I'll keep this short because I really would like your input.
Everywhere I look I am constantly reading about making Leaders (Chiefs) in Ministry. Don't get me wrong I think it is very important and vital that every organization builds good leaders within their organization. But are your team members all made to be Leaders?
We have all heard the phrase too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.
So heres the question, are all Indians made to be Chiefs or Leaders? Do you think it would be easier to fight a battle with all Chiefs or Chiefs and Indians?
Would Love Your Input.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Is it God or Time ?
Recently I have been part of many discussions regarding TIME. The small group that my wife and I are in is talking about time and how it relates to our marriages. But I think that when you really start getting into the discipline of time and the lack there of, you start revealing a lot of other things. In fact I believe that it directly relates to church attendance.
First let me ask you a few questions.
God?
- Do you think that most people in America have ridden by a church in their car etc.?
- When they ride by a church do you think that many, maybe even if it’s just for a split second, they think about Jesus? (As in they know His name)
- If you were around a group of people in the middle of no where and you said the name Jesus, do you think most people would know who you are talking about?
Time.
- Do you know any young families where both adults work?
- Do you know any young families that not only do both adults work but at least one of them may have two jobs or go to school?
- Do you know any families that have children?
- Do you know any families where both parents work?
- Do you know any adults whose children play organized sports?
I will stop there because I think you already see my point.
Many People know the name of Jesus, but they just simply don’t have enough time.
Many churches today are spending tons of money on advertising and trying to make people aware of Jesus. Mean while many people that they are reaching, have already heard about Him many years ago. We live in 2009. Thanks to technology, I get told things and hear things quicker than ever before. In fact, many times I hear about things and before I can even completely mentally and emotionally relate to the situation, I hear about something else that is “better” or “more current”.
I would encourage you to start up some conversations with neighbors and friends and listen to when they speak and the tone they use we they are talking. Much of their tone and demeanor will be relative to time or lack there of.
We no longer live in a world where the people haven’t heard the news. Instead we live in a world where a husband has to email a wife to plan a dinner date. As a church, we have to wise up. Satan has infiltrated our homes little by little each day by placing materialistic culture and in sensitive process to where many feel there is no other way.
I can only imagine the pleasure the Devil gets out of seeing people that absolutely know about Jesus, in some manner, but because of time and responsibilities and the (keeping up with the joneses of today’s culture) they make a conscious decision to put Him last in line.
You know all those churches you passed on your way to work today… Your neighbors passed them too. Do you really think they haven’t heard the name Jesus? Or are we all just avoiding a bigger issue?
Would love to read your comments.
First let me ask you a few questions.
God?
- Do you think that most people in America have ridden by a church in their car etc.?
- When they ride by a church do you think that many, maybe even if it’s just for a split second, they think about Jesus? (As in they know His name)
- If you were around a group of people in the middle of no where and you said the name Jesus, do you think most people would know who you are talking about?
Time.
- Do you know any young families where both adults work?
- Do you know any young families that not only do both adults work but at least one of them may have two jobs or go to school?
- Do you know any families that have children?
- Do you know any families where both parents work?
- Do you know any adults whose children play organized sports?
I will stop there because I think you already see my point.
Many People know the name of Jesus, but they just simply don’t have enough time.
Many churches today are spending tons of money on advertising and trying to make people aware of Jesus. Mean while many people that they are reaching, have already heard about Him many years ago. We live in 2009. Thanks to technology, I get told things and hear things quicker than ever before. In fact, many times I hear about things and before I can even completely mentally and emotionally relate to the situation, I hear about something else that is “better” or “more current”.
I would encourage you to start up some conversations with neighbors and friends and listen to when they speak and the tone they use we they are talking. Much of their tone and demeanor will be relative to time or lack there of.
We no longer live in a world where the people haven’t heard the news. Instead we live in a world where a husband has to email a wife to plan a dinner date. As a church, we have to wise up. Satan has infiltrated our homes little by little each day by placing materialistic culture and in sensitive process to where many feel there is no other way.
I can only imagine the pleasure the Devil gets out of seeing people that absolutely know about Jesus, in some manner, but because of time and responsibilities and the (keeping up with the joneses of today’s culture) they make a conscious decision to put Him last in line.
You know all those churches you passed on your way to work today… Your neighbors passed them too. Do you really think they haven’t heard the name Jesus? Or are we all just avoiding a bigger issue?
Would love to read your comments.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I’m Thinking About Giving Up.
I’m thinking about giving up.
Yep, that’s it. No catch. I really am thinking about giving up. God has used my heart and broke me down more than ever in my life and my relationship with Him has never been better.
I decided this week to make myself a project. I decided that this week I would participate and do everything (short of sin) that the “world” (culture) says I am suppose to do. Everything. Went to work, tennis practice, mowed the yard, went grocery shopping, watched my favorite show, watched someone else’s favorite show, played video games, went out to dinner with friends, gossiped, chased my tail, ran silly errands, etc. and now its Thursday. I did this because I wanted to. See I am usually the weirdo that says no that’s ok, you guys go ahead. I am usually the guy that begs you to sit down with me and watch Francis Chans' latest podcast. But not this week, I decided to “really live” this week.
However, now it’s Thursday morning and I am preparing my mind to worship this weekend and I feel like a total hypocrite. Sure I could use the Grace card and find scriptures in the Bible that supports that God is forgiving and Loves me just the way I am, and although I do understand and believe that, I also know that this would just make it worse.
God is changing my heart and in doing so I am realizing that “We are the body.”
IF WE ARE THE BODY. It’s not about your building, it’s about YOU. If you are reading this right now, that means YOU.
I just want to have a relationship with God first and foremost. I want to lie in my backyard each day and spend time alone with Him. I want to sit on the beach and read to my kids about how God created this earth and that first and foremost He is our Father not I. And it pains me to know that an angry deacon or church member who doesn’t think I or my children should wear sandals, or bring coffee cups into “his” church could get in between that relationship. Many of you may read that and think man, he’s upset. But I am not. In fact this is not about me being upset; it’s about being in Love with Jesus Christ.
I am sure some people are reading this and thinking “I can’t believe he just said that” but just remember if I didn’t say it and I just smiled and then acted differently later, it would hurt you more. I am just being transparent. I am no where near perfect. I have sinned many times in my life and still battle with it daily. But I am not starting with you, I am starting with me. So I’m thinking about giving up on the things that are getting in between my relationship with God, even if that means the church.
Chad
Yep, that’s it. No catch. I really am thinking about giving up. God has used my heart and broke me down more than ever in my life and my relationship with Him has never been better.
I decided this week to make myself a project. I decided that this week I would participate and do everything (short of sin) that the “world” (culture) says I am suppose to do. Everything. Went to work, tennis practice, mowed the yard, went grocery shopping, watched my favorite show, watched someone else’s favorite show, played video games, went out to dinner with friends, gossiped, chased my tail, ran silly errands, etc. and now its Thursday. I did this because I wanted to. See I am usually the weirdo that says no that’s ok, you guys go ahead. I am usually the guy that begs you to sit down with me and watch Francis Chans' latest podcast. But not this week, I decided to “really live” this week.
However, now it’s Thursday morning and I am preparing my mind to worship this weekend and I feel like a total hypocrite. Sure I could use the Grace card and find scriptures in the Bible that supports that God is forgiving and Loves me just the way I am, and although I do understand and believe that, I also know that this would just make it worse.
God is changing my heart and in doing so I am realizing that “We are the body.”
IF WE ARE THE BODY. It’s not about your building, it’s about YOU. If you are reading this right now, that means YOU.
I just want to have a relationship with God first and foremost. I want to lie in my backyard each day and spend time alone with Him. I want to sit on the beach and read to my kids about how God created this earth and that first and foremost He is our Father not I. And it pains me to know that an angry deacon or church member who doesn’t think I or my children should wear sandals, or bring coffee cups into “his” church could get in between that relationship. Many of you may read that and think man, he’s upset. But I am not. In fact this is not about me being upset; it’s about being in Love with Jesus Christ.
I am sure some people are reading this and thinking “I can’t believe he just said that” but just remember if I didn’t say it and I just smiled and then acted differently later, it would hurt you more. I am just being transparent. I am no where near perfect. I have sinned many times in my life and still battle with it daily. But I am not starting with you, I am starting with me. So I’m thinking about giving up on the things that are getting in between my relationship with God, even if that means the church.
Chad
Friday, March 27, 2009
Pastor or Leader or Both?
Pastor or Leader or Both?
I hope I don’t get myself in to much trouble here but I wanted to ask you a question? If you are a Pastor, does that automatically make you a good leader?
I have met and worked for some incredible leaders and Pastors but I do not know why our culture automatically assumes that all Pastors are leaders. I think it is a major insult to Pastors. Seriously, please let me explain.
I am always amazed at how many Pastors I talk to that tell me what style of music they are going to have, what their website is going to look like, how many children programs they are starting, when the parking lot is getting resurfaced, how many volunteer meetings they are having, what’s being served at the BBQ this coming weekend, and on and on and on and oh BTW, here’s what the message is about this weekend. I wonder if any Pastors out there are reading this right now and feel like that?
It seems to me that once you find the right leader in each ministry, paid or volunteer, you should be out of the day to day and support your leader. Isn’t that what you are asking them to do for you? Support you.
Don’t get me wrong I think that communication and battles should be fought but when a Pastor starts telling me “we’re going to have a 3 piece band with a percussion dude that’s hitting all the downbeats, and an acoustic guitarist will be right here, and I don’t want a keyboardist but instead a DJ, etc. etc.” The first thing that comes to my mind is “So you did a poor job hiring a worship leader, huh?”
Pastors, Don’t get me wrong, I will never know your burden, and I deeply respect each and everyone of you, but that’s why I am writing this. I hope and pray that you hire leaders on your teams that you have full faith in and that you know there is some common thread between all of you. So, when we get a chance to have a cup of coffee or hang out and talk about church and our faith, you can talk to me about something I need more of, the Bible. Not about how to mic a Tom-Tom, I’m a worship leader and I should already know that.
thoughts?
I hope I don’t get myself in to much trouble here but I wanted to ask you a question? If you are a Pastor, does that automatically make you a good leader?
I have met and worked for some incredible leaders and Pastors but I do not know why our culture automatically assumes that all Pastors are leaders. I think it is a major insult to Pastors. Seriously, please let me explain.
I am always amazed at how many Pastors I talk to that tell me what style of music they are going to have, what their website is going to look like, how many children programs they are starting, when the parking lot is getting resurfaced, how many volunteer meetings they are having, what’s being served at the BBQ this coming weekend, and on and on and on and oh BTW, here’s what the message is about this weekend. I wonder if any Pastors out there are reading this right now and feel like that?
It seems to me that once you find the right leader in each ministry, paid or volunteer, you should be out of the day to day and support your leader. Isn’t that what you are asking them to do for you? Support you.
Don’t get me wrong I think that communication and battles should be fought but when a Pastor starts telling me “we’re going to have a 3 piece band with a percussion dude that’s hitting all the downbeats, and an acoustic guitarist will be right here, and I don’t want a keyboardist but instead a DJ, etc. etc.” The first thing that comes to my mind is “So you did a poor job hiring a worship leader, huh?”
Pastors, Don’t get me wrong, I will never know your burden, and I deeply respect each and everyone of you, but that’s why I am writing this. I hope and pray that you hire leaders on your teams that you have full faith in and that you know there is some common thread between all of you. So, when we get a chance to have a cup of coffee or hang out and talk about church and our faith, you can talk to me about something I need more of, the Bible. Not about how to mic a Tom-Tom, I’m a worship leader and I should already know that.
thoughts?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Designing the UI for YouVersion
Many people have asked me about the whole YouVersion design process. How did that happen, how did you design it etc. etc. etc. so.........
Here's the story.
After sending a couple of designs to Terry Storch and company at Lifechurch.tv I was extremely honored when asked to redesign the UI(user interface) for the BLACKBERRY version of YouVersion.
* If you have the latest version of youversion on your Blackberry then you are familiar with this design. If you don't, go get it here - http://www.youversion.com/bb/
Below is just a quick snapshot of the different design phases we went through while designing the UI.
One of the most beautiful parts about designing this with Lifechurch.tv and the Digerati team was that it was done completely through the internet and over the internet. No flights across country, No crazy meetings, No hotel rooms, just a few passion driven people with knowledge and internet connections.
If you want it to happen it can.
1. Black background.
2. Top Room Shading
3. Bottom Room Shading with Dock cutout.
4. Add Logo
5. Add Translation background shadowcasting bar
6. Add Top translation bar
7. Add drop down cue box
8. Add main search box
9. Add pull down arrow on translation cue box
10. Add inset search box over main search box
11. Add magnify cue box (This is the original green look that we later changed to a grayscale however I still love the green, sorry Terry, lol)
12. Add actual magnifying glass
13. Add shading to magnifying area
14. Additional Shading on search area boxes
15. Additional overall shading
16. Add right dock grill
17. Add left dock grill
18. Dock shading
19. Dock stroke divider and more shading
20. Add Menu Buttons (designing these were a major part of the look and feel however we won't go into this process in this blog).
21. Add Hover shading and shadows
22. Add rollover states to each menu button
Here's the story.
After sending a couple of designs to Terry Storch and company at Lifechurch.tv I was extremely honored when asked to redesign the UI(user interface) for the BLACKBERRY version of YouVersion.
* If you have the latest version of youversion on your Blackberry then you are familiar with this design. If you don't, go get it here - http://www.youversion.com/bb/
Below is just a quick snapshot of the different design phases we went through while designing the UI.
One of the most beautiful parts about designing this with Lifechurch.tv and the Digerati team was that it was done completely through the internet and over the internet. No flights across country, No crazy meetings, No hotel rooms, just a few passion driven people with knowledge and internet connections.
If you want it to happen it can.
1. Black background.
2. Top Room Shading
3. Bottom Room Shading with Dock cutout.
4. Add Logo
5. Add Translation background shadowcasting bar
6. Add Top translation bar
7. Add drop down cue box
8. Add main search box
9. Add pull down arrow on translation cue box
10. Add inset search box over main search box
11. Add magnify cue box (This is the original green look that we later changed to a grayscale however I still love the green, sorry Terry, lol)
12. Add actual magnifying glass
13. Add shading to magnifying area
14. Additional Shading on search area boxes
15. Additional overall shading
16. Add right dock grill
17. Add left dock grill
18. Dock shading
19. Dock stroke divider and more shading
20. Add Menu Buttons (designing these were a major part of the look and feel however we won't go into this process in this blog).
21. Add Hover shading and shadows
22. Add rollover states to each menu button
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
IS YOUR CHURCH SELLING PIZZA LOAF ?
We are different.
You still didn’t hear me. WE ARE DIFFERENT!
For some reason many people have a problem with this. Stop for a second and ask yourself, “Do I know anyone who is different?” There is probably at least one person that sticks out in your head. How do you think that same person would answer that same question? Their answer might be you. The point is we are all different.
Question for you?
- If you invited a 60 year old person over for dinner what would you prepare?
- If you invited a 20 year old person over for dinner what would you prepare?
Are they different? Why are they different?
Have you ever had a 60 year old over for dinner and then proceeded to order pizza? Don’t get me wrong I personally know a lot of 60 year old people who love pizza. However, after they ate the pizza, did they get on the phone and tell their friends? Did they go around town saying what a wonderful dinner they had? Did they long for the opportunity to come over again because of the pizza?
Did they eat? Yes. Were they feed? Yes. Are they selling it to others? Um.
Have you ever had some 20 to 30 year old people over for dinner and served them a formal meal? Meatloaf, Broccoli, Beets, Strawberry Shortcake, and maybe some after dinner coffee. Again, don’t get me wrong I personally enjoy many of these foods but oh, wait a minute, it’s not about me. Anyhow, after they ate the dinner, did they get on the phone and tell their friends? Did they go around town saying what a wonderful dinner they had? Did they long for the opportunity to come over again because of the food?
Did they eat? Yes. Were they feed? Yes. Are they selling it to others? Um.
Do you think the answer is to invite everyone over and make PIZZALOAF?
Quick Notes:
- Many people like Meatloaf and Pizza.
- Don’t make Pizza loaf and try to convince people it’s good.
- If you make Meatloaf, take it to a whole nutha level.
- If you make Pizza, take it to a whole nutha level.
- If you make Pizza loaf, your not really pleasing anyone.
- Neither party is wrong. But you can make them resent each other when serving Pizza loaf.
- Don’t think because you love Pizza or Meatloaf that everyone else does.
- If you aren’t eating it, stop trying to sell it.
- Please, please, please remember that people today have too many options and most see facing conflict as a waste of time. If people don’t like it, they are not going to take the time to tell you, they just won’t come back.
How many of you read Pizza loaf and thought it sounded disgusting?
I agree, so stop serving it.
OUT!
You still didn’t hear me. WE ARE DIFFERENT!
For some reason many people have a problem with this. Stop for a second and ask yourself, “Do I know anyone who is different?” There is probably at least one person that sticks out in your head. How do you think that same person would answer that same question? Their answer might be you. The point is we are all different.
Question for you?
- If you invited a 60 year old person over for dinner what would you prepare?
- If you invited a 20 year old person over for dinner what would you prepare?
Are they different? Why are they different?
Have you ever had a 60 year old over for dinner and then proceeded to order pizza? Don’t get me wrong I personally know a lot of 60 year old people who love pizza. However, after they ate the pizza, did they get on the phone and tell their friends? Did they go around town saying what a wonderful dinner they had? Did they long for the opportunity to come over again because of the pizza?
Did they eat? Yes. Were they feed? Yes. Are they selling it to others? Um.
Have you ever had some 20 to 30 year old people over for dinner and served them a formal meal? Meatloaf, Broccoli, Beets, Strawberry Shortcake, and maybe some after dinner coffee. Again, don’t get me wrong I personally enjoy many of these foods but oh, wait a minute, it’s not about me. Anyhow, after they ate the dinner, did they get on the phone and tell their friends? Did they go around town saying what a wonderful dinner they had? Did they long for the opportunity to come over again because of the food?
Did they eat? Yes. Were they feed? Yes. Are they selling it to others? Um.
Do you think the answer is to invite everyone over and make PIZZALOAF?
Quick Notes:
- Many people like Meatloaf and Pizza.
- Don’t make Pizza loaf and try to convince people it’s good.
- If you make Meatloaf, take it to a whole nutha level.
- If you make Pizza, take it to a whole nutha level.
- If you make Pizza loaf, your not really pleasing anyone.
- Neither party is wrong. But you can make them resent each other when serving Pizza loaf.
- Don’t think because you love Pizza or Meatloaf that everyone else does.
- If you aren’t eating it, stop trying to sell it.
- Please, please, please remember that people today have too many options and most see facing conflict as a waste of time. If people don’t like it, they are not going to take the time to tell you, they just won’t come back.
How many of you read Pizza loaf and thought it sounded disgusting?
I agree, so stop serving it.
OUT!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
YOU ARE FAT
Force Feeding Words, Is Just Force.
You are Fat!
Have you ever been told by someone “YOU ARE FAT?”
When they walked away did you say to yourself, “AH, HE REALLY CARES ABOUT ME?”
Chances are you very seldom walk up to someone in the store and say, hey, “I know your fat, but I can help you.” Regardless of how you say that, most people are going to react with anger and stay far from you. In fact they may even decide to FIGHT BACK.
Most people who are overweight or fat already know it. Telling them that their fat is not only insulting them but also questioning their mental state.
Many that are far from the church and a relationship with Christ already know this. Approaching them by pointing this out to them is insulting and just adds fuel to the fire. Your delivery could be the difference between being the light and the final nail in the coffin.
Many times the delivery of your words is as important as the words themselves. Especially when your teaching a Foreign language.
OUT!
You are Fat!
Have you ever been told by someone “YOU ARE FAT?”
When they walked away did you say to yourself, “AH, HE REALLY CARES ABOUT ME?”
Chances are you very seldom walk up to someone in the store and say, hey, “I know your fat, but I can help you.” Regardless of how you say that, most people are going to react with anger and stay far from you. In fact they may even decide to FIGHT BACK.
Most people who are overweight or fat already know it. Telling them that their fat is not only insulting them but also questioning their mental state.
Many that are far from the church and a relationship with Christ already know this. Approaching them by pointing this out to them is insulting and just adds fuel to the fire. Your delivery could be the difference between being the light and the final nail in the coffin.
Many times the delivery of your words is as important as the words themselves. Especially when your teaching a Foreign language.
OUT!
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