February 2012
7 posts
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My 1st Blog Post (2.19.2008)
I started blogging “unofficially” on MySpace (y’all remember them) as a hobby. Now it’s a vital part of my ministry portfolio. I plan to use it to supplement my weekend messages.
Don’t you wish Blogger or Typepad had been around 2,000 years ago. I wonder if Jesus would have blogged? What an RSS feed that would have been!
I thought I would hit the pause button...
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Style Tips: What She Actually Wants You to Wear
Do Clothes Really Matter? How important is what we wear? Can people look through all the superficial fluff of fashion and see the real us? The answer? Usually not. Researchers have come up with scientific evidence to prove that what you wear actually does make a difference in how you influence the world around you. Let’s face it: First impressions make lasting impressions. As I continue to...
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What's Wrong With Nicki Minaj?
Can someone please explain to me what’s wrong with Nicki Minaj? First, she arrived on the red carpet supposedly channeling her “Roman Zolanski” alter ego. That required a custom-made Versace outfit consisting of a blood-red, nun-inspired satin robe. Her “date” was an older man dressed to resemble the pope. I’m not Catholic, but I’m outraged at her blatant disrespect of the...
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Humbling Leadership Lessons On Change & Transition...
In Part 1, I shared my experiences regarding change and transition. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
In 2011 we experienced many exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church. Regardless of how exciting the vision of the building was, we know now that in the process, we left some people behind.
In Part 1, we learned how BUILDINGS HOUSE MEMORIES - DON’T ERASE THEIR SIGNIFICANCE.
...
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Humbling Leadership Lessons On Change & Transition
I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us? GOING FISHING - WHO’S IN? Take a scenario of a group of people...
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New Series: RESET
NEW SERIES: RESET
Sunday, February 5, 2012 (8am or 10:30am)
Mars Hill Baptist Church
2012. It’s a new year filled with new and hopeful opportunity!
Yet for many…it will be another year of feeling stuck. Stuck in unhealthy relationships, dead-end careers, faulty finances, and a life filled with frustration.
Reset. Sometimes you just need a fresh start.
Reset is all about fresh starts and...
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Don Cornelius, The Bible, & Suicide
Los Angeles police say ‘Soul Train’ host Don Cornelius dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers responding to a report of a shooting found Cornelius at his Mulholland Drive home at around 4 a.m., police said. According to the Associated Press, “He was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.”
Photo credit: AP | FILE - In a Sunday, June 28, 2009 file...
January 2012
19 posts
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Where Do You Get Your Vision?
One of the questions that is often asked of me by pastors, church leaders, and business leaders is, “Where do you get your vision?”
My answer usually seems to frustrate them because…well…it’s simple. Leadership (and vision) is as easy as listening to God.
Vision does not come through a committee. Good ideas may come that way. Much needed discussion may come out of a meeting like that…but...
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Friday's Top 5: Why Mars Hill is a Man's Place
Mars Hill is the kind of church men would love to attend.
Every Sunday, church pews fill up with despondent women who are forced to worship without the men in their lives. A recent survey by Ellison Research found that 31% of men never attend church even on holidays believing that church is for women, weirdos and wimps.
This sad statistic prompts parishioners and ministers alike to ask: “Where...
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3 Questions That Will Change Your Life TODAY!
My late father, Dr. Clarence E. Stowers Sr., would always tell me, “Son, find a story and tell it well.” I didn’t quite understand then, but I do today! To steal one of the ancient slogans in advertising, “your brand is the truth about you, well told.” This year many resolved to make lasting changes and become the best version of themselves. I call it Version 2.0 – The me God wants me to...
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Mistakes Were Made: Greatest Mistake of Them All
1. KEEPING PEOPLE PAST THEIR EXPIRATION DATE.
I’m what you call an eternal optimist. My first instinct is to see the best in people and work to bring it out in the open. I’ve sent people to conferences, personally mentored them, invested time and resources into their development only to be disappointed.
Dismissing a person is never easy, sometimes it’s inevitable. ...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 2nd Mistake
2. PUTTING PROJECTS BEFORE PEOPLE.
Ecclesiastes 7:18 says, “The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.”
This is one of those areas where we need to embrace the tension between relating with people and accomplishing the mission/getting the job done.
Ask specifically: “Is there anything I can do for you?”
You communicate how much you value someone by simply...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 3rd Mistake
3. TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN THE PROCESS.
A problem is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose. Furthermore, it refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved. In a broad sense, a problem exists when an individual becomes aware of a significant difference between what actually is and what is desired.
Although...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 4th Mistake
4. DELEGATING TASKS INSTEAD OF RESPONSIBILITY.
In my humble opinion, the most overused and overrated buzzword in ministry today is “excellence.” As a pastor of a thriving urban church, I am committed to excellence in my life and the life of Mars Hill.
Because of my commitment to excellence, I can become obsessed about every detail. I’ve noticed how I’ve made my expectations clear to our...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 5th Mistake
5. ASSUMING THINGS ARE EITHER BLACK OR WHITE.
According to Wikipedia, ”a grey area is a term for a border in-between two or more things that is unclearly defined, a border that is hard to define or even impossible to define, or a definition where the distinction border tends to move.”
Wow, that’s a mouthful isn’t it!
I often say when I’m preaching, “let...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 6th Mistake
6. NOT FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret the Word. Jesus told His disciples “when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
He reveals to our minds the whole counsel of God as it relates to worship, doctrine, and Christian living. He is the ultimate guide, going...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 7th Mistake
7. DWELLING ON THE “WORST CASE” SCENARIO.
As one who recognizes the validity and importance of spiritual gifts, one of my dominate gifts is discernment.
It can be a positive gift when God’s in control of my life. However, when I try to take control, discernment can lead me towards sin. The sin I’m referring to is called worry or anxiety. I’ve wasted way...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 8th Mistake
8. WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
As a pastor, I understand the importance of encouraging others. It empowers others to reach their fullest potential.
Furthermore, it motivates them to want to go the extra mile. Because I can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent, sometimes I’m encouragement-challenged. Moreover, since I am results oriented, my tendency is...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 9th Mistake
9. STAYING TOO BUSY.
I’ve too often made the mistake of assuming that since I’m busy I’m adding value.
It’s very possible to be constantly busy and be completely ineffective. By the way, email can be the biggest trap of all. If I wanted to, I could spend every hour of every day processing email and getting absolutely nothing accomplished.
It has been said,...
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Mistakes Were Made: My 10th Mistake
Leadership Guru, John Maxwell is known for saying: “Everything rises & falls on leadership.” Even though I’ve been in various leadership roles for about 25 years now, I’m still learning what it takes to be a good leader. Because of that, I feel awkward trying to tell other leaders how to lead because I’m still trying to figure it out myself.
With that in mind, I’ve...
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How to Get to The Next Level - Pt. 3
It appears I hit the right nerve judging from your response to “Getting To The Next Level.” Thank you for sharing the articles with others via Facebook and Twitter. I’m humbled and happy that others are able to experience what you have. If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
Getting to the next level is a GOD-THING and not OUR-THING. He...
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How to Get to The Next Level - Pt. 2
Monday’s post on getting to the next level created a lot of interest. Although it’s not reflected in the comments section, I received several encouraging emails and text messages from people aspiring to get to the next level. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
When mentioning next-level leadership you may have the image of climbing a ladder to the top. It may feel good to...
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How to Get to The Next Level
No matter what you’re doing, there comes a time when you are going to want to take things up a notch. Maybe it’s your career — even if things are going along fine right now, ultimately you’d like to get a promotion, increase your client base, or reach a larger audience. ”Getting started with anything can be a struggle, but once you reach a certain level of success, it can be hard to figure...
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Why Did We Choose 'Mars Hill' As Our Name?
When I tell people the name of our church, People often look at me with a blank stare. That stare says: “Why in the world would you choose Mars Hill for the name of your church?” Scripture says:
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
Out of all the Names Available, Why did we Choose “Mars Hill?”
Before we...
December 2011
23 posts
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Friday's Top 5: What You Should Never Hear From...
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER hear from someone on staff.
#1...
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New Series for 2012: A Second Chance
Everybody makes mistakes. Yours can be a new beginning.
Sometimes your mistake in a relationship, with finances or work, is minor. Other times it can be life-changing. Either way, failure doesn’t have to be fatal. A Second Chance, shows you how God can transform your biggest mistake into a new beginning. What a way to begin 2012!
During this series I’ll share solid biblical insights,...
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Let It (Or Them) Go
As a pastor, my mission is to help people achieve positive change in behavior: for themselves, their family, and their teams. Research shows that successful people have a strong need for self-determination. Simply put, this means, “I am doing, what I am doing because I choose to, not “I am doing what I am doing because I have to.”
People who are doing what they choose to do are committed...
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How to Lead During Turbulent Times
Election season is in full effect. Candidates are competing to be the leader of the free world. However, the problems still remain. The stock market continues to remain volatile. I am not sure that this is so much a response to President-Elect Obama as it is a reflection of the fact that the economic environment is still enormously turbulent.
So is the glass half empty or half full? The...
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What Christmas Is Really About?
Monday’s post challenged readers to ponder, “When Was Jesus Born?” Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s posts explained why God chose Mary and Joseph as part of His divine plan.
Many responded how they enjoyed reading and learning the truth surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many agreed that it really doesn’t matter “WHEN” Jesus was born…we all agree that it’s important “THAT” He was born.
...
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Why God Chose Joseph?
Are you enjoying the journey as we investigate the circumstances surrounding Christmas? Personally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our journey together. We already know God chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He chose a teenage girl to give birth to our Savior - Jesus. Today, I invite you to look at Joseph, Mary’s husband. Like her, he was a part of God’s...
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Why God Chose Mary?
This week we’re investigating the truth regarding Christmas. While we navigate through massive malls, peruse exquisite boutiques, my goal is that the real meaning of Christmas IS NOT lost. Additionally, I want to show you how God uses EVERYDAY people to do amazing things. Scripture is replete with examples of these people.
Was God arbitrary when He chose Mary? The Bible...
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When Was Jesus Born?
The Christmas season is here and in full effect!
Although Christmas has been commercialized & secularized, many haven’t forgot that the reason for the season is Jesus Christ! Although we traditionally celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th, I can assure you it’s highly unlikely Christ was born on December 25th. Intrigued? Please hold your judgments and read on.
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Friday's Top 5: Success Tips
I am a voracious reader. In fact, I love to read and I never pass up an opportunity to visit bookstores. I will literally sit for hours, scan book & magazines, and fill my Moleskine notebook with pertinent information. This week I invite you to join me and take a peek in my notebook and see my thoughts.
As promised, every Friday I’ve decided to share my “Top 5.”...
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The Missing Link of Leadership
Ed Stetzer recently compiled a list of 48 questions to ask yourself for honing your personal accountability. Unfortunately, each year we hear of preachers, politicians, and athletes who compromise their integrity and make life-ruining mistakes. Sadly, many of those mistakes could have been avoided with the right accountability systems in place.
For all 48 questions, you will need to check...
“Real encouragement is reminding someone how far they’ve come not how far they...”
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A Leader's Ultimate Responsibility
I often hear pastors and church leaders say: “Leading a church would be great if it weren’t for church people.” That may or may not be true, but, there is no such thing as leadership void of people. The challenge most church leaders face is that we’re pulled in so many directions by so many people and since we’re human, we’re bound to disappoint someone.
...
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The Greatest Leadership Lie Ever Told
The iPhone 4S (my preferred device) and a host of other smartphones all promise to help us accomplish more. Unfortunately, we live in an age where we’re encouraged to purchase gadgets that allow us to do many things at the same time.
It’s called multitasking and, in my opinion, it’s overrated and may be the greatest leadership lie ever told! That’s right, I said it!
...
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The HIGHEST Cost of Leadership
Golf is an EXPENSIVE sport! Honestly, I’m not the greatest fan of golf. I only like a few aspects of the game and lugging a heavy bag of clubs around a lawn looking for a tiny ball and hole to put it in all day isn’t one of them. Honestly, the best parts of the game are driving the ball, putting and driving around in the golf cart.
All three of these skills can better be...
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Friday's Top 5: Handling Criticism
For better or worse, leaders put themselves out there, on display, for the entire world to see. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, business owner, entrepreneur, supervisor, or hold no titles, at some point in your professional career, you’re going to be criticized.
Recently, God’s overwhelming presence cut into my sermon time and I didn’t preach a full message. Boy, did the...
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How Jesus Builds A Team
A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well:
A team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.
Synergism can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an...
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It Doesn't Have to be Perfect...
Consider this statement:
It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to bless it.
As I read Scripture, I can’t find any instance where conditions were perfect before God blessed it. Abraham didn’t have all the answers when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac…he proceeded anyway. Moses had a speech problem and was insecure about his leadership abilities…he proceeded anyway....
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Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
The mark of a great leader is how many great people will join his or her team. King David’s team was comprised of “mighty men.” Because David attempted mighty things, only the mighty could keep up with him. Those who could not keep pace could not join the team.
Don Bennett was the first amputee to climb Mt. Rainier. His testimony is simple – if you try such a feat with only one leg, “you...
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What's Your Request...The Lines Are Now Open?
I grew up in an era when radio stations would open their request lines (usually late night) for listeners to call in and hear their favorite songs. Listeners would share what’s on their hearts or dedicate special songs to their loved ones. Lately I’ve noticed how many cable stations such as BET, MTV, & VH1 allow their viewers to do the same.
Well, since it works for radio and...
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A Year Older...A Year Wiser...
It’s been said “when a man enters his 40’s he carries with him the experiences from the past and the anticipations of tomorrow.” Thus, I decided to create an organic…ongoing list called “Now that I’m 45.
Now that I’m a year older & a year wiser:
God will remain the center of my existence. Without Him I’m nothing…All to Him I owe and all to...
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How Jesus & Paul Used Technology
Honestly, I do not understand why most pastors and church leaders do not leverage technology for the Glory of God. Pastors, church leaders, and faithful church attendees who see social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as evil are missing a great opportunity to reach people far from God.
Are you sitting?
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind…
...
November 2011
11 posts
2 tags
The Power of Being a Servant–Leader: Pt. 3
I’m enjoying our time together as we discuss and discover leadership from a servant’s perspective. If this is your first time with us, check out Session One: “The Best Kept Leadership Secret” by reading Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 .
Last week I began Session 2 – The Power of Being a Servant-Leader. If you haven’t read it, you can do so HERE. Friday’s session ended with me sharing the...