I’m conducting an experiment. We have a lot of people in our church who have little or no church background (If I had a dollar for every time I heard that!). But seriously, because these folks are so new, they don’t come to church every week. This has its’ share of challenges. So this weekend I asked, “Who was here last weekend?” 50% of the hands went up. That makes sense because every week I stand up in front of these people and ask myself, “Who are these people?” We had a pretty good idea it was going to be … Read More

I wanted to send out some love to everyone at Calvary Fellowship for really stepping up to the plate when there was a big need in our community. A couple of weeks ago, a low income housing development a few miles from us caught fire and 10 apartments were completely torched! No one was injured, but these folks were left with nothing but the clothes on their back. The families were able to Our staff heard about it and started inquiring. Then we presented this opportunity to the church as a real and tangible way to love our neighbor. Fast … Read More

We finished our series on the church on Sunday that we called "Origins".  I think it’s one of the strongest series’ we’ve ever done.  I found that it was exactly what the church needed at this time.  But it’s time to move on.  Yet I still can’t get over this thought:  Why is the church in America still so different than the original church?  As we were going through this series looking at the early church, I couldn’t help but see the HUGE differences, even aside from the cultural stuff.  The love, the generosity, the community, the life transformation – … Read More

So I’m driving to south Miami for a meeting today and I’m ready to get on Turnpike when I see a construction sign (You know, the kind that flash and say, “Road construction starting on June 1st – Find alternate route”). Anyway, the construction sign said, “Turnpike, next right.” So I got on the Turnpike and realized that the Giant Green Turnpike sign has been down since Hurricane Wilma and hasn’t been replaced. That’s when I realized that there were no sign indicating the Turnpike exist for the last 3 months! All the locals know that’s the exit, but anyone … Read More

Yes, I know they’re in alphabetical order, but I believe Tony Morgan did that "Strategically" so we could be #6 on his coolest churches on his radar list.   It goes to show that you should should have a name that’s in the beginning of the aphabet.  I bet Willowcreek is rethinking their decision of picking that name.  Seriously, we’re honored…thank you.  Now the question is, how do I get my blog on Tony’s cool links list?  Here’s my case: #1 – I’ve read all of Tony’s books#2 – I’m subscribed to his blog#3 – I’m subscribed to his podcast#4 – … Read More

Today was awesome! The place was jammin’ and we gave our big push for small groups as a I taught a message on community called, “One Man Band”. The tables we had set up for people to sign up for a group were MOBBED after church. I think just about every group filled up today. I’m so excited that people are seeing the importance of community. Getting people into community hasn’t ever really been a difficult issue since we made groups a priority. I think it becomes harder if you have 50 different things going on and there’s too many … Read More

Well, it’s finally over!  The 2006 Southeast Pastor’s Conference is in the record books and I had a great time.  I always look forward to this conference for many reasons, but quite simply, it’s nice to sit and worship and listen to some great teaching without having to worry about if the A/C is cold enough (Yes, we’re still running the A/C in January in Florida) or why that person just got up.  For 3 days in January, that was someone else’s problem.  So here are my highlights:  #1 – Joel Sonnenberg – He spoke on helping those with disabilities.  … Read More

I had a great time today teaching at the Pastor’s conference, then I had the opportunity to teach the mid-week study over at Calvary Chapel Kendall.  Mark did the worship, then I shared the message.  It was a great time.  Pedro is one of my best friends and it’s always great to spend time with him.  These guys are doing a great job and God is blessing them tremendously! 

We’re having a great time at the conference.  It feels like a high school reunion.  Seeing people that I haven’t seen in years has been great.  I’ve been able to see former students of mine at the Bible College I was a part of and that’s been amazing.  The conference has been great so far.  The best one we’ve had in a long time. I got to be part of a panel discussion today that was a bit wierd for me. I was sitting on the stage next to Chuck Smith, Bob Coy, Don McClure, Danny Hodges and Gayle Erwin.  … Read More

My man Rod Pearcy over at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has let us know the lineup for the Calvary Chapel Southeast Pastor’s Conference.  He’s going to be giving highlights throughout the conference.  It’s wierd to see my name in the midst of guys that I admire so much.  Excited?  Yes.  Nervous?  What do you think?