Thursday's Download

1. Due to the weather, the Volunteer Banquet is canceled for this Friday. We have rescheduled the Volunteer Banquet. The new date is Friday, February 19, at 7PM at the People's Church building. Volunteers, get ready to party, eat good food and have a blast!

2. We are having all 3 Sunday experiences this Sunday, January 31 (9AM, 10:30AM & 12PM). The parking lot and sidewalks will be cleared! The sun will be shining brightly on Sunday, and I'm excited to have some church!

3. This Sunday, I'm going to teach you how to win and win big time in your work life. You can prosper at the work place!

4. It looks like a lot of Oklahomans will get some extra time around the house today and tomorrow. Most of the schools are canceled.

5. Cale's school is canceled. He is bummed out about it. He loves going to school.

6. The new season of 24 is good as usual. Go, Jack, go!

7. Big Day is coming up on February 7. We have something planned that is super special for that day. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. Begin praying and inviting everybody you know to the biggest day ever at PC!

8. I got Sunday's message emailed to the office around 10:30PM last night. Usually, I have it to them around 12 or 1PM on Thursday. I thought I better get it to them early so that they can get the bulletins printed today. Due to the weather, we might have to close the office Friday.

9. We are beginning a brand new series on February 7 called Sexual Revolution...God's Take On Sex! This is going to be one of the hottest series of the year!

10. I'm so excited that many PC'ers are getting plugged into Community Groups and The Wednesday Connection. Getting connected is key to our spiritual growth!

11. See you folks on Sunday! God is going to change lives!

Tony T Physical Life Funny Opener

Check out Tony T as he teaches how to take care of your body. These message openers have been super funny!

Tony T's Physical Life Training from People's Church on Vimeo.

Hiring Tips

Over the past year, I have learned so much about hiring the right people. Here are some things that I have learned.

1. Take your time. Seriously, be patient. Don't settle! It really is best to leave the position unfilled than to fill it with the wrong person.

2. Look inside your church for the person. After you've looked hard, look again because the right person could be sitting in your church every Sunday.

3. Ask the sharpest and most qualified people in your church to join your team. If they say no, ask them again and again. We do! :)

4. Bring on a firm that can help you find the right person for your team. I have used Helpstaff.me, and they have been awesome to work with. Justin and his team have helped us fill two positions. Justin has become a good friend of mine. Let him know that I told you to contact him and he may show you some extra love. :)

5. The best predictor of future performance is past performance.

6. If there is a sign of a lack of integrity, steer clear. You can't teach integrity. Trust me, I've tried before and it didn't work.

7. Figure out if you need a starter or a maintainer to fill the position. Most, maybe all, of the leadership positions at PC require starters.

8. Figure out if you need a leader or a manager to fill the position. PC thrives with leaders, not managers.

9. Test people. We give lots of tests to people to figure out as much about them as we can. This has been very helpful to us.

10. Have multiple people interview a person.

Weekend Highlights

1. On Thursday night, I went on a date with my wife. We have so much fun on our dates.

2. I lost weight over the weekend, and that never happened last year. My new eating lifestyle change is working, and I'm excited to take better care of my body.

3. On Friday night, my family went on a family date night with Troy Martin, our new Executive Director of Ministries, and his family. We had a great time together.

4. On Saturday, I rode the bike at the gym, studied, relaxed around the house and watched a movie with my wife.

5. On Saturday evening, my family went to dinner with some of our friends who live in Springfield, MO. We always enjoy seeing Ralph & Gail Irwin. Ralph has been super good to my ministry through the years. I'm thankful for people who stick with you through thick and thin.

6. Ralph and Gail brought a couple with them who are starting a church in Virginia. This couple has nine kids. That's right, I said nine. That's awesome stuff! They are blessed!

7. This church planting couple asked great questions. Sometimes I meet with future church planters, and they spend more time talking than asking questions. I can tell a lot about a church planter by the questions they ask or don't ask. This couple is sharp. They have a desire to reach those who are far from God. I'm excited for them.

8. People's Church was awesome on Sunday! Worship was great! The presence of God was powerful! Many lives were changed!

9. I taught a message on taking care of our bodies. I shared one of my big struggles with the church.

10. I have already heard reports of people who are going to change their lifestyle because of Sunday's message. I'm excited for you!

11. I told PC that they are fine by God's design. It's true!

12. Tony T is hilarious. Great job, Andy!

13. One of our brand new video projectors is messed up, and we had to ship it off to get fixed. The company overnighted us a loaner, and we got it on Saturday. Brian Rush, Executive Director of Creative Arts, spent over 3 hours at PC on Saturday getting it installed. Sunday was an unforgettable experience. Thanks, Brian!

14. I told the church that the Volunteer Banquet coming up on Friday will be the best ever. I'm serious, it will be! I can't wait to party with our awesome volunteers. You folks are incredible!

15. I'm so excited for Big Day on February 7! We are kicking off a new series called Sexual Revolution...God's Take On Sex! Each one reach one, and let's pack out the house and see tons of lives changed by Christ!

16. I taught my son to tie his shoe in 10 minutes. Either he is really smart, or I'm a good teacher! LOL

17. Colts and Saints in the Super Bowl in two weeks. Should be a great game!

18. This coming up Sunday I'm teaching a message on your work life! We spend 40 to 60 hours a week working. This is a crucial area of your life, and I'm going to teach you from God's Word how to win and win big time! So excited!!

Thursday's Download

1. I am now twittering. You can follow me @herbertcooper.

2. The kickoff of The Wednesday Connection was great! These Bible studies and kids/youth programs are super for our church. If you missed week one, that's okay. Be there next week! We made some changes to the Wednesday night format from last semester, and now it's even better!

3. On Sunday, there will be more Tony T, and I will be teaching an encouraging message on physical life. You are going to win and win big time in 2010!

4. I have a board meeting today. I love the team I serve with.

5. Our next series, called Sexual Revolution, is going to be simply amazing! Our Creative Team has some unforgettable stuff coming down the pike for this series.

6. Big Day at People's Church is Sunday, February 7, in all three experiences. This is going to be the biggest day attendance-wise in the history of People's Church. We need everybody that calls People's Church their church home to attend and to bring a friend. Each one, reach one! Big Day-get ready, get ready, get ready!

7. I woke up at 4:45AM and couldn't go back to sleep, so I got up and almost finished Sunday's message.

8. Everybody needs a spiritual friend! Get connected!

9. The weather in Oklahoma has been unseasonably warm. I'm loving it.

10. We hired our third Executive Pastor. I'm pumped up about the Executive Team that God has put around me.

11. God is putting the pieces of the PC puzzle in place to make a huge impact in Oklahoma City and around the world!

12. My wife is teaching the ladies Bible study at The Wednesday Connection. She is a super talented woman! Tiffany, you are phenomenal!

13. See you folks on Sunday! God has something big in store for you!

Sunday's Hilarious Message Opener

Tony T did it again! He gave us some crazy relational advice this past Sunday. I can't wait to hear the advice Tony T gives us for our physical lives this Sunday at PC.

Tony T's Relational Life Training from People's Church on Vimeo.

I Hate Big Crowds

Not really, but everybody needs a small group. You can worship with a crowd, but you can't fellowship with one. We all need spiritual friendships! At People's Church, we call them Community Groups. I firmly believe people grow best spiritually in a small group setting. Here is a list of why I am a big believer in small groups:

1. People can build strong friendships.

2. People can study God's Word together.

3. People can ask questions.

4. People can answer questions.

5. People can pray and be prayed for.

6. People can care for one another.

7. People can hold each other accountable.

8. People can be there for one another during the difficult seasons of life.

9. People can have fun together around the name of Christ.

10. People can do ministry together.

Weekend Highlights

1. Many people gave their lives to Christ yesterday! Thank you, God, for your mercy and grace!

2. I taught a message on having spiritual friendships. This is so crucial to our spiritual growth.

3. Over the last couple of weeks many people have become members of PC, signed up to start serving in a ministry and signed up to get connected through Connect.Me (Community Groups) or Wednesday Night Connection. I'm proud of our church family for making the decision to take the next step to grow closer to God.

4. Thank you, People's Church, for tithing and giving generous offerings above your tithe. Because of your faithfulness, we were able to give a generous offering to help the people of Haiti.

5. We prayed for the people of Haiti in all three experiences.

6. The Game Of Life is a great series for our church.

7. Connect.Me was an awesome event for our church. Over 400 people were at this event getting plugged into a Community Group.

8. Community Group is home plate at PC! People grow best in a small group setting!

9. Everybody needs spiritual friendships! I mean everybody!

10. At the Connect.Me event, I got on the joust inflatable and knocked off two of our church attendees! Pumping that iron at the gym must be working!

11. Wednesday Night Connection begins this Wednesday night! It's an event for the entire family! Bible studies for the adults and awesome programs for kids and youth.

12. My Dallas Cowboys looked horrible yesterday. I thought it would at least be a good game.

13. The Saints and the Vikings will be a great game.

14. My wife and I are changing our eating habits and that change began this weekend. Excited to eat healthier.

15. The OU Sooners men's basketball team looked much better on Saturday and earlier in the week as well.

16. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost the last two games by 1 point. Bummer.

17. I may do a series called You Look Like A Fool With Your Pants On The Ground. :)

Thursday Download

1. This Sunday is week two of The Game Of Life series. I'm excited to teach!

2. I can't wait to see Tony T's advice on Sunday.

3. I am praying for the people of Haiti.

4. This Sunday at 5PM is Connect.Me. This is going to be a fun evening of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream & root beer floats, comedy, games and an opportunity for you to meet some new friends and get connected in a Community Group. This is going to be a super fun night at PC! Childcare is provided. Don't miss out on the fun!

5. This week of prayer and fasting has been a powerful time for me personally. I'm so excited about what God is doing in my life.

6. Thank you to everyone who has come out to pray at the PC building this week! It's still not too late to come join the movement. Today from 12PM to 1:30PM and tomorrow 6AM to 7:30AM and 12PM to 1:30PM!

7. God is going to do incredible things in our church because of this special time of prayer and fasting.

8. God is helping us build a dream team at PC! The future is brighter than ever.

9. On February 7, we are kicking off a new series called Sexual Revolution. We have some very powerful and special surprises for this series. You better not miss one week or you will have to hear about it instead of experiencing it!

10. Get ready for Big Day on February 7. More details on Sunday! Be there!

11. On Sunday, I'm going to help you win and win big time in life! Week two of The Game Of Life!

Funny Sermon Video Opener

Every week, this made up Life Coach named Tony T (played by Andy, our media guru) is giving People's Church bad advice on how to win in life. After he gives his advice, I follow up with some biblical advice on how to win in critical areas of your life. This past Sunday was spiritual life. You need to watch this video 2 or 3 times to catch all of Tony's humor. I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I watched this.

Tony T's Spiritual Life Training from People's Church on Vimeo.

Making A Difference

Below is a video of some of the things People's Church did to make a difference during the Christmas season in our community. People's Church, I'm proud of your generosity. Lives are being impacted because of you!

Christmas Giving 2009 from People's Church on Vimeo.

Weekend Highlights

1. The Dallas Cowboys won a playoff game! How ‘bout them Cowboys! Come on boys, let’s go to the Super Bowl.

2. The team put up a new picture of Tiffany and me on the blog. That was a highlight for us because we had the other one up for awhile.

3. I cried during worship in first experience. The presence of God was so evident. God is doing some amazing things in my life. He is working on me, and I'm excited to draw closer to Him.

4. I actually cried on the stage during prayer time in first experience. I was a big baby yesterday during first experience. I love Jesus so much!

5. The church wide prayer and fasting week began yesterday. I got a headache last night from fasting. It's part of the sacrifice to draw closer to Christ.

6. I was so tired from preaching and from fasting that I went to bed before 10PM. That never happens!

7. My voice got tired yesterday in 2nd and 3rd experiences. Whenever I take two weeks off in a row, I can tell it in my voice.

8. The Missing Jesus message went well yesterday. I know God used it to challenge and change people’s lives.

9. If you want to find Jesus in a new and fresh way, you will need to leave your comfort zone!

10. PCer's, in 2010 make attending church a top priority. Read your Bible and pray daily. Get committed to serving in the church and advance God's Kingdom. Get plugged into a Community Group. If you will do all four of these and continue to do them, you will grow spiritually.

11. Don't be a constipated Christian! They are no fun to be around. They complain, they're critical and they complain some more.

12. Be a part of corporate prayer this week (Monday through Friday) at the church building. 6AM to 7:30AM & 12PM to 1:30PM! God answers prayer!

13. I told the PCer's that membership at PC is all about commitment. We need to be committed to one local church and use our talents, time and treasure to advance God's Kingdom.

14. The University of Oklahoma basketball team looks horrible. We need the Griffin boys back bad!

15. The Tony T Life Coaching video was hilarious. I may post it on my blog and stir up the religious community.

16. I'm excited to continue The Game Of Life series. This Sunday is relational life. I wonder what advice Tony T will give us!

17. In 2010, you are going to win and win big time!

Thursday's Download

1. I am pumped up about Sunday! We are kicking off a new series called The Game Of Life! The stage is going to be decorated with a cool Game Of Life theme. I'm going to be teaching biblical principles to help you win and win big time in the most critical areas of your life.

2. We sent a big mailout to the community to invite them to our new series. Be praying for the mailout to bring people in and for many to experience the love and life changing power of Christ.

3. Many people are evaluating their priorities at the beginning of this new year and new decade. This is the perfect time to invite somebody to church. Go for it!

4. We have a huge event coming up on January 17 called Connect.Me. This is going to be a fun night of comedy, games, giveaways, Cold Stone Creamery ice cream and getting you plugged into a Community Group. This event is worth attending just for the fun you will have. The fun begins at 5PM @ People's Church, and childcare is provided.

5. The Wednesday Night Connection kicks off on January 20. This is an event for the entire family. Parents, there are great Bible studies for you, and there are great programs for your kids. This is a great way to connect with God and with others.

6. I am further ahead in my sermon preparation than normal. The Creative Team and my assistant are really helping me with research and creativity. I like being ahead.

7. I have been evaluating our systems and structure. We have to tighten up some areas. We have to continue to get better in certain areas. God will help us.

8. Our Executive Team knows that after I have some time off, I come back with 100 ideas, tweaks and changes. I'm A.D.D., and they love me for this!

9. My mom, who lives in Rochester, NY, has been staying at our home this week. We have enjoyed spending time with her!

10. Beginning Sunday, we are starting a week of church-wide prayer and fasting. Get ready for God to do something big in your life and our church!! I'm so excited to experience God in a new and real way!

11. If you haven't yet, check out our new website at http://www.peopleschurch.tv/

12. You can now watch messages at our website as well as listen to them.

13. I'm very grateful that God has given me a leadership gift. I love leading as much as I love teaching.

14. Go Dallas Cowboys! Beat those Eagles! Pounce on them!

15. See you folks on Sunday! Don't you dare miss out on what God has for you!

Fasting & Prayer Week

People's Church, beginning this Sunday, January 10 thru Saturday, January 16, we are fasting and praying as a church. January 11 thru January 15, we are having special times of prayer at the church building (see your Sunday bulletin for times). Below are some fasting tips to help you prepare for this upcoming week.

How to Begin
Start with a clear goal. Be specific. What do you want to see God do in you through fasting and prayer? What are the special prayer requests that you want to see God answer?

Preparing Spiritually
Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

Deciding What to Fast
The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats and only drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

Deciding How Long
I encourage you to fast the entire 6 days. God may even lead some of you to fast 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

What to Expect
When you fast, your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort, such as headaches and irritability, during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus' example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God's face.

How to End
Don't overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

Thanks to Tom Rees for much of the information on fasting!

Top 9 In 2009

9. Making the championship game in 3 out of my 6 fantasy football leagues and winning 2 championships.

8. Two cool speaking engagements at General Council in Orlando and Catalyst in Atlanta.

7. Having a white Christmas with my wife's family in Nebraska.

6. Watching my oldest son, Cale, play flag football. His team won the championship!

5. Walking in greater freedom in Christ than I've ever walked in before. I got closer to God in 2009!

4. Celebrating 12 years of marriage with my gorgeous wife, Tiffany!

3. Going to Disney World with my family!

2. Moving into our 2nd phase, a new 44,000 square foot 1800 seat auditorium and seeing People's Church grow over 1000 people in one year!

1. Seeing over 4,000 people give their lives to Christ at People's Church in 2009! Phenomenal!

Christmas Break Highlights

1. I had a great two weeks off with my family! We had a blast!

2. I took the past two Sundays off. Shelby Johnson, our Care Director, and Chris Smith, our Student Ministries Director, taught God's Word at PC. I'm grateful and blessed to have a great team!

3. My family went to Nebraska for a week to spend Christmas with my wife's family. We got snowed in and enjoyed relaxing around their house. The kids got cabin fever.

4. On December 20, my wife and I celebrated 12 years of marriage. We went to eat at a great steak place and then spent a night away from the kids. God has blessed me with a great wife!

5. I picked up 4 pounds over the past two weeks. That's actually not too bad for me. I've been off from the gym for two weeks. This morning I'm getting back in the routine and hitting the gym hard.

6. My favorite treat during the holidays was white chocolate candy with peppermint inside of it. My wife made it, and it was delicious!

7. My favorite drinks were a decaf Eggnog Latte with one Splenda at Starbucks and an Eggnog milkshake at Braum's.

8. My family drove home from Nebraska on Tuesday of last week and spent the week around the house and around Oklahoma City. We had so much fun hanging out as a family.

9. My wife and I have been watching season 7 of 24. We almost finished up season 7 during our week off at home.

10. We filled an important position at People's Church at the beginning of my time off. On December 21, a family accepted the position we offered them. This was a huge hire for our team and church. I am pumped up!

11. The kids had a great Christmas. It's so fun watching my kids open gifts. They get so excited!

12. I made the championship game in 3 out of 6 fantasy football leagues. I won 2 championships! In one league I was in last place, and I won eleven games in a row to bring home the championship.

13. My Dallas Cowboys made the playoffs, and they spanked those Eagles yesterday! My Oklahoma Sooners won the Sun Bowl!

14. I enjoyed my time off, and I'm ready to tackle the new year! God has some incredible things in store!

15. I can't wait to teach God's Word at People's Church this coming up Sunday. We are kicking off a new series called The Game Of Life. I am going to be sharing some biblical principles with you to help you win in the most crucial areas of your life: Spiritual Life, Relational Life, Physical Life & Work Life. This is going to be a very insightful and helpful series. You are going to win in life and win big time!