Why I Believe in Empty Promises
It was just over 7 years ago when God spoke to me with one of the most clear directives I’ve ever heard from him.
I was contemplating quitting my job as an Artist Development Manager for the leading Christian record label to come and work for Cross Point Church, a still relatively small unknown church west of Nashville. As I volunteered as Program Director that Sunday morning, the decision was weighing on me. So much good I was leaving behind. So much potential ahead.
It was the usual busy morning for a church that meets in a school. A set-up volunteer or two didn’t show, rehearsal went a bit long and so I finally took a big sigh as Pete got on stage and began his message.
I still don’t recall the message he spoke that morning, but I will always remember the message God had for me.
As Pete spoke to a crowd of a couple of hundred in a dingy school cafeteria, I sensed God telling me that I needed to indeed take this job and put all of my weight into supporting the work God was doing through Pete and Cross Point. God was going to do big things through Pete Wilson. I understood that message with more clarity than I have in most things.
7 years, 5,000 regular attendees, 5 campuses and 2 books later, there is no doubt that I heard God correctly. And I kind of think this is still just the beginning.
God has gifted this man in remarkable ways and he doesn’t take his responsibility lightly. I have seen thousands challenged and changed by the words he speaks and writes.
Today, his new book Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing
In this book Pete explores the empty promises that we’re all tempted to chase including the seduction of achievement, addiction to approval, attraction of wealth, perils of power, idolatry of religion, obsession of beauty and chasing of a dream.
Will you join me in celebrating my pastor today?
Go pick up a copy of Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You’re Believing
I will join you in celebrating Pete 🙂
Without a doubt, he is one of the most sincere, humble & talented people I know. I’ve met and worked with so many church leaders over the years, and sometimes it’s disappointing to see public and private personas don’t always quite match up.
Pete truly cares about people. I remember shortly after meeting him for the first time, my son and I were hanging out in the Leadership Network lounge at Catalyst. Most people were polite (to my then 16 yr old son), but Pete took the time to really engage him in conversation. He seemed to really care about what he thought. Even though I didn’t really know him well (and still don’t) Pete would send me a quick message on Twitter letting me know he prayed for my son that morning, even years after that first conversation. Who does that?
Pete does.
We aren’t Cross Point members (living several states away) but the example he sets of what it means to make people feel like they matter is reflected in everyone I’ve met who call Cross Point home (including you, Jenni :))
That’s so cool Dawn Nicole. I didn’t know that story. Love it!
Thank you Jenny. Honored to serve with you and equally proud of how God is using you.
Got my copy thru BookSneeze. can’t wait to dive in! Celebrating with you & your pastor today!
Absolutely, I will!
I first heard Pete speak at LifeWay last fall. I was expecting a punked up message from the guy with the punked up hair. I was surprised to not really see Pete Wilson on stage, but to instead see Jesus. God really is doing big things through Pete and Cross Point, and I agree with you… I think this is just the beginning too.
Thanks Hilary… love the “punked up message from the guy with the punked up hair” 🙂
So excited for Pete today! Thank you for following what you believe God called you to do. It inspires others. The vision and growth of Cross Point inspires others as well. Appreciate you all.
Thank you Aaron! Appreciate you!