The second "E" in L.E.A.D.E.R. is:
E xpresses truth--no matter what.
Honesty is not only the "best policy"-- it's the "only policy".
Leaders need to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even when it's difficult.
Some leaders seem to be deceptive, and give a lot of 1/2 truths.
Here's the reason why being honest is so important; it gives you credibility. When we mess up and are honest enough to admit that, people respect our authenticity.
I have worked for people who were less than honest and you always have a sense that, something just isn't right. You get to the point where you're not sure what's truth and what's a fabrication. That's a very unhealthy environment.
When doing our staff reviews I have found that it is extremely important to be very honest. People need to know exactly where they stand. They need to know what areas they are doing well on, and which ones they need to work on. If we are afraid to be honest and give a good review, but there are areas that need improvement, then we are doing them a disservice. They need (and want) us to be honest.
Next time I am going to wrap up this series of posts with the "R" in L.E.A.D.E.R.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Shine
Some of you know that for the last couple of years we have done an annual Shine project, where 1,000 plus volunteers from Foothills Community Church have tackled various community service projects. It has been a huge success.
Well, we had the idea that we would use the same concept again except we would ask the volunteers to serve at Foothills campus in Seneca.
First impressions are important and we have always sought to have the most pristine campus possible so that guests would feel like we were prepared to receive them.
Even though our facility is pretty new, there are a lot of things that need attention. We have some outside things like, grass seeding and pressure washing, and landscaping, and then there are some inside things like painting and general clean-up.
On Saturday October 10th from 9:00am until noon, we need your help. This is a great chance to give some of our most precious commodity--time, back to your church!
We'll be giving you more info this Sunday, but go ahead and mark it on your calendars.
Well, we had the idea that we would use the same concept again except we would ask the volunteers to serve at Foothills campus in Seneca.
First impressions are important and we have always sought to have the most pristine campus possible so that guests would feel like we were prepared to receive them.
Even though our facility is pretty new, there are a lot of things that need attention. We have some outside things like, grass seeding and pressure washing, and landscaping, and then there are some inside things like painting and general clean-up.
On Saturday October 10th from 9:00am until noon, we need your help. This is a great chance to give some of our most precious commodity--time, back to your church!
We'll be giving you more info this Sunday, but go ahead and mark it on your calendars.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday thoughts
What a day today at Foothills Community Church. I can't believe what God is uo to at both of our campuses.
**First, a shout out to our Toccoa campus. Wow, can you believe what happened there? They celebrated their one year anniversary with a new record attendance and they baptized 8 more people!
**They were watching the , "What If... Today Was Your last Day?" message, and Shannon Chiles, our campus Pastor told me that one lady that was baptized was held-up at gunpoint this morning before church (she works at a convenience store) So needless to say, the message hit home with her.
**I can hardly wait to see what happens when they move into their new facility in a couple of months!
**At our Seneca campus we began a new series called, "Disciple". The message was called, "The Gospel". Basically I just preached the Gospel. The gospel is so simple, yet so profound.
**Once again, I want to brag on all of the staff and volunteers that pitch in to make things happen at Foothills--Thank you, thank you, thank you.
**Taylor did a great job again with the stage set. worship was awesome. Scott Chatfield did a nice job with the Via Dolorosa video at the 11:15am service. All in all, a great day.
**Next Sunday my message is called, "Grow Up". I wish tomorrow was Sunday, I can hardly wait!
**First, a shout out to our Toccoa campus. Wow, can you believe what happened there? They celebrated their one year anniversary with a new record attendance and they baptized 8 more people!
**They were watching the , "What If... Today Was Your last Day?" message, and Shannon Chiles, our campus Pastor told me that one lady that was baptized was held-up at gunpoint this morning before church (she works at a convenience store) So needless to say, the message hit home with her.
**I can hardly wait to see what happens when they move into their new facility in a couple of months!
**At our Seneca campus we began a new series called, "Disciple". The message was called, "The Gospel". Basically I just preached the Gospel. The gospel is so simple, yet so profound.
**Once again, I want to brag on all of the staff and volunteers that pitch in to make things happen at Foothills--Thank you, thank you, thank you.
**Taylor did a great job again with the stage set. worship was awesome. Scott Chatfield did a nice job with the Via Dolorosa video at the 11:15am service. All in all, a great day.
**Next Sunday my message is called, "Grow Up". I wish tomorrow was Sunday, I can hardly wait!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
In case you missed it
For those of you who could not make it to Foothills this past weekend because of the flooding, here is what you missed. What If... Today Was Your Last Day?
Dozens of people were baptized in horse troughs set up on stage (you can watch them on the video as well).
Dozens of people were baptized in horse troughs set up on stage (you can watch them on the video as well).
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Leaders (part 4)
The "D" in L.E.A.D.E.R. is:
Do the right thing--always.
That's right, integrity is one of the most important attributes of a leader (probably the most important)
Leaders have to keep their guards up at all time. One slip morally can be fatal to your ability to lead, and your reputation.
In 1 Kings 15:5, we are reminded of this. It says: " For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, EXCEPT in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite."
All of the great things that David did throughout his lifetime, like defeating Goliath, and great military victories were overshadowed by his lack of integrity.
I wonder how President Nixon will be remembered? Most likely it will be Watergate.
Or how about President Clinton? probably for his dealings with Monica Lewinsky.
How about you? What will you be remembered for?
It takes a lifetime to build integrity and only 1 moment to lose it!
Leaders, it is up to us to model integrity.
Do the right thing--always.
That's right, integrity is one of the most important attributes of a leader (probably the most important)
Leaders have to keep their guards up at all time. One slip morally can be fatal to your ability to lead, and your reputation.
In 1 Kings 15:5, we are reminded of this. It says: " For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, EXCEPT in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite."
All of the great things that David did throughout his lifetime, like defeating Goliath, and great military victories were overshadowed by his lack of integrity.
I wonder how President Nixon will be remembered? Most likely it will be Watergate.
Or how about President Clinton? probably for his dealings with Monica Lewinsky.
How about you? What will you be remembered for?
It takes a lifetime to build integrity and only 1 moment to lose it!
Leaders, it is up to us to model integrity.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Leaders (part 3)
The "A" in Leaders stands for Admonish. Great Leaders:
A dmonish when necessary.
Colossians 3:16 says to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.
Great leaders are not afraid to confront people when necessary. It has been said that confrontation is the greatest form of love. It's hard to do, but when you truly care about people you become willing to take the relational risk associated with admonishment.
It's a whole lot easier to let things slide, but if you keep in mind, the goal of admonishment is actually to help another person, then it's a little easier.
Admonishment is not meant to be critical it is meant to correct. It's designed to spur a person on to a higher way of living.
I remember reading about former Miami Dolphin head coach, Don Shula. he was once talking to a reporter and was asked about on of his players mistake during practice. He said, "we never let an error go unchallenged." the reporter then asked, "isn't there a benefit in overlooking one small flaw?" He responded by saying, "uncorrected errors multiply. You've got to face them someday, so you might as well face them on the spot."
Over the years I have found that there are some keys to proper admonishment. Here's a list:
** Admonish quickly.
** Admonish in private (praise in public)
** Pray before confronting
** Admonish in love
** Check your motives
A dmonish when necessary.
Colossians 3:16 says to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.
Great leaders are not afraid to confront people when necessary. It has been said that confrontation is the greatest form of love. It's hard to do, but when you truly care about people you become willing to take the relational risk associated with admonishment.
It's a whole lot easier to let things slide, but if you keep in mind, the goal of admonishment is actually to help another person, then it's a little easier.
Admonishment is not meant to be critical it is meant to correct. It's designed to spur a person on to a higher way of living.
I remember reading about former Miami Dolphin head coach, Don Shula. he was once talking to a reporter and was asked about on of his players mistake during practice. He said, "we never let an error go unchallenged." the reporter then asked, "isn't there a benefit in overlooking one small flaw?" He responded by saying, "uncorrected errors multiply. You've got to face them someday, so you might as well face them on the spot."
Over the years I have found that there are some keys to proper admonishment. Here's a list:
** Admonish quickly.
** Admonish in private (praise in public)
** Pray before confronting
** Admonish in love
** Check your motives
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday thoughts
Today will go down in history as one of the best at Foothills. Here are a few highlights:
** Woke up this morning to a driving rain. Always hate torrential rains on Sundays. It definitely affects attendance.
** Today we did spontaneous baptisms. It's always a little scary because they are so unpredictable. But I guess that's why i love doing them. It is a total step of faith.
** We had 3 horse troughs set up on the stage to do the baptisms in. (You never know what to expect at Foothills!)
** Leading up to the message, the band did the Nickelback song, If Today was Your Last Day. Then we had some eerie organ music playing with some slides on the big screens that had scriptures talking about the brevity of life, and then we had pallbearers carry out a casket---very creepy.
** The message today was, What If... Today Was Your Last Day? It was probably the most "gloves-off" presentation of the need to follow Christ as any message I've ever done.
** We had a ton of responses of people giving their lives to Jesus, and 36 people baptized spontaneously---it was awesome!
** The buzz in the concourse was crazy. I had so many people tell me that a friend got baptized, or someone they invited gave their life to Christ. Very cool.
The best part is, we have another Sunday coming up in 7 days, and we will start a new message series called, "Disciple"!
** Woke up this morning to a driving rain. Always hate torrential rains on Sundays. It definitely affects attendance.
** Today we did spontaneous baptisms. It's always a little scary because they are so unpredictable. But I guess that's why i love doing them. It is a total step of faith.
** We had 3 horse troughs set up on the stage to do the baptisms in. (You never know what to expect at Foothills!)
** Leading up to the message, the band did the Nickelback song, If Today was Your Last Day. Then we had some eerie organ music playing with some slides on the big screens that had scriptures talking about the brevity of life, and then we had pallbearers carry out a casket---very creepy.
** The message today was, What If... Today Was Your Last Day? It was probably the most "gloves-off" presentation of the need to follow Christ as any message I've ever done.
** We had a ton of responses of people giving their lives to Jesus, and 36 people baptized spontaneously---it was awesome!
** The buzz in the concourse was crazy. I had so many people tell me that a friend got baptized, or someone they invited gave their life to Christ. Very cool.
The best part is, we have another Sunday coming up in 7 days, and we will start a new message series called, "Disciple"!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
This Sunday
Every weekend at Foothills Community Church is a great time to invite a friend to come with you. Every single service that we do has hundreds of hours of planning, preparing and praying behind it. But there are some Sundays that are prime for inviting your friends. This Sunday is one of them.
This is a Sunday that I believe will go down in our history as one of the most powerful Sundays ever. It is a Sunday that you do not want to miss. It is a Sunday that if you have friends that don't know Jesus, that you need to do ANYTHING you can to get them there.
I will be wrapping up the "What If..." series, with a message called, What If... Today was Your Last Day?
The message is going to be one of the most frank, honest, and sobering messages I've ever preached. I'm pretty sure that it will cause every single person there to re-evaluate their lives. I am praying that we have record numbers of people make significant spiritual decisions.
We've got a couple of other things planned that we've never done before, and of course, some incredible music.
See you Sunday---and bring someone with you!
This is a Sunday that I believe will go down in our history as one of the most powerful Sundays ever. It is a Sunday that you do not want to miss. It is a Sunday that if you have friends that don't know Jesus, that you need to do ANYTHING you can to get them there.
I will be wrapping up the "What If..." series, with a message called, What If... Today was Your Last Day?
The message is going to be one of the most frank, honest, and sobering messages I've ever preached. I'm pretty sure that it will cause every single person there to re-evaluate their lives. I am praying that we have record numbers of people make significant spiritual decisions.
We've got a couple of other things planned that we've never done before, and of course, some incredible music.
See you Sunday---and bring someone with you!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Leaders (part 2)
The "E" in L.E.A.D.E.R.S is:
E xhibits humility
Humility can be one of the leaders greatest assets. Jesus said in Matthew 20:25-25, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant."
Jesus said this in response to the request of the mother of two of his disciples (James and John) who wanted Jesus to allow her two sons to sit in the place of honor beside Him.
Jesus taught that the way up, is actually down---by humbling ourselves. This is in stark contrast to the flamboyant power-hungry, controlling leadership possessed by some leaders.
Humble leadership is when the leader, doesn't always have to be right, or have his own way, or have his stamp of approval on every aspect of the organization. He learns to trust the judgment of the team around him. He knows that they are more qualified to make decisions in some areas than he is. A humble leader admits when he is wrong instead of making excuses.
Next we'll discuss the "A" in leader.
E xhibits humility
Humility can be one of the leaders greatest assets. Jesus said in Matthew 20:25-25, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant."
Jesus said this in response to the request of the mother of two of his disciples (James and John) who wanted Jesus to allow her two sons to sit in the place of honor beside Him.
Jesus taught that the way up, is actually down---by humbling ourselves. This is in stark contrast to the flamboyant power-hungry, controlling leadership possessed by some leaders.
Humble leadership is when the leader, doesn't always have to be right, or have his own way, or have his stamp of approval on every aspect of the organization. He learns to trust the judgment of the team around him. He knows that they are more qualified to make decisions in some areas than he is. A humble leader admits when he is wrong instead of making excuses.
Next we'll discuss the "A" in leader.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
sunday night review
It was an absolute blast at Foothills Community Church today. It was just one of those days that makes me so thankful to be the Pastor of this great church!
9:30am service attendance was a bit light, but Eric Peters and his team knocked it out of the park.
The 11:15 service was pretty full and David O and his team rocked the house. We had a fiddle player and she was awesome!
The question I asked today was, What If... I got connected? I talked about the benefits of being in a LIFE group. We had a LIFE group fair tonight. Hopefully a lot of new people signed up for a group.
Talked to a friend of mine a little while ago, Daniel Lucas from Crosspoint Church in Morehead KY. They had over 100 people give their lives to Christ today!!
Next Sunday is going to be one of the coolest services that we've ever had at Foothills. Pray-Pray-Pray!
If you have friends that do not know Jesus, bring them next Sunday. Trust me, it will be worth it.
9:30am service attendance was a bit light, but Eric Peters and his team knocked it out of the park.
The 11:15 service was pretty full and David O and his team rocked the house. We had a fiddle player and she was awesome!
The question I asked today was, What If... I got connected? I talked about the benefits of being in a LIFE group. We had a LIFE group fair tonight. Hopefully a lot of new people signed up for a group.
Talked to a friend of mine a little while ago, Daniel Lucas from Crosspoint Church in Morehead KY. They had over 100 people give their lives to Christ today!!
Next Sunday is going to be one of the coolest services that we've ever had at Foothills. Pray-Pray-Pray!
If you have friends that do not know Jesus, bring them next Sunday. Trust me, it will be worth it.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Leaders
I wanted to talk about leadership from the angle of what a great leader IS, and what a great leader DOES.
I will be using the acrostic, L.E.A.D.E.R.
L ooks out for the interests of others.
A great leader is not first and foremost interested in himself and his own interests, he cares about others --especially those on his team or staff.
Ephesians 5:1-2a says, "Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins."
Martin Luther King Jr. gave himself for the sake of others. He set aside his personal comforts for the equality of the oppressed.
Great military leaders lay their lives down for the sake of freedom of the masses.
Jesus willingly laid down His life for us-- so that we might have life.
It would be hard to argue, that Jesus was not the most successful leader that ever walked the earth. In 3 short years, He led a movement that is still flourishing today. And when you study Jesus leadership style, it is not the type A leadership that you would expect from someone tackling such a big endeavor.
Yes, Jesus was driven. Yes, Jesus never backed down from a fight. Yes, He was committed, but He was first and foremost a Servant-Leader.
In fact Jesus taught against the "push my weight around, do it because I say so" type leadership that many leaders of His day were teaching.
For clarity, this does not mean that as a leader you need to please everyone. It does not mean you don't lead with passion and conviction. It doesn't mean you have to poll everyone to make sure everyone is good with the decision before you make it. It simply means that ultimately you consider others around you.
In my next blog, we'll look at the letter E in Leader.
I will be using the acrostic, L.E.A.D.E.R.
L ooks out for the interests of others.
A great leader is not first and foremost interested in himself and his own interests, he cares about others --especially those on his team or staff.
Ephesians 5:1-2a says, "Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins."
Martin Luther King Jr. gave himself for the sake of others. He set aside his personal comforts for the equality of the oppressed.
Great military leaders lay their lives down for the sake of freedom of the masses.
Jesus willingly laid down His life for us-- so that we might have life.
It would be hard to argue, that Jesus was not the most successful leader that ever walked the earth. In 3 short years, He led a movement that is still flourishing today. And when you study Jesus leadership style, it is not the type A leadership that you would expect from someone tackling such a big endeavor.
Yes, Jesus was driven. Yes, Jesus never backed down from a fight. Yes, He was committed, but He was first and foremost a Servant-Leader.
In fact Jesus taught against the "push my weight around, do it because I say so" type leadership that many leaders of His day were teaching.
For clarity, this does not mean that as a leader you need to please everyone. It does not mean you don't lead with passion and conviction. It doesn't mean you have to poll everyone to make sure everyone is good with the decision before you make it. It simply means that ultimately you consider others around you.
In my next blog, we'll look at the letter E in Leader.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
a few thoughts
** A long weekend is nice but a short work week is a little stressful!
** Spoke to Charles Hill about doing some things with The Sticks conferences in the future. We share a similar heart to help reach small to mid-sized towns for Christ and helping to equip pastors.
** Speaking of equipping pastors, my friend Eddie Cox and I are about to unveil The Strategic Pastor, which will be a coaching and equipping resource for pastors. It looks like we will begin in October.
** Very excited that in the last 2 weeks we have received over $30,000 to go towards our building renovation in Toccoa, and another several thousand dollars in pledges. The people of Foothills Community Church really get it!
** I am super excited about this Sunday at Foothills. We have some unbelievable services planned. PLEASE make sure to be on time, especially for the 11:15am service. Be in your seat when the countdown clock hits zero, or you will miss out. (actually, that's something to shoot for every week!)
** This Sunday we will be having our Fall Grouplink event at both Foothills locations. Toccoa Grouplink will be following the morning service. The Seneca Grouplink will begin at 6:30pm. If you want to get connected at Foothills, This is THE WAY to do it!
** God is up to something bigger than we've ever experienced!
** Spoke to Charles Hill about doing some things with The Sticks conferences in the future. We share a similar heart to help reach small to mid-sized towns for Christ and helping to equip pastors.
** Speaking of equipping pastors, my friend Eddie Cox and I are about to unveil The Strategic Pastor, which will be a coaching and equipping resource for pastors. It looks like we will begin in October.
** Very excited that in the last 2 weeks we have received over $30,000 to go towards our building renovation in Toccoa, and another several thousand dollars in pledges. The people of Foothills Community Church really get it!
** I am super excited about this Sunday at Foothills. We have some unbelievable services planned. PLEASE make sure to be on time, especially for the 11:15am service. Be in your seat when the countdown clock hits zero, or you will miss out. (actually, that's something to shoot for every week!)
** This Sunday we will be having our Fall Grouplink event at both Foothills locations. Toccoa Grouplink will be following the morning service. The Seneca Grouplink will begin at 6:30pm. If you want to get connected at Foothills, This is THE WAY to do it!
** God is up to something bigger than we've ever experienced!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Today was a blast
I had a blast this morning. I got to preach live at our Foothills Toccoa campus. Here are a few highlights:
** Very good attendance. It was comfortably full.
** They have so much energy over there, it's incredible. They sing loud. They are rowdy. They hung with the message and interacted a lot.
** Jonathan Bryant and his team did a phenomenal job of leading us in worship.
** Shannon Chiles (our Campus Pastor) has a team of tireless volunteers who do an amazing job.
** It was an added bonus that the Ga. Bulldogs lost on Saturday. I took it easy on them and didn't talk much smack.
** Shannon took me and my wife to see their new building after the service. They are doing a ton of renovation over there. Most likely they won't get finished until November, but it's going to be nice!
** I'm praying that everyone will step up and give to the What If...? campaign.
** Back in Seneca, I heard that Brian Rhodes did a great job delivering the message.
** Already looking forward to next Sunday. I'll be back in Seneca.
** Very good attendance. It was comfortably full.
** They have so much energy over there, it's incredible. They sing loud. They are rowdy. They hung with the message and interacted a lot.
** Jonathan Bryant and his team did a phenomenal job of leading us in worship.
** Shannon Chiles (our Campus Pastor) has a team of tireless volunteers who do an amazing job.
** It was an added bonus that the Ga. Bulldogs lost on Saturday. I took it easy on them and didn't talk much smack.
** Shannon took me and my wife to see their new building after the service. They are doing a ton of renovation over there. Most likely they won't get finished until November, but it's going to be nice!
** I'm praying that everyone will step up and give to the What If...? campaign.
** Back in Seneca, I heard that Brian Rhodes did a great job delivering the message.
** Already looking forward to next Sunday. I'll be back in Seneca.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Thursday quick hits
Productive week so far here at Foothills. Here are few quick hits about what's been happening.
** Our student ministry (Thrive) had 100 kids there last night. Gaining serious momentum!
** Last Sunday our Seneca campus stepped up and gave over $14,000 in a spontaneous offering to help renovate our Toccoa campus!
** If you weren't prepared to give last weekend to the Toccoa project, you're in luck, because you can do it this Sunday!
** Looking forward to Sunday.
** College football season is officially here. Yes!
** Weather has really cooled off. It feels like Fall.
** I have been working on our next message series coming up on September 27th. It's going to be awesome.
** The "What If...?" series is stretching a lot of people. 3 more weeks to go. Trust me, you don't want to miss any of it.
** I am really enjoying my study of the gospel of Mark. I think I'm going to do an entire series on this great book.
** I love doing what I'm doing. I am blessed beyond measure!
** Our student ministry (Thrive) had 100 kids there last night. Gaining serious momentum!
** Last Sunday our Seneca campus stepped up and gave over $14,000 in a spontaneous offering to help renovate our Toccoa campus!
** If you weren't prepared to give last weekend to the Toccoa project, you're in luck, because you can do it this Sunday!
** Looking forward to Sunday.
** College football season is officially here. Yes!
** Weather has really cooled off. It feels like Fall.
** I have been working on our next message series coming up on September 27th. It's going to be awesome.
** The "What If...?" series is stretching a lot of people. 3 more weeks to go. Trust me, you don't want to miss any of it.
** I am really enjoying my study of the gospel of Mark. I think I'm going to do an entire series on this great book.
** I love doing what I'm doing. I am blessed beyond measure!
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