“Is Louie Starting a Church?”
I’ve heard that question a lot in recent weeks about my friend Louie Giglio, and since he’s speaking at Buckhead on Sunday I thought it would be great to ask him. So please take a few minutes to watch my brief interview with him. Near the end, I will ask you to comment in a specific way on today’s blog. Most of all, please be sure to bring a friend who doesn’t know Jesus with you on Sunday. It has the potential to be life-changing. Seriously.
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Announcementsposted
jul 31, 2008by Buckhead Church
July 31, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Great interview Jeff. Barbara would be proud.
Louie – I will be praying for you, Shelley and the Passion staff as you pursue this new direction that God has led you in. I pray that churches will unite under Passion Church as it forms and takes shape to bring glory to Christ and build His kingdom in Atlanta. Also, I will pray that people will be obedient to the call of God in their life in regard to giving financially to the Passion World Tour. You are definitely a hero of mine and I am grateful for all that you’ve done for college students, Northpoint ministries and more importantly for the Church of Jesus.
July 31, 2008 at 12:49 pm
So excited to see what God WILL do through Passion Church! Know that we’ll be praying great inspiration, perseverance, wisdom, and focus as His plan comes together in this.
Billy
My prayer for OUR CHURCH (of which Buckhead Church and Passion Church are a part) is from Ephesians 3:14-21…
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his WHOLE FAMILY in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, TOGETHER with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within US, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout ALL generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
July 31, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Louie – just spend a moment praying for your financial needs for the world tour.
Jeff & Louie – glad to see your kingdom hearts shine through!
if we can help in anyway – let us know.
July 31, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I love to see unity in the local church. This is exactly what Jesus loves!
August 1, 2008 at 8:14 am
Louie & The Passion Church Team –
I am praying that God will continue to guide and direct you through this process of starting a Church and expanding His Kingdom. I pray for discernment to know which way God is leading you. I give praise and thanks to God for His love and grace and pray that it permeates through the walls of Passion Church. I praise Him that your heart and Jeff’s heart continue to be Kingdom focused and may all things glorify Jesus. I pray for generosity among the community as you raise the funds to start the Church, I know that God will provide. You and your team are being lifted up!!!
Praise God!!
August 1, 2008 at 8:40 am
Louie – this is a big win for Jesus. Lots of people will think of this as competition, but don’t listen to the static. Follow God’s vision and help him win more hearts.
Our Church (Christian Church Buckhead) is quite literally in Buckhead Church’s backyard. We constantly have people showing up looking for Andy. We even give walking maps to those folks to get them where they want to go. A win for Christ is a win for Christ, and that’s that.
I think of 1 Cor 12. We all need each other.
We’ll all be praying and cheering you on. God Bless you and yours!!!
August 1, 2008 at 8:41 am
Louie – God has already done such amazing things through you and your team, so I can only imagine what else He is going to do!
August 1, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thanks for the interview guys!
I heard about Passion church but thought it was probably a rumor. And I confess that my first thought was, “There are *zero* decent church bodies within 25 miles of me — and within 50 miles of my parents, and they want to start *another* church in Atlanta? What the heck?”
But I confess that that’s just my own selfishness, and if God has put it on the Giglio’s hearts to do this in Atlanta, I know it’s the right place.
Louie, if you read this, please know that you (and Passion) have been one of the greatest influences in my life for the Kingdom. I have never been to North Point or Buckhead, and I don’t even live in Georgia, but who you are and your faith and how you communicate the Gospel have a ton to do with who I am today. I even spent a year in a closed country ministering to Muslims, and a lot of that motivation came from the last talk in the “Unthinkable” series.
And at Passion ’07, my new wife and I stood up when you asked who is willing to give their lives to reaching people around the world. We’re working to pay off debts and build the Kingdom locally right now, but we’re trying to position ourselves so that we’ll be ready and primed and free when the time comes…
So, all that to say this: keep doing what you’re doing. It matters in Atlanta, and it matters here in Creedmoor, NC… and it matters to the students in Central Asia who know about Jesus because of me, because of you…
You get the idea!
August 1, 2008 at 9:04 am
Ha ha ha… there really are twitter updates right next to the video player… that’s awesome!
August 1, 2008 at 9:37 am
Louie, thank you for all that you have done so far in your ministry. Know that it has had a huge impact on my relationship with Jesus any my desire to live a life that ultimately matters. Your days leading and teaching at 722 were some big times of growth for me. I know Passion is making that same kind of difference in shifting people’s focus to Jesus all over the world and that your future church will do the same for more people in Atlanta. I will pray for the passion tour and its success and use by God to do something eternal.
August 1, 2008 at 10:12 am
i am not a part of the Buckhead/Northpoint/Passion community but am a part of OUR church (His Kingdom) in Albuquerque, NM…i stumbled onto Carlos Whittaker’s blog site and connected to this link. i didn’t want to miss the opportunity to encourage the man who has encouraged me from Passion ’99 to OneDay 2000 all the way through Passion 2007.
Louie:
your announcement has come as a shock to me. my first reaction was “really?” and my second was “why not?” you have a unique faith and relationship with Jesus Christ and i trust your heart. you have never been one to seek your own kingdom but only the Kingdom of God and this interview proves this once again. you have a heart of gold and a passion that is contagious (only through the grace of God). i have said for many years that you have been my mentor…though we have never met…though i feel like we have been friend for years. it’s crazy how the Spirit of God connects hearts.
my prayer for you today, my friend, is that you will be able to focus your whole heart on the remainder of this tour. this is your today and tomorrow has enough worries of it’s own. God is going to do amazing things through your team overseas and i pray your burdens are there and not in Atlanta. it’s time will come.
i am praying that God would continue to give you a sense of peace in this move as you will hear much criticism. i pray God gives you wisdom in how to handle this criticism. i pray that God continues to humble you as He reminds you that He is the Famous One.
brother…i am excited for you and excited that your passion has only gotten stronger through the years. you and your ministry has continued to be molded (which shows me signs of life and growth) but with the consistent focus of who God has created you to be.
i can honestly say that i wholeheartedly love you and your family and your team. i am proud of you guys.
August 1, 2008 at 10:22 am
Dear Louie, You have been a long distance mentor to me for many years. When I heard this news, I said to myself “I would move my family to Atlanta to be a part of whatever it is He and his wife are cooking up.”
God has his hand on you. If you ever need a wild, energetic, decent spoken, video-student ministry, talented guy….I know one.
August 1, 2008 at 11:01 am
I am so impressed by the unity involved in this. I can not wait to see what God does through this! I’ve watched and prayed for passion for so long and it seems like a natural, local expression of this. I can’t wait! Louie, I have listened to so much of your teaching… and you have influenced my life and implanted so much passion in me. Thank you for that, I can’t wait to hear more!
And, there will always be naysayers… sometimes closer than we like, but I know you will be an incredible pastor. Lead with passion and in His face! Praying for you!
August 1, 2008 at 11:43 am
Louie and the passion team
God used you to change the direction, values and purpose of my life! It was through what you guys have been doing over the past decade that I’m living for more than my house payment, for more than my next gadget or tech toy, for more then a nice career portfolio, it’s because of you guys that my life and my wife’s life are focused on making much of God and helping folks who are far from him, get a little closer.
thanks for all you’ve done, for the faith you’ve lived out, and for the call to a greater way of living!
Blessings and I’m excited to see the kingdom grow!
August 1, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Ahhhh… I’m soooooo excited for the Passion team!! This is such an amazing thing and I’m so happy to see God’s Kingdom unfold in Atlanta! I just moved back to this city and have been looking for a home church… this is the answer to my prayers! I can’t wait :)
August 1, 2008 at 1:09 pm
wow, so excited for you guys. i have been touched by you and your ministry from 7/22 through one day ’03 to now. i cant wait to see what God will do through you and your team. plus christy nockels sings like an angel and to have her closer to us ROCKS!
August 1, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Louie – First let me say that I commented on my blog a couple times about the rumor, and if that led to things getting out “early”, I’m sorry. But, since 7 people read it I doubt it had much effect :-) I could write forever about the influence your teaching, and Passion have had on my life. It is one of the big reasons I am now working full-time for a church and hope to do so for the rest of my life. I recently blogged about the impact 7|22 had and right along with that is Passion & North Point Ministries. Thanks!
My prayer is that countless people will come to know and follow Jesus in Atlanta through this new local expression. My BIG prayer (thanks Andy) has been that Baltimore (my home town) would become known for strong, healthy churches, all in the name of making Jesus famous. I’m praying the same for ATL and for Passion’s role in that.
Just imagine if all church leaders and churches had kingdom hearts like we see in this video.
August 1, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Yes, volunteering at Passion ’07 changed my life. I recently relocated to Mnpls from Atlanta (and get my BC fix via this blog), and if it wasn’t for Passion, I never would have heard Dr. John Piper speak live, and I might not have been led to seek out Bethlehem Baptist as a new church home. I am so excited to see what Passion Church will do in Atlanta. Whenever I hear “God of this City,” my heart swells for Atlanta and for what I have seen God do there through the lives of my friends and Buckhead Church. It is so exciting to see what else He has in store for the city of my heart!
August 1, 2008 at 4:38 pm
God bless you. I am praying that God will continue to use to lead with a passion.
August 1, 2008 at 5:19 pm
How exciting! May God bless you all!
August 1, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hello Louie, I am so excited to see how God is using you to impact a generation through pointing people to the greatness of God. About 7 months ago I emailed you from a church in fla named McGregor. I will be praying for you and your team as I believe God is about to do something so big that people can only respond with a sense of awe as they see Him changing lives in ways that are truly unexplainable. May God continue to reveal himself to you in burning bush experiences so you will know His will for this journey. I would love to help out in anyway. Keep on Pointing people to the Greatness of God.
August 1, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I am speechless. I am honestly at a loss for words right now because I am so excited about what is going to do through you, Louie, and through Passion Church. Like some of the other people above, I am quite jealous of Atlanta and I honestly want to move there. This is just a great time for the kingdom of God and I am so ecstatic that you are willing to respond to him with everything in you. Also to have Chris, Matt, and the Knockles there with you is a great move. I can’t wait till this journey begins for your church. I will be praying for you every chance I get.
The only thing I ask is that you not only podcast the message but the music as well. God speaks to me just as much to the music as to the message. If you don’t do this, expect me there every week. Ok just kidding, but I pray for the unity that God is already stirring up in the hearts of North Point, Buckhead and Passion.
August 1, 2008 at 11:21 pm
this new passion church is going to influence not only the ATL area or the US, but will be having a international impact. Thanks guys!
Danny from Germany
August 2, 2008 at 9:38 am
Louie and team, I am praying for you all as you seek God’s direction for Passion Church. The unknowns can be daunting but I pray that God continues to give you peace and clear direction for the steps ahead.
Jeff and Louie – thank you for modeling a kingdom mindset by supporting and encouraging each other. What a great example you are to other church leaders!
August 2, 2008 at 10:33 am
Louie,
It is exciting to see how the Father is leading in these turbulent times. My prayer is for God to guide you and Shelley as together you see to reach the lost and make disciples. Yours for souls, Fermin Whittaker, related to Carlos.
August 2, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Louie, my family was there on Easter Sunday of 2003(?), the first Sunday at the Grocery Store, sitting on the front row at 9am. What a great day that was! Also, we love Sixsteps’ music and the Passion Movement. Hope you are enjoying this leg of your tour and having a big impact over there. We will be praying for you and Passion Church, specifically that God would direct your path. Thanks for being such a huge part of NPM and Buckhead Church over all these years. Excited to see what God does through you next!
August 2, 2008 at 9:12 pm
When I lived in Atlanta, I went to Buckhead.
I loved the church, and I miss it.
My biggest regret was not getting involved more.
I would love the opportunity to be at the foundations
of this church being laid, to get in the action on
the front lines.
What a beautiful thing.
August 3, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Louie,
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! You are changing thousands of lives with every sermon you give and I can only imagine the impact Passion Church will make in Atlanta. I had never heard of these Passion Conferences until today and 268generation was actually the website I visited right before I came to the Buckhead Church Blog. I was disappointed to see that there was no Atlanta Conference in the future but this interview was the answer to my questions. I feel so blessed to live in this great city and to have the opportunity to see you and your team bring an even stronger presence of God’s Kingdom. I will be there on your first Sunday! Again, keep up the great work and I will be praying for you and your team!
Sarah
August 3, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Louie,
I’m praying for unity in the Body of Christ (specifically in Atlanta). This video and your connection to North Point has been and will continue to be a great example to all of us Church planters here on the West Coast. Keep spreading His fame!!!
August 4, 2008 at 3:52 am
Louie,
I can’t even wait to see how God honors this vision for the city of Atlanta. I’m so grateful for the role the ministries of North Point & Passion have played in my own story. There are millions of Atlantans who desperately need to hear the truth about our amazing God & the love He has for them. I love being on the roller coaster with you guys! Have fun on the other side of the world & we can’t wait to hear about this chapter of His story.
kf
August 4, 2008 at 9:07 am
Louie,
Pumped about this! My prayer is that we as believers are always impassioned to love as Christ did, that we would be able to lock eyes with God even through the foggy times, that the heartbeat of God would become so loud in our lives that it echoes, and that the church would cease to be a building. Thanks, Louie for being a brave example of this being lived out!
August 4, 2008 at 9:15 am
Louie & Shelly-
I think your news is so exciting and I know God will be faithful to bring everything together for you! I love the way you described your hopes and prayers for this vision in the video with Jeff. I had the honor of serving at P06 & P07 and have been marveling at the response that God has provided to the world tour. I know He will keep that fire burning brightly as you venture into growing your church in Atlanta. I will also pray for Chris T, Matt R, and the Nockels as they make huge life changes to join you and Shelly on this journey. We look forward to more updates with great anticipation and hope for those who will meet Jesus at your church.
Blessings,
Leslie
August 4, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Louie,
i can’t wait to see what a portion of the local Church will look like under your leadership. from my perspective you and Andy have always been team players and I’m sure everyone at BC is excited to have a new partner in our community. So now – let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
August 4, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Just as a word of encouragement…I am reminded of Acts 13:2-3
“and in their ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, `Separate ye to me both Barnabas and Saul to the work to which I have called them, then having fasted, and having prayed, and having laid the hands on them, they sent [them] away.”
Being sent, even if it is in the same town…we honor one another, love one another…thereby honoring the Lord Jesus himself!
Joined with you in prayer…may the path get brighter and brighter as you take each step!
August 10, 2008 at 12:00 am
My prayers are with the Passion Team as well. However, I have a different outlook on this whole Passion Church. I know the people of Atlanta are excited about this. But what about the people in Austin, in England and in Nashville who have lost their church worship leaders and “friends” (Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and The Nockels), and those whose lives were drawn to God through the wonderful ministries of humble Godly leaders? Have these wonderful leaders forsaken the places where God birthed their ministries to focus on the lost in Atlanta? Are the lost in Atlanta more important than the lost in these other cities?
I once heard Chris Tomlin speak about his passion for the people in Austin and how he really wanted to make an impact for Jesus in that city. Has he now lost his desire to reach out to the lost in Austin and only focus on the people of Atlanta? And Matt Redman was doing a great job of planting churches in England. Are the lost souls in Atlanta more important to him now than those in his native country?
Please understand that I am not bashing anyone here and do not want to be negative. I know that neither of these leaders can save the lost, but they have impacted many lives through their God-given ministries in the cities they lived previously. I am really having a hard time understanding a few things here and I guess my question is this: Does God want all these disciples to be “stationed” in one area-in one city? I would think that He would rather them branch out (as they were before) and help in their own cities and countries. I know that Louie wants a church in Atlanta because that is where he and his wife live. But what about the others who have left their homes and countries to move to where Louie is? I know Atlanta is important to Louie. I understand that. But should the other passion team members turn their backs on their own cities and churches to help a city and church because it is important to Louie (no disrepect to Louie. I think he is a wonderful speaker and man of God).
I just believe that sometimes it is easy to be influenced by another persons vision and to hop on the band wagon of an idea that comes from a great man of God such as Louie. I just pray that each of those involved are truly seeking God’s wisdom and direction for each of their lives and not just giving in the something they believe is a great idea.
Again, no disrepect to Louie or anyone else involved here in anyway. I love you all. But some of us miss our worship leaders and would love to see them come back to their cities where they were truly making an impact for the kingdom.
August 10, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I’m excited to see the expansion of the Kingdom in Atlanta.
I will pray for those who are skeptical & may see this blessing as a Battle of the Churches. I pray that everyone involved in the Passion conferences & Northpoint ministries will continue to stay strong. I pray that they will continue to listen to God’s truth & follow through with His Vision when there may be all kinds of comments & opinions wanting to be heard. I have confidence that God will not give them anything that they cannot handle, but I pray for peace among them & that everything will fall into place.
August 11, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Ive been coming to Buckhead for just about 6 weeks and it has been life changing. I was so touched by your message given two weeks ago Louie. Your heart was laid out there and i felt you to be so transparent. Ive been involved in ministry at a youth pastor/associate pastor level and its so refreshing to see leadership so genuine from Jeff, Andy, and Yourself. It is so inspiring. You are all in my prayers. I know its so premature to speculate this but what a blessing it could be to see a church in an area close to East Atlanta, Inman Park, L5P or any of those neighboring areas. I currently live and work in Vhi so im not too terribly far from Buckhead but there is such a need for a passionate church in these immediate areas. The amount of young professionals and students is staggering and unfortunately they are trying to fill the voids in their hearts by visiting the many local bars and pubs in those areas. Just a thought. Thank you for being a blessing and we all look 4ward to seeing Gods will come to pass. Exciting times! God Bless.
August 11, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Louie,
I am so happy for you and your team. You are already doing such wonderful things in the kingdom worldwide. I admire the way you and your team have responded to the call of God on your life as well as your response to the early questions. You have a Passion that is contagious and I know that it will only be fueled by those who want what is best for the Kingdom. I have been so blessed to be a part of Passion, Austin Stone, and visit NP. The seeds planted there will spread far and wide and Jesus WILL be Famous.
Of course we would love a Passion twitter, so here is petition signature #1 from Podcast listener #7.
I am praying for Greater Things than you could ask or even imagine for Passion Church lives, finances, and relationships.
In Jesus’ precious name,
J
August 12, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Louie,
This is exciting news! It’s awesome. Please don’t start a church that mimics Buckhead Church…Atlanta needs deeper water than that shallow pond. Follow your heart and open the flood gates to His glory. As Chris Tomlin’s song goes “greater things!” This is awesome, safe travels and God bless.
-Ed
August 12, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Louie – Glad to hear the news, I think at the end of the day it’s just impossible not to think about spending your life devoted to the local church. I have been reading much of Mark Driscoll’s work on how he started his church (mars hill) in Seatle, and really love his thoughts on the purpose of the Church and it’s role in the kingdom. I am actually helping plant an Atcs 29 church in downtown Birmingham after spending most of the last few years traveling and preaching. I just know that when it comes to the Gospel, God’s call on my life is to be involved in the lives of others on a regular basis to see community and biblical discipleship. Great Stuff!
For His Namesake,
JP
August 13, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I’m prayin’ for y’all!
Greater things are yet to come!!
August 15, 2008 at 8:50 am
I wanna say THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for standing for the cause and making Him known. My prayers for you and for your team and for everyone involved. Atlanta needs THE church to rise up and shine…
“Let now your church shine as the bride
That you saw in your heart as
you offered up your life ”
Let that be our heartbeat!!
August 17, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Louie,
I want you to know we’ve been praying for the world tour and are very excited about it. My wife and I are part of a team of church planters that live in Japan and we are excited to help out with the Tokyo Passion event. We’re so thankful for Passion’s vision and willingness to come to Japan and the various other cites. We are praying that the Passion events ignite a burden for evangelism in Christ’s followers around the world. Go get ‘em in Atlanta–a city of 5.2 million can always use a few more workers!
August 18, 2008 at 9:27 pm
We are praying for this new endeavor…Can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store, thank you for all you do to make Jesus famous,you have no idea how your ministry has impacted my life
Jessica
Ps 73:26
August 22, 2008 at 7:12 am
Louie -
Just wanted to let you I will be praying for you. Praying now for the third leg of the world tour and just God’s direction as you begin the to finalize the efforts around the start of Passion Church, the when and the where. Your ministry has been a major influence in my life both at 722 and Passion Events, so I will be definitely praying for you as God puts the piece together. Funny thing is when I told my parents you were starting a church they thought you already had one.
Kathryn
August 25, 2008 at 4:39 am
Wow! This has huge potential. I will be praying for Passion Curch to be a church that is truly relevant to and deeply situated IN the world, a church for people who don’t go to church, if that makes any sense. I believe that the challenge will be reaching people who don’t know who Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin are in the midst of a crowd of people who are there to see Louie and Chris, but I know that Passion Church will overcome that, and reach its goal for the glory of God.
September 5, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I’m a little torn on this. I understand that ATL still does have needs, but there are many cities that have much greater needs. I just moved from the Bible belt to the San Francisco Bay area because God needs His hands and feet to carry light into the DARKEST places. I hope that Passion ATL Church is just the launch point for many church plants like it and that Louie, Chris, Matt and others involved use this church to train and equip the future generation to take on cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Portland OR, Boston, etc.. that have greater needs than Atlanta.
September 5, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Great interview guys. Thanks for the update. Louie you’ve had incredible impact on my life and have been an amazing part of my walk with the LORD. Thank you for all that you have done. I’m so excited to see where GOD leads this journey. I pray that the LORD will continue to clearly lead you and the he will continue to bless this journey financially.
PS: I love that white Arnette Watch. I lost mine a few months ago and can’t a new one anywhere. If you read this shoot me an email and let me know where you found one. Thanks again for everything bradhedges@mac.com
September 11, 2008 at 4:39 pm
loving the concept of a church led by Louie, etc. Loving the crazy impact on my heart by Louie/ 722/ etc for years. Still scratching my head a bit about the ATL launch…. Perhaps the city with more mega-churches per sq mile than any other city in America. As I listen, I have very little concern for the competitive nature of ATL churches (me-ism) or lack thereof. Instead, I have listened to a constant message at Passion since ’98 of uprooting from collegiate campuses that have a plethora of Christ-followers and heading to places where there are few. This launch just seems to juxtapose with the on-going message of passion, which is to head to the places where the tasteful goodness of God is minimallyh lifted high.
quizzically pumped about the potential for Passion Church. Love Louie’s impact on my life and have, in the midst of my ‘wonderings’, trusted that he hears God and that he follows him recklessly. So trusting that heart and praying for great glory for God’s Kingdom.
October 9, 2008 at 11:17 am
I dreamed your church was on Hwy 316, so we will see where God Leads you.
God Bless