There are so many things I love - here are just a few:
- when one of my kids says, “Actually, the reality of the situation is that…” then soon after they say something like, “there ain’t nothin’ we’re gonna…” - one statement sounds like their Mom, and the other like me - talk about some conflicted kids! (I’ll let you guess which statement sounds more like my bride, and which one sounds like me)
- when dogs outgrow the puppy stage so they’re no longer in love with my leg…
- this time of year! Ang and I went on a walk this evening - Central Florida is so stinkin’ beautiful!
- my bride’s thoughts (these are many!). Last night I said, “Babe, when we were dating I thought it was so cool that your initials were the name of a soft drink” to which she thought for a moment and replied, “A.B.” - then I had the chance to lovingly (and carefully) remind her that pre-marriage her last name was Wilson - “A.&W.“
Disclaimer: The last statement in the above text was shared with exclusive permission and any form of copying or making fun of said wife is strictly prohibited, because great harm, resulting from such, would come to me by a woman who has an amazing ability to be extremely clear headed and alertly thoughtful when angry! As such… please laugh to yourself.
One of the things I’m most asked about by pastors really revolves more around a statement than a question. When I talk with pastors who are going through transition, or any process of change/growth in their churches, many of their comments begin with, “I thought…”.
There are so many things we think as pastors. We think - the truth of the Bible and its principles for church and our mission make a difference. We think people that “love” us and “know” us will walk with us because they “know” our hearts and they “believe” the mandate of Jesus to reach the world. We think people will believe the best of us and our motives because we believe the best of them. We think if we simply lay out the vision and show the connection and call from scripture that people who say they “know” Jesus will not simply tolerate it, but will adopt it as their own. We think…
I learned early in our transition that “I thought…” too much. The raw reality of life and people hit me like a ton of bricks. My struggle became that “I thought…” and “they” thought and our thinking wasn’t sync-ing. All that matters is what God thought, and thinks. Focus on him and the strategy he gives you for reaching and growing people - and those who don’t want to go with you can do what most “religious” church people do - they can go to churches that go deep and spend all their time “thinking…” - and never making a difference. However, there will be some who go with you, and they will make more impact in a day than many entire churches make in a year… and you’ll love them and thank God for them every single day.
Just my thoughts.
C3 - don’t forget, this Sunday we’ll be filming our message for “One Prayer.” I can’t wait - get people there… I really believe God’s going to change lives.
I’ve been bombarded lately with questions from pastors and church leaders. I’m noticing some common themes. Things that center around transitioning a church, dealing with difficult people, making hard calls, and leading to new places - to name a few.
Because so many issues seem to be common struggles for those in church leadership, I’ve decided to address a few through this site. Over the next few days, if you’d like me to address a specific area or question (related to issues above or leading a church), simply leave a comment and I’ll respond to as many as I can. If you don’t want me to post your question, just let me know in the comment and I’ll keep it anonymous.
This weekend at C3 we’re entering a new series called, “Phobia.” We all deal with fears. Those issues in life that captivate our thoughts and drive our emotions beyond reality. What are you afraid of? What is it that you try not to think about, contemplate, and deal with? What’s your Phobia? Sunday we’ll begin to address some fears we face and discover what God says about navigating life Phobia free.
C3 - invest and invite. Seriously, right now… call, talk, go see - do whatever it takes to get people to come with you this Sunday!
For a few days I’ll give you some phobias to think about:
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I love meeting pastors who have a cutting edge vision to impact a culture. Last night I was asked by PCI to attend their breakout event for the Exponential Conference and answer questions from pastors and leaders considering starting churches, or those who’ve already launched. I love watching the reaction when people hear you’ve sold a 20 acre campus with over 60,000 sq. ft. to move to a theater… it’s awesome!
PCI and National CineMedia have been a tremendous asset to us in our transition to a portable church. I really get jacked about the concept of living on the edge of faith and launching a movement. Also, I absolutely love answering questions - I got questions like:
- Why did you move to a theater?
- Did everyone go with you through the transition and move? (this was really fun to answer - I was much nicer than I needed to be…)
- How much does stuff cost?
- What is the most difficult thing about meeting in a theater?
- Does popcorn come with the rental? (I wish…)
Seriously, there’s something contagious about passion. I met and talked with pastors from all over the country - many of them will be bringing their teams to C3 in the future to see how we flow. I also had an opportunity to connect and chat with a guy I have huge respect for - a guy who has influenced me, but I’ve never had the opportunity to meet him - Pastor David Foster of the Gathering in Nashville.
I can’t believe I get to do what I do. I lead the greatest church on the planet (many of our volunteers helped set up yesterday - you guys are awesome - I’m often asked the secret to C3’s success… there are several, but a key factor is the heart of our people!), and God is using our ministry to help other pastors and churches. It’s all about the House and the Kingdom!
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Today my oldest turned 18! It really is unbelievable. Kayleigh has a love for Christ that is contagious. I just can’t believe 18 years have flown by. Being a pastor, one of the things I pray about, and think about, is my kids loving God and others and church. I have no interest in reaching masses and losing my kids.
Thankfully, my kids love God and love life. I’m blessed.
Kayleigh, I love you more than words could ever say. I’m so proud of who you are and who you’ve become. You’ll always be my little girl. I love you.
Can You Take It?
I’ve been bombarded lately with questions from pastors and church leaders. I’m noticing some common themes. Things that center around transitioning a church, dealing with difficult people, making hard calls, and leading to new places - to name a few.
Because so many issues seem to be common struggles for those in church leadership, I’ve decided to address a few through this site. Over the next few days, if you’d like me to address a specific area or question (related to issues above or leading a church), simply leave a comment and I’ll respond to as many as I can. If you don’t want me to post your question, just let me know in the comment and I’ll keep it anonymous.
This weekend at C3 we’re entering a new series called, “Phobia.” We all deal with fears. Those issues in life that captivate our thoughts and drive our emotions beyond reality. What are you afraid of? What is it that you try not to think about, contemplate, and deal with? What’s your Phobia? Sunday we’ll begin to address some fears we face and discover what God says about navigating life Phobia free.
C3 - invest and invite. Seriously, right now… call, talk, go see - do whatever it takes to get people to come with you this Sunday!
For a few days I’ll give you some phobias to think about: