Weekend Reflections

This weekend was the closing of the baggage series, and I could tell people didn’t want it to end. I wasn’t speaking this weekend, so I got to hang out on the patio and talk with people. It was cool to just be able to hear their stories, pray with them, give some hugs and high 5′s, and just be a pastor.

Here’s some thoughts from the weekend…

• Ryan and Mark did an awesome job teaching.
• We have some great teachers on our staff.
• Darius is rockin’ the student ministry. Hung out in Jr. High for a while and was blown away by the excitement level.
• Adrienne’s a true leader, and the Early Childhood area is growing because of her leadership.
• Dave’s got the grade school area wired; not a bored kid in the house!
• It’s way too hot in Phoenix, i’m ready for some cooler weather.
• We’ve got awesome volunteers, who serve even when it’s 112.
• Sad to see Fernando and Eileen moving away.
• A gal handed me her cigarettes yesterday because she wants to quit after 24 years. It was cool to pray with her and throw them away.
• Another gal I prayed for about 6 months ago showed up, reconciled with her husband who has now invited Jesus into his life. Very cool!
• God is working at Palm Valley Church, and He’s changing lives in the process.
• God is good.
• Christina had the students passing out door hangers yesterday. Props to her.
• Uncertainty starts this weekend, it will be awesome!
• Bring your friends to Uncertainty, they’ll thank you.
• Heading to some friends from church today, going to BBQ and swim with the kids. Fun day.

That’s it for today, enjoy the holiday.

Guys I’m Watching

A few months ago I wrote an entry called “leaders who have impacted me” about some of the leaders who have helped shape me, and provide direction in ministry. I still look to these leaders on a regular basis, but today I want to share with you some of the up-and-coming guys I’m watching. These are some guys who are rockin’ in their ministries, and who I’m learning from. Here they are…

1) Perry Noble, Senior Pastor at NewSpring Church. Perry is a flat-out leader who knows how to cast vision. Lori and I visited NewSpring about a year and a half ago, and after his message Lori told me she wanted to join NewSpring (she was half-kidding ). He’s a great blogger with personal and inspiring thoughts, which often make him a lightning rod in the blogosphere. I’ve watched him grow through the controversy, and become an even stronger leader. If you’re a pastor who doesn’t know about Perry and NewSpring you’d better get acquainted, because they are bringin’ it in Andersen, SC.

2) Gary Lamb, Lead Pastor at Revolution Church. Gary is a great friend, and one of my favorite people anywhere. It’s been awesome to watch Gary start Revolution and lead it over the last 3 years. Gary’s a learner, and he’s constantly seeking to become a better leader. He’s got the most-read blog on the ‘net. One of the things I love about Gary is that he doesn’t mince words, you know exactly where you stand with him. I also admire him for not being afraid to try new things. One of the things few people know about Gary is how much he loves the people at Revolution.

3) Steven Furtick, Lead Pastor at Elevation Church. I’ve not gotten to meet Steven personally, but I’m looking forward to making that happen. Elevation came on my radar a few months ago, and man, are they insane! Steven’s an incredible leader who knows exactly what he’s called to do, and what he’s not called to do. He sets the pace and Elevation follows. The guy’s in his mid-twenties so I think we’ll be hearing a ton from him in the coming years.

4) Craig Groeschel, Lead Pastor at LifeChurch.tv. Met Craig briefly at a party this year, and in just 5 minutes I could tell he’s the real-deal. I love the innovation at LifeChurch, and their willingness to try anything to reach people for Christ. Craig’s created a culture of generosity and creativity at LifeChurch.tv, and they’re making an impact across the nation. Craig’s blog is a must read for any leader!

5) Dave Ferguson, Lead Pastor at Community Christian Church.  Dave’s an incredible developer of leaders, and has a huge heart for the Kingdom. CCC has eight campuses, and continues to expand. I’m watching their model very closely as we prepare to go multi-site. I look forward to hangin’ with their crew in October!

6) Kerry Shook, Senior Pastor at Fellowship Of The Woodlands. Kerry is a true pastor, and a phenomenal teacher. I got to meet him about 5 years ago, and he was genuinely interested in Palm Valley and in any way he could help me. He’s not on a lot of people’s radar, but with 14,000 people each week at his church, he should be!