It is my joy and privilege to introduce to you newhope's brand new Student Ministries Pastor and spouse, namely Scott and Ashley Stevenson. They will start in ministry at newhope in June 2010! After a long search for the best candidate we could find, we are so stink'in stoked about the Stevensons. Here's a brief bio:
Scott was born and raised in California and Ashley in Arizona. They both graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in May 2007, got married in June 2007 and have been working in youth ministry for the past 3 years. Scott and Ashley have a heart for engaging with, living life with and meeting students where they are. In their words, "We can't wait to dive in to the life and ministry of newhope." -----
Scott and Ashley - welcome to newhope - we are already praying for you and can't wait to have you in the area!
As I type, I am sitting in The Blues Room at the Renaissance O'Hare Hotel with Pastor Bill Hybels and 14 other Leadership Summit host site pastors. As we talk and share, I am reminded of the many things I personally admire about Bill Hybels. Here are some leadership qualities that I most admire in this man of God - I hope they encourage/challenge you:
Endurance - Bill started and has pastored Willowcreek Community Church for 34 + years. Friends, that is a long time. Ministry is hard and sustainability difficult. Here is a man that has authored over 20 books, poured himself into millions of Christian and unChristian leaders around the world, while continuing to lead his flock with excellence and integrity!
Leadership/Wisdom - He reads furiously and leadership just oozes out of this man. This is the second time I have met with Bill and I always walk away thinking, "This man has a wealth of wisdom stored up from decades of study." In addition to always reading leadership books, Bill is a man of the Word and biblical wisdom pours forth in his words and actions. Friends, you can't fake it for long and Bill is the real deal.
His Heart for the Harvest - Jesus said, "I have come to seek and save the lost." (Luke 19:10) I have never been around Bill when I didn't walk away with my heart enlarged for saving lost people. I will never forget the first Prevailing Church Conference I attended in the year 2000. I watched as Bill Hybels poured his heart out on stage for the church reaching lost people. I had heard his critics. I had read their articles about Bill and Willow. As I sat there watching tears pour out of this man's eyes, I knew his critics didn't have a clue. The reason Willow is so big is is NOT because they water down the Gospel, but because Bill has raised up an army that is determined to see lost people found, the very reason for which Jesus came to planet earth!
His heart for the local church - The one who coined the phrase, "The church is the hope of the world," Bill articulates better than anyone I know the beauty and potential of the local church. He always ignites passion, hopes, and dreams for the bride of Christ!
Boldness - Not abrasive or ever mean spirited, Bill speaks the truth. I respect that he seems to have matured to a point of always being gentle and loving, while at the same time speaking biblical truth. I highly respect and admire that ability.
A deep Love for his staff - I have caught a new glimpse of this trait in our time together here in Chicago. He loves his team. He serves his team. He meets with his team and with individuals. People will go with us, leaders, if they know we truly love them. (John 15:9 - 17)
Energizing Ability - The man just lights up a room. I have often said there are two kinds of people in the world. There are thermostats and thermometers. Thermometers take and record the temperature in a room, while thermostats set the temperature in a room. Bill is definitely a thermostat. With a mix of humility and leadership, he energizes people. Plain and simple, when you leave a room from being with Bill Hybels, you are more energized to serve Christ, love His people, and help make the church the beautiful bride of Christ. Every time I have ever been around Bill, I leave that experience wanting to be a better pastor, dad, husband, and servant leader. For that, this trip was well worth the time and effort. Thanks Bill.
Time to catch a plane back home! Peace and much love...
Our team is stoked to offer the Global Leadership Summit at newhope church on August 5 - 6, 2010. I have been attending the Summit for 10 years now and never thought we would be able to host one. From time to time over the course of the next few months, I will offer posts informing everyone of what is coming in August. Today, I thought I would offer an overview from about 30,000 feet by sharing the speaker line-up for this year's Leadership Summit! Everyone in and around central, North Carolina is invited to attend this year's Leadership Summit. We would be honored to host and serve you and/or your teams.
Bill Hybels is the founding and Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois -
Bill convened The Global Leadership Summit in 1995, following a God-given prompting to help raise and develop the spiritual gift of leadership for the local church. Both visionary and passionate about seeing every local church reach its full God-given potential, he speaks around the world on strategic issues related to leadership, evangelism, and church growth. Bill is an exceptional communicator and is known as a best-selling author of more than 20 books, including the upcoming release, The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God and Having the Guts to Respond.
Jim Collins - Best-selling Author/ Nationally Acclaimed Business Thinker -
Jim Collins, nationally acclaimed business thinker, serves as a teacher to leaders throughout the corporate and social sectors. Author of the best-selling books Good to Great and Built to Last, he is a student of companies—how they grow, how they attain superior performance, and how good companies can become great companies. His writings, based on groundbreaking research, have been featured in Fortune, BusinessWeek, The Economist, USA Today, and Harvard Business Review. His latest volume, How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In, looks at common mistakes of organizations in a state of decline and what leaders can do to reverse negative patterns and flourish anew.
T D Jakes - Best-selling Author Chief Pastor, The Potter's House -
Named by TIME magazine as one of the "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America," Bishop Thomas Dexter (T.D.) Jakes is an entrepreneur, global advocate, philanthropist, and pastor of The Potter's House. Located in Dallas, Texas, this multiracial, non-denominational congregation has more than 30,000 members. Known for his service to both the church and the global community, he's led initiatives to combat domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and AIDS. A prolific writer, Bishop Jakes has authored more than 30 books, including two New York Times best-sellers. A past and popular Summit speaker, he will close the 2010 gathering with a powerful and moving reminder of the greatness of God!
Jack Welch - Best-selling Author Former Chairman and CEO, General Electric -
Said to be the most studied CEO of the 20th century, Jack Welch began his 41-year career with the General Electric Company in 1960, and in 1981 became the company's eighth chairman and CEO. Fortune named him "manager of the century," and the Financial Times named him one of the three most admired business leaders in the world. He teaches at MIT's Sloan School of Management and recently launched the Jack Welch Management Institute at Chancellor University, offering advanced management degrees online. A prolific business writer, he authored the internationally best-selling autobiography, Jack: Straight from the Gut and also wrote The Welch Way, a widely read Business Week column.
Andy Stanley - Senior Pastor, North Point Community Church Founder, North Point Ministries -
Under the leadership of Andy Stanley, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, has become one of the largest and most innovative churches in the United States. Founded in 1995, the church has grown to three campuses and a weekly attendance of more than 22,000 people. They have also helped plant more than 20 strategic partner churches across North America. Stanley is a dynamic speaker and author whose books include Visioneering, Next Generation Leader, and Communicating for a Change. His latest volume, The Principle of the Path, explores a basic truth that can eliminate regret, as it helps to successfully move people from where they are to where they want to go.
Christine Caine - Author of Director of Equip & Empower Ministries Founder of The A21 Campaign -
Known for her ability to communicate profound messages of hope and inspiration, Christine Caine has a heart for reaching the lost, strengthening leadership, championing the cause of justice, and building the local church globally. Part of the leadership team and pastor at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia for 20 years, she also directs Equip & Empower Ministries. Recently she founded The A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to the care and healing of victims of human trafficking. An avid believer in the hope-giving power of the local church, she is the author of A Life Unleashed, Stop Acting Like a Christian—Just Be One; Run To Win, and her latest book, Can I Have (and do) It All, Please?
Tony Dungy - Best-selling Author Winning Coach of 2007 Super Bowl NBC Analyst -
One of the most admired and beloved figures in professional sports, Tony Dungy's name is synonymous with character and integrity. A former professional football player, he coached the Indianapolis Colts for seven years, becoming the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl. Since his retirement, he has written two best-selling books, Quiet Strength and Uncommon, and is an analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. Involved in the work of many not-for-profit organizations, he also takes an active role in mentoring younger athletes. Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, will talk to him about his new book, The Mentor Leader, and how to positively influence others through personal coaching.
Dr. Xhao - Leading Chinese Economist and Chairman of Cypress Leadership Institute & Professor, University of Science and Technology, Beijing -
A prominent Chinese economist, Dr. Xhao was commissioned by his government to study the success of the American economy. He concluded that a moral foundation allowed the economy to flourish, argued that China's economy would benefit from the spread of the Christian faith, and embraced Christianity himself. He continues to be a respected scholar and government advisor, speaking openly about the influence of Christianity on economics. Our first non-English speaking faculty member, he will lean on a gifted translator to share his thoughts on the relationship between morality and a market economy, the state of the Church in China, and the challenges of leadership as a Christian in a secular Communist country.
Blake Mycoskie - Founder and "Chief Shoe Giver" of TOMS Shoes, Inc. -
Acknowledged as one of today's most dynamic serial entrepreneurs, Blake Mycoskie launched five successful companies before the age of 30. He is best known as the founder and "chief shoe giver" of TOMS shoes, a for-profit company with a unique social enterprise model that has drawn tremendous media attention. Providing a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold, they have distributed more than 400,000 pairs of shoes to children around the world to date. Darren Whitehead, teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, will interview Mycoskie on leading organizations with a cause and navigating the start-up phase of an organization.
Terri Kelly - President and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates Innovation Leaders and makers of GORE-TEX® Products -
Terri Kelly is president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, a 50-year old, multi-billion dollar enterprise that is often profiled as an example of the future of management. A pioneer in lattice-based management structure, Gore's "associates" become leaders based on their ability to gain the respect of their peers and to attract followers. Kelly became president and CEO in 2005, after she was elected by her peers to serve in that role. Employing more than 8,000 associates in 45 plants around the world, Gore produces many unique products, including Gore-Tex® fabric, and is perpetually named on lists of "the best places to work." Kelly will explain how this unique culture works on a practical level.
Daniel Pink - Best-selling Author Business Thinker and Former White House speechwriter -
Best-selling author, business thinker, and former White House speechwriter, Daniel Pink has been credited with defining a new era in the workplace. His book A Whole New Mind examined the kinds of "right brain" skills that will be required as we move from an Information Age to a Conceptual Age. His new book, Drive, looks at the science of motivation, and he'll be revealing key findings about the forces that will drive employees in well-led organizations of the future: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Pink is also the author of Free Agent Nation, and his articles on business and technology have appeared in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Wired.
Adam Hamilton - Founder and Senior Pastor, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection -
Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. One of the fastest growing, most influential mainline churches in America, the adult membership has increased from four to 13,000 since 1990. Leaning on personal leadership experience, Hamilton provides perceptive insights into how and why leaders fall—and how to help preempt such failures within a team before they occur. The author of several books, including Leading Beyond the Walls, 24 Hours That Changed the World, and Making Love Last a Lifetime, he was identified as one of the top "Ten People to Watch in America's Spiritual Landscape" by PBS's Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.
Jeff Manion - Senior Pastor, Ada Bible Church -
Known for his vibrant teaching skills and passion for communicating the Scriptures in a clear and relevant way, Jeff Manion has served as teaching pastor of Ada Bible Church in West Michigan for more than 25 years. His church of 6,000 attendees was named by Outreach magazine as one of America's largest and fastest growing churches in 2009. Using video venues and two offsite campuses, they strive to create a small church feeling within a large church setting. Invited to the Summit after Bill Hybels heard a taped message he gave on The Land Between, Manion will share biblical insights on how to avoid pitfalls that can easily entrap those who are living in a time of transition.
We are experiencing one of the most amazing success stories in westernized capitalism, namely the "I" revolution produced by Apple. Have you ever considered what makes Apple so successful?
Gary Hamel, who writes in the Wall Street Journal on management, wrote an interesting article on the ideals that have made Apple the company that they are today. This was his list:
Be passionate. “I think, for a company to generate years of exceptional returns unless it first devotes itself to the pursuit of an exceptional ideal.”
Lead, don’t follow. Apple “always sets out to radically redefine a category with a distinctive product or business model.”
Aim to surprise. “Apple seems committed to exceeding expectations—to evoking a “Wow!” from even its most jaded customers.”
Be unreasonable. “Reasonable people don’t produce breakthroughs.”
Innovate incessantly and pervasively. Apple “must be relieved that innovation is still a sideshow in so many of their competitors.”
Sweat the details. “Great design isn’t just about bold strokes, it’s about getting all of the tiny things right that conspire together to make a product truly exceptional.”
Think like an engineer, feel like an artist. “A company can’t produce beautiful products if the bean counters win every argument.”
This is just a portion of Hamel’s thoughts. Bottom line, from my perspective, the church and her pastors could/should learn a great deal from Apple as it relates to impacting our culture. The big difference is Christ far exceeds any Apple products. All the more reason to lead the way with passion, surprise, innovation, details and the like!
It is really no secret that I am a HUGE John Wesley fan. I have been a student of Mr. Wesley for over 20 years now. With the exception of the apostle Paul, I truly believe he was one of the most amazing believers of all time.
Last Sunday, we talked about the idol of money/greed. We are in a current series titled, American Idols. I wish I had remembered this story to work into my message last Sunday. Hopefully, God will use it to speak to your heart now.
John Wesley was one of the great evangelists of the 18th Century, born in 1703. In 1731 he began to limit his expenses so that he would have more money to give to the poor. In the first year his income was 30 pounds and he found he could live on 28 and so gave away two. In the second year his income doubled but he held his expenses even, and so he had 32 pounds to give away (a comfortable year's income). In the third year his income jumped to 90 pounds and he gave away 62 pounds. In his long life Wesley's income advanced to as high as 1,400 pounds in a year. But he rarely let his expenses rise above 30 pounds. He said that he seldom had more than 100 pounds in his possession at a time.
This so baffled the English Tax Commissioners that they investigated him in 1776 insisting that for a man of his income he must have silver dishes that he was not paying excise tax on. He wrote them, "I have two silver spoons at London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate I have at present, and I shall not buy any more while so many round me want bread."
When he died in 1791 at the age of 87, the only money mentioned in his will was the coins to be found in his pockets and dresser. Most of the 30,000 pounds he had earned in his life had been given away. He wrote, "I cannot help leaving my books behind me whenever God calls me hence; but in every other respect, my own hands will be my executors."
In other words, I will put a control on spending myself, and I will go beyond the tithe for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. (Quotes from Mission Frontiers, Sept./Oct. 1994, pp. 23-24.)
Do you have the gift of that kind of generosity? If so, God will do great things in and through you. If not, still a powerful witness and encouragement nonetheless.
It was also John Wesley who said, "Make all you can...save all you can...give all you can!"
Whatever you do this weekend, you do NOT want to miss the Festival of Hope at newhope church tomorrow! The festival events include a 5K race, train rides, climbing walls, bungee jumping trampolines, and much much more for all ages! It all starts at 8:30 am and will wrap up somewhere around 12:30 pm. The forecast is currently 73° and completely sunny, without a cloud in that Duke blue sky. :-) OK— I realize many of you will stop reading now or argue that the sky is actually Carolina blue. It all depends on how light or dark the sky is tomorrow – we can argue about it at the church. Seriously, though, invite those friends and neighbors and come join the fun.
On Sunday, we will wrap up our current series, The Heart of a Pastor. In preparation, go ahead and read chapter 4 of II Timothy. The last chapter of this last book from Paul to Timothy is slammed with relevant teaching about the value of living this life fully while never forgetting that this life is only a rehearsal for the eternal life to come!
Speaking of heaven, I am reminded of a man woke up from surgery and said, "Doctor, was the surgery a success?" The man with him said, "I'm not your doctor. I'm St. Peter." :-) The truth is we should all live with an ever present awareness that this life is fleeing and the next life is the only experience truly eternal!
A 2005 poll, conducted by Newsweek asked the question: "What happens when we die?"
67% believe the soul goes to heaven or hell
13% believe the the soul lives on in some kind of spiritual realm
6% believe it's all over; there is no soul.
5 % believe the soul is reincarnated into another life
9% Don't know
As Paul is getting to the end of the book and the end of his life, he says to young Timothy and the church, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (II Timothy 4:6 – 8)
I don’t know about you, but I want to live like the apostle Paul so that I can stand at the end of the road, grateful for the way in which I have lived on point for Christ in this world, while at the same time joyfully looking ahead to the next world where we will receive, in the words of Scripture, “TheCrown of righteousness.” We will explore the theme of heaven and earth more this Sunday.
In Honor of Saint Patrick and the Celtic Way of Evalngelism...
The (Revised) Story of St. Patrick...
I. The (Revised) Story of St. Patrick (400 AD, New England)
A. He experienced enslavement to Miliuc’s people:
B. The three changes he experienced:
1. The natural revelation – He experienced the presence of God. He began praying, at times 100 times a day. He experienced profound conversion and transformation.
2. Learned the language and culture quickly.
3. He fell in I love with his captives.
C. A Dream, an Escape, 25 years, and another Dream: After six years, he had a dream. “Wake up early, gather some food, and start walking toward the northeast…your cattle and yourself will be protected…you will see a ship and it will take you to freedom.” The next 25 years of his life is not well known to us. We know he went to Gaul and possibly England. He acquired a theological education and soon had another dream and heard, “Oh holy boy, come walk among us!” He saw this as his Macedonian dream to take the gospel to the Irish people!
D. 432 A.D: Apostolic Bishop to the Irish: He told the bishop his dream and he and the Pope bought it. He was commissioned to be the apostolic bishop to the Irish. He was 48 years old.
1. The Irish were “Barbarians!”
a. The Romans tended to think that anybody not speaking Latin was barbarian.
b. They could not read or write. They were nonliterate.
c. The Romans believed that civilized meant emotional control. The Irish were not emotionally controlled.
d. The Irish and other Celtic people were known to sometimes practice human sacrifice.
e. The Irish had an unusual way of practicing warfare. They would sometimes fight buck-naked. :-)
2. The Irish were “Prepared”
150 Celtic tribes, they all spoke Gaelic. In 432 AD, they sailed for Ireland to a place called Saul and that became the first place for a church in Ireland.
II. The Movement’s Achievement
For about 27 years, Patrick and others itinerated for the sake of the gospel. New churches popped up. Forty to fifty of the 150 tribes became Christian. In 460 AD, St. Patrick died.
A. Ireland by c. 500 A.D.
B. 563: Columba to the “Picts” of Scotland – This became the “Holy Island.”
C. 633: Aidan to the Anglo-Saxons of England
D. 600: Columbanus to the “barbarian” peoples of Europe.
E. The Irish thereby “Saved Civilization!” (Thomas Cahill)
III. The Big Question: HOW did they do that?
How did they evangelize the western world with the very barbaric people that the Roman people had concluded were unreachable?
A. They prepared their people in “monastic communities”
1. You would spend some time in isolation.
2. You were given a soul friend.
3. You met weekly in a small group.
4. You participated in the life of the whole community.
5. You lived in a monastic setting that engaged life with seekers.
B. They sent people out in “apostolic teams”. Roughly a dozen or so people.
C. They were nature friendly. (They viewed nature as the second book of God.)
D. They were culture friendly. – For Rome, you had to do church their way. Patrick and others however, knew that Christianity is more caught than taught.
E. They were fairly religion friendly. (You always build on what you can.)
F. They exercised “the ministry of hospitality.”
G. The credibility of Celtic leaders and people commended their message.
The Celtic example still challenges us with questions like:
1. Do we believe the gospel?
2. Do we live out what we believe?
3. Does it make any difference?
H. Compared to the Roman branch of the Church, their approach was “right brained.”
They looked to the Shamrock to help explain the Trinity – one branch, three leaves - One God, three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - the Holy Trinity.
They understood the process of Evangelism different than the Roman branch. (from John Finney, Recovering the Past: Celtic and Roman Mission, 1996)
THE ROMAN WAY
1.Proclaim the gospel
2. Invite them to accept
3. Baptize them
THE CELTIC WAY
1. Begin with assimilation
2. Engage people in ministry and conversation
3. In time, they believe and then they commit and then you baptize.
J. The Celtic Movement always paid the price to understand the people.
Three incredibly relevant and pertinent points for the church today we learn from St. Patrick and the Celtic approach to evangelism:
1. The more you understand someone; the more you will know what to say and how to be in ministry with them.
2. The more they know you understand them, the more perceived right you have to share good news.
3. If we will pay the price to get to know them, then they will run the risk that our God understands them too.
I am extremely indebted to the lectures I heard by Dr. George Hunter while working on my Doctorate at Asbury Theological Seminary and for his two books, "The Celtic Way of Evangelism" and "Church for the Unchurched"? He is the premier scholar when it comes to the Celtic Way of Evangelism. Thanks Dr Hunter!
If you are a pastor out there, or a senior leader in the business world, let me tell you about Ted & Company TheatreWorks. I usually don't do these kinds of endorsements but these guys are REALLY good!
Last month, we honored all of the volunteers of newhope church! Plain and simple - without our volunteers our church is nothing. So, we like to throw ginormous parties for these folks at least once a year!
We hosted a special evening at the church whereby all the staff wore black clothes with white serving aprons! We were able to serve hundreds and hundreds of newhope volunteers. We went all out! We provided fancy-smancy deserts, a chillaxin jazz band, and the entertainment was provided by Tedd and Jeff of Ted and Company.
What I admired most about these two men was the way in which they took humor and theology and the Bible and seamlessly wove it all together to the glory and honor of Christ. They gave our volunteers, and our staff I might add, the gift of humor and inspiration. If you are looking for good hearted, meaningful and wholesome Christian entertainment, without all the cheesiness that often accompanies such an endeavor, then I highly recommend Ted and Company.
So there you have it, my rare endorsement/commercial post... :-)
{BTW - Don’t forget to spring your clocks forward by one hour THIS Saturday}
In preparation for Sunday, go ahead and study II Timothy 2:8 — 3:5. In this passage, the Word speaks to us about the resurrection power of the Gospel, the living power of the Word, what it means to be a Christian approved by God, and godlessness in the last days. I encourage you to read the text in advance and bring your Bible with you on Sunday!
As I was studying this passage this morning, I was reminded of the life changing power of the Word of God. Paul puts it like this:
This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's Word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (II Timothy 2:8 – 10)
The phrase, “But God’s Word is not chained,” jumped off the page this morning. I am so thankful for the Word of God! I think a mark of spiritual maturity is an ever growing appreciation, respect, and passion for the Word.
My hope and prayer for our church is that the Word will take on a greater place of importance and power in your life! For all the negative things in this world, the Bible offers a positive/counter response that personally, helps me make it through life. I think it will do the same for you. For example:
When everything feels impossible, the Bible teaches, “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)
When I am too tired, the Bible reminds me that Jesus said, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 — 30)
When we are tempted to believe that nobody really loves us, the Bible reminds us that God says, “I love you.” (John 3:16)
When life is hard and we start to feel like we can’t go on, the Bible promises, “My grace is sufficient.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
When I am confused and I can’t figure things out, thankfully the Bible says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5 — 6)
When I am not able, the Bible declares, “I am able!” (Philippians 4:13)
When I want to throw in the towel in life or ministry or both because I feel like it’s simply not worth it, the Bible promises, “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)
When we can’t find the strength to forgive ourselves, Grace speaks through the word, “I forgive you.” (I John 1:9)
When I feel as though I can’t manage all of the demands, the Bible says, “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)
When you are afraid, the Bible speaks softly, “I have not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (II Timothy 1:7)
When life finds us worried and frustrated, the Bible says, “Cast all your cares on me.” (I Peter 5:7)
When I want to scream, I don’t have enough faith, the Bible assures me, “I’ve given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
When I don’t feel smart enough, the Bible assures me, “I’ll give you wisdom.” (I Corinthians 1:30)
And when I feel all alone, the Bible comforts by declaring, “I will never leave or forsake you.” (Hebrews 12:5)
I can’t wait to see you Sunday as we continue studying the Word of the Lord!
The conference, Unleash, that we went to last week had two main sessions. I posted my unedited notes from session one earlier and want to share session two, as well. Enjoy...
Session #2 Speaker - Perry Noble
Acts 14:8 - 20
8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.
14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
Be very careful about the crowd – the one they deify they will also crucify.
ILLUSTRATION: Perry tells the story of being hit in the head by a rock by a young kid in public. The point is that this incident is a lot like ministry. People in the church still like to stone/throw rocks at the leader.
Three Important Words:
1.Awareness – Folks who are not the Senior Pastor have no idea.They didn't stone Barnabas but Paul.Three rocks to be prepared for: 1.) The Rock of Distractions – never get distracted with any agenda other than Jesus!Genesis 11:30 – Listen to your critics as much as those that tell you good things!God picked a 90 yr old barren woman to show people His glory! 2.) The Rock of Deception – people think we slip into glorification when we are called into ministry.We do NOT have to do everything! The Bible call those who do not work LAZY.The Bible calls those who do not rest DISOBEDIENT.How is your wife? STOP TAKING MY PHONE ON DATE NIGHTS WITH AMY LYNN! :-)PROTECT AMY LYNN AND MY KIDDOS! My marriage is the most important marriage in the church.3.) The Rock of Discouragement – BTW – when church is over, NORMAL people go home – only the crazy people have to find you.Listen to your coaches and not your critics.
2.Unity – you have to be a man who is worth rallying around.Lead with integrity.Don’t lead with guilt and intimidation.Lead with sexual integrity.Get BIG vision from God! Great vision brings great leaders!
3.Listen - Always listen to people, especially your staff. Ask this to your staff when they come to you with a problem, “WHAT DO YOU THINK?”When it comes to children’s and students ministry here is what I have to do – make sure they are funded and do NOT compromise the gospel and GET OUT OF THEIR WAY!Keep short accounts – don’t stay mad at people.Make expectations clear.Make the vision clear.HONOR their time.
4.Passion – Stay put and lead with passion and stay the long haul.“After the disciples gathered around him…they helped him and he got back up and went back into the city!” If I get the right team around me, I can take any stones and stay in the ministry for the long haul.You can tell a leader by how much pain he is willing to take.
Many have requested the Stand/Step Up part from my message on Sunday. I can't quite remember where I first heard a version of this. Some female speaker gave me the idea and of course, I tweaked it and "newhope'ized" for Sunday. :-)
Enjoy...
It’s time for Christians to Step Up
If you see injustice, STAND UP
If something needs to be said, SPEAK UP
If you make an appointment, SHOW UP
If you make a mistake, FESS UP
If you’re overstepping, BACK UP
If you get behind, CATCH UP
If they knock you down, GET UP…and do away with timidity!
If you’re out of line, STRAIGHTEN UP
When your boss instructs, KEEP UP
When the elderly speak, LISTEN UP
When your preacher preaches, WAKE UP (I threw that one in there for fun ☺)
When your country calls, MAN UP
Ladies too... WOMAN UP
When the fight is over, MAKE UP
If you’re being hard, EASE UP
If your heart is closed, OPEN UP
If you want to buy something, SAVE UP
It’s not an entitlement, so SHUT UP!
If you make a mess, CLEAN IT UP
If you drop trash, PICK IT UP
If a car is waiting for you to walk cross the street, dagumit SPEED IT UP!
If you’re cold busted, GIVE IT UP
If people fall down, HELP THEM UP
Not the government, YOU STEP UP …and do away with timidity!
If you have a concern, BRING IT UP
If idiots start fighting, BREAK IT UP
If the music is good and wholesome, TURN IT UP
If the message is poisonous, THROW IT UP
If your words are vulgar, CLAM IT UP
If your words encourage, KEEP IT UP
If your pants are baggy, PULL THEM UP (Pants on the ground – pants on the ground – looking like a fool with your pants on the ground ☺)
If you’re dressed half naked, COVER IT UP
If you can’t afford it, PASS IT UP
No “bailouts” folks, PONY UP
If you make a promise, BACK IT UP
When life is good, SOAK IT UP
When life’s unfair, SUCK IT UP
When life is sad, just LOOK STRAIGHT UP
And life’s too short people, so LIVE IT UP!
And Paul would say live it up NOT with timidity, but power, love, and self discipline! (I Timothy 1:7)
By far, one of the best Sundays we have experienced at newhope in quite some time! The transition to three services was/is exactly what we needed. It just fills good to have space again.
We have some of the best volunteers in the world! In my opinion, the people in the blue/red/black shirts rock for God!
I don't know if I can quite communicate this but God was all over the Word yesterday. I don't mean "me." I mean, despite what I was saying or trying to do with the text, God's Spirit was doing His own thing in, through, and among the people. It was a jaw dropping day for me as people kept approaching me letting me know how God spoke and moved directly in their lives/circumstances. I guess that is why Paul told Timothy, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man/woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16 - 17)
Lots and lots of guests these days - WELCOME.
We desperately need more diversity in our Worship Arts Ministry. Truthfully, I can't stand it when I look on the stage and everyone is white and I look in the congregation and I see the beautiful diversity of God's creation. Plain and simple -- our stage should represent our congregation/community. Curtis and I, and all the other WAM members for that matter, would love to see this change. Some of our teams have diversity but ALL of our teams need diversity!
Pulse, our senior high student ministry, was off the chain yesterday. In the last three weeks, that number of students has quadrupled! It was definitely the right move to bring the Pulse down from 4:30 pm to 10:10 am.
I cannot seem to shake this head cold/congestion. It's going on two weeks now -- enough already.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7) Put that one to memory!
If you go by the church office today it will be very quiet. I invited everyone on the senior staff team to take the day off. We have been running very very hard and with the travel last week, needed a break. Please remember to pray for your pastors/staff.
I am finding it very hard to talk or move this morning. :-)
It's time to start bass fishing!
Please pray for the search team reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates for pastor/staff positions at newhope. There are lots of resumes and some excellent candidates! Pray for wisdom, discernment, guidance, and providence/favor.
We launch into a new series in the morning called, "The Heart of a Pastor!" I looking forward to hunkering down and just plowing through II Timothy over the course of the next three weeks. This is a great book in which Paul is speaking his heart to young Timothy and yet, the Word is relevant and applicable for us two thousand years later!
In preparation, go ahead and read II Timothy 1:1 - 2:7. When done, say a prayer for yourself. Pray for me. And pray for our church! Then, get up ready to lean in and Worship Jesus on a beautiful Sunday morning!
Unleash 2010 was really strong this year. Everything seemed extra relevant and just what our team needed to hear. I love this church and their amazing volunteers. They really know how to serve and create amazing environments for pastors and leaders to grow. Thanks Pastor Perry and the Unleash gang!
Here are my notes from session #1. They are raw and jut as I took them. You might find a typo or two and incomplete sentences but I am A-OK with that... :-)
Joshua 5 - four factors that help leaders lead boldly and jump into leadership with risky faith:
1.Desperation Factor –
Joshua 5 - 1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.
2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. [a]
Leadership is hard! Joshua was called to circumcise 600 K men b/w the ages of 20 – 60.Can you say, "OUCH."
In Genesis 34 – 2 men killed a whole village with spears b/c of the pain of this dealio.
God had them circumcised b/f they entered the promise land.That would have been safe, predictable, and organized but NO – God was teaching them how to be desperate and reliable, and broken b/f they entered. God wanted to MARK them and make them desperate for God!
QUESTION – when was the last time we were desperate for God?God wants us in uncomfortable circumstances so we are desperate!
If you are following God, your back will always be against the wall financially! Lead with faith!
Without faith, it is impossible to please God!
2.The Sacrifice Factor –
2 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.
Can you imagine what the men felt like when he came and shared this vision/word from God?Have you ever preached a message when no one said amen?He was a great leader to be able to get this painful vision across.
Everyone LOVES progress in the church but few people like sacrifice.If we want to get where God wants us to go, we have to be willing to sacrifice.In particular, we have to be willing to sacrifice:
1. Our comforts – God uses comfort to make us complacent.Are we more concerned with attendance than repentance?
We should not be so concerned with people “Enjoying our services” – maybe God wants to make them mad or angry! It is OK with people being VERY uncomfortable! This church has to be OK with lost people acting lost! They can have as many tats as they want, pierce whatever they want pierced, talk like they want etc…JUST BE THANKFUL THEY ARE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD!
ILLUSTRATION:Man praying to receive Christ, said, “Jesus I am not worth a damn.If you can save me, I want you in my life!” That is a salvation prayer and yet, many of us need to stop worrying about the word he said and praise God for his salvation and Jesus in his life!
2. Our Conformity – they are far too many churches trying to conform to denominational headquarters.Most denominations are dying.Why do you want to conform to something that is dying.
Don't say you are missional – of course you are – you are the freaking church.Of course we are attractional – if not no one would be here!
3.The Recognition Factor – I love the Jesus in Revelation – the ultimate fighter Jesus who kicks butt and takes names.
Joshua would have never talked to Jesus if he had recognized Jesus.When Joshua recognized Jesus, it was face plant time b/f the King of Kings in Worship.The problem is we have to many leaders who don't recognize Jesus.In Matthew 16:18 – it is His church! Don't let powerful people intimidate you.Jesus is the most powerful man in the church! PERIOD!
When was the last time our team just go away and focused on Jesus!?
13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"
14 "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"
4.The Strategy Factor – A big lie in the world is that one size fits all.Do NOT buy into what experts say we should do. Listen, but then run it through our own filters.Here is the best strategy – LISTEN TO GOD – DO WHAT HE SAYS!
See Joshua 6:1 - 5
In the church world, we should be far more concerned with the supernatural over strategy.As the leader, seek and find God’s vision first and then deliver and depend the supernatural.God has the corner on the market of supernatural.Seek Him first! (Virgin birth, fish and chips, death and life…”
“If numbers are not important don't count your offering anymore.” NUMBERS ARE ALWAYS IMPORTANT! Never stop going after lost people and NEVER start believing small is better. It is a lie straight from the pit of hell!"
Do NOT depend on strategy – DEPEND ON HIM! We want God to do things so out of this world that we don't know how and the only explanation is GOD!
If you can fully explain what is going on in your church God is probably not doing much.The standard answer should be, “We don't know…” :-)
We should always be able to say, "There is more where that came from…we have not seen anything yet!"
He never said I want something – He wants EVERYTHING!
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN OUR CHURCH IF EVERYONE WHO SAID THEY BELIEVED DECLARED, "GOD, YOU CAN HAVE EVERYTHING – LET’S ROLL GOD!"
It would shake the foundations of the world people! Let's roll God!
What do the following speakers/authors/pastors have in common?
Jim Collins – Author Tony Dungy - Prior coach for the Indianapolis Colts Terry Kelly – Author Andy Stanley - author and Pastor of Northpoint Church Jeff Manion - Pastor in Michigan Blake Mycoskie – Tom’s shoes Dr. Chau – Chinese Speaker Dan Pink – Past White House Speaker Christine Caine – From Hillsong Australia Adam Hamilton – Pastor in Kansas Jack Welch – Interview with Jack Welch TD Jakes – Closing message
ANSWER - they are all speaking at the Leadership Summit August 5 - 6 and newhope church will be a satellite location for this event! Mark your calendars - it will be INCREDIBLE!
