One of the questions I get regularly is, “How do you create a Small Groups culture in your church?” There’s several reasons, but here’s one that’s absolutely essential: Eliminate the competition. When Small Groups is one of 50 ministries people can get involved in, Small Groups lose their power to involve everyone because there’s too much competition. When you say, “We want everyone to get into a small group” and you follow that up making canceling anything that could compete with small groups for time, space, volunteers and attention, you’re on your way to creating a culture of small groups.

My daughter watches “My Friends Tigger and Pooh” and if you have kids, you know when there’s a problem to solve, they go into “Think, think, think” mode. I think as church leaders we tend to go into action mode immediately without taking time to think things through. I was just reading about a man, who rented an office 15 minutes away from his “normal” office that had nothing but a comfortable chair and a CD player for background music. He would go here simply to think. One wise man said if people would stop to think for 30 minutes … Read More

This week I’m staring down the barrel of several big decisions. This got me thinking about how as leaders we make dozens of decisions every day. Think about it: we make decisions about personnel, location, ministries, events, outreach, systems and ideas every day. I have found that when my mission, vision and values are clear, most decisions are easy to make. It’s when I’m unclear about what God has called me to do that decision making becomes much more difficult. So maybe it’s not so much about becoming a better decision maker and more about getting clearer on our mission.

– Amazing Sunday! – The church was back. Summer is over! Thank God! Great crowd at all services. – I hadn’t taught in 3 weeks, so I felt like a caged lion being released. – Mark did a great job. He taught for me the last 2 Sundays, so it was great to have him leading worship again. – We started our “Go Green” series and talked about 5 ways to master our money. – Leaders – people have money problems! We have to teach what the Bible says about money. – I’m not just talking about tithing. I’m talking … Read More

I really enjoyed being in Phoenix over the last week, but I’m glad to be home. I feel as though God focused my vision over the last week and I don’t know if I would have slowed down enough to hear Him had I been in the hustle and bustle of ministry life. I realized how much I need times to get out of my routine and hear from God. Being part of a coaching network has served this purpose for quite some time. I find the drive time just as important as the network itself. It gives me time … Read More

– I started my morning off with a double BBQ Bacon cheeseburger from Carl’s Jr. (my 1st time at Carl’s Jr. – I have to say, burgers for breakfast is something I can get used to) – Then I had a great time teaching nearly 100 Pastors in Phoenix with Nelson Searcy. Assimilation is such an important system in any church. It was great to help that many Pastors and churches. – Had In N’ Out for lunch. The pics is available on my Twitter. Double Double animal style w/ animal style fries. Delicious doesn’t even do it justice… – … Read More

– I’m in Phoenix this week – I haven’t been to Phoenix since 1995 when I was on tour with my band. Man, I feel old 🙂 – I’m attending a training event this week. – I’m also co-teaching an assimilation seminar with Nelson Searcy on Thursday, August 14th from 9AM-Noon. If you’re in the area and want to be part of it, the link is here. – I haven’t gone to In N’ Out Burger yet, but trust me, it’s going to happen! There’s a Double Double animal style in my future 🙂 – It’s hot here! Carey said … Read More

It was a great day at the Leadership Summit! I enjoyed connecting with a few friends and spending time with our staff talking about leadership. Here’s a few highlights straight from my moleskin journal… Bill Hybels (Session 1) There are 4 types of people in our churches: (1) those exploring the faith, (2) those beginning in the faith, (3) those growing in the faith and (4) those whose lives are Christ centered. The biggest gap is between those who are growing the faith and those who are Christ centered. Why? Because those who are Christ centered “no longer count their … Read More

I have the tapes and CD’s (yes I still have tapes) of every Leadership Summit dating back to 1996. Today is the first time that I’m actually going to the event. The whole staff is coming with me, so I’m looking forward to a great 2 days of listening, learning, idea gathering and catching up with some peeps. Ill be posting some updates on the blog later. Since I won’t be bringing my computer (my moleskin journal will be in full effect), but I will be twittering the event. You can follow me on Twitter here.

One of the things I’m looking forward to next week is being in Phoenix with Nelson Searcy at a Fusion Seminar we’re doing. I’m looking forward to meeting some people in person that I’ve only known through blogging, twitter and email. So if you’re in the area, come out to the seminar. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about how to help first time guests take next steps and feel welcome in your church. Plus, I’d love to connect. The seminar is on Thursday, August 14th, from 9-Noon. You can sign up for the seminar here.