Tuesday Thoughts

1. Is gluttony a sin during the holidays? Ok, I know it is. I will ask the Lord for forgiveness and do better

NEXT WEEK.

2. We are driving home this morning. I miss sleeping in my own bed.

3. We went to Tiffany's sister’s home last night for dinner. We had a feast.

4. The kids didn't go to bed until almost 11PM last night. I hope they are not too cranky on the drive home.

5. Hopefully the kids are so tired they sleep most of the trip.

6. Tiffany is really tired so she will probably sleep most of the trip. She usually sleeps anyway.

7. I will use the 6 1/2 hour drive to pray, think, brainstorm, listen to preaching and worship music. It will be a profitable time.

8. The real challenge this morning is getting all the Christmas presents in the vehicle. The grandparents spoil our kids.

9. My next blog post will be on Monday, January 5.

10. Happy New Year everybody!

Christmas Highlights

1. On the Monday of Christmas week, I wrapped up some work around the office.

2. On Tuesday, our family headed to Grand Island, Nebraska.

3. My wife's dad, mom, brother, sister and her husband and three kids live in Nebraska.

4. Christmas was an exciting day. It's so fun to watch the kids open their gifts.

5. Cale and Cade wanted a remote control car for Christmas, and they both got two or three.

6. Caris didn't request anything for Christmas, but she got tons of cool stuff. One thing her grandma got her was a little cooking stove.

7. All four kids slept in the same bedroom. My three oldest kids slept in the same bed together. They looked so cute while they were all sleeping. I could have watched them for hours while they slept.

8. Tiffany's grandparents from Minnesota drove to Nebraska the day after Christmas. Her grandfather is 83, and her grandmother is 77. We opened more gifts with her grandparents.

9. Tiffany's grandparents are devoted Christ-followers. My wife has a great Christian heritage. Tiffany's parents are pastors.

10. Every night, we played card games. We stayed up late every night and had lots of fun.

11. We ate and ate and ate and ate and ate and ate and ate! I haven't weighed myself yet, but I'm sure I picked up five or so pounds.

12. My favorite food is cutout cookies.

13. I spent some time reflecting on 2008 and planning for 2009.

14. I also started reading the book Tribes and re-read some of the book called The Next Generation Leader.

15. I didn't check my email for four days in a row. That's really good for me!

16. I got some more clothes for Christmas.

17. We are driving home tomorrow. I need to get back home so that I can hit the gym hard!

18. Shelby Johnson, the Care Director at People's Church, preached yesterday on Jesus being the Wonderful Counselor.

19. My family went to my father-in-law’s church. He preached on honor. It was a very good service.

20. What's up with the Dallas Cowboys? Give me a break! They need to learn to play football in December!

21. I hope all of my blogging family had a wonderful time with your families during the Christmas season!

22. 2009 is going to be an off-the-charts year! ARE YOU READY FOR GOD TO DO SOMETHING BIG???

Weekend Highlights

1. I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away! Wow, how time flies!

2. My wife and I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Saturday. We actually celebrated on Thursday and Friday, but it was official on Saturday. It's been a phenomenal 11 years!

3. We had great services yesterday!

4. We served communion in all four experiences. It was a holy moment!

5. We baptized many people yesterday.

6. We dedicated many babies yesterday.

7. The O, Holy Night song along with the video was powerful. I thought we stole that idea from another church, but I was informed that our Creative Team came up with the idea. Way to go team!

8. I preached a very short message about Jesus being our Mighty God! Nothing is impossible with our God!

9. The staff Leadership Team came over to our home for a Christmas party. I always enjoy hanging with our team.

10. Thanks, church family, for all of the Christmas cards and gifts. My family appreciates all of your love!

11. Our church is giving in a generous way during the CRAZY Challenge! I can't wait for the month to wrap up so that I can report to you the miracles that God did! One more week left! Pray and give like CRAZY!

12. During every experience, those who had needs came down for prayer, and we had our Prayer Team and some of our staff pray for the MIGHTY God to minister to our church family. This was another holy moment.

13. We need your help, church family. Beginning January 4th, we need as many of you as possible to switch experiences for three months. If you attend the 10AM or 11:15AM experience, would you please commit for three months to attend the 8:45AM or the 12:30PM experience. Every January, we always see great growth and lots of life change, and we need to free up seats for those seeking a relationship with Christ. Thank you for your passion to reach MORE people!

14. After three months, we should be moving into our new facility! GO GOD!

15. For the first time in a long time, I didn't win a fantasy football championship. I made it to the finals in one league and lost. I lost by six points, and all I have to say is Kurt Warner!!

16. Merry Christmas, everybody!

Friday's Download

1. My wife and I are celebrating eleven years of marriage tomorrow. It's been an incredible eleven years. All I can say is my wife is so precious to me. Outside of Christ, she is the best thing that's ever happened to me. She is my best friend, lover, buddy, pal, mother of my four kids, soul mate and the list could go on and on. LOVE YOU, SWEETIE!

2. Tonight, the Leadership Staff is coming to my house for a Christmas party. I love and enjoy the people I get to do ministry with.

3. On Sunday, we are having a SPECIAL Christmas service. Christmas songs, communion, baby dedications, praying for miracles and I will be preaching a message called Mighty God! Invite your friends and family, and let's celebrate the birth of our Savior together!

4. We celebrated our family Christmas on Wednesday night. It was so much fun watching the kids open their gifts.

5. We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family and Tiffany's family during this Christmas season.

6. On Sunday, the Worship Team is doing something cool during the song Oh, Holy Night. I can't wait to experience it!

7. This Sunday, we are receiving a special CRAZY Campaign offering for our new 44,000 square foot addition. God is going to do a miracle in your life and in our church, as we are faithful to pray and be obedient to what God is speaking to our hearts. I'm PUMPED!

8. 2009 is going to be an off-the-charts year for PC! We could see thousands of people come to Christ, see thousands of lives changed and see our church double in size. Hold on to your seats, folks, God has some wonderful things in store for PC!

Reflection

I think it's very healthy to take time to reflect. At the end of every year, I spend time reflecting over the past year. This helps to be thankful for all God has done, and it helps me to know what changes I need to make for the upcoming year. I evaluate my relationship with God, my relationship with my wife, my relationship with my kids, my work, my health, my financial stewardship and my friendships. I want to know if I have accomplished the goals that I established at the beginning of the year. If I didn't accomplish the goals, I try to figure out why I fell short. Reflection is so good for me!

Setting Goals:

I am a big goal setter and calendar planner. At the end of every year, I plan out the important things in my life. I've learned that, if I don't tell my time and life where to go, I will wonder where it went. I have already:

1. Established a 2009 financial budget with my wife. We live by a budget. Money is like time, if I don't tell my money where to go, I will wonder where it went.

2. Set a giving budget for 2009. Tiffany and I believe strongly in giving aggressively above the Lord's tithe.

3. Scheduled my date nights with my wife for 2009. LOVE THOSE NIGHTS!

4. Scheduled out 90 percent of my sermon series for 2009. This can change depending on what God is speaking to my heart during different seasons.

5. Scheduled out our family’s 2009 vacation dates.

6. Scheduled off Sundays that I will not be speaking at People's Church. I've learned that ministry is not a sprint, it's a marathon.

7. Scheduled out several overnight trips with my wife. We leave the kids with a babysitter and spend a night in a hotel together.

8. I'm working on scheduling out my fasting schedule. Fasting does wonders for my walk with Christ.

9. I also have my 2009 haircut appointments already scheduled. PRAY FOR ME! My life is too regimented!

Herbert Is Insecure

There are a lot of people who say that a leader can't be successful and insecure at the same time. I disagree! One of the greatest leaders in history was very insecure. His name was Moses. Moses was so insecure that he argued with God and told GOD that he could not deliver Israel from Egypt. Moses even told the one who created him that he could not speak very well, so God had to send Aaron to speak for Moses. Moses was an insecure dude! Herbert Lee Cooper, Jr. can relate to Moses’ insecurities!

Granted, there are some insecurities that will kill you as a leader, but I think we all have our insecurities. The Lord has helped me to overcome some of my insecurities, but I still have a long way to go. If you are struggling with some insecurity issues, don't feel like you are all alone. You are in good company!

Herbert Is Really Shy

Okay, that is not an accurate statement, but yesterday, I took a personality test. Some of our staff and board members were surprised by the results. The test revealed that I am equally both an extravert and an introvert. Though the text says I am equally both, I am more of an introvert. As I stated earlier, some people were surprised that I am an introvert because I do have an outgoing personality. What many people don't know about me is though I deeply love, care about and am very good with people, I am not energized by them. I am energized by being alone, being with my family and being around very close friends. If I had to choose between being with a group of people or being by myself, I would choose being by myself. If I had to choose between getting to know a stranger or keeping to myself, I would choose keeping to myself. I guess you can say that I'm weird because I am an introvert with an outgoing personality.

Weekend Update

1. We had a great Volunteer Banquet on Friday night. We ate well, had great fellowship and celebrated and honored all of the volunteers of PC. All I can say is you all are wonderful! You are awesome! Thanks for serving and for making a huge impact in the lives of people.

2. We had a good turn out at the CRAZY Prayer Meeting. I didn't know if people would show because the weather turned cold quickly. The people of PC showed up and were excited to pray. It was a special time.

3. My voice did much better yesterday. I did not have any problems at all. Thank you, Jesus!

4. Sam Bradford, from my Oklahoma Sooners, won the Heisman trophy on Saturday night. BOOMER SOONER!

5. I'm pulling for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team to win their third game really soon. We lost two games this weekend. I'm a fan, and we need another win.

6. I preached about how Jesus is our Everlasting Father.

7. The Worship Team sang the old song Draw Me Close yesterday. It brought back some great college worship memories.

8. This was a busy weekend with the CRAZY Volunteer Banquet, preaching four times, the CRAZY Prayer Meeting and then the CRAZY Involvement Meeting.

9. When our people were walking through the new 44,000 square foot building on Sunday night, they were shocked at how huge it is. An 1800 seat auditorium with high ceilings looks gigantic. Plus, the lobby space is gigantic as well.

10. We are going to double and even triple in attendance with this new facility. I'm excited to see thousands of lives transformed by the power of Christ through this new tool.

11. The CRAZY CHALLENGE is ON! We are praying and expecting $100,000 to be given to the CRAZY Campaign during the month of December. This coming up Sunday we are receiving a special CRAZY offering.

12. Thanks again for praying for the CRAZY matching fund. When we as a church give $40,000 during December, it will become $80,000. God is going to do some cool things at PC this month! GO, GOD!

13. I can't believe there is only one more weekend left until Christmas.

14. There are a lot of things on my mind, but you are probably tired of reading. So, I'll stop now. Have a great Monday!

Friday's Download

1. It was a tough week for me. There are times as a pastor you have to navigate through things that aren't fun.

2. Cale, my five-year-old son, had a school concert last night. Tiffany and I had fun watching my precious boy sing on the stage with the other kids.

3. I'm excited to preach this Sunday on Christ being our Everlasting Father. I was ministered to this week while I was studying the message.

4. I'm really pumped to see all that God is going to do at PC during the CRAZY Challenge month.

5. Thanks for praying for the $40,000 matching fund. God is going to do great things through all of us at PC!

6. Don't forget that on Sunday at 5PM we will be having an ALL Church Prayer Meeting in the new facility. This is going to be a very special time. We are going to be writing the names of people we want to come to Christ on the walls of the new building. It’s going to be a special, special time.

7. At 6PM on Sunday, we will be having our CRAZY Involvement Meeting. If you are new to PC or just want to know more about the new 44,000 square foot facility or the CRAZY Campaign, don't miss this vision-casting meeting.

8. Tonight is the CRAZY Volunteer Banquet. I look forward to hanging out with all of the incredible volunteers at PC! YOU ALL REALLY ARE INCREDIBLE! THANKS for ALL you do!

9. Fantasy football playoffs are in full effect this Sunday. I'm looking for a win in all 6 leagues.

10. The President of the university where I graduated from college called me this week. Dr. Robert Spence invited me back to Evangel University to speak at the Spiritual Emphasis Week in the fall of 2010. Of course, I told my President, “Yes.”

11. This is the second time in 2 years that I will have spoken at Evangel's Spiritual Emphasis Week. Dr. Spence has had a huge impact upon my life and ministry. Dr. Spence, I doubt that you read my blog, but if you do, I want you to know that you are one of my heroes!

It's Spiritual When I...pt 2

9. Serve and care for the people I work with.

10. Take time to encourage, value and appreciate my friends.

11. Talk positively about somebody that I don't like.

12. Rejoice with another pastor whose church is doing better than PC.

13. Help another pastor whose church is not doing very well.

14. Do something nice for someone.

15. Listen to the advice and counsel of my spiritual leaders.

16. Am more focused on THE church and not People's Church.

It's Spiritual When I...

1. Take time to play with my kids.

2. Want to watch TV but read books to my kids.

3. Listen, I mean really listen, to my wife.

4. Romance my wife.

5. Take my day off and spend it with my family even though I have ton of stuff to get done.

6. Take a Sunday off from preaching.

7. Tell my wife I love her every day.

8. Eat dinner with my family around the dinning room table.

Above Or Below pt. 4

Here are some more things that I consider before hiring above or below:

4. I always want to do what's best for the staff member and what's best for the church. It's not fair to a staff member or to the church to keep a staff member in a position that they can't succeed and thrive in.

5. I love being friends with the people I work with. I love the fact that our staff can laugh with each other, goof off together, make fun of each other and just flat out have a blast together. One of the challenges with being friends with your staff, can be letting the friendship with a staff member stop you from hiring above them even when you know it's necessary. I thoroughly enjoy being friends with our staff, but I always strive to do what's best for the staff member and what's best for the church no matter how deep the friendship.

6. As a spiritual leader, I always strive to handle each person with love and compassion. I truly love the people I work with and want the best for their life, families and ministry.

Closing thoughts: In most cases what got you where you are, won't take you where you're going. Either your team will grow and develop, and you will hire below them, or the church will out grow their level of leadership and you will have to make the tough call and hire above them.

Weekend Highlights

1. My Sooners smashed the Missouri Tigers. They are the Big 12 champs! Boomer Sooner!

2. The Oklahoma Sooners are playing in the National Championship game against the Florida Gators on January 8, 2009. This ought to be a great game.

3. My voice really struggled yesterday. I haven't struggled that bad in a while. Maybe it's because I haven't spoke in two weeks. One person told me that there was something in the air. I'm not sure what the deal was, but I thought I was going to lose my voice.

4. I made a huge announcement to our church yesterday. I will tell you what it was before the end of this post.

5. The December CRAZY Challenge is in full affect. During the month of December, our church has set a goal to give $100,000, over and above the Lord's tithe, to the CRAZY Building Campaign. We will be moving into our new 44,000 square foot addition very soon.

6. Tiffany and I are really excited about giving sacrificially to the CRAZY Campaign during the CRAZY Challenge. We count it a joy to give to the Lord's work.

7. There were many people that gave their hearts to Christ yesterday.

8. I preached about Jesus being the Prince of Peace. I know God did a great work in the hearts of people.

9. I only had one playoff game yesterday, and I won it. I had a bye in 4 of my leagues. In my last league, this was the final week of the regular season, and I won the game. I have 6 playoff games next week.

10. On Friday night, my family went to a drive-thru outdoor play at a Boys’ Ranch. The kids loved seeing the animals.

11. Here comes the BIG NEWS! One of our CRAZY church attenders, who is CRAZY about the vision of People's Church, has set up a $40,000 matching fund. For every dollar our church people give in the month of December, this CRAZY attendee will match it dollar for dollar up to $40,000. As soon as our church gives $40,000, it will become $80,000! Can you shout AWESOME!

12. Blogging family, please pray for this CRAZY Challenge. I know God is going to do some incredible miracles during the month of December. God is so good!

13. Friday, December 12, is our CRAZY Volunteer Banquet. All People's Church volunteers, don't miss this night of celebration as we honor you for your faithfulness to serve. We will be eating a free Johnny Carino's meal and having a blast. For more details, check the home page of our website http://www.peopleschurch.tv/. To RSVP, email erin@peopleschurch.tv RIGHT NOW!

14. Teenagers, don't miss our Wednesday night youth experience at People's Church. The series is called 'Tis The Season. It's going to rock your world!

Friday's Download

1. We had a long and productive staff meeting this week. I did some interactive teaching on how leaders are not self-made. There was some great discussion on the subject. I really believe this meeting was a turning point for many of our staff members.

2. One of our staff members told me a light went on in their head after a conversation. There is nothing like those moments when something just clicks.

3. I had a tough time studying this week. The Lord really gave me a message that I believe is going to minister to PC, but it was a struggle all the way.

4. I am excited about what God is doing in my heart. My relationship with God is going to a new level.

5. They are framing the inside of our new 44,000 square foot addition. It's amazing how the building looks so much bigger when the framing is going up. I'll try to remember to put a picture of the inside of the building on the blog next week.

6. Tiffany and I went on a date last night. It’s always fun to hang out with my bride.

7. Cale, my oldest son, turned five on Wednesday. It's hard to believe that he is already five.

8. This Sunday, I am speaking on peace. I really want to encourage you to BRING (not invite) somebody to church with you on Sunday. So many people are searching for peace, and I'm going to shed some light on how to receive peace from God's Word.

9. I have a HUGE announcement to make.

10. I mean this is a HUGE announcement.

11. Do you want to know what the BIG news is? The announcement is.......

12. You had better be at church on Sunday! This BIG news will blow you away!

13. See you on Sunday!

Above Or Below pt. 3

Here are some things that I consider before hiring above or below:

1. If you hire below a person, can they take the ministry to the next level or only lead well at the current level? One of my mentors helped me process this. You can't make decisions about staff based on where the church is today, you have to make decisions based on where you are headed.

2. The key to effectively hiring above or below a person is constant communication. Our Executive Pastor and I try our best to communicate frequently to the staff about where they are in their leadership development. We never want anyone to be blind-sided by how we view their leadership. At People's Church, we are brutally honest with one another. We let the staff know if we are concerned about their leadership. We want them to know if they are or are not meeting expectations.

3. Before we hire above a staff member, we make sure that we have done our best to develop them. We constantly tell our staff that we believe in them. The reason we tell them this is because we really do believe in their potential, and we want to do everything we can to develop and draw out the potential that's inside of them. Here are some things we do to develop our staff: We give our team books, listen to other leaders, go to conferences, do leadership teachings in staff meetings and do quarterly reviews. If a staff member doesn't respond positively in a timely manner to all of the leadership development, we will hire over them.

More on Tuesday

Above Or Below pt. 2

It's much easier to hire below a person. When a person is growing, thriving and adding value to the church’s vision, it's easy to walk into their office and say, “You need more people to lead.” It's easy to tell someone that they need more responsibility because their leadership is adding so much value to the church.

It's much more difficult to walk into somebody's office and tell them that they add more value being a doer rather than a leader. It's difficult to tell someone that the church has out grown their leadership. It's difficult to tell somebody that in their current role they are bringing you more problems than solutions. It's difficult to tell somebody that you have to hire over them so that the church can continue to reach more people for Christ.

Many churches never do all God wants them to do because some pastors aren't willing to make the difficult decisions. Many pastors will make excuses rather than make the difficult call so that the church will continue to be effective at accomplishing its vision. Pastor, a question that I ask myself and I encourage you to ask yourself is, "Am I hindering the church from reaching more people for Christ because I'm not willing to make the difficult decisions?"

Tomorrow, I want to share some things that I'm learning about how to make the difficult decisions in a God honoring way.

Above Or Below

When you are leading staff and volunteers, you either have to put people above them or below them. I'm going to address this subject this week from the perspective of leading a full time staff member, but this can easily apply to leading a volunteer.

Because we are going into a new season of ministry, momentum and growth at PC, I communicate frequently to my staff that I will hire either above them or below them. If a staff member is able to lead well at the next level and is able to help take us to another level, I will hire below them. If the growth of the church out grows their growth as a leader, I will hire above them. If I hire above them, that means they will no longer be in their current position of leadership. There will be another leader leading them. How do we successfully make these necessary transitions so that the local church can thrive and more lives can be changed?

More tomorrow

Vacation Highlights

1. I took several days of vacation last week. It was great!

2. My family and I stayed in Oklahoma City for the Thanksgiving holiday.

3. On Tuesday night, my wife and I went on a fun and long date. We went out to eat, then we went to a movie and then we went to Starbucks and hung out and talked. We had such a fun time together.

4. On Wednesday, I took Cale and Cade to see the movie Bolt. Tiffany started cooking our Thanksgiving dinner.

5. On Thursday, I went to the gym and grabbed a Starbucks coffee and read the paper. Then I headed home and spent the rest of the day at home with my family and ate until I was sick. I sinned against the Lord.

6. I watched football all day on Thursday. Food, football and family, that's my kind of day!

7. My wife made giblet gravy. She won't eat it, but I tore it up. She also made her world famous cheesecake. It is the best cheesecake I have ever had. Cheesecake Factory can't touch my wife's cheesecake.

8. On Friday morning, we went to I-Hop for breakfast, and the kids ate like I've never seen them eat before. Cade, my three year old, ate 4 pancakes. I couldn't believe it! I think Cale, my four year old (turns 5 in two days), ate 4 pancakes as well. WOW!

9. On Friday and Saturday, we ate left over Thanksgiving food.

10. On Saturday, I watched my Oklahoma Sooners beat Oklahoma State. Both defenses looked bad.

11. I took Sunday off to relax and to spend time with my family. We went to Jimmy's Egg and ate breakfast. After Jimmy's Egg, we went to a store and then headed home for the rest of the day.

12. I picked up 3 pounds this past week, so I'm hitting the gym hard and watching what I eat the rest of the week.

13. I have a chance to win in all 6 fantasy leagues this week. If Kevin Walters for the Texans doesn't get over fifteen points, I will win in all six leagues. I also made the playoffs in all 6 leagues. My regular season records in all six leagues looks like this 12-1, 11-2, 11-2, 9-4, 9-4, 7-5-1. If Walters gets over fifteen points, I'll finish 10-3 instead of 11-2 in that league.

14. Chris Smith, our Student Ministries Director, preached in all four experiences.

15. I had a blast with my family during our stay-at-home vacation. We made lots of memories, had lots of laughs and had tons of fun.

16. I'm kicking off our new series titled Presents on Sunday. I'm going to teach about how Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In these difficult days in our nation, we need the peace of God. Invite your friends, family and co-workers to join you this Sunday because many people are searching for peace.

Thankful

I will not be blogging the rest of the week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm going to spend some quality and quantity time with my wife and kids. I want to end this week’s blog thoughts by sharing some things that I'm thankful for:

1. I'm thankful for a God who loves me unconditionally. He knows all of my faults and still loves me. He knows all of my faults and still saved me! I thank God for the blood of Jesus!

2. I'm thankful for my wife. She is the best. I fall more in love with her every day. She is my best friend. She makes me laugh. She takes care of me. Tiffany, I am so thankful for you. You are the wind beneath my wings!

3. I'm thankful for my kids. I have four healthy and vibrant kids. They have provided so much happiness and excitement for Tiffany and me. I love them so much. I'm so excited to raise my kids to be followers of Christ.

4. I'm thankful for my staff. My staff is like family to me. Thanks for all you do.

5. I'm thankful for my dad and mom. They invested so much time, energy, resources and love in me while they were raising me.

6. I'm thankful for my brother and sister who live in Rochester, New York. I have so many fond memories from growing up with them. I always enjoy seeing them on my annual trip to Rochester. Love you two!

7. I'm thankful for the People's Church family. I can't believe I get to be your pastor. I can't believe God has called me to lead such a wonderful group of people who are so passionate about impacting our city and world with the good news of Christ. People's Church, I'm so thankful, honored and humbled to be your pastor.

8. I'm thankful for my health. Being healthy is truly a blessing from God.

9. I'm thankful for my mentors. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for key people believing in me and investing in me.

10. I'm thankful that I'm living my dreams. It's so amazing to wake up every day and do what I was created and love to do. It's priceless!

11. I'm thankful that I have a growing relationship with Christ. My relationship with Christ is the very source of my life.

Have a BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Weekend Highlights

1. My Oklahoma Sooners stomped Texas Tech. I mean destroyed them!

2. Oklahoma Sooners closed the gap on the Texas Longhorns in the BCS.

3. With a strong win against Oklahoma State on Saturday, my Sooners should pass Texas, and that means we will play in the Big 12 championship. It also means we are in the National Championship hunt!

4. We had a heart-stirring day at People's Church. My friend Lynn Wheeler preached about how God can provide a miracle in the middle of a storm.

5. Lynn shared his testimony about the pain of his divorce, and how God brought him through. There were tears in every experience. Both men and women were crying because God was touching their heart through Lynn's testimony.

6. In the fourth experience, we had some kind of power surge in the building. The power went completely off and then came right back. It was weird. I was on the stage, and we were worshipping and bam the power went off and came right back on, and then, it did it again. That's right, two times in a row. WEIRD!

7. PC family, just a reminder to bring socks, undershirts and belts for our SeeWorth Academy Christmas drive. Thank you for your heart to make a difference during this holiday season.

8. It's amazing how I can still feel exhausted on Sunday even though I didn't preach.

9. I do feel much better on Monday mornings if I don't preach. I feel like I could run a marathon this morning.

10. Make it a super great Monday!

Friday's Download

1. Watching our new 44,000 square foot facility come up is so exciting for me. Our biggest hindrance will be removed very shortly. We will be able to reach so many more people with the good news of Christ.

2. The vision and future of PC is brighter than ever!

3. I went with Craig Groeschel and Bobby Gruenewald from Life Church to a one day Catalyst event in Granger, Indiana. The event was held at Granger Church. This is a great church that I have learned a great deal from.

4. Craig and Andy Stanley from North Point Church did some incredible leadership teachings.

5. I learned that to bust through barriers you have to change your thinking.

6. I learned so much insight about momentum. The greatest momentum comes from doing something new.

7. Momentum does not come from tweaking something that has already lost momentum.

8. To sustain momentum you have to constantly improve and keep on improving.

9. I enjoyed getting to meet and eating a couple of meals with Andy Stanley. He is one of my ministry heroes.

10. My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with Craig and Bobby.

11. Bobby is one of the sharpest and most innovative thinkers on the planet. He is a great guy.

12. Craig is a great friend. Tiffany and I have become close friends with the Groeschels and we cherish our friendship.

13. It is awesome to have ministry friends in the same city.

14. I didn't get back home from the trip until after 11 PM last night. I'm a little tired today.

15. Today is my off day and I'm going to enjoy my family.

16. The Oklahoma Sooners better whoop Texas Tech on Saturday! This will keep our Big 12 and National Championship hopes alive!

17. See you on Sunday!

Conference

I am at a conference today. I will update you on who I'm with and details of the conference tomorrow. I can't wait to fill you in on all that I glean from this experience!

SEE YA

Life Lessons From Fantasy Football pt. 2

You have to make constant adjustments

If you are going to be a successful fantasy football player, you have to make constant adjustments. The best fantasy football players make weekly adjustments to their starting lineup. Players get hurt, benched, have bye weeks, have tough match ups and don't perform up to expectations. If a fantasy player is not willing to evaluate where their team is weak and make the necessary adjustments, their team will be horrible.

In life, you have to be willing to make constant adjustments to be successful. You have to be willing to adjust to things like going to college, getting married, working a job, changing jobs, changing jobs again, having your first kid, finding a church home, buying a house, having a second kid, having a third kid, and the list goes on and on and on. People who aren't willing to make constant adjustments will wreck their lives, families and futures. Blessed are the flexible because they will not be broken! During this season of your life, are you making the necessary adjustments to be successful?

Life Lessons From Fantasy Football

If you have never played fantasy football, you may not appreciate my thoughts as much as other fantasy football geeks will. Although, I trust my thoughts will speak to your heart in some way.

You have to prepare for the big day before the big day arrives.

The big day in fantasy football is draft day. This is when you draft your football team. I always crack up at many first year fantasy football players because most of them never prepare for the draft. Most of them just show up to the draft with a magazine and have no clue of the league scoring or rules. The league scoring determines who you should draft and when you should draft them. They just start drafting a team with no prior preparation, and 90 percent of the time, that leads to a horrible team and, therefore, a horrible season.

In life, if you are going to capitalize on the BIG DAY, BIG PROMOTION, BIG PROJECT, BIG OPPORTUNITY that comes your way, you better be prepared for the big day before the big day arrives. Don't ever underestimate the power of preparation!

Weekend Update

1. It was a strong Sunday at People's Church.

2. I started to feel a little under the weather on Saturday night.

3. Sunday morning I felt a little under the weather as well.

4. I was able to speak during all four experiences with no problem.

5. I was a little more tired than usual by the fourth experience.

6. I spoke on how to receive a financial miracle. If you need a financial miracle or know someone who does, I want to encourage you to listen to the message at www.peopleschurch.tv. It should be online later today or tomorrow.

7. For the first time this year, I won in all six of my fantasy leagues. I'm pretty proud of that!

8. Last night, I took Cale, Cade & Caris to Starbucks. Cale and Caris wanted a Hot Chocolate, and Cade wanted a water. They all shared a chocolate cookie. I got a Grande Decaf Skinny Eggnog Latte extra hot. I am a HUGE Eggnog fan.

9. I ate a ham sandwich with Frito's and ranch dip for lunch yesterday. My wife cooked beans, cornbread and cumber salad for dinner on Saturday night. Those beans sit heavy on my stomach. I picked up weight by eating one bowl of beans. I have to stay away from those beans. They also make me pass gas BAD. Probably more than you wanted to know. :)

10. A lot of people gave their lives to Christ on Sunday. I NEVER GET TIRED of typing that every week. AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

11. Make it a great Monday! Have a great attitude and be sure to smile!

Friday's Download

1. The Miraculous series continues on Sunday!

2. I'm excited to see God perform miracles on Sunday. He is a miracle worker!

3. Tiffany and I went to dinner with Clark and Robin Mitchell on Wednesday night. They are the Senior Pastors at www.journeychurch.tv. We had a great time with them. They are a super couple. Clark has been a huge blessing to me. It's great to have other senior pastor friends in the OKC metro area.

4. This was a very busy week. I had several meetings that I had to attend. Some were profitable and some were...you get the point.

5. I haven't slept very well this week. I've been kind of dragging a little bit.

6. My fantasy football teams went 5-1 this past week. I am still 10-0 in one league, and I'm 9-1 in another. I have a winning record in all of my leagues, and I'm headed to the playoffs (at least for now).

7. My Oklahoma Sooners have a bye this week. They are getting rested up and preparing for a huge game against Texas Tech next Saturday.

8. The Dallas Cowboys play this Sunday. Tony Romo is back, so hopefully, they play much better.

9. My little girl is a super wild child. She is so full of energy.

10. My fourth kid, Case, is the most smiley and happy baby out of the four. He is a very expressive little baby.

11. I feel so honored and blessed to be able to pastor People's Church.

12. Our new 44,000 square foot addition is coming along quickly!

13. Blogging family, thanks for praying for my family and me and for PC! I'm praying for you as I type!

14. Have a super blessed weekend!

IT will destroy you

1. IT hardens your heart

2. IT causes you to justify your actions and thoughts

3. IT affects your relationships with others

4. IT makes what is wrong appear to be right

5. IT looks so enticing

6. IT is so deceptive

7. IT can be passed down to future generations

8. IT will stop the blessings of God

9. IT can send you to hell

10. IT flourishes in darkness

11. IT is SIN! Beware!

Jerk, You Are Using Me

Before I started People's Church, I was a traveling speaker/evangelist. When I traveled full-time, I thought people really loved Herbert Cooper the man. It took me a while to figure out that most people didn't love Herbert Cooper the man, they loved Herbert Cooper the communicator/preacher. I had a gift that added value to their church, convention or organization. When my gift was no longer available to their organization, the love quickly stopped. This is not a negative thing - it's just reality. God gives us gifts and talents to be a blessing to others. I just had a hard time distinguishing between the fact that people can love my gift but not love and value me.

If you are going to lead a team of people effectively, you can't love people’s gifts and not love and value the people. As leaders, we must surround ourselves with gifted people, but we must love and value the people for who they are and not just for what they do.

Jerk, You Don't Care About Me

One of the greatest qualities a leader can possess is they have to care about people. Leaders who don't care about their people are jerks! I have grown in this area and want to continue to get better at caring for the people who work for me and with me. I'm not just talking about the token question of “How's your day,” or “How are you doing?” Their usual response to the token question is "Great." That's not good enough. Caring means taking time to get into the other person's world. It means taking time to ask them about their spouse and kids and really listening and caring. It means taking time to find out if the employee (volunteer) is happy and fulfilled with their role in the organization. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!

Weekend Highlights

1. It was a super great day at People's Church.

2. Lots of people gave their hearts to Christ.

3. We were somewhere between 35 to 40 percent bigger than the same Sunday last year.

4. We continue to grow even though we don't have any space. It's CRAZY, but God is up to something! I can't wait for us to move into our 44,000 square foot addition. We are going to blow the roof off Oklahoma City for the glory of God!

5. Yesterday, we had an old fashion miracle service. It was awesome! We did half the worship set after I preached and then had our staff and Prayer Team come down to the front of the building to pray for people. Our church people responded in a tremendous way and received prayer for God to do miracles in their lives. It was a powerful time!

6. I can't wait to hear all of the testimonies of how God performed miracles in the lives of PC worshippers.

7. Oklahoma State got spanked by Texas Tech. I thought Texas Tech would win but not by blowing out the Pokes.

8. My Oklahoma Sooners whooped up on Texas A&M.

9. I had a fun time hanging out with my family this weekend. I love my family so much!!!!

10 I love the staff that I have the privilege of serving with. They are all so hungry to grow and be all that God wants them to be. Thanks team for praying like it depends on God and working like it depends on you.

11. Worship was off the hook great yesterday! I love the changes we are making to our worship experience.

12. God is up to something at PC! If I were you, I wouldn't miss this coming up Sunday. Something great is going to happen!!!

13. Make it a great Monday!

Friday's Download

1. I took my wife on a date last night. We ate at a place where I love the salad.

2. Tiffany went to school with Cale this morning. She is helping out in Cale's classroom. She is so excited to see Cale and the other kids in his class.

3. I am taking care of my other three kids why Tiff is gone. We are having some daddy bonding time moments.

4. I got Sunday's sermon done by 9:30AM on Thursday. I usually never have it done that early in the day.

5. We had a great turn out at the 6AM and 12PM prayer meetings on Thursday. If you can, be at the church for the 12PM prayer meeting today! We are praying for God to do the miraculous in the lives of many people.

6. Remember that on Sunday I will be preaching very early in the experience. We will have more worship after I preach, and we will be praying for God to do miracles in your life. Come EXPECTING a miracle!

7. Bring someone with you on Sunday who needs a miracle. I'm believing God to do some BIG things! It's going to be a super, electrifying Sunday!

8. The Texas Tech and Oklahoma State game ought to be a good one. I usually pull for OSU if they aren't playing my Sooners, but this time I have to pull for Tech because if they win it gives the Sooners a chance to win the Big 12.

9. My fantasy teams didn't do as bad as I thought they were going to do. I had a huge Monday night from my defense. I ended the week 4-2 in my six leagues. I'm still undefeated in one league and am headed to the playoffs in all the leagues so far. In all my years of playing fantasy football, it's the first time I've ever started 9-0.

10. I'm so excited for the holidays.

11. Be praying and fasting for a GREAT SUNDAY! ARE YOU READY FOR A MIRACLE?

I Want A Racially Diverse Church pt. 4

16. Marry someone from another race. OK, this is not a requirement! :) I did not marry my wife for any other reason except for the fact that God brought us together, but God has used our interracial marriage to minister to many people and to help us build a diverse church.

17. Build relationships with other pastors who lead a diverse church. These relationships can be instrumental in helping you overcome barriers and division in your church and community.

18. Be intentional about having people of other races on your Parking Lot Team, Greeter Team and Usher Team. Once again, it's like the platform, people need to see themselves represented in places of influence.

19. Don't try to build a diverse church if your community or city is not diverse. It may be a desire in your heart, but if your community is not diverse, your church will not be diverse. I know this sounds elementary, but I have seen pastors struggle with this.

20. Focus on Jesus. Don't make it all about diversity; instead make it all about Jesus! Don't become so consumed with being diverse that you miss what it's all about, JESUS! Focus on loving Jesus, obeying Jesus and following Jesus and let God build his church!

I Want A Racially Diverse Church pt. 3

11. Build relationships in the community with people of another race. Be proactive about it.

12. Ask some people of another race to attend your church and tell them to give you feedback about what you need to change to attract them to your worship experience.

13. Your music is a very important key to who you attract to your church. If you want a diverse church, your music will have to reflect it.

14. Develop a relationship with another pastor or preacher and invite them to speak at your church a couple of times a year.

15. Be sensitive to the words you choose while speaking to your church. I have heard many preachers unintentionally say, show and do stupid stuff that degrades another race.

I Want A Racially Diverse Church pt. 2

If you missed my first post on this subject, check out Thursday's blog from last week.

6. Preach regularly on unity and loving people who are different from you.

7. Preach regularly about how we are stronger together than we are separate.

8. Develop a passion for what God loves: Unity, Love, Togetherness.

9. Let God rip hidden areas of racism out of your own heart.

10. When you decide to build a diverse church, get ready to fight the devil, religious people, status quo Christians and people who have hidden areas of racism in their hearts. You will be surprised at those who say they are committed followers of Christ who will give you major push back if you try to reach people who are different from them.

Weekend Highlights

1. It was a fun day preaching at church. I did some teaching and preaching today. It was fun!

2. We had great attendance, but the fourth experience was down. My theory is everybody got an extra hour of sleep and decided to come to church at the three earlier experiences.

3. Texas Tech beat the Texas Longhorns. YEAAAA!

4. My Oklahoma Sooners won! We dropped in the rankings, but that's no big deal. The big thing is that we have to win some big, big games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. It's an exciting college football season.

5. Lots and lots of people gave their lives to Christ yesterday. It thrills my heart watching people say yes to God!

6. My fantasy teams didn't do well yesterday. This was my worse week so far.

7. Once again, great weather. I love watching the leaves turn colors.

8. God is doing some awesome things at PC!

9. We had a good solid Newcomer’s/Membership luncheon on Sunday after the 4th experience.

10. Great job Worship Team. I appreciate your passion to lead us into God's presence every week.

11. Volunteers, you are PHENOMENAL! Thanks for serving with such fervency. You are making a huge impact!

12. Today is a study day for me. I'm hoping to get Sunday's message 40 to 50 percent done.

13. Have a super Monday!

Friday's Download

1. The weather was gorgeous this week!

2. Our new 44,000 square foot addition is almost all the way enclosed.

3. The construction crews are working really hard. Great job Josh on pushing the crews. You're awesome!

4. This Sunday, we are kicking off The Miraculous. God is going to do what only he can do, The IMPOSSIBLE!

5. Invite a friend, co-worker, student, neighbor or family member to join you this Sunday! God is going to do some cool stuff.

6. I'm really excited to watch Texas Tech beat Texas on Saturday.

7. My dad, mom, brother and sister live in Nebraska, so I want my Oklahoma Sooners to kill Nebraska. If they don't, my father-in-law will talk trash starting Saturday and all through the holidays. Go Sooners!

8. My fantasy teams didn't go 5-1 as I predicted on Monday's blog. Someone had Dallas Clark - the dude hadn't caught a touchdown pass all year long but caught two on Monday night football, and I lost. So I went 4-2. I only have one undefeated team.

9. I had coffee with Justin Graves, our former Student Ministries Director. He started a church in Tulsa, OK and we caught up and talked church planting stuff. I really enjoy talking to church planters.

10. I'm looking forward to a laid back day at the Cooper house.

11. Don't miss Sunday, and INVITE somebody to join you!

I Want A Racially Diverse Church

Church leaders ask me frequently about how to have a racially diverse church. In 2009, I have been invited to a conference to speak on this very issue. It is a passion of mine. Here are some things that I have discovered:

1. In your prayer time, let God burn a deep desire for diversity.

2. Develop a hate for what God hates: DISUNITY, RACISM, DIVISION!

3. Don't tolerate racism and division. If you do, it will become the norm, and you'll start to justify it and actually think it's ok.

4. Put together a racially diverse Leadership Team.

5. Put together a racially diverse worship and platform team. People want to see themselves represented on the stage and leadership.

More on Tuesday!

It Bothers Me When

1. People drive in the fast lane and go slow. I know that I need more patience.

2. People don't run a yellow light so that I can run it too.

3. People use the express lane for 20 items or less, and they have 50 items. I guess they can't count. Pray for me!

4. People who aren't paying attention when the light turns green, and they just sit there until the light turns red.

5. People pour my drink and touch my glass with the pitcher. That's just nasty, especially in a restaurant!

6. People double dip. That's super nasty!

Lynn Wheeler

I had Lynn Wheeler speak at People's Church last Sunday. He did a great job. If you are a pastor and need a good speaker to fill in for you, check out Lynn's ministry. He is a full-time traveling speaker. Here are the top ten reasons why I recommend Lynn's ministry www.lynnwheelerministries.com.

1. He is a very good friend of mine.

2. I have known Lynn for years, and he is a great man of God.

3. I sit on Lynn's board, and he runs his ministry with great integrity.

4. Lynn has a heart to serve the church and pastor he is working with.

5. Lynn is flexible. He will work extra hard to fit into your church culture and expectations. If you preach in series, he will tailor a message to fit into your current series.

6. He is a funny speaker.

7. He applies the message to people's everyday lives.

8. He is fun to hang out with behind the scenes. There is nothing like having a guest speaker who is a dead head.

9. You need to have another voice speaking to your church. It really does help, and it's biblical.

10. You need a break. You can't keep speaking 48 to 52 times a year and stay fresh. Take a break and bring in a speaker who can keep the momentum rolling.

Weekend Highlights

1. I was tired yesterday.

2. While I was preaching in the fourth experience, I had to really work hard to stay focused.

3. People gave their hearts to Christ and that never gets old!

4. My wife made beans and Jiffy cornbread for dinner on Saturday. I ate leftovers for lunch on Sunday!

5. My Oklahoma Sooners won on Saturday, but our defense doesn't look good.

6. The Oklahoma State Cowboys looked really good against Texas. They are the real deal.

7. Texas is for sure the real deal.

8. The Dallas Cowboys look horrible, but at least they won. The defense did look better.

9. One of my two undefeated fantasy football teams lost. Looks like my teams are going to go 5-1 for the week.

10. My kids went to an animal costume party on Saturday. They all looked adorable.

Friday's Download

1. My wife and I went on a date last night. We went to an Italian restaurant and then to a bookstore and drank coffee and tea and talked.

2. Tiffany and I are both excited for the holiday season.

3. My fantasy teams’ records are 7-0, 7-0, 6-1, 5-2, 5-2, 2-4-1. I am still in the playoff hunt in the league that I have a losing record in.

4. My Oklahoma Sooners play Kansas State on Saturday, and they should win by three touchdowns.

5. I'm really excited to watch Oklahoma State play Texas. I'm pulling for O-State all the way.

6. The Big 12 is stacked this year.

7. Our new 44,000 square foot addition is flying up. I am so pumped to move into this new facility.

8. It's all about LIFE CHANGE!

9. This Sunday, I'm concluding our series Just Ask with a message titled Lord, Protect Me.

10. We are beginning a new series on November 2nd titled The Miraculous. God is going to do some awesome miracles in the lives of people.

11. We are going to spend time praying and fasting as a church for The Miraculous series. I know God is going to do some great things through this series.

12. PC be sure to pray “Lord, bless me indeed, enlarge my territory and let your hand be with me!” Wow, what a prayer!

13. Today is my off day, and I'm going to spend some quality time with my family.

The Greatest Return

Where do you bring the greatest return? That's a great question every human being needs to ask. If a person is great with numbers, why would they spend a great deal of their time doing creative stuff? If someone is a gifted writer, why would they spend a lot of their time crunching numbers and balancing the books? If a person is a star at building teams, why would they spend all of their time working on a website? If someone is a great public speaker, why would they spend most of their time doing administrative work? That just doesn't make sense! You have to find your sweet spot. You have to work where you can get the greatest return on your talents. You may be getting a return on what you are currently doing, but the real question is, are you getting the greatest return?

Cooper Kids’ Sayings

1. Cale, my four year old says, “When you're four, you will like it,” and “When you're four, you will be able to do it.” Cale thinks that being four years old cures all of life’s problems.

2. Cade, my three year old says, “Noboby” (nobody). “Noboby can go anywhere.” “Noboby can leave.”

3. Caris, my two year old says, “Don't do that to me.” She also says, “Don't say that.” She is already a bossy girl.

4. Case, my three month old says…well, he just cries. :)

I love my kids. Being a dad is awesome!

Family Front

1. I adore my four kids.

2. I am learning so much by being a dad.

3. God is teaching me patience. I'm really working on being more patient with my kids.

4. Cale, my oldest son, turns 5 years old in December. Man, how time flies!

5. Having kids has brought my wife and me even closer.

6. It's amazing how having kids together has brought an even stronger bond to our marriage.

7. My wife is the sweetest person I know. Seriously, she is just so nice and gentle with everybody.

8. Watching my wife spend everyday with our four kids is amazing. She handles four kids under the age of four with such grace.

9. I am really looking forward to the holidays together as a family.

10. The holidays are my favorite time of year. Lots of food and great family times.

Weekend Highlights

1. We had a great Sunday at PC!

2. Many people gave their hearts to Christ, and Christ-followers were challenged and changed.

3. I had a good friend of mine preach yesterday. He did a great job.

4. We were almost 30 percent bigger in attendance than the same Sunday last year!

5. Our kids’ attendance is amazing considering our limited kids’ space. Thanks, parents, for your patience as we add on our new space, which will give us tons of kids’ space.

6. I'm pumped too that we will be able to minister to many more kids with even more excellence with this expansion.

7. My Oklahoma Sooners won a big game against Kansas!

8. I think the Missouri Tigers were overrated. They got smashed by Texas.

9. I still have two undefeated fantasy teams. 7-0 baby! YEA!

10. The Dallas Cowboys look horrible!

11. God is good, and have a SUPER Monday!

Friday's Download

1. Check out the picture of our new 44,000 square foot facility! It's coming up quickly!


2. Thanks PC for your faithfulness to give generously above your tithe to the CRAZY Campaign. You all are awesome!

3. My wife's parents came to our home for a couple of nights. Cale's school had grandparents come in, and they came down from Nebraska to be with Cale for this special event.

4. Tiffany's parents are pastors and sold out Christ-followers. They are wonderful role models. I love her parents like my own.

5. I took my kids to Chuck-E-Cheese this week. They love that place.

6. I have such a great team around me. They are so excited and committed to the vision of PC. I love my team.

7. Our Executive Team made a critical decision this week about the structure of PC that will propel us into the preferred future that God has for us. We are so excited to reach thousands of people with the good news of Christ.

8. I am so full of vision for PC. I love what God is doing in me.

9. PC, invite someone who doesn't go to church to attend PC with you on Sunday. People are searching for answers and hope because of everything going on in our nation. I am praying that those you invite will have a life-changing encounter with Christ.

10. Jesus changes lives! See you on Sunday!

The Little Things Make Life Special

1. The drive time in the car when I take my oldest son to school. We have great conversations.

2. Whenever I am able to pick up my son from school and hear all of his stories.

3. The drive home from work to come home to my family is the best part of the day.

4. Eating dinner around the table with my family.

5. Laughing with those that I work with.

6. Tiffany and I watching our favorite TV shows after we put the kids to bed.

7. Friday night movie night with my wife. We rent one and chill out.

8. Reading books to my kids.

9. Listening to my kids pray for their family and friends at bedtime.

10. Every day when my kids say, “I love you daddy!” WOW!

Being Honest

One of the most freeing things as a leader is being honest with who you are and who you are not. I look at some of the great leaders today, and I respect them and learn from them, but I realize that I will never be them. Over the years, I've become more comfortable with how God has wired me. I'm unique. There is not another Herbert Cooper Jr. on the planet. I want to encourage you not to let…

1. Competition

2. Insecurity

3. The opinions of people

4. Your momma lying to you and telling you that you are good at everything

…stop you from being who God has called you to be. You are unique! God has an assignment just for you! The quicker you embrace who you are the more fruitful you will be.

The Next Level

Lately, I've been asking myself this question: What are you willing to do to go to the next level? It's a very thought provoking and challenging question. I have a burning desire to reach more people for Christ. I have a burning desire to maximize my potential. I have a burning desire to come to the end of my life and hear well done my good and faithful servant. Because these are burning desires and not just a wish list, I've decided:

1. To add on an additional 44,000 square foot facility when PC could play it safe.

2. To take a hard look at restructuring our staff and organization for the next level of growth.

3. To challenge the process when it comes to some things that we've been doing for six years.

4. To let go of some things that took us to where we are today but won't take us to where we are headed.

What are you willing to do to go to the next level?

Weekend Highlights & Low Points

1. My OU Sooners lost. I was bummed out.

2. The Dallas Cowboys lost. The lows were not too low. It's just sports!

3. Church was great! I love what God is doing in our church.

4. People gave their hearts to Christ on Sunday.

5. People are hungry for truth.

6. Our kids’ area is jam-packed full of kids.

7. My wife made fried pork chops on Saturday. We don't eat much fried food, so this was a real treat. They were super good!

8. We took the kids to get ice cream on Sunday evening.

9. I asked PC this question on Sunday. What would you do if God blessed you every month with an extra $1000 of income?

10. You need to JUST ASK God to bless you indeed and to enlarge your territory!

11. The song Glorify Your Name was kickin' yesterday!

12. The Oklahoma State Cowboys won a big game. Congrats to OSU!

13. This coming up Sunday's message title is Lord, Be With Me!

Friday's Download

1. My Oklahoma Sooners play the texas longhorns. I didn't capitalize the other team for a reason :). GO SOONERS!

2. Oklahoma State plays Missouri. This is another huge Big 12 game, and both are ranked in the top 25.

3. My fantasy teams’ records are 5-0, 5-0, 4-1, 4-1, 3-2 and 2-3. I was 0-3 in the last league and have won 2 in a row.

4. I'm thinking about writing a book. I'm just thinking about it! :)

5. My kids are growing like crazy. Cale, my oldest, is doing really well in school. I'm proud of him.

6. I love the fall. The weather has been great!

7. The steel on our 44,000 square foot addition is FLYING up! We need more space desperately, and it's so exciting watching it happen right before my eyes.

8. The economy is a mess. I'm very grateful I serve a loving and providing God.

9. With all of the economy junk happening, it's a great time to minister to our un-churched friends and family. I want to encourage you to reach out like never before. People are looking for answers and hope, and we know where to point them!

10. This Sunday, I am speaking a very hopeful message titled Lord, Open Doors. Invite your friends and family to experience real life through Christ.

11. I went on a hot date with my wife last night. I love her to pieces. She is such a godly woman. She is also super fine!

Hindrances To Growth pt. 3

I Had To Embrace Growing As A Leader (And Still Have To).

I'm going to list some of the ways that I have grown as a leader.

1. When I started PC, I thought I knew what I was doing (most of the church planters I meet do). Boy was I wrong! I quickly found other pastors who could pour into my life.

2. When I met with other pastors, read books or listened to CD's, I quickly implemented what I learned. I STILL DO THIS!

3. I learned to welcome constructive criticism. I've become much more broken by planting this church. Being a full-time evangelist/traveling speaker puffed my head up. Being a full-time church planter/pastor beat me down to size.

4. I've gotten better at overcoming many of my insecurities. The key word is better. I'm not there yet! Some of my insecurities are; thinking I know more than I do, wanting to be liked, wanting to be understood, wanting to feel valued, wanting control.

5. I've become better at empowering leaders. I have learned, and am still learning, the value of equipping and releasing our staff and key volunteers to do what they do best. Being a control freak will stifle a church with the quickness!

Hindrances To Growth pt. 2

I Had To Learn To Embrace Change (And Still Have To). I'm going to list some past changes that I had to embrace and some current/recent changes that we are making.

1. We had to add services.

2. We had to move theaters (when we were renting space in a movie theater).

3. We had to add or change staff members.

4. We had to stop doing stuff that took us to one level but wouldn't get us to the next level.

5. I had to change my speaking style from being an evangelist to being a pastor.


Recent or current changes that we are making:

1. We are changing things about our worship.

2. We changed the order of our service.

3. We are building an additional 44,000 square foot facility.

4. We are leading leaders. I am evaluating which of our staff members can do this successfully.

5. We are working hard to plan and structure our church for 4000 to 5000 people.

Hindrances To Growth

It should be every pastors’ and Christ-followers’ desire to see their church grow. If we really believe that there is an eternity and people will spend forever either in heaven or hell, we should have a burning desire to see our churches grow. We need to see our churches full of people who don't know Christ. I want to share some hindrances that I've had to overcome to see our church grow.

I Had To Allow God To Put A Burning Desire In My Heart For The Lost. I started People's Church with the intention of reaching people who are far from God. In the early days, there were several things that began to taint that desire to reach the un-churched. Some of those things were religious people, church people with good intentions, the financial struggles of a brand new church, a lack of confidence and even my own insecurities. There wasn't one defining moment where I overcame all of these hindrances. The way that God worked in me was through a series of decisions to follow the burning desire that was in my heart rather than the pull that was on my flesh. I'm sure glad I followed the Holy Spirit!

Weekend Highlights

1. I had a great weekend hanging out with my family and relaxing around the house.

2. On Friday, my off day, I even took a nap on the couch. I never sleep in the day time so this was awesome!

3. I felt like the message went really well on Sunday. I really believe this entire series is going to help so many people!

4. If you missed Sunday, I want to really encourage you to listen to the message online at www.peopleschurch.tv. I taught about how to have the blessing of God upon your life during troubling and difficult seasons. In my opinion, this is a difficult season for America. This message is a must hear sermon.

5. I never want to take for granted that people give their hearts to Christ every single Sunday. It's truly a God thing. I'm blown away!

6. Our people were stoked up to see the steel going up on our new facility!

7. On Sunday night, we announced to the IGNITE crowd that our next IGNITE college and 20 somethings experience will be November 2. There will be no IGNITE experience for the next three weeks, but there will be Community Groups and IGNITE fellowship gatherings for college and 20 somethings. GET CONNECTED!

8. We are making a big push to get as many people connected in a Community Group as possible over the next four weeks. Church family, go check out a group. It really will make a huge difference in your life. I love attending my Community Group every week. I am a better man of God, husband and father because of my Community Group.

9. I left the church building on Sunday thinking I'm so excited about the future of PC! We have some awesome days ahead of us.

10. We were over 20 percent bigger this Sunday than the same Sunday last year. Last year, we had good attendance, but God continues to bless us with CRAZY growth. Thank you God for changing lives!

11. This coming us Sunday the title is Lord, OPEN DOORS! Don't miss it for any thing!

Random Must Read Thoughts

1. Check out the picture below. Steel is going up on our new 44,000 square foot addition.

2. The construction crews are working super hard.

3. All 44,000 square foot of the slab has been poured!

4. The stage in the new building is massive. We designed the stage so that we can put cars and other large items on it. I love to use illustrations when I preach and this stage allows me to take it to the next level.

5. We are receiving a special CRAZY Campaign building offering this Sunday. Church family, be in prayer about what God wants you to give above your tithe to help us build this new facility! IT'S ALL ABOUT MORE LIFE CHANGE!

6. Great weather!

7. It's all about building THE Kingdom not YOUR kingdom!

8. I'm totally pumped up about our new series beginning this Sunday called Just Ask! The title of the message is Lord, Bless Me. This is going to be such a relevant message and series. Many Americans are either going through a difficult time or are fearful about the future, and we need to know how to have God's blessings upon our lives!

9. Sunday is going to be super exciting!

10. Today is my day off, and I'm excited to relax!

Preaching For Life Change pt. 3

The only way that any preacher is going to see life change is by preaching under the anointing. There is no substitute for the anointing. Preachers can be creative, funny and super great communicators, but without the anointing, there will not be any life change. The goal of every sermon should be to see people’s lives changed, so every preacher needs the anointing. Here are some keys to having and maintaining the anointing:

1. Prayer

2. Fasting

3. Meditating on God's Word

4. Holiness

5. Humility

6. Brokenness

Preaching For Life Change pt. 2

Another thing that I've learned about effective preaching is that you have to know and apply the text. If you know the text and don't apply it to people’s lives, that is boring and not very effective preaching. If you preach a message that applies to people’s lives but is not founded in scripture, that is entertaining, but there won't be any life change. Effective preaching must have both. Here are some insights and questions I ask while preparing my messages:

1. Who wrote the text?

2. To whom was it written too?

3. What is the text addressing?

4. How does the text apply to today's society?

5. What are some examples or illustrations that will help bring the text to life?

6. What do I want people to take away from the text or message?

Preaching For Life Change

One of the crucial keys to effective preaching is seeing lives changed. One of the major things I’ve learned throughout my 16 years of preaching is that it’s very helpful to know your audience. Here are some things to keep in mind about your audience:

1. Know their struggles

2. Know their fears

3. Know their culture

4. Know their pain

5. Know their demographics

Weekend Update

1. I spoke SEVEN times this weekend. I feel better than I thought I would.

2. I spoke Friday night to some of the leaders of PC. It was a great night of vision casting.

3. On Saturday night, I spoke twice for my friend Craig Groeschel. For all of you who are not in the ministry world, Craig is the Senior Pastor of www.lifechurch.tv.

4. Of course, I spoke at four of our five Sunday experiences.

5. What God is doing at LifeChurch.tv is unbelievable! It was so weird knowing that I was speaking to more people through video than I was live.

6. I wrapped up our series Room Mates, Bad Dates and Great Mates. It was a very helpful series.

7. It never gets old watching people give their hearts to Christ. I am humbled and blown away that every week people accept Christ as their Savior at PC! God is so amazing!

8. I'm beginning a new series this Sunday called Just Ask. The title of Sunday's message is Lord, Bless Me! This is going to be a timely series with all that's going on in our society and economy. Invite your friends and family to come connect with God.

9. My Oklahoma Sooners look like the real deal. We are number one in the nation!

Random Thoughts

1. I had a very busy week, and the weekend is even busier.

2. I rarely work on Fridays, but this afternoon, I have to study two different weekend messages and get prepared for a vision talk I'm giving to some of the leaders of our church tonight.

3. I am speaking for a friend of mine on Saturday night. I will be speaking at PC on Sunday.

4. I took my wife on a date last night. Always enjoy our time together away from the kids.

5. My Community Group that I'm attending has been really good. We are holding each other accountable and praying for each other in areas that we are struggling in. I love hanging with these guys.

6. My wife had strep throat this week. She is feeling better. I hate to see my wife not feeling good.

7. I went to a pastors’ meeting on Tuesday and there was some great stuff said. Two things stuck out. Reach the unchurched and stay pure. I walked away very encouraged.

8. I'm closing out our series Room Mates, Bad Dates & Great Mates on Sunday. Going to be fun!

9. Church family, I want to encourage you to host a Community Group for four weeks beginning the first Sunday of October. I will do all of the work for you on a DVD. All you have to do is push play and let me ask the questions that are based on the Sunday sermon. You can do this! This is your chance to get to know some of your church family and grow spiritually. Get connected! Email erin@peopleschurch.tv right now and let her know that you will host a Community Group for four weeks! GO FOR IT! QUIT hesitating! Quit making excuses! DO IT NOW!

10. Five of my fantasy football teams are 3-0. One of my football teams is 0-3. I need a turn around in that league. It's coming this week.

Why Do pt. 2

6. People trust God with their eternity but not with their life?

7. People attend church with people who look just like them?

8. People talk negatively about other churches that are different from theirs?

9. People have the tendency to look inward instead of outward?

10. People make church all about them?

Why Do

1. People stand up the entire time at a Dallas Cowboys game?

2. People say one thing and do another?

3. People come to church 10 to 30 minutes late to a 1 hour service?

4. People give less than 10 percent and still call it tithing?

5. People who haven't had a successful track record at any ministry position want to start a church?

Busy Week For Me

This morning, I am attending a pastors meeting with pastors from around the area. I know I will enjoy connecting with other pastors and sharpening one another. This afternoon, I have a meeting with our Executive Team and then a meeting with our Leadership Team.

On Wednesday and Thursday, I will be studying like crazy. I have lots of preparation to do this week. I am speaking to some of our leaders at PC on Friday night. We are going to eat dessert together, fellowship and I will be casting vision. I love these times with our leaders. On Saturday, I'm speaking two times at a friend’s church who lives in the state of Oklahoma. This friend has been very instrumental in my leadership development, and I'm really excited to speak for him. On Sunday, I am speaking at PC four times. On Sunday afternoon, I'm going to PASS out in my recliner and watch football!

Going to be a busy but GREAT week!

Weekend Update

1. It was another beautiful weekend in Oklahoma.

2. Yesterday, there were lots of people baptized in water, and many people gave their hearts to Christ.

3. I talked with a pastor friend of mine last night, and he talked about how on Sunday nights a preacher can feel depressed after speaking a bunch on Sundays. There are some Sunday nights I can relate to my friend. It's the HOLY hang over. All you pastors, say Amen!

4. People laughed their heads off in church yesterday. I mean they laughed and laughed and laughed. I think church can be fun!

5. I told our married couples that they need to have sex regularly. I got some strong amens from some of our men. I didn't make that up, it's in your Bible! If you haven't read it, you ought to check it out. It's a great book!

6. I told our married couples that they need to romance one another. I told them that I'm not talking about having sex but being romantic. I got some strong amens from our women and a lot of laughter.

7. God is doing a great work in marriages.

8. I'm closing out our series Room Mates, Bad Dates & Great Mates on Sunday! It's going to be a fun time in God's presence!

Fun Random Thoughts

1. On Monday, I went with a pastor friend of mine to the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles football game. To say the least, it was a great game. It was action-packed from start to finish. It was my first Dallas Cowboys game, but it won't be my last.

2. This Sunday, I'm teaching a message called How To Have An Affair. Don't you dare miss this message. Invite a friend to church.

3. They have poured almost all of the slab for our new facility. The STEEL starts going up next week! Exciting stuff!

4. If you want God to rock your marriage or future marriage in a good way, don't miss church this Sunday!

5. I did an interview for my friend Craig Groeschel yesterday for a DVD that he is going to be releasing about IT. If you haven't read the book, IT, you need to. It inspired me and our team to new heights. Craig is stinking funny in the book as well. I laughed out loud several times.

6. My fantasy football teams went 5-1 last week. The only problem is I lost in the same league again, so I'm 0-2 in one league and 2-0 in the other 5. I need a turn around.

7. I'm so excited about the future of PC. Our best days are definitely ahead of us! Get ready for a wild ride PC!

8. My Oklahoma Sooners have a bye week this Saturday. Get rested up boys!

9. I'm going to enjoy a great day with my family. Be sure you spend some quality time with your family. PEACE!

Do The Right Thing pt. 3

21. Fast

22. Help the poor

23. Get involved in missions

24. Plant churches

25. Hate sin

26. Repent

27. Surrender to the Holy Spirit

28. Endure trials

29. Respect authority

30. Fight the good fight of faith

Do The Right Thing pt. 2

11. Date your spouse.

12. Spend time with your kids.

13. Make love to your spouse.

14. Live by priorities – don't just talk about them.

15. Preach the Bible not your opinion

16. Work hard

17. Take your day off (but first work hard)

18. Be accountable

19. Take care of your body

20. Be a friend

Do The Right Thing

1. Pray continually

2. Read God's Word daily

3. Live above reproach

4. Tithe

5. Give generously

6. Serve others

7. Be humble

8. Love people

9. Be a peacemaker

10. Forgive

Weekend Update

1. The weather was beautiful yesterday! I mean gorgeous! My wife said it was the best weather all year!

2. I really felt like the Holy Spirit did a great work in the hearts of people yesterday.

3. I thought the message went really well yesterday and was received well.

4. Many people gave their hearts to Christ!

5. I love the song “Alpha and Omega.” The band did a bang up job with that song.

6. Yesterday, we started promoting our October series titled Just Ask. I'm really excited about teaching this series.

7. Our Leadership Team came to our home on Friday night, and we had a great time hanging out. I'm not a cook, but I did my best :).

8. We desperately need more space. I'm sure glad our new 42,000 square foot facility is right around the corner.

9. If you are considering getting a divorce, I would really encourage you to listen to yesterday's teaching at www.peopleschurch.tv. The message should be online today or tomorrow.

10. My Oklahoma Sooners smashed Washington. Ohio State got smashed by USC. OSU shouldn't be ranked in the top 10.

11. This coming up Sunday I'm teaching a message titled How To Have An Affair!!!

Random Thoughts

1. I got a lot accomplished this week.

2. Praying for all of these hurricanes and the people that are being affected by them.

3. Went to lunch with a friend of mine on Thursday and had a great time.

4. My wife and I went on a SUPER HOT date last night. It was super hot because it was just the two of us. We left little Case with the babysitter.

5. 12,000 square feet of the slab for the new building was poured before the rain hit. We are hoping to pour the rest of the slab next week if weather permits.

6. Our Leadership Staff is coming over to our home tonight to hang out. I love having fun with our team and their families.

7. Tom Brady is out for the season. Bummer!

8. This Sunday, I'm speaking on the subject Things To Consider Before You Say I Quit.

9. Our October series is going to be so helpful and insightful. The series is titled Just Ask! It's going to be good.

10. My OU Sooners are 2-0 and are headed to Washington to play on Saturday night. Go Sooners!

Advice To A Church Planter

A church planter who just started a church on Sunday, September 7, in Texas emailed me and asked me if I had any advice for him in this season of ministry. I took less than 5 minutes, and I sent him this advice. It was the first 10 things that popped into my head.

1. Don't overestimate what God will do in the short-term, and don't underestimate what he will do in the long-term. (Thanks Craig for this piece of advice that you gave me in the early days of PC).
2. Continue to market like crazy.
3. Cast vision constantly.
4. Don't compromise your vision for anybody: the high roller, fat cat or smooth talker. Stay the course.
5. Create a church that you and your family will love to come to in 5 to 10 years.
6. Stay close to God during this busy season.
7. Build a strong team around you.
8. Remember that it's easier to build a crowd and turn it into a core than to build a core and turn it into a crowd. (I learned this from Rick Warren.)
9. Take care of yourself and your family during this hectic season.
10. Take some time off at Christmas, and be sure your time off includes at least one Sunday off. Pace yourself, so you don't burn out.

Healthy Teams

Here are some things that I'm learning about having a healthy team.

1. Healthy teams fight! That's right they fight. Just yesterday in our executive meeting, one of my staff members punched me in the jaw. This is the first time this team member has hit me. He has pushed me several times but never hit me. JUST KIDDING! But fighting is a healthy sign of a great team. Behind closed doors, opinions should be aired. Ideas should be thrown on the table. Disagreements should be welcomed. Heated and intense moments should be a part of the process when you are making critical decisions for the organization. Notice that I didn't say you should be a jerk, but healthy teams know how to close the door and throw down so that the best decisions can be made to advance the organization. Sometimes, you even have to throw down so that you can better understand each other’s viewpoints. Healthy teams throw down behind closed doors and then walk out as a unified front. After they walk out of the room, no one else would have ever known that they just had an intense fight because they have each other’s backs. THAT'S HEALTHY!

Tuesday Thoughts

1. This morning I'm hitting the gym hard.

2. I am going to work on this Sunday's sermon.

3. I am going to work on a message that I'm speaking for a friend of mine for the end of September.

4. At 11:45AM the Leadership Team and I are joining together for an intense time of seeking God's face. I believe we have to work like it depends on us and pray like it depends on God. We are nothing without God and His anointing.

5. I am meeting with our Executive Team after we prayer together.

6. After the Executive Meeting, I am meeting with our Leadership Staff.

7. I really do love the team I serve with! They are great people!

8. After the Leadership Meeting, I am heading home to eat dinner with my family and chill at the house.

9. It's going to be a productive and great day!

Weekend Update

1. We had a great Sunday at PC!

2. Many people gave their hearts to Christ!

3. There was a ton of repentance going on at PC yesterday. Repentance is a good thing!

4. Our attendance was great yesterday.

5. Ignite, our college & somethings experience, went great last night.

6. A huge thank you to all of our volunteers who serve week in and week out. YOU'RE AWESOME!

7. I love teaching on relationships. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife and with great kids. I love being and husband and a dad and want to see families thrive and not just survive.

8. We went on a family date on Friday night and had a great time.

9. My wife and I rented a movie on Friday night and watched it after we put the kids to bed.

10. Our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon went well. Many people became members of PC yesterday.

11. This coming up Sunday, I'm teaching a message titled Things To Consider Before You Say I Quit.

12. Lives are being changed by the power of God, and that's what it's all about!

13. I love what I do!

14. Invite people to be at church on Sunday! I mean invite everybody you know. God is up to something!

15. My 6 fantasy teams went 5-1 this week. If I would have started Jon Kitna instead of Carson Palmer I would have went 6-0! Bummer! Palmer scares me.

Random Thoughts

1. My Oklahoma Sooners are 1-0. We are gearing up for a National Championship run!

2. On Wednesday, the big announcement was made. The new NBA team is the Oklahoma City THUNDER! NBA in OKC, YEA, that's what I'm talkin' about!

3. I am in six fantasy football leagues. Yes, I have a fantasy disease. Pray for me :)!

4. This Sunday, I'm speaking on Things To Consider Before You Say I Do! It's going to be a HUGE DAY at PC!

5. The Got Sex series that our Student Ministries Director kicked off on Wednesday night was smokin' good. Parents make sure your student is there for this incredible and much needed teaching.

6. This Sunday, immediately after the 4th experience, we are having our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon. Did I mention FREE Earl's BBQ? I look forward to meeting many of the new families of PC!

7. This Sunday night at 6 PM is bIGNITE at Ignite. College & 20 somethings don't miss this great night of worship, and there is going to be free pizza following the experience.

8. I just realized that we are doing a lot of free food stuff this Sunday. Well, it's the kickoff to the fall, and everything is back rolling full steam ahead!

9. INVITE A FRIEND TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY! DON'T COME ALONE! GOD IS GOING TO CHANGE LIVES! BE THERE!