a friday quote: the secret to her success

I don't normally quote the Oprah, but this statement (from an interview she did with ABC a few years back) is quite revealing. I believe it is her "key to success" as a talk show host, and has great implications for you and I... minus the book plugs and daytime deification, of course ;).

"The greatest running theme for me, aside from 'you are not alone' and 'you must take responsibility for your own life,' is that everybody wants to be validated. In every single interview for the 17 hours of that tape (the anniversary DVD), the theme for every single person, regardless of who it is or what the subject is, is 'Do you hear me? And did what I have to say mean anything to you?'" - Oprah Winfrey, in a 2005 interview with Diane Sawyer

free seminary style courses

Here are some great resources that are available to you for free. There are two schools offering free seminar style courses. Here's a great sampling from Covenant Theological Seminary:
http://worldwide-classroom.com/courses/

• Ancient & Medieval Church History
• Apologetics & Outreach
• Biblical Theology
• Christ-Centered Preaching: Preparation and Delivery of Sermons
• Christian Ethics
• Christian Worship
• Francis A. Schaeffer: The Early Years
• Francis A. Schaeffer: The Later Years
• God & His Word
• God’s World Mission
• Hebrews to Revelation
• Humanity, Christ & Redemption
• Life & Letters of Paul
• Life & Teachings of Jesus
• New Testament History
• Old Testament History
• Psalms & Wisdom Books
• Reformation & Modern Church History
• Spirit, Church, & Last Things
• Youth Ministry

Also, here are some videos on seminary topics from Dallas Theological Seminary.
https://deimos.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/dts.edu

• BE101 – Bible Study Methods
• BE102 – OT History I
• BE103 – OT History II
• BE104 – Prophets
• BE105 – Gospels
• BE107 – Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation
• BE109 – Ruth, Jonah, Epistles
• BE510 – Life of Christ
• NT101 – Elements of Greek I
• NT102 – Elements of Greek II
• NT111 – Intertestamental History
• ST101 – Intro to Theology
• ST102 – Trinitarianism
• ST103 – Angelology, Anthropology, & Hamartiology (Angels, Humans, and Sin)
• ST104 – Soteriology (Salvation)
• BC101 – Introduction to Biblical Counseling
• CE102 – History and Philosophy of Christian Education
• PM101 – Spiritual Life
• PM102 – Evangelism
• PM103 – Preaching I
• SL305 – Dynamics of Leadership
• WM101 – Introduction to World Mission
  

capturing the now

"Gentlemen you're going to be on the field 75 plays. Two or three of those plays will determine the outcome of this game. Unfortunately I can't tell you which ones they're going to be. Therefore you're going to have to play them all." - Vince Lombardi

Something I've been reminding myself (and the amazing members of Connection Church) in recent days is that today is Gameday... and every day is. Specifically, I'm referring to the fact that the greatest moment of your life is right now, for the greatest thing that could ever happen in your life is just a decision away. And to top it off, it's not just an "us" thing... the God of the universe is about to throw each of us a pass that He hopes we each catch and move down the field.

Maybe that sounds somewhat inspirational, because it absolutely is. Yet it drives us to question, "What does that practically mean?" and "How do I 'capture the now' of the moment?"

• The first issue is mindfulness: People step up into their God-given destiny - be it on a daily basis or for their whole lives - when they stop seeing life through small eyes. This doesn't happen naturally, for it requires something "beyond natural" - or "supernatural" - to show us what that we are otherwise blind to. The question is would you rather be blind to such an option or would you rather know what you're missing out on? The worst thing we can do is continue to believe our assumptions on their own will always be right.
  
  How aware are you of the greatest thing that could come out of your life on any given day? Do you allow your mind and heart to imagine yourself taking part in something so glorious that the sheer thought of it makes you weep?
  
  
• The second issue is motive: It's one thing to see what your life can be, and another to find a reason to decide to embrace it. A motive empowers you to live against the grain of the status quo you have set your life to live within. Until enduring the pain of this staus quo becomes greater than the pain of change, we will keep doing what we do and never jump into the vibrant life of reconnecting with our Creator (and our created purpose).
  
  What would it take for you to get off your duff about something you know you need to get off your duff about? A moment of brokenness? Another person?
  
  
• The third issue is method: We need to establish a new trend in this generation to not let the fear of the unknown paralyze us from action. It seems like previous generations threw themselves into whatever needed to happen, even when they didn't know how to solve their problems. We're so used to Google and Mapquest telling us our answers that we freeze up with indirection when the clear steps are not outlined. Maybe Door #1 won't open the way you want it to, so how about seeing if Door #2 is actually a backdoor to get you into the same room?
  
  What tools do you use throughout your day that help you get your most important stuff done? Do those tools make sense to continue to use with this renewed endeavor?
  
  
• The fourth issue is membership: We all need more than a purpose... we need a committed community of purpose that will surround us with others who have decided to not settle for the status quo. Some may feel comfortable enough to open up, while others will simply enjoy the presence of being around others. Either way, we gain a network of relationships that allows us to discover the things that must change - which, ironically, is only possible to have any form of accuracy when we are linked into the one thing that will never change - God Himself.
  
  Are the people you're connected to going to help you simply "be happy?" Or will they help you become more than you are or even imagine for yourself?
  
  
• The fifth issue is maintenance: All of the previous steps have created a culture, and so the remaining step is to be sure that culture stays relevant. Simply put, this means taking eternal truth and being sure it is connected to the "here and now." Every hurdle will give you an opportunity to distinguish between what is the core purpose of your life (i.e. "What I simply must do") versus that which is merely circumstantial (i.e. "What I do because that's the way my life is.").
  
  Are you willing to create a culture that is intentional about upgrading growth potential and downsizing comfort when appropriate?
  

If you want to be a part of something that has real purpose and eternal value to it, you have to be willing to capture the now. Sure, it may take a bit of advance work, but it's well worth it.

It's Gameday.

when a fallen leader hops up with closed eyes

There are three things I need to confess before I go anywhere with this, and then I'm going to unleash a fury of frustration.

First, I am a man who knows the temptation of sin. Just like you, there are certain things that I have let into my mind, heart, soul, and body over the years that I tend to struggle with more than other types of sins. They are my "familiar temptations," and I have confessed them out loud and in private to both God and people so that I might develop a strong defense against their offense. Sometimes they come at me because I've allowed them to hang out inside of me in the past, like a dirty dog that you've fed who won't leave the porch as he keeps scratching at your door. Other times they are nothing short of a clear attack from the devil himself, because he has decided I am someone he wants to take out of commission.

Second, I know what it means to be suddenly yanked away from familiar surroundings that you have found a sense of self-worth in. There was a time when I found security and identity in what I did, or a name plate on the door, or a desk and office I resided in, or the fact that people said "Pastor" before they used my name. Those things felt real good, and on various occasions when I have had to leave such a role - be it for the right reasons or someone else's reasons - I know the struggle of not being able to scratch those itches. It's painful, and it makes you want to grab anything or anyone to scratch them again, even if it's the equivalent of a dirty piece of metal that ends up cutting you open in the process.

Third, I am fed up - actually, can I say it? pissed off - at the immaturity among "leaders" I have had to endure in ministry. I wish I could tell you in this cozy spot of a blog exactly what I mean, but I can't. For one thing, there isn't enough space. And for another, there are people whose privacy my silence continues to protect so that they may grow forward (which means in in some cases that I know more than the average person who only sees the past leader with nostalgia).

(pause)

Wow. I'm pretty worked up.

Now...

what triggered all of that?

I just read an email and it reminded me of how unfortunate it is when a fallen leader hops up with closed eyes. By "leader" I mean someone who has been allowed by others to speak into their lives, which means that as their spiral down began they took others with them (be a loss of innocence, the "final straw" where they no longer trust such leaders, or something else more damaging). And after that former leader has genuinely fallen, rather than letting God do the hard-yet-much-needed work of giving their life new direction they choose to jump into the next thing to scratch their old itches.

Again, I "get" this temptation all to well. I speak as someone who has had to make that same choice several times over the years that perhaps you have... do I act with self-righteous immaturity because I feel wronged or do I slow down, stop, and see if it's time to grow up in some area. By God's grace, each time I've opted for letting the Lord take His scalpel to me. That's not a statement of pride, by the way, but of surrender. I made this choice not because I'm better than anyone, but because (to the contrary) I know I needed it.

I knew it would be bloody... I knew I would lose parts of myself that I rather liked but God found ugly... but I also knew that He could do such surgery better and more effectively if I was still. Otherwise, He'd be trying to cut into me with the blade as I struggled to run away from Him, and that would only create more cuts and scars than were originally needed.

So that said, I share this email about a man whom I've never met and don't know the fullness of his situation. Such a context would usually demand (in our culture) that we just "forgive and forget" or "don't judge" - neutral and lame defense mechanisms that we often opt for when we're too chicken to challenge another person toward hard growth (or allow their imperfections to remind us of our own). But I don't take my cues from this culture, which means that I'm going to stretch in a different direction - one that says, "Yeah, grace, but also holiness."

You may be familiar with the story of Ted Haggard (and if you aren't it's up to you to Google it). It's been three years since he stepped down from being a pastor, which (again) seems like enough time in our culture for him to begin pastoring again. Why would anyone want to stop him from doing so since he's "obviously gifted?" After all, he was a "great pastor," wasn't he?

This is written from the perspective of a man who sees something that the fallen leader does not and refuses to. I have great empathy and prayer for what follows:

MR. HAGGARD AND HIS NEW CHURCH

On Thursday evening of this week, there was, for all intents and purposes, a new church plant in our town of Colorado Springs. Ted Haggard gathered a group of people in his home for a prayer meeting that will, in time, constitute a nucleus for that new church.

And so, it is nearly three years to the day from Mr. Haggard's admission to indiscrete behavior — that resulted in his resignation as senior pastor of New Life Church — that a new congregation begins, located just one mile from the church he once pastored.

The irony of all of this is that, from the very beginning, Mr. Haggard had been counseled to go to another city, complete his restoration program, experience healing in his family and with his addiction, and only then begin again. But, he has made a choice not to do that.

We, who were members of his restoration team and those who served New Life Church as overseers, wish he would not do this. We feel it to be insensitive to a church that provided generously for him and his family for over a year after his misadventure. But, more than that, he violates his own words that he would not begin a new church. Evidently, he changed his mind a week or so ago, and now calls the new endeavor a church rather than a Bible study.

Pastor Brady Boyd, the present senior pastor of New Life Church, has been very gracious to Mr. Haggard. As I talk with Pastor Boyd, there is more concern expressed for Mr. Haggard than there is about the new church plant. Let me ask you:

From what you know about the Ted Haggard situation — and knowing it is a free country — would you consider Mr. Haggard's actions proper and ethical? How would you respond if Mr. Haggard asked for your opinion? Please, let us know at pastors@family.org.

Prayers should be offered for all parties involved.

Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL

My response?

There is a reason we cheer for the underdog... we know somewhere deep within that it is not in our original destiny to be down. So when someone who genuinely should be "on top" has such an opportunity, we cheer them on.

This is different, though. This is not an underdog scenario, but rather a rebellious rejection of the role of the Master. Mr Haggard, it seems, would rather surround himself with people who will tell him what he thinks versus what he must hear.

And that... will affect more people than just himself. That will tell others that they don't have to deal with the stuff in their life that needs to be dealt with, but rather they can ignore it and call it Christianity. And that will ultimately create a hypocrisy within Mr Haggard that he will choose not to acknowledge so he can "be a pastor again."

I know I am being harder in this post than I usually am. I run the risk of offending some who would rather I take the carefree position of "Mind your own business."

Fair enough. Let's look at the Scripture most people whip out for a quick defensive quote without fully-embracing the rest of it.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:1-6)

Yes, Jesus said not to judge. But He didn't just say that, because He said that the purpose of noticing another's sin isn't to look down on them for it. Rather, it's to recognize it's danger to them and others... only AFTER you've been willing to put yourself through a similar process. The Scripture doesn't say we shouldn't evaluate ourselves, for at the very end of the section it speaks about making proper evaluations about the state of others' relationship with God and what kinds of "holy things" they should be playing with.

In this instance, Mr Haggard won't even allow others to look at the speck of sawdust in his eye as he has closed them shut so that not even he can see it.

Okay, I've made my point. I can go on, but at this point it would be nothing more than an extended remix of what I have just shared. And I also know that I have just opened up a magnifying glass into my own life. Whenever one raises awareness of God's standards, he/she is the first one to be compared to it.

That's fine... bring it on. Judge me... please. Please, please, please... judge me. Not in a labeling sense, but in an evaluative and restorative sense. Push me in places I will box with you to stay out of, because a leader can only lead when he has learned how to follow, and I so desperately want to follow Jesus.

Judge me, not because my life is perfect, but because it isn't...

and I have familiar temptations...

and I welcome (and need) your accountability.

Let's not lower the bar in what it means to lead. Let's keep it right where God put it and grow up into that.

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:7-9)

an unfortunate/fortunate irony

People with a long history in any environment have credibility when they speak, even if what they say isn't credible.

On the other hand, if what a "veteran" says is credible, such a person can push truth through barriers the average person cannot.

Use your tenure well.

lessons from a child

Pretty cute, and pretty powerful. Our boys have been doing this, too, since the first allowance they began to earn.

How does that verse go? "...and a little child will lead them." (Isaiah 11:6b)

should I stay or should I go now?

Below are a few thoughts I shared with someone who is going through a hard time in his role at a church where he is a staff member.

I first asked him what he thought he deserved. The question caught him off guard, but he answered it as best as he could. As the conversation continued, this is what I said next.

Me:

Look at it.

Look at what you wrote

Take it all in.

You have assembled some very honest feelings of frustrations.

Frustrations that haven't been solved and are snowballing.

An avalanche is coming... within you.

So let's hit pause on it for a moment.

Second question.

Tell me about why you came to this church.

Him:

God called us there, I know that


Me:

Simple enough.

Now...

If God called you there...

it was because there is a need...

people who need to be redeemed...

people who need to grow...

to embrace Him...

to stop being petty...

to see Him for who He is...

to see themselves for who He says they can be and really are...

to understand their role in this world...

to not settle for playing church, but to rise up and BE the Church...

and it takes someone called by God...

someone like you...

to help them see that.

And...

you do.

And...

you are called.

And...

until God places the same level of calling on you to leave...

that He put on you to come...

you should not go anywhere.

(hang with me)

Your wife is getting tired.

You are getting tired.

"These people are a stiff-necked people." - God to Moses

"These people are a stiff-necked people." - God to you

This... is... ministry.

It isn't easy.

It's often hard.

It's often harder than hard,.

But this is ministry.

Yes... we want those accolades.

It should be natural for your pastor to pray with you.

But again... he's insecure.

(We all are, actually.)

And since you see that, you are called to minister to him.

If he can't lead from the top down...

you lead from the bottom up.

You take on the very nature of a servant as Jesus did.

And you may get crucified for it...

but you're in Good Company if you do.

Jesus gets it.

Jesus understands.

And Jesus has asked you to join Him in reviving a group of people who are asleep.

Asleep in the church... and asleep in your town.

And it takes one person who is willing to be wide-awake to do it.

Reality check.... you may not see the change while you are there.

It may take years before you get an email that says, "Thanks for what you did. God changed my life because of it."

But that email will come.

Because you love God, and God loves you and wants to work through you.

You serve. You serve with 100% of your effort for the glory of God. And if they become petty and want to get rid of you, they will. But it won't be because you gave them a reason.

That will be their sin. Your sin would be buying into it.

Don't let their angst create angst in you.

And don't leave until God tells you.

Have you ever seen people just "up and leave" a church for the wrong reasons? Or stay for the money and job security - even more wrong reasons?

What do you make of what I challenged this young man with? I know it's not the American way, but is it the Gospel?

on the firing of a friend

Once upon a time, a company named Youth Specialties was born. The world of youth ministry was never so blessed by a group of crazy, wide-eyed believers who thought that you could enter the life of a teenager in the name of Jesus and help turn their hearts toward Him. They believed this could be accomplished through many avenues... be it through props and object lessons or contemplative prayer and creative worship outlets.

A whole generation of pastors emerged out of this movement... people who caught that vision and realized it was the same one God was birthing in their hearts.

It wasn't too long ago that Youth Specialties and the entire world of youth ministry had a tragic lost when one of its co-founders, a guy named Mike Yaconelli, died in an unexpected, tragic way. The staff of this flagship organization felt the loss, and then rallied together to honor God.

Times become tough, though, and soon YS entered into a relationship with Zondervan. For those of you who may not know, this is another flagship ministry in the Christian world - specifically in the products, resources, and occasional events they put forth on a regular basis. The new umbrella of this parent organization meant (and perhaps, still means) some of the old will have to adjust to the new.

As a reflection, more recently, another key leader - Tic Long - stepped out of his role at YS. Tic was a former YS President who in recent years had assumed duties that took him into the heart of the YS events. When this happened, other positions were also eliminated. This also was a hit, and the staff rallied together to honor God.

And then this week, the President of YS - affectionately known as "Marko" - was let go by the parent organization Zondervan. And again, the staff is rallying together to honor God.

While much can be said on the negative side (and already has been), I just want to convey my absolute respect and prayers for everyone involved who is attempting to turn this into a God thing... in every hurt and hit.

Sometimes Christian businesses convey "Christ." Other times they convey "business."

In my opinion (and experience), it should always be the former.

Always.

That doesn't mean you don't act as a business, but it means that even when you do you need to convey Christ.

I know after all that build up I have presented, I should conclude with an opinion about what has happened. Pardon me for sidestepping that, but I am simply not in the position to do so. In fact, hardly anyone is... because we simply don't know all the details.

So to take my own advice - and perhaps to give some - that's it... that's all I have to say about that. I have reached out as God has led me to my friend Marko, but I am often struck by the temptation to become a peanut gallery beyond God's leading.

So... may God be honored in what has happened, is happening, and will happen.

And may that include those of us on the sidelines.

3 things great leaders do that we never forget

According to Jill Geisler, head of the Leadership and Management Group at Poynter, workers trust, respect, and follow the best leaders and managers not just because they’re smart and have influence. She writes:

"There are no flawless bosses. Even the great ones have their quirks. But they possess something that overshadows their shortcomings: the trust of people who choose to follow them."

She goes on to illustrate three things that followers/workers truly value and remember about their leaders:

• How a boss apologizes—Apologies should be sincere, specific, and public when needed. Leaders who admit and apologize for their errors are deemed as stronger.
  
  
• My observation: Consider Psalm 51 - it is a public confession of King David's sin. Did you ever consider that he could have continued to sweep this under the carpet, but instead came out with it?
  
  
  
• How a boss handles an employee’s error—Great leaders know a first-rate employee regrets an honest mistake. The leader listens to and speaks with the employee to learn what caused the error, how to avoid again it in the future, and how to best handle it now.
  
  
• My observation: I have watched what happens when people come to me with behaviors or actions that they feel ashamed of and I try to take the approach Jesus took with the woman caught in adultery. He didn't slam her with a label, but began by calling her "woman." There is something that builds between two people when we respond with dignity in their embarrassment.
  
  
  
• How a boss responds to an important personal life event—Workers never forget when their leader supports them in both joyful and tragic situations such as funerals, weddings, child’s illness, etc.
  
  
• My observation: It drives me crazy when I can't be present for someone's tragedy... because when I have been there I see how significant it is to weep and laugh with someone else. Some of my best friendships - ironically - we deepened by a tragedy.
  

Great leaders work hard to earn the trust of others, but sometimes it's as simple as these three areas. When people see a clear, healthy correlation between a leader’s values and his/her actions, they will never forget.

Where have you seen this play out in your life?

boldly and respectfully disagreeing

Recently, I received an email to an event in our region from a ministry that offered the following incentive:

The student of your youth group who brings the most friends who have not trusted Christ will be entered into a drawing to watch the Lake Erie Monsters game from a Luxury Suite at the “Q” (with the friends they brought) and they and their friends will be given free food vouchers for the concession area.

For those of you who don't know, I have a long background in youth ministry and have seen the positives and negatives of such incentives. I've watched what happens when a minister/pastor uses such motives to fill seats, and know common motivators that will often push them to do so.

Because I've done this myself. And I've also seen the fallout firsthand.

Which is why I wrote back.

Hi... I'm not sure where you are at in your day as you read this, so I hope you receive this well. While I appreciate your heart for evangelism I need to boldly challenge you with how you are going about it with this event.

I am absolutely not on board with this reward system you have in place. It runs the risk of unsaved friends who are invited to this event finding out they were notch marks for the student who invited them, and imagine how that will come across. In fact, I have seen that ruin a person's chance of coming to Christ on more than once occasion.

I'm sure that you have a rationale on how this is about bringing more kids to your event to hear about Jesus, but in the end it is also about bringing more kids to your event... attendance... and a reward system that can cause young ones to stumble.

You mention "principle based youth ministry," and yet I am concerned with the "principle" this reward system communicates. I am writing this as a former full-time youth worker, current lead pastor, and also a volunteer youth worker in my own church. I've seen what happens when unsaved kids find out about such things, and I don't see how you can keep this a secret in the way you're going about it.

There is a better way.

So I humbly ask you to cease this motivation and simply paint a picture of what can happen on an eternal level if kids invite their friends to Jesus. That's the real principle you want to communicate, isn't it?

Because as much as you would like to think you can emphasize both, we cannot serve both God and manna... or in this case, God and hockey tickets.

I hope this comes across as a Christian to Christian, "iron sharpens iron" email. And this is more than a rant fired through an email - meaning, if you wish to talk about this further call me on my personal cell phone at 330-___-_____.

But as I said, I am absolutely not on board with that and stand against such a risk. People matter more than attendance, and their eternity is measured on a greater scale than free concessions. That is reality, and I dare you to promote that reward versus any other.

So if you continue to pursue this action please remove me from your e-mail list.

His,

Tony

What do you think? Did I strike an adequate balance of bold challenge with personal respect?

And likewise, where in your life do you have the opportunity to challenge something for the better and need to find a way to do so that tactfully pushes back for the right reasons?

(Maybe it's this very post... go ahead, I'm listening)

great nine-minute thoughts from others

If you follow this blog or are popping in, chances are you might appreciate these fresh ideas on leadership. Some great videos are available here for FREE to watch - 9 minutes each from a variety of down to earth people who have a great handle on some of the things I often post about on this blog.

Check it out: http://thenines.leadnet.org/

the myth of your potential

I'm glad for a friendship I formed a few years back with Brian Dowd, a personal and professional coach who heads up Next Step Leadership. In an article he wrote last year, he really nails the idea of "potential" and common myths that go along with it.

-----

An acorn is the picture of potential. A tiny acorn that isn't even the length of a paperclip can take root and, over a number of years, grow into an enormous oak tree. That tree is thousands of times larger than the size of the original acorn and produces countless more acorns.

As developing leaders, we may look at the giants around us, other leaders who are oak trees to our acorn. Like the acorn, we can acknowledge the potential that lies within and aspire to become that oak tree. Potential holds power.

Unfortunately, the reality of potential is often accompanied by three myths. These myths undo the possibility of reaching that potential.

Myth 1: Your potential will inevitably be reached.

There is no doubt that you have great potential. There is plenty of doubt that you will reach that potential.

It is likely that you have a grasp of your potential, an idea of what you can and want to be in the future. But between where you are now and reaching that potential has risks and obstacles in the way. These risks and obstacles derail the path to potential more often than leaders care to admit.

What is needed is a plan, perseverance and preparation for what is to come in order to reach your potential.

Myth 2: Your potential lies along your current path.

You have a number of different abilities and talents. What you are good at may not be where your potential genius is. Do you have a sense that you could be more, do more or have more? The difference between good, great and genius is remarkable. You have the potential to be a genius when you do your best stuff and that is the path towards your greatest potential. Does your current path point you towards genius? If not, you're potential points elsewhere.

Myth 3: Your potential exists independently of other people.

Leaders that operate at less than their potential do too much on their own. In order to operate as a genius, you will need others around you to complement you where you aren't a genius.

An author needs a publisher, an athlete needs an agent and every product needs promotion. You may be able to do it all yourself, but your potential is not in every aspect.

Refuse to be a jack of all trades so you can be a master where your potential lies. Wherever your potential lies, it will need the involvement of others to help you go the distance.

As a coach, I work with leaders on their way to be the future giants, the big oak trees. I'm working with several directors in a telecommunication company right now that expects to be twice as big in two years. These leaders have the potential to manage twice as much responsibility, but they see the need to develop that potential now, before they get behind the curve. Each of these directors have unique potential and I'm helping them on their unique path to get there by working on their Development Plans.

Your potential and path to get there is unique. The need to actively develop that potential is universal. Don't wait until the need is overbearing.

Potential needs to be developed, targeted and complemented with the involvement of others. You can be like a giant oak tree if you reach your potential.

My Next Step:

1. What is something you can do to develop your potential this week?

2. What do you do that is great with the potential to be genius? How can you align your efforts more in that direction?

3. Who does or can help further your efforts towards reaching your potential?

a few great thoughts on a few great thoughts

The thoughts below come from Os Hillman

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If My people would but listen to Me....

~ Psalms 81:13


God has a specific training ground for leaders. There are three patterns of preparation that have been common among most of God's leaders.

• First, there is a time when the leader is separated from his old life. Consider Moses, Joseph, Abraham, and Paul. In order for God to mold and shape them into His nature, it appears that He had to remove them from the life of comfort. A teacher once said, "You cannot go with God and remain where you are."
• Next, there is usually a time of solitude. God often brings leaders into a time of solitude in order to speak to them without other distractions. Hosea 2:14b says, "I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her." Paul was sent to Arabia for two years for a time of solitude. Joseph spent years in the solitude of prison. Moses spent 40 years in the desert herding sheep.
• The third characteristic of God's preparation for leaders is discomfort. The setting in which the preparation takes place usually is not a place of comfort. Abraham traveled through the difficult deserts. David lived in caves fleeing Saul. Paul was frequently persecuted.
  

Are you ready for the classroom of leadership preparation? If God chooses to bring you into this class, you may have one of three reactions to the events.

• First, you may say, "I don't need it." Perhaps you know intellectually that you do need this, but God wants you to know it in your heart. Pride prevents us from entering this classroom.
  
• The second reaction may be, "I'm tired of it." You decide you've had enough. If so, this will disqualify you from leadership.
  
• Finally, God's desired response from us in this preparation is, "I accept it." To accept it with joy is the place of maturity in Christ. God often keeps us in these places until we come to accept and agree that Jesus is enough. Is He all you need?
  

Like the people of Israel, I think we have something to do with the timetable of our education. "If My people would but listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!" (Ps. 81:13-14)

Are you ready for the process required for being a godly leader? Ask for His grace to willingly embrace these times of preparation.

~ Os Hillman

what do I do now?

What do I do now?

Most of us have asked that question at some point in our lives, and these days it's becoming more common.

• That I am out of time to do all that is asked of me?
• That we won't be able to cover that medical bill?
• That it costs me nearly $100 to fill up my car?
• That I'm behind on my mortgage?
• That I feel like I'm all alone in life? On this goal? In seeing the big picture?
  

What do I do now?

Most of us usually have a reaction that attempts to compensate. We rant to a friend, hoping that by venting it will change how we feel... or we hoard what we can and turn our attention inward... or (ironically) we spend money and time on indulgences, attempting to "feel good" more than we "feel bad." Others do nothing, and begin to feel like nothing for doing so.

When you are in a season like this, you do have an action step to take. For in the midst of chaos you can actually emerge with stronger convictions about what *really* matters and what doesn't. You will decide things like, "Maybe I don't need that ___________ after all," or "You know, it was worth sacrificing for ___________ because it has affected so many people, including myself."

I've learned that these seasons are not vacuum moments, though. The kind of moves that you make in the "plenty" times put you ahead of things when the "lean" times hit. For instance, paying off debt will save you a bill when you "can't" pay it; making good relational investments now will create a stock of support that is more powerful than any financial portfolio; investing into your relationship with God will cause you to actually pray (and not blaspheme) when the junk hits and you cry out, "Oh my God."

What do I do now?

Great question. Instead of focusing on what you can't control, take baby steps and big steps where you can.

Invest into yourself:

• Start exercising again.
• Open up your Bible at least once a day, no matter how long you read... but read it.
• Choose better food to eat.
• Write or paint or draw - express yourself somehow.
• Read a book - something fun.
• Do your best work in whatever work you do.
  
• Intentionally put yourself into a role that you are not confident in, and grow in that.
  

Invest into your household:

• Have times/days where you turn the electronics off.
• Crank up music and dance with the people you live with,
• Do a chore that isn't yours, and don't tell anyone about it.
• Spice up something outside of where you live - your yard, your neighborhood, etc.
• Look at the people around the table when they talk, and be fully present.
  

Invest into your relationships:

• Look up an old friend.
• Talk to someone who is giving you the cold shoulder.
• Ask someone you work with or see, "How can I help you out today?"
• Do something significant with the significant people in your life.

Granted, these are all ideas... not solutions. But they will build muscles in these areas. If on some point you go, "Yeah, but..." then make up your own list by asking a very simple question:

What do I do now?

a thought for the month for my church family

This is an email I sent to our church family this week. It's the kind of challenge that I know many people would like me not to make... and that's exactly why it needs to be made.

--------

If I have your attention, I'm going to make the most of this time you've given me. So get ready for some bold, audacious, biblical truth from what God has put on my heart to you r heart. I want to give you a word of honest encouragement, and it begins with this thought:

If you are not hearing from God, you are missing the most important ingredient in your day.

Plain and simple, that's the truth... you "can" do your day without God, but that will be like something important missing in your favorite food. You may be able to just swallow what's in front of you, but it will comparatively bland and without that real taste you so appreciate. In fact, the absence of one ingredient can even impact the true effectiveness of other ingredients.

This is why I'm challenging you and your whole household to be a part of every Sunday this month in our Reveal series. In doing so you need to likewise realize that such a goal isn't about "attendance" but about helping you becoming "attendant" to God's presence... something (and Someone) that is active in your life but often overlooked. The challenge isn't to warm a seat - it's to make intentional connections with God and others through the offering of a church community.

So again - the simple challenge is to be a part of a service every Sunday this month... and to bring others with you because of the very practical topic.

I have lots of hope about this. So many of you are tuned into this and have made the commitment to give God room to work in your life. But it's usually about this time in a challenge, though, that a few of you start making excuses. Let's call out a few:

• "I don't need to come to a service to connect with God." Logistically, this is true. But practically, admit it - we are often slackers and use this as an excuse to avoid real commitment to the journey and the community of God. I seldom find someone who isn't in a church service using that time to connect with God "on their own." And if you are that rare person who does put that effort in, you are still missing out on biblical community - the dominant means God chose to connect with His people all throughout Scripture.
  
  So if you're using this "I don't need to come to service to connect with God" line when you really mean, "I'm not willing to make a commitment like that," pony up and be honest about it.
  
  
• "Sunday is my only day off and I like to sleep in." Go ahead... sleep in. We have a second service that starts at 11am.
  
  
• "No, I mean... really sleep in." Ah. Go to bed earlier on Saturday, then "sleep in" and come to the 11am service. Then go back home and take a "Sunday afternoon nap." And if you have kids who "won't let you" take such a nap, use one of the connections you make in a Sunday morning service to trade off child care with another family every other week.
  
  
• "Sunday is our family day." Awesome. That's a great priority. You know the #1 task God gives the family? To maximize every opportunity you have to impress the Truths of God upon your kids so that they will walk with Him as they grow up. Not to mince words, but this is God's law - and to ignore that would be like ignoring the law on the road by saying, "My kids aren't in the mood for us to travel the speed limit so I'll travel at whatever speed they dictate." Try telling that one to the cop who pulls you over for not properly handling the steering wheel and gas pedal that has been placed into your care.
  
  
• "______ won't come with me, so I'm not coming." If you were thirsty - literally dehydrating - would someone else not wanting to drink some water keep you from heading over to the fountain? Of course not - your survival instinct would take over. So let your spiritual survival instinct take over and take in some Living Water.
  

If you are not hearing from God, you are missing the most important ingredient in your day.

Look, if you're not willing to change and you're not willing to grow, then you need to find another church to be a part of that will let you off the hook (which, honestly, there are a lot of... but such a group isn't really a "Church" if they do). A lot of what makes Connection Church unique is that we don't play these games... and if we accidentally start, we call each other out on it. Do you know how amazing it is to open up the Bible every week? That alone - aside from whatever a teacher may say or a worship leader may sing - guarantees you can hear from God if you dare to let Him. In Isaiah 55:11, God reminds us that His words "will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

My goal and my heart is to honor the heart of the Lord, and that includes challenging our whole congregation to be engaged on a journey together... the kind where we care about one another and speak bold truth into each other's lives. The kind where we don't play church or treat it like a critic or consumer, but take hold of our faith and become authentic about what is really going on inside of us. The kind where we become fully-alive Christ-followers who reach out and redemptively love all people into a deeper connection with God.

And if we do, this already great congregation will become an amazingly greater church because our hearts will be God's... we will be lit up by Him in a real way and start becoming the change we want to see in our region. There are people you will lock eyes with all day today who are suffering and hurting, and Jesus wants you to think about it... and be inspired to do something about it. You may not know what to do about it, but don't let that stop you from doing something about it.

Speaking of which, if you haven't brought a friend with you to gather with the church in a while, it's time. Otherwise it's like we're eating an incredible buffet and becoming content with the world that is starving outside. Let God wreck you with that... because it's not about your comfort - it's about their eternity. And this is such a perfect series to dig in and expose them to the hope of Jesus.

This is something that is too big - too momentous - for us to ignore. We want to help people live lives that are focused on Christ and are focused on something more than leisure or hobbies... something more true than the fears we worry about... something more lasting and eternal than the legacy we'd leave otherwise.

If you are not hearing from God, you are missing the most important ingredient in your day. We'll be opening up His Bible on Sunday together... but go ahead and open it up today. Once again, this is a theme that will dig into Genesis 1 in many ways, so be reading and rereading and re-re-reading that passage. And then this Sunday we'll let it "read" us.

Or... you can settle for something blander. If so, let me know and I'll help you find another pillow to rest on or cable station to watch. Maybe there's a golf game you can pick up Sunday instead... or an all-you-can-eat breakfast with your name on it. If that's what you want, I ultimately can't stop you... and you know it.

But I will arm wrestle you before you do because I care about you too much to watch you drift away and slip off into a sleepy existence... or something lukewarm that has the appearance of Christianity but denies its power. I thank God for the opportunity to love you boldly... without a mask. Because I am a champion for what God is attempting to do in you... if you let Him.

So I'll see you Sunday... if not before. I fully dare you to show up and hold nothing back from surrendering your life and everything in it over to God and watching Him create "something from nothing" - something that He steps back from and says, "Yeah... that? That is good. Very, very good."

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." (Genesis 1:31a)

Together,

Tony

Lead Pastor
Connection Church

www.connectionchurch.org

Don't just go to church... BE the Church!

free leadership conference today!

Today (right now, actually) is a free online leadership conference called The Nines (http://thenines.leadnet.org). Here is a schedule:

(Central Standard Time)

9AM — Troy Gramling, Mark Beeson, Anne Jackson, Dave Ferguson, Scott Hodge

10AM — Perry Noble, Stacy Spencer

11AM — Dino Rizzo, Nancy Beach, Steven Furtick, Reggie McNeal

12PM — Craig Groeschel, Leonard Sweet, Greg Surratt, Jon Tyson

1PM — Margaret Feinberg, Larry Osborne, Matt Carter, Pete Wilson

2PM — Neil Cole, Reggie Joiner, JD Greear

3PM — Mark Batterson, Dan Kimball, Mark DeYmaz

4PM — Jud Wilhite, Brian McLaren, Bob Roberts, Rick McKinley, John Ortberg

5PM — Alan Hirsch, John Bishop, Toby Slough, Ed Stetzer

6PM — Mark Driscoll, Darrin Patrick, Brad Powell

7PM — Darrin Whitehead, Brian Bloye

8PM — Eric Bryant, Nancy Ortberg, Rick Warren

Whether or not you know all of these names shouldn't matter. There are some powerful voices here - trust me. So enjoy! It should be quite a day of "fire hydrant" receiving.

I'd love to dialogue on any thoughts here. So come on back!

what separates the Christians from the Church

You've perhaps heard that the church has let a few people down.

I'm one of them.

Both, I mean.

I've been let down... and I've let people down.

Which is why I have been chewing on a phrase lately that I think sums up what most of us miss out on relationally.

And it what separates the Christians from truly being the Church...

or what helps us lay the foundation for significant growth, both numerical and spiritual.

"Pinky Swear."

Remember the "Pinky Swear?" You'd be hanging out with your friends and someone would make a commitment - some sort of inclination that he/she would do something. Maybe it was an actual task like, "I'll give you my old bike when I get a new bike." Or maybe it was something more relational like, "We're going to be best friends forever."

And someone would say out loud "Pinky swear." And you'd do it.

Kind of silly, isn't it? Now we're older and we know better. We're extra careful not to Pinky Swear too much because we want to keep our options open.

The Pinky Swear is our first hint at "Covenant relationships."

I know that word "covenant" seems like an ancient word, and it is... it underscores something we've forgotten - namely, "What can we do for this relationship?"

In contrast, we tend to live more "contractually." In other words, "What can you do for me?"


Do you see a problem with that trend?

(Of course you do.)


But where do you see a problem with it - be it inside your friends (the easy place to spot it) and/or inside of you (the harder place to spot it)?

Today I dropped a couple of neighbors off at the airport because they needed a ride. As I was about to pull away, one of them knocked on the van door and asked, "What do we owe you?" I appreciated the question, but have to admit it caught me off guard... because to love my neighbor doesn't have strings attached to it.

Should it? Because the world seems to tell me I need to.

For some time it had frustrated me to no end that we have exchanged "covenant relationships" for "feelings-based relationships." We stay in connection as long as we feel good about it, lacking a covenant that involves an "ahead of time commitment" we've formed to be pursuers of one another and builders of something worth building... even when it isn't easy.

Doesn't a covenant sound better? Yeah, I know it sounds harder...

but... doesn't it sound... better?

In any relationship, it is inevitable for disagreements to arise, even among the closest of friends. At times one person will anger another because of allegiances they maintain (or don't maintain) to other people, interests, political parties, churches, and so on. Controversial decisions must be made, especially when one person is engaged in something counterproductive - perhaps even destructive - to themselves and others.

When all of this occurs, a "covenant relationship" is the glue that holds us together... especially when it has been formed in the example of Christ. It's what helps the other person to get where you're coming from.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Proverbs 27:6)

And dare I say it? Covenant relationships are sadly missing in many churches. Which sort of dishonors the name of Jesus who is eternally committed to trying to reconcile with us.

Let me say this even more clearly - if you are a Christian...

Meaning, not that you "go to church" but have embraced the reality of your sin, confessed it before God, received the gift of eternal life He paid for you through His death and resurrection as Jesus Christ, and started on the path of following His guidance each day...

If you are a Christian...

you have no excuse -

n.o...e.x.c.u.s.e -

for not attempting to seek out reconciliation in your relationships...

and not giving up.

(That last part is especially important.)

Will that be difficult? Yes. Feel impossible at times? Without a doubt.

But don't give up. Even if it's one-sided, form a covenant on your end that loves that person "no matter what." This doesn't mean you don't speak redemptive truth into their lives, but that you do so with the resolve that you will work hard to make that relationship healthier and vibrant.

Now... if you disagree on that point, I don't think you understand what happened to you on the day of your salvation. And - please forgive the bluntness of this - but you need to grow up in how serious a deal that is to God.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19-21)

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:14-15)

I have this crazy sense that if we can't live that out that people outside of the church have every right to laugh at us. We've become our own punchline - and that's something that just isn't funny anymore.

Otherwise, we can settle for "What can you do more me?" Or as Janet Jackson once put it (and Eddie Murphy underscored), "What have you done for me lately?"

Granted -

• We're not always going to perfectly "be there" for each other, even in a covenant relationship.
  
• Sometimes we will run out of steam and overlook something we should have been at for the other person or make the phone call that is needed on their end.
• One of us may get ticked off and step back to create some space from the other... which is find it if it only in order to come back to the other in a short amount of time so things can move forward again.
  

But in such cases, when the covenant relationship is in place, these are all exceptions... these are "off moments," so to speak. For the covenant that has been established speaks on our behalf.

Otherwise, we can keep opting for the feel-good approach. If "everyone" makes "me" happy, then I am for everyone; if someone makes "me" mad, I am not for "everyone." And then "everyone" can go his or her own way, seeking new relationships, new churches where they can feel good.

Again, it's sad... but when a Church becomes this way - when we take an "everyone" idea and turn it into a "me" idea - we cease to actually be a Church any longer.

Yeah, I said it.


So... why am I writing this?

Is it because this is a problem in the congregation I'm a part of? Or is it because things are actually quite amazing and different and redemptive and we need to commit to each other now before the tension his and we all go running to our corners of the room.

I do believe it's time we answer that question.

Personally, I'm opting for my household being one that is always attempting to invite versus lock the door; and for our church being a community where we speak redemptive, challenging words and live out radical commitment into each others' lives. It's really a remarkable thing and it gives me a hopeful feeling to see what happens when my love for another person represents Jesus to them... and their life gets changed forever.

That's what I'm committed to. But again... that's just me. I'm not abandoning our relationship, even if you tick me off. Or if that guy does... or that gal... or all of them. I'm not ceasing my commitment to you... I'm not going anywhere.

"Pinky swear."

How about you?

top leaders share advice

Paul B Thornton was once challenged by a Fortune magazine article entitled “The Best Advice I Ever Got.” It was full of interesting wit and wisdom about achieving business success, inspiring him to produce his newest book, Leadership: Best Advice I Ever Got. This is essentially a compilation of the best leadership advice 136 successful CEOs, coaches, consultants, professors, managers, executives, presidents, politicians, and religious leaders received that most helped them become effective and successful leaders.

His observations include:

1. Always remember to stay open, listen to everyone, but develop your own leadership style. Leadership is about making things happen. If you want to make something happen with your life, do it. Perceived obstacles crumble against persistent desire. John Baldoni, author and leadership communication consultant, shared this advice from his father, a physician. He taught him the value of persistence. At the same time, his mother taught him compassion for others. Persistence for your cause should never be gained at the expense of others.
   
   
   
2. Listen and understand the issue, then lead. Time and time again we have all been told, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” or, as Stephen Covey puts it, “Seek to understand rather than be understood.” As a leader, listening first to the issue, then trying to coach, has been the most valuable advice that Cordia Harrington, President and CEO of Tennessee Bun Company has been given.
   
   
   
3. Answer the three questions everyone within your organization wants answers to. What the people of an organization want from their leader are answers to the following: Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What is my role? Kevin Nolan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Health Systems, Inc. believes the more clarity that can be added to each of the three questions, the better the result.
   
   
   
4. Master the goals that will allow you to work anywhere in today’s dynamic business world. Debbe Kennedy, President and Founder of Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies, shares this advice that has been instrumental in shaping her direction, future and achievements. While a young manager at IBM just promoted to her first staff assignment, one of her colleagues offered this advice. He mentioned that jobs, missions, titles, and organizations would come and go. He advised her not to focus her goals toward any of these, but instead learn to master the skills that will allow you to work anywhere.
   
   He was talking about four skills: The ability to develop an idea. Effectively plan for its implementation. Execute second-to-none. Achieve superior results time after time. So, forget what others do; work to be known for delivering excellence. It speaks for itself and it opens doors.
   
   
   
5. Be curious. Curiosity is a prerequisite to continuous improvement and even excellence. The person who gave Mary Jean Thornton, Former Travelers EVP, this advice urged her to study people, processes, and structures. He inspired her to be intellectually curious. He reminded her that making progress, in part, is based upon thinking. She has learned to apply this notion of intellectual curiosity by thinking about her organization’s future, understanding the present, and knowing and challenging herself to creatively move the people and the organization closer to its vision.
   
   
   
6. Listen to both sides of the argument. The most valuable advice Senator Brian P. Lees ever received came from his mentor, U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke III. He told him to listen to all different kinds of people and ideas. Listening only to those who share your background and opinions can be imprudent. It is important to respect your neighbors’ rights to their own views. Listening to and talking with a variety of people is essential not only to be a good leader in business, but to also be a valuable member within your community.
   
   
   
7. Prepare, prepare, prepare. If one has truly prepared and something goes wrong, the strength of the rest of what you’ve prepared for usually makes it something easier to handle without crisis and panic, says Dave Hixson, Amherst College Men’s Basketball Coach. The best advice he ever received: “Preparation is the science of winning.”
   

How about you? What is one really good piece of leadership advice you've been given?

a tasty, sacrifical, rock of truth that can feed us all

This is a letter to the amazing people of Connection Church whom I am humbled to pastor.

-----------------------

"We're gonna make it."

Those four words are dangerous to read, hear, or say out loud, aren't they?

If the statement is true, it changes everything. If it is false, it also changes everything.

• The subject "we're" implies togetherness... which means that what is happening is greater than one person - that there is a powerful combination of people involved in something cooperative and communal.
  
  
• The predicate "gonna make it" implies hope... and hope is a dangerous thing when you've been let down before, or a miraculous healing when you believe it just can't happen.
  

"We're gonna make it."

It reminds me of a story you may have heard before called "Stone Soup."

A kind stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows.

The stranger smiled and asked, "Why are you all so frightened? I am a simple traveler, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal."

Someone shouted out from their house, "There's not a bite to eat in the whole province. We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on."

"Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some Stone Soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water.

By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear.

"Ahh," the stranger said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty Stone Soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat. I'll bet as we all ate we'd appreciate the extra energy something as small as cabbage could add."

One townsperson crept from of one of the houses, and said "I have a small cabbage. If I add it to the soup, will you share with me?"

"Certainly!" said the stranger.

The villager left for a few moments, then returned with a cabbage he protectively guarded under his arms. "Here," he said, dropping it into the pot.

"Wonderful!" cried the stranger. "Thank you!" The two of them stood close to the kettle, smelling the soup as it began to boil. "You know," said the stranger, "Stone Soup with cabbage is a delight, but Stone Soup with cabbage and carrots! - now there is a REALLY wonderful meal".

A young woman perked up, "I know where there are some carrots!" And likewise, she also left and returned with a handful of carrots. "Might as well make this soup as tasty as we can."

"You are so right!" said the stranger. He stirred the pot and sniffed it all in, almost falling over in delight. "This is smelling absolutely amazing," he proclaimed. "I wonder, though, what else would make this Stone Soup the best it could be. I've seen batches before better than this, especially when they had a little bit of salt or beef thrown in."

The village butcher spoke up, saying, "I may have some scraps of beef I can spare." An older woman also chimed in, "And I certainly have some extra salt I can pitch in."

And so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone to share. Musicians appeared and there was dancing in the street. The townsfolk and the stranger had a grand time cooking and eating the soup, dancing and celebrating. Everyone ate like a king that day, and there was an obvious surplus.

The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the stone, remarking that it was indeed magical to create such a feast out of nothing.

And the stranger smiled, but refused to sell it. Instead, he snagged it out of the pot and traveled on the next day. As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering that it the people's faith - not the stone- that had performed the magic... and may they remember that lesson as they grew.

"We're gonna make it."

I've been reminded of this "magic" as the people in our church have started to step forth and drop various ingredients into the "pot."

• One man has felt the conviction of helping others achieve "financial peace" in their household as he is endeavoring to in his, and so starting in October a new learning community will form to help foster this.
  
  
• There's a woman who recently prayed that God would specifically help her get out of debt "so my finances can be better used for the church."
  
  
• We all watched people of all ages and economic backgrounds bring backpacks and school supplies in for Back To School Fest so that others in our region would know the practical care of Jesus Christ through His church.
  
  
• Another family has looked at the surplus a side business has brought them over the past several months and resolved to give a sacrificial offering to God via the church out of it, both in the present and into the future.
  
  
• Then there's another individual who feels the limit of stretching a dollar... and rather than throwing in the towel that "that's that" has brainstormed a fundraiser to generate greater resources than their own household can offer.
  
  
• Recently, another family in the church helped foot the bill for a sign we'll place on Rt 18 to generate a greater presence as people drive by. Maybe that will be just the invite someone has been waiting for as they head to work each day thinking, "God, if you're out there, show me a sign of where I can connect with You."
  
  
• Did I mention the fundraiser we're doing in less than a week? It's a cultural festival... and we're doing some simple Hispanic food via a "walking taco." Yesterday the Lord arranged for us to receive 400 bags of corn chips... FREE.
  

"We're gonna make it."

Why would people do this? After all, these are crazy economic times. Some businesses are losing money while others can't stop selling iPhones, iPods, and video game systems. President Obama and his key leaders have their hands full attempting to solve huge and complicated financial issues that affect nearly every U.S. citizen, while the local church is trying to do its best work on the most limited of incomes.

And people like you and I - ordinary Christ-followers - are deciding to either pull into our individuals households or live in community as the people of God. On fearful days, we put up shields... but on days where we choose faith we recognize the power of coming together. Maybe we are beginning to understand that we are not in control of our money be it a good day or a bad day, so maybe it's time to trust God!

We're starting to smell what a redeemed people could look like... what might happen in our region if we share it with our friends... what church *can* look like and feel like when we drop the masks and let ourselves be real.

"We're gonna make it."

This is a phrase I've heard God speak into my heart, and it has humbled me. I've not known how it's going to happen, what role He'll play into things, and what responsibility we have to each grab onto. But I know that it's going to happen... and that alone is a place to begin and end our faith.

Side note: I've heard a little bit of conversation that we shouldn't talk about financial matters out loud in the church. Why is that? I mean, honestly... why is that? Have you ever thought about the absurdity of that thought? If we can talk about every kind of sin the Bible mentions except "that one" - where is that motivation to be quiet coming from? From God... or His enemy?

I know in recent weeks we've had the responsibility to point out "where we're at" due to the way low summer giving may affect the future of Connection Church. I apologize if that's done anything other than help you recognize our situation and the role we each play. But I won't apologize if God has used it to stir up a better conviction in our hearts. How you and I respond to that is a big deal.

• Giving at all is great... take that step if you haven't.
  
• Tithing is an awesome set of training wheels... it's the start.
  
• But generous Christianity? That's the goal.
• Read more here
  

Because God doesn't want you to just put money into the offering box each week...

He wants you to put yourself in.

"We're gonna make it."

What is the future of Connection Church? That depends...

• Will we become people who commit to God and His Church?
• Will we become people who pray for and invite our friends to Jesus?
• Will we become people who see what is in our hands as "ours" or "God's?"
  

That's up to you and I.

• We can stay at our current level of faith, or we can grow.
  
• We can stay at our current church size, or we can grow.
• We can stay at our current resource state, or we can grow.
  

I'll be honest - I'd love for resources to fulfill what God has invited us to do to be a non-issue. Wouldn't it be great if we all found the perfect church where everyone loved the Lord completely, loved their neighbor as themselves, forgave their enemies, actively reached out to the spiritually lost, invested into one another, lived out the Scriptures, and supported the work of the church?

Actually, that church doesn't exist on this side of heaven.

And yet, actually, we have found that church.

Can you see it? It's the stone that Jesus has dropped and invited us to start contributing toward.

Oh... and in case you're wondering, it's a real soup. And it tastes great. And yes, He is cooking up something.

How do I know?

• Life change - it's happening.
• Marital investment - it's happening.
• Relational purity - it's happening.

Again, though... as much as we let it. We can still choose to reject God, or we can choose to trust in His plan. He will do His part... sometimes He waits for us to do our part, though.

Like the other night - when I wrote the email that said "We're gonna make it." I didn't know how He would move, but that He would.

And as soon as I hit send, I noticed a new email in my inbox.

From our landlord.

Who gave us a "pass" on this month's rent.

Hello? Is this thing on?

We're behind financially... but the Lord has given the us window to catch up if we pull together.

G-O-D--I-S--G-O-O-D-!

So... what beef, vegetable, or salt can you be counted on to contribute to the soup God is cooking up?

Because something tells me this unique community called Connection Church is supposed to be feeding our entire region what God is cooking up.

You in?

Because with God... we're gonna make it.

"Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.

"But you ask, 'How are we to return?'

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.

"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'

"In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." (Malachi 3:7-10)

leadership leanings: remixed

I originally wrote this on my personal blog over a year ago, but it themes a bit more with this blog so I thought I'd repost and remix it here. I've only changed a few things to reflect today's environment but otherwise stick by my original thoughts.

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A friend of mine sent me a questionnaire at the end of last year that I had fun filling out. No, this isn't one of those snarky chain-email surveys. Rather, it is about the way one leads in a ministry environment. The fun part was articulating things that often come naturally, so please allow me to share. I'd welcome your feedback.

At your place of employment tell me what your role is and how many employees or volunteers that you have under your supervision?

• Lead pastor. I serve six paid staff and through them the many volunteers that make up our church.

What is your leadership structure for your ministry?

• God-led, pastoral-guided, church-empowered.
  

List three things you want to accomplish the first day in the office?

• Establish a prayer base, connect with leaders, realize and maximize my sphere of influence to reach out to the lost.
  

Outline your process on how you recruit leaders to be a part of your team?

• I don't. Instead, I sit down with people and listen to what's happening in their hearts. Then I ask them how I can serve them in letting that vision become a reality. On rare occasions I will ask people to do something that needs to be done, but only after I've first heard their heart to know if it's a match.
  

What are the forms of communication you utilize with your team?

• Weekly staff meeting, daily emails to staff, weekly email to the church, encouraging text messaging to subscribers, cell phone calls throughout the day.
  

What events do you do with your team of leaders?

• Lots of missional activities that bless the community, whether or not it tracks back to us. We also try to have our families get together every once in a while for fun.
  

Do you have a detailed plan on how you develop your leaders?

• Yes. This hasn't been in place in past years, and so this is the year I'm developing the leaders under my care and teaching them how to develop those under them. I believe next year will take it to the next level, and we've already done some formal leadership connections to help with this. Essentially, I use Ken Blanchard's "Situational Leadership" model as a guideline, but ultimately follow the Holy Spirit.
  

In your eyes what is the perfect leader on your team? Who would you say models a great leader?

• A perfect leader is someone who is trying to bring out the best in the team as a whole. We're not looking for a staff of track and field types where we applaud each other's events from the stands. Rather, we're more like a baseball team and do our best to work together for the same things. Every person brings something special to this, from the logic-minded number cruncher to the wiseguy worship leader.
  

Outline an agenda for a leaders meeting?

• Chit-chat before meeting (if this isn't happening, something is wrong). Then, start meeting off with something fun (from an icebreaker to a stand-up comic clip on YouTube) or personal. After this we go through our agenda in a bullet format, then begin to dig into it one step at a time. We always start with review of where we're at, then talk about present issues to better determine where we're going, and then let where we're going better examine present issues. We will at times go through a book together as well.
  

What expectations do you have for your ministry leaders?

• In order -a love for God, a love for spouse, a love for family, a love for the church. This involves being a self-starter, developing relationships with the lost/saved/leaders, reconciling with anyone they have issues with, and becoming a growing expert in their area. Authenticity, loyalty, and a sense of humor a must.
  

Do you have a leadership contract that you make your leaders sign? Please include a copy of your leadership contract.

• We revisit job descriptions yearly, and do a 360 degree review once a year. We also have added a chart that outlines what different leadership levels have expected of them according to the Bible (i.e. lead team, support team, teachers, etc)
  

Is leadership evaluation done on an ongoing basis or at schedule intervals?

• I meet with my staff collectively on a weekly basis, then also meet with them once or twice a month in a one-on-one capacity to develop them personally and professionally. Every three months we set goals and evaluate previous ones.
  

How do you keep leaders accountable and hold them to their commitment they made to your ministry?

• I hang out with them... relationships inspire authentic loyalty.
  

If you could give me three points of wisdom that I need to know about building a team, what would that advice be?

• Assist others, then assist others, then assist others. In doing so the pressure to be a visionary leader will be trumped by the authenticity of being a leader of visions.
  

What are three pitfalls that you have come across on your leadership journey?

• Insecure people have loud voices, past leaders you've replaced can at times still affect the day to day even from afar, and without a strict Sabbath you will die.

So those are my answers... and I may not have thought about them had someone not have asked me. Sometimes when someone asks you what your plan is you realize you actually have one. I hope this is an insight and a challenge to you.

In other words, how would you answer these questions in your environment - be it home, work, or something in between?

whack-a-mole

If you've ever felt pressed down for your creative side, you're not alone. Len Sweet offers these words:

Len Sweet: Wack-A-Mole from The Work Of The People on Vimeo.