dressing up as the prince

Kaye volunteered me to dress up like Prince Caspien for the new Chronicles of Narnia family fun day we are hosting at Regal Cinemas in West Kendall. I will be taking pics with kids who actually think I am the Prince. Nice.

We are partnering with the theater where we hold services to serve the community. Over 2000 kids are expected to come through, so we will get to serve a lot of people in a fun way.

Our small group's shift is from 12:00 -- 2:00 on Saturday.

Holy Discomfort

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to the Mega-Metro (churches 3000 in attendance or more) group of Assimilation Pastors/Directors. We met in Marco Island, so quick half-day trip for me. Few big takeaways for me as I learned a lot through the discussion:

… As our churches grow, the systems in place to help connect people become more essential. This is a challenge because we sometimes place highly relational yet non-systems thinkers in leadership, but as the church grows – the systems become more vital.

… At the same time, the system must be relational. Because growth and movement always occurs in the context of a relationship.

… I was impressed with the discomfort level in the leaders. These are guys/gals at phenomenal churches with a phenomenal track record of seeing people’s lives changed. But they have the itch of a true leader – “we can do better.”

My baby’s Mom

Saturday night, Kaye and I dedicated Eden to God in front of the CF family at the Palmetto Bay campus. Right now, Kaye is wearing a Super Mom shirt that I bought her. And she is a super Mom. Her nurturing instincts are insanely huge. Wow, I cannot get over the energy she has caring for Eden. Eden is a very happy baby mainly because her mother is so happy.

Kaye brings her best to everything she attempts and parenting is no different. Only amplified. She is a phenomenal mother and since Eden cannot yet tell her Happy Mother’s Day – I will.

Happy Mother’s Day Kaye!

My Mom

My Mom is a phenomenal mother...

When I was little, I loved coming home from school because she was there. And the snacks she would make me. 

When I was a teenager, I used to hate when she would ask me if I could take Jesus with me when I went out on the town. But I knew she loved me. 

When I was a young adult, I would bounce sermon ideas off her as I respected her Bible knowledge and heart for God so much. 

As a new Daddy, I love when she comes to visit because I want Eden to learn from her like I did.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom…

In the Culture

Embedded our call to live out the gospel is the reality that we are to live among people (I Peter 2:11). I am excited about a few upcoming Reach Beyond’s that small groups are doing via CF…

The Regal Cinemas where our West Kendall campus meets has invited CF to host a kid’s play day before and after the Chronicles of Narnia showings on May 18 and May 19. We are face painting, holding games, telling stories. We think about 2000 kids will come out. And our church gets to serve these families. We will not be sharing the gospel verbally, but with our lives we will. Our small group is set for the 12-2 time slot next Saturday.

Our worship pastors are giving a lunch time concert for some teachers at Perrine Elementary. They will eat at our Palmetto Bay campus, and we are honored to serve them and sing for them.

Speaking of Nawlins

Here is a pic of our recent trip to the French Quarter with John and Amy -- our two best friends from college.

We all met 14 years ago. Time has flown by. I am so grateful for my college days. God used my friends (Schaff, LB, Eric J, Chet, JD, Ben, and others) in my life in such a big way.

Saddens me we do not keep up.

Executive Pastor’s mega-metro conference

In the FL Keys meeting with 30 other executive pastors for our annual roundtable discussions on pressing issues. Great to be with so many guys I respect. Kaye enjoys their wives a lot too. One major topic of discussion is the impact of the economy on churches. Prayerfully, God will use this uncertain time to draw people to Himself. And we must remind our people that we belong to a different Kingdom with a different economy. He still asks us to trust Him with our resources.

I was selected to be the Moderator for the 2010 conference. I recommended New Orleans as the destination, and I am proud to say we will be gathering there.