Welcome to the Victory Blog

The Christmas Eve service at Victory World Church was a wonderful musical treat and an uplifting experience that truly glorified the birth of our Lord. We were greeted by one of VWC’s hard-working ushers, Mark, who told us to get prepared for an incredible service.  Mark had already served at two Christmas Eve services this day and was still excited about the service that was about to start.  Senior Pastor Dennis Rouse mentioned that it takes around 1000 volunteers to conduct services on a typical Sunday and that giving all those volunteers an opportunity to enjoy Christmas day with their families is the reason VWC decided to focus on Christmas Eve services this year.

It was apparent at a glance that the stage layout was a little different than usual:  there was a grand piano on the stage, the monitors displayed falling snowflakes, and there were Christmas lights strung along the stage scaffolding.  As the service started, a man in a tuxedo strolled slowly across the stage, sat down at the piano, and proceeded to play a delightful mix of classical music, traditional Christmas carols, music from the Charlie Brown Christmas special, and even a little Chopsticks.

He was soon joined by the full Victory World Music crew, and they were in fine form.  They rocked out with some instrumental tunes before the vocalists came on stage.  The mix of music was really amazing and just perfect for Christmas Eve.  They played many classics, including “Feliz Navidad” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel.”

There were special guests throughout the service.  Worship leader Montell Jordan welcomed Beckah Shae to the stage, and she sang “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Oh Holy Night.”  There was an unusual mix of cello and beatbox vocals performed by Kevin Olusola.  One of the most moving moments of the evening for the congregation was when surprise guest Caleb Graves came on stage for “Little Drummer Boy.”  Caleb is a VWC youth minister that lost his leg in a hit and run accident earlier this year.  The entire congregation came to their feet and gave thanks and praise to God for the wonderful Christmas gift of seeing Caleb playing with the band.

Pastor Dennis took to the stage only briefly this night, once for the offering prayer and again to lead us in the Lord’s Supper.  After communion, Pastor Colleen joined him and lit the first candle, reminding us that Jesus called us to be the “light of the world.”  Then one from another the candles were lit as the house lights came down and Montell and his daughter Sydney sang “Silent Night.”  Assistant Fusion Pastor David Stephens led the congregation in a closing prayer.

After the service, people lingered for a good while, wishing one another Merry Christmas and looking at the live nativity scene on the front lawn.  It was a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve and prepare our hearts for Christmas day.

I can have it all… Really?

“I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let him forget he’s a man. Cause I’m a woman.” The 1980s ad for perfume is one of the audio/visual examples used for the night. It is fitting since, we, as women have been taught (at least since the sexual revolution) that we can have it all, and have it all at the same time. Tonight is about the dangers of believing that myth.

As with any Chick Chat meeting, the women have come out in droves. It is a virtual potpourri of femininity. Women of all ages and from every culture and socio economic background, and educational experience have come to get the knowledge offered by a successful panel of women which include Pastor Colleen, Shaunti Feldhahn, a bestselling author, speaker and nationally-syndicated newspaper columnist, and Valorie Burton, also an author and certified personal and executive coach. The teachings tonight come not just from their own personal experiences but also from years of study and what may be hundreds, if not thousands, of interviews with women at various stages in their lives.

Sitting in the V1 auditorium, the atmosphere is all abuzz with excitement. There is a joyous sense of relief as the panel discussion becomes clearer to the audience and we as women realize we don’t need to kill ourselves trying to gain it all in one season. We can forgive ourselves and not hold onto the guilt we feel about not being able to achieve in Corporate America while baking homemade cookies and pies for the PTA. It’s about give and take. This is the final Chick Chat of 2011.

We are reminded that it is good to have it all but we won’t have it all in one season.  Valorie tells us about the “hedonic treadmill.” She explains that on this treadmill you are chasing after what you think you need in order to be happy. Once you get it, you are happy. But that happiness is fleeting and off you go on the treadmill again chasing the next object of your happiness. She explains what scientists call “decision fatigue” – the idea that it is good to have choices but too many choices can overwhelm and depress.

How do we, as women, become successful? It all depends on your definition of success. The women in this room have differing opinions. For some it is happiness, comfort and spiritual motivation. For others it is love and support from family. Some say it is the balance between fulfillment and priorities or the success of their children.

Here is what this writer took from the meeting — satisfying your needs will make you happy, but how do you truly know what it is you want?

1) Ask questions of yourself

2) Be honest with yourself

3) Be thankful and appreciative for what you have at the moment

Remember that there are certain tradeoffs you make in order to be happy or successful. Some of us have given up on some things in order to have other things. Some of us have made mistakes that have gotten us where we are today.  Be able to forgive yourself and don’t place your measure of being a woman on what the media tells you it is.

The words of wisdom from the night are prolific and powerful.  Valorie says, “There has got to be an answer for modern women because God would not leave us with a Bible that gradually becomes obsolete.”

Pastor Colleen says, “Every created thing has a reason it was created. We are all called to do certain things. You cannot operate in ways that you were not designed.”

Shaunti broke it down as such:  “We are made in God’s image, created as women, and finally, created as you. Where those 3 things come together is your calling, what you are built for, where you thrive.”

This life is about having choices and making the right ones. Where is God leading you?

HER LIFE WORKS is a new ministry created by these three dynamic women of God. It will begin on January 20 and is designed to teach women how to apply the Bible to their daily lives. The ministry will meet and be broken down into groups of like-minded women, with entrepreneurs in one group, single moms in another group, etc.  Essentially, the ministry will help women to access one another and to navigate successfully and spiritually. Look for HER LIFE WORKS at the beginning of the year.

The frigid temperatures of a recent cold front could not contain the men of Victory World Church. Friday, October 21st made way for what the men of Victory know as M90. Generations came together to take part in the final M90 event of the year that carried the theme of sports and tailgating. A chili cook-off, flavorful barbecue and a host of games including a slam dunk contest, flag football and a cheerful team atmosphere set the tempo for a festive evening of Christ-centered fun.

The highlight of the evening came from keynote speaker Bishop Wellington Boone. Bishop Boone’s charismatic message was one that focused on the importance of men leading a Christ-driven life. His delivery gained a roar from the men of M90 as he encouraged them about right priorities. Boone put one in the mindset of a coach giving a winning strategy to his team. The men seemed charged up and ready to tackle the remaining months of 2011 with victory.

Don’t blow Your Budget…

Your emotional budget that is…. Even before I made it out of the building on Friday night I had begun using my “emotional currency.” As I awkwardly held a piece of Tiramisu in my hand and stood in line for a napkin, the woman in front of me backed up, putting her elbow into my dessert, and then looked at me and moved away without so much as an ‘excuse me.’ I could have easily adopted the “Oh, no you didn’t” attitude, but that would have been wasted “emotional currency.” Instead, I just smiled as I thought about the message we’d just heard. Then I caught up with her and used my napkin to wipe her elbow clean; an emotional investment I was glad to make.

Hello ladies. Did you attend the last ChickChat? No? Well, you missed a treat. And I’m not just talking about the Tiramisu. The night was hosted by Pastor Colleen and she ministered to us as only a true girlfriend could. The topic for the night explored why we, as women, are exhausted emotionally. Many times we blame our situation or make excuses that a certain person caused us to react a certain way. By reacting in “that way,” we cause ourselves to become drained emotionally.

Pastor Colleen equated it in terms of money, which made the audience sit up and take notice. She explained that the same way money can be spent, lost, stolen, wasted or invested, so can your emotions. She gave us various examples of situations and different ways of dealing with them. Pastor Colleen explained that we are given so much emotional currency on a daily basis, and we must learn to build it and budget it. If we don’t, we run the risk of an emotional NSF and over time, becoming emotionally bankrupt.

Examples were used that described different interactions with the people we deal with every day—your employer, your spouse, your toddler, your teenager, a friend, and a stranger. By showing us everyday interactions with the people in our lives, Pastor Colleen pointed out the “emotional energy” spent, lost, wasted or invested in the ways that we deal with each situation. That Friday night, so many women saw themselves wasting “emotional energy” in the neck rolls and finger wagging that comes with the attitude of not being stepped on… or stepped over. It took Pastor Colleen’s ChickChat to point out that we are not “pushovers, but overcomers.”

Doing a quick examination of situations as they develop and dealing with them in a positive manner at that time, we are investing our “emotional currency” and putting an end to some of the stress that we’ve dealt with when we otherwise cop an attitude and waste our energy or spend from our emotional budget unwisely. Another lesson taught that night is that as women, we feel we have to deal with situations when they are really not situations at all. So we are creating situations which are also wastes of our emotional energy.

Don’t waste your “emotional currency.” Once you blow the budget, you’ll have nothing left to give. Remember that it is yours to invest or spend wisely.

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We want to hear about what God has done in and through you at Victory. Whether long or short, complex or simple, your story is worth hearing, and there are others who need to hear it. Won’t you please consider sharing your story with us? If you’re willing to do so, please click the Share Your Story quicklink above, write your story, upload a nice photo (if you can) and click submit. It’s that simple. Now, don’t be shy. God’s given you a story for a reason! Share it today!

Sept. 14, 2011 – The stage explodes in an eruption of color, and color seems to be the very theme for the night – from the lights on the stage, to the people in the congregation, to the spin Pastor Johnson put on the stories from the Bible, encouraging you to imagine yourself in the shoes of the people from the pages of scripture from which he speaks. ‘Colorful’ seems to be the word to describe the entire evening of September 14^th. This is Fusion, the young adult ministry of Victory World Church, and this night not only marks Fusion’s 10-year anniversary, but also the first time they’re holding service in V1, the main auditorium. It is a night of celebration.

You can feel the intensity as these young people usher in the Spirit of the Lord. Yes, He is ALIVE and roaming this building tonight. He’s alive in the lights that show every spectrum of the rainbow on the stage, alive in the chorus of the songs shared by the men and women gathered with their hands raised in praise, and alive in the sermon… especially when Pastor Johnson asked the question from Ezekiel 37 –“Can these dry bones live?” – then took his time and carried us further into the scripture. By the time he spoke the words that seemed to breathe life, you felt as though you had been on Ezekiel’s journey. If there are any dry bones in the house tonight, they are ready to arise and walk. In this powerful message, Pastor Johnson was delivering meat to a Spirit hungry crowd.

When the service ended, the diverse crowd obviously revealed that Fusion is not just enjoyed by young adults. One of the parents, Elaina, explains why she continues to come to the Fusion services:  “I like the way Pastor Johnson speaks. He talks to you gently, but at the same time he doesn’t sugar coat anything.” Another parent jokingly says her daughter drags her to the Fusion meetings.

There are a couple of things that are certain – the crowd will keep coming back, and the crowd will continue growing. With this much passion in a Wednesday night service, it seems that God himself has breathed new life into us all.

Dry bones CAN live.

Fusion young adult ministry meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in Victory World Church’s main auditorium. It’s a riveting God experience. Join us. 

With record high temperatures across much of the country, let’s face it – this has been a HOT summer! But on July 22^nd, in the midst of the heat, ChickChat served up a cool dose of “girl power.” With Summer Bowie leading the way, the ladies of Victory World Church in Norcross, Georgia, sat back, chilled out and enjoyed an evening filled with love, laughter and fellowship.

The Praise Team got the evening off to a great start and after the ladies of the Praise Team topped off the set with a fantastic performance of “You Save Me,” Summer dove into her message entitled “Better.”

Most of us had dreams and aspirations while growing up, but how many of us are living those dreams and aspirations now?  Summer shared her dreams and the story of her journey to fulfill her biggest dream, only to discover that God’s plans are always better than anything we can plan.  Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (AMP)  God’s plan is not always bigger, but it is always better. Unfortunately, our own impatience and fear can steer us away from God’s plan. Summer used several scriptures to demonstrate this.

In Genesis 12:1-3, the Lord said to Abram “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families will be blessed through you.” (NLT)  While Abram’s plan for his life probably did not resemble God’s, he did recognize God’s plan was better and he went forward in obedience. What great things are passing you by because you are not following God’s plan?

Then in Genesis 15:4 the Lord says to Abram “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” (NLT)  The bible tells us that Abram’s wife, Sarai, desperate to give her husband an heir, took matters into her own hands, resulting in heartache and turmoil that was never part of God’s plan. What heartache and turmoil have you created in your life by taking matters into your own hands?

Finally in Genesis 17, God’s promise to Abram was fulfilled and Isaac was born when Abram, now Abraham, was 100 years old and Sarai, now Sarah, was 91.  I’m sure chasing after a toddler at that age was not part of their plan, but God’s plan was better.

Summer reminded the married ladies that they were part of God’s plan for their husbands and encouraged the single ladies by telling them that God has a plan for their lives.

Our God is faithful, and His plan often takes longer than we would like, but it is always worth the wait. Can you have faith like Abraham and Sarah? Are you willing to wait for better?

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We want to hear about what God has done in and through you at Victory. Whether long or short, complex or simple, your story is worth hearing, and there are others who need to hear it. Won’t you please consider sharing your story with us? If you’re willing to do so, please go to our homepage, victoryatl.com and click the Share Your Story quicklink, write your story, upload a nice photo (if you can) and click submit. It’s that simple. Now, don’t be shy. God’s given you a story for a reason! Share it today!

I just wanted to share with you about how my being a part of the Fusion ministry has seriously changed my life.

I recently went through Ancient Paths and it was an amazing experience. During one of our small group sessions, my facilitator asked if anyone had any issues in their soul that were causing them to not be in alignment with God. We took a few minutes to pray and ask God to reveal any areas in our lives that needed prayer and forgiveness. As the minutes passed, I realized God was being really silent even though other people in my group were having revelations, crying, repenting, etc.

I found myself getting nervous, really asking God why He wasn’t showing me any areas that I needed to fix. As I was praying again, God took me back to a Fusion service from 2009. He took me back to the Naked series, the message on healing from heart break. That was probably my third Fusion service ever attending and that was the same night I truly gave my heart back to Christ. I saw Pastor Johnson on the stage praying for the congregation and I saw myself at one of the crosses on either side of the stage. During that service, we were all given the chance to nail all of our sins, hurts and pain to the cross and leave them there. I saw myself nailing my sins to the cross and having the greatest feeling of freedom in that moment.

While in Ancient Paths that weekend, desperately asking God to reveal areas where my soul is not at rest, God took me back to that night and spoke the words, “Look at what I have already done for you. I have already set you free.” In that moment, I knew that when I made the decision to leave my old life and accept salvation, I was already set free. Sitting in that room with my other AP participants felt a little weird because I was filled with this joy and peace that was so overwhelming and amazing. All I could do is thank God for His amazing redeeming power.

The Fusion ministry played a phenomenal part in my healing, my transformation, my growth in my faith, and in allowing God to use me to bring others to Him. I had no clue that after coming to that first Fusion service in August 2009, I would be saved a couple of weeks later, baptized in November, become a service team apprentice in January 2010 and now stepping into a small group leader role this year.

Words really can’t express how honored I am to be a part of the Fusion ministry and helping to lead my generation back to Christ. The Fusion leadership is amazing and truly authentic. I don’t know how many testimonies or praise reports you get about how God is using Fusion to change the lives of those who are truly seeking God, but I am one of those testimonies. The life I let behind was filled with abuse, shame, guilt, hurt, abandonment, fear and pride. Now, I can say with all confidence and certainty that I have been set free and I know my identity and worth is rooted firmly in Christ.

Thank you all for answering the call to help lead our generation and growing more young leaders to help carry the Good News to others. Your tireless efforts are appreciated more than you will ever know.

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We want to hear about what God has done in and through you at Victory. Whether long or short, complex or simple, your story is worth hearing, and there are others who need to hear it. Won’t you please consider sharing your story with us? If you’re willing to do so, please click the Share Your Story quicklink above, write your story, upload a nice photo (if you can) and click submit. It’s that simple. Now, don’t be shy. God’s given you a story for a reason! Share it today!

Psalm 100 exhorts us to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands,” and that’s exactly what we did at the recent M90 Fuel event for the men.  The “joyful noise” included lots of car and motorcycle engines revving at high RPM; plenty of oohs and aahs at the cool vehicles on display; people cheering during the outdoor games and events; lots of munching and compliments for the outstanding Low country Barbeque; and plenty of laughter and hearty praise for the Lord once the event moved into the sanctuary to hear comedian Michael Jr perform.

Why would the church reach out to men through an event with cars, motorcycles, food, games and comedy?  How does that build the Kingdom?

“It’s the goal of the M90 movement to act as a springboard for men to have intentional conversations about life and the issues we deal with,” says Pastor Rich Mace. “Our long-term goal is to move these conversations to a coffee shop, the ball field or a small group so these guys can stay connected after the event and before the next one.”

In addition to great food and good company, cars and motorcycles that were on display by the event sponsors and attendees were a big draw. Atlanta Classic Cars had several Mercedes-Benz examples represented.  Hyosung Motors America, whose national distribution headquarters is nearby in Duluth, brought in a number of 250cc and 650cc V-twin cycles. When asked why a dealership would support an event like M90, beyond the obvious marketing value of “exposing people to the Mercedes-Benz brand,” Paula Locke, Marketing Manager for Atlanta Classic Cars, said that as a family-owned business, they are “all about supporting the community.” When contacted by the VWC events team, Hyosung was quick to respond, according to National Sales Manager Doug Whelan. “The motorcycle community in general is a very social community. There’s a lot of comradery and brotherhood,” he said.

M90 drew lots of VWC members, as well as plenty of participants from the community at large.  Buchi, a member that serves as a greeter, came out to support his first M90 event after hearing it announced in one of the worship services.  Aric, another participant, attends a different church, but joined us for his third M90 event. He said he keeps coming back because he enjoys the atmosphere at Victory. “It just seems to be the way church should be. It shouldn’t be that you go on Sunday and that’s it.” Long-time VWC member Andrew Harris showcased his 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville and competed for a $150 prize. These and other participants shared a common bond that evening as we all came together for a highly charged time of entertainment and Kingdom purpose.

When the festivities moved inside, three attendees who recovered small footballs from under their seats each won a $50 gas card. Then four teams of guys that did well in the outdoor games went head-to-head on stage for a Wii challenge event:  runners-up won toy cars; second-place winners received a team night at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games; and the first-place team won a night at a Braves game, complete with dinner and a limo ride.

Pastor Dennis called the house to order, led us in prayer, and acknowledged the single fathers in the audience, who were also blessed with gift cards.

After a brief crowd warm up by James Earls, Michael Jr took the stage.  He introduced us to his “seven ways” of looking at things, told us stories about George Wallace and Jay Leno, and made us laugh out loud in at least seven different ways.  He showed a trailer for his film, “Comedy:  The Road Less Traveled.”  For those not familiar with Michael Jr’s work, his film documents his comedy ministry to those in prison, the homeless, young folks in youth shelters—thus, the road less traveled.

At the end of the show, the funny Michael Jr exposed his serious side. He reached out to men in the audience that had not accepted Jesus, asked them to look him in the eye, raise their hands and come to the front.  It was amazing to see how many men came forward at this point, as he calmly talked them down to the stage.  Michael Jr announced that this is what it’s really all about for him.

“You don’t get to do this on Jay Leno’s show,” he said. “In fact, they kind of frown on it.”  He quietly left the stage as Pastor Dennis led the men down front in the believer’s prayer we often hear at the end of worship service. It was the perfect closing to a fantastic M90 event.

Make sure you don’t miss the next one!

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We want to hear about what God has done in and through you at Victory. Whether long or short, complex or simple, your story is worth hearing, and there are others who need to hear it. Won’t you please consider sharing your story with us? If you’re willing to do so, please click the Share Your Story quicklink above, write your story, upload a nice photo (if you can) and click submit. It’s that simple. Now, don’t be shy. God’s given you a story for a reason! Share it today!

May 1^st the parking lot near the cross had been transformed into a baptismal arena.  Five large pools blanketed the asphalt below the platform stage constructed for this life changing event.  Changing tents outlined the sidewalks leading to the cross, accompanied by large barrels of water on this hot pre-summer day.  If you were unaware, one would have thought there was a pool party or concert about to transpire.

Hundreds pre-registered to fulfill their proclamation to Christ.  There were many who decided at the spur of the moment as they were led by the Spirit.  The registration tent abounded with adults and children of all ages; lines went out and around the dry changing tents and continued to arise.   Several times the lines extended the length of the parking lot between the registration tent and the swimming pools.   Tee shirts and towels were available for anyone who needed one.

Pastor Dennis opened up with a brief prayer as the Victory band played softly.  The men of the church really came out in great numbers to assist in this massive baptism as lines formed on each side, one waiting to and the other registering to be baptized.  The lines were continuously growing, one for the younger children and one for the adults.  Both lines went as far back as the changing tents and throughout the lines you heard everyone explaining what led them to be baptized today.   This baptism was simply amazing to witness.

The VicKids teachers were on hand to baptize the children which made them feel comfortable because they approached their pools with boldness. Everyone enteredtheawaiting waters with a look of certainty covering their faces.   One after the other emerged wiping water from their smiling faces as the crowd cheered.  Shouts of joy were heard as families were baptized together.   It was moving to witness mothers and sons and mothers and daughters being baptized together.  As the men assisted an elderly women and a young lady with crutches so they too could be baptized, the crowd clapped and cheered with great joy.  No one was exempt; accommodations were made for anyone who desired to be baptized.

After being baptized, many were embraced and congratulated by those present to witness this awesome event.Those who desired to change or dry off did so in the wetchanging tents; which was set up like a huge dressing room. Victory wet towels went into one bin as bags were distributed to each individual for their wet clothes.  Upon exiting the tents, volunteers handed out literature and briefly talked to those desiring to know what the next steps were going forward.

This massive baptismal was magnificent and an emotional testimony for all who participated.

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Hey, what’s God done in YOUR life as a part of Victory World Church? Please tell us about it. There are so many others who need to be encouraged in their faith by your story. Please, click this link to Share Your Story today!

Each year since 2003, during the first weekend of October, churches across metro Atlanta have partnered together to serve the community during Compassion in Action Weekend. Well, this year was no exception. In fact, it was a big win for the body of Christ in Gwinnett County, and for Victory as well!.

For Gwinnett County, because over the course of this weekend, some 2,560 believers from over 100 churches came together to serve on 108 different outreaches throughout the county. Participants did everything from mowing lawns to painting a rooms, clearing brush, distributing food, beautifying local schools and parks, visiting nursing homes and detention centers, and much, much more.

And, this was a great weekend for Victory because of those 108 outreaches, 24 were facilitated by Victory. And of the 2560 participants, 1,108 came from Victory. These were men, women and children, young and old, of all races reaching out to their neighbors and others to show the love of Christ. How awesome it is to see the body of Christ serving our community in this way! So many people were blessed…and not just those on the receiving end of these loving acts of service. As one Victory volunteer said, “This was the first time we volunteered as a family. It was powerful in more ways than one. It was really important for my children to experience. We loved it!”

Were you there? We’d love to hear about your experience. If you’d like to tell us about it, click to Share Your Story. And don’t forget to do this anytime God does something in or through your life as a part of Victory so others can be encouraged as well!

Unite 2010 Recap from Victory Videos on Vimeo.