A Conversation & Struggle

On Tuesday I sat with a local pastor & talked mission.  He’s been plodding along for years, working to see his church grow & for some reason it hasn’t.  Why?  Apathy, lack of leadership, the people don’t care, no resources, etc…….??  Not sure!!!

As we’ve been working together for about a month now, it has really been a mutual eye opener as to what the local church has to do to advance, equip, make disciples, etc….  I’ve been helping him think through how his local group of Christ followers (church) started, & why it is at the current state of affairs.  I love strategizing!  I loved getting the call from him saying “my first strategic meeting with 14 people rocked! Sign me up again!!”.   After their initial meeting, he’s feeling the train of leadership momentum begin to move.  They organized their thoughts well, and could be only weeks away from a mission statement that would rival the big leagues:)  But why??

Well…….you have to have mission right?  After all, your mission will drive your vision, which kicks into motion the systems you’ll put in place, so your church will actually work (grow) right.  Right?  Well, I guess that all depends on how you define church?  A building, a location, a gathering, etc….  Is that what the church is?  Is it really a building, a location, a gathering, etc….?  Just between you & me, if that is all the church is, I’m done!   I’ll go buy a taco stand in Mexico, put a mission statement together for it, & franchise out.  The goal?  Get people to become patrons of my taco stands, give them a good product, hope they come back and bring their friends, so I can develop more taco stands, and make a heck of a lot of money.  Sound good? Yeah, if you’re hungry for a taco!:)

So……….I’m having an internal dilemma, and I think I really screwed up the process of my pastor friend the other day.  We were supposed to move to step 2 in the process of developing mission.   There are steps by the way!  Well, I think we slipped off the steps.  A little tension is always good!!:)

I said, “I’m excited to see what you’re putting together.”  I said, “It really looks right, sounds good, and could potentially catapult you into becoming a mega church.”  Isn’t that the goal?  Isn’t that the model most pastors are trying to emulate?  I mean, we hear, see, & read all the success stories of church’s becoming masses of people, ultimately branching out and becoming  satellite campuses.  Isn’t that the dream? Isn’t that the point of putting an effective mission statement together? FYI, I have no problem with local church’s exploding with people, new buildings, satellite campuses, etc…..  I know you’re not feeling the vibe, but trust me, I love the church, and applaud the champions on the front lines.  You guys rock!!  I just think local church leaders really have to think through where local church’s are headed, otherwise we could sadly end up at a destination that was never God’s bulls-eye.

The reason for this conversation about mission is:  For years, I’ve personally struggled with my walk with God.  I love Him, but struggle to discipline myself to really get to know Him, and live out my relationship with Him & with others (regardless if they know Jesus or not).  I struggle to just sit and listen to God speak to me in the ways He can, and does.  I’m so busy doing at a centralized location, that I don’t take time to really know Him, as the church (the body of Jesus to the world), can.  I can’t be the only one that has struggled in this area?  Don’t get me wrong, corporate gatherings are necessary & biblical, but it really is only a small portion of what the church (the body of Jesus to the world), is all about.

Because of my personal struggle, relationship, and growth with my heavenly Daddy, the leadership of Epic Church is wrestling with revising our  mission statement for our local gathering of Christ Followers (Epic Church), that for all intents and purposes, keeps the people only focused on a centralized location.  I can’t do it!!  Our mission has to be Christ centered, lived out by the leaders that pen it, and it can’t be centralized.  I will put the boxing gloves on for this one!!!

I know I’ve only opened a can of worms, and would love to continue this discussion with those that are passionate about the Kingdom of God advancing with God’s mission in mind.  I’ll finish my thoughts tomorrow, because right now I have to finish my message for Sunday.  After all, “It’s all about the weekend Stupid!”.   Right?  Not even close!!!

Communication Challenge

One of the key components of effective leadership is communication.  If you can’t communicate, you can’t lead!!!  Now, I’m not just talking getting up in front of people and giving a speech, because effective communication is so much more than speech giving.  It’s listening, body language, etc…., but if you can learn to at least get out of your comfort zone, stand up in front of people and give a speech, it will definitely help in interpersonal communicative leadership.:)

So…….tonight at Epic we’re having our first ever communication challenge with our Epic Men’s Mentoring Initiative.  Gonna have a blast.  I’m challenging the men to become better communicators, and this is one of their first steps.  Here’s a little sneak peak of what the men have to do this evening.

#1.   One, 30-second “commercial” on any topic. Not 29 seconds and not 31 seconds. I’m looking for really funny, but they don’t have to be.

#2.   One, 18-minute (maximum) speech (15–18 minutes is the range).

* The men have to concentrate on delivery over content. They have  to select a Bible passage of their choice, but choose one that is very familiar to them. They wont select a scripture that they have to do research on, or that requires a great deal of explanation just for the listeners to understand.  They’re to pick a passage that is straight forward and that they have passion about. The focus of this exercise is more about communicating truth rather than discerning truth. Both are important, but I’m focusing on the former. (I’ll save exegesis and hermeneutics for another time!:)

*  The men have to prepare a three-hole-punched, note-taking outline for each of the men participating.

*  They also have to include application in their presentation. In other words, what do they want the guys to do? How do they want their lives to change? What action are they attempting to bring about at the end of their presentation? They have to give practical “to do’s” as part of the application.

*  Maybe over the top, but each man has to deliver a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address. This is their chance to be a star! They don’t have to memorize it, but they need to know it very well. The purpose is learning to read well in a public setting.

Marriage expert Norman Wright wrote a great book years ago, entitled, “Communication Key To Your Marriage”.   If communication is key to your marriage, you better believe that effective communication is also imperative & non-negotiable in your leadership.  I’m by no means an expert in the area of communication, but I am a student, and want to grow better in this area.  Why?  Because, God has called the church to advance, and it needs, healthy, life-giving leaders, that can communicate effectively.  I’m called to “Equip”, so that is exactly what I’m doing.  Are you interested?

Read “You Are The Message” by Roger Ailes.  It will challenge you, and push you to become a better communicator.  Lead on!!

PS – All men will be video taped tonight – No pressure!!!:)

A Labor of Love!!

For about 4 months now I’ve been running around 9 or 10 o’clock at night.  The sun/heat absolutely crushes you if you run during the day, and I’m not a good morning runner (is there such thing as a good morning?:), so that leaves late evenings for me.

My son Sam has been going with me, but riding his bike.   At first I was a little apprehensive, because I didn’t want to get slowed down, and for the most part I’ve been a solo runner all of my life.  Well, Sam & I have been having a blast.  We talk, laugh, I answer life questions for him, etc……So to say the least, he’s become my running buddy.  My dad was a runner, still is, but he never took me on the journey.  I wonder what it would’ve meant for me, had he taking time to mentor & train me directly?  Just a thought!  FYI – my Father & I have a great relationship now.

For months I’ve been pushing Sam mentally & physically on his bike.  By nature he doesn’t like to sweat, and he doesn’t like to have to push himself to the brink.  I think a lot of humans are the same way.  Hey, I can be at times!  All that to say, it’s not uncommon for someone to hear me saying/yelling to Sam as he bikes up-hill, “Come on”, “You can do it”, “Don’t quit”.  I will admit, it has been a labor of love to get Sam to the place where he can actually bike 10 mi, while I run, without complaining. The pros outweigh the cons though – trust me!!

So………..Thursday night, my two youngest children (Juilia & Gabe), asked if they could come.  “No way, you guys would never make it”, I said.  They pleaded, “please, please, please!”.  I caved!

With lights mounted on their heads, and me carrying a flashlight, we set out on what I thought was going to be a trek from hell:)  1 mi into it, I hear Sam (my first trainee), saying, “come on”, “you guys can do this”, “stick by me”.  Never once did one complaint come out of Sam’s mouth.  Why? He was busy, taking what I’ve taught him for 4 mo, and passing it on.  He had taken his eyes off of himself, and unconsciously began coaching his younger siblings, to “come on”, “you can do it”, “don’t quit”.  Thursday night I watched Sam lead his younger brother & sister to bike 8 miles.  I high-fived him after the adventure!

I think it had to be an awesome thing for Jesus to watch as his disciples took what they had been taught by Him, and began to  teach & train others, without Him having to say a word.  Jesus had worked with them, and then they were ultimately released to do what He had taught them.  You know their was some serious coaching, training, and maybe even some shouting going on, when Jesus was working with some of those hard nose followers of His?  A labor of love?  Yes!  But, from my experience the other night, it is so well worth it!

If you’re doing a labor of love right now?  It will pay off!!  “Come on!”, “You can do it!”, “Don’t quit!”.  What is your labor of love??

The Hole In Our Gospel

If you’re wondering what I’m currently reading.  Here’s the latest.  This book has wrecked me.  Let it wreck you!!  Enough said, “Read it!”.

The Blitz

Just a quick blitz of whats been happening lately with me, family, and Epic.

1.  Our guest visits were refreshing, and can’t wait to connect with more friends & family as 2009 continues.  FYI – The Church has always been our family.  The local church has always been our friends and family.  I love the church!

2.  Had 5 meetings in 4 days last week.  Some for connection, some strategic.

3.  Continuing to interview for children’s & youth pastor staff.  Send prospects my way!  Staffing is critical to the life of a church.  It can literally make or break you.  Oh God help us!!!

4.  Our video team is rolling.  It won’t be long, and we’ll be streaming.  Stoked!!

5.  Did a wedding with nearly 300 in attendance at South-point Casino.  I love to dance & celebrate.  It’s those types of relationships, that bring richness to life.  I don’t think celebration ever gets old.

6.  Spent fathers day hanging out with friends & grilling out.  Ended the day with a 10 mi run, while the family biked.

7.  Been planning a youth all night-er for this weekend & day at the adventure dome.  A shout out to youth pastors.  You guys are my heroes.  Any heroes want to come to Epic?:) You will have to rock & roll!!  Life is a highway!!

8.  This Sunday is crazy.  Baby dedications.  Worship team meeting.  Vision staff meeting.  Youth service.  Prayer meeting.  Youth all night-er.  Is that possible?!

9.  Spent two nights in Cedar City, UT.  The Iron Gate B & B was fabulous. We even spent evenings at the Shakespearean plays – for free.  It was dress rehearsal week.  You really have to listen closely to language.  I think you either love Shakespeare, or you hate him.  Angel & I love it!

10.  Bought a cowboy hat, and boots.  Why?  I’ve always been a cowboy at heart.  Love to ride horses.  I’m going to be a rancher in heaven.  I’m praying for a truck one day.  I love trucks!  A cowboy in a Taurus is just not right:)

11.  Finishing up a series on Prayer.  The next series is……………

12.  A special guest appearance from Craig Gross of www.xxxchurch.com, at Epic on Sunday.    I pray they’ll be countless thousands in heaven because of a team of people that with Gods help, pulled people out of the hell of pornography.  If there’s a ministry that needs your prayer, and support, it’s this one.  Consider!!

13.  Been talking to Equip about getting leadership training into Moldova, and Bangladesh.  Interested???

14.  I was given a car today.  I’m humbled!!  I’ve never sold a car in my life, I’ve always given them away.  Just a thought!!

15.  Putting a employee policy manual together & could use an expert, attorney, or anybody else with insight in the matter.

Running, preparing, and praying.  We live in times like no others.  Don’t get comfortable, you are being raised to leave!!

Srategizing #2

It has been fun hosting friends & family at our house & taking them to the sights & sounds of the greater Vegas valley.  I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of just being with friends, and enjoying life.  Life is too short, to not experience the richness of it with friends.  I do have to remind myself of that continually, because I tend to be more of a human doing, than a human being.  That thought frustrates me at times.

Now on to Strategizing………Strategizing has been one of my core life & team components for years.  I’ve learned that I love to do it, but have to surround myself with executors, otherwise my strategic plans become internal car crashes, awaiting the EM-T’s to rescue them.  That can become very mental, but most of the time, God is very faithful in bringing the right people at the right time, to help execute the strategy.

Experts, business men, you rockers & rollers, I’m open to your advice on how to become better in this area of formulating a plan, to move a ministry, project, initiative, person, business, etc….. forward.  I’m by no means the leading authority on strategy, but remember what a wise person once said “Fail plan, plan to fail!”  Think, think, think, where are you heading in life, with what you want to accomplish?  You will end of somewhere, but I hope it’s not by accident, or an accident.  You ever been to an accident scene?  Never joyful experiences!!

If your by yourself, get a ton of paper & have fun doing some strategizing.  More than likely, if you truly dig deep, you’ll feel like a cast member out of the movie “A Beautiful Mind.”  That’s normal, but necessary, because a true strategy will require hours & hours of work, and overhauling, to bring a plan to the table that is worth advancing.

If your with a team, a white board (I prefer a flip-chart), is a must.  A note taker is critical too, because with the way I chart, oh boy!!  Remember, this is not rocket science, it’s strategizing, so don’t get mad a people for random thoughts, or ideas.  I tell teams, “Have fun!”, “Enjoy the Journey!”.  Yes, if you’re the MC of the strategizing meeting, then you have to keep people focused.  That can be a bit tricky, but if you let them know up front that you may have to reel them in, let others share & don’t dominate, then it helps when you later have to say, “Shut up!!!!”.  Just jackin!  No really, it helps when you have to refocus everybody, and I promise you, you will!!  If your ADD, than designate a person to help you stay on task.  Nothing frustrates team members more than a leader that can’t stay on task.  What a waste of time for everyone!!

#1.  Get paper (Individual), or a Flip-chart (Team). Use different color sharpies for different ideas if you want.

#2. Trace history. Whether it’s personal, or corporate history, tracing history will help you determine how you arrived at your current destination, whether it was by accident, or intentional.  I don’t think you plot future, without first reflecting on history!!  This can be painful for some, and a joy for others.   Be prepared for all kinds of emotions.  Truth can hurt, but more often than not, it will help you determine the things you’ve learned in the past, and the things you don’t want to take into the future.

#3. Determine where you are right now. I like to ask, “What is our current state of affairs?”  “We just traced our history, & now that we’ve done that, where are we at?”  I also like to ask, “What are we doing well, & what are we pathetic at?”  This part of strategizing is really a state of affairs address.  For some, it can be very painful, because truth often times hurts (especially if you’ve been at the helm for any length of time).  That is why I like the team mentality.  We arrived here together, and yes, I’m the leader, but I’m not the only one that has helped us arrive at this destination.  All of you have played a part!!  That can lead to rejoicing, or the weeping and gnashing of teeth.:)   This is not a point a finger meeting, this is just a dealing in reality meeting.  Sometimes “Reality Bites!”  Don’t panic, don’t attack, don’t blame, just face the facts, and move on.  The fact that you’re even having a strategizing meeting, declares to me, you’re not willing to end up in some random destination, and stick with the status-quo.  You want to change, you want to move forward, &  I applaud that.  Way to go!!

Not done yet, but I’ll stop there for today.  If you’re leading any type of initiative, if you’re trying to plan your life out, it would behoove you to plan a day/days, take a couple of hours, disconnect from the world, just long enough to begin the process of strategizing.  After all, you’ll arrive somewhere!!  The question is:  Where will it be?  Think, plot, plan, before moving ahead.  Your not living a McLife.  Savor life enough, to enjoy the journey, but you’ll enjoy it so much more, when you can see out of your windshield.:)

Strategizing

Strategizing?  A word closely related to Jazzercizing, but without any form of Jazz.  Well, it depends who you ask!:)

I love strategy!  I love playing games that involve strategy (Remember Stratego?).  Strategy formulates a plan, that to me becomes a mission, which in turn hopefully advances something.  It’s a capture the flag type of thing for me:)

Sometimes strategy’s involve big things, sometimes they involve small things.  Either way in life, strategy is necessary! Unfortunately people often never take time to create one, so they get to an undesignated, and worse yet, they end up at the wrong destination, all because they didn’t create a strategy to get where they needed to go.  Imagine getting behind the wheel of a car and having no idea where you’re going to drive to.  Who would do that?   That would suck!

Now I’m no expert on strategy, but over the years I’ve kind of formulated a process that I use, to get me, or whatever it’s that I’m trying to accomplish, to move forward.  Please don’t misunderstand though, a good strategy without execution, is absolutely worthless.  Over the years I’ve sat with a couple of organizations that have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars bringing in the big guns to create a strategy for the organization, only to see mounds of strategic paper work collect dust on a desk.  Why? Because there was no competent leader to carry out the mission.  So don’t ever forget, “A good strategy without execution is worthless!” Looking for a good read on execution?  Click!!

I’m not going to drag this post out today, so I’ll give you my process for strategizing in tomorrows post.  In the mean time, think about what projects, goals, dreams, etc… that you have on the table right now, or maybe in the near future?  Are you going to put a strategy together so you can best accomplish what you have to do, or want to do?  Or are you going to get in the car, start driving, and hope you end up at your desired destination?  Don’t do that!!  It’s time to strategize!!!

Our Children?

Yesterday seemed to revolve around the conversation about kids.  OK, kids sounds like goats, so I’m going to call them children.  Just a personal preference!:)  Below are some questions that came out of my conversations with people, as well as our leadership team at Epic.

Here’s the questions:

1.  Are parents (Individual church body), being intentional about discipling their children?  What does that mean?

2. Is the church (Corporate church body), discipling the children?  If so, how?

3. Is Sunday A.M. enough for our children?  Especially if parents aren’t doing anything with their children the rest of the week?

4. Should the church (I see the church as people & universal, not a building & not geographic specific), offer mid-week discipleship connection for children?

5. Does the church (both individuals & corporate) lower the bar for culture, and therefore forget its mission of making disciples?  Everybody is busy, so you get them one time per week!!  Ever heard that?  Is that sufficient for truly making disciples, in a culture that is becoming increasingly secularized?

6. What values do we want our children to embrace as followers of Jesus?  Maybe, just maybe, that might give us the answer to how we move to disciple our children?  Values! Just a thought: Your children will value what you value!  Oh boy!!

I don’t think we can let current culture dictate discipleship.  You’re either seeking, found, or growing in knowing God.  If that’s the case, then who dictates how & when we disciple our children?  You tell me!!

The Blitz

1.  Starting Tuesday of last week, we’ve had friends visiting from different parts of the country (Arizona, Wisconsin, and Alabama).  Still at our house, and enjoying the connection.  A little NY, NY Roller Coaster action last night.  Nice coaster!!

2. A few trips to the strip, M & M World, Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Etc.

3. Red Rock Hiking, with a little western action at Bonnie Springs.  Kids had fun, and enjoyed the train ride!

4. Found time for a little hospital visitation.  Congrats to Ryan & Melissa Read on the birth of their new son, David Wayne Read.  I love babies!!!

5. Bought a Fire-pit, and been having s’mores galore at our house.  Neighbors included!!  It’s amazing what $100 pit can do for relationships.

6. Met my new neighbor as I scaled the wall to meet him.  He was trying to mount a satellite on the cinder block wall connecting our yards.  I said, “Nice to meet you, now please cease your impairment of our wall.  Mount the dish on your house, not on the side of the wall!”  I didn’t win friends!  Oh well!

7. Lakers, must go down!  Who cares??

8. Started new series entitled “Know God?”.

9. Started connecting with the staff again, after a brief seasonal disconnect.  Praying for a Children’s and Youth Pastor, but loving our current team & enjoying doing life with them.

10. Been leading student ministries at Epic.  I’m thrilled that more & more adults are stepping up to work with Students.  Strategic planning meeting this week with all youth workers.   I see a lock-in in my future.  Can you say “AMP!”

11.  Tonight an advisory council meeting, tomorrow night a marriage planning meeting, Wednesday night a small group cook-out at my house, Thursday night a youth staff planning meeting, Friday night, guest missionary Duane Danielson arriving in Vegas, and will be speaking Sunday.  Great dude!

12.  Epic Ministry School progressing behind the scenes.  Prepping faculty, and getting ready for promo.

13.  Looking to do a couple Mexico home builds, so will be having a couple of strategic (I like the word:), meetings to move ahead.

14.  Reading “You Are The Message” by Roger Ailes & “A Hole In Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns.  Good stuff!!

15.  Getting ready to stain my patio & driveway, as well as seal our slate floors in the house.  Thanks Jeff Sciaretta for the sealer!!

16.  Prepping to do a leadership training tonight for Epic’s council and staff.

Have a great week!!

5 Temptations Men Face – #2

OK, let me complete what I started the other day.  Temptation!!  We all face it, & will inevitably deal with it all of our lives on the face of the earth.  As long as the devil is allowed to roam free, he’s going to be trying to jack with people.   Those that say they aren’t tempted, are lying!!!  The reason I’ve posted the temptations to men is, because that’s the context I’m currently working in – mentoring men.  You can be a woman & deal with these temptations as well, but from my experience, the temptations I share, have been more prominent with men.  If you’re reading this for the first time, go back and read my previous post & that will give you the first two.  Today I give you the last 3 that I taught the men on Monday night.

#3  – The Temptation to Love Money.

Just for fun think about the below people and the money they have at their fingertips.  It’s mind-boggling!!

Donald Trump $100,000,000 for a renovation 
(house in Palm Beach)
Seinfeld — $1,000,000 per show
Bill Gates $30,000,000 for a painting

Please make a note:  “Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is!”

In the bible in Hebrews 12:1-2 it says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Also make note:  There’s no such thing as “get rich quick”!!

PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Generosity is a key to financial success!  When we’re generous, we’re less apt to love money.
2. Follow the 10-10-80 principle.  Angel & I have done this for years & still practice it today.  10% to God, 10% to Savings, and the other 80% is allocated to housing, utilities, missions, etc…..
3. Understand that you cannot serve two masters.

#4 – The Temptation to Chase Success.

For many men, this is a never-ending chase…& I promise you, you never get there.

Over the years & I mean over the years, I’ve been learning what is really important.  What is really important?
*People
*Family
*What you can give?

Matthew 6:33 says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Determine your priorities.  To help, look back at prior posts I’ve written on finding your unique purpose.  Most people never spend anytime trying to figure that out.  You would be a rarity if you actually pursue & arrive at finding your unique person for God placing you on the face of the earth.  I dare you to attempt it!!!:)
2. Keep your heart in touch with God’s heart.

Last one, but probably the most subtle & dangerous one.  The other temptations, usually stem from this one.

#5 – The Temptation to Forget God.

God is all too often last on our agenda; left out of our calendars, and gets from us what is leftover from everything else.

Matthew 22:37-29 Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

PRACTICAL TIPS:
1. Make a commitment to put God first.
2. Pick a specific time and place.
3. Go for consistency.

Bottom line reality for all of the above temptations, “You are responsible for you!”  What I’ve revealed is nothing new under the sun.   But if you’ll take time to reflect on the temptations you struggle with, and actually begin to be proactive in addressing it/them, you’ll be well on your way to to holding the temptation at bay.  My prayer for you is, you’ll become an over-comer & a victor, through the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.  But………..there is a level of responsibility that you must take &  a level of ownership that you must have.

After the last chapter of our lives is written, just remember, we will not be able to blame anyone else for our failure to be over-comers.  As Children of God, it’s our responsibility to choose obedience & do what is right.  What will you choose?