Dream Team Summit

Our Dream Team Summit was tremendous last Saturday. We discovered 12 core values of Bethel Temple as nearly 100 people completed a core values discovery tool. Then, each table had to work through their lists of 12. Finally, all 14 tables put their lists on the board and narrowed to 12 core values.

It was an exciting exercise. We are working to put the twelve values into 12 memorable phrases or sentences as we move toward our Vision Sunday in February.

There are three more summits left where we will complete a community analysis, ministry analysis, and dream discovery. Everyone is invited.

Wild Goose Chase

Just finished Mark Batterson's latest book--Wild Goose Chase. I loved it and recommend it to everyone. It's full of challenging and inspiring stories and ideas. One of the concepts he talks about is setting life goals.

I'm going to make that one of my 90 day goals--to take a day or two and start a list of 101 things I want to do in life. Mark, has a guide to help you do that on his blog http://www.markbatterson.com/.

On my 26-book plan, I'm still reading American Sphinx by Joseph Ellis. It's good, but not has good as Founding Brothers or His Excellency (George Washington). I read two or three at a time, so this week I start on Primal Leadership and It.

Congratulations to Pastor Dobie Weasel and Christian Life Assembly

Congratulations to Dobie and Jamie Weasel on their election as the new senior pastor at Christian Life Assembly.

I pray God's best on you and the congregation as you work to advance the agenda of the Kingdom of God in Des Moines and across Iowa. CLA is a great church. I know they will love you and you will love them. Exciting days are ahead!

Dream Again Follow Up

This morning we put together an outline for a great plan to follow up on the Dream Again series that utlizes dream coaches and dream groups to help people turn the dreams into realities. Right now, the coaches will help the groups walk through the following eight steps:

1. Open Your Mind to God (Inspiration)
2. Do Some Research (Investigation)
3. Ask for Advice (Consultation)
4. Establish Priorities (Prioritization)
5. Evaluate the Cost (Evaluation)
6. Anticipate Challenges (Preoparation)
7. Face Your Fears (Confrontation)
8. Get Started (Initiation)

Sundays, we're trying to inspire for the dream. Through these coaches and groups, we will practically equip for the dream.

Dream Again Message 2

Yesterday, we had a great day at Bethel as we continued the Dream Again message series with the message Uncage Your Dream. Here is the outline:

Five Cages for Our Dreams
1. The Cage of Friends and Family
2. The Cage of Fatigue
3. The Cage of Formulas
4. The Cage of Fear
5. The Cage of Forgetfulness

Keys to Uncage the Dream

1. D ecide Who Your Friends Are
2. R enew Your Spirit
3. E xpand Your Thinking
4. A ccept and Act on the Word of Jesus
5. M editate on God's Goodness

Note from Sunday

Here's a note from Sunday:

This is my first time for myself and son at Bethel and I feel at home. This is a beautiful church, friendly, and full of love for the Lord. Thank you for having us. My nephew invited us and I am glad he did. We will be back.

She and her son were one of nearly 50 new families who worshipped with us Sunday. Amazing!

Dare to Dream...Again

Here are the notes from Sunday:

The Curse of the Dreamless
1. Frustration
2. Boredom
3. Regret

The Chorus of the Dreamers
1. It's never too late.
2. It's never too early.
3. It's never too much.

Three Steps to Dreaming Again
1. Look Out--Exposure creates the climate for the dream.
2. Look Up--God is the dream giver.
3. Look Beyond--You have to look beyond your current condition to see the dream become a reality in your life.

Thank you to everyone for making our installation celebration so special. We are excited about what God is doing at Bethel!

LifeGiver: He's Coming Back

Thank you to everyone involved in LifeGiver: He's Coming Back. It exceeded all of our goals. We saw scores of people make decisions for Christ, believers were able to use their talents for a worthy goal, and nearly $6,000 was raised for Bethel College scholarships. Big props to everyone involved in LifeGiver!

Dream Again

I'm wrapping up the first message in the Dream Again series this morning. I am so excited about the launch of the new series this Sunday at 9 and 11 AM. Here are the messages for the next five weeks:

• Dare to Dream...Again
• Uncage Your Dream
• The Five Principles of Dreamers
• When the Dream is Dim
• Dream On!

This Sunday is also our Installation Celebration at Bethel. I want to say thank you to everyone at Bethel for their warm and open welcome. Our family has been embraced by your love. And, to everyone at CLA in Des Moines. We continue to love you and miss you. You should all move to Virginia, though your next pastor might not like that too much.

See you Sunday!

Great Day in DC

Amberly, the kids, and I had a great day in DC yesterday. We decided to head out on a home school field trip about 10 AM. We arrived in Springfield, VA and took the Metro into the city where we took a tour through the International Spy Museum, walked past the White House, and had dinner at Union Station. Then, we drove back. Got to bed at 1 AM. But it was fun!

Retro--Evangelism

We finished up week three of Retro! with one more week to go. Sunday, we highlighed the Matthew 9, where Jesus instructed us about the harvest. There were three key ideas:

1. See as Jesus Sees

Jesus saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd and a harvest without harvesters.

2. Feel as Jesus Feels

He was moved with compassion. He didn't just have sympathy or mercy--he was moved with compassion and did something about their plight.

3. Do as Jesus Says

He gave them two instructions regarding the multitude--pray and go!

The people of Bethel stepped up and committed to invite nearly 4,000 people to the Dream Again message series. Incredible!

Wild Goose Chase

I just started the next book in my reading plan--Wild Goose Chase by my friend Mark Batterson. So far, it is phenomenal. I recommend it. It's about the pursuit of God and his purpose for our life. Wild goose is a term Celtic Christians used for the Holy Spirit. He has a thesis that most Christians are bored because we ask God to bless what we are doing, instead of going on the chase to see where he wants to lead our lives! Pretty inspiring.

What a Day!

Yesterday was an awesome Sunday. We baptized over 50 people, received 15 new members, and dedicated two babies. In addition to all of that, 30 people made decisions for Christ during the two services. Then, we went to the All Church Picnic at 3 PM. My daughter loved the face painting. Corbin loved the tug of war. And, Grant loved hanging out with his friends. Amberly and I loved the shade. It was a great day!

Speed of Trust

I just completed the first book from my new reading list--The Speed of Trust. While the 13 steps to improving trust form the core of the book, Covey's discussion on the economics of trust was insightful. Here are the main ideas:

• When trust is low, everything costs more and takes more time.



• When trust is high, everything costs less and takes less time.

The perfect example of this corollary is the airline industry. After 9/11, trust took a giant hit--that is an understatement. Now, because of low trust, it costs more time and money to make it through security.

He also talked about the trust tax and the trust dividend. The trust tax is the amount people automatically discount what we say because they don't trust us. Think a used car salesman.

The trust dividend is the amount of credit people give to what we say. Think Billy Graham.

Powerful thought. I recommend the book.

The Hardy Group Podcast

I want to put a plug in for The Hardy Group podcst. Each week, The Hardy Group podcasts a new message from one of nine pastors across the country:

• Mark Batterson (Naitonal Community Church, Washington, DC)
• Dary Northrop (Timberline Church, Fort Collins, CO)
• Jim Bradford (Central Assembly, Springfield, MO)
• Bryan Jarret (Northplace Church, Sachse, Texas)
• Gary Brothers (Cape First, Cape Girardeau, MO)
• John Lindell (James River Assembly, Ozark, MO)
• Maury Davis (Cornerstone Church, Madison, TN)
• Randy Valimont (Grifin First Assembly, Griffin, GA)

Dick was kind enough to ask if I would be the ninth one on the list. I'm subscribing to the podcast through itunes and I hope you will, too. At least 8/9 should be some really good preaching and teaching

Retro-Word

Here's the outline from Sunday's message in the Retro series from Matthew 13.10.

Three Ingredients in the Parable
1. Seed
2. Sower
3. Soil

Four Types of Soil (Hearts)
1. Hard Hearts
2. Shallow Hearts
3. Cluttered Hearts
4. Receptive Hearts

How to Prepare Your Heart
1. Break it Up
2. Dig it Out
3. Clear it Out
4. Get Ready for Increase

Facebook

After months of being encouraged to get into Facebook, I took the plunge yesterday. I am amazed and how connected you can get overnight! Amberly set up her Facebook last night. It's so cool to reconnect with people all around the world.

Hanna....Hanna...Hanna

So, we go from winter storms to tropical storms. Hanna is on her way and we may have to deal with some of the remnants this weekend. So, I'm going to make sure my laptop and phone are charged, double-check my insurance, and make sure there are batteries in the flashlight.

Before a winter storm, we always went to the store for milk and bread--not sure why--we never ate bread and drank milk during the storm, but it seemed like the thing to do. I wonder if you run to the store for anything during a tropical storm? Ice? Batteries?

Of all weather events, do you know which are the most deadly in the US? If you guessed winter storms you would be right. So, at least, we can mark that off the docket.

Reading List

Since we started the transition from Iowa to Bethel, my reading schedule has been thrown off kilter. I am preparing a new reading list for the next several months:

Biographies
American Sphinx (Thomas Jefferson)
Passionate Sage (John Adams)
The Narnian (C.S. Lewis)
Testament of Hope (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Christian Thought
Escape from Reason (Francis Shaffer)
The Universe Next Door (James Sire)
The Victory of Reason (Rodney Stark)
A Primer on Postmadernism (Stanley Grenz)

Church Health
Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church (Mark DeYmaz)
It (Craig Groeschel)

Education
How to Read a Book (Mortimer Adler)

Leadership
Tyranny of the Urgent (Charles Hummell)
Organizational Culture and Leadership (Ed Schein)
Primal Leadership (Daniel Goleman)
Masterplanning (Bobb Biehl)
The Speed of Trust (Stephen M. R. Covey)
Tribes (Seth Godin)
Building the Bridge as You Walk on It (Robert Quinn)

Spiritual Life
Introduction to the Devout Life (Francis de Sales)
The Sunflower (Simon Wiesenthal)
Search for the Spiritual (James Emery White
Life Together (Dietrich Bonhoffer)
Wild Goose Chase (Mark Batterson)
Hearing God (Dallas Willard)
Living the Cross Centered Life (CJ Mahaney)
Renovation of Heart (Dallas Willard)

Well, there you go. If you've read any of them, leave a post and let me know what you think.

Accountability

I heard a great definition for accountability at lunch today:

Accountablity is giving the necessary information before it is required!

That's a great thought.

Sermon Length

In our staff meeting this week, we talked about the ideal length for a sermon. So far, hare are the lengths for the messages I've preached at Bethel:

• Candidate Sunday--35 Minutes
• First Sunday--32 Minutes
• Second Sunday--37 Minutes
• Third Sunday--49 Minutes
• Fourth Sunday--44 Minutes

I think sticking in the 30-40 minute range is a good goal. The problem is the clock is way up in the balcony and I can't really calculate very well in my mind, while preaching. I'm just glad, I cut it back to 44 last Sunday and broke the increase trend. By the ninth Sunday, it would be up to three hours at that rate of increase. :)

Our Choice: Life or Death

Sunday, we wrapped up the series Building a Life Giving Church with the message Our Choice: Life or Death. Here are the notes:

Understanding the Passage
1. The Choice--Life or Death
2. The Conditions--It' s Not Too Hard
3. The Counsel--Love the Lord, Walk in His Ways, Obey His Commands

Applying the Passage
This is the central battleground in spiritual warfare.

How Do I Choose Life?
1. Bless instead of curse.
2. Submit instead of rebel.
3. Redeem instead of reject.
4. Include instead of exclude.
5. Love instead of hate.

Let love live!

Leadership Forum

Last night's Leadership Forum was amazing! There was an energy and an excitement in the room as we talked about how Bethel is being positioned to make a difference in the community. Two thoughts kept coming up over and over again in the meeting--potential and reaching the lost.

With the location, facilities, and most of all people God has blessed us with, there is no limit to what God can do in us and through us as we partner with him to make a difference in this region. I'm excited about what is ahead.

Now, we start a series of meetings with volunteers from 15 different ministry groups to listen and learn about the ministry potential and function at Bethel. From there, we build a Dream Team to help us discern the call and vision God has for this church in this city. We want the right people in the right place with the right plan!

Silver or Bronze? Which is Better?

I read an interesting article this morning that confirmed a suspicion I had. People who win the bronze medal are happier than those who win the silver. Why? Because the silver winners are thinking of what could have been--comparing themselves to the gold medalist. The bronze medalists think of what could have been--comparing themselves to those who didn't medal at all.

If I win silver, I wish it had been gold. If I win bronze, I'm thankful I made on the medal stand at all. Interesting stuff. Shows the power of attitude and perspective.

Shawn Johnson Wins Gold

I could not be happier to hear that Shawn Johnson won the gold on the beam at the Olympics. I was so proud of her three silver medals, but was hoping she would come home with a gold. My son Corbin took gymnastics at the gym where Shawn trains. She is so nice and a straight A student.

She did America and Iowa proud. I can't wait to watch tonight!

Way to go, Shawn! Three silvers is amazing, but three silvers and gold--that's what I'm talking about!

Drinking Iced Tea

After 14 years in the north, we're back in the land of sweet tea. Here's my breakdown:

• McDonald's--Way too sweet
• Olive Garden--Sweetened with peach syrup (yummy)
• Bojangles--Almost perfect.

We bought a 1/2 gallon of sweet tea from Bojangles. It's our favorite. Now, to find a great Mexican restaurant.

Our Power: The Spirit or The Flesh

We finished the third message in the Building a Life Giving Church yesterday with the message Our Power: The Spirit or Flesh. Here's the outline:

Choosing Our Power Source
1. The Holy Spirit
2. The Flesh

Contrasting the Power Sources
1. The Spirit Leads to Freedom/The Flesh Leads to Bondage
2. The Spirit Focuses on Jesus/The Flesh Focuses on Self
3. The Spirit Produces Fruit/The Flesh Produces Works
4. The Spirit is a Creator/The Flesh is an Imitator
5. The Spirit Leads to Unity/The Flesh Leads to Strife

Connecting to Our Power Source
1. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
2. Walk with the Holy Spirit
3. Practice Lifestyle Warfare

Rick Warren...America's Pastor?

It seems God continues to extend Rick Warren's influence. Sunday night, he's moderating presentations by both John McCain and Barack Obama at Saddleback Church. According to what I've heard, each candidate will be asked questions by Warren for approximately 45 minutes. It won't be a debate in the sense that the candidates will answer questions separately.

Here are a few of my observations:

1. Warren seems to be continuing the honorable tradition of Billy Graham of speaking life into the political process without endorsing a particular candidate or party.

2. Both candidates must think they have a great opportunity at receiving the vote of evangelicals or they wouldn't be appearing at Saddleback Church.

3. Warren's influence seems to be increasing because of God's favor. He was on the cover of one of the major weekly magazines last week and now this. With that influence, he becomes a greater target for the enemy. I think it would be great if we would pray for him as this Sunday night special airs--that God will use him as a voice of righteousness and protect him from the destructive plans of the enemy.

Our Mark: Innocence or Victimization

Sunday, we finished the second week of the series, Building a Life Giving Church with the message, Our Mark: Innocence or Victimization. Let me recap the differences between innocence and victimization:

1. Innocence Leads to Life/Victimization Leads to Death
2. Innocence Leads to the Lord/Victimization Leads to Other Lords
3. Innocence Leads to Joy/Victimization Leads to Judgment
4. Innocence Leads to the Future/Victimization Lingers in the Past
5. Innocence Leads to a Beautiful Spirit/Victimization Leads to a Bitter Spirit

Here are the times I'm tempted to abandon innocence in favor of victimization:

1. When someone brings me their offense.
2. When I have been wronged.
3. When my rights have been violated.
4. When I am criticized.
5. When I am right.
6. When another believer is found in sin.

It was a great Sunday. If you missed it, you'll be able to pre-order the entire cd set or dvd set, starting this Sunday.

Date Night...Finally

After weeks without a date, Amberly and I finally went on a date night last night. It was great. We found a wonderful sitter for the kids and we were out the door.

We drove to a plantation, rode the ferry across the James River, walked around Colonial Williamsburg, and had some great dessert. Then, we looked through books about Virginia history at Barnes and Noble just outside the colonial district.

As we rode on the ferry, we could see the Jamestown Settlement--the first English settlement in the New World. For people who love history, this was a great date. By the way, the picture is of the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg.

Three Meals--All at Home!

For the first time, our family ate all three meals in our new home. Alright, I did eat breakfast at church with the men, but everyone else ate every meal at home! That's a major accomplishment. It means:

1. Amberly was finally able to go stock up on groceries. We could only move canned goods--no meats, frozen foods, perishables, etc.

2. The kitchen utensils, pots, pans, etc. are all finally unpacked. We had 244 boxes to go through to unpack. We're almost done.

3. And, most importantly, I was able to go buy a new propane tank for our grill! I love to grill so I was loving it last night.

We've eaten out so much in the last few weeks, it's crazy. It was great to sit around our kitchen table again and begin to feel at home in our new house--and it was a lot less fattening!

Prayer, Men's Breakfast, and Life Giving Church Series

We had a great prayer time last night at Bethel, wrapping up three days of prayer and fasting. There is no way to overstate the importance of these times of prayer and fasting--they form the foundation for a life giving church. Speaking of that, here are the message topics for the next three weeks in our seris Building a Life Giving Church:

• Tomorrow--Our Mark (Innocence or Victimization)
• August 17--Our Power (Spirit or Flesh)
• August 24--Our Choice (Life or Death)

I'm looking forward to meeting a great group of guys in a couple of hours at my first Real Men's Breakfast. I'll be sporting the shirt they gave me last Sunday. See you there.

Superior in Short Sermon at Nationals

Grant did a tremendous job at nationals! He earned a superior rating from the judges! Amberly and i are so proud of him! He worked hard and did a great job! We were also thrilled that my mom and John and Debbie Palmer were able to be there to see him. John is the general secretary of the Assemblies of God, but took the time to see our son preach. I really appreciated him and Debbie taking the time to be there!

Grant, great job! I love you!

We're in Charlotte, North Carolina today for Grant's Fine Arts Festival presentation. He's doing a short sermon based on Acts 1.8 and this year's world missions' theme: Everywhere.

His presentation is at 11.20 AM. My mom has come over from Kentucky to see it and we had a great time hanging out yesterday. We went to the Billy Graham Library. That was inspiring. Then we went to the science center and took in an IMAX movie about Greece and toured ruins from Pompeii. Not as inspiring, but interesting.

If you can pray Grant before 11.20 AM. After lunch we're heading back to keep unpacking boxes and get ready for Sunday.

Living in the Tree of Life

We launched the series The Life Giving Church with the message The Two Trees. Here's a review:

1. The Two Trees
--The Tree of Life
--The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

2. The Primary Mark of Each Tree
--The Tree of Life (Innocence)
--The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Victimization)

3. Comparing the Tree of Life to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

• Tree of Life/ Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
• Innocence/Victimization
• Stimulation of Life/Destruction of Life
• Joy/Judgment
• Obedience/Disobedience
• Abundance/Barrenness
• Living in the Spirit/Living in the Flesh
• Fruit of the Spirit/Works of the Flesh
• Healing/Hurt
• Hope/Despair
• Life/Death

Here's the big question, "In which tree am I living?"

Night Sounds

I'm doing something I wasn't able to do in Des Moines. We had a great deck on the back of our home, overlooking Easter Lake Park. The only problem was mosquitoes. They are attracted to me like Donald Trump to money. I could never sit out there at at night.

In our home here, we have a screened porch on the back. So, here I am testing it out to see if mosquitoes can fit through the screens. So far, so good. All I feel is the breeze and all I hear are the sounds of cicadas. Grant's sitting out here reading, while I look over notes for tomorrow.

In the Office..Getting Closer at the House

This is my second morning in the office at Bethel Temple. Yesterday, I made great headway on the message for Sunday. I'm going to launch a series called, Life Giving Church, with the message The Two Trees. My goal is to develop a common language to talk about ministry, relationships, and church life. I'm looking forward to it.

By the way, we got the kids' rooms done last night, along with the kitchen--everything, but hanging pictures. This afternoon, I'll help Amberly with the living room and our bedroom. Maybe we'll have the house set up by Saturday night.

I've know one thing--moving is for the birds. I'm not anxious to do it again any time soon!

Our Last Sunday at CLA

It's been a bittersweet month, saying good bye to so many people we love. This past Sunday was our last day at Christian Life Assembly--and there was no better send off a pastor could ask for. I'd like to thank the pastoral team and deacon board for such a meaningful service!

The beautiful gift, the video clips, the slide show...all of it was amazing. What I enjoyed most was just talking with people whose lives had been changed by the ministry of Christian Life Assembly.

I would also like to thank my good friend, Tom Jacobs. He is a phenomenal district superintendent and friend. He was the obvious choice for interim pastor at CLA. Our church is in great hands! He and Lori will be a tremendous asset over the next weeks and months.

I'm Gaining Weight!

I think I've gained five pounds in the last couple of weeks. We've been out to eat with so many people and enjoyed every single meal we've had with them. For example, this morning started with coffee at Starbucks, followed by lunch with the team at The Olive Garden, and we capped it off with dinner at Famous Dave's with Gary and Anne Cook!

Monday night we went out to dinner with seven of the families who helped start the church 14 years ago. Yesterday, I had an anniversary dinner with my wife. We ate our way through the weekend with Amberly's family visiting from Oklahoma. Somebody, point me to a gym!

Conviction-Based Decisions

I wrap up the two-week Decision '08 series today with the message Conviction-Based Decisions. Here are six convictions that should shape a Christian's decisions:

1. It's All About God (Romans 11.36)
2. The Local Church is the Hope of the World (Matthew 16.18)
3. People Matter to God; They Ought to Matter to Me (Mark 12.31)
4. The Whole World Needs Jesus (Matthew 28.18-20)
5. Nothing is Impossible with God (Matthew 19.26)
6. History's Conclusion is Inevitable (Matthew 24.14)

So, how do you base your decisions? Convenience? Criticism? Comparison? Circumstances? How about convictions?

Final Deacon Board Meeting

Below is a farewell and final motion to adjourn that I read in the deacon board meeting. I will post a photo of the artwork when it's available:

Through the years, I have heard pastors complain about their boards—about their meddling in the ministry, about them opposing change, about them resisting innovation. I am certain that in many places this has been the case. However, it has not been the case here. This board and the ones who preceded it have been a blessing to me and to the church family.

Tonight, in our last meeting together, let me say thank you for the hours you have invested in me, this church, and our community. Together, we have walked the path the Lord laid out for us. Sometimes, we coasted with the wind of the Spirit at our backs. At other times, the Lord let us climb up hill to teach to keep going and never give up.

Dave, you have added a jovial spirit and deep spiritual insight to the board. I appreciate your heartfelt concern for people and the love you have for the Lord. Knowing that you and Joyce are praying for me makes me rejoice!

Garry, your level-headed approach to life and ministry brings a calm spirit to everything we do. I appreciate your mature attitude and your unflappable heart. You and Melody bring an assurance to the board that is critical at this time.

Nathan, there is no one I could be more proud of than you. Your growth in Christ, your commitment to ministry, your positive spirit, and your wisdom stretch beyond your years. I am proud of you Vanessa and am excited about what God is going to do in your life.

Russ, we have laughed together, prayed together, and cried together. Your common sense, humility, and abiding trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit have served this church and board well. I am a better person for having known you. You and Julie bring such giving hearts to this church. You are a blessing.

Your new pastor will be God’s gift to this church. You will be this church’s gift to him. I know you will receive him, love him, support him, and walk with him just as you have me. Our time of serving together on the board concludes tonight, but before we do, Amberly and I would like to present a gift from us to you and the board members who have served before you. I pray that as this piece of art hangs in the board room you will look at it and remember my prayer for you—may the Lord bless you and keep you.

And, now, I would entertain a motion to adjourn our meetings as a board, but to continue our lives together as friends, but even more as brothers forever as sons of the same Heavenly Father no matter where we live, near or far.

Baptisms and Baby Dedications

This past Sunday, we were able to baptize about 15 people. Among those were Sheila, Kaylee, and Kaleb Miller. Randy, Sheila's husband and the kids' father, was taking pictures.

Randy and Sheila were in their 20's just like us when we started the church 14 years ago. Over the past 14 years, our families have grown, life's thrown some curves, but God has been good. I've been honored to dedicate both of their kids, baptize them, stand with the family at moments of tragic loss (deaths and tornado), and watch them grow and make good decisions along the way. One of my kids still sleeps with a blanket Sheila made when they were born.

It's relationships like this that make ministry worthwhile, and makes saying good-bye so hard. Yet, I know that we are a family--the family of God. And, whether in Des Moines of Hampton Roads, we are still a family.

Making Good Decisions

Amberly and I used a six-step process to discern God's will for lives before and during this transition. Here are the six steps:

1. Pray for Guidance (Proverbs 28.26)

For the Christian, the first step and the ongoing step in the process is to pray. In bigger decisions, Amberly and I like to add fasting to the regular prayer time. The key is to not stop listening before God starts talking.

2. Get the Facts (Proverbs 13.16)

Every decision has a set of facts that anchor it. The important thing to remember is to get the facts for yourself. In big decisions, you can't depend on other people to spy out the land for you. You've got to get the facts. And, don't be afraid of the facts--even if they seem to go against the decision you want to make. Facts are your friends.

3. Ask for Advice (Proverbs 24.6)

It's good to hear from people who have been down the road you're wanting to travel before you head out on the highway. The key is to get advice from the right people. If you want to soar like an eagle, you can't take advice from turkeys. In this decision, I sought advice from key mentors who have made these types of transitions before.

4. Calculate the Cost (Luke 14.28-29)

Even good decisions come with a price tag. Having a baby comes with a price tag--financially and in the amount of sleep you get. The key is to count the cost before you make the decision so you aren't surprised after the decision.

5. Prepare for Problems (Proverbs 22.3)

While you expect the best, it's best to prepare for problems. For example, in this transition, I'm praying for my house to sell quickly, but I'm preparing financially if it does not. It's not a lack of faith to anticipate what problems may arise and develop a plan to handle those issues before they explode. It's always easier to handle a BB than an atom bomb.

6. Face Your Fears (Ecclesiastes 11.4)

Often, the decision we need to make will put us squarely in the face of one of our biggest fears. I have found that often God uses that fear to catapult us to a new level of relationship and dependence on him, as well as advance the vision he has for our lives.

Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

Last night, the boys and I attended our last Iowa Cubs baseball game. And, the Cubbies didn't disappoint us. They won 11-7, after getting down in the first inning. We've loved going to Principal Park every summer for a half dozen games or so. The park is only about five minutes from our house.

I wonder what games will be like for the Norfolk Tides. I know they are the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, which has been my team since 1979 when I felt sorry for them after they blew the World Series agains the Pirates. I've flirted with switching to the Boston Red Sox or St. Louis Cardinals, but its hard to break a 30-year habit.

Lasts and Firsts

This month and the next will be a series of lasts and firsts. Here are some of the lasts on the calendar:

• This Sunday is our last baptism service at CLA.
• Next week is my last meeting with the Iowa Ministry Presbytery.
• Next week is my last official board meeting with CLA.
• Tuesday was Corbin's last day at gymnastics--he saw Shawn Johnson one more time before the Olympics.

There are several firsts up ahead:

• August 3 will be the first Sunday I preach at Bethel Temple as their pastor.
• Last night, I had my first official board meeting with Bethel Temple.
• When we move, it will be the first time my kids have lived anywhere, but Iowa.

It's a series of firsts and lasts that mixes joy and sadness together. As I talk with people here in DSM, I hear myself over and over telling them how proud I am of them. And, I am. I am proud of the people they have become, of the church that has been built, and how they've allowed God to work in their lives. I am so proud of the people of Christian Life Assembly, and look forward to seeing how God continues to work in their lives, as well as in the lives of the people at Bethel Temple.

Dinner with the Klobnaks, Baptism, and Phone Calls from Costa Rica

We had a great dinner with Wes and Lisa Klobnak tonight at The Olive Garden--you never can go wrong with The Olive Garden. Their story is like so many of those you can find at Christian Life Assembly. They came hurt and wounded and found healing. It's been a joy to be part a church that has genuinely loved people and created a safe place to belong to God's family. Thank you for being a life giving church.

This Sunday is going to be exciting. We're baptizing 12 people! If you want to be baptized there is still time, you can e-mail us at pastortj@lifenow.org to set up a time to get your video completed.

Several friends from around the country have called to congratulate us on the move to Bethel Temple, while at the same time expressing sadness for our leaving CLA. We got a call from Tony Andrews--who pastors at Norwood, Iowa. We also got a call from Bryand and Jaci Acuna in Costa Rica, as well as Pastor Bill and Linda Hartman in Arlington, Washington. Bill and Linda served at Glad Tidings right here on the south side of DSM for the past several years and did a great job. God must be up to something new in our part of the city. It will be exciting to see what he does!

Resignation Letter

June 30, 2008

Dear Christian Life Assembly Board and Church Family,

Fourteen years ago, I wrote a letter to a handful of people, quoting from the Steven Curtis Chapman song, The Great Adventure. The lyrics say, “Saddle up your horses, we’ve got a trail to blaze through the wild blue wonder of God’s amazing grace. We’ll follow our Leader into the glorious unknown. This is life like no other. This is a great adventure.” What an adventure it has been. From a handful of people to hundreds of families who call Christian Life Assembly their church home, plus thousands of people who have been impacted by this ministry.

Along the way, two phrases have been carved into my mind.

First, one is too small of a number for greatness. Nothing great is accomplished by one person. I want to say thank you to this church family for rising to the challenge of greatness time and time again. From setting up and tearing down for over seven years to raising funds to hire our first youth pastor to relocating through two lease spaces to giving away over 1,000 turkeys or 500 backpacks to the construction of our current facility, this church has always been built by hundreds of hands, not just mine. For that I am thankful.

The hands that helped me more than any other during this time were those of my wife, Amberly. She held my hand and held my heart as I planned and dreamed with her about the church that God could build through us. There is no person on the planet I would rather be married to. We came her—just me and her and a U-Haul. We leave here with three children, a whole lot of stuff, and more good memories than any album could contain. I am so glad she was my partner on this adventure and I want to say publicly that I love her and thank her for her partnership. In two weeks, we celebrate 17 years of marriage, 14 of those will have been spent serving you together. I cannot imagine any better combination.

In addition, I am so thankful to the families who joined us in the beginning and are still with us today—the Bradshaws, Walkers, Watrous, Legans, Kruegers, Millers, Svaldis, and Coffmans. When we met in the Bradshaw’s living room at 4915 Lakewood Drive, none of us could have imagined the adventure that lay ahead. It is more than unusual for the founding families to be around five years later, but here we are together 14 years later. Originally, the Bradshaws only offered their home, but did not plan to leave First Assembly for this new church. I am so glad they didn’t stick by that offer. Along the way Ron became a trusted board member and Gloria served with distinction as secretary, children’s pastor, and accountant. She served longer than any other team member and for that I am profoundly thankful.

Along the way, I have had the joy and privilege to serve with many great board members. Our current board of Russ Hixson, Nathan Schaad, Dave Shanks, and Garry Bockholt has been a delight. I have also enjoyed serving in the past with Ron Bradshaw, Gary Buffum, Mike Cluney, Cris Coffman, Gary Cook, Steve Davidson, Dave Leeper, Mike Phillips, and Steve Svaldi.

Life is better together!

Along the way, I’ve stood by these families and you as we’ve dedicated your babies, married your children, and said final good-byes to some of your closest family members and friends. I want to say thank you for inviting me into these most sacred moments of your life. They will be memories I will always cherish.

At the same time, I am also thankful for the many people our church has helped launch into ministry. The heart of a church isn’t always judged by how many it seats, but how many it sends. We’ve had a powerful role together of launching people into ministry. Our church provided the first ministry assignment for Heath and Ali Adamson, Jonathan and Erica Barthalow, Steve Scheperle, Rob and Michelle Purcell, Vanessa Schaad, and TJ and Kimberly Cristobal. Each was launched into ministry at this church.

In addition, we were able to raise up Matt and Tonya Stuva, Tony and Tammy Andrews, Bryand and Jaci Acuna, and Lee and Kelly Havemeier who are now all involved in ministry in Iowa and around the world. You have a role in their ministries because of your unselfish commitment to serve Christ together.

Not only that, but you released me to be involved with church planting and leadership development all across the state. Because of our partnership, there are over 12 new and revitalized churches with people worshipping God each week. There are also scores of pastors who have been trained for a more effective ministry because of your partnership.

One is too small of a number for greatness.

The second indelible thought is that those who quit remember the ordeal, but those who endure remember the adventure. Amberly and I will certainly look back and remember our time at Christian Life Assembly as an adventure, not an ordeal. I want to say thank you to all of the staff members, board members, and church family who have taken the adventure with us. You made the journey worth it. I cannot tell you how much I love you and how much I will miss you. I pray that as you open your hearts to a new pastor, you’ll always reserve a place in it for me and my family. The greatest honor in my life has been to have you call me Pastor. One day I may finally get that doctorate, but the title I love more than any is Pastor. I hope you’ll always think of me as your pastor because I will always think of you as my church family. Our church family is simply expanding to include the people of Bethel Temple in Hampton, Virginia. If they love and care for me and my family half as much as you then I will be a very blessed man.

There is no compelling reason for this change of ministry other than the clear voice of God that spoke to my heart during our time of prayer and fasting this February. In a moment more clear than any I can remember, the Lord told me, “Your time here is almost up.” I have dreaded this day, feared this day, and pushed this day as far into the back of my mind as I could. But now that which I feared has come upon me. I must be obedient to the heavenly vision and resign as pastor of Christian Life Assembly, effective July 31, 2008. The board will share with you the transition plan that we have discussed together and that I believe will help our church move to the next level. I stand ready to assist them in any way necessary through this time. They are good men, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. They will prayerfully submit the next nominee to you at the appropriate time and after the appropriate process. Please pray for them and give them the room they need to work through the process in confidentiality.

Well, we come to the end—not only of this letter, but the end of our season together. As we do, let me remind you of something I have mentioned several times before. My name’s Glenn. I’m your friend. And, I hope I’ve helped.

In His Hope,



Glenn Reynolds
Pastor
Christian Life Assembly

Philosophy of Ministry

One of the concepts we talked about at the D.Min. residency in Charlotte was developing a philosophy of ministry. That philosophy includes the following:

• Worldview--how do we view the world, what are our philosophical and theological underpinnings?
• Ultimate Purpose--why does our organization exist? The ultimate purpose is shaped dramatically by the worldview.
• Growth Principles--some might review to these as core values. These, too, directly result from worldview.
• Aims--the ultimate purpose and growth principles shape the aims of the organization. What are we going to shoot for in order to reach our ultimate purpose?
• Strategy--How are we going to get there? This is where most people spend their time--the day to day choices about how to reach the aims. The strategy is impacted by the growth principles and the aims.

Here's what's interesting, the author of this concept suggests that board meetings focus on the top four, while staff meetings focus on strategy. The board must own the ultimate purpose, be convinced of the growth principles, and establish the aims of the organization. The staff, then, develops the strategies that are in line with those. Interesting stuff. Trying to flesh it out more.

Daddy Date Night

I try to spend time with each of my three kids on their own. A couple of weeks ago, Grant and I went to a movie together.

A couple of nights ago, Morgan and I had a date. She was so excited. She put on a dress, lip gloss, and a beautiful silver bracelet. She even carried a little purse with her. She picked everything we did:

• Dinner at Fazoli's


• Riding the Carousel at Southridge Mall


• Chocolate dipped in chocolate cones at Dairy Queen


• Snuggling together and watching The Little Mermaid.

Her only other request was that I not fall asleep during the movie--she knows me pretty good. I wonder what Corbin will want to do?

A Day in the Life

I love being a pastor. No two days are really the same. It's full of variety. For example, today I've...

• Prayed and spent time with God
• Led the team meeting where we focused on strategic planning
• Reviewed financial reports
• Developed the sermon idea for Sunday
• Counseled with a person
• Talked with a guy about getting involved in a ministry
• Returned phone calls and answered e-mails
• Booked a missionary for a service in 2009
• Read from the new book Walking with God.

It's a great day. I think we moved the ball down the field.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

While I was in Charlotte working on my doctorate, I along with a few others took in a showing of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

I left the theater with two thoughts running through my head.

First, when the army fought for Narnia, they lost. When they fought for Aslan, they won. That speaks to our motive. When we build our Kingdom, we lose. When we build his Kingdom, we win.

It makes us ask the question--for whom are we working? For whose glory are we fighting? For whose name are we charging into battle?

The second idea that struck me had to do with the white witch. Peter almost gave in and brought her back to life, but Edmund put a stop to it.

Edmund was the one to stop it becuase he knew what she really was behind the lure of power. He knew becuase he had gone down that failed road before. God never wastes an experience--good or bad. He used Edmund's horrible experience with the white witch to keep the others from going down the same path.

You might see completely different principles or lessons in the film, but these were two that stood out to me.

Walking with God

I'm reading a great new book by John Eldredge (author of Wild at Heart). It's called Walking with God: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really. The book is a powerful and personal journey into how to hear from God.

It's always amazing to me how people don't mind you talking to God, but start getting nervous when God starts to talk to you. Yet, at the heart of our belief about God is that his is the Great Shepherd and the sheep know his voice.

I encourage you to get a copy of the book and the workbook and start listening for that still, small voice. It's an amazing journey.

Living Retro

I'm loving our Retro series--if we could just get rid of that video of the guy in the John Travolta suit! Last week, we took a new look at Psalm 23. This week, it's the most popular verse in the Bible--John 3.16. We're going to try to get fresh insight on the most quoted verse of all time. It's going to be great.

I'm About to Go Nuts

For a boy from Kentucky, I've had about all of the high faluttin' learnin' I can handle. I'm in the second week of my second doctoral residency at Gordon Conwell--Charlotte. Today, we're spending the entire day formulating our proposal for a thesis-project (also known as a dissertation).

What's crazy about it is this--I really am doing this. I've dreamed about getting a doctorate since going to college. And, it's really hapening. I'm so thankful to our church, our network, and my family for all of their support in earning this degree. It wouldn't be possible without them. After this year, there is one more residency and then the implementation of the project and the writing of the dissertation.

Courses have been great and so practical this time around--I have over 20 pages of typed notes from the classes so far--not counting handouts.

D.Min. Thesis Ideas

I'm working today on developing ideas for my thesis. The thesis has to include 1) A proposal, 2) Biblical Review, 3) Literature Review, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. So, with that in mind, here are my thesis ideas:

1. Facilitating a Life Giving Leadership Development Culture at CLA
2. Equipping Elected Presbyteries to Think and Act with a Life Giving Leadership Bias
3. Implementing Mechanisms for Surfacing Organizational Doubt in order to positively move the Organization to the Next Phase of Development.

I need to know by Tuesday so I can get it on record and move into what is called D.Min. candidacy. As a D.Min. candidate, I will have one more residency plus the thesis to complete before earning the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) Progress

I'm in class right now at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina as we discuss how worldview influences ultimate purpose, which combine to influence the aims, which along with growth principle influence strategy (vision) of the organization or church.

Christian Life Assembly's ultimate purpose is to transform people into life giving followers of Jesus.

The big question then is what does a life giving follower of Jesus look like? How do we partner with the Holy Spirit to transform people into that picture? Great questions.

Sweet Magnolias

I woke up and walked over to the guest services center for breakfast at the hotel here in Charlotte for my D.Min. residency. As I walked I smelled a scent I had not smelled for a while--magnolia! It smells great and reminds me that I'm in the South--though we didn't have many Magnolia trees in Kentucky. I'm going to leave an hour early for class today even though mapquest says it's only 15 minutes. I don't want a repeat of the two hours late that happened last year in Boston.

Is it really that easy?

There is an interesting quote about building a team at the end of Patrick Lencioni's book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. He writes, "As much information as is contained here, the reality remains that teamwork ultimately comes down to practicing a small set of principles over a long period of time. Success is not a matter of mastering subtle, sophisticated theory, but rather of embracing common sense with uncommon levels of discipline and persistence."

How much of life or ministry is like teamwork--practicing a small set of principles over a long period of time? Embracing common sense with uncommon levels of discipline and persistence?

Great Friday Afternoon

Took Friday afternoon off. It was a great time. I beat Grant 22-20 at XBox College Football. He was Texas. I was Kentucky. That's the only time Kentucky is going to beat Texas in football.

Then, we all went to Jordan Creek Mall and took in a movie--Nim's Island. Morgan and I shared M and M's. It was great to sit beside her because it was a movie about a father and daughter.

Next, we went to Barnes and Noble. Each of the kids got a new book--Angelina Ballerina, Magic Tree House, and a Ted Dekker novel. Amberly and I wanted a book about 500 places to take your kids before they grow up, but decided to check it out at amazon, instead.

After that, food court. Wendy's. Chick-fil-a.

Tomorrow...chocolate chip pancakes. Nothing better.

What's It Mean to Trust?

If I trust you, what does that mean? What does it mean for you to trust me? Here's a great definition of trust from The Five Dysfunctions of a Team:

• Trust is the confidence among team members that their peers' intentions are good and that there is no reason to be protective or careful around the group. In essence, team members must get comfortable being vulnerable around each other.

I trust you when I don't have to be protective or careful around you. I trust you when I know you're looking out for me--even when I'm not in the room.

New Message Series

We just wrapped up a creative meeting where we planned out the message series from now through September. Here's what we're looking at:

• Urban Legends: Debunking Spiritual Myths (We're going to look at four urban legends and find out if they are fact or fiction.)
• Irresistible (This is the summer message series based on Colossians. We'll re-discover the Irresistible Jesus and learn how to become a church of irresistible influence.)
• Unstoppable (This four-part message series is set for August as we seek to become an unstoppable force for good in our city. This will lead up to our 14th anniversary and our launch of a second service.)

There you go. If you purchase a cd set of a recent message series, you can e-mail tamra@lifenow.org. You can pick up a copy of Jesus 1.0, The Greatest Comeback Ever, Fusion, and so much more.

Bored.com

Did you know there's a website called www.bored.com. If you have absolutely nothing to do, you can go there and waste plenty of time. Let me give you a three more time wasters:

1. Worry.
2. Fear.
3. Comparison.

Seven Temptations Pastors Face

Perry Noble, a pastor from Anderson, South Carolina, posted these six temptations at http://www.perrynoble.com/:

1. Selling out God's vision in exchange for a paycheck.
2. Trying to please everyone.
3. Thinking that working harder will solve the problem.
4. Sacrificing their family.
5. Not delegating their weaknesses.
6. Avoiding conflict.
7. Not spending personal time with God.

At different points over the almost 14 years at Christian Life Assembly, I've battled all of these temptations--never at the same time, but at different points. The temptation to please everyone was great at the beginning. Back then, we were just looking for bodies to fill the seats and help unload the van. During the building project, the temptation was to sacrifice family time. Interesting stuff.

Five Marketing Mistakes Churches Make

According to Tony Morgan in Outreach magazine, there are five common marketing mistakes made by churches:

1. Promoting your church instead of generating a response.
2. Making a promise you can't keep.
3. Trying to be all things to all people.
4. Thinking other churches are your competition.
5. Promoting programs that compete with one another.

To read the complete article, go to http://outreachmagazine.com/library/webexclusives/ND07webexTonyMorgan.asp

3 C's of Hiring

We're currently looking to add an administrative assistant to the team. As we do, we look at three specific qualifications:

• Character. That's the first step in any hire, especially in a Christian organization. Now, character includes integrity, but is more than that. Character is the ability to meet the demands of reality. Does the person have the character to meet the real demands of the position.
• Chemistry. Does the person fit the team? Do they fit the environment? Are the in agreement with the vision and even more the values of the team?
• Competency. Can the person complete the tasks needed. Beyond that, do they have the competencies of a learn because the tasks to be completed five years from now will be radically different than those of today.

Style and Substance

I've been thinking about worship style and substance. It seems to me that there are a variety of worship styles--liturgical, contemporary, emerging, acoustic, electric, and urban. What I'm wandering is if we mistake the style for the substance. If we don't like the style, do we say that there's no substance there.

For a long time, I've been a proponent of identical services. Tomorrow, we'll have 9 AM and 11 AM. They'll be identical in style and substance. What I'm wandering is this--could they be different styles and have the same substance.

By substance, I mean more than just depth. Here's a definition of substance: that of which a thing consists; physical matter or material. By mistaking style for substance, I mean that we think a service has to have the same style or it cannot possess the same substance.

Here's the question: Could a church offer three services with different styles (say, acoustic, liturgical, and electric-guitar driven), but have the same substance in each--passion for worship, captured hearts, and the presence of God?

If the answer is no then critics are right to suggest that the DNA of the church is split into by the various styles because they have different substance.

If the answer is yes then the critics are wrong. The services could be very different styles and have the same substance--flowing from the DNA of a church bent on worship.

Just some thoughts.

Add Some SOAP to Your Devotions

Here's a four-step plan for your devotion time:

• Scripture. Develop a reading plan for the Scripture. If you don't have a plan you'll fly between the gospel, Proverbs, and Psalms. A plan gets you to all the Bible--in a year, two years, it doesn't matter.
• Observe. In a journal, write down what you observe happening in the Scripture you're reading. Who? What? Where? When? How? Why?
• Application. What is God saying to me through this passage?
• Personal Prayer. What do I need to say to God because of this passage?

Giant Easter Egg Hunt and Passion: Journey to the Cross

Over 500 kids officially registered and over 1,000 volunteers, kids, and parents participated in Des Moines' Greatest Easter Egg Hunt last Saturday! The weather was a little chilly, the ground, a little wet, but the hunt was a lot of fun.

Plus, we passed out hundreds of flyers about our Palm Sunday presentation: Passion--Journey to the Cross. This was such a different presentation from years past, but it was filled with the message of the cross. I loved it.

My thanks to Vanessa for organizing the Giant Easter Egg Hunt and TJ for leading up Passion. They and their workers all did a tremendous job. Thank you so much.

Passion: Journey to the Cross

We just got home from Passion practice. It's going to be great. If you're in DSM this Sunday at 9 AM or 11 AM, I want to invite you to come by. It's full of cool drama, great music, and the message of the power of the cross.

I hope to see you there.

We're Going to Nationals

As I mentioned last week, Grant (our 12 year old) entered the Iowa District Fine Arts Festival in the category of short sermon. You have to write and preach a sermon around a theme--and it can only be five minutes long.

Well, this was his first year and we were hoping for a Superior rating, but he wound up with a Superior with Invitation. That means he's invited to the National Fine Arts Festival in Charlotte, NC, starting August 3. We're so proud of him. He did a great job!

He scored 115 out of a possible 120 points. In fact, one judge gave him a perfect 40!

Grant's First Sermon

I heard Grant (my 12 year-old) practice his short sermon for Fine Arts Festival for the first time yesterday. I was impressed. He must get it form his mother--she made better grades than I did in homiletics back at Central Bible College.

It amazes me how well he memorizes stuff. I messed up in a Christmas play at White Oak General Baptist Church when I was 7 or 8, and have been afraid of memorizing ever since then. I was Joseph and forgot to ask if there was room in the inn--that, and wearing a ridiculous bathrobe ended by drama career.

When Will it End?

I need some global warming to invade Iowa! We were up to 63 degrees yesterday. I saw my grass for the first time since November. It was a great three hours. Then, last night the arctic freeze rolled in. Today, it's 22 degrees with a low tonight of 9.

I'm hoping and praying the snow will be gone in time for our Giant Easter Egg Hunt outreach March 15. I bet the pastel eggs would stand out in a blanket of white snow. I bet---I don't want to find out, though.

What Does a Leader Do?

What do leaders do? In what activities does a leader engage? What are the core competencies of a leader? In some recent reading, I came across the three primary functions of a leader:

1. Diagnose. This is a cognitive function--the leader knows where the organization is located in space, time, and spirit in relationship to the mission/vision. How far are we from the vision? How long until we reach the next point? What's keeping us back? Have we taken a detour? What is the speed with which we're moving? How are people's attitude/participation with the task? The leader is constantly evaluating and diagnosing to understand where the organization is on the space/time/spirit continuum.

2. Adapt. The key to great coaching is the half-time adjustment. The team planned to pound the ball inside, but the defense continues to sag in with a 2-3 zone. Nothing is going into the paint. Can the coach adapt the game plan to take advantage of the open outside shots? Will he manipulate his defense to create more transition baskets to open up the game. That's what the leader does--he constantly makes half-time adjustments with the resources at his disposal. The leader who makes the right adjustments comes out the winner at the end of the game. While diagnosis is a cognitive function, adaptations is an intuitive function. There's often a gut feeling of this is what we need to do next to knock down that barrier and get back on track.

3. Communicates. This is the process function. The leader communicates the adaptations to the team in a way that they 1) clearly understand and 2) are motivated to participate. For that to happen, he needs to understand the process of change in an organization, how much change he has in his pocket, and what motivates the key members of the organization.

In the end, these are the three primary tasks of leaders--whether they are leading a home, a church, team, or a business. It doesn't matter if you lead a company that makes computer processors or home loans, these are the three jobs of a leader. It doesn't matter if you're leading a fifth grade basketball team or the Kentucky Wildcats, these are the three responsibilities of a leader. This is the leader's job description.

Coaching Kids to Be Leaders

I've started a new book by one of my favorite leadership authors--Pat Williams, an executive with the Orlando Magi. This one is about Coaching Your Kids to Be Leaders. In it he give seven marks of leadership:

1. See a Vision

2. Be a Communicator

3. Build Good People Skills

4. Build Good Character

5. Build Confidence

6. Be Bold

7. Be a Servant

The book not only reveals these seven keys to leadership, but talks about how to mentor and motivate your kids to be leaders. With three kids (Grant-12, Corbin-7, and Morgan-4), I am excited to put the principles of the book into practice.

A New Personal Low

I'm excited to report that I reached a new low--I'm down to 221 pounds. That's 26 pounds from my peak weight of 247 just after Christmas. I have a goal of getting to 210 by June 1, 2008. According to what I've read that that's the top range of weight for my height. I'm 6'2".

What's my secret--well, 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting didn't hurt. Since the fast, Amberly and I have tried to cut out eating out as often, reduced sugars and breads, and made an increased effort to eat fruits and vegetables. Plus, I can count on one hand the number of Coke's with a lime have had in 2008. And, I can count on no hands the number of King Size Reese's Peanute Butter Cups I've eaten.

I've done 30-45 minutes of cardio five days a week since the start of the year (excluding the 21 Days of Fasting). I fasted exercise during that time.

If I can do it, you can do it, too.

Yesterday, I added weight training to my cardio workouts. I kind of feel it today. I may have to head to the chiropractor. :>)

Cool Websites for Church Planters

I've been collecting some cool websites for church planters--Here are some of the top sites:

www.vision360.org

www.newchurches.com

www.church-planting.net

www.churchplanting4me.com

www.brandingshed.com

www.churchplanters.com

There are so many more resources available to planters now than when we launched CLA--it makes you want to try it all over again!

Forward 2.08.08

We're in the final days of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting and my thought for today has to do with pressing on to the end. We've come so far and we have just a little bit to go. I am so proud of so many people who have tried fasting for the first time. It's exciting to hear the stories about what God is doing in their hearts and lives. Let's keep pushing forward and finish strong here at the end.

Let's come to church Sunday expecting a powerful service marked by God's presence. I'm going to talk about The Power of the Second Touch. This message is going to wrap up our Wonderfully Well, Blessed, and Highly Favored message series. It may be my favorite message of the entire series. You'll be able to purchase the complete series immediately after the service.

I can't wait to see you Sunday.

February Book of the Month

This month's Book of the Month in the Connections Resource Cener is Seven Pillars of Health by Don Colbert, MD. While it's not the primary focuse at all, there are health benefits to prayer and fasting.

I started working out again a couple of weeks before our fast. Since that time, I've lost 23 pounds--from 247 down to 224. Now, I want to keep living a healthier lifetyle and Colbert's book gives a 50 Day plan for that type of lifestyle. According to Colbert the seven pillars of health are:

1. Water

2. Sleep

3. Eat living food

4. Exercise

5. Detoxification

6. Nutritional Supplements

7. Reduce Stress

You'll be able to purchase the book this Sunday.

Forward 2.06.08

Super Tuesday has come and gone, but I'm lookign forward to Super Sunday. This Sunday is when we complete our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. I am so much more excited about what God is going to do in our church and city becuase of our fast than I am about eating regular food again!

As we move forward, the three words that keep coming to my mind are release, reestore, and reward. Here's what I'm praying in regard to each of these three words today:

Release

• Release a hunger for your presence.
• Release a passion for worship.
• Release a desire for your life.
• Release salvation momentum.

Reward

• Restore the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
• Restore the joy of salvation.
• Restore the hope of a future.
• Restore the vision for your church.

Reward

• Reward us with your presence.
• Reward us with your favor.
• Reward us with the vision becoming reality.
• Reward us with children who love and serve God.
• Reward us with the unity of the Spirit.

That's what I'm praying and fasting about today.

Forward 2.4.08

Here's the last idea about humility from James 4.6-10.

5. Be Real
He tells them to mournful, instead of joyful. That's seems crazy to a John 10.10 style of life. The problem is in the previous verses, he points out that they have this habit of being friends with the world more than they are with God.

It's not real humility to walk around like everything's great on the outside when everything's a wreck on the inside. Humility is admitting the situation and responding with the right attitude and actions.

So, let's pray that God reminds us to be real--that the inner life and the outer life are matched. The point isn't to be sad--the point is to be real. I'm all for "keeping it real" today.

Forward 2/3/08

Let's keep moving forward with the fourth action of humility in James 4.6-10


4. Not Double Minded


This is the second time James talks about being double-minded in his letter. The first one suggests that a double-minded person must not assume that he will receive anything from God. In that same context he salutes those who ask for wisdom--noting that when we ask, God gives us wisdom.


Being double-minded, then, is knowing what God wants us to do, but not knowing whether or not we want to follow that wisdom. Pride allows us to consider possibilities outside God's wisdom. Pride says, "I may come up with a better answer than God's to this situation." Pride may not even ask God for wisdom, but get stuck between options of its own making.


Humility seeks God's wisdom and then follows it. That's the idea of not being double-minded. Once we know what God says, we do it. We don't keep the debate running in our minds.


My prayer is that God will reveal to me any area where I'm being double-minded--trying to follow his wisdom and my own at the same time.

Forward 2/2/08

Welcome to today's devotional in the Forward 08 series during our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at Christian Life Assembly. Our attitude is a favor magnet. And, the attitude that most attracts favor is humility. But humility is often misunderstood. So, we've been looking at James 4.6-10 for some insights in how humility works out in our lives. So far, we've learned that a humble person:


1. Submits to God

2. Resists the Devil


Here's the third action that reflects a humble heart:


3. Drawing Near


A humble heart lives as close to God as possible. James tells us that if we draw near to God he will draw near to us. The prideful heart is reflected in an individualistic--go it alone--lifestyle. Moses' humility was reflected when he declared to God--if you don't go with me from this place then I'm not going.


A humble heart knows that it needs to be close to God throughout the day--every day. The humble heart seeking after God acknowledges on the OT prophet's declaration--It's not my might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts.


When I'm prideful, I think I can do it on my own. I don't need to pray. I dont' need to be close. I don't need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't need to seek counsel. I can handle it. Humility says--I'm not going into this day, this meeting, this crisis, this adventure, this idea--until I've first gone into his presence.


God, help me be like Moses--not go anywhere with out you. It's like that old American Express commercial--don't leave home without it. Instead of an it, it's a him!

Forward 2/1/08

Here's the second idea about humility from James 4.6-10.


Resist the Devil

What in the world does resisting the devil have to do with humility? More than you think. Often, we don't resist the devil or fight against temptation becuase we think we can control it. We know when to stop. You know, "I can quit any time I want to" mentality. So, we play with temptation.


That's an incredible amount of pride, don't you think? I can be the only one to pull this fire into my lap and not get burnt. I can play with this temptation--I can let it be a foothold, but keep it from becoming a stronghold.


Or, even worse, I can play with it and not get caught. I can keep it all under control and out of sight and no one will ever know. I can be the father, husband, and pastor I need to be and still have this in my life.


That's pride--not humility!


Humility understands that I can't play with temptation--I'm not good enough to mess with sin. I've got to resist the devil with all of my strength.


So, that's my prayer today--That God will help me crucify my flesh, be filled with Holy Spirit, put on the armor of God and fight against the enemy. The promise is that he will flee when we do that!

Forward 1/31/08

I've decided to call the devotional insights Forward--because moving forward is such a big idea that God is putting in our hearts during this 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. So, here's today's idea:

Forward 1/31/08
During the services, we've looked at three favor magnets:
1. Your Assignment
2. Your Attitude
3. Your Actions.

The attitude that attracts favor is humility. James 4.6 is clear--God opposes the proud but gives grace (favor) to the humble.

So, what does it mean to be humbe? The answer may be found in the following verses, where James gives some instructions and then winds up with the idea that God exalts the humbe. So, what are some of the actions that reflect a humble attitude?

Submission
A humble attitude is reflected in a life submitted to God. Every area of life is turned over to God's control. Pride says, "I can run my life." Humility says, "I need to submit every part of my life to God's control." Humility understands that God knows better than I do--so I submit my life--my present, my past, and my future to God's control. I submit to the wisdom of his Word. I submit to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my life. And, I submit to the delegated authority in my life.

My prayer is that God will reveal to me any areas of my life that aren't submitted to him. Maybe that could be your prayer today, too.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Christian Life Assembly is engaged in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting through February 10. As part of that I will be posting insights and ideas from my time of prayer and fasting as daily devotional material for the remainder of the fast.