Off To Hawaii

I’m all packed, we’re ready to go. I’ve never been as physically and emotionally tired as I am right now. Even after two weeks of not teaching, I still feel exhausted. A number of staff commented that I still seemed tired during this week’s messages. The last 6 months have been a grueling grind (incredibly worth it), and one of the things that helped me get through it was the knowledge that today I would be heading to Hawaii with Lori. An incredible friend provided the trip for Lori and I (not turning that down), knowing that we would need a break after the Seize The Moment campaign. So this morning at 10:20, I’ll be sitting on a plane headed to Maui.

I’m looking forward to just being away with Lori (no kids), she’s my wife, my best friend, and just a blast to be with. I’m looking forward to sleeping in and taking naps. I’m looking forward to laying on the beach. I’m looking forward to snorkeling (I love it!).  You know there will be a few rounds of golf thrown in. I haven’t played in months, so I’m guessing I’ll have to enjoy the views more than my play.

I’m also looking forward to reading these books…

• Good To Great
• Integrity
• Confessions Of A Pastor
• Every Man, God’s Man
• The Big Idea

I know that’s a lot, but I love to read w/o pressure or distractions. And Yes, I have my Bible packed and will be reading a ton in that also

I also plan to do a ton of blogging to download some things on my heart and mind. Some topics I’ll be writing on…

• lessons learned from a 6 year old portable church that’s grown from 8 people to 2,000.
• Biggest mistakes I’ve made in ministry, and how I’ve grown through them.
• Things Jesus has taught me.
• What’s on my heart for the future of Palm Valley Church.
• Lessons learned during our building campaign.
• Stuff I’m doing in Hawaii (just sharing, not rubbing it in ).
• Stuff I’m learning while I read.
• Hotel soap review (for this guy).
• People and churches who have influenced me.
• Other thoughts about life, leadership, and vacationing in Paradise.

So tune in, should be a blast to have more time on my hands in the coming days.

Thursday Night Thoughts

It’s Thursday night and I’m sitting here with the hiccups (still) and stomach flu; not a great combo! However, the Suns are up by 6 so there’s still hope for the evening.

Anyways, here’s some stuff on my mind…

• Seize The Moment was some of the toughest teaching I’ve ever done.
• “Mighty To Save” is an awesome worship song.
• I’m married to the most awesome woman on the planet.
• Marge, Lisa and Eileen are the best receptionists ever!
• I love doing ministry as a team, it’s way better.
• Little league playoffs start next week, hope my boys do well.
• I’ve noticed that many adults build better relationships through little league than through church. What’s wrong with this picture?
• Palm Valley Church rocks!
• I can’t wait to head to Atlanta next week and hang out with Gary.
• Our children’s ministry is blowing up. Dave’s really developing as a leader.
• I can’t wait to get away with my kids for some vacation time. They’ve been really patient through this whole building campaign, now it’s time for them to get some serious undivided dad time.

Pressure

Man, tonight the pressure was put on me in a big way! Bottom of the last inning, my 7 year old’s team was down 11-10. As the pitcher I was sweating bullets. The last thing I wanted was for my lousy pitching to be the reason we lost.

So, what happened? The boys brought their sticks to the plate and did the job. Four runs scored to win the game in our last-ups. We’re so rollin’ heading into the playoffs. I’m not sure if I can handle the playoff pressure though

Little League Is Fun

I’ve got 3 boys in little league right now, and with 2 games and a practice every week for each of them, it’s crazy! However, I’m having a blast watching my boys grow, learn, and develop their skills. They’re having fun playing, but to be honest, I’m having more fun watching them.

Yesterday I got to pitch the last 2 innings for Zach’s coach-pitch team, and we had scored a bunch of runs for a come from behind victory. I’m not saying it was the pitching, but

At Jake’s first game he got the game winning hit, a double down the line to score two runs that won the game. He got the game ball. I was so proud for him I cried. This was huge for him!

Isn’t it more fun being proud for others than ourselves? When we become proud of ourselves we’re set for a fall. When we are proud for others we dream big dreams for them, we strive to encourage them, and we live beyond ourselves. As a pastor, I always want to be proud for God, and proud for the people of Palm Valley Church. I want to encourage them, dream big for them, and celebrate when God does incredible things in and through their lives. Sometimes I even cry.

Sunday Night Thoughts

Here’s some stuff on my mind tonight, in no particular order…

1) I’m whipped. The last month has flat out worked me, and I’m tired. It’s been awesome, but I’m looking forward to some time off.

2) It was fun to stay home with the family today. Went to breakfast and just hung out.

3) Saw a neighbor coming home from Palm Valley today, cool to know he went to church w/o me

4) Saw another neighbor’s car in his driveway all morning. He stayed home from church today.

5) I’m jazzed for easter, it’s going to be awesome.

6) I heard from a ton of friends that Ryan did an awesome job today. I love that when I’m gone we don’t miss a beat as a church.

7) I love our staff, they’re laying it all on the line every week.

I hope people invite all their friends to attend Easter at Palm Valley; a ton of people are going to invite Christ into their life next week: how cool is that?

9) Watching my boys try to fly a kite w/o any wind is hilarious. They were running hard and fast, just not getting much air

10) Little people with little vision attack big people with big vision.

That’s enough for tonight, can’t wait to hit the ground running tomorrow, it’s crunch time!

Field Trip

Today I went on a class field trip with my 1st grade son. Wow, I’m tired tonight

I had a blast hanging out with my son, and seeing him interact with his “posse” on their turf. I was assigned 5 kids, and we had a great time together. We went to the Heard museum. I was reminded how creative and curious children are. I need to have those attitudes!

To other pastors, here’s a leadership tip: one of my core values is to honor my family; I really didn’t have the time this week to take a day off to chaperone a school field trip; but it was a chance to practice a core value and place my family over my job. It means I’ll be working late tonight on some things, but it was worth it.

In ministry, the demands never stop, and the larger your church grows, the greater the demands. It’s tempting for pastors to sacrifice their families on the altar of minstry; don’t do it. Honor the Lord by living by your priorities, not the demands and expectations others place on you. The Lord will honor you in return; I guarantee it!

Children’s Ministry Rocks

A huge shout out to the leaders and volunteers who serve in our children’s ministry. It takes literally hundreds of people each week to make it happen, but you do it with style. From the incredible set-up, to the preparation, the passion for kids, to the follow-up, you all make a huge difference in the lives of kids!

On a personal note, thanks! Today, you made a huge difference in the lives of my own children. My two grade school boys talked the whole way home, and over lunch, about what they learned at KidZone today. It impacted their life. It solidified their faith. You helped them grow today, and made Jesus (and His Word) more real in their life. As a dad, I can’t thank you enough!

If you’re looking for a place to impact people’s lives at Palm Valley, I can’t think of a better place that our children’s ministry. Dave Ellis is building an incredible team, and they’re impacting hundreds of kids every week!

Sickness Update

The sickess bug continues to circulate in the house. We’ve got some new bugs, it’s just crazy. I’m so glad we had last week off, because I flat out didn’t feel like doing much.

Please pray for me that I can shake this, as it’s time to get back to work!

Closing Out 2006 reflections (LONG POST)

2006 was an incredible year for me, our family, and Palm Valley Church. It was a year of some great high’s and great low’s, lessons learned, growth opportunities, huge celebrations, strengthened relationships, and so much more. Here’s some random recap thoughts from the past year…

• Having a baby girl is incredible. After 3 boys (whom I love madly), this little girl has stolen my heart. I never could have imagined the difference. She’s daddy’s little girl, and I love that. Can’t believe she’s almost 1!
• I think I grew more as a leader this year than ever in my life. Made some very tough decisions (which I’d make again), but often felt alone on an island, even though I knew I was doing the right thing.
• I’m addicted to life change. I love watching people who are far from God enter into a relationship with Him. I saw a lot of that this year at PVC, and it reminds me every time why I do what I do.
• I’m thankful for some great pastors whom I count as mentors…Rick Warren (changed my ministry vision 9 years ago), Ed Young (Ed was there for me in a big way this year, thanks!) and Don Wilson (one of the most awesome pastors I know).
• I’m thankful for other pastors I’ve counted as friends…Gary (who is a brother to me, I’d do anything for the guy), Troy, Scott, Trev, and Steve. It’s fun being in the trenches with others who have like vision!
• I’m thankful for some new pastor friendships this year: Perry is like a long lost brother, I just love the guy. He’s got huge vision, and the conviction to live it out. Tony is simply strategic, and I love the wisdom he shares (my favorite blog hands-down), this Tony whom I think is way too cool (one of the funniest guys I’ve met), and Tadd, I can’t wait to see what God does at Pine Ridge this year.
• My favorite teaching series this year…Snapshots of the Savior (who is Jesus?), and Made, which was a very unique and I think life-changing series, and Don’t Fight Naked; just loved the title.
• I love the staff at Palm Valley Church. I’ve seen so much growth in each of them this year; and I love being in the office every day. Very few people know how much work it takes to have a portable church of 2,000, but this crew gives everything they’ve got. I really do love you all!
• The office gals at PVC are incredible. They make the office fun, and they spread joy to everyone. I swear the FedEx and UPS guys look forward to stopping at our place just because of the reception they get.
• I’ve got two incredible assistants. Julie’s been with me for 7 years (started as a volunteer) and has the most incredible heart; she’s a true friend. This year I hired my adopted mom, Kathleen, and that’s been awesome. She’s challenged me incredibly, and has taken our team to the next level. She also knows how to keep me in line
• I feel younger at 37 than I did at 27. Losing 50 lbs and establishing a healthy work-out routine has brought me more energy; and I just feel better.
• My 3 boys make me laugh constantly. They’re incredible, and I love being their dad. I can’t wait to see how they impact the world for Christ. I pray they’re fearless!
• I think I became a better story teller this year; which has made me a better preacher. I want to help paint a picture with each message that people can visualize; this helps the message apply and stick longer!
• I realized I need to pray more. I often allow the tyranny of the urgent to crowd this out. I want to hear from God more than anyone else!
• I need to say no more. I get involved in too many things at Palm Valley that aren’t a best use of my time. I need to delegate and trust. By nature I’m a control freak. I need to focus on the things only I can do at the lead pastor.
• I love people who get it. There are so many awesome people at Palm Valley who live by vision and mission, not by selfishness and comfort. It’s a blast to lead people who are focused more on what God wants to do, than what they want for themselves. I especially love older people who get it, and Palm Valley’s full of them, and they’re truly leaving a legacy of faith!
• At the referral of Tony and Perry, I’m reading “Integrity” by Henry Cloud along wtih the other lead staff. Just started, but already challenging.
• Buying an office was a great decision. it’s provided more space and saved us a ton of money, as well as making us more functional. Wish we’d done it sooner.
• Releasing staff is very tough (more on this in another post). I had to do that this year. Each time it was absolutely the right decision for Palm Valley, but I love each of them, so it was hard personally. Never expected the attacks that would result, but it taught me the price of leadership is costly.
• I’m grateful to be the pastor of PVC. Every time someone calls me pastor, it touches my heart. It’s not a title I take lightly (or use often), it’s a privilege. I want to be a great shepherd and leader; it’s a passion in my heart. I never want to forfeit this title through my actions (or inactions).
• Looking at year end #’s this week, Palm Valley had our lowest % growth in 6 years (12% attendance, 10% giving), which is still a great year, but may have been our most significant spiritual growth. I feel like God is preparing us for something BIG in 2007.
• Our Legal Trustees made some huge decisions. I’m thankful for a team that leads with vision, and not fear. When it comes down to budgets/legalities/and the sort, this team always goes back to the vision of Palm Valley Church. I’m thankful I don’t have to do politics. Politics kill churches.
• I need to invest more in the staff. We have a young staff, and they deserve my time and mentorship. I’d go to war any day with these guys & gals; but it’s my job to help prepare them.
• Speaking at RidgeStone Church was cool. As I said, I love Gary, and seeing what God is doing there was a blast for me. They’re going to reach their community for Christ, and tick other churches off in the process
• Visiting NewSpring was off the hook. They’ve grown from 3,000 to 8,000 in the past 18 months; and they flat our rock. Perry, Jason, Lee and their team have insane unity, and God’s blessing is all over that church! They get me excited about building our building.
• Andy Stanley is a flat out leader, and I soak up anything he writes/teaches. A personal highlight of the year was hearing Charles (his dad) teach at the drive conference this year.
• Favorite song of the year: Tell The World by Hillsong United.
• Favorite book of the year: Execution by Larry Bossidy. Every leader should read this. Thanks to Paul Smiley for recommending it.
• Favorite Date: working out with Lori. It’s the best, and cheapest dates we’ve ever had. We talk, work out, and just have a blast.
• Favorite memory: my kids learning they could call me on my cell during the day. I love that they call me over and over just to say “I love you”. Defnitely not good for productivity, but they matter more to me.
• Favorite trip of the year: 7 day caribbean cruise in June. Got to go free (did a guest speaking gig). Lori and I had an absolute blast.
• Favorite bonehead of the year: couple who left our church because I went on a cruise. They don’t think a pastor should live that kind of lifestyle.
• Favorite message I taught: Light, on Christmas Eve. I think it was the best message I’ve ever given. Heard some very cool stories of life change after the service (and I’m talking major life-change).
• Message I wish I could have another shot at: Week 2 of Don’t Fight Naked, got sidetracked and went negative. God used it as a wake up call in my life.
• Favorite TV show of the year: Prison Break, without a doubt!
• Regret: my golf game’s horrible. No time to play and it’s fallen apart. I’ve Got to change that in 2007.
• Favorite movie of 2007: The Pursuit of Happyness. I only saw 2 moview this year, and the other was DaVinci Code.
• Fun time: Went with some friends from our church to the Raiders – Broncos game in Denver. You know I sported my Raiders gear (Stabler throwback) and walked tall in their stadium. Who cares that we lost
• Favorite Restaurant: Grazie at Verrado. Best salad and pizza ever. Eat there now if you haven’t already.
• I love my wife. After 13 years Lori still makes me giddy when she’s with me. I love holding her hand. I can’t believe she’s with me. 4 kids and looking so beautiful. Makes me laugh constantly (she’s clever like that). Best mom I’ve ever seen. She makes me a better person. She supports, and sacrifices for, my vision for Palm Valley Church. I love being with her. She’s a gift from God. She’s superwoman!

Well, that’s probably enough for today Those are my thoughts from 2006, I’ll follow up soon with some vision I have for 2007.

Sickness

Our whole family has been sick this week. The kids have ear infections and colds. Lori and I have sinus infections as well as colds. We all have Pink Eye. Many are running temps, the baby has double ear infections, it’s chaos at the Rohlinger household.

We’ve started on the drugs, so we’re hoping to get better soon. Please pray for us. In retrospect, it’s probably good I’m not preaching this weekend!