we stepped out of the bus. While we as Americans can look on these people and wonder how people can live day-to-day in these conditions, all we could see on their faces was joy. After touring the property, we split up into groups to pray over the site of the future orphanage. It was truly amazing to see what would be in store for the kids and how big of a difference it would make to have an area to run and play in. Not only that, but the new facility will have a school the kids can attend, free of charge, so that they will have opportunities to find work and reach others for Christ after they leave the orphanage. After we had prayed over the property, we were about to go out to individually pray over the site when a group of kids came running in their school uniforms to us. But they weren’t running to us because they were happy to get out of school. They had all just been kicked out of school because they couldn’t afford the $6 to attend anymore. It will make such a huge difference when these kids have a chance to attend school and not have to worry about the cost.

After VBS we took the kids to the beach for the second time. While some of us lathered up with some high SPF, the kids were busy stripping down to their birthday suits. The laughter that we experienced was truly amazing and filled our hearts with joy. Just the laughter alone was enough to make the entire trip worth the sweat and sickness. We can’t understand Creole, but laughter is universal. Not being able to clearly communicate with children about Jesus has been frustrating; however, we are learning that showing these kids they are loved IS showing them Jesus.

Tomorrow, the plans are to visit a Haitian school and spend some time, probably being taught by the children. And we are looking forward to going to the beach with the orphanage kids again.

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Haiti Trip - day 3

Sunday, May 30, 2010 ~ 11:56 pm

Overwhelming. To say the least. Joy, brokenness, peace, helplessness, hope… From the smiling faces of the children at the orphanage to the sight of complete destruction in the heart of Port au Prince, today brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions.

We were greeted this morning once again by joyful faces at the orphanage. The kids were already gathered around tables in their Sunday best when we arrived. It was such a privilege to gather with them and worship through songs. A couple of people from our team shared with the kids and we listened as the pastor shared from Exodus 2. Today was Mother’s Day in Haiti so the message was focused on the importance of a mother’s role in our lives.

We then made a trek to Port au Prince where words cannot even begin to describe the things we saw nor the things we felt. Rubble from houses pancaked on top of each other as our minds raced and we sought to put ourselves in their shoes. We couldn’t help but think about the minutes following the 35 second earthquake that changed the lives of so many people. We can’t imagine the chaos and shock that rung throughout the streets. We stopped to take in a view that was just a small picture of the destruction that had taken place. There was a woman there who told us that the pile of rocks we were standing on used to form her home. She lost everyone in her family, including her husband and children, in those 35 seconds. She was lost and lonely, but she was living. We also went and saw The Palace (our version of The White House) and saw many “tent cites” as we drove through the debris filled streets.

We made our way back to the orphanage and had the incredible opportunity to walk with the children to the beach. Within seconds most of the children were stripped down…completely… and had adventured into the water. Many of us will be sore tomorrow after enduring the tugs of 6 or 7 children at one time hanging onto us for dear life as we went out into the water, but it proved to be completely worth it.

The Lord has already taught us so much on the trip. We have gained sensitivity to the simple form of worship through love. We have gained sensitivity to what our heart is truly focused on. Most of all, we have gained sensitivity to the love of Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for us as we expend as much energy as we can for the sake of showing the love that has been poured out to us. As we go tomorrow to see the sight of the future orphanage, pray for the vision that the Lord has laid on the heart of John Miller and One Vision International.

Most of us came on this trip expecting to “bring” God to them, but oh how quickly we realized that He was already here in their midst.

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Haiti Trip - day 2

Saturday, May 29, 2010 ~ 11:28 pm

Day Two…and none of us have stopped sweating in that many days. It’s a little toasty here. We got up bright and early this morning, seriously. Bright AND early, since the sun rises at 5 a.m. John’s wake-up calls at 6:50 were met with squinty-eyed, disoriented college kids. We loaded up and shipped out at around 8:30 and headed to the orphanage.

Much like last night, the kids charged us before we could step off the bus. It was exciting and vaguely frightening to be stampeded 72 children ready to be held. We did our first day of VBS today. College students shared the stories of Mary being visited by an angel, Jesus gets a family, and Jesus’ birth. The idea is to go through Jesus’ life with each day of VBS. But there’s plenty of room for awkwardness pausing for the translator after each sentence. After the stories, we sang. The kids gathered around and sang Jesus Loves Me, B-I-B-L-E, and other songs in Creole. Every time we thought of a song to teach them, they already knew it! They love to sing.

The language barrier can be a little frustrating. But all these kids want is to be hugged, to be held, to be loved. Much of our day was spent sitting and holding the kids. Many of us were left cradling sweaty, beautiful boys and girls as they slept in our arms. We’re learning to listen to the silences. Their habits, mannerisms, and smiles speak more than words ever could. We’re learning to love without words. God’s teaching us to listen to Him in His silences too. What does that take? Stop talking and pay attention. Love Him by spending time with Him, learning His habits, His mannerisms. Words are unnecessary when love speaks volumes.

Tomorrow we head to church with the kids. Afterwards, John is taking us to the other side of Port Au Prince where the worst damage from the earthquake took place. Pray for our team as we come face-to-face with the devastation. Pray we can look on in silence and allow God to speak. Continue praying for the people here in Haiti, they need it more than ever.

It’s really amazing the amount of sweat one person can produce. Add that to what we’ve learned since being here. Don’t worry, there’s enough deodorant to go around. Hopefully.

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Haiti Trip - day 1

Saturday, May 29, 2010 ~ 1:00 am

Well, we made it safe to Haiti!  All 34 of us and over 60 bags of personal luggage and supplies for the orphanage and One Vision.  Really an answered prayer to have us and all our luggage arrive safe.  Ran into some traffic in Port-au Prince that set us back arriving at the hotel.  No big deal though.  It gave us all a chance to see the city and let everything sink in. 

Before arriving at the hotel, we made a surprise stop at the orphanage.  Seeing all the kids wave, smile, and go crazy was so awesome.  All the kids swarmed us and we swarmed them.  We’re gonna have TONS of fun with them this week!

Pray for our Youth Conference we’re organizing with One Vision on Monday.  We’ve got 6 of our group members speaking on Evangelism and Abstinence to the youth and young adults in the area.  Really looking forward to that. 

Getting up bright and early tomorrow to do VBS and party with the kids!  Thanks for all the prayers, we’re feeling them.  Next update, hopefully tomorrow. 

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Party at the Walk Photos

Thursday, April 29, 2010 ~ 9:12 am

Check out some photos from the last Walk.

inside the walk 4.27.2010 from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

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Hitched: What a Guy Wants…

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 ~ 12:51 pm

For the first night of the new series Hitched, Tim asked all of the guys to write down the one thing they were looking for in a girl. The few of you that left your name and number have been entered into the eHarmony database and should be expecting your matches soon (just kidding). Here are some of the guys’ funny and serious responses…

A voice that is dark…like tinted glass

cook, clean, look good at all times

An untamed passion for Christ

Strong stable relationship with God and compliments me in my weaknesses

net worth after taxes

good taste in men (me)

A sparkling white smile, one that has the cartoon type smile to it

Understanding that I will hurt you and not mean to, that I will get frustrated and take it out on you, that I will try to be there for but I will fail often, that I will get jealous…but…I will always love you

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Some “Rooftop Moments” from our students…

Monday, February 08, 2010 ~ 7:45 pm

Have you ever had a “rooftop moment”?  You know, the moment in your mind where you think you have it made, have it all figured out, you are perfectly content with your life, your world, your friends, everything.  It’s a dangerous moment to have.  Why?  Because somehow you think you earned/deserved/worked hard for that rooftop moment.  You left God out of your accomplishment, your raise, your promotion, your role as a leader…and did not give Him the credit.  It’s not about you…it’s not about us…it’s about God.  In Daniel 4: 29-30, King Nebuchadnezzar had a big rooftop moment that eventually cost him.  Recently, we asked some of our students what their “rooftop moments” were.  Here are their responses. 

My rooftop moment was when….....

“I had gotten an internship with something that’s hard to do and I thought it was all because I did the work and I bragged about it to everyone. But then I lost it because that person left. I apologized to God and realized he can take anything away. Two days ago I was told I could probably keep my internship and the first thing I did was thank the Lord and asked for help to be humble about it. I absolutely love the walk and every week it opens my heart more and more to Christ.”

“I tweeted a quote out of a book I’m reading out of pride.  The content of the tweet totally pertained to the sin I was committing.  I am so foolish.”

“At work when someone told me I’m good at what I do…I have taken credit for it, like I have the talent, that I deserve my salary, and that I have earned my position of leadership.  The truth is that it is all a gift of God, not of myself - so that none should boast.”

“My whole life of legalism.  I was trapped in thinking that my “good” lifestyle choices were enough to make me holy.  But only through Christ’s love and redemption am I anything but wretched, my good works mere ‘rags’.”

“High school popularity and recognition by those above me in the church.  Putting my position on my own talent and not on the Lord’s grace and blessings.”

“Recently, I got a new job.  The job is great.  I got it right out of school and I had been asking God if this is the job for me.  Once I figured that this is currently where God wanted me, I got a pretty big head.  Like, ‘look at this job and how great it is.’  But really, the job is a gift and now that I realize that, the job got better.”

“My rooftop moment this week was when someone complimented me on my humbleness…what a joke.”

“Reading a UT-wide email that praised my leadership accomplishments.”

“Thinking that because I have a college degree, I deserve a certain salary, benefits, position.”

“I became a nanny for a Hindu family and I thought I would be the one to save them.”

“I took advantage of the fact that my schooling was paid for when really that is a huge priviledge and gift from God.”

“When I was in high school, I went on a mission trip.  And on the trip, my “goal” was to bring at least one kid to Christ.  At the end of the week, I actually got to lead a kid to Christ and thought it was all because of me.  But it was really a priviledge through God.”

“When I was voted on the Homecoming Court in high school, I had a rooftop moment.”

“Going downtown to handout cheeseburgers and feeling like I am doing a “good” work for someone who “needs Jesus.”  In reality, I need Jesus just as much and am no better.”

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The Walk Staff’s - Make or Break Moments

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 ~ 5:20 pm

My make or break moment was deciding to join a group of friends to serve the homeless community in downtown Knoxville. I pray this does not give off the image of self-glory because that is something I never seek. Being able to serve by giving food, water, clothing or any other basic need to that community has changed the way I love and thank God, as well as how I view my blessings. My perspective of the things I “own” has changed, my love for God and the gratitude for His blessings has increased. If I had avoided the furnace by not joining that group of guys my attitude of service would be weaker, my gratitude for everything God has blessed me with would be weaker, I would not be at the level of sanctification I am today…even though it’s a very long way from where I believe God wants us to be.

- Clark Davidson

When I was 19 years old I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life.  I was far from God and a month away from moving to Nashville to pursue music.  It had been my dream for most of my life and I was finally going to pursue my greatest desire but there was one problem.  I knew that God had called me into the ministry.

It was make or break.

By his grace, God placed me in “Babylon” and during that time he surrounded me with specific people that encouraged me to get in the Word and find my refuge in God. A month away from pursuing my dream yet knowing that I was running from my calling, I made the tough decision to surrender my dream and give my whole life to God. Just a couple of weeks later I had moved from California to Virginia to study the Bible at Liberty University.  Best decision of my life!

- Brad Damas

What if you’re right in the middle of a make or break moment? I could say all along what I would do…but now I can’t be so sure.  I graduate in May and I have two job opportunities: one is doing what I know God has called me to do and another is accepting a job that will offer all the benefits and pay any recent graduate would get googly-eyed over.  On top of it all, this job will pay for my Master’s Degree. Do I go with the choice that requires obedience without a locked in retirement plan, or the cushy comfort of a lifetime of financial and job security?  My attempts to dodge the discomfort of not knowing what will happen if I accept the job God is leading me toward, is furnace avoidance…plain and simple.  Will I reject His principles and latch on to the ‘blessings,’ or act on His principles and leave the paid-in-full graduate degree behind?  The world tells me to play it safe, God is asking me to play with fire.  Sound easy? It’s not.

- Callie Dunlap

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Baptisms: Testimonies and Pics

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 ~ 1:26 pm

The Walk: Baptism 11.09.09 from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

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Making a Difference

Monday, December 14, 2009 ~ 12:23 pm

Check out this article about the trip to Haiti on the news web site of the School of Journalism and Electronic Media | University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

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Baptisms: November 18, 2009

Thursday, December 03, 2009 ~ 10:28 am

Baptisms at The Walk from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

The Walk November 18, 2009

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Beautiful Feet: Haiti

Thursday, November 05, 2009 ~ 12:42 pm

Shoes for Haiti from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

I get feelings of joy, followed closely by tears and hurt for the 130+ kids that changed my view on what I thought living on nothing was. Seeing the orphanage and the kids the first night broke my heart.  A place called home for them could fit into a classroom at UT, which by the way was a major step up from the nightclub they were in before. It showed me all the things I take for granted; food, clean water, changes of clothes, a place to sleep, people who believe and show me they love me, the list is endless. But these kids are orphans.  They literally have almost nothing.  Most of them don’t have or know their parents.  You know the people who embarrass and annoy us, but love us unconditionally. Yeah these kids don’t get that opportunity. Children are made for families, they shouldn’t have to do life on their own. But One Vision has a plan to change all that. And I am so pumped that God gave me the opportunity to be apart of it. Just the small chance to hold a little girl until she finally falls asleep, or watch a blind boy get to play duck-duck goose with a million dollar smile on his face while he is running.  Or to see kids get so excited for a chance just to cling onto you even though neither of you understand a word each other is saying.  Or even getting challenged to a soccer match by the #1 and #2 teams of Haiti. Whatever it was, I know that in two days I experienced enough to know that Gods plan for me involves Haiti, and I can’t wait. 
- Taylor Hobbs

This trip has changed my life forever.  I jumped on at the last minute knowing God had something huge in store for me but I never could have imagined how much he would change me in just a weekend. The first night we stopped by the orphanage for about 15 minutes and in that amount of time I knew I would never be the same. I was overwhelmed by the conditions that these kids were living in. It’s not right. Children should not have to grow up this way. One moment that I will never forget is getting to see the little boy whose picture we used for the post-it note project. All I could do was scoop him into my arms and hold him. It was a surreal moment.  I was so overwhelmed with love for this little boy and he didn’t even know me. When we showed him his picture made out of post-its, his face was priceless.  I will never forget it. It’s so hard to come back here and explain the trip to those who haven’t experienced it. Words cannot really describe. All I know is that I will never be the same.
- Rachel Landrith

I literally can’t explain the trips to you in words. It was incredible. I feel like the biggest thing God showed me through Haiti was how much the kids don’t have any love. As soon as we got there, all the kids would flock to you and hang on you and if they couldn’t grab your hand they would cling to your clothes or at least touch your arm. They simply couldn’t get enough love. They couldn’t even really understand our love for them because they haven’t ever been loved. What breaks my heart the most is, if they can’t understand our love, how are they going to see how great the love of God is?
- Gillian Gaskins

I will have to say that this trip to Haiti was life-changing.  The whole trip was a great experience in itself, but there was definitely a moment that I will always remember.  I was sitting down holding a little boy named Palo and he wrapped his arms around my neck and put his head on my chest.  Honestly, my first thought hoped the boy would get off of me because the stench was so bad and we were both dripping in sweat.  It was in that moment when the Lord really spoke to me.  I felt like he was saying, “Brad, who do you think you are?  Even though this little boy is dirty and smelly, I love him just as much as I love you.  He is my child, just as you are.  Love on him like he was your own.”  The coolest thing is that there is a picture that one of the girls took on the trip that captures the moment!  It’s so neat to be apart of something so much bigger than myself.  I pray that The Walk can continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Haiti in years to come.
- Brad Damas

You know, this seems to be the million dollar question, “Lacey, how was your trip to Haiti?” If words could describe how my heart aches and yet is joyful when the question is asked, it would make my life easier. Unfortunately, words don’t cut it. When I thought about this trip prior to actually going, the fact that these kids were orphans did not hit me. Orphans… no family. No love. No one saying I believe in you. When we got there this concept that my heart could not take hold of was made real. All these kids wanted from me was to be held. They wanted to be loved. They didn’t want words. There was a moment that will never escape my heart, and I thank God that it won’t. We were at church and it was about 110 degrees. I was sitting in the back of the room, unable to understand anything they were saying, holding a tiny baby boy. He was too feeble to hold his head up, too weak to cry. As I stared into his face for nearly 2 hours, I imagined starring straight into the face of my Jesus. My heart broke. There is no one who makes this child their priority, no one who has hopes and dreams for him. I felt the Lord saying to me “Lacey, this right here is the reason I need you. I need you to hope and dream and love my people as I love you.” As I prayed over him, and as my tears wet his face, I knew my life would never be the same.
- Lacey Jenkins

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Beautiful Feet

Thursday, October 29, 2009 ~ 4:35 pm

“The Walk” 10.28.09 from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

Poverty. Do you know what it is? I thought I did. I’ve learned fast that I don’t. How could I? I’m comfortable. I have all the food I need, clothes to wear, family to take care of me, a warm bed to sleep in at night. I lay my head down every night with a full stomach, not ever thinking about where my next meal will come from. I take for granted breakfast will be waiting for me in the morning. But why do I deserve all of this when 30,000 children die every day because of poverty related reasons? 30,000. Kids. My reflex is to offer money. You know, the usual thing. The easy thing. That’s enough…isn’t it? In Luke 6 we learned that what’s easy isn’t always what God’s asking us to do. Even those who don’t know Christ will blindly throw money at the problem. Give and forget. But God has asked us to do something bigger, something that may sting a little. As college students, we don’t have a lot of money to give up. What we do have are the shoes on our feet. Do we care enough to literally give up our own shoes? I gave not for myself and not so other people could see me doing it. I gave my shoes because sacrificing something, anything was better than staying comfortable. When I gave, I looked in God’s direction. When I’m focused on reflecting Him, sacrifice loses its sting. Bare feet became beautiful. Men, women, kids in Haiti won’t have the ache of a sharp rock jabbing their heel or a splinter stabbing at a toe anymore. You decided giving up a pair of shoes and being a little uncomfortable for one night was okay because it meant someone else would be more comfortable for months if not years to come. Our shoes are going to an orphanage in Haiti, an orphanage without a back wall. We can rebuild that wall. Not with our hands, but with our attention. These kids living in this orphanage have been ignored most their lives, where’s the justice? Justice for these kids is a safe place to live, a home with four walls. Remember the statement from Bishop John? “It’s possible to do justice without worshipping God, but it’s impossible to worship God without doing justice.” So I’ll give my three dollars. But I’m not giving to some blind cause just to make myself feel better. No. I’m giving for justice. Justice for those 30,000 kids. It has to stop and it starts with us. Is the message sticking yet?

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A Note from Tyler

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 ~ 3:55 pm

From August 2003 until the summer of 2009 I had the opportunity to serve as the worship leader for The WALK. Over those years Tim and I constantly talked about what a revival would look like and prayed that it would begin with the College Ministry at Sevier Heights. The only word Tim and I could come up with to describe revival is “unexplainable”. On September 16th, 2009 I believe I caught a glimpse of the unexplainable and will remember that moment for the rest of my life. I was attending the WALK one last time before my family and I moved to Morristown, Tennessee to be on staff at Arrowhead Church. As I was standing there, watching hundreds of college students worship God, I was reminded of where the WALK began. It all started with the vision of a leader who had the desire to change the way people view church. Thank you, Tim Miller and College Staff, for being a picture of Jesus Christ to so many.
Tyler Rhoton

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“Dear God” by Calvin

Monday, October 12, 2009 ~ 4:59 pm

Dear God from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Calvin’s Poem on prayer, “Dear God.”

This poem is about my realization of how important prayer is to my daily life. I have come to think that perhaps God does not want us repeating the same generic prayers over and over because they become so stagnant and don’t come from the heart. They end up being empty words that mean absolutely nothing. The Lord deserves our best so where better place to start than honesty in prayer?!

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The Prodigal’s Song

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 ~ 6:35 pm

“The Prodigal’s Song” from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

“The Prodigal’s Song” written by Brad Damas.

The story behind “The Prodigal’s Song”…

As a worship leader and songwriter, my natural form of communication and expressing myself is through music. Yours might be through art, design, dancing, etc. In fact, some of my greatest times with the Lord have been with my guitar in hand. That is just the way I was wired, and I’m okay with that.

During a quiet time about six months ago, the Lord led me to Luke 15:11-31 and brought to my attention how my life resembled The Prodigal Son. In my high school and early college years, I ran away from God and tried to live life on my own. Just like the Prodigal Son, I was tired, completely broken, and in need of my Father. As I began to look at my past, I was (and still am) amazed that the same God, who I completely disowned and ran from, felt compassion toward me and that his arms were opened wide when I decided to come back home to him. I was so overwhelmed by the thought that God would still offer his love and redemption to me after all the pain that I put him through, that I quickly grabbed a pen and piece of paper and picked up my guitar. And this is the song that poured out.

Every time I perform this song, I am reminded of how much God truly loves me. My prayer is that this song will speak that same message to each and every person who may listen to this.

Brad Damas |  Matthew 16:25
Check out the lyrics

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Dirty Laundry

Friday, September 04, 2009 ~ 9:27 am

The Walk 9.02.09 “Dirty Laundry” from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

Come as you are… but don’t stay the same!!

We had another phenomenal week at The Walk. Great worship, awesome message, fun times of fellowship, and delicious food… it couldn’t get much better!! Join us next week at 9pm at Sevier Heights as Brad and the band lead us in worship and Tim continues the “Dirty Laundry” series.

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Our Podcast

Thursday, September 03, 2009 ~ 3:50 pm

If you subscribe to our podcast via iTunes, you may have noticed it’s bit frazzled (er, outdated). That’s because, due to some technical issues, we had to start from scratch and create a new podcast. So if you’d like the most up-to-date downloads from The Walk, you’ll need to resubscribe. No worries. The easiest way to do that is to click on the “Podcast” link anywhere on our website.

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Sin Smothered in Cheese

Tuesday, September 01, 2009 ~ 2:19 pm

Sin Smothered in Cheese from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Poem by Calvin

As Tim mentioned at the first Walk, our goal as a ministry is to reflect Jesus Christ in everything we do by changing the way you view church. Through all the lights, cameras, music, free food, and fellowship, we always want the ultimate focus to be on Jesus. As a ministry team, we wanted to come up with creative ways to reflect Jesus from different perspectives throughout the semester.

Calvin Smith, a theatre major from Memphis at UT, wrote Sin Smothered in Cheese. Many of you heard his piece performed a little differently by Tracey Halter at the first Walk of the semester at the amphitheater. Calvin was originally going to perform but had other obligations so Tracey graciously stepped in and totally rocked out. Calvin is full of talent and he is writing another poem to perform at the end of the month during Tim’s series on Prayer. We are looking forward to him being involved in the ministry and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! You won’t want to miss it!!

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Check Out the First Walk

Thursday, August 27, 2009 ~ 10:09 am

The Walk 8.26.09 from patrick murphy-racey on Vimeo.

On Wednesday August 26, The Walk kicked off the fall semester. The first Walk met at World’s Fair Park at the Amphitheater in downtown Knoxville, where they fed 1000+ college students free Chick-Fil-A and Rita’s Italian Ice. As you can tell the turnout was amazing with a majority of students packing the area around the Ampitheater well before the festivities began.

Beginning a week before, the University of Tennessee campus was filled with posters inviting everyone to the first Walk of the semester. Then starting two days before the Walk many volunteers helped with a campus blitz, handing out 2000 cookies. In addition to the cookies the student volunteers wore shirts to follow the countdown theme of the posters and cookies. All of this spurred great curiosity and many of the curious ones showed up to the Ampitheater to see what all this was about…mission accomplished!

This being the third time The Walk has been at the Ampitheater, Tim, the college pastor, wanted to spice things up to keep in line with his motto for The Walk, “Changing the way you view church.” After the worship and message, Tracey Halter came to the stage and presented a dramatic monologue written by UT theater student, Calvin Smith. The monologue copied Tim’s picture of presenting Jesus as love, but in a dramatic fashion. The audience stood motionless, obviously moved by Tracey’s words.

A quick thanks goes out to all of the volunteers that helped whether you are a student or not. All of the staff with The Walk greatly appreciated your help and we look forward to a great semester with all of you and with those that attend The Walk as well. God did amazing work Wednesday and we are anticipating even greater work to come.

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