I just have to give props to OS 10.4, otherwise known as Tiger for Mac lovers. It just rules! I am a Mac guy who converted due to being burned by PC’s oever and over again. I have found that PC’s work for about 18 months before they die. So after two 18 month PC experiences I bought a Powerbook and I’m loving life. Why do I tell you this? Because I just past the 18 month mark and my Mac is still rocking. But Tiger’s new feature Spotlight is totally a must for any Pastor. If you’re trying to … Read More
Hiring from Within Without a Problem
2 things are making post this today. The first is, I saw Tony Morgan’s notes from the Saddleback conference that he posted. What great stuff. His book “Simply Strategic Stuff” is fantastic. But what blew me away was the graphic that showed the rate of success in hiring from outside versus hiring from within. It was shocking! I put the file here so you can download it. Download ssswithblanks.pdf The second thing was I received an e-mail from a church this week that’s looking for a new Pastor. There’s nothing wrong with that, because there are times when going outside … Read More
C3 Regional Conference
I was looking at my calendar and I saw what I did on the 9th of this month and I wanted to mention it to you. I went to the C3 Regional conference in Fort Lauderdale on the 9th and I want to encourage you if you have the opportunity to go, do it! It was great! Ed did a great job as he always does, but I wanted to share an insight that I think gets overlooked when it comes to Fellowship Church’s success over the last 14 years. These guys are great leaders! Ed has surrounded himself with … Read More
Mass Marketing’s Mass Appeal?
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
Revenge of Adulthood
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
Revenge of the Sith
Well, I’m on my way to see the completion of the Star Wars saga. I took the day off from church to go see it (Yes, that makes me a sci-fi nerd). But I have to tell you that I’m feeling different than I thought I would. I’ve been waiting for this day since I was a kid and now that it’s here I’m kind of sad. I think it’s because this is the last link to my childhood that was unfinished. I think this will officially make me an adult…I think. The weird part is, I already know how … Read More
Calculate Environment in your Experiment
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
Darth Vader on Leadership – Episode 2
Mistakes. Everyone makes them. The issue that will affect your ability to lead is, “How do you handle it when those around you make mistakes?” Let’s look at Darth Vader’s leadership on staff mistakes. In The Empire Strikes Back, Captain Needa has made a critical error in allowing the Millennium Falcon to escape. He apologizes to the dark lord of the Sith and Darth Vader chokes him to death and says, “Apology accepted, Captain Needa.” While we probably don’t choke people to death when they make mistakes, let’s be honest, we probably want to. No one likes mistakes, but they … Read More
Darth Vader on Leadership – Episode 1
You remember the scene. You were probably 5 or 6 when you first saw it, but by now you’ve seen it close to 150 times. Darth Vader walks into a meeting on the Death Star and someone challenges his authority. So what does this leader do? He decides to choke the guy until he agrees. He even throws a spiritual phrase in there to boot: “I find your lack of faith disturbing!” What’s the deal with this guy? It’s really simple: he’s insecure. Insecure leaders refuse to have someone disagree with them. Let’s be honest, no one likes it when … Read More
The Kingdom of Heaven
I went to see “The Kingdom of Heaven” after a nice helping of sushi last night. It was a great movie! It had a real “Gladiator” feel to it, but I didn’t mind because I love Gladiator as well. But the movie had a quote that I can’t get out of my mind. It’s towards the end of the movie and the army of Saladin is ready to take Jerusalem. Orlando Bloom’s character is listening to suggestions as to what they should do. The “Christian” Bishop says, “Convert to Islam…Repent later!” It got me thinking: The day we realize if … Read More
