Near and Far Faith

I feel lazy today. I typically do one wednesday's due to a 12-14 hour day on tuesdays. I was thinking of just veging when I read this post by furtick from a few days ago. It was a kick. I've also been slacking off on the podcast. I'm hoping to get back in the "studio" tomorrow and bang one out about resources.

We've been in the process of rolling out some big changes with our new org chart and we've found that when people's hearts are clearly devoted to the cause of Christ, we get huge confirmation. But when their hearts are in the wrong place - often seeking selfish gain at the core - they ask the kind of questions that reveal that heart clearly. Questions that have a lot of "me" and "my" in them - it's a red flag for turf-guarding.

What I've learned therough this is that if God's challenging me to do something, I need to go into it with my eyes atune to the Holy Spirit so I can see people's hearts. That will be my confirmation - not great success, but great buy-in. But not from great numbers - from great hearts.

I've been seeing a lot of things in our society lately - and the american church - that are done because they've simply been done before.

I can't remember where I heard this story, but it's about a newlywed couple that goes to make their 1st turkey and the wife insists that that you must cut the top half of the turkey off. After arguing for a while about the purpose for it, the wife calls her mother to ask why she always cut the top of the turkey off, since that's who had always done it. The mother-in-law couldn't remember why, except that her mother had always done and since the turkey was always so good, it must be a necessity. So they get grandma on the phone and let her know about the discussion that has held up thanksgiving. The Grandmother simply responds, "Oh my oven was always too small so I had to cut the turkey in half so it'd fit."

How much do we do at the church and in our lives with outdated purpose? We must, as leaders, be constantly reevaluating and asking "Is this still working?" We must do things for real - because they work and are effective and not energy-drains.

We're gearing up for Brave Generation - Holyfire Ministry's New Jersey conference. If you'd like to help a student get there it's $170 per person. We're suggesting getting together as a small group and all chipping in. We'll be giving away a free pass to the Student who brings the most 1st-time visitors to American Gladiators at Ignite next week.

If you'd like to tag along with us you're welcome to - though you'll have to pay your own way - only V-Staff get the privilege of a free ride because they are glory revealed. This is the one conference we'll invest in this year because we're sure of the results. And they're letting me teach a workshop too. Rock on - I'm pumped. I'll be challenging the students to begin a Sexual Revolution.

Email me for more info.

Here's one of my new favorite blogs - Church 2.0 - The Blog

I'm all about new technology and this site let's you know the latest and greatest that have uses in the church.

• Had an awesome time at jake and Trista's. heading to bed after i wash the stink off - long day tomorrow #


• Waiting in line at the bank. finishing up our ANGRY series tonight #


• Home for lunch #


• Is loving the catalyst podcast #


• Pots hot dogs and chocolate milk - man dinner #

• Why can everyone sit still in long meetings but me? where are all the other ADDers? #


• mini blog post- The problem with the SEEKER terminology is this: what about those that aren't looking for God? are we only after lookers? #


• John McCain just calle me! #


• Playin some mario party with Rory. she's better than i expected #