1. Tonight at 7 PM at People's Church, we are having a CRAZY Live Praise, Worship & Prayer experience. We are going to encounter God in a powerful way. SEE YOU THERE!
2. This weekend, we are having our Celebration and Commitment Sunday in all four experiences. One of the videos our media team put together will have you in tears. It's going to be one of the most exciting Sundays in the history of PC!
3. Church family; be praying about what the Lord wants you to give to the CRAZY Campaign over the next 2 years. Because of our faithfulness, many MORE lives are going to be changed!
4. The target date for us to move into our new facility is Easter Sunday, April 12. Be praying that everything goes smoothly with the final stages of building our new 44,000 square foot facility.
5. Allergies are crazy around Oklahoma!
6. My wife and I went on a date last night. It's been a hectic season of ministry, and my wife helps to bring balance and also refreshes my life. She told me on our date that she can tell that I am more tired in the evenings. It was good to talk about the season we are in. It's exciting, but super busy! I'm grateful to have a wonderful wife!
7. Today is my off day. I'm going to surprise my three oldest kids by taking them for a daddy lunch date.
8. God has been giving me a lot of clarity and direction regarding the immediate and future vision of PC! I love when God's plan becomes crystal clear!9. Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Structure In The Church
I am a big believer in having structure in the church. Just because our staff works for a church, doesn't mean that there shouldn't be structure. In the business world, there is structure, and I believe the local church should be ran more efficiently than the business world. What the local church does affects people for all of eternity. Here are some examples of structure:
1. Employees have personal & sick leave days. You can't miss work whenever you want.
2. Employees have offices hours. Office hours for some employees don't mean they have to be at the church, but they do know the time frames they should be working on ministry and not at home watching movies with their family. We ought to be accountable for our time.
3. Every ministry in our church operates from a system and not by shooting from the hip. We have a weekend system, follow-up system, kids system, youth system, care system, wedding & funeral system, media system, hiring system, etc. Everything we do at PC is from a system. We are in the most important business in the world, and that's seeing lives changed, so we can't afford to fly by the seat of our pants.
4. We have a policy handbook for all employees. Every employee knows what is expected of them. When we hire an employee, we take them through the policies.
1. Employees have personal & sick leave days. You can't miss work whenever you want.
2. Employees have offices hours. Office hours for some employees don't mean they have to be at the church, but they do know the time frames they should be working on ministry and not at home watching movies with their family. We ought to be accountable for our time.
3. Every ministry in our church operates from a system and not by shooting from the hip. We have a weekend system, follow-up system, kids system, youth system, care system, wedding & funeral system, media system, hiring system, etc. Everything we do at PC is from a system. We are in the most important business in the world, and that's seeing lives changed, so we can't afford to fly by the seat of our pants.
4. We have a policy handbook for all employees. Every employee knows what is expected of them. When we hire an employee, we take them through the policies.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Some Things I Look For In A Friend
I don't have a ton of friends, but the ones I have all have the same qualities.
1. They are trustworthy.
2. They have integrity.
3. They don't want to be my friend because of weird motives.
4. We have common interests. Most of my close friends are in full-time ministry. I love talking ministry and so do many of my friends.
5. I feel comfortable being myself around them.
6. They feel comfortable being themselves around me.
7. They are family men. They love their wives and kids.
8. I don't look for this, but most of my friends are older than I am. Some of them have and still do mentor me, and I suppose I help them in their journey as well.
9. I can open up and share the raw reality of life and ministry with them.
10. They love to laugh, cut up, crack jokes and don't take themselves too seriously. I am a goofball at heart!
1. They are trustworthy.
2. They have integrity.
3. They don't want to be my friend because of weird motives.
4. We have common interests. Most of my close friends are in full-time ministry. I love talking ministry and so do many of my friends.
5. I feel comfortable being myself around them.
6. They feel comfortable being themselves around me.
7. They are family men. They love their wives and kids.
8. I don't look for this, but most of my friends are older than I am. Some of them have and still do mentor me, and I suppose I help them in their journey as well.
9. I can open up and share the raw reality of life and ministry with them.
10. They love to laugh, cut up, crack jokes and don't take themselves too seriously. I am a goofball at heart!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Some Things I Don't Like About Myself
1. I want to be more patient. I have gotten better over they years but still have a ways to go.
2. I hate the fact that I can't sing. I think I would be a great singing preacher if I could sing! :)
3. I want to lose about 7 pounds. The last 7 or so pounds seem to be the hardest. I have to be more disciplined to get this done.
4. I want to think before I speak. Sometimes I say things or commit myself to something in the spur of the moment, and then, I wish I wouldn't have said it.
5. I envy Shelby Johnson. He is the Care Pastor at our church. He has such a great gift of taking care of people in their time of need. I look at how this guy ministers to our church family, and I stand amazed and sometimes wish I had his gift.
6. I want to be more organized. My desk is always a mess. Oh well, I don't think this will ever change, but I wish it would!
2. I hate the fact that I can't sing. I think I would be a great singing preacher if I could sing! :)
3. I want to lose about 7 pounds. The last 7 or so pounds seem to be the hardest. I have to be more disciplined to get this done.
4. I want to think before I speak. Sometimes I say things or commit myself to something in the spur of the moment, and then, I wish I wouldn't have said it.
5. I envy Shelby Johnson. He is the Care Pastor at our church. He has such a great gift of taking care of people in their time of need. I look at how this guy ministers to our church family, and I stand amazed and sometimes wish I had his gift.
6. I want to be more organized. My desk is always a mess. Oh well, I don't think this will ever change, but I wish it would!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. The weather in Oklahoma has been unbelievable. It's been a very mild winter in the great state of OK!
2. This was an unusual weekend for me.
3. Saturday, Kurt, a journalist from a Christian magazine, came to OKC to do a story on our church. He came from out of state. They are going to feature People's Church in their magazine.
4. I met Kurt at Cheesecake Factory, and we did some of the interview there.
5. As I was telling him the story of PC, I couldn't help but getting a little emotional thinking about how far the Lord has brought us!
6. The journalist came to our church on Sunday morning and interviewed some of the staff and a few attendees in the church.
7. Sunday was a solid day at PC. The message was very challenging. Jesus doesn't just want to be our Savior; He wants to be our Lord!
8. There were many salvations! I love seeing people surrender their lives to Christ!!
9. Last year, we switched our entire system to Fellowship One.
10. Sunday, we launched our new check-in system with Fellowship One. Everything went pretty smooth.
11. Attendance was great on Sunday. We were around 27 percent larger than the same Sunday last year!
12. Thank you to everyone who has committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we get into the new facility! YOU ARE AWESOME!
13. We had our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon after church. We had many people in attendance, and many people became a member of PC!
14. Membership at PC can be summed up in one word: COMMITMENT! We need to be committed to a local church!
15. Last night, my wife and I finished watching season one of 24! We can't wait to start season two (hopefully, this week sometime)!
16. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, serve food and provide childcare for the Newcomer's/Membership Luncheon. You folks at PC never cease to amaze me with your servants’ hearts!
17. One of our awesome church leaders and volunteers at PC is bringing ribs with all the fixin's to the entire staff this week! I can't wait to eat up some ribs this week in the office!
18. I absolutely love the staff that I get to serve with. It's an honor to work with such passionate and hard-working people.
19. Church family, be praying about what God wants you to commit to the CRAZY Campaign. Let's get on the table and let God speak to our hearts.
20. PC, don't forget that this Friday we are having a 12-hour CRAZY prayer meeting. We will be praying from 8AM to 8PM. We will be closing out our 12-hour prayer meeting with a live praise, worship and prayer experience. Don't you dare miss this incredible night of encountering God!
2. This was an unusual weekend for me.
3. Saturday, Kurt, a journalist from a Christian magazine, came to OKC to do a story on our church. He came from out of state. They are going to feature People's Church in their magazine.
4. I met Kurt at Cheesecake Factory, and we did some of the interview there.
5. As I was telling him the story of PC, I couldn't help but getting a little emotional thinking about how far the Lord has brought us!
6. The journalist came to our church on Sunday morning and interviewed some of the staff and a few attendees in the church.
7. Sunday was a solid day at PC. The message was very challenging. Jesus doesn't just want to be our Savior; He wants to be our Lord!
8. There were many salvations! I love seeing people surrender their lives to Christ!!
9. Last year, we switched our entire system to Fellowship One.
10. Sunday, we launched our new check-in system with Fellowship One. Everything went pretty smooth.
11. Attendance was great on Sunday. We were around 27 percent larger than the same Sunday last year!
12. Thank you to everyone who has committed to attending the 8:45AM experience until we get into the new facility! YOU ARE AWESOME!
13. We had our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon after church. We had many people in attendance, and many people became a member of PC!
14. Membership at PC can be summed up in one word: COMMITMENT! We need to be committed to a local church!
15. Last night, my wife and I finished watching season one of 24! We can't wait to start season two (hopefully, this week sometime)!
16. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, serve food and provide childcare for the Newcomer's/Membership Luncheon. You folks at PC never cease to amaze me with your servants’ hearts!
17. One of our awesome church leaders and volunteers at PC is bringing ribs with all the fixin's to the entire staff this week! I can't wait to eat up some ribs this week in the office!
18. I absolutely love the staff that I get to serve with. It's an honor to work with such passionate and hard-working people.
19. Church family, be praying about what God wants you to commit to the CRAZY Campaign. Let's get on the table and let God speak to our hearts.
20. PC, don't forget that this Friday we are having a 12-hour CRAZY prayer meeting. We will be praying from 8AM to 8PM. We will be closing out our 12-hour prayer meeting with a live praise, worship and prayer experience. Don't you dare miss this incredible night of encountering God!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday's Download
1. This download will be short and sweet.
2. It's my off day, and I need one.
3. I'm looking forward to our mini-series CRAZY Generations. It's kicking off on Sunday.
4. Let's continue to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Way to go PC!
5. We have our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon following the 12:30PM experience on Sunday.
6. Have a super weekend!
2. It's my off day, and I need one.
3. I'm looking forward to our mini-series CRAZY Generations. It's kicking off on Sunday.
4. Let's continue to pack out the 8:45AM experience. Way to go PC!
5. We have our Newcomers’/Membership Luncheon following the 12:30PM experience on Sunday.
6. Have a super weekend!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Lessons Learned From The Journey
1. Your vision has to be bigger than life.
2. Create a culture of volunteerism.
3. No matter what, love people.
4. Systems are key to growth.
5. Hire slow and fire fast.
6. If you have been leading something for a year and don't like what you have, look in the mirror (OUCH)!
7. Sunday services have to be great every week.
8. Hold everybody and everything to a high standard of excellence.
9. Developing leaders is hard work and takes intentionality and patience.
10. The people closest to you will determine your success.
2. Create a culture of volunteerism.
3. No matter what, love people.
4. Systems are key to growth.
5. Hire slow and fire fast.
6. If you have been leading something for a year and don't like what you have, look in the mirror (OUCH)!
7. Sunday services have to be great every week.
8. Hold everybody and everything to a high standard of excellence.
9. Developing leaders is hard work and takes intentionality and patience.
10. The people closest to you will determine your success.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Working Outside Of Your Gift Mix
God has given all of us gifts and talents. We are all better at some things than others. We are gifted to do some things and not gifted to do others. We might be gifted to sing but not to speak. We might be gifted to write but not paint. We might be gifted to manage but not lead. We might be gifted at music but not basketball. When you try to spend the majority of your time doing things you are not gifted at, you....
1. Are more tired than energized.
2. Often spend more time and produce less results.
3. Are frustrated.
4. Feel like everybody else is better than you because you are always focused on your weaknesses.
1. Are more tired than energized.
2. Often spend more time and produce less results.
3. Are frustrated.
4. Feel like everybody else is better than you because you are always focused on your weaknesses.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Working In Ministry Versus On Ministry
During this hectic season in our church, I've been working in the ministry more than on the ministry. I prefer and even function better when I'm working on the ministry. When I work on the ministry, besides praying, studying and teaching, I lead the Executive Team, dream, cast vision and let those around me implement the vision.
Because one of my top leaders at People's Church is overseeing the construction of our new facility, I've removed a big portion of leading the staff off his plate. He is actually the general contractor for our 44,000 square foot addition. It is saving us around 1 million dollars, so it's a positive thing. Until we move into our new facility, I have picked back up the daily and weekly duties of leading our staff. Since taking over the staff, I have restructured certain areas of our church so that we can be ready for growth when we move into the building. I have been pushing our directors to step up to another level and teaching some of our team to lead leaders, to empower volunteers and to not be doers. I have been identifying weak areas, people and systems and have been figuring out the changes that need to be made. I have been in numerous interviews. I have switched a staff member’s portfolio. I have been thinking about other staff hires and transitions that need to be made. I have been implementing the vision and not just casting the vision. This is definitely a season that I'm working in the ministry more than on the ministry.
Because one of my top leaders at People's Church is overseeing the construction of our new facility, I've removed a big portion of leading the staff off his plate. He is actually the general contractor for our 44,000 square foot addition. It is saving us around 1 million dollars, so it's a positive thing. Until we move into our new facility, I have picked back up the daily and weekly duties of leading our staff. Since taking over the staff, I have restructured certain areas of our church so that we can be ready for growth when we move into the building. I have been pushing our directors to step up to another level and teaching some of our team to lead leaders, to empower volunteers and to not be doers. I have been identifying weak areas, people and systems and have been figuring out the changes that need to be made. I have been in numerous interviews. I have switched a staff member’s portfolio. I have been thinking about other staff hires and transitions that need to be made. I have been implementing the vision and not just casting the vision. This is definitely a season that I'm working in the ministry more than on the ministry.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. Every year, my wife and I set aside money in our budget to go on overnight trips together. We look forward and enjoy these times together.
2. This past Friday was one of these times. Tiffany and I left the kids with a babysitter and went to Norman. We checked into a hotel that afternoon.
3. After checking into the hotel, we went to the Norman mall to do some shopping. We did more looking than buying.
4. After shopping, we enjoyed a nice dinner together.
5. After dinner, we went back and relaxed in the hotel, and then, we went to a movie at the new Warren Theater in Moore. The theater is really nice. We were impressed.
6. The highlight of our time together was breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We both think Cracker Barrel has one of the best, if not the best, breakfast. We rank it higher than I-Hop and Jimmy's Egg.
7. Saturday night, I took our guest speaker, Jason Patterson, out to eat. It was weird being out to eat with a guy on Valentine's Day. The weird part was all of the looks we got. I think some people thought I was out to eat with my valentine. LOL!
8. Sunday at PC was a solid day for President's Day weekend. Our attendance is always down some on this Sunday.
9. Jason did a very good job speaking.
10. There were tons of people who gave their hearts to Christ!
11. I want to say a big thank you and give credit to Andy Stanley for the series idea and material for our Destination series. This was a very impactful series for our church.
12. Since we had a guest speaker, during two of the experiences I checked out the kids’ area and parking lot and thanked several volunteers for serving in ministry. Our volunteers are making it happen week in and week out! Thank you!
13. This coming Sunday is going to be fun! We are kicking off a very exciting mini-series called CRAZY Generations.
14. Church family, I want to encourage you to spend the next two weeks praying about your involvement in the CRAZY Campaign. God has some great things that He wants to do in you and through you!
15. Have a great Monday!
2. This past Friday was one of these times. Tiffany and I left the kids with a babysitter and went to Norman. We checked into a hotel that afternoon.
3. After checking into the hotel, we went to the Norman mall to do some shopping. We did more looking than buying.
4. After shopping, we enjoyed a nice dinner together.
5. After dinner, we went back and relaxed in the hotel, and then, we went to a movie at the new Warren Theater in Moore. The theater is really nice. We were impressed.
6. The highlight of our time together was breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We both think Cracker Barrel has one of the best, if not the best, breakfast. We rank it higher than I-Hop and Jimmy's Egg.
7. Saturday night, I took our guest speaker, Jason Patterson, out to eat. It was weird being out to eat with a guy on Valentine's Day. The weird part was all of the looks we got. I think some people thought I was out to eat with my valentine. LOL!
8. Sunday at PC was a solid day for President's Day weekend. Our attendance is always down some on this Sunday.
9. Jason did a very good job speaking.
10. There were tons of people who gave their hearts to Christ!
11. I want to say a big thank you and give credit to Andy Stanley for the series idea and material for our Destination series. This was a very impactful series for our church.
12. Since we had a guest speaker, during two of the experiences I checked out the kids’ area and parking lot and thanked several volunteers for serving in ministry. Our volunteers are making it happen week in and week out! Thank you!
13. This coming Sunday is going to be fun! We are kicking off a very exciting mini-series called CRAZY Generations.
14. Church family, I want to encourage you to spend the next two weeks praying about your involvement in the CRAZY Campaign. God has some great things that He wants to do in you and through you!
15. Have a great Monday!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday's Download
1. It's Valentine’s weekend. I'm not big into some of these holidays. They are all geared to take your money. With that said, I do have something special planned for my beautiful bride.
2. A mega-church pastor friend of mine is looking to hire an Executive Pastor. This person would be the number two guy in the church. They need to be a stronger leader, team player, have great integrity and possess organizational skills. If you know of someone, please email my assistant at leiha@peopleschurch.tv.
3. A friend of mine told me about the TV show 24. Tiffany and I have never watched the show. This week we decided to rent most of the first season, and we are hooked! It's a great show!
4. Cale has a Valentine's Day party at school today. He has been talking about it all week.
5. I went to a pastors’ luncheon yesterday. It's always good to fellowship with other Senior Pastors.
6. All of my kids are getting better, but Case, my little baby, is still fighting his chest cold. Thanks for praying for God to heal my little man!
7. My wife is such a great mother. I am amazed at how graceful she makes staying home with four kiddos look. Her job is way more difficult than mine. Thank you, Tiffany, for using all of your talents to invest in our kids.
8. This Sunday, we are wrapping up our series Destinations. Invite somebody to church!
9. If you are new to People's Church, I want to invite you to a CRAZY Vision Luncheon this Sunday at 1:45PM (immediately following the 4th experience). This luncheon is for people who have started attending PC between March 2008 and the present. We will eat a great meal together, and I will be sharing the vision of PC and details about our new facility. The staff and I will be available to answer any questions that you may have about the vision and new facility. DON'T YOU DARE MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT!
10. PC, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience!
11. See you Sunday!
2. A mega-church pastor friend of mine is looking to hire an Executive Pastor. This person would be the number two guy in the church. They need to be a stronger leader, team player, have great integrity and possess organizational skills. If you know of someone, please email my assistant at leiha@peopleschurch.tv.
3. A friend of mine told me about the TV show 24. Tiffany and I have never watched the show. This week we decided to rent most of the first season, and we are hooked! It's a great show!
4. Cale has a Valentine's Day party at school today. He has been talking about it all week.
5. I went to a pastors’ luncheon yesterday. It's always good to fellowship with other Senior Pastors.
6. All of my kids are getting better, but Case, my little baby, is still fighting his chest cold. Thanks for praying for God to heal my little man!
7. My wife is such a great mother. I am amazed at how graceful she makes staying home with four kiddos look. Her job is way more difficult than mine. Thank you, Tiffany, for using all of your talents to invest in our kids.
8. This Sunday, we are wrapping up our series Destinations. Invite somebody to church!
9. If you are new to People's Church, I want to invite you to a CRAZY Vision Luncheon this Sunday at 1:45PM (immediately following the 4th experience). This luncheon is for people who have started attending PC between March 2008 and the present. We will eat a great meal together, and I will be sharing the vision of PC and details about our new facility. The staff and I will be available to answer any questions that you may have about the vision and new facility. DON'T YOU DARE MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT!
10. PC, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience!
11. See you Sunday!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What Keeps Me Up At Night
1. Church people who were on the right track and then mess up their lives
2. Staff: Hiring and firing
3. When a person leaves the church (I've gotten better at this)
4. Budgets
5. Casting vision: especially when change is involved
6. When I smell disloyalty in the ranks
7. Being in the trenches with someone I'm not sure that I trust
8. Too much Mexican food :)
9. The heavy burden of being a Senior Pastor
10. Sometimes after preaching four times on Sundays, I can't unwind
2. Staff: Hiring and firing
3. When a person leaves the church (I've gotten better at this)
4. Budgets
5. Casting vision: especially when change is involved
6. When I smell disloyalty in the ranks
7. Being in the trenches with someone I'm not sure that I trust
8. Too much Mexican food :)
9. The heavy burden of being a Senior Pastor
10. Sometimes after preaching four times on Sundays, I can't unwind
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
You're Closer Than You Think SO
1. Don't stop praying
2. Don't stop fasting
3. Don't stop tithing
4. Don't stop giving
5. Don't stop being faithful
6. Don't stop doing the little things
7. Don't stop believing
8. Don't stop loving
9. Don't stop forgiving
10. Don't stop working
You're closer than you think to a breakthrough! The darkest hour is right before the dawn! DON'T YOU DARE STOP!
2. Don't stop fasting
3. Don't stop tithing
4. Don't stop giving
5. Don't stop being faithful
6. Don't stop doing the little things
7. Don't stop believing
8. Don't stop loving
9. Don't stop forgiving
10. Don't stop working
You're closer than you think to a breakthrough! The darkest hour is right before the dawn! DON'T YOU DARE STOP!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
BUT GOD
1. I would probably be dead today…But God
2. I would not be a faithful husband…But God
3. I would not be a father to my kids…But God
4. I would be a slave to consumer debt...But God
5. I would hold grudges against people...But God
6. I would not live a life of integrity...But God
7. I would not be a follower of Christ...But God
8. I would not be a pastor...But God
9. I know my life would be totally in shambles today...But God
10. Do you have any...BUT GODs?
2. I would not be a faithful husband…But God
3. I would not be a father to my kids…But God
4. I would be a slave to consumer debt...But God
5. I would hold grudges against people...But God
6. I would not live a life of integrity...But God
7. I would not be a follower of Christ...But God
8. I would not be a pastor...But God
9. I know my life would be totally in shambles today...But God
10. Do you have any...BUT GODs?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. Wow, we are having a blast on Sundays!
2. I told the church that I have a feelin' that everything is going to be alright! Can I get a witness?
3. God is in control! Trust God! Lean on God! Depend on God!
4. Our attendance is incredible in a 17,500 square foot building! I had a pastor come visit our church a few weeks ago. He came during the week. When I told him what our attendance was, he said, "In this building?"
5. We are using every square inch of this building. The good news is we are 2 months away from moving into an additional 44,000 square foot addition.
6. Our people don't care that we are packed. They keep inviting their friends and family to church. We had 55 salvations on Sunday. I am blown away by how God is changing lives!
7. There was a person in our church who was going to make a stupid decision about a relationship but heard a message on a Sunday and decided not to follow through. GO, GOD! Thank you for changing lives!
8. The Worship Team is doing a great job.
9. Our Video Team is putting together great videos every week. I love the CRAZY Generations promo video.
10. There was an incredible presence of God in some of the experiences yesterday. I mean it was thick!
11. Parents, get your teenager to the youth experience on Wednesday night. Our student ministries is in a relationship series called Love Lockdown. Your teenager is in a crucial season in their life. They need to hear what God's Word has to say about relationships. If I were you, I would do whatever I had to do to get my teenager there!
12. My wife and kids were sick all weekend. Please pray for my family.
13. I showed a picture in church of Tiffany and me when we were dating.
14. If you were wondering, I got permission from Tiffany to share the story of how we met. People laughed when they heard the story of how Tiffany and I met.
15. I told the church how God grabbed a hold of my heart my senior year in high school at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. They were serving free pizza. So, I went, and God rocked my world!
16. I am so pumped about what God is doing at PC! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
17. Make it a great Monday!
2. I told the church that I have a feelin' that everything is going to be alright! Can I get a witness?
3. God is in control! Trust God! Lean on God! Depend on God!
4. Our attendance is incredible in a 17,500 square foot building! I had a pastor come visit our church a few weeks ago. He came during the week. When I told him what our attendance was, he said, "In this building?"
5. We are using every square inch of this building. The good news is we are 2 months away from moving into an additional 44,000 square foot addition.
6. Our people don't care that we are packed. They keep inviting their friends and family to church. We had 55 salvations on Sunday. I am blown away by how God is changing lives!
7. There was a person in our church who was going to make a stupid decision about a relationship but heard a message on a Sunday and decided not to follow through. GO, GOD! Thank you for changing lives!
8. The Worship Team is doing a great job.
9. Our Video Team is putting together great videos every week. I love the CRAZY Generations promo video.
10. There was an incredible presence of God in some of the experiences yesterday. I mean it was thick!
11. Parents, get your teenager to the youth experience on Wednesday night. Our student ministries is in a relationship series called Love Lockdown. Your teenager is in a crucial season in their life. They need to hear what God's Word has to say about relationships. If I were you, I would do whatever I had to do to get my teenager there!
12. My wife and kids were sick all weekend. Please pray for my family.
13. I showed a picture in church of Tiffany and me when we were dating.
14. If you were wondering, I got permission from Tiffany to share the story of how we met. People laughed when they heard the story of how Tiffany and I met.
15. I told the church how God grabbed a hold of my heart my senior year in high school at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting. They were serving free pizza. So, I went, and God rocked my world!
16. I am so pumped about what God is doing at PC! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
17. Make it a great Monday!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday's Download
1. Tonight, we are having a CRAZY dessert event with some of the leaders of People's Church.
2. We have such a great church family.
3. The vision of People's Church consumes me. God continues to burn a deeper passion in my heart to impact Oklahoma City and our world.
4. I had the privilege of spending a little time with Chris Hodges yesterday. Chris is the Senior Pastor of www.churchofthehighlands.com. They were the fastest growing church in America in 2008. Chris is an incredible man of God.
5. My wife and all of my kids are sick. My family is passing around the junk. Please pray for God to touch my family with His healing power.
6. This Sunday, I am teaching a message titled Attention Deficit Disorder.
7. PC, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience.
8. When is the last time you invited a friend or family member to church? I hope your answer is this week. Bring somebody to church with you on Sunday. God is in the life-changing business!
9. Things are moving right along on our new building. We will be moving into our new facility in no time.
10. Be praying for one of my pastor friends. His name is David Crosby. He is the pastor of www.poconocc.com. They are moving into a brand new 30,000 square foot facility on Sunday. This church is already kicking, and now, they are getting ready to explode!
11. A note to my staff: Thank you team for all of your hard work. You guys and gals are awesome. I greatly appreciate your passion, your integrity and your extreme work ethic. God is using you all in incredible ways!
2. We have such a great church family.
3. The vision of People's Church consumes me. God continues to burn a deeper passion in my heart to impact Oklahoma City and our world.
4. I had the privilege of spending a little time with Chris Hodges yesterday. Chris is the Senior Pastor of www.churchofthehighlands.com. They were the fastest growing church in America in 2008. Chris is an incredible man of God.
5. My wife and all of my kids are sick. My family is passing around the junk. Please pray for God to touch my family with His healing power.
6. This Sunday, I am teaching a message titled Attention Deficit Disorder.
7. PC, let's pack out the 8:45AM experience.
8. When is the last time you invited a friend or family member to church? I hope your answer is this week. Bring somebody to church with you on Sunday. God is in the life-changing business!
9. Things are moving right along on our new building. We will be moving into our new facility in no time.
10. Be praying for one of my pastor friends. His name is David Crosby. He is the pastor of www.poconocc.com. They are moving into a brand new 30,000 square foot facility on Sunday. This church is already kicking, and now, they are getting ready to explode!
11. A note to my staff: Thank you team for all of your hard work. You guys and gals are awesome. I greatly appreciate your passion, your integrity and your extreme work ethic. God is using you all in incredible ways!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Friends & Work pt. 2
I am a firm believer that ministry flows best out of relationship. I had a former staff member in the early days tell me that they did not have to like the people on the team, but they could help advance the vision of PC. That did not go over well with me. It was at that moment that I realized that I value working with people who like our team and our team likes them. I believe we should have great chemistry on our staff. We ought to get along. We ought to like each other. We ought to have a blast together. That doesn't mean we will not have our differences and issues. But it does mean we will love and like each other in spite of our differences, and we will work through our issues. Having friends and great relationships at work is a must!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A.D.D. Blogger
I will get back to my Friends & Work blog tomorrow. Today I am in Atlanta with my good friend and mentor Craig Groeschel. We are here for one day. Actually, we are flying back to Oklahoma City today. Craig is the Senior Pastor of Lifechurch.tv. He is speaking at a pastor’s conference for Bishop Eddie Long. The line up for the conference is awesome. T.D. Jakes, Myles Munroe, and Eddie Long are some of the keynote speakers. Whenever I go to a conference, I always come back full of ideas. It's also great to hang out with Craig. I glean so much from him and his years of experience. It's great to hang out with people who are ahead of you. These kinds of relationships spur me on to the next level. They challenge me! They stretch me! They inspire me! I'm thankful to God for all of the mentors and friends that He has placed in my life.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friends & Work
Some people have said that you can't successfully be friends with the people who work for you. I totally disagree. Some of my closest friends are those who work with me and for me. I think insecurity stops many leaders from developing close relationships with those who work under them. I only hire people I like. The people who work closest to me have to be people that I enjoy being around. The people who work closest to me have to be people who I can become good friends with. I will talk more this week of why friends and work is a must for me.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Weekend Update
1. Wow, another great Sunday at PC! God is up to something!
2. We had a non-Easter Sunday record attendance in our 8:45AM experience. WAY TO GO, CHURCH! You all are serious about packing out the 8:45AM experience to create more auditorium and kids space for those seeking a relationship with Christ! Keep it up!
3. PC, I am so proud of what God is doing in your heart. You all are inviting your friends to church like CRAZY! We are seeing a ton of people give their lives to Christ every single week. GO, GOD, and way to invite your friends to church to experience life change through Christ! You all are on fire for God!
4. The weather was gorgeous this weekend! I love the sunshine and 60's & 70's in January and February!
5. Cale started feel better on Sunday. Friday and Saturday night were tough on him. He had a deep chest cough.
6. Tiffany and I did a lot of reflecting this weekend. We are both so thankful for the Lord's blessing upon our marriage, kids and church.
7. Brian and Jamie did a great job leading worship.
8. We went to some of our close friends’ home to watch the Super Bowl. We only stayed for the first half because we have small kids who need their beauty sleep.
9. The Super bowl was awesome! It was really a great game!
10. I was pulling for Arizona to win the game.
11. I asked this question to the church yesterday, “Are you acknowledging God in ALL your ways?”
12. Share your faith with somebody this week at work, school or some other place you frequent. Jesus changes lives!
2. We had a non-Easter Sunday record attendance in our 8:45AM experience. WAY TO GO, CHURCH! You all are serious about packing out the 8:45AM experience to create more auditorium and kids space for those seeking a relationship with Christ! Keep it up!
3. PC, I am so proud of what God is doing in your heart. You all are inviting your friends to church like CRAZY! We are seeing a ton of people give their lives to Christ every single week. GO, GOD, and way to invite your friends to church to experience life change through Christ! You all are on fire for God!
4. The weather was gorgeous this weekend! I love the sunshine and 60's & 70's in January and February!
5. Cale started feel better on Sunday. Friday and Saturday night were tough on him. He had a deep chest cough.
6. Tiffany and I did a lot of reflecting this weekend. We are both so thankful for the Lord's blessing upon our marriage, kids and church.
7. Brian and Jamie did a great job leading worship.
8. We went to some of our close friends’ home to watch the Super Bowl. We only stayed for the first half because we have small kids who need their beauty sleep.
9. The Super bowl was awesome! It was really a great game!
10. I was pulling for Arizona to win the game.
11. I asked this question to the church yesterday, “Are you acknowledging God in ALL your ways?”
12. Share your faith with somebody this week at work, school or some other place you frequent. Jesus changes lives!
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