Awkward Questions about Jesus

Thanks to Tim Stevens for this priceless piece of cinematography.

Innovate Highlights Part Deux

Had a great second day at Innovate. Here is what Francis Chan, Ed Stetzer and Perry Noble had to say. No notes from the afternoon session because I spent that time with Jack Bauer saving the world.

Francis Chan

Honestly, I just could not keep up with the guy, he spoke with both passion and speed and I would have missed the experience if I stopped to take notes. The only written note in my moleskine during this session was his remark that "I always think I'm funnier than other people."

In order to check out his entire Innovate message head over to www.innovatechurch.us. It is worth the click.

Ed Stetzer

-We need to live gospel-centered, repentance-filled lives.

-If Satan cannot compromise our beliefs, he's more than happy to compromise our character.

-Secret sins are only that way for a short time.

-Your sin can sap your church's spiritual power.

-The Church's toleration of sin distracts from the mission.

-A return to God's mission begins with a repentance towards God's standards.

-Just because your life is filled with sin, does not mean you have to be comfortable with it.

-Sin grows and will define your life if you do not confess it before God.

Perry Noble

-Q1: What is it that God wants to do in my church?

-Q2: What are the barriers that stand in the way?

-Q3: What do we want to celebrate?

-The older son (Luke 15) was so busy doing the work that he had no time to commune with his father.

-It takes time and effort.

-If we want to reach the world, we have to work hard to get it done.

-You can't lead by personal preferences.

-You can't enjoy the blessings of God when you are focused on what God is giving others.

-The older son had no idea what he had access to.

-"...but we had to celebrate!" Luke 15:32

I'm looking forward to some more challenges this morning...

Innovate Highlights

Here is some of what I'm learning at the Innovate 09 Conference.

Eric Geiger (Simple Church):
-Everything else is drowning out the sweet smell of the gospel.
-Drift never corrects itself. It always needs to be addressed.
-"Religion is the deep default of the human heart." -Martin Luther
-View discipleship as a whole process not just a part.
-You do not want to compete against yourself.
-Behavior from important people in the organization that is contrary to vision overwhelms the entire process.
-Remove the clutter.

Kerry Shook (Fellowship of the Woodlands):
-It's not the size of the church that is important, it is the life change.
-Q: What would I do If I knew I only had one month to live?"
-Q: What would I do if I knew our church only had one month to live?
-Live passionately. Love completely. Learn humbly. Leave boldly.
-Are you allowing God to do everything He wants to d0 in in your life and ministry?

That was yesterday, now today begins with Francis Chan and closes with Perry Noble. It should be good.