1. I took my bride on a date last night. It's always good to get away without the kids.
2. Cale isn't feeling very well. Thanks for praying for him.
3. I really like what God is doing at PC right now.
4. Our Executive Team has been making some strategic decisions recently. These decisions will take us to the next level.
5. I dislike having loose ends. Right now, there are several things that I am ready to see fall into place. It will happen, but for me, it never happens quickly enough.
6. I can tell that I have grown over the years. I use to rush on certain decisions. Now I value taking my time and making sure we get it right.
7. I have lost all of the weight I picked up during the holidays.
8. It's weird, but I lost all of the weight during the all church fasting week and right after the fast gained most of it back. I'm glad to have the weight back off.
9. I've been working out consistently at the gym.
10. The main thing is I have been eating right. Sometimes, I can get into bad eating habits.
11. I haven't had diet soda in three weeks. I never used to drink soda until Brian, our Programming Director, told me that diet soda didn't have any calories. I know, I'm goofy for not already knowing that. But I had no clue that diet soda didn't have any calories until last year.
12. After I found out that diet soda didn't have any calories, I started drinking it. Then, I found out that it's still not very good for you. You can't win for losing. :)
13. Today is my family day. I'm excited to read books to the kids, wrestle on the floor with the kids, laugh with the kids and hang out with my sexy bride!
14. Church family, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience!
15. Have a GREAT weekend!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tiffany Cooper's Raw & Candid Thoughts About Ministry pt. 2
PK TO PW
If you read my previous post, you’ll know what PK to PW means. I was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. That's where my parents were on staff at a church until I was 10 years old. We then moved to Menomonie, WI, where my parents took a Senior Pastor position. After graduating from high school, I moved to Springfield, Missouri, for college, and that's where I met the man beyond my dreams...Herbert. Herbert was already an evangelist and continued to travel and speak full-time for many years. He still travels on occasion as he speaks at churches and conferences. I thought I would add a few more aspects of being a PK that have positively impacted my role as a PW!
3. Go it Alone...to church that is: The only times my family went to church together in the same car and sat together in the same service were when we were visiting family over the holidays. Dad had to be at church earlier than the rest of us, on occasions my siblings and I would go early to help dad with communion, etc.
As a PW, it's always more challenging to get out the door on Sundays, especially with four little kiddos. I was prepared as a PK to have the realistic expectation of not having daddy helping on Sunday mornings.
4. Happy Easter a Day Early: If you try to celebrate everything on the day others do, you may wind up frustrated and bitter. Many normal holiday events take place on ministry days. We grew up celebrating these special times when it was good for our family, and I have carried that over into my own family.
5. MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder): If I tried to be everything that everybody thought I should be, then I would wind up to be one messed up woman with MPD. As a PK, I felt that there were expectations of what I should be like, thankfully not from my parents. There were periods when I didn't navigate through these pressures very well. Over time, I realized I can only be who I am and not what fits others ideal. As a PW, I live authentic to who I am and who God has called me to be as a woman in ministry. It's very freeing!
6. Weekends Mean Work: While many families enjoy the leisure of the weekend, ministry families are spending much of that time preparing and ministering. So much more goes into preparing for the service than it does for those who come to attend the service. Pastors put out so much personal energy that they come home drained on many Saturdays/Sundays, but it's worth it!
7. People Act Differently Around You: Have you ever walked into a room and everyone stops what they're doing? Well, this happens a lot if you're a PW. Of course, it doesn't happen with my friends or people who really know me, but it does happen in certain situations both church and non-church related. I witnessed this as a PK, so I knew what was going on when I became a PW.
8. Pedestal Thinking: On another note, there are some people that feel PW's are infallible and perfect, and they put them on this pedestal of super-stardom. When they see me, it's like I am a superstar. It always makes me laugh a little because I don't look at myself like this at all! I do appreciate their intentions and kind actions toward me...I just hope they discover that I am not super woman.
If you read my previous post, you’ll know what PK to PW means. I was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. That's where my parents were on staff at a church until I was 10 years old. We then moved to Menomonie, WI, where my parents took a Senior Pastor position. After graduating from high school, I moved to Springfield, Missouri, for college, and that's where I met the man beyond my dreams...Herbert. Herbert was already an evangelist and continued to travel and speak full-time for many years. He still travels on occasion as he speaks at churches and conferences. I thought I would add a few more aspects of being a PK that have positively impacted my role as a PW!
3. Go it Alone...to church that is: The only times my family went to church together in the same car and sat together in the same service were when we were visiting family over the holidays. Dad had to be at church earlier than the rest of us, on occasions my siblings and I would go early to help dad with communion, etc.
As a PW, it's always more challenging to get out the door on Sundays, especially with four little kiddos. I was prepared as a PK to have the realistic expectation of not having daddy helping on Sunday mornings.
4. Happy Easter a Day Early: If you try to celebrate everything on the day others do, you may wind up frustrated and bitter. Many normal holiday events take place on ministry days. We grew up celebrating these special times when it was good for our family, and I have carried that over into my own family.
5. MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder): If I tried to be everything that everybody thought I should be, then I would wind up to be one messed up woman with MPD. As a PK, I felt that there were expectations of what I should be like, thankfully not from my parents. There were periods when I didn't navigate through these pressures very well. Over time, I realized I can only be who I am and not what fits others ideal. As a PW, I live authentic to who I am and who God has called me to be as a woman in ministry. It's very freeing!
6. Weekends Mean Work: While many families enjoy the leisure of the weekend, ministry families are spending much of that time preparing and ministering. So much more goes into preparing for the service than it does for those who come to attend the service. Pastors put out so much personal energy that they come home drained on many Saturdays/Sundays, but it's worth it!
7. People Act Differently Around You: Have you ever walked into a room and everyone stops what they're doing? Well, this happens a lot if you're a PW. Of course, it doesn't happen with my friends or people who really know me, but it does happen in certain situations both church and non-church related. I witnessed this as a PK, so I knew what was going on when I became a PW.
8. Pedestal Thinking: On another note, there are some people that feel PW's are infallible and perfect, and they put them on this pedestal of super-stardom. When they see me, it's like I am a superstar. It always makes me laugh a little because I don't look at myself like this at all! I do appreciate their intentions and kind actions toward me...I just hope they discover that I am not super woman.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tiffany Cooper Shares Raw, Candid Insight About Ministry
PK TO PW
You may be asking yourself, "What is PK to PW?" Well, here it is broken down for you: PK (Pastor's Kid) to PW (Pastor's Wife). I was born in the ministry, and I married into the ministry! How's that for transition?
My call in life was evident to me at a very young age. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be in the ministry, it was my purpose in life. I remember knowing this as young as 6 years old, and I recall a night in the 5th grade that still lingers fresh in my mind. I was in my bedroom, located in the basement of the house, and I was talking to God with tears rolling off my chin, "God, I will do whatever you ask; I will go wherever you send me." At that time, I thought I would live in another country as a missionary. It didn't matter to me what I was doing, I just wanted to make a difference in people's lives for the better. This call never left my heart. I never abandoned my devotion to God even when I went through some challenges in my adolescent years.
All these years later, it is still a joy for me to think back on the pivotal moments of my childhood. I am a Pastor's Wife to the hubby I love to brag on, and I am truly in the thick of ministry. Let me tell you something that you may or may not know...this is a role that takes some adjusting to! But, I had an advantage that not all PW's have at the start of ministry---I was a PK (Pastor's Kid)!!!
How being a PK helps me as a PW:
1. Life in the Fish Bowl: I have lived my entire life in the "Fish Bowl" so to speak. As a child, I was very conscious that my actions reflected on my parents and the church. This created unwanted pressure at points in my life but also prepared me for the next level of intense "Fish Bowl" existence. As a PW, my life is looked at through a magnifying glass. I have navigated through these challenges well and give much credit to growing up in a "Fish Bowl".
2. People are People: It's plain and simple, people are people and some people do things that hurt you. This is not inclusive of the church family; this includes the community as a whole. While some hurtful actions are intentional, others are unintentional. As a PK, I learned that there are moments when the people you think love you will actually hurt you. In addition, there are those in the community who want you to know that they aren't for you or the call God's given to you. Thankfully, I've learned that hurt can come from misunderstandings, people's past experiences, unhealed hurt in their lives, etc. I don't take hurtful statements or actions personally, I trust in God. I had to do this a PK, and it has helped me as a PW.
Side Note: My church family is incredible. I continually feel their love and support. I am a blessed PW!!!
I REALLY LOVE MINISTRY and could talk about it all day long, but this post is getting long, so I will post PART 2 tomorrow! Until then, have a fantastic day!
You may be asking yourself, "What is PK to PW?" Well, here it is broken down for you: PK (Pastor's Kid) to PW (Pastor's Wife). I was born in the ministry, and I married into the ministry! How's that for transition?
My call in life was evident to me at a very young age. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be in the ministry, it was my purpose in life. I remember knowing this as young as 6 years old, and I recall a night in the 5th grade that still lingers fresh in my mind. I was in my bedroom, located in the basement of the house, and I was talking to God with tears rolling off my chin, "God, I will do whatever you ask; I will go wherever you send me." At that time, I thought I would live in another country as a missionary. It didn't matter to me what I was doing, I just wanted to make a difference in people's lives for the better. This call never left my heart. I never abandoned my devotion to God even when I went through some challenges in my adolescent years.
All these years later, it is still a joy for me to think back on the pivotal moments of my childhood. I am a Pastor's Wife to the hubby I love to brag on, and I am truly in the thick of ministry. Let me tell you something that you may or may not know...this is a role that takes some adjusting to! But, I had an advantage that not all PW's have at the start of ministry---I was a PK (Pastor's Kid)!!!
How being a PK helps me as a PW:
1. Life in the Fish Bowl: I have lived my entire life in the "Fish Bowl" so to speak. As a child, I was very conscious that my actions reflected on my parents and the church. This created unwanted pressure at points in my life but also prepared me for the next level of intense "Fish Bowl" existence. As a PW, my life is looked at through a magnifying glass. I have navigated through these challenges well and give much credit to growing up in a "Fish Bowl".
2. People are People: It's plain and simple, people are people and some people do things that hurt you. This is not inclusive of the church family; this includes the community as a whole. While some hurtful actions are intentional, others are unintentional. As a PK, I learned that there are moments when the people you think love you will actually hurt you. In addition, there are those in the community who want you to know that they aren't for you or the call God's given to you. Thankfully, I've learned that hurt can come from misunderstandings, people's past experiences, unhealed hurt in their lives, etc. I don't take hurtful statements or actions personally, I trust in God. I had to do this a PK, and it has helped me as a PW.
Side Note: My church family is incredible. I continually feel their love and support. I am a blessed PW!!!
I REALLY LOVE MINISTRY and could talk about it all day long, but this post is getting long, so I will post PART 2 tomorrow! Until then, have a fantastic day!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
ICY DAY
Yesterday and today there is an ice storm in Oklahoma! It's dangerous outside. Yesterday there were over 140 wrecks and two people killed. Folks, if you live in Oklahoma and you don't have to get out of the house, work from home. Even if you are a great driver, stay home and work. The issue isn't you, it's the other drivers that you don't have any control over.
Thank God for lap tops, cell phones and all of the other wonderful technology we can use at home!
BE SAFE!
Thank God for lap tops, cell phones and all of the other wonderful technology we can use at home!
BE SAFE!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. On Friday, my family went on a family date together. The kids absolutely look forward to and love their family dates with dad and mom.
2. On Saturday, we laid low around the house. I did some studying for Sunday's message and played with the kids, and my wife made an early Spaghetti dinner.
3. I started to feel better on Saturday and was 95 percent better by Sunday morning. I hate having a cold.
4. We had another off-the-charts Sunday at People's Church.
5. Attendance was great! The excitement and hunger for God was great. Worship was great.
6. The message was thought-provoking and was a very challenging message. I pray everybody puts the message into practice.
7. There were 63 people who made a decision for Christ. WOW! That is an off-the-chart number of salvations! GO, GOD!
8. I can taste the momentum. God's hand is upon our church. God is positioning PC for some phenomenal things in 2009.
9. Thanks again to those of you who have committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we move into our new facility. You are awesome! Once again, I want to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Let's do it!
10. I want to say a BIG thank you to all of our volunteers. You all are incredible! You are impacting many lives.
11. Thank you, PC, for your faithfulness to give to the CRAZY Campaign over and above the Lord's tithe. Because of your faithfulness, many more lives are going to be changed by the power of Christ.
12. It's weird coming home after church and not watching football. I love watching football on Sunday afternoons. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday to watch NFL football. Next Sunday is Super bowl Sunday. After next Sunday, I will have a 7 month break before I start my junkie habit again!
13. PC IS ALL ABOUT LIFE CHANGE! Jesus changes lives!
14. Have a great attitude on this last Monday of January 2009!
2. On Saturday, we laid low around the house. I did some studying for Sunday's message and played with the kids, and my wife made an early Spaghetti dinner.
3. I started to feel better on Saturday and was 95 percent better by Sunday morning. I hate having a cold.
4. We had another off-the-charts Sunday at People's Church.
5. Attendance was great! The excitement and hunger for God was great. Worship was great.
6. The message was thought-provoking and was a very challenging message. I pray everybody puts the message into practice.
7. There were 63 people who made a decision for Christ. WOW! That is an off-the-chart number of salvations! GO, GOD!
8. I can taste the momentum. God's hand is upon our church. God is positioning PC for some phenomenal things in 2009.
9. Thanks again to those of you who have committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we move into our new facility. You are awesome! Once again, I want to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Let's do it!
10. I want to say a BIG thank you to all of our volunteers. You all are incredible! You are impacting many lives.
11. Thank you, PC, for your faithfulness to give to the CRAZY Campaign over and above the Lord's tithe. Because of your faithfulness, many more lives are going to be changed by the power of Christ.
12. It's weird coming home after church and not watching football. I love watching football on Sunday afternoons. Next Sunday will be the last Sunday to watch NFL football. Next Sunday is Super bowl Sunday. After next Sunday, I will have a 7 month break before I start my junkie habit again!
13. PC IS ALL ABOUT LIFE CHANGE! Jesus changes lives!
14. Have a great attitude on this last Monday of January 2009!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday's Download
1. I've been fighting a cold all week. BLAAAA
2. It was a very productive week.
3. I have been doing a lot of coaching, planning and restructuring with my team.
4. Cade, my three-year-old, is a nut right now. He is so loud and is coming out of his shell. I love seeing his personality.
5. Caris, my two-year-old girl, has always been a nut. She is so rambunctious. She is miss personality plus.
6. Cale, my five-year-old, is loving school. He loves to learn, and I love watching and listening to him as he expands his horizons.
7. Case, my six-month-old, is the happiest little baby in the world. He is such a smiley baby.
8. I absolutely love being a dad and raising God-fearing kids.
9. Tiffany is doing well. She is volunteering a bunch on the kids’ Leadership Team. She loves providing leadership to our church family. She is so gifted. God couldn't have picked a better partner for me to share my life with.
10. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience. God is doing CRAZY things at PC, and we need to free up seats for more people to have their lives changed by the power of Christ. Thank you so much for you passion to see more changed lives!
11. I'm living my dream. I love my life. I love serving God. I love being a pastor. I love my day off! I'm going to hang with my family today!
12. Have a SUPER GREAT WEEKEND!
2. It was a very productive week.
3. I have been doing a lot of coaching, planning and restructuring with my team.
4. Cade, my three-year-old, is a nut right now. He is so loud and is coming out of his shell. I love seeing his personality.
5. Caris, my two-year-old girl, has always been a nut. She is so rambunctious. She is miss personality plus.
6. Cale, my five-year-old, is loving school. He loves to learn, and I love watching and listening to him as he expands his horizons.
7. Case, my six-month-old, is the happiest little baby in the world. He is such a smiley baby.
8. I absolutely love being a dad and raising God-fearing kids.
9. Tiffany is doing well. She is volunteering a bunch on the kids’ Leadership Team. She loves providing leadership to our church family. She is so gifted. God couldn't have picked a better partner for me to share my life with.
10. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience. God is doing CRAZY things at PC, and we need to free up seats for more people to have their lives changed by the power of Christ. Thank you so much for you passion to see more changed lives!
11. I'm living my dream. I love my life. I love serving God. I love being a pastor. I love my day off! I'm going to hang with my family today!
12. Have a SUPER GREAT WEEKEND!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
6. Because it's not what you know it's who you know
7. Because nobody gets to the top all by themselves
8. Because life is way too short to create enemies
9. Because when you burn one bridge you actually burn many because people talk
10. Because treating people the way you want to be treated is always best
7. Because nobody gets to the top all by themselves
8. Because life is way too short to create enemies
9. Because when you burn one bridge you actually burn many because people talk
10. Because treating people the way you want to be treated is always best
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
1. Because those below you today could be above you tomorrow
2. Because the person you burn today could be friends with the person you need tomorrow
3. Because you never know when you might need to cross that bridge again to get to the other side
4. Because you reap what you sow
5. Because having a good name is more valuable than riches.
2. Because the person you burn today could be friends with the person you need tomorrow
3. Because you never know when you might need to cross that bridge again to get to the other side
4. Because you reap what you sow
5. Because having a good name is more valuable than riches.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Do Not Burn Bridges
Here are some ways to burn bridges:
1. Gossip about people
2. Don't return phone calls
3. Be dishonest
4. Only talk to people when you want something from them
5. Be unreliable
6. Talk big and never follow through
7. Degrade others
8. Be self-centered
9. Treat people bad when their down and out
10. Look down on people who are below you in their career, position, economic status, etc.
11. Be a know it all
1. Gossip about people
2. Don't return phone calls
3. Be dishonest
4. Only talk to people when you want something from them
5. Be unreliable
6. Talk big and never follow through
7. Degrade others
8. Be self-centered
9. Treat people bad when their down and out
10. Look down on people who are below you in their career, position, economic status, etc.
11. Be a know it all
Monday, January 19, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. It was another great day at People's Church.
2. We almost set another non-Easter attendance record.
3. People's Church is pumped up about inviting their friends and family to experience real life change through Christ.
4. Many people gave their lives to Christ.
5. I want to say a BIG, BIG thank you to all of you who are now worshipping in the 8:45AM experience. We had really great attendance in the 8:45AM experience. It may have been a non-Easter record. Let's keep it up.
6. PC, let's continue to free up more seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ. I want us to pack out the 8:45AM experience.
7. It was a really long Sunday for me. I have been fighting a cold since Thursday.
8. All of the drainage from the cold made it a little more difficult to speak.
9. After preaching four times at PC, I headed to Owasso, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, to preach for a pastor to encourage and inspire their church. I was wiped out last night.
10. I love to help pastors and churches, but I will not preach on Sunday nights very often. It's too much wear and tear on my body to preach another message in another city after preaching four times at PC.
11. I really believe that God did a great work in the hearts of people yesterday.
12. Lynn Wheeler dedicated our fourth baby to the Lord in the fourth experience. Lynn has dedicated all four of our kids to the Lord.
13. PC, I'm honored to be your pastor!
14. Have a super Monday!
2. We almost set another non-Easter attendance record.
3. People's Church is pumped up about inviting their friends and family to experience real life change through Christ.
4. Many people gave their lives to Christ.
5. I want to say a BIG, BIG thank you to all of you who are now worshipping in the 8:45AM experience. We had really great attendance in the 8:45AM experience. It may have been a non-Easter record. Let's keep it up.
6. PC, let's continue to free up more seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ. I want us to pack out the 8:45AM experience.
7. It was a really long Sunday for me. I have been fighting a cold since Thursday.
8. All of the drainage from the cold made it a little more difficult to speak.
9. After preaching four times at PC, I headed to Owasso, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, to preach for a pastor to encourage and inspire their church. I was wiped out last night.
10. I love to help pastors and churches, but I will not preach on Sunday nights very often. It's too much wear and tear on my body to preach another message in another city after preaching four times at PC.
11. I really believe that God did a great work in the hearts of people yesterday.
12. Lynn Wheeler dedicated our fourth baby to the Lord in the fourth experience. Lynn has dedicated all four of our kids to the Lord.
13. PC, I'm honored to be your pastor!
14. Have a super Monday!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday's Download
1. I want to say a huge thank you for opening up seats in the 10AM and the 11:15AM experiences. Some of you moved to the 8:45AM experience, and many of you moved to the 12:30PM experience.
2. I need your help again. We had a record non-Easter attendance this past Sunday! On Sunday, the 11:15AM experience was around 85 percent full, and the 12:30PM experience was around 90 to 95 percent full. In the 12:30PM experience, some families didn't get to sit together. THAT'S NOT GOOD! For the next 2 1/2 to 3 months, I need as many of you as possible to worship at the 8:45AM experience. Let's make room for those who are desperately seeking a relationship with Christ. I would love for the 8:45AM to be 90 percent full for the next few months. Let's DO IT, PC!
3. Our prayer and fasting week at PC has been powerful. I know that God has been doing a work in my life.
4. We are looking to make several hires at PC. For more information, go to www.peopleschurch.tv, click on “about us” and then click on “Career Opportunities”. If the positions haven't been posted, they should be posted on the site by the end of the day.
5. This Sunday, I'm kicking off a new series called Destinations. I got this idea and theme from Andy Stanley. This series is going to transform many lives. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! BRING them to church.
6. Today, I'm going to relax around the house with my family.
7. I'm very glad that Sam Bradford, the Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback, is coming back for another season.
8. The OKC Thunder basketball team won again the other night. They won their first game against a team with a winning record. GO, THUNDER!
9. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience!
10. God is going to do some special things on Sunday! SEE YOU THERE!
2. I need your help again. We had a record non-Easter attendance this past Sunday! On Sunday, the 11:15AM experience was around 85 percent full, and the 12:30PM experience was around 90 to 95 percent full. In the 12:30PM experience, some families didn't get to sit together. THAT'S NOT GOOD! For the next 2 1/2 to 3 months, I need as many of you as possible to worship at the 8:45AM experience. Let's make room for those who are desperately seeking a relationship with Christ. I would love for the 8:45AM to be 90 percent full for the next few months. Let's DO IT, PC!
3. Our prayer and fasting week at PC has been powerful. I know that God has been doing a work in my life.
4. We are looking to make several hires at PC. For more information, go to www.peopleschurch.tv, click on “about us” and then click on “Career Opportunities”. If the positions haven't been posted, they should be posted on the site by the end of the day.
5. This Sunday, I'm kicking off a new series called Destinations. I got this idea and theme from Andy Stanley. This series is going to transform many lives. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! BRING them to church.
6. Today, I'm going to relax around the house with my family.
7. I'm very glad that Sam Bradford, the Oklahoma Sooners’ quarterback, is coming back for another season.
8. The OKC Thunder basketball team won again the other night. They won their first game against a team with a winning record. GO, THUNDER!
9. Church family, I need you to attend the 8:45AM experience!
10. God is going to do some special things on Sunday! SEE YOU THERE!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
More Tribe Excerpts
The largest enemy of change and leadership isn't a "no." It's a "not yet." "Not yet" is the safest, easiest way to forestall change. "Not yet" gives the status quo a chance to regroup and put off the inevitable for just a little while longer.
Change almost never fails because it's too early. It almost always fails because it's too late.
The tactics of leadership are easy. The art is the difficult part.
Hope without a strategy doesn't generate leadership. Leadership comes when your hope and your optimism are matched with a concrete vision of the future and a way to get there. People won't follow you if they don't believe you can get to where you say you're going.
You don't have to be in charge or powerful or pretty or connected to be a leader. You do have to be committed.
People want to be sure you heard what they said; they're less focused on whether or not you do what they said.
If your organization requires success before commitment, it will never have either.
Part of leadership (a big part of it, actually) is the ability to stick with the dream for a long time – long enough that the critics realize that you're going to get there one way or another....so they follow.
Change almost never fails because it's too early. It almost always fails because it's too late.
The tactics of leadership are easy. The art is the difficult part.
Hope without a strategy doesn't generate leadership. Leadership comes when your hope and your optimism are matched with a concrete vision of the future and a way to get there. People won't follow you if they don't believe you can get to where you say you're going.
You don't have to be in charge or powerful or pretty or connected to be a leader. You do have to be committed.
People want to be sure you heard what they said; they're less focused on whether or not you do what they said.
If your organization requires success before commitment, it will never have either.
Part of leadership (a big part of it, actually) is the ability to stick with the dream for a long time – long enough that the critics realize that you're going to get there one way or another....so they follow.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
TRIBES...digging a little deeper
Here are some more powerful excerpts from the book titled TRIBES. Go buy it today!
Not all leadership involves getting in the face of the tribe. It takes just as much effort to successfully get out of the way.
Leadership is a choice. It's a choice to not do anything. Lean in, back off, but don't do nothing.
Faith is the unstated component in the work of a leader, and I think faith is underrated.
Changing things, pushing the envelope and creating a future that doesn't exist yet (at the same time you're criticized by everyone else) require bravery.
The secret of being wrong isn't to avoid being wrong! The secret is being willing to be wrong. The secret is realizing that wrong isn't fatal. The only thing that makes people and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success.
The Posture Of A Leader
If you hear my idea but don't believe it, that's not your fault, it's mine.
If you see my new product but don't buy it, that's my failure, not yours.
If you attend my presentation and you're bored, that's my fault too.
If I fail to persuade you to implement a policy that supports my tribe, that's due to my lack of passion or skill, not your shortsightedness.
Not all leadership involves getting in the face of the tribe. It takes just as much effort to successfully get out of the way.
Leadership is a choice. It's a choice to not do anything. Lean in, back off, but don't do nothing.
Faith is the unstated component in the work of a leader, and I think faith is underrated.
Changing things, pushing the envelope and creating a future that doesn't exist yet (at the same time you're criticized by everyone else) require bravery.
The secret of being wrong isn't to avoid being wrong! The secret is being willing to be wrong. The secret is realizing that wrong isn't fatal. The only thing that makes people and organizations great is their willingness to be not great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success.
The Posture Of A Leader
If you hear my idea but don't believe it, that's not your fault, it's mine.
If you see my new product but don't buy it, that's my failure, not yours.
If you attend my presentation and you're bored, that's my fault too.
If I fail to persuade you to implement a policy that supports my tribe, that's due to my lack of passion or skill, not your shortsightedness.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
TRIBES
I recently finished reading a book called Tribes. It was a great book. Our Leadership Team read through it as well. I want to share some great excerpts with you from this book. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.
Generous and authentic leadership will always defeat the selfish efforts of someone doing it just because she can.
Heretics are the new leaders. They are the ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements.
For the first time ever, everyone in an organization, not just the boss, is expected to lead.
Leadership doesn't always start at the top, but it always manages to affect the folks at the top.
Good enough stopped being good enough a long time ago. So why not be great?
It's uncomfortable to stand up in front of a stranger.
It's uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.
It's uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.
It's uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.
When you identify the discomfort, you've found the place where a leader is needed. If you're not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it's almost certain you're not reaching your potential as a leader.
Generous and authentic leadership will always defeat the selfish efforts of someone doing it just because she can.
Heretics are the new leaders. They are the ones who challenge the status quo, who get out in front of their tribes, who create movements.
For the first time ever, everyone in an organization, not just the boss, is expected to lead.
Leadership doesn't always start at the top, but it always manages to affect the folks at the top.
Good enough stopped being good enough a long time ago. So why not be great?
It's uncomfortable to stand up in front of a stranger.
It's uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.
It's uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.
It's uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.
When you identify the discomfort, you've found the place where a leader is needed. If you're not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it's almost certain you're not reaching your potential as a leader.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. On Friday, we had a family date night. My wife and I rented a movie from Redbox. I like those $1 movies from Redbox. Whoever thought of that is a genius.
2. On Saturday, we had some friends drive to Oklahoma City from Springfield, MO, to visit us. Tiffany and I both really enjoy this couples’ friendship. We had a great time hanging out together and watching and listening to our kids play together.
3. We had a great Sunday in every way at People's Church.
4. There were tons of people who gave their lives to Christ.
5. I preached and cast strong vision to our church. Vision is so important for our lives, families and our church. Where there is no vision the people perish!
6. My voice struggled a little but held up pretty good. Whenever I miss two weeks of preaching, my voice usually struggles. I'm glad it stayed pretty strong in all four experiences.
7. The worship was off the charts on Sunday. I enjoyed lifting up the name of Jesus with our church family.
8. The kids’ area was jam-packed on Sunday. I can't wait to more than triple, actually I think we are quadrupling, our kids’ space with the 44,000 square foot addition.
9. Thank you to everyone who has moved to the 8:45AM and the 12:30PM experiences. We need as many of you as possible to attend the 8:45AM experience for the next three months. Let's free up seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ!
10. Our church is praying and fasting this week. I'm really excited about what God is going to do in my life, your life and our church.
11. PC had a CRAZY Challenge month in December. We challenged our church to give $100,000 over and above the Lord's tithe during the month of December. Our church prayed, heard God's voice and responded in a generous way. We gave $118,656.19. Way to go PC! God is so faithful! We are going to turn this city upside-down with the good news of Jesus Christ!
12. Since the Dallas Cowboys didn't make the playoffs, I want the Arizona Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. I'm a Kurt Warner fan!
13. GO THUNDER, GO! Our NBA basketball team is starting to gel, and they are winning some games!
2. On Saturday, we had some friends drive to Oklahoma City from Springfield, MO, to visit us. Tiffany and I both really enjoy this couples’ friendship. We had a great time hanging out together and watching and listening to our kids play together.
3. We had a great Sunday in every way at People's Church.
4. There were tons of people who gave their lives to Christ.
5. I preached and cast strong vision to our church. Vision is so important for our lives, families and our church. Where there is no vision the people perish!
6. My voice struggled a little but held up pretty good. Whenever I miss two weeks of preaching, my voice usually struggles. I'm glad it stayed pretty strong in all four experiences.
7. The worship was off the charts on Sunday. I enjoyed lifting up the name of Jesus with our church family.
8. The kids’ area was jam-packed on Sunday. I can't wait to more than triple, actually I think we are quadrupling, our kids’ space with the 44,000 square foot addition.
9. Thank you to everyone who has moved to the 8:45AM and the 12:30PM experiences. We need as many of you as possible to attend the 8:45AM experience for the next three months. Let's free up seats and kids’ space for those seeking a relationship with Christ!
10. Our church is praying and fasting this week. I'm really excited about what God is going to do in my life, your life and our church.
11. PC had a CRAZY Challenge month in December. We challenged our church to give $100,000 over and above the Lord's tithe during the month of December. Our church prayed, heard God's voice and responded in a generous way. We gave $118,656.19. Way to go PC! God is so faithful! We are going to turn this city upside-down with the good news of Jesus Christ!
12. Since the Dallas Cowboys didn't make the playoffs, I want the Arizona Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. I'm a Kurt Warner fan!
13. GO THUNDER, GO! Our NBA basketball team is starting to gel, and they are winning some games!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Downloads
1. I hit the ground running this week.
2. I had quarterly reviews with our Leadership Team.
3. We restructured areas of the church.
4. I am blogging later in the day because I just wrapped up an overnight retreat with our Management Team.
5. At our retreat, we worked on budgets, structures, systems, future hires and dreams.
6. My Oklahoma Sooners lost the National Championship game, and I am not happy about it.
7. We are planning and preparing to move into our new facility with great momentum.
8. Next week, our church is praying and fasting all week. I'm really excited about what God is going to do in my heart and in our church through this time of seeking God's face.
9. This Sunday, I am preaching a message titled I Have A Dream! I love talking about the vision of PC!
10. PC family, SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!
2. I had quarterly reviews with our Leadership Team.
3. We restructured areas of the church.
4. I am blogging later in the day because I just wrapped up an overnight retreat with our Management Team.
5. At our retreat, we worked on budgets, structures, systems, future hires and dreams.
6. My Oklahoma Sooners lost the National Championship game, and I am not happy about it.
7. We are planning and preparing to move into our new facility with great momentum.
8. Next week, our church is praying and fasting all week. I'm really excited about what God is going to do in my heart and in our church through this time of seeking God's face.
9. This Sunday, I am preaching a message titled I Have A Dream! I love talking about the vision of PC!
10. PC family, SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Leading Yourself pt. 3
Today, I want to mention 3 BIG areas where people struggle leading themselves.
1. Time management: When we lack time management, we are consistently late, and it's always somebody else's fault. We don't live by priorities. We respond to life instead of running our life. The very things that we say are important always get neglected. We always say, “If I just had more time, I would ______________________.”
2. Financial management: When we don't lead ourselves financially, we don't know where our money is going. We spend more than we make. We get into more and more consumer debt. We don't return the tithe to God because we feel like we don't make enough money. The word “budget” is a swear word. We are consumed with materialism and greed. Our money is running us instead of us running our money.
3. Spiritual management: When we don't lead ourselves spiritually, we are inconsistent in our daily prayer and Bible reading. We consistently miss church. We never get involved in serving and a small group. We struggle with the same sins year after year. We blame where we are spiritually on everybody else but ourselves. Every year, we are farther from God instead of closer to God.
1. Time management: When we lack time management, we are consistently late, and it's always somebody else's fault. We don't live by priorities. We respond to life instead of running our life. The very things that we say are important always get neglected. We always say, “If I just had more time, I would ______________________.”
2. Financial management: When we don't lead ourselves financially, we don't know where our money is going. We spend more than we make. We get into more and more consumer debt. We don't return the tithe to God because we feel like we don't make enough money. The word “budget” is a swear word. We are consumed with materialism and greed. Our money is running us instead of us running our money.
3. Spiritual management: When we don't lead ourselves spiritually, we are inconsistent in our daily prayer and Bible reading. We consistently miss church. We never get involved in serving and a small group. We struggle with the same sins year after year. We blame where we are spiritually on everybody else but ourselves. Every year, we are farther from God instead of closer to God.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Leading Yourself pt. 2
Why do we sabotage our own destiny? Why are we our own worst enemy? Why do we have self-destructive behavior? Here is a quick list of reasons:
1. Our parents and the environment we grew up in have a tremendous impact on us. Unfortunately, many people grew up in an ultra dysfunctional home. Many people never overcome their childhood dysfunctions.
2. Many people think their behavior is normal because it's all they know. It's scary when you are your own worst enemy, and you don't even know it.
3. We don't like change. When we have been doing something for years, it's easier to keep doing the same thing rather than change. It is a sad thing when we keep doing the same thing even though it is destroying our relationships, career and even our own life.
4. Some people never surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is discipline. We human beings can be very undisciplined. The only way we stop being our own worst enemy is through extreme hard work and discipline. We need the Holy Spirit's help!
1. Our parents and the environment we grew up in have a tremendous impact on us. Unfortunately, many people grew up in an ultra dysfunctional home. Many people never overcome their childhood dysfunctions.
2. Many people think their behavior is normal because it's all they know. It's scary when you are your own worst enemy, and you don't even know it.
3. We don't like change. When we have been doing something for years, it's easier to keep doing the same thing rather than change. It is a sad thing when we keep doing the same thing even though it is destroying our relationships, career and even our own life.
4. Some people never surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is discipline. We human beings can be very undisciplined. The only way we stop being our own worst enemy is through extreme hard work and discipline. We need the Holy Spirit's help!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Leading Yourself
I believe the greatest enemy to success is ourselves. We are our own worst enemy. We have been made in the image of God. We are creative beings. We are power-packed full of potential. We are super talented. The only problem is we are our own worst enemy. Think about this question: How are you your own worst enemy?Is it a lack of discipline, impulsive decision-making, debt, time management, bad habits, neglecting your family, disobedience, integrity issues, laziness or attitude? If we are going to reach our full potential, we must overcome the number one enemy, OURSELVES!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. Let's start with Sunday. I took Sunday off so that I could visit churches around the Oklahoma City metro area. I wanted to see what God was doing across our city.
2. There are 10 or so churches that I want to visit, but of course, that's not possible on one Sunday.
3. I headed to Norman and went to Journey Church. I caught the second part of their 8:30AM service and the first part of their 9:45AM service. Clark Mitchell is the Senior Pastor. Clark is a good friend of mine. I'm actually eating lunch with Clark on Wednesday. Clark's message challenged me. He talked about encountering God. I want to constantly encounter God.
4. Next, I headed to Victory Church's 10:30AM. Victory is located in Warr Acres. Mark Crow is the Senior Pastor. Mark took the Sunday off, so he didn't preach. I actually didn't get to hear much of the preaching because I had to head to the next church I wanted to visit. I really enjoyed my time at Victory. The worship was great.
5. I left Victory around 11:10AM and headed to North Church. North is located on Memorial Rd in Oklahoma City/Edmond. Rodney Fouts is the Senior Pastor. Rodney's message was very good. He talked about how we as Christ-followers should go share the GOOD news and how it's all about GOD's GREATNESS.
6. These were my take-aways from the three churches: God is doing some great things around OKC. Vision is key for a church. Worship is an important element. Facilities are an important tool. Kids and youth ministry really matter. Lobby space is key for people to meet new friends (we don't have any now, but we will in a few months)! People come to church late at everybody's church and not just at People's Church! :)
7. My last take-away is that I wouldn't want to be a church-hopper! I'll never understand why people spend a year finding a church home. I could get plugged in and committed to any of these churches and make a difference for God's Kingdom. After all, it's not about us; it's about God and advancing His Kingdom.
8. The funniest moment about my trip - I sat across the aisle from a lady who used to attend People's Church. I think she was a little uncomfortable. I called her by name and shook her hand. I don't think she expected to sit next to her former pastor. :)
9. After not speaking at PC for the past two weeks, I am ready to preach. I have a message burning on my heart titled I Have A Dream.
10. I am really ready to be back at PC ON SUNDAY! I miss my church family!
11. Chris Smith, our Student Ministries Director, preached yesterday. Chris is a very good communicator, and I can't wait to listen to his message online.
12. We put away all the Christmas decorations this weekend. I put everything in the attic yesterday.
13. I dropped by our new facility on Friday. It is coming together very quickly. I can't believe we will be moving into our second phase in the early spring!
14. I have the final total of the CRAZY Challenge giving. Did we get the $40,000 matching gift? Did we make our goal of giving $100,000 over and above the Lord's tithe in December? The answer is............WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY, AND I WILL ANNOUNCE IT!
15. Hold on PC, we are going on a WILD RIDE IN 2009! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
2. There are 10 or so churches that I want to visit, but of course, that's not possible on one Sunday.
3. I headed to Norman and went to Journey Church. I caught the second part of their 8:30AM service and the first part of their 9:45AM service. Clark Mitchell is the Senior Pastor. Clark is a good friend of mine. I'm actually eating lunch with Clark on Wednesday. Clark's message challenged me. He talked about encountering God. I want to constantly encounter God.
4. Next, I headed to Victory Church's 10:30AM. Victory is located in Warr Acres. Mark Crow is the Senior Pastor. Mark took the Sunday off, so he didn't preach. I actually didn't get to hear much of the preaching because I had to head to the next church I wanted to visit. I really enjoyed my time at Victory. The worship was great.
5. I left Victory around 11:10AM and headed to North Church. North is located on Memorial Rd in Oklahoma City/Edmond. Rodney Fouts is the Senior Pastor. Rodney's message was very good. He talked about how we as Christ-followers should go share the GOOD news and how it's all about GOD's GREATNESS.
6. These were my take-aways from the three churches: God is doing some great things around OKC. Vision is key for a church. Worship is an important element. Facilities are an important tool. Kids and youth ministry really matter. Lobby space is key for people to meet new friends (we don't have any now, but we will in a few months)! People come to church late at everybody's church and not just at People's Church! :)
7. My last take-away is that I wouldn't want to be a church-hopper! I'll never understand why people spend a year finding a church home. I could get plugged in and committed to any of these churches and make a difference for God's Kingdom. After all, it's not about us; it's about God and advancing His Kingdom.
8. The funniest moment about my trip - I sat across the aisle from a lady who used to attend People's Church. I think she was a little uncomfortable. I called her by name and shook her hand. I don't think she expected to sit next to her former pastor. :)
9. After not speaking at PC for the past two weeks, I am ready to preach. I have a message burning on my heart titled I Have A Dream.
10. I am really ready to be back at PC ON SUNDAY! I miss my church family!
11. Chris Smith, our Student Ministries Director, preached yesterday. Chris is a very good communicator, and I can't wait to listen to his message online.
12. We put away all the Christmas decorations this weekend. I put everything in the attic yesterday.
13. I dropped by our new facility on Friday. It is coming together very quickly. I can't believe we will be moving into our second phase in the early spring!
14. I have the final total of the CRAZY Challenge giving. Did we get the $40,000 matching gift? Did we make our goal of giving $100,000 over and above the Lord's tithe in December? The answer is............WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY, AND I WILL ANNOUNCE IT!
15. Hold on PC, we are going on a WILD RIDE IN 2009! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
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