Mark Driscoll

Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, was in Peoria today. He spoke at Riverside Community Church which sponsors one-day events with a vision to "partner with area churches and pastors and grow in relationship together, as we all work to advance the cause of Christ in our communities."

I really enjoyed Mark's presentation on keeping Christ and the Cross at the center of our preaching and teaching. I felt like I was back in seminary, but I absolutely loved it. I'll post some thoughts from his presentation early next week. I've got to keep focused on Leadership Community for this weekend...

Tribe Management

I liked this post from Seth Godin about "tribal management." Here's some of what really jumped out to me in light of the church...

"[Tribal management] adds to...the fact that what people really want is the ability to connect to each other, not to companies. So the permission is used to build a tribe, to build people who want to hear from the company because it helps them connect, it helps them find each other, it gives them a story to tell and something to talk about... People form tribes with or without us. The challenge is to work for the tribe and make it something even better."

This is the essence of small groups at Great Oaks. People naturally want to connect with each other. We are simply providing a structure to make that happen as smoothly as possible. We partner with them by providing a common ground to stand upon. We give them talking points and service opportunities and personal & corporate challenges to take their next step towards God.

Through this structure, we hope to make their groups and lives even something better.

Leadership Community

This Saturday, we are launching a new quarterly gathering of our leaders and key-influencers called Leadership Community. It will be a time of worship, celebration, vision-casting, leadership teaching, team-building activities, and ministry-specific breakout sessions.

I am really looking forward to this quarterly gathering. It is going to keep our leaders aligned with our vision and informed about our future. We will be candid and transparent with them about what's working and what's not working.

This gathering has the potential to ensure that Great Oaks remains a movement rather than becoming an institution. An institution informs and educates people about a certain topic. A movement results in the mobilization of a people to impact their community and their world. Which would you rather be a part of?

Family Fun

Here's a peek inside my family from the last 24 hours...

• Family Day at School - I had the joy of observing Ethan in his Kindergarten class on Tuesday. It was fun to see him in his classroom with his teacher and friends.
  
• Parking Lot - After loading Ethan into the car at school, I managed to back into the car behind me. I hopped out to look at the damage (license plate holder bent a little) and talk with the owner who was walking towards their car when I hit it. Her response after I apologized? "Life's too short to worry about something like this." I hit the right person!
• Crayon in the Laundry - We missed a crayon in Ethan's pocket when we did laundry. It melted in the dryer all over an entire load of clean clothes. Know what gets crayon out of clothes? Goop Multipurpose Handcleaner...it works awesome!
• Dentist Visit - Karen, Ethan & Morgan all had dentist appointments yesterday afternoon. It was Morgan's first visit, and she did great. She was calm, comfortable, no resistance, no crying. Ethan did great, too! Somebody did have a cavity, though...Mommy!
  
• American Idol - We rushed home from the dentist and dinner at the in-laws to catch American Idol. During the drive home, Morgan begins singing and then says, "I'm going to Hollywood!"
  

Pastor's Retreat

We have been talking for several weeks now about scheduling a weekend retreat for the pastors and their wives. The only problem is that we can't seem to find a date that will work for everyone! Who knew it would be this hard?

We are planning on going to a retreat facility in Michigan for a few days and attending church together at Granger Community Church on Sunday morning. This will be a great time for the pastors and their spouses to spend in community with each other while strengthening the bonds of friendship and leadership.

We'll figure it out soon...I hope!

Weekend in Review :: 01-27-08

This was the final week of our Foundations series. After spending three weeks talking about our end goal, our starting point, and our next steps...we concluded with an emphasis on the importance of reaching out to the unchurched.

WORSHIP
Everybody Praise the Lord - Lincoln Brewster
I Will Boast - Paul Baloche
I Give You My Heart - Delirious

Video: Evangelism Linebacker

MESSAGE
Series: Foundations
Message: Invest & Invite
Speaker: Chris Genders
Notable Quotes...
"There are a lot of people who want to connect with God but not the church."
"Scripture is replete with people gathering around Jesus...people who were unaccepted by the religious leaders of the day...people who weren't accepted in the church."
"We have to embrace people where they are and see their God-given potential."
"When something is lost, it becomes the focus of your attention. You pay little attention to that which is found."
"You are labeled 'lost' because you are valuable to God."
"How do you think God feels when he sees his children lost and all of the search & rescue people are just sitting around singing songs, reading their books, and roasting marshmallows?"
"It doesn't matter how many are already found. What matters is how many are still lost."
"Invest in the life of one person and look for opportunities to invite them to someplace where they will hear the Gospel or someplace where they will see the Body of Christ at work."
"We'll do what's difficult for you, and you do what's impossible for us. We'll answer their questions; you introduce them to us."

Can You Show This in Church?

I think this is the first video I've ever posted, but I had to share this with you. We showed this video at MarriedLife Live last night. The focus of the night was cultivating communication. It went over very well! You never know what will happen when you show up at Great Oaks...



FYI - This is not an endorsement of these two comedians. This may be the cleanest they get...you've been warned.

Bear Grylls

Watched some Man vs Wild tonight. It inspired me to change my background on the laptop. Is it wrong that I can't get enough of this guy? It would be great to meet him someday.

Sex God

I read Rob Bell's latest work, Sex God, on the return flight from Vegas last night. I wanted to read it in preparation for our Sexual Revolutions teaching series coming up in February at Great Oaks.

Honestly, I've got to read it again. It never became what I thought it was going to become. Remember that if you read it. It was still good, though. I think there will be more take-aways after I read it the second time.

There are a couple of things in there that I wish he would have explained a little better. It leaves some room for people to come to conclusions that may not be the most accurate or healthy. His only defense would be the use of the word "maybe" in a couple of sentences. Be sure to read this book (and all others) with an eye to Scripture. I'll post some quotes from the book later; I've already loaned out my copy to somebody.

One more book down... 26 1/2 more to go for the year!

Tracking Blogs :: 01-25-08

As I posted last night in my Vegas Recap, I spent some time reading through the blogs I track before heading to bed. Here are some of the things that jumped out at me...

• Mark Batterson really likes Lou Malnati's pizza in Elk Grove. I'll have to go check this place out sometime.
• He also almost lost his son while snowboarding.
• Tim misses Tony. I can relate.
• Jim is becoming a morning guy! I told you it gets easier.
• Great quote about loyalty on Josh's blog.
• Another truth from Josh.
• A reminder from Scott to keep it simple. Definitely read this one...especially if you are part of Great Oaks.
  
• Man...this one by Los really got to me. Again, I can relate. Thanks for your transparency, bro..

There are several other blogs I track, but these are the ones that jumped out at me last night and this morning. Got anybody you think I should be tracking?

Vegas Recap

Day #1
Afraid to miss alarm
Little sleep
Early morning
Pick up Dan
Fill-up car with gas
Drive to airport
Board plane
Call Karen
Cramped legs
Reading transcripts
Study Galatians 3
Journal
Watching Bourne Identity on iPod
No free water on plane
Arrive in Vegas half-hour late
Call Karen
See Loren
Big smile
Bigger hug
Deanna's great cooking
Arrive at Central
Sit in Jon's office
Talk shop
Meet pastors
Observe class
Talk shop
Sad news
Drive to the Strip
Walk through casinos
Top of Eiffel Tower
Ignore "handouts" on Strip
Turn down immoral offer
Watch fountains at Bellagio
Return to house tired
Eat food
Fall asleep before head hits pillow

Day #2
Wake sooner than want
Migraine developing
Snow on mountains in Vegas
Great coffee
Awesome breakfast
Deal or No Deal (Tivo)
Arrive at Central
Purchase books in bookstore
Tour building
Talk shop
Mexican food for lunch
Migraine gone
Drop off at airport
Big hugs
Sad goodbyes
Promise to return soon
Long wait in security
Call Karen
Finish Bourne Identity
Buy snacks and drink for plane
Board plane
Cramped legs
Read Sex God
Listen to Perry Noble podcast
Arrive in Peoria 20 minutes early
Call Karen
COLD walk to car
Drop Dan off
Arrive home
Check email
Read blogs
Post blog
Going to bed

Traveling Light

Dan Baker and I are heading to Vegas tomorrow morning for a whirlwind two days of networking, observing, and meetings. We leave tomorrow around 8:30am and will be returning on Thursday around 10:00pm. I'm traveling light... one change of clothes, a notebook, my Bible & journal, and my iPod.

I am really looking forward to learning once again from Jon, Chris, and some of the rest of the crew at Central Christian Church. And I get to stay at the Trethewey B&B and have some of Deanna's amazing biscuits-and-gravy!

Keep us in your prayers...

Unexpected Surprise

I was at The Blend this morning preparing my message for Sunday. I ordered a coffee and bagel, gave them my Blend card, and began carrying my stuff over to my table. One of the employees came over with my card in their hand (forgot it at the counter!) and told me that somebody paid for my breakfast. They didn't say who it was, so I was left to wonder.

Soon after that, a woman came by my table and introduced herself. She told me she attends Great Oaks and wanted to let me know that she is joining a small group this week as a result of our Foundations teaching series. As a way of thanking me for what the church has done for her, she bought my breakfast!

I've had this happen before throughout my years in ministry. People have gone to great lengths to show their appreciation to me and my fellow pastors for our service to God and the church. What was unexpected was that this woman was a single mom with three kids.

Now...I don't know this woman's complete story, but most single moms I know are struggling emotionally, physically, and financially. The fact that she is willing to sacrifice her time to get involved in a small group - because we told her how important and life-changing they are - truly challenged me as the official small group's pastor to make sure our groups are functioning like they should be.

And the fact that she sacrificed some of her hard-earned and much-needed money to pay for my breakfast truly humbled me. It was one of the greatest acts of appreciation I have ever received. I can only imagine how God felt when the widow put in her two "very small copper coins" in the offering (Luke 21:1-4).

Small Group :: 01-20-08

We had a great small group gathering tonight. We are only a few meetings into our life together, but you would never know it. The transparency of my group members and their willingness to open their lives and homes continues to amaze me. Here was the rundown from our group tonight...

1. Welcome
2. Verify Roster Info
3. Ice Breaker :: Finish the sentence
• "Some of the best advice I've ever been given is..."
4. Discussion Point
• Small Group Covenant - define "authentic community" & "spiritual growth"
5. Thoughts from Sunday Morning
• Next-Step Strategy
• "What is your next step?" (recorded answers and told small group members I would follow up with them in a couple of weeks)
  
6. ReGroup Study
• The Five Essential Habits of Small Groups - Care, Safety, Authenticity, Growth, Help
7. Prayer
• Discuss "adoration" component of prayer
  
• Read Psalm 138:1-2
• Finish the sentence - "One of the best things about you, God, is..."
• Chris close in prayer
8. Connection Time with Prayer Journal on table for people to write in their praises & prayer requests (email them later this week)
   

Weekend in Review :: 01-20-08

This was our third week in the Foundations series where we explain who we are and how we do church.

WORSHIP
Nate set up an uninterrupted set which led to some amazingly authentic worship as a church. I think people are beginning to embrace being more expressive in their worship. He seems to possess a natural ability to teach and lead people in worship which allows us to be more free and less concerned about what others around us are thinking. Lead on, bro...

Praise Him - David Crowder
One Way - United Live
Sing to the King - Candi Pearson
Always - United Live
All for You - Paul Baloche

MESSAGE
Series: Foundations
Message: Next-Step Strategy
Speaker: Bill White
Bill taught this morning about our assimilation strategy. (You're thinking about the Borg from Star Trek, aren't you?) Our strategy is to move people from the Foyer (weekend services) to the Living Room (connection events) to the Kitchen (small groups). He emphasized that small groups are the primary place for people to grow spiritually while experiencing authentic community with others. He explained the "why" with a great "three stool" illustration. Listen here later this week...

Notable Quotes...
"We don't just want people to come to church. There are next-steps - deeper levels of connection and relationships."
"What happens in the Big Room is important, but this is just the starting point."
"Everybody needs a place where we can talk about the matters of our heart."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• MarriedLife Live - this Saturday, January 26th at 7:00pm. Space is limited; we cannot guarantee tickets after Sunday AM
• Sexual Revolution - February teaching series; pick up invitation cards in foyer
• Serve 10 Community Service Projects - sign up for remaining three community service projects
  

Birthday Weekend

After we celebrated Morgan's birthday earlier today, we headed over to the home of our good friends, Mark & Lynne Batts for a Hawaiian-themed birthday party for their 6-year old daughter, Audrey. (FYI - Mark was my co-hort in the hayride incident I mentioned in my sermon last Sunday. Listen here...)

Audrey was born just six weeks after Ethan, and we frequently joke that they both arrived in this world already married to each other. We've got some great pictures from the last six years for their wedding slideshow! Here are some pics from the party...

[Morgan on the left; Audrey in the middle]

[Ethan's all set to limbo...]

[Audrey really got into the "Happy Birthday" song!]

Morgan's Birthday Party

We celebrated Morgan's 3rd birthday today with a small get-together with family. Karen prepared a great brunch with two different egg casseroles and homemade coffee-cake. I don't think we will be eating anymore eggs and butter for a long time!

Morgan was certainly dressed for the occasion; I'm still amazed at how much pink and purple a little girl needs!!!

Be Interesting

I like this post by Seth Godin...

It reminds me that we don't have to be perfect in our services and programming in the church, but we do have to be interesting. In the words of Chip & Dan Heath (authors of Made to Stick), one of the keys to making a message stick in the minds and hearts of people is that it should be unexpected (i.e. interesting).

What we do should have people talking... not about us but about Jesus Christ.

Just Walk Across the Room

I set aside some extended time today to read Hybel's latest work, Just Walk Across the Room. It is a must-read for all Christ-followers! This book focuses on the need and simplicity of practicing relational evangelism. I would share some more insights, but I am teaching on this topic in two weeks. I've got to save my thoughts until after that time!

Here are some notable quotes, though...

• "Life's great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God's mysterious promptings."
• "The only thing you need in order to sustain...evangelism year after year is an ear fine-tuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit."
• "Being walk-across-the-room people means that we walk when the Spirit tells us to walk, and we don't walk when the Spirit says not to."
• "Jesus had an uncanny ability to look past the obvious flaws in people's lives and envision who they could become if the power of God were released in their lives."
• "I envy those of you who work in the marketplace day in and day out, almost entirely surrounded by people far from God."
• "As Christ's followers, we're accountable for regularly moving in circles with people far from God, uncovering their stories with compassion and grace, and then naturally and consistently making ourselves available when God opens a door of opportunity."
• "My daily goal as a follower of Christ - to be acutely aware of God's activity in this world and to be willing for him to use me in accomplishing some part of it, be it large or small."
• "The spread of the Gospel boils down to whether you and I will continue to seek creative ways to engage our friends, inviting them to explore the abundance of Christ-following life and helping them choose eternity with God."
  
• "If you ever hope to lead people to Christ, you have to be a person devoted to prayer.

On a side note, this is one more book down...only 27.5 more books to go to meet my goal of 30 books this year!

2008 NAMM Show

My good friend, Steve Osborne, is going to be working the 2008 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California this week. He is helping a friend who works for Seymour Duncan, one of the leading manufacturers of guitar pickups and stompboxes. (I have no idea what those things are...I just took that straight from their website.)

Why am I writing about this on my blog? Because one of the musicians who uses Seymour Duncan's gear is Slash from Guns N' Roses, and he is going to be at the NAMM Show this week! Steve is going to meet Slash!!!

I was (okay...still am) a huge Guns N' Roses fan. I know, I know...I'm a pastor, and the lyrics aren't always the best. But I grew up on 80's heavy metal before I became a Christian. It's hard to not think of the glory days in high school when Welcome to the Jungle or Paradise City come on the radio. And who doesn't love Sweet Child O' Mine and Patience?

I went with my older brother and sister to see Guns N' Roses and Skid Row in concert when I was sixteen. It was pretty memorable because I almost got in a fight with some drunk guy because he was becoming a little too enamored with my sister!

I can't wait to see if Steve is able to get a picture with Slash. I asked him to bring me back a signed guitar pick or something. We'll see if he is able to come through for me...

Paying Respects

I arrived at the church today in time to pay my respects to a fallen soldier - Pfc. Phillip Pannier. He was a 2006 graduate of Roanoke-Benson High School. He was killed in Iraq by enemy fire last Tuesday along with two other soldiers in his unit.

The funeral procession - which consisted of fire, police, ambulatory, family, friends, and veterans - passed in front of the church on Route 116 about 11:15am. The staff and a few other individuals stood alongside the road to pay our respects and display our gratitude to the family and friends of Phillip.

I didn't know Phillip, but I am thankful that men and women like him are willing to pay the ultimate price to protect people who cannot protect themselves and to provide the freedoms that I continue to enjoy in this country. My prayers are with his family and the rest of our armed forces around the world.

Weekend in Review :: 01-13-08

This was our second week of the Foundations series where we explain who we are and how we do church. Nate and the band hit a home run this morning with the worship. Inspiring. Authentic. Personal. Corporate. Amazing.

As I said last night, I was really looking forward to teaching this morning. I've received positive comments from a number of people. Most of all, I am pleased that it is sparking conversations among people as they talk about where they are in their spiritual growth.

WORSHIP
Because of Your Love - Paul Baloche
Everyday - Lincoln Brewster
Hungry - Kathryn Scott
Hosanna - Paul Baloche

MESSAGE
Series: Foundations
Message: Stages of Spiritual Growth
Speaker: Chris Genders
Notable Quotes...
"The church can only take you so far in your spiritual growth. At some point, you have to accept responsibility for your own spiritual growth."
"Spiritual growth is ultimately about loving God and loving people."
"The universal church has failed you...we have told you that you should be dependent upon us to feed you. If you are Close to Christ or Christ-Centered, you should be feeding yourself."
"No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you have a next step to take to becoming more like Christ."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• MarriedLife Live - Saturday, January 26th - tickets on sale beginning today
• Sexual Revolution - February teaching series - invite cards available now

Tomorrow Morning

I am teaching tomorrow morning on the Stages of Spiritual Growth. I am looking forward to this message because I get to challenge the church with this Big Idea...

The church can only take you so far in your spiritual growth. At some point, you have to accept responsibility for your own spiritual growth.

I'll let you know how it goes!

It's Hard Sometimes

For those of you who know my current reality, keep me in your prayers. Every now and again it gets really tough emotionally. Thanks...

2008 Goals - Update

A couple of weeks ago I posted a few goals for 2008. I thought I would give a quick update...

• I re-read the Reveal study from Willow Creek last week. I don't know if it counts as a book, though. Maybe half a book.
  
• I just finished The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World. This was written by A.J.Jacobs... the guy who wrote The Year of Living Biblically which I read and blogged about in December. Only 28.5 more books to read...
  
• I have had offers to travel internationally from friends in Indonesia and Belgium (a personal invite to attend a friend's wedding!). And I think a voicemail I received today (which I haven't checked yet) has the potential to put a trip to Brazil on the horizon.


• I've written a few different entries for a men's devotional book, but I keep thinking I should be writing something more profound (is that prideful/egotistical?). I have several book ideas I keep in a file on my computer, and I am always up for new ideas. I think I just need to commit to one book and move forward.

The Sound of Students

I am sitting in my office this Friday morning getting ready to rehearse my message for Sunday. Outside in the foyer, about 40 Middle School students are milling about getting ready to board a charter bus bound for Michigan. They are heading up to Miracle Camp (our church camp) for a weekend conference.

I've always loved hanging out with students and helping them navigate their way through life. I got my start in ministry back in 1998 as an Interim Student Minister at Fox Valley Christian Church. Even after I became a pastor to adults, I would volunteer during week-long High School conferences. I loved having extended time to hang out with the students, and they were always more open to spiritual conversations when they weren't in their normal routine.

Have a great trip guys! Lead on Jason...

Waiting for a Thud

I'm sitting downstairs in my family room waiting to hear a big THUD from above me...

Ethan has outgrown his bed, so we moved in a "big kid" bed we purchased at a garage sale this summer. It has legs ("Hey, I can put stuff under my bed!") and includes a box-spring and mattress. As a result it is about 2.5 times taller than his previous bed.

The problem lies with the fact that Ethan has a tendency to fall out of his bed about once a week. Sometimes he doesn't even wake up; we find him lying there on the floor with one leg still up on the bed. He'll definitely wake up if he falls out of this bed!

On a side note, I have one more coat of white paint to put on Ethan's old bed before we move it into Morgan's room tomorrow night. This is her last night in her crib!!!

American Gladiators...again

Evidently my good friend and former ministry partner, Jim Clark, doesn't agree with my sentiment for the new American Gladiator show. Check out his comments here...

Weekend in Review :: 01-06-08

We launched a new series called Foundations this weekend. It is a four-week series covering the four primary strategic components of Great Oaks Community Church (i.e. who we are and how we do church). I wrote earlier about our new mission statement that Bill introduced. It has continued to take hold in the lives and language of our people.

WORSHIP
Salvation is Here - Hillsong
King of Majesty - Hillsong
Jesus Love of My Soul - Hillsong
Mighty to Save - Hillsong
The Solid Rock - Charlie Hall

MESSAGE
Series: Foundations
Message: Five Purposes
Speaker: Bill White

Notable Quotes...
"GOCC exists to help people take their next step towards God."
"Stress & worry are warning lights that you are disconnected from God."
"There is something more important than tolerance - Truth."
"What's your next step?"

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Class 101, 201, 301 next Sunday, January 13th. Contact the church office at 383-4330 to register.
• MarriedLife Live - Saturday, January 26th - tickets on sale beginning next Sunday
• Sexual Revolution - February teaching series - invite cards available next Sunday
  

American Gladiators

I am watching the new American Gladiators with Hulk Hogan & Laila Ali as the hosts. I used to watch this show ALL the time when I was younger. (Is it just me or does this remind anyone of the game they played in the Schwarzenegger classic, Running Man?)

I will finally admit publicly that I am so excited it is back on TV. Karen was a little suspicious the other night when she caught me watching the commercial instead of paying attention to what she was telling me. Of course, this happens anytime a TV is on within 50 yards of me. (Don't ever try to have a conversation with me at Buffalo Wild Wings; I'll hear every other sentence!)

So I'm watching it tonight and these two women just finished The Eliminator, the major obstacle course at the end. The winner was asked how she was feeling after completing the course. She replied, "I'm tired. My entire body hurts, but this is so awesome!"

I so want to compete on this show...

Next Step

We had an all-day Leadership Retreat yesterday during which we reviewed 2007 and discussed our strategic plan for 2008. One of the changes we made was a re-write on our mission statement for the church. The old mission statement was good but not memorable. It was also limited in its focus. The new mission statement - "helping people take their next step towards God" - is simple, memorable, and active. It is also unlimited in its focus; everybody has a "next step" to take in their faith.

Bill introduced it this morning during the first Sunday of our vision series called Foundations. I have been blown away at how many people are talking about this phrase. It came up in numerous conversations during the morning, and it was a key discussion point during small group tonight.

People are truly resonating with this phrase. There is some definite buzz happening in the church today. I am excited to see how this small but significant change affects the church!

2008 Goals

I'm not one for resolutions, but I believe strongly in setting goals. And there is something powerful and convicting about writing them down. So, for 2008, here are some of my goals...

• Write a book
  
• Establish regular Father/Son Mentoring (FSM) times with Ethan
• Read 30+ books
• Establish a leadership development small group at GOCC
• Experience 20 things I've never done before
• Travel internationally - for work or pleasure
• Study Islam for myself
• Take two multi-day wilderness trips
• Increase my regular giving beyond the tithe