Connexion

You really ought to read this guy...

There aren't very many guys out there (or churches for that matter) that are trying to do what we at Phoenix are trying to do - that is - reaching people far off from God... One such guy is Vince Antonucci. I met Vince at the Church Planters conference in Florida - well, I shook his hand along with every other guy there... He's what I want to be when I grow up. He just started blogging (reluctantly), but over the past few posts he tells his story. Click the link and read it...

New question over at ThinkTank

I just posted a new question over at ThinkTank - "What scares you?" - That's the question, not a dare to check it out :)

You want to help Phoenix Church?? ...here's an easy way

I'm trying to get some discussion started to stoke our creativity at Phoenix. I posted a couple of days ago about ThinkTank - well, now we have a blog... (Yes, click that link)

It's pretty easy. I ask questions, and you comment. Even if you aren't in Austin, you can help out... You can show off your brilliance and become part of a creative revolution!

Mission Critical

Over at Edstezer.com they are releasing new research with 20 somethings - asking questions like, "Why are they leaving the church?" The research is great, and serves to highlight why we at Phoenix are starting a church for this age group! Here's what Jim Johnston, guest blogger, had to say:

There is a great opportunity for the church to launch out into this opportunity and welcome young adults into the church. They want to know their purpose in life. They want to serve a cause greater than themselves. They crave friendship. They need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I couldn't agree more!!

Little by Little

Steven Furtick has a great video post today. He talks about how tempting it is to see a "finished" product (church, ministry, life, etc...) and think that their success is all because of _____________. The truth is that success in anything only comes one step at a time. One decision to follow, one committment to God, one step at a time. Little by little we grow... It's a great post. Go check it out!

Anybody miss Me?

I arrived back from East Texas safe and sound after 4 days of great rides and 235 miles on the bike. Unfortunately, the school we were staying at has "blogs" blocked - so I have a bunch of reading and some blogging to catch up with... But man, th last two days rides were almost perfect!

An Art Symposium for Pastors and Artists

My friend and neighbor, David Taylor, posted on his really cool blog today about a conference that is coming up next year about ministry and the Arts. David's a very cool, very sharp guy. Did I mention that Eugene Peterson is going to be there!! ...he is - and so most likely, will I... Here's where you can register and find out more info...

Leading, and loving it

Steven Furtick has a great new post about leadership. He says that at Elevation they made three critical decisions. First, they are staff led. Second, they will keep their focus. Third, they will be "over the top." I like what he has to say, and it's hard to argue with his success! Read it and see if you agree or not...

Can Phoenix can get to that level of focus? Honestly, it's pretty hard for us to see the "new" church without also seeing or thinking about our "old" one. For us to really become a church that reaches the un-churched younger generation, it will take an incredible amount of intense focus. The goal is to bring lost people the message in ways that they can identify with and understand. Both the message and the means of transmission are important! ...we also have to be willing to not do everything. Some stuff just isn't important. Jesus said to make disciples. That's the mandate. Furtick's two things might be right: Worship experience (for kids, youth, and adults) and small groups. We also going need to go "over the top." When we nickel and dime everything we come across as cheap - but - big things make big impressions! Yes, it may be expensive... Yes, it may be risky... Yes, it's worth it!

My heroes have always been bloggers (Roundtable)

Wow. I sat next to Gary Lamb!!! I met Ben Arment!!!! I saw Shawn Lovejoy and sat across from Mark Batterson!! The Tall Skinny Kiwi was live and in person!!!

...very, very fun to meet and see guys live that I read every day they post.

P.s. If you took the list - the guy in the orange shirt needs it.