Craig Groeschel is the founding and lead pastor of Life Church.tv. God has used this guy in an incredible way and Life Church is having an amazing impact for God's kingdom.
Tonight I was browsing through a few posts on Outreach Magazine and ran across this post by Craig from January / February 2008.
Profound in its simplicity. It gave me a whole lot to think about.
Great stuff. Enjoy.
40 Leadership Tips for Young Pastors
By Craig Groeschel
Yesterday I turned 40 years old. This week, I’ll share 40 things I wish someone would have told me when I was 20. (They probably did, but I wasn’t paying attention.)
1. Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.
2. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
3. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Jesus cares more about the church than you do.
5. You can’t please everyone…so why try?
6. People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it.
7. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
8. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
9. God called you because He is good, not because you are.
10. If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.
11. Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).
12. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar of ministry.
13. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
14. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
15. Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His Word.
16. Err on the side of generosity.
17. Believe in people that others overlook.
18. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
19. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
20. Hire staff members that you like.
21. When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it immediately. (Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.)
22. Hire slowly. Fire quickly.
23. You can’t change people. Only God can.
24. Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
25. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
26. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
27. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
28. Laugh frequently.
29. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.
30. When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more.
31. Talk about Jesus every time you preach.
32. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
33. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
34. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom. Double-check.
35. Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach. Double-check.
36. Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not yours.
37. Always be caught speaking well of others.
38. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
39. Hand write thank you notes.
40. Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.
-Outreach magazine, "Web Exclusives," January/February 2008
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
EASTER WEEKEND @ a2 Church
I'm psyched about Easter Weekend @ a2 Church. Here's the scoop on what we're doing. Wonderful Cross
Good Friday Worship and Holy Communion
Friday, April 10, 6 pm
The weekend will kick off on Friday evening with a special one hour service focused on the Christ's work on the cross. This service will feature an intimate time in worship, a message of hope, Holy Communion and an opportunity for prayer.
Easter Sunday
THE BEST NEWS YOU’VE HEARD ALL WEEK
Sunday, April 12, 9:45 am
Experience Easter like never before @ a2 Church.
Economic uncertainty… Rising unemployment… The housing meltdown… The mortgage crisis… Foreclosures… Threats of terrorism… War… Political tension… And the “octo-mom” circus…
Tired of all the bad news?
This Easter you can experience the BEST NEWS you’ve heard all week, all month, maybe ALL YEAR. This creative service will feature music, video, an illustrated message of hope! Make plans to join us this Easter @ a2 Church.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SUNDAY IN REVIEW 03.29.09
• Our best attendance yet! 180 strong! Yeah, God!
• Great worship set! Here’s the set:
Our Love is Loud, David Crowder
Glorified, New Life Worship
Stronger, Hillsong
Where The Love Lasts Forever, Hillsong
• Two brilliant cover songs:
Once In A Lifetime, Keith Urban
Daughters, John Mayer
• Excellent video featuring the couples of a2 Church. You guys are beautiful! Big shout out to Chris Giadrosich for all the hard work in putting this together! You are the man!!!
• Felt that today’s message was the “weakest” of the series… While the concept and “big idea” of the message were important, I just don’t think I “brought it” in regards to the final draft and delivery… However, God promises, “…His Word will not return to Him void.”
• We celebrated Holy Communion. I love this aspect of worship. I regularly need to remember the miracle and reality of what Christ accomplished on the cross.
• Really appreciate our Children’s Ministry Team. Today we were jammed and these guys and gals did a great job. This is such an important area. I really believe God is going to continue raising up gifted people who are passionate about reaching and discipling the next generation.
• Guest services training is this Wednesday, April 1. This is one of the most important frontline ministries of a2, and we want to continue creating environments where people feel loved and accepted… Make plans to attend this Wednesday @ 6:30 pm.
• Pumped about next Sunday @ a2. Palm Sunday. Worship is going to be amazing! We’ll prepare for Holy Week by focusing on the last week in the life of Christ… Invite a friend to join you Sunday @ 9:45.
• Great worship set! Here’s the set:
Our Love is Loud, David Crowder
Glorified, New Life Worship
Stronger, Hillsong
Where The Love Lasts Forever, Hillsong
• Two brilliant cover songs:
Once In A Lifetime, Keith Urban
Daughters, John Mayer
• Excellent video featuring the couples of a2 Church. You guys are beautiful! Big shout out to Chris Giadrosich for all the hard work in putting this together! You are the man!!!
• Felt that today’s message was the “weakest” of the series… While the concept and “big idea” of the message were important, I just don’t think I “brought it” in regards to the final draft and delivery… However, God promises, “…His Word will not return to Him void.”
• We celebrated Holy Communion. I love this aspect of worship. I regularly need to remember the miracle and reality of what Christ accomplished on the cross.
• Really appreciate our Children’s Ministry Team. Today we were jammed and these guys and gals did a great job. This is such an important area. I really believe God is going to continue raising up gifted people who are passionate about reaching and discipling the next generation.
• Guest services training is this Wednesday, April 1. This is one of the most important frontline ministries of a2, and we want to continue creating environments where people feel loved and accepted… Make plans to attend this Wednesday @ 6:30 pm.
• Pumped about next Sunday @ a2. Palm Sunday. Worship is going to be amazing! We’ll prepare for Holy Week by focusing on the last week in the life of Christ… Invite a friend to join you Sunday @ 9:45.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
REFLECTIONS ON THE DRISCOLL AND CHOPRA DEBATE
I just finished watching the entire Driscoll and Chopra debate on ABC's Nightline Faceoff series. You can view a great deal of the debate by clicking here.
A few thoughts:
* Driscoll was gospel centered, succinct and straight forward in his presentations.
* Lobert admittedly based her views on her personal experience and testimony.
* Chopra believes he has arrived and is on a "different plane of consciousness" than the rest of us "primitive" neanderthals.
* Pearson? Wow. The dude has obviously been smokin' something... He may be the first example I've personally witnessed of an apostate (Hebrews 3:12; 10:25-31, 39; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 3:17). I'm not certain Pearson knows what he believes, only that he doesn't believe what he used to believe...
Again, you can watch most of the debate here. I'm not certain I walked away from watching the debate any wiser, but it certainly was fascinating to watch.
Driscoll's ready response to questions and objections, and his steadfast commitment to the gospel were an excellent example of 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."
A few thoughts:
* Driscoll was gospel centered, succinct and straight forward in his presentations.
* Lobert admittedly based her views on her personal experience and testimony.
* Chopra believes he has arrived and is on a "different plane of consciousness" than the rest of us "primitive" neanderthals.
* Pearson? Wow. The dude has obviously been smokin' something... He may be the first example I've personally witnessed of an apostate (Hebrews 3:12; 10:25-31, 39; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 3:17). I'm not certain Pearson knows what he believes, only that he doesn't believe what he used to believe...
Again, you can watch most of the debate here. I'm not certain I walked away from watching the debate any wiser, but it certainly was fascinating to watch.
Driscoll's ready response to questions and objections, and his steadfast commitment to the gospel were an excellent example of 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."
STAND BY ME: ART FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. This video was shot featuring street musicians from around the world.
This is creative, moving and simply brilliant. An excellent example of the power of film and music. Check it out.
This is creative, moving and simply brilliant. An excellent example of the power of film and music. Check it out.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WORRY TOO MUCH
Yesterday I blogged about the music of Buddy and Julie Miller. Here's a small sample of the music of Buddy Miller. This is from his excellent CD, "Universal United House of Prayer." It's Buddy covering a song by the late, great Mark Heard titled "Worry To Much." Enjoy.
ONCE IN A LIFETIME... SUNDAY @ a2
I am absolutely pumped about this weekend at a2. We wrap up our current series GOD LOVE SEX: The Song of Solomon with a message titled, "Once In A Lifetime Love." Here's what you can expect.
Worship is going to rock! This weekend we're singing one of my all time favorite worship songs - an all out rock anthem of love to our great God. Don't miss the opening song in worship. You'll regret it... As part of our worship experience, we're also going to experience Holy Communion and thank God for His extravagant grace and amazing love! I can hardly wait...
We're also doing two incredible cover songs. One by John Mayer and another by Keith Urban. You'll just have to wait until Sunday to get the scoop on what we're doing. But a heads up: we're not just doing these songs to be "cool" or "hip." We're doing these songs because they serve a huge purpose and are really going to help communicate the final message in this series. This is the weekend you want to bring your unchurched friends and family to church with you... They'll be blown away.
Finally, there's the message. God's Word on relationships... The message? All I can say is that we are BRINGING THE HEAT with a challenge to students, singles, young adults and married couples. This is THE MESSAGE from the series you don't want to miss.
I really believe that this Sunday God is going to be glorified, people are going to be inspired, lives are going to be changed, the place is going to rock!
Invite a friend to join you this Sunday, 9:45 am @ a2 Church.
Monday, March 23, 2009
MUSIC THAT MATTERS - BUDDY AND JULIE MILLER
I first started listening to Julie Miller in 1990 with the release of her CD, "Meet Julie Miller." I was hooked. Her voice a combination of Cindi Lauper and Patty Griffin. Her songwriting: beautiful, melodic, creative, touching. Her first couple of CD's were somewhat commercial and distributed through a Contemporary Christian Music label. There are some great songs from this era: What Would Jesus Do, You Knew The Way To My Heart, How Could You Sat No, Broken Things, Manger Throne, just to name a few...
In the mid 90's Julie left the contemporary Christian music, signed with a secular label began distributing her music to the mainstream. Her love for God, belief in redemption and passion for Jesus continued to breathe life into her music. But instead of a commercial, pop sound, her new music reflected a more organic, earthy, some would say "alternative country" approach.
In the late 90's I got introduced to the music of her incredibly talented husband, Buddy Miller. The guy is somewhat of a legend in the country music industry, playing with legends like Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams. He's respected as an ace musician and a killer songwriter. If you like "old school" country and don't have any of his CD's you are missing a treat.
Check out his CD's: Your Love and Other Lies, Poison Love, Cruel Moon, Midnight and Lonesome and Universal United House of Prayer. These are some of the best CD's you'll experience. They are amazing.
Unfortunately, Buddy and Julie have only recorded a couple of full length CD's together. In 2001 they recorded "Buddy and Julie Miller." This CD is incredible. When it first came out, I literally wore it out. Wow.
Last week, the world got a gift, when Buddy and Julie released another masterpiece: "Written In Chalk."
Warning: I love rock and roll! Love it! This is NOT rock and roll. This CD is classic American music. It's mostly "old school country," but sometimes flirts with blues, jazz and "rock-a-billy." Never mind the music, check out the writing. Amazing.
Most of the songs were written by Julie. She's without a doubt one of the most gifted writers God has given us.
Here's my shot at a review:
The CD opens with "Ellis County." This is pure country and a longing to leave the complexity of a modern world that can drive a person insane, and somehow recover the simplicity of another time. Great song.
"Gasoline and Matches" will make you smile. It could have been lifted right out of the Song of Solomon. Again, it's pure country with a little bit of "rock-a-billy" thrown in. A great song about romance and passion.
The song "Don't Say Goodbye" is one of the most beautiful, sad, touching songs I've heard in recent memory. The first time I heard it, I almost broke. The song could describe the "break up" of a relationship or the loss a person has experienced because of the death of a loved one. This song is worth the price of the entire CD.
"What You Gonna Do Leroy" is a cover of a Mel Tillis song. Buddy's vocals are great on this one.
The smokey blues / jazz of "Long Time" is haunting. Again, a song about loss. Maybe a broken relationship or death? I'm not certain, but the song is excellent.
"One Part, Two Part" is another cover. Strong song.
One of the highlights of the CD is the cut that inspired the title of the CD, "Chalk." Buddy teams up vocally with Patty Griffin on this song. Once again, Julie provides the lyrics. One word: Wow.
All our words are written down in chalk
Out in the rain on the sidewalk
If all our heartaches were in a stack
They'd go all the way up to heaven and back
We don't know all the trouble we're in
We don't know how to get home again
Jesus come and save us from our sin
"Every Time We Say Goodbye" is another song about loss. The lyrics are profound.
Love holds a seed of tragedy
You must lay down your life to live
Seems you become the very thing that you will not forgive
"Hush, Sorrow" is pure country with elegant songwriting. Regina McCrary joins Buddy on the vocals. Once again, haunting. Beautiful. Personal.
"Memphis Jane" is more "rock a billy" alternative country. The song is a true story about a girl with some major problems who jumped into the car with Julie and just said, "Drive." The song shares a bit of her story...
"June" is Julie's tribute to June Carter Cash. Once again, beautiful. Personal.
The CD closes with a cover of Leon Payne's song "The Selfishness In Man." The song has been recorded by legends like George Jones, but Buddy and Julie do an incredible job. One word: Amen.
I remember picking my Dad up at the airport on a visit he took when we were living in South Florida. I had just gotten hooked on Buddy Miller. So I popped in one of Buddy's CD's. Dad was hooked. We listened to it all weekend. I've thought a lot about Dad this week as I listened to the new CD.
"Say a prayer for the ones love left behind
Cause a broken heart grown cold is the hardest burden you can find
There's a bottle where God keeps all our tears saved up inside
But it's gonna take a river for all the ones I have cried..."
~ Don't Say Goodbye, Julie Miller
Be warned: this is COUNTRY - and I do mean COUNTRY MUSIC.
Challenge: if you don't like raw, earthy, organic country music, just check out the lyrics. Seldom does anyone write lyrics that are this personal, deep, compassionate, touching and meaningful.
Go to Amazon or iTunes and download the mp3's. Pick up the CD at Best Buy. This is music that matters.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
WE CAN WORK IT OUT NOTES
We Can Work It Out
GOD LOVE SEX – Part 4
March 22, 2008 • Chris Goins
SOS 5:2 (NIV), I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My lover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night."
(Bride) SOS 5:3 (ESV), I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them?
ALL COUPLES FIGHT… Every relationship that involves at least TWO thinking, feeling, opinionated, occasionally selfish, occasionally prideful, occasionally sinful people – it doesn’t matter whether it’s parents and children, employees and employers, friends, people in a dating relationship, or people who’ve been married for 26 years – is going to experience conflict…
Causes of Conflict:
1. Unmet Expectations.
2. Old Fashioned Selfishness.
I
Me
Mine
Myself
These four words are the ALTAR or MONUMENT at which many of us choose to worship… In contrast to the way the writer’s of Scripture challenged us to live:
Philippians 2:3 (NLT), Don't be selfish… Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.
James 4:1-2 (NIV), What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it.
3. Pride.
How To Handle Conflict In Your Relationships:
Song of Solomon 5:4-6 (NIV), My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. 5 I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock. 6 I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. (See 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, Revelation 3:20)
1. Refuse to react to your spouse. Instead, make a decision to respond to God.
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV), Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV), Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
(See Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12: 21)
1 Peter 2:23 (NLT), He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
SOS 5:7 (NIV), The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!
2. Focus on the good, not the bad.
(Friends) SOS 5:9 (NIV), How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women? How is your beloved better than others, that you charge us so?
See SOS 5:9-16
3. Make a pre-determined commitment that you refuse to walk, but you’re going to work until you work it out.
(Bride’s Friends) SOS 6:1 (NIV), Where has your lover gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your lover turn, that we may look for him with you?
(Bride) SOS 6:2-3 (NIV), My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies. 3 I am my lover's and my lover is mine; he browses among the lilies.
5 Ways People Respond To Conflict:
• My Way (Control)
• No Way! (Cede / Withdrawal)
• Your Way! (Capitulate)
• Half Way! (Compromise)
• Our Way! (Collaboration)
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV), Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
GOD LOVE SEX – Part 4
March 22, 2008 • Chris Goins
SOS 5:2 (NIV), I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My lover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night."
(Bride) SOS 5:3 (ESV), I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them?
ALL COUPLES FIGHT… Every relationship that involves at least TWO thinking, feeling, opinionated, occasionally selfish, occasionally prideful, occasionally sinful people – it doesn’t matter whether it’s parents and children, employees and employers, friends, people in a dating relationship, or people who’ve been married for 26 years – is going to experience conflict…
Causes of Conflict:
1. Unmet Expectations.
2. Old Fashioned Selfishness.
I
Me
Mine
Myself
These four words are the ALTAR or MONUMENT at which many of us choose to worship… In contrast to the way the writer’s of Scripture challenged us to live:
Philippians 2:3 (NLT), Don't be selfish… Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.
James 4:1-2 (NIV), What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it.
3. Pride.
How To Handle Conflict In Your Relationships:
Song of Solomon 5:4-6 (NIV), My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him. 5 I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock. 6 I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer. (See 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, Revelation 3:20)
1. Refuse to react to your spouse. Instead, make a decision to respond to God.
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV), Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV), Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
(See Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12: 21)
1 Peter 2:23 (NLT), He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
SOS 5:7 (NIV), The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!
2. Focus on the good, not the bad.
(Friends) SOS 5:9 (NIV), How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women? How is your beloved better than others, that you charge us so?
See SOS 5:9-16
3. Make a pre-determined commitment that you refuse to walk, but you’re going to work until you work it out.
(Bride’s Friends) SOS 6:1 (NIV), Where has your lover gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your lover turn, that we may look for him with you?
(Bride) SOS 6:2-3 (NIV), My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies. 3 I am my lover's and my lover is mine; he browses among the lilies.
5 Ways People Respond To Conflict:
• My Way (Control)
• No Way! (Cede / Withdrawal)
• Your Way! (Capitulate)
• Half Way! (Compromise)
• Our Way! (Collaboration)
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV), Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
SUNDAY IN REVIEW 03.22.09
• Strong day @ a2.
• This Sunday we caught the tail end of Spring Break with several of our main families taking in some much needed R & R time with family and friends. Attendance was still strong. Yeah, God!
• BTW, everybody needs to get out of town now and then… As a pastor I really appreciate and respect families that take what I’ll call “Sabbath time” seriously. You know I’m committed to corporate worship! Believe in it BIG TIME. But I also believe husbands, wives, dads, moms and kids need time TOGETHER. That’s why I don’t blow a gasket when Spring Break rolls around. We want to cheer families on in their journey of creating memories that last a lifetime
• Here’s today’s worship set:
Today Is the Day, Lincoln Brewster
Awesome God, Free Chapel
Stronger, Hillsong (I think we’ll be singing this for a while… Great song!)
Mighty To Save, Hillsong
• Great cover song. We Can Work It Out, The Beatles (Want to know why people believe McCartney and Lennon were one of the best songwriting teams ever? Check out this song. After more than 40 years, it’s still relevant, amazing and timeless. We did Bethany Dillon’s cover of this song… Same melody with an acoustic arrangement. Awesome.)
• Today’s message was important. We talked about conflict. Everybody experiences it. People with great relationships know how to handle it effectively. They understand the “conflict is part of the process we go through and price we pay for increased intimacy.” The SOS 5 gives us a great snapshot of how healthy families deal with conflict.
• BTW, here's the link to the song I mentioned in the message by Flight of the Conchords titled, It's Business Time. Warning: content of the song is for mature audiences only. We quoted some of the lyrics in this week's message to talk about the expectations that most husbands bring into the bedroom...
• I’ll post the notes from the message a little later.
• A few BIG NEED AREAS we need to strengthen. Children’s Ministry is crucial. I’m really praying about this area. We need volunteers and leaders who are passionate about discipling kids.
• Pumped about the community wide outreach this Saturday, March 28 @ 9:30. We’re going to be canvassing the area and inviting people to Easter @ a2. We’re praying for an incredible impact this Resurrection Day.
• New series kicks off on Easter Sunday. The Best News You’ve Heard is going to be a series of hope in the middle of a world reeling in hopelessness and despair… Can’t wait!
• Student Ministry Small Groups kick off @ a2 tonight. I’m really believing that this will help us create community in the lives of our students. Thankful for Darrell and Julie’s leadership in this area.
• Love what God is doing @ a2. Every week is an adventure. I’m having more “fun” in ministry than I’ve had in a long, long time… God is good. God is faithful. Life is an adventure. Can’t wait to see what God has in store next.
• This Sunday we caught the tail end of Spring Break with several of our main families taking in some much needed R & R time with family and friends. Attendance was still strong. Yeah, God!
• BTW, everybody needs to get out of town now and then… As a pastor I really appreciate and respect families that take what I’ll call “Sabbath time” seriously. You know I’m committed to corporate worship! Believe in it BIG TIME. But I also believe husbands, wives, dads, moms and kids need time TOGETHER. That’s why I don’t blow a gasket when Spring Break rolls around. We want to cheer families on in their journey of creating memories that last a lifetime
• Here’s today’s worship set:
Today Is the Day, Lincoln Brewster
Awesome God, Free Chapel
Stronger, Hillsong (I think we’ll be singing this for a while… Great song!)
Mighty To Save, Hillsong
• Great cover song. We Can Work It Out, The Beatles (Want to know why people believe McCartney and Lennon were one of the best songwriting teams ever? Check out this song. After more than 40 years, it’s still relevant, amazing and timeless. We did Bethany Dillon’s cover of this song… Same melody with an acoustic arrangement. Awesome.)
• Today’s message was important. We talked about conflict. Everybody experiences it. People with great relationships know how to handle it effectively. They understand the “conflict is part of the process we go through and price we pay for increased intimacy.” The SOS 5 gives us a great snapshot of how healthy families deal with conflict.
• BTW, here's the link to the song I mentioned in the message by Flight of the Conchords titled, It's Business Time. Warning: content of the song is for mature audiences only. We quoted some of the lyrics in this week's message to talk about the expectations that most husbands bring into the bedroom...
• I’ll post the notes from the message a little later.
• A few BIG NEED AREAS we need to strengthen. Children’s Ministry is crucial. I’m really praying about this area. We need volunteers and leaders who are passionate about discipling kids.
• Pumped about the community wide outreach this Saturday, March 28 @ 9:30. We’re going to be canvassing the area and inviting people to Easter @ a2. We’re praying for an incredible impact this Resurrection Day.
• New series kicks off on Easter Sunday. The Best News You’ve Heard is going to be a series of hope in the middle of a world reeling in hopelessness and despair… Can’t wait!
• Student Ministry Small Groups kick off @ a2 tonight. I’m really believing that this will help us create community in the lives of our students. Thankful for Darrell and Julie’s leadership in this area.
• Love what God is doing @ a2. Every week is an adventure. I’m having more “fun” in ministry than I’ve had in a long, long time… God is good. God is faithful. Life is an adventure. Can’t wait to see what God has in store next.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
NIGHTLINE SMACKDOWN: DRISCOLL VS. CHOPRA AND PEARSON
Oh, boy! Tomorrow night Mars Hill Church in Seattle will host ABC's Nightline for a debate on the topic: Does Satan Exist? In one corner (SATAN DOES EXIST), Mark Driscoll, founding pastor of Mars Hill and prolific author, along with Annie Lobert, founder of the international Christian ministry, "Hookers for Jesus." (I just write it like I read it, folks...)
In the other corner (SATAN DOESN'T EXIST), new age guru Deepak Chopra, along with Carlton Pearson. Pearson's appearance is amazing, to say the least. You may remember that Pearson was Carman's pastor when Carman was in his "Hey Day." The guy was a fourth generation Pentecostal pastor who somehow defected from "sound doctrine" and adopted a theology of universalism and inclusionism... Holy smokes... That blows me away...
Well, tomorrow evening Driscoll will step into the ring with Chopra and Pearson. I'm setting my DVR and look forward to the exchange.
After watching the debate, let me know what you think. Here's the link to Nightline's promo on the debate.
In the other corner (SATAN DOESN'T EXIST), new age guru Deepak Chopra, along with Carlton Pearson. Pearson's appearance is amazing, to say the least. You may remember that Pearson was Carman's pastor when Carman was in his "Hey Day." The guy was a fourth generation Pentecostal pastor who somehow defected from "sound doctrine" and adopted a theology of universalism and inclusionism... Holy smokes... That blows me away...
Well, tomorrow evening Driscoll will step into the ring with Chopra and Pearson. I'm setting my DVR and look forward to the exchange.
After watching the debate, let me know what you think. Here's the link to Nightline's promo on the debate.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
WHY THIS SERIES ON GOD, LOVE AND SEX MATTERS!!!
If you've ever wondered why our current series on GOD LOVE SEX matters, check out the info in this video that was put together by Granger Community Church. Some of the stats in my research would differ a little from these stats, but nonetheless, this brings home the reason this series matters. BIG TIME.
This Sunday will be one of the most important, straight forward, even awkward messages we've shared on the subject. Here's why it matters. See you this weekend @ a2.
ImNotBuyingIt.com Video from Granger Community on Vimeo.
This Sunday will be one of the most important, straight forward, even awkward messages we've shared on the subject. Here's why it matters. See you this weekend @ a2.
ImNotBuyingIt.com Video from Granger Community on Vimeo.
TIM HAWKINS ON MARRIAGE
Tim Hawkins is a Christian comedian who is just plain FUNNY. In honor of the fact that this weekend we'll be continuing the series on GOD LOVE SEX, here's Tim sharing a few of his thoughts on marriage.
Enjoy. See you this Sunday...
Enjoy. See you this Sunday...
SOUND GUYS AND STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE
Okay, a guy who goes by the alias "Prodigal John" and runs a blog titled, "Stuff Christians Like" posted this today. A friend of mine forwarded it to me. It made me smile... Really smile...
Prodigal John's blog is basically a running list of the often weird stuff he thinks Christians like... This post is classic... It's about Sound Guys - like the guy who runs sound in your local church.
When I think of the sound guys in my life - especially the guys @ a2 - guys who selflessly serve in a God-honoring way and are some of the best people on the planet, PERIOD. I mean, the best people on the planet! I know that they've had their fair share of "the sound guy neck crane." I've done it and so have you...
Something goes wrong and heads turn, people stare, while the sound guys desperately struggles to fix the problem - that most of the time was just some weird something going wrong with the technology, and not something they actually did wrong...
I've always thought these guys would feel really good if the 99.9% of the time when things GO RIGHT we would turn around, give two BIG THUMBS UP, pat them on the back and say something like, "You're the man."
Well, maybe we all can dream...
With that said, here's Prodigal John's post on #507 of Stuff Christians Like, titled "The Sound Guy Neck Crane."
Enjoy.
#507. The Sound Guy Neck Crane.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Prodigal John
Microphones hate God. I can’t prove this scientifically, but I’m pretty sure it’s true. I think it’s because God doesn’t need them. When He speaks in the Bible, His voice is loud and carries naturally, or He uses angels and donkeys and burning bushes to amplify His message. So I imagine that microphones feel slighted and decided long ago to wage a very public hate campaign against the Alpha and Omega.
How else can you explain the shenanigans that occur on Sunday morning with the sound system? From microphones that work perfectly during sound check and then refuse to work during the service to that loud ear-bursting feedback that blossoms during the most inappropriate times, like prayer, sound systems are always punking church. And when they do, it’s so easy to pull out a “sound guy neck crane.”
The sound guy neck crane is the first thing we all do when the sound goes bananas in the middle of church. It’s a simple move, but I’ll walk you through the steps:
Step 1
Sound messes up.
Step 2
You quickly try to remember where the sound guy is stationed in the sanctuary.
Step 3
You crane your neck to his position and stare at him with eyes that say, “Do you not hear this? That microphone is on fire! Why do you want church to suck? Do you hate Jesus? That’s it, isn’t it? You hate Jesus. You sweaty Philistine.”
Step 4
Sound is restored. You turn back around and silently thank yourself for contributing to the rectification of the problem by pointing it out with your sound guy neck crane.
I’m just as guilty of this as anyone else. The only problem is that at the megachurch I attend, a staff of 29 people runs the sound on a Sunday morning, so my head has to bounce around like I’m watching a tennis match if I want to bust out a sound guy neck crane. “I see you in the balcony. You down at the sound booth. You up on the corner of the stage, I’m seeing you too, and I’m not happy.” Bounce, bounce, bounce, crane, crane, crane.
That’s part of the reason I’m going to retire my sound guy neck crane. It’s just too much work at my church. It’s also kind of a jerk thing to do. And by “kind of” I mean “really,” and by “jerk” I mean “words I can’t type without crazy *&# symbols.” From now on, when the sound messes up, I’m going to just side hug the person next to me and whisper politely, “Microphones hate God.” It will be awkward the first 2, 3, or 400 times, but people usually like side hugs, and it will put the blame where it belongs: on God-hatin’ sound equipment.
Prodigal John's blog is basically a running list of the often weird stuff he thinks Christians like... This post is classic... It's about Sound Guys - like the guy who runs sound in your local church.
When I think of the sound guys in my life - especially the guys @ a2 - guys who selflessly serve in a God-honoring way and are some of the best people on the planet, PERIOD. I mean, the best people on the planet! I know that they've had their fair share of "the sound guy neck crane." I've done it and so have you...
Something goes wrong and heads turn, people stare, while the sound guys desperately struggles to fix the problem - that most of the time was just some weird something going wrong with the technology, and not something they actually did wrong...
I've always thought these guys would feel really good if the 99.9% of the time when things GO RIGHT we would turn around, give two BIG THUMBS UP, pat them on the back and say something like, "You're the man."
Well, maybe we all can dream...
With that said, here's Prodigal John's post on #507 of Stuff Christians Like, titled "The Sound Guy Neck Crane."
Enjoy.
#507. The Sound Guy Neck Crane.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Prodigal John
Microphones hate God. I can’t prove this scientifically, but I’m pretty sure it’s true. I think it’s because God doesn’t need them. When He speaks in the Bible, His voice is loud and carries naturally, or He uses angels and donkeys and burning bushes to amplify His message. So I imagine that microphones feel slighted and decided long ago to wage a very public hate campaign against the Alpha and Omega.
How else can you explain the shenanigans that occur on Sunday morning with the sound system? From microphones that work perfectly during sound check and then refuse to work during the service to that loud ear-bursting feedback that blossoms during the most inappropriate times, like prayer, sound systems are always punking church. And when they do, it’s so easy to pull out a “sound guy neck crane.”
The sound guy neck crane is the first thing we all do when the sound goes bananas in the middle of church. It’s a simple move, but I’ll walk you through the steps:
Step 1
Sound messes up.
Step 2
You quickly try to remember where the sound guy is stationed in the sanctuary.
Step 3
You crane your neck to his position and stare at him with eyes that say, “Do you not hear this? That microphone is on fire! Why do you want church to suck? Do you hate Jesus? That’s it, isn’t it? You hate Jesus. You sweaty Philistine.”
Step 4
Sound is restored. You turn back around and silently thank yourself for contributing to the rectification of the problem by pointing it out with your sound guy neck crane.
I’m just as guilty of this as anyone else. The only problem is that at the megachurch I attend, a staff of 29 people runs the sound on a Sunday morning, so my head has to bounce around like I’m watching a tennis match if I want to bust out a sound guy neck crane. “I see you in the balcony. You down at the sound booth. You up on the corner of the stage, I’m seeing you too, and I’m not happy.” Bounce, bounce, bounce, crane, crane, crane.
That’s part of the reason I’m going to retire my sound guy neck crane. It’s just too much work at my church. It’s also kind of a jerk thing to do. And by “kind of” I mean “really,” and by “jerk” I mean “words I can’t type without crazy *&# symbols.” From now on, when the sound messes up, I’m going to just side hug the person next to me and whisper politely, “Microphones hate God.” It will be awkward the first 2, 3, or 400 times, but people usually like side hugs, and it will put the blame where it belongs: on God-hatin’ sound equipment.
Monday, March 9, 2009
GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT DOING LIFE TOGETHER
Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota is serious about leaders setting an example of the kind of life they want the people in their church to experience. In the Winter 2009 edition of Leadership Journal, Executive Pastor, Keith Meyer shares the following "Rules for Life" for Leaders at Church of the Open Door.
Two words: I LIKE.
A few more words: I LIKE, A LOT!!!
Here's a copy of the "covenant" they ask their leaders to make for doing life together. This is really gooooooood stuff.
"Rule of Life" for Leaders at Church of the Open Door
Living in Jesus. We will have regular habits of "being with Jesus" for transformation into Trinitarian life.
-Slowing our lives down together to eliminate hurry.
-Paying attention to God together, all of the time.
-Confessing our sins to one another in safe groups.
-Memorizing and meditating together on longer, transformative passages of scripture.
-Interceding for each other, our community, and our world in prayer together.
-Mentoring and being mentored across generational, ethnic, class, and gender lines.
Living in Transformation. We will intentionally and freely speak into each other's lives for the good of each other in all areas of our lives as individuals, groups, and in our organization.
Living in Community. We will be with each other and do life together, and we will not submit to the drag of institutional isolation and the slow death of going too fast or being too busy to love each other.
Living in Mission. We will be in the world but not of it, and we will seek to serve and be served by the least and all others around us. We will consider others better than ourselves.
Living in Reconciliation. We will expect to experience conflict and uncover disorder in our relationships, but we will refuse to live in unresolved conflict and will practice "the peace of Christ" among us.
Living in Good Speech. We will always believe and speak the best of each other and not entertain rumors, gossip, demeaning talk, or slander but will bring as needed any bad report to the light of each other's awareness for answer and response.
Living in Submission to One Another. We will submit to one another in love, believing that our community will most often have the wisdom we need, but we will not allow submission to each other replace our call to submit first to God.
* * * * * *
Now, that's a group of people who take life together seriously!
Two words: I LIKE.
A few more words: I LIKE, A LOT!!!
Here's a copy of the "covenant" they ask their leaders to make for doing life together. This is really gooooooood stuff.
"Rule of Life" for Leaders at Church of the Open Door
Living in Jesus. We will have regular habits of "being with Jesus" for transformation into Trinitarian life.
-Slowing our lives down together to eliminate hurry.
-Paying attention to God together, all of the time.
-Confessing our sins to one another in safe groups.
-Memorizing and meditating together on longer, transformative passages of scripture.
-Interceding for each other, our community, and our world in prayer together.
-Mentoring and being mentored across generational, ethnic, class, and gender lines.
Living in Transformation. We will intentionally and freely speak into each other's lives for the good of each other in all areas of our lives as individuals, groups, and in our organization.
Living in Community. We will be with each other and do life together, and we will not submit to the drag of institutional isolation and the slow death of going too fast or being too busy to love each other.
Living in Mission. We will be in the world but not of it, and we will seek to serve and be served by the least and all others around us. We will consider others better than ourselves.
Living in Reconciliation. We will expect to experience conflict and uncover disorder in our relationships, but we will refuse to live in unresolved conflict and will practice "the peace of Christ" among us.
Living in Good Speech. We will always believe and speak the best of each other and not entertain rumors, gossip, demeaning talk, or slander but will bring as needed any bad report to the light of each other's awareness for answer and response.
Living in Submission to One Another. We will submit to one another in love, believing that our community will most often have the wisdom we need, but we will not allow submission to each other replace our call to submit first to God.
* * * * * *
Now, that's a group of people who take life together seriously!
PERRY NOBLE ON SOME THINGS GOD HAS BEEN TEACHING HIM
I love tracking with Perry Noble's blog. Perry is the pastor of New Spring Church and this church is absolutely "blowing up" for God in a big, big way.
A few days ago Perry featured this post on his blog. It inspired me and I felt was worth passing on to you.
Some Things God Has Been Teaching Me Lately…
Perry Noble, 3.05.09
Here are some thoughts that I really feel the Lord has been pouring into me recently…
* “You have no idea how HUGE I am!”
* Right now God is at work…doing things that I am COMPLETELY unaware of…but will reap the results of when He thinks I am ready.
* Someone addicted to routine and ritual will most likely never be a change agent in His church!
* He doesn’t need me…I need Him!
* I am NOT the source of one single blessing in my life–HE IS!!!
* When HIS vision consumes me I will be both overwhelmed and overjoyed!
* When you play around with sin…there are always consequences!
* If I can accomplish “His vision” without HIS help…then it isn’t “His vision!”
* Passive husbands and fathers suck!
* He leads me step by step–NOT in three to five year plans!
* He is Sovereign and is not surprised by anything.
* “DO NOT SETTLE!”
* God often works through the “impossible” to accomplish the “unbelievable!”
* I need to live in faith…NOT in fear!
* The key to continually taking my marriage to the next level is to stop seeking things from her and to start going all out to serve her!
* The world belongs to Him and not the stock market.
* My responsibility as a leader is to set the next generation up for success.
* So goes the leader–so goes the people.
* I need to have more fun!!!
Can’t wait to see what He says next!!!
____________________________________
Thanks so much for the continued inspiration, Perry. BTW, you can download Perry's messages via iTunes. Be aware: His messages will rock your world and shake up all of your little preconceived notions of the "polite Christian pastor." He is a wild man - in a good way!
A few days ago Perry featured this post on his blog. It inspired me and I felt was worth passing on to you.
Some Things God Has Been Teaching Me Lately…
Perry Noble, 3.05.09
Here are some thoughts that I really feel the Lord has been pouring into me recently…
* “You have no idea how HUGE I am!”
* Right now God is at work…doing things that I am COMPLETELY unaware of…but will reap the results of when He thinks I am ready.
* Someone addicted to routine and ritual will most likely never be a change agent in His church!
* He doesn’t need me…I need Him!
* I am NOT the source of one single blessing in my life–HE IS!!!
* When HIS vision consumes me I will be both overwhelmed and overjoyed!
* When you play around with sin…there are always consequences!
* If I can accomplish “His vision” without HIS help…then it isn’t “His vision!”
* Passive husbands and fathers suck!
* He leads me step by step–NOT in three to five year plans!
* He is Sovereign and is not surprised by anything.
* “DO NOT SETTLE!”
* God often works through the “impossible” to accomplish the “unbelievable!”
* I need to live in faith…NOT in fear!
* The key to continually taking my marriage to the next level is to stop seeking things from her and to start going all out to serve her!
* The world belongs to Him and not the stock market.
* My responsibility as a leader is to set the next generation up for success.
* So goes the leader–so goes the people.
* I need to have more fun!!!
Can’t wait to see what He says next!!!
____________________________________
Thanks so much for the continued inspiration, Perry. BTW, you can download Perry's messages via iTunes. Be aware: His messages will rock your world and shake up all of your little preconceived notions of the "polite Christian pastor." He is a wild man - in a good way!
FOR THOSE WHO MISS FOOTBALL
Just saw this ad for Fantasy Football and loved it. To all of you who can't wait for late August or early September to roll around and the return of College and Pro Football, maybe you'll enjoy this.
Unbelievable!! Check This out Man - The best bloopers are here
Unbelievable!! Check This out Man - The best bloopers are here
Sunday, March 8, 2009
NO LINE ON THE HORIZON FOR U2
It’s no secret, I’m a big U2 fan. Have been for years. Years... I think it was Kevin Kelley at Alabama Youth Camp who first exposed me to the music of U2. I've loved their music ever since.U2 have sold more than 145 million albums. They’ve won 22 Grammy Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 the first year they were even eligible.
QUESTION: What does a band like U2 have to prove on their 12th album? NOTHING! And it shows. On “No Line On The Horizon” U2 builds on their previous work, while forging ahead into new territory. The experience is amazing. The album an artistic triumph!
I’ve been listening to the album since Tuesday. At this point, it’s one of my favorites in the U2 catalog. Time will tell where it ultimately ranks, but at this point, I would rank it among one of their best.
The album kicks off with the title track, “No Line…” A rock and roll anthem with Bono’s voice cutting through a wall of sound anchored by The Edge’s guitar, Adam’s steady bass and Larry’s pounding drums. Lyrically, you probably won’t nail down what the song is about. That’s okay… U2 has often been more about emotion, than a literal reading of their lyrics. But “No Line…” seems to hint at the thought that there’s no limit or end to the amazement this guy feels about girl, about life.
The second track on the album is my favorite right now. Simply titled, “Magnificent,” this is U2’s most straightforward, all out worship anthem, ever. Wow! No questions what this one is about. It soars.
On “Moment of Surrender” the tempo of the album slows a bit. The track features an organ pad and understated slide guitar solo by The Edge. Make no mistake about it, Bono’s vocal is what makes the song work. You feel this guy’s passion and emotion as he sings about coming to a moment in life when he completely surrendered… Since the song references the “stations of the cross” in the last verse, it’s apparent that Bono’s surrender involves His surrender to Christ and choice to believe. This is a deeply beautiful song.
"Unknown Caller" is one of the most interesting tracks on the album. I love it! The Unknown Caller is none other than God, calling out in the middle of the noise and insanity of this world… Asking us just to stop talking long enough to hear His voice so He can remind us that we really can start again. This is rock music at it’s best! I love the way the song uses technical or computer terminology to point us to truth. “Restart and re-beoot yourself…” Great track!
"I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight" is another rock song that describes Bono’s frustration with the world as he sees it… But the song also expresses the resilient belief that we’re going to make it. Bono seems to be saying, “Sure, sometimes I might just need to lose it. But ultimately going to make it!”
By now everyone has heard, "Get On Your Boots." The first few times I heard the song, I thought it was a pretty weak track – by U2 standards. The more I listen to the song, the more I’m blown away by U2’s sheer brilliance.
As part of his humanitarian efforts, Bono has traveled extensively to Africa seeking justice for the oppressed. In some areas of Africa, women are raped, abused and oppressed. Many bloggers believe the song is appealing to women in Africa to take a stand for other women. The more I listen to the track, the more I like it!
"Stand Up Comedy" is an all out, in your face rock and roll anthem. My favorite lyric in the song is the line, “Stop helping God across the road like a little old lady…” In other words, “Let God out of the box… You don’t have to protect Him… He is God and He is great…”
"Fez…Being Born" is probably the most experimental track on the album and seems to describe a “rebirth” of sorts that Bono may have experienced while on a trip… Of course, since the band recorded part of the album in Fez, Morocco the song may describe some inspiration or renewal these guys experienced as a band while recording in that part of the world.
"White As Snow" feels like an Irish hymn that finds Bono longing for redemption and the “lamb who is as white as snow.” In an interview Bono also indicated that this song contains the thoughts of a soldier dying in Afghanistan after a roadside bomb. Amazingly, the song contains parts of the melody from the Christmas hymn, “O Come, O Come, Immanuel…” The song is beautiful.
"Breathe" is another scorcher. It’s an anthem of defiance in the face of a world that is cold, harsh, hopeless and cruel. Bono looks that world straight in the eye and is still able to challenge anyone who will hear,
“Walk out, into the sunburst street
Sing your heart out, sing my heart out
I've found grace inside a sound
I found grace, it's all that I found
And I can breathe
Breathe now…”
The album closes with the ballad “Cedars of Lebanon” that contains the confessions of a war correspondent in Lebanon. The song poetically describes the pain and horror of war and the regrets we all live with… The album ends somewhat prophetically, with a warning of sorts to not allow your enemies to define you.
Watching the band perform every night last week on Letterman, seeing the band perform live on ABC’s “Good Morning America” (thank God for DVR), after repeated listenings to their newest work of art, there really is “no line on the horizon” for this quartet from Dublin.
I love this CD. Love it! If you like great music, download it today. If you want to check the album out first, don't forget you can listen to the entire CD through once for free at lala.com. Hope this helps.
“Sing your heart out, sing my heart out
I've found grace inside a sound…”
SUNDAY IN REVIEW 03.08.09
• Awesome weekend @ a2!
• Saturday’s workday was amazing! Great turn out! Tons of stuff accomplished. Thanks to everyone who turned out to lend a hand. Awesome job!
• We made significant progress on a2’s Student Ministry Room and hope to open the new space by March 29. Keep a look out.
• We’re continuing to make improvements on the new Children’s Ministry set. Once again, our goal is to have the set complete by March 29.
• Guest Services crew did an amazing job today creating a warm and welcoming environment. Thanks to the entire team.
• Today was our BEST CROWD yet! We had a total of 160 in attendance! That’s despite the fact that we lost an hour of sleep last night! Yeah, God!
• On top of that, due to last Sunday’s Snow Day, we walked into the weekend with a pretty big financial need. God’s extraordinary faithfulness came through BIG TIME. Yeah, God!!
• Worship today was out of sight. God has given us an amazing band! I mean, amazing! Today’s set included: You Lifted Me Out (Tomlin), Glorified (New Life Worship), Glory To God (Steve Fee).
• Nathan Holladay did a great job sharing the story of how he and Holly met. I love hearing the stories of the people God sends into our lives.
• Two great “item” numbers by the band. You Can’t Hurry Love by Phil Collins and Love Is Waiting by Brooke Fraser. I was pretty choked up after Caley finished singing the second one. Wow.
• We continued the series GOD LOVE SEX with a message on dating – before and after marriage. I think this is one of the most practical, life-related, down to earth messages on relationships we’ve ever shared. Check out the podcast by typing a2 Church into the Search Engine on iTunes.
• We’re continuing to meet brand new people @ a2! This is exciting.
• Yesterday, Deborah Wiggins, felt a leading to invite a customer she met at “Cotton Tails” to a2. She felt impressed to tell the lady that a2 is “a church for people who’ve given up on church.” The lady came. She has stage four cancer. Today she encountered God! Please continue to pray for her. Her name is Emma.
• I LOVE what God is doing @ a2. It feels like we are on the verge of something big – REALLY BIG. I can’t wait to see what God does NEXT.
• By the way, next Sunday will be the most “dangerous” message yet in the series GOD LOVE SEX. Want to know what’s in store? HINT: We’re borrowing the title of Salt-N-Pepa’s song, “Let’s Talk About Sex” for the message title. Next week we'll look at what the SOS says about this important topic. Don’t miss next week.
• Saturday’s workday was amazing! Great turn out! Tons of stuff accomplished. Thanks to everyone who turned out to lend a hand. Awesome job!
• We made significant progress on a2’s Student Ministry Room and hope to open the new space by March 29. Keep a look out.
• We’re continuing to make improvements on the new Children’s Ministry set. Once again, our goal is to have the set complete by March 29.
• Guest Services crew did an amazing job today creating a warm and welcoming environment. Thanks to the entire team.
• Today was our BEST CROWD yet! We had a total of 160 in attendance! That’s despite the fact that we lost an hour of sleep last night! Yeah, God!
• On top of that, due to last Sunday’s Snow Day, we walked into the weekend with a pretty big financial need. God’s extraordinary faithfulness came through BIG TIME. Yeah, God!!
• Worship today was out of sight. God has given us an amazing band! I mean, amazing! Today’s set included: You Lifted Me Out (Tomlin), Glorified (New Life Worship), Glory To God (Steve Fee).
• Nathan Holladay did a great job sharing the story of how he and Holly met. I love hearing the stories of the people God sends into our lives.
• Two great “item” numbers by the band. You Can’t Hurry Love by Phil Collins and Love Is Waiting by Brooke Fraser. I was pretty choked up after Caley finished singing the second one. Wow.
• We continued the series GOD LOVE SEX with a message on dating – before and after marriage. I think this is one of the most practical, life-related, down to earth messages on relationships we’ve ever shared. Check out the podcast by typing a2 Church into the Search Engine on iTunes.
• We’re continuing to meet brand new people @ a2! This is exciting.
• Yesterday, Deborah Wiggins, felt a leading to invite a customer she met at “Cotton Tails” to a2. She felt impressed to tell the lady that a2 is “a church for people who’ve given up on church.” The lady came. She has stage four cancer. Today she encountered God! Please continue to pray for her. Her name is Emma.
• I LOVE what God is doing @ a2. It feels like we are on the verge of something big – REALLY BIG. I can’t wait to see what God does NEXT.
• By the way, next Sunday will be the most “dangerous” message yet in the series GOD LOVE SEX. Want to know what’s in store? HINT: We’re borrowing the title of Salt-N-Pepa’s song, “Let’s Talk About Sex” for the message title. Next week we'll look at what the SOS says about this important topic. Don’t miss next week.
Friday, March 6, 2009
CCD - COMPULSIVE CRITICS DISORDER
Ministry brings with it its fair share of criticism. The moment you become passionate about pursuing a dream, is the moment somebody – usually somebody with absolutely NOTHING invested – will begin taking cheap shots at you… It’s part of the territory.
When possible, I try to heed the advice of Rick Warren and “turn my critics into coaches.” Sometimes there’s something I CAN LEARN from a critic – especially if it’s someone whose made a significant investment in my life, who loves me unconditionally, who wants the best for me, who is deeply committed to me…
Sometimes I need the wisdom and viewpoint of someone who shares a piece of “constructive criticism.” After all, Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” A good friend who will tell you the truth – not just what you want to hear – is priceless. I treasure the advice and insights of these people.
But let’s be honest, when it comes to “CHURCH WORLD,” there are way too many people who seem to believe that criticism is their spiritual gift. There are loads of people filling up far too many churches who suffer from what I’ve come to call “Compulsive Critics Disorder.”
These people criticize EVERYTHING. And I mean, EVERYTHING.
“He’s a great preacher, but he’s not really a pastor…”
“He’s way too loud… All he ever does is scream…”
“He’s not bold or ‘anointed’… He just sort of talks…”
“I know that church is growing, but it’s only because they don’t preach the word.”
“I know they’ve got a huge crowd, but it’s because they’re ‘seeker sensitive.’”
“Can you believe he said, ‘Crap’ during his sermon? What kind of language is that for a pastor?”
“That music is loud… That music isn’t anointed…”
“I don’t like this… I don’t like that…”
Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah…
You name it. At some point, I’ve probably heard it… “CHURCH WORLD” is full of people with “compulsive critics disorder.”
I used to believe that people with “compulsive critics disorder” were reasonable. If they just knew your heart, if you really listened to their criticism and tried to understand their viewpoint, if you made concessions, cashed in some of your personal preferences and tastes, did things their way, then maybe they’d be happy and finally start actually noticing something good.
Nope! It doesn’t work that way. People with “compulsive critics disorder” – let’s just call it CCD – will never be happy! NEVER! They’ll always find something they don’t like. Always!
Jesus nailed this issue in Matthew 11.
Here’s the background on the passage. Jesus has just made some pretty incredible comments about his cuz, John the Baptist. He basically says, “Of all the people who’ve ever lived, there’s none greater than John. This guy is the real deal…” An amazing compliment, especially when you consider the source.
Then Jesus turns around to the crowds that have gathered and He UNLOADS… I mean, He UNLOADS! He didn’t use any of the techniques that he picked up from the Dale Carnegie classic, “How To Win Friends and Influence People.” He goes ballistic! Here’s what Jesus says:
Matthew 11:16-19 (NLT), "How shall I describe this generation? These people are like a group of children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 17 'We played wedding songs, and you weren't happy, so we played funeral songs, but you weren't sad.'
18 For John the Baptist didn't drink wine and he often fasted, and you say, 'He's demon possessed.' 19 And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it."
If you still don’t believe Jesus is ticked off, just check out the verses that immediately follow. Jesus begins a series of “Woe’s…” He takes on the religious establishment and basically says, “Guys, if the miracles I did in you had been done in Las Vegas or Amsterdam, it would have already gotten their attention… But you’re so stinkin’ smug and self-righteous, you don’t recognize the work of God when it’s taking place all around you…. Woe…”
Jesus’ assessment of people with CCD in Verses 11-16 is amazing. Get this: He wasn’t ticked off by first rate, cut throat, run of the mill, absolute SINNERS who spent a lot of time hanging out at Sammy's or Hooters... Jesus was ticked at self-righteous, smug religious jerks and probably “jerk-ettes” who spent a boatload of time at Synagogue but had never really experienced a moment of joy and freedom in their entire life and thought it was their God-appointed right and destiny to suck the life and joy out of every body around them!
So, Jesus let loose. I mean, he LET LOOSE! He went “Glen Beck” on the crowd. (Sorry, Glen… You know I love you...) He basically said, “You guys are never going to be satisfied…”
John was confident and courageous… He wasn’t well dressed… He would never make People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” list… He probably wouldn’t rank in the top one million… He was a wild looking guy with no political power or position… He was hard-nosed and straightforward… He rarely smiled… And when he did it was one of those “Clint Eastwood-like” grins that just sort of dared you, “Make my day…SUCKER!”
John was the antithesis of seeker-friendly and seeker-sensitive. He was wild and radical, and when sinners heard his message, they responded! But the religious just couldn’t get on board. They looked at John’s methods and said, “The guy is out of his ever lovin’ mind. He’s insane. He’s demon possessed. He’s not refined… He’s not educated at the right school… He’s not one of us…”
Jesus, on the other hand, was the polar opposite of John. He smiled, laughed out loud, attended parties (and actually got invited back)… He loved kids, healed the sick, attracted huge crowds, would pack out the BJCC, the works… And what did the same folks who criticized “Mr. Ultra-Conservative, Wild Man John” say about “Mr. Laid Back, Love’s Everybody Jesus”? “He waters down the truth… He’s seeker friendly… He’s a drunk, maybe even an alcoholic… He’s not one of us…”
No wonder Jesus LET LOOSE! Jesus understood. Plain and simple: people with CCD or “compulsive critics disorder” will NEVER BE SATISFIED.
You’re wasting important time and essential energy if you try convincing people with CCD to like you or get on board. They won’t. When they do, it’s only so they can sabotage or undermine what God is doing.
When a person has CCD, if you turn up the music and want to dance, they’re going to say, “I can’t believe you. It’s not time to dance… I don’t like that music… Could you please tone it down… It’s time for prayer…” And if you turn off the music and say, “It’s time to repent,” They’ll be the first to say, “Repent? Are you out of your mind? You might need to repent, but not me… Let’s sing…”
Here’s the truth about people with CCD. They’re usually people who have never played a quarter of ball in their entire life… They’re lazy, out of shape, couch potatoes who don’t know what it means to lead a person to Jesus or take a risk for God… They just love pointing out every failure, criticizing every mistake or second guessing every methodology of the COACHES and PLAYERS who actually care enough to show up for practice, lay their blood, tears, time and sweat on the line, and actually walk out on the field and GET IN THE GAME.
I've spent a huge portion of my life trying to get the approval of people with CCD. No more. No how. No stinkin’ way! It’s a dead end.
To put it the way one of my mentors put it to me: “There are some people who won’t be satisfied if Jesus is their pastor and Gabriel is their minister of music.”
I think Rick Warren was right. Whenever possible, “turn your critics into coaches.” That’s wisdom.
But I also think the lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 11 is crucial. In Verse 19, Jesus made this important statement: “But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.”
Do you get what Jesus was saying? Put it in context. He was basically saying to people with CCD : “You guys are foolish…” Or, to put it even more bluntly, “You’re a bunch of idiots and I won’t waste a second of my time trying to get your approval… Woe to you… I’m moving on…”
If you find yourself getting hammered by people with CCD, maybe you need to “GO JESUS” on them.
“But they might leave?”
Yeah, they might! On the other hand, they might stick around and do the same thing to you the religious people with CCD did to Jesus. Think – “crucify.”
Just something to think about…
When possible, I try to heed the advice of Rick Warren and “turn my critics into coaches.” Sometimes there’s something I CAN LEARN from a critic – especially if it’s someone whose made a significant investment in my life, who loves me unconditionally, who wants the best for me, who is deeply committed to me…
Sometimes I need the wisdom and viewpoint of someone who shares a piece of “constructive criticism.” After all, Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” A good friend who will tell you the truth – not just what you want to hear – is priceless. I treasure the advice and insights of these people.
But let’s be honest, when it comes to “CHURCH WORLD,” there are way too many people who seem to believe that criticism is their spiritual gift. There are loads of people filling up far too many churches who suffer from what I’ve come to call “Compulsive Critics Disorder.”
These people criticize EVERYTHING. And I mean, EVERYTHING.
“He’s a great preacher, but he’s not really a pastor…”
“He’s way too loud… All he ever does is scream…”
“He’s not bold or ‘anointed’… He just sort of talks…”
“I know that church is growing, but it’s only because they don’t preach the word.”
“I know they’ve got a huge crowd, but it’s because they’re ‘seeker sensitive.’”
“Can you believe he said, ‘Crap’ during his sermon? What kind of language is that for a pastor?”
“That music is loud… That music isn’t anointed…”
“I don’t like this… I don’t like that…”
Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah…
You name it. At some point, I’ve probably heard it… “CHURCH WORLD” is full of people with “compulsive critics disorder.”
I used to believe that people with “compulsive critics disorder” were reasonable. If they just knew your heart, if you really listened to their criticism and tried to understand their viewpoint, if you made concessions, cashed in some of your personal preferences and tastes, did things their way, then maybe they’d be happy and finally start actually noticing something good.
Nope! It doesn’t work that way. People with “compulsive critics disorder” – let’s just call it CCD – will never be happy! NEVER! They’ll always find something they don’t like. Always!
Jesus nailed this issue in Matthew 11.
Here’s the background on the passage. Jesus has just made some pretty incredible comments about his cuz, John the Baptist. He basically says, “Of all the people who’ve ever lived, there’s none greater than John. This guy is the real deal…” An amazing compliment, especially when you consider the source.
Then Jesus turns around to the crowds that have gathered and He UNLOADS… I mean, He UNLOADS! He didn’t use any of the techniques that he picked up from the Dale Carnegie classic, “How To Win Friends and Influence People.” He goes ballistic! Here’s what Jesus says:
Matthew 11:16-19 (NLT), "How shall I describe this generation? These people are like a group of children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 17 'We played wedding songs, and you weren't happy, so we played funeral songs, but you weren't sad.'
18 For John the Baptist didn't drink wine and he often fasted, and you say, 'He's demon possessed.' 19 And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it."
If you still don’t believe Jesus is ticked off, just check out the verses that immediately follow. Jesus begins a series of “Woe’s…” He takes on the religious establishment and basically says, “Guys, if the miracles I did in you had been done in Las Vegas or Amsterdam, it would have already gotten their attention… But you’re so stinkin’ smug and self-righteous, you don’t recognize the work of God when it’s taking place all around you…. Woe…”
Jesus’ assessment of people with CCD in Verses 11-16 is amazing. Get this: He wasn’t ticked off by first rate, cut throat, run of the mill, absolute SINNERS who spent a lot of time hanging out at Sammy's or Hooters... Jesus was ticked at self-righteous, smug religious jerks and probably “jerk-ettes” who spent a boatload of time at Synagogue but had never really experienced a moment of joy and freedom in their entire life and thought it was their God-appointed right and destiny to suck the life and joy out of every body around them!
So, Jesus let loose. I mean, he LET LOOSE! He went “Glen Beck” on the crowd. (Sorry, Glen… You know I love you...) He basically said, “You guys are never going to be satisfied…”
John was confident and courageous… He wasn’t well dressed… He would never make People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” list… He probably wouldn’t rank in the top one million… He was a wild looking guy with no political power or position… He was hard-nosed and straightforward… He rarely smiled… And when he did it was one of those “Clint Eastwood-like” grins that just sort of dared you, “Make my day…SUCKER!”
John was the antithesis of seeker-friendly and seeker-sensitive. He was wild and radical, and when sinners heard his message, they responded! But the religious just couldn’t get on board. They looked at John’s methods and said, “The guy is out of his ever lovin’ mind. He’s insane. He’s demon possessed. He’s not refined… He’s not educated at the right school… He’s not one of us…”
Jesus, on the other hand, was the polar opposite of John. He smiled, laughed out loud, attended parties (and actually got invited back)… He loved kids, healed the sick, attracted huge crowds, would pack out the BJCC, the works… And what did the same folks who criticized “Mr. Ultra-Conservative, Wild Man John” say about “Mr. Laid Back, Love’s Everybody Jesus”? “He waters down the truth… He’s seeker friendly… He’s a drunk, maybe even an alcoholic… He’s not one of us…”
No wonder Jesus LET LOOSE! Jesus understood. Plain and simple: people with CCD or “compulsive critics disorder” will NEVER BE SATISFIED.
You’re wasting important time and essential energy if you try convincing people with CCD to like you or get on board. They won’t. When they do, it’s only so they can sabotage or undermine what God is doing.
When a person has CCD, if you turn up the music and want to dance, they’re going to say, “I can’t believe you. It’s not time to dance… I don’t like that music… Could you please tone it down… It’s time for prayer…” And if you turn off the music and say, “It’s time to repent,” They’ll be the first to say, “Repent? Are you out of your mind? You might need to repent, but not me… Let’s sing…”
Here’s the truth about people with CCD. They’re usually people who have never played a quarter of ball in their entire life… They’re lazy, out of shape, couch potatoes who don’t know what it means to lead a person to Jesus or take a risk for God… They just love pointing out every failure, criticizing every mistake or second guessing every methodology of the COACHES and PLAYERS who actually care enough to show up for practice, lay their blood, tears, time and sweat on the line, and actually walk out on the field and GET IN THE GAME.
I've spent a huge portion of my life trying to get the approval of people with CCD. No more. No how. No stinkin’ way! It’s a dead end.
To put it the way one of my mentors put it to me: “There are some people who won’t be satisfied if Jesus is their pastor and Gabriel is their minister of music.”
I think Rick Warren was right. Whenever possible, “turn your critics into coaches.” That’s wisdom.
But I also think the lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 11 is crucial. In Verse 19, Jesus made this important statement: “But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.”
Do you get what Jesus was saying? Put it in context. He was basically saying to people with CCD : “You guys are foolish…” Or, to put it even more bluntly, “You’re a bunch of idiots and I won’t waste a second of my time trying to get your approval… Woe to you… I’m moving on…”
If you find yourself getting hammered by people with CCD, maybe you need to “GO JESUS” on them.
“But they might leave?”
Yeah, they might! On the other hand, they might stick around and do the same thing to you the religious people with CCD did to Jesus. Think – “crucify.”
Just something to think about…
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Criticism: Masquerading Your Own Insecurity
This is an excellent post with penetrating insight from Steven Furtick of Elevation Church. Unfortunately, this happens all too often in the world of "Christian-dom."
If you find yourself prone to criticize the methods and motives of others on a regular basis, it may be time to examine your heart. You can read Steven's post below.
Masquerading Insecurity
Steven Furtick, March 3, 2009
In Mark 9:28, the disciples tried to cast out a demon. They were unsuccessful, and thoroughly humiliated.
In Mark 9:38, the disciples came to Jesus tattle-tale-ing about a man who was apparently successfully driving out demons.
He was doing good things. But he wasn’t doing it their way.
This guy wasn’t one of them.
Jesus was quick to correct: Whoever is not against us is for us.
Were the disciples really concerned about correct orthodoxy?
Or were they just jealous because this guy was producing results they were unable to achieve?
Usually, when someone is successfully doing what we’ve unsuccessfully attempted to do, we medicate our failure by complaining to God and others about how they’re not doing it right. And we sincerely believe our motives are pure. Usually they aren’t.
“Yeah, that church is growing, but what are they doing about discipleship?”
Often a pastor who makes this subversive snide remark about another church isn’t motivated by a pure desire for discipleship. There’s a good chance he’s envious of the numerical gains that seem to elude him year after year.
When a mom critiques another mom, it’s often a reflection of her own frustration with her parenting abilities.
When you find yourself spending more time critiquing the methods and motivations of someone who’s doing a good work for God, check yourself. You might be masquerading your own insecurity.
(Special thanks to Henry Blackaby for the thought behind this post. His little devotional, Experiencing God Day-by-Day , is still my #2 all-time favorite, right behind My Utmost for His Highest).
______________________________________________
Thanks for the insight, Steven.
If you find yourself prone to criticize the methods and motives of others on a regular basis, it may be time to examine your heart. You can read Steven's post below.
Masquerading Insecurity
Steven Furtick, March 3, 2009
In Mark 9:28, the disciples tried to cast out a demon. They were unsuccessful, and thoroughly humiliated.
In Mark 9:38, the disciples came to Jesus tattle-tale-ing about a man who was apparently successfully driving out demons.
He was doing good things. But he wasn’t doing it their way.
This guy wasn’t one of them.
Jesus was quick to correct: Whoever is not against us is for us.
Were the disciples really concerned about correct orthodoxy?
Or were they just jealous because this guy was producing results they were unable to achieve?
Usually, when someone is successfully doing what we’ve unsuccessfully attempted to do, we medicate our failure by complaining to God and others about how they’re not doing it right. And we sincerely believe our motives are pure. Usually they aren’t.
“Yeah, that church is growing, but what are they doing about discipleship?”
Often a pastor who makes this subversive snide remark about another church isn’t motivated by a pure desire for discipleship. There’s a good chance he’s envious of the numerical gains that seem to elude him year after year.
When a mom critiques another mom, it’s often a reflection of her own frustration with her parenting abilities.
When you find yourself spending more time critiquing the methods and motivations of someone who’s doing a good work for God, check yourself. You might be masquerading your own insecurity.
(Special thanks to Henry Blackaby for the thought behind this post. His little devotional, Experiencing God Day-by-Day , is still my #2 all-time favorite, right behind My Utmost for His Highest).
______________________________________________
Thanks for the insight, Steven.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
Don't forget DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. Spring forward one hour this Saturday PM! You don't want to miss great coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts, and we'll be talking about GOD, LOVE and SEX.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
THE NEW U2 CD - LISTEN TO IT FREE!
Not certain you want to drop $3.99 for the new U2 CD? That's right! Today, Amazon.com has "No Line On The Horizon" available as an mp3 download for only $3.99. Holy Cow!
Well, thanks to lala.com you can listen to the new U2 CD free one time. After that, you'll have to "annie up." Of course, you could just go to Amazon.com and drop $3.99 today and listen as many times as you want...
What do I think of the new CD? Not sure, yet! I really love the track, "Magnificent." Amazing! You'll hear this track showing up in churches all over the place! I guarantee it!
Well, just wanted to do my part in the current economic stimulus deal. Enjoy. U2's new CD for $3.99! That's something to sing about! Thanks for the bail out, Amazon.com.
Well, thanks to lala.com you can listen to the new U2 CD free one time. After that, you'll have to "annie up." Of course, you could just go to Amazon.com and drop $3.99 today and listen as many times as you want...
What do I think of the new CD? Not sure, yet! I really love the track, "Magnificent." Amazing! You'll hear this track showing up in churches all over the place! I guarantee it!
Well, just wanted to do my part in the current economic stimulus deal. Enjoy. U2's new CD for $3.99! That's something to sing about! Thanks for the bail out, Amazon.com.
LOOKING FOR A REASON TO SAY "YES!"
I love this post I just finished reading by Seth Godin. Great stuff.
I really feel that God is building a "Yes!" culture @ a2. We've got great people in several areas of ministry that seem to look for a way to simply say, "Yes." "Yes, we can serve for the New Comer's Luncheon this Sunday. Yes! We can practice on Thursday! Yes! We can do 'clean up" this week. Yes, we can volunteer in Children's Ministry."
On the other hand, I've frequented businesses and churches that display the kind of attitude that Seth describes in this post. I try to keep from going back. Why? Because I'm looking for a business or organization that's genuinely excited about me being there... That looks for a way to say, "Yes!"
Here's Seth's post...
Looking for yes
Seth Godin, March 2, 2009
I hate going to the post office in the town next to mine. Every time I go, they look for a reason not to ship my package. "Too much tape!" "Not enough tape!" "There's a logo!"
On the other hand, I really enjoy the few times I have something weird to ship fast... and I bring it to Fedex. The guy at the desk has a totally different approach. He's not looking for a reason to say no, he's looking for an opportunity to say yes. "Here's some tape, we'll just add it right here..."
The obvious reason is that the person at this post office has no incentive to make a sale. Okay, fine. But why doesn't she? Why is it okay to have employees in any organization who look for a no? It turns out that the post office in my little town has a few yes men, people who look for a reason to ship my package even though they work for a big government bureaucracy.
The same thing happens with the tech crew before I give a speech. About 75% of the time, the lead tech guy (it always seems to be a guy) explains why it's impossible. Impossible to use a Mac, impossible to use the kind of microphone I like, impossible to use my own clicker, etc. And then, the rest of the time, using the same technology, the producer asks, "how can I help make this work for us?" and everything is about yes, not no.
I don't think it should matter whether or not you're trying to make a profit. If you're out to provide a service, or organized to deliver a product, then look for a yes. At every interaction.
I really feel that God is building a "Yes!" culture @ a2. We've got great people in several areas of ministry that seem to look for a way to simply say, "Yes." "Yes, we can serve for the New Comer's Luncheon this Sunday. Yes! We can practice on Thursday! Yes! We can do 'clean up" this week. Yes, we can volunteer in Children's Ministry."
On the other hand, I've frequented businesses and churches that display the kind of attitude that Seth describes in this post. I try to keep from going back. Why? Because I'm looking for a business or organization that's genuinely excited about me being there... That looks for a way to say, "Yes!"
Here's Seth's post...
Looking for yes
Seth Godin, March 2, 2009
I hate going to the post office in the town next to mine. Every time I go, they look for a reason not to ship my package. "Too much tape!" "Not enough tape!" "There's a logo!"
On the other hand, I really enjoy the few times I have something weird to ship fast... and I bring it to Fedex. The guy at the desk has a totally different approach. He's not looking for a reason to say no, he's looking for an opportunity to say yes. "Here's some tape, we'll just add it right here..."
The obvious reason is that the person at this post office has no incentive to make a sale. Okay, fine. But why doesn't she? Why is it okay to have employees in any organization who look for a no? It turns out that the post office in my little town has a few yes men, people who look for a reason to ship my package even though they work for a big government bureaucracy.
The same thing happens with the tech crew before I give a speech. About 75% of the time, the lead tech guy (it always seems to be a guy) explains why it's impossible. Impossible to use a Mac, impossible to use the kind of microphone I like, impossible to use my own clicker, etc. And then, the rest of the time, using the same technology, the producer asks, "how can I help make this work for us?" and everything is about yes, not no.
I don't think it should matter whether or not you're trying to make a profit. If you're out to provide a service, or organized to deliver a product, then look for a yes. At every interaction.
SNOW DAYS AND MAKE UP DAYS
When I was a kid there was nothing better than a “snow day.” Growing up in TN, we didn’t really know how to drive in the stuff, so the slightest bit of snow put everything “on ice.” Pun intended…
I even remember occasions when me and my cousin would call the Rhea County Board of Education to report that a road was “un-crossable.” Usually the punch line went something like this, “Yeah, there are two crazy guys out here with 12 gauge shot guns just daring anybody to cross it.” We would hang up the phone, laugh like crazy, tune in the local AM radio station and pray for one more “snow day.”
Wow, how times have changed… Take this past Saturday PM for example...
After listening to all the other local weather gurus make their predictions on Saturday evening, I had this sick feeling in my gut… I even shot off an email that went something like this, “Yes, we WILL have service tomorrow morning… Unless there is a BLIZZARD, AVALANCHE or SNOW of EPIC PROPTIONS we will have church…” I posted the same thing on Facebook…
You name it… We did it… I even walked around a2’s worship room Saturday PM and prayed… I got up at 5 AM Sunday morning, looked outside, saw the snow and thought, “It’s not that bad…”
It was… The snow just kept coming… It was beautiful to look at… But terrible for church attendance. At about 7:50 me and Janet got in the car and started towards a2… We shot by Krispy Kreme and got a stash of donuts for whoever would brave the weather… Turned off of Montgomery Highway onto Laurel Road and when we turned into the deck @ a2 our car barely made it up the ramp… I knew then… We’re in trouble…
Here’s the good news: a total of 51 people made out for worship! That is AWESOME. I'm proud of you guys and gals... It's proof that there are at least a few people who are just as crazy as me and Janet... (Sorry about that... I just called you crazy, didn't I?)
Janet and Mikey did a stripped down acoustic set that was really meaningful… I shared a short message… We stood around, laughed and prayed… Eventually even got to spend some time at lunch meeting some new friends and fellowshipping with a couple of long standing friends... All of that was GOOD. Really good!
The snow?
Amazingly, by 1:30 BHM looked like a different place! The near “white out” conditions we had experienced right around 10 AM were a memory… The sun was out… The snow was melting and I was left wondering, “Why couldn’t this have happened six hours ago?”
For those of you who wonder what the BIG DEAL is, here’s why SNOW DAYS are really, really hard on a local church.
1. Loss of momentum.
While some people may not be “pumped” about their church, I’m “pumped” about what god is doing at a2. Genuinely psyched. I love Sundays! Absolutely love ‘em!
Last Sunday (February 22) was our best attendance Sunday yet @ a2. I really believed that this past Sunday (March 1) would build on the previous Sunday…
The series we’re currently in has created a lot of buzz. I was excited about the message and still believe God will use it to change hearts and lives. It's an important message. BTW, I'll be sharing it this Sunday (March 8).
Here's the way I view it: we’ve only got 52 Sundays to do what we do during corporate, weekend worship! Only 52! We pray and work really, really hard to make those 52 weekends count. A “snow day” knocks us down to 51 and can really put a dent in momentum…
That's one of the reasons I hate 'em. Yep. I hate 'em.
2. Limited impact on the unchurched.
At a2 we design our weekend services so that our church family not only feels “comfortable” inviting their unchurched friends to attend, but they get genuinely EXCITED about inviting their unchurched friends to attend. Every Sunday I walk in believing that somehow somebody will come to know Jesus… That somehow someone’s LIFE WILL BE CHANGED!
Snow days limit the evangelistic impact of a church… They simply limit your ability to reach the people who desperately need to be reached…
That's another reason I hate 'em.
3. Lack of revenue…
This aspect is difficult to talk about... If you've been to a2 you know that we tend to "downplay" money. We don't make a big deal about giving. We don't attempt to "pressure" people to give. In fact, we even encourage our guests not to give.
Don't misunderstand. We believe that TITHING and GIVING are Scriptural. We believe that the TITHE belongs to God and that our OFFERINGS are a way that we give THANKS to God for His extraordinary faithfulness to us. We teach on these subjects and challenge BELIEVERS to honor God in these areas, but we don't make a big deal out of the offering on Sunday, because we don't want to put up any barriers in regards to people hearing the GOSPEL of jesus.
Here's the scoop... When you’re a small, start up church, every week is a step of faith… I mean it! Every week... At a2 we don’t have a surplus. We haven’t received a “stimulus check” from the government… Nobody has lined up to “bail us out.” Every week we trust God to meet all our needs… We trust him to provide revenue so that we can pay the rent, keep the lights on, purchase curriculum, pay for printing, and even pay the pastor.
This past weekend really "shot us in the foot” in terms of meeting our budget needs. I mean, “shot us in the foot.” BIG TIME.
What do we do? How should we respond? Panic? Develop ulcers? Worry? Get anxious and afraid? Nope! We've chosen to SIMPLY TRUST GOD.
That’s what I told myself over and over again this past Sunday morning and afternoon. "Chris. Keep in mind. God is sovereign. He knows how to help us make up the slack in terms of lost momentum. He knows how to help us leverage the remaining weekends of the year for maximum evangelistic impact and HE KNOWS how to meet our need 'according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' He knows…"
So today, I’m trusting God…
I'm trusting Him for a2’s best weekend ever in terms of:
• momentum… I want us to blow our previous record attendance away! Wouldn't that be so stinkin' cool? For this Sunday, March 8 to blow the doors off our highest attended Sunday yet? It's possible!
• evangelistic impact… This weekend I want to see more people come to know Jesus than I’ve ever seen come to know Him in one weekend. I'm getting excited just thinking about it! But wouldn't it be AWESOME to see a dozen or more people come to know Jesus this coming Sunday? It's possible!
• financial blessing… God is a2’s creator and sustainer. The book of Hebrews calls Him, “the author and finisher of our faith.” He is the originator of a genuine financial stimulus – one that is based on heaven’s economy, not earth’s…
Me? Despite the setback of a SNOW DAY, I’m pumped about this weekend’s MAKE UP WORSHIP DAY! Whoo Hoo!
Sunday AM we are going to blow the doors off when it comes to God honoring worship. Sunday PM our students are going to gather and worship like crazy! I really believe Jesus is going to be lifted up and lost people are going to come to know Him.
The financial stuff? I’m leaning on this promise: “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or God’s seed out begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25).
God is good.
See you this Sunday @ a2.
PS: If you feel a "leading" to honor God with His tithe and your offering, an ON-LINE GIVING OPTION is available on our website at www.a2church.org.
I even remember occasions when me and my cousin would call the Rhea County Board of Education to report that a road was “un-crossable.” Usually the punch line went something like this, “Yeah, there are two crazy guys out here with 12 gauge shot guns just daring anybody to cross it.” We would hang up the phone, laugh like crazy, tune in the local AM radio station and pray for one more “snow day.”
Wow, how times have changed… Take this past Saturday PM for example...
After listening to all the other local weather gurus make their predictions on Saturday evening, I had this sick feeling in my gut… I even shot off an email that went something like this, “Yes, we WILL have service tomorrow morning… Unless there is a BLIZZARD, AVALANCHE or SNOW of EPIC PROPTIONS we will have church…” I posted the same thing on Facebook…
You name it… We did it… I even walked around a2’s worship room Saturday PM and prayed… I got up at 5 AM Sunday morning, looked outside, saw the snow and thought, “It’s not that bad…”
It was… The snow just kept coming… It was beautiful to look at… But terrible for church attendance. At about 7:50 me and Janet got in the car and started towards a2… We shot by Krispy Kreme and got a stash of donuts for whoever would brave the weather… Turned off of Montgomery Highway onto Laurel Road and when we turned into the deck @ a2 our car barely made it up the ramp… I knew then… We’re in trouble…
Here’s the good news: a total of 51 people made out for worship! That is AWESOME. I'm proud of you guys and gals... It's proof that there are at least a few people who are just as crazy as me and Janet... (Sorry about that... I just called you crazy, didn't I?)
Janet and Mikey did a stripped down acoustic set that was really meaningful… I shared a short message… We stood around, laughed and prayed… Eventually even got to spend some time at lunch meeting some new friends and fellowshipping with a couple of long standing friends... All of that was GOOD. Really good!
The snow?
Amazingly, by 1:30 BHM looked like a different place! The near “white out” conditions we had experienced right around 10 AM were a memory… The sun was out… The snow was melting and I was left wondering, “Why couldn’t this have happened six hours ago?”
For those of you who wonder what the BIG DEAL is, here’s why SNOW DAYS are really, really hard on a local church.
1. Loss of momentum.
While some people may not be “pumped” about their church, I’m “pumped” about what god is doing at a2. Genuinely psyched. I love Sundays! Absolutely love ‘em!
Last Sunday (February 22) was our best attendance Sunday yet @ a2. I really believed that this past Sunday (March 1) would build on the previous Sunday…
The series we’re currently in has created a lot of buzz. I was excited about the message and still believe God will use it to change hearts and lives. It's an important message. BTW, I'll be sharing it this Sunday (March 8).
Here's the way I view it: we’ve only got 52 Sundays to do what we do during corporate, weekend worship! Only 52! We pray and work really, really hard to make those 52 weekends count. A “snow day” knocks us down to 51 and can really put a dent in momentum…
That's one of the reasons I hate 'em. Yep. I hate 'em.
2. Limited impact on the unchurched.
At a2 we design our weekend services so that our church family not only feels “comfortable” inviting their unchurched friends to attend, but they get genuinely EXCITED about inviting their unchurched friends to attend. Every Sunday I walk in believing that somehow somebody will come to know Jesus… That somehow someone’s LIFE WILL BE CHANGED!
Snow days limit the evangelistic impact of a church… They simply limit your ability to reach the people who desperately need to be reached…
That's another reason I hate 'em.
3. Lack of revenue…
This aspect is difficult to talk about... If you've been to a2 you know that we tend to "downplay" money. We don't make a big deal about giving. We don't attempt to "pressure" people to give. In fact, we even encourage our guests not to give.
Don't misunderstand. We believe that TITHING and GIVING are Scriptural. We believe that the TITHE belongs to God and that our OFFERINGS are a way that we give THANKS to God for His extraordinary faithfulness to us. We teach on these subjects and challenge BELIEVERS to honor God in these areas, but we don't make a big deal out of the offering on Sunday, because we don't want to put up any barriers in regards to people hearing the GOSPEL of jesus.
Here's the scoop... When you’re a small, start up church, every week is a step of faith… I mean it! Every week... At a2 we don’t have a surplus. We haven’t received a “stimulus check” from the government… Nobody has lined up to “bail us out.” Every week we trust God to meet all our needs… We trust him to provide revenue so that we can pay the rent, keep the lights on, purchase curriculum, pay for printing, and even pay the pastor.
This past weekend really "shot us in the foot” in terms of meeting our budget needs. I mean, “shot us in the foot.” BIG TIME.
What do we do? How should we respond? Panic? Develop ulcers? Worry? Get anxious and afraid? Nope! We've chosen to SIMPLY TRUST GOD.
That’s what I told myself over and over again this past Sunday morning and afternoon. "Chris. Keep in mind. God is sovereign. He knows how to help us make up the slack in terms of lost momentum. He knows how to help us leverage the remaining weekends of the year for maximum evangelistic impact and HE KNOWS how to meet our need 'according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' He knows…"
So today, I’m trusting God…
I'm trusting Him for a2’s best weekend ever in terms of:
• momentum… I want us to blow our previous record attendance away! Wouldn't that be so stinkin' cool? For this Sunday, March 8 to blow the doors off our highest attended Sunday yet? It's possible!
• evangelistic impact… This weekend I want to see more people come to know Jesus than I’ve ever seen come to know Him in one weekend. I'm getting excited just thinking about it! But wouldn't it be AWESOME to see a dozen or more people come to know Jesus this coming Sunday? It's possible!
• financial blessing… God is a2’s creator and sustainer. The book of Hebrews calls Him, “the author and finisher of our faith.” He is the originator of a genuine financial stimulus – one that is based on heaven’s economy, not earth’s…
Me? Despite the setback of a SNOW DAY, I’m pumped about this weekend’s MAKE UP WORSHIP DAY! Whoo Hoo!
Sunday AM we are going to blow the doors off when it comes to God honoring worship. Sunday PM our students are going to gather and worship like crazy! I really believe Jesus is going to be lifted up and lost people are going to come to know Him.
The financial stuff? I’m leaning on this promise: “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or God’s seed out begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25).
God is good.
See you this Sunday @ a2.
PS: If you feel a "leading" to honor God with His tithe and your offering, an ON-LINE GIVING OPTION is available on our website at www.a2church.org.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
WE ARE THE CHURCH 2009
This is FUNNY. Thanks to Dave Ferguson and the staff of Community Christian Church for a great laugh. Enjoy.
U2'S NO LINE ON THE HORIZON DROPS TUESDAY
It's been five long years since How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb dropped... This Tuesday, u2 drops their 12th studio album titled No Line On The Horizon. At this point, the reviews are mixed... Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the current single... Sonically, it's interesting... Lyrically, no where near what the band is capable of...However, after listening to the live stream of several of the cuts on their My Space site, I'm hopeful... Here are some of the lyrics of one of the stand out cuts on the new CD. The song is titled, "Magnificent."
I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise…
Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
SNOW DAY @ a2
This was our first - and I hope LAST - snow day @ a2. Here are a few pics courtesy of Jason Helms.The snow continued throughout our time together and had totally "blanketed" everything by the time we wrapped up shop. It was beautiful, but one of those days a pastor absolutely HATES.
All in all, despite the bad weather, 51 people ended up showing up. Not bad... Thanks to all of you who braved the weather. You are incredible!
We went with a stripped down set with Mikey Wilson on acoustic and vocals and Janet leading worship... I postponed the second message in our current series GOD LOVE SEX and shared a simple message from Matthew 14 on some realities we can hold on to during the present financial storm.
Days like today are tough on a church for several reasons. I'll walk that out in the next blog... Until then, I'm already looking forward to next Sunday @ a2. By the way, the seven day forecast at this point says that the temperature in BHM will be in the low 70's next Sunday... Can you believe it?
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