Tomorrow I'm going to do something a little...dangerous. I'm going to break one of the unwritten rules of life: Never Meet Your Heroes In Real Life.
The idea goes like this: when you have a hero, someone you look up to and admire from a distance, they most likely cannot live up to your idea of them in real life. So don't meet them, because they will let you down. Have you ever heard something like that?
In my life, I've had a couple opportunities to meet people I've admired. I have met Rick Warren a couple times, even got his autograph. I teared up a little when I told him thanks for all the help he's given me in ministry. I met Dan Southerland a couple times, once at a conference where I got to have lunch with him, and we talked a lot. I mean a lot. He talks almost as much as me. Almost.
I got to wave at Bill Hybels once. In a parking lot. Not the same. But he did wave back.
So Wednesday, I get to go to a dinner at Bayside Church in Sacramento. At the dinner will be my friend and the founding pastor of LifePoint Church, John Jackson. Also there will be the Senior Pastor of Bayside, Ray Johnston. I'm excited to be with those guys and experience their Thrive Conference, but I'm not nervous about them. It's the other guy.
John Maxwell is a leadership guru, author, speaker, force-of-nature, and he's going to be at dinner tomorrow. I'm a big fan. Big fan. Some of his books are some of the most important things I've ever read (non-Bible division). I've heard him on CD, I've read his blog, I've read a bunch of his books, and his latest is on my 'must have' list. And I get to have dinner with him.
Is he Jesus? No. Does it make me a better person because I'm having dinner with him? NO. Does it make me special, a better leader or taller to be in the same room as him? Sadly, no. But learning and gleaning from a great leader of leaders can't hurt me. I'm hoping I get some gems of wisdom to take home with me, but I'm just hoping that I can keep my expectations in check. He's a man. A man of God, a leader, a teacher, a great example of maximizing the gifts God gives a person, but a man nonetheless. I hope I can learn from him and not over expect of him. That would make for a great evening.
And I hope I don't do a full on 'fan-boy' on him. Pray for me. :)
4.27.2010
4.25.2010
Is It Okay To Feel Good?
Just got done with an amazing weekend at LifePoint Church. Some pieces:
- Over 170 women came together for the Beth Moore simulcast. I stopped in to see the crowd, and what an amazing sight. Heard nothing but great comments about the teaching - what would happen if all 300,000 women who were watching around the country started living without insecurities and taught their daughters and sisters how to do the same? I love the thought of that! I'm excited for what's going to happen when the women of the Carson Valley get it going on like that around here!
- We got to celebrate 15 baptisms this weekend! That has to get your pulse pounding! I love seeing the faces of people when they come up out of the water and hear their church family cheer for them, there's nothing like seeing the joy on the faces of people going public with their faith. I LOVE MY JOB!
- I'm hearing that the men's groups are filling up and getting ready to launch new groups. I'm so glad to hear the Spirit moving in the lives of guys, it's always good for the church family when men are getting lined up with God's plan.
- There's a group of people getting ready for their trip to Africa next month. God is already teaching and growing the team as they are preparing to go, and we'll get to pray for them and send them out next week. What I'm really looking forward to is the stories of what God does in them and through them while they're there.
- Invisible Children are going to be here on Wednesday night. I know the youth staff are fired up about having them come, and hearing from one of the child soldiers that was rescued out of that awful situation should be powerful.
- Last but not least: THRIVE is next week! This is my first one, so I'm extra excited. I'll be blogging about that more later, but just know that I'm fired up to learn, grow and see what's working at other churches next week.
So, is it okay if I'm feeling good about what God's up to these days?
I know that there are ups and downs on the journey of following Jesus, but right now, let's ride the high! Let's enjoy the excitement and the energy of the momentum God is building. Let's build on the good that's happening and push out in faith toward what Christ is calling us to next. What do you say?
4.18.2010
Looking For A Response
So today at LifePoint Church, we were on the second message of the Make The Connection series, talking about small group life. Last week was well received, and this week, same thing. Pastor Mark Marsella and the Growth Group team put together a Connect Expo so that, right after the message, people wouldn't have to leave the worship center, but could walk right over to a row of tables, all manned by group leaders, to sign up and get into a group.
Here's what happened: There were a good number of folks who walked over on Saturday night, but today, in both services, there was a mob! Folks were hanging out and talking at the tables for a long time after each service (yes, I intentionally finished early, so there was extra time, but still...), and as I walked by the tables afterward, lots and lots of names were on the sign up sheets!
Reflecting on the experience today, here's what I think was going on:
First, the folks at LifePoint are excited to take God's Word seriously in their lives. Big thanks to Dr. John Jackson for leading them in that direction! It's fun to talk to a church full of people who are all ready to step up and follow the clear directions of the scripture.
Second, people are hungry for connection. People want to know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. At a time when technology has us wired, we're still longing for connection. I can't wait to see what happens at LifePoint as the relationships develop and people grow stronger together. The impact in the Carson Valley, and around the world, will be epic!
Way to go, Lifers!!
Here's what happened: There were a good number of folks who walked over on Saturday night, but today, in both services, there was a mob! Folks were hanging out and talking at the tables for a long time after each service (yes, I intentionally finished early, so there was extra time, but still...), and as I walked by the tables afterward, lots and lots of names were on the sign up sheets!
Reflecting on the experience today, here's what I think was going on:
First, the folks at LifePoint are excited to take God's Word seriously in their lives. Big thanks to Dr. John Jackson for leading them in that direction! It's fun to talk to a church full of people who are all ready to step up and follow the clear directions of the scripture.
Second, people are hungry for connection. People want to know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. At a time when technology has us wired, we're still longing for connection. I can't wait to see what happens at LifePoint as the relationships develop and people grow stronger together. The impact in the Carson Valley, and around the world, will be epic!
Way to go, Lifers!!
4.15.2010
A Lesson on Waiting Rooms
After big events like Easter weekend, I tend to have some kind of let down. I always attribute it to the adrenaline and excitement surrounding the big days that, when it subsides, leaves my body a little more vulnerable to the bugs in the air. I thought this year was going to be different, since for a whole week after Easter I was doing really well. My energy was up, my enthusiasm was high, the rush of all God did at LifePoint this Easter was fresh on my mind and heart, so I was going great! The first weekend of the new series, Make The Connection was really good, with a good turnout and tremendous feedback.
Then Monday hit.
I woke up to get Mac off to school, and I was sick. I went back to bed and slept most of the morning. When I did wake up, I was coughing and feeling miserable. I dragged myself down to the Urgent Care Center in Minden to get looked at, and found a waiting room full of people.
Turns out I wasn't the only one sick in the Carson Valley.
So I waited. They had been slammed all day, with many admissions to the local hospital, so they were very backed up. So I waited. And I waited. I Tweeted my Twitter and I waited. I watched Food Channel and I waited. I finally got back into an exam room, and then... I waited. Finally, the doctor showed up, looked in my ears, listened to my lungs, told me I had bronchitis, and sent me on my way. Three hours (not joking) of waiting for a five minute visit to tell me what I already knew.
When I got better this week, I realized that sometimes people have the same experience with church. They come, expecting something, but instead, they wait around for something to happen. They think it's going to be good, but sometimes, in the waiting, they lose sight of why they came. They know there's something good supposed to happen, but they end up being somewhat entertained, but not really. And they wait. And if they finally get where they thought they wanted to go, it seems somewhat anticlimactic. "I knew that already."
Instead of warehousing people, instead of creating a big waiting room for people to hang out in and be somewhat entertained, what if we offered real help and real connections for people when they arrived? What if, instead of waiting to see a pastor, we had lots of people who could offer assistance, care, compassion, a listening ear, and even training to be involved. Instead of passively waiting, folks could get actively involved in something, what would that be like?
That's why the shift in churches has been toward being more missional, more focused on getting folks connected and actively involved in their own faith journey, rather than passively sitting around waiting on someone else. It makes a difference in the lives of people much more quickly, and more effectively. Here's what I mean:
One of our leaders recruited unchurched people to come be a part of her ministry during our Easter weekend. Those people might have never set foot in church otherwise, but because of their connection this leader, they came. They attended a service to see what this was all about, despite having no intention of doing so at first, and they heard the gospel loud and clear. The impact was real: afterward, they wanted to know more.
Not sitting around watching a show, but connected relationally and actively participating as they had a chance to connect to Jesus. What if church was like that, and not so much like a waiting room? Would Jesus smile?
Then Monday hit.
I woke up to get Mac off to school, and I was sick. I went back to bed and slept most of the morning. When I did wake up, I was coughing and feeling miserable. I dragged myself down to the Urgent Care Center in Minden to get looked at, and found a waiting room full of people.
Turns out I wasn't the only one sick in the Carson Valley.
So I waited. They had been slammed all day, with many admissions to the local hospital, so they were very backed up. So I waited. And I waited. I Tweeted my Twitter and I waited. I watched Food Channel and I waited. I finally got back into an exam room, and then... I waited. Finally, the doctor showed up, looked in my ears, listened to my lungs, told me I had bronchitis, and sent me on my way. Three hours (not joking) of waiting for a five minute visit to tell me what I already knew.
When I got better this week, I realized that sometimes people have the same experience with church. They come, expecting something, but instead, they wait around for something to happen. They think it's going to be good, but sometimes, in the waiting, they lose sight of why they came. They know there's something good supposed to happen, but they end up being somewhat entertained, but not really. And they wait. And if they finally get where they thought they wanted to go, it seems somewhat anticlimactic. "I knew that already."
Instead of warehousing people, instead of creating a big waiting room for people to hang out in and be somewhat entertained, what if we offered real help and real connections for people when they arrived? What if, instead of waiting to see a pastor, we had lots of people who could offer assistance, care, compassion, a listening ear, and even training to be involved. Instead of passively waiting, folks could get actively involved in something, what would that be like?
That's why the shift in churches has been toward being more missional, more focused on getting folks connected and actively involved in their own faith journey, rather than passively sitting around waiting on someone else. It makes a difference in the lives of people much more quickly, and more effectively. Here's what I mean:
One of our leaders recruited unchurched people to come be a part of her ministry during our Easter weekend. Those people might have never set foot in church otherwise, but because of their connection this leader, they came. They attended a service to see what this was all about, despite having no intention of doing so at first, and they heard the gospel loud and clear. The impact was real: afterward, they wanted to know more.
Not sitting around watching a show, but connected relationally and actively participating as they had a chance to connect to Jesus. What if church was like that, and not so much like a waiting room? Would Jesus smile?
4.06.2010
Easter At LifePoint, Part 2
Tuesday, and stories are coming in about lives impacted by the weekend at LifePoint Church:
- One person let me know that they led people to Christ at the dinner table over an Easter meal after the services on Sunday. You have to know how fired up that makes me! That's the definition of teamwork: The worship team opens the door, I tell the story, someone else walks people they know across the finish line, Jesus wins!!
- Some folks told a staffer that they are moving here soon, were visiting again over the holiday weekend, stopped in and were touched by the service. Now they can't wait to get back and get involved.
- Children's ministry folks heard that some of the first time volunteers were seriously looking to jump on board more regularly after Easter. Yahoo!!
- One person who did kids ministry most of the services got to pray with six kids to receive Christ!! That NEVER gets old!
- Hearing multiple stories of folks coming to multiple services in order to bring more friends to hear about Jesus.
- Folks at Guest Central noticed that more and more of our regulars were bringing their friends to the Guest Central counter to introduce them and help them get connected. WAY TO GO LIFERS!!!
- One college student ended up with eight invite tickets from all the Lifers they knew inviting them. Nice!!
- One person noticed that we had plenty of volunteer help this year. Folks stepped up and offered their time and energy to help - very servant-hearted!!
- Lots and lots of comments, notes, postings and phone calls about how folks were touched and even moved by the Friday night service and how God moved even after the lights went out. If you missed that, look here for part of the story.
And there's more where that came from! If you have a story from the Easter weekend at LifePoint, make a point to post it here. Let's share what God has done!
4.04.2010
Easter At LifePoint, Part 1
I'm so excited about what God did at LifePoint Church this weekend, I want to sing and jump up and down, but I'm my throat hurts and I'm wiped out, so my heart is dancing (or, as my friend Stacy likes to say, "my heart is pink and full of Spanish!")!!
So the first of six services was Friday night, and everything had come together. The message was done, and I got to see the dance number I in it's entirety that morning, and it looked great. A few tweaks to the order of service, and we felt like it was ready. All week we had been praying for the light board to work, and it was working great. So, 6 pm rolls around, and we start. The first song, then the dance number go off amazingly well, and the crowd was into the experience.
Then the lights flickered hard, like they wanted to go out, but came back up. All that did was take out the media and jack up the lights, but it all got put back in place pretty fast, so by the middle of the next song, it was all up and running like normal. All through it, the band played on, and the congregation sang, or tried to without the words on the screen. Pretty cool, and just a great bunch of work by the band and the team working sound and media.
So I got up to start the message, and it's rolling along well, the crowd was following right along, when suddenly, about 2/3 through, the lights flicker hard again... and stay out. Totally. Pitch. Black.
The emergency lights come on, and the crowd all laughs at the predicament. They start telling me to keep going, so I joke, "I can't see my notes!" Someone in the crowd comes up with a flashlight, and I kept going, pushing my voice a bit to get to the back row, but not too bad (years of football coaching comes in handy!).
The kids ministry folks do an amazing job keeping the kids calm and still focused, and word was that five kids received Christ in their service. Wow.
So after the service, I'm super proud of the team and all the work to get through what was obviously a difficult situation with more than just grace, but also with great presence of mind and real ministry hearts. But I'm feeling a little down that people will walk away and remember what a great job we did to finish out the service, but they won't remember Jesus.
Then, Saturday morning, I'm at the gym when a lady comes up and introduces herself to me. She tells me that she had three people she invited who had either never been to church or never been to LifePoint. She said they had a wonderful experience, and they were really excited about coming back.
I was stunned. Turns out God works, not only in the dark, but in my moment of doubt. I was worried that folks wouldn't see Jesus in all that chaos, but the truth is, He shined brighter than ever for those who needed Him the most.
That story did more to stoke my fire than anything else could have. Every service after that, I walked to the platform knowing that God was there, whether people were there to see the dance, hear the band, listen to me or for any other reason they might have listed. God was there, and He was making Himself known to people far from Him.
Such a blessing. Thank you to all the Lifers for praying, inviting, serving, giving and showing up to see Jesus be famous in our valley. And thanks to the guy who loaned me the flashlight. :)
More later...
So the first of six services was Friday night, and everything had come together. The message was done, and I got to see the dance number I in it's entirety that morning, and it looked great. A few tweaks to the order of service, and we felt like it was ready. All week we had been praying for the light board to work, and it was working great. So, 6 pm rolls around, and we start. The first song, then the dance number go off amazingly well, and the crowd was into the experience.
Then the lights flickered hard, like they wanted to go out, but came back up. All that did was take out the media and jack up the lights, but it all got put back in place pretty fast, so by the middle of the next song, it was all up and running like normal. All through it, the band played on, and the congregation sang, or tried to without the words on the screen. Pretty cool, and just a great bunch of work by the band and the team working sound and media.
So I got up to start the message, and it's rolling along well, the crowd was following right along, when suddenly, about 2/3 through, the lights flicker hard again... and stay out. Totally. Pitch. Black.
The emergency lights come on, and the crowd all laughs at the predicament. They start telling me to keep going, so I joke, "I can't see my notes!" Someone in the crowd comes up with a flashlight, and I kept going, pushing my voice a bit to get to the back row, but not too bad (years of football coaching comes in handy!).
The kids ministry folks do an amazing job keeping the kids calm and still focused, and word was that five kids received Christ in their service. Wow.
So after the service, I'm super proud of the team and all the work to get through what was obviously a difficult situation with more than just grace, but also with great presence of mind and real ministry hearts. But I'm feeling a little down that people will walk away and remember what a great job we did to finish out the service, but they won't remember Jesus.
Then, Saturday morning, I'm at the gym when a lady comes up and introduces herself to me. She tells me that she had three people she invited who had either never been to church or never been to LifePoint. She said they had a wonderful experience, and they were really excited about coming back.
I was stunned. Turns out God works, not only in the dark, but in my moment of doubt. I was worried that folks wouldn't see Jesus in all that chaos, but the truth is, He shined brighter than ever for those who needed Him the most.
That story did more to stoke my fire than anything else could have. Every service after that, I walked to the platform knowing that God was there, whether people were there to see the dance, hear the band, listen to me or for any other reason they might have listed. God was there, and He was making Himself known to people far from Him.
Such a blessing. Thank you to all the Lifers for praying, inviting, serving, giving and showing up to see Jesus be famous in our valley. And thanks to the guy who loaned me the flashlight. :)
More later...
4.02.2010
Praying a 'Paul Prayer' for Easter
I try to take time every day to spend reading the Bible and praying just for me. As much as I'm reading and studying for messages, teaching opportunities, etc... I want and need time for me and Jesus to talk, not just for what I can share with others. It helps me focus and stay grounded, and I have always struggled with keeping it regular in my life. I'm doing better these days, and calling it my Priority Time instead of my Quiet Time has helped, but that's a post for a different day.
I was reading in Colossians the other day, and Paul asks for the church folk there to pray for him. Pray that he would get opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with folks. Then, in chapter four, verse four he says, "Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should." That has really resonated with me this week.
I need to proclaim the message of the Resurrection as clearly as I should. Clear enough that folks understand that this is the hinge issue of the entire Christian faith. That this one event is the focal point of all of history. That this one piece of the puzzle is what makes the rest of the Bible and the rest of life itself make any sense. I need to get that point across as clearly as I should, so that there is no mistaking what we believe.
We as Christ followers don't believe in the philosophy and teaching of a man, or the crazy stuff he said. We believe that Jesus died a public death and was raised to life again in front of witnesses who, in turn, gave their lives for what they saw. It is powerful, life changing truth, and it needs to be spoken clearly.
So pray for me, that I might proclaim the truth of the Resurrection this weekend as clearly as I should. And pray for all the other preachers who are going to do the same thing. And pray for the musicians, the greeters, the servers, the parking attendants, the children's workers, and the singers to all do the same thing: to proclaim the powerful truth of the Resurrection as clearly as we should. This is too important to be unclear. It's too powerful to let it slip by. It's too vital to miss. Pray that I and my co-laborers in Christ will all proclaim it as clearly as we should!!
God bless, and may Easter bring effective ministry to us all in Jesus' most powerful name!
I was reading in Colossians the other day, and Paul asks for the church folk there to pray for him. Pray that he would get opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with folks. Then, in chapter four, verse four he says, "Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should." That has really resonated with me this week.
I need to proclaim the message of the Resurrection as clearly as I should. Clear enough that folks understand that this is the hinge issue of the entire Christian faith. That this one event is the focal point of all of history. That this one piece of the puzzle is what makes the rest of the Bible and the rest of life itself make any sense. I need to get that point across as clearly as I should, so that there is no mistaking what we believe.
We as Christ followers don't believe in the philosophy and teaching of a man, or the crazy stuff he said. We believe that Jesus died a public death and was raised to life again in front of witnesses who, in turn, gave their lives for what they saw. It is powerful, life changing truth, and it needs to be spoken clearly.
So pray for me, that I might proclaim the truth of the Resurrection this weekend as clearly as I should. And pray for all the other preachers who are going to do the same thing. And pray for the musicians, the greeters, the servers, the parking attendants, the children's workers, and the singers to all do the same thing: to proclaim the powerful truth of the Resurrection as clearly as we should. This is too important to be unclear. It's too powerful to let it slip by. It's too vital to miss. Pray that I and my co-laborers in Christ will all proclaim it as clearly as we should!!
God bless, and may Easter bring effective ministry to us all in Jesus' most powerful name!
3.30.2010
A Kinder, Gentler Easter
We had an amazing prayer time at our Staff Worship today at LifePoint Church. A great time of zeroing in on what God was saying, what we're supposed to be hearing and doing, and especially praying for the folks who will come and hear the Good News this weekend. It was a privilege to hear people who spend so much of their time focusing on serving others still having the energy to lift up in prayer those they serve. I am privileged to lead a tremendously loving and focused team.
Later, a great discussion with the Worship staff about how they are relaxed and ready for Easter. That's such a good thing, not feeling pressured, rushed, buried, or crushed by the deadlines and the production. As much as I love big productions for the holidays, it's always better when folks don't feel and portray the stress of getting ready as they lead in worship. I want us to offer the best we have, and the best is not stress. It is a gift, and the gift comes from the Giver, who is also the Prince of Peace. Giving an Easter full of peace is a good gift.
I love big productions for the holidays, and they are definitely the right thing at the right time if done the right way with the right heart. I love the heart I've been hearing and seeing at LifePoint, and I think that we're going to portray that heart effectively to the folks who come.
Keep praying for the effectiveness of the message (Colossians 4:4) in all the ways it will be shared: music, dance, parking attendants, food servers, kid's ministry, the message, the media, the greeters and ushers, the grounds, the bathrooms and everywhere else. Everything we do for the people who come, we do for the Lord, and everything we do for the Lord has the opportunity to show the Love of God to the people who come.
I can't wait for EASTER!!!
Later, a great discussion with the Worship staff about how they are relaxed and ready for Easter. That's such a good thing, not feeling pressured, rushed, buried, or crushed by the deadlines and the production. As much as I love big productions for the holidays, it's always better when folks don't feel and portray the stress of getting ready as they lead in worship. I want us to offer the best we have, and the best is not stress. It is a gift, and the gift comes from the Giver, who is also the Prince of Peace. Giving an Easter full of peace is a good gift.
I love big productions for the holidays, and they are definitely the right thing at the right time if done the right way with the right heart. I love the heart I've been hearing and seeing at LifePoint, and I think that we're going to portray that heart effectively to the folks who come.
Keep praying for the effectiveness of the message (Colossians 4:4) in all the ways it will be shared: music, dance, parking attendants, food servers, kid's ministry, the message, the media, the greeters and ushers, the grounds, the bathrooms and everywhere else. Everything we do for the people who come, we do for the Lord, and everything we do for the Lord has the opportunity to show the Love of God to the people who come.
I can't wait for EASTER!!!
3.23.2010
Entertaining the Parents
Sorry for the space in between the posts, but my Mom and Dad are here, taking their spring break to come check out our new digs. They have been having fun seeing the new neighborhood, checking out the new church, and helping us continue the unpacking process. Mom orgainized the pantry (turns out that's a big job) today while I was working on my messages for this week and Easter. It's good to have a mom around, for sure!!
Mac is on the East Coast doing the Heritage Tour, seeing the historical and cultural sights and buying a sword. Yep, he's 13. :)
So when the visit is over, I'll get back to a more regular (?) schedule of posts, but for now, just know that the transition continues. I'm pretty sure this is normal, but I'm learning about a gigabite per day of tightly compressed information. Trouble is, I'm not an I Pod. But it's going well, I'm getting the hang of the language, the history and the people here at LifePoint. I'm blessed to be here, and blessed to get to use my gifts to serve Jesus in this place.
More soon...
Mac is on the East Coast doing the Heritage Tour, seeing the historical and cultural sights and buying a sword. Yep, he's 13. :)
So when the visit is over, I'll get back to a more regular (?) schedule of posts, but for now, just know that the transition continues. I'm pretty sure this is normal, but I'm learning about a gigabite per day of tightly compressed information. Trouble is, I'm not an I Pod. But it's going well, I'm getting the hang of the language, the history and the people here at LifePoint. I'm blessed to be here, and blessed to get to use my gifts to serve Jesus in this place.
More soon...
3.16.2010
Learning The Rhythm
My friends have asked how my 'first' weekend at LifePoint went. I thought it went great, and I've got a lot to learn. It wasn't my first time preaching, and it wasn't my first weekend as pastor here, but it was my first time preaching as pastor here, and it was great. I was glad to get off on the right foot, and extra glad for all the folks who were praying so hard for God to show up, because He did. I can't wait for this weekend and to keep rolling on what it means to Follow Jesus. I've heard some great stories already about folks taking seriously the call to Live Like Jesus and serve the way He served. That gets me fired up!!
Now a quick confession: There's a sense of rhythm that happens to almost anything, and especially when you do something regularly, like say a pastor preaching a message each week. I have a great feel for Sunday mornings with two services, because I've done that for a long time, but the Saturday night thing baffled me. When do I start getting ready? When do I get my 'game face' on? What should I eat? Should I eat? I had no idea about any of that stuff.
Pastors and other leaders: when you're doing something that's new, like adding a new service, or starting a new schedule, do yourself a favor and learn from my mistake: ask someone who's done it what the important issues are to consider before you jump into it. When I led a church to go from one service to two, I asked folks about the difference it makes having two services, and I got great advice (number 1 thing: don't skip breakfast!), but I forgot to ask about what to think about on Saturday nights.
Asking for advice is good. The Bible is clear: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Prov. 15:22 (NIV) How did I blow that one? Not every counselor is right, but if you don't ask any, you miss the chance to get the help that God's offering you.
So pray for me (some more...) that I keep asking God to show me who to listen to, and then that I hear from God through the advice of wise counsel. And that I figure out Saturday this week. :)
Now a quick confession: There's a sense of rhythm that happens to almost anything, and especially when you do something regularly, like say a pastor preaching a message each week. I have a great feel for Sunday mornings with two services, because I've done that for a long time, but the Saturday night thing baffled me. When do I start getting ready? When do I get my 'game face' on? What should I eat? Should I eat? I had no idea about any of that stuff.
Pastors and other leaders: when you're doing something that's new, like adding a new service, or starting a new schedule, do yourself a favor and learn from my mistake: ask someone who's done it what the important issues are to consider before you jump into it. When I led a church to go from one service to two, I asked folks about the difference it makes having two services, and I got great advice (number 1 thing: don't skip breakfast!), but I forgot to ask about what to think about on Saturday nights.
Asking for advice is good. The Bible is clear: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Prov. 15:22 (NIV) How did I blow that one? Not every counselor is right, but if you don't ask any, you miss the chance to get the help that God's offering you.
So pray for me (some more...) that I keep asking God to show me who to listen to, and then that I hear from God through the advice of wise counsel. And that I figure out Saturday this week. :)
3.14.2010
Message Delivered
The first one is in the books, and I'm pretty tired, but really excited about this first weekend preaching at LifePoint as the Lead Pastor. Lots of great feedback, and I was really glad to hear that lots and lots of folks signed up to help with the Easter Services. I'm always pumped up to hear that folks heard God's word and stepped out to do what it says.
I'm excited for what's coming, and I'm pretty fired up for the weeks we have leading up to Easter. Keep praying, because it's going to take more that just what we have to bring to the table to see the big move of God that's going to come. God has big plans, and we need to step into them with prayer and faith, open hearts and open hands.
Remember: invite cards are for giving to people that you invite to Easter services! :) Come to one, serve at another. It's the best way to celebrate the Ressurection Day!!
I'm excited for what's coming, and I'm pretty fired up for the weeks we have leading up to Easter. Keep praying, because it's going to take more that just what we have to bring to the table to see the big move of God that's going to come. God has big plans, and we need to step into them with prayer and faith, open hearts and open hands.
Remember: invite cards are for giving to people that you invite to Easter services! :) Come to one, serve at another. It's the best way to celebrate the Ressurection Day!!
3.11.2010
Lifting the Darkness
Okay, that title sounded more ominous that I meant it to. I'm just saying that I'm going to get back to blogging, so the blog won't be 'dark' anymore.
To all the folks out there who've been praying for my family and I as we make this transition to our new home in Minden, NV, a ginormous THANK YOU!!! We have felt lifted up and held close in all this. Our stuff got packed and transported in one piece, and now we are unpacking most of it in our temporary house. Still praying for the house in Idaho to sell, so feel free to pray with us.
In the same loving and gracious way that our First Baptist Family said goodbye to us, our LifePoint Family has welcomed us here to the Carson Valley. To give you a taste of the welcome: the youth staff found out that Mac is a fan of Mountain Dew, so when we get to our house, there were three cases of Mountain Dew cans hidden around the place or lined up in patterns. Mac was having a teenage boy version of an Easter egg hunt! Hilarious! This week my office was decorated with balloons and dark chocolate Reese's cups. Tasteful and tasty!!
After Curt Harlow shared the message this past weekend and the church prayed Beth and I into place, the work has begun in earnest. I'm learning the ropes, figuring out what I'm supposed to know, and finding all of the Starbucks in the valley. At times it feels like I'm getting further behind, but that's just a part of the transition. I've got great people helping me get up to speed, and we're going to make a dent in it before Easter, that's for sure.
I will get a rhythm going with the blog again soon, and I'm working at Twitter, so we'll see how this all pans out. Thanks for reading, and I hope to keep this informative, encouraging, and occasionally funny. As always, your comments are welcome!
To all the folks out there who've been praying for my family and I as we make this transition to our new home in Minden, NV, a ginormous THANK YOU!!! We have felt lifted up and held close in all this. Our stuff got packed and transported in one piece, and now we are unpacking most of it in our temporary house. Still praying for the house in Idaho to sell, so feel free to pray with us.
In the same loving and gracious way that our First Baptist Family said goodbye to us, our LifePoint Family has welcomed us here to the Carson Valley. To give you a taste of the welcome: the youth staff found out that Mac is a fan of Mountain Dew, so when we get to our house, there were three cases of Mountain Dew cans hidden around the place or lined up in patterns. Mac was having a teenage boy version of an Easter egg hunt! Hilarious! This week my office was decorated with balloons and dark chocolate Reese's cups. Tasteful and tasty!!
After Curt Harlow shared the message this past weekend and the church prayed Beth and I into place, the work has begun in earnest. I'm learning the ropes, figuring out what I'm supposed to know, and finding all of the Starbucks in the valley. At times it feels like I'm getting further behind, but that's just a part of the transition. I've got great people helping me get up to speed, and we're going to make a dent in it before Easter, that's for sure.
I will get a rhythm going with the blog again soon, and I'm working at Twitter, so we'll see how this all pans out. Thanks for reading, and I hope to keep this informative, encouraging, and occasionally funny. As always, your comments are welcome!
3.01.2010
Finishing at My Favorite Church
Yes, once again I overestimated my ability to get done with a major event and still have something in the tank to try to post. I'm sorry if you've been hanging out by your computer waiting. My bad.
Sunday morning was both surreal and sublime. After another great worship set, the message was something I hope encouraged and challenged my favorite church to step together with confidence into the future that Jesus has planned for them. It has been tough to think about the future of FBC Poky without thinking of myself being a part of it, but I have seen what my announcement and pending departure has done in the lives of some people. If all the folks who have told me that they are planning to step up and find their place to serve and move the church forward all follow through (and I will pray for all of them to do so), there's nothing that can or will stop this church family from victory for the Kingdom.
Afterward, there were so many warm wishes and personal remembrances, I was overwhelmed more than once.
Then there was lunch with some staff and friends. Rachel got to pick, and in a huge upset, Wingers won over Red Lobster. As with everything else in this process, one word comes to mind: unpredictable. :) A tradition of the Rude family joining the McCreadys for lunch was joined by Pastor MO, Un Boblito and the Pettits, which made a special 'last meal' extra special. Thanks to all of you, I love you so much.
We had to load up the cars and walk away from our house for the last time. That brought a few more tears, especially from Mac as he said goodbye to his room for the last time.
Then it was back to church for the farewell event. Half roast, half comedy show, half worship service, half eulogy - yes, I see that the math adds up to two events, and it was. After four hours, there were laughs, tears, moments of real surprise and a sense of how amazing God has been to all of us over the past four years. No disrespect to anyone, the whole event was amazing, heartfelt, and truly appreciated by my entire family and me, but there were some moments that stood out above the rest:
Let me end with this thought: I called FBC Pocatello my favorite church during the message Sunday morning. I meant it with all my heart. I mean that with no disrespect to the other churches I've served and been a part of in my life, and certainly none toward my new church. But the growth in my life, the experiences, and especially the privilege of being on the front row when God resurrected a dying church, are all unmatched in my life. While I look forward with excitement and a deep sense of call and purpose to the adventure of leading LifePoint Church, I will always have a special place in my heart for the friends and family I have in Pocatello. May God bless you all in every way as you stand as one man and fight to build the Kingdom of Jesus in that city. I carry you all in my heart.
I'm going to go dark here for a time, check back in a week or so. There are boxes to unpack, staffers to meet with, kids to register for school, a wife to love, and a new chapter to begin.
As always, thank you for your prayers. Talk soon!
Sunday morning was both surreal and sublime. After another great worship set, the message was something I hope encouraged and challenged my favorite church to step together with confidence into the future that Jesus has planned for them. It has been tough to think about the future of FBC Poky without thinking of myself being a part of it, but I have seen what my announcement and pending departure has done in the lives of some people. If all the folks who have told me that they are planning to step up and find their place to serve and move the church forward all follow through (and I will pray for all of them to do so), there's nothing that can or will stop this church family from victory for the Kingdom.
Afterward, there were so many warm wishes and personal remembrances, I was overwhelmed more than once.
Then there was lunch with some staff and friends. Rachel got to pick, and in a huge upset, Wingers won over Red Lobster. As with everything else in this process, one word comes to mind: unpredictable. :) A tradition of the Rude family joining the McCreadys for lunch was joined by Pastor MO, Un Boblito and the Pettits, which made a special 'last meal' extra special. Thanks to all of you, I love you so much.
We had to load up the cars and walk away from our house for the last time. That brought a few more tears, especially from Mac as he said goodbye to his room for the last time.
Then it was back to church for the farewell event. Half roast, half comedy show, half worship service, half eulogy - yes, I see that the math adds up to two events, and it was. After four hours, there were laughs, tears, moments of real surprise and a sense of how amazing God has been to all of us over the past four years. No disrespect to anyone, the whole event was amazing, heartfelt, and truly appreciated by my entire family and me, but there were some moments that stood out above the rest:
- Jessica Rude gave a fantastic recap of Beth's 9.5 years of leading the youth ministry with a tremendous mix of the serious and the funny. No, Beth does not really think she has all the spiritual gifts, nor is Santa just Satan spelled backwards, but the impact of Beth's ministry continues to be felt in the lives of the students she led, and in the church family as a whole. That was great work, Jessa.
- The look of shock on my face was real when Gene Martin walked onto the platform to share about the missions work over the years, including the trip he and I got to be a part of to New Orleans. To say Gene is a little uncomfortable in front of groups is like saying Canada is a little proud of their hockey team. But he was up there letting the world know what God had led this church to do for people outside our local community. I am so proud of him. Again.
- Auctioning off a tie in my honor was genius. And I'm buying a steak, just so you know.
- Pastor Mike Harris from Arco stole the show in my opinion. A Top Ten list, a giant cookie, a statement that will live forever in... my heart (and no, I can't share it on the web, sorry), and fried pickles. I may never be able to wipe the smile off my face. Sign that boy up for a comedy night, someone!!
- I thought I had cried all my tears for the week (or year...) until I heard the statistic that we had baptized over 175 people in 14 years. I didn't realize that it had been that many, and it shocked me to hear it. That's 100 more people than were in the church in 1996. All that tells me is that God was very busy changing lives over the last 14 years.
- Kathy Nelson is not the public speaker on the staff, but her explanation of the reach-out history, from Concert In The Park to Recovery Fest left me in awe. If there's one thing I'm the most proud of is that we listened to what God said to us and went out to love others in Jesus name.
Let me end with this thought: I called FBC Pocatello my favorite church during the message Sunday morning. I meant it with all my heart. I mean that with no disrespect to the other churches I've served and been a part of in my life, and certainly none toward my new church. But the growth in my life, the experiences, and especially the privilege of being on the front row when God resurrected a dying church, are all unmatched in my life. While I look forward with excitement and a deep sense of call and purpose to the adventure of leading LifePoint Church, I will always have a special place in my heart for the friends and family I have in Pocatello. May God bless you all in every way as you stand as one man and fight to build the Kingdom of Jesus in that city. I carry you all in my heart.
I'm going to go dark here for a time, check back in a week or so. There are boxes to unpack, staffers to meet with, kids to register for school, a wife to love, and a new chapter to begin.
As always, thank you for your prayers. Talk soon!
2.27.2010
Saturday At Starbucks
Yesterday was hard. The truck came and loaded all our worldly possessions, leaving an empty (and somewhat dirty...) house where we used to live. The kids were off playing with friends for most of the day, so when they came home to their house and found it empty, there were tears. They are still excited about moving, excited for the new adventure, but it's hard to leave the only place you've ever lived, and for Rachel, the only house she's ever called home. I told her about her first day home, her first steps, and all the other firsts in that house. She laughed and cried and slept like a rock last night. Good for her.
Today, while Beth and friends are cleaning so we can sell our house (pray early, pray often!), I'm here at Starbucks trying to write my last message to the church here in Pocatello as their pastor. I know that I might get invited back someday for an anniversary, or a building dedication, or something else big and fun, but maybe not. Whatever the future holds, I have tomorrow to share my last word from God to the people of the FBC Family. It's a good word, and I think god's been prepping my heart for it for the entire month. But now when the thoughts and ideas are supposed to be coming into the keyboard, they collide with feelings and emotions, and it once again becomes more difficult than usual.
So on the last Saturday of my ministry here, the last message waits for the last mocha to stir the last thoughts to become the last sermon of my last Sunday. I love these people; always have, even during the tough times. I love what God has done here, both in them and in me through them. I think I gained as much or more than I gave, and I know I gave my all. God has a great plan for this church, and I know that the best days are in front of them.
Tomorrow I'll post one last time from here. After that, I'll go dark for a while, so that I can get my life together at the other end. Truck gets to Minden on Tuesday, kids start school and my first staff meeting on Wednesday, and I've got an Accountability Team meeting on Saturday. One week from today, I'll be drinking a mocha from a different Starbucks in a different state at a different office of a different church. I'm trusting in God to make this all work right, but for now, one last message remains.
Thanks again to all for the prayers on our behalf. I can't imagine how hard this would be without all of you praying for all of us. The Lord Bless you.
Today, while Beth and friends are cleaning so we can sell our house (pray early, pray often!), I'm here at Starbucks trying to write my last message to the church here in Pocatello as their pastor. I know that I might get invited back someday for an anniversary, or a building dedication, or something else big and fun, but maybe not. Whatever the future holds, I have tomorrow to share my last word from God to the people of the FBC Family. It's a good word, and I think god's been prepping my heart for it for the entire month. But now when the thoughts and ideas are supposed to be coming into the keyboard, they collide with feelings and emotions, and it once again becomes more difficult than usual.
So on the last Saturday of my ministry here, the last message waits for the last mocha to stir the last thoughts to become the last sermon of my last Sunday. I love these people; always have, even during the tough times. I love what God has done here, both in them and in me through them. I think I gained as much or more than I gave, and I know I gave my all. God has a great plan for this church, and I know that the best days are in front of them.
Tomorrow I'll post one last time from here. After that, I'll go dark for a while, so that I can get my life together at the other end. Truck gets to Minden on Tuesday, kids start school and my first staff meeting on Wednesday, and I've got an Accountability Team meeting on Saturday. One week from today, I'll be drinking a mocha from a different Starbucks in a different state at a different office of a different church. I'm trusting in God to make this all work right, but for now, one last message remains.
Thanks again to all for the prayers on our behalf. I can't imagine how hard this would be without all of you praying for all of us. The Lord Bless you.
2.24.2010
Lunch
Today was an important day. Our staff has had a tradition of doing lunch out together for special occasions. Birthdays mainly, Administrative Professional's Day for sure, but some other stuff once in a while, too. After staff meeting on a Wednesday we go. Sometimes it's a surprise where we end up, sometimes it's a vote, sometimes it's the choice of the 'honoree.'
Today was my last staff lunch as the pastor of FBC Pocatello.
They let me pick, so we went to Red Lobster (which was everyone's guess ahead of time), and once again we sat around a large, round table and talked, ate and enjoyed each other. It has been my privilege to serve with some amazing people over the years, and to have lunches with them and celebrate. This one was no different. Lots of laughter, lots of shrimp, lots of fun with people I love.
I wish that we could have another lunch and have Beth, Becky, Troy, Tait, Nico, Bill, Brittney,Quentin, Patti, Megan, Linda, Brian, Kyle, Becky and Diana there, just to be the full history of the FBC Staff while I've been here, but that will have to wait until the 125 anniversary of the church (circle your calendar for November, 2016!).
I got to tell them once again how much I love them, how I am confident in their ministry and the future of FBC, and how I'm invested in them personally into the future, whatever future that is for them. These are great people, doing great work with great hearts, and I'm proud of them, proud to serve with them, and proud to call them friends. FBC Family, you are blessed to have such great people working with you and leading you.
I got asked what my favorite part of being on staff with these folks was, and the answer came easier than I expected. As much as I have loved doing ministry day to day with everyone, my favorite part has always been the road trips. The trips to Saddleback, the Nightmare at Deer Lodge, the Boise trip, Seattle, even the infamous Tri Cities trek are all special memories. Being out of our context, being real people together, talking, dreaming, eating good food, and having some unhurried time on the road has always been some of the best fun and most productive think/plan/dream time. Terms like, "Roma-rita," "Red Roof Inn," "Anger Management," and "We're together...not TOGETHER..." all invoke an insider's smile and warm memories for me.
I will miss coming to the office and seeing you, I will miss working and worshiping with you, and I will miss being molded and shaped by your lives and ministries. May God bless each of you - Karl, Stacy, Kathy, Aaron, Chris and Vern. I love you, and I can't wait to see what God does in and through each of you in the days and years to come.
Today was my last staff lunch as the pastor of FBC Pocatello.
They let me pick, so we went to Red Lobster (which was everyone's guess ahead of time), and once again we sat around a large, round table and talked, ate and enjoyed each other. It has been my privilege to serve with some amazing people over the years, and to have lunches with them and celebrate. This one was no different. Lots of laughter, lots of shrimp, lots of fun with people I love.
I wish that we could have another lunch and have Beth, Becky, Troy, Tait, Nico, Bill, Brittney,Quentin, Patti, Megan, Linda, Brian, Kyle, Becky and Diana there, just to be the full history of the FBC Staff while I've been here, but that will have to wait until the 125 anniversary of the church (circle your calendar for November, 2016!).
I got to tell them once again how much I love them, how I am confident in their ministry and the future of FBC, and how I'm invested in them personally into the future, whatever future that is for them. These are great people, doing great work with great hearts, and I'm proud of them, proud to serve with them, and proud to call them friends. FBC Family, you are blessed to have such great people working with you and leading you.
I got asked what my favorite part of being on staff with these folks was, and the answer came easier than I expected. As much as I have loved doing ministry day to day with everyone, my favorite part has always been the road trips. The trips to Saddleback, the Nightmare at Deer Lodge, the Boise trip, Seattle, even the infamous Tri Cities trek are all special memories. Being out of our context, being real people together, talking, dreaming, eating good food, and having some unhurried time on the road has always been some of the best fun and most productive think/plan/dream time. Terms like, "Roma-rita," "Red Roof Inn," "Anger Management," and "We're together...not TOGETHER..." all invoke an insider's smile and warm memories for me.
I will miss coming to the office and seeing you, I will miss working and worshiping with you, and I will miss being molded and shaped by your lives and ministries. May God bless each of you - Karl, Stacy, Kathy, Aaron, Chris and Vern. I love you, and I can't wait to see what God does in and through each of you in the days and years to come.
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