OVERCOMING BURNOUT

Don't miss latest blog post on the CAUSE, SYMPTOMS, and CURE for BURNOUT:

http://www.patrickgrach.com/2013/04/overcoming-burnout-part-3-cure.html

BARE NAKED VALUE OF A CHRISTIAN

#CONNECT UPDATE - latest blogpost at www.patrickgrach.com.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A CHRISTIAN IN OUR CULTURE?

Don't miss this illustration from Shantung Compound.

21 Days of Prayer & Fasting: Week 2

The Church is relentless as God anoints and appoints pastoral leaders to lead the Church to fulfill His purposes.  Only God calls leaders over the Church, but they must first respond in obedience with a reckless faith in God. May God raise up an army of servant-leaders who are willing to lay down their lives in order to advance the Cause of Christ.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.  Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV

Pastors often get distracted with the details of administrating a “machine” rather than boldly pursuing the “mission” of God to seek and save, that which was lost.  May God strength and renew the leadership of our church and call new leaders, pastors, and missionaries, so God’s Kingdom is radically advanced.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15, NKJV

Week 2 Focus: Leadership of the Church

• Sunday, Jan. 13: Pray for unity and harmony of the church, for our church and area churches to be unified in our purpose to make disciples. Ephesians 4:1-3
• Monday, Jan. 14: Pray for purpose and vision of the church. Pray for both the church’s purpose and vision of making disciples and putting campuses and churches throughout the tri-state area. Pray for your role in fulfilling that vision. Ephesians 4:15-16
• Tuesday, Jan. 15: Pray for wisdom and direction for church leaders. Pray for our Pastors, Elders, Deacons, that they would be filled with God’s wisdom and direction for the church; that they would have bold vision and strategic planning for the Kingdom of God. Hebrews 13:7
• Wednesday, Jan. 16: Pray from division, strife, and false doctrine. The reality is, all eyes are on the church. The potential for division and disruption is high. Pray for protection for the church family. 1 Chronicles 4:10
• Thursday, Jan. 17: Pray for marriages and families in the body of Christ. The health of the church is defined by the health of the family. Marriage and family are under grave attack. Pray also for families and marriages in our area. Ephesians 6:18
• Friday, Jan. 18: Pray that there would be an increase of both un-churched and de-churched people (the lost) making decisions for Christ and serving the body of Christ. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
• Saturday, Jan. 19: Pray for missionaries around the world. Pray that the gospel would be spread around the world; pray for missionaries on the front lines of church-planting, Biblical training, and compassion ministries. Matthew 28:18-20

Pastors' Cage Fight (notes from #ElephantRoom)

I'll try to post some thoughts on a few of the discussions from watching the Elephant Room back in February.

Honestly, if you get a chance, last years Elephant Room was much more challenging and "iron sharpening iron" than this years. In 2011, pastors seemed willing to challenge each other in grace, confronted differences, and candidly present their views while agreeing to disagree.

In 2012, it seemed that the design was set to demonstrate a kumbaya-like atmosphere where pastors, who clearly have significant differences, can agree to agree and get along without making a public scene. This IS a key and essential quality due to the rancor of contemporary mudslinging, misrepresentation, and character assassination that goes on all too frequently both among pastors and churches. Since I bear my own scars and wounds from such ill-constructed, misinformed, and ill-placed personal attacks, I deeply appreciate any voice of wisdom and reason that rises up in today's Church to speak against slander, gossip, and abuse of pastoral leadership and biblical communicators.

Over the next few posts, I'll mix in a few of these discussion points and what my personal, and meaningful take-aways were from this event.

A Pastors' Cage Fight

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the The Elephant Room, a live simulcast event pitting nationally prominent Christian leaders to debate topics with each other. It was open to questions via Twitter, and allowed 2 pastors to debate an issue, but each topic was then opened for input from the others in attendance.

While I thought last year's Elephant Room was more challenging, heated, and interactive, this one certainly left me with me take-aways. I posted several direct quotes via Twitter and Facebook.

Learn more about the speakers and topics here: James MacDonald, Mark Driscoll, Crawford Loritts, Jack Graham, TD Jakes, Steven Furtick, Wayne Cordeiro.

Topics/ Issues: Diversity, Denominations, Differences (in major theology), Depression (un-health of pastors and how to avoid burnout), Distinctives (essentials of the Gospel).

Significantly, at least at the event, TD Jakes came out and addressed his position, with great humility and willingness, on his theology of the Godhead. What was discussed was a deep theological distinction regarding modalism or Sabellianism. (For more info on Sabellianism, visit Justin Holcomb's Know Your Heretics series at The Resurgence.) and Trinitarianism. Honestly, while I study and know my theology, I was not familiar with TD Jakes position on these issues, so I wasn't prepared for this discussion and was even surprised by it.

I enjoyed the grace and truth with which topics were handled and debated. In fact, I wish there had been more heat, debate, and direct candor on differences (or that they had brought in speakers who didn't agree so much). The elephant did not seem very big in the Elephant Room. In fact, here's a pic of the actual elephant in the room at our event. See, not very big!

If you would like to read well-written live-blogged version of the event, check it out at Trevin Wax's blog.

I may post some of my personal thoughts and notes from the event next week, if there is enough interest. Let me know!

12 Lessons in Church Planting (from ChurchPlanters.com) 2 of 2

More on Lessons from Lovejoy and ChurchPlanters.com. For the first 6 lessons, see yesterday's post.
________________________

12 Lessons Learned in 12 years (Part 2 of 2) by Shawn Lovejoy

7. Change the way people think about church

In the first year of our church, we made a decision: In everything we do, we’re going to seek to change the way people think about church. This is so much bigger than the type of music we do, or our dress, even though they are parts of the equation! It affects everything we do. Examples? Folks don’t have to be “Christians” to go on a mission trip. They might become one by going! They don’t have to be a “Christian” to volunteer at our church, much less, be a member! Our small groups are always not only open to new people, but are going after people who don’t go to church and inviting them to be a part of their group! Every group is responsible to “get off the couch” and serve and care missionally for people groups in our community. Just small simple example of how we’re changing the way people think about church both inside and outside our church in our community.

8. Go after unchurched people

We’re not worried about swapping sheep or reaching professional Christians. If they want to join our mission to reach the lost, great. If not, great. We are here to help as many people as possible find a relationship with God through Jesus. That’s our laser beam focus. Take us or leave us! We’re here to reach people who don’t like Jesus or Christians.

9. Be careful what you ask for

Did you know unchurched people don’t walk in and start tithing? And it probably won’t be a three-month process, either; probably more like three years! Unchurched people smoke and curse in the parking lot, and maybe even in the sound booth! All of these things really happen in our church. Being a hospital for sinners is messy!

10. The right team in the right seats makes all the difference

We’ve always had a great Ministry Team at our church. I am thankful for every one of them, however, the right team members with the right gifts and skills, in the right seats, in the right seasons of the church, allows a church to continue to breath and grow and reach people for Jesus Christ. The wrong team members on the wrong seats for too long will put a lid on the church’s effectiveness.

11. I must measure success God’s Way

Success is being who God called me to be and being obedient to what God has called me to do. I am so tempted to measure success by this week’s attendance. However, I’m never as good as people think I am when we’re exploding numerically; and I’m not as bad as I think I am when we’re not. My role is to be obedient to the call and stay sane, centered, and happily married in the process. That is success!

12. God is faithful.

God never gives up: on me; or on my ministry! He hasn’t given up on you, either! Don’t give up on yourself. We only fail when we give up. God never gives up. He is faithful!

12 Lessons in Church Planting (from ChurchPlanters.com)

I feel love and joy in recommending 12 Lessons Learned in 12 years (Part 1 of 2) by Shawn Lovejoy from ChurchPlanters.com.

Twelve years ago, we launched weekly worship services at Mountain Lake Church. Wow. What a ride! God has used me despite my stupidity; and I have learned so much along the way. Here’s the first part of my top twelve lessons I’ve learned in the last twelve years.

1. Having a vision is easy. Sticking to the vision takes extraordinary discipline and effort.

Every pastor and church has a vision. Every one of them I’ve ever seen is Biblical. However, even most church planters get sidetracked form their vision within the first few years. We have stuck to our guns. We’ve been “mean about the vision.” It’s made all of the difference!

2. Conviction and Courage are more important than strategy.

My passion and sense of conviction, along with the courage to stay the course are more important than any brilliant strategy I could come up with that no one has ever done before.

3. No plan’s perfect; so work our Plan!

Our ministry plan is not perfect. However, we’ve worked the plan every year the last twelve years and every year we’ve gotten better at what God has called us to do. We don’t have “vision flavor of the month” or “small group method of the year.” We’ve worked our plan. We’ve been consistent in our ministry approach. It’s made all the difference.

4. People come. People Go. Go with the Go-ers.

Don’t focus who’s leaving; focus on who stays. The ones that stay will see the mission through and experience the fruit of mission accomplished! When one leaves, God will bring five to replace them…if we stay focused!

5. God does things the way He wants.

It has almost NEVER happened exactly the way we drew it up. However, that’s the precise thing that has kept us dependent on Him! Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Prophetic verse in my life these last twelve years! So many times, what I deemed as a failure was God’s sharpening and sovereignty at work in my life and church!

6. In God’s Story, ordinary matters.

God loves to use ordinary people. I am one. The very reasons or excuses I might use to disqualify myself from being used greatly by Him make me the perfect candidate for extraordinary ministry! What are your excuses as to why God can’t use you? Those are the very reasons God wants to use you; because you’ll know it’s not about you!

In 2005, we launched Churchplanters.com to “give pastors permission”. Join us this year at #Velocity12 on Feb 27-28. Once again, we’ll give each other permission to be what God has called us to be and do what God has called us to do! Register NOW!

Top Lessons from 2011- Be Faithful in Little

My next several posts will be lessons I learned or re-learned (the hard way) in 2011. All of them were learned through experience not books or in theory. Hopefully, I can save you the pain of learning them through difficult, so learn from my brokenness.

BE FAITHFUL IN LITTLE BEFORE BEING ENTRUSTED WITH MUCH

I started out 2011, leading Lifehouse with a vision to plant one new church this Fall and start 2 multi-sites, one on Saturday evening and the other as a 2nd campus on Sunday mornings. To be frank, I even shared with our team and thought privately that it was very ambitious and seemed impossible. I suggested that it's not really how churches function, even a thriving, healthy church like Lifehouse.

Then, I figured, "our vision for the Church should be overwhelming and seem impossible."

We planted Lifehouse- Hedgesville and it publicly launched in Sept. 2011! We're very excited about what God has done and is doing through Pastor JD and LHC-H.

BUT the lesson: we didn't start 2 multi-sites in 2011. We are still working on getting a multi-site service up and going and have it in the works for 2012. We very much plan on making this happen with God's help. However, we did learn a hard lesson: Be Faithful in Little BEFORE being entrusted with much!

God entrusts us with little so we can prove faithful and fruitful. Once, we've learned the necessary skills, lived the experiences, and developed the character needed to thrive in much, God will entrusts us with MORE. Then, MUCH!

We had not proven that we could launch ONE multi-site or plant ONE new church! So, it was not only ambitious to plan to launch 3 in one year, it was unrealistic. Not because God is unable, but because Kingdom- wisdom requires us to learn, be faithful in little THEN be entrusted with more.

We are planning on launching a multi-site this year. We hope to learn all the necessary lessons and gain all the necessary experience so that we can launch another.

What lessons do you need to learn in your area of "little" so that God can entrust you with "more"?


How can you prepare yourself rigorously for the dreams God has put in your heart?

REPOST- Fishers of men, not keepers of the aquarium

I often read blogs, books, and writings from pastors and authors who communicate concepts I think, but in a more effective manner. So, rather than try to compete, I just repost theirs.

Great thoughts by Pastor Steve about the focus, philosophy, and Cause of The Church and why we do what we do! Enjoy!

Here's a great blogpost by Steve Furtick of Elevation Church from February 7th on Leadership, Ministry Perspective:

- - -

People ask me all the time how we’ve been able to see so many people come to Christ in five years.

Outside of the favor of God, I could give you a lot of specifics. Tell you a lot of things that we’ve done. But none of it will help you until you make a decision we made in the early days of our church.

And that was the decision to be more focused on the people we’re trying to reach than on the people we’re trying to keep. As others have said, to be fishers of men, not just keepers of the aquarium.

We’re not going to cater to the personal preferences of the few in our pursuit of the salvation of the many.

And that includes if the few is ten people when we’re pursuing one hundred.
Or 5,000 when we’re pursuing 10,000.
Or 10,000 when we’re pursuing 20,000.

Most people and churches aren’t willing to do that. They’re keepers of the aquarium. They say they want to reach people, but in reality they’re more focused on preservation than expansion. On keeping people rather than reaching them.

They let saved people dictate style. Saved people dictate focus. Saved people dictate vision.

The result is a room full of saved people. Not people getting saved. Why? Because the people you’re trying to reach aren’t interested in the church that has been created by the people you’re trying to keep. If they were, they’d be coming. But they’re not.

For some reason, right here is where people usually play the discipleship card. They’re trying to disciple the people they’re trying to keep. They accuse you of pitting evangelism against discipleship.

But that isn’t the case. I just believe true disciples should care more about making disciples than freeze framing the church the way it was when they became one. Or wanting twenty-six programs customized to their liking. If the mark of Christian maturity is a bunch of people who want to create a museum glorifying and preserving their personal preferences and then sanctify it by calling it a church, count me out.

Some people say why can’t we have both? You can. Focus on the people you want to reach and you’ll keep the people you want to keep. Let the rest walk. They’ll find a church elsewhere to graze.

The way I see it is they’re just occupying the space of a person who needs to hear the gospel. You’ll fill their seat.
And it will be with the person who needs it the most.

Do you have IT? New Sermon Series

IT.  Some people have it.  Other people want it.  Still others are jealous of it.  They’re not quite sure what it is, but they know they need it.  When you see someone with it, you know.  It is powerful, inspiring, and life-changing.  When someone has it, you want to follow them, even be like them. It gets people to do what they didn’t think was possible and go where they had only dreamed of going.  It will demand more than you’re willing to give, hurt more than you think you can endure so you can become more than what you ever thought you could become.

Of course, you’re asking, “What is it?”

Join me Sundays 8:45, 10:00 or 11:15 AM as we dive into a new series that explains what it is, how to get it, grow in it, and use it for God’s purposes.

Catch a sneak peak of the series by watching the trailer, and we hope to see you this Sunday!

Great Moments in Life

This past Sunday, May 29th, we got a chance to CELEBRATE! First and foremost, it was Laura and I's 12th wedding Anniversary! So grateful to have such a loving, supportive, and amazing wife and helpmate. It's been an incredible 12 years. Excited for many more ahead.

Next, it was Memorial Day weekend, so we took an opportunity to remember and thank those who have honorably served the USA. Thank you for offering your lives in sacrificial service to protect our freedom! We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Finally, I got the privilege of blessing and sending my "spiritual father". We had Terry and Jo Ann Broadwater at Lifehouse for all 3 services. Why? Terry just accepted the lead pastor role at Grace Community Church in Centennial, CO. So, I wanted to return to him a small portion of what he gave me as we started planting Lifehouse nearly 8 years ago.

Here's what Terry gave me when he invited me to come to Hagerstown to plant a new church:

• Gave me a chance- I didn't need someone to hold my hand and do all the work for me, but just a chance, a God-ordained, significant opportunity to matter for eternity,
• Believed in me- at key moments when I felt very discouraged and wanted to give up, Terry said to me, "I believe in, and in this moment, I believe in you more than you believe in yourself."
• He saw God's purposes in my life- he would continue to share with me, "I see you pastoring a great church that will grow significantly to impact this entire Hagerstown-region for God's Kingdom."
• Invested in me both personally and in my destiny- Terry spent time with me, every Wednesday morning for 5 years alone, and another 2 years with the other church planters. He took me on missions trips, to conferences, and invited me to speak in leadership settings. He also rallied Bethel to start by investing in us financially on the front end, and offer office space, and copiers, and borrowed rooms for meetings, etc. Words are nice, but actions make a difference.
• Stayed the course with me- Terry endured through times of tension, hardship, and discouragement.
• Spoke life into me- Terry took time to pray over me and for me. At times, he shared prophetic words that he believed he had received from God for me. This was like breath in my lungs.
• Set a great example- Terry should me what a pastor- warrior was like. I appreciate his example and passion to follow God by faith. He spoke my language and understand my passion.

On Sunday, I got the privilege of returning a little bit of that!! We invited Terry and Jo Ann up so we could pray over, bless, and SEND them out from Lifehouse. It was great to have Pastor Curt from Lifehouse- Bethel at our 1st service, to join in praying over them.

We challenged Terry with a verse that he has spoken over us many times- Philippians 3:13-14!

Terry, we love you and will miss having you so close. Thanks for the investment of your life. I'm confident that there are many young people who need these same investments in CO.

Lifehouse is full of spiritual "grandchildren" of Terry, and Lifehouse- Hedgesville could be considered his "grand-church". It's a honor to honor him! The Bible says to give honor to whom honor is due!

Should the US President Golf on Memorial Day? A lesson in leadership

After laying a wreath at Arlington Cemetery, President Obama headed out to Ft. Belviore to play the 70th round of golf during his presidency (28-months).

Now, I try my best to avoid writing or speaking about partisan politics, but I feel the need to comment about LEADERSHIP. There is a profound leadership lesson in the decision of the POTUS to play golf on Memorial Day.

While nearly every other American citizen can take Memorial Day off to rest, relax, BBQ, go to the beach, and even golf, the President CANNOT! Neither can the Generals, Commanders, or any US military officer presently engaged in leading troops in the wars/ battles in Afghanistan, Iraq, or now, in Syria. Why?

1. Let me borrow a quote from Leadership by Rudy Giuliani, Weddings Optional, Funerals Mandatory! Leaders are less needed in good times and also least remembered. However, when people are hurting and at their time of greatest need, we will impact their life and make a friend for a lifetime.

• The greatest strength you have is meeting the needs of others.
• Their needs are less obvious at parties and during the good times, and magnified during crisis, loss, and hurt.
• Make yourself most available during times of great need.

2. Leaders Lead By Example! In other words, they model the behavior they want repeated by those most sacrificially following them.

• President Obama has the least rapport with and support from those in the military according to a recent poll. Why? He's not leading by example. He's critical of their sacrifice and war efforts, and is golfing while their offering their lives in sacrificial service to our nation and their families are home desperately waiting for their return.
• Leaders live in a fishbowl- if you don't like it, don't lead. When a person runs for president, they understand that they will be scrutinized and every detail of their life will be criticized and debated. If you can't handle the heat, get out. That's the life of a leader and the price of influence.
• Leaders have a responsibility to be in private what they appear to be in public. Those who follow hate hypocrisy and dishonestly.
• Leaders can only lead where they are willing to go. Duh! Think about it, it's not words but actions! Leaders, who call for great sacrifice must be willing to offer great sacrifice. The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the US Armed Forces. To ask brave men and women to offer their lives in sacrificial service, and then be unwilling to skip golfing on Memorial Day- this does NOT pass the sniff test. If our soldiers followed his example, there would have been a lot of duffing out of sand traps all over the Middle East.

This is not intended to be critical of our President but a lesson in leadership- one I learned the hard way. I will always be cautious to lead by example and never undermine through my personal life the sacrifice I call others to offer.

How much more passionate, committed, and sacrificial should ministry leaders be for the greatest Cause in all of history- the Cause of Christ! Souls are at stake. Eternity hangs in the balance. What wouldn't we be willing to give or sacrifice?

Great thoughts from Chick-fila Leaders Conference

On Friday, Chick-fila and John Maxwell lead a Leadercast (leadership-oriented simulcast). Some of the content may be available for download, so check it out.

I'll continue to post some other notes, but here were some very quotable quips from the day:

• Great ideas come from having fun and being together without an agenda. Best ideas happen in meetings with no agendas.
• Jim Knight- Coke Chairman: Selling products is not enough, we all need 2 be a better partner with society.
• Relationships, not transactions, lead to transactions.
• When it is really hard, look up and put a smile on your face! If you can't do it, how can you expect it from your employees?
• Humility and being able to carry your own bag are important in leadership." - Muhtar Kent
• Learning from a mentor: not always what they say but the subtleties of what they do. Dan Cathy
• People who want to change the world try MANY ideas!
• Innovative ideas almost always seem obvious after the fact. The trick is to come up with them before the fact

How to Make Decisions

The Art of Decision-making by Seth Godin from my notes of Leadercast by Chick-fil-a.

Lot's of great thoughts and easily tweetable one-liners.

Discover that leadership means making decisions. Leaders must be willing to answer the following questions:

• Will I accept what is and what will be? Willing to acknowledge reality, and make decisions based on that reality. Don't be like newspaper industry, ignoring how business is changing.
• Temptation is to see what we are hoping for, not what is.
• Are you invisible or remarkable? Making average stuff for average people (make everything “good enough”) rather than customizing and making unique.
• Are we willing to earn the right to whisper rather than yell? We have to stop yelling at our audience, and earn the right to start whispering to them.
• Are you in the story business or fact business? We purchase, decide, join based on the story we tell ourselves and what we believe/ our bias.
• Will we defend past or adapt to invent future? Do you resist future, because you’re happy where you are? How do you need to adapt/ invent future? Get rid of hammer, so that you have many tools rather than only a hammer.
• Thinking inside vs. outside box: in box- really dark. At edge of box is where innovation happens- poke edge. Won’t get ovations every time you get to edge- usually experience resistance. Action is on the fringe, edge of box.
• Lesson from Ford: Interchangeable parts = interchangeable people. Can run a factory making average stuff for average people. BUT if personal, custom needs irreplaceable people doing work we can’t imagine, dependent on people who work for you.
• Be the organization you want to buy from, invest in, join.
• Hard work is scary because it takes guts.
• Leading is scary because it means giving up control.
• Are you in business of complying or inspiring? We don't need more compliance, we need better decisions
• Management produces status quo. Leadership is innovation.
• Difference between scarcity and abundance. Either accountant doing things over again or an artist creating uniqueness. Artists use skill to do work worth doing, have difficult discussions. If you take responsibility, then people will allow you to be irreplaceable. Stand out rather than fit in.
• Do something no one else is willing to do.

What do we do in this turbulent economy?

I got the privilege to attend a breakfast presentation this morning with Steve Forbes and Northwestern Mutual CEO John Schlifske in DC. What amazed me was that much of their thoughts/ teachings was how much of it was biblical wisdom that it regularly offered in sermons weekly (or at least should be). Love it when truth is shared that reaffirms our faith. Truth is truth regardless of where it's applied or what industry embraces it. It works every time. Read for yourself.

These are notes adapted from the forum discussion by these financial wizards (and I've adapted some of them into biblical, spiritual, church-oriented principles):

3 steps to financial strength:
1. Financial plan- like a game plan- each person needs both an offensive & defensive plan,
2. Financial advisor- like a coach, we need someone to help guide and implement that plan,
3. Save more. Consume less, save more. Basically, the borrowed the Lifehouse-ism of "live on less to give more" (or in this case, retire with more).

• When investing, emotions are our enemy. They do immense harm causing people to buy high, sell low. -Forbes.
• Be patient when investing. Compound interest is a true miracle -Einstien.
• If it feels good, don't. If feels bad, probably right. This one surprised me. Sounds like the counter-cultural, counter-intuitive teachings of Jesus and the way of the cross.
• 3x harder to preserve wealth than to build it. Why? Once we have, we spend/ waste. We adjust our lifestyle to abundance, rather than maintaining our values and purpose for wealth.

Top Focus for Investing:

• Keep long-term perspective rather than looking for quick fix solutions. 'When do you plan to use your investment?' If you have time, then don't panic, don't jump early. When people panic, they do stupid things when market fluctuates and make bad decisions that are personally destructive. Same could be said spiritually.
• Life expectancy continues to increase, so plan further ahead. Make sure your making preparations for deep into retirement. Plan to live a long time. (On spiritual note- are we planning past retirement to eternity? How far ahead are you planning?)
• Greatest risk is to under-estimated expenses in retirement, esp. health care costs. So, plan for higher expenses in retirement. (Spiritually, greatest risk is not to be prepared for eternity and underestimate the reality of hell/ eternity. It cost Christ more than you can imagine.)
• Most critical tool in current business climate- cash flow. Businesses need working capital. Don't waste cash in moment, but plan 5 yrs down the road.
• Can eat well or sleep well, but not both. (Spiritually, whatever you sow, you'll reap. If living for self, reap destruction)
• Stay focused on core competencies rather than areas where you can't add value. Clear on mission & purpose both in non-profit & business. (I think they borrowed this concept from Blanchard's Leading at Higher Levels and Warren's Purpose Driven Life).

How do we balance risk & investment? (allow me to insert the word faith for risk, just for the sake of spiritual application)

• Recognize key areas of risk- disability & out-living your income. Faith areas- possibilities that we can predict and eternity.
• First, focus on risk management, then think about wealth accumulation. Take care of "risk" areas first, then start to build wealth. (Faith trumps this lifetime. Have we made proper preparations for eternity or are we just re-arranging the chairs on the Titanic).
• Quickly adapt to change and new factors in market. The speed of adaptability determines longterm health of business.
• Accept changes- plan for them, then take risk step of investing. (Do we appropriately expect challenges and hardship, then allow our faith to full us through? Are we willing to take bold steps of faith in the midst of difficult circumstances, even when the odds are against us?)
• Gold, like oil, won't stay up forever- only 5% of portfolio. (Nothing lasts, even gold will eventually be destroyed)
• Like at-bat in baseball, take risk on 3-0 count, since you'll get another chance if you miss NOT on 0-2 count when you'll strike out.

What's holding economy back? (this one's for church leaders. Application- think "what's holding back the church from fulfilling her mission?)

• Policy- gov't runs $. Like running the engine of a car, if it lacks gas, goes empty but too much gas, flooded. Fed putting in too much 'gas' by printing $, which slows down recovery and drives up prices, (What codified policies are holding back the Church from impacting our communities? What "old", not necessarily biblical, methods are flooding the church with the wrong busyness and distracting her from her mission?)
• For economy to truly stabilize, the dollar must be relinked to gold, which has intrinsic value. (Where does the church derive value? Faith in Jesus, truly living the absolute truth of the Bible)
• Tax reform- congress must simply the tax code. Most significant documents in world are brief, unlike the 9.5 million word tax code. (Keep our faith in Jesus simple and practical)
• Need positive reform of health care by cutting out the middle man 3rd-party system to allow free trade between customer & medical providers. Give patients back control of their health care.
• US in painful pause but not decline,
• Revenue base (taxes of 2.2 trillion) devoured by entitlements (about 2.3 trillion) plus all the rest of government spending (another 1 trillion).

Where's interest rate going?

• Inflation/ bonds won't explode,
• Biggest issue is employment,
• Greater risk in deflation now than inflation,
• 8% annual expectation for return on investments is hopeful not likely,

Leadership thoughts:

• In business and investing, keep focused on core purpose/ mission (yeah, that works well for the church too),
• Earning trust- great leaders don't leverage position but earn trust over time.
• Help people (those you serve and those you employee) see something bigger than themselves (find bigger purpose/ Cause- can't think of a Cause greater than eternity),
• Respond quickly to 'curveballs'- focus on changes, adapt fast,
• Focus on details to generate productivity or the details will devour it,
• Stick to Values: NorthWestern Mutual's: 1. Strength (provide a stable, strong investment environment for clients); 2. Pay dividends (add value to those you serve); 3. Do the right thing all the time (wow! any church/ Christian could take these values, which seem very biblical and apply them to their life).

Secret to growth:

• Don't rest on laurels from past or relax or try to preserve greatness, since there are others trying to catchup,
• Don't forget the "why" & where your going (keep your eye focused on the destination).

Hope you found this helpful from both a financial and personal/ spiritual/ leadership perspective.

Would love feedback and thoughts?

Please RSVP- Unquenchable Life Seminar TOMORROW

All Lifehousers are invited to join us for the Unquenchable Life Seminar!

Please RSVP immediately and register here, so we know you're coming and have lunch ready for you.

"Life can leave you feeling empty, dry, and insignificant, but don't you long for something more?  A life that outlasts death.  An identity that's more than what we see in the mirror or what we write on a resume.  We long to accumulate what can never be spent.  To serve something more than ourselves. We long for the Unquenchable Life..."


Join me and other guest speakers THIS Saturday April 9th at UNQUENCHABLE, a one day seminar that will inspire and refuel your spiritual life.


This event includes powerful worship experiences, inspiring teaching sessions, corporate prayer gatherings, and the opportunity to choose from several interactive workshops that cover topics such as: The Fire of Prayer & Worship, Living for a Greater Cause, Finding Purpose in your Gifts, Understanding God & Money, and Building an Unquenchable Community.


Free lunch and childcare are available for pre-registered guests, so feel free to reserve your tickets below or visit http://unquenchableseminar.eventbrite.com for more information.  Isn't it time to experience the joy of The Unquenchable Life?

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Weird Approach to Time Management

Repost from Lifechurch.tv blog SWERVE.

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A Weird Approach to Time Management Posted: 06 Apr 2011 03:48 AM PDT Over the next few days, I’d like to share some of my favorite parts from Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working. In the book, Craig looks at what it means to be weird in five key areas: time, money, relationships, sex, and values. Today’s excerpt tackles time: We’re always rushed, always on the move, never having enough time. Almost everyone I know has little room for error in their schedule. Tragically, most people have little time for the things in life that they would say are the most important to them. When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike — not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant. Most of us are living at a pace that is not only unsustainable; it’s also unbiblical. Instead of our typical conclusion that we simply don’t have enough time, what if we embraced the truth — no matter how weird or counterintuitive it might seem? You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.God has given you everything you need to accomplish all that he wants you to do, including enough time (see 2 Peter 1:3). We don’t need more time. We need to use the time we already have differently. You have time for what you choose to invest your time in. Every day most of us say, “I just don’t have time to work out . . . to read the Bible . . . to go to church this week . . . to meet for lunch . . . to add one more thing.” But the truth is, we find time for what’s important to us. If golf is really a priority to us, we find time to play golf. If going to dinner with our friends matters, we make it happen. If tanning, working out, or getting our hair cut is a priority, we seem to find time. Catch yourself the next time you’re about to say, “I don’t have time” for something. Tell yourself the truth: either it’s not a priority and you’re guarding your time for good reason, or you simply aren’t willing to choose to spend your time on it. I feel challenged! Where do I need to build time for God to do in and through what He desires? Tired of normal? Be WEIRD! Get it in print or download it from: Amazon

Most Important Leadership Lesson

Pareto Principle (know as the 80-20 rule) states that we get 80% of results from 20% and vice-versa (more about that tomorrow). I'll write a few posts on this principle.

For leaders, this means that 20% of what we spend time doing produces 80% of our results/ effectiveness. I've learned this the hard way, but have also learned a key lesson: focus on making the 20% that's most effective the focus of 80% of my energy and effort. Personally, that means giving away 1/2 my job description every 6-9 months. It requires discipline and focus. I must be intentional.

Here's a repost of a blog I write on 2/20/2008. This was a key leadership growth moment for me, and as is common, God used Laura to help me learn it. Enjoy! (It's also interesting to look back and see how far we've come).

Yesterday, I cracked open [a book] that's been waiting to be read, The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Laura was out with some ladies and the girls were in bed, so, with some alone time, I sat down to read. Right off the bat- wow! [What I didn't include in this post: before Laura left the house, she said, "Patrick, you can't keep up this break-neck pace; it's going to kill you. You're doing too much, and you have to give some of it away."]

Now, for my confession. I love the quote and have made it a core value at Lifehouse Church: Pray like everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you (Martin Luther). My tendency is to pray, then work, and if that's not enough, I'll work harder and harder. So, I'll put in too many hours.

I know that I must train leaders, give away ministry responsibilities, and I'm doing that to the best of my ability. However, while reading the first chapter, Stanley challenges the reader to evaluate what 2 or 3 things you are good at and are passionate about doing and do that. Give everything else away to others! [The first line of the first chapter states, "YOU ARE DOING TOO MUCH!" Coincidence, I think not!]

I thought I'd already done this, but it's time to re-evaluate. My new mission is to evaluate better what I'm currently doing, narrow down my scope of ministry to only a few things, then develop other leaders to do what they love doing and trust them with ministry.

Here's my list of things I'm passionate about and will focus my energy on at Lifehouse:

1. Preaching- to relevantly and creatively communicate the Truth of the Bible,
2. Vision casting- to lead Lifehouse in toward our God-given Cause and to inspire as many people as possible to join us in fulfilling this cause,
3. Leadership development- to raise up new leaders as pastors, ministry leaders, and influencers; also, to develop new church planter.

Stanley states that if leaders will do what they're best at, we will be most effective and the whole church will grow and be significantly more impactful.

So, here's what we need:

• pastor or leader of pastoral care- counseling, pre-marriage counseling, visitation, hospital visits, personal mentoring, etc. [Thanks Pastor Joe and Lois for still pastoring and staying the course with Lifehouse!! We love and appreciate you!]
• administrative assistant/ book-keeper. [now LHCE has several PT and FT admin. In fact, most of our paid staff serve primarily in administrative roles].