I said goodbye to 2 families this weekend. They are both moving out of the state and I was able to recommend some good churches in their area. These moments are always bittersweet for me. I’m excited by what God is doing in their lives, yet I’m sad to see such great people leave us. Selfish? Probably. But I feel it nonetheless. But it got thinking about something that’s a reality for every church: attrition. Every church experiences attrition to one degree or another. People die, people backslide, people get upset, and people move. It’s the natural reality of ministry. … Read More
Let Me Help you
If you’re checking my blog everyday, why not subscribe to it? Check out Bloglines or feedburner and this way you can get the RSS of my blog and check a bunch of others in minutes. This way you can track with a bunch of great blogs without the hassle. Isn’t that what’s all about? I track over 50 blogs through bloglines and only go on the sites to leave comments and occasionally check what people are reading. So do it and thank me later!
Teaching the Bible
I was blown away to learn that since we started almost 6 years ago, I have taught 17 books of the Bible. I feel doing that consistently has given the people who come to our church a hunger for God’s Word. I find there’s a disconnect between the guys that want to be creative and the guys that want to teach expositionally. I have always sought to be the middle ground of teaching through the Bible creatively. We think through the theme of the book we are going to teach and title it appropriately. Our graphics and videos reflect that … Read More
Finished with a Crash!
I finished teaching the book of Daniel this morning in a series we called, “Crash”. I was blown away when I said that today was the end and I heard the collective “AAAAUUUUHHHHHH.” The people were sad it was ending. I heard that same thing when we finished our “Polaroid” series. But I was blown away that the folks in our church were so taken by studying Daniel. Even the people in our church that aren’t Christians or recently became Christ followers were totally into the series. It just shows people are interested in truth that’s shared in a relevant … Read More
Book Review: Church Marketing 101
I really enjoyed reading Church Marketing 101 by Richard Reising. As a believer with a marketing background, he lays out the basics of what marketing is. What challenged me is his thesis is that everything you do and don’t do is part of your marketing strategy. Even if you are anti-marketing because you feel there’s no place for that in the church, everything we do is communicating something about our church. The issue is, will we decide what we want to communicate? I highly recommend the book to Pastors who want to reach their communities (which should be all of … Read More
Stuff I’m Thinking on Friday
Here’s a few things I’m thinking about today… #1 – I’m moving my books to the office. A total mission. I’ve got to clear out a room in the house for our new arrival. Carey says that the baby has no need for commentaries before he or she is two. I reluctantly agreed. You’ve got to instill the reading discipline early. #2 – I’m TiVoing Que Pasa Usa? and it’s helping Carey learn more Spanish. If you’re not familiar with this show, it’s like the Cuban version of Good Times. If you want to understand the city of Miami, this … Read More
What I Believe
In light of some recent conversations I’ve had, I thought I’d take the time to share with you what I believe. Here is our church statement of faith, where you can find where I stand on many of the most important tenets of the faith. I write this because I appreciate the men that have called me and had the guts to ask me what I believe. I really appreciate that. It shows their care and concern for me and the church I lead. Here’s what I find interesting: the people who are questioning my beliefs are doing so without … Read More
Another Man Law for Christians Emerges
In addition to the “No men holding hands while praying” man law that was ratified by the majority, another man law for christian men is being proposed. It’s referred to as the hug-hit rule. Allow me to explain: when 2 men feel the need to hug, the 2 men involve themselves in a skillfully choreographed motion that makes the experience last no longer than 3 seconds. This is a careful discipline because there can be no lingering or holding on. This is a seamless motion where the guys’ shoulders collide, then the mandatory 2-pats on the back and we’re done. … Read More
Man Laws for Christians
Can we establish some Man Laws for Christians? I think this would help and cause us to not experience awkward moments with other dudes in church. Here’s my first proposal: Men should not hold hands with other men while praying. I’m sorry, but that just makes me feel awkward. Will someone second the motion?
Best News Ever!
Carey and I are having a baby! We’ve been trying since we got married 9 1/2 years ago and it’s finally happening! She’s 3 months along. We’re totally excited! We let the church know yesterday and the place freaked out! It was awesome because so many of them had been praying for us for years. I think some of them are almost as happy as we are. Carey and I are really looking forward to this new season of our lives.
