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As a pastoral staff, we are currently reading through Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley.  Here are a few thoughts on discipleship from Stanley: We don't believe classes create mature believers. Classes create smart believers. So we have never approached spiritual formation as a cognitive exercise. We have a much more holistic approach. we determined that faith is what grows in a growing relationship. Specifically, a person's confidence in God. Confidence that God is who he says he is and that he will do what he has promised to do. . .As a person's confidence in God grows, he or she matures. It's unfortunate that someone can grow up hearing sermons and Sunday school lessons, yet never be captivated by the Scriptures. But, unfortunately, that seems to be the rule rather than the exception. There is a direct correlation between a person's private devotional life and his or her personal faith. If you capture someone's heart, you will eventually get his hand...

As I shared via a picture yesterday, I am reading three books right now.  They are Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley, Charis by Preston Sprinkle, and Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler. Here are quotes from each: Deep & Wide In other words, churches shouldn't do anything that makes it unnecessarily difficult for people who are turning to God. So we have never approached spiritual formation as a cognitive exercise. We have a much more holistic approach. Charis The Old Testament is a kaleidoscope of grace. And this book will admire its beauty. Genesis, Exodus, even Judges and Kings--they're all greedy to be read by tired Christians seeking rest. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea--all singularly fixated upon God's stubborn grace. The Old Testament is one thick, adventurous narrative of God's reckless love toward unlovable people. Grace. Charis. But biblical grace--or charis , as you'll see--doesnt' like to settle down.   Recovering Redemption It's...

After about a month, I am back at my favorite reading location. Here is what I am reading right now. Check back later for quotes and thoughts!

You can read my notes from all of the speakers in previous blog posts.  Today, I am sharing some of my favorites from different speakers: Don't assume God is not at work in certain people or certain places. Be looking or listening for how God is already working. (Deb Hirsch) When Jesus says one thing and we experience something else, it should lead us to ask why. (Lance Ford) Discipleship is moving from unbelief to belief in all of life. All sin comes from unbelief. 4 Truths about God: God is Great so you don't have to be in control. God is Glorious so you don't have to fear others. God is Good so you don't have to look elsewhere for your satisfaction. God is Gracious so you don't have to prove yourself to self, others or God. (Caesar Kalinowski) The church needs to have a big front door-new believers. The church needs to have a big back door-church planting. (Nicky Gumbel) Repentance means to believe the truth and live in light of that truth....

Communicating with Unchurched People in the Room Approach You know your BIG idea You know your Application Approach? The reason you care about approach is because you care deeply. If you don't care what people do with what you say, you don't care about people. 1 Corinthians 9:19-20-Who are you? It depends who I am talking to. Too often we are trying to make a point rather than make a difference. Bait into passage of Scripture I cannot make someone fall in love with Jesus. But I can set up dates. Challenge Avoid, "The Bible says, and instead, quote authors. The foundation of our faith is not the Bible. The foundation of our faith is an event (resurrection). The problem with "The Bible says" is what else the Bible says. You take the Bible seriously because you take Jesus seriously and Jesus took the Old Testament seriously. Our culture has written off the Bible and Old Testament, but people still want a piece of Jesus. Cite Authors James, the brother of Jesus, writ...

This workshop included the following speakers: Tim Keller (video), James Meek, Matt Chandler, and Andy Stanley Tim Keller All preaching should be evangelistic. The whole Bible is about Jesus. It all points to Jesus. 4 Skill Issues To Address Non-Christians Persuade with people's own beliefs Solve heart problems with the gospel 2 Corin. 8 (instead of focus on the will) Demonstrate what it is like to not believe (depict & describe fears,doubts,etc.) Occasionally address non-believers directly (apologetic sidebars) Andy Stanley, James Meeks, Matt Chandler Panel Churches that create environments for outsiders are more positive. (AS) In my life, church was do this and do that not about the gospel (MC) We have let the culture define us (media, TV, movies) (JM) People are not on a truth quest, but instead a happiness quest. (AS) The gospel is for eternity and the here and now. We need to get eyes on Jesus. You are saved from something and saved to something. Learn about preaching/teac...

As you read this, I am headed to Orlando, Florida for the Exponential Conference.  Check back throughout this week for posts from the conference.  I look forward to hearing from several great speakers such as Matt Chandler, Rick Warren, Jonathan Dodson, Robby Gallaty, Andy Stanley, Tim Keller and many more. 

On Friday morning at Orange, Andy Stanley gave a great talk on staff culture.  Here are some notes from his message: "Healthy and productive staff cultures occur by mutual submission." The Message of Mutual Submission is "I'm here to facilitate your success regardless of where you show up on the organization chart. The Assumption of Mutual Submission is "While our responsibilities differ, we are both essential to the success of the enterprise. The Question of Mutual Submission is "How can I help?" "Only one with a special anointing is Jesus." He shared the following best practices: Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. Systematize top-down service. Create and maintain a sustainable pace. Celebrate and reward mutual submission when you see it. Confront your ego. Drop the term loyalty from your vocabulary. Starting point for these best practices is the question, "How can I help?"

I am sitting in airport ready to get home. I will be posting notes from Orange Conference over the next week. Check back for thoughts from Andy Stanley, Doug Fields, Kara Powell, Jon Acuff, Ted Lowe, Dan Scott,  Yancey, & Terry Scalzitti.