After a week of stay-cation (and a great celebration of Thanksgiving, coming from my heart full of gratitude for ALL God has done in my life), I got to go to another church last weekend. Pastor Roy Conover was teaching at LifePoint Church, I was on vacation, so I went down the road to another church in the valley to see what was going on there. Saw some cool stuff, heard a message on praising and giving thanks to God, and went home encouraged. God is doing good work in churches in the Carson Valley.
Now, as I write this, I'm in a hotel room in Minneapolis, MN, waiting to meet with Pastor Leith Anderson of Wooddale Church. I'm here with some other leaders from Growing Healthy Churches, a network of folks committed to seeing the message of Jesus spread across our region, our nation and our world. There were seven of us at dinner tonight from very different churches in very different situations and cultures, including one from Napa, CA, and one from Charlotte, NC.
What I love about these types of experiences is how great it is to get out of my own context and see what God is up to in other places. I learn boatloads from pastors in different places, doing different types and styles of ministry. I learn from seeing the place where it happens and, whenever I can, experiencing worship with a church family that is not mine, just to see how they bring their worship to God. Those kinds of "out of context" experiences teach me lots of lessons: I get to see what is going right in other churches, and what answers other wise folks have gotten to the questions of how to love like Jesus in their community. I also get a fresh perspective on my own church family, what we're doing really right and what needs work. If I never go anywhere or experience another church doing the ministry God gave them to do, then I miss out on all that God can teach me in another context.
So if you're out of town on a weekend, let me encourage you to stop in an experience another church family. When we at LifePoint Church do our Thank You Weekend on December 25 and 26, take advantage of that Sunday to go explore what other churches are doing. Don't miss the chance to learn something new, or get a fresh perspective on what God is doing back home in your church. It won't matter if the experience is great or awful, exciting or boring; in the experience, God will have an opportunity to show you something. Take Him up on the offer!
I'll tell you what I learned from this trip later this week. (yep, I'm getting back in the blog habit...)
11.30.2010
11.21.2010
Weekend Wrap
Some thoughts at the end of a snowy weekend at LifePoint:
- Weather or not...: We had a great turn out for the first snow weekend of the year. Saturday night was a lively bunch, and 10:45 was pretty full this morning. 9 AM is a little early for dealing with snow, but for all who made it, God showed up this weekend. Thanks to all who could make it for showing up and bringing your worship!
- Group Sighting: Pastor Mark Marsella had more than two dozen small group leaders meet for training, encouragement, and some vision casting. I poked my head in, and there was great energy, passion and focus in the room. Hearing good things coming out of that meeting, looking forward to God unleashing in our small groups!
- Sporting a 'Tude: Great feedback today from folks about the teaching - lots of folks catching on to the idea that a generous attitude is a part of God's work in us and through us. Can't wait to see how this impacts our church over the next few years. Yeah, I said it, we WILL become the MOST generous church in NEVADA!!
- One More: Next week, Pastor Roy teaches on Gratitude. Lots of great pieces in place for that service, DO NOT MISS IT!!
- Construction Starting: I've been getting updates from Sunny Cain that the Christmas set is starting to come together. There's a LOT of excitement building for our 6 (SIX) Christmas Eve services, and all the great stuff leading up to them. The theme: Thoughtful Gifts. Bring your friends and family to hear about the best gift ever!!
- 'Thank You Weekend': We announced that the weekend of Christmas (Saturday the 25th, Sunday the 26th) we will be honoring our hundreds of volunteers by giving them the weekend off (they will need it after the 6 (six!!) Christmas Eve services). No services that weekend, so our volunteers can spend time with their families. And from all of us to all the volunteers, "THANK YOU!!"
That's all my brain can do right now. have a great Thanksgiving Holiday if I don't see you, and All God's Best to you!
11.17.2010
Catching Up
Okay first, thanks for hanging in and being patient with me. Things have been intense lately, and I haven't had moments to read blogs, much less write one. So, here's the update, and the plan going forward:
After a process that tried my patience to the MAXIMUM, Beth and I were able to purchase a house last month. It's a very nice three bedroom home with a great kitchen, and a back yard full of... potential. It was bank owned, so the yard was abandoned months and months ago, leaving the grass and most of the trees dead. It will be a project for the spring, but some nice folks from church put in new grass in the front yard, so the neighbors like us right away. The house is closer to the church and in a nice neighborhood, close to Rachel's school and Mac's best friends. I just tried out the walking trail this morning, it is in great shape. I, however, am not.
We have spent the last month packing up, moving our stuff over, unpacking and setting up the new house, so workouts and just about anything else has been on the back burner. Other than cheering the SF Giants to the World Series win (while unpacking boxes), there's been little on the 'fun' side of the ledger. I'm so tired of cardboard right now...
Also while all the packing and moving and unpacking has gone on, we've been working on the budget for LifePoint Church. We're changing our fiscal year to start in July, so we're doing a 'mini-budget' for January through June. It's been a challenge to change how we think about budgeting and to try to forecast our congregation's giving going into the New Year. What's the economy going to do here? What's the excitement level going to be for what God is unveiling to us about the future?
The move of placing Pastor Mark Marsella over our small group ministry and take him out of Worship Arts has already paid dividends. We're seeing a huge influx of people wanting to be in groups, and we're praying and looking for leaders to rising to the surface to take on those groups. Mark and Gayle just went to a training event in Stockton this week, so progress and a plan for the future are both being made.
I'm excited about the current series, "Name That 'Tude," and Pastor Roy gets another opportunity to teach in this one. The Christmas series, set design, Christmas Eve services and all that are coming together very nicely right now, and the energy is building. I'm fired up to see what the end of this year and the start of 2011 have in store for us in God's plan.
Okay, that will get you (mostly) caught up. I'm going to try to blog two to three times a week, and we'll see what comes out of it. God is teaching me some great lessons, reminding me of some more great lessons I learned along my journey, and preparing me for more lessons to learn. It's an exciting time, and a time to learn to trust God more and more.
After a process that tried my patience to the MAXIMUM, Beth and I were able to purchase a house last month. It's a very nice three bedroom home with a great kitchen, and a back yard full of... potential. It was bank owned, so the yard was abandoned months and months ago, leaving the grass and most of the trees dead. It will be a project for the spring, but some nice folks from church put in new grass in the front yard, so the neighbors like us right away. The house is closer to the church and in a nice neighborhood, close to Rachel's school and Mac's best friends. I just tried out the walking trail this morning, it is in great shape. I, however, am not.
We have spent the last month packing up, moving our stuff over, unpacking and setting up the new house, so workouts and just about anything else has been on the back burner. Other than cheering the SF Giants to the World Series win (while unpacking boxes), there's been little on the 'fun' side of the ledger. I'm so tired of cardboard right now...
Also while all the packing and moving and unpacking has gone on, we've been working on the budget for LifePoint Church. We're changing our fiscal year to start in July, so we're doing a 'mini-budget' for January through June. It's been a challenge to change how we think about budgeting and to try to forecast our congregation's giving going into the New Year. What's the economy going to do here? What's the excitement level going to be for what God is unveiling to us about the future?
The move of placing Pastor Mark Marsella over our small group ministry and take him out of Worship Arts has already paid dividends. We're seeing a huge influx of people wanting to be in groups, and we're praying and looking for leaders to rising to the surface to take on those groups. Mark and Gayle just went to a training event in Stockton this week, so progress and a plan for the future are both being made.
I'm excited about the current series, "Name That 'Tude," and Pastor Roy gets another opportunity to teach in this one. The Christmas series, set design, Christmas Eve services and all that are coming together very nicely right now, and the energy is building. I'm fired up to see what the end of this year and the start of 2011 have in store for us in God's plan.
Okay, that will get you (mostly) caught up. I'm going to try to blog two to three times a week, and we'll see what comes out of it. God is teaching me some great lessons, reminding me of some more great lessons I learned along my journey, and preparing me for more lessons to learn. It's an exciting time, and a time to learn to trust God more and more.
11.06.2010
Life Update
Hey!
Yeah, this hasn't been my hangout of late, but here's the deal: we've bought a house, we're moving into it, and my life is in boxes. On top of that, some of the heavy lifting work of setting up our future ministry and how it's going to look at LifePoint Church has coincided with this move, so my life is full up with transitions, planning, and unpacking in all directions!!
That said, I'm going to do my best to get back on the blog-waggon here around Thanksgiving, when all this has settled down and we're on the run to Christmas.
Thanks for your prayers and for checking back, and we'll have some great, roof crashing stuff here in a bit.
Blessings,
Bill
Yeah, this hasn't been my hangout of late, but here's the deal: we've bought a house, we're moving into it, and my life is in boxes. On top of that, some of the heavy lifting work of setting up our future ministry and how it's going to look at LifePoint Church has coincided with this move, so my life is full up with transitions, planning, and unpacking in all directions!!
That said, I'm going to do my best to get back on the blog-waggon here around Thanksgiving, when all this has settled down and we're on the run to Christmas.
Thanks for your prayers and for checking back, and we'll have some great, roof crashing stuff here in a bit.
Blessings,
Bill
9.19.2010
Thoughts From The Weekend
I'm very excited by what God's doing at LifePoint Church, and before I fade into my bed tonight, here's a sampling:
- I had dozens of people come find me after services this weekend and tell me they were done 'hiding in plain sight.' Folks were looking for places to serve, connect and show that their relationship with Jesus is real to them. There were expressions of generosity and folks making sure to tell me they were working through their issues to be ready to serve. God promises that His Word will accomplish what He intends. This weekend is proof!
- There were a couple dozen people raise their hands to accept Christ as the Leader and Forgiver of their lives - that NEVER gets old!!
- I am loving the response to the whole No Perfect People Allowed series. From the video (the 'confessional' landed on some folks, for sure!) to the responses afterward, people are hearing from God, and I am fired up to see what He does next!!
- Despite some setbacks this week, our Worship Department created an experience for people to enter God's presence and give Him our full attention. Great job, team!
- We had a group of youth and leaders go to the Thriving Musicians Summit in Roseville, learning and growing in their musical abilities and worship leading. Can't wait to hear how this shows up in our Student Ministries.
And as excited as I am about what's going on right now, I can't wait for the Assessment process to let us know what we're doing well and what needs work. Have you taken the survey yet? In my 'end-of-the-weekend-exhausted' state, I just finished it. It won't hurt a bit, and it will help your church to be more effective in the future, so take a few minutes and get this done.
Taking the day off tomorrow, then right back to another week of making Jesus famous in the Carson Valley!! Goodnight!
9.18.2010
The Week That Was
I love this time of year. Selfishly, it's partly because of my birthday being mid-September, but there are other reasons:
In Sports: Baseball becomes meaningful in late August and into September, with pennant races, playoffs on the line, and late season call ups to see how next years rookies are going to look. Basketball talk starts to warm up and preseason camps will start to open soon. But the most important, like changing event is the beginning of football season! (HALLELUJAH CHORUS!!) My heart beats faster at the thought of pads popping and all the sights and sounds of football. It brings me back to many great memories on the field and in the stands. I. LOVE. FOOTBALL.
In Family: The kids are back in the swing of school, they are connecting with friends, doing homework, getting smarter and finding themselves a bit more every day. I am in awe to see the growth and development of my son as he becomes a young man and finds his way around the world. He's making good friends and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. My daughter is showing off her brains again, accepted into a competitive math team (math? really?), and doing great in school.
In Church: All the ministries that lay dormant over the summer spring back to life: kids midweek stuff, Adult Bible study stuff, Women's ministry stuff... all of is comes back like the flowers in spring, only on the other end of the calendar. I love the energy, the excitement of seeing the life changing message of Christ shared in so many venues. It's invigorating, like the crisp air we are beginning to notice in the mornings.
I love this time of year! It is my absolute favorite. Do you love it, or do you prefer something else?
In Sports: Baseball becomes meaningful in late August and into September, with pennant races, playoffs on the line, and late season call ups to see how next years rookies are going to look. Basketball talk starts to warm up and preseason camps will start to open soon. But the most important, like changing event is the beginning of football season! (HALLELUJAH CHORUS!!) My heart beats faster at the thought of pads popping and all the sights and sounds of football. It brings me back to many great memories on the field and in the stands. I. LOVE. FOOTBALL.
In Family: The kids are back in the swing of school, they are connecting with friends, doing homework, getting smarter and finding themselves a bit more every day. I am in awe to see the growth and development of my son as he becomes a young man and finds his way around the world. He's making good friends and seems to have a good head on his shoulders. My daughter is showing off her brains again, accepted into a competitive math team (math? really?), and doing great in school.
In Church: All the ministries that lay dormant over the summer spring back to life: kids midweek stuff, Adult Bible study stuff, Women's ministry stuff... all of is comes back like the flowers in spring, only on the other end of the calendar. I love the energy, the excitement of seeing the life changing message of Christ shared in so many venues. It's invigorating, like the crisp air we are beginning to notice in the mornings.
I love this time of year! It is my absolute favorite. Do you love it, or do you prefer something else?
9.14.2010
Has It REALLY Been Six Months?
I was asked by the Accountability Team here at LifePoint Church to give a six month overview of our ministry at our last meeting this past Saturday. In all the preparation for it, I rushed past the most important part: I've been on the job here for SIX MONTHS!! In one of those "time/space continuum" issues, it feels both longer and shorter than that for me.
It feels a lot longer than six months because I've really come to love this church, the people here, the staff and the leaders. I am drawn more and more to the calling God has placed in my life to be here and lead this church family, and I keep finding new reasons to know in my heart I'm supposed to be here. The hard things as well as the good things connect me to this place, these people and this ministry. I want more than anything to see this church succeed, to prosper in God's plan, and to make Jesus famous in the Carson Valley.
It feels a lot shorter than six months because I still feel like we just landed. I still miss my friends in Idaho, I still feel like there is so much to see and do in this area, and I still feel like I'm learning at a ridiculous pace just to keep even. I constantly need to ask for a history lesson when ideas, suggestions, or issues come up, so that I don't pass over too quickly what I might need to know to make a good decision even better.
I know I'm not alone in this odd, long-and-short-time conundrum. I'm sure that for some, it feels like I've been here forever, and for others, like I just got here yesterday. I think God must laugh at us humans trying to wrap our minds around time and our perception of it. It must be a much better vantage point to be outside of time, look in, see the beginning and the end simultaneously, and know how it all plays out before it starts. I'm glad to know that God knows all, sees all, and is still willing to walk through the middle with us.
In the middle with you,
Bill
It feels a lot longer than six months because I've really come to love this church, the people here, the staff and the leaders. I am drawn more and more to the calling God has placed in my life to be here and lead this church family, and I keep finding new reasons to know in my heart I'm supposed to be here. The hard things as well as the good things connect me to this place, these people and this ministry. I want more than anything to see this church succeed, to prosper in God's plan, and to make Jesus famous in the Carson Valley.
It feels a lot shorter than six months because I still feel like we just landed. I still miss my friends in Idaho, I still feel like there is so much to see and do in this area, and I still feel like I'm learning at a ridiculous pace just to keep even. I constantly need to ask for a history lesson when ideas, suggestions, or issues come up, so that I don't pass over too quickly what I might need to know to make a good decision even better.
I know I'm not alone in this odd, long-and-short-time conundrum. I'm sure that for some, it feels like I've been here forever, and for others, like I just got here yesterday. I think God must laugh at us humans trying to wrap our minds around time and our perception of it. It must be a much better vantage point to be outside of time, look in, see the beginning and the end simultaneously, and know how it all plays out before it starts. I'm glad to know that God knows all, sees all, and is still willing to walk through the middle with us.
In the middle with you,
Bill
9.09.2010
A Powerful, Peaceful Thought
I am always looking for people who are doing better and smarter work than me so I can learn from them. I listen so I can maybe shave a few extra steps off my journey where possible, and overall grow as a person, leader and pastor. I know that if I am limited to using only my own ideas, not only am I in trouble, but so is my church.
So when I got the opportunity to visit with a prominent pastor (name withheld by request), I took it. A small number of other pastors got to hang with him for a day, pick his brain, watch his process, and basically soak in whatever wisdom, leadership and spiritual growth we could carry away. I learned a great deal in that day, and I'm already putting some of it into practice in my life and in my leadership, but one nugget for sure is worth sharing.
He said that one of the thoughts that he holds onto every day is this: "I have nothing to prove and no one to impress."
Seriously, read that again.
This is an impressive guy. He's got an impressive church. He's doing impressive ministry on a national stage, and making a HUGE difference in his community. But his ministry has been built on this idea. He's made choices to not grow his church as fast as it possibly could grow, in favor of sustainability, sanity and health for him and his staff, volunteers and the rest.
When I took the role of Lead Pastor at LifePoint Church 6 months ago, I realized that I could easily fall into the trap of pushing to 'earn' what I had been given me. Much like grace, sometimes we want to earn what God has freely given us by our own good works, even though the Bible teaches we cannot add anything to what Christ has done for us. As a pastor, it's easy to think to yourself, "I'm saved by grace, but I minister by works" as if God will not love me if I'm not killing myself, over-committing, and burning the candle at both end's and in the middle, too. There's always something to do, always someone to talk to, always one more box to check. But who am I trying to impress with my schedule? What am I trying to prove with my hectic, worried pace? Does it make me a better pastor? A better leader? A better Christ-follower? I don't think so.
Hearing this obviously successful leader admit that he's trying to continue to live by this axiom, and hearing how he succeeds at that most of the time, I was able to take a huge, deep breath of peace. I do not have to impress anyone, either. I don't have to earn what has been given to me. I didn't hear this as a call to be a slacker (Proverbs calls them "sluggards"). Certainly, I must do what I've been called to do, and do it to the best of my abilities. But no more than that. I have no one to impress (meaning if God is happy with me, who else matters?), and nothing to prove (I can't add to what God has done for me, so what else is there?)
I feel like I'm giving my best to God in this new adventure, and I feel like I'm honoring Him with my time. At the same time, I am feeling a peace with myself and my life that can only be explained as supernatural. God is giving me peace, because I'm able to say: I have nothing to prove, and no one to impress.
This thought has layered peace on my heart. I hope it does the same for you.
So when I got the opportunity to visit with a prominent pastor (name withheld by request), I took it. A small number of other pastors got to hang with him for a day, pick his brain, watch his process, and basically soak in whatever wisdom, leadership and spiritual growth we could carry away. I learned a great deal in that day, and I'm already putting some of it into practice in my life and in my leadership, but one nugget for sure is worth sharing.
He said that one of the thoughts that he holds onto every day is this: "I have nothing to prove and no one to impress."
Seriously, read that again.
This is an impressive guy. He's got an impressive church. He's doing impressive ministry on a national stage, and making a HUGE difference in his community. But his ministry has been built on this idea. He's made choices to not grow his church as fast as it possibly could grow, in favor of sustainability, sanity and health for him and his staff, volunteers and the rest.
When I took the role of Lead Pastor at LifePoint Church 6 months ago, I realized that I could easily fall into the trap of pushing to 'earn' what I had been given me. Much like grace, sometimes we want to earn what God has freely given us by our own good works, even though the Bible teaches we cannot add anything to what Christ has done for us. As a pastor, it's easy to think to yourself, "I'm saved by grace, but I minister by works" as if God will not love me if I'm not killing myself, over-committing, and burning the candle at both end's and in the middle, too. There's always something to do, always someone to talk to, always one more box to check. But who am I trying to impress with my schedule? What am I trying to prove with my hectic, worried pace? Does it make me a better pastor? A better leader? A better Christ-follower? I don't think so.
Hearing this obviously successful leader admit that he's trying to continue to live by this axiom, and hearing how he succeeds at that most of the time, I was able to take a huge, deep breath of peace. I do not have to impress anyone, either. I don't have to earn what has been given to me. I didn't hear this as a call to be a slacker (Proverbs calls them "sluggards"). Certainly, I must do what I've been called to do, and do it to the best of my abilities. But no more than that. I have no one to impress (meaning if God is happy with me, who else matters?), and nothing to prove (I can't add to what God has done for me, so what else is there?)
I feel like I'm giving my best to God in this new adventure, and I feel like I'm honoring Him with my time. At the same time, I am feeling a peace with myself and my life that can only be explained as supernatural. God is giving me peace, because I'm able to say: I have nothing to prove, and no one to impress.
This thought has layered peace on my heart. I hope it does the same for you.
9.07.2010
LifeNight at LifePoint
I'm wired and wiped at the same time. We held a night of worship and praise at LifePoint Church tonight, and it was AWESOME! We called it LifeNight: A Divine Appointment, and I think it more than lived up to it's name.
I'm all for any extended time of singing praise and worship, but because I know it's not every one's cup of tea, we don't do it every single week. Personally, I've always enjoyed concerts of praise, sing-a-longs or whatever will allow for a long musical worship experience (I even sang in cantatas back in the day...), so I was pumped for this. But it was more than just the worship music that made it special:
I'm all for any extended time of singing praise and worship, but because I know it's not every one's cup of tea, we don't do it every single week. Personally, I've always enjoyed concerts of praise, sing-a-longs or whatever will allow for a long musical worship experience (I even sang in cantatas back in the day...), so I was pumped for this. But it was more than just the worship music that made it special:
- There was much prayer - Before, all during the preparation, all during rehearsals, from people on the platform and off, there were lots of prayers going up for this event. Then during the event, people willing to pray with folks, folks coming to the steps of the stage to pray, and leaders praying from the platform all made it a prayer concert as much as a musical one.
- One of the best testimony videos I've seen - six Lifers shared their stories of God's redeeming work in their lives. From drug addiction to gangs, from marriage issues to unemployment, the stories were real, raw and relatable. I watched the audience dial into the narratives and no one budged. The gasps as one woman shared that she was healed of a debilitating disease were audible. The joy of a soul set free was infectious. It was the shortest 8 minute video I've ever seen, and it was WORSHIP!! The rescued voices lifting their stories to the glory of God!!
- The sweetest sound ever - The sign of a good meeting/service/event is always the same: how long do people stick around afterward and talk? If everyone bolts right away - fail. If people stay until the last possible moment, wanting to soak in as much of what they experienced as possible - epic win!! Tonight = epic win!! I finally left to take my kids home about an hour after the ending, and there were STILL people talking about what they experienced. The buzz of people talking and sharing, loving and fellowshipping is the sweetest sound at the end of the night.
I'm so proud of the LifePoint team for all the parts and pieces that went into this. This was a big win for the kingdom tonight!! Can't wait to see what comes next!
8.29.2010
Something Fun To Try
I like Twitter, I enjoy taking the 140 characters I've been allowed and make a message. I like reading the short, pithy comments and thoughts of people I want to hear from. It's a powerful discipline to be brief and clear in a world so full of words. I'm an extroverted, verbal processing teacher and speaker, and one of the hardest things for me to is work to keep things brief. So it's good to work hard to be concise.
Here at LifePoint Church, we've put together a team that is working to rethink, revise and reconnect to the vision God has for our church family. It's exciting work, important work, and just plain hard work. The first exercise: express a statement of belief for each of several concepts in 10 words or less.
So, reading scripture, praying, thinking, I sat down to work on this, and can I just tell you: THAT'S HARD TO DO!! Say what's really important about what you believe about prayer in 10 words or less. Go ahead. Or the Holy Spirit. Or church. It's not as easy as you think.
Now, imagine sitting in a room with a group of people who all come from different backgrounds, different church experiences, different educational experiences, and different life stages, and all of them have their 10 word statements, too. Now, you've got to combine, discuss, sift through and, most importantly agree on a single statement out of all you just did.
This is what I've been doing all weekend (around the great services at LifePoint), and it's been the most amazing experience. I'm learning a ton, sharing what I know, and growing along with the rest of the team. It's been hard, but it's been amazing. I can't tell you how great this experience has been. I'm so proud of the Lifers on this team, I'm so glad to have Dr. Bill Hoyt from Growing Healthy Churches come help, and I cannot wait to see where this whole process leads us as a church. More to come on all this, but I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and excited to see what comes next after all this work. So, in 10 words:
Preparing for God's powerful next chapter of ministry at LifePoint!
Here at LifePoint Church, we've put together a team that is working to rethink, revise and reconnect to the vision God has for our church family. It's exciting work, important work, and just plain hard work. The first exercise: express a statement of belief for each of several concepts in 10 words or less.
So, reading scripture, praying, thinking, I sat down to work on this, and can I just tell you: THAT'S HARD TO DO!! Say what's really important about what you believe about prayer in 10 words or less. Go ahead. Or the Holy Spirit. Or church. It's not as easy as you think.
Now, imagine sitting in a room with a group of people who all come from different backgrounds, different church experiences, different educational experiences, and different life stages, and all of them have their 10 word statements, too. Now, you've got to combine, discuss, sift through and, most importantly agree on a single statement out of all you just did.
This is what I've been doing all weekend (around the great services at LifePoint), and it's been the most amazing experience. I'm learning a ton, sharing what I know, and growing along with the rest of the team. It's been hard, but it's been amazing. I can't tell you how great this experience has been. I'm so proud of the Lifers on this team, I'm so glad to have Dr. Bill Hoyt from Growing Healthy Churches come help, and I cannot wait to see where this whole process leads us as a church. More to come on all this, but I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and excited to see what comes next after all this work. So, in 10 words:
Preparing for God's powerful next chapter of ministry at LifePoint!
8.22.2010
Tahoe Baptisms
Trying to get back to the blogosphere...
Today, LifePoint Church held it's 10th annual Tahoe Baptism service. We went up to the lake after church, there was food, lots of folks hanging out and having fun, and laughter filled with joy. Then we gathered by the side of the water and began to sing some worship. It was amazing to watch people's faces as they sang to the God of Creation by the side of one of His most beautiful creations.
Then, after a quick talk, a quick game of 'dunk the pastor,' and some instructions, people started coming forward to be baptized and make a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ. I was struck by the way the crowd celebrated and cheered for each one, but what really touched by how special it obviously was to each person being baptized. There were real tears, and shouts of real joy. God has changed these people's lives, and they were ready to celebrate it with their LifePoint family! There were 35 people who went public with their faith today, on a public beach in the most public way. And I am so humbled and blessed to be a witness to it, much less a part of it.
Hours later, people were still milling and talking and laughing and playing on the beach when I packed up my family and started for home. My first Tahoe Baptism, the church's 10th, and such an amazing preview of coming attractions. The fellowship was deep, and the joy was real. So good to be a part of this!!
After I got home, ate some pizza and reflected back on what we experienced today, I am again blown away by God's amazing love and grace. That I get to be a part of a ministry like LifePoint, where God's hand of favor is obviously on us is a blessing beyond words. In a season of transition, while we work to clarify the next steps in the life of this church family, to see and celebrate so much life change is a rare and beautiful thing. All praise to God for His abundant blessings!
I'm going to bed here soon, exhausted from a great day, full of joy for the ministry God is doing, and more excited than ever before about what He has in store for us next!!
Today, LifePoint Church held it's 10th annual Tahoe Baptism service. We went up to the lake after church, there was food, lots of folks hanging out and having fun, and laughter filled with joy. Then we gathered by the side of the water and began to sing some worship. It was amazing to watch people's faces as they sang to the God of Creation by the side of one of His most beautiful creations.
Then, after a quick talk, a quick game of 'dunk the pastor,' and some instructions, people started coming forward to be baptized and make a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ. I was struck by the way the crowd celebrated and cheered for each one, but what really touched by how special it obviously was to each person being baptized. There were real tears, and shouts of real joy. God has changed these people's lives, and they were ready to celebrate it with their LifePoint family! There were 35 people who went public with their faith today, on a public beach in the most public way. And I am so humbled and blessed to be a witness to it, much less a part of it.
Hours later, people were still milling and talking and laughing and playing on the beach when I packed up my family and started for home. My first Tahoe Baptism, the church's 10th, and such an amazing preview of coming attractions. The fellowship was deep, and the joy was real. So good to be a part of this!!
After I got home, ate some pizza and reflected back on what we experienced today, I am again blown away by God's amazing love and grace. That I get to be a part of a ministry like LifePoint, where God's hand of favor is obviously on us is a blessing beyond words. In a season of transition, while we work to clarify the next steps in the life of this church family, to see and celebrate so much life change is a rare and beautiful thing. All praise to God for His abundant blessings!
I'm going to bed here soon, exhausted from a great day, full of joy for the ministry God is doing, and more excited than ever before about what He has in store for us next!!
7.27.2010
Back from the Beach - Part 1
Today is 'back-in-the-saddle' day. Vacation is over, and much work is left to be done. I came back to a church that has kept on moving forward while I was gone, and now I get to jump on and keep rolling! I am so excited about what's in front of us, and pretty clear that the next few months are going to set the tone for the next season of ministry here at LifePoint Church.
So as I look ahead to what God's bringing, I just have to share a few tidbits that God showed me on vacation. First one is this:
I've been trying to get Mac and Rachel to learn how to swim for a few years. We tried lessons a couple years ago, but it killed me how they were being taught, and WHAT they were being taught. In 30 minutes of lessons, they would each get about 5 minutes of individual work, then spend the rest of the time sitting on the edge not doing anything. I've tried to teach them, but that hasn't gone well, mostly because they were doing what they had been taught, which wasn't helping.
So we got to Maui and rented snorkel equipment. The kids were fired up! Then we went to this protected cove where the water was not more than about 4 feet deep ever, and the rock wall kept the surf from pounding too badly. The kids got in, got used to the fins, and then wanted to go all over the place. Rachel kept holding my hand, but pulling me all over the cove, wanting to see whatever was under the water.
Later, after they got good at this, we went to a place near a wildlife reserve to snorkel. The reserve meant no fishing, so there were literally thousands of fish in the water. All colors, sizes, shapes. There, in 20 feet of water, goes Rachel. The girl who couldn't swim three strokes without stopping (the part of her lessons I couldn't seem to break her from) is now swimming all over this inlet, diving down under the water, clearing her snorkel, and having the time of her life. The last day, she even found a wolf eel and showed it to me. So much growth in two weeks!!
It just reminded me once again of how we need to bring up Christians behind us, whether it's discipleship or training in ministry. We need to give them the right equipment, then take them places where it's not too deep so they can get the confidence they need, but then take them where it's deeper, scarier, and more beautiful so they can enjoy all that God has for them. I've been telling the staff that 2 Timothy 2:2 is how we need to do business: "And the things you've heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." We need to pass on what we know so that others get the full effect and see the beauty of what God has created them to experience. Rachel will never forget her snorkel experience, her wolf eel, and her new found swimming ability. And I will never forget the joy of seeing her enjoy herself in this new and amazing way, playing with the fish.
More later. Aloha!
So as I look ahead to what God's bringing, I just have to share a few tidbits that God showed me on vacation. First one is this:
I've been trying to get Mac and Rachel to learn how to swim for a few years. We tried lessons a couple years ago, but it killed me how they were being taught, and WHAT they were being taught. In 30 minutes of lessons, they would each get about 5 minutes of individual work, then spend the rest of the time sitting on the edge not doing anything. I've tried to teach them, but that hasn't gone well, mostly because they were doing what they had been taught, which wasn't helping.
So we got to Maui and rented snorkel equipment. The kids were fired up! Then we went to this protected cove where the water was not more than about 4 feet deep ever, and the rock wall kept the surf from pounding too badly. The kids got in, got used to the fins, and then wanted to go all over the place. Rachel kept holding my hand, but pulling me all over the cove, wanting to see whatever was under the water.
Later, after they got good at this, we went to a place near a wildlife reserve to snorkel. The reserve meant no fishing, so there were literally thousands of fish in the water. All colors, sizes, shapes. There, in 20 feet of water, goes Rachel. The girl who couldn't swim three strokes without stopping (the part of her lessons I couldn't seem to break her from) is now swimming all over this inlet, diving down under the water, clearing her snorkel, and having the time of her life. The last day, she even found a wolf eel and showed it to me. So much growth in two weeks!!
It just reminded me once again of how we need to bring up Christians behind us, whether it's discipleship or training in ministry. We need to give them the right equipment, then take them places where it's not too deep so they can get the confidence they need, but then take them where it's deeper, scarier, and more beautiful so they can enjoy all that God has for them. I've been telling the staff that 2 Timothy 2:2 is how we need to do business: "And the things you've heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." We need to pass on what we know so that others get the full effect and see the beauty of what God has created them to experience. Rachel will never forget her snorkel experience, her wolf eel, and her new found swimming ability. And I will never forget the joy of seeing her enjoy herself in this new and amazing way, playing with the fish.
More later. Aloha!
7.11.2010
Time Away
Yep, it feels like we just got here, but it's time to get away. We have not been to visit Beth's parents since Rachel was about 2 years old, so today, on Rachel's 10th birthday, we're packing to go see Hal and Dee. It will be a fun two weeks, and I know that everything at LifePoint will run just ducky without me.
Taking time to unplug is vital to our mental and emotional health, and when you're job is ministry, it's also important to unplug for spiritual health. Being 'on' all the time as a pastor leads to burn out, and taking time away is powerful medicine against it. Burn out is an epidemic in church ministry, and I don't want myself or anyone on our staff falling victim to it. Pastor Mark took his family for a break a couple weeks ago, Pastor Jeremy before that, and Pastor Roy and Pastor Tracy just got back from theirs. The time is right for me to take a break after the last six months of candidating, leaving our great life in Pocatello, moving our stuff, getting kids in school, finding our way around church and a new community, and managing somehow to get some ministry done in the meantime. Before the run up to launching the Fall season and the slow climb to Christmas (yup, I said it... :) ), it would be good to take my family and get away.
I will expect to hear good things!! Pastor Roy and Pastor Mark will be teaching, and they're primed with their parables to let it rip! I will be heading to church a couple times with Beth's folks and can't wait.
Thanks to all who have already expressed their encouragement and prayer support for our trip, it's great to know that so many understand that a pastor can't be there every weekend. I really feel prayer making a difference in my life and ministry here, so please keep it up!
I promise I'll have a story or two when I get back. Maybe even a shirt. :)
Mahalo, Ohana!! (Thanks, Family!)
Taking time to unplug is vital to our mental and emotional health, and when you're job is ministry, it's also important to unplug for spiritual health. Being 'on' all the time as a pastor leads to burn out, and taking time away is powerful medicine against it. Burn out is an epidemic in church ministry, and I don't want myself or anyone on our staff falling victim to it. Pastor Mark took his family for a break a couple weeks ago, Pastor Jeremy before that, and Pastor Roy and Pastor Tracy just got back from theirs. The time is right for me to take a break after the last six months of candidating, leaving our great life in Pocatello, moving our stuff, getting kids in school, finding our way around church and a new community, and managing somehow to get some ministry done in the meantime. Before the run up to launching the Fall season and the slow climb to Christmas (yup, I said it... :) ), it would be good to take my family and get away.
I will expect to hear good things!! Pastor Roy and Pastor Mark will be teaching, and they're primed with their parables to let it rip! I will be heading to church a couple times with Beth's folks and can't wait.
Thanks to all who have already expressed their encouragement and prayer support for our trip, it's great to know that so many understand that a pastor can't be there every weekend. I really feel prayer making a difference in my life and ministry here, so please keep it up!
I promise I'll have a story or two when I get back. Maybe even a shirt. :)
Mahalo, Ohana!! (Thanks, Family!)
7.07.2010
Keeping Your Balance, Part 2
If you've ever tried to balance a spoon on your nose, or balance a glass on your forehead, you know that it takes a little bit of time, some patience, and very...smooth...small...slow...moves.
There is a life balance that needs the same combo of smooth/small/slow moves. I wrote last time about the balance that isn't really healthy or possible in life, but the kind of balance I'm talking about today is the balance of how you let yourself feel when people give you unsolicited advice and criticism/praise.
Full disclosure: I have a deep people pleasing flaw in my personality. I want people to like me, to like what I do or say, especially when I'm using my gifts to serve. I know I represent the church and even God in the eyes of people, and how well I do that for them often is a matter of personal preference. Their opinion of how I do what I do is colored by a million different issues, from past pastors in their lives to how they view authority in general, and everything in between. So when someone comes to give me their opinion of what they see me do, I have to strike a balance between listening and absorbing. Here's what I mean:
A few weeks ago, after the 9 am service, a man came, introduced himself and asked this question: "So, is the goofiness going to stop anytime soon?" If you know me at all, you know the answer is no. He proceeded to critique my preaching style, my humor, my choice of illustrations, and basically concluded that the whole message was a waste of time to anyone over 20. I thanked him for stopping by and let him know there are other great churches in the valley he should check out.
In the past, that comment would have crashed me for a week, but God has been teaching me balance. So I shook it off and went ahead and did the same message in the 10:45 service. After that service, another man came and told me it was the best message he'd heard me do. He was totally taken by it, and was effusive in his praise.
So which of those two guys should I focus on? Neither. The best story of the day was the woman who came up with tears in her eyes and told me that her family had just started coming to church. They had very little spiritual background, but the message had taught her how to take some important steps in the right direction. God was changing her life, and I got to be a small part of that.
So the balance between sweet praise and angry criticism is to stand on the work that God is doing in me, and in other people. The balance point is Jesus. Where is He at work in what you're doing? If there is fruit, then there will be both criticism and praise. Don't let either one knock you off the firm foundation of Christ at work in you.
There is a life balance that needs the same combo of smooth/small/slow moves. I wrote last time about the balance that isn't really healthy or possible in life, but the kind of balance I'm talking about today is the balance of how you let yourself feel when people give you unsolicited advice and criticism/praise.
Full disclosure: I have a deep people pleasing flaw in my personality. I want people to like me, to like what I do or say, especially when I'm using my gifts to serve. I know I represent the church and even God in the eyes of people, and how well I do that for them often is a matter of personal preference. Their opinion of how I do what I do is colored by a million different issues, from past pastors in their lives to how they view authority in general, and everything in between. So when someone comes to give me their opinion of what they see me do, I have to strike a balance between listening and absorbing. Here's what I mean:
A few weeks ago, after the 9 am service, a man came, introduced himself and asked this question: "So, is the goofiness going to stop anytime soon?" If you know me at all, you know the answer is no. He proceeded to critique my preaching style, my humor, my choice of illustrations, and basically concluded that the whole message was a waste of time to anyone over 20. I thanked him for stopping by and let him know there are other great churches in the valley he should check out.
In the past, that comment would have crashed me for a week, but God has been teaching me balance. So I shook it off and went ahead and did the same message in the 10:45 service. After that service, another man came and told me it was the best message he'd heard me do. He was totally taken by it, and was effusive in his praise.
So which of those two guys should I focus on? Neither. The best story of the day was the woman who came up with tears in her eyes and told me that her family had just started coming to church. They had very little spiritual background, but the message had taught her how to take some important steps in the right direction. God was changing her life, and I got to be a small part of that.
So the balance between sweet praise and angry criticism is to stand on the work that God is doing in me, and in other people. The balance point is Jesus. Where is He at work in what you're doing? If there is fruit, then there will be both criticism and praise. Don't let either one knock you off the firm foundation of Christ at work in you.
7.02.2010
Keeping Your Balance, Part 1
There are two types of balance in life: the kind that isn't really possible, and the kind that you can't live without.
Some people talk about balance as if we as human beings need to be a little good at everything, as if a successful life includes at least moderate success in every possible endeavor. Being out of balance means being either too invested in one or just a few areas, or being totally out of touch in some area. I was told once by a person who was very successful in business that knowing too much about sports is a liability. His advice was to know just enough to be able to talk about it, but don't go overboard. I have managed to ignore that advice thoroughly.
I love sports. I don't love politics. You want to talk politics, I can, but I would rather talk sports. I can go at length and with depth on several sports, and glance over the surface of a few more. I am totally out of balance in this area, but it is one of my passions, one of my heartbeats, so instead of ignoring it, I lean into it and let my love for it flow through my life.
I don't believe the kind of balance where someone pretends to be interested in areas they don't care about and simultaneously tries to ignore areas of real passion and interest in the name of some false sense of 'balance.' That's not balance, that's wasting passion. Passion is so vital to success in life, in ministry, in anything; too vital to waste on 'balance.'
Truth is, you can't really live that kind of balance. There are too many issues, too many options, too many opportunities and ideas to try to 'balance' all of them in your life. Spread yourself across too many of those options and opportunities, and whatever passion you have will dwindle down from a flame to a flicker.
Instead, choose wisely the places where you invest your life. Choose God first and develop passion for Him, His Word and His Kingdom, then let Him move you to follow what you're passionate about. Don't buy the lie that says you have to 'balance' your life. Instead, be off balance, leaning heavily on God, completely tilted His direction. The rest will figure itself out.
I'll share the helpful kind of balance next time, but tell me what you think: 'Balanced' life or 'Leaning' life?
Some people talk about balance as if we as human beings need to be a little good at everything, as if a successful life includes at least moderate success in every possible endeavor. Being out of balance means being either too invested in one or just a few areas, or being totally out of touch in some area. I was told once by a person who was very successful in business that knowing too much about sports is a liability. His advice was to know just enough to be able to talk about it, but don't go overboard. I have managed to ignore that advice thoroughly.
I love sports. I don't love politics. You want to talk politics, I can, but I would rather talk sports. I can go at length and with depth on several sports, and glance over the surface of a few more. I am totally out of balance in this area, but it is one of my passions, one of my heartbeats, so instead of ignoring it, I lean into it and let my love for it flow through my life.
I don't believe the kind of balance where someone pretends to be interested in areas they don't care about and simultaneously tries to ignore areas of real passion and interest in the name of some false sense of 'balance.' That's not balance, that's wasting passion. Passion is so vital to success in life, in ministry, in anything; too vital to waste on 'balance.'
Truth is, you can't really live that kind of balance. There are too many issues, too many options, too many opportunities and ideas to try to 'balance' all of them in your life. Spread yourself across too many of those options and opportunities, and whatever passion you have will dwindle down from a flame to a flicker.
Instead, choose wisely the places where you invest your life. Choose God first and develop passion for Him, His Word and His Kingdom, then let Him move you to follow what you're passionate about. Don't buy the lie that says you have to 'balance' your life. Instead, be off balance, leaning heavily on God, completely tilted His direction. The rest will figure itself out.
I'll share the helpful kind of balance next time, but tell me what you think: 'Balanced' life or 'Leaning' life?
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