Free Music

Coldplay is giving away a new song from their new album "Viva La Vida" that drops in June.  If you want it click here!

Free stuff is cool.  Good free stuff is even better.  

What do you think of the song?

Exponential Conference Day 2 & 3

The conference concluded this afternoon with Rick Warren bringing it home.  He sat down on a chair in the middle of the stage and talked about ways leaders can build reproducing churches.  That was the reoccurring theme of the conference - Churches reproducing churches.  I believe that is the mission of The Church - to duplicate itself.  Many are doing that with plants or multi-site venues.  Multi-site seems to be a fad right now.  Not sure if it's a trend or full fledge movement.  

Here is a question.  Should all churches reproduce themselves? I am not sure about that.  As much as I would hope and believe our responsibility and call is to disciple/reproduce ourselves.  Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, had a great point.  "Cell multiplication without a purpose is called a CANCER!" - Does that mean a church plant or a multi-site venue could be a cancer to the body of Christ?  Some churches are planting and multi-siting cause it's popular or the latest trend.  Purposeful?  That's between the pastor and God.

I enjoyed listening to Alan Hirsch.  He challenged thinking and brought some insight into church planting and different things happening in the Body of Christ these days.  

I didn't get to hear Scott Hodge (walked by him) but did like Vince Antonucci - what a great story of what God is doing in VIrginia Beach!  Some amazing things!

I will have to post some pics a little later - My batteries died in BOTH of my cameras!  We had a good time with the Wyatt's and got to hang out at Downtown Disney!

Exponential Conference - Day 1

Andy Stanley is a great communicator. Not just in the books he writes but in his style of communication. He spoke to a bunch of peers today and made his talk clear, helpful, and motivating. Here are some of the thoughts I had during his talk.

Andy Stanley

· Andy's got a cool authenticity.

· China's underground church is looking for models – (Security Model is what they have – "don't get arrested" model.

· It's foolish to allow a ministry thing to divide a family/family member.

· North Pt started with 1500 people!

· North Pt. has two churches 20 miles north and 20 miles south. 14 churches planted.

· The glue that holds it all together: Peter said, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God."

· Vision: a mental picture of what it COULD be fueled by a passion of what SHOULD be!

· Vision begins as a burden. What burden are you carrying?

· The WIN is when the vision is clear and communicated clearly.

State it simply:

· What are you trying to accomplish.

· Memorable is portable! Easy to remember – It's not easy (we assume everyone knows what you are all about)

· Vision doesn't stick . . . It let's us know how poorly we've communicated it.

· "create a church where unchurched people love to attend."

· ONE campaign– to make poverty history (compelling and clear)

· If we are committed to Growth and Multiplication - the statement must be simple/compelling statement in order to last

· Barrack Obama = Change (He will get to explain what it means if he wins)

· What is our one sentence job each day we show up for work.

Cast it Convincingly

· Nehemiah 2 – ultimate vision casting story.

· Wall was down for a while.

· Three components: Define problem, offer solution, why/why now

· People have to feel the problem – Craft the vision as the solution to the problem people connect to!

· What must be don? What would go undone if our church ceased to exist. When we answer that problem we see what our vision statement addresses.

· Businesses have created . . . the idea that we are the solution to your problem.

· Why plant in this community now? A clear vision motivates people to act.

Repeat it regularly

· In every organization there is a rhythm. What is our Rhythm?

· January: A good time to vision cast (or when ever attendance is up)

· Vision leaks . . . We repeat it regularly – recast, recast.

Celebrate Systematically

· When you catch someone living the vision out, living the mission. . . make them a public WIN that is celebrated! "When I say . . . a fully devoted follower of Christ . . . that is what we are talking about."

· Stories clarify vision –

· How do we Celebrate these stories . . . Systematically.

· What happened last week that made you feel successful at what you do here (at The Crossroads).

Embrace it personally and publicly

· Personal stories, celebrated – help others see you've bought in.

· Reiterate that their job was significant.

· Be intentional with sharing those moments. What COULD be and what SHOULD be will be clear on what God has planted in your heart.

Bad Children's Book Titles

There is an article in Newsweek that described a new book out to help kids cope with their parents (Mommy) getting a plastic surgery.  It's called "My Beautiful Mommy."  

It led me to find another list of bad children's book titles.  I am not sure I will be running out to buy one of these anytime soon.

Here is a sample:

"The Boy Who Died From Eating All His Vegetables" 

"Dad's New Wife Robert" 

"Fun Four-letter Words to Know and Share" 

"Grandpa Gets a Casket" 

"The Pop-Up Book of Human Anatomy" 

"Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will" 

"Pop! Goes The Hamster...And Other Great Microwave Games" 

"Your Nightmares Are Real" 

"Strangers Have the Best Candy" 

"The Attention Deficit Disorder Association's Book of Wild Animals of North Amer - Hey! Let's Go Ride Our Bikes!" 

Dr. Seuss these are not.  Any other book titles you'd like to share?  

Stuff Christians Like

I came across this blog today called "Stuff Christians Like".  There is some funny stuff on here.  This one caught my eye, cause I dabble with the graphic design.

Here some of my other favorites:  

#157 - Testamints - Sending Bad Breath to hell.

#118 - Slowly turning against Oprah.

#99 - Mixed bathing.

It's OK to laugh at ourselves!  It a sign of a healthy self-image.   Thanks to Scott for sharing this with me. 

If you read the blog, what were some of your favorites?

Back on baby!

I took a necessary break from blogging and my blogroll.  Just felt a little informationed - out!

I am back and plan to blog a little more frequent than once every three weeks.  

What have you recently got burned out on?

Text Questions. Get Answers.

This concept is not all that new - I've heard of a few churches doing something similar - but we are trying something new for us.  

Check out this link and post I just wrote that explains it all.

One Prayer

Originally posted on Typepad - March 31
This sounds like a revolution! Count me in this prayer!

Take a moment ... it's worth the watch

Originally posted on Typepad - March 24
I watched this this morning and had a moment with God!

Mad Church Disease

Originally posted on Typepad - March 24
If you haven't heard of this, this book was just finished and will be out next February. I know it's a little ways out but . . . I am looking forward to this read!

Check out the author (who is a regular contributor to Relevant Mag) Anne Jackson here.

Knee Jerk Reactions & Color outside the lines

Originally posted on Typepad - March 21
We've all had them before. Knee Jerk Reactions. We are too quick to jump to conclusions about situations without knowing all the facts. It's really easy to do when someone's actions don't match up to what
you're used to in your own life. I'm learning that behavior has it's roots lodged in the heart (both good & bad). To keep an open mind, at times, is the ability to hear without making judgments. When we don't
listen, we miss out on many new insights and possible experiences.

If someone would have told me that most of our music would be played digitally and it would be available to the common, not just the elite, that would have blown my mind. What about sending files through the
air (Bluetooth) ... It amazing even today!

I'm try to stay up on what's going on today, especially with my kids culture. But, sometimes I have to do some research to try to keep up & stay engaged in their culture. I like how one person said it, "When I'm engaged in their (our kids) culture, I can stay in relationship with them."

No one is perfect and we all miss the mark with each other! A recent quote from Perry Noble at NewSpring's Unleash Conference is relevant to this topic: "The older generation seems to always get mad at the younger
generation."

Shepard Fairey has this to say about culture and such: "My whole M.O. was very similar to skateboarding and punk rock, which was the idea that if the mainstream wasn't picking up on what you were
doing, create an alternative scene to the mainstream. My attitude was never 'I want to be an isolated person and do my own thing in direct opposition to the mainstream'; it was more like 'I need to be doing
what I'm doing, and I need to figure out how to keep doing it by any means necessary.' Alot of people think if you are into some sort of subculture or alternative culture that means you are anti-mainstream.
My idea was always 'Well, mainstream is kinda sucky a lot of times, but does it have to be?' It would be cool to educate people about the stuff that I'm into. Sort of enlighten the mainstream--raise the bar
all across the board rather than having to feel like an outsider forever."

How can this apply in dealing with the church and The Church?

I need to stop my Knee Jerks and let people color outside the lines. I just might learn something. And, then, someone might find the courage to take their next step towards Christ because I get out of the way.

What Knee Jerks have you experienced recently?

The Move

This week is known as the week of passion, the week of celebration not only Jesus' death but also his resurrection.  I am grateful!

We at The Crossroads moved into our new office / cafe this week.  Transition is not always easy. Communication and keeping positive are key components in helping ease tensions of change.  I am reminded of a couple of Charles Swindoll quotes:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

What is the hardest part to deal with when we have no control over a situation?

Dougie Depp

If you haven't checked it out...it's pretty fun!  

OK - I am done.

Face in a hole

Only Bob Ross can pull the white man-fro off!  Check yourself out!

39 is the new...29

March 14 is my birthday. I can't remember when it wasn't sunny on my birthday. Got to love spring time!

Looking forward to a great day:

_7:30 am - awaking to breakfast in bed (Oatmeal, toast, pineapple juice)

_ 8:30 am - Taking the boys to PE

_9:50 am - Going to Starbucks with the family

_10:15 am - Going to see "Horton..." movie with the family

_12:15 pm - Eating Lunch with my bro, mom-in-law, sister-in-law, and family

_2:00 pm - Getting the boys new shoes (may get some B-ball shoes too).

_4:00 pm - Return home

_7:00 pm - Light dinner (watching movie on iTunes - "Changing Lanes")

Now that's a great day!

Plans for year 39:

_I plan to exercise more - playing hoops, running, riding my bike to and from work!

_I plan to pray more. I am craving more of God in my life. Need to grow closer!

_I plan to work less. When I am home I want to be home and not "finishing" what I didn't get done.

_I plan to read more books. See work less ... I read a lot just want to read more.

If 40 is the new 30 . . . 39 is the new 29? I feel like I am 34!

The Madness Has Begun

Originally posted on Typepad - March 12
Today starts the NCAA men's b-ball tourney. Love this time of year.

Here are my final four picks: NC, Kansas, Pitt, UCLA || Pitt beats NC - 89-83 We will see!

Testing One, Two, Three!

For my three readers, you may have been concerned about no recent posts. Well I've been looking for another blog home. Check out the possible new spot.

I am liking some it's features, but not liking others. I will be weighing it out and let you know what blog estate I plant roots.

Stuck in a Small World

Originally posted on Typepad - March 07, 2008

My pastor and friend is a writer. This week his new book dropped called Stuck in a Small World. It will be a soft launch of the book but we are planning to roll it out in conjunction with the opening of our Koina Cafe (hopefully by the end of the month). Here is a brief look at the book:

"With the economy in limbo and life zooming at an out of control pace, the family unit is under attack. Common circumstances have plagued our society for years.

Wyatt tackles these issues head on addressing such issues as single-parent families, sibling rivalry, emotionally distant fathers, blended families, families with special needs children, and many more.

Stuck in a Small World came out of a personal experience, when at Disneyland the Wyatt’s found them selves literally stuck on the ride It’s a Small World. The boat stopped, but the annoying music did not. Meanwhile, the loudspeaker kept blaring, “Please! Do not exit your boats!”

With a painfully honest take on his own families stuckness, Wyatt offers a hopeful look at how we can break the cycle of dysfunction and rewrite the music of our family’s repetitive song."

I am looking forward to reading it.

Grappling

Originally posted on Typepad - March 6, 2008

I am talking with several people these days who are wrestling with many paradigm shifting issues. I am one!

Love for God is not an issue. It more of issues with the local church and The Church as a whole. I ran across this quote from Tony Morgan's blog.

"Real faith is dynamic. It's controversial. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging questions. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't out-grow it. You can't out-dream it. It's more focused on others than it is on self. Real faith gives me peace but makes me discontent to let things stay the same."

We are all on a journey to discover who we are in Christ. May that growth process never end.

What will Church look like?

Originally posted on Typepad - March 05, 2008

Barna released a report recently identifying five segments of church attendance.

From the report:
“The fact that millions of people are now involved in multiple faith communities - for instance, attending a conventional church one week, a house church the next, and interacting with an online faith community in-between - has rendered the standard measures of “churched” and “unchurched” much less precise.”

so, out of the following…which segment do you identify with more? if you would rather remain unidentified, just type in anonymous for your name and don’t link back to your blog.

Unattached - people who had attended neither a conventional church nor an organic faith community (e.g., house church, simple church, intentional community) during the past year. Some of these people use religious media, but they have had no personal interaction with a regularly-convened faith community. This segment represents one out of every four adults (23%) in America. About one-third of the segment was people who have never attended a church at any time in their life.

Intermittents - these adults are essentially “under-churched” - i.e., people who have participated in either a conventional church or an organic faith community within the past year, but not during the past month. Such people constitute about one out of every seven adults (15%). About two-thirds of this group had attended at least one church event at some time within the past six months.

Homebodies - people who had not attended a conventional church during the past month, but had attended a meeting of a house church (3%).

Blenders - adults who had attended both a conventional church and a house church during the past month. Most of these people attend a conventional church as their primary church, but many are experimenting with new forms of faith community. In total, Blenders represent 3% of the adult population.

Conventionals - adults who had attended a conventional church (i.e., a congregational-style, local church) during the past month but had not attended a house church. Almost three out of every five adults (56%) fit this description. This participation includes attending any of a wide variety of conventional-church events, such as weekend services, mid-week services, special events, or church-based classes.

What does going to church look like for you? how do you think “going to church” will look over the next ten or twenty years as our world gets smaller with technology?"


Thanks for Anne Jackson for the info.