Is Randy on American Idol wearing a Captain Kangaroo costume?

It’s just time to break out of the old colors, modes and models. Got to mix it up!

I’m very pleased and excited to announce a couple of changes that will be taking place very soon at Fusion. 

First, Greg Troxell has agreed to spearhead our efforts to launch a new middle school ministry this August.  Greg is a great guy and I know that as our director of student ministries, he will work tirelessly to make sure that our middle schoolers are well cared for.  (More details about this soon.  I promise.)

The other great move involves Scott Stewart.  Scott is one amazing dude and his leadership with our usher team (and other projects) has been amazing.  That’s why I am so happy that he’s agreed to be our head of all guest services.  As director of guest services, he’s going to be in charge of pretty much everything that happens “from curb to seat” for our visitors. 

I know that both of these men are going to do great jobs and I can’t wait to see how their leadership, creativity, and passion impact our church.

It’s never fun to have your back against the wall.  Then again, maybe it is…in a way.

Recently, I’ve found my back against the wall in a lot of ways.  It’s not my preferred state but I must admit that I do find it a little invigorating.  There’s just something about being “cornered” that makes you scrappy.   If nothing else, it certainly helps you to focus on what’s really important.

Homer (not Simpson but the other guy) said…

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.

He’s right.  Sometimes, our best only emerges when we’ve been cornered and have to come out fighting.

Normally, I tell people to leave their cell phones in their car on Sundays but this weekend I want you to be sure to bring your phone with you.  Yes, you heard me right.  Please bring your cell phone with you to church this Sunday.

BTW, we’re going to have a blast this weekend.  Be sure not to miss it!

The third message from our Leaving the House of Blues series is now online via our podcast.  Looking back, I think that in some ways it’s an important message for us as a church.  You might want to check it out if you weren’t there.   (You’ll need iTunes.)

Stephen Lowe and I had a great time talking "shop" with Paul and Sherri Peterson Monday.  We also got to teach them about Chocolixirs!  :)  They are a great couple and I know that God is going to use them in some big ways.

Okay, It’s time to be completely honest with my fellow pastors and church planters. I have not taken enough breaks since I started Fusion. I’ve been an idiot about that and I’m now paying the price for it.

Pastors/planters/leaders, learn from my mistake.

1. Take at least one day off a week. I think that’s in the Bible somewhere, right?

2. Start taking two days off a week as soon as you can. If you’re starting a church, that might not be realistic at first but make that a goal.

3. Take 2–3 days off and get away every 6–7 weeks. I learned this from Wayne Cordiero and it’s an amazing practice. I’ve actually charted out when I start to feel really burned out and, for me, it happens like clockwork every 6–7 weeks if I don’t take a break. I know, I know, you’re really busy but, trust me, this is a strategic investment. It’s worth the time and the money.

4. Take frequent preaching breaks, especially during the summer. I’ve been absolutely horrible about this and, again, I’m paying for it now. I know the temptation is to think that you need to preach yourself to keep things rolling. The truth is that your folks need to hear some other voices. They’ll enjoy the variety and appreciate you when you come back. Beyond that, it gives others in your organization an opportunity to grow in their teaching gifts. You should never preach on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.

5. Take family vacations. Okay, I know that you’re busy but you need this and so does your family.

6. Take real vacations. Ed Young says that a vacation with kids isn’t a vacation at all. He calls those “family outings.” That’s so funny and so true! Be sure to have family outings but also be sure that you and your wife get away alone some too.

Several months ago, I decided to try to start a second blog just for pastors and church planters called ChurchWerx.  Looking back, it was a bad idea because I never seem to have enough time to make one blog work let alone two.  So, I’ve decided to consolidate my two blogs here.  (I’ll be re-posting some of my ChurchWerx posts here just to move the content before I shut it down so some of you might experience some deja vu.)  Thanks.