WholeHeartedLife

To My Tech-Savvy Peeps...

This one goes out to the most technically advanced of you - those of you who receive this in a reader or by email - not at the mercy of me providing a link on the message board or facebook...

As most of you know, I took some vacation last week with my family - it was much needed and I so enjoyed being with them. Matt asked me what my favorite part of vacation was and I told him, "being able to be with ya'll so much and not having to worry about other things - just being with you", (he really liked that answer).

Anyway, in preparation for my week of vacation I wrote my posts ahead. Those of you who read WholeHearted on a feed reader already read the "Questions I'm Asking Myself" posts. I'm going to be featuring them on our Message Board and my facebook this week because most people didn't read it BECAUSE I didn't provide a link on the board (couldn't - no free hi-speed where i was...) Because of this it will look like I'm posting the same stuff you read last week - with this in mind I'll try to update here for those of your who follow on a reader. And speaking of utilizing technology to make your life easier...

...I would suggest that you get involved with a feed reader - it keeps you from having to jump around the web looking to see if your favorite bloggers have updated their sites - the posts come right to you. I did a post about this a while back (here) - another about online helps here. May I also suggest facebook - I love being able to daily catch up with what people I care about have posted in my mini-feed...

About the questions that I asked last week - which ones struck you, made you think, made you uncomfortable, challenged you - i'm curious...

1. Does the lostness of our region truly bother me? Am I really concerned with the fact that there are tens of thousands of people who do not have a relationship with JESUS within a 10 mile driving distance of hyde park?
2. I believe that "Churches don't reach people - people reach people." With this thought in mind here's my question: How do we help God's people understand this means them?"
3. What “old song” must I stop singing to make room for something new that God wants to place in my heart?  

Your turn.

Thanking Those I'll Never Meet...

The idea for today's post came from Craig Groeschel (thanks for the reminder, Craig). I have actually done this before to some degree by email, but...

There are so many who have influenced me in immeasurable ways - their words and leadership have, by God's leadership, changed me forever. The amazing thing is that

MOST OF THESE PEOPLE WILL NEVER KNOW ME

...and that's OK by me - even though they don't know me they have shared pieces of themselves with me and for that I'm eternally greatful.

• Jim Cymbala - In your book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire", you spoke of the time when you were doubting your calling and God spoke mightily to you and placed the calling that would dictate the remainder of your days and the direction of your ministry. Pastor Cymbala, when I read those words (in 1997) JESUS CHRIST burned within my heart, tears stung my eyes and every moment of that statement rang true in my heart. Thank you for showing me that ministry has no true color or culture but that ministry is about people - all people who all need JESUS!
• Rick Warren - when I came on staff at hyde park in '99, Pastor threw a book in my hand and said, "anybody who's gonna be on this staff has to read THIS book!" I read it - it challenged me and JESUS used the principals found in there to rethink ministry and to question everything I do and ask "Why?". There is no doubt that my life would be different today (in a boring way) had you not been obedient to write the book, "Purpose Driven Church". Thank you, Pastor Rick.
• Don Moen - The 1st non-traditional "praise and worship" music I heard, shortly after conversion in '97, was "God With Us". I listened and thought, "church should always be like this, not just for special singings or 'cantatas' (remember that word?)". Don, you taught me what worship leading looked like and your recordings took me deeper in my understanding of worship. Thank You.
• ...and while on the worship tip THANKS goes out to the various worship leaders at Promise Keepers - I attended my 1st PK 6 weeks after conversion and as a recovering heavy metal drummer (i don't know that you ever totally recover ) PK messed me up!! You guys showed me what great worship music sounded and looked like. I asked my pastor, "why can't music always be like this?" to which he replied, "we just can't do it like that." Well, we do "do it like that" and have "PK" every Sunday at hyde park - thanks guys for always leading us into the presence of JESUS and showing us what worship COULD be.
• The late, great Adrian Rogers - I met Dr. Rogers a few times. He was always kind and gracious, so not a "superstar" preacher. He encouraged me, loved on Madison and seemed genuinely interested. His messages have always been on time for me. And oh, my...what a tremendous voice he had!
• Ed Young, Jr - Ed taught me that it was ok to be mike p. I was struggling to find myself as a speaker / pastor and didn't yet have my identity. One day, I saw (through him) that God wants me to be who i am - I don't wanna be Ed - Ed's Ed. I wanna be me because nobody can be me. Thanks for helping so many of us to be ourselves, Ed.
• Perry Noble - Pastor "P" is the reason I started blogging in the 1st place. Dude, you challenged me to take it up a notch and not be afraid. And what God has shown me through your church is unbelievable - i NOW believe that He can do amazing things in this small town because He's done them in yours! Thanks, Perry!
• Andy Stanley - Andy, you say things in ways that just make me go, "wow! How come I didn't see that?!?" You have, above all things, helped me to become a better communicator - you've also challenged me to try to always answer the questions that people are asking, regardless of whether anyone else does or not.

And of course, this post would not be complete without thinking the originator of the idea, Craig Groeschel - Craig, you proved that a preacher can be culturally aware, relevant to modern times and theologically strong at the same time - the stuff you bring to the table is life-changing. You're answering questions that real people are asking and your doing it without compromise. Thanks for showing that churches can be innovative and deep at the same time. (and thanks, again, for the idea ).

Notes from BSU Part One (Sharing Your Story)

I had the priviledge of speaking at the Baptist Student Union (UNCP) last nite. As I encouraged them to boldly share their story across the campus I told them that I would post the following notes for them to write their story...

It then occured to me that many of you could use a refresher course in sharing your faith story. You know most people:

• know they SHOULD share their faith

• have never led someone to JESUS

• believe that JESUS wants us to share our faith

Following are my notes (courtesy of Eddie D and FAITHTrac 401) - Learn to share your story!
(This is long for a post but it's good )

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the

reason for the hope that you have.”   1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

      A.   IF YOU  BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS AN ADULT

THE FOUR PARTS OF YOUR TESTIMONY

                        1. What my life was like before I met Christ.

                                    What common circumstances would an unbeliever identify with?

                                    What were your attitudes that an unbeliever would identify with?

                                    What was most important to you?

                                    What substitute for God did you use to find meaning in your life?

                                    (sports/fitness, success at work, marriage, sex, making money,

drugs/alcohol, having fun, entertainment, popularity, hobbies)

                        2. How I realized I needed Christ.

                                    What significant steps led up to your conversion?

                                    What needs, hurts, or problems made you dissatisfied

                                             with the way you were living without God?

                                    How did God get your attention?  What motivated you?

                        3. How I committed my life to Christ.

What specifically did you do? Where did it happen?

What did you say in your prayer?    Be specific.

                        4. The difference it has made in my life.

                                    What benefits have you experienced or felt?

                                    What problems have been resolved?

                                    How has Jesus helped you change for the better?

                                    How has it helped your relationships?

                                    Give a current example.

The Testimony Pyramid

      
B. IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AS A CHILD BUT WALKED AWAY

            OR NEVER GREW UNTIL A DEEPER RECOMMITMENT AS AN ADULT.

            Use the same four steps, but start with the time just prior to your recommitment.

            Give some examples of how you were trying to meet your own needs without

            Christ but it wasn’t working. Describe what caused you to realize you needed

            Christ directing your life and how you made a full commitment to him.  Then

            explain how Jesus is currently meeting the deepest needs in your life.

            

      C. IF YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN AT AN EARLY AGE AND NEVER STRAYED.

            

            Use the same four steps with this modification: Point out some deep need or

            common problem that you see other people trying to resolve. Point out how

            unsuccessful their attempts are to meet their own need. Then explain why you

            never experienced that problem by trusting Christ early in life. Don’t say the exact

            age.  Continue with steps 3 and 4. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING YOUR TESTIMONY

• Pray and ask God to give you the right words.
• Write it out on paper. God honors preparation
• Keep it short and to the point.  Don’t lose site of your goal.
• Be concise.  Avoid excessive, unnecessary details.
• Try to keep your testimony below 3 minutes
• Refer to experiences most people have in common.
• Share a slice of your life (a story) that they will identify with
• Be honest about your continuing struggles. Your life is not perfect.
• Don’t imply that all of your problems ended at conversion
• Spend the most time on part 4: the difference Christ has made.
• Emphasize WHY you received Christ (the benefits of doing it).
• Mention the benefit of being certain of your destiny when you die.

• Don’t  exaggerate or brag about pre-conversion sins.
• Don’t make negative remarks about other religions or people.
• Don’t mention any denomination.

• Don’t quote a lot of Scripture. (A maximum of one verse)
• Don’t answer questions they haven’t asked.

• Give concrete examples of the changes in your life.
• The more specific you are, the more dynamic it will be.
• Avoid using dates, names, and ages. It doesn’t matter to them.

• Be prepared. Practice it until it feels and sounds natural.
• Read it aloud and edit it to make it conversational.
• Let a friend read it and make suggestions.

·         Speak casually and informally, in a matter-of-fact tone.

·         Don’t dramatize or embellish your story.

·         Don’t share mystical experiences.  Share on their level, not yours.

• Don’t talk down to people. Don’t sound “preachy.” 
• Use “I, me, and my” not “You”.  It’s about you – not them.
• Use humor- it reduces tension and relaxes people. Smile!

My Breakout Session

On Saturday morning at the "What's Next?" Conference for Baptist Campus Ministry, I led a breakout session called, "The 10 "BE's" of a Lead Worshiper" - here are the notes from that session:

1. Be excellent: to be excellent you must define what excellence looks like; and don't define that by other churches (setting the bar too low). You must be excellent at what you do if you expect it from others. I am sick of the church having such a lack of excellence about it. Demand excellence: rehearsal and practice are not the same thing. I tell our musicians, "Practice is what you do by yourself to grow as a musician, learn songs and prepare to meet with all of us - Rehearsal is what we do when we put it all together. Your lack of preparation negates anothers hard work." Quit making excuses: excuses give me "an out" when i don't give my best. We use people who aren't talented because "they love the Lord" and then wonder why people don't wanna come to our gatherings. There is talent on your campus - they may be lost - a great way to lead them to JESUS is by using them!
2. Be Patient: Ministry is a Cruise Ship, not a Ferarri. Ferarri's are fast and turn very quickly but they only carry 2 people. A cruise ship CANNOT turn quickly but it carries thousands of people - Ministry is like the cruise ship, if you turn it too quick you'll make people sick...
3. Be Humble: this one is hard... because if you do this (lead worship), God made you with this ability to stand before people and perform, and speak, and it takes a certain amount of confidence. If you don't watch out, that confidence will turn into pride. Don't drink the Kool-Aid everyone gives to you (you know what the Kool-Aid is?): "you are SO great! God is using you SO much!". "You have such an annointing!" "You're the reason we come here!" I REPEAT: do not drink the Kool-Aid! It tastes good! don't drink it! It's poisonous... And besides, when you do you STEAL GOD'S GLORY... whenever someone does this, point them back to JESUS... which brings us to...
4. Be a Worshiper: no-brainer, huh? One of the most dangerous things in the world is to become a "professional worshiper". Let me share something with you: God is more concerned with your private worship on Monday morning than He is impressed with your public worship on Sunday. Listen to this:

   21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
          I cannot stand your assemblies.

   22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
          I will not accept them.
          Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, ^[a]
          I will have no regard for them. (We cannot buy God!)

   23 Away with the noise of your songs! (Without the heart the most Theological of songs is noise to You, O God)
          I will not listen to the music of your harps. (Amos 5:21-23 - NIV)
   
   It is possible to "DO" the actions that represent worship without truly worshiping. The actions of worship w/o the heart of worship is nothing more than meaningless ritual.

5. Be Accountable: Who has permission to speak into your life when it is obvious something is out of whack? Who knows you like that? Being a stage personality (no matter how big or small) can be dangerous, what did i say earlier? Don't drink the Kool-Aid! You need a few people who you can let your guard down with... make sure they are as strong or stronger than you (you don't want that to be someone you can push around). It's too easy to fall... make sure there is someone there to keep that from happening. Be diligent about this.
6. Be Challenged: everything you do is a challenge to others, who is challenging you? Blogs... Vision... Be a learner (not a follower) what works somewhere might not work in your context - maybe not now. I was told 9 years ago that what I do NOW would not work in our region. Which brings me to...
7. Be Prayed Up: Direction comes from JESUS! You need a white-hot vision from JESUS, not from another church or someone's blog! Spiritual covering, Spiritual Guidance, Spiritual Eyes (i used to thank God in advance for what He had yet to do but i was believing Him for... "thank you, Jesus, for the drummer you're gonna send." (I told the story of leading our drummer James to Jesus one nite in our parking lot).
8. Be filled with the Holy Spirit: The power of the Holy Spirit will bring you a holy boldness that does not reek of puffed-up arrogance... Boldness is the annointing to

9. Be creative - God is outrageously creative - look at the world! Why are we boring? We have believed the lie that excellence is not a priority.

10. Be Dangerous: We have the power of the Living God on our side, what are we afraid of? BSU should not be a safe-haven for little christian youth group kidz, it should be a dangerous place that JESUS uses to bring light and life onto a campus. Your worship ministry creates the whole atmosphere of the evening - you gotta "bring it!".
11. Be a Question Asker (so go ahead, ask me some questions)

That was the outline... it was well recieved and had some great questions thrown at me. I've said it before, i love ministering with this age group!

Evolve Day 2

The conference is over...my mind is swimming...the ideas are HUGE (!!)...the vision audacious...still don't know "what 'IT' means" yet but the 'IT' is coming together more and more by the day. Here's what i experienced in Day 2 of the Evolve Conference:

Session 3 - Darrin Patrick - Pastor, The Journey/Vice President of Acts 29 Church Planting Network - "The Spiritual Leader" - REPENT!! Darrin reminded all of us that Pastor's are "terrible repenters" and that when we get our identity from anything other than God is sin. He focused a lot on idolatry (which i feel is so huge in our consumeristic society). 

My main takeaway: Maybe teaching is an "idol" for you; or fame; or anything else in life that occupies the place in life that only God deserves.

Next, did an amazing breakout session with Shawn Lovejoy and David Putman - the Best Practices of Church planters. This breakout was worth the trip - leadership principals, how to take your ministry to the next level, your team to the next level, raising money, being mean about "the vision", dealing with vision busters and redefining discipleship.

My main takeaway: Jesus took care of His soul (Mark 1:35-37), my physical body and my relationships. I've gotta have a plan to finance the vision, be intentional. "God has made me a steward of His vision." Think team: Who do I wanna take the mountain with (Mark 3:13-15). For those of you who hate meetings, "Meetings are the playing fields of Great teams.". "Think fruit (of the Spirit), not meat. Jesus said "DEEP" is being a doer of the Word." 

Session 4 - Mark Batterson - Lead Pastor National Community Church. "The Secure Leader" - Greatest quote? "Your best thought on your best day is 13.2 Billion light years short of God's thoughts." Amen! Mark preached about Saul, 1 Samuel chapter 14 & 15.

My main takeaways: Insecure people build monuments to themselves (like Saul did). "There is a very fine line between Thy kingdom come and MY kingdom come.". "When we compare we will bring pride or jealousy."

My next breakout was about Small groups with Casey Graham and Louie Lovoy. All I can say is that they broke it down in a way that made groups pretty simple... hyde park bfg's, get ready!

Session 5 Bil Cornelius - Lead Pastor, Bay Area Fellowship - "The Resilient Leader" -

My main takeaways: "I wasn't called to a church - i was called to a city!" Amen! "People will leave - The great thing about people is God is still making more of them." "Honey, there are 5,500 people who need you to get over this!"

I leave here on Wednesday morning with passion, a vision, an open-heart and permission to be who God has called me to be. Probably the greatest conference I have ever been to - SERIOUSLY.

i needed to hear that

"If the vision that God has given to you doesn't make you laugh and YOU don't believe that God can use you to transform your city - DON'T DO MINISTRY!" Steven Furtick

I've had my moments... the blank stares... the looks that say to me, "he's a big dreamer - that could NEVER happen here in this area!". People contradicting vision, trying to make excuses for huge vision, people trying to break it down into small, edible (and humanly possible) portions, "Well, i don't know about God saving 3,000, but i could certainly see this room full..." DUDE, YOU COULD FILL THAT ROOM IN YOUR OWN POWER!

Furtick used a word that described a God-sized goal: AUDACIOUS. Something so huge there ain't no way you can take credit for it.

Thanks, Steven. You have no idea how much i needed to hear that. WholeHearted readers do too...

YOU READY?!?

Evolve Conference, Day 1

It's 9:40 and I've just returned to the room at the end of Day one of the Evolve Conference. To say that I have been challenged beyond belief would be the understatement of the year...

Pre-Conference: David Putman - Executive Pastor, Mountain Lake Church - David did a seminar about Launching Large: Milestones for Planting a Healthy Church. David's book, "Breaking the Missional Code", was the 1st book I read about starting churches. I have really been influenced by his heart for reaching people far from JESUS.

My main takeaways from his seminar? "Don't fight who you are - go where you fit"; Biblically Faithful/Culturally Relevant: meeting the true needs of your community MAKES YOU relevant; the god of this world is consummerism. And the #1 comment David made to me (in reference to people whining constantly about wanting to "go deeper"): "you can't feed the flesh enough!"

Session One of the Conference - Shawn Lovejoy - Lead Pastor, Mountain Lake Church - Shawn talked about "The Healthy Leader" and what it means to be healthy in every area of life.

My main takeaways from his session? "Discipline is leading and managing MYSELF (spiritually/emotionally/relationally/physically)."; My lack of physical discipline will begin to spill over into other areas of my life; Self-control is about getting under God's control. Shawn's dream: handing JESUS the healthiest church possible. Awesome, challenging session.

Session Two - Steven Furtick - Lead Pastor, Elevation Church - Steven shared the turning point of his life (which consequently was the same thing that DROVE ME to the ministry with God's call) taken from Jim Cymbala's book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire": I despaired that my life might pass me by without seeing God move mightily on my behalf.

Steven was so unbelievably annointed and displayed the power of JESUS in his speaking! My main takeaways from his session? He made the point that "There is a SUPERNATURAL Miracle needed in our ministries!" .It's not "cookie-cutter" ministry principals, it's the burning vision from God that burns within you, taking what God is showing you and allowing it to "synthesize and internalize"

I have been challenged beyond belief...God is doing something special here. Check back tomorrow for more!

How it SHOULD feel...

This post came from a pastor in the Nashville area - I believe God is doing something special in his life. This post deals with those of us who are leaders (what do you lead? Caregroup? Something with worship? Small group? Children? One of the many service ministries that happen here?). Read this (and see what you think).

Here’s how it should feel to be led by you or me.

I feel thankful to be a part of such a big deal doing great work to change the world.

I like the clear vision. I like that my leader understands that vision should be like a trinity. First is the vision of who God is! Second is the vision of who we are. And third is the clear of vision of what we can become here in this place serving these people together.

I love the fact that I work around great people who are allowed to do great work.

I love the fact that this is a safe-to-fail environment; not a fail-safe one.

I love the fact that we’re having fun together.

I feel good that I’ll be able to advance here and make an even greater impact as I live up to my responsibilities.

I feel great about the rewards that I’m getting; not only affirmations from other workers, but from my bosses as well.

I love the fact that our systems are healthy and open-ended; that they can grow and change to help us reach our full potential as an organization.

I love the fact that we manage our brand well so we have a good reputation in the community.

I love that people know that I work here. I feel good about, not just the work that I do, but the people I work with.

I feel good that I know you’ve got my back. You’re watching out after me and you’re loyal to me. If I need to change something you tell me first, not others.

I love the fact that you’re willing to change and take risks in order to receive great rewards in the future.

I love the fact that you understand that I love my family and I need time to integrate my personal, private and professional life together.

I love the fact that we spend time away from the office rejuvenating. I love the fact that we go to conferences and learn from the greatest minds.

I love the fact that you understand that my schedule needs to be flexible so I can take care of personal business that doesn’t fit in an 8:00-5:00 world.

I love the fact that you’ll let me work from home and give me the technology I need to do ministry in the real, 21st century world.

I appreciate the fact that you do not feel you’re infallible and that you welcome my input before decisions are made.

Most of all, I love that I am a better leader and a better person for serving along side you day after day.

I hope that this describes all of us.

I love this Stuff!

Tonite I have the opportunity to minister over at the BSU house on the campus of UNCP - man, I LOVE going to the college!

I don't know if it's a part of me missing my fast-fading youth...

...or the fact that I just love college students - full of potential, right on the brink of some of the BIGGEST decisions of their lives!

I've often said that if a college student radically meets JESUS it will totally change the way that they make the major decisions of their life.

I am also aware of the fact that the potential on that campus is absolutely limitless - thousands of young people in need of love, guidance and taste of a passionate relationship with JESUS CHRIST - a powerful combination!

If you're a student at UNCP join us tonite at 6:30 for a couple of hours of challenging fellowship - who knows, you might even have a good time!

Man, I CAN'T BELIEVE i get to do this stuff! 

Why?

This past Sunday nite we had a leadership meeting with all of our BFG leadership (Bible Fellowship groups) and FIT leadership (First Impression Team). We brought these 2 groups together for a night of challenge and vision casting because they are probably the 2 most visible and influential ministries within our fellowship. I asked them a couple of questions about their ministry - most notably, one...

WHY?

Knowing that there are hundreds of people who attend a hyde park worship experience but are unconnected in any other way to hyde park, I asked these leaders, "why would any of these people want to come to your class or join your ministry?"

The prevailing thought was, "to get connected, of course!" (which I had also thought a couple of months ago - that people did want to connect but they just didn't know how.) "No", I answered. "I've discovered that they are unconnected because they don't wanna be connected." Silence. Because we didn't know the answer.

People who only attend worship are not getting the "full hyde park experience" - we have to help them to understand that. What do you suggest that classes do to help them connect with our unconnected attendees.

Your turn to speak - make it short and smart!