“This deal is getting worse all the time!” (Remember: no outside resources) Enjoy…
Review: Quickverse for Mac
Well, I waited patiently as Psalm 40 asks me to. And it finally got here…Quickverse for Mac! So I opened to packaging it came in. I installed it and it’s…not that great! I’m disappointed. Let me start off by saying that I’m old school Quickverse. I’ve been using it for about 10 years. But it just looks like they didn’t really put a lot of effort into it. What do I mean? Here is my own version of a FAQ page: Why is it bad? Great question. It’s bad because the program isn’t integrated like the previous versions of Quickverse. … Read More
A little less ranting about Message Preparation…
In light of my past post, I didn’t want to give the impression that I don’t listen to great communicators as research for message preparation. I do. It’s one of my favorite parts of preparing a talk or series. But what I’ve learned to do over the last couple of years is to decide where I’m going with the message or individual message before I listen to outside stuff. This way I’m able to hear from God and get my ideas out before I hear someone else’s take on it. I teach my staff that teaching is like what Jesus … Read More
Mr. 5,000
I just checked my stats and I just passed 5,000 hits. That would make me a shoe-in for the Baseball Hall of Fame if those were base-hits, but they are blog hits and I don’t believe there are any awards for that. I know it’s not a huge deal, but I really enjoy doing this blog and if you are one of the 5,000 hits, thanks for reading…
I’m on a Creativity Rant!
I’m ranting, so you’ve been warned! But the recent post from Church Marketing Sucks still has me thinking. The comments went wild that churches shouldn’t do it, but so many churches are. Why are we so quick to copy? I watch church leaders copy other churches’ mission statement, values, ministry names, and teaching series. Is there a problem here? I think so. Especially when so many churches are claiming creativity is one of their values. OK. What are you creating? Orders to different ministries to know waht the next series is? Come on. Should we glean? Of course. But that … Read More
Credibility: the Art of Earning and Spending Credits
I’m deeply saddened by what I read, that Raphael Palmiero tested positive for an illegal substance and was suspended for 10 games for violating Major League Baseball’s Steroid policy. This saddens me as a baseball fan because Palmiero is such a classy player and just joined the 3,000 hit club. But it should serve as a warning to us as leaders because it’s one mistake that can ruin your credibility. This has happened in the church too many times. We all know the names. But there was this lapse of reason and understanding that credibility is all that you have … Read More
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic…
After some encouragement and a little prodding, my beautiful wife Carey has decided to start her own blog. It’s going to be great. My wife is an amazing person that is breaking the mold of what a Pastor’s wife is "supposed to be". No, she doesn’t play the piano and lead worship. Instead, she shoots and edits video and is writing a screenplay. You’re going to love her blog. She’s got great insights and you’ll find everything from ministry insights, to recipes, to stories she’s written, and personal stories she’s experienced. So stop by and say ‘hi’ to the prettiest … Read More
Home Cooking
I taught at a really cool, growing church this morning. It was a lot of fun to see all that God is doing outside of the 4 walls of CCML. Yet after all 3 services, I missed the group that calls CCML home. I hear people say that it’s good for the Pastor to not teach sometimes because it allows people to appreciate what they get every week. But I’m learning that it’s good for Pastors to teach somewhere else now and again so WE can appreciate what we have too. I can’t wait to get back…
Getting Your Listeners Hooked…
Bruce johnson has a great post today about teaching. Do yourself a favor and read it. It’s right here.
Wierd Things that Only Pastors Do…
#1 – We count the ceiling tiles of EVERY building we walk into #2 – We tell the people around us how EVERY building could be turned into a church #3 – Every place we visit needs a new church and WE’RE the ones to do it! #4 – We’re constantly observing the services of every establishment we walk into #5 – We take EVERYTHING that isn’t bolted down in other churches we visit #6 – We listen to most other preachers in the same manner Simon Cowell listens to American Idol Contestants #7 – Just about anything CAN AND … Read More
