Starting a Movement- When Leadership and a Movement Collide

The Secret of a Dark Season

2012-01-29T08:04:00.001-08:00

Dark Season- Matt 10:27 Whatever I tell you in the dark...preach on the rooftops.
Os Hillman said in his book, "The Upside of Adversity,"
Songbirds are taught to sing in the dark. There are something's that only God can do in you in a dark season.

My last blog was on the topic of a dark season as well. God allows dark seasons in our lives for different reasons. One of those reasons is because there are only certain things God can speak to us in a dark season. It is then that we are postured to listen. Most people stop listening because of the intense pain and loneliness those seasons can bring. It is in those times God wants to shift your paradigms. We all set up these theological beliefs about our methodologies that God has to crush. We have methodologies that some guy on TV taught us, but it is not found in Scripture. God will allow these methodologies and mindsets to fail so He can reshape us. Most people get bitter and jaded when this happens.

God wants to share things with you in the dark so you can preach it from the rooftops (high places). If you allow yourself to get bitter, damaged and jaded, your revelation in the dark place will be of no use.

What methodologies is God trying to break in you?
What is God trying to speak to you in your dark season?
How will it help people when you "preach it from the rooftops?"

God Allows Dark Seasons

2012-01-26T05:43:00.001-08:00

But God kept them from recognizing him. (Luke 24:16 NLT)

I believe this happened because he wanted to hear their heart and their true feelings; not religious talk. Jesus wanted to have a heart felt conversation. They were 7 miles away from their destination. They just lost their leader and hope. Jesus wanted to walk with them through their toughest situation. He wanted to be present in their pain.

So many times we approach God with "faith" talk and Christianese. We try to wear a mask. God knows that the things we are telling Him, we don't even believe. God desires that we are truthful and pour out our whole hearts to Him. He knows you are hurting. He knows that you are scared.

Could it be that God allows dark seasons, times when we don't feel Him, so that we will be real and show our true feelings?

What I love about this is that Jesus walked with them on their loneliest journey. He loved them that much.

Be real with God today. Cry before Him. Share your heart with Him. Leaders who start movements are transparent before God and to others.

Rest

2011-12-29T05:41:00.001-08:00

Perry Noble recently quoted his counselor by saying, "Those who don't work are considered lazy by the Bible, but those who don't rest are considered disobedient."

I remember talking to a guy who was the epitome of this statement. He proudly told me that their staff were so busy that they never took a day off. I replied, "Wow bro, you would not have been allowed to work on Jesus' staff because even He rested."

We all want to change our world. Hopefully inside of you is a big dream. If that is the case, you will have to learn to rest and have down time.
*Note: Some people are lazy, never meet deadlines and do not work. My only advice is- step up your game. This blog is not for you.

Here are some questions to help you see where you are at.
1. How often do you have time for fun and recreation? What do you do for fun? (writing sermons or reading theology books DON'T count)

2. Do you feel guilty for taking time off? Why?

3. What do your wife or friends say about your balance? Have you asked them to honestly tell you if they think you work too much?

Burnout is real for everyone. Learn to rest properly. Ask your spouse to help you have time to recharge. Help your spouse as well. Fight guilt. It is mostly internal, self-imposed guilt. The people you serve want you rested, in a good mood and refreshed. If they don't, change positions, jobs or churches immediately.

Let's go for the long haul!

2012 Means Again

2011-12-13T05:33:00.001-08:00

While preparing for 2012, I felt the Lord place on my heart the theme of, "Again." Many will proclaim (in the spirit of being generic) that this will be your best year yet. They will tell you it will be your most "blessed" year yet. Many preachers will proclaim this because they want you to feel better. I don't know about you, but 2011 was rough. I mean, a lot of it was devastating. Let me be real. I have never been as hurt by people in the church world as I was this year. I was cursed out, given a rubber check as a donation for my family (intentionally bad-it bounced), had people tell me that we don't believe in the Holy Spirit and other churches intentionally lie and attack me.

I said all that to make a point. As rough as 2011 was, I believe my assignment is to encourage others to give it one more shot. 2012 may not be your most "blissful" year, but it can be your best year. It is a year to restore hope and give it one more shot. I am not preaching at you, I am walking with you. I will be going into 2012 with some serious challenges. My mom is battling serious, life-threatening cancer. Our giving was down at church almost 25% over the past three months. I did not see the fruit I expected with some outreach ideas we implemented. So- I am with you.

There are two stories in Scripture that come to mind. The first is Peter and the empty nets. He fished all night and even came back at the right time in the morning and....nothing. You been there? Jesus shows up and asks him to give it one more shot and he told him, "But I tried..." Felt that way? Maybe it is your marriage. Maybe it is ministry. Maybe it is your career. At any rate, Jesus is calling us to give it one more shot. Peter, in the same sentence, says, "Nevertheless, at thy word." He obeyed and great blessing followed.

The other story is a short parable in Luke about a man with a failing fig tree. The master wanted it down and the man convinced him that he needed one more shot. He cultivated the tree and gave it "special attention." It produced. 3 years of no figs and he gave it one more shot.

I want to encourage you to cast your nets out again. Cultivate your situation. Use the "cr_p" of life to be your fertilizer. Believe once again. Give it one more shot. This may be the time that breakthrough comes. Hope is the greatest weapon you have against the unknown of the future.

Distributing Culture

2011-12-01T05:44:00.001-08:00

The culture of an organization is the most important aspect of that organization. It answers the question, "Why do we do what we do?"

Leaders are the protectors and providers of the culture. Whether you are a ministry leader or a manager of a department, culture matters. Culture is the unwritten code of a group of people that determines how they speak, interact and dress. Everyplace has a culture. The culture is the expression of the values of that group of people.

Leader, you are to be the one who sets the guidelines for what culture will be present in your ministry/organization.

Look at this:
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. (Luke 9:16 NLT)

As a leader, you can model and teach culture, but the people around you have to distribute it. They have to be carriers of the cultural values of that organization. If the transfer doesn't happen, you will be very frustrated that people are not getting it. It has to become viral. How does this happen?

Let's look at what Jesus did in the above verses of Scripture:
1. He Interacted with Heaven:
-Jesus looked to heaven and a miracle happened in His hands. The vision for your ministry has to come from heaven. It cannot be copied and pasted.

2. He Gave it to the Disciples:
-He transferred what He was given from heaven to the disciples. He shared it with them. Share the culture of the organization with your people. Get it in their heads and hands.

3. They Gave it to the People:
-Jesus did not take on the task of being the primary vision caster on the culture. The disciples gave the bread and fish out. They distributed it. Culture usually gets diluted from the head down. It multiplied with Jesus. Why? He put that responsibility of distributing in their hands.

Let your leaders know your values of how culture will be formed. Encourage every department head to share those values regularly with their team.

The point is: the leaders AROUND you have to be the primary distributors to the people. The people on this story all got a piece of the miracle in Jesus' hands because the disciples distributed it.

Shifts in Leading Staff

2011-11-28T06:19:00.001-08:00

My generation been consumed with "leadership" and all the great books that have been published. I even published a book on leadership back in 2007. I believe that leadership is vitally important. I believe that we should learn how to grow as leaders. But we are in a huge transition and shift with leadership styles. There are some very important principles to leading staff, whether volunteer or paid, that go overlooked. Our generation is full of hurting and insecure people. Because of this truth, our approach must shift in order to see staff grow to their fullest potential.

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. They Need to be Lavished with Encouragement:
-Go overboard. Text it. Post it. Tweet it. Send cards. Never assume they know. Remember, "What you fail to celebrate will leave your life."

2. They Need Permission to Lead without Fear of Failure:
-Because we are trying to build these "perfect" ministries, we don't allow staff the permission to attempt and.....fail. We scold and punish this because elder boards don't want to "waste" money. I don't know of any idea that works perfectly the first time. If it did, then it was TOO safe.

3. They Need Authentic Relationships:
-Staff need to have a real relationship with you. A virus spreads by proximity. Whatever you are trying to accomplish cannot be done at arms length.

4. They Need a Cheerleader and a Coach, not a General Manager:
-We usually think that staff need a General Manager or Coach. Not really. Put on your Pom poms and do some cheering. They need to be encouraged and constantly reminded that they are making a difference.

Hulk Out

2011-11-25T20:00:00.001-08:00

My favorite superhero is the Hulk. I loved the 80's tv version with Bill Bixby. I waited in excitement for that point where his eyes turned and he became the Hulk. He was pushed to the point of extreme anger.
I was reading through my one year Bible plan and came across the story of Moses hitting the rock. God told Moses to hit the rock and water would come out. Moses was so frustrated that he struck the rock in anger. The people's complaints drove him to the point that his frustration manifested in anger. God told him that he would not be the one to lead the people into the promise land because of this.
Many leaders have this "frustration point." That point is where frustration turns to anger.
Moses was banned from the promise land. David Banner had to roam from town to town.
We will also limit ourselves when we allow frustration to turn to anger. You can tell when this is happening when:
1. You Resent People's Complaints and Problems
2. You Don't Have a Desire to Develop People
3. You Say Offensive Things to People
4. You Have No Patience for Mistakes
5. "Calmness" is Not How People Around You would Describe You

Before you strike the rock in anger or turn to the Hulk, take a timeout. I do this by first of all practicing thankfulness. Secondly, I take time away. Learn to get away and have fun. Finally, talk and think about ALL the good that is going on. Frustrated leaders cannot lead their people to a place of promise. It takes patience, calmness and peace.

Bad Investments

2011-11-18T07:49:00.001-08:00

We just finished a series at The Well called, "Healer." It dealt with healing emotionally from past hurts. One message was on insecurity. We are all affected by it. The first symptom of the disease called sin was insecurity. Adam and Eve were ashamed and hid.

Insecurity is a feeling of vulnerabilities, characterized by a low sense of self worth. It manifests in anger, defensiveness and isolation.

As leaders, we must allow God to minister to our own insecurities as we minister to other people's insecurities.

Warning.... When ministering to insecure people realize that: no matter how much time you give them, they feel like it isn't enough. No matter how many "thank you's" they get, they are not appreciated. It is kind of like pouring sand into bags with holes in it. You can also call it, "bad investing." There is very little return on investment.

This may be your story as a leader. You are continually discontent because insecurity has created holes in your emotional tank. You may be dealing with people like this. Whatever the case may be. Don't beat yourself up. Continue to love and reassure them. Finally don't give up, but keep the perspective.

When dealing with insecure people you are only as good as your last ____________ (fill in the blank.)

Remember, Adam and Eve were naked and ashamed, but God clothed them. God has provided a covering that assure us as well. Sin may have birthed insecurity, but the cross provided a covering that creates security.

The Cancerous Leader

2011-11-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is probably the most important lesson I have had to learn as a leader. If we don't get this our ministries and families will be miserable. Needless to say that we, the minister, will be miserable. The reason many may stop reading here is because this deals with our heart instead of creating systems for growth.

I have had the Lord check my heart in a major way lately. I have had spiritual CAT Scans and MRI's done. I felt God really speaking to me that I have "entitlement" issues. Ministry seems so selfless and great, but the truth of the matter is that inside of all us there is a "self-serving" piece of our hearts. We can tell how much of this cancer we have when we face thankless situations time and time again.

I realized that I was upset because people were not giving back as much as I was giving them. I figured that if I poured my heart into them then they would become committed and stable. WRONG. I found discouragement creeping in. It was during this time that I felt the Lord say, "Kevin, as long you feel like people are here for your pleasure you will always feel that way. You are here for THEIR purpose, they are not here for yours."
I realized that God will allow us to be put in seeminlgy thankless, obscure and emotionally draining situations to show us what is really in our hearts. Are we leading because we need the people to approve and we need them?

Here are some observations on this issue:
1. People will never give back as much as you put in.
I put in like 8 hours on one situation a few weeks ago. I am not sure how your time looks, but for me that is a lot of time. None of the folks that took up those hours showed up to our worship experience. You have to be selfless when ministering. You don't put in to get back. You put in because you are being faithful.

2. Entitled People Get Easily Offended AND Frustrated
If you are the least bit entitled then you will find yourself perpetually frustrated. If you have the "deserving" mentality then you will never find fulfillment. The ability and call to lead is a privilege. It is an honor. It is a blessing. The opportunity to be hurt and abandoned in the process is also an honor, privilege and blessing. The only thing we are entitled to is to share in His sufferings.

3. The Pity Party Leader Never Throws Parties
The pity party leader is like the donkey, Eor, from Winnie the Pooh. You are like, "Hey bro, how is it going?" They are like, "Well, no one cares. Half the people did not show up this week. I did not get anything for Pastor Appreciation. If I jump off a bridge, no one will notice."
This mentality is also a cancer. It hinders us from being able to have fun, be free and enjoy the ride. No matter how many people you have or at what stage you are at---- you will always "need" more. You will need more attention, more people, more offerings, more influence and more love. Learn to be content and throw parties. Celebrate and be grateful for every small thing that comes to your life. Throw parties!

Self-Imposed Pink Slip

2011-11-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

(I wrote this blog originally for my friend's Pastor Ben and Jessica Miller from Redemption World Outreach Center in Asheville, NC)

Yep. Every pastor and leader goes through it.....You deliver yourself the PINK SLIP.

Something happens on Sunday. There is anticipation and anxiety on delivering a great Sunday Worship Experience in which people are transformed. We pray all week. We prepare messages, worship sets and ministries for this impact. Somehow, no matter how good Sundays are you still have this “hangover.” I believe it is a combination of the anointing and adrenaline. It also is when expectation marries reality.
I quit every Monday. Really. I go through the “holy hangover.”

You may or may not be a pastor, but you have these hangovers too. Whenever expectation and reality collide, you will have a hangover emotionally. This may be true of your marriage, job or perhaps ministry. You probably had or still have lofty expectations of all of the above. The problem comes when we allow discouragement to linger and learning to have “right” expectations. I have lofty expectations. That is my downfall. I am too hard on myself and expect too much of myself. This causes my crash most times.

Here are my daily reminders about Discouragement:
1. Discouragement is a matter of perspective. Get advice from people who have a better perspective. Have people who are “God in skin.” Allow mentors and trusted friends to speak into your life. The greatest perspective is God’s perspective. As you are reading His Word, take time to listen and journal what you feel God saying.

2. Discouraging times are part of natural seasons of life. There is no one who ever avoided discouragement. However, you cannot let discouragement debilitate you. I had a mentor who told me you can go through discouragement, but don’t be discouraged. One is a passing season while the other is a state of mind/being. Prepare mentally for discouraging situations. This may sound weird, but you cannot be blindsided. That is the test of maturity. Don’t be naïve and think you are the exception. This form of arrogance allows discouragement to feed.

3. Discouragement is deadly when combined with exhaustion. I love the Snickers commercial that says, “You are not you when you are hungry.” I believe the same can be compared to discouragement. You are not yourself when you are exhausted. I remember this young, arrogant guy at college that told me, “Day off? Dude, we are so busy doing Kingdom work that we can’t take a day off.” I responded, “Wow, you guys are doing it much different than Jesus and God Himself. They both took days off. I am glad you are not on my staff. You would take a day off or turn in resignations.” Needless to say, we are not Facebook friends. And that church does not exist today. Pastor Tracy Reynolds often says, “Come apart (and rest) or you will come apart.”

Don’t let unreal expectations come in and cause discouragement. This has been the biggest lesson in church planting I have learned. I am called to be faithful and prepare the best worship experience I can. God brings people. I cannot control people. And…. people are people. The one key I use to fight discouragement is to look upon the providence and sovereignty of God. Remember, God is ultimately in charge of all the results. You can gain encouragement when you thank Him for the results He has produced. You can gain encouragement when you pause and say, “Our Father who is in the heavens….” He is your loving Father and He is in the heavens. He is seated on the throne. As Ron Carpenter jr., has said before, “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?”
Yep. I quit every Monday. I just have to start back every Tuesday.

Our Group

2011-10-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sundays in the fall are about competition. You see football teams plan each week to out do each other. They plan, they scheme and at the end of the day one of the teams have to go home as a loser. Serious competition.

There is another huge competion on Sundays. It is the Church.

Mark 9:38, John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." "Don't stop him," Jesus said.... Anyone who is not against us is for us.

We all have "our groups." Maybe it is your denomination. Maybe it is your church. Maybe it is your friends. Jesus made it clear that if someone is serving under the banner of Him, then they are on our team. Sadly, we see other churches as a competition. If they grow and are successful that must mean that we cannot be successful.

I see this all the time. Denominations building their kingdoms. Pastors building their kingdoms. Church people building their own kingdoms.

I am blessed and privileged to be a part of a group of pastors and leaders called, "PSL UNITED." We are the City Church. There are about 8-10 churches who are a part of this. We don't preach at meetings. We don't talk numbers. We don't talk theology. We pray for each other. We encourage each other and we give to each other. Billy Mitchell started this before he took another assignment outside of Port Saint Lucie. Now Tim O'Carroll and Paul Phipps help champion the cause. I am very thankful for their friendship. Our ministry has been enhanced and I have been strengthened.

Leaders, remember, movements are not about you. You are not starting a movement, but rather you have joined the movement Jesus started over 2,000 years ago called the Church. He prayed in John 17 that we may be one as He and the Father are one. We often spend our whole lives asking God to answer our prayers, but we never take time to answer his prayer.

Take time to cultivate unity in your city. God sees the church of ____________(insert your city).

Book Review- "Outliers"

2011-10-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am going to add a book review to the blog from time to time. I love to read and analyze what I am reading.

This week's book review is, "Outliers," by Malcom Gladwell. I am a huge Gladwell fan. I heard him at Catalyst in 2005. I read "The Tipping Point" as well. Wonderful book.

This book is very interesting. Gladwell does a great job, as he did in "The Tipping Point," at studying facts of culture through intense research and revealing those principles to us. "Outliers" is all about extreme stories of success and failure, and the principles behind it. Gladwell studies some of the richest people in history, the success of pro hockey players and plane crashes. He gives you transferrable principles of success and failure.

The Good Stuff:

This book is not one of thoughts and opinions, but facts. From the research on the Beatles to the Plane Crashes of Seoul, it is tethered in facts. I would read through, write down the principle and memorize it. These principles have given me a new perspective on ministry.

-If you hear of a phenomenal success story; study the principles of how it happened. There are advantages and opportunities that the person had that another person will not have. Success stories are WAY MUCH MORE than hard work and determination. They have breaks. They have support. They have advantages that another person in their situation may have not had. (Pastors- please here that. Don't go to a conference and hear this crazy success story and then put that as your goal.) It is phenomenal for a reason.

The Okay Stuff (don't want to say bad):

This book is a hard read. It is very involved and you cannot skim read it. You cannot zone out and still get it. You have to hunker down and read it. Sometimes Gladwell belabors the point. At points there is too much information.

'The Tipping Point" was a little more interesting to me than "Outliers," but Gladwell's style is: A lot of research and information; then a small principle to cap it off.

I would recommend any leader to read this book for the fact that we have a warped view on how people reach successful statuses. As a pastor, it freed me up. Our denominational leaders bring in these talking heads with the same story; started with no people, no money in the account, did not know how to read the Bible, everyone in the town were atheists, they had a vision and boom----- 5 years later, 16,000 people. We go with these stories of non-sense and are not told the "unseen" factors that contributed to their success. They had advantages. They had key relationships with important people. They had financial support. The stories are tainted.

Gladwell shows you the story behind the story.

*All commentary is Kevin's opinion and does not really count in the scheme of things.....

On Fire and In Order

2011-10-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

I was talking with a mentor recently and he gave me a great perspective on the role of every leader, especially those in pastoral roles. He said that God has given him a mandate to strive every day to progress his ministry to a place where it is increasing in two areas: 1)On fire and 2) In Order.

He was quoting the pastoral espistles where Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift inside of him and Paul told Titus to "set things in order at Crete." I believe these are two areas that must give us perspective of a bigger picture of daily activities.

As leaders, we can ask ourselves every day, "Is this ministry fervent with a fire and love for God and is it increasingly having more order? Did the tasks and appointments today work toward that or against that?"

The Two Goals:
1) On Fire: As leaders we must make sure daily we are stoking the flames of love for Christ. Without a relentless love for Jesus and what we call "fire," we are nothing more than whitewashed tombs and talking heads. People desire to follow a leader who is full of God's presence and power. Are you projecting that on your people? Are you congregants more on fire for God than when you first met them? Or are they just working harder, giving more and doing more stuff? That is not on fire.

2) In Order: Paul told Titus that the reason he left him in Crete was to set things in order. People may not like structure, but they sure appreciate what it produces- order. Our job as leaders is to continually raise up leaders and set systems in place so the ministy can out live us. If you left today would it fall apart, or are setting things in order? What did you do today to "set things in order?"

Thanks to Pastor, Dr. and Awesome Guy- Brett Cooper.

Hurricane Preparedness

2011-10-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

In South FL we are in the height of "hurricane season." We know that this season brings a possibility for hurricanes. Because of this season we have seminars and workshops in the area for hurricane preparedness. They give you a list of what you need and all the tips of what you need to know. Pretty cool.

Even with all these seminars, workshops and information, some people still get caught by surprise. Some of the reasons is because they did not know and are new to the area. Others underestimate the power of a hurricane. Some are just lazy and don't take time.

How does this apply to you? Maybe you live in the midwest and you are like "hurri-what?" Maybe you don't have to worry about hurricanes. But we do here in FL. No matter where you live, this can be used a spiritual principle of life: There are seasons when strong storms are likely to hit you and you have to have your "preparedness kit." Storms, strong storms, will pummel the coast of your life and ministry. There will be seasons when you wonder if you will be able to survive the beating of that storm. Afterwards there is plenty of debris left from the storm and damage to fix.

Here are some thoughts on storms and hurricanes:

1) You have to be prepared. Emotionally prepare yourself before the Lord. Ask God to fill you with His power to withstand the storms that will come. Don't be blindsided. Some theology tells you that if you are doing God's will- everything will be perfect. That is not the case for any of our examples from the Bible. Be prepared that if you are doing God's will- storms will it.

2) You have to "wait it out." When hurricanes hit, you have to wait for them to pass. Even if you evacuate, you still have to wait the allotted time. You cannot rush a hurricane. There is the initial impact, the stillness of the eye and then finally the last bands. When spiritual storms hit, you have to just make it through them. Just buckle down until they pass.

3) Finally, you have to fix the damage and clean up the debris. There will be debris of all sorts. When you first see your yard after the storm, you will be overwhelmed. You may even have damage to your home. It's okay. It happens. Start the process of picking up debris and fixing the damages.

No one will escape storms and spiritually speaking- EVERYONE will get hit at some point and time. Don't buy into the lie that you are all alone. Don't think that this season will last forever, because it won't.

Be prepared.

Rebuilding the Walls

2011-09-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

In a matter of a week I heard two messages and had one prophetic word come in to my desk on Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls. I have taught this book before and Nehemiah is one of my favorite leaders, but I did not ever have to go through a "wall rebuilding," experience like what I have had to face recently.

Maybe you were at ground zero after the tragedy, but I was only able to see pictures. What devestation. What destruction. There was so much work to be done. I could not imagine. I wonder if Nehemiah felt the same way about the walls of Jerusalem. The situation caused him to weep for months. He left a secure job and life to go take on this task full time.

There will come a point in time and sometimes multiple times when you will feel like Nehemiah or feel like you are spiritually standing at ground zero. Things you have built have been attacked by the enemy and now they look like they will never live again. You worked hard. You believed. You pressed and now it looks like there is just shambles and ruins left. This is where leadership is tested. This is where the rubber meets the road. Leaders arise in times of crisis. The true leaders show up when crisis hit.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1) It can be done.
-Your first thought is, "Wow, do I have the energy and time to do this. This looks like impossible." It can be done. It will be hard. It will be a process. But it is has to be done and it can be done- by you.
2) With God's help it can be done in record time.
Nehemiah rebuilt the wall in a record 52 days. This should have taken a few years. When you submit this rebuilding to God, He will come along side of you and help you do it in record time. What takes years for man can takes just days with God. Lay this rebuilding project down to Him.
3) It will energize people and unite them.
We usually think that people will be burned out and not have the energy to go through with this. Nehemiah united and organized the people at different stations. There are people waiting to step up during this time. They were hidden before, but will be heroes now. The people were full of strength and fought together.
4) Have a vision of what the rebuilt "wall" will look like.
You have to stand in the midst of your devestation, no matter how big or small, and have a vision of what it could be again. You have to let God be the Master Builder. Ask Him for fresh vision of what it could be and what He sees it as.
Nehemiah did not imagine this. His vision was built upon the prophet's writings on the restoration of the wall and temple. He knew this was God's heart and desire. It was not Nehemiah's plan, but God's plan. Be assured that God wants the walls of your marriage, ministry and life rebuilt. It is His plan and desire.

It can be done. It will be done and it will be done in record time.

Developing People = Messy

2011-09-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

I have been reading through the Bible in the One Year Bible Plan on the YouVersion App (plug for them). I am in Leviticus and to be honest I was not thrilled about this when this book came up. No powerful miracle stories. No great preaching material. No....well not very interesting except for brushing up on Jewish history and traditions.

I was reading Leviticus chapter 14 and I felt the Lord speak to me. The priest had to sacrifice animals for people's sin. It was messy. This was all done so they could be presented unto God as pure. This was before the time of Christ, so the priest was their only hope. He had a very, very messy job. If they had a skin disease- he had to sacrifice an animal. I am not sure I would have signed up to be a priest in that day and time. I am not about blood and guts. My wife is a Physician Assistant. She loves that stuff. I get queasy.

I felt God impress upon me that this is what developing people is like. It is messy. There is blood and guts (not literally). There are people with issues. There are people constantly messing up and in need of restoration and forgiveness. This is what starting a movement is all about. I am glad that I had "priests" that dealt with my issues by sacrifice. They sacrificed time and energy to make sure that I could be all I could be before God.

As a leader who is starting a movement, keep that in mind today. It is messy. If you don't like messes and want everything to be neat; find something else to do.

Your homework is to read Leviticus 14 now.

Much Better

2011-09-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone who is in ministry will tell you about this principle: "At some point in time you will have a death and ressurrection experience in your ministry (maybe even multiple times)."

I have had this happen to me before as well. It can be comparable to Abraham offering his son Isaac up at the LORD's command. This process can feel like the worst pain ever at the time, but afterwards there is growth and perspective that comes from it.
Abraham was given a dream by God. He did not ask for his assignment. He did not ask for a son or for his son to be the one where the Covenant promise would come through. He was merely minding his own business and God interrupted his life. He was given a dream whereby God allowed it do go through a process of death. Abraham carried his son onto the altar and was ready to whatever God was asking.

Many of us have a hard time with that. The reason is that we live with expectations. We have formulated certain expectations of a dream's outcome should look like. These expectations are what makes this ordained death process look so bad. God ordained that Abraham would have to offer the dream up.

Take the life of Jesus Christ for example. His disciples had an expectation that their calling to follow Messiah would result in governmental rule and reign. Their earthly expectation of their dream literally died. When Christ went to the cross, all of their dreams and desires went there too.
I wonder how they felt? I wonder the disappointment. I wonder the embarrassment they felt from family and friends. I wonder what it felt like the first day back to their old jobs.

The crazy thing is that the dream wasn't dead. God had a much better plan. They did not even recognize Jesus when he rose from the dead. It was like nothing they had expected and was MUCH better. Trust God even when it looks like death may be occurring because it is. Your dream will die so His can live. Beware.... you may not recognize it when it does rise again.

I Don't Have Any Blindspots

2011-08-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

I enjoy our men's Community Group on Wednesday nights. We have great discussions and powerful times of prayer.

Recently our group leader asked the men, "What is the main issue you are trying to overcome?"

Every dude in the group totally danced around the question. They explained every mystery known to mankind but would not share their "thing."

One of the greatest problems is when we cannot honestly sit down and share our weaknesses, limitations and issues as a leader.
If you really want to know what they are. Ask you wife. Ask your best friend. Ask the people you lead (in a secret survey).

What are your blindspots and weaknesses?

Mine are:
1) I am very defensive. I have insecurities. I know this and I have to learn to not answer people back in a smart-ellic way.
2) I am too task oriented. I am all about the bottom line and getting the job done in the most effective manner. That sounds really good at first, until you realize that I will do this at the cost of relationships. My strength can also be my greatest weakness if not checked.
3) I am also really afraid of "failing." I compare myself to others a lot and hold my self to stupidly ridiculous high standards. My greatest fear is failing and being mediocre in God's call for my life. I have to learn that when I am following Christ- there is no failure when it comes to meeting expectations. He met them all for me.

Take time to inventory your blindspots. Let people around you help you and speak into your life.

This Guy Named Nick

2011-08-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Recently I met with an employer that wanted to take his business to the next level. He had 90 clients and was doing a fabulous job, but he was doing all the work himself. He was the secretary, sales and admin. He is young and charismatic. He has a lot of energy.
He sat with some of the Business Services leaders of our company and was sharing his plan. We have one guy on staff that consults multi-million dollar companies. Nick did not know this. This gentleman we will call "Michael," began to ask questions. Nick had not done any research or planning. He did not know how many businesses like his had been started in that area, their gross profit or how long they last. He had no clue of their prices or anything.
As Michael was talking, Nick was just looking at him with a somewhat blank stare. Michael asked, "Son, are you going to write this down?"

Here is what I learned from that meeting about leadership and starting movements.

1)Many leaders have a hard time transitioning from the "do-it-all" or "go to guy" to truly empowering others. There is a reason for this. When they first start a movement they are required to get the business or ministry going by sheer energy and everything falls back on them. It is hard to hand over something that you worked so hard for. The people you are handing off to will NEVER have the same passion you do. But they will have more TIME and ENERGY to do it. Nick may have been a great sales guy, but can Nick actually transition to being the "Empowering/Administrative Leader?"

2) Energy is Limited. I am still a relatively "young leader or pastor." At the time of this blog I am 32 years old. I have started a church in a city with two families and have no previous ties here. I also work 50+ hours a week at Workforce Solutions as a Recruiter. The energy it has taken has been enormous. It is the most energy consuming endeavor I have embarked upon. But here is the thing; energy is limited. I have to rest a lot. I mean a lot. The older I get, the less energy I will have. Nick has a lot of energy and can do all he is doing right now, but his energy reserve is getting smaller and smaller. This is how burnout occurs. You get a bunch of stuff going while your energy reserve is high, but you have to continue to sustain it. Don't build your movement on energy you will not have in 10 years, but rather "invest" your energy into building people coupled with proper structures.

3) Research and Planning was too Much Work for Nick. Nick did not want to have to do all the research and planning. He wanted to get some grant money and get rolling. He did not have time for all this stuff. I could tell by his glazed over look. My movement is church planting/pastoring. I see the same glazed over look on pastor's eyes as they go out to start a church. They have a word from God and do not have time for all that research and planning. They are going to go in God's power and do His work, right? I have seen 6 friends close the doors of their church plants since I have started. I am officially two years in this city and 6 months after launching. Research and planning will save you from costly mistakes that young leaders usually make. Learn from others. Interview them. Develop a strategic plan (in pencil of course).

I think I learned more from ole Nick than he learned from me.

Hurt People can Hurt People

2011-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

Genesis 31:7, "but he (Laban) has cheated me, changing my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to hurt me."

Jacob was done wrong in the most amazing way. Worked 7 years for a lady he did not want to marry and then was cheated into working another 7 years for the wife he wanted. Despite this, Jacob carried a godly perspective and did not allow the hurt he experienced to shape him.

We will never escape life without experiencing hurt and pain. Realize that hurt and pain from a sickness or disease is much different than hurt or pain from relationships. I want to talk to you about that for a few minutes.

In life and especially ministry, you will get hurt from and by people. You will also, hopefully unintentionally, hurt others as well. The way we respond and react will utlimately determine how we proceed in our lives.

To be totally honest, I have been taught all the proper techniques of planting and growing churches. The books I have read and mentors I have sat under address all the hot topics and trending movements. I was aware of all the church growth stuff. I was aware of all the newest teaching. However I was not aware and was never taught on a real level how much people can hurt you.

You have two options when you are hurt by someone. The first option is to internalize it and promise yourself this will never happen again. You can live in a false trust of others and react out of that pain the rest of your life. The second option is to process the hurt and pain in a positive manner. The first step is to realize that people are people. Allow yourself to grieve the relationship and the hurt, but ultimately allow God to speak to you, give you perspective and then encourage you.

I have been active in ministry for 10 years now. Only the past two years have I met some of the most faithful and trustworthy people and literally, crazy folks. Yep. Crazy. I have heard, "I got your back man. We are going to do this together." Or my favorite, "I am here to serve you. God has called me here." After these statements, the same folks have cursed me out (and I am still trying to figure out why), left me and never returned a call, attempted to sabotage our ministry when we supported them in difficult times and one dude even gave a check and then stopped payment without telling me (you know that story).

I love our church and this city. God has taught me how to discern who the true leaders are. God has taught me to love those who have done me wrong. God has taught me how to love and most importantly He has taught me how to process pain and hurt from relationships.

Here are the steps to take when a relationship ends painfully:
1) Extend love and grace to that person. People are people. We are fallen and broken.
2) Spread that love and grace to your leadership around you. They may have to know the facts (or they may not), but teach them how to operate in love and grace.
3) Allow yourself time to grieve. It hurts. You will experience shock and awe in some of the stuff that is done to you and your family. Cry. Cry out to God. Have a friend to vent to.
4) Gain God's perspective on the situation. Let Him speak to you about the situation.
5) Finally, do not react in an email, text or even a call. If you feel that you absolutely must talk to that person, do it face to face and get someone to be your filter and see if it is worth it.

Jacob was hurt deeply. He had huge disappointments, but he did not allow that hurt to run his life or dictate his calling. Neither should we. Process the pain positively.

Lesson from the Oklahoma City Thunder

2011-06-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

I was watching the NBA Western Conference Finals and saw some interesting things happen.

There was the young, inexperienced Oklahoma City Thunder and the veteran, Dallas Mavericks playing against each other. One thing that spoke to me was in the final game where OKC had a huge lead and ended up blowing the lead in the 4th quarter. The reason they lost that game and ultimately the series was because they were easily shaken.

They were up by 15 points in the 4th quarter, but when Dallas made a push and things were not going so well, the OKC Thunder reverted to a passive mode of basketball. They stopped attacking. They stopped being aggressive. They started playing not to lose and instead of playing to win.

This is the story of many of us in leadership. If we hit a bad streak and people start acting crazy (pastors, you know what I mean) and things are not going well, we revert to a passive mentality. We lose our edge and aggressiveness. We back down from the vision we have and let our thoughts become dominated with the bad that is happening.

If the OKC Thunder would have realized they had the lead and the upperhand, they probably could have cruised to victory, but instead they moved into a "passive mode."

When you hit the "slump," make sure you re-focus on your vision and calling to the ministry you are at. Make sure you plan some "active" ministry for your ministry and keep moving forward.

Play to win; not to 'not lose.'

Self-Deception: The "Tressel" Rule

2011-06-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the Scott Van Pelt Show on ESPN Radio last week and heard something that really shocked me. (ESPN is the perfect place for God to speak to you.)

Scott Van Pelt was talking about Jim Tressel and his resigning as the head coach of Ohio State. Over the past several years Tressel has helped Ohio State regain national standing and become a dominant powerhouse. The issue is the past year. OSU was slapped with NCAA recruiting violations and will start the 2011 season with key team members suspended. If Tressel remained at OSU, he would have been suspended for a few games as well. Recently he resigned as head coach.

The shocking part was Scott Van Pelt was flabbergasted that Tressel could teach kids Bible verses in the morning and motivate them to do the right thing and then scam them in the evenings. He had a camp and rigged it where only the best athletes could attend when all kids paid to go (a little confusing, but it was a scam). He also knowingly violated NCAA rules in recruiting..... for the second time. 10 years ago he did this at Youngstown State.

This is an important leadership principle. Self-deception is the ability to be so convinced that you cannot be wrong.... that you are actually wrong and convincing yourself you are right. This happens through justification of compromises.

To Scott Van Pelt- How could Tressel do this? Simple. He was self-deceived.

We have to do diagnostic checks as leaders. We have to guard against self-deception. Remember, self-deception is the ability to live a complete lie while you have convinced yourself that it is the truth.

Here are some checks:

1) What compromises have you made against your conscience recently?

-Maybe you are married and have been flirting with a co-worker. Maybe you have been delving into inappropriate stuff on the internet. Whatever the case... ask, "Where am I compromising?"

2) Do you ask for forgiveness or permission?

-Self-deception happens when we make decisions, knowing they are wrong, and never consult the right people. One way to guard against your blind spots is to get advice. This leads us to the next point...

3) Who do you go to in order to find out if you are deceiving yourself?

-Who do you ask the hard questions to? Questions like, "What are my personality defects and character flaws?" or "Will this decision be a mistake?"

Also look at your past. How have you "crashed the ship before?"

Self-deception happens when you can't see ANY wrong in your decisions and cannot think through logical pros and cons of that decision.

This will now be called, "The Tressel Rule."

Grace-Filled Leaders

2011-06-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a series called, "Cow Tipping." (thanks elevation church).

One message was about the Grace of God. Grace is God's free gift of salvation to us. The only thing we contributed for our salvation was our sin. He freely forgave us. We cannot worked to be saved or work to stay saved. He has fully accepted us in Christ. Once we have surrendered to Christ, God views us "in Christ." We are free. We are beloved. (I know there are many different theological view points. This is not my main focus in this blog.)

Most people can grasp this and say, "I can do that. I can dig that. That's awesome." Here is the twist I want to bring. Grace is not something just between us and God, but it should be between us and others.

Important Scripture:
2nd Peter 3:18, "But grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ..."
There may be 1,000 interpretations on how to grow in the grace of God, but I want to share my interpretations for leaders.

Growing in grace is two-fold. The first is understanding God's grace. (read Romans for a full understanding). The second is dispensing that grace to others. This is where I want to focus today.

As leaders, we must be "grace-filled" toward people. People are people. They are going to do stupid stuff. Rather- WE are going to do stupid stuff. We are going to fail. We are going to miss the mark of the standard that others set for us. We are going to disappoint each other.
I see people all the time who have very little grace and kindness toward others who do not do what they think they should do.
If we are going to see the people we lead come to full fruition then we must extend grace to them and show kindness. We must grow in the grace of God.
I can ultimately tell you how much have grown in grace by the way you extend it to others.

Here are a few thoughts on this.

1) "I don't think they should or shouldn't do that or make that decision..." Those statements are grace busters. One question, "Who made you the ultimate standard setter for the universe?" It gets worse if you share your concerns with them and they don't do what you think they should. The question is, "Can you extend grace and truly love them even when they make decisions that you don't agree with?"

2) Do you punish people by with holding love? Donald Miller spoke of this in his book, "Blue Like Jazz." It was a "revelation moment" for me. That is what I would do. If someone did something to me that hurt me or did not follow my prescribed standards for their life, I would withold love. Do you give them the cold shoulder?

3) Do you tell everyone else how they failed and did not follow your advice? Gossipy leaders are awesome. They build their case to everyone around them about how those people did not do what they thought they should do. They trash those people also to make themselves look better. If you point out everyone else's problems, you look like the leadership guru. Learn to protect and cover people.

4) Give grace because you will need it. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7, that the same judgment you give others you will be judged by. Becareful when you cast judgment on others. This is when you make your standard the standard for their lives. We make people live to standards that God does not even make them live to.
You will fail. You will make stupid decisions. You will have a lapse in leadership. You will need others to be graceful to you, so show grace to others. The amount of grace you show others, you will receive.

The Power of Small Things

2011-05-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

These two quotes have shaped my life and the ministry I lead.

1) Don't build your reputation on what you haven't done yet.

2) A little job done is better than a big job talked about.

I am not sure who exactly wrote these quotes, but they have become cornerstones to my core values. It is very important for a leader to lead with vision and share what is not yet. We must have a vision for where we are going and what we are doing. This also must be balanced with doing what has been promised and following through on your current commitments.

As leaders we get bored easily with managing the status quo. There is nothing wrong with that. The issue arises when we have a new, big vision to unveil every six months and we have not followed through with the small things we have been promising.

Learn to master doing the small, mundane things with excellence. This will give you credibility and endurance to do the greater things.

Here are some keys to managing the mundane and leading with vision:
1) People want a consistent leader. They want to know they can trust you. Every idea you share, finish it before launching a new one.
2) People can only handle 20% of change a year. This is my biggest failure. I do it the other way around. I sometimes think they can handle 80% of change a year. Every ministry I have led has been this way. BUT- for me to be more effective, I must understand how much change my people can take. I can handle more emotional change than they can. I love it, most of them just go with it.
3) Don't be THAT guy. Don't be that leader who is always talking about what they are going to do. People will listen. Some will listen with awe. It makes you feel good. I have known leaders who have 7 people in their church and they are talking about these grandiose ideas but they never do the small thing they can do NOW. People eventually get tired of hearing it.
4) Don't overpromise and under-deliver. Be the opposite. It is better to not promise it and do it rather than to promise it and not do it. As leaders we want to impress and help people so we talk twice as much as we should. Learn to slow down and listen. Learn to slow down and not promise things you cannot come through on.

If you look at the Nehemiah blogs I wrote. This Jewish hero, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, rode around at night and surveyed the problems. He researched. He planned. He prayed. He fasted. Finally, after a long time, he unveiled the idea.....after he had the resources lined up and a plan. Very important.

A little job done is better than a big job talked about.

Burnout

2011-05-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Burnout

As a leader who desires to start a movement in your church or organization there is a hidden enemy called, "Burnout."

I remember in 2007 sitting with Coach John (Chasteen), Dean of Southwestern Christian University, at an Applebees in South Carolina and he explained burnout to a friend and I on a napkin. He drew the picture of a linear graph and showed the signs and procession of burnout. He also shared his dramatic experience with this.

I work a full time, 45-55 hour a week full time job. I commute 2 hours a day to work. Then there is this thing I do on the side called, "The Well." We are a very active church in the community and we put all we have into our Sunday night worship experience. Recently I confessed to my wife that stress was getting the best of me. I know all this stuff, but as a man- you just push on. The stress of planting a new, growing church, counseling, leading the leaders of the ministry and the full time jon was overwhelming. Here are a few thought on stress....

1. Know the Signs: Anger/Frustration. Lack of joy in hobbies that once seemed fun. Marriage or close relationships suffer. Depression. Lack of motivation. Physically tired all the time. Withdrawal. Constant ideas on how to escape or quit.

2. Know the Reasons (personally): Stress comes because of being overwhelmed. This can come because of personal high expectations or meeting other's approval. This may come from conflict. Know what burns you out.

3. Act Immediately: The moment you think you are burning out- act. Take some time. Explain to your wife, leaders or denomination that you need a few days off. Begin to seek God fresh once again.

4. Set up Boundaries: Weekly have a time of personal refreshing. You need to do this spiritually and recreationally. Guard your time carefully.

Do you find ministry frustrating?

Have you lost joy and peace, internally?

Are you fatigued and lack motivation?

Are your sleep patterns changing?

Do you dream of doing something else (fantasizing)?

Have you lost gratefulness?

Talk to someone today. Be open, vulnerable and honest. Take some time away. Rest and recharge. Most importantly, let God speak to you about your situation. You were never mean to carry that stress.

2011-04-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

What People are Hungry For....

Some people are hungry for a show. Some people are hungry for an emotional experience. Some people are not hungry at all. Others are hungry for authenticity...

The amount of people who have disconnected with the local church have done so because of the lack of authenticity in spirituality. There are groups that love the cultural idea of "church" and there are those who want a revival, emotional experience each week.

I struggle here folks. Really. I get turned off by pretention and "traveling evangelists" that bop people on the head and work them up in an emotional frenzy. I am also turned off by those who are cold, frozen and have no spiritual vitality. I crossed through the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement where I was pushed to the floor by the Super Hero of the hour. I was emotionally manipulated and part of the Super Hero's "ego show."
I have also been on the other side where the group is so scared of the Holy Spirit moving that they make sure there are no opportunities for Him to actively touch people.

I have found that there are people who need "authentic spirituality" from Christ. They need authentic leaders, who are emotionally stable, character driven and Holy Spirit consumed. As Maxwell says, "Everything rises and falls on Leadership."

If we have a need that we are trying to meet through the people that attend our church, then there will never be authenticity.

If we need the emotional high for the moment and it drives our ego, then there will never be authenticity.

If we need the approval of the people and their thumbs up, then there will never be authenticity.

If we have a pre-scribed religious approach to God and connecting with Him, there will never be authenticity.

Authentic leaders hunger for God. They have a strong personal devotional life and are emotionally secure. They model this for their church.

Signs of a Church Hopper

2011-03-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

When you are an initiator, by nature you attract those who are initators as well. When you are starting a movement whether it is a church plant, revitalizing a ministry or kicking a youth ministry off, you will need to know very important elements about the groups of people that will come to your aide. Some people are initiators; others are anchors; others are stabilizers and some are plain out church hoppers. Yep. I said it. You have to be able to identify those who are initiators and those who are bonefide church hoppers. Initiators thrive on doing something new. They love the "new car smell." They are excited about a "brand new church," or new youth pastor, or maybe even a new ministry venture. Beware, because their excitement of that new ministry will wain after it is stabilized. You can easily re-direct an initiator to another ministry to start or help revitalize something. Church hoppers are a little different. You have watch a few things in order to spot these people. Here is what I call the seven signs and sayings of a church hopper: 1. Their first conversation with you is how bad their last church was. A church hopper will talk about all the things wrong with the last pastor and last church. I have a friend name Lee Holley from Calvary Chapel PSL. He said their policy is that if someone trashes their last chuch at your church, then you automatically disqualify them. The reason is that it will not be long before they do it to you. When someone leaves a church whether it is positive or negative, the conversation should be, "I was called out." 2. They get involved in "spurts" and go missing for a while. Church hoppers do not have the power to commit. Either they find fault or are scared of committing because they hop around. They will get really excited for a week or two, or even a couple of months, but in the long run they never commit long term. 3. They have a brief history with churches. Church hoppers have "spotty" church resumes. Mentally compile a "resume" in chronological history of how many churches they have been at, for how long and the reason they left. I have families who leave a church and they have been there 4 years, 6 years or 8 years. That is staying power. They have commitment and a ling term history. 4. They have been to EVERY church in town. Ask other pastor friends about "so and so." You can have an understanding of where they have been and why they left from an objective source. And here is the kicker- If those churches could not do it for them, what makes you think yours can? 5. They commit really fast and tell you, "I got your back pastor. I am here for you." The ones who left the quickest were those who committed the quickest and they made this statement over and over again at the beginning, "I got your back pastor. I am here for you." Now listen, I have core team members who are faithful, loving and supportive. They make this statement, but they back it up with actions. They are consistent in their actions. 6. They do not serve and give to any ONE local ministry. A big sign of a church hopper is that they don't give AND serve at any one local ministry. We have Sunday night church so we have people who go other places on Sunday mornings. I can honestly tell you that people who do not financially, regularly back the church AND serve will be hopping. People will stay where their time and money is invested at. If it is no where, then it will not be long before they are somewhere else. My philosophy is this: If you are a mature Christian who loves Jesus, then serve and give. If you are a mature Christian and attend the church because you need another church service, I have plenty of friends with more seats. We need your seats! :) Be planted and rooted somewhere, for the sake of the Kingdom, please. 7. They want to "help" your church by changing it to where they came from. Yes, church hoppers left a church they did not like, but amazingly enough want to change your church into that church. I have had people tell me that because I am not like Rod Parsley or T.D Jakes, then I am not a good preacher. They wanted to have us doing 80's Christian music as well. They were there waiting and hoping that they could change me, when they could not- they left. At the end of the day, the way to identify a church hopper is when they hop from your church to another. The best thing to do is to love them, know that is their gifting and keep moving on. So, can you tell the difference between and initiator and a church hopper? What is the major difference to you? Answer below....

When the Sun Goes Down

2011-03-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

We have been reading Steven Furtick's book, "SUN STAND STILL" in our Community Groups this semester. We have seen great things happening in our midst and believing for greater things.

I am speaking from that book this week to our congregation on "When the Sun Goes Down." So many times we talk about, "breakthrough," "miracles," "walking in faith," and "deliverance," but in our experience we see the opposite. This can be confusing, hurting and demoralizing. To trust for a certain thing to take place and then the opposite happen can take the wind out of your sails.

The key to this is that Joshua saw the sun go down on a generation before he ever saw the sun stand still. Day after day he saw people rebelling and "locked" out of the promise land. Sometimes before we see the sun stand still we will see the sun go down. It takes audacious faith to continue to persevere and believe despite that. Here are three reasons God will allow the sun to go down in our lives:
These are from Psalm 42, when David was betrayed by his son Absalom and was seeing the sun go down.

God allows the sun to go down because:
1. It Creates an Opportunity to Get Closer to Him
David said that his soul "panted" for the living God. His sun gone down experience pushed him closer to God.

2. It Causes us to Reflect Upon the Goodness of God in the Past
Two times David says, "I remember...."

3. Our Hope will Remain in God- not a Vision or Positive Circumstances
David said twice to himself, "Put your hope in God." He was sad, depressed and worn out because his hope was in circumstances changing, not in the Unchanging God of the Universe.

As you have "Sun Gone Down Experiences" read Psalm 42 and gain comfort, encouragement and perspective.

Now What? The After Party

2011-03-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we had our official Grand Opening on Sunday March 20th, 2011 @ 6:00pm. After months and months of praying, planning and promoting, we finally saw fruit from this. We had over 200 people show up for our Grand Opening. What a great day! It was encouraging, inspiring and exciting.

.....but then Monday came. I was really tired. I had to go back to my full time job. I am not "Pastor Kevin" at my job. As a matter of fact, I had two co-workers actively try to get me fired. I had to meet with management and our HR department about this. I had to work on next week's sermon. I began to work on our next events. Very anti-climatic. What now?

I am reminded of the birth of Christ. There were angels, traveling shepherds and God's glory that came that day. What a circumstance of miracles that led up to this event. I heard a message from one of my mentors, Dwight Dunning, who preached, "What Happens After the Glory?" He spoke on Christmas about the shepherds and all those involved in this event. It was probably pretty anti-climatic. They went back to "normal." They had this great experience, but what now?

After a Great Ministry Experience:

1. Take Time to Celebrate with Your Team: Have a party! Have fun. Thank them for their faithfulness and reflect upon the faithfulness of God.

2. Share with Them your Next Big Event: Shift their minds to thinking that was the end all. Remind them there is much more to come. Start working on improving your ministries. Use S-Curves for your advantage.

3. Make a Memory, but not a Monument: There are some preachers and even leaders in our denominations who talk about that "one experience," pastorate, church plant or book they wrote. They are experts of the previous 20 years, but have no clue how to shift for the next 20 years. Some guys say, "Yeh, son, I had 80 people at my church one time too." (gruff country old voice.)

4. Don't Try to Out Do the Previous Week: Ministry is tough. We have great nights where we progress and change and then we have MONTHS where nothing visually happens. It seems like we are plowing through concrete..... then BAM, we have a powerful week and so we work hard to out do the previous week. Don't focus on that. Growth is a process, not an event.

Sunday's Thoughts: Kool-Aid

2011-03-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Why do people "drink the kool-aid?"
Why aren't people digging my "kool-aid?"
On Sundays, I am going to post thoughts about church and why false movements make it. I watch Jehova's Witnesses and Mormons go out in groups and spread their false gospel. I watch non-Christian movements about saving "pear trees" or something like that flourish and have followers.

Why is it that the church is so bad at starting movements? Only 1 in 10 church plants make it. Why? Why do pastors and youth pastors struggle to keep people coming?

The basic human need of every person is love and acceptance. The second major need on the "Bordeaux's" scale is "a sense of being a part of a greater movement to change the world."

Churches for the most part are lacking in these two areas. We thrive on superficial worship services with superficial relationships. We punish people by with holding love from them if they are not part of our standard or code. We also are so wrapped up in "doing church" and having Bible Studies that we don't have a vision to be a movement, sent by God, to bring tangible change to our communities.

People join false movements because they are accepted, loved and feel part of a movement that is greater than them.

Let's make a personal covenant to see potential and speak to the potential in people around us. Let's return to authentic relationships where people can be transparent. Let's also recover our lost mission and invite people around us to be a part of that.

So-
When is the last time you have told someone how much potential you see in them and called out gifts that you see?

When is the last time you sat over a cup of coffee, or hung out a while after church or a meeting and chatted about life with someone?

When is the last time you have casted vision beyond yourself?

Do people feel accepted in your ministry? Do people have the fire in their eyes about a vision larger than themselves?

Don't be mad if people ain't all up in your kool-aid. Maybe your kool-aid lacks sugar.

Is there such a thing as sheep stealing?

2011-02-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been turning this over in my mind for quite sometime.
I would love your feedback on this. The issue is what pastors call "sheep stealing." I have never understood the term or found it to be biblical. Recently, I had this accusation against me. I don't understand it because a pastor does not "own" someone and it is illegal to steal a person; I think that is called kidnapping.

So, here are my thoughts.
Biblically: As long as someone was in a household of faith that believed the major beliefs of Christianity, it did not matter. The only time Paul was concerned was if they were leaving the faith.
Ecclesiately: If one of my congregants feels led by God to go somewhere else, I honor that. We are the Church as a body.
Personally: If someone feels like it is time to move on or they are getting fed and connected somewhere else then no amount of convincing or manipulating is going to change that. I can't take it personally. I am not a super pastor. I have people who have left, who will leave and those who will come.

I had a gentleman talk to me the other day about his church and his desire to leave. My counsel was this, "I am going to give you the same instructions that I want someone to give a person in our congregation. First, seek God and hear from Him. Secondly, go to your pastor, face to face, and be real with these feelings. Thirdly, seek outside counsel before making decisions."

Finally, you love people unconditionally and encourage their faithfulness where they are planted. From that point they have to make their own decisions.

When you are starting a movement, you will attract people who are fans and those who are critical. Don't set out to prove critics wrong, rather continue on the mission and let the results of your vision speak for you.

So, is sheep stealing Biblical?

2011-02-21T05:35:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts today on leadership from Stan Toler's pastor's devotional.

These points really gripped my heart on leading others effectively:

•know your limits
•consider the counsel of others
•don't let people put you on a pedestal.
•make sure you are transparent and confessional.
•learn the phrase, "I don't know the answer, but I
care deeply.
•encourage your spouse to keep you humble.
•listen closely to the deep still small voice of God.
•remember: Jesus loved all men, but obeyed his Father.

These are great reminders in our lives and in leading others.

Kingdom vs. Kingdom

2011-02-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Kingdom vs. kingdom

In my prayer time the other day, I felt the Lord say to me, "You are not building your kingdom to show off to mankind, but you are building MY Kingdom to see mankind transformed."

Often, people, leaders and pastors, have an expectation of what they are building. The leader or pastor will be consumed with "the work of the ministry." In all actuality we need other people's approval so much and are in the search to be significant that we are working at building something to show off to them.

We all have the need to be accepted and approved. I have mentioned this before, but we must allow God's Spirit to search our hearts and prod us. The question, as a leader, you must ask yourself is this, "If I walked away tomorrow from this ministry or job, could I still possess joy and a sense of significance from just "being" a child of God?"

Building God's Kingdom is surrendering to the path that He places us on. .

Building our kingdoms are marked by:
-Need to Control
-Source of Joy is Success from Our Kingdom
-Lack of Satisfaction with Current Situation (all leaders need to keep pushing forward, but "contentment with godliness is great gain")
-Starved for Someone to Recognize Us

Building God's Kingdom is marked by:
-Joy from Our Position as Sons and Daughters
-Releasing of Control (God is Sovereign)
-A Contentment that Produces Peace
-Thankful that God Recognizes and is INVOLVED.

5 Questions to Ask Before Communicating

2011-01-26T05:59:00.000-08:00

5 Questions to Ask Before Communicating

I recently listened to a talk by Andy Stanley and he outlined these 5 questions that guide his messages. Hope this refreshes and encourages you.
1. What do they need to know? This is your subject. One thought.
2. Why do they need to know it?
Educating them on the importance of your subject/thought.
3. What do they need to do?
Application.
4. Why do they need to do it?
Inspiration. "Imagine if..." "What if we all did this what would happen?" Paint a picture.
5. What can I do to help them remember?
Visual reminders, reiteration and point(s) easy to memorize.

I use this outline to help guide my weekly messages. It has made a huge difference.

The Nirvana Generation

2010-11-24T12:10:00.001-08:00

There is a generational gap, especially among pastors today. We have been seeing a shift in Christianity for about the last 10 years that is coming to a head. There is the rise and separation of what I call, "The Nirvana Generation." The kids who were greatly influenced by Nirvana and the ensuing grunge movement are the ones leading the next wave of Christianity.

In 1990, music changed forever. We still see the effects of it today (even in church music). The 80's birthed hair bands. They were interested in fame, girls, fortune and they were all technically amazing guitar players. They wore make up. They wore spandex.

One day, music changed forever. A little band named Nirvana helped bring to the forefront the "grunge music scene." The metal, hair metal rock and heavy metal bands all took a hit. Grunge was about 4 chords, angst and real passion. You did not wash your hair, you sang angry, abstract songs and did not care if you got girls or fame. The scorecard changed. In 1990, music changed forever. I was around 12 years old at the time. I grew up listening to this music and heavily influenced by it.

Now, how does this apply to pastors and a church? Well, we are seeing the fall of traditional pastors and traditional religion. The way pastors teach, the music that is played and the environments have caused a great divide in the church. It is like the 1990's for the church, especially in America. Like hair bands being replaced by grunge, "churchy" pastors and churches are being replaced by the "Nirvana Generation." The rules are being re-written before our eyes. 3 Piece suits and Rod Parsley style of church is diminishing quickly. Televangelists are struggling like never before. Over 3,000 churches close a month. On the flip side, we are seeing some of the most creative churches and pastors arise. No longer is the scorecard Christian TV, 3-Piece Suits, Preaching at People, and Begging for Money. The scorecard is seeing as many people come to Christ through relevant ministry. The scorecard is flipping fast. Traditional is not hymns and suits anymore. Traditional is doing it the way you did last year, or 5 years ago. Traditional is not a building or name. Traditional is holding to ineffective ways of doing ministry in order to hold to the previous order of the great divide.

The hair/rock/metal bands that fought the change, went down when old methods disentegrated. The scorecard has changed for the church as well. It is not how big your building is, but how much community impact you are making. It is not how pretty or loud you preach, but rather your impact on your context/culture.

Yep- things are changing, changing fast.

When is Good Enough, Good Enough?

2010-11-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

When is Good Enough, Good Enough?

Okay, this is the struggle of most people. It really has been mine. I was talking with a friend about 6 months ago on the issue of ministry and I told him what I had asked myself, "Is my good enough, good enough to see this dream come to pass?"

I was in the middle of a struggle yesterday. I am going to be very honest and real. As a pastor, sometimes it hurts (right in the heart), when someone chooses not to come back to your church and chooses another. I think every pastor, at the core of their being (and rightly should), believes that their church is awesome and everyone can be fed the most there. There should be a healthy love and respect for the work you are doing in Christ and Christ through you.

But, it hurts. I told God yesterday, "God, I cannot prepare any harder, pray any more, schedule anymore rest time, be more focused on my wife.... I am running on all cylinders. Why won't people connect here to our ministry like they do other ministries? Is my good enough really good enough to see this thing come to fruition?"

I felt the Lord answer back, "Kevin, your good enough will never be good enough if the standard is the approval of other people. Other people cannot dictate if your 'good enough' is good enough. Only I (the Lord) can dictate that. And am I pleased with you and love you. I gave David his ten thousands and Saul his thousands. I raised up kings and brought kings low. I am Sovereign. Don't let the enemy take you captive with this foolishness of being good enough in ministry to impress people so much that they come back. This is my ministry and I call those who are assigned to this ministry."

I feel the Lord has me at a stoplight. So many people and especially leaders are co-dependent on others to bring them a sense of self worth. So.....

Dear World, from this day forward I am going to be real and truthful. I will not sugar coat things in order to make you feel good if I am doing it to just gain your approval. I will also be very loving in delivering truth. I appreciate your congratulations on successes. I appreciate your feedback on messages. I appreciate your times when you really, really, don't like me. I have learned that my good enough was never and should never be based on what others think, but who I am in Christ. I am sorry for allowing my emotions to be dictated by your approval or disapproval. I am sorry that I cannot meet all your expectations all the time. I will remain accountable, and allow criticism, but my best is my best. God approves of me. He loves me and is walking with me. It is HIS grace leading through me. It is HIS grace that preaches and teaches.

Love,

Kevin.

ps.... hope you like this. :) J/K

Guest Blogger: Keith Rowell

2010-11-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

BUST A MOVE: Keith Rowell

I’m honored that Kevin has asked me to be a guest on his blog. I’m just a young leader that knows that God has a plan for my life. I believe my purpose, no matter the avenue, is to empower people to be who Christ has created them to be. The avenue God has blessed me with currently is being the youth pastor at Celebration Outreach Center in Elberton, GA. It’s amazing and the students keep me feeling young.

Starting a movement is not a 1, 2, 3 process. It’s a living organism, something that will look different in every community. Just because it worked for that one person in that amazing, empowering book doesn’t mean it will work in your community necessarily. I’ve fallen in that trap. I read about five different books and look at dozen of models for small groups. I then took a little bit from each model and developed my own. I cast vision for it got everyone excited about it, trained leaders, got the audience pumped. We held a service just about small groups and afterward people signed up for different groups. Within a month the whole thing crumbled. It crumbled because of my leadership and my stupidity of focusing more on a model than what the people needed. Every movement revolves around people, moving them in the direction of becoming who Christ created them to be. It’s not about reproducing a method but making God’s will a reality. These are the concrete needs to start a movement, without them the movement will just be a ripple that will only go as far as the length of the puddle. However, if you implement these factors the movement will out last your leadership and even catch the heart of other leaders to start their own movements.

Dummy Disclaimer: If you want to start a movement it starts with you having a close relationship with God. If you have a hard time having consistent time with God, the most you’ll be able to accomplish is a big bible study. You have to know where God is taking you and what He wants to accomplish in the movement, because it’s His not yours.

OBEDIENCE
Your obedience is someone else’s victory. When God calls you to go into “that” neighborhood to share Christ do so without hesitancy. Be obedient to what God is calling you to do. There are different type of movements, like before don’t try to mimic what God is doing somewhere else. Seek after God yourself and see what He wants to do through you to build His Kingdom.

LOVE THE PEOPLE
A movement revolves around God’s will and His people. The people God will put around you develop the movement. Speak life into your people. It sickens me when I hear about leaders talking about how terrible there congregation is, about how they hate their city. If you hate the city you’re in do those around you a favor and leave, because you will never start a movement unless you love where God has placed you. Love the people that God has put around you because they will be the main ones who push the movement forward. The only things you do is fuel the people with the vision God has given you and empower them to make it a reality. Take time with them and share your life with them. Love them for who they are and for whom Christ is transforming them into.

SERVE THE PEOPLE
If you truly love the people then you will serve the people. Perry Noble preached a sermon entitled “Saved People Serve People” and the title said it all. If you want to start a movement it means that you will spend time meeting needs, not just planning events. If you want a movement it will mean that will find out the needs of those around you and will do whatever you can to meet those needs. What does your community need? The answer to this question is fuel to your movement.

MOVE
A movement moves. Your consistent pursuit of knowing God’s will and making it a reality is what keeps the movement moving. If at any point the movement becomes about you and not about God, it fails and stops. All Christian movements move towards the Father. Towards accomplishing His purpose and spreading the Gospel of Christ to everyone it comes into contact with.

Starting a movement is easy, but how long will it last. Every movement at some point will come to an end. This is not a bad thing, some movements last decades and some only a few years. But what will you do with the time God gives you? Who will be changed because of your obedience? What movements will erupt because of your obedience? Who will take the lead when your leave? What will this movement accomplish?

Keith and Lauren Rowell reside in Elberton, GA. They are the youth pastors at Celebration Outreach Center. I have known Keith since he first gave his life to Christ. He served faithfully as an adult leader at Celebration Outreach Center and Reaction Student Ministries when I was youth pastor there. He is now the youth pastor and taking the youth ministry to new levels. They are also expecting their first child.
follow him on twitter: @keithrowell

Why People Quit

2010-10-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I heard an amazing quote the other day, "People don't quit an organization, ultimately they quit people."

Out of all the times people have left a ministry I was a part of or an organization I was working for, this principle rings true.

We often peg people as "leaving" our ministries. We hear their frustration about "things." At the end of the day, people quit people.

So, the question should be for us, "Why would someone quit me or you? What personality/character issue would flare up in us to cause someone to quit?"

(note: There are many times that you do all you can do and they are going to leave anyway. There are some people that you don't mind if they leave because they are constant headache)

Honest confession time. I really don't know how many, if anyone besides my mentor (Dr. Brett Cooper) and a couple of close friends read this, but I am going to be honest. My issues and the reason people have quit and will quit is because I am defensive, prideful and I don't back down from any fight. I am really seeking God and asking Him to pour His grace out on me so I can overcome these issues. I want the people at our ministry and those who are volunteer staff to have the best experience ever. I can thwart this by having to correct every issue and show that I have some knowledge.

So, if 20% of the people that leave are those who are the constant headaches and the perpetually wounded ducks, then 80% may rest on our shoulders. Take some time today to look introspectively and ask the question, "Why have people or why will they quit me?"

Guest Blogger: Brian Burgess- Making Hard Choices

2010-10-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Making the Hard Choices by Guest Blogger- Brian Burgess

Simply put, leadership is about constantly making hard choices. Rarely do we find ourselves in situations where absolutely everyone is on the same page as we are. The task of leadership positions us in the midst of various scenarios in which we are the final voice that decides the overall direction of our organizations.

I’ve heard it said that your level of leadership is directly proportionate to your threshold for pain. That is a truth that a leader will never fully know until they have experienced the body blows of being out front. Leadership brings with it a degree of pain and heartache, but we cannot let the pain of leadership stop us from the pleasure of progress.
The ability to make hard choices will be what separates you from the rest of the pack. In a time when strong leadership seems to be vanishing daily it is up to us to stand up for our vision and lead the charge into the future.

Vision is the driving factor giving leaders the strength and stability to make hard choices. Vision acts as an anchor to hold your leadership during the many storms that you will face.
Of course, this element of vision presupposes that you have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish as a leader. If you know what you want to accomplish you will conversely know what you don’t want to accomplish. If you find the direction of your organization drifting away from your vision then you will have a guiding light to draw you back to your goals and desires.

Your vision helps identify what is really important to the health of your organization. Most of the hard choices you will have to make as a leader will deal with people and their response to the vision of your group.

Some people flat out will never get your vision. These are the people that rarely have anything positive to say. They are always attacking the changes that are being made around your organization. Unfortunately many times these people refuse to leave your organization. With this people group you have a few options: 1) you can ignore them and lead anyway or 2) you can address the issue up front and deal with it completely.

If you ignore them and lead anyway you must be prepared to constantly deal with their antagonism. There is a restaurant in my city that is interesting to me because when they built the building they intentionally built around a live tree. Now when my wife and I eat there we always sit next to the tree and comment on how amazing the construction is. If you ignore this people group you must be willing to build around the trees!

If you address the issue up front and deal with it completely you must be prepared to have a catfight. Know that this is a drastic measure and not recommended as the first option. This should only be considered if the person is so vehemently against your vision that they are causing extreme division among your organization. If the situation has gotten that bad it has become a cancer…cancer must be cut out.

Some people will get your vision but have their own interpretation of it. These are the people that like where you are ultimately trying to take the organization, but want to do it their way. Many times this people group is the champion of your causes as long as the causes pass by their front door first. Their motto is: your vision done my way.
Dealing with these people can be more challenging than dealing with any of the other people groups. They are the people that leverage their leadership talents and abilities for negative purposes. They are always having unofficial “meetings” and creating their own momentum in favor of their personal agenda.

Once again you must have a discussion of your vision with these people. Take the time to sit with them over lunch and share your vision and values. Let them know where they fit in, but have the courage necessary to stick with your core values. It will be difficult because many times these are the people that you feel a connection with and genuinely care about. Don’t hesitate. Stick with your vision.

I do want to point out that these people may not necessarily by “evil.” They may see something that you don’t see. These people are valuable to the fulfillment of your vision. Listen to them carefully because you never know what you may learn.
Always seek to understand before you seek to be understood. Don’t throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water.

Some people will get your vision but not know how they fit in. These are the people that like where you are going but are generally clueless as to how they can be involved. Leadership in general is the task of motivating people to tie into the vision of the group. Show them where they can be involved and how they can offer their uniqueness to the overall goals of the team.

This people group is in great need of a leader. They understand the vision just not what they can do to make it happen. Once again you can sit with them over coffee and talk about the opportunities in which they can involve themselves. Create opportunities and greatly encourage them to avail themselves to them.

Over the course of your leadership you will face many great victories as well as defeats but the common denominator is the ability to make hard choices. You are the change agent that has been strategically placed in your organization to make the hard choices. In the end you must rely on your vision and constantly point the people back to what ultimately matters. Your vision will guide you and sustain you in the good times and the bad times. Learn what you exist for and be prepared to deal with interpersonal conflict. It takes time and effort and is emotionally exhausting, but dealing with interpersonal conflict effectively is the small bricks used to build the house of your ultimate vision.

Brian Burgess is the lead pastor at Carrollton Pentecostal Holiness Church in Carrollton, GA. He is married to April Burgess and they have a beautiful dog named Reno.

Follow Brian on twitter: @brian_burgess

The Price of Pioneering

2010-10-13T05:57:00.001-07:00

The Price of Pioneering

We are in a generation where in the last 15 years there have been more attempts of new church starts than in any other generation. There have been more innovative ideas than ever before.

There is a "pioneer" generation that has been raised up. There is a generation who believe that they can steer away from the norm of church as usual and make a difference. This generation of pastors and leaders firmly believe that they can break traditional molds and do something "new." We have great models in this generation to draw from. We have the Rick Warren's for the late 40's and 50's. We have Andy Stanley and Erwin McManus for the early 40's, and Craig Groeschel and Steven Furtick for the 20-30 age range. Great examples.

The only issue with having models is that they are the "exception" and not the rule. Sometimes we believe that if we dress like certain pastors, preach like them and adopt their philosophy, then we can see the same results. As I stated before, we have more "church plant" attempts than any other generation. The reason we have so many attempts is because I don't think we fully grasp the idea of "pioneering." The idea sounds cool and cutting edge. The reality is that it is brutal and unthankful along the journey.

I sat with a pastor last night who is a pioneer model/hero to me. He does not run thousands of people or has he ever preached at Catalyst. He does not have the latest blog or newest book. He does not have a podcast (which he should!), or a video cast. He is a true pioneer. As we ate sushi last night he shared about what God was doing in their outreach program to the inner city. He shared with passion about prison ministry. He shared about the signs and wonders he has recently seen. He also shared the wounds that he has experienced in the past year.

As he was talking, I was thinking, "Who the heck am I?" Sure, I have good ideas and have done some good things, but man- I don't really get it.

Pioneers, please take this advice from a 31 year old. Honor the generation who went before you. Don't think because you have a better idea that you have arrived. Until you walk through the battle and live to tell the story, with wounds and scars, listen and honor the pioneers.

The "white steeple, white door, red brick" churches with pastors that are gray headed and wear ties have a place of honor. My friend Billy Mitchell calls them "Legacy" churches.

Remember:

1) That church that you want to be so different from was the place (generally speaking) where your grandparents gave their life to Christ and began a godly line in your generation.

2) There are faithful preachers who will never be noticed and serve for years in these churches.

3) True pioneering is not glorifying, but crucifying. You are misunderstood, overlooked, under-appreciated and outcasted from popular groups.

4) You will experience a lot of failure before you see the great successes come forth.

5) Pioneering is not spiked hair (or bald in my case), graphic tees, LED lights and the newest music. Pioneering is not a cool church name or logo.

Pioneering is the cross. Pioneering is bleeding on the streets of your city. Pioneering is being underpaid and overworked. Pioneering is helping the hurt, not building a fantasy land for happy people. Pioneering is settling new land. Pioneering is being betrayed. Pioneering is feeling like God has forgotten you at times. Pioneering is reaching the least, last and lost of your city. Pioneering is totally worth it.

Let's gain perspective on the pioneering work we are doing. You may be pioneering a new kind of blog, ministry or organization. Let's also honor the pioneers of our previous generation and the crosses that they have bore.

Guest Blogger: Vic Pass- The Little Things

2010-10-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

"Big Doors Swing on Small Hinges"

by Vic Pass

That is a saying that has been engraved in my life. It is all about the little things.

I remember this example shown so vividly as Pastor Jake Ishmael said this to 12 first year master commission students while watching their leadership of the church wash vans on a cold Colorado day. As I look back on it now, it is always about the small things. In order for God to bless you with big things in life, you must be a steward over the little things He assigns you to first. And as an emerging leader, "bouyancy" will play a huge role in your life. Taking care of the little things matters so much. There is nothing, in the Kingdom of God that is too small to be important.

Emerging leaders take initiative and do whatever possible to get the job done. Emerging leaders also take responsibility for their actions. Stepping up and taking ownership over the small things we do brings honor to God. Taking care of the small things makes you a "go to guy" for the leaders you are serving.
Pastor Brett, Lead Pastor at Emerging Life Christian Center, taught me that there is a time to be submissive and there is a time to become a leader. Bouyant leaders rise to the occassion; even in the small things.

Vic Pass is a Student at Covenant Bible College and Seminary. Vic also serves on volunteer staff at Emerging Life Christian Center in Denver, CO. I had the privilege of being Vic's youth pastor at Celebration Outreach Center in Elberton, GA (2007-2008). He is an emerging leader who is going to make a big impact in this world. (I also picked one of his goofiest pictures to use.) Love ya Vic :)

*Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/vicpass. The pastors I lsited above: Pastor Jake, @jakeishmael and Pastor Brett, @1973life. Become the leader that God wants you to be; flourishing through every process to fully understand your God-given destiny.

2010-09-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

“Crossing the Rubicon”
Billy Mitchell

The crossing of a small stream in northern Italy became one of ancient history's most pivotal events.

It was January 49 BC, Caesar was staying in the northern Italian city of Ravenna and he had a decision to make. Either he acquiesced to the Senate's command or he moved southward to confront Pompey and plunge the Roman Republic into a bloody civil war. An ancient Roman law forbade any general from crossing the Rubicon River and entering Italy proper with a standing army. To do so was treason. This tiny stream would reveal Caesar's intentions and mark the point of no return.

“Coming up with his troops on the banks of the Rubicon, which was the frontier of his province, he halted for a while, and revolving in his mind the importance of the step he meditated, he turned to those about him, saying: 'Still we can retreat! But once let us pass this little bridge, - and nothing is left but to fight it out with arms!'

Even as he hesitated this incident occurred. A man of strikingly noble mien and graceful aspect appeared close at hand, and played upon a pipe. To hear him not merely some shepherds, but soldiers too came flocking from their posts, and amongst them some trumpeters. He snatched a trumpet from one of them and ran to the river with it; then sounding the "Advance!" with a piercing blast he crossed to the other side. At this Caesar cried out, 'Let us go where the omens of the Gods and the crimes of our enemies summon us! THE DIE IS NOW CAST!'” -Suetonius was a Roman historian (taken from www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/caesar.htm)

There is something very powerful about that story and the idea of having a defined line that tells the whole world what you are all about. Imagine… crossing this little stream was going to inspire Caesar’s army to complete the mission at all cost (and possibly create fear from the opposing army). As far as I can tell there was nothing physically demanding about crossing this stream of water, but by doing so a story was told of the army’s intent. Crossing the Rubicon meant that there was something much worse than being considered an outlaw by your country. Life and death were no longer priorities, only the mission.

From my understanding this is what baptism once was and I guess still is in some parts of the world. Again, imagine living in a country that is violently opposed to Jesus and His followers. Think about what it must be like to have your country, your friends, and your family come after your life if you begin to follow Jesus. Thousands, probably millions, of Christians have been considered outlaws for following Jesus.

This is one of the reasons why Christ followers are to be baptized. It’s our Rubicon moment. Physically it’s a small action, but it sends a powerful message to the world around us. By wading into the water and ceremonially showing that the old you is dead and a new you has been born, you show the world that everything about you has changed. Self no longer matters. Defeat is not an option. You are a Jesus person and part of His bride and every moment is to be lived for Him and not yourself.

Honestly, I’ve made baptism pretty nice and peaceful. I’ve probably made it something it was never supposed to be. I’m not sure what it’s going to look like, but I’m praying and thinking of ways to remove the civility of baptism and infuse more of a “Crossing the Rubicon” mindset. May we never forget that we were made for war. May we never stop at a threshold because the world has told us to. May we cross streams, rivers, and oceans to show the world that nothing matters to us as much as fulfilling the King’s mission.

Billy and his wife Ellie live in St. Petersburg, Fl. They have 3 children, two twin boys, one girl and another blessing on the way. Billy helped me to transition to Port Saint Lucie, FL. He allowed me to rent his house when he moved to St. Petersburg, introduced me to other pastors and pretty much paved the way for The Well :)
--

Billy Mitchell
Suncoast Baptist Association
Church Planting Strategist

follow Billy on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/billymitchell

Leaders Most Dangerous Thoughts

2010-09-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Leaders Most Dangerous Thoughts

Proverbs tells us, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he..."

As a leader, whether it is primarily your family or ministry; or both, your thoughts are usually torn in two directions. One direction is focused on your earthly priorities. The other direction is God.

Worry, anxiety, fear and doubt do not exist when our minds are stayed on God. Worry, anxiety, fear and doubt exist when we focus on our needs, failures and possible outcomes of the future.

Tuesday morning, I awoke at 4:30am thinking on possible outcomes for our ministry decisions, and things I could have said and done different Sunday night. I felt God speak and tell me that my thoughts are not toward Him, but toward this ministry. I felt the Lord say that your passion and engergy will flow from and follow your most dominant thoughts.

I was focusing on the faithfulness of people and unfaithfulness of people more than the faithfulness of God. I was focusing on how others viewed me instead of how HE viewed me. I determined that morning that I would focus more on HIS faithfulness and goodness instead of any situation or person; whether good or bad.

Our emotions will follow our thoughts.

What thoughts dominate your mind? What emotions flow from these thoughts?

What if HE dominated your mind? What if HIS great love for you and faithfulness toward you dominated your mind? What if HIS faithfulness toward the patriarchs in Scripture filled your mind?

How different would your day look?

You do have control over what you choose to think about or think on. Don't let your passion for your ministry and your thoughts about ministry ever be greater than your love for Christ.

Don't be balanced. Set your mind on HIM. Set your thoughts on HIM. Set your emotions on HIM.

A Leader's Most Dangerous Thoughts Are Those That Take His Mind Off the Goodness and Faithfulness of God.

Guest Blogger: Ben Miller

2010-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

"When Your Greatest Obstacle is God"
Ben Miller- Campus Pastor of RWOC of Asheville, NC

As a pastor and leader, I’m learning that God is not bound to my calendar and appointment book. In fact, many times He hates it because usually it’s nothing more than filled up space and personal agenda rather than living my life to be filled up by Him. But that’s another subject for another day.

In 2008, my wife and I were asked to be the campus pastors of our church, Redemption World Outreach Center’s, first satellite campus in Asheville, NC. Excitement began to grow as we anticipated a move of God hitting a region that is spiritually dry and desperate for rain. So, naturally our team began searching for a building to hold our worship services. On paper, we are a slam dunk. Several hundred people in our database already drive upwards of an hour to Greenville, SC (where RWOC is located). In our eyes, this process won’t take long to complete – we’ll find a place right away. Now, two years later, we’ve seen probably two dozen or more locations and are still without a building.

As you can imagine, I became pretty frustrated. For the better part of those two years, I didn’t weather the storm well. Here I was ready to step out in faith and be a part of something bold for God, and I couldn’t understand why He wasn’t letting that happen. So, I did what any person who believes in Jesus does in a time like this – I opened my Bible and went on a search for truth. So I want you to do that now. Stop reading and grab a Bible. Seriously, open to Acts 16 and read verses 6 through 10, spend a few minutes meditating on these words, and then come back.

Okay – so tell me, did this statement stick out to you as much as it did me? It’s in verse 6 where it says, “they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit.” Not an angry mob of God-haters, not a bad decision in developing their leaders, and not a malicious, physical attack but rather a spiritual stop sign being held by none other than God Himself. Think about the reality of this for the Apostle Paul. The One who radically transformed his life on the road to Damascus, the One who he spent three years of One-on-one training with in the desert, the One who deposited an incredible, white hot vision to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel was now the barrier in his path to fulfilling that very same vision. Did God become a schizophrenic all of a sudden? Did He develop amnesia somehow and forget that He called Paul to reach these people? If not, then what in the world is He doing here?

Take this into your situation now. Is there anywhere in your life where you feel like God has promised you something yet you see no divine activity working alongside you? Is your circumstance like Paul’s here and it seems like God is actually preventing you from accomplishing your purpose? If so, then you have most certainly encountered frustration. Unfortunately, I believe most people surrender to this frustration rather than seek to understand its purpose and work it in their favor.

In my meditation with the Lord on this matter, He’s shown me three areas that blind us from discerning the ways of God in our life. Read the Scripture associated with each point and spend time allowing God to speak to you on this:
1)We forget God works in the fullness of time. (Galatians 4:1-4; Habakkuk 2:3)
2)When things aren’t working, we begin to assume control. (Phil 1:6; Rom. 4:21; Eph. 3:20)
3)We become “destination focused” & lose sight of our original call. (Mk. 10:35-38; Acts 16:9)

I’ve heard it said that expectation is the breeding ground for the miraculous. Well, I believe that frustration is the breeding ground for fulfilling our assignments in life. Any assignment worth giving your life to will have an equal amount of conflict also assigned to it. Don’t let the experience of frustration rob you of its benefits. The movement that is being birthed through your life right now is birthed through adversity. And it is the testing of our faith that produces patience in us (James 1:3).

Listen, a row boat can go through a tsunami as long as one thing happens - the water doesn’t get inside the boat. You can weather any storm in your life, even when God frustrates your plans and timelines, as long as you don’t let the storm of misunderstanding get inside of you. Your steps are ordered and He will birth this thing that beats so passionately inside of you. But He will do it His way and in His timing. Proverbs 4:7 says, “In all your getting, get understanding.” I pray God reveals that to you as you chase after Him to finish the work He’s begun in you.

Ben Miller, Campus Pastor of Redemption of Asheville
http://www.rwoc.org/

...Ben is a long time friend and college dorm mate while I was at Emmanuel College 2004-2007.

Love and Church Planting Pt. 2- "All About You"

2010-09-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

"Is It All About You?"

Do you ever talk to those people who you ask, "How are things going?" and they talk about their life, ministry or endeavors only to never return the question to you?

This part of love and church planting deals with 1st Corinthians 13:4-5, "Love does not vaunt itself or is puffed up, and does not behave unseemly."

How does "love" deal with starting a movement or planting a church?

The Greek here is amazing. It conveys this idea, "Love does not go around talking about itself all the time, constantly exaggerating and embellishing the facts to make it look more important in the sight of others..."

When we are starting a movement we are always ahead of some, behind most and running in the middle of the pack with many. Wanting to feel signifigant can cause us to show our "shiny armor" to others, as did Naaman, or exaggerate our experience to make ourselves look good.

I would probably retranslate this as, "Love is honest. Love shares its hurts as well as its joys. Love cares enough about others to encourage them and ask them how they are doing instead of talking about ourselves."

Don't make your movement all about you. The greatest way to grow as a leader is to ask good questions to others, care enough to listen and share in their joy.

Guest Blogger: Rick Kendall

2010-09-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Moving in the Unmovable

Guest Blogger: Rick Kendall, Body Network http://www.bodynetwork.org/

The only way to have forward “movement” is on an “unmovable” base.

This is one of the greatest principles in genuine God ordained “progress”.

Hebrews 12:28 says: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” In other words it is we who are MOVING in an unmovable Kingdom. Even what we refer to as a “move” of God is not God progressing, but Him moving us into what He’s already done. He is alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. God’s Kingdom is eternal but He encapsulates His purpose into a time frame to give reference points of progress (or literally mandates). Our mandates, assignments, and plantings are part of a much bigger eternal landscape that weaves together with other men and women of God to become a tapestry revealing the King.

That which we are “planting” today is in a much smaller and different form than it will appear when it comes out of the ground at harvest. Seeds are important, but many times new churches remain “seeds” refusing to change and transform into something much greater. The problem with that is that the purpose of the seed is to bring forth a destiny much larger than itself and in fact, that seed must die to that tiny “form” to produce. The “movement” of God going on underground is a miracle of transformation, not into becoming a bigger seed, but a fully transformed fruit.

A move of God is always underground, hidden in secret “ops” with inner growth until time for a manifestation of God when the plant shoots up through the ground. Some have referred to “movements” in church history as the great revivals produced, but those revivals were the result of the underground movement shifting the church world to new levels of progress in an unmovable Kingdom. Sadly some considered the “movement” to be an arrival and camped out in that spot and stopped “moving.” Often denominations were formed in a manifestation of God but the “move” to the next dimension was missed.

We are in a day where we have learned much and now are taking note that when a “movement” begins, it is not the “movement” that we focus upon, but the unmovable Kingdom that will keep us moving.

Dr. Rick Kendall, and his wife Liz, live in Port Saint Lucie, FL. They are the founders of The Body Network. www.bodynetwork.org

Love & Church Planting? Pt. 1

2010-09-10T05:49:00.001-07:00

1st Corinthians 13 is one of those chapters that we use for weddings and other special times. As I was doing my Greek devotion this morning in 1st Corinthians 13, I saw that we could really use this for church planting or starting movements. Your movement may not be a church, or you may be alongside of a leader who is planting a church. These next posts should encourage you and help give you insight on how love is key to starting any movement, especially a church.

1st Corinthians 13:1- Love (agape) suffers long and is kind...

The Greek word here for love is agape. I think everyone learns that at some point. That is a "God type love" for a situation or person. It is sacrificial. So, as I write these next blogs, you will see this as the preface. So love means= the sacrificial love only God can produce in us. King James Version says, "Charity." Charity means to give with no hope of getting back.

Love suffers long:

makrothumia (Greek): Two words- makros: long and thumia: passion, will , desire or 'swelling emotions.'

When starting a movement we have to possess this type of love. We have to have a love that has the "patient restraint of anger" so we can weather the seasons that ministry brings us.

The picture here is a candle with a very, very long wick. The candle does not burn down quickly, but lasts a very long time.

The point is this: As you do ministry, raise a family, mentor people or pursue a career, you will have seasons where you are frustrated with your current situation and the response that you are getting from what you are putting into it. The love that God produces is a powerful love that waits patiently eventhough there are swelling emotions and even anger that arises.

"Kind" is the type of response you must give to these people or situations that are creating the frustration. That is surely where I need help!

You may be only hours or minutes from breakthrough. Don't ever let the question, "What if I would have waited longer?" haunt you forever.

Allow God to produce a patience in you where you have a long wick.

2010-09-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

In my daily leadership devotional reading I came across some great principles from John Maxwell.

The shark tank is an important leadership principle. Sharks will only grow to the environment surrounding them. The funny thing is that our potential is a lot like the shark. We will only grow to the potential surrounding us.

The kind of environment that allows you to grow should like this:

1. Others are ahead of you.

2. You are still challenged.

3. Your focus is forward.

4. The atmosphere is affirming.

5. You are out of your comfort zone.

6. Others are growing.

7. There is a willingness to change.

8. Growth is modeled and expected.

Is your current environment producing this? Rate yourself on each level and see where you are at.

Evaluating Yourself

2010-09-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Leaders who start movements are reflective. They take time to reflect over the past year, 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, etc.

Your past is one of the best teachers you have on this earth. You do not grow by experience, but by evaluated experience.

I have been working on building a Core Team to start a church for about a year here in Port Saint Lucie, FL (2009-2010). I have taken time to do an evaluation of misconceptions, fears and my most effective abilities in the past year. This was very sobering. Most of us can easily tell others what to do without sympathy because we are not reflective of ourselves.

Through my reflective time I have been evaluating:

FEARS:

1. Fear #1 Insignificance in my purpose (forgotten by people and not fulfilling God ordained destiny)

2. Fear #2 Rejection by people (not good enough in speaking, leading, conflict, etc)

3. Fear #3 Hypocritical leader (not good enough, mistakes, etc)

Misconceptions or Wrong Mindsets:

1. I Can Build God's Church. The Lord adds to numbers. No man can have anything unless heaven release it to him.

2. I am Here to Please Men. It does not matter if I am approved by people. I am only here to please God.

3. Stability and Predicability Can Be Achieved Permanently. In church planting and bi-vocational ministry there are seasons of this, but I always have to adjust to the ebb and flow of a season.

4. I Know What I Need and Tell God. I have to know that God knows what I need and who I need. It is just as sovereign when He keeps people from me as when He brings them to me.

5. If I Do it Right- They Will Respond Correctly. People are people are people are people..... People will be people. They are dynamic, not static. You will handle certain situations correctly and it will still turn out negative in earthly terms.

These are my yearly evaluations. I am still reflecting on these.

Take time to evaluate your deepest fears. If you do not, you will be driven by inward fear instead of faith. Evaluate wrong mindsets that brought frustration.

Accelators to Starting a Movement

2010-08-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Accelerators

My wife and I love to go camping. It seems that each time we have a problem getting the fire started. So.... we have created a remedy- lighter fluid. We can get big pieces of wood that seem impossible to get started and get them going quickly!

The only problem is that the lighter fluid accelerates the fire and the wood burns up in half the time it was supposed to burn.

Watch out for "accelerators" in starting movements. The very fact that you are reading this blog means that you have a passion for or are starting a movement right now. This means you are a visionary. You live in the future but tolerate the present.

Because you are only tolerating the present state you are suspect to push to hard toward the vision and abandon the process of the present.

The present needs the process so it can become the future in a healthy manner. You will have people and ideas that come your way that are "accelerators." They are going to get your engine revving!!! You will be moving forward with momentum, the whole time not realizing that they are lighter fluid. Either the person or idea can be this.

Accelerators are people or new ideas that:

1) Make you seem like you have just stepped light years ahead of where you were at just yesterday.

2) They give you a sense false momentum and hope.

3) They can get things started real quickly, but may not have the abiliy to follow through on commitments.

4) They cause you to burn up precious wood that could have been much more valuable.

Are you watching for accelerators?

Ancient Methods to Starting a Movement

2010-08-03T07:14:00.001-07:00

We have been studying Nehemiah at The Well for the past month or so. I know it is a book that every church has done a study on.

I found some very interesting points on starting movements from this awesome book. I believe we can all learn from Nehemiah and what he faced.

Chapter 1: Sensitivity to Your Context

Nehemiah was sensitive to his context. After he heard about the desolation of Jerusalem, he wept, fasted and prayed for 3-4 months.

As leaders, we have no right to talk about reaching a city until we are able to cry over a city. Nehemiah had the heart of Christ. He was visibly moved over the broken down walls of Jerusalem. Are you sensitive to your context? Does your city's "broken down walls" move you to fasting, weeping and praying?

Chapter 2: The Power of Prayer + Planning + Preparation

Nehemiah approaches King Artaxerxes with a sad face. The Bible states that he had never been sad before in the king's presence. He asked the king to change all foreign policies toward Jerusalem (the very nation that the Persians hated) and the king granted it. Nehemiah then surveyed the land, built a team and spent large amounts of time in prayer.

Most leaders put very little time into prayer, planning and personal preparation. Favor does not come to those who are not ready for it.

Every minute spent in planning, prayer and preparation will save you 5 minutes in execution.

How are you preparing, planning and praying? Are those your personal priorities?

Chapter 3: Building Together

Nehemiah was one of many who was building the wall. We must be the ones who dictate and keep synergy flowing in our ministries. There were many tribes, but one nation. They shared the work together.

Does your ministry share the work or do you find yourself doing it all? Help people find the small part they CAN do.

Chapter 4: Opposition to the Work

Nehemiah faced opposition from all sides. He faced it from those in Judah with him, those Jews on the fringes and from the Samaritans around him.

Let's face it. Opposition has one purpose- to stop the work. People will oppose you while you are trying to do a great work for God. There will be some that are in your camp opposing you. There will be some who are a part of other churches who oppose you and remember that you are in spiritual warfare the whole time.

They rebuilt the wall in record time- 52 days. Go over these 4 principles and see how you measure up to the "Nehemiah" test.

We are building ministries so people can worship the God of the Bible. This is a serious work. Let us learn from an ancient hero, Nehemiah on how to rebuild the walls and see the God of the Bible worshipped in our cities.

What Every Church Planter Needs from a Core Team

2010-07-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

"What Every Church Planter/Pastor Needs from a Core Team"

Last night I formulated a leadership teaching for my core team called, "What Every Church Planter Needs from their Core Team."

This is an outline of the expectations of Core Team leaders for The Well:

Live Missionally: See your surrounding community as your mission field. Invest into people and invite them. Build relationships with neighbors and co-workers.

Respond to Conflict Maturely: Use the Matthew 18 model- Go to the person. Our motto is, "Be Hard to Offend and Easily Forgive." Most church folks are easily offended and find it hard to forgive others.

Be Involved Fully: If you are going to be a part- be a part of this. Another saying we have is, "Be present where you are."

Give Faithfully: This ministry can only do what you allow it do through your personal giving. As Paul, "Give in keeping with your income."

Pray for Dianna and I + The Well Earnestly: If you pray for your pastors, you will support your pastors. If you pray for your church, you will have more invested in your church. Spiritual warfare is a reality in ministry. The leaders are attacked first and need to be lifted up everyday.

Grow Spiritually: The greatest asset to a pastor is someone who seeks God and grows daily. Spiritual apathy cannot be a part of the leader's life. If a church is growing spiritually and someone does not keep growing spiritually, their general disinterest in spiritual things will drive them away. So- Read the Word of God Daily, Worship in His Presence and Set Up the Spiritual Disciplines in your life.

Praise People Generously: I want The Well to be a place where people verbally praise each other for every small thing that is done. I want it to be contagious.

Hand Out Criticism Cautiously: Make sure you are as critical on others as you want it dumped out more on you. Destructive critcism comes from pride, it comes from the idea that you are superior in an area of life or ministry. For every 10 praises, you get 1 rebuke.

Live Accountably: The N.T is about accountability. If you read Paul's letters to the churches you will find one common theme: accountability. Let us help you. Let us love you. Let us go after you or warn you if we as a ministry believe you may be going down a destructive path.

Leave Correctly: 3 out of every 4 new people will leave your church within 3 months to a year. People don't have to leave mad. You don't have to start finding things wrong or sharing your hurt feelings with others. How you leave this ministry will determine how you enter your next ministry.

We are going to continue to go over and over this for the next couple of months. This teaching will be part of our new members class as well.

I hope this helps you and your ministry on your journey.

Performance Enhancing Drugs

2010-07-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

Something was sparked in me this morning as I was listening to Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio. They were disussing how the use of Human Growth Hormones and Performance Enhancing Drugs have tainted the records of those who used them. Baseball has been greatly affected by these drugs.

When Dick Vitale came on as a guest, you could hear the passion with which he shared about this situation. Fans and the other athletes discredit the records because they were reached illegally.

Why would an MVP in baseball risk taking these drugs when he became an MVP without them?

Why would a professional athlete risk destroying his body and reputation by using these drugs?

As I pondered this I realized that the main reason is to uphold their reputation. Actually, it may not be to uphold their reputation, but the reputation that they have built of themselves in their minds. Because of this self-bred pressure, they begin to try to find shortcuts to keep up with the legend they have created in their minds.

How does this tie into starting movements or leadership? Don't take P.E.D's? NO.

So many times we try to project what we are really not. We try to "enhance" our images by overexaggerating the numbers or stretching the truth about our accomplishments. Each time we bend a little to protect our reputation and save face, we are no different from the Major League Players who have subjected themselves to illegal drugs.

We will do more harm on our "spiritual hearts" and it will catch up with us. When we look for shortcuts to success and strive to accomplish things to impress others we end up doing harm to the "character" of our lives.

John Maxwell said, "It is not what you accomplish in life but rather, WHO you become by it."

It is not wrong to desire a great destination, it is just wrong to try to cheat to get there.

There have been many pastors, leaders of large companies, college professors, fathers and mothers who had been lying to protect their reputations and when they were found out... hurt so many people. People felt cheated and were damaged in the process.

What is your "Human Growth Hormone" that you are taking (or lie you are believing and living by) that is causing damage to your character, but you feel you need it to live up to self-imposed standards?

Be the best you that you can be and the people around you will celebrate that.

Some May Not Have "It"

2010-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Some Have It and Some Don't

I was in a small group recently and we came to this discovery, "Sometimes we project what we want others to be or what we think we can help them become, but 'it' is just not in them."

Jesus put it this way, "Don't cast your pearls before swine or give what is holy to the dogs." The term, "what is holy" literally means the personal revelation in your life. It takes prayer and persistence + heartaches to have these "pearl" moments in our lives. "Dogs" in that day and time represented untamed, wild animals with no restraint.

In other words, "Don't give the personal revelation you have sweated for and fought for to people who have no restraint in their lives."

I have had the opportunity to mentor many people. Many of these have grown into great leaders. However, some of these people faltered and hurt me. The first time it happened I was shocked, now I know the principle: "It may not be in them."

Mentoring is the process by which potential in someone is realized to a certain extent. This comes by way of relationship where one person takes on the role of a mentor and helps "stretch" the mentee to be able to think on higher levels and handle more.

I have realized that some people may not have it. How do we find this out? How do we know?

We must not judge someone on appearance or gifting. We can judge them based on these factors:

1) Are they doing things now to grow themselves? Don't listen to what they want to do, ask them what they are current doing.

2) Do they pursue an appointment to meet with you or do you have to run them down? Also, see how punctual they are.

3) In emotional times, do they seek you out for advice or do they hide? This is important to look at during failure, criticism or relational situations. Do they tell you the truth or what they want you to hear?

Finally.... Time. Take time to know people and you will not know people unless it happens through the process of time. Time is the most important factor to know what is inside someone.

Don't let the hurt of a past relationship damage your ability to mentor. Realize from the start- "Some may not have it."

The Purpose of Opposition- ReThink

2010-07-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

THE PURPOSE OF OPPOSITION- reTHINK

I recently tweeted, "Okay God... I got it now."

I was speaking of the purpose of opposition. We often think of opposition as.... just that, opposition. I have been looking at opposition differently though. Could opposition to your ideas and methods be God trying to steer you in a different direction in a situation?

Let me explain. Inventions and innovation came because there was an obstacle or opposition. When you have a problem, let's call that opposition, you have to find a solution- right? Without a problem there would never be a solution.

So here it is, "Opposition produces innovation that reveals your unique purpose."
If you had it your way, you live a normal life and approach things in a normal manner. The opposition you are facing is causing you to critically think about ideas and options you would not have thought of before.

Our ministry meets on Sunday nights at 6:00pm. Now for religious folks, you have to do church on Sunday morning. We are attempting to plant a church called, "The Well" in Port Saint Lucie, FL. We have prayed and sought God but we have not seen the financial blessing that we thought we needed to see in order to launch. So, the opposition (problem) has caused us focus on our mission and find creative ways to complete that mission. We are thinking much more creatively than we would have if we would not have had this opposition.

What opposition are you facing? Where is it pushing you? What models or methods is the opposition causing you to re-think?

Opposition could be your best friend. Carry opposition out to dinner. Remember, all weight lifting is- using opposition to strengthen your body. Use opposition.....

Learning from the Down-Up

2010-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Learning from the Down-Up

I had a great conversation with a young man I have been mentoring recently. We were discussing ministry and dealing with situations. I stopped and asked him, "What would you do?"

He gave some great advice. It was what I needed to hear.

In 2002, my mentor, Pastor Brett Cooper (www.nfront.org) asked me how I would deal with a situation in the youth ministry. I was attending and being mentored by Dr. Cooper. I gave my advice and he actually used what I shared.

Leaders who start movements have to operate in a place of humility to listen and learn from all those around them. They don't have to have all the right answers to be the leader. They just have to be able to discern the best ideas from all those around them.

As a leader today ask yourself, "What keeps me from seeing the whole picture?" Ask yourself this, "What will I regret the most about this decision three years from now?"

Learn to pull from sources all around you. Ask good questions and be willingly to change course when see a better perspective.

Narcissistic Leaders

2010-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

I had a great conversation with a staff member today about narcissistic leaders. I looked deeper into this and found that there is acutally a disorder.

Read this:

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a condition that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, extreme self-involvement, and lack of empathy for others. Individuals with this disorder are usually extremely self assured and arrogant. They expect to be noticed as superior. Many successful individuals may be seen as narcissistic, but this disorder actually disables an individual to function in a healthy manner in society.

Vulnerability and low self esteem make these people especially crippled by criticism. Even though they are outwardly confident, they are haunted by criticism. They react to such criticism in rage, or a defiant counterattack. Their social life is impaired because of entitlement, the need for admiration, and the relative disregard for the sensitivities of others.

It is called NPD.

As I read this and looked at my own life. I asked God to help me see every part of me that operates this way. There are so many Christians who have NPD. The sad thing is that too many leaders have NPD. They are so in love with themselves that they cannot lead others.

Here is your litmus test for NPD

1. Do you find yourself unintentionally reverting conversations back to yourself?

2. Do you become disinterested in conversations or discussions if you are not the center?

3. Do you find your self always listing off your accolades when around other colleagues?

4. Is it hard for you to give praise to others or hear them praised without you being mentioned?

5. Do you get deeply hurt by criticism and retaliate?

6. How self-centered would you rate yourself?

A leader who needs admiration and a status of importance will never find enough.

Leaders who start movements are others focused and God-centered. They know that criticism will come and graciously accept that criticism. They don't find themselves saying, "What about me?"

Our greatest example of this is Jesus Christ. His life was for others. He never did anything just for the love of himself to preserve himself or make himself look good, but he did everything for the betterment of others. He started the greatest movement ever.

Grow to Your Potential

2010-06-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

In my leadership devotional this morning, I came across a great breakdown of how to increase your potential as a leader. This is from John Maxwell's "Leadership for Graduates."

It has been said that our potential is God's gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift to Him. But our potential is our greatest untapped resource. Why? We can do anything, but we can't do everything. Many people never really dedicate themselves to their purpose in life. They become a jack of all trades and a master of none- rather than a jack of few trades, focused on one.

Here are four principles to put you on the road to growing toward your potential:

1. Concentrate one One Main Goal: Nobody ever reached their potential by scattering themselves in twenty directions. Reaching your potential requiers focus.

2. Concentrate on Continual Improvement: Commitment to continual improvement is the key to reaching our potential. Each day you can become a little bit better than you were yesterday.

3. Forget the Past: Maybe you have made a lot of mistakes in your life, or you have had an especially difficult past. Work your way through it and move on.

4. Focus on the Future: You can become better tomorrow than you are today. As the Spanish proverb says, "He who does not look ahead remains behind."

Ask yourself today, "Am I growing to my potential?"

Don't Just Start a Movement, Maintain a Movement

2010-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Stretch Your Capacity to Grow

I have heard it said by many leaders at many different times, "It is far easier to obtain than it is to maintain."

I was in a mentoring class last night and the topic was the "Capacity of Leadership is Wisdom."

God begin to speak to me about capacity. We love to preach about new levels and prophesy new levels. We talk in excitement of new places. The truth of the matter is that God will not allow you to move into a season you cannot inhabit.

Capacity comes only through stretching. That is the truth. If your life is comfortable and things are easy for you, then your capacity has been tapped out and you can prophesy until you are blue in the face, but until you stretch yourself you will never go into a new level.

Stretching hurts. It is like working out. I play basketball on Monday nights for about 2 hours and the next couple of days... I hurt. This pain is not a negative pain, but as one mentor said, "It hurts good."

When I was attending Emmanuel College in 2004, I decided to take N.T Greek. Our professor, Dr. Luper, was a tank driver in the Army. He drove us too! I went to him 3 months into it and said, "Doc, I have to quit. My blood pressure is up. I can't hang out with friends. I work 2 jobs and do youth ministry also." He told me to seek God on this. God told me two days later, "An ucommon anointing requires an uncommon preparation. If you want to remain common, prepare commonly. It won't hurt you a bit to do it commonly." I finished Greek 3 semesters later.

Learning the Greek was not the impact. You can read N.T Greek from a concordance. It was the stretching of concepts and learning at that level that enabled me to stretch to new levels. I would do things in my first few years of ministry, to just stretch myself. I hate preaching from manuscripts. It is boring having to compile a complete manuscript, but I wanted to get better so I took myself out of my comfort zone.

Playing golf is the same way. If you swing the way it is comfortable, you will be very unsuccessful. To learn to swing properly in golf is learning to put your hands in weird positions and it is a very uncomfortable swinging motion.

Expand yourself by:
1) Expose yourself to other models of ministry/organizational leadership. Go to the ones you despise and learn from them.
2) Do something you hate to do everyday. That is discipline.
3) Read, learn, make it HURT GOOD :)

So, are you ready for more capacity?

The Judas Principle

2010-05-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

One out of the twelve disciples betrayed Jesus for money. Jesus was crucified because of this betrayal.

I don't want to make this a theological blog about Judas, but rather how we can make the "Judas Principle" practical in our lives.

Betrayal, hurt and "being sold out" are a part of life.

I was recently talking with another pastor about these type of things. I came to the conclusion that you cannot stop Judas from being in your life. Jesus knew, at least from the Last Supper, (we can all agree) that Judas was going to betray him. He did not carry Judas to the side and fuss at him. He did not start paranoia in the group by talking about Judas to other disciples. He did not "monitor" and watch Judas. I have been a part of ministries where the leader is paranoid and accuses people of being against them.

Jesus, ate with Judas. Jesus allowed Judas to hold the only office in the group of apostles (treasurer) and he let Judas do what he was going to do.

You cannot lead people if you are paranoid that they are going to "stab" you in the back. If you try to pick out the "Judas's" in your organization, you will find out that you may be wrong. We would have probably picked Peter to be the one to ultimately betray Christ. He was called, "Satan" by Jesus at one point. He was loud, boisterous and wrong a lot.

Judas played an important role in the life of Jesus Christ. His action of betrayal sent Christ to the cross. There could not have been the resurrection without the cross.

The Judas Principle is simple. Love those around you. Don't let paranoia get the best of you or your organization. Even if you have been hurt in the past, don't let a deep distrust of people spoil your chance to develop them.

The Scripures say that Judas hung himself. If you play your cards correctly, you will fulfill the role of love in Judas' life, allow them to position you where you are supposed to be and they will eventually destroy themselves without you having to try to do that for them.

Just Don't Deflate the Balloon

2010-05-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Jim Collins, author of Good to Great made this statement, "You don't have to be a great motivator, just don't do things that de-motivate the team."

I have been around leaders that violate this principle all the time. I was recently in a staff meeting at work and saw the violation of this in a major way. The leader came in and told the staff how bad we were and called people out. There were ladies crying after meeting!
It has taken weeks for the morale to return to normal.

What demotivates the people around you?

The error comes in when a leader wants to motivate his people and get their production levels up and gets into the "we need to.... you ought to.... just do this...." I listen to preachers on this level. Most preachers say, "You need, you ought, you should..."

So, if you are going to start and sustain a movement then look at these factors of demotivating people under you or around you:

-Calling them out in front of others when you have never approached the conflict personally.
-Not dealing with conflict between those in your midst.
-Leading reactively to problems instead of proactively with vision.
-Not saying, "I am sorry, I was wrong."
-Not showing personal appreciation to those around you by specifically and privately encouraging them.
-Over-promising and under-delivering.

These are just a few. Tim Elmore gives a picture of the "Hot Air Balloon" on how to encourage leaders. We must always keep air in the balloons of those around us. Don't deflate the balloon.

Enjoy the Journey

2010-05-04T07:23:00.001-07:00

I spoke with a mentor recently and his words of advice were- "Enjoy the journey. Enjoy the journey." At the time it was hard, because the time I was in was a hard place. I felt the Lord echo these words to me recently.

I awoke to a text message from one our prayer leaders last week- "Psalms 37- God Bless You!"

As I pulled out on my hour long journey to the office at Workforce Solutions, I felt the Lord say, "This means, 'enjoy the journey, as it being a journey given by Me, and as you are able to do that you will see all My plans and desires come to pass over your life.'"

Most Christians can quote Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

I feel most of us don't enjoy the journey, but rather we put up with the journey and are always living for the next moment.

Simply put- to start a movement- start enjoying your everyday life as a gift and journey from God. Don't curse the course. Enjoy the bumps and be thankful.

For the Church Planters in the House!

2010-04-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat on the Indian River Lagoon and did some reading. The water was beautiful and at dusk the scenery is breath taking. I know my last couple of blogs have been directed at church planters, but it is what I do :)

I am going through a book called, "Ready for Church Planting," that my friends from the Southern Baptist Convention gave me. One of the chapters was awesome. I have not heard anybody have the guts to say what this guy said. I don't have the book on me and cannot remember the writer, but I want to share some of the main thoughts of that chapter. This book is composed of different church planters who have given their lives to start movements.

Recently I had a friend tell me about a huge "church planting" convention that our denomination sent guys to. Of course... Church Planter of ABC Church in Sometown, USA, started a church and with the help of this strategy grew from 10 to 1,000 in 2 years. This planter was in the same town as a friend of mine and one of the conference leaders had the nerve to turn around and look at my friend, like, "See, if he can do it like that, you should." My friend never launched. He started with 1 other family and two single guys. He started 4 satellite Bible Colleges in the region and uses that as his income. He is running 60 people in 2 years. The church is self-sufficient and doing well.

Last night in the book, the writer talked about the difference with every church plant and church planter, even within the same city. The latest stat says that the average church plant runs an average of 44 people after their first year. Why do we promote "Joe Cool" and "Church of the Thousands" if that is not the norm? Many times church planters burn out because of these crazy expectations.

He also shared the story of a new church plant who developed relationships in the community, did service projects, had articles written about them and promoted accordingly. This core team sent out 350,000 post cards; Had the local News Team do a 6pm special on them; Major ads in all the newspapers and a family fun day on the weekend of their launch. On their launch they had...... NO VISITORS show up. That's right, none. What else could this team had done? They followed "Pastor Joe Cool's" model at "Church of the Thousands." Can you imagine the heartbreak and despair?

Starting movements are like planting seed. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed." It starts small and takes a lot of time. We can plant and water...but God makes it grow. The book of Acts says, "The Lord added to their number daily." The second greatest to ever walk the earth (Jesus being first and said this guy was second) was John the Baptist. When he was approached about ministry numbers he said, "A man can have nothing except heaven gives it to him." King Nebby in the O.T went crazy until he submitted to the fact that, "The Lord is Sovereign and gives kingdoms to those who He wants to." Take all this into perspective.

Today church planter, lift your head up and be thankful. When Jesus fed the 5,000 with two fish and 5 loaves, he first gave thanks for the little that was provided. Andrew looked at the same food and had a cynical attitude toward it.

Look at the real averages of church plants. Don't be fooled by the crazy conferences of the 1 in a million "Joe Cool" church planters. Listen, there is always a story behind how they got there and it is not all told. They paint the picture that they had nothing, well, believe me, these guys had some backing. At this same conference the "Joe Cool" church planter said, "Guys, if you don't have a couple of hundred thousand, then don't try it like this."

Be proud of your ministry and the people. Be thankful. Don't let guys who sit in headquarters of a denomination and make 3 times what you are making put unrealistic expectations on you. They may have experience, but it is not what you are going through. There are no 3 easy steps to church planting. Enjoy the journey with the people that are taking it with you.

At this point, we have not launched yet, so I don't know how this turns out for us. I am currently writing a diary about it.

What if Our Organization Stopped Today?

2010-04-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Andy Stanley asked this question in a leadership podcast,
"What would not happen in our city if we ceased to exist today?"

This question will help you discover the source of why you exist.

At our last core team meeting, we took time to go around the table and ask that question to the 11 adults that showed up at Phil's home.

We all had a revelation and rejuvenation of our purpose as we are starting this new church.

Ask all your ministry leaders or organizational leaders this same question that relates to their departments.

Know How to Say I am Sorry

2010-04-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

You are probably thinking, how in the world does this have to tie into starting a movement? I am sorry....really?

Some of the most powerful words in a leader's life are "I love you," "You are doing an amazing job," "It is an honor to work along side of you," and "I am sorry."

Sounds pretty easy, just two words. Try again.

My wife, Dianna, and I were arguing one day. Afterwards I said, "I am sorry. (then here it comes) BUT, I did it because...." I started to defend myself. My wife looked at me and said, "Are you really sorry or just making an excuse?"

How do you apologize? If a leader misunderstands you or you say something to one of your leaders that offends them, how do you respond?

Here are the levels of "I am Sorry:" (3 being the worst and 1 being the best). This is your response to a leader confronting you because you hurt them:

3) Well, I did it because of ______________. If it hurt you then, I am sorry, but I said or did it because of_________. (this is terrible, really)
2) I know I hurt you and I am sorry. But, here is why I HAD to do this. If you were in my shoes, you would feel the same way. (a little better than #3)
1) I am so sorry. I have to apologize that my comments hurt you. I may have not meant them or this action that way, I but I see that you are hurt and offended. I am sorry and I ask for your forgiveness. (not with a "smart-allic tone")

I recently heard a friend tell me how a leader tried to apologize and he said to me, "I think he tried to apologize, but never really did and kept giving reasons and defending himself."

Just two words. You don't need a disclaimer. Drop the defensiveness. Don't go to all your friends or church members and try to justify yourself.

People will be more likely to follow you and work with you if you do this.

Why Church Planting is Not Working in America

2010-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

My friend Billy Mitchell said this on his twitter account, "Sow the gospel reap a church; sow a church and reap an institution."

I know you most of you may not be a "church planter," but I think there are principles we can all gain about starting a movement.

This is my 3rd plant since 2005. I served as an associate/youth pastor in the previous two in GA. I am the lead pastor at The Well. The first two church plants do not exist today. Only 10% of church plants in America actually make it.

Common questions and phrases to and from church planters:

"So, when are you going to launch?"
"Who is your mother church and how are they supporting you?"
"What type of church are you going to start?"
"Do you have a building yet?"
"How many are you running?"
"I am planting a church."

Now, please understand, I am not advocating a model for starting a church. I am in the midst of building a strong core team in Port Saint Lucie. I don't know which route we will go. We can do the "Launch Strategy" where you build everything toward one big Sunday launch or we can do the "Slow Growth Strategy" where you take a handful of people and "grow up."

Here is what every church planter must keep at the forefront of his or her philosophy (and as a matter of fact, every Christian, leader or pastor)-

The Call Does Not Change: We are called to make disciples. This means developing people to their fullest potential. How are you personally (one on one) intentionally developing people in your ministry? Your focus may be to gather a group to do a launch and have a big crowd there. It is not wrong to have a big launch, but what is the underlying focus? Crowds or Development?
Your Attendance is not a Reflection of Your Impact: "How many are you running?" This question does not hold a lot of weight unless you follow it up by, "What is your plan for developing all these people into disciples?" What is your plan to impact the community? Do the community leaders view this as impact?
The Focus Should Not Be on a Building: Right now we are meeting on Sunday nights at 6pm at Another Church Building. We are not holding to the "sacred" Sunday morning hour or having our own personal building, but we are sticking to the first call- "make disciples." I heard one pastor say, "I will never use people to build a building, but I will forever use a building to build people." Don't let all your resources be sucked up by a building.
Take Care of the People and They will Take Care of the Ministry: Take time to write thank you cards to those who serve. This little bit of time and money is like filling your people's gas tank up. Put something specific that they have done. Encourage people specifically and privately.

Finally, listen to the voice of God. There are so many avenues and things I want to do right now, but God is speaking to me and guiding me. He sees next year, I cannot see it yet. He sees people who have not come yet and He is preparing us for those people.

Church planting is not working in America because we are not set on starting a movement where people are developed and deployed, but rather we are starting institutions with different names and programs. Paul told the Philippians that they were his hope and crown of rejoicing. He had developed them in Christ.

Church planters in the early church would use all their resources to sow the gospel and develop people. Our strategy in America is to sow all of our resources in a launch and develop programs.

So, why is only 10% of church plants successful in America?

Great Expectations

2010-04-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the scene from John 4:46-54: Jesus has just done his first major sign in Cana of Galilee. He is traveling back from Jerusalem, through Samaria, when he is met by a royal official. The royal official tells Christ that he must stop what he is doing and travel 20 miles out of the way to heal his son. The official tells him that his "dear son" is near death. Jesus also has a group following him from Galilee that are looking for his next sign. They have heard of his fame and see that he has committed disciples. Jesus also has a young boy whose life hangs in the balance.

Okay, so maybe our lives are not that dramatic, but the point is this: everyone has an expectation of what you should do, how you should do it and who you should be. Jesus faced expectations from every direction.

He maintained poise and followed what God wanted him to do.

Expectations will destroy you and your ministry/life.

Unrealistic Expectations that we put on ourselves to be someone we are not.

Performance-Based Expectations that we have to meet certain numbers or standards to please other people.

Pseudo-Expectations that God expects us to perform for His love.

Leading, especially pastoring, is one of the toughest vocations because of everyone's expectations of you and the expectations you place on yourself.

All of God's expectations for you were met in Jesus Christ. Stop trying to gain his favor.
Stop trying to please everyone. You are who you are. Like yourself. Be happy with who you are.

I refuse to let my denomination, church members, friends or family set expectations of myself that are based on performance. My church attendance does not dictate my signifigance. I refuse to place expectations on myself to impress others. I am who I am. Like it or leave it.

Leaders who start movements crucify the "Great Expectations."

Burn-out and Depression

2010-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Leaders who start movements are often very driven people who desire to impact the world. They were usually radically changed and now see everything in extremes. They live fast paced lifestyles. Beware....

The last words of Peter, before denying Christ, were: "That will never happen to me..." (I will never deny you).

I am reading a book called, "Leading on Empty" by Wayne Cordero. It is his story of his breakdown in ministry. He grew his church to become a mega-church, started a bible college and was planting churches from his church. One day he had a panic attack he could not stop it. The doctor had a very interesting answer to Wayne's problem. "Wayne, your serotonin levels have depleted. You have been living on adrenaline. Your only hope to avoiding a premature death is to stop all you are doing for a year," the doctor said. Wayne responded, "Serotonin? What is that?" (order the book for more...)

Serotonin is a chemical that comes from your brain. It pretty much helps you remain happy, hopeful and energetic. When we go non-stop (even for the "work of the Lord") we can deplete these levels. That is why rest is so important. We must protect our time. We must learn to relax. It takes longer to recharge your serotonin levels than it does to deplete them. This is when burn-out happens.

How do you know that you are pushing too hard and may be on the verge of burn-out?
-Your philosophy is, "I must do the work of God and I don't have time to watch movies or relax, I am building the Kingdom."
-You begin to detach from people and social relationships.
-You have a feeling of despair and suffer bouts of secret depression.
-You are easily frustrated and angered.
-You cannot sleep at night. Headaches.
-You feel like you are a big fake and living like a hypocrite.
-You see no way of stopping your pace you have created.
-Physical symptons of pain and discomfort.
-Addiction to prescription medicine, food or pornography.
-Ministry is more of a job and you feel the pressure of having to "perform" each week.

Some of the greats in Christianity suffered depression: Mother Theresa felt God had abandoned her at times. Charles Spurgeon wrote in his journal of the despair and depression he felt. Martin Luther King, Jr., was referred to a psychiatrist by his colleagues because of depression.

Christians get depressed. Christians can suffer from this. We should never start quoting Scripture and blame a lack of spirituality as the source of the depression.

Leaders who start movements pace themselves. You are either in one of two categories: Lazy or Too Busy. Some people need to get off the couch and get off the computer (facebook), while others need to just chill.

It can happen....it can happen to any of us.

The Bus Principle

2010-03-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I shared with our leadership team for The Well about "The Bus" principle of ministry.
Our ministry is like a bus. People will get on at certain points, stay awhile and then get off. The point is that people will get on the bus and people will get off the bus.

In starting a new church we have to understand this. Everyone that stands at the bus stop does not mean that they will get on your bus. As people get on the bus, they will bring gifts, talents and a wealth of experience. Some will also bring baggage from past experiences. When they first get on the bus treat it like dating. Dating gets really weird when one person wants to overcommit to quickly. We can smother new people. During the dating time, let them get used to your bus, allow them time to adjust to the route of this bus also. Overtime, they may choose to take this bus for their daily route.

People also get off the bus. This is natural. It can be a detriment to momentum however. At our meeting, our leaders had these things to say: 1) Ask if there was a reason in particular they got off of your bus. 2) Discern between legitimate concerns and excuses. 3) If they are people of character and added value to your ministry...keep the relationship door open. Let them know that you celebrate their decision (if done correctly) and will always be there for them.

This lesson was talked about in order to prevent the emotional rollercoaster of joy when they get on and depression when they get off.

Oblivious to the Fact

2010-03-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

The funny thing about starting movements is that the ones who start a movement usually don't know they are starting one and sometimes never see it.
There is a great price to pray for those of us who burn with a desire to change this world. The price is pain, discomfort and to often, go unappreciated.

Here is a great quote I read today:
"I am willing to put myself through anything; temporary pain or discomfort means nothing to me as long as I can see that experience will take me to a new level. I am interested in the unknown, and the only path to the unknown is through breaking barriers, an often-painful process." - Diana Nyad

I received a letter of encouragement from a young man I mentored last year. I watched the video of three youth I personally taught how to play instruments. One of them has helped single handedly start a middle school ministry. I see a movement forming there. I could not see it when I was there.

There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going in life. There is the best way and then the easiest way.

I spoke with a young leader a few days ago. They talked about how the ministry they were at had a full band and all the resources. They also shared that they would be scared to walk into a youth ministry without those things with just a Bible study. He did not understand that the ministry he was in at that time was just a Bible study.

The point is that your calling to start a movement will be painful and full of discomfort and times where you will question why you are there or what you are doing.

I looked at my "couch mattress" laying on the floor, my plastic Target furniture and the lavender walls of a kid's room and God told me, "The very fact you see all this around you means you are called." As I was praying I felt the presence of God cover me and encourage me.

Leader....be encouraged today!

Get Beat like Abraham! (not the bible guy)

2010-03-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

Abraham Lincoln had a great story. We see people at the pinnacle of success, but rarely do we hear or see the beatings they took to get their. Because of not being able or not being told about our heroes bad times, we tend to measure success on a different scoreboard than the scoreboard our heroes or great historical people had.

Look at Abraham Lincoln's "Path to Success." Do you want these type of beatings?
1831- His business went bankrupt
1832- He was defeated in a legislative race.
1833- Another business failed.
1834- He was elected to the Illinois legislature.
1835- His fiance died.
1836- He had a nervous breakdown
1842- He married Mary Todd, whose family had a wider network of social and political connections.
1843- He was defeated in a Congressional race.
1847- He was elected to serve in the House of Representatives.
1848- He was defeated in another Congressional race.
1855- He was defeated in a Senatorial race.
1856- He was defeated in a vice presidential bid.
1860- He was elected the 16th President of the U.S.A.

Three decades of hurt, failure and success. Here is what Lincoln said about his journey:
"Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

This guy took a lot of beatings, literally, in the political sense. But he did not stop, he kept pursuing.

Maxwell's Secrets of Success- Thoughts

2010-03-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

My daily devotions have a serving of John Maxwell's "Leadership for Graduates" given to me by my previous pastor Dwight Dunning, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek," by Rick Renner, given to me by Bishop Garry Bryant, my current Field Director and Overseer for The Well. Oh yeh, The Bible :) I am currently reading through Proverbs and Romans.

Today, I read a couple of principles that spoke to me. I have read many of these over and over, but today it stuck out!
These principles are geared for those who desire to start movements:
1. There is no secret of success. I call this the magic pill syndrome. Leaders think if they can do this "one" thing, then everything in their organization will change. There are no magic pills.

2. Success is for everyone. Leaders who start movements must be reminded of this. No matter where they are at or where their people are at, everyone can be successful. Believe this about everyone.

3. Your life becomes better only when you become better. Your quality of life is determined by you. Your ministry will grow when you decide to grow.

4. There is no success without sacrifice. As John Maxwell says, "To go up, you must give up." What are you willing to give up to go to the next level?

5. Success is achieved in inches, not miles. Celebrate your small wins. Our church plant has come leaps and bounds since we first started in Jim's apartment. You travel miles by traveling inches. Growth is what you do daily, not occassionaly.

6. The greatest enemy of tomorrow's success is today's success. Don't get comfortable, you have an adversary!

7. No advice on success works unless you do. The only place where success comes before work is the dictionary.

One other thought today: Those closest to you will choke your dreams or stretch your vision.

Essentials of Movement Starting Communication Methods

2010-03-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

I am a student of communication. I love to listen to different communicators and how they bring across their ideas and concepts... or lack of. I love to speculate who their direct or indirect mentors are or who they model their communication style after.

Here is my problem. I adore the styles of T.D Jakes, Dr. Mark Chirona, Ron Carpenter Jr., and many other Charismatics. I also adore Andy Stanley, Ed Stetzer, Mark Driscoll, Steven Furtick and many other more conservative type preachers (Baptist, Methodist, etc.) Because of this I find myself as this weird hybrid. As I listen to all these communicators, I try not to get caught up in the moment of what is being said, but how they are bringing it across. I also love (actually hate) listening to myself and evaluating it.

Here are some quick and basic tips if you are leader that is committed to starting a movement.

Couple of pre-cursors- (your life needs to be clean, you need to be committed to prayer and speak with the passion of God). With that being said, use these tips as a check off:

1) Use a Powerful Opening Statement or Story and Closing. You have two minutes to get and keep their attention. Think of it as a movie trailer or opening to a movie. Use a personal story, quote or illustration that "Grips them by the Throat." You also want to end on a powerful note. They may forget what was in the middle, but they will remember the opener and closer.
2) Preach One Message and One Theme. Most preachers call it the "anointing", secular communicators call it adrenaline. Either way, the moment cannot overtake what you prepared for and prayed about. If you are a Christian preacher, then make sure it is the anointing and not adrenaline. Everytime you speak you will face the nervousness of fear and the pumping of adrenaline. You will be able to think about 3 times as fast as you can speak. If you are person of prayer, what did God say to you in the preparation time?
3) Powerful Questions and Purposeful Props. This generation wants to leave with questions that stay with them all week, not answers that satisfy for a moment. They also need "handles." Use a prop, video or something creative everytime you speak. (make sure it reflects the one point you want to get across).
4) History Matters. Never assume that people know the concepts or the history you are speaking about. Especially when teaching ancient history or the Bible, make sure you give context and background of what is happening around. Who wrote the book? When? Why? What is this passage a bigger picture of? This also makes it more real to skeptics.
5) Pull-Don't Push. I hear a lot of communicators say, "You need to get this...You ought....You Should...We Must..." 30 minutes of this will drain even the most committed people.
6) Tone and Tempo. Go against your grain. If you are one humdred miles per hour, then practice slowing down. If you are slow, work on tempo and tone. Also, don't try to inflect your voice like your favorite speaker. I hear southern boys trying to sound like Ron Carpenter Jr. or Jensen Franklin, while the other guys have this "McManus/Stanley" inflection.
7) Humor. Humor. Humor. Use funny stories about your own life. Be humorous, just don't be a joke. The way to the heart of Americans is through their laughes.
8) Avoid Insincere Phrases. Hallelujah, How Many of You Know, Uhms, Praise God, God Almighty, Listen-Listen-Listen..... These are all phrases I hear. They are nothing more than insincere repititious fillers to most speakers. I heard one guy say, "How Many of You Know?" about 60 times during one message. I heard one person say, "God Almighty," about 15 times.
9) Never Take Shots. Don't take cheap shots at people when you are speaking. You know if you are doing it. Don't....

I hope this helps some of you. At The Well, we value Spirit-empowered communication, creativity and the ability stay with our theme of our series....and be respectful of time limits. No one loves to hear you as much as you love talking...Don't forget that.

These basic tips will be a great help to you as you are communicating. Print this out and use it as a check list when communicating.

The Greatest General Never

2010-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Story by Mark Twain:
A man died and met Saint Peter at the gates of heaven. Recognizing the saint's knowledge and wisdom, he wanted to ask him a question.
"Saint Peter," he said, "I have been interested in military history for many years. Tell me, who was the greatest general of all times?"
Peter quickly responded, "Oh that is a simple question. It's that man right over there."
The man looked where Peter was pointing and answered, "You must be mistaken. I knew that man on earth, and he was just a common laborer."
"That's right," Peter remarked, "But he would have been the greatest general of all time- if he had been a general."

Unused potential usually comes from not being able to see what is before us. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the life around us that we can't see the life before us. Don't quit. Don't be contained by what you see around you.

If this story was written about you, what would it say? What would you will be the greatest "never" at.

for my personal/ministry blog check out http://www.thewellpsl.wordpress.com

Deep calls unto Deep

2010-02-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

I have been spending time with the younger leaders of this generation.
I guess I am one myself. :)

I have found that these leaders really want more of God in their life. They also want their leaders to actually lead them. They know there is more inside of them, but they are scared to say that and need a mentor to say it. They will not remain in mediocrity.

Psalms says, "Deep calls unto deep..." Someone who is shallow cannot lead someone who is hungry to go deeper. Someone who is deep probably will frustrate the shallow Christian because of the demands to go deeper.

Here is what I am finding as I sit with these younger leaders:
1) They don't want to merely spend time with people, they want to have time invested into their lives.
2) They are begging for mentors who will take personal time with them and talk about more than just "the weather."
3) They really believe that they can change the world. They will not remain somewhere without seeing signs of moving toward changing their world.
4) They are looking for leaders who are truly "on fire," not just those who preach really loud and hard on Sundays, but they catch these leaders praying, fasting and seeking God.
5) They are not so much as interested as starting a church or ministry, they want to seek God and see what happens. So.... don't recruit for them to start something, recruit them to seek God with you.

My eyes have been opened. I wanted to write this down before I forgot the impact of these last couple of weeks. If you are a younger leader (like me), don't apologize for your hunger or desire to impact the world. If you are an older leader that wants to mentor the next generation....then don't be passive. They will run over you.

You attract who you are, not what you want.

Do you want leaders around you who are hungry? Get hungry? Who are on fire? Get on fire? Those that want to go deeper? Go Deeper.

Deep calls unto deep.

new blog was posted on my personal/church blogger: www.thewellpsl.wordpress.com "Knowing Your Voice."

It's Impossible

2010-02-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

Newsflash for all you who desire to do what God has called you to do: "It's Impossible!"

For many of you what you desire to do and are trying to do seems impossible. This is not a phase. This will continue the rest of your life. You may say, "What the Heck! Gee Thanks!" But the truth is that on every stage and level you will face impossiblity...if you are doing what God asked you to do.

If you have the budget and the people to do what God has called you to then you are not starting a movement, but probably managing mediocrity.

God will never allow you to live a life where faith is not required. Faith's brother is Risk of Failure.

I recently came to a point where I was saying, "God this is impossible. I can't see it. There is no way this can happen. You give everyone else a handicap (like golf), but you don't give me these things." I felt the Spirit of God say, "THAT IS IT! It is impossible. It can't be done. There is no way."

If you sat down and interviewed the giants of our faith from the past before their movement and after their movement, it would be two totally different people. Everyone of them started with only faith, a vision and a heart that had encountered the Living God.

Friends, I sit in the same place you do. My eyes see lack, smallness and limitations. But my spirit sees abundance, lives transformed and leaders developed. I will either succomb to what my eyes see or what God says.

The End of a Thing

2010-01-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been reading a book about starting movements. It is an excellent book by Steve Addison. I have read many accounts of Christians who changed the face of their culture.

I saw one characteristic of each person or people that started movements. Whether it was John Wesley, Martin Luther, The Moravians or Pentecostals, they were not shaken at what they saw around them. They were not shaken by the days of small beginnings. As a matter of fact, every movement recorded was started in very small, humble beginnings.

As I survey the qualities of these leaders, I realized something: "They never judged the end of the matter by the start."

To be able to start a movement we must be able to transcend the day to day, present circumstances of that situation. When people leave or break commitment, we must be able to see beyond that point and not get wrapped up in that current situation.

Your beginning, like ours at our current ministry The Well, may start small. But you cannot judge the end of a thing by the beginning. We don't want to be a dying star.

One Paragraph that Changed my Life

2010-01-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was reading a book given to me by a good friend. The name of the book is "Movements that Changed the World," by Steve Addison. My friend Billy Mitchell is the one who gave me the book. He is the church strategist for Florida Baptist Association. He helps church planters- simply put.

I was reading in my devotion time and this really hit me. "Movements that change the world are not started by people who are well resourced or have a lot of finances. They are built out of people who have a call on their life and become desperate for more of God."

This paragraph changed my life. Is the focus on our tangible resources or a hunger for more of God and His presence? People do not come to my ministry to meet lights, cameras and cool settings. When they come in the door, they come looking for an encounter with God. If I don't encounter God, they will never be able to in this ministry.

5 Keys to Favor

2010-01-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

We have been studying the book of Ruth from the Old Testament this month in our "Breakforth" Series at The Well. Ruth chapter 2 was powerful. We see a young girl who was a "no-name" and an outcast. She was a Moabitess, which meant she was not one of the Jews. However this young girl makes it into the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Even if you did not buy into Christianity or religion, this is an amazing feat. We looked at Ruth's journey to finding favor in chapter 2. Here is what we found....

1. Favor is forged through relationships. Elimelech was Ruth's recently deceased Father in law. He had a relative named Boaz. We must all continue to be relational in pursuit of favor. Favor is not a mist that Benny Hinn give you when he prays. It is God's response to God's promises that is based on His principles. God did not send Jesus to die to create a religion, He sent Him to create a relationship between man and God.
What divine relationships are you forming?

2. Favor is forged through serving. Ruth "gleaned" in the fields. She did the job no one else wanted to do. She served her way to favor. If you only work on the days you feel like it, you would never work.
Who are you serving?

3. Favor is forged through timing. Ruth was caught in the act of serving sacrificially. Boaz took note of her service. The Bible says, "Just then..." Forge great relationships, actively serve and then look for "just then" moments!
Are you patiently waiting on the timing of God?

4. Favor is forged through making other's dreams happen. Boaz had heard of Ruth's sacrifice for her mother in law, Naomi. Doors for Ruth opened because she opened doors for Naomi. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
Whose dreams are you trying to make happen?

5. Favor is forged through humility, obedience and thankfulness. Ruth responded thankfully to Boaz. She humbled herself and remained obedient. God could not bless many of us with great favor because our pride and insolence would make us think it is about us. We would start to hold conferences and tell everyone how we did all this. Our posture must always be of brokeness before the Lord.
How would others describe your attitude toward life? (ask your wife or husband...)

2010-01-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

Take time to read in my personal blog my prayer and desire for The Well Community Church. This is the church we are starting in Port Saint Lucie, FL.
http://www.thewellpsl.wordpress.com/

The Tortoise and the Hare

2010-01-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Starting movements take time.

We all know the story of the tortiose and the hare. The hare was a fast rabbit. He started the race fast and had superior ability than the tortiose. His only detriment was lack of perspective and understanding of the race.

Leaders that started movements in history understood the race and what it would take. They had life long perspective. It is not the best preachers, worship leaders or professors that make it. It is those who pace themselves and are careful to not make any huge blunders when it comes to character.

My mentor recently told me, "Just don't quit." I was asking for advice and help. That seemed so elementary, but it was "tortoise truth."

Bishop Tony Miller told me one day, "If I could go back to your age (30 years old), I would not try to do everything in my first 10 years. I would pace myself. I would not have preached so much. I would have spent time with my family more."

The vision killer we must set out to stop in our lives is lack of respect for time and what it produces. God is never in a hurry when it comes to incubating greatness. Fine wine takes time and usually spends a lot of time in the cellar before use.

This year, remember the tortoise and the hare....

Charlie Chaplin Eats Sacred Cows

2009-12-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

One pastor (Steven Furtick) said that all churches need to go "cow tipping."

Every church, ministry or organization has "sacred cows." These can be defined as ways we enjoy to do ministry or is the norm to perform a task that is ineffective and slows the organization down.

For us who want to start a movement, we must evaluate and see what we are emotionally tied to that needs to die because there is no real fruit.

Every week our staff evaluates our services. We grade the media, guest services, worship, children and preaching. We each give one win and one "bomb." This keeps us fresh.

I read a great article on the actor of the 20's named Charlie Chaplin. Charlie worked hard to be great at what he did. He would evaluate his movies by seeing what people laughed at the most and what may have triggered this. He also looked at skits that he thought would have went over well and didn't. He tore them apart and sought to get better. How many other actors of the silent movies can you name? Yeah, me too, not any.

Sit down and crucify sacred cows that are keeping you in mediocrity. Devour your sacred cows by tearing apart all you do. Make your leadership environment conducive to criticism, constructive criticism.

Preachers.... who, other than your wife, gives you honest feedback in your ministry?

Charlie Chaplin ate His Sacred Cows.....will you?

Personal Blog...

2009-12-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I launched another blog that deals with my personal walk, ministry and well...anything else.
www.thewellpsl.wordpress.com

I hope you enjoy it. It is real and down to earth.

Wearing Blinders

2009-12-22T06:28:00.001-08:00

Horses that are used in parades or other events have blinders put on them. These blinders hinder the horse's periphial vision. They are not able to see those around them. When the horses do not have blinders they are usually frightened and get off course because of the distractions of what others are doing.

Leaders who start movements have to wear blinders.
The Apostle Paul of the New Testament even said, "It is not wise to compare ourselves with ouselves or to compare ourselves with others."

It is easy to get distracted by those around you. It is great to have an awareness of the things happening around you, but you cannot focus on that. Leading an organization or ministry is filled with periphial distractions. They are other horses around you that are going faster. There are prettier horses and there are slower horses.

If we don't wear blinders and stay focused on the path and mission, we will start to try to be like the other "horses" around us.

When are you most discouraged?
Do you always think others are doing better than you?
How do the "horses" around you affect you?

Sent to Change Culture

2009-12-17T12:01:00.001-08:00

I have had some "revelation" this week. God never sends those people who are called to change culture to a culture where no change is needed. When we look at our city, our jobs, our homes, and yes....our churches and say, "Man, these guys just don't get what I am trying to convey. They think totally opposite." That is the point you realize that you have been sent for a purpose and such a time is this.

I respect and love all denominations. I have studied the teachings of their fathers in the faith. I glean so much from them. I personally am from a Pentecostal/Charismatic denomination. I love to enjoy and connect to God through worship. I enjoy seeing healings taking place. It is great to see people seeking God with their whole hearts during a worship service. I am glad to be where I am at. It is not better, just where I am called.

Pentecostals/Charismatics are notorious for a "childish" faith instead of a child-like faith. They are also notorious for lack of planning and structure. They are also known as too "heavenly to be any earthly good." If a Pentecostal talks about "God moving" they think of tongues, people jumping pews, and someone going to an altar. They don't believe that God can move when someone is silent and reflective.

It has been a battle for me try to teach Pentecostals to be mindful of unbelievers in our services.
It has been a battle for me to try to teach Pentecostals to develop a strategic plan.
It has been a battle for me to try to teach Pentescostals to set up parking lot attendants, greeters and ushers. To help them develop a system to help someone move from the door to the core of your ministry.
It has been a battle to teach them that Biblical favor is not some "mist" that comes down on them at revival, but favor is directly to your obedience to God AND your ability to relate and serve someone.

In the midst of this frustration..... I have realized that I have been sent. If there is no resistance or change needed, there is also no reason to be sent.

What is frustrating you?
What you see the most backlash against?
What drives you?

Don't let these things discourage you. Rather look at this as your assignment. You have been sent to change the culture....

Big Babies Don't Start Movements

2009-11-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

Big babies don't start movements.....

I recently had a situation occur in my life where a mentor/spiritual father had to correct me and give me perspective. He literally told me, "No, you are wrong and have the wrong attitude. If you go act on this, you will cripple your ministry." Now of course, he did not say it that way. He was much more diplomatic. At the end of the conversation I realized that I had a faulty perspective.

As I view leaders who attempt to start movements I have seen that many fail because of not allowing someone to say, "You are wrong. That is stupid. You cannot do that, or treat people like that." We need someone to look at us and tell us that we are wrong. In America pastors don't have spiritual fathers, they have conference superintendents who for the most part don't know them enough to speak into their lives. We have independent churches and pastors who have no voice.

One of my close friends recently had an idea. I encouraged him to go someone who he considered a spiritual father and let that person tell them what they think. I personally will not move forward with an idea, notion, or decision if all my mentors think it is not a good idea.

Too many leaders want someone who will tell them they are okay and are right in every situation. The greatest times of growth have been when I have submitted decisions and actions that I am "married" to unto my mentors.

You know you have a voice when you allow someone (on a regular basis) to:
1. Challenge you to reconsider your decisions.
2. Tell you to go and say you are sorry.
3. Evaluate your ministry and help you (with no excuses).
4. Correct you and you submit.
5. Challenge your relationships or if you are married, challenge you to treat your family better.
6. Speak to your character issues. "They can tell you that you have pride."
7. Ask you about your private life and you are honest.

Great communication skills, leadership skills or abilities are not the "determining" factor of success. I see so many leaders who are very full of themselves and are too prideful to receive.
When is the last time you allowed someone to challenge you personally to your core about your actions, attitudes or decisions?

Babies want their way. They fight and complain. Babies need discipline through love. Big babies do not start movements....

Leaders are born in times of crisis

2009-10-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

On September 11th, 2001 an unlikely leader emerged in a time of crisis. A group of bankers were finishing a billion dollar merger plan in one section of the twin towers. They had the versacci (think it is spelled right, never had one) suits, alligator skin briefcases and rolex watches. After their meeting they were traveling from the 102nd floor down to the 1st floor when the first plane struck about 10 stories above them. They had no clue. The elevator stopped, lights went out and they began to take out their cute blackberries and try to find personal assistance. The janitor was on the elevator with them. He knew they were between the 75th and 77th floor. He also knew there was an air vent in the men's bathroom here. He used his mop handle to pry open the air vent. He convinced the bankers to climb out of there. He then directed them to a hidden staircase where they exited at the 1st floor. About 5 minutes later as they were walking down Wall Street, the building collapsed.

That day the hero the was not men in thousand dollar suits. The hero that day was a janitor.

Whoever emerges in a time of crisis will be the leader.

We can start in Genesis and go to the book of Revelation in the Bible and find leaders who emerged in times of crisis.

Think on this:

People are watching you in times of crisis in your personal life and organization.
They are watching for your attitude and approach.
People will ultimately deem you as their leader when they see you handle adversity correctly.

Leaders who start movements usually started these movements in the worst of circumstances and in great adversity.

What the USFL Teahes Us...

2009-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched the ESPN 30 for 30. They highlighted the USFL. It was a start up football league in 1981 that was going to rival the NFL. They enlisted Herschel Walker, heisman winner from UGA, among other notable players that are now in the NFL hall of fame. They met and exceeded all their goals for the first year. The television viewing audience was high, their attendance was record at games was also high. They did this by having a "fun" league that was high energy and added great entertainment. Fans had fun at the games. It offered something different from the NFL. Their first championship was a sellout audience and excitement was building.
But I had to keep watching to find out how the USFL failed.

In the midst of excitement and growth they attracted Donal Trump who bought the New Jersey Generals, which was the team Herschel Walker played for. He brought in NFL stars to the team and pushed the league forward.
In the midst of the excitement, they added 8 new teams to the league their second year.
They also made the decision in 83' to attempt to move into the fall and compete with the NFL.....

So, that was the story of the USFL. They disbanded in 1983 with millions of lost dollars, hopes and dreams.

Why?

Apply this to starting a movement. Here are some principles of why they failed:
1) They got caught up in the emotion as growth came. They were not able to stick to a viable plan for sustaining growth. There will always be seasons of growth and their will always be seasons of decline.
2) They expanded too quickly. Many of the league officials will tell you this diluted and destroyed them. Do not outgrow your resources that fuel the system.
3) They got conceited and thought too much of themselves. They went up against the NFL. They lost. Don't think you are that good. Those who have success worked for it. You will too.

Applying it to Starting a Movement:
It is not how good we look when we start. The key as leaders is to be able to make a viable, God-led, plan that we stick to. Emotional fervor cannot make decisions for us. We must not get "too big for our britches." We must slowly grow into what God has for us. Don't jump out too soon. I have never heard a leader say, "I took it too slow. I waited too long. I saved up too much money." But you will always hear the opposite.

Let's learn from the USFL. Look it up on the internet.

Men in Black on Mentoring

2009-10-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

Leaders who start movements mentor those with potential and position them to take their place.

I love the movie Men in Black, namely the first one. You have this young, energetic man that they bring in for an interview to be on the Men in Black team. He is picked because he is sharp, can find creative ways to solve problems and gets the job done.

During one of their first elevator rides, Will Smith looks at Tommy Lee Jones and says, "Hey, I know I am young, but I don't want to be called 'sport,' 'kid,' 'junior,' or 'slick.'" Tommy Lee Jones looks back and says, "Alright Slick, have it your way."

As a young leader (30 now) and a lead pastor, I am often times talked down to by leaders that are older than me. I was told this week that I have a lot of great ideas, but have never worked them out in ministry. I did not stop to tell the guy that everything I am doing, I learned by doing it! It can be very frustrating when you have a vision and know you can lead then you are talked down to and told that you are too young to lead (in so many words).

Men in Black is a great story of mentoring. Will Smith is trained and developed. Tommy Lee Jones knows that Will can and will out do everything he has done. He lets Will make mistakes. He gives opportunities and experiences. The greatest part is at the end when Will takes over.

Here are some questions for you....
1) Who is actively mentoring you now? Do they speak to your potential or do they see age/limitations?
2) If you are mentoring someone, do you speak their potential? Do you treat them as "sport," "slick," or "junior?" I once gave my new book to some denominational leaders. They responded by saying, "cool dude." They never read it. I am no longer with their conference.
3) Are you positioning the next generation to move into their rightful place?

We need to know this...
The next great leaders of the Church are in elementary, middle school or high school. You may have experience, but experience is not the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. Being married for 30 years or pastoring for 30 years means nothing. Are you better or still making the same mistakes? Don't judge them based on their experience. Learning things the wrong way can be a bad teacher.

The youth music you hate. The way they dress. They way they talk. Their views toward spirituality and your traditions will be leading the church of tomorrow. Look at the most innovative and fastest growing churches in America. They look a lot youth ministries from 5-10 years ago.

You can talk down to sport, junior or slick, but they will be leading your denomination, organization and church in the years to come.

The Enemy of a Movement Part 3

2009-09-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

The ones who started yesterday's movement are usually the enemies of today's movement.

As we see different expressions of the church today, let us becareful to judge or be dogmatic about what is "right" and "wrong." We must judge movements based on principles, not on methodical preferences. Realize we may have a blindspot while accusing and tearing down methods. A lot of times these blindspots comes from our insecurity and lack of serious inductive study on the topic.
As you see new movements here are some questions to ask:
1) Why do I fear this?
2) Am I personally offended because I am not seeing a true movement in my own organization or ministry?
3) Are there blindspots or preconceived notions that cause me have a certain disposition toward this?
4) Are there any major, black and white, principles that are violated and "sinful"? (hate to use that term, but it is the only way I can put it).
5) Is this effective in reaching people, helping people and Kingdom minded?
6) What are some things that can help this movement become more effective?

We have a saying in the real south, "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater..." Every movement is extreme at first. Extremist start these movements. Some of the teachings and practices are a little overboard (see list of movements in previous post). But we have to see the heart of God in these things.

Do you realize what you may be accusing someone of, you may be doing on a different level?
I have heard people pop off at leaders of movements and when I look at their life, they have the same problems. One guy said, "Every one wants to be an apostle in this day and time, and that guy, Apostle... (can't give his name) just wants to be a superstar." This same guy idolized Andy Stanley and Erwin McManus. He never stopped to think that maybe he is trying to be just like them.
The seeker sensitive movement was a huge movement that was criticized and still is by many.
Those who criticized the home church movement were usually pastors who were mad that people did not want to come to their church. The home church movement would endanger the local church as they knew it. Multi-sites are now the topic of discussion. Many of the ones who oppose this are "pastor/teachers" who want a small fellowship and feel this is most effective. They believe pastoral care has to be done by the main communicator. Insecurity can lead those who cannot grow their church to attack what is being fruitful.

Use these posts as a prophetic warning to all of us who are helping lead movements or have led them. We must not become enemies of the next movements.

The Enemy of a Movement Part 2

2009-09-30T07:13:00.001-07:00

The ones who started yesterday's movement are usually the enemy of today's movements.

Let's continue with the movements of the 1900's and how they were viewed.

1950's: Healing Movement- There was a great movement of divine healings from tent revivals in this era. Oral Roberts was one of the forerunners of this movement. They were called fakes, frauds and heretics. Thank God that today we see this as a norm in the church because these men moved forward.

1970's: Jesus Movement- Hippies began to get saved and start going to church, at least for a little while. The leaders of the day viewed their dress and manner of life unworthy of the church. Do you wear flip flops today while you preach? Do you dress down?

1980's: Choruses Introduced to the Church- This is a time when choruses began to enter in to the modern church. Hymns had been the standard for years. Do you sing choruses now at your church?

1990's: Spiritual Warfare/Prophetic Movement- There was a great emphasis on spiritual warfare in the church. You began to see "experts" birthed in this movement. A large emphasis was placed on corporate prayer gatherings. This was also a time when the prophetic arm of the Church was restored. There were some great revivals during this era, Toronto Blessing and Brownsville to name a few.
Do you see spiritual warfare as a norm today? Your denomination fought it tooth and nail.

2000's: Apostolic Movement/Kingdom/Multi-Expressions of the Body- In the last ten years we have see a rise in the number of apostolic ministries and ministers that have been birthed. Their heart to see a city infiltrated with the gospel. Leadership development and church planting have been a focus. Miles Monroe and the Kingdom teaching have permeated our churches. We now see the birth of multi-site campuses, churches in bars, coffee shop churches, home church movement and the focus of outreach.
What are you becoming the enemy of in this movement?

My journey:
Who knows what movements we will see in the next 20 years. I am trying to re-adjust my perspective so I can receive and encourage young ministers as they pioneer these things. I am looked at by many of my own denominational leaders as, "sport," "kid," "junior," "little buddy," and so on. I want to make sure that as the new movements come I am open to a broader perspective of ministry.

READ NEXT BLOG, PART 3 for conclusion...

The Enemy of a Movement Part 1

2009-09-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

The enemies of the future movements were the ones who usually started the last movement.

Movements are by nature hard to understand. There was a book by Malcom Gladwell that tried to explain movements. This book "The Tipping Point" was a great study on the history of movements. Even though we have head knowledge about this, we cringe when ground breaking ideas come to the surface. Movements do not have kinks worked out, they are hard to explain and "doctorinize," and usually challenge our emotional ties to the way we do things. That is why you usually have two types of enemies against movements: Those who feel, think and believe why they are wrong, and then you have those who cannot logically or theologically turn it into a doctrine.

When I see new ideas or models being used that are "out of the box," I usually stop and ask questions. I will say that I am a very pragmatic person, meaning that I wonder, "Is this the BEST way to accomplish the goal?" I try to put aside what I have been taught, what I feel and any personal offenses.

The last 100 years has been a year of movements, especially in the Christian Church.
Example:
1906- Azusa Street Revival: Mainline, Evangelical Denominations called it "demonic," "non-biblical" and ex-communicated these people. Pentecostal/Charismatic churches are the fasted growing world wide, especially in missions.

1920's- Educational Institutions: Some major Christian and Ministerial Institutions were founded. Preachers who were not educated actually taught that it was unbiblical to go to these institutions. We now have Oral Roberts Univ., Southeastern, Liberty Univ., Emmanuel College, Southwestern Christian University., Fuller Theological, and the list goes on.
READ NEXT BLOG AS THIS DISCUSSION CONTINUES....

Personal Formation is Goal

2009-09-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Leaders who start movements focus on personal formation first and foremost.

I spend time in three areas developing myself:
1) Spiritual Formation
2) Skill Formation
3) Strategic Formation
Imagine a baseball field and these are bases. I make sure I am "tagging" each bag every week.

One of the saddest statements I hear from failing leaders or thier spouses are, "I have studied all that already (or their spouse says this about them)." Okay, my answer is, "Do you want a cookie?" Look at the usage, "-ed." They did that at some point and time. Development is not about what you used to do.

Remember, it is what you daily, not occasionally that shapes you as a leader.

The first base: SPIRITUAL FORMATION
This is where you spend time journaling, reflecting and praying. Disciplines such as prayer, fasting, meditation, silence and study are at this base. This is where "Christ is formed in us."
We must take care of this base and make sure we are not the proverbial "Starving Baker." The Starving Baker feeds everyone else but himself.
Ask yourself, "How are you growing yourself spiritually?"

The second base: SKILL FORMATION
This is the base where you learn how to get better at what you do. A mentor can help you learn your skill better. Reading books and exposure to ministries also help you see what can be better. I am a communicator and leader of a church, The Well Community Church in Port Saint Lucie, FL. I am constantly listening to all kinds of communicators. I study them and see what makes them unique. I am also leading, so I listen to cd's continually as I drive on skill formation of leadership.
Ask yourself, "How are you getting better at what you do?"

The third base: STRATEGIC FORMATION
This is the base where you form yourself as a leader. You are not trying to get better at what you do (second base) or who you are (first base), you are trying form yourself for where you are going. This can be accomplished by pouring books on leadership in your life. Dr. Bobby Clinton's teachings on the Leadership Emergence Theory has helped me greatly. I know my gifts, personality, strengths and weaknesses. I am constantly preparing myself for where I want to go and what type of leader I want to be. It is about finishing well.
Ask yourself, "How am I preparing myself to finish every assignment well as a leader?"

Leaders who start movements are serious and strategic about personal formation.

Don't Be Defined

2009-09-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Leaders who start movements are not defined by their group of association. For churches this is their denomination and the traditions of that denomination. For businesses it is the product they produce.

I am ordained and work within the Pentecostal Holiness Church. They are a great and amazing group of people. I enjoy our heritage and our beliefs. But I realize if I am going to start a movement and do something significant where God has placed me, I cannot be defined by the IPHC. I see alot of pastors and church planters who are consumed and ultimately defined by their denomination. Some are consumed with their tradition and polity. Others are consumed by the flashy, hip preachers or leaders in their sect. Either way, they are being defined.

Here is a newsflash for pastors: The people in your city don't care about your denomination. They want to be a part of the most happening church in town.

Here is a great example of being defined: Baptists term of "outreach" and Pentecostals term of "outreach." Baptist use the term to mean an event, sermon series or small group resource. Pentescostals use the term and talk about Sidewalk Sunday School. Presbyterians; feed the homeless. The list goes on and on.

Most guys learn from their denominational guys and structures without "cross-pollenating." We are in a day where we must look outside and not be scared to overlook such issues as "Eternal Security" and "Tongues" inorder to learn what other denominations are doing. Don't let your articles of faith be a restraint to you.

I read a lot of the North American Mission Board's material. I draw from their leaders. One of my favorite preachers is in a very cutting edge Southern Baptist Church. I want to challenge you in this blog. If you are Baptist/Methodist/Presbyterian, then find out what are the most happening Charismatic/Pentecostal churches and what are they doing. What do their services look like? What are they doing to reach their cities? If you are Pentecostal/Charismatic group, then find the most happening Baptist/Methodist/Presbyterian Churches and find out what are they doing. Music styles, preaching styles, etc...The list goes on and on.

Dr. Garnett Pike said this, "If you continue to look for a wife at your family reunion, your offspring will come out a little slow."

Don't Be Defined by your association.

Architects versus Artists

2009-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Leaders who start movements are more like architects than artists.

Artists are able to paint a picture. This picture may be pretty, realistic, abstract or even far out there. I meet many leaders who are artists. They can tell you some great stuff. I mean they are so excited and paint a great picture of what they want. You actually get caught up in it. I knew a person once who could do this. He had a new idea for his church everday. One day it was this great idea and then it was another. Eventually, he folded and left town. He was an artist, but that is where the dream stopped, on paper. Like great artwork, it was oohed and aahed, but it still remained on paper.

Architects are those who draw a picture too. Their picture is not as pretty. It may not be oohed or aahed, but it is a picture. Architects draw with the anticipation of what it will take to build what is being drawn. They are dictating structure and need. You must ask yourself, "What will it take to do all this in my heart?" Do I have a strategy to go by as I build?

If you study successful businesses or churches you will find that the leader was an architect. They did not do a lot of talking, but they had a plan written down with goals and expectations of certain outcomes.

Realize that the leaders who fight this mentality are those who are usually in a small environment. Leaders who embrace this know that it will take planning, prayer and a lot of hard work to bring the building of the organization to pass.

Where are the blueprints for your dream? Can your people in your organization see it?

Ambitious Movements

2009-09-16T05:59:00.001-07:00

I was reading in my devotional time about love from 1st Corinthians 13. Bishop Garry Bryant gave me a book called, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek." I was reading about the part that love is not self-seeking or self-serving, nor ambitious.

Leaders who start movements love those they lead. I actually like to put it this way, they are in love with those they lead. A leader must believe that people God has put in their path are the greatest people on the planet and can do anything. It is a marriage.

When it comes to starting a movement, leaders must watch out for starting an ambitious movement. I see in young leaders, including myself, is great ambition for the quick return. In church planting especially. Church planters are driven by nature, ambitious and impulsive. These qualities can be good in certain situations, but can be detrimental also.

My greatest desire is for those I lead to know that I love them and will lay my life down for them. The greatest enemy of this is self-seeking ambition to build a large church. (Large churches are good, I hope that I am able to see multitudes saved). I will begin to view people as mere tools to fuel my ambitious desire. The ambitious desire must be to have a pure love for all those around me and find creative ways to display it.

Listening to John Maxwell's cds on leadership has revealed one thing to me. His people feel love, appreciated and empowered.

Look inside today:
Do you find yourself manipulating the Sunday numbers or figures in your organization to look good in front of others? DO you find encouragement from large numbers or personal development of leaders?

Do you secretly trash talk people in your organization behind their back at something they have done wrong?

Have you looked at yourself lately from "outside" of yourself to see what type of ambition is driving you?

What do those closest to you say about your love for them?

Here is the point: Leaders who start movements have an ambition to grow their people personally more than a desire to see organizational growth. "Love is not self-seeking or self-serving, nor ambitious...."

The Missional Mandate Part 2

2009-09-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

I stated last that leaders need to be missional instead of "missions minded." I want to show the nature of Christ and how affected his culture and generation with this thinking.

The historical account of Jesus meeting a woman of Samaria at Jacob's Well is found in John chapter 4. Samaria was forever changed because of this. I want to outline 4 ways of thinking that are contingent upon us seeing transformation in our cities.

here is the point: Leaders who start movements see everyday as supernatural, extraordinary days full of opportunity.

1. Divine Transportation: John 4:3-6. Jesus traveled to Samaria by going out of his way. Usually the Jews went around this town because of their dislike for the Samaritans. Jesus must have listened to the Father in prayer that morning and knew what route to take.
He viewed his daily transportation or commute as divine.
We must view our daily routes as divine. If truly a righteous man's steps are ordered by the Lord, then our daily route is truly divine. When we know that our travels and interactions are divine, then we can look for....

2. Divine Conversations: John 4:7-9. Jesus sparks a conversation about water with this lady. God opened a door up for a divine conversation. We are surrounded by divine conversations on a daily basis.
Which conversations are divine? ALL. Matthew 12:36- By your words you are justified and by your words you are condemned. We will all give an account for every word spoken. God values our conversations.
When we realize that our daily transportation is divine and that God will fill our day with divine conversations then we can look for....

3. Divine Impartion: John 4:10-11. Jesus sees a "God moment" in the midst of this divine conversation. He takes time to impart or give to her a spiritual truth. In all of our conversations there is a point for impartation. I had this happen to me 11 years ago. There was a young man at ECU that told Jesus Christ loved me and could save me. I responded 6 months later by giving my life to Christ. This guy will not know about this impartation until we get to heaven.
When we are able to give Divine Impartion then we can see....

4. Divine Transformation: John 4:39. This lady's life was rocked! This is the whole mission of my church, "The Well Community Church." We want to see lives transformed. She encountered Jesus and then went in and told her whole city about this. One conversation could change your city. One meeting could transform your city. Are you aware that every day is supernatural and is filled with opportunities?

We are missionaries. We are on assignment. Be alert and aware. One conversation today could shake a city up.