Goals Week – Jason Hirsch

This week at www.EpicChurchlv.org I’ve dubbed it as “Goals Week.”  It’s where I get to sit down with the staff individually, and follow-up from last years goals, and look ahead towards next years.  I also give the staff a sheet in which they can review me, and a sheet in which they can review their peers.  It gives them a formal opportunity to critique me & an opportunity to affirm, or possibly voice concern for those that they serve with regularly.  It really is a life-giving process, and it challenges all of the team to dream and be diligent with what they feel God is calling them to do in the year that awaits.

I can honestly say that I love this week.  I know for some it might seem like a pain in the rear, but I would argue that to not set goals will render so many ineffective.  The last place on earth that should be ineffective is the local church, under the banner of the kingdom of God, with Jesus as the head, and the Holy Spirit as the equipper.  Goal setting, and the completion of them is stewardship/good management of ones life, and the life’s of others.  I think that is biblical – “If you’ve been faithful in few things, your Father will put you in charge of many things, and you will enter into the joy of your Father.”  Matthew 25:23. Set goals!!

Here’s a few thoughts of why I would challenge you to set goals & write them down.

1.  Because if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.  True!  You can argue that, and say “I write it in my head.”  Maybe, but from my years of experience, your head will forget:) If it’s not important, don’t write it down, because it won’t matter whether you do it or not.  Right?  I’m constantly writing on a pad my thoughts, ideas, and plans.  If I didn’t, I would forget everything.  Write down your goals, or in my mind, they don’t exist.

2.  Writing down goals challenges you to stay on task.  It keeps you from becoming ADSD (Always Doing Something Different).  I find it very frustrating to have laid out plans for a year, only to see them sabotaged by the tyranny of the urgent.  If you don’t set goals, you won’t stay on task, and you’ll be taken to task!!  Writing down goals, helps you to stay on task.

3.  Writing down goals, shows me that you care. What separates the good from the great?  People that care!!  That stands true from families, to schools, businesses, church’s, etc…..  When I watch somebody complete there goals, it affirms to me that they care, and can be entrusted with other things as well.  Do you care??

4.   Writing down goals teaches discipline.  Most people live undisciplined lives.  Writing down your goals will at least move you in the right direction of becoming disciplined to accomplish them.  It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll complete them, but you have a better chance.  Discipline/Self-control is actually a fruit of the Holy Spirit from God, working in your life.  It takes discipline to set time out of your busy life to sit-down, think through, pen out, and ultimately accomplish goals that you would like to accomplish.

5.   Writing down goals and ultimately completing them, gives you and others the opportunity to celebrate the wins.  Wins don’t come from goal-less life’s, but from people and teams that have learned to plot, plan, and set-goals that will ultimately position them for victory.  I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t like to win, but I have met many people who haven’t, because they never set goals that have positioned them for a win.  When you write down your goals it gives you a far better chance to win in all areas of your life!  Your Father won, wants you to live in that victory, and His Spirit working in you, will help bring you wins, through carefully established goals.

“Give your goals to God,  & your purposes will be established”  Proverbs 16:3  When is your goals week?

Heart Work – Jason Hirsch

For so many years, I’ve heard people tell me that the job of a pastor must be very hard work.  Some days it is, and other days it isn’t.  Sounds a little like your job – huh??  Yep, on a day-to-day level, we’re all similar in so many ways. I’ve tangible goals just like you, and want to be successful just like you.  So is there any difference between our professions?  Maybe a few, but here’s a biggie…….

Pastoring is “Heart Work!”  Everyday for years I’ve tried to wrap my mind around that.  Sure it’s hard at times, but more heart than anything else.  Who can know the heart?  I can’t!  I only get glimpses.  The bible says “From the abundance the heart, the mouth speaks.”  Matthew 12:34.   David said in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right Spirit within me.”   Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?” Romans 10:9-10 says, “if thou shalt confess with they mouth Jesus as Lord, and shall believe in they heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

You see, the bottom line is, it’s all about the heart.  When I pray, I pray that God will keep my heart right.  When I lead, I pray that my heart will reflect Gods.  When I counsel others, I see deeper than the issue at hand, because the reason the issue exists is, the heart.  The reason marriages fail, the heart.  The reason teens rebel, the heart.  The reason church’s often fail, the heart.  The reason people do bad things, the heart.  The list goes on!!

So yes, pastoring a local church can be hard at times, but I would argue it’s much more heart than anything else. James 4:8 has been a prayer of mine for years.  Let me paraphrase for all of us, “If we will draw near to God, He will draw near to us.  Lets cleanse our hands from our disobedience to God, and purify our hearts.”

You see, Jesus came not only to change the heart, but to save it.  That’s why I can’t put too much stock in my own abilities, talents, or gifts. Why?  Because the local church was born from the heart of God, revealed in Jesus, and established by the Holy Spirit.  The local church is to be led by the Holy Spirit, using willing vessels to fulfill Gods purposes, and with my biblical understanding of that, that is…..”Heart Work!”

THE CHURCH – Jason Hirsch

There’s nothing like the church.  Intentional motion from the church can = amazing advancement for the Kingdom of God.  I’m not talking just #’s, but compassion, changed lives, hope, love, contentment, salvation, truth proclaimed, darkness exposed, etc……

I can’t imagine life without the church.  Boring!!!  You might be thinking just the opposite, but I venture to say your rational is based upon past church services, messed up leadership, or the hope that you might get to sleep in every Sunday without having to go to church?:)  I know of Christ followers that dream of Saturday night gatherings instead of Sunday’s, but I still think you would be good for 2 of 4?  Just having fun with you!!:) I’m giving my life to help you & I don’t regret a day of it!!!

There’s so much more to the church than a corporate gathering, although that is necessary as well & biblically mandated.  So here’s a quick glimpse into the church, within the Church, based upon my life.

* I had 9 behind the scenes meetings last week.  What did they entail?  Leadership training to equip the church.  Tech training to create dynamic experiences.  Communication thoughts to challenge what I speak on.  Compassion planning to feed families.   Banquet thoughts to connect the church.  Outreach talks to reach the community.  Conversations to raise up male leaders.  Home-builds in Mexico.  Water wells in Africa.  The list could go on, and does.

*  Now tell me if the church is necessary?  Without the church the hungry would starve!!!  Without the church truth wouldn’t be proclaimed!!!  Without the church hope would never come to families!!!  Without the church everyone would do what is right in their own eyes!!!  Without the church great leadership would never be developed!!!  Without the church our culture would continue to move inward instead of outward!!!  Without the church, peoples eternal destination would never be revealed!!!  Without the church, Jesus Christ would never be lifted high!!! Without the church the Kingdom of God would never advance!!!  Without the church, in a sense the world would be formless & devoid of life. Bust most importantly, the love of Jesus wouldn’t be known & made accessible.  How devastating would that be?

Are you getting the idea??  The Church/church/chUrch, is much more than a gathering.  It’s the hope of the world, the conduit for which God’s kingdom is revealed on earth every day.  If you’re part of it, celebrate it, talk about it, and invite others to be part of the greatest living organism on the face of the earth.   If your not part of it, how come??

There’s nothing like “THE CHURCH!”

Preparation – Jason Hirsch

Preparation = to get ready for.  Does preparation really matter?  I would argue it does, and truly separates the great from the good.  From just an every day, ordinary person, preparation might not be that big of a deal, but from those that call themselves follower of Jesus Christ, I would say “Don’t underestimate the preparation process, because God doesn’t, and therefore His kids shouldn’t.” Preparation is one of the greatest tools God uses to prepare us for victory in our lives, and in the lives of others.

There are two types of preparation:  1.  Direct Preparation  = intentionally studying, working out, surrounding yourself by successful people, etc….., this type of preparation positions you for success, both secularly, as well as spiritually.  2.  Indirect Preparation = situations, environments, confrontations, that you didn’t necessarily ask for, want, or desire, but the situations came, and whether you liked it or not, it prepared you for something you faced in the past, are currently facing, or will face in the future.   Don’t fight either types of preparation, because God is using both types to prepare you for future victories in your life.  I would say both are equally important, but one is out of your control, and the other one is in your control.  Harness both!!!

Want biblical context?  Study I Samuel 17.  It’s the story of David & Goliath.  From the school of the prophets, music lessons, sheep tending, sling practice, bear killing, lion ambushing, etc…..you’ll see how God used both direct & indirect preparation to bring David to a place in which he was able to overcome the biggest obstacle of his life – A GIANT.

You will face Giants in your life!  If you wait till giants show up to prepare to defeat them, you’re in trouble.  Start becoming a student of preparation now, and I can’t wait to hear of your future victories.  Of course the ultimate victory is given and comes from God, but He also uses the direct and indirect process of preparation to accomplish His greater purposes. Do you agree?  Any thoughts??

Numbered With Humanity – Jason Hirsch

A conversation I had the other day has sparked some questions in me.  Maybe the questions are too deep, maybe they won’t make any sense, and maybe there aren’t any answers to some of them? Oh well, they’re thoughts rolling around in my head.

*  Everyday around the world, and in some cases, people are dying in our own backyard.  Do you ever ponder that? Not a fun thing to ponder.  But life isn’t all about fun is it??

*  A random murder, a mass bombing, a game ending disease, starvation, abuse, a plane crash, genocide, school shootings, the death of a child, spouse, friend, and the list could go on & on.  Boy, I bet I have you feeling really good right now??  Where are you & I in this mix?  We’re not included right?  Right?

*  What separates you from the rest of humanity?  You are human right?  You’re not better than anybody else…… right?

*  Is it because you live better, that you’re not one of them?  Who’s them?  Those that enter eternity everyday.   We can’t be like them, because their them, and we’re not them, so we don’t have to worry about the same fate as them.  Right?  Why?  Because we’ll never be them…. right?  We can’t be just another number in humanity, can we?

*   I know of God’s love, and don’t question it.  I know of Jesus sacrifice and don’t forget it.  But at the same time, the people of the world loved by God are still experiencing pain, suffering, starvation, and in many cases death.  Everyday!!! I know heaven is my ultimate home, so don’t get all up in arms.  I love Jesus, and He loves me, and died for me, so that when I’m numbered with humanity, no more tears, no more pain, no more fear.  Thank you Jesus!!

*   But God is no respecter of persons – right?  He’s not sitting back in a padded rocking chair saying “I love that one more!  Those 100 car bomb victims…..well, we needed a few less #’s, and besides, they chose the wrong area of the world to live in.  Bummer to be them…….sorry guys!  Boom!”

*   So……….if God loves everybody the same, then unless Jesus comes back, you’ll be numbered with humanity.  Yep!!  Where are the heroes of the faith?  Numbered with humanity!!  Where are the great leaders of days gone by?   Numbered with humanity!  Where are the great speakers, authors, millionaires, achievers, those that we all would love to emulate?  Numbered with humanity!  What makes us remember them?  History, biographies, accomplishments, foundations, etc…..!!!  But where are they??  Numbered with humanity!!!  Did they get a special ticket of exemption from pain, suffering, and death?  Nope!

*  So do you get it?  Your numbered!!  Thousands, upon thousands are numbered with humanity daily, and you will be too.  Great thought, huh!!

*  Does all this mean you live in fear?  Contrary!  It means, you understand that one day your number will be called, and it may be sooner than later.  Creep you out?  Don’t let it!  Think about your life, your contribution, your choices, your legacy, etc…..and contemplate whether, when you end up being numbered with humanity, and entering eternity, whether or not you lived your life for yourself, or for the one that called your number??

*  I think David in the Bible had pondered the above a little bit as well.  In fact, death was around him constantly, because he became a warrior, and a King.  So he said “God, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).  What is a catalyst to wisdom?  “The Fear of the Lord!”

*  David got it!  Do You?  Your life on earth is vapor, so don’t serve yourself.  You’re here today, but will be gone tomorrow.  Never forget that, and live each day with a stark, and life-giving understanding that……….

You will be numbered with humanity.  Live everyday like it’s your last one.  But make sure………. you’re not living it for yourself.  Why?  Because you’ll be numbered with humanity!!

Do You Ask Questions?? – Jason Hirsch

I’ve sat for years now on teams, committees, feasibility studies, boards, staffs, councils, etc…..   I’ve sat next to people of major influence, and others that just didn’t seem to have a clue, and I think I just might have fallen into that category a time or two?:)  I don’t regret sitting in pointless meetings, even though they aggravate me to no end (who wants to waste their life?).  In spite of some noose meetings (meetings in which you want to hang yourself), I’ve always attempted to grow through meetings, and I’ve tried to learn as much as I possibly could.  I still attempt to always have some type of take home that I can chew on & grow from.

I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years from gifted leaders, influencers’ and those that are affluent is……..they will ask questions that no one else is willing to ask.  I mean, I’ve often thought to myself, “that is a stupid question, why would they ask that?  This person is worth millions of dollars, and you would think they would know that already?”  At least I thought that way, until I realized something.

Good leaders, influencers’, and those with affluence, aren’t content with what they’re told.   They aren’t content with petty answers.  They don’t just take your word for it.   They aren’t going to waste their time, talent or money, and therefore they aren’t ashamed to ask the most simple questions, to make sure they get properly informed answers.  I think it’s that thinking that has made them successful in so many areas of there lives, and has also driven me to be a question person, and to not worry about how foolish I’ll look asking a question that everybody seems to have the answer to.  I may be a little slow at times, but I’ve been taught directly & indirectly over the years, that even the smartest, brightest, richest, and successful people, aren’t content until they get the bottom line answers to their questions.

So………..Do you ask questions???  If you want to have the greatest effect with your spouse, your children, your business, ministry, and so forth, ask questions.  Go ahead, don’t be afraid!  I believe it’s your ability to ask questions, specifically the right questions, but even just clarity questions, that will determine your success an all the different arenas of your life. Do you agree??

What keeps you from asking questions??

Are You Confident?? – Jason Hirsch

Here’s a quick thought that came out of last nights leadership training with the men.  The topic was servant leadership.  One of the key ideas was………

A servant leader is confident in his own identity.

“The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbors as ourselves; we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. It is not love of self but hatred of self which is at the root of the troubles that afflict our world.

You see, we must see ourselves just as God sees us, nothing more, and nothing less.

Paul says in Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Key thought: God does not love you because you are valuable; you are valuable because He loves you.

The truth is, we can’t serve others if we ourselves are too caught up in being served………so……….are you secure enough in your identity to serve, or has identity theft come to your house???

Leaving The Church – Jason Hirsch

Just finished writing out my message for tomorrow.  4th week of the “Champion” series.  Wrestling down I Samuel 14 & the story of Jonathan.  My main thought is:  “Champions Influence the young not to………???”  Can’t give it away yet!!!:)

As I have sat for months now, and helped lead www.EpicChurchlv.org student ministries, I’ve come to the conclusion that we have a generation of students that have huge potential, and I believe if they come to Jesus, are equipped and empowered to influence positively the world in which they live, we’ll see some of the greatest feats in history by Gen Xers, Gen Y’s, and Millenials.  I believe an EpicGeneration is going to pave the way for the return of Christ, but they need our help.  Why?

In my research, studies have been done revealing that 70% of 18-22 year old’s are leaving the church at alarming rates.  This pattern has been happening for some time now, and I would like to know why?  I have a theory I’m going to preach tomorrow, but I’m curious what you think?  What has your research or studies revealed?  How can the church (the hope of the world), continue to lose generations at 18, at alarming rates & not take time to assess why?  Why are our 18-22 olds leaving the church?  You tell me!!!

The Blitz – Jason Hirsch

Ahhhhhh, I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it feels to be back in the saddle after being gone for nearly 3 weeks.  Sitting down @ the grind enjoying my ceramic mug of Kenyan coffee.  The little things of life!!!

Since I last wrote an update so much has happened.  I won’t bore you with all the details, but as simply as a pastor can:), I’ll give you some highlights.

1.  Flew to La Paz, Bolivia.   After 3 years, the dream of raising up associate leadership trainers that are national’s from Bolivia is coming to pass. To God be the glory!!!

2.  My business partner Scott Larsen & I had dinner with the Bolivian team the first night we arrived in La Paz.  Great country leadership from Jaime Greminger, the country coordinator.  The names of our team members are Ximena Jaramillo Greminger, Iver Marquez Muller, Noemi Torrez Villa-Gomez, & Alvaro Ortiz.  Wonderful people!!!  Also a shout out to our translators – Javier Camacho, and Mario Borquez.  Dream Team!  I look forward to our return, and will be praying for all of you in our absence.  Lead on!!!

3.  The cities we spoke in were El Alto, Oruro, Cochabamba, Sucre, La Paz, and it sounds like Santa Cruz, and maybe another or two will be coming up??  In order to make this all possible, we had to split up, and we had to empower our AT’s (Associate Trainers).  All AT’s were given the chance to speak.  We did some coaching, but I learned a thing or two!!!:) Here’s the key to international leadership training…………….relationships = trust = results.  You can’t bounce all over the world, and expect people to readily trust you.  It takes time & patience, but it will pay off in due time.  Mavericks don’t win – relationship builders do!!!

4.  After 3 years, we finally figured out how to deal with the altitude.  How?  Diamox!!!  A prescription drug taken for rapid altitude ascent.  Where was this drug when I was in the ER?

5.  After coming down from the altitude, spent a day in Miami @ Doral, but ultimately ended up @ Smith & Wollensky’s on Miami beach.  Had an afternoon of debriefing before flying back to Las Vegas.

6.  Preached the 3rd week of www.EpicChurchlv.org series “Champions”.  Spoke on II Samuel 23 – Benaiah – “Champions Are Brave because Jesus Saves!” Had a baptism tailgate following the second service.  Here’s a New Testament goal – one new follower of Christ added to the church, everyday, 365 days a year.  It sounds biblical!!!:)

7.  Flew out Monday for Monterrey, CA.  Destination?  Pebble Beach & ultimately the Inn @ Spanish Bay.  Holy Cow, how can you afford all of this on a home missions pastors salary?  I don’t!  Thanks to some great business partners in Wisconsin & Michigan, they underwrite the expenses.  So don’t judge, because after all, pastors are supposed to sign-up for a life of poverty – right??  Your kids wear Air Jordans, my kids, Voit Velcroes.  LOL!!!

8.  Spent some time with John Maxwell.  The vision we talked about for the next 5 years for Equip was “Think wide, go deep!”  John gave me a window to speak, and share what God is doing in Bolivia.  We’re quickly becoming the prototype for the 202 recognized nations of the world.  I’m humbled, but understand the command to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up leaders everywhere.  This has nothing to do with me, I’m just a vessel,  and while I breathe on this earth, I pray God uses me for the purposes for which He has put me here.  How about you?  Don’t waste your life!!!

9.  Spent some time talking with Wes Stafford  – President of Compassion International.  Equip is a partner with CI.  We’re working on ways to become more strategic in bringing children all over the globe out of poverty.

10. I’ll be writing an article for Equip next month.  I’ll send you the link when it’s completed.  Also looking to travel to Atlanta to help train other associate trainers stateside.

I’m not numbering the last one, but I missed my family, love my family, and I always thank God for bringing us back together safely.  God – Family – Work/Ministry.  Never forget the order!!!

A big shout out to the Denny’s, Hoover’s, Wright’s, Russell’s, Autumn, Brittany.  Our family would never make it without your friendship, support, & leadership.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Idol Worship – Mark Driscoll