Wow! Today was amazing! The place was slammin’! The music was great. The video we used was insanely funny. But we talked about the church. We talked about the important of the church being original (That is, we are going to be different than any other church because of who we are, where we are, and what period in history we’re in) and then we talked about how we need to be linked to our origins. The first of which was love. Love is supposed to be our calling card as Christians. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, … Read More
A Night to Remember
Last night Carey and I attended a retirement party for my Dad. It was amazing! I got to see some family that I hadn’t seen in a while. I had the privilege of being the spokesperson (They always call on the guy who talks for a living) to say a few words about my Dad and offer a toast. It was a huge honor to tell my family, my Dad’s friends, and to tell him all that he means to me. Did I cry? Yes. Did my Dad cry? Yes. But it was great. The best part of the night … Read More
New Series: Origins
I’m so excited about what God has been showing me over the last few weeks about the church. Some of this stuff is going to be in the next book that I write. But we are going to spend the month of January here in Miami Lakes talking about the church. People have so many preconceived notions about church. That even includes those inside the church. But the book of Acts gives us the components as to what the church should be… a revolutionary community. So we’re going to kick it “Old School” and talk about our origins and be … Read More
Book Review: A Generous Orthodoxy
I just finished “A Generous Orthodoxy” by Brian McLaren. It thought it was fantastic! I had a lot of question marks written in the margin of things he said that I need to consider further. Some things that I just disagreed with and other things that simply challenged me. I can say this, which I think is one of the highest compliments for a book and that is I think I’m different for having read it. It has caused me to see things a little differently and be little more “Generous” in my thinking. There are a few issues that … Read More
2005 Book List
Well, 2005 is a done deal. So here’s the books that I read in ’05. I think reading is really important for every leader. It’s important to also not just read books by people you agree with. That takes the thinking out of reading. I try to throw a couple of zingers in there just to mix it up and keep me on my toes. I don’t know if this will actually help anyone, but here goes… (Note: These are in the order I read them not the order, not of importance or personal preference) 1. Fields of Gold – … Read More
Google sees into our hearts…
Google released its’ findings on the most popular searches in 2005. Here is what they revealed that we’re most interested… 1. Janet Jackson 2. Hurricane Katrina3. tsunami4. xbox 3605. Brad Pitt6. Michael Jackson7. American Idol8. Britney Spears9. Angelina Jolie10. Harry Potter A few of these I understand: Michael Jackson and his ongoing soap apera – OK Brad and Angelina – OK, we’re interested in celebrities’ lives (But I’m interested in why Jennifer Anistan didn’t make the list) Britney had a baby – OK Tsunami – Obviously we’re concernedHurricane Katrina – Makes total sense, we want to help But I can’t … Read More
Elements Reviewed!
Lisa Berggren, Jason’s wife from Generation Post offered a very kind review of my book Elements. You can read it right here if you wish to…
Words I’m Totally Sick of – Part 1
I don’t know if it’s my daily Flintstones vitamins, but I’m getting a bunch of stuff off my chest… and it feels great! So I’m going to talk about words that I’m totally sick of because they’ve become cliches in Christian circles. Here’s the first one: #1 – Relevant – Pronunciation: re-l&-v&nt/ Function: adjective – Definition: relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. RELEVANT implies a traceable, significant, logical connection . Has there been a more overused word in church circles in the last 5 years? I talk to guys who want to plant churches every week and … Read More
Staff Christmas Party!
Sunday night was our staff Christmas party. I always look forward to this night. Even though most of the staff hangs out together, we don’t ALL get together that often. So Sunday night we headed out to the Cheesecake Factory in Aventura for a great time. I work with an incredible group of people who love God and are passionate about the mission of the church. It was great to be there with all the staff spouses as well. This is such a simple thing, but it shows them how much they are appreciated for all the hard work they … Read More
Book Review: The Wounded Healer
I just finished “The Wounded Healer” by Henri Nouwen. This has got to be one of the most insightful books I’ve read in the last 5 years. His understanding of the inner life of the minister is incredible. I connected with this book in ways that few other books have touched me. He wrote this book in 1979 and the book is still up to date. I would encourage every Pastor, church leader, and counselor to read this book. If you like John Eldredge’s writings, Nouwen has that kind of flavor to him. 5 stars!
