Pivotal Thought's

Toys for Tots

Yesterday @ The SHOW was rather amazing seeing individuals bring in toys for children that would not have a Christmas if it were not for this program.

It was not just the bringing and compiling of toys that excited me... it was the nature and attitudes in which they were brought. People in the church came cheerfully and willingly to give from the heart and it was felt.

Really want to thank Kate Travis for leading this forward and really stepping up and being proactive. You can really see that Kate has a heart for kids and ministry. Thanks SHOW for reaching out and allowing God to be seen through your giving @ Christmas. Joy To The World!

I Am Not Just Awake, But Alive...

I thank the Lord today for being right where I am in life. In a way I feel strange saying this, but it is correct. I just finished meeting (weekly meeting) with one of our youth pastor's Steve Norman and so many things came to light that I have been wrestling with.

On Monday the four (Pastors) of us met at my home to discuss some areas that were at hand. Growth issues, personal issues, leadership issues, church issues, financial issues, etc. This meeting was not easy because naturally we want to always project, do more, and just keep moving and progressing. But one thing needs to occur before more growth can happen, things need to break. I believe today it may have been the Pastor (Me) that needed to break. I am still a firm believer that everything rises and falls on leadership. We had to re look at where we are, where we are going, and what we need to do verses what we (I) want to do.

Being in this place today is hard. Why? Because I am a man and men do not like to say they may have got off track. Men are stubborn and have this warrior inside that will strike at the least of resistance. Well, today I am powerless before Him. And you know what.....it has never felt so good. I believe I have forgot what The SHOW is and what it is to accomplish. I believe I have fell into a performance trap and tried to be or make us what everyone else is and are doing. Maybe we are just who we are and that is it. Nothing more.....nothing less. I have been reminded by those that love me of what I am... A Leader! And I have missed some areas where I have been going forward and not leading where my strengths are.

It is hard doing and being what everyone expects. I forgot to be what it is that I am. Yesterday my wife made a statement that made perfect since, she stated "Honey, you are a leader and that is what pours out of you". Today, Steve and I revisited what it was that drew him to me and I to him and Steve to The SHOW. It was my leadership ways that made him feel like he could conquer the world, his dreams, and be what God has made him to be. Today, I have failed a lot of people because of blindness in a lot of areas. I have been looking at where I thought everything should have been and not looking at where people were. I have been blind-sided by the end instead of concentrating where we are in the middle (continuum).

Today I want to publicly apologize to the church. I want to publicly apologize to my leaders (His leaders). I want to publicly apologize to my family. And most of all.....I want to publicly apologize to the most important person on this earth to me.... My Wife Michele.

Today and the rest of our time forward I am going to listen better, talk less, and do what I do best..... Lead People. This is what I have been born to do.

Regaining My Second Wind

Well today I made the decision to work towards more preparation for Sunday but to clear my plate for Tuesday night. As I entered into this week I found that I was feeling as if my stamina was low. My wife and I just came out of a week of reflection and fasting where the Lord really revealed some things to us.

In entering this week I was feeling weary, tired, depressed, and hurt. I just felt alone! I see great potential for everything that I am/we are doing.....but I believe I reached a place where all pastor's reach, exhaustion. A place where I believe instead of trying to do more....we should rest, be around family, surround ourselves with friends, and draw near to the Lord. Last night I did this with my staff and it was much needed. We had a chance to share things, feelings, ideas, etc. We really just came together to put it in the Lord's hands.

We are doing everything we can with everything that is available to us and more. Is there areas where more is needed, yes; but this will come in time. Is there a place where the SHOW needs to be, yes; but this will come in time. Is there a time for rest, yes; and HE has shown me the time is now. I remember when I set forth the core and they were ordained for ministry. I told them they could have their greatest moment, greatest time of being used for the Lord, greatest victory in life, etc. But nothing would compare to drawing alone with Him. This is where we can minister from the overflow....only then can we be filled and rested. So today.... I go to rest with my family.

Weekend Reflections @ The SHOW

We are moving quickly towards 2008! It seems like we just started back in January in our House to carry forth the Vision @ The SHOW.

Sunday was amazing as we continued forward in the "Chase the Lion" Series. We spoke on Overcoming Adversity (Week 3). I felt really good about this one as I felt His pulse was my pulse and we were walking it out in a rhythm if you will. Maybe this is where we have felt and every church may feel they face at some point or seasons in ministry. Therefore, I really was just speaking from an abundance of being in this adversity at different points all my life and 10 years in ministry. Nothing new for those that Embrace Uncertainty and Chase 500 lb Lions (Dreams)!

Well, in 2008 we are going to start the using this catch phrase as a constant reminder of our focus this upcoming year: "Translate & Elevate in 2008".......

This year is going to mark our casting the nets further in ministry, community, and the ultimate vision. We are going to place a flag in our new venue that will house The SHOW. We are going to up leadership opportunities and our effectiveness in our leadership pursuit. We are going to use the resources available to us so that we may minimize our preparation time and maximize our outreach to the unchurched & dechurched. And we will continue to Give a Sunday Message with a Monday Meaning which brings purpose to every life!

We are excited about the new endeavors and ministry opportunity. More than that....we are thankful for the privilege to be used by Him in this great calling as we continue to apprehend the One which apprehended us. 

Having a Leadership Moment...

Today is one of those days that has rolled up on me. I stay in control of my schedule rather well and always look for areas to Maximize moments. There are 2 kinds of leaders: The leader that controls and maximizes their calendar, time, and resources. Then there is the leader that lets all those areas control them. Which leader are you?

Today I find myself looking @ these areas of my Leadership Calendar:

• My girl's have parent gatherings @ their school today
• Finalizing Sunday Message "Overcoming Adversity"
• Planning & Finalizing Staff Meeting for Friday
• Family Small Groups Tonight
• Saturday / 2007 Key Speaker for "Annual Remembrance Service" (Aerhart-Eckols)
• Sunday Experience @ The SHOW
• Looking for Key Location for The SHOW (January Time frame)
• Scrubbing documents for CLASS 101-401 (Starting in January)

I suppose as I look at these items that I am marching out on throughout my day I cannot help but wonder how we all handle our time. Are we living up to our callings... are we maximizing our potential... are we becoming what we desire for the Lord... or is everyone and everything filling and dictating our calender and effectiveness?

Pivotal Paradigm Shift

As my wife and I are coming out of a time of Fasting, Prayer, and Reflection this past week I have things that I believe the Holy Spirit was showing me (Church Level, Personal Level, Family Level).

Often in a Church Plant setting we can be growing.... but not growing. I believe when people start looking around and wondering what is next, there is not enough being done. As a new Church Plant we need to be Exceeding peoples expectations. We need to be creating an environment that is a Catalyst. And we need to be the Example for Out of the Box Thinking.

I know and feel that my primary job @ The SHOW is to make sure that we are all being challenged and ever growing in every area. This means getting the Leadership, Core, Community, and Crowd re-focused and looking to new heights... this will take a Pivotal Paradigm Shift.

One thing that I know the Lord is not BIG on is Comfort! We will discuss this on Sunday as we look @ "Overcoming Adversity" in the "Chase the Lion" Series. Hold on, Get Ready, A Pivotal Paradigm Shift is Coming to a SHOW near YOU!!!

Hillsong United Conference

Well, our two Youth Pastor's @ The SHOW head out to the Hillsong United Conference in Orlando Florida.

I have always been close at heart with Pastor Brian Houston of Hillsong Church in Australia. When I would watch him on television I would always get a feeling in my spirit that this ministry was closely related to what we would look like @ The SHOW. What I mean is the age bracket of people that he reaches (20 Somethings).

I am stoked for Steve & Lauryn as there biggest challenge will be to bring it all back to me!!!! And of course their break-out sessions, who will they choose to sit in on and listen to. Well, cannot wait to get the feedback of what God did and put on their hearts as He grows and stretches them for His Kingdom cause.

Have FUN guys.... you deserve it!!! Oh yeah, if you could Fed-Ex me some heat I would appreciate it : ) 

New Series, "Chase The Lion" 7 Weeks

Well, this past Sunday we kicked off our New Series "Chase The Lion". This is the series that was inspired by the book, "In a Pit With A Lion".

This past week we covered Skill 1: "Defying Odds". We really felt the Lord speaking to hearts and challenging the normality of our lives and those things that somehow we believe we could never do without Divine Intervention. At the end of the service we handed out a copy to each person present so that they may start reading the whole story.

There was a dual-emotion that I sensed after the message was completed. On one hand excitement and anticipation to read the book and hear the rest of the Skills. On the other, the things in each persons lives that they need to reverse the odds in. The 500 lb Lions that have been overshadowing their circumstances. What if our Greatest Blessing was lying behind our Greatest Fears? What if God was in the business of Defying Odds and doing Foolish things so that He may be Glorified in your Circumstances?!?!? Chase The Lion!

Week / Skill 2: "Facing Fears"

Skills: Defying Odds, Facing Fears, Reframing Problems, Embracing Uncertainties, Taking Risks, Seizing Opportunities, Looking Foolish

Pictures from New Jersey Youth Revival

It was really awesome to travel with the four pastor's @ The SHOW this past weekend and "Emerge Beyond Tradition". We had a blast as we stopped for food, shakes, dough-nuts, and potty (You know I have children!).

Friday night was truly a intimate time as the Lord did what He does best. It was rewarding to have our two Youth Pastor's with us Lauryn & Steve to share in the time of ministering and growth. My wife really set the stage as she did 2 songs that God put on her heart. Then I was up to speak on "Keeping Our Focus".

I look forward to seeing Eddie, Ashly, Walter, and Blocha soon as they are dear to our hearts and close in prayer. Keep doing it for Him guys!!!

Here are some photos from the event, enjoy!

Swamped....... But Enjoying It!

Man! This week was a challenge. As I was completing one project, it seemed there was something else waiting behind the door.

I know I have not been posting Pivotal items the past few days, but it will have to wait until Monday. Tomorrow we are off to New Jersey to preach a Revival. I love Revivals! There is always anticipation and an excitement in the air. Pastor Michele, Lauryn, Steve, and myself are going to really have a great time as we go to Serve and watch the Lord move in the midst of hearts and His people.

When we return I start a 7 week Series on "Chase The Lion". This is the series that Pastor Mark Batterson from NCC did with his church crew and it orginated from his book, "In A Pit with a Lion". Really stoked about this!

After Sunday, we gear up for our new Small Group Location Tuesday Night @ Uptown Ink Slingers. Man......God really is doing some RIDICULOUS (awesome) stuff! I will keep you posted on all the events as we Chase them one by one. Remember, a Safe life is a Wasted Life.......

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