Exponential 2012 - National New Church Conference NNCC

What an incredible privilege to attend Exponential 2012 last week. Thank you STADIA: New Church Strategies for the opportunity. Not only were the relationships sweet and the workshops all about more effectively planting churches... the main sessions were all about Church Leaders. Yes, in other words, it's all about me. :)

The theme was 'sifted.' Taken from Luke 22:31, the sentiment is that satan has asked to sift Peter like wheat... and what is he gonna do about it. But the Lord is praying for his faith not to fail. I don't know about you, but I'm glad the Lord was praying for Peter... and I'm thinking He's praying for me too.

Christians get sifted. Period. It's not about avoiding the sift. It's about knowing that He is God and has the supernatural power through the Holy Spirit to get us through the trial... through the sift. One pastor from Northern California was with me and his comment was something like this, "I went to Exponential to see what it could offer my home church to plant more churches. But what I received in the main sessions was for me."

I'm a different person for having attended. I believe I received two directives from the Lord on this trip. 1) Be more intentional with my family. 2) Start implementing the ideas/goals/plans I have in my head.

I have to admit, I'm scared on both fronts. I fear that I might fail. That is the point of the challenge God put before me. My job is not to succeed or to fail. My job is to be obedient.

One last gigantic challenge from my trip. I have GOT to stop doing things FOR God... and start OBEYING what I am hearing FROM God. I welcome your prayers for me.

Worship - More Experiential

Ray Johnston's young leaders weigh in on ministry at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA. This is number 5 of 7.

Worship needs to be far more experiential... expect God to show up!

It's not all about the smoke, sound and lights. It's not all about picking the best songs. Worship needs to be approached with an expectation that God is going to show up and do something big... every week. Churches should set up the service with His movement in mind. Plan for it. Expect it. Watch for it.

Young leaders seem to have an almost 'child-like' faith that puts the responsibility back on God to do the 'experiential' part of the worship. I've been guilty in the past in trying to 'help' God where He might be lacking.

Do you 'experience' God in your weekly church services? Does God show up? Quite honestly, many of us might not recognize Him if He DID show up.

Ministry-More Compassionate

Ministry is not about meeting the surface needs of all the followers. Young leaders let Ray Johnston know of their desire to be led well by elder leadership.

As I picture it, it's great to give the passing, "Praying for you," when rubbing shoulders with someone you know has a need. But is that really compassion?

Some show compassion by reaching out to the less fortunate. Others champion the rights of those who can't defend themselves. Maybe, compassion can be extended to those in your own family. How cool would it be for a teenager to really understand and empathize with a parent going through a tough time... instead of consistently being focused on their own world... their own emotions... and their own needs?

Are you short on compassion anywhere in your life? I think I'll go hug my kids.

Preaching-More Challenging

Going through homiletically correct motions in a sermon is a waste of time. Continuing some previous blogs regarding Ray Johnston's keynote address at the 2011 Thrive Conference at Bayside Church... young leaders are weighing in with Ray.

Young leaders are clamoring for their preaching and teaching pastors to stop talking just to be heard. Instead, throw down the gauntlet. Eloquent words are not desirable. What's needed is for young leaders to be challenged by the teaching of the local church. When that happens... young people will rise to the occasion.

I'm 45 years old. I'm not a 'young person' anymore... even though, inside, I feel like I'm about 28. I can say that this makes perfect sense to me. I agree. And, to the best of my ability, I try and live this concept out in my own teaching. Maybe to a fault.

I realize most readers, when asked if challenging preaching and teaching is what they desire, would give a resounding, 'YES!' But, could it be when we hear challenging preaching... we actually tend to get upset and really DON'T want to hear it?

Max & Taryn Baptized

Certainly, this goes down as one of the greatest days of my life. Having the privilege of baptizing both my kids, at one setting... WOW! I hope you enjoy a personal moment with me, my kids, and my church family. What an incredible moment for our family!

Max N Taryn Baptism 071711 from Barry Smith on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here!

Vacation, Staycation, Workation

Vacations include time off from work and often getting away. Staycations are time off but typically don't include overnight travel.

I'm writing this on the last day of a 'workation' - a vacation that includes some work. That can appear as an oxymoron - 'time off from work with work.'

I agree, but I loved this one. Know why? Cause the work I did was perfectly in my giftedness and involved what I'm passionate about - Changes Lives and Church Planting.

If you have to work on vacation - it's an honor and joy to receive energy from said work! I'm not recommending workations - just sharing the joy I experienced from mine.

Train In Tornado

This video shows a moving train derailed by a tornado. My father-in-law sent it to me.

Nothing really spiritual about it... just incredible how powerful a tornado can be. And to think, it's not near as powerful of the One who created it.

TORNADO TRAIN VIDEO!

Trains have cameras facing forward and backward (like police cars). This is a rear facing video from the last of three engines. The trees on the side look normal, then it will start raining, then the trees sway violently as the train passes through the tornado... then... you'll see!

Change-Implemented Quicker

Bayside's Ray Johnston explains how his younger staff are begging to be led. In striving for a God-directed ministry accomplishing the impossible... here is the 2nd characteristic.

2. Change needs to be implemented quicker.

They are NOT saying that change is fun. But young leaders are stating when change is needed, it needs to be done quicker.

Young leaders understand there’s an urgency that’s obvious. So they want to see the politics stop and the needed changes be swiftly made if the church is to have a successful future.

Do you agree? Should we start making quicker changes when it's needed and stop worrying about being so safe? Do we stop prolonging the inevitable?

Young leaders say, “YES!” What say you?

Vision-More Dramatic

From the Thrive Conference at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA... Ray Johnston gave the message at one of the sessions. He spoke on what he's being taught by very young leaders at Bayside. The young 19-30 year old innovators have challenged Ray (and me) to stretch our current thinking about the church and its effectiveness.

I'll be sharing seven aspects of what the church of the future (or the church WITH a future) should/must look like. In striving for a God-directed ministry accomplishing the impossible... here is the first characteristic.

1. Vision has to be more dramatic!

Vision that's boring... is just... well... tiresome. No one wants to follow a lackluster vision. You really can't even call it vision.

Anything dramatic has some aspects of 'drama' in it. Vision with drama sounds like something worth checking out and connecting with.

It's time for the church to mix it up (again). Get a vision that takes your breath away. I had that when I landed at Impact 11.5 years ago. I don't need more drama in my life. But I could use more dramatic vision in my church and my life.

Future Church

The Thrive Conference with Ray Johnston changed lives again this year. I had the privilege of attending a session during a William Jessup University board meeting a few weeks ago.

WOW!

I've always been a Bayside/Johnston fan. But I have added measures of respect, excitement and appreciation for the ministry of Johnston and particularly Thrive.

My understanding of the conference's purpose is to help produce healthy churches and leaders. There aren't many nobler causes, are there? Think about it. If healthy churches were in play... lives would change and needs would be met.

People would get saved.
Human trafficking would end.
Marriages would be restored.
The hungry would be fed.
The needy would have their needs met.
The weary would find encouragement.
The angry would find peace.
Those in pain would find joy.
The withdrawn would find connection.
The shy would reach out.
The less fortunate would be less unfortunate.

You get the picture. Pick a cause that's out there. Pick a need that's worthy of your time, talent and treasure - not to mention your prayers. If the churches in America (and abroad) were healthy... those needs would be met and lives would change exponentially around the globe.

Over the next set of posts, I'm going to reveal some insightful, challenging and convicting ideas I learned during Ray's address to the energetic attenders of the Thrive Conference. I think you'll be challenged in your thinking as well.

Bible Complacency?

Many of us have taken our physical Bibles for granted. And who could blame us? We've had the Word of God in front of us since our birth. We pretty much have a Bible in every room - sometimes more than one. Thanks to the Gideons, there's a Bible in the top drawer of most every hotel in America.

Here's a thought... how cool would it be for an organization to get a Bible in every school and public building in America. I know, I know - separatation of church and state. We don't want to get God mixed up in our well run public offices and school systems. What a nightmare that would be. Whew - thanks for that protection America! (sorry, I digress)

This video is about 10 minutes in length. And you don't have to watch it all... but I'm guessing you will. See how this entire village responds as Bibles (in their entirety) are flown in for the first very first time in their language. Oh, that we would get back to this type of appreciation, respect, honor and consumption of the Word of God.

If you don't see the video above, CLICK HERE! It's worth it.

Insanely Funny Church Planter Principles

A must see spoof on church planters. From the shirts to the hair... it's all here! Whether you are a part of a church plant or not, you've got to watch this. 3 minutes of escape and laughter.

Worship pastors will definitely appreciate this! (poor keyboard worship leaders)

And by the way, the largest gathering of church planting leaders on the planet starts next week in Orlando, FL. Exponential 2011 is here! Enjoy!

If you don't see the video above, CLICK HERE.

Pickup Lines for a Calvinist

I know, I know. What meaningful value is something like this going to give you to live your life in a more fulfilling way for Christ?

Studies have shown that laughter can help with blood flow, immune responses, lowering blood sugar levels, relaxing, sleeping and even reducing pain. So get healthy!

Besides that, I just like to laugh. It might beat what you had planned for the next 60 seconds.

If you don't see the video above, CLICK HERE.

Absolute Sure Fire Way To Invite People To Church

Came across this incredible way to reach out to people in need of Jesus. Totally worth 2 minutes of your time. With this magical insight, this Easter will rock! Consider yourself resourced.

If you don't see the video above, CLICK HERE.

Soul Surfer - Opens April 8, 2011

The MOVIE. I had the privilege of pre-screening this flick and loved it. It's based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer from Hawaii. She lost her arm to a shark attack. This film documents her fight back to the top of the surfing industry. She is a Christian and tremendous role model for this day and age.

The AUDIENCE. Although the primary market is for tweens and their moms, it's for everyone. Rated PG, the film is family friendly as well as uplifting Christian values.

The DIFFERENCE! Soul Surfer is the first movie of its kind because it's a family friendly and Christian friendly movie that's Hollywood backed with a Hollywood budget. No Christian based movie has ever had that sort of backing.

The OPPORTUNITY. The more people who watch the movie on opening weekend, the longer the film will run in theaters. The longer it runs, the more money it makes. And if this first ever, Christian friendly, Hollywood backed film does well - Hollywood will produce more family friendly films for our enjoyment.

So please see it this weekend, April 8, 9 or 10. You can pick up group (20+) tickets HERE for just $5.50 each. This way, you can almost invite a friend for free.

You can view their website HERE. There is also a clip from the movie right HERE.