I get questions all the time about how I read as much as I do. So I decided to write down a few thoughts that I hope will be of help to you. If you're a leader, then growing is not an option.  But in the busy world we live in, it's important to find ways to maximize our time for our own personal growth and development.   So here's 6 ways I try to learn more in less time:  #1 – Set goals – When you have a goal for the number of books your want to read in … Read More

During our Summer Bash, there was few minutes when Carey and I were alone talking on the top of a hill that overlooked the whole scene at the amphitheater. We looked out over the field and saw hundreds and hundreds of people playing, eating and enjoying the day.   I was moved to tears as I said to Carey, "What if we hadn't obeyed God's call to come and start this church?" I know God would have used someone else, but I am so blessed to be part of what God is doing in Miami.  

– All I can say is WOW! Today was unbelievable!  – We had our 1st ever Summer Bash.  One service in an amphitheater.   Amazing! – Definitely one of our biggest services ever!  – We underestimated the amount of people that were going to show up to this thing.  – We had one service at 11AM. Then an all-you-can-eat BBQ. Then Mark and the band did a concert.  – First time I've ever preached with sunglasses on. I felt like Corey Hart :)  – Tons… I mean tons of 1st time guests.  – This is normally a decent Sunday for churches, … Read More

At Calvary Fellowship, we operate from the position that God calls a man (The Senior Pastor) to lead the church under the Holy Spirit's direction.  As we see with Moses leading the people from Egypt to the land of promise, he was the leader as he followed where God was leading.   Because the Senior Pastor can't do it all, Assistant Pastors and other leaders are raised up to help carry the load of ministry.  Getting to the question at hand, the board of directors at Calvary Fellowship consists of outside pastors who assist me in making the organizational and … Read More

My wife and I watched the Season Premiere of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" last night and it was incredibly sad.  I was saddened by what sin does.  Sin doesn't just hurt us, it hurts those around us as well.  In fact, many times those we love the most are the ones that get caught in the blast radius of our poor decisions.  This is what I saw last night.  Let me say that what's happening with Jon and Kate's relationship is not unique to them.  Unfortunately, it happens all the time, even couples in ministry.   I believe that … Read More

– This week's Sunday stuff is going to be short because I didn't teach this weekend – Pastor John taught Revelation 6:9-7:17. Head he did an awesome job! – I took the weekend off to spend with my family – I've been traveling a lot (a least a lot by my standards) over the last few months that we needed some time away – It was great spending a couple of hours in the pool playing and getting some sun – You'd never know I live in Miami based on how white I am 🙂 – Also was able to … Read More

– Taking a few days off. Really needing it. After traveling as much as I have recently, I need some time to reconnect with my family. – That means we'll be in the pool for the next 3 days if my daughter gets a vote 🙂 – I've been really blessed by the feedback from the www.church-strategies.com newsletter. People seem to be really enjoying it. Next edition goes out Tuesday. You can subscribe here. – Just read Jim Collins new book, "How the Mighty Fall". Um… it's powerful! – I can't believe the Coaching network I'm leading is almost over! … Read More

Here's a snapshot into what my week is going to look like… Monday: I'm spending the morning trying to finish up this renovation to my office.  I'm loving how it's tuning out. It needed it.  The books were pushing me out 🙂 Then spending the afternoon with the usual battery of meetings.   Tuesday: The www.church-strategies.com newsletter is going out.  Plus, we're rolling out a brand new resource called, "How to Make Every Sunday Like Easter".  You can sign up for the newsletter here.  Wednesday: Study day.  I'm trying to get a week ahead in my message prep.  Praying it's fruitful.      … Read More

– Awesome services today!   – Taught Revelation 6:1-8. Nothing says the week after Mother's Day like talking about the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse 🙂 – I love teaching through Revelation!  People are really into it.   – The school bell rang in the middle of our 1st service.  I wasn't happy about that.   – I talked about honoring God with your finances as 1 point in the message and 82 people took the tithe challenge!  Totally excited about that!   – At www.church-strategies.com we have a resource to help churches utilize the Tithe Challenge to inspire new giving in … Read More