Last Gathering Notes

Devotional: Steve Wulf

Parable of the Talents: Felt like we deserved the world handed to us in the launch. Had worked so hard but not what they had expected. – God does not bless us by what we expect, but what we need. Also, we have to be faithful with what we do have. If we are not faithful with what we have God will take them away and give it to others. – Need contentment no matter where you are!

Teaching: Urban D

How values drive decisions: 1. Knowing your target 2. New Testament based, breaking stereotypes of what church is 3. Reach unchurched; don’t be afraid to try new things even if they fail 4. Big on kids and youth 5. Growth even if it is hard, make decision on that.

Whatever your values are stick by them and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Pressure Points:

Political pressure. Address but don’t tell them how to vote. The important thing is who is going to heaven. THIS WILL NOT DIVIDE US. We are not agenda driven. Resources: Andy Stanley messages “Letters to the Next President”, Leadership Magazine article, Go with what God has put on your heart. We should be influencing the culture not letting government influence us.

How do you influence different generations. Be yourself. Connect where you can connect. Don’t speak over your head. It may be more of a style thing than a generational thing. If they get it let them lead!

Keeping the momentum. We get momentum by taking risk but the more success we have the less we take risk. Sometimes having a grand opening is tough because it can take years to get back there. Don’t be something you are not on the big days. Under promise and over deliver. Being too polished steals momentum sometimes. Celebrate stuff. There is always something you can celebrate!!! Share stories all the time! Let’s ask each other what are we celebrating not what are you running.

Leadershift. People may not be as loyal as you think as the vision becomes clearer. If they don’t add to the vision when they walk in then get rid of them. It is like cancer cure it fast or cut it out. Bylaws have to reflect the vision. Control is not a bad thing if you are the one doing the most. Relevant videos their groups to see what goes on.

Effectiveness. What ever you measure gets done so be careful. Do you measure your values? Execution vs results.

Inspiring Children’s Volunteers. Promote from the stage!!! For the nursery you can hire people from outside to watch the kids on the front end. Two services help a lot! Depending on where you are you could bring 6 and up to the service and give them creative resources that fit with that week’s message. You can bring young kids in for worship too… Ask people to commit to a time so they don’t feel like they can’t get out ever. Easier to recruit twice a year so have them do semesters.