From 10/16/06
Influence:
So I had no idea the extent to which the purpose driven pastor has impacted culture. According to him, The Purpose Driven Life was the bestselling book for 3 years running. Dang! Of course this accordingly resulted in 10's of millions in revenue. What did he do with this? Several things. First, he not only stopped taking a salary, but paid back the church for every penny it had paid him since its founding. Second, he started to reverse tithe, giving 90% while living on 10%. Third, he did not drastically increase his standard of living, remaining the house he's been in for a decade while continuing to drive his old Ford. Finally, he started projects - for one, Saddleback now hosts the largest AIDS conference in Evangelicalism. This is huge - Warren pointed out that in the same way we look at the age of slavery when church goers and Bible readers kept their Black brothers and sisters in bondage and think, "come one! how in the world could you allow that to happen," we will likewise look back at our era with regard to AIDS should we not act now.
And these decisions have led to a Kingdom focused and counter-cultural influence. For example, soon after deciding to give back his salary, the big networks came around for interviews. Their first question? "How much do you make?" We're under the microscope, like it or not. What an example of wielding influence well. I love this quote of his:
The purpose of influence is to be a voice for those who have none.
Other cool things from Warren...
He's all about multiplying, really living out 2 Tim 2:2. He has a heart for training leaders and takes young leaders with him wherever he goes.
He's all about healthy marriages. "The purpose of marriage is to make you holy, not happy." Cool huh?
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Let's Find Some Darkness
From Summit 2010
Christine Caine is an incredibly charismatic speaker and advocate from Hillsongs church in Australia. Her story is incredible and her passion for preaching the word and reach the broken, especially those caught in sex trafficking, is contagious and convicting. One story that she shared though stood out vividly to me...
While spending time in the states Caine and her family decided to get some American culture. So where do you think they go? Wal-Mart of course. Apparently this is a big deal to Aussies! Her daughter loves Barbie and flashlights so, fortunately for them, Wally-World really does have everything, even Barbie flashlights. The daughter could not wait one second to use it so they picked up some batteries, opened the flashlight, and headed to the checkout. While in line the little girl kept turning the light on and off, unimpressed as it's tiny beam was lost in the whitewash of the fluorescent lights overhead. Then she made a profound statement:
"Mommy, can we go find some darkness?!"
Wow. What a call out the church eh? If we spend our lives where we have everything, in the church, our light isn't' gonna do much. How are we ever going to do this by staying with the fluorescent?
Matt. 16:18 ...on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it!
So let's do it! It's not only more exciting than Wal-Mart, we're given a promise that we can't fail in the mission to bring healing to broken hearts, broken lives, and broken souls.
OK church - Let's find some darkness!
Christine Caine is an incredibly charismatic speaker and advocate from Hillsongs church in Australia. Her story is incredible and her passion for preaching the word and reach the broken, especially those caught in sex trafficking, is contagious and convicting. One story that she shared though stood out vividly to me...
While spending time in the states Caine and her family decided to get some American culture. So where do you think they go? Wal-Mart of course. Apparently this is a big deal to Aussies! Her daughter loves Barbie and flashlights so, fortunately for them, Wally-World really does have everything, even Barbie flashlights. The daughter could not wait one second to use it so they picked up some batteries, opened the flashlight, and headed to the checkout. While in line the little girl kept turning the light on and off, unimpressed as it's tiny beam was lost in the whitewash of the fluorescent lights overhead. Then she made a profound statement:
"Mommy, can we go find some darkness?!"
Wow. What a call out the church eh? If we spend our lives where we have everything, in the church, our light isn't' gonna do much. How are we ever going to do this by staying with the fluorescent?
Matt. 16:18 ...on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it!
So let's do it! It's not only more exciting than Wal-Mart, we're given a promise that we can't fail in the mission to bring healing to broken hearts, broken lives, and broken souls.
OK church - Let's find some darkness!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Declaration
From the Summit class:
"By the grace of God I commit to intentionally leading myself in the example of Jesus Christ so that I might intentionally lead my family"
Lord, hold me to it
"By the grace of God I commit to intentionally leading myself in the example of Jesus Christ so that I might intentionally lead my family"
Lord, hold me to it
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Global Leadership Summit Day 1
Wow - what an incredible day of "drinking from the fire hydrant." Heard some amazing speakers and have had some amazing times in prayer and conversation with classmates. I'm feeling tired and need to finish up my Curriculum class so I'll just put done some pithy thoughts from the day:
Celebrate Mile Markers
Stop spending so much time being interesting and be interested
Leverage the tension
Bliss on a stick
Good is the enemy of great
Let's find some darkness to shine a light in
Power of reaching one
Lead myself, Lead my family
It's all about Jesus
The local church is the hope of the world
Redemption
...Don't have enough time to explain all those so maybe I'll revisit. But they're more a reminder to me of some key teachings...
Celebrate Mile Markers
Stop spending so much time being interesting and be interested
Leverage the tension
Bliss on a stick
Good is the enemy of great
Let's find some darkness to shine a light in
Power of reaching one
Lead myself, Lead my family
It's all about Jesus
The local church is the hope of the world
Redemption
...Don't have enough time to explain all those so maybe I'll revisit. But they're more a reminder to me of some key teachings...
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
360 Degree Leadership
Via Bill Hybels and Dee Hock
The Premise:
Typically we think of leadership as leading down. Hock, the genius behind the Visa company, argues that this is too one-dimensional; that the most effective leadership has a 360 degree nature.
Hybels likens it to a compass, as the image shows. Obviously, the imagery is intentional as a compass is the tool which directs our leadership. As seen, there are four points and a center to the compass, each corresponding to a different area of leadership. I'll explain...
SELF
The leader must care for himself first. This might seem unethical or selfish or narcissistic but here me out. If I am not leading myself; i.e. staying grounded in prayer, family, discipline, reflection, exercise, etc., my leadership will certainly suffer. If I focus all my time on leading down but don't care for my own growth, the organization will stagnate and I will burnout in micromanagement. The same will happen with an over-focus on pleasing superiors. Undue focus on peers will leave me satisfied socially but suffering vocationally. And so effective leadership starts with the self. So much so that Hock thinks 50% of our energy should be placed here!
UPWARD
Hock uses the term, "leading your superiors." I had to wrad my mind around that for a while. Hybels again describes it as "leading up" not "sucking up". There are four components to practicing this healthily:
PEER (INSIDE)
This refers to those in the organization. Hock gives 10% of our energy here, ensuring constructive relationships while keeping drama to the minimum.
PEER (OUTSIDE)
Refers to friends outside. This also receives 10% and refers to colleagues socially and in the marketplace. If we are not learning from peers how will we best advance?
DOWNWARD
So leaves leaves only 5% of our energy in leading down. The hope is that those under our authority are so motivated by our character (ie SELF), by our example of "leading up" and by the model of our camaraderie with peers, that they will replicate this diagram and likewise apply the same percentages. In this way, leading down is only to clarify information gaps, offer minor correctives, and to lavish affirmations as we wee them.
Could it work in the church? Without getting to deeply into it, it is interesting to notice that the most celebrated Biblical characters, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul, clearly spent intentional energy to better themselves with God. Out of this God centered self-care came incredible blessing and ministry...
The Premise:
Typically we think of leadership as leading down. Hock, the genius behind the Visa company, argues that this is too one-dimensional; that the most effective leadership has a 360 degree nature.
Hybels likens it to a compass, as the image shows. Obviously, the imagery is intentional as a compass is the tool which directs our leadership. As seen, there are four points and a center to the compass, each corresponding to a different area of leadership. I'll explain...
SELF
The leader must care for himself first. This might seem unethical or selfish or narcissistic but here me out. If I am not leading myself; i.e. staying grounded in prayer, family, discipline, reflection, exercise, etc., my leadership will certainly suffer. If I focus all my time on leading down but don't care for my own growth, the organization will stagnate and I will burnout in micromanagement. The same will happen with an over-focus on pleasing superiors. Undue focus on peers will leave me satisfied socially but suffering vocationally. And so effective leadership starts with the self. So much so that Hock thinks 50% of our energy should be placed here!
UPWARD
Hock uses the term, "leading your superiors." I had to wrad my mind around that for a while. Hybels again describes it as "leading up" not "sucking up". There are four components to practicing this healthily:
- Do your job well! It all starts with being dependable. In this way your boss need not micromanage you, but rather resource you. The more you do your job, the less he does your job, and the more
- Establish relationships. Thereby you will better know one another's needs, and you can be better resourced.
- Know their style. Leaders lead differently; thee is no one pattern so discern and adjust. Again this frees your superior from micromanagement.
- Dream with them. Send them ideas, not problems.
PEER (INSIDE)
This refers to those in the organization. Hock gives 10% of our energy here, ensuring constructive relationships while keeping drama to the minimum.
PEER (OUTSIDE)
Refers to friends outside. This also receives 10% and refers to colleagues socially and in the marketplace. If we are not learning from peers how will we best advance?
DOWNWARD
So leaves leaves only 5% of our energy in leading down. The hope is that those under our authority are so motivated by our character (ie SELF), by our example of "leading up" and by the model of our camaraderie with peers, that they will replicate this diagram and likewise apply the same percentages. In this way, leading down is only to clarify information gaps, offer minor correctives, and to lavish affirmations as we wee them.
Could it work in the church? Without getting to deeply into it, it is interesting to notice that the most celebrated Biblical characters, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul, clearly spent intentional energy to better themselves with God. Out of this God centered self-care came incredible blessing and ministry...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Southern Rain
It's currently pouring in Augusta and I'm LOVING it. I'm at the church with low lights and it's peacefully restful here while I read and write.
I need it - I've been feeling a lot of pressure between being at home with Hannah, loving Virginia well, and getting my work done for school. I kinda almost broke down this morning but a generous friend offered to take Hannah for a few hours and I'm getting a much needed "brain refresher" here at the church, soothed by the rhythm of the rain, the softness of the gray clouds, and the merciful coolness of the air. Lord, thank for this rain! I'm reminded of one of my favorite passages:
I love the imagery of God working through us both for our own benefit (the eater) and to benefit others (sower). I find great encouragement and rest here...
So I love me a good southern thunderstorm. You count on them just about every afternoon this time of year. That makes this morning shower all the more special. Lord, refresh us with the rain of your love and promises and purposes, that we may grown into them and return out fruit to your service...
I need it - I've been feeling a lot of pressure between being at home with Hannah, loving Virginia well, and getting my work done for school. I kinda almost broke down this morning but a generous friend offered to take Hannah for a few hours and I'm getting a much needed "brain refresher" here at the church, soothed by the rhythm of the rain, the softness of the gray clouds, and the merciful coolness of the air. Lord, thank for this rain! I'm reminded of one of my favorite passages:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
~Is. 55:8-11
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
~Is. 55:8-11
I love the imagery of God working through us both for our own benefit (the eater) and to benefit others (sower). I find great encouragement and rest here...
So I love me a good southern thunderstorm. You count on them just about every afternoon this time of year. That makes this morning shower all the more special. Lord, refresh us with the rain of your love and promises and purposes, that we may grown into them and return out fruit to your service...
Monday, August 2, 2010
Catalyst 10: Chris Seay and New Gnosticism
I forgot to get this in the Chris Seay post! I was going to go back and edit but I think this idea is worth its own post.
Anyway it has to do with criticism given to churches like Ecclesia, the one Chris leads, from those who think they focus too much on the "social gospel" and too little on "getting folks saved." Ah, the age old debate. Which is more important?
And the answer? Yes.
Both And! Jesus both healed the body, eg serving the poor, and the soul, eg directing the people toward a relationship with their heavenly father. So I've been all about this BOTH AND understanding for some time, however Chris's comments took it to a new level.
Basically he compared focusing on people's souls as more important than addressing felt needs to the recurring heresy of gnosticism. Essentially, gnostics view the Spirit realm as separate and distinct from physical realm. The spirit is good, while the physical is evil. They went so far as to deny the suffering of the Christ in his physical body as this was detesable to them.
The Bible clearly refutes gnostic claims in certain passages an themes, not the least of which is that Jesus lived in human flesh, and while here, both addressed physical needs and exhorted others to do the same.
So that was my aha! The Gospel is holistic. Serving the physical is a means of serving the should. They are one and the same. I'd be welcome to any comments, but does this sound right? That placing the proclaimed Gospel above the social Gospel leans toward gnosticism?
Anyway it has to do with criticism given to churches like Ecclesia, the one Chris leads, from those who think they focus too much on the "social gospel" and too little on "getting folks saved." Ah, the age old debate. Which is more important?
And the answer? Yes.
Both And! Jesus both healed the body, eg serving the poor, and the soul, eg directing the people toward a relationship with their heavenly father. So I've been all about this BOTH AND understanding for some time, however Chris's comments took it to a new level.
Basically he compared focusing on people's souls as more important than addressing felt needs to the recurring heresy of gnosticism. Essentially, gnostics view the Spirit realm as separate and distinct from physical realm. The spirit is good, while the physical is evil. They went so far as to deny the suffering of the Christ in his physical body as this was detesable to them.
The Bible clearly refutes gnostic claims in certain passages an themes, not the least of which is that Jesus lived in human flesh, and while here, both addressed physical needs and exhorted others to do the same.
So that was my aha! The Gospel is holistic. Serving the physical is a means of serving the should. They are one and the same. I'd be welcome to any comments, but does this sound right? That placing the proclaimed Gospel above the social Gospel leans toward gnosticism?
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