I am a strong proponent of continuous learning. No person, regardless of education or any achievement, has reached a place where they can stop learning and striving to grow. Even the highest level leaders need to be learning from someone.
This is why, I signed up for a pastor's coaching network next year. I will have to make some sacrifices to participate and it will take real effort on my part to get out of it everything I need to. It will be well worth it. If for no other reason than the experience and relationships formed, it will have great value.
It is also why, a group of pastors who I am friends with are forming a network to walk through some of the issues unique to pastoring. Only with others will we be able to accomplish what God has placed before us. It is part of His plan. He even modeled it for us in the life Christ.
Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a student. This should be the ongoing status of our lives in order to most fully live out our potential.
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time Flies
Wow! I just looked at the date of my last post. Time does fly! This recent break from blogging was not intentional, it just was. However, there are times when breaks like this are needed. Turns out this was one of those, I just wasn't aware initially.
As I think about how quickly these last few weeks have gone, it is quite honestly a bit scary. It seems like I was just waiting for school to start back up for my girls so we could return to a more "normal" schedule, and here we are 5 weeks in already. This week, my wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary (14 years! I know, hard to believe anyone has willingly put up with me that long!). While I was out shopping for a present for her, I came across Halloween items. Wow, it is only a month away now. Then I turned the corner and it was all Christmas! Really?
This week, I also sent an email to my staff going over the next few weeks of events and activities. I think I scared them. I know it got my attention.
In all of this, the point is quite clear: if we are not intentional with each day, then it will be a missed opportunity lost forever. It would be very easy to go into the "live our lives right because it will be over before we know it" or the "tell everyone about Jesus while there is still time" mode. Both of those are true and both are good messages. But, let's look at it from a different angle and maybe see something.
What if in realizing that every day is a fleeting breath, we mapped out our priorities and lives with absolute intention to squeeze every drop of possibility from each day? How many times do we catch ourselves saying, "the day got away from me and I didn't get anything done I needed to"? Follow the stream on Facebook, this may be the most common post next to "is". If the day got away from us, it is only because we weren't prepared for it.
It has been a hard lesson for me to begin to map out my days. Most of us have calendars to track appointments and to do lists to track tasks, but are we creating a plan for the day?
I am working on this skill and have made some strides, but still have a long way to go. Not a one of us wants to get to the end of anything and look back and realize all the lost time leaving us full of regret.
There are so many time-wasters vying for our attention. They are attractive. Some of them are even good things, but they may not be the best things in the moment. Hard work and efficiency are important for productivity and that is something we need. However, this does not guarantee effectiveness. To be effective in life and in our God designed plan, is going to take something more. It is going to take the extra step of planned intention. Knowing what needs to be done is not enough, we must strategize and then implement what it is going to take to get it down. (On a side leadership note, many times this means giving it to someone else.)
Here is what I am beginning to do. Each night I check my calendar and notes for the next day to make sure I have a big picture understanding of what I am facing. This gives me time to "sleep on it" and then wake up with that in mind. In the mornings I double check the calendar. Then I look over any reminders or thoughts for the day I have may noted (whether you use a computer program or paper journal for this, use one thing consistently). Many times I already know at this point or have even laid out the truly significant things that must be accomplished or addressed that day. Then I simply adjust or align the priorities of the day (not necessarily tasks, these are objectives) and do what needs to be done to fulfill those objectives starting with the most important and hardest first. This leaves the easier and less intense items until later in the day when I am getting tired anyway. Objectives early when we are sharp and focused, and tasks later when we are tired and spent. One key to this is to learn to say "no", "not now", and/or "you take care of it".
It also involves learning how to recognize those urgent things that pop up that seem immediate, but truly are not that significant. Distractions exist for every one of us. We must be able to know how to deal with them and this requires an intentional plan that allows us to side step the time-landmines that exist.
Now, there will be things that pop up that are both urgent and significant which will necessitate a shift in the plans for the day. It takes discernment and experience to know what fits this. That's also why margins in schedule are important. There must be some room to maneuver.
What are some things you are doing to keep time from "getting away from you"?
As I think about how quickly these last few weeks have gone, it is quite honestly a bit scary. It seems like I was just waiting for school to start back up for my girls so we could return to a more "normal" schedule, and here we are 5 weeks in already. This week, my wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary (14 years! I know, hard to believe anyone has willingly put up with me that long!). While I was out shopping for a present for her, I came across Halloween items. Wow, it is only a month away now. Then I turned the corner and it was all Christmas! Really?
This week, I also sent an email to my staff going over the next few weeks of events and activities. I think I scared them. I know it got my attention.
In all of this, the point is quite clear: if we are not intentional with each day, then it will be a missed opportunity lost forever. It would be very easy to go into the "live our lives right because it will be over before we know it" or the "tell everyone about Jesus while there is still time" mode. Both of those are true and both are good messages. But, let's look at it from a different angle and maybe see something.
What if in realizing that every day is a fleeting breath, we mapped out our priorities and lives with absolute intention to squeeze every drop of possibility from each day? How many times do we catch ourselves saying, "the day got away from me and I didn't get anything done I needed to"? Follow the stream on Facebook, this may be the most common post next to "is". If the day got away from us, it is only because we weren't prepared for it.
It has been a hard lesson for me to begin to map out my days. Most of us have calendars to track appointments and to do lists to track tasks, but are we creating a plan for the day?
I am working on this skill and have made some strides, but still have a long way to go. Not a one of us wants to get to the end of anything and look back and realize all the lost time leaving us full of regret.
There are so many time-wasters vying for our attention. They are attractive. Some of them are even good things, but they may not be the best things in the moment. Hard work and efficiency are important for productivity and that is something we need. However, this does not guarantee effectiveness. To be effective in life and in our God designed plan, is going to take something more. It is going to take the extra step of planned intention. Knowing what needs to be done is not enough, we must strategize and then implement what it is going to take to get it down. (On a side leadership note, many times this means giving it to someone else.)
Here is what I am beginning to do. Each night I check my calendar and notes for the next day to make sure I have a big picture understanding of what I am facing. This gives me time to "sleep on it" and then wake up with that in mind. In the mornings I double check the calendar. Then I look over any reminders or thoughts for the day I have may noted (whether you use a computer program or paper journal for this, use one thing consistently). Many times I already know at this point or have even laid out the truly significant things that must be accomplished or addressed that day. Then I simply adjust or align the priorities of the day (not necessarily tasks, these are objectives) and do what needs to be done to fulfill those objectives starting with the most important and hardest first. This leaves the easier and less intense items until later in the day when I am getting tired anyway. Objectives early when we are sharp and focused, and tasks later when we are tired and spent. One key to this is to learn to say "no", "not now", and/or "you take care of it".
It also involves learning how to recognize those urgent things that pop up that seem immediate, but truly are not that significant. Distractions exist for every one of us. We must be able to know how to deal with them and this requires an intentional plan that allows us to side step the time-landmines that exist.
Now, there will be things that pop up that are both urgent and significant which will necessitate a shift in the plans for the day. It takes discernment and experience to know what fits this. That's also why margins in schedule are important. There must be some room to maneuver.
What are some things you are doing to keep time from "getting away from you"?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Discipline
Ed young posted this tweet this morning "Discipline is doing what you have to do so you can then do what you want to do."
Simple and profound yet extremely difficult.
I have two girls, 8 and 10 years old, and they are wonderful. I love them more than life. However, they can frustrate me like no one else. (Don't look at me that way, if you're a parent you know it is true.) Part of my responsibility is to train them to be productive in life that they may live up to the potential God has given them. That means teaching them to do what needs to be done, even if they don't feel like it.
Parents, see if this scenario is familiar. I ask one of my girls to clean a room or pick something up. The response I get is that she didn't make the mess and doesn't want to. My reply is to guilt them into it by reminding her all the things her mother and I do for her. Actually, most of the time I do try and help them see that we have to do things in life, just because it is a part of life.
Last night, it played out this way. My youngest wanted to have a friend over after school today. Her room and the basement were both less than tidy. She was told to clean them. It was easy for her to grasp the reward part of the task and so she bounded off to clean with no fuss. That is not normal by any stretch. The difference was she understood and could sense the immediate result of doing what she had to in order to get to do what she wanted.
Yet, much of life is not that way. Too often we choose the immediate want over the long term need. One easy example is in the way we eat. Too often we grab the quick burger and fries chased by ice cream rather than eating a properly healthy meal. Then we complain about the expanding waistline and the fact that we get winded climbing the stairs. If we would be disciplined and eat right most of the time and exercise regularly, then we could eat the junk once in a while and be much more active in life.
In our jobs, we do what must be done so we can do what we want later. We work and earn a living so we can afford the trips and leisure activities and so we can support missions and live generously.
For my daughter who doesn't like school so much, it is hard to understand that she has to go to school and it is important to go even when she doesn't want to. Of course, we understand the reason she must go and what the reward will be later.
One thing I have found to be absolutely true, if I live disciplined (spiritually, relationally, physically) and do what I need to do, then what I want to do does change and begin to line up more with God's wants and purposes and with what is good for me and not just what pleases me.
By the way, Paul wrote about this pretty extensively in Romans 7. While he directly references sin, I'm not sure there is much difference to how it plays out in every area of our life. Plus, being irresponsible and not living up to our potential in God is sin.
What is it you need to do today that you are putting off because you want to do something else?
Simple and profound yet extremely difficult.
I have two girls, 8 and 10 years old, and they are wonderful. I love them more than life. However, they can frustrate me like no one else. (Don't look at me that way, if you're a parent you know it is true.) Part of my responsibility is to train them to be productive in life that they may live up to the potential God has given them. That means teaching them to do what needs to be done, even if they don't feel like it.
Parents, see if this scenario is familiar. I ask one of my girls to clean a room or pick something up. The response I get is that she didn't make the mess and doesn't want to. My reply is to guilt them into it by reminding her all the things her mother and I do for her. Actually, most of the time I do try and help them see that we have to do things in life, just because it is a part of life.
Last night, it played out this way. My youngest wanted to have a friend over after school today. Her room and the basement were both less than tidy. She was told to clean them. It was easy for her to grasp the reward part of the task and so she bounded off to clean with no fuss. That is not normal by any stretch. The difference was she understood and could sense the immediate result of doing what she had to in order to get to do what she wanted.
Yet, much of life is not that way. Too often we choose the immediate want over the long term need. One easy example is in the way we eat. Too often we grab the quick burger and fries chased by ice cream rather than eating a properly healthy meal. Then we complain about the expanding waistline and the fact that we get winded climbing the stairs. If we would be disciplined and eat right most of the time and exercise regularly, then we could eat the junk once in a while and be much more active in life.
In our jobs, we do what must be done so we can do what we want later. We work and earn a living so we can afford the trips and leisure activities and so we can support missions and live generously.
For my daughter who doesn't like school so much, it is hard to understand that she has to go to school and it is important to go even when she doesn't want to. Of course, we understand the reason she must go and what the reward will be later.
One thing I have found to be absolutely true, if I live disciplined (spiritually, relationally, physically) and do what I need to do, then what I want to do does change and begin to line up more with God's wants and purposes and with what is good for me and not just what pleases me.
By the way, Paul wrote about this pretty extensively in Romans 7. While he directly references sin, I'm not sure there is much difference to how it plays out in every area of our life. Plus, being irresponsible and not living up to our potential in God is sin.
What is it you need to do today that you are putting off because you want to do something else?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Magic Kingdom
On Sunday, I promised I would blog some of my thoughts from our two weeks away for General Council and family vacation. General Council is the bi-annual national meeting for the US Assemblies of God. This year it was held in Orlando, Florida. We decided to tack on some days before and a week after in order to have some vacation as well.
On one of our family days we went to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Many pastors and leaders have documented well the level of hospitality and imagination that is very evident from the moment you step onto the property. Mark Batterson weighed in his thoughts here and here which were very good. There are many others I could point to as well. I won't take time here to add to what others have noted except to say, the Disney plan and vision is quite impressive and they do hospitality and details like few others.
My take in this post will be somewhat different. First, I will say that we went at the wrong time. Orlando in August is NOT the time and place to go anywhere outdoors that the crowds are large and the lines long. It was the least enjoyable day for my wife and I. Truth is, our daughters were ready to leave shortly after lunch as well. We stretched it out to dinner time because of how much it cost. The day was more hot and humid than some of the surrounding days and there was little to no breeze to bring relief. We found our most enjoyment to come from the indoor shows. I don't mean to whine, just want to give some background and perspective for my comments.
Maybe my expectations are too high. Maybe I was hot and cranky. Maybe my daughters were a little too whiny and had asked for one too many things to buy. Or maybe Disney is in danger of losing sight of who they are. Maybe the success that Disney has and is enjoying is causing them to lose focus.
The biggest problem of our day there was the amount of people in the park. There was little room to move and the lines were extremely long to everything, including the food. Has Disney crossed the line of being more worried about profit than providing a quality experience to every visitor?
Here's a radical thought, what if Disney limited the visitors each day to a set number that would allow for a better experience for those who made it in. I know that goes against the grain, but so has much of what Disney has done over the years. I would have been disappointed, but understanding, to find out that the day we wanted to go was sold out. We would have tried for another day. I know it isn't the best business model to turn away customers, but neither is unhappy and dissatisfied customers walking away feeling like they just wasted precious time and money. My point is simply that Disney has found a better way to do most things, but they are failing in finding a new way to approach the size of their crowds and the cost of their parks.
Now let me turn this around a bit. As a church we must make sure that we are constantly evaluating what we do and make sure that we are doing everything we can to provide a positive experience to our guests so that nothing hinders them from having and encounter with Christ. That means asking the question is there a better way. A modern example of that question being asked and answered has to do with the very things that disrupted our visit to the Magic Kingdom: crowds and costs. As churches have grown, many have not built huge buildings costing untold millions where larger crowds could gather. Instead, they have chosen to "limit" the amount that could be there at any one time by keeping facilities smaller and meeting more often. This helps keep the indebtedness down freeng up money for ministry and it helps give a better overall experience to those who attend. I am not against large gatherings or mega-churches by any stretch. I greatly appreciate and celebrate them. A new day is here and, for some, a new approach has also arrived. This has come from leaders asking the hard questions.
Disney has been known for asking hard questions in the past. The problem is, the larger you get, the higher the stakes for asking those questions and then acting on the answers. I don't know that Disney is now capable of some of the radical risks they once took because of their current size and scope. For the church, the same can hold true (on a much smaller scale of course): the more we grow the higher the stakes. If we are not careful we stop asking the questions and start protecting the status quo and it will cost us. That cost will be much higher than a profit margin on a spreadsheet.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this...
On one of our family days we went to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Many pastors and leaders have documented well the level of hospitality and imagination that is very evident from the moment you step onto the property. Mark Batterson weighed in his thoughts here and here which were very good. There are many others I could point to as well. I won't take time here to add to what others have noted except to say, the Disney plan and vision is quite impressive and they do hospitality and details like few others.
My take in this post will be somewhat different. First, I will say that we went at the wrong time. Orlando in August is NOT the time and place to go anywhere outdoors that the crowds are large and the lines long. It was the least enjoyable day for my wife and I. Truth is, our daughters were ready to leave shortly after lunch as well. We stretched it out to dinner time because of how much it cost. The day was more hot and humid than some of the surrounding days and there was little to no breeze to bring relief. We found our most enjoyment to come from the indoor shows. I don't mean to whine, just want to give some background and perspective for my comments.
Maybe my expectations are too high. Maybe I was hot and cranky. Maybe my daughters were a little too whiny and had asked for one too many things to buy. Or maybe Disney is in danger of losing sight of who they are. Maybe the success that Disney has and is enjoying is causing them to lose focus.
The biggest problem of our day there was the amount of people in the park. There was little room to move and the lines were extremely long to everything, including the food. Has Disney crossed the line of being more worried about profit than providing a quality experience to every visitor?
Here's a radical thought, what if Disney limited the visitors each day to a set number that would allow for a better experience for those who made it in. I know that goes against the grain, but so has much of what Disney has done over the years. I would have been disappointed, but understanding, to find out that the day we wanted to go was sold out. We would have tried for another day. I know it isn't the best business model to turn away customers, but neither is unhappy and dissatisfied customers walking away feeling like they just wasted precious time and money. My point is simply that Disney has found a better way to do most things, but they are failing in finding a new way to approach the size of their crowds and the cost of their parks.
Now let me turn this around a bit. As a church we must make sure that we are constantly evaluating what we do and make sure that we are doing everything we can to provide a positive experience to our guests so that nothing hinders them from having and encounter with Christ. That means asking the question is there a better way. A modern example of that question being asked and answered has to do with the very things that disrupted our visit to the Magic Kingdom: crowds and costs. As churches have grown, many have not built huge buildings costing untold millions where larger crowds could gather. Instead, they have chosen to "limit" the amount that could be there at any one time by keeping facilities smaller and meeting more often. This helps keep the indebtedness down freeng up money for ministry and it helps give a better overall experience to those who attend. I am not against large gatherings or mega-churches by any stretch. I greatly appreciate and celebrate them. A new day is here and, for some, a new approach has also arrived. This has come from leaders asking the hard questions.
Disney has been known for asking hard questions in the past. The problem is, the larger you get, the higher the stakes for asking those questions and then acting on the answers. I don't know that Disney is now capable of some of the radical risks they once took because of their current size and scope. For the church, the same can hold true (on a much smaller scale of course): the more we grow the higher the stakes. If we are not careful we stop asking the questions and start protecting the status quo and it will cost us. That cost will be much higher than a profit margin on a spreadsheet.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Return
We had a wonderful vacation! But, it is good to be home. We have never taken a full two week vacation as a family like that. I am sure we will be doing it again.
That said, I am ready to jump right back in and charge ahead. That is one of the points of vacation after all; recharge and refresh for the next season.
It wasn't planned beforehand, but I ended up taking a break from blogging as well. Even my activity on Facebook and Twitter was greatly diminished. I'll be picking back up this week. I have several posts I want to write about some of the observations and experiences coming out of General Council and our time away.
For now, a couple quick thoughts:
We MISSED Capital City! It was even more evident as we were talking with people in the lobby and halls today. During the service this morning, I was very aware of how much of a privilege it is to pastor here.
While we were away, we had a couple of different approaches to filling in for me being gone on Sunday. The first Sunday, Lou Scalzo, youth pastor at Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown, filled in. Lou is my successor at Highway and he is a good communicator and storyteller. Many have shared some very positive feedback from his message. Lou was quite complimentary of the people of CapCity. He thoroughly enjoyed his time here. The second Sunday, we showed a video message from Craig Groeschel. Again, I have heard very positive feedback from the message and even the effectiveness of video. One of our board members and missions director, Don Rowles, wrapped up the service. Nathan did a great job covering things in my absence. God is putting together a fantastic team here.
This morning was incredible in so many ways! Elena led the songs; of course she is my favorite worship leader! She did awesome as always. The whole band sounded very good and they handled things well.
We had a full service with communion, a missionary guest, a couple of videos, and I was pumped up after not preaching for two Sundays! We went a little longer than normal today. :-)
Missionary Guy Deal and his family joined us today to share what God is doing in intercultural ministries here in Columbus. Very cool to see people from different cultures coming together to grow and serve in unity.
It was a very impactful service as God was speaking very specifically to some folks and we took a few moments in the middle and at the end to give them on opportunity to respond. The communion time today was significant in itself.
I won't rehash the message here, but I started sharing on our vision and direction covering the core value of courage. The next two weeks, we'll cover some other areas of the vision and direction that I believe God has set before us. A line was drawn in the sand. And when the challenge was given to cross that line several did boldly! There are some families and lives that will be impacted greatly because someone said "yes" to God today and stepped out in spite of fear. You can listen to the full sermon online tomorrow (hopefully, the podcast will be on the site then). I will also make sure the podcast from the Sunday Lou spoke as well as a link to the video from Craig gets posted.
As I said this morning Capital City, hang on it's about to get very exciting!
I could ramble on here all night, but I have done enough of that today. ;-)
Will post more later...
That said, I am ready to jump right back in and charge ahead. That is one of the points of vacation after all; recharge and refresh for the next season.
It wasn't planned beforehand, but I ended up taking a break from blogging as well. Even my activity on Facebook and Twitter was greatly diminished. I'll be picking back up this week. I have several posts I want to write about some of the observations and experiences coming out of General Council and our time away.
For now, a couple quick thoughts:
We MISSED Capital City! It was even more evident as we were talking with people in the lobby and halls today. During the service this morning, I was very aware of how much of a privilege it is to pastor here.
While we were away, we had a couple of different approaches to filling in for me being gone on Sunday. The first Sunday, Lou Scalzo, youth pastor at Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown, filled in. Lou is my successor at Highway and he is a good communicator and storyteller. Many have shared some very positive feedback from his message. Lou was quite complimentary of the people of CapCity. He thoroughly enjoyed his time here. The second Sunday, we showed a video message from Craig Groeschel. Again, I have heard very positive feedback from the message and even the effectiveness of video. One of our board members and missions director, Don Rowles, wrapped up the service. Nathan did a great job covering things in my absence. God is putting together a fantastic team here.
This morning was incredible in so many ways! Elena led the songs; of course she is my favorite worship leader! She did awesome as always. The whole band sounded very good and they handled things well.
We had a full service with communion, a missionary guest, a couple of videos, and I was pumped up after not preaching for two Sundays! We went a little longer than normal today. :-)
Missionary Guy Deal and his family joined us today to share what God is doing in intercultural ministries here in Columbus. Very cool to see people from different cultures coming together to grow and serve in unity.
It was a very impactful service as God was speaking very specifically to some folks and we took a few moments in the middle and at the end to give them on opportunity to respond. The communion time today was significant in itself.
I won't rehash the message here, but I started sharing on our vision and direction covering the core value of courage. The next two weeks, we'll cover some other areas of the vision and direction that I believe God has set before us. A line was drawn in the sand. And when the challenge was given to cross that line several did boldly! There are some families and lives that will be impacted greatly because someone said "yes" to God today and stepped out in spite of fear. You can listen to the full sermon online tomorrow (hopefully, the podcast will be on the site then). I will also make sure the podcast from the Sunday Lou spoke as well as a link to the video from Craig gets posted.
As I said this morning Capital City, hang on it's about to get very exciting!
I could ramble on here all night, but I have done enough of that today. ;-)
Will post more later...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rain, Rain Go Away!
I am not a big fan of the rain. I like the results of rain and understand its importance, but definitely do not enjoy the whole experience of rain. Rain is gloomy, it makes me tired, and it is very inconvenient. As a sign I am getting old, my joints ache when it rains, especially my knees and right hip.
Rain is one of the few things that can cancel golf for me or even cause me to leave a course early. I have golfed in the rain, but usually only for the benefit of someone else or as part of a golf scramble. Once it starts really raining, I'm done.
When we sing songs asking God to rain on us in church I always pause. Truth is, I don't want God to "rain" on me. It's not enjoyable to have God "rain" on my parade or to experience His "rain." I understand the intent of most of these songs are for refreshing and an outpouring of Him. Just the concept of rain always gets me because I don't like the rain.
I think there are a lot of things like rain in our spiritual lives. God wants to come in and cleanse something from us. He wants to wash us and restore us. Sounds great. Experience tells me it is not always the most enjoyable time to walk through, much like a rain storm. It is inconvenient, it is uncomfortable, it is hard to see, we tend to be grumpy, we lack zeal and energy, we get tired. Sometimes it hurts. Why? Because God is doing a deep work within us that is causing us to be confronted with ourselves and our shortcomings. He is asking us to change and remove things. He is leading us into a deeper and fuller understanding of Him and of ourselves. We are never consulted about whether or not it is a good time to do this. It is always on His schedule. Much like when rain pops up when I am supposed to golf; I didn't order that!
The cool thing is what happens after those periods. Things really are refreshed and rejuvenated. Growth is taking place and beauty is seen. Everything is a bit softer and brighter. We sense life and feel in tune and harmony.
As much as I don't like rain, I love the results; in nature and in the spiritual.
What are your thoughts?
Rain is one of the few things that can cancel golf for me or even cause me to leave a course early. I have golfed in the rain, but usually only for the benefit of someone else or as part of a golf scramble. Once it starts really raining, I'm done.
When we sing songs asking God to rain on us in church I always pause. Truth is, I don't want God to "rain" on me. It's not enjoyable to have God "rain" on my parade or to experience His "rain." I understand the intent of most of these songs are for refreshing and an outpouring of Him. Just the concept of rain always gets me because I don't like the rain.
I think there are a lot of things like rain in our spiritual lives. God wants to come in and cleanse something from us. He wants to wash us and restore us. Sounds great. Experience tells me it is not always the most enjoyable time to walk through, much like a rain storm. It is inconvenient, it is uncomfortable, it is hard to see, we tend to be grumpy, we lack zeal and energy, we get tired. Sometimes it hurts. Why? Because God is doing a deep work within us that is causing us to be confronted with ourselves and our shortcomings. He is asking us to change and remove things. He is leading us into a deeper and fuller understanding of Him and of ourselves. We are never consulted about whether or not it is a good time to do this. It is always on His schedule. Much like when rain pops up when I am supposed to golf; I didn't order that!
The cool thing is what happens after those periods. Things really are refreshed and rejuvenated. Growth is taking place and beauty is seen. Everything is a bit softer and brighter. We sense life and feel in tune and harmony.
As much as I don't like rain, I love the results; in nature and in the spiritual.
What are your thoughts?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Drop Cloth
We have had several painting projects over the years. One of our last ones was in our previous house painting the basement den.
I went and got the paint and supplies and prepped the room. Of course, this means I moved all the furniture away from the walls and cleared things out. Now, if you ask me, we got dark brown for one wall and light brown for the other three. In case you didn’t know, the room HAS to have an accent wall. (If you don’t know why, ask a woman, she will explain it you.) If you ask my wife we painted the accent wall Belgian Chocolate Mocha (or something) and the other walls Waverly Antique (or something). Dark brown and light brown.
So the trim was taped and everything was ready to start painting and out came the drop cloths. There are all kinds of drop cloths you can use. Ones that are actual cloth (canvas, etc.), ones made of vinyl, ones of plastic, disposable ones, reusable, and on it goes.
The thing that is true of every drop cloth is that it going to be abused. It will be stepped on, pulled, tugged, spilled on, dripped on, and then put away dirty or discarded. All of this is OK. That is what it was designed to do. It is there to help keep the carpet from getting paint on it. The drop cloth has a very specific purpose. That purpose is not very glamorous, it is not noteworthy, it is taken for granted, it is temporary. Yet, in spite of all of this, it is important.
I might be able to paint without a drop cloth and get away with it, but maybe not. My wife might also get away without one for a time. My daughters, well, they must have a drop cloth. Yes, they have helped paint, so a drop cloth was absolutely essential.
This piece of fabric so under appreciated, so seemingly insignificant, serving its purpose saves me a great deal of time scrubbing paint out of carpets. Not to mention the strain on my voice from yelling at my girls for getting paint on the carpet. :o)
Truth is, there are times when each of us feels like a drop cloth. Under people’s feet as they walk over us, being tugged this way and that, problems and junk dripping on us, stresses and circumstances spilling out, and then being thrown aside, discarded in a heap, unappreciated.
There are times when our duty is one that is not glamorous or noteworthy or exciting. That doesn’t mean that our purpose at that time is not essential. It might be just as important, or even the most important of any of the other things happening at the moment.
We can’t all get the spotlight or glamor. Some times we have to settle for knowing that we did our best and accomplished our purpose in a situation.
Several years ago, I read of a high school art class that had a piece of plywood that had made up the top of their work station for mixing paints and painting small projects. They took this piece of old wood that had been abused and ignored for years and instead of throwing it away, they entered it into a modern art contest. It won and ended up on display in a gallery. It was sold and the proceeds went to helping that art program expand some of what it was doing.
Don’t get discouraged if it seems you aren’t getting the recognition or attention you should. Keep doing, keep living your purpose and in time this moment will pass and the next just may have you on display in a gallery as a great work of art.
I went and got the paint and supplies and prepped the room. Of course, this means I moved all the furniture away from the walls and cleared things out. Now, if you ask me, we got dark brown for one wall and light brown for the other three. In case you didn’t know, the room HAS to have an accent wall. (If you don’t know why, ask a woman, she will explain it you.) If you ask my wife we painted the accent wall Belgian Chocolate Mocha (or something) and the other walls Waverly Antique (or something). Dark brown and light brown.
So the trim was taped and everything was ready to start painting and out came the drop cloths. There are all kinds of drop cloths you can use. Ones that are actual cloth (canvas, etc.), ones made of vinyl, ones of plastic, disposable ones, reusable, and on it goes.
The thing that is true of every drop cloth is that it going to be abused. It will be stepped on, pulled, tugged, spilled on, dripped on, and then put away dirty or discarded. All of this is OK. That is what it was designed to do. It is there to help keep the carpet from getting paint on it. The drop cloth has a very specific purpose. That purpose is not very glamorous, it is not noteworthy, it is taken for granted, it is temporary. Yet, in spite of all of this, it is important.
I might be able to paint without a drop cloth and get away with it, but maybe not. My wife might also get away without one for a time. My daughters, well, they must have a drop cloth. Yes, they have helped paint, so a drop cloth was absolutely essential.
This piece of fabric so under appreciated, so seemingly insignificant, serving its purpose saves me a great deal of time scrubbing paint out of carpets. Not to mention the strain on my voice from yelling at my girls for getting paint on the carpet. :o)
Truth is, there are times when each of us feels like a drop cloth. Under people’s feet as they walk over us, being tugged this way and that, problems and junk dripping on us, stresses and circumstances spilling out, and then being thrown aside, discarded in a heap, unappreciated.
There are times when our duty is one that is not glamorous or noteworthy or exciting. That doesn’t mean that our purpose at that time is not essential. It might be just as important, or even the most important of any of the other things happening at the moment.
We can’t all get the spotlight or glamor. Some times we have to settle for knowing that we did our best and accomplished our purpose in a situation.
Several years ago, I read of a high school art class that had a piece of plywood that had made up the top of their work station for mixing paints and painting small projects. They took this piece of old wood that had been abused and ignored for years and instead of throwing it away, they entered it into a modern art contest. It won and ended up on display in a gallery. It was sold and the proceeds went to helping that art program expand some of what it was doing.
Don’t get discouraged if it seems you aren’t getting the recognition or attention you should. Keep doing, keep living your purpose and in time this moment will pass and the next just may have you on display in a gallery as a great work of art.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Too Stuffy
I just watched a great video on Youtube. You can watch it here. I've had weddings where they danced out, but never in. This is cool.
Truth is we have become way too stuffy about some things. I didn't say serious, I said stuffy. Serious means we understand the reality and the weight and the responsibility. Stuffy means we have drained the fun right out of it. Marriage is serious, but it is a blast. Weddings are sacred and a significant event, but why can't they be fun? Can something be sacred and fun?
I say yes! Worship is sacred, yet when combined with others and using music can also be quite fun! There are many other forms of worship. The artist who paints or sculpts or designs for God's glory is worshiping. David when he danced before the Lord was worshiping and I find it hard to believe that he wasn't having the time of his life.
How did the holy and the sacred come to be made stuffy? Yes, there are times for reverence and times to be subdued and reflective, no question. But, not everything or every moment is that time. We really need to loosen up and learn to have fun. I believe Jesus did. I believe He was a fun person to be around and knew how to laugh. I spoke about this a couple of Sundays ago. In case, you missed it, go here.
We take ourselves too seriously. In this sense we see ourselves as the answer or as having the answer and then start to trust ourselves more than God. We need to see God as the only source and the only answer. If we will worry less and trust Him more, I believe, we will find more joy and more enjoyment in life.
So go out today and find an opportunity to have some fun. Do something different, something random, something unexpected and have some fun. You just might make someone else's day in the process.
Recently, we were standing outside a pizza joint with several friends of ours. Our daughters and our friends daughters saw a red Corvette convertible with top down coming toward us. Knowing that I love Corvettes they pointed it out. As the Corvette passed slowly in front us, for whatever reason, we started clapping and cheering. The guy driving the car looked a bit confused as about a dozen adults and kids were cheering as he drove by. Then he caught on and just started laughing. It was random and spontaneous and it was fun. I have no idea what that man's day had been like, but I guarantee we brightened it at least a little.
Look for the enjoyable, the random opportunities we have every day to do something fun. And stop walking around like you have a sour cherry ball in your mouth. :-)
Truth is we have become way too stuffy about some things. I didn't say serious, I said stuffy. Serious means we understand the reality and the weight and the responsibility. Stuffy means we have drained the fun right out of it. Marriage is serious, but it is a blast. Weddings are sacred and a significant event, but why can't they be fun? Can something be sacred and fun?
I say yes! Worship is sacred, yet when combined with others and using music can also be quite fun! There are many other forms of worship. The artist who paints or sculpts or designs for God's glory is worshiping. David when he danced before the Lord was worshiping and I find it hard to believe that he wasn't having the time of his life.
How did the holy and the sacred come to be made stuffy? Yes, there are times for reverence and times to be subdued and reflective, no question. But, not everything or every moment is that time. We really need to loosen up and learn to have fun. I believe Jesus did. I believe He was a fun person to be around and knew how to laugh. I spoke about this a couple of Sundays ago. In case, you missed it, go here.
We take ourselves too seriously. In this sense we see ourselves as the answer or as having the answer and then start to trust ourselves more than God. We need to see God as the only source and the only answer. If we will worry less and trust Him more, I believe, we will find more joy and more enjoyment in life.
So go out today and find an opportunity to have some fun. Do something different, something random, something unexpected and have some fun. You just might make someone else's day in the process.
Recently, we were standing outside a pizza joint with several friends of ours. Our daughters and our friends daughters saw a red Corvette convertible with top down coming toward us. Knowing that I love Corvettes they pointed it out. As the Corvette passed slowly in front us, for whatever reason, we started clapping and cheering. The guy driving the car looked a bit confused as about a dozen adults and kids were cheering as he drove by. Then he caught on and just started laughing. It was random and spontaneous and it was fun. I have no idea what that man's day had been like, but I guarantee we brightened it at least a little.
Look for the enjoyable, the random opportunities we have every day to do something fun. And stop walking around like you have a sour cherry ball in your mouth. :-)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Killing Cockroaches (Thoughts)
I just wanted to weigh in on a couple of thoughts from the seminar I went to last Tuesday with Tony Morgan, author of Killing Cockroaches.
First, what a brilliant idea he had: take a several week family vacation and each week make a stop at a church for a half day seminar based on his book. Sweet! Tour the country with your family and get others to help pay for it; now, that is using the thing between your ears for something other than a hat rack!
Seriously, the cost of the event was more than reasonable. Believe me, I go to conferences and receive invites and promo pieces all the time. Most get pricey very quick. Not without reason, but they can become expensive. On that note, kudos to Tony for not having books to sell and turning it into a marketing event.
Now to the meat. I have already posted my notes so I won't rehash any of that here.
I love the basic premise that Tony is presenting in his book, his blog, and this tour: keep the main thing the main thing. In other words, don't do what you should have someone else doing. Or at least, don't do that thing any longer than it takes to raise up someone else to do it. This of course applies to leaders and specifically the leader in the given context: pastor, ministry leader, etc. We all need to evaluate and make sure that we are staying on task with what we have been called to do, not just what seems to be needed in the moment.
No seminar or conference is worth the time and effort at any price if you don't walk away with some action steps or ideas to implement or changes that need to made. These usually start with you the individual, but should also transfer into the entity, organization, or ministry you lead.
Without going into too much detail (for many reasons), here are a couple of things I walked away with that we will be looking at here at Capital City:
First, what a brilliant idea he had: take a several week family vacation and each week make a stop at a church for a half day seminar based on his book. Sweet! Tour the country with your family and get others to help pay for it; now, that is using the thing between your ears for something other than a hat rack!
Seriously, the cost of the event was more than reasonable. Believe me, I go to conferences and receive invites and promo pieces all the time. Most get pricey very quick. Not without reason, but they can become expensive. On that note, kudos to Tony for not having books to sell and turning it into a marketing event.
Now to the meat. I have already posted my notes so I won't rehash any of that here.
I love the basic premise that Tony is presenting in his book, his blog, and this tour: keep the main thing the main thing. In other words, don't do what you should have someone else doing. Or at least, don't do that thing any longer than it takes to raise up someone else to do it. This of course applies to leaders and specifically the leader in the given context: pastor, ministry leader, etc. We all need to evaluate and make sure that we are staying on task with what we have been called to do, not just what seems to be needed in the moment.
No seminar or conference is worth the time and effort at any price if you don't walk away with some action steps or ideas to implement or changes that need to made. These usually start with you the individual, but should also transfer into the entity, organization, or ministry you lead.
Without going into too much detail (for many reasons), here are a couple of things I walked away with that we will be looking at here at Capital City:
- Putting more effort into raising leaders of leaders and not just filling holes to get tasks done
- We will be evaluating all of our forms of communication to make sure we are sending out one message. We will also be looking at frequency of our communications and make sure that we are going for effectiveness and not "noise."
- We will always ask the question: does this ministry/event add value to people's lives?
- No announcements will be made from the platform that are not truly whole church and vision specific. We will leverage our other mediums to get word out to those who need it for all other things.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Weekend Unwind - Monday style
GREAT WEEKEND! It extended into today, so here is a Monday night edition of the weekend unwind.
Friday was a terrific daddy/daughters day. We walked around a lake, ate pizza and ice cream, and my older daughter and I went for a bike ride along the river. Friday night I took the girls to see the fireworks over downtown as part of Red White & Boom.
Saturday we got up early and walked a few blocks over to watch the Upper Arlington Parade. It was a great time and we had a perfect place to sit and watch right next to the main grandstand. Very patriotic event and lots of honor was paid to the veterans and active duty service personnel. Some of the floats were pretty amazing.
The rest of Saturday was very relaxing. Elena took Kiersten shopping and Bre and I hung out at home. We grilled out and had a family movie night. It was just about perfect.
Let me just say, I love Sunday mornings! Worship was very good. The opening video was quite appropriate as it took a look at the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Communion is always such a meaningful moment and yesterday was no exception.
The three guys who gave the announcement for VBS were hilarious. Great job Scott, Van, and Matt. Loved the announcement video. Nathan is starting to get into a groove there.
The offering video was another powerful patriotic video.
We began a new series this week, "What I Wish Someone Had Told Me..." Before I got into my prepared message, I felt it was right to pause and take a moment to give someone and chance to respond to God. One person surrendered their life to Christ! That is ALWAYS incredible and NEVER gets old! It is a big part of why we do what we do.
I did get part of the way through my planned message for the day, "Sit Down & Shut Up." You can listen to the podcast here. As we look through Proverbs it is interesting to note that the wisest man to ever live instructed over and over again to listen.
Sunday afternoon was spent with friends and capped by watching Tiger win the AT&T National.
Today we had a great family day on a lake with some friends as we were learning to water ski.
Friday was a terrific daddy/daughters day. We walked around a lake, ate pizza and ice cream, and my older daughter and I went for a bike ride along the river. Friday night I took the girls to see the fireworks over downtown as part of Red White & Boom.
Saturday we got up early and walked a few blocks over to watch the Upper Arlington Parade. It was a great time and we had a perfect place to sit and watch right next to the main grandstand. Very patriotic event and lots of honor was paid to the veterans and active duty service personnel. Some of the floats were pretty amazing.
The rest of Saturday was very relaxing. Elena took Kiersten shopping and Bre and I hung out at home. We grilled out and had a family movie night. It was just about perfect.
Let me just say, I love Sunday mornings! Worship was very good. The opening video was quite appropriate as it took a look at the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Communion is always such a meaningful moment and yesterday was no exception.
The three guys who gave the announcement for VBS were hilarious. Great job Scott, Van, and Matt. Loved the announcement video. Nathan is starting to get into a groove there.
The offering video was another powerful patriotic video.
We began a new series this week, "What I Wish Someone Had Told Me..." Before I got into my prepared message, I felt it was right to pause and take a moment to give someone and chance to respond to God. One person surrendered their life to Christ! That is ALWAYS incredible and NEVER gets old! It is a big part of why we do what we do.
I did get part of the way through my planned message for the day, "Sit Down & Shut Up." You can listen to the podcast here. As we look through Proverbs it is interesting to note that the wisest man to ever live instructed over and over again to listen.
Sunday afternoon was spent with friends and capped by watching Tiger win the AT&T National.
Today we had a great family day on a lake with some friends as we were learning to water ski.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day Wrap up
A very full day!
We had some technical issues even before service started. I think some changes are coming to the way we handle some of our media things. It was just one of those mornings where little glitches and issues add up. I felt very out of sync all morning and just like I was pushing through.
That was until the last song of worship. Just had a "release" at some point. Showed a fun video after offering, dads in minivans. Hilarious.
Tag-teamed with Craig Groeschel via video as he opened the sermon God is Father with a couple great illustrations of fatherhood from his own life. Finished the message looking at the authority of God. He has all power and all authority and yet we can come to Him as children with no fear or trepidation. He protects and provides and He is never overwhelmed by any situation we can face.
Very good response to the message.
I think the men enjoyed having a choice of a gift from the church; sleeve of golf balls, nice rollerball pen, or keychain flashlight.
After service, my family took me to Outback for my new favorite dish (fillet and stuffed shrimp) and of course a bloomin' onion!
Then I met up with some guys for a round of golf. Didn't shoot that well, but had a great time. A bad day golfing is still a good day. :-)
I ddin't get the message from this morning yet, so I will post the podcast online tomorrow (monday) and add a link to this blog.
We had some technical issues even before service started. I think some changes are coming to the way we handle some of our media things. It was just one of those mornings where little glitches and issues add up. I felt very out of sync all morning and just like I was pushing through.
That was until the last song of worship. Just had a "release" at some point. Showed a fun video after offering, dads in minivans. Hilarious.
Tag-teamed with Craig Groeschel via video as he opened the sermon God is Father with a couple great illustrations of fatherhood from his own life. Finished the message looking at the authority of God. He has all power and all authority and yet we can come to Him as children with no fear or trepidation. He protects and provides and He is never overwhelmed by any situation we can face.
Very good response to the message.
I think the men enjoyed having a choice of a gift from the church; sleeve of golf balls, nice rollerball pen, or keychain flashlight.
After service, my family took me to Outback for my new favorite dish (fillet and stuffed shrimp) and of course a bloomin' onion!
Then I met up with some guys for a round of golf. Didn't shoot that well, but had a great time. A bad day golfing is still a good day. :-)
I ddin't get the message from this morning yet, so I will post the podcast online tomorrow (monday) and add a link to this blog.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday Unwind
I'm zapped. Just woke up a bit ago from a nap and yet still tired. Not complaining at all, it's part of it and I have had a full weekend.
Spent the day Friday working at Teen Challenge Columbus on the entrance ramp to their office building. Just getting things ready for our next work day there on the 27th. Friday night was a great evening with some friends.
Saturday was a typical work around the house day as we got ready to host the NEXT? group for a BBQ last night. Fun time! Elena rocked the food! She always does. After the meal we played some cornhole. Love it! And, don't mess with Nathan and I cause we will take you down. :-) Just saying.
Today was another incredible day! It never ceases to amaze me that God allows me to be a part of what He is doing each week.
We continued the One Prayer series with video guest Steven Furtick of Elevation Church. He gave a great illustration of the greatness of God and the goodness of God and how they work together. I tagged off the end of the video and shared out of James that every good gift is from God. What an amazing thought that God not only loves us, He likes us and wants to spend time with us! The podcast can be heard here.
At the end of the service, the response was a total God thing. A number of people not only raised their hands in response to God working in them, but walked forward and knelt down. It is ALWAYS a joy to see people respond to God and watch Him work in their lives. God was breaking some chains and removing some junk in hearts and lives. I'm excited to hear the stories coming out of today.
Next week is Father's Day and we have some special things in store. See you there!
Spent the day Friday working at Teen Challenge Columbus on the entrance ramp to their office building. Just getting things ready for our next work day there on the 27th. Friday night was a great evening with some friends.
Saturday was a typical work around the house day as we got ready to host the NEXT? group for a BBQ last night. Fun time! Elena rocked the food! She always does. After the meal we played some cornhole. Love it! And, don't mess with Nathan and I cause we will take you down. :-) Just saying.
Today was another incredible day! It never ceases to amaze me that God allows me to be a part of what He is doing each week.
We continued the One Prayer series with video guest Steven Furtick of Elevation Church. He gave a great illustration of the greatness of God and the goodness of God and how they work together. I tagged off the end of the video and shared out of James that every good gift is from God. What an amazing thought that God not only loves us, He likes us and wants to spend time with us! The podcast can be heard here.
At the end of the service, the response was a total God thing. A number of people not only raised their hands in response to God working in them, but walked forward and knelt down. It is ALWAYS a joy to see people respond to God and watch Him work in their lives. God was breaking some chains and removing some junk in hearts and lives. I'm excited to hear the stories coming out of today.
Next week is Father's Day and we have some special things in store. See you there!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Balance & Boundaries Pt.2
"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
In the previous post I dealt with balance and why I believe the idea of living life in balance is a myth. Let's talk boundaries.
Boundaries are crucial to an obedient and God pleasing life. They give us parameters and a guide where to go and where not to go.
We all have them. The question comes down to whether or not our boundaries are intentionally set based on God's Word or are they there by default based on our past experiences and upbringing. Our sense of right and wrong starts with our built in conscience but is built by our experiences and background and influences in our past. This sense in part sets our boundaries. We are far better off if we can make a serious and intentional effort to set and reset our boundaries according to the Word of God led by His Spirit.
I'm not just talking rules of conduct and accountability here, though that absolutely is a part of it. Yet, boundaries are much more than these.
Boundaries coincide with our core values and motivations that move and lead and guide us. Boundaries work to keep us focused and in tune with our purpose and calling. Boundaries dictate our relationships and where they go. Boundaries affect our schedule and our free time. Boundaries actually bring freedom and not restriction because they remove they bring clarity and understanding and remove the guessing.
In my life, boundaries mean that I do not find my identity in what others say or even in what I accomplish. A very wise pastor who was a mentor and hero of mine would often say, "If you don't get too high when they praise you, you won't fall too hard when they criticize you." Because both will and do happen. This helps me combat pride and depression. Both issues that have had too much control at differing times of my life.
In light of this past weekend's event with the public confession of a pastor, it would be very easy just to focus on moral boundaries. Truth is, we know those. So did and does he. His transgression happened because of a crossing or improperly set boundaries in other areas long before it got to the point of the moral issue at hand.
Boundaries help us live with proper priorities in every area of life. To be a healthy person spiritually we must look after the physical body and keep it disciplined, we must tend to our emotional needs, relationally we must keep all things appropriate, and it is imperative that we keep our personal walk with God tight through everything.
When the boundaries begin to break down or get crossed in the little areas is when we are on the path for the "big" problems. It always starts small and seemingly innocent. I know that those who hold tight to their boundaries can appear rigid and even legalistic, but for many that very thing keeps them on track. We must learn to keep all things in proper perspective and not force our boundaries on others. The standard is God's Word, not our thinking or opinions or ways. This doesn't mean we can't share with one another for the sake of growing together, but it does mean that we do so as equals moving forward together as not in judgment or self-righteous piety.
There is much more I could say on this, but I would love some feedback from you on boundaries and what you have found that works in your life.
What boundaries do you have with your time, family, work, etc. that are helping you move into a life pleasing to God?
(I'll resume the postings on follow-thru with my next post.)
In the previous post I dealt with balance and why I believe the idea of living life in balance is a myth. Let's talk boundaries.
Boundaries are crucial to an obedient and God pleasing life. They give us parameters and a guide where to go and where not to go.
We all have them. The question comes down to whether or not our boundaries are intentionally set based on God's Word or are they there by default based on our past experiences and upbringing. Our sense of right and wrong starts with our built in conscience but is built by our experiences and background and influences in our past. This sense in part sets our boundaries. We are far better off if we can make a serious and intentional effort to set and reset our boundaries according to the Word of God led by His Spirit.
I'm not just talking rules of conduct and accountability here, though that absolutely is a part of it. Yet, boundaries are much more than these.
Boundaries coincide with our core values and motivations that move and lead and guide us. Boundaries work to keep us focused and in tune with our purpose and calling. Boundaries dictate our relationships and where they go. Boundaries affect our schedule and our free time. Boundaries actually bring freedom and not restriction because they remove they bring clarity and understanding and remove the guessing.
In my life, boundaries mean that I do not find my identity in what others say or even in what I accomplish. A very wise pastor who was a mentor and hero of mine would often say, "If you don't get too high when they praise you, you won't fall too hard when they criticize you." Because both will and do happen. This helps me combat pride and depression. Both issues that have had too much control at differing times of my life.
In light of this past weekend's event with the public confession of a pastor, it would be very easy just to focus on moral boundaries. Truth is, we know those. So did and does he. His transgression happened because of a crossing or improperly set boundaries in other areas long before it got to the point of the moral issue at hand.
Boundaries help us live with proper priorities in every area of life. To be a healthy person spiritually we must look after the physical body and keep it disciplined, we must tend to our emotional needs, relationally we must keep all things appropriate, and it is imperative that we keep our personal walk with God tight through everything.
When the boundaries begin to break down or get crossed in the little areas is when we are on the path for the "big" problems. It always starts small and seemingly innocent. I know that those who hold tight to their boundaries can appear rigid and even legalistic, but for many that very thing keeps them on track. We must learn to keep all things in proper perspective and not force our boundaries on others. The standard is God's Word, not our thinking or opinions or ways. This doesn't mean we can't share with one another for the sake of growing together, but it does mean that we do so as equals moving forward together as not in judgment or self-righteous piety.
There is much more I could say on this, but I would love some feedback from you on boundaries and what you have found that works in your life.
What boundaries do you have with your time, family, work, etc. that are helping you move into a life pleasing to God?
(I'll resume the postings on follow-thru with my next post.)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Follow Thru - part 1
I am going to write a series of posts based on a sermon I preached recently that has been bouncing around my noggin lately. I don't know how many I will write or over how long. We'll just take it one at a time. I'm sure I will sprinkle other things in the middle and bounce around a bit as that is just me. Anyway, just wanted to warn you. :-)
I have played several sports in my life (not all of them well). One of the things I find true in most of them is the importance of follow-through. How one ends is as important, if not more, as how one begins.
The examples are immense. In bowling (yes I do know something about it), once you let go of the ball, the finish motion of your hand has a lot to do with where that ball is going to end up going down the lane. In baseball, proper follow-through is what gives accuracy and power to the one throwing the ball, whether it is an outfielder or the pitcher. In basketball, follow-through is extremely important to the "touch" on the ball and it's flight to the basket and is often the difference between a made shot and a missed one. The list goes on through tennis, volleyball, football, soccer, and on and on.
The one example that rings most for me right now is of course golf. I have used Jim Furyk and Kenny Perry as examples before in this. However, I have a new appreciation for it now. Yesterday, I spent the day at Muirfield Village watching the pros practice in preparation for the Memorial Tournament. A good part of that time was spent just a couple dozen yards from Jim Furyk and Kenny Perry side-by-side at the driving range. (In the photo above, Jim is in the light blue and Kenny is in yellow.) These two men are near the top of the golfing world; both are ranked in the top 15. They are multiple winners on tour. Yet, they both have... um... unconventional swings.
It was wild watching them practice: Jim with his multiple plane, meandering take away back swing, and Kenny with the double hitch in his. Right next to them was another player also practicing. I have no idea who he is. I do know he is not one of the elite golfers in the world. It was obvious from his equipment and the number of people concerned with his equipment and practice (I should say lack of number of people) that he is not on the same level as the other two. Yet, his swing was picture perfect. Absolute classic, fluid, poetry in motion. What all three had in common was follow-through. Three different approaches in set-up, grip, equipment, style, backswing, tempo, everything. From impact to finish, all three had great follow-through. It looked different for each, but they finished strong and they fully finished their swings. As such, that little white orb sailed off all three clubs.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Personal Journey
I'm going to share a little bit of what is happening in me right now. Just decided to offer some transparency here as well as continue processing through some of this. By the way, it's all good. Well, it's moving towards good, at least. Some of it is difficult and even painful as I confront things in me and change and refocus and learn and grow.
Too often I think we see growth as this fun and exciting thing with great benefits and wonderful outcomes. While those elements are involved in stages of growth, more often than not there is also pain and conflict and upheaval involved in growth. Like a plant pushing through the soil, personal growth means things get pushed back, pushed out, displaced, moved, changed, choked out, taken over, and on it goes.
That said, here are some issues, ideas, concepts, etc. that are in upheaval in my life.
I have been rethinking ministry for some time. Let me clarify to try and head off confusion. I have been rethinking ministry roles and definitions for some time, not God's call. I am very sure of God's calling, just working through the details of some aspects of that calling. As life and ministry move forward, my role is changing and the way that I go about things needs to change. My girls are growing up faster than I want them to, health issues are a factor now, and the list continues. Capital City is unlike any place or position I have been in before and so the way I approach it must be different as well. All of this factors in.
Beyond all of it, God is speaking. He is pruning, He is working and molding. He is doing what He does. It's awesome, but it isn't easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it is hard work. It is demanding. It requires much. Because of this I am going through a change in my routines and my approach to things. All of this is still very much a work in progress and I am more convinced than ever it always will be.
One specific area that I am being challenged in is health. A few years ago, I lost a substantial amount of weight, though I never reached my final goal. I have a gained a portion of that back. And I am not in the physical condition I should be. How I remedy that is one of the things I am working through. A regular exercise regimen will be a part of it though. This is not a diet, it is a mindset I am changing.
Another area is time management. I have become lax in this area and even allowed some laziness to set in. That is painful to face and admit, but it is there. I waste time that I should redeem. I'm not talking about working crazy hours and not relaxing; been there bought the t-shirt and almost lost more than it was worth. Anyway, I am speaking of making better use of time. Working smarter and more effectively. Being intentional with my schedule at the office and at home.
The way I lead is also undergoing a shift. I am spending more time in planning and working out systems and structure and vision. I am trying to do less and empower others more. Ironic thing is that makes my schedule busier. The standard is being raised and the expectations are greater for me and the team around me.
I am also journaling and reading a lot more right now. Prayer is a bigger and more significant part of my life and time. Bible study is taking on a different light as it has become even deeper. Things are becoming more focused and more simple.
Yes, I said simple. Really this isn't complicated and neither is life. We make things complicated. Sin complicates things. Lazy and apathy muddy the waters. God and His Word brings things into focus and makes them clear. He simplifies everything down to faith, hope, and love.
The funny thing is, simple isn't always easy.
Would love to hear some of what God is speaking and challenging in you...
Too often I think we see growth as this fun and exciting thing with great benefits and wonderful outcomes. While those elements are involved in stages of growth, more often than not there is also pain and conflict and upheaval involved in growth. Like a plant pushing through the soil, personal growth means things get pushed back, pushed out, displaced, moved, changed, choked out, taken over, and on it goes.
That said, here are some issues, ideas, concepts, etc. that are in upheaval in my life.
I have been rethinking ministry for some time. Let me clarify to try and head off confusion. I have been rethinking ministry roles and definitions for some time, not God's call. I am very sure of God's calling, just working through the details of some aspects of that calling. As life and ministry move forward, my role is changing and the way that I go about things needs to change. My girls are growing up faster than I want them to, health issues are a factor now, and the list continues. Capital City is unlike any place or position I have been in before and so the way I approach it must be different as well. All of this factors in.
Beyond all of it, God is speaking. He is pruning, He is working and molding. He is doing what He does. It's awesome, but it isn't easy. It isn't always fun. In fact, it is hard work. It is demanding. It requires much. Because of this I am going through a change in my routines and my approach to things. All of this is still very much a work in progress and I am more convinced than ever it always will be.
One specific area that I am being challenged in is health. A few years ago, I lost a substantial amount of weight, though I never reached my final goal. I have a gained a portion of that back. And I am not in the physical condition I should be. How I remedy that is one of the things I am working through. A regular exercise regimen will be a part of it though. This is not a diet, it is a mindset I am changing.
Another area is time management. I have become lax in this area and even allowed some laziness to set in. That is painful to face and admit, but it is there. I waste time that I should redeem. I'm not talking about working crazy hours and not relaxing; been there bought the t-shirt and almost lost more than it was worth. Anyway, I am speaking of making better use of time. Working smarter and more effectively. Being intentional with my schedule at the office and at home.
The way I lead is also undergoing a shift. I am spending more time in planning and working out systems and structure and vision. I am trying to do less and empower others more. Ironic thing is that makes my schedule busier. The standard is being raised and the expectations are greater for me and the team around me.
I am also journaling and reading a lot more right now. Prayer is a bigger and more significant part of my life and time. Bible study is taking on a different light as it has become even deeper. Things are becoming more focused and more simple.
Yes, I said simple. Really this isn't complicated and neither is life. We make things complicated. Sin complicates things. Lazy and apathy muddy the waters. God and His Word brings things into focus and makes them clear. He simplifies everything down to faith, hope, and love.
The funny thing is, simple isn't always easy.
Would love to hear some of what God is speaking and challenging in you...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday Unwind
I am spent. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, completely spent, yet I am also mostly content. I say mostly because I do still have a preaching headache.
Let me start from the beginning.
- Woke up at 5 am with pain in my back and in my gut (not swine flu though, don't panic: leave that to the media. :-P). Anyway, I could not go back to sleep so I got up. Really felt like it was spiritual more than anything physical happening. Spent some time praying and just trying to get in tune as much as I could with what was really going on. Mostly, just trusted God and sought Him for what He wanted to do and say today.
- Got to the office about normal time and just went over the sermon one last time and checked on the tech elements. There was a weight about the day in every step. It wasn't a struggle to do or get through, just a sense of something significant.
- We changed the preservice schedule and routine of our worship band today. I like what we are doing now, but it will take some time for them to find this new preparation groove. Giving them more time to focus and get in tune spiritually.
- The twitterverse was teaming this morning with some great quotes and encouragement. The weight of the day wasn't just at CapCity, it seemed to be many places. God is setting His Church up for soemthing amazing. May each of us be ready for it when it comes.
- Coming out of prayer with the team, I saw some friends from our neighborhood walk in. What a treat to have them in service today!
- Love taking communion as part of the worship set! Again, there was a weight in the room during that time as the Spirit was just doing His thing.
- Took a few minutes to launch a fundraising campaign to complete our café area. This is not a normal effort. Someone stepped forward recently and offered $10,000 in matching money for this project. After presenting it and giving some instruction on timing and response, CapCity once again stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park! I haven't seen the full numbers yet, but nearly a third has already been pledged or given. That is just preliminary of what I know from direct contact!
- I settled right in "the groove" today during the message. We wrapped up the series, "What's In Your Bag?" Today I took a lesser known parable out of Matthew 21 of the two sons and talked about follow-thru. In golf, as in many sports, the follow thru motion is at least as important if not more important than anything else. In life, we have to follow thru. It's not enough to start well if we don't finish. Jesus said, "Well done..." not "well started..."
- I broke off for a few minutes and talked about forgiveness, that wasn't planned but really felt compelled of the Spirit to do so.
- I did say that teh church does NOT have a follow up problem at all. We do not NEED another discipleship program or curriculum. There is nothign wrong with soemone writing one, it is just not needed for us to move forward, we have plenty. No our problem in the church is not a problem with follow up, our problem is follow through. We don't finish. We don't walk the journey with people over the long term. We want them to finish a course and get a certificate and think it is done. Acts 2:42 tells us that those who had just been added to the believers "devoted themselves" to the teaching and to prayer. We do not do a good job of helping people to devote themselves. We try to do it all for them.
- There are some who have been saying "No" to God, but are ready to change and say "Yes." There are also some who have said "Yes" but have yet to actually follow thru and obey.
- Had another salvation today! That is ALWAYS awesome. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me but it takes us to around 20 on the year! We have a wasy to go, but I will NEVER complain in any way about any number of people givign their hearts to God!
- We're working on a few things that we are tweaking in our follow through as a church. You'll see these come in to play in various ways.
- Let me tell you, God is setting us up for a move that is far beyond anything we have ever experienced!
- Got together with another family and cooked out lunch today. Love brats and burgers on the grill!
- Played golf this evening. 9 holes with a couple of guys and then 9 on my own. Normally, I try to rest on Sundays, just didn't happen today, might pay for it tomorrow. But I very much enjoyed being out on the course. Took my own advice from the service this morning and worked on my follow through and was hitting the ball much better. Enough about that.
- Like I said, I'm spent. Until...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Unique
I am sitting here going through my notes from Thr3e this past Tuesday. One of the statements made by Steven Furtick was, "The thing that makes you unique makes you powerful." I have heard this concept espoused in various forms before, so it is by no means exclusive or new with Furtick.
However, it is a compelling statement and one that needs to be heard and lived more in the church world. Especially in the church conference and leadership realm. Way too often we go to conferences or seminars or just visit other churches looking for a formula to copy. We download sermons and copy them word for word thinking that is the answer cause it worked elsewhere. We change our look, our style, even our personality to try and emulate someone else who we see as successful. I say "we" because I have fallen prey to this at times too. It is easy to do.
Now, I am not espousing that attending these events or using the resources of others is wrong in any way. The exact opposite as a matter of fact. There is so much out there that is good that we need to use what others are offering as helps and starters and even springboards for messages and ministry. It is good stewardship to share what we have and share what others are offering to make all of us better. Lifechurch.tv gets this as well or better than anyone else.
However, when we do use these resources we must do so with the individual flair of who God is molding us to be. We must be DEVOTED to prayer and preaching of the Word. That means we get our context from God even when we are filling it with content from other sources. Only in prayer will the vision and ideas and all that is needed to please God where we are as who we are come out and be revealed. It may happen at a conference or some other place, but it is not because of or from the speaker(s) or church(es) involved. They may have been used by God to spark something, but the origin is God, or at least it needs to be. In His prayer Steven said it this way, "God take what I say and turn it into what needs to be heard by the time it gets to the heart."
Everyone of us needs a direct encounter with God to know the direction we are to go. We need to hear from the Holy Spirit what it is we are to say and proclaim. Once we hear from the Source, then we can sift among the abundance of resources available to get that message that God is burning in us out to those He has placed before us. We do so using the uniqueness of who He has created us to be.
I can't be you and you need to thank God you can't be me. So let us leverage our uniqueness and accomplish what God has for us.
However, it is a compelling statement and one that needs to be heard and lived more in the church world. Especially in the church conference and leadership realm. Way too often we go to conferences or seminars or just visit other churches looking for a formula to copy. We download sermons and copy them word for word thinking that is the answer cause it worked elsewhere. We change our look, our style, even our personality to try and emulate someone else who we see as successful. I say "we" because I have fallen prey to this at times too. It is easy to do.
Now, I am not espousing that attending these events or using the resources of others is wrong in any way. The exact opposite as a matter of fact. There is so much out there that is good that we need to use what others are offering as helps and starters and even springboards for messages and ministry. It is good stewardship to share what we have and share what others are offering to make all of us better. Lifechurch.tv gets this as well or better than anyone else.
However, when we do use these resources we must do so with the individual flair of who God is molding us to be. We must be DEVOTED to prayer and preaching of the Word. That means we get our context from God even when we are filling it with content from other sources. Only in prayer will the vision and ideas and all that is needed to please God where we are as who we are come out and be revealed. It may happen at a conference or some other place, but it is not because of or from the speaker(s) or church(es) involved. They may have been used by God to spark something, but the origin is God, or at least it needs to be. In His prayer Steven said it this way, "God take what I say and turn it into what needs to be heard by the time it gets to the heart."
Everyone of us needs a direct encounter with God to know the direction we are to go. We need to hear from the Holy Spirit what it is we are to say and proclaim. Once we hear from the Source, then we can sift among the abundance of resources available to get that message that God is burning in us out to those He has placed before us. We do so using the uniqueness of who He has created us to be.
I can't be you and you need to thank God you can't be me. So let us leverage our uniqueness and accomplish what God has for us.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More Thr3e
I am still processing everything from Tuesday and what God was/is speaking to me.
I mentioned in my last post about THR3E that the level of transparency was unusual coming from a church and pastor hosting a conference. Many conferences will make light of some past mistakes that have been made, but they still work hard to present themselves in the light of "success." This is not an indictment, I fully understand it. In the attempt to put "their best foot forward" it sometimes gets overpolished and overcooked to the point of being too slick.
We have hard wood floors in our house. They are beautiful and they look great when they are polished and shiny. My wife is teaching our daughters various life skills including cleaning. Not long ago, she let them take turns polishing the floors. They got a little carried away with the polish in a couple of spots. The floors looked great! But, if you weren't careful, you would have an undignified slip and even fall because the floors were overpolished and too slick. Not even shoes could prevent this. Eventually, the polish wore down and now those spots aren' treacherous any longer.
It was refreshing to see and hear Steven Furtick and staff be brutally honest about what got them where they are and what they face. He laid it all on the line and held nothing back. Even admitting his personal struggles and insecurities as a leader. He is a great man of God and a great leader, but he is human and flawed. That is vital. It is vital because that is what and who God uses: flawed men who do not shrink back because of their flaws and do not attempt to present themselves as more than they are.
Everyone of us could do with some more transparency in our lives. I'm not talking about dumping our crap on everyone we meet and constantly presenting ourselves as needy and whiny and weak. I'm talking about living real and not being phony and plastic in our relationships. Life is gritty and it is dirty, so why do we try and present like we are living on clouds and everything is white and shiny and clean?!
We are flawed. Let's admit it. Let us also strive to overcome. Let us live to encourage and build up. Let us work to glorify God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, not in our best most polished projections of ourselves. If we really want to glorify God, let's allow people to see that He is working in, through, and among us even though we are not perfect. That brings Him more glory than anything.
Elevation church is glorifying God. They are doing it by giving their best most passionate effort, by obeying His Word, by trying things and failing and succeeding, by being real and raw, by allowing God to do His thing among them and in them. Would that more of us would live and operate the same. We would see more churches have exponential growth.
I mentioned in my last post about THR3E that the level of transparency was unusual coming from a church and pastor hosting a conference. Many conferences will make light of some past mistakes that have been made, but they still work hard to present themselves in the light of "success." This is not an indictment, I fully understand it. In the attempt to put "their best foot forward" it sometimes gets overpolished and overcooked to the point of being too slick.
We have hard wood floors in our house. They are beautiful and they look great when they are polished and shiny. My wife is teaching our daughters various life skills including cleaning. Not long ago, she let them take turns polishing the floors. They got a little carried away with the polish in a couple of spots. The floors looked great! But, if you weren't careful, you would have an undignified slip and even fall because the floors were overpolished and too slick. Not even shoes could prevent this. Eventually, the polish wore down and now those spots aren' treacherous any longer.
It was refreshing to see and hear Steven Furtick and staff be brutally honest about what got them where they are and what they face. He laid it all on the line and held nothing back. Even admitting his personal struggles and insecurities as a leader. He is a great man of God and a great leader, but he is human and flawed. That is vital. It is vital because that is what and who God uses: flawed men who do not shrink back because of their flaws and do not attempt to present themselves as more than they are.
Everyone of us could do with some more transparency in our lives. I'm not talking about dumping our crap on everyone we meet and constantly presenting ourselves as needy and whiny and weak. I'm talking about living real and not being phony and plastic in our relationships. Life is gritty and it is dirty, so why do we try and present like we are living on clouds and everything is white and shiny and clean?!
We are flawed. Let's admit it. Let us also strive to overcome. Let us live to encourage and build up. Let us work to glorify God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness, not in our best most polished projections of ourselves. If we really want to glorify God, let's allow people to see that He is working in, through, and among us even though we are not perfect. That brings Him more glory than anything.
Elevation church is glorifying God. They are doing it by giving their best most passionate effort, by obeying His Word, by trying things and failing and succeeding, by being real and raw, by allowing God to do His thing among them and in them. Would that more of us would live and operate the same. We would see more churches have exponential growth.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spring Game
I have more I am going to post about the Thr3e event yesterday, but that will come later. I planned this post before yesterday and want to get it online.
We had some friends in for the weekend. On Saturday, the men went to the OSU spring game and the ladies went shopping. The attendance at the spring game set a new national record: over 95,000. The weather had some to do with it as it was an absolutely beautiful day. To the credit of OSU all the gate money ($5 per person) went to local charities. The concessions, um, probably not. More on that in a moment.
We arrived two hours before game time and there was a lacrosse game taking place vs. Notre Dame. There was already 31,000 in the stadium. I don't know what a normal attendance for lacrosse is, but it is not 31,000.
Even arriving that early we had to park some distance away and then sit in the upper deck. The parking lots were crammed with tailgaters that had been there since very early that morning. They were going through the food and drink! It was quite the sight to behold. Remember all of this is for a practice! Not even a scrimmage against another team. It is a teammate vs. teammate practice.
Allow me to stop and say this has nothing to do with which team this was surrounding. I am sure the same is true at any serious football school.
As a sat there contemplating all of this while drinking my FOUR DOLLAR bottle of Diet Coke, a few thoughts hit me. This was "church" for many of the folks there. They were sacrificing their time and energy to be there to watch their team play and get "revved" up. There was cheering and clapping and worship. There was loud music and voices coming over the sound system. There was a playbook. There was even a bulletin (program)! People were generous with their money, at least in buying from the merchandisers and concessions. These people were committed and loyal and unashamed in their praise. They were loud and boisterous and demonstrative.
That even I was having a conversation with a friend in our neighborhood about all of this as we talked about priorities. The amount of money spent on the day and the tailgating and the food is a bit mind-boggling. Yet most everyone there was not complaining and they will come back.
Oh yeah, they will come back even if coach Tressel or his staff never calls them or shakes their hands. They will come back in spite of being crowded and uncomfortable. They will come back despite the loudmouths and the jerks and the hypocrites. They will come back even though they don't like what the coach called or how the officials handled the game. They will come back because they are sold out to the team. They will come back because it is an unforgettable experience and it grabs their passion.
I wonder...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
THR3E
I am sitting here in the airport in Charlotte waiting to catch my flight home. To say I am overwhelmed, would not adequately explain it.
I knew that today would be worth the time and expense. Just the experience alone plus the resources that were promised made the trip worthwhile. I was hoping that I would also have a God encounter today. I did. In fact, everything exceeded my expectations.
Allow me to use this blog as a public journal over the next few days as I process what God is speaking. For this post, I will give the initial and surface things I observed and experienced today.
First, I don't know that I will ever attend another "typical" conference/seminar. I might, but right now, I can't imagine how the typical format could be as worthwhile as today. I will attend events, but I will be quite selective and even extreme in being exclusive about the ones I choose. The reasons will be many of the things I share here from today over how ever many posts it ends up being.
There was no hype, no music, no booths, no vendors, no marketing, limited use of video, no slick presentations. It was raw and it was real. It was as authentic and transparent as I have ever seen a church and leadership be in a group setting. It was also limited. Truly limited. I've seen events called "limited" but they were not. 1500 is not truly limited. This was 150. On top of that there was a volunteer worker for every three attenders. More on that in a moment. The point is, there was nothing to distract from God's voice and the principles being shared.
I was impressed the moment I walked down the street toward the venue. There was a crowd of volunteers wearing Thr3e t-shirts standing outside with Krispy Kreme donuts and they immediately engaged anyone who walked up. The volunteer that got to me first was Maria. She made me feel like a VIP instantly. She wrote down my name and info and walked me into the registration table where she got the name tag (pre-printed and nice!) and conference pack for me. Then she made sure I had something to drink and showed me to the snack table. Maria introduced me to some of the staff members and a couple of other pastors who were for the event. She then handed me a business card with the Thr3e logo and her name along with her cell phone number and instructions to call or text for anything that I might need that day. Throughout the day she checked in on me and made sure I had water etc. and introduced me to others as the day went on. The care and attention was amazing. As far as I could tell, every person there got the same treatment. Amazing! I spoke with some of the church staff and they could not say enough about volunteers in their church. These 50 or so individuals took a day off work and arrived at 6 am knowing they would be there until 7 pm and spend the whole day serving others. We have got to find a way to make that the normal way we treat people week in and week out at church.
I have so much more to say, but I've written enough for now. More will come.
I knew that today would be worth the time and expense. Just the experience alone plus the resources that were promised made the trip worthwhile. I was hoping that I would also have a God encounter today. I did. In fact, everything exceeded my expectations.
Allow me to use this blog as a public journal over the next few days as I process what God is speaking. For this post, I will give the initial and surface things I observed and experienced today.
First, I don't know that I will ever attend another "typical" conference/seminar. I might, but right now, I can't imagine how the typical format could be as worthwhile as today. I will attend events, but I will be quite selective and even extreme in being exclusive about the ones I choose. The reasons will be many of the things I share here from today over how ever many posts it ends up being.
There was no hype, no music, no booths, no vendors, no marketing, limited use of video, no slick presentations. It was raw and it was real. It was as authentic and transparent as I have ever seen a church and leadership be in a group setting. It was also limited. Truly limited. I've seen events called "limited" but they were not. 1500 is not truly limited. This was 150. On top of that there was a volunteer worker for every three attenders. More on that in a moment. The point is, there was nothing to distract from God's voice and the principles being shared.
I was impressed the moment I walked down the street toward the venue. There was a crowd of volunteers wearing Thr3e t-shirts standing outside with Krispy Kreme donuts and they immediately engaged anyone who walked up. The volunteer that got to me first was Maria. She made me feel like a VIP instantly. She wrote down my name and info and walked me into the registration table where she got the name tag (pre-printed and nice!) and conference pack for me. Then she made sure I had something to drink and showed me to the snack table. Maria introduced me to some of the staff members and a couple of other pastors who were for the event. She then handed me a business card with the Thr3e logo and her name along with her cell phone number and instructions to call or text for anything that I might need that day. Throughout the day she checked in on me and made sure I had water etc. and introduced me to others as the day went on. The care and attention was amazing. As far as I could tell, every person there got the same treatment. Amazing! I spoke with some of the church staff and they could not say enough about volunteers in their church. These 50 or so individuals took a day off work and arrived at 6 am knowing they would be there until 7 pm and spend the whole day serving others. We have got to find a way to make that the normal way we treat people week in and week out at church.
I have so much more to say, but I've written enough for now. More will come.
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