I just wrapped up a podcast with David Middlebrook and The Church Law Group. David is a great friend and I love his passion for churches and helping them fulfill their purpose. As we were talking, I was reminded again how critical it is to have a a healthy structure in place in your organization, and to be aware of the risk factors and have a plan to manage them.
Pastors - seriously, you need to connect with David and The Church Law Group. They have been a key factor in the birth, health and success of C3 Church. Click the link, check out their site and join TCLG.
It’s here! Registration for the Xcel Experience is now open. The Xcel Experience will be this October - so to get the incredible rate of only $79 per person register early (and, for all participants, spouses can attend free of charge!).
I’m really jacked about this unique experience that will include a behind-the-scenes look at C3 Church and how we flow on Sundays, to meaningful main sessions and rockin’ break-outs.
Xcel is for every pastor or church leader who desires to see God move their church to the next level… it’s time to Xcel. Plan now to join me, David Foster, Justin Haigler, David Middlebrook, Jim Tomberlin, Pete Wilson and others for this unique experience.
Check it out here.
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I know there are a ton of opinions about church marketing. Some guys say they never do any, and others build an entire system of marketing for their church. At C3 we have found that strategic and intentional marketing is a huge asset. Recently, I walked into an office building and a man in the room said, “I know who you are!“ I get this often, but when I asked how this man’s answer intrigued me. He said, “You’re church has great marketing, because it doesn’t look like a church did it!“ This guy is a professional in our community, very successful… and it wasn’t just that we market, it was that we are strategic and intentional in the creation and execution of the marketing. We also evaluate quarterly to see what’s working. If what we’re investing in isn’t producing results, we stop. We also kill some things that are working to try new things to see if they have better traction.
However, with all we’ve done - there is one thing that stands above all the others in producing results, and we didn’t even do it for marketing! The best “marketing” hasn’t been our billboards, mailers, ads, etc. The best marketing has been a unique partnership C3 has formed with “Feed The Children.” On three occasions now we have adopted families in need and fed them (once for a week and twice for an entire month - different families each time). Something special happens when you invest not just in what’s pretty or cool, but a deeper investment in those who are hurting and in need gets people’s attention. Let me be clear, we didn’t do it for the purpose of marketing… we did it to be like Jesus. Jesus had a heart for and helped people who could do nothing for him, but had real needs. As we’ve purposed to flow like Jesus, and reach out to those who are hurting and in need, God takes care of the rest. There’s been nothing we’ve done that has resulted in more life-change (people coming to Christ, being baptized, getting plugged into serving and Community Groups) like the partnership with FTC. People really just want to know we care, and at C3 we’re changing people’s opinions about Church because we care!
Pastors - I’m pumped to be able to share with you that “Feed The Children” will be @ The Xcel Experience! You will be able to learn how they can partner with you to make a huge difference in your community, make the name of Jesus famous, and change the perception of church for people far from God. Don’t miss Xcel! Also, check Xcel’s website regularly because we have a number of things in the works that are huge and we’ll be updating periodically. Registration begins June 15!
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Today we launched “You Asked” @ C3 Church. I love the passion of the people of C3 to pursue Christ and lean into him rather than tradition. I’m tired but wanted to crank out a few thoughts:
- Today’s question was, “Can A Christ-follower Drink Alcohol?” - if you’re interested in today’s flow, check out C3’s site and listen to the message - it will be up by Tuesday afternoon.
- When you deal with potentially divisive issues, you have to make a decision. You have to decide if your purpose is to please people or God. You also have to remember that you speak for God, his truth, to people he is crazy in love with… so you better come from a perspective of love.
- Several people made decisions to become Christ-followers this morning.
- It’s hard to change your mind. Honestly, there are issues that I’ve wrestled with and it’s really tough to abandon what you’ve been taught to embrace truth. Not because of what people think, but because I’m a husband and dad before I’m a pastor. I desire to love my bride and raise my kids from the depth of truth, not the facade of traditions.
- I’m headed to Texas this week for a family reunion. Excited about seeing family, dreading the drive…
- Next weekend we continue “You Asked” @ C3 with “Why Do Bad Things Happen?”
- Major news coming tomorrow about The Xcel Experience.
This week, purpose to love God and love others and live life to it’s fullest.
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