1. It was a fun, but whirlwind, week and weekend.
2. Let me begin by backing up to Tuesday. On Tuesday evening, I flew to Atlanta and spoke at the Catalyst Conference on Wednesday afternoon. I always enjoy the opportunity to invest the things that God has taught me with other pastors and leaders.
3. On Tuesday night, I got to eat a late dinner with one of my old college buddies. We are still good friends today. Thanks, Matt, for your great friendship throughout the years.
4. On Thursday morning, I got to hear Andy Stanley speak at Catalyst. I then headed to the Atlanta airport and took a flight to Springfield, MO.
5. My wife and kids drove up from Oklahoma City and met me in Springfield, MO so that we could spend the weekend together.
6. On Friday morning, I was given an award from Evangel University, the university I graduated from in 1997. I am humbled that the university chose me to be the Outstanding Young Alumnus for 2009. The award is given to one former graduate who is under the age of 35. I'm 34, so I still qualified! :). Thank you again, Evangel, for selecting me.
7. On Friday night, my wife and I went out to eat dinner with some of our very close friends.
8. On Saturday afternoon, my family and I went to the Homecoming football game to see Evangel University play some ball. I did the invocation (a fancy word for opening prayer).
9. On Saturday night, Tiffany and I went to the Evangel Homecoming Banquet. It was a great banquet. We had a lot of fun and connected with some old friends.
10. On Sunday morning around 7:40AM we headed home from Springfield, MO. We only had to make one restroom stop on the trip home. That's super good with four kids age 5 and under. We arrived home around 12PM.
11. I watched football the rest of the day Sunday.
12. In one fantasy league I'm 1-4. I have a very good team but can't put it together. Actually, every week I play a team and they have their best week ever against me. In all my other leagues I'm doing OK. I am still going to make the playoffs in the league I'm 1-4. I'm a fighter. There is no quit in the Coopster.
13. Chris, our Student Ministries Director, did an outstanding job speaking at People's Church yesterday. Parents, bring your teens to Epic Student Ministries on Wednesday night.
14. I will be concluding our miniseries Teenage Love this Sunday. Bring a bunch of teenagers and their parents with you to church on Sunday!
15. Go OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. Miles Austin may be our new go to receiver.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bring A Teen
This Sunday, be sure to bring a teen and their family to People’s Church as we begin our series Teenage Love.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Teenage Love Begins This Sunday
This is one of the funniest promo videos our church has ever done. The star of the video is our Student Ministries Director, Chris Smith. His co-star is Andy Wynn, our Media Director. The guy you see at the very end is our Director of Operations, Josh Brown. Get ready to laugh your head off!
Teenage Love Promo from People's Church on Vimeo.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
When I Was A Teenager I Wish....
1. I would have paid attention to my relationship with God from 13 to 16 years of age
2. I would not have been sexually active
3. I would have had spiritual mentors when I was 13 to 16
4. I would have been consumed with God as much as I was with sports
5. I would have known that making the varsity team wasn't near as important in life as making good grades
6. I would have had more nurturing relationships with some of the adults in my life
7. I would have learned how to handle money. I can't believe I graduated high school and nobody taught me how to balance a checkbook or about how credit cards work
8. I would have known that trying to be cool and in the “in” crowd is goofy and a waste of time
9. I would have known that many of the decisions I made in high school would affect my future (some good and some bad)
I did this post in honor of our new series kicking off this Sunday called Teenage Love! This is going to be a very helpful and eye-opening series. Invite all the teens you know and their parents to People's Church this Sunday.
2. I would not have been sexually active
3. I would have had spiritual mentors when I was 13 to 16
4. I would have been consumed with God as much as I was with sports
5. I would have known that making the varsity team wasn't near as important in life as making good grades
6. I would have had more nurturing relationships with some of the adults in my life
7. I would have learned how to handle money. I can't believe I graduated high school and nobody taught me how to balance a checkbook or about how credit cards work
8. I would have known that trying to be cool and in the “in” crowd is goofy and a waste of time
9. I would have known that many of the decisions I made in high school would affect my future (some good and some bad)
I did this post in honor of our new series kicking off this Sunday called Teenage Love! This is going to be a very helpful and eye-opening series. Invite all the teens you know and their parents to People's Church this Sunday.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. On Sunday I preached an illustrative message titled Highway Out Of Hell.
2. This was one of the most moving and thought-provoking messages I've ever preached.
3. The beginning of my message was a funeral service. We had a casket, pallbearers and I wore a bishop’s robe. The auditorium was completely dark except for a spotlight on the pallbearers who walked the casket down the center aisle, and there was also a spotlight on me as I was standing on the stage.
4. As the pallbearers walked the casket from the back of the auditorium all the way to the front of the building, the Boys II Men song It's So Hard To Say Good-Bye To Yesterday was pumping throughout the auditorium.
5. We also had funeral flowers on the stage and pulpit.
6. I read an obituary, and the way that our Creative Team wrote it, made it seem like it was YOUR personal funeral. Instead of a name, it said YOU, and it made the obituary very personal. There were people crying uncontrollably as I read the obituary! It was a very moving and reflecting moment!
7. I wept uncontrollably because my Oklahoma Sooners lost again! Ok, not really, but I was mad!
8. I took 3 of my kids to Chuck-E-Cheese on Friday. My kids had a blast, and I had a fun time watching them have a blast.
9. Sunday morning was really rainy in Oklahoma City.
10. I love coming home after church and watching football. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich and chips and enjoyed some good football.
11. What's the deal with the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo!??
12. Brian, Andy, Hilary, Jessica and the entire Production Team, way to go! Because of your ideas, sermon research, stage set designs, videos, camera shots, lighting and hard work we are creating unforgettable experiences for people in the OKC metro area. I am very grateful for all of your talents and hard work. Jesus is changing lives through you all!
2. This was one of the most moving and thought-provoking messages I've ever preached.
3. The beginning of my message was a funeral service. We had a casket, pallbearers and I wore a bishop’s robe. The auditorium was completely dark except for a spotlight on the pallbearers who walked the casket down the center aisle, and there was also a spotlight on me as I was standing on the stage.
4. As the pallbearers walked the casket from the back of the auditorium all the way to the front of the building, the Boys II Men song It's So Hard To Say Good-Bye To Yesterday was pumping throughout the auditorium.
5. We also had funeral flowers on the stage and pulpit.
6. I read an obituary, and the way that our Creative Team wrote it, made it seem like it was YOUR personal funeral. Instead of a name, it said YOU, and it made the obituary very personal. There were people crying uncontrollably as I read the obituary! It was a very moving and reflecting moment!
7. I wept uncontrollably because my Oklahoma Sooners lost again! Ok, not really, but I was mad!
8. I took 3 of my kids to Chuck-E-Cheese on Friday. My kids had a blast, and I had a fun time watching them have a blast.
9. Sunday morning was really rainy in Oklahoma City.
10. I love coming home after church and watching football. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich and chips and enjoyed some good football.
11. What's the deal with the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Romo!??
12. Brian, Andy, Hilary, Jessica and the entire Production Team, way to go! Because of your ideas, sermon research, stage set designs, videos, camera shots, lighting and hard work we are creating unforgettable experiences for people in the OKC metro area. I am very grateful for all of your talents and hard work. Jesus is changing lives through you all!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday's Download
1. Sunday I am teaching an illustrated message to wrap up the Wicked series.
2. You better not miss Sunday. We have a surprise planned that will catch you off guard, and it will be thought-provoking and moving all at the same time.
3. All I'm going to tell you is the illustrated message involves the casket we used last week. We surprised you last week, and you better get ready for another surprise.
4. This is going to be a very evangelistic message, so invite all of your friends and family to church to experience the life-changing power of Christ.
5. Some weeks, blogging is a lot of work, and this is one of those weeks.
6. My fantasy football teams are doing average. In two leagues I'm 3-0. In two other leagues I'm 2-1, and in my last two leagues I'm 1-2.
7. BOOMER SOONER! Oklahoma, please spank Miami on Saturday.
8. I'm still not very impressed with my Dallas Cowboys even though we beat Carolina on Monday night.
9. I can't believe today is October 1st. Where has the year gone?
10. I had some great times of dreaming about the future of People's Church this week. Exciting days are ahead of us!
11. I'm going to spend a lot of time with my family on Friday and Saturday.
12. This Sunday is an illustrated message titled Highway Out Of Hell! Don't you dare miss it or come by yourself.
2. You better not miss Sunday. We have a surprise planned that will catch you off guard, and it will be thought-provoking and moving all at the same time.
3. All I'm going to tell you is the illustrated message involves the casket we used last week. We surprised you last week, and you better get ready for another surprise.
4. This is going to be a very evangelistic message, so invite all of your friends and family to church to experience the life-changing power of Christ.
5. Some weeks, blogging is a lot of work, and this is one of those weeks.
6. My fantasy football teams are doing average. In two leagues I'm 3-0. In two other leagues I'm 2-1, and in my last two leagues I'm 1-2.
7. BOOMER SOONER! Oklahoma, please spank Miami on Saturday.
8. I'm still not very impressed with my Dallas Cowboys even though we beat Carolina on Monday night.
9. I can't believe today is October 1st. Where has the year gone?
10. I had some great times of dreaming about the future of People's Church this week. Exciting days are ahead of us!
11. I'm going to spend a lot of time with my family on Friday and Saturday.
12. This Sunday is an illustrated message titled Highway Out Of Hell! Don't you dare miss it or come by yourself.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Most Important Thing About Spiritual Leadership Is
You have to lead yourself well. You will not be an effective leader if you don't learn to lead yourself well. If you want people to follow you, first focus on leading yourself well. Leading yourself well requires:
1. Having a consistent prayer and Bible reading time
2. Being on time
3. Doing what you say you will do
4. Telling the truth
5. Having a great attitude
6. Tithing and giving offerings above the Lord's tithe
7. Spending less than you make a month
8. Living on a budget
9. Following through on your commitments
10. Working hard when no one is looking
11. Keeping your cool when the going gets tough
12. Fixing your own problems and not expecting everybody else to fix them
13. Taking responsibility and ownership for where you are in life and where you are going
14. Producing results
15. Living with integrity
16. Loving people
1. Having a consistent prayer and Bible reading time
2. Being on time
3. Doing what you say you will do
4. Telling the truth
5. Having a great attitude
6. Tithing and giving offerings above the Lord's tithe
7. Spending less than you make a month
8. Living on a budget
9. Following through on your commitments
10. Working hard when no one is looking
11. Keeping your cool when the going gets tough
12. Fixing your own problems and not expecting everybody else to fix them
13. Taking responsibility and ownership for where you are in life and where you are going
14. Producing results
15. Living with integrity
16. Loving people
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
FIND Conference Update
1. Yesterday I got up at 4:15AM and headed to the Oklahoma City airport.
2. I met one of my Executive Directors, Josh Brown, at the airport at 5:40AM for a 6:40AM flight.
3. We went to Atlanta and then on to Charleston, South Carolina.
4. The FIND conference is a church planters’ conference.
5. I was one of the speakers at the conference and spoke at 4PM yesterday.
6. I spoke on 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known (before I started PC).
7. My time with the church planters went well.
8. I really enjoy investing in church planters.
9. All of the speakers have been great.
10. The session that spoke to me the most was Chris Hodges’ talk on four P's. It was convicting!
11. Josh and I are flying home today. I can't wait to get home! It's been a busy season of traveling.
12. I can't wait to see my wife and kids. I love them so much!
2. I met one of my Executive Directors, Josh Brown, at the airport at 5:40AM for a 6:40AM flight.
3. We went to Atlanta and then on to Charleston, South Carolina.
4. The FIND conference is a church planters’ conference.
5. I was one of the speakers at the conference and spoke at 4PM yesterday.
6. I spoke on 10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known (before I started PC).
7. My time with the church planters went well.
8. I really enjoy investing in church planters.
9. All of the speakers have been great.
10. The session that spoke to me the most was Chris Hodges’ talk on four P's. It was convicting!
11. Josh and I are flying home today. I can't wait to get home! It's been a busy season of traveling.
12. I can't wait to see my wife and kids. I love them so much!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend Highlights
1. I had a great weekend with my family. The Oklahoma weather was great.
2. The little things mean the most to me: our Friday family date and then a good Red Box movie with my wife, priceless family time.
3. My good friends, Keith & Winnie Chandler, renewed their wedding vows on Saturday. It was very inspirational seeing this godly couple, who have been married for 25 years, reaffirm their commitment to God and to one another. One word describes this occasion: powerful!
4. I preached a message called Hells Bells. The message went well. God used it in a great way.
5. Bottom line, God doesn't want anybody to spend forever away from his presence.
6. I'm so excited about what God is doing at PC. The momentum we have is incredible.
7. Yesterday, we started promotion of our new series, Teenage Love. The promotional video for this series is one of the best, if not the best, we've ever done. Our Media Team is knocking it out of the park. I will post the video soon.
8. It's all about more changed lives. I love it!
9. I'm very grateful for the staff that I get to serve with week in and week out.
10. Thank you, volunteers, for serving faithfully every week. You are making a tremendous difference.
2. The little things mean the most to me: our Friday family date and then a good Red Box movie with my wife, priceless family time.
3. My good friends, Keith & Winnie Chandler, renewed their wedding vows on Saturday. It was very inspirational seeing this godly couple, who have been married for 25 years, reaffirm their commitment to God and to one another. One word describes this occasion: powerful!
4. I preached a message called Hells Bells. The message went well. God used it in a great way.
5. Bottom line, God doesn't want anybody to spend forever away from his presence.
6. I'm so excited about what God is doing at PC. The momentum we have is incredible.
7. Yesterday, we started promotion of our new series, Teenage Love. The promotional video for this series is one of the best, if not the best, we've ever done. Our Media Team is knocking it out of the park. I will post the video soon.
8. It's all about more changed lives. I love it!
9. I'm very grateful for the staff that I get to serve with week in and week out.
10. Thank you, volunteers, for serving faithfully every week. You are making a tremendous difference.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday's Download
1. I didn't get home until almost 2AM last night. Shelby, our Care Director, and I went to Mount Pleasant, Texas, on Tuesday afternoon. I preached at a youth crusade Tuesday and Wednesday night, and then, we drove home after the service last night.
2. My old youth pastor from when I was in high school is a youth pastor in Mount Pleasant, and I spoke at the event for him.
3. I am tired this morning, but I am also ready to take on the day!
4. I almost have Sunday's message done. I should be able to finish it around 9:30AM today.
5. There is a dear man of God in our church who has an aggressive form of leukemia, and I am praying for God to heal him. Pray with me!
6. We are going to have a casket on the stage this Sunday. Go to http://bit.ly/5syGL to take the poll on what you think is going to be in the casket. You don't want to miss this special surprise as I teach on Hells Bells and a casket.
7. 500 MORE! Invite everybody you know to be at church this Sunday!
8. I really missed my wife and kids while I was gone on my short trip. I love them so much.
9. Our youth ministry had over 330 in attendance, and several students gave their lives to Christ! Go GOD! Chris and Jamie Smith are great youth pastors. Parents, get your teenagers plugged into our dynamic Student Ministry.
10. I won 4 out of 5 fantasy football leagues last week. The league I lost in I'm 0-2. I'm concerned about my team in that league. It could be a tough year.
11. I get to celebrate a special event with one of my board members and great friends on Saturday!
12. My Oklahoma Sooners have a bye week this Saturday. Sam Bradford, get healthy!
13. We have something special planned this Sunday! What is in the casket????
14. My wife is doing a live video chat with some other senior pastors’ wives. She is excited to connect with them today, and I'm excited for my baby. She loves stuff like this.
15. What's in the casket?? See you on Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM & 12PM!
2. My old youth pastor from when I was in high school is a youth pastor in Mount Pleasant, and I spoke at the event for him.
3. I am tired this morning, but I am also ready to take on the day!
4. I almost have Sunday's message done. I should be able to finish it around 9:30AM today.
5. There is a dear man of God in our church who has an aggressive form of leukemia, and I am praying for God to heal him. Pray with me!
6. We are going to have a casket on the stage this Sunday. Go to http://bit.ly/5syGL to take the poll on what you think is going to be in the casket. You don't want to miss this special surprise as I teach on Hells Bells and a casket.
7. 500 MORE! Invite everybody you know to be at church this Sunday!
8. I really missed my wife and kids while I was gone on my short trip. I love them so much.
9. Our youth ministry had over 330 in attendance, and several students gave their lives to Christ! Go GOD! Chris and Jamie Smith are great youth pastors. Parents, get your teenagers plugged into our dynamic Student Ministry.
10. I won 4 out of 5 fantasy football leagues last week. The league I lost in I'm 0-2. I'm concerned about my team in that league. It could be a tough year.
11. I get to celebrate a special event with one of my board members and great friends on Saturday!
12. My Oklahoma Sooners have a bye week this Saturday. Sam Bradford, get healthy!
13. We have something special planned this Sunday! What is in the casket????
14. My wife is doing a live video chat with some other senior pastors’ wives. She is excited to connect with them today, and I'm excited for my baby. She loves stuff like this.
15. What's in the casket?? See you on Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM & 12PM!
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