"In honor & memory of Kyle Lake, I've decided to re-post his interview for those who didn't know much about him and for the many who are looking for more info on his life."
Kyle Lake
Bio: Kyle Lake is the pastor of University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and author of Understanding God's Will: How to Hack the Equation Without Formulas and (re)Understanding Prayer: A Fresh Approach to Conversation with God.
Church: University Baptist Church
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Kyle, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Kyle: "As of today, I think the thing that probably attracts my attention more than anything is seeing someone genuinely explore an aspect of life, ministry, God beyond the commonly held assumptions that their culture has provided for them. Not for the satisfaction found in being a renegade but because there's an authentic pursuit of truth about the world in which they live."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Kyle: "Besides waiters singing the birthday song in a public restaurant? That's definitely my biggest pet peeve as a leader. And I guess this too: critique without alternatives given."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Kyle: "What a difficult question. At first reading I thought: in what aspect of leadership?? Some of these would be known and many not known. For instance, my friend Brandon Cathey has inadvertently taught me most what a life looks like where pride is not central. And my friend Joel "Bubba" Smith has inadvertently taught me most about selflessness. -Things I know very little about. David Crowder has inadvertently taught me how to center your reality in your mission rather than your reality being rooted in the voices of others. Brian McLaren has taught me many things, foremost the humility he displays despite critique."
4. What books have changed your life?
Kyle: "Since I have such poor retention, I can only speak to the here and now. Right now, The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero. Colossians Remixed by Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Kyle: "As of today, one of the things I'm learning more and more is to trust my intuitions, my leanings and to lead out in those things."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Kyle: "Unsure if these are personal goals or if these goals are related to my leadership position within my particular church? I think I can speak to both since my hope is the same both personally and professionally. I carry the expectation that I will always be (and my church will always be) in a truer place--truer to God, ourselves and our mission year after year...a more thoughtful place year after year...an emotionally-healthier place year after year."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Kyle: "Hopefully in the same place. Pastor of University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas"
Thanks Kyle for a great interview!
The Leadership Blog Interview: Kyle Lake
Pastor Kyle Lake electrocuted in church
I was wondering what happened yesterday, the google searches for Kyle Lake were through the roof on my referral logs yesterday, because of his interview. Then in my inbox were several emails with the news. "The Rev Kyle Lake, 33, was standing in water up to his shoulder in a baptismal at University Baptist Church when he was electrocuted, said Jamie Dudley, a church business administrator and wife of another pastor there." Read the article here. Our prayers are with his family and church.
Friday Fun: And the Answer is: "Language"
Out of the several hundred Leadership Blog readers, only 13 got the question right!!
The question was:"Think of words ending in "-gry". "Angry" and "hungry" are two of them. There are only three words in "the English language." What's the third word?"
The question never asked for a third word ending in "gry"! Many people didn't take time and read the question slowly.
Here's the wise folks that got it right:
Jesse Anderson
Jeff Dowdle
Charles Duncan
Phil Gerbyshak
Andy Jack
Darrell Jordan
Chris Marsden
Ian McKenzie
Shane Mullin
Dan Ohlerking
Charlie Pharis
Benjamin Sternke
Kenny Tomlin
Riddle Me This...
"Think of words ending in "-gry". "Angry" and "hungry" are two of them. There are only three words in "the English language." What is the third word? The word is something that everyone uses every day. If you have listened carefully, I have already told you what it is." (Via Email)
No comments please, Email me your answer at leadership.blog@gmail.com. I will post the correct answer tomorrow and will link those who got it right!
The Leadership Blog Interview: Mel Lawrenz
Mel Lawrenz
Bio: Mel Lawrenz is the Senior Pastor of Elmbrook Church with over 6500 in attendance. He has served as a pastor at Elmbrook in a variety of capacities for the past twenty-two years, succeeding Stuart Briscoe as senior pastor in 2000.Mel has authored or co-authored eight books for popular and professional audiences. His newest book is Putting the Pieces Back Together: How Real Life and Faith Connect, published by Zondervan. He also publishes a bi-monthly email essay for spiritual growth which has about 4,000 subscribers in thirty different countries.
Church: Elmbrook Church
Blog: pieces.blogs.com
The Leadership Blog Interview
1. Mel,what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Mel: "Watching people break into the freedom from sin, guilt, and error that Christ brings. REALLY being free."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Mel: "Just how easily we slip into hypocrisy. How we take the gospel of Christ and tarnish it."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Mel: "My wise wife, Ingrid. My mentor, Stuart Briscoe. My favorite author, C.S. Lewis. And the incomparable John R. W. Stott."
4. What books have changed your life?
Mel: "Anything and everything written by Lewis or Stott. Also, a book every Christian leader should read: Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life; An Evangelical Theology of Renewal "
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Mel: "Keeping a diverse congregation convinced that the church really is the one place where we need to get our arms around all people."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Mel: "Faithfulness to God's leading. Don't rush, don't drag, don't flee, don't manufacture. See things the way God sees things and then influence people to move there."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Mel: "I've been a pastor for more than 25 years now, and honestly, I take it one year at a time."
Thanks Mel for an interesting interview!
Get Over The Hump Day Quote
Proverbs 26:16 - "Dreamers fantasize their self-importance; they think they are smarter than a whole college faculty." (The Message)
The Leadership Blog Interview: Mark Oestreicher
Mark Oestreicher
Bio: Mark is President of Youth Specialties and he’s written or contributed to numerous books for youth ministry.
Site: youthspecialties.com
Blog: ysmarko.com
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Mark: "This answer has changed dramatically for me in the past 18 months. Previously, I would have said something about seeing people "get it". but these days, I'm more jazzed about sharing power, and find great joy in seeing people understand their potential contribution and realize it. I get ecstatic when our people are empowered and freed to use their gifting; and when those otherwise disperate gifts come together in a synergistic way in alignment with our organizational mission."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Mark: "Whining. I could expound, but that pretty much says it."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Mark: "I'm sure all leaders (at least the good ones) have a plethora of answers for this question. Many have had a great influence on my leadership - some of them in a negative way I've had to undue through years of failure; but even those have shaped who I am and how I lead today. In more recent years, the two biggest influences have been Mike Yaconelli (the late founder of Youth Specialties, who was my boss for my first 5 years here), and Mark Dowds (a youth minister turned entreprenuer in Toronto, who has been consulting with us for the past year). Mike modeled passion and vision for me. Mark has taught me to be curious about other people, and to get over myself and give away power."
4. What books have changed your life?
Mark: "That's a broad question - so I'll narrow it to the books that have changed my perspective on leadership: Good to Great had a huge impact on me - especially the notion of a level 5 leaderMax DePree's books (especially Leading Without Power) have been huge Seth Godin's books (especially Purple Cow and Free Prize Inside) have shifted my thinking All the books by Brian McLaren have caused me to think in new ways"
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Mark: "Thinking systemically. Anyone can come up with a good idea. It takes a different kind of leadership to be able to see the systemic implications of a good idea."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Mark: "Personally, my biggest goal as a leader is to continue growing. I am still so far from being the leader I want to be and need to be. But I'm encouraged that God is doing such a great work in my heart (and leadership abilities) in the past few years - so I believe my best years are still to come.Outwardly, my goals for our organization, as I alluded to above, are to have shared power, freedom to ideate without repercution (conversely, to be lauded), a curious approach to all tension and disagreement, and to continue operating in the blessing of God."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Mark: "Right here at Youth Specialties. We're in a semi-radical phase of re-invention and change, and I'm excited about seeing what it looks like in ten years! "
Buzz Worthy
The Buzz Conference put on by The Master of Buzz, Mark Batterson and National Community Church is now taking registration. Here's the link for more info.
The Leadership Blog Interview: Todd Hudson
Todd Hudson
Bio: Todd Hudson is Senior Pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Parker, CO with an attendance of over 3000. Todd and SCC were also featured in this month's Vision Mag.
Church: Southeast Christian Church
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Todd, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Todd: "I can’t think of a greater joy than to see people’s lives changed. When I get an email or a hear a testimony of how someone’s life was changed through my leadership from the pulpit as they are taught the word of God in a way that makes sense to them and connects with them and life change happens-that to me is what it is all about. When I see that glow in their eyes that says for the first time they really get it and are going to live it that brings greater joy to me than anything else."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Todd: "There is nothing that gets me fired up more than long time Christians who still think church is all about them. It’s about their needs, catering to their desires, and should be done their way instead of being willing to put their personal preferences on a shelf to reach a whole new generation of lost people for Jesus Christ."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Todd: "That’s a really hard questions to answer because many people have influenced me in many different ways both through relationships and from afar. For instance my dad who is a faithful pastor has had a huge influence upon my life as I grew up watching his leadership. I have a great friend named Rod who has been both a successful business executive and pastor and through his mentoring me like an older brother he has taught me a lot about leadership. But then there are also those people who I don’t know personally but have influenced me from afar-people like Ed Young Jr. who challenged me to think more creatively, like Andy Stanley who has a way of taking profound leadership principles and making them very simple, like Bill Hybels who was willing to do church for unchurched people. These and many others have had a profound impact on my life and leadership."
4. What books have changed your life?
Todd: "I can’t answer this as a pastor without saying first the Bible right? And what more life changing book has there ever been than that one. Without the message of hope found there, there really is no life change. Beyond that, there have been many. In the leadership realm particularly, Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels which taught me the importance of leading up and not just down-of being a 360 degree leader. And the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren which took much of what I believed about church growth and leadership and packaged it in a way that really connected with me and made sense."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Todd: "I think my biggest challenge is to continually grow myself to the next level as a leader. In the past 15 years I’ve gone from leading a small church to a medium sized church to now an ever growing megachurch. I know I can’t lead the same way tomorrow as I do today. So I constantly try to read and seek counsel of leaders who lead at a higher level so I can continue to grow myself to new leadership levels. I remember years ago, learning from John Maxwell the importance of always having a growth plan as a leader and this is something I constantly strive to do. I know I’m capable today to lead a staff of 35 and a church of 3000 but if I don’t grow I won’t be ready to lead a staff of 60 and a church of 6000."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Todd: "I want to walk with God intimately so I can hear His voice always. I only want to lead as a pastor, father, or husband in a way that takes people where He wants us to go. I want to be able to say to everyone in my life, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Todd: "I can’t imagine myself doing anything other than what I’m doing right now. I hope to preach and lead and impact lives for His kingdom for the rest of my life."
Todd, Thanks for taking time for the interview! I look forward to listening to your mp3s on your church site.
Multi-site Revolution
Seacoast Pastor and blogger Greg Surratt is sharing the notes he taught at a recent Multi-site Conference titled "Five multi-site myths". You can check them out and download them here.
The Gospel According to Anne Rice
The former queen of the occult, Anne Rice, now a Christian, will publish "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," a novel about the 7-year-old Jesus, narrated by Christ himself. "I promised," she says, "that from now on I would write only for the Lord." It's the most startling public turnaround since Bob Dylan's "Slow Train Coming" announced that he'd been born again. Read the whole article here. Link via Bill.
The Leadership Blog Interview: Dan Kimball
Dan Kimball
Bio: Dan Kimball is the founding pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also author of "The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations" & "Emerging Worship: Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations"
Blog: http://www.dankimball.com/
Church: www.vintagechurch.org
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Dan: "Without a doubt it is seeing people understanding the mission God has called us to, and as a community being on the mission together. Each person using their unique gifts and everyone seeing the importance of being in this together and the need for all the gifts, personalities, and dreams functioning as one."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Dan: "Leaders who are afraid of change. I don’t mean change without thinking about it, or change for change sake (which also can be a pet peeve as this means trendy change). But when there is need for change and evidence for it, yet leaders still cling on to what they find as familiar to them, this is damaging. Or to only cling onto things that worked in the past, so it must still be good for today – this is a huge downfall in allowing effective mission to happen as well it will discourage listening to new ideas and understanding values from emerging leaders."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Dan: "Different people have influenced me in different ways, but without thinking too much on this, ones who comes to mind are Stuart Allen, a 83 year old pastor of a tiny, tiny church in England who took me under his wing when I was a pretty new Christian and taught me the importance of mentoring another, seeing past their façade or dress and believing in them. Another is my father-in-law Rod Clendenen who taught me the importance of worshiping throughout the week. Another is Dr. Mitchell, who was a 93 year old professor and founded Multnomah Bible College who met with me while I was a student and taught me to love the Scriptures. My parents shaped my view of marriage and family which does impact me as a leader today. So many people every week that I meet shape me and influence me, people in the church, the staff at my church etc. So, I see influence as being molded constantly. Of course, the correct answer to this is “Jesus” as the biggest influence, but that is almost too cliché to even say and an assumption under this all.
4. What books have changed your life?
Dan: "Too many. I think of them more as influenced my thinking and perspective, not a single one that changed my life. And it depends on what part of my life and during what phase of my life. Some books that I know impacted me significantly when I read them are: Missional Church by Darrell Guder, The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard, Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels, The Catcher in the Rye by by J.D. Salinger and of course, can’t forget the Bible. "
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Dan: "To always keep at the forefront the role of leadership in a church to be fully understood by the people in a church. What I mean by this, is that if the paid staff leaders truly are Ephesians 4:11-12 equipping others for the work of the ministry, then it means that the staff has to view their role different and the people of the church need to view the staff and themselves differently. This is hard to do, and even with non-Christians coming in from the outside, they still have perceived understandings of what the “pastor” is that also needs to be re-taught. From this, time then becomes the challenge. How to best leverage and spend time to build a church who is on a mission together, rather than a church built around the personality and gifts of the lead pastor. Also, with this approach it is critical to have a healthy leadership culture where people serving are truly cared for and supported and not just used by the church and burnt out. We are in great sin in my opinion when we allow this to happen to people serving on the mission of the church."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Dan: "To walk with God in a such a way where I can be sensing His leading in all areas of my life and continually be growing in my love for Him and other people. This is the ultimate goal which impacts everything I do as a husband, father, pastor, leader."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Dan: "Encouraging people to “be the church on a mission” rather than “going to church” and to be training and building leaders for the mission Jesus has the local church on."
Thanks Dan for an interesting interview!
My Creative Team: What's God's Will?
You can join my Creative Team for the day. We're planning, working on, and brainstorming for a new series on "What's God's Will" at church. What questions do people have or what questions need to be answered concerning God's will? Leave Your questions, comments, or ideas in the comments, please. Thanks.
Here's a short list of the main questions, we're focusing on so far:
-Why God's Will?
-What about when God's Silent?
-What about God's timing?
-What if I'm out of God's Will?
200+
Went over the 200 post mark on "The Leadership Blog" this weekend. Time flies when you're having fun! Woo-hoo!
The Leadership Blog Interview: Dr. Neil T. Anderson
Dr. Neil T. Anderson
Bio: Neil T. Anderson is the president emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries and a much sought–after speaker on Christ–centered living. Besides the bestselling books The Bondage Breaker®, Victory over the Darkness, and Daily in Christ, he has authored The Bondage Breaker® Series. He has also coauthored many books, including Getting Anger Under Control and Breaking the Bondage of Legalism.
Site: discipleshipcounselingministries.org
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Neil: "I receive the greatest joy when God works through me to set captives free from their sin and their past and bind up their broken hearts."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Neil: "My biggest pet peeve is when arrogant “Christian” leaders reduce our walk with God down to an intellectual exercise and insist that others must be wrong when they don’t agree with them. Where is the gracious humility, love and compassion that reveals the life of Christ?"
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Neil: "I thank God for John, a simple maintenance man who worked at the same plant that I did when I was an engineer. This humble servant helped me see in my early Christian walk that leadership is not about gifts, talents, intelligence, or position; it is all about Godly character."
4. What books have changed your life?
Neil: “The Training of the Twelve” helped shaped my understanding of the gospels and the life of discipleship."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Neil: "My biggest challenge is to keep my first love fresh and exciting by staying in a righteous relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Neil: "My goal is to be the person God created me to be."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Neil: "If I am still on this planet in ten years, I hope to be a resource to the body of Christ in any way that God leads."
Thank you Dr. Anderson for taking time for the interview. Your books have impacted my life and ministry.
Like a kid on Christmas
Tim Elzea, my new buddy and Mark Batterson's new Assistant, just sent me a "popcorn box" full of National Community Church Material in the mail. Included were several series invites and postcards, Mark's book and a sermon series and all kinds of goodies. I love the "popocorn box" idea since they meet in a Movie Theater. I have to say this stuff is top of the line, better than some megachurch stuff I've seen. Mark and NCC are doing it with excellence and are buzzworthy. After seeing this, I want to attend their Buzz Conference in May.
Review: A+
If any other churches, want to send me stuff, contact me for my address. =)
The Leadership Blog Interview: Ed Rowell
Ed Rowell
Bio: Ed Rowell is the senior pastor of Tri-Lakes Chapel in Monument, Colorado. He’s a former editor of Leadership Journal and Preaching Today. His books include Preaching with Spiritual Passion, Go the Distance, and a novel, Emma’s Journal.
Church: Tri-Lakes Chapel
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Ed, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Ed: "It is gratifying to look around and see things in existence that might not have been had a leader not heard God’s voice, put forth the vision, laid out a strategy, and called people to action. New believers, new ministries, maturing Christ-followers, improved facilities, all these bring great satisfaction.
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Ed: "Pettiness. Petty behavior, whether it is in me, or in others, is evidence that we’ve lost focus on the big picture and are beginning to focus on self."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Ed: "There have been several influences, both up close and from a distance. But I’d say Bill Hybels continues to challenge me and remind me why I need to stay in the game like no one else. I first attended a Willow Creek conference in 1987, and have been strengthened, challenged, and encouraged by Bill ever since."
4. What books have changed your life?
Ed: "I read 30-50 books every year and have gleaned from all of them. But there are a few I go back to virtually every year to reread. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien—these books always touch me deeply and I believe are having lasting impact in my actions and attitudes."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Ed: "Battling discouragement and cynicism. I’m like a doctor who keeps getting bent because all his patients act like sick people. Effective self-leadership is my biggest struggle."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Ed: "To finish well, not to burn out or grow too discouraged to make the journey."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Ed: "I hope to still be leading Tri-Lakes Chapel, but to have expanded my writing significantly."
Thanks Ed for a great interview!
The Leadership Blog Interview: Greg Rohlinger
Greg Rohlinger
Bio: Greg Rohlinger is Senior Pastor of Palm Valley Community Church.
Church: Palm Valley Community Church
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Greg: "Life change, I’m addicted to it. I love looking around and seeing people whose lives have been changed. I can’t believe God lets me be a part of this. I also love seeing people who didn’t think they had much to offer, now being used by God is big ways. That’s my story, so I love to see God’s power unleashed in the lives of others."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Greg: "People who aren’t sold out to building the Kingdom. It drives me crazy when staff or volunteers act like they’re entitled to something. I’d be glad to clean toilets at Palm Valley (and I have). I don’t do well with people who are lazy or complain about having to go the extra distance. They don’t last long with us."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Greg: 1) Don Engram. Nobody knows him, but he’s my father in law. When I was a new believer he took me under his wing and discipled me. He pastored 3 churches in his life, all of them experienced significant growth. He just retired after 55 years of ministry, but he’s still involved in his church.
2) Rick Warren. Rick opened my eyes to what a church could be. I was stuck in the traditional mold, and dying. My first trip to Saddleback unleashed my potential. I’ve learned a ton from Rick about building a healthy church. If it wasn’t for Rick’s influence I don’t think I would have ever started Palm Valley Church.
3) Ed Young. Ed’s an incredible visionary leader. Spending time with him is like drinking from a fire hydrant. I love that he speaks his mind and doesn’t pull any punches. He’s challenged me to be more creative, and to never settle for “good enough”. I’ve been able to spend a little time with him this year and it’s been the most valuable ministry growth moments in the past two years for me. I am however, a better dresser than him. =)
4. What books have changed your life?
Greg: 1) The Bible. I know, cliché, but it’s changed my life.
2) Purpose Driven Church, taught me what a New Testament church looked like and gave me confidence to start one.
3) Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. Opened my eyes to my giving potential and priorities. Great little book.
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Greg: "Prioritizing time. As our church grows the demands for my time grow. I’m a pastor at heart, so it’s hard for me to say no, but I have to. I’m learning to get people around me who are good at blocking for me."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Greg: 1) To become more like Christ. I see the areas I need to grow, and I want to become mature.
2) To lead Palm Valley to become a prevailing church in the west valley of Phoenix. I want to see us reach thousands upon thousands for Christ, and disciple them to maturity in their faith.
3) I want to find new, creative ways to grow God’s Kingdom. I love some of the cutting edge stuff happening in the Church realm today, and I want to be in the lead.
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Greg: 1) Spending a ton of time at my kids games. I’ve got 3 boys who will be in jr/sr high school in 10 years, I expect to be in the stands cheering them on. 1 girl on the way, so I’ll probably be hitting some ballet sessions also J
2) Pastoring Palm Valley Church. I love being a pastor, and I love the people of our church. I’ll be standing on the curb each Saturday/Sunday high 5’ing kids as they walk in, and teaching God’s Word in creative (hopefully) ways.
3) Writing. I’d love to share my journey with others. I think I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons, and I’d love to help young leaders maximize their potential for the Kingdom.
Greg, Thanks for a great interview!
Are you in?
-About 70,000 new blogs are created every day
-About a new blog is created each second
-As of October 2005, Technorati is now tracking 19.6 million blogs
Read the whole "State of the Blogosphere" report here. Link via Terry.
How to Keep Your Pastor
-40% of the church's leaders are thinking about bailing out
-90 percent of pastors work more than 46 hours a week.
- 80 percent believe their ministry negatively affects their family.
- 70 percent have a lower self-esteem now than when they started.
- 40 percent have a serious conflict with a congregant at least once a month.
- 70 percent do not have someone they consider a close friend.
Read the whole article here link via Brenton.
Largest Church in Kentucky
Last night, Rupp Arena became the largest church in Kentucky, where basketball is a religion, when Kentucky's Big Blue Madness happened. My wife, 8 year old son, and I were one of the 23,174 fans who filled Rupp Arena to watch the Wildcats practice basketball. That's right, it was just a practice!
The Leadership Blog Interview: Ed Stetzer
Ed Stetzer
Bio: Ed Stetzer has trained pastors and church planters on five continents and has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. He has been a seminary professor, author, and ministry consultant. He serves as Research Team Director and Missiologist at the North American Mission Board. He has two books forthcoming in April '06, Planting New Churches, 2nd edition and Breaking the Missional Code.
Site: www.namb.net; www.newchurches.com
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Ed, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Ed: "I wish there was a more eloquent way to put it, but there probably is not. So... I would say that I love to see when people "get it"-- when they grasp the concepts that matter. For me and the ministry call God has on my life, that means they embrace a "missional" perspective on the gospel, church, and life. By "missional," I mean that they choose to engage in ministry that is an incarnation of Christ, indigenous to their context, and intentionally engaging people in culture with the truth claims of the gospel. There is nothing more exciting to me than to see that moment when people grasp the kingdom implications of gospel-centered ministry. "
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Ed: "Wet blankets. It seems that every group, church, and denomination has a self appointed person or group who consider it their job to criticize. I don't think criticism is bad, it just is usually offered by the "wet blanket" types with such joy and enthusiasm! I like those whose mission is to help make things better, not to attack those who are trying to make them better."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Ed: "Steve Morgan is one. Not because he was a great leader or incredibly well known, but because he poured his life into me. He challenged me to read Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship when I was 16 years of age and it changed my life. On other is Mark Terry. Mark knows more about mission than anyone I know. I dedicate one of my books to him describing how I came in as a guy who knew how to plant a church, but he molded me into a missiologist. In the dedication I wrote, "I knew the 'hows' of church planting, but you taught me the 'whys' of missions."
4. What books have changed your life?
Ed: "Beyond the scriptures, the most influential books for me are some obscure books that most normal people probably don't know. I would say Roland Allen's Spontaneous Expansion of the Church and Bosch's Transforming Mission were impactful on my life. I mentioned The Cost of Discipleship before and that was a tremendous influence at a young age."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Ed: "I do not do well taking care of my own physical health. I get too excited reading, writing, speaking that I neglect my health. I hate exercise... and love communicating, so it is obvious which one I choose. That is a bad long term strategy."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Ed: "I will share three. My first goal is to be a more committed disciple and to lead myself better-- in personal spiritual formation and physical health. My second goal is to be a godly leader of my home, loving my wife and three daughters. My third goal to help evangelicals to move out of a self-affirming subculture and proclaim and radical gospel in the cultures of North America."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Ed: "I will answer that from a ministry standpoint, since I dealt with the personal issues above. First, I will be actively connected to the life of a local church. God convicted me that I have been flying around the world talking about church and mission, but not really connected to the mission of my own church. So, I partnered with two very gifted guys, Philip Nation and Travis Vaughn, as co-pastors planting Lake Ridge Church. In ten years, I plan to be pouring my life into that church (or its daughter churches)-- and still learning from Travis and Philip.
Second, I have a great mission agency where I serve, the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Right now it seems that people in the SBC (and evangelicalism) are asking many of the right questions-- how do we reach people in culture?, how can our churches continue to proclaim a faithful gospel but become more missionally effective in emerging culture? As long as we are asking those questions, I will stay here at the North American Mission Board and continue to serve as Missiologist and Research Team Director. It is a great privilege to work with a group of people who ask everyday, "how can we reach people for Christ?"
Thanks Ed for taking time for the interview.
Shocked!
I've been waiting for official "Confirmation" from one of our District Officials, before I announced it here, but I was elected as one of the Presbyters for the KY District of the A/G. I was shocked to be elected and I told everyone I would turn it down if nominated, because I was too busy but something wouldn't let me do it. I probably am one of the youngest Presbyters in the whole A/G at the ripe old age of 30 years old, but it's a major honor.
The Leadership Blog Interview: Dr. Walt Kallestad
Dr. Walt Kallestad
Bio: During Walt Kallestad's 26 years as Senior Pastor of Community Church of Joy, the church has grown from 200 to over 10,000 members. Walt graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Walt also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Joy Company, a 180-acre master-planned mission center in Arizona.
A popular national and international speaker, Walt presents an inspiring vision for reaching non-churched people with the message of Jesus Christ, and he helps leaders sharpen their call for ministry. Some of Walt's books include: Turn Your Church Inside Out; The Everyday, Anytime Guide To Christian Leadership; The Everyday, Anytime Guide to Prayer; Wake Up Your Dreams; Christian Faith: The Basics and Be Your Own Creative Coach
Church: Community Church of Joy
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Walt: "Watching the people I lead begin to lead like Jesus led. I don't want people following me. I want them to follow Jesus."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Walt: "People who take leadership too lightly."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Walt: "Jesus -no one else is even close."
4. What books have changed your life?
Walt: "The Bible. All other books are supplemental."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Walt: "Leading myself. I am my toughest challenge. Always."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Walt: "To lead as Jesus led and do what Jesus did."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Walt: "Wherever God wants me! That's where I desperately want to be!"
Thanks Walt for taking time for the interview!
Get Over the Hump Day Quote: Connected?
"When I disconnect from technology (during vacation), the more connected I feel to God. Maybe I'm on to something." -Me
No Retreat, No Surrender
I don't retreat but I am taking the wife and kids on a vacation for a few days. I pray there is NO internet connection, if you know what I mean!
Ed Young Podcast
It's great to see Ed Young and Fellowship Church get into Podcasting and looks like now offering a free weekly MP3! Click here for the Free Mp3.
Catalyst Conference
Tony Morgan has the best notes from the Catalyst Conference, here's notes from Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Donald Miller, John Maxwell, Erwin McManus. Jason also has some great pics from Day 1.
The Leadership Blog Interview: Bob Roberts
Bob Roberts
Bio: Bob is founder and Senior Pastor of NorthWood Church. The church started September 15, 1985. NorthWood’s membership is now over 2500 and weekly attendance averages 2000+. NorthWood has planted in excess of 89 churches in the US.
Bob is a national and international speaker and thinker in transforming people, churches, communities and the world. He works throughout the world on nation building projects. He has been instrumental in building schools, clinics and hospitals in other countries. He has worked extensively on church planting with many denominations, institutions and organizations throughout the US in identifying new places to start churches and train church planters and in the placement and strategy of new churches.
Church: NorthWood Church
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Bob, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Bob: "Seeing someone raised up and doing things they never thought they could or would."
2. What is your biggest pet peave as a leader?
Bob: "Dealing with people, laymen and pastors, who don't see the whole or the big picture."
3. Who made the biggest influence on your life as a leader?
Bob: "No one person--but many, Bobb Beihl, Bob Buford, Robert Clinton, Leith Anderson - lots of biographies"
4. What books have changed your life?
Bob: "The Bible first and foremost would probably be the only one that has changed me, but many have impacted me. Willard - Divine Conspiracy, Stanley Jones - Mastery - and anything else he wrote. Bonhoeffer, Ghandi's Autobiography, Tolstoy - The Kingdom of God is within you and Confessions"
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Bob: "To stay focused - I'm a local church pastor. We plant lots of churches, I also work globally - keeping it all streamlined and integrated. I've had to learn to say no a lot the past 5 years, hasn't been easy."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Bob: "I want to first and foremost know God deeply and hear His voice where I am doing exactly what He wants. Secondly, I want to have fun with my wife and raise 3 world class leaders in my children. Thirdly, I want to redefine what church is."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Bob: "Continuing to love God, having fun, and taking risks "
Thanks Bob for taking the interview!
Get Over The Hump Day Quote
"In serving others, salvation is the ultimate motive but not our ulterior motive." -Sam Williams, quoted in "The Externally Focused Church".
The Leadership Blog Interview: Rudy Carrasco
Rudy Carrasco
Bio: Rudy Carrasco is the executive director of the Harambee Christian Family Center in Pasadena, California. A writer by training, his articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Christianity Today, Religion News Service, the Pasadena Star News and other publications. He is a 2006 contributor to the Christian Vision Project. In 2002 Rudy was inducted into the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Alumni Hall of Fame. In May, 2001 he joined a group of nine Hispanic religious leaders from around the country who advised President George W. Bush on the faith-based initiative. In 1996 Rudy was selected as One of 50 Leaders Under The Age Of 40 To Watch by Christianity Today. He serves on the board of directors of World Vision, the Christian Community Development Association, and TechMission.
Site: Harambee Ministries
Blog: Urbanonramps.com
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Rudy: "I love it when people in my circle of influence get a new perspective on an existing situation. For example, race remains a big issue in America, and we need new ways of thinking about it that go beyond black and white. Well, going beyond black and white is easier said than done. But it's possible,and in my experience it requires being interdisciplinary about race. For example, when examining race and poverty, I often find that a given situation has much less to do with race and much more to do with general poverty that afflicts people of all cultures and nationalities. And that's one way to make progress in race relations,by recognizing that the core of every problems is not necessarily racial.
It is a challenge for existing urban and multiethnic leaders to think in fresh ways about race, because racism continues to be an issue thatwe, as leaders and pastor in urban contexts, feel the most. But if we don't get fresh perspectives, we'll burn out from hopelessness. So I get great joy when other begin to "think outside the box" when it cometo race. I could say this about other areas, too: Economics. Ministry to the Poor. Cross-cultural. etc."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Rudy: "Related to #1, my biggest pet peeve is when people in leadership do not approach an issue from an interdisciplinary point of view. I used to just feel like I was about to waste a lot of time with someone who"didn't get it." Now I realize it's just ongoing work to encourage one another to think in a more complex ways about issues. By "more complex" I don't mean "many good solutions" or "everyone has a valid point" or other such equivalizations. I mean that the solution is not always obvious, so you have to keep looking under rocks (so to speak), and in some unlikely places, to find that single solution."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Rudy: "Dr. John Perkins. I was his assistant for three years. I walked where he walked, sat in on private meetings, drove around with him, traveled with him. I spent a lot of "unofficial" time with him. That allowed me to learn from what he did, not just what he said and wrote. I had an innermost window into his life, and I could see his integrity, heart,and vision for myself. He convinced me with his actions, and his wordsgave structure and clarity to those actions. I try to do the same withthose in my circle of influence."
4. What books have changed your life?
Rudy: "Eat The Rich by P.J. O'Rourke - This helped me to think in an interdisciplinary way about economics and the poor The Mystery of Capital by Hernando de Soto - ibid, The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis - It's a fantasy book, but gives me theological constructs in which to think about the role of choice inour eternal destiny.
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Rudy: "Communication. I'm learning the hard way how critical it is to simply communicate with your people."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Rudy: "For those in my circle of influence to gain, for themselves, the same tools that help me in my leadership."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Rudy: "Ha! Trick Question! Stealth Question! Uh, uh --- I have no good answer. No matter what I'm doing, I hope I'm writing books and magazine articles and newspaper op-eds and doing web interviews."
Thanks Rudy for taking time for the interview, you're doing a great work.
What Does Your Church Say About You?
What if at your next job interview, the boss had nothing to go on but where and how faithful you were to church? Miers' friends say church is evidence of her viewpoints
"At Valley View, pastors preach that abortion is murder, the Bible is the literal word of God and homosexuality is a sin. They also preach that God loves everybody."
Let the "Big Mo" Roll!
Check out this great post by Tadd on "Maintaining Momentum". What do you do with the "Big Mo"?
The Leadership Blog Interview: Darlene Zschech
Darlene Zschech
Bio: Darlene is lead vocalist, worship leader, and producer of Hillsong Music Australia's best selling albums. The live worship albums have all achieved gold status, and include "Stone's Been Rolled Away", "People Just Like Us", "God Is In The House", "Friends In High Places", "All Things Are Possible", "Touching Heaven, Changing Earth", "By Your Side", "For This Cause", "You Are My World", "Blessed" and "Hope".
Shout to the Lord, a beautiful chorus written by Darlene, is sung by an estimated 25 to 30 million churchgoers every week. This song is the title track for the first live album co-produced with Integrity Music featuring Darlene as a prominent female worship leader. Shout To The Lord was nominated as 'Song of the Year' for the 1998 Dove Awards and was nominated as 'Album of the year' for the 1997 Dove Awards and has been recorded on over 20 different albums. In the year 2000 Darlene received a Dove Award nomination for Songwriter of the year.
For the past eighteen years Darlene and her husband Mark have been a vital part of the leadership team at Hillsong Church, Sydney which is possibly Australia's largest church, with a current congregation of over 15,000.
Site: darlenezschech.com
1. Darlene, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Darlene: "Seeing the people I am leading start to flourish and find their own wings."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Darlene: "Seeing those you love and are committed to, making continual unwise choices when they know better... I find this extremely difficult."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Darlene: "My husband, my pastor, John Maxwell, Billy Graham, Mother Teresa.... to name a few"
4. What books have changed your life?
Darlene: "Treasury of David by Spurgeon, Surprised by Joy – CS Lewis, The Message Bible"
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Darlene: "There is very little margin for error, so aware that any decision I make has the potential to impact many."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Darlene: "Passionate about raising the next generation and beyond in the understanding and responsibilityof living authentic Christ honouring lives."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Darlene: "Writing, teaching, loving my family and serving the poor and forgotten...."
Thanks Darlene for taking the interview and allowing us to see inside your life! Your music has impacted all of our lives!
6 Easy Steps to Grow a Blog
After the growth of the Leadership Blog and being mentioned in the recent Blogging Church podcast, I figured that I would share some things, I've learned about growing a blog.
1. Post about something that you're passionate about (and that interests others.)
Me, I'm passionate about Leadership and learning to be a better leader. If you're passionate about something, it will show. But don't just post what your cat did yesterday.
2. Have a vision for your blog.
What are you trying to accomplish with your blog or site? Is this just an online journal or do I have something to actually share. Is your life that interesting? Where there is no vision, the blog readers perish.
3. Ask yourself "So What"?
Ask yourself the question, we ask during sermon prep, "So What?" before you post. Will anybody care what your Grand Ma got for her birthday?
4. Post something you know people will want to link to.
Along with the previous question, ask yourself, "will someone find this interesting and want to link to it" and share with their world. It's all about networking.
5. Post more frequently.
If you're posting once a day, guess how many time people with Bloglines are coming to your blog? Just post one more time a day would increase your viewership.
6. Check other blogs and leave comments on great posts and link to them.
I find other leaders' blogs by them leaving comments here and elsewhere and from my referral logs. Don't be selfish with links! If you link to others, they will be more likely to link to you. If you link to me or most other people, we will come to your blog.
The Leadership Blog Interview: Doug Murren
Doug Murren
Bio: Doug founded and led Eastside Foursquare Church in Kirkland, WA for 18 years. The church registered 17,000 decisions for Christ and grew to a 5300 Sunday morning attendance. The church thrives today several years after Doug’s retiring to do evangelism, write and create new ways of looking at church.
He has been involved in guiding, directing, encouraging and planting over 90 churches. He is the author of 14 books including, “The Baby Boomerang,” “Churches That Heal,” and “Criticism: Friend or Foe.”
Doug’s ministry has covered the nations of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Poland, Germany, Norway, Haiti, Canada, Belgium, and Israel. Doug’s training and outreach ministry, Square One Ministries, has trained over 400,000 leaders the last ten years.
Site: Square One Ministries
The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. Doug, what gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Doug: "Watching other’s succeed and find just how great they can be."
2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Doug: "My biggest pet peeve about leadership is it isn’t about the leader. I get really antsy when a pastor or leader is constantly talking about their life issues or what they are going to do. People look to leaders for some light on the path not a autobiography."
3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Doug: "Jamie Buckingham. He showed me you could lead from the point of creativity as well as authority given by God."
4. What books have changed your life?
Doug: "Tipping Point recently. The Life of Ben Franklin. The life of George Whitefield. And a little book written in 1970 called the God Smuggler by Brother Andrew ignited a fire in me to believe action was the couplet to praying or it was all baloney."
5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Doug: "My biggest challenge as a leader is to cut the noise out around me and stick to what I am alone am to do."
6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Doug: "I keep a set of life goals – ministry goals and self-development goals that are pretty extension on a three year plan. But as far as a goal for a leader I am hoping to reduce the motion and increase focus of what I do by at least 50%."
7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Doug: "It sounds funny but probably just what I am doing now. Helping build churches, writing, helping leaders find their path, problem shooting and solving for what we face as churches....but maybe a little more church leading less consulting."
Thanks Doug for an interesting interview!
Greg's Podcast Interview
I figured I would be banned from the "Blogging Church" site after last week but Mega-Church Seacoast Pastor Greg Surratt mentioned me in his Podcast Interview. After seeing my name in the show notes, I thought "Oh no!" Check it out.
Drive Conference videos are Now Free
Andy Stanley & Northpoint have posted free videos & pdfs from their Drive Leadership Conference. Click here to view. Link via Ben.