Perry Noble Lunch Takeaways

So today was such a random yet exciting moment for me. I had the opportunity to have lunch with Perry Noble and a group of church planters. Perry is the Senior Pastor at Newspring church in South Carolina. I listen to a lot of Perry’s teachings and read his blogs. He is extremely funny and unapologetically passionate to the mission of Christ. We sat with him for a little over 3 hours and he was as transparent a person as I have met. He wanted to hear our stories and asked how he could help us. He taught by allowing us to ask questions and then he, in true Perry fashion, answered from the heart. Here are a few of the takeaways from this lunch:
• He said the single most important thing for a church planter to do is to make sure the vision does not get hijacked. If God gives you a vision, stick to it no matter what people say or do.
• This guy loves getting people saved, and focuses everything on it. It made sense to me. If we spend more times on developing small groups, programs, ministries, etc than we do on introducing people to Christ, we are backwards. Jesus changes lives, simple.
• Many people have told me I was crazy for the multi-site transition I have made. When I asked him if he faced anything like that, he just laughed and asked me if it was a God thing. When I answered yes, he said do it, don’t apologize, and watch as God is going to blow me away. Encouraging to say the least.
• Not all of your leaders will go with you to the next level. As you grow, your leadership must get more intentional and smaller. As more levels are added, they will each get a little smaller. Trying to lead a large church with same style leadership team as a medium sized will not work.
• He taught on his planning year. In the months that people are going to be there no matter what (January-Mid February) he seems to get a little more theology or doctrine based. On the months that attendance may naturally tend to drift, he goes to the areas that he feels his people need that are not as general. He says he does not fight the days that are low such as Memorial Day weekend or Father’s Day.

There is so much more but these are the ones that really hit me. I know that many of us read this kind of stuff or hear it over and over, but to hear someone teach how they apply it was a little different. It was a day that I was challenged, encouraged, and one that I will never forget. This guy took time to meet with 6 guys that he did not know, poured into them, and expected nothing in return. I hope and pray that if God works in our church in a way similar to what He has done at Newspring, I will be as grounded and willing to help others as Perry is.

Jason Mraz Christmas Video

Many of you know I am a huge fan of Jason Mraz so when I saw this I knew it had to be on the old blog! Merry Christmas!

Fred Allen Quote of The Day

“I love long walks, especially those taken by people who really annoy me.”  - Fred Allen

 

…awesome…

Sunday Rewound

It never gets old watching the growth of our church. I love watching God develop a group of people into the church he wants us to be. Today was no exception. Visitors that were in attendance last week came back and said they have found their home church, members are meeting new people each week, and a true vision of God’s church is actually happening. Today was our Christmas Experience called “Star,” and was one of our best experiences to date.

·      The temperature in Tallahassee is driving me crazy. Literally the temp dropped 20 degrees outside between the beginning and end of the experience. And it was only 75 minutes long!

·      The experience opened up with a dance by some of the kids in GenesisKIDS. They rocked it out and was a tremendous way to kick off the morning. Great job to all the kids, and Brenda for choreography. Was really, really good!

·      Today was a very complicated day. Lots of media, moving backgrounds, videos, and sound and lighting changes, but the Media Team did an amazing job making it happen without a hitch. It was seamless, and the flow was great. Great job you guys for making it a great day. Being a media driven church means you better have talented people, and the West Campus definitely has talented people.

·      Music was tremendous. We had a great mix of traditional Christmas songs, but then we had some of our normal worship music. My goal today was for us to have some music for all the unbelievers in the room, but also to have a time for the same unbelievers to feel the presence of God through the worship of others. The believers worshipped, and the presence of God was evident to many.

·      Pastor Brian brought a message called “Star,” that was amazing. Everyone in the room left with something. The believers and the unbelievers alike walked away in some way different.

·      Arron finished out the message with a solo of the Relient K song “Celebrate the Day.”  …Awesome…

·      To all those who make Genesischurch.tv West such an amazing place for people to begin, and continue their faith journey…THANK YOU! We are only getting started as February 1^st is closing in on us. Get Ready!!!

 

Also Brenda and I thank you very much for the wonderful gift we were given today. It means a lot to know you care, and we love you all very much. You are our family.

Shut Your Christmas Pie Hole – A Rant

This is a stressful time of year. Make no mistake about it, but what makes it stressful? The answer is simple: we are buys doing things. Here’s a fact…IT’S A GOOD THING TO BE BUSY RIGHT NOW! I know, some of you are going to give me the “Remember the Reason for the Season,” line. If you are close to me, or know me even a little, you will know that Jesus is not the reason for the season for me, He is the reason for life everyday. He is why I live and breathe, and I give everything I have to follow Him. I fully grasp the “reason for the season,” but let’s talk about why we are busy. Better yet, let’s look at what it would be like to not be busy right now.

 

1. Some of us are busy shopping. That means we have some form of finances to be able to work with. We are busy trying to get the right gift to make someone happy. Unless we are buying out of pride, or putting ourselves deep in debt, buy a reasonable gift for someone. It will make you feel good.
2. Some of us are busy going to Christmas Parties. That means that you have a job, friends, or a great church. If you are complaining that you have too many parties to go to, don’t go. Then you won’t have to worry about it next year because you might not get invited back. There is a world out there that if full of lonely people that will not attend anything. Please don’t take for granted the people in your life.
3. Some of us are busy cleaning the house for the family to come over. Please do not make me comment on this one. Really? You have a family that is coming to see you. Cherish them. Love them. Not to mention you have a house to clean, and you will probably spend more on cleaning supplies than some people will have to eat on today.
4. Some of us are busy attending Christmas programs at schools and churches. That means you live in a country where the freedom to have one is available. What great memories are made by the little boy picking his nose, or falling asleep, or the one kid that sings so loud that the microphone rings!

 

 

This list could go on and on. Am I mad? Heavens no! I am heartbroken. I heard a story the other day of a single dad of 4 boys, the mother walked out on them, he lost his job, him and his boys sit around the fireplace at night because they can’t afford to turn the heat on, he is desperate for a job but with a 4 year old and a 3 year old he cant find childcare, he is a Veteran of the War in Iraq, and when they interviewed him, he just said he was grateful for what he did have. You could have hit me in the crotch with a nail studded two by four and I would have felt better. For the most part we are a very blessed people, and I want you to take it to heart. So while you are going to the mall to buy a Wii, drinking a Starbucks, with your healthy children, and talking on your cell phone…enjoy it. Don’t wish to change a thing in your life, just look to be open to give God a huge thanks for what He is doing. Think what life would be like without all the “inconveniences” we are quick to complain about. Okay I am done ranting now, I am going to make brownies and drink boiled custard.

And by the way, it’s not Happy Holidays from me…it’s MERRY CHRSTMAS!! 

Sunday Rewound

With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season, I think I look forward to Sundays more. Yes there is a ton of stress behind each Sunday, but then there is “that moment.” It is when you look around at tons of volunteers serving, families coming in together, people having meaningful relationships, and you realize that the church is functioning the way God intended. The sleepless nights of worry, strategic planning, and hours of prayers all come together and for a brief moment, I can relax and know it is all going to be okay. God is blessing the church, and in turn, people are doing the best they can to be a true follower of Christ. I need those moments, I cherish those moments, and this past Sunday was no exception.

·      There was a different feeling this week from all the college students. Probably had something to do with Finals Week being over. They all looked so relieved!

·      The West Campus looks amazing! There were around 30 people here on Wednesday night decorating and it paid off. Then Brenda and my girls came up on Saturday afternoon and finished the tree and it looks great as well. My wife is crazy in how she does lights, some kind of wrap the lights around each branch thing instead of just going around the tree. It’s so hard, but it looks tremendous. From the foyer to the stage, the place looks wonderful.

·      Had some more visitors today and they loved the place and can’t wait to come back! I love having visitors, but love it even more when they can’t wait to get back.

·      The band did really well again as a whole, but there were a few shining moments. While we really missed Ryan and Jennifer LaValle Sunday, it was great having Justin Hall fill in on bass. He did a great job, and if you know Justin, you better keep an eye on him, I believe God has huge things for this guy. The other huge shining moment for me was a guitar solo by Flint Archer. This dude rocked out an electric guitar solo at the beginning of  “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful,” that was unbelievable. Had a clean, clear, amazing vibe that carried into the song. Flint, you rocked bro.

·      Pastor Phil Harris taught this week. So in the last three weeks, the West Campus has heard Pastor Brian Hunter, Pastor Phil Harris, and oh yeah me. How in the world did I get in with those guys?! In any case, this is the advantage of video venue church. Multiple teachers and multiple styles. Pastor Phil did an amazing job talking about principles for a successful marriage. Hysterical funny, just like Pastor Phil!

·      After the experience ended, I noticed a problem. Our Toys For Tots box is overflowing. Seriously, there are presents on the ground that Guest Services couldn’t get in the box. Selfless giving is what God is about, and you guys have made me proud. If you have any more gifts to bring, drop them of at the Annex before Tuesday.

·      I am stoked about our Christmas Experience next week called “Star.” It’s gonna rock! Make plans to be there and be sure to bring a friend!

·      This Wednesday is the West Campus Christmas Party. Bring a dessert, and a wrapped gift (under 10 bucks) for the White Elephant Gift exchange. It’s going to be a blast so don’t miss it!

 

Okay, that is enough for today so go out this week and Know Christ and…MAKE HIM KNOWN!

Mind Dump

So it has been a couple of weeks since my last “dump,” and that means my mind has once again become full of new random thoughts and observations. I have had some new music, books, and other things so now, another Mind Dump:

·      Currently Reading – Plethora of text books trying to fight my way through this Doctorate Program. It’s harder than I thought it would be, and has taken me much longer than anticipated. But I am reading some other things. I am reading “Tribes,” by Seth Godin. It’s an interesting book with a new take on leadership. If you have ever read anything by Godin, you will know that he sees things different. I am also reading a fiction book, which does not happen often. I try to read some of it as I lay in bed to try to get my brain to shut down so I can sleep. I am reading “Playing for Pizza,” by John Grisham. Easy read, good story, and well worth the decompression time.

·      On the Ipod – So this is not a new download, but definitely one of my favs around Christmas time. It is “Christmas With The Rat Pack.” That’s right, Frank, Sammy, Dean, and Joey belting out Christmas favprites like only they can. I know these guys are not the models of upstanding Christian men, but come on, can’t you just see Dean with a scotch, a cigar, and some background ladies singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside!”  These icons of music put out a great Christmas CD. And just for the record I am not one of the billions of people who have downloaded Brittany’s new album. While I have a new outlook on her, I am not a fan of her music…yet.

·      My Basketball Team – No I do not mean the Kentucky Wildcats. Many of you know I was hired as the Head Basketball Coach at a high school here in Tallahassee. We have not one a game yet. It’s tough because they have not won hardly any in the previous couple of years, and now we are playing schools bigger than us, and it is tough on my guys. They are getting better, and will win some before the end of the year. It is draining me though. Many of you ask why in the world I would pick up a second job that is so time consuming. It is simple. I VALUE Christian education, and it was the only way I could afford to put my kids in a Christian school. Nothing against public schools, but it did not work for us last year, we tried. So we do whatever it takes to put our family values first, even if that means sacrifices, long nights on a bus, and little sleep. My kids are worth it.

·      West Launch – February 1, 2009 is the launch day!!!!! I am over my head in overseeing the renovations like painting the outside of the buildings, installation of new flooring in the kids building, new chairs, and the most important part – MARKETING! If you think your church does not need to market because you think everyone knows where you are…you are delusional and need to wake up! Sorry if that was rough, but seriously, think about this. Everyone knows where the closest McDonald’s is, but do you think that stops them from marketing?

·      I love Christmas Time!

·      I love boiled custard! Many of you do not know what that is, but once you taste the nectar of the Christmas Gods, you will thank me!

·      I disagree with everyone who says gift cards are not personal. I think they are great! They allow people to get whatever they want, when they want, and that is great. Have I ever purchased one for my wife? Absolutely! And we are still married. Will that be all she ever gets? No. I want to stay married, but guys, pick up your wife a gift card to a place like a Vera Bradley store, or Bed Bath and Beyond, or her favorite place for a manicure or pedicure, and see what happens. Don’t make it her only gift, but she will like it…or you can blame me.

 

 

Okay that is pretty much it for today.  I hope it made you smile, think a little, maybe it is just something that lets you know a little more about me. Now I gottta go, Frank Sinatra is about to belt out White Christmas!

Sunday Rewound

Sunday was a great day at the West Campus! After what happened last Sunday, I was expecting no less. So here’s the recap:

·      We got a great surprise as Ruth Givens was in our experience. She is a member that actually lives in Macon, and watches online. She came “home” to Tallahassee and it was great to see her!

·      I got to listen to the band warmup and even that early you could tell it was going to be a great morning. We were missing our rockin chick drummer, so we were a boyband, but they did great. Flint stepped in on drums and did a really good job. They are really getting close to having that “click,” moment when a band solidifies. This band has been together less than a year, and the future is going to be huge for them!

·      The first impressions team did another outstanding job. This group of people is serious about making people feel welcome, and who shouldn’t feel welcome in church!?!

·      Had a great crowd. Don’t know the final numbers but it looked full and felt great.

·      Pastor Brian brought it! He went old school in his delivery and taught on the importance of being in the House of God. It was timely and the crowd was definitely into it! At one point he even said, “I am about to preach in here!” Awesome!

·      One of my favorite times at West on Sunday morning is after the service is over and people are just hanging out. You can overhear people making plans to go to lunch, hang out during the week, study together, etc. There is a real community being built and it great to see God putting people together so they can share life together.

 

 

Okay this is a busy week so let me remind you that this Wednesday we will be decorating the West Campus. If you can hang lights, lift a tree into the stand, or just want to hang out, then be at the church at 7:00PM for the decorating chaos to ensue!!!