Just One or Two Keys Away from Flourishing...

The last two years of my life have been two of the most exciting years of my life and ministry!

You see, I was stuck. And I didn't know how to get unstuck.

Then two years ago I was introduced to the Association of Related Churches. (ARC). And ARC introduced me to Chris Hodges and growleader.com.

I learned a few things, picked up a couple of resources, recruited a couple of coaches and finally, FINALLY started connecting some dots!

That's when things got really exciting!

Since then, I've developed a conviction... I believe that a lot of frustrated Pastors are just one or two tools away, one or two resources away, one or two coaches away, from going from mediocre to really flourishing!

If you're a Pastor. And you're stuck. Why don't you check out what these guys are doing. Maybe it'll help you get unstuck too.

Proverbs 13:12 says...
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 
     but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."


Blessings!

Success Looks Like Tony Putman!

Tony Putman recently invited me to speak at the Louisiana Young Ministers' Institute. He assigned me the topic, "What Success in Ministry Looks Like." The funny thing is... I ended up telling the students that success looks something like "Tony Putman."

You see, Tony was in our very first youth group in 1992, and I'm proud to say that I taught him his very first guitar cords! Today, Tony is an amazing Youth Pastor and worship leader. In my opinion, I think Tony is a far better youth pastor than I ever was, and without a doubt, a better guitar player than I ever hoped to be!

For me, success is found in helping people fulfill their calling and potential in Christ! So many people, with so much potential, just need someone to believe in them! When you empower people to live out their calling and purpose, you can't help but be successful!

If you're interested, here's the podcast. Thanks, Tony!

Don't Give Up, Mom & Dad!

I've been thinking about parents and their children. One of my friends told me that losing fights to children were "losses of attrition." In other words, over time, the kids wear you down!

I tried to remember if my mom lost fights to me. I'm sure there were times she wanted to give up! (I was a pretty hard-headed kid!) But ultimately, I'm fairly certain my mom always ended up winning our fights. (She's pretty hard-headed too!)

Then I got to thinking... When a parent wins a battle with their child, it's really a victory for the child's future! Each fight a parent wins is really for the character of their child!

You and I have both been around children that are, shall we say, "excessively active." It's not pleasant to be around children like that. And then you and I have both been around well-behaved and respectful children. Those children are a joy to be around!

Parents, I know you want your children to have a full and productive future. Much of that will depend upon how they are able to relate to and interact with other people--if they understand boundaries and responsibility--if people enjoy working with them, and if people want to help them succeed.

Therefore, allow me to encourage you, mom and dad... "Don't give up the fight!" Your kids, and their futures, are worth the time and trouble. So wisely pick your battles, and make sure you win!

Galatians 6:9 says: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

The Church: The Good, Bad, & The Ugly.

I've recently read a couple of disturbing and disappointing news articles about churches and ministers that have come under scrutiny. And there's no doubt about it, bad stuff happens within the walls of churches, and in the name of Christianity.

But I still love the Church. And I just wanted to make a couple of observations.

1. "Nothing works like the Church, when the Church works!"

I heard Pastor Bill Hybels make this statement years ago, and it still rings in my heart today! When the Church is operating as it is designed to, well, it's a beautiful thing. People are inspired, lives are transformed, families are strengthened, communities are impacted, and the Good News is clearly demonstrated.

2. The Church is not perfect.

Some very unfortunate things have happened in churches, and in the name of Christianity. It's deeply regrettable, and should not happen... but it does.

3. No one church represents what's happening in the Church.

What I'm trying to say is... because you had a bad experience in one church, that doesn't mean that every church is like that. For every unfortunate story that's published, for every bad experience someone has experienced in a local congregation, there's thousands of great experiences, and hundreds of great churches who never get their story told.

4. Something wonderful is happening in the Church today!

If you haven't been to church in sometime, or if you've only ever attended one church, you may not be aware that there are some beautiful and meaningful changes happening in churches around the world.

5. I want to invite you to give "Church" a second look.

Somewhere in a community where you live, or within a short drive, there is a church that "works." It's a great church! It's life-giving! It's inspiring! It's making a difference in the community! I challenge you to check it out. If you'll listen closely, one of your friends has probably been talking about it.

Jesus said, "I will build MY church." (emphasis added) Yes, in the history of the church, there has been good, there has been bad, and there has been very ugly. But Jesus continues to build HIS church. And that's the church I want to be a part of! Join me?

A Church is Born!

In 1996, I became the Youth Pastor of Broadmoor Assembly of God.

At my first Youth Service, I remember a young, cocky football player walking into the service late. With his ball cap pulled down low over his eyes, he made his way around the back of the room. Too cool for youth group, he finally found a seat.

Later that year, we took the group on a whitewater rafting trip. On that trip, a group of boys got into trouble for... well, let's call it "mischief." Enough mischief that it almost ruined the trip for the whole group. Maybe I overreacted, but that act of mischief and my reaction caused me to rethink the way I did youth ministry.

You may have guessed that the same young man who came into service late, was among the boys who were involved in the "mischief."

Today, in 2011, I'm sitting in a hotel room in College Station, TX. Tomorrow, I'll attend this same young man's first official church service for the church he and his family are planting here. I couldn't be more proud. (Check out ConnectingPointChurch.tv)

For the last 15 years, Justin Grace, (who has become "the Reverend Justin Grace), and I have become the closest of friends. Rarely has a week gone by when we have not talked, shared life, and encouraged one another. Most weeks, we communicate several times a week. Really, we've become more like family than friends.

So be careful how you treat that troubling teenager. You just never know. When others see a trouble-maker, God may see a Pastor.

Boys Learn to Become Men In the Company of Men

Today I had lunch with my "spiritual father" and mentor, Rev. Don R. Logan. (But I call him "Pastor.")
I'm so thankful to have his influence in my life.

"If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." ~Sir Isaac Newton

Reconnecting with My Father ~ Father's Day Message 2009

In May of 2009, after 36 years, I reconnected with my father.
On Father's day, I shared my story.
It's my privilege to share it here with you.


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