Matthew Robinson

In fine style we did You Pick Live tonight.  The video will be up soon, and I can’t wait to check it out myself.

A few behind the scenes notes: I’m more tired after the service than any other we have done before.  We had a very rocky start pre-service (note to self: if you make sure the school has Internet, and lets you use it, and sets it up for you, also make sure they don’t block the freakin’ website you need to access the live texting site!) After a few on the spot roll outs of “plan B” and rigging a few things, we made it happen.  Lawton and Folsom were life savers, and by the time we really did go live, it was fun.

I am an admitted multi-tasker, but moderating questions and listening to Dean was exhausting.  I really wanted to hear the answers to all those questions I was asking, while sending questions to the jumbotrons via my iPhone (part of one of the plan b’s) I was absolutely impressed with our Senior Pastor.  For nearly 40 minutes we chatted about questions neither of us knew were going to come on the spot.  A mix of humor and a dash of Dean’s wit, and I’m counting down until the next time we do You Pick Live.

About the questions I didn’t ask…yes, there were some.  And a few of the personal ones I removed from the list below.  We had over 600 texts come in, and this post can’t hold them all, so I  copied and pasted as many as I could fit.  It’s interesting reading, and I’m certain will give Dean fodder for upcoming posts and sermons.

Thanks to all who sent messages in and for the great encouragement received post service. Six days ’till next Sunday…and only two weeks til Easter!

Let’s Bounce…

• welcome to You Pick Live!
• Are you a calvinist and why?
• is hell really real?
• how long was jesus on earth after he rose from the grave?
• how do you get to be on the couch?
• sup fellas!
• What do you think about cussing, hellbound?
• is matt single or taken?
• do dogs go to heaven?
• dinosaurs. Thoughts?
• is matt long single?;)
• your thougts on predestation.
• dean, what is the pythagorean theorem?
• how far is too far before marriage?
• what is the biggest struggle of being a minister?
• is one beer too many?
• What does the bible say about suicide
• what does the bible say about masturbation
• dinosaurs. Whats the deal? Did noah just leave them behind?
• what do you think about home schooling?
• what happens when the offering is less than the weekly need on the bulletin?
• what is the true definition of repentance
• who runs the church?
• what should the role of the church be in world missions?
• Is it part of God’s plan for us to make wrong decisions?
• How often does The Well celebrate the Lord’s supper?
• why does Easter matter? Why is it relevant today?
• how is the best way to witness to relatives that you dont see all the time? from anonymous member of deans small group
• Best way to cmmunicate to your friends who aren’t for sure of their faith?
• if God already knows what’s going to happen, how is prayer significant?
• is this working?
• pertaining to the “gifts” in Romans 12:6, can one possess multiple or is are we stronger in one area than another?
• can gay ppl be christians?
• how big of a deal do you believe that abstinence until marriage really is?
• I’ve invited a close friend to church and they came but haven’t been back. How do I keep witnessing to them?
• the well in five years
• if u marry a non christian r u doomed for hell?
• are Mormons Christians?
• How do you address someone after they’ve done an extreme wrong to you?
• what should i do if my boyfriend decided he doesnt believe in god?
• whats the best way to impact tally
• if I have an issue that I believe is too much for God, where can I find the truth in His word?
• Do u think that christ will return? And When?
• where did Jesus go between his death and when he rose again?
• is it bad to come to church and not go to a small group?
• why did God pick the jewish race as his chosen ppl ?
• if the earth is as young as the bible says. How can we see light from stars that are millions of lightyears away
• do i have to be baptized
• Dean, you may not be a performer, but you do have a gift, and I praise God that you’re using it.
• is pot wrong?
• how much should you tip your server and do you think how you tip is a ministry in itself?
• do you think street preachers are effective?
• how do I tell a girl I like her??
• I believe in creation- but how do we explain the physical evidence of cavemen having existed?
• how do you explain evolution?
• Is eating McDonalds a sin?
• is the death penalty something biblical?
• how can i better exercise moderation?
• whats up with the water well in rwuanda
• How do u feel about tobacco use
• can u go to heaven if u commit blasphemy
• where was Jesus during the three days after his death? He took our punishment–did he go to Hell?
• How do you think God feels about weed?
• is the girl behind andrew ackers single?
• how do you get to heaven?
• is that make up your wearing or sunburn
• is it a sin for a man to wear a speedo to the beach?
• when someone passes away youre often told theyre looking down on you now. do you think they do or dont look back on us?
• is being drunk a sin in itself or is it the actions that usually follow
• whats the best thing to say to the ‘flip or fry, turn or burn’ campus preachers?
• what do you think about “outdated” scripture pertaining to women?
• why r some sins considered worse than others? Sin is sin right?
• what makes christianity the only true way to heaven and not other religions seeing how there were alot other religions before Christianity
• can a woman be a church pastor?
• what about rickards?
• who’s on first?
• should we take the bible as a literal text, or as only applicable to a certain period in time? ie old testament capital punishment, the creation account…
• how much can dean bench press?
• what is calvinism and do u believe it?
• matt, why dark jeans?
• do babies who die go to Heaven?
• Is predestination legit?
• gender bias in the bible towards women?
• so do mormons go to hell? And why or why not?
• Best way to cmmunicate to your friends who aren’t for sure of their faith?
• legislating morality?
• can those that are said to be living in sin still be saved?
• are people predestined to hell?
• is it ok to have a chew?
• is it part of God’s plan for us to make the wrong decisions?
• is islam friend or foe
• why does there have to be catholic, episcopal, baptist, etc? Why are we not all Christians?
• can you be forgiven if you have already given up your viginity?
• How old is the earth?
• are you a calvinist?
• how can u help a parent or loved one who is straying from God and their family?
• so you don’t believe in missionarny dating?
• If someone was saved earlier in life then “lost their way” later on with drugs, then died from a drug overdose, do they still go to heaven
• favorite book of the bible
• Best way to cmmunicate to your friends who aren’t for sure of their faith?
• are catholics christians?
• Are Jewish people christians? Are they going to heaven?
• do you believe the world is becoming more corrupt as time progresses?
• when was the last time leon beat lincoln in football?
• what do you think of heaven before the second coming of Christ?
• Does Matt Long have a sister?
• how often does dean workout?
• what does the bible say about women preachers/teachers?
• how should people handle what they see as an issue in the church?
• are we in end times?
• can gay ppl be christians
• how do u let the love of ur life go solely because they are not saved?
• That Hot Chick in the starting point video-how do I contact her?
• can you be too forgiving?
• the well is awesome I’m glad I came it helps me understand questions I’ve had
• why a night club? Doesn’t the bible say we shoud flee evil?
• ty cobb or babe ruth?
• if you’re gay are you bound for hell?
• Now that the ban is lifted on stem cell research, is it wrong for me as a Christian to do this kind of research as a bio major?
• Boxers or briefs?
• how do i get a boy to commit to me if we know that we both like eachother?
• what WOULD Jesus do? (wwjd)
• Will community group times and days ever change? Or will we ever have more?
• how do i get one of those shirts matthew is wearing??
• is it part of God’s plan for us to make the wrong decisions?
• are you a Calvinist?
• who will win the ncaa ship
• How should we deal with a family member who rebels and yet still claims to be saved?
• how can i forgive myself for sin because i can not seem to ask god for forgiveness with a true heart.
• What do you think of the 2012 predictions of the world ending?
• if weed is wrong, then why did God place it on earth?
• why r some sins considered worse than others? Sin is sin right??
• how do you explain evolution?
• are you and/or matthew a calvinist? And why?
• are you ok that god gave you small hands?
• have you ever smoked weed?
• is it true dean got arrested for streaking @ Leon high school?
• when was the last time leon beat lincoln in football?
• if our body is a temple what’s your take on tattoo’s?
• do u believe in having ur virginity restored?
• How do we witness to our professors or authority figures without making them feel inferior or disrespected?
• dean where do u get such form fitting shirts?
• does the well have plans for future mission trips to spread the word and help those in need, such as orphans in Africa.
• Are Jewish people Christians? Are they going to heaven?
• GAY: yay? Or nay? (Heaven? Or hell?)
• how do i break the barrier down with steve hartsfield?
• what should the role of the church be in world missions?
• Are those seats comfortable? Because they don’t look like it
• gender bias in the bible towards women?
• Matt is a great tipper.. Thank you!
• I mean matthew
• What do you think of fraternities and sororities, and would you recomend them to someone?
• if i was baptized as a baby and grew up as a christian, do i need to be baptized again?
• did animals die in eden before the fall?
• Do people in 3rd world countries who never hear about Jesus go to hell?
• I know god placed the apple in the garden, but HE told them not to eat it. God placed weed on earth and the GOVERNMENT told us not to use it…
• Best way to cmmunicate to your friends who aren’t for sure of their faith?
• This is fun. Can we do this again?
• is it part of God’s plan for us to make the wrong decisions?
• the well is awesome I’m glad I came it helps me understand questions I’ve had

I’ve received a ton of questions on how this works…so a preview is in order!

No, people won’t be texting Dean’s or my cell phone!

We’ve partnered with polleverywhere.com to setup a special number and presentation session for our Sunday night experience.

Those who join us will be able to text THEWELL + (their message) to a special 5 digit number we have set up (think American Idol here…)

Connected to the internet, I’ll have a computer on stage and will be able to moderate the questions coming in.  Once they are “approved”, they’ll flash up on the jumbotrons which will be hooked to another computer in the back row that’s setup and running with a special presentation app from the company.

Why moderate?  We have college guys at our church.  Who knows what they’d find crazy enough to type and send in just to see their message on the big screen ;)

It’s actually been pretty user friendly and remarkably easy to get set and in order, and it’s incredibly affordable!

The pressure’s on to strike the right balance of questions offered up to Dean in order to maintain the momentum of the service, and my multitasking brain is going to have to listen to him, the people who squawk in the monitor in my ear, and read the incoming questions.  It should be fun!

I’m sure we won’t have time to get to all of the questions…we will be able to post them all in a special web display on our blogs for everyone to see, and who knows: maybe Dean will answer some throughout the coming weeks in other arenas.

Join us for You Pick Live this Sunday night at the Well, and make sure you bring your cell!

Been thinking about something today.

Why do I shop at Publix?

Why do I appreciate seeing the same waitresses at Red Elephant?

Why do most of my students enjoy coming to my class?

Why would I rather run around Lake Ella than along the highway or on a treadmill?

It’s all about the people.

And the connection.

And feeling welcomed.

We’ve been turning this over, this “lid”, with all things Well-related.

What does it mean for someone to feel connected?

What does it mean for an initial touch-point to occur so the big becomes small?

What does it mean for someone who has come, and has kept coming, to take the next step in ownership and investment?

It’s all about the the culture of the connection.

I go to Publix because it’s clean, yes.  Because it’s branded well, sure.  But also because I see the same cashiers.  And I know I can find help when and wherever I need it.

I like the meal at the local restaurant because even if the wait staff doesn’t know me, I recognize them, and they recognize me.

There’s 45 college algebra teachers at my school.  But I attempt, even if I don’t, to act like I give a damn about each student that comes into my classroom.

People smile and nod and wave at Lake Ella.  There’s no path to cross with someone on the wide open road or the lonely gym exercise machine.

What does this mean for the first few steps of the Well’s walk up, walk in, and departure experience?

How do we get people to get “it…”

The relational, try-to-make-it-feel-personal, smile-and-interact-like-you-mean-it, even if for just a few seconds, attitude?

Because that’s where it starts.

And it’s the easiest thing to fix.

Even if it’s the hardest thing to control.

Some things I’m randomly in love with right now:

• Zucchini Boats
• CNBC and trying to understand all I can about the financial crisis
• Trying to prepare for MORE than 1,000 people at EasterOnTheMoon.com and figuring out how to handle an overflow crowd WHEN they do come
• Kelly Clarkson’s new album (which I like a lot more than U2’s) and the song-I-can’t-get-out-of-my-head
• 24 and LOST
• iLife 09’s iMovie green screen feature
• The azaleas on Landis Green…sat on a bench this morning after an early meeting just people watching and taking in one of my favorite spots at FSU
• Teaching factoring (I know, I know, major dork-o.  But I’m really good at it!)
• Re-reading He Still Moves Stones
• 5 mile runs
• Home Depot
• Food Glorious Food’s dessert menu

Last Spring, my friend Helen Michael (aka Honey Vee)  noticed a bird’s nest in one of my trees.

HV is an animal lover.  In addition to three children, they have about 62 animals (okay maybe that’s an exaggeration) and are fixing to get chickens.  Sadie was originally dropped off on the Michael’s property, pretty much the best spot for an animal in need of a little loving.

That bird’s next HV spotted was home to a new liter (no quite sure of the right term here…) of bird’s eggs which did indeed produce a few new flying friends.  I could hear them tweet every morning, and eventually they grew up and flew away.  My tree in my front yard helped to house the circle of life.  A beautiful thing.

Last week while I was off I did some major Spring cleaning inside and out.  On my front door, I have a wreath.  It helps to mark the “fifth house after the roundabout” where I reside.  The wreath, I thought, had been wind blown and scattered and I took it off the door last week and shook it out.  I blew off the front porch, and thought all was well.

Until yesterday when I went to get the mail and paper.

And it dawned on me.  There, stuck in the middle of my wreath on my front door, was a budding bird’s nest.

On the front door!

I had shaken out and re-scattered all that I thought was randomly collected on that wreath, and come to find out, some persistent momma bird has been working to recreate what she felt called to do.

She hasn’t given up, and made an even stronger nest than the one before.

While I’m at dilemma as to whether or not I should move this nest or even reroute my front door comings and goings these next few weeks, I envy that momma bird.

Shaken up, but still persistent.

…life get’s back to “normal.”

Life for so many in Tallahassee resumes tomorrow, this professor included, as the next six weeks of the semester are wound down. SB ‘09 flew by. I’m a little more rested. A little more well read. And a little more tan. Can’t go wrong with a week “off” to stop, catch one’s breath, and enjoy the beautiful Tally azaleas (and pollen).

And if it’s Sunday night, it’s The Well. The new set was rocking (cost = $65) and I’m excited for it to be up for a few weeks (and for mom and dad to get to see it at the end of the month!).

We started the You Pick series tonight, and one of the many highlights of the evening was chatting with Dean for five minutes on stage before he began his message. That segment was not scripted, and I was highly impressed at our Pastor’s well thought out answers on the spot. We’ll be back up there next week, and then the week after, “You Pick Live.” Stay tuned for details.

And yes, it is true. I rocked out the WalMart Levi’s last night. When I went to change at 4:40 (backstage note: we all change clothes…most of us get pretty gross during setup and after about a minute of doing this for the first time, you would, too) I put a clean undershirt on, buttoned up the sexy black long sleeve, reached into my bag and realized my jeans were still in the dryer where I put them for 10 minutes to get the dampness still in pockets out from being washed the night before. I’ve produced and directed near 80 services on a Sunday in the Well’s short history, and I’ve never forgot my clothes. I wasn’t going to rock the Banana chino khakis and Nike’s I had on, so Sarah Graves spared one of our Well Kids workers to go and purchase my wardrobe (much love to Meghan Hyatt).

Disaster avoided (that diaster would have been my pale white, pigeon toed, chicken legs) and Dean of course had to give me a shout out. What can you do, you know? ;)

And I really am glad that Tonya’s alive. Her story on the couch was a reminder for us all that today is all we’ve been given. My non-stop mind was two beats ahead when I wrapped up our conversation, and I was glad I thought enough to go back, make a pause, and really let her know how lucky we all are that she still gets to live her story out.

One last note: check out inside.thewelltallahassee.com for our latest effort to inform and keep in touch, blog style. We’ll update with a more cohesive way to stay connected and have information and highlights from all that’s going on. It’s also linked from the main website, but has just recently got up and running.

A busy week, back to school/work and getting into the routine again.

Spring Break ‘09, baby, enjoyed it while it lasted!

We have a VERY cool design team…can’t wait till April 12th!

EasterOnTheMoon.com

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One of the smartest things our staff at The Well ever heard (from Mr. Ben Arment) was to “to ride the waves.”  For far too long we fought those waves…dips and peaks in the college schedule that present numerous issues and challenges and excitements for us.

With Spring Break upon us, two things were confirmed for me: first, we are a church with a lot of college students (and all these college students are not just undergrads!) and we are a church that has seen great growth in our young professional and young family populations.  There were more than there were last year, by a sizable number, and while the auditorium was not as packed as it normally is, The Well family carried on and had a great Sunday night experience.

I was missing Dean and Sarah and Lawton Graves tonight.  They’re three of my best friends, and while I welcomed the opportunity for them to take some time off (trust me, my day is coming!) the loads the carry are huge.

Grace Waller and Lindsey Naitove pulled through with Kids (and earned every penny of their Red Elephant dinners) and Matt Long shared from his heart–a message of “Come and See” for us all the chew on.

One of the lines Penn (of Penn & Teller) said in the video clip that was shown: “If I knew you were going to get run over by a bus, I’d tackle you” is still challenging me.  Watch the clip and chew on it yourself!

Leading the music tonight was our good buddy Todd Doss.  He shared that stage with five other guys, from five other churches, who all lead or have lead musical worship themselves.  Talk about support, encouragement, and unity, let alone talent.  Man did they sound sweet!  And opening with Bye-Bye-Bye (and yes, J.T. and Miss Biel dropped by SNL last night) was a treat that every teenage girl missed at the open.

One of the perks of my day job is being able to ride the waves with the college kids.  I’m sleeping in, enjoying the sun, running, and having lunches and dinner with friends all week long.  Thank God for Spring Break 2009. And don’t call me before 10:00 a.m. EST this week cause I’ll be trying to still be in bed!

A pretty amazing cake from Dlites. Age is just a number!

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My favorite response from a pile of tests I’m grading:

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