I talk to Pastors and they tell me what style of church they have: traditional, contemporary, Purpose-Driven, seeker-sensitive, etc… I’ve told our church that I figured out what type of church we are: we’re an “experimental church.” We just want to be a place where God can conduct experiments. That means some stuff we do is awesome and and innovative, but the downside is that some stuff we try makes your skin turn green and you develop a weird itch. The point is that as leaders we need to create a culture of change. The only way I know to … Read More
The Hardest Part of My Job
I talk to Pastors who tell me that preaching is the hardest thing for them to do. Others tell me staffing selection is the hardest part of their job. Others say it’s living in a fishbowl where everything you say and do is judged (usually pretty harshly) is the toughest thing to deal with. But in my role as a Senior Pastor (Or Lead Pastor depending on your particular nomenclature), the hardest thing for me, is to say NO. When someone calls and wants to meet with me for counseling and I have to refer them to a staff member, … Read More
World Series Predictions – American League
Last week I made my prediction that it would me the Florida Marlins representing the National League in the World Series. Now I’d like to add my thoughts about who I believe the American League representative to be. A.L. East – With the Orioles spinning out of control (Which is what I suspected), they will be in 3rd place before too long, which is where they will end the season. Toronto has made a good run, but the fire sale will begin shortly because they are not going to be able to contend this year anyway. So why not trade … Read More
Shopping and Thinking
I was at Old Navy yesterday buying some t-shirts when I saw a sign that said if I applied for an Old Navy credit card I could use it at any of their companies: Old Navy, The Gap, and Banana Republic. It got me thinking about how we are trying to reach those that we feel best equipped to reach. While one company owns all of these stores, they market their brand very differently. Old Navy is casual wear. The Gap goes from casual to kind of dressy. And Banana Republic is higher end clothing. My point is this: when … Read More
Surrounded by New Bloggers!
Another new blogger has emerged onto the scene. It is Mark Rodriguez, CCML’s Worship and Youth Pastor. Mark is the ultimate Go-To Guy. He is doing a phenemenal job as part of our staff. Mark attended our very first service as a church and a year and half later we hired him to be our worship leader and graphics guy. He’s got a great view on life and ministry. We’ve always said he should have his own sitcom, so here’s his first step. So if you get a chance, check out his blog and welcome him to the blogosphere! … Read More
There’s a new blogger in town!
I want to introduce you to my good buddy Jason Berggren. Jason is the Children’s Pastor at CCML and has been with me since we planted the church. There’s no way we’d be where we are today without his leadership and dedication. GenerationPost is the name of the blog. So check it out.
Is your Church Ready for 5.19.06?
Well if you aren’t aware, 5.19.06 is the release date for Ron Howard’s new film, The Da Vinci Code, based on the book by best-selling author, Dan Brown. You can watch the trailer here. I read the book (Actually, I listened to it on my ipod, but close enough) and I thought the story was great. Theologically, the book is whack! I heard people talking about it as if it were a religious book and I felt compelled to read it (Or listen). I was talking with my dentist (Which is no small feat when they are jamming their utensils … Read More
Blogging Etiquette
My man Tally Wilgis is laying some serious smack down on his blog today with his post on Blogging Maturity. It’s a great read and totally needed. I think Tally’s blog on church leadership is one of the best out there. Everybody else just…oh yeah, I can’t talk like that anymore. I read his post. As you can see, the stuff is true and it works. But seriously, if you want to disagree, fine. If you have a comment that’s constructive, you don’t have to put it on display. I’m not saying you have to agree with everything someone writes, … Read More
Top 5 CD’s if I were on really on “Lost”
I guess the “If you were on a desert island, what CD’s would you want with you” is kind of played out, but since I’m a huge fan of the show “Lost”, let me give you my top 5 CD’s I’d want with me if I were stuck on that weird island (That is, of course if Sawyer hadn’t confiscated them)… #5 – Kiss Alive II by Kiss #4 – Illuminate by David Crowder Band #3 – Films about Ghosts by Counting Crows #2 – Jesus Freak by D.C. Talk (the Best Christian album ever!) …And #1 – Room for … Read More
What is Leadership?
So I’ve come to a decision. I’ve decided what I believe leadership to be. I believe the best leaders are great followers. They are following Jesus as closely as they can and that by nature has them out in front of many others. They in turn follow Jesus by following the leader in front of them. I remember in elementary school that my teachers would commend those who followed her the closest when we were walking in single file down the hall. I believe Christian leadership is no different. When people see that you walk with God, they gladly follow. … Read More