Love what LifeChurch.tv is spearheading with the One Prayer initiative. Got to love the technological age that we live in that enables us to bring the body of Christ together in a way that could never have been done before. LifeChurch is one of those unique churches that keeps pushing the boundaries and leveraging technology in a way that I think makes Jesus smile. I registered our church and I hope that we have a chance to participate. Now, what speakers should we select for that series?

The innovation gods smiled down on this audacious fellow. In this world of information and advertising clutter, the way we communicate our message needs to change to get attention. I’d probably give him money just for being creative and different.

This is a test!=

Another year goes by – 37 today. I am so thankful to God for the life He has blessed me with, my beautiful and amazing wife, Bethza, and my precious litle girl, Arielle. They are gifts to my life. I guess some hate getting older, I actually feel I am getting better. Look out world!

Orlando is one of the sorriest sports towns anywhere. The Orlando Magic can’t even get a decent coach to stay one day past signing a deal with him. Read it here.

One of my greatest joys as a dad now is that I can take my soon to be three-year old, Arielle, on Daddy date nights. Tonight we went out for ice cream at Lita’s Creamery. It’s true, they grow up way to fast!
Here we are at her Preschool’s Father’s day event – stuffing our faces with powdered donuts! I love it!

Today is a special day to honor those that sacrificed their lives to preserve our way of life and the freedom we hold so dearly. I especially want to remember my cousin, Staff Sgt. Stacey Mastrapa  who was serving in Iraq when he was killed on June 16th, 2004. Thank you so much Stacey! You will be remembered.

The Pre-Call rally at TGP was amazing this weekend. Passionate, intense and radical worship. Kelanie and her team where excellent. Ferrill Galloway and Jessie Engle from The Cause ministered along with Matthew Stark of Pure Life Revolution, they gave the rallying cry to holiness and a passionate pursuit of Christ. TheCall Nashville is going to be an historical event. Don’t miss it!

Ok … Bill Hybels did me in. This is the second time I hear Bill share in person and what I love is that he is at a place of reflection in his life, where he can look back at what the Lord enabled him to build at Willow Creek. Pastors and leaders can learn so much from the wisdom of this veteran.
The key reflections where:

Know the difference between a hankering and a holy discontent. You need a profound stirring by God to begin a work. You plant a …

The opening session was excellent! Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope in O’ahu shared.  He stressed the need for an authentic and genuine people who have spiritual depth. Some takeways from his session:

When we start we don’t have what it takes to finish – we need to gain wisdom.
Better to gain wisdom through other people’s experience than the school of hard knocks – read books!
We need to develop the root system of our life by being nourished by the Word of God.

Wayne shared an acrostic, S.O.A.P., for Bible reading:S – Scripture …

Brad Abare shared in the second session of the pre-conference intensive. He imparted 9 lessons he has learned in not sucking at communications.

Change the way people experience church.
Just because it communicates doesn’t mean it works.
Marketing is being turned on its head. The church really needs to evaluate who and what they are at the core. What we do needs to flow out of who we are.
Quit looking for results in things you are nit investing in.
Cute, clever and cool should be used to enhance, not dominate.
How is our message being …

Yesterday’s Pre-Conference intensive with Mark Batterson was excellent. I love Mark’s humility and easy going communication style. He shared for approximately 3 1/2 hours so it was very content rich. Here are a few takeaways:
6 Keys to Communication

The Law of Scope – less is more  
The Element of Surprise – if you’re not remarkable you are invisible (Seth Godin)
The Authenticity Test – creativity doesn’t matter if it doesn’t come across as authentic.
The Emotion Test – communication that tugs on the heart strings increases impact
The Picture Principle – a picture is worth …

Though this conference is in town, I am heading out to the Exponential Church Conference. I attended this conference last year and God birthed something special in my spirit. I will post throughout the week and share some of the highlights. My pre-conference track is Creative Communications with Mark Batterson (one of my favorite bloggers and leaders) and Brad Abare of Church Marketing Sucks fame. Stay tuned!

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