Professionally Fun
Google Offices, ZurichThe best companies know how to laugh together, have fun together, and get the job done well together.
That’s why I love our Access team. Seriously, that’s what I love working with them. It’s fun. These are the people I want to hang out with on the weekends. These are the people I want to call with good news – I just love them.
In an “Apple vs. Google” world, I’m definitely an Apple guy. But, I love the corporate office strategy of Google. They value their employees. They work hard to have fun. That fun fosters creativity.
What would it look like if we found a way to tap into our creativity, to raise our productivity? How could our churches be different?
Hero :: My Wife
For the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting several of my heroes. These are the people whose influence has shaped me into the person I am.
Hero: Elisabeth Burns
My Radiant Bride, Elisabeth Burns
My Radiant Bride, Elisabeth Burns
I’d be crazy not to start with the love of my life, Elisabeth. I admire her. I adore her.
Elisabeth defines beauty, inside and out. We’ve been married now for over 5 years and have two beautiful sons, and one unintelligent dog.
When we were newly married (only 6 months!), Lis was diagnosed with cancer (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma). I’ve never seen anyone handle great adversity with such beauty and grace. She is, and will always be, my champ.
Lis constantly challenges me to dream bigger. To reach higher. To find in others the beauty God has placed inside of them.
Access Church is a direct result of having a wife who believes in me, who partners with me, and who is willing to sacrifice everything to follow God’s will.
Young guys, listen to me. Marry someone you love to talk to, someone you love to laugh with, and someone who won’t just dream with you, but will push you to fulfill your dreams.
What kind of church do you want?
“This is the kind of church and kingdom I want to be a part of – a band of people who are messy, have addictions and shortcomings, make mistakes, get rejected, and are screwed up, but are so fully aware of the Master’s grace and love for them in spite of who they are or will be someday; people who embrace discomfort knowing there is so much to be gained for all of us and for all of our churches.”
- Dave Gibbons
Sunday Rewind // 6.13.10
Another GREAT day at Access Church today. I love our church. Here’s a brief recap:
- We continue to hear stories of lives being changed. That’s what it’s about!
- Last summer, we doubled in attendance. We’re on track to do that again. That never happens in churches during the summer. God is definitely up to something!
- I poked my head into our AccessKids and Access Babies & Tots today. The kids LOVE it. My son Joey loves going to church. That’s a HUGE win. I’m proud of our leaders and volunteers who make Access such a great place for kids!
- I’m loving the “One Prayer” series.
- We showed a video message from Scott Hodge today. I love his heart and approach. GREAT message.
- Last week, the focus was us searching for Lost Sheep, Lost Coins, and Lost sons (Luke 15).
- This week’s message paired so well with it. Scott’s message was on the church actually being what she was created to be – a collection of broken people who God uses to fulfill His mission.
- If we actually lived that out, how powerful would we be?
Don’t forget about Second Saturday, this week! It’s going to be GREAT!
One mistake can ruin you
I’m saddened by the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf. It’ll be a while before we can even properly gauge how bad it really is.
I was watching the news last night, and caught a story on the economic impact on BP. Their value has fallen over 50% in just a few weeks. One mistake can ruin you.
This is evident throughout the Bible. This is evident in many people I’ve counseled. Maybe you’ve even seen this true in your own family. This is why the author of Proverbs challenges us to guard our hearts and eyes.
One lapse in judgment can lead a man to think he is greater than he is, to believe he is untouchable, and to leave him only able to see his kids every other weekend. One wrong decision can ruin families, hurt kids, topple seemingly indestructible Fortune 500 companies, bring down kingdoms, and destroy you.
Guard your heart.
The power of touch
Apple announced the new iPhone 4 this week. I’ll be honest – I love it.
They also announced a new feature – FaceTime. This new technology will allow iPhone 4 users to video chat with each other. AT&T predicted these new ideas 17 years ago, but I’m sure we all thought those commercials were crazy then.
I love video chatting. It’s helped my parents and in-laws get to know their two amazing grandsons while living in a different city. It’s helped my wife and me stay connected when one of us are traveling. It’s just great.
However, it begs a question. As the world becomes increasingly connected through technology and social media, are we sacrificing true connection? Have we lost the beauty of touch?
As the church continues to leverage the power of technology, we’ve GOT to find a way to continue to invest in real, authentic relationships.
Thoughts from Jeremiah 18
Ever read a passage of Scripture and find it jumping off the page at you?
Keeps happening to me in Jeremiah 18.
God is our creator and He keeps creating in and through us. He keeps forming us into the people we were created to be. That process is often painful.
Picture a potter. He keeps reworking his creation until it becomes the unique design he has imagined. That reworking and refining process hurts. Yet, that reworking allows us to become the Potter’s masterpiece.
Who are your future leaders?
This morning in our staff meeting, I tossed out the question, “who are we identifying as our future leaders?”
As a pastor, I feel that one of my main objectives is to help people find who they were created to be. This process can be painful, but is ultimately so helpful.
Who around you was created to be a leader? What are you doing to excavate those talents and gifting from them?
Next Level…
I’ve had this unique sense that God is calling me, my family, and my church to the next level. Sometimes you can’t articulate the feeling – you just know it’s too strong to deny.
To get there, I’m ready to start making some changes. I can never expect my church to go where I’m not willing to go personally.
- God has always been a priority, but I want to step up my commitment to Him. This means more time in His Word, more time seeking His face, and creating more space for silence so His voice can speak.
- I will make sure my wife knows she is my priority.
- I want my kids to never feel that church or ministry comes before them. Ever.
- I will take steps to get healthy. I fully expect to be wrestling with my great, great grandchildren.
- I will lead the way in generosity – huge, sacrificial generosity.
What are you willing to sacrifice to go to the next level?
Subscribe
Latest Pics
