So far, Catalyst has been a life changing experience. Andy Stanley kicked things off with a powerful talk about a leader’s integrity and how everything that might look like God isn’t necessarily God. His thrust was how as leaders we are tempted to compromise our integrity for the sake of progress. 1 Samuel 24 was his text. Great stuff. I’ll update more later…

Well, Carey & I have landed in Atlanta and I’m remembering why I hate flying: #5 – Because the people who test out the seats to see if they are comfortable are the size of an Umpa Lupma… #4 – Because the guy behind me looks like a cross between Steve Perry from Journey and former New York Mets reliever Jesse Orosco. (I didn’t really hate that, it was just funny) #3 – Because the fact that every seat comes with its’ own barf bag should bother EVERYONE! #2 – Because no one really sleeps on planes. A few simply … Read More

So I’m sitting in the Varsity right now in Atlanta. I decided to have Coke. I haven’t had one since February 28th. Here’s the verdict: it was nasty! I can’t believe this, but I don’t like Coca-Cola anymore. I never thought I’d be able to say that. By the way, I love Atlanta! It’s nice to be back here…

First, let me say that I love Orlando! If I wasn’t committed to spending my entire life pastoring CCML I would more here! Anyway, I spent the afternoon with my wife at the Mall at Millenia. This has to be the best mall I have ever been to! There’s inspirational words written on columns that surround areas for sitting. The floor of these areas are a huge sun dial. It is a very impressive place (Plus, they have a P.F. Chang’s). But as I watched people walk by, many of them paid no attention to the exceptional shopping environment that … Read More

OK, I’m coming out and making my predictions for the world series.  I’ve said this since the beginning of the season that I believe the World Series will have the Florida Marlins representing the National League.  You might think that is a bit suspect since I live in Miami, but it’s what I think nonetheless.  Here’s why:  NL EastEven though everyone is going crazy over the Nationals winning 10 in a row, it won’t hold up (Remember, the Devil dogs won something like 13 in a row last year and still ended up dead last in the AL East).  After … Read More

So I’m debating the topic of marketing. Not in the “Is it biblical to send out a piece of mail telling people that we are having an Easter service, or am I worshipping Satan for mailing it?” But in the sense of “how effective is it?” We’ve done mailings and ads and that sort of thing and it has had some success, but most of the Pastors I have talked to tell me that over 70% of people who visit their church are invited by friends or family. Last year, of everyone who visited our church, 74% came because someone … Read More

Well, I saw it… And it was amazing!!! It was everything I could have hoped for and more. A totally amazing finale to what has been more than a series of movies. It has been the backdrop to most of my life. What’s funny is, I can’t remember life without Star Wars. I was born in 1973, so by the time I started understanding my surroundings at age 4, Star Wars was already changing popular culture. In fact, when I was in pre-school and was just learning how to speak English (Because my parents only spoke Spanish in the house), … Read More

There’s something that just rubs me the wrong way about formulas for church growth. That is, just like with any experiment, if all of the elements are the same but you have a different environment, the results will always be different. While I do believe there are many principles we can learn from churches and other leaders, there are some aspects of your church that are unique to your environment. Let me give you an example: I’ve heard many Pastors talking about how Christmas Eve is THE best day to reach the unchurched all year. I believe that’s true in … Read More

If you’re reading this and you aren’t related to me in some way…thanks. Let me just let you know what this is all about. I’m not a tech guy. I’m not a web guy. In fact, the only reason this blog is up is because some friends said I should start one and because the guys at www.typepad.com make this process SO easy a monkey could be blogging shakespeare quotes in a matter of minutes. But so you’re aware, I’m a Pastor of a church in Miami, FL and my desire here is to share some thoughts and get some … Read More