10.31.08
Looking for Funny Video Clips to Promo Your Small Groups?
Do you use video clips to promote Small Groups or invite people into community? This year, the Group Life Conference held a little Film Festival for videos that would inspire, invite or train small group leaders. Central submitted two short videos and one of them was voted First Place! Congrats to the Central Rough Cuts!
If you are looking for a couple of humorous short video clips to use at your next Connection Event, Weekend Service, or whatever venue you use to invite or inspire people for community, then check out Flying Solo (which won first place at GLC) and Small Group of One. Click HERE to watch a sample of the videos or to purchase them.
If you are looking for a couple of humorous short video clips to use at your next Connection Event, Weekend Service, or whatever venue you use to invite or inspire people for community, then check out Flying Solo (which won first place at GLC) and Small Group of One. Click HERE to watch a sample of the videos or to purchase them. If you have any videos that maybe you have used in the past, please let us know about them!
10.28.08
The Deadly Viper Killer Experience
Are you looking for a study to do with your staff, elders, small group leaders, coaches, or even your small group? Deadly Viper Character Assassins is a kung fu inspired study on leadership & integrity written by Jud Wilhite (www.centralchristian.com) and Mike Foster. Deadly Viper includes provocative and honest insights on burnout, out of control emotions, sex, money, transparency, and second chances. Deadly Viper is a dynamic study for every leader looking to challenge and engage leaders in the critical conversations about finding true meaning in life and leadership. Trust me. You will not find a more practical and personal study to do together as a team. To order your Deadly Viper Killer Experience or other related sources, go to http://www.pursuit.org/index.aspx.
Once your team completes the study or if you have any other leadership studies that you can recommend, please give us your thoughts!
10.27.08
Monday Morning Drive
Is your Monday getting off to a bad start? Take a break and think about what your Monday Morning Drive looks like. I hadn’t really thought about the drive that I take to and from Central everyday until I read Tony Morgan’s blog this morning. Here is a little of what my Monday Morning Drive involves:
· Sunshine almost every day
· Streets lined with desert Palms
· View of the Vegas Mountain Range and valley
· View of the Vegas Strip
I have to say the night scene gets even better…
· Add a beautiful western sunset
· And turn on the lights of Vegas
Check out what others are saying is the best commute at http://tonymorganlive.com/2008/10/27/the-best-commute/.
Dead Man Stands!
Have you checked this out? I am usually not a morbid person but whenever I saw this, I just could not resist! Have you ever stood beside a casket and people say “He looks so good!” I think this is taking that a little too far! He is actually just propped up in the corner with some flowers in front of him. (Hey, he actually doesn’t look too bad!) Anyway, a Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing — even in death. It got me thinking…yeah, I know it shouldn’t inspire me, but in leadership we are always challenged to “take a stand” and most of the time we think of taking a stand for all the wrong reasons.
Here are some of my personal Leadership Blurbs (or burps?) in my story:
I should have…
· Cheated the church and not my family. My first opportunity to be the Lead Pastor and I was going to do it right! Even at the cost of my family. I do plead ignorance and don’t blame anyone but myself. The church had doubled in size in only a year and a half, baptisms and new converts were up, the offering was flowing in and I just knew it was because of all my hard work. This starry eyed new Lead Pastor would kiss his beautiful bride and two wonderful children goodbye while they were still sleeping in the morning and I would kiss them good night after they had already falling asleep at night. I had a wise mother and father who told me ”They (the church) won’t love you any more and they (the church) won’t love you any less, but your family won’t even know who you are and your greatest accomplishment will be your greatest tragedy.” Now that will get your attention, and it did!
· Tried to please God rather than the 5 disgruntled people. One of my favorite Bible verses now is Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do; do it for the Lord and not for men.” I am not advocating being a jerk to people; I am just saying usually you as the leader will only hear the disgruntled few. Please God and He will take care of the people.
· Stuck it out! Don’t Quit Too Early! How many times have we counseled couples to not give up on their marriage? Wait it out! That is very good advice most of the time, but I found myself ready to quit too early. My dad told me one time during a very difficult season in ministry, “You didn’t think it would be easy, did you?” I have never forgotten that question. Anything worthwhile is not going to come easy, and no, working with the lives of people is not going to be a playground. It is a battlefield! But it sure is worth it if we stick it out! If you move jobs just because you are running from the problems, remember this statement, “Same problems; just different faces!” If God called you to it, He will complete it. Please, just give Him a chance! Don’t Quit!
· Worried less about things I could not change. There is a statistic that reveals that 99% of what we worry about is things we have no control over or things that will never happen! I still catch myself falling into the trap of worry. I read a story one time about a guy who would literally act as if he were laying his problems on a bush outside of his front door so he would not take his worries or problems inside with him to his family. I have tried to make it a habit to lay my worries down and not to pick them back up!
· Followed the relationship instead of the rules. Everything is not black and white. Listen before you speak on this one. Many times I have had to make decisions that would affect the lives and families of people in the ministry. If I could share any wisdom on this point, give grace where grace can be given. Pastors and leaders have to make tough calls, but make sure your decision is the best decision for the person and their families, as well as the people they serve. Rule of thumb for me is…if in doubt…Don’t! God is a God of peace not the author of confusion. Wait on His peace!
· Taken a “TECHNO BREAK”. Yes, we live in the age of technology and it is stealing the time of many leaders. Don’t get me wrong, I love that we can blog, e-mail, instant message each other, and stay connected to others in leadership and in ministry. Don’t let it steal the most precious moments with your children and your spouse. Work at work and play at home! It is not worth trading your family for the popularity of others. Don’t quit using technology, just take a break from it and spend time with your kids and your spouse. Many PK’s have chosen to bypass the church and the ministry because it stole their dad/mom away from the family! If you loose your family, you have no ministry!
These are a few of the things in ministry that I have chosen to take a stand on! I still struggle with a few of these but I am trying to have a better balance in my role as a leader. I know these may differ from your list but it does get us thinking about some of the leadership mistakes that we have made and some of the things we should take a stand on. If we can be better leaders of our lives, then we can be better leaders of others.
What are some leadership “burps” that have been a part of your story?
10.21.08
“That Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
Our Senior Pastor’s wife Lori Wilhite has a great blog called “Leading and Loving It.” Lori is currently highlighting “Marriage” on her blog and is using Jud’s book “That Crazy Little Thing Called Love” as a launching point. Here is one excerpt from her recent blog telling about how she and Jud met:
“Here is the fifty cent version of how our history together began. The first time Jud saw me, he was speaking and I was in the audience. I thought he was looking at me … then decided that I was crazy. But he was. He figured out who I was and called me with what might be one of the worst pick up lines in history: “I just, uh, wanted to see if I could take you to coffee and encourage you.” Maybe not the smoothest line, but it worked. And I was crazy about him from our first lunch. Five months later we were engaged. Four months after that we were married. That was 12 years ago. I love him more now than then. I’m the luckiest girl ever!”
Lori and Jud are wonderful people and I know we will enjoy learning from their marriage and from the marriages of those who post comments. Check it out at http://leadingandlovingit.wordpress.com/
Can You Do Small Groups Online?
Today, I was browsing some of the blogs that I read and I landed on Pete Wilson’s blog(http://withoutwax.tv
). Pete is a friend of mine and he is Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in Nashville. This topic caught my attention because it asked the question, “Can you do church online?” Pete had attended three or four online campuses this past weekend and one online church he visited was Central. There were many comments and several people listed the pros and cons of attending an online church. It was great comments on both sides of the question.
Many of you know that Central has an online campus and I am really pumped to see what God is doing through that ministry. Last weekend, the Small Group Ministry Team held a Leadership Gathering for all of our Small Group Leaders and the topic was “Techno Small Groups.” In January 2009, we are actually launching several online Small Groups equipped with online Small Group Leaders.
Here is the question, “Can you do online Small Groups?” I would love to know what you think! If you say “No”, then please tell us why, and if you answer “yes”, then please explain how you would do it! Thanks for your input! (This is one of the reasons why I love the internet…So I can network with several smart people who are in ministry.) If you are interested in learning more or just curious to try it out go to www.centralonlinecampus.com
10.20.08
Thoughts about Leading Others
A few days ago, I came across some notes that I had jotted down while sitting in a Leadership Class. One interesting quote was by Henry Guland/CEO, Definitive Computer Services, Inc.
“Being a leader is more than just wanting to lead. Leaders have empathy for others and possess an ability to find the best people…not the worst. Leaders help find their own way of contributing their best to themselves and the teams they work with by truly caring for others.”
Here are some thoughts about leading staff (or you can make it applicable to Small Group Leaders).
· Hire well! If you hire well, then release and empower them to do their job.
· Show Favoritism. Show favoritism and value to ALL staff members. Let the staff know that they all matter to the success of the organization and that you genuinely care about them.
· Treat with Respect! Staff should be treated as co-laborers rather than “hired-hands”.
· Allow for Disagreements. Great leaders strive to know the entire picture, and allow their team to respectfully disagree. Never try to force or manipulate agreement.
· Unify the Team Around the Mission! (Diversity+Maturity=Strength)
· Grant Authority equal with responsibility.
- People who enjoy responsibility usually get it, and those who merely like exercising authority usually lose it.
- “The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” Theodore Roosevelt
- Build the Team!
- Team Busters:
- Inconsistent Behavior
- Poor Communication
- Ignoring Problems
- Unclear Expectations
- Team Busters:
- Develop and Train your Staff. Take time to train and develop your staff.
- Let Go! Don’t hold on to a staff member too long. A great leader knows when to let go.
What are some of your leadership thoughts whenever you deal with staff or Small Group Leaders?
10.17.08
Friday Football Report
Yep, it is that time again…the Friday Football Report. Many of you know I am a die-hard BAMA fan so it was not easy this week to see Texas take the #1 spot. But I am over it and I would just like to say that it will keep us motivated if we are not in the #1 spot this early in the season. (Even though all of you already know and believe that BAMA should have been there…anyway…No Respect!) Okay, back to the predictions for this weekend.
(11) Missouri at (1) Texas (Texas, of course) Texas’ defense showed a strong hold last week against #1 Oklahoma as they held them to 48 yards and only three first downs. Missouri is coming off of a bad loss to Oklahoma State, so watch out…it could be closer than we think. The higher up you are…the easier the fall. Another fact to consider is that Missouri is winless in 10 previous games against a #1 ranked opponent. Why have an upset…Texas will come up on top!
Mississippi at (2) Alabama (BAMA…Roll Tide Roll!) Thank God we are playing in Tuscaloosa. Some of you rememberlast years game in Rebel territory. Mississippi almost came away withthe upset with a score of 27-24. Let’s hope that it is not that close this time. BAMA’sdefense is impressive only allowing 50.8 rushing yards per game. The rebels will have to come out with a strong passing game if they are going to complete any mileage against the #2 ranked Crimson Tide.
Kansas at (4) Oklahoma (Oklahoma) I pick Oklahoma mainly because they are upset that they lost the #1 spot and also because Jayhawks Coach Mangino is 0-2 against his mentor. It will be a great game!
(22) Vanderbilt at (10) Georgia (Georgia..but close) Following the SEC Conference has been part of my life. I am always watching Vandy. The Commodores always seem to find the perfect time for the upsets. I think Georgia will pull this one out but keep an eye out for RB Jared Hawkins. If he has a good game, then Georgia may be in trouble. It will also be fun to watch the new starting QB for Vandy Mackenzie Adams. Adams will have to face the best defense that Vandyhas faced all year. It could get ugly if he doesn’t come out with strong leadership and a great passing game.
(7) Texas Tech at Texas A&M (Texas Tech…it is a must) Red Raiders Coach Leach has a 6-2 record against the Aggies. What is an amazing fact is the #5 Coaches ranking for the Red Raiders is the highest ranking in any poll in the school’s history. For the Aggies, Johnson is not doing too bad as the backup for injured QB McGee. Johnson has actually set A&M records for total offense and passing.
(13) LSU at South Carolina (LSU) Stephen Garcia will get his first starting position as QB for the Gamecocks this week and the Tigers will have something to prove after their humble demise in Gainesville last week. South Carolina could surprise us this week and they could end up continuing their winning streak which is now…four in a row!
(6) Southern Cal at Washington State (Southern Cal) This game should be a breeze for Southern Cal. Washington State has given up 41.5 points to the opposing team per game. Sanchez is recovering from a knee injury but will be back on the field after throwing three interceptions against the ASU team.
(12) Ohio State at (20) Michigan State (Sorry guys…I have to go with Michigan State) Okay here are the reasons why: Terrell Pryor is struggling to make things happen. The Buckeyes have dropped from 95th to 108 in passing. Bennie Wells also struggled last week being held to less than 100 yards. I believe it will be within 7 points but the Spartans will outplay them.
Michigan at (3) Penn State (Penn State) This is going to be fun because the Nitty Lions have not beat the Wolverines in the last 12 years and nine games. This will be a Homecoming crowd for Penn State and I think that Michigan will be humbled again this weekend. Toledo last week…Nitty Lions this week.
If you have any predictions or maybe I did not mention your team, please feel free to add. Also, sports is a great way to get your Small Group together. You can start the Bar B Q and relax and have a great time getting to know one another. Have Fun and thanks for stopping by!
(11) Missouri at (1) Texas (Texas, of course) Texas’ defense showed a strong hold last week against #1 Oklahoma as they held them to 48 yards and only three first downs. Missouri is coming off of a bad loss to Oklahoma State, so watch out…it could be closer than we think. The higher up you are…the easier the fall. Another fact to consider is that Missouri is winless in 10 previous games against a #1 ranked opponent. Why have an upset…Texas will come up on top!
Mississippi at (2) Alabama (BAMA…Roll Tide Roll!) Thank God we are playing in Tuscaloosa. Some of you rememeber last years game in Rebel territory. Mississippi almost came away with the upset with a score of 27-24. Let’s hope that it is not that close this time. BAMA’s defense is impressive only allowing 50.8 rushing yards per game. The rebels will have to come out with a strong passing game if they are going to complete any mileage against the #2 ranked Crimson Tide.
Kansas at (4) Oklahoma (Oklahoma) I pick Oklahoma mainly because they are upset that they lost the #1 spot and also because Jayhawks Coach Mangino is 0-2 against his mentor. It will be a great game!
(22) Vanderbilt at (10) Georgia (Georgia..but close) Following the SEC Conference has been part of my life. I am always watching Vandy. The Commodores always seem to find the perfect time for the upsets. I think Georgia will pull this one out but keep an eye out for RB Jared Hawkins. If he has a good game, then Georgia may be in trouble. It will also be fun to watch the new starting QB for Vandy Mackenzie Adams. Adams will have to face the best defense that Vandy has faced all year. It could get ugly if he doesn’t come out with strong leadership and a great passing game.
(7) Texas Tech at Texas A&M (Texas Tech…it is a must) Red Raiders Coach Leach has a 6-2 record against the Aggies. What is an amazing fact is the #5 Coaches ranking for the Red Raiders is the highest ranking in any poll in the school’s history. For the Aggies, Johnson is not doing too bad as the backup for injured QB McGee. Johnson has actually set A&M records for total offense and passing.
(13) LSU at South Carolina (LSU) Stephen Garcia will get his first starting position as QB for the Gamecocks this week and the Tigers will have something to prove after their humble demise in Gainesville last week. South Carolina could surprise us this week and they could end up continuing their winning streak which is now…four in a row!
(6) Southern Cal at Washington State (Southern Cal) This game should be a breeze for Southern Cal. Wahington State has given up 41.5 points to the opposing team per game. Sanchez is recovering from a knee injury but will be back on the field after throwing three interceptions against the ASU team.
(12) Ohio State at (20) Michigan State (Sorry guys…I have to go with Michigan State) Okay here are the reasons why: Terrell Pryor is struggling to make things happen. The Buckeyes have dropped from 95th to 108 in passing. Bennie Wells also struggled last week being held to less than 100 yards. I believe it will be within 7 points but the Spartans will outplay them.
Michigan at (3) Penn State (Penn State) This is going to be fun because the Nitty Lions have not beat the Wolverines in the last 12 years and nine games. This will be a Homecoming crowd for Penn State and I think that Michigan will be humbled again this weekend. Toledo last week…Nitty Lions this week.
If you have any predictions or maybe I did not mention your team, please feel free to add. Also, sports is a great way to get your Small Group together. You can start the Bar B Q and relax and have a great time getting to know one another. Have Fun and thanks for stopping by!
10.16.08
“Peppermint-Filled Pinata”: Interview with Eric Michael Bryant
One of the great things about Social Networking and Blogging is being able to connect with so many cool friends around the world doing ministry. One of my new friends is Eric Michael Bryant. Eric oversees the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles, a church known for its diversity and creativity. Eric is also the author of Peppermint-Filled Piñatas and one of the coauthors of The Uprising Experience, based on Erwin McManus’s book Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul. I had an opportunity to read his latest book entitled Peppermint-Filled Piñatas. I highly recommend this book for you personally and also for a Small Group Study. I asked Eric if he would do a brief Q/A with us and he was gracious enough to accept. Here’s what he had to say:
TRACEY: For those who may not be familiar with your story, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Eric: After growing up in Texas, I moved to Seattle to help plant a church where I stayed for 4 years. My wife Debbie and I then moved to Los Angeles where we have been at Mosaic for the past 10 years. As a bald white guy in a world of color, I have been discovering God’s love for all people – even those with whom I differ, disagree, or dislike. Debbie and I live in the middle of L.A. County with our two kids, Caleb and Trevi.
TRACEY: When did you decide to write Peppermint-Filled Piñatas and why?
ERIC: So many people were asking us about how we became such a diverse community at Mosaic, that I began writing this book as a response. As I began writing the book, I realized we are diverse in so many other ways beyond just ethnicity. We connect with people who are diverse socioeconomically, or in their understanding of God, or in their view of sexuality, and so on. In the end, the book became my attempt to help people who follow Jesus learn how to love, serve, and even reach those who are too often rejected or overlooked by the church.
TRACEY: How can people use this book as a Small Group Study?
ERIC: Churches who have used the books in their small groups have said they have been able to have really lively discussion which has led to very practical ways to engage our quickly-changing pluralistic and globalizing world. The small groups read through a chapter each week and use the small group questions at the end of the book to facilitate their discussion.
TRACEY: Any plans for another book in the future?
ERIC: I am always writing something at least for those wanting to discuss innovation and outreach at www.ericbryant.org! After completing my dissertation, I hope to have more books to offer people. Thanks for asking!
Thanks to Eric for taking the time to answer a few questions and giving us a little insight on Peppermint-Filled Piñatas. If you would like more information about his book, www.ericbryant.org
10.12.08
PUZZLED: New Series at Central
Ever feel puzzled by life-like things just don’t line up? Do you struggle with tough questions of faith? Questions like: “If God is so good, why is there so much suffering?” or “How can a loving God send people to hell?” This week Jud is kicking off a new series entitled “PUZZLED?” which will explore those challenging questions of faith. Check it out at one of Central’s campuses. For more information go to www.CentralChristian.com. Don’t forget, you can also join us at the on-line campus. Just click on this link www.centralonlinecampus.com .
Many times, we feel that we have to know all of the answers, but I have to confess most of the time…I do not know what God is doing or why God has chosen to allow something to happen. As a pastor, are there things that have PUZZLED you about God?
centralcouples
