Archive for July, 2008

Staff Spotlight-Susanne Fatigati

Buckhead Church, this is Susanne. Susanne, this is Buckhead Church.

What are your favorite musical groups?
Led Zeppelin to David Crowder Band to Norah Jones to Dwight Yoakam to Coldplay, and a lot in between.

What is your favorite invention?
Anything that enables flight

What is your favorite movie?
The Man from Snowy River

What is your favorite restaurant?
Rathbun’s

How long have you worked at North Point/Buckhead Church?
Almost 10 years

Why do you love your job so much?
I think people get tired of hearing me say that I look forward to work every day, and there is probably not enough room here for me to express why. But I’ll try. I recognize that what I get to do every day, my conversations, and my interactions have eternal value. My job is a gift, and I don’t take it for granted. I trust Andy and Jeff and the leadership immensely, and I feel trusted and valued. I appreciate the development, resources and opportunities for growth. Every day, I have the chance to do what I feel like I do best. I get to work with the most hilarious, creative, brilliant group of people, and we just get to have a lot of fun. When you’re surrounded by people who love what they’re doing, it creates a great working environment.

What would you say to people who want to find a place in their career where they love their job and the people with whom they work?
Now that I’m so old and wise and in my dream job, this might sound trite or condescending. I hope not. I think it’s unrealistic to think you can land in your dream job right out of college. I have enjoyed aspects of all the jobs that I have had, but hopefully have learned a great deal from each role. I think we need to have a willingness to learn and grow and serve with integrity where we are, and also a willingness to fail, gracefully. And through those experiences and relationships, we can learn more about ourselves and others, our passion, our gifts, and God. It seems like opposing concepts, but I think we need patience and courage to find just the right fit… and networking. Don’t ever burn any bridges. But, on another note, it’s also important to have a wide variety of interests and life experiences and relationships so that a career does not become an idol or sole identity. (For example, here’s a pic of Susanne playing polo, but it doesn’t show her cooking, traveling, skiing, and all her other amazing talents!!)

Describe what you and your team are responsible for?
I get to work with great teams who lead membership and baptism for all 3 campuses, and also with the Care Network for Buckhead Church, which includes Hope Ministry, MoneyWise, 2 to 1 Pre-marital Ministry, Oasis divorce recovery, Intimate Encounters marriage enrichment, and counseling referrals.

Why is membership so important?
Membership helps us identify the core group of people who are willing to formally partner with us to lead people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Membership is more than getting your name on a list. It indicates a level of involvement and leadership. Experience shows that membership also benefits the individual. In a culture where commitment is no longer highly valued, recognizable membership is an important step that moves each of us off of the sidelines and into the game. It presents a challenge to publicly affirm a commitment to Christ and to a specific local body. It is letting church leadership know, “You can count on me.”

Regarding baptism, why do we make people do the video?
It seems intimidating. But tell me the truth, it’s your favorite part of the service?! I know, it might seem scary. But talk to the people who have been through it. I think they would say it’s actually a fun process, and when they get to the other side of filming the video, standing there in the water, in front of friends and family and thousands… what a great feeling to share who Christ is and how He is working in their lives. We would love to talk to anyone who has questions or concerns… or fear. And we’re actually working on a video to show the process behind the scenes, so stay tuned.

What would you want a first-time attendee to Buckhead Church to know?
I would want them to know the person of Jesus and to see Him in us. I think the building, the speaker, the worship, the people can all assist in a fun and relevant experience, but it’s Jesus Christ who is the giver of life and joy and hope and peace.

Important 7|22 Announcement

If you weren’t at 7|22 last night, God used our two special guests,
Phil Wickham and Margaret Feinberg, in a very unique
way. The result was a powerful worship experience and some very
practical insight on God and life.

At the end of the night Jarrett Stevens (Director of 7|22) took a few
minutes to talk about some of the things God has been stirring among
our staff and it’s impact on the future of 7|22.

Here is a portion of this important announcement…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/XDU46C4obsc 425 350]

For video of the entire night, including the full version of Jarrett’s
announcement about our decision to discontinue 7|22 on Tuesday nights,
visit www.722.org.

Joel Thomas
Director of Singles & College

Great Quote

One comment that has been circulating throughout many of our staff meetings recently comes from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of Lifechurch.tv:

“To reach people no one else is reaching we must do things no one else is doing.”

Okay, faithful Buckhead blog community, what do you think we should do to reach people that no one else is reaching? I’ve got my ideas but I’m interested in yours.

Click comment and let me hear from you.

Jeff

Happy New Year! (revisited)

We began this year with the challenge of reading the Scriptures more and more in 2008. How’s that going for you?

If you’re going through a time of not reading the Bible, perhaps today’s blog can serve to spur you on. We all need that from time to time.

Currently, I am reading through the book of Psalms. Today, I was reading Psalm 22. It is easily one of the most dramatic, prophetic, topsy-turvy chapters in the entire Bible. If you don’t believe me, go check it out.

My power phrase for the day from Psalm 22 is ridiculously simple:
God Wins.

I know that’s simple but it helped me in a big way today.

How is the Lord using the Scriptures to speak to you?

EVER WONDER WHAT HIGH SCHOOL KIDS DO DURING THEIR SUMMER OFF?

This week, these amazing Buckhead Church high schoolers are in Merida, Mexico running a Bible School for poor children who are in dire need of attention and a generous dose of God’s love (… oh, and they are also working like champs in the Mexican heat to help improve the building of our church partner, Shalom Church).