Making Sure everyone knows what’s most Important

I Did that on Purpose

Do you ever remember seeing someone trip and very quickly while trying to gain their balance, they begin to look around to see if someone caught them in full nerd mode.  Then as if nothing ever happened and in their full “cool” walk act as if they just tripped on purpose.

Too many times I’ve been that nerd.  At some point I began realize that if you would acknowledge your trip, basically own your nerdiness, that people would laugh not only at you, but with you.  Laughing is always good, but it’s the best when you get to join in.

Often, in Ministry, I have to remind myself of the importance of laughing when I trip.  You know those moments when you’re sporting your brand new aeropostale shirt with all the cool writing on it that seems to be what all the “cool” kids are wearing… and in front of everyone a student loudly says, “That shirt is ugly.”  How about at then end of camp and students are sharing how God impacted their lives and a girl stands up says, “I like camp better when “old youth pastor” was here”.  Ouch!  Sometimes moments like that can really “trip” you up.  Sometimes it feels like everyone is laughing at you.  Sometimes it hurts.

How not to purposefully or accidently fall on your face in student ministry.

1.  Don’t be rude back – Oh yeah i’ve done it.  I don’t care if you like how I do camp or I don’t care if you ever go with us anywhere ever again.  How about, well maybe if you knew anything about style you would think my shirt is cool.  hahahah.  I’ve tripped many times and handled myself wrong many times.  (By the way the shirt comment goes out to my boy Aundre, who is graduating this year and is one my favorite people on the planet now).  God is so cool.

2.  I Hate…  Teenagers – Bitter’s not Better – Teenagers say and do things because… well, they are teenagers.  Often times they call it like they see it.  (That doesn’t mean they see it right, but sometimes they do).  But if you hold a grudge, it will defintely hinder how you minister to them.  It may keep you from being able to build that relationship of Pastor/Student.

By the way if you don’t like teens…   you may need to chat with God about what you are doing?!?

3.  If You Can’t beat em’ Join em’ -  How often do you get frustrated at parents who would rather be a friend to their teen rather than parent them.  I’ve known so many Pastors who try to befriend their students rather than Pastor them.  You really do have a higher calling… God isn’t kidding about that, so be their Pastor.

4.  If they’re not going to…  then I’ll just…  – I’ve muttered this to myself dozens of times.  Frustrated because our students just don’t seem to get “it”.  You begin to feel like you say the same things over and over and nothing is changing and what really stinks is that things may even be getting worse.   Truthfully, by giving up, no matter what the reason, is sin when you are not doing what God is leading you to.

So How do you handle situations when you “trip”.  I think you have to realize that everyone trips, everyone falls, and that no matter what God is in control.  I’ve learned to laugh at myself.  To place great friends and leaders around me who will encourage  me to death, but are not afraid to tease me when I “trip”.

I’ve learned to laugh at myself and even more so to learn that God has a great sense of humor and is probably laughing at me more than I know.  It’s better to laugh with those around you (including God) rather than being laughed at.

Trip with a sense of humor.

What are some things you’ve tripped up on and how have you learned to learn from it and to laugh about it?

Killer Commercial

So here’s a little update of this video.  Just did a little research and found out that this isn’t a video game.  It’s a commercial for Philips HD.  The directors walk you through and talk about different aspects of coming up with killer shots.  Definitely worth the time of watching it.  You can check it out here.

One of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen.

Bill Cosby in India

The Cosby Show was one of my favorite shows growing up.  Always thought Bill Cosby was a great thinker.  Guess India thinks he’s pretty great too!

Another cool God story:

You ever wish you could trade your middle school guys for some monkeys?  At least monkeys have an excuse for acting like monkeys… you know what I’m saying.

Tonight, after LifeGroups (our small groups) and before the Worship service began, one of my leaders and a great friend came up excited about his small group time.  He shared about their lesson of being sensitive to opportunities to share with others in need.  As one of his middle school guys walked up and joined in the conversation they both began to tell me of one of the illustrations of passing a $10 bill around the group.  Each middle school guy would hold the bill and share of the needs of others that they know of.  My friend began to tell me how his heart broke as he heard story after story of families and friends who were having a difficult time paying bills, mortgages, and even having enough to feed their own families.  How many middle school guys do know you that are so connected with the needs of those around them.  Whose hearts are broken for those around them.  At the end of their group time, they together agreed that one of the guys would take the $10 bill and share with someone he knew was in need.

Talk about a wake up call for these middle school guys,…  for all of us as we need to be aware that there are those around who we can help, even if it’s just a little, but what we share when we share the love of Christ is so big that it’s eternal.  Go God…  go middle school boys LifeGroup, as they become intentional about loving those around them.

Our lesson comes from the Student Life Bible Study Lesson.  We are in the series of Community.  If you are searching for some great small group material, I would strongly encourage checking out Student Life.

Book Review: It by Craig Groeschel

It:   How churches can get it and keep it

Very, very good book. Felt like pastor Craig described how and why some churches have it and some don’t. I’ve definitely been on both sides of that “it” conversation. I happen to be at church that has it and our Church is led by a Pastor who “gets it”.

Values I want to insteal from “it”

1.  “It” character – get the book and turn to page 31.

2.  Hone in on God’s vision

3.  Prune back the ministry vine.  again check out page 61.

What are the most important things that we do.

4.  Love the team you do “it” with.  Ha, ha, ha.   You know what I mean, your ministry team.  Get your head out of the gutter. (If you think that’s funny, Craig talks about getting naked with your team.  pg. 79)

5.  Celebrating Wins, but greatful enough for the loses that you learn from them.

6.  Not having “stuff” might be just what God uses to change the lives of those we come in contact with.  pg. 95 or Acts 3

7.  Again, learn from failure… but push through to the WIN.  A page I need to dwell on for a while.  (pg. 120) Very practicle.

8.  Love and Share with those around us.  Whether people or way different, ministries are way different, We need to live out “Love God, Love People”  and for crying out loud if you are a Pastor, stop hating on other Christians and Churches.  I’m sure you and your Church, have plenty of your own problems to work through.  I know that’s true for my life and my Church (Which again has “it” and is amazing) but we still have plenty to work on.  No Perfect People allowed.  Sorry about the soap box.

9.  Share what you know and be willing to learn what you don’t.  We are not in Church competition.  (although, I’ve had plenty of Pastors tell me we are).  One thing I appreciate about Pastor David Hughes of Church by the Glades, is how often he prays in our staff meeting for other Churches and Pastors in our area by name.  He gets “it” that we are on the same team and have the same purpose and Worship the same Savior.

Pics from the day in Frederick

Chanda (my sister) and I went on a bike ride throughout Frederick this afternoon.  We did close to 10 miles through the beautiful houses, parks, and downtown area.  It really was so much fun.

King of the Jungle

This is Dexter, (my sister’s youngest)  and at this point in the morning he is ruling the household.

Cool thoughts that Dexter gave me on leadership.

1.  Be Distinctive – If in charge, make it clear that you are.
2.  Be Connective – Make sure that your followers are attentive to you.
3.  Be Humble – ummm.  Dex ends up being a bit camera shy.  That’s why it’s a 6 second video.

Wii Fit

Just spent about 45 minutes doing Wii fit.  I’m tired, not gonna lie, but it was fun.  I ran a quarter of mile, boxed, did yoga, and balance.  Pretty cool tool that Wii nintendo produced.  Made me realize I need to get back to the gym.  Thanks to Mark and Chanda for letting me play with their Wii Fit.

Pros:

It really does give you a decent workout.

It has a lot of variety.  (yoga, boxing, running, and lot more)

Cons:

It takes forever to get it set up and going.  I felt like i could have gone to the gym and been back before I really even got started on it.

It also was pretty easy to cheat.

Tribes: Seth Godin

Just finished this short and challenging conversation with Seth Godin throguh Tribes.  It literally reads like a conversation with one of the most brilliant minds out there.  His theme of being a Heretic, and going against the grain of the industry mindset, gives you a bit of jolt as you process your self leadership ideologies.

Ideas I was challenged by:

1.  The freedom of leading a tribe (followers who are connected to one another, to a leader, and to an idea)  Leading those who desire to be a part of the tribe.

2.  Love the idea of having fans.  Those challenged by a connected faith or belief by something greater.  Fans will fight to be a part of something they love and believe in.

3.  Love the idea of connecting your tribe and being connected with your tribe.  Through things like facebook, blogging, and twitter.

4.  The idea that Faith leads to Hope.  My hope, tribe, and life exist for the hope that is found in my savior, Jesus.  I love my tribe, because our Hope gives us the greatest purpose.

5.  The Idea of your tribe being the “Over the top underdog bravery” – that your tribe is the underdog and as a tribe you’ve got to fight harder, dream bigger, and live out your faith to the fullest!

6.  Challenged by the Idea of Sheepwalking – of doing the same thing everyday because that’s how your are taught and like a sheep your obediently and dumbly walking through life.  Droning through life.
Do I sheep walk through life -  way too often.

7.  The Idea of Being a Heretic against Religion -  Think Martin Luther or John Calvin – or most importantly Jesus Christ – all considered to be Heretics.  Going against Religion and fighting for the relationships connected by and for faith.

Great Read.  Take the time.

Frederick, Maryland

Well, I’m here hanging out with my sister this morning watching Regis and Kelly and wanted to share the view from the apartment they have.  Absolutely beautiful.  With a cup of coffee and kickin back on the couch, life is GOOD!

A few days away

Well I’m off to Maryland this afternoon to spend the week with my Sister and Bro n law.  Looking forward to just hanging for a couple of day.  I’m bring a slew of books also and looking forward to those journeys as well. 

1.  Speaking to Teenagers:
 

2.  it:  How Churches and Leaders can get It and keep It
 

3.  Tribes:  We Need You to Lead Us

 

4.  Youth Ministry 3.0

 

Can’t not wait to jump into conversation with these guys.  I’ll share my thoughts throughout the week

need a laugh? here you go

nearly wet myself after this first one.

reminds me of good ol’ Oklahoma.

Important Message from Pastor David

Seven Services for Seven Weeks



We have shared some amazing moments together in my 10 years with you at Church by the Glades.  But nothing during this last remarkable decade could rival what we experienced this past Easter weekend.  By expanding to two locations we made more space than ever for God to move in our midst and move He did!  We saw historic numbers of volunteers, crowds, and most importantly decisions for Christ.  My heartfelt thanks to a very talented and hardworking staff! Let me express unspeakable appreciation for the hundreds of volunteers that served.  In addition, what an over-the-top job you did inviting your friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  Simply incredible!

How many came to CBG Easter weekend??  You think I’m giving that one up in a letter!  I’ll tell you this weekend in church.  (I’ll give you this hint: last year was a record crowd and we exceeded that number by over 40%!)

It begs the question what about this weekend?  Of course our long term solution is a new building, but we need to create space right now.  We could easily see a thousand more people at CBG than pre-Easter numbers.  Go God!!

So here is the plan:

Please, please, please, please, please, please…(have I made myself clear…?) if you are presently worshipping at Sunday 9:45 or 11:15 services, for the next 7 weeks choose one of our other worship experiences.  First time guests continue to track to those worship hours and we have spilled out into the lobby even before Easter.

We will also be forced to move some of our small groups to make overflow space during these busiest hours.  Thanks so much for your flexibility.

Finally A Seventh Service for Seven Weeks!!!  April 19th, THIS SUNDAY we are launching a 6:00PM SUNDAY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE.  This new service will have all the full amenities of our other services – including childcare, infant through 5th grade.  We are going live THIS weekend.  So if you want to make history, come be part of this initial worship experience.  Perhaps this new time frame fits your schedule or you are crazy enough for what God is doing that you’ll come and be part of this first historic service.  

Wow, God is doing remarkable things at CBG!

Also, I want to thank you for your continued financial support of our day to day ministry.  Between the growing crowd and shrinking economy, we are hard pressed to maintain meaningful ministry to an ever- increasing church family.  Simply said, your tithes and offerings are always appreciated-but in this special season of harvest and hardship (funny how biblical themes so often go together), your giving counts now more than ever before.

Thanks for trusting God, inviting your friends, and being part of a Christ-revolution called Church by the Glades.





Be Fearless,



Pastor David

Smokin in the Boys Room

One of my recent and favorite stories about Student Ministry:

“Smokin in the Boys Room” – remember that song???
Well that’s not exactly how the story goes, but close.  One of my volunteer youth leaders came across some teenage guys smoking close to our Church a couple of weeks ago.  Instead of yelling at them or giving them a lecture he invited them to come to our student service, The Wave, when they were finished smoking.  He then headed on in to get ready for the activities of the night. 

So half way through the service a few minutes before I walked out on stage, this leader comes up to me with a huge grin on his face and tells me that story.  Then he looks at me and says, “Matt, that happened last week, and they came last week, and they are here again tonight!”. 

Give God an inch and He’ll take a mile every time!  Isn’t that a cool story.

BFF

Sitting outside on my back porch and putting the finishing touches on a talk that will kick off our new series at The Wave called BFF.  Mostly talking about the purpose and importance of friendships.  Thinking back through the years some things I valued in friends have changed some, but some of those things have been cornerstones of my relationships.

Friend Values that I held tightly on to:
1.  Friends who Esteem me – one may sound selfish, but it’s so important to me.  I’ll go to battle for someone who lives out that they value and respect me.

2.  “Go to Battle” for me friends -  I’ve always loved hearing that someone out there was trash talking me a bit, but my friend __________, had my back.  I value that.

3.  Constructive Criticism.  Not often, but when I really need it.  I appreciate those who care enough to speak truth in my life.

4.  Learning and Teaching Friends – I hold tightly to those that I can learn from, but they are humble enough to allow me to teach them also.

5.  Encouraging Friends – I just need it from time to time.

6.  Christ following Friends – Christ is my foundation.  I need to be reminded of that often and in every way.  Great friends do just that.

What do you value most about your friendships?

Church by the Glades: Easter

Easter

Easter TV Commercial from Church by the Glades on Vimeo.

Powerful Reminder of GOD’s Great Love this Easter

Church by the Glades produced this powerful video from “The Passion of the Christ” and Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love as an amazing reminder of God’s great love.

Happy Easter!!!

When Students Get It!

There is nothing better in Student Ministry than when one of your students really “gets it”.  Just read a facebook comment a second ago from one of our students who stepped up to last nights challenge to invite your neighborhood to the Church by the Glades Community Easter Event.  Here is the comment:

Operation Mailbox is completed!!! I added a notecard to each ad saying Jesus was here. I counted about 66 and hit three streets in my neighborhood. Now it is up to God to influence one of those peoples lives.

So very proud of this young lady!  Go God!

The Wave

Tonight we are going to be talking a little about our history as a Student Ministry, who God wants us to be as a student ministry, and where we are going from here as a student ministry.  I think it’s good to remind yourself, your students, and your leaders who you are and why you as often as possible.  It’s also important shed light on where you are going. 

So why “The Wave”? – As this generation in history we want to be a part of “The Wave” of what GOD is doing.  We want to ride “The Wave” of God activity.  In other words we don’t want to wait for the next wave.  We know that right now God is at work in and around us.  We could do what a lot of people do; watch, sit, and contemplate or complain.  We could even be super religious and say we’ll pray and when God tells us that’s when we’ll act.  Don’t get me wrong prayer is vital and when God does speak we need to act.  However, God’s already told us what to do.  God’s at work right now, and we have these short years to act as His Ambassadors in this generation.  It’s time open our spiritual ears and eyes (put on our Jesus glasses), to pay attention to the fact that God is at work all around us.  It’s time to ride “The Wave” of ministry, wherever God chooses to take us, and to be active in living and loving like Christ.

Who is the Wave? – We are the student ministry (teenage ministry) at Church by the Glades.  We are the messed up and jacked up teen community of South Florida, who gets that Jesus loves us so much that He went to the cross for us.  We are doing our best to live out loud and very very proud for Jesus.  So we’re learning to love God and to love people right where they are at in life.  Hoping they’ll make the same Christ Connection we’ve made. 

So where are we Going? – Wherever God leads us!!!  We’re just having a blast hanging on to Him, riding His wave in this generation of planet Earth.

Crazy Parents

In student ministry I always hear things like, “If it wasn’t for the parents student ministry would be great.”  I have to admit, there are a lot of wacky parents out there, but honestly if it wasn’t for the parents youth ministry wouldn’t exist.  There are all kinds of parents out there.  Super involved parents, totally uninvolved parents, and everything in between.

Today I met with a parent who is “all over it,” I mean wants to know all of his kids business, what’s happening at school, church, with friends, bullies, girlfriends… I mean everything.  Sometimes it’s these parents that drive us crazy.  On the other hand, I had to step back today and cheer on this dad.  A parent that cares, who worries, who loves his child.

Often I get the opposite.  Parents who have been so disengaged that by the time their teen has his or her parents attention it’s because he/she was arrested, or in trouble at school.  Often I get so frustrated at these parents because of their lack of interest, but in all honesty you don’t know what you don’t know.

Maybe it’s a single parent that’s working multiple jobs to stay a float, maybe the parent(s) have any of numerous distractions that we all know life can throw at you.  What a great opportunity for us as Student Pastors, Youth leaders, or even youth mentors, to be able to be a help.  That God would see us fit to share advise, to give Biblical direction, to share encouragement, to love this family.

I’m not sure I know a parent who doesn’t feel like they’re crazy from time to time.  Thankfully God has called us to step into struggling families lives and be a cheerleader, a coach, their student’s Pastor.

What is your craziest parents story?

Wolverine Origins

I can not wait for this movie to come out.  Hugh Jackman plays and is the perfect wolverine.  We are about to learn the full back story of Wolverine’s life.  Set to be in theaters May 1st  2009.

Easter Rabbit got fired!

Shoot!  now what am I going to do about getting my Chocolate eggs?

Easter Rabbit Skit Guys

What show do you invest in?

How do you Discipline in your ministry?

This is our policy for big group.

Boundaries are so important so what happens if a student breaks the RULES?

Discipline

•    Always look the student in the eye-get them to look at you
•    Introduce yourself-Ask their name
•    “Is it your first time here?”
•    Explain the rule and why we have it
•    Ask if they understand it.
•    Tell them what happens next
•    “We are glad you are here and we want you to come back

If taking a student back into auditorium during worship, sit in the back with them and explain that it is to keep from further interrupting. 
***If you take them back to their friends, you create chaos***

Never yell, touch, grab, use slang, confront a student of the opposite sex

MINOR ISSUES/BEING DISRUPTIVE
First time—“if this happens again, there is a chance that you will be asked not to come back for a couple of weeks”

MAJOR ISSUES
Take to the point man for disciplinary action

So how do you handle Discipline in your ministry?

Are your small groups resting on all three legs?

God this idea from Dave Ferguson’s book, “The Big Idea“  I strongly recommend it as the next book you purchase.  This book will stretch you in the first pages.  So Check it out.  Here is one of the ideas I recently challenged our small group leaders with.  Again, this is straight out of “The Big Idea”

“It is in small groups that people can get close enough to know each other, to care and share, to challenge and support, to confide and confess, to forgive and be forgiven, to laugh and weep together, to be accountable to each other, to watch over each together, and to grow together.  Personal growth does not happen in isolation.  It is the result of interactive relationships…small groups. “                                     ” Gilbert Bilezikian, “Community 101”

Three Legged Stool known as Small Groups
Small Groups should consist of:
1.    Bible Study
2.    Relationships
3.    Service

Many often is it that we’ll do great in one or two of the areas, but ignore the other one(s).  If it was an actual stool, it would not even be functional and we would need to fix it before we used it.  Are your small groups resting on all three legs?

What areas in your Group could you improve in?

How would this affect your group?

Group Facilitation Rejuvenation

Ever ask a question during small group and get nothin?
if you say no than you’re lying.  Or sometimes you have the overachiever
who answers every single time.  Often times you get what we call “the Jesus
answer” or “Sunday School answer” and your going, “come on”. 
Here are some thoughts for Group Facilitation Rejuvenation.

Always expand on the question with a why.
 (yes or no answers do not work) we are not Sunday school answer friendly.

Ways to expand. 
1.    Ask why after they have answered. 
2.    Ask someone else at the table if they agree and why.
3.    Don’t be afraid of silence.  (but with confused faces rephrase the question and simplify if possible)
4.    (this is for you)  Less Talk more Rock…. Just kidding.  What I mean to say is Less Talk and more listen listen.
5.    Always be encouraging… even when answer is less than Neanderthalic.
6.    Always be prepared to learn and not just teach.

small group leaders need to be

3 Things we ask for Church by the Glades
Student Ministry Life Group Leaders

1.    I need to be Biblical
2.    I need to be On Board   
3.    I need to be Bodaciously Passionate

Sticky Gospel

You ever notice how sticky (memorable) Jesus’s words are in the Sermon on the Mount? (Matthew 5-7)

The Beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and so on.  You are salt and light.  If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out.  Let your yes be yes and your no be no.  If someone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles.  If someone slaps your right cheek, offer your left cheek (not talking about mooning here).  Love your enemy (what?).  Secretly give to the needy.  Don’t pray like religious leaders, pray like broken down sinners in need of a Savior.  Invest, not in your earthly savings account, but in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

Anytime Jesus speaks he leaves you facinated.  Often He would take what you are sure of, and help you realize you have so much to learn.  Other times for those who feel completely lost and confused, Jesus would make everything so clear.  But one way or the other or maybe somewhere in between His message is so sticky.  You can’t get it out of your mind, and it changes you.

There have been so many “Bible Studies” that I’ve attended, but so few that “stick out” in my mind.  I’m not saying that they unmemorable studies weren’t important, but I am saying that the one’s that do stick out in my mind definetly changed the direction of my life.

So as a student pastor, I want to do everything I can do help students connect with God’s truth.  I want the messages to be sticky! In our student ministry, we use video, props, illustrations, and pretty much anything short of sin to make the gospel sticky to teenagers.  So as I begin to prepare I always try to think, “What is the one thing that I want students to think about all week long.”  From there, we do whatever we can do, from the time students arive, until they leave to make “the message” sticky.

Not too long ago we did a series called “Chase.”  We had students playing chase outside.  During the announcements we were interupted by students who were playing chase.  The message had illustrations of Chase.  I wanted our students to be dreaming and thinking about Chase all week long, because I want them to get the importance of Chasing after God, rather than chasing after the things of this world.

What are some ways you and your student ministry create sticky messages?

Try to think every week, what is the one idea that I want to “stick” to my students?

What must I do to make that happen?

Where does God fit into this picture?

Connecting Culture with Christ

One of my favorite magazines is “Relevant”.  It’s an honest review of Pop Culture, Christian Culture, and world news.  For $12/year you can plug into a great resource.  Check it out at www.relevantmagazine.com.