Fear of Rejection

In the book of Acts you see a new community coming together and before they were called Christians they were called the way. And this new community had a new way of doing community.


Acts 2:42-47 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The word devoted means they were in it with one another. You see this new community formed what was called the one another’s in the New Testament and there are over 50 one another statements, things like love one another, encourage one another, forgive one another, serve one another and you see the formation of people being in one anothers life. God didn’t create you to be an island.

But what happens is we have this strange dynamic going on. We desire to be known but fear it like nothing else. Because if I put myself out there and you know that I am not a perfect person what could you do…yeah, reject me. And the fear of rejection outweighs the need for community.

Did you know that over 40% of people would say they don’t feel like they have a friend that would be there in times of need. 40%!! And some of us have stopped trying because we have been rejected and yeah no one can hurt you but the truth is that no one really knows you either. Because you risk nothing you also gain nothing.

That's why we created Connection Groups. Connection Groups meet on campus from 6:30-8:30pm and the cost of FREE.

• Connection Groups for SINGLES begins TUESDAY, January 4th – We are starting a 4 week series called FEAR FACTOR where we will look at some of the major fears that keep us from living totally surrendered to God. These co-ed groups will discuss topics like the fear of rejection, the fear of failure and the fear of the unknown. Meet new friends and encourage one another along this journey. Groups are in the youth room (Garage)

• Connection Groups for MEN begins WEDNESDAY, January 5th – We are starting a 4 week series called DISCIPLINES of a GODLY MAN where we will discuss what makes up a Godly man and how to make a difference in this world. Groups are in the kidzone building.

• Connection Groups for WOMEN begins THURSDAY, January 6th – We are starting a 4 week series called CARPE DIEM . God does not want us to waste our lives away. He wants us to "seize the day" and live every day of our lives on purpose. He's given us a reason for living; to be like Jesus. It's not going to happen yesterday, so we must forget the past. We can't put it off till tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. It has to happen right now, and it will - if we will "seize the day." We hope you seize the day and join us for 4 weeks as we connect with other women, learn and GROW! Groups in the warehouse.

Contact Cyndi Clark at cclark@thecrossing.com to RSVP for the CARPE DIEM series or for further questions.

Contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com to RSVP for the FEAR FACTOR series or DISCIPLINES series.
*No childcare is available for these series and you MUST rsvp for Connections.

Connection Groups

There are adventures God has for you in 2011, and the truth is God didn't create us to be an island. That's why we created Connection Groups. Connection Groups meet on campus from 6:30-8:30pm and the cost of FREE.

• Connection Groups for SINGLES begins TUESDAY, January 4th – We are starting a 4 week series called FEAR FACTOR where we will look at some of the major fears that keep us from living totally surrendered to God. These co-ed groups will discuss topics like the fear of rejection, the fear of failure and the fear of the unknown. Meet new friends and encourage one another along this journey. Groups are in the youth room (Garage)

• Connection Groups for MEN begins WEDNESDAY, January 5th – We are starting a 4 week series called DISCIPLINES of a GODLY MAN where we will discuss what makes up a Godly man and how to make a difference in this world. Groups are in the kidzone building.

• Connection Groups for WOMEN begins THURSDAY, January 6th – We are starting a 4 week series called CARPE DIEM . God does not want us to waste our lives away. He wants us to "seize the day" and live every day of our lives on purpose. He's given us a reason for living; to be like Jesus. It's not going to happen yesterday, so we must forget the past. We can't put it off till tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. It has to happen right now, and it will - if we will "seize the day." We hope you seize the day and join us for 4 weeks as we connect with other women, learn and GROW! Groups in the warehouse.

Contact Cyndi Clark at cclark@thecrossing.com to RSVP for the CARPE DIEM series or for further questions.

Contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com to RSVP for the FEAR FACTOR series or DISCIPLINES series.

*No childcare is available for these series and you MUST rsvp for Connections.

7 Days of Gratitude....Day 6 (New Beginnings)

They say the average person eats somewhere between 5,000-7,000 calories for Thanksgiving! Its fun to have everyone over and share some special moments. This Thanksgiving we had 20 people over to our home including 8 kids under the age of 10. It was fun watching them enjoy one another. It was fun listening to my dad tell stories. And it was fun listening to the laughter as we played uno. Every Thanksgiving we share what we're grateful for in our life. And I am always reminded how much can change in one year. We aren't promised tomorrow but we do have today. As I listened to people share what they were grateful for I thought how grateful I am for new beginnings. Every day we have the chance for new beginnings. This year choose to give thanks in all circumstances. Create a new beginning and be thankful for it, we aren't promised tomorrow so make the most of today!

7 Days of Gratitude....Day 5 (Community)

Tonight we start a new ministry called Connections. Its a place for people to belong, get connected and grow in their relationship with the Lord. I believe three things at my core. I believe every one of us desires to be known, desires to belong and desires to be loved. I believe God created us to be in community. In other words we were NOT designed to be an island. I am grateful that God has invited us into special relationships with people that mark our life. At times these people are involved for a season and other times for a lifetime. No matter what, these people that enter into our life are precious and gifts from God. What do you appreciate about the friendships God has given you? If you are looking for community come join us tonight at 6:30pm at The Crossing and find a place to belong, a place to be known and a place to be loved. Life change happens best through community!!

7 Days of Gratitude.....Day 4 (Our Faith)

What does your faith mean to you? When I was a kid it was a religion but over the past 15 years it has become a real relationship. I don't mean a theoretical relationship, I mean a life changing, heart moving, soul transforming relationship. Its not something I simply believe in, its something that drives every decision I make from my finances to my marriage. When Jesus entered into my life, I mean for real, it wasn't just an image entering into my life. It was as if I had cancer and Jesus was the cure. I knew it like I know today is Monday. I just knew. And since that day some 15 years ago I am constantly in awe over God's miracles. He shows me things about His character and His mercy each and every day. I've watched marriages restored, addicts set free, people redeemed and hope be found. All I know for sure is that Jesus Christ changes lives, He has changed mine and He has the power to change yours. For that I am so very grateful!

7 Days of Gratitude.....Day#3 (Our Marriage)

This weekend my wife and I are helping teach the pre-marital workshop with our senior pastor Tim Celek and his wife Sue. I remember taking their workshop almost 13 year ago. When I met my wife there were 3 things that struck me, she had a spirit of adventure, a love for people and a passion for Christ. I was moved by how her life had been built on integrity. As a pastor I have the honor to preside over many weddings and I am convinced of two things, marriage is designed by God and only God can sustain it. I am grateful my bride said yes when I proposed. I am grateful my marriage is absolutely precious to me. But most of all I am grateful that with the Lord ALL things are possible. I love that God loves marriage and continues to challenge me to never settle for anything less than His best. Are you grateful for your marriage?

7 Days of Gratitude......Day#2 (Our Family)

Blessing are all around us. My parents recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. I was struck by how much they have experienced in their 50 years of marriage and 70+ years of life. As a kid my dad had to deal with the challenges of WWII, living in Germany and wondering if his family would have enough food for the family. My mom lived in Ecuador, wanting a better life but making the best of a hard situation. My parents were immigrants when they arrived to the United States and came to this country because they wanted a better life for their kids. They endured the realities of learning the language, understanding the culture and working non stop in order to live their dream. I am so very grateful for the sacrifices my parents made early on for us as a family. I am grateful for how they endured to believe in a dream and because of their determination we live that dream. What has our family done that fills you with gratitude...............

7 Days of Gratitude....Day #1 (Our Life, a reminder from Peyton)

Peyton Carter was in a car crash on Friday November 5, 2010. He was a passenger in a car driving home from a friends house. The driver swerved and lost control of his car. He swerved into a brick wall, hitting on Peyton's side in Huntington Beach. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. He immediately went unconscious after the impact and is now in a coma. Peyton is in junior high and fights for his life every day. You can go on facebook at Pray for Peyton to see how he is doing. As a church and as a community we are praying for Peyton every day. His life and the recent events are a reminder that each and every day is a gift. The bible tells us that we aren't promised tomorrow but we do have this moment. I ask you to do two things. #1 Pray for Peyton and his family right now! And #2 say a prayer of THANKS for your life. The breath you take in this moment is a precious gift. This day and all the highs and lows are gifts. Choose to be grateful today for your life and the lives of those you cherish!

#5 What If......we weren't afraid to fail?

Yesterday I finished my 4th triathlon! It was a blast and my first Olympic style where the course is a bit longer and bit tougher (about a mile swim, 34 mile bike ride and 5 mile run). The bike portion was brutal, with tons of hills. I swam in high school and college and I did my first marathon this year. But I am NOT a biker, never have been. It is by far my weakest part of the race and happened to be the longest part of this race. I was a bit nervous about it, even found myself questioning why I was doing this. Then I remember a conversation I had with God about a year ago. I told Him I would try things that I have never tried before because I didn't want my life characterized by fear. I found myself not trying things because of the fear a failure. What if I couldn't finish, what if it was too hard, what if I embarrassed myself...what if? But instead I started to ask what if failure wasn't bad? What if falling forward was just as important as succeeding? What if I lived with an attitude that simply said, 'why not?!?' So many times we don't move forward because of the fear of failure. What are you afraid to try? What if this next season you risked and were willing to do something you have never done before regardless of the outcome simply because you weren't afraid of failure. What if....

#4 What if.............(We were grateful)

This is the season that we consider gratitude. It always fascinates me how a season is intended to replace a way of life. Maybe its intended to be a personal reminder or at least a wake up call. During this season we are reminded of how blessed we are even in times of trouble. James 1 tells us to 'consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds'. I can understand enduring trials, persevering through trials, maybe even tolerating trials but joy. Really? How does that happen? But what if it could? What if gratitude wasn't based on circumstances? What if gratitude wasn't dependent on your marital status, your finances or your personal goals achieved? What if gratitude had nothing to do with the end result but rather the trial? And what if we could truly find joy whenever we faced trials of many kinds? Would it change what we are enduring? Maybe not but what if the trial was intended to change us?

#3 What if....we could forgive?

I believe one of the most powerful words in the English language is forgiveness. We know the pain it causes when we don't receive it and the pain it extends when we choose not to give it. Even though I may not know you personally, this is what I do know about you. Forgiveness has the power to change you. It has the power to change me. When we forgive someone it doesn't necessarily mean we forget but we choose to no longer keep them hostage to our pain. As a pastor over the past 12 years there have been very few things as moving than when someone forgives another human being. As followers of Jesus we know the power of God's forgiveness extended to us not because we deserve it but because He chose to love us. What if you lived a life of forgiveness? What if the people that wronged you were released of needing to repay you? What if the pain that was inflicted on you could be healed? What if this week you chose to forgive...could it change you? What if it did!

#2 What if.................

This is wedding season and I love it. I love walking out the premarital process with couples. Most begin with this unrealistic picture of what marriage is all about and after a few sessions they are brought back to earth when we discuss this reality.Their will come a time in your marriage that you look at your spouse and think to yourself, 'there MUST be a way out, its just too hard!' The hard fought truth is that most people have the wrong idea about love. Love is NOT an emotion, its a decision. Most of our culture has made it an emotion so when you don't 'feel' in love anymore then people dismiss their commitment and their vows. What if we believed that marriage was about a decision. What if people chose into love instead of felt their way out of love. What if people believed that marriage wasn't designed to make you happy but rather make you holy. What if you pursued your spouse not because of what you were going to gain but rather what you were going to give. What if.....

#1 What if...........

When my wife and I were dating I asked her why she said yes to a second date. She said, 'You ask good questions'. I guess questions have always fascinated me. I have learned that a good small group isn't dependent on the content but rather the question that's asked. I have experienced everything can change in a counseling session by the question that's discussed. And I have seen people experience amazing life change through asking 'What if'. What if God did have the power the change lives? What if my past didn't have to be my future? What if my marriage didn't have to be something that I simply endured? What if God really did have an adventure for me to live? What if....You ask the right question you start to dream differently. Over the next few months I want to ask questions. Some may stir you, some may anger you and some may fascinate you. But my hope is no matter what they challenge you to consider a new way, a new perspective and maybe a new adventure that you never thought was possible. What if.................

Story of Life Change

From someone who attended Fuel:
It's amazing how far God has taken my life. Not to long ago I was hopeless, forgotten and addicted to anything unhealthy I could find. But one day I saw this church and I wondered if God really existed. I took a risk and showed up. I was amazed at the music and the teaching. It seemed like the pastor was speaking directly to me. I just sat in the back and cried feeling for the first time that God had not forgotten me. Since that day He continues to direct my path. I never really had good friends and now I feel like I have a family. I came to Fuel to continue growing and was again amazed at how much I love my church home. I feel God here and I have never felt judged. I still have a long way to go but at least I know I have a place to start and a family that will walk with me through this journey!

Opportunities Pass

One of my best friends once told me a saying that has stuck to this day 'Opportunities Pass'. He meant that in every situation you are given an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to bless and an opportunity to love. In every situation you either enter into it or you let is pass. But they do pass. Sometimes they return as another opportunity but somethings they don't. In other words make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. This season you will be given many opportunities. An opportunity to take a Fuel class www.thecrossing.com/fuel. An opportunity to find community through a group www.thecrossing/smallgroup. An opportunity to risk. No matter what comes your way this next season embrace it and don't run from it. Opportunities pass, don't miss the one that is given to you.

Testimonies from FUEL..

Here are just a few things people are saying about their Fuel expeirnce...

• So WONDERFUL! Can't wait for next week!
• Off the hook!
• It was W.I.L.D. !!! ;-)
• The mens class was great. This is something I have been looking for. Guys sharing with one another. Thanks Patrick/thanks Crossing!!
• I enjoyed the "men's" class. I am looking forward to going again....and again...and again....who knew that men could get together and have a rap session without using foul language or alcohol!
• Excellent!
• We may have to extend it to 8 weeks or more..!!!!!
• Wonderfully Wild!!!
• Nothing better than a room full of WILD women!!!! =)
• It was good---hopefully will figure out how to tell someone "I'm not into dating---just into courting"...?! :O
• What a AWSOME class we had with last night. It is AWSOME to see all the people show up for spiritual growth.YOU ROCK Patrick, and all the team with you. Thank you for offering us chances and choices to learn more and become better stewards to GOD.
• Thank you for being obedient to the ideas God has given you re: FUEL. :) I truly enjoyed the class and it is going to be fantastic!
• Thanks for shining some light my way.

Come join us for this weeks FUEL class.

It is possible to change?

This week we started a new Fuel season where close to 300 men and women are taking one of 14 classes available to them. The classes range from spiritual leadership for men to learning to be WILD for the women. Content for some classes include learning to study your bible, new parenting techniques, sharing your faith, even an ESL class. And as people start their classes I am reminded of a recent conversation I had with someone where they asked me,'Is it REALLY possible to change?' I am always taken by how powerful God is in peoples lives simply because I know how powerful He has been in mine. Over the next 6 weeks I will share stories of how God is still in the business of doing miracles. Do you believe Jesus can change you? I believe He can because He has changed me. And maybe as you read some of these stories you will be encouraged to believe that God can change you. There is nothing God can't redeem, restore or rebuild...do you believe it? If you would like to sign up for any Fuel class go to www.thecrossing.com/fuel. You can join anytime throughout the 6 weeks, everyone is welcomed!

It's all Hebrew to me.........

I remember as a kid always feeling intimated by the Bible. I would listen to people who knew the bible inside and out and would think, I could never be as knowledgeable with the bible. That's the funny thing about intimidation. We begin to believe things that aren't true. A long time ago God gave us a love letter and its titled the Bible. Its the most exciting story ever told. Its filled with the description and character of God. I mean think about that statement. We get a glimpse of who God is and what's even more powerful about this book is we get a glimpse of how he feels about us. But because we feel inadequate, intimated or maybe just disinterested we never open up this love letter. This season we are starting a FUEL class on learning to study your BIBLE. This class will equip and inspire you to open up a book that can change your entire perspective on God. Sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel

20 Something....

This next FUEL season we are launching a new FUEL class for 20 somethings. The purpose of this class is to discuss issues that dominate the life of a young adult. Topics like career, purpose, dating and developing an authentic relationship with God. You will walk away knowing you are not alone and discuss some of the most important topics that you are dealing with in your journey. For more information contact Pax Pulido at ppulido@thecrossing.com. The class will discuss The Purpose Driven Life. The class will be taught by Pax Pulido. You can sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel

It can change if you RAISE your HAND

I am more convinced that spiritual growth happens when we raise our hand. This is what I mean. Remember when you were in grade school, one of the most terrifying things we did was raise our hand. The teachers would always say 'there is no such thing as a dumb question' but you knew better. If the question was dumb then it was dumb. But when we finally had the courage to raise our hand and ask a question, in that moment we grew. Our maturity grew, our courage grew and our knowledge grew. When we raise our hand we are willing to risk and willing to change. When we raise our hand we are saying, 'I'm in'. But many times we never raise our hand and take a next step and in the process we never learn. In just a few days we are starting our Fall Fuel classes. We have 14 classes to choose from www.thecrossing.com/fuel. There is a class for you. Take a risk to learn something new, raise your hand and choose to grow. You won't regret it.

My LIFE is a walking MIRACLE

Every person has a story. Some stories are filled with drama and chaos. Some are filled with twists and turns. While other stories are mundane and routine. No matter what kind of story you have one thing is certain, its YOUR story. What may have started as a story with no real ending is now redirected towards hope, purpose and a new life. And the one thing someone can never debate about God is YOU. You and I are walking miracles. Our life is a living testimony that God is still in the business of changing lives. But many times we find ourselves having a hard time sharing our story. We don't know how to bridge a conversation about the miracle God has done in us. So we never risk, we never share and we never introduce people to the man who changed it all. This is why we are starting a FUEL class on SHARING YOUR STORY. Sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel and begin to share the miracle of what God has done in your life!

Everyone can be a BETTER parent!

I have two children, Jackson who just turned 8 and  Mia who just started kindergarten. They are the joys of my life. There are very few things that are more precious to me than my children. I love having uno tournaments, teaching them to swim and enjoying the everyday moments. However, being a parent is hard. Everyday we make decisions for our children, some good and some we wish we could take back. Some of us had great parents but many of us had poor parenting models. Being a great parent doesn't happen by accident. The Bible tells us to 'train our children up in the way the way they should go so as they grow older they will not depart from it.' How are you doing training your children up? Need some encouragement? Then sign up for our FUEL class on PARENTING. It will help you point your children back to God. Sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel

It's tough being a dude!

I've been a man most of my life. :) Seriously, many of us didn't have the best role models as men. We want to be good dads and good husbands but we find ourselves stumbling though life simply trying to make less mistakes than those around us. Men don't know how to be spiritual leaders or why they were created. But God created us to fulfill His purpose in our life. He designed us with an adventure to explore and a battle to fight. He shaped us to love a woman in God's love. He created us to be a Godly man. The problem is many of us don't know where to start. If you want to find Gods purpose in your life, learn what it means to be a Godly man whether single or married then check out the FUEL class for MEN. Sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel

Ignorance is NOT bliss

Sometimes what we don't know CAN hurt us. Take for instance our faith. It seems like we have become a culture that's knows very little about our personal faith. We don't know our history, the birth of the church, the power of the Holy Spirit or the fundamentals of what we proclaim. We find ourselves simply believing recycled knowledge from what other people teach us. But growth comes from personal discovery. Growth comes from asking questions and pursuing answers. Some questions can be answered while others simply need to be pursued. What you find on this journey is it no longer becomes historical but rather personal. This fall we are starting a FUEL class on CHRISTIANITY. If you are new to the faith or have never really studied the fundamentals of our faith sign up for this 6 week class, you won't be disappointed. www.thecrossing.com/fuel

Money Sucks!

In the process of walking couples through premarital counseling the issue of finances always comes up. The average debt for a person runs anywhere between 12-18,000. The tension money can bring can become unbearable for anyone. The scriptures tell us that money is not evil but rather the 'love of money'. We tend to buy things that we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't even like. Most people don't have a budget, live paycheck to paycheck and feel helpless to get ahead. This season FUEL will be having a 6 week course on the topic of FINANCES. You don't want to miss this class, sign up at www.thecrossing.com/fuel.

What do you mean we can't get naked?

Over the years its been amazing watching people come to know Jesus. When we come into a relationship with Jesus everything changes. Our eternal destination changes. Our past changes. Our present changes. I mean EVERYTHING. But one of the many questions I have heard from single people when they come to know Jesus is, 'how do I date from God's perspective?' When we choose God we choose His ways over ours. And many people I talk to want a new perspective on dating but aren't sure how to start. Many, including maybe you have never dated from God's perspective. As a matter of fact I think their is a difference between dating and courting. Dating asks the question, 'is this the right person' but courting asks the question 'how can this relationship draw me closer to God?'. If you would like to learn a new way to date, a new way to develop Godly relationships as a single person join us for our FUEL class for singles 'Courting vs. Dating' at www.thecrossing.com/fuel

Building a Godly Marriage...

Over the past 15 years of doing some form of marriage counseling either as a pastor or in social work I have heard these words "marriage is tough" over a thousand times. And what I have come to find out after almost 12 years of marriage is that it's true. Marriage CAN be tough. When you blend two personalities with expectations, worries, finances and add a few kids to the mix, it can get complicated. But what I have found is when two people are willing to invest into one another, pursue forgiveness and learn to build a Godly foundation marriage goes from being tough to becoming a blessing. Every marriage needs intentional investment or it doesn't grow. Next week we begin our FUEL class on Marriage and for 6 weeks the discussions will involve dealing with conflict, personalities differences, communication skills and building a solid spiritual foundation. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in the most important relationship you have on this planet, the relationship with your spouse! www.thecrossing.com/fuel

Questions are NOT bad for religion

Questions are good. I've noticed one of the best ways to grow as a person is to ask a question. Many times we believe something simply because someone told us to believe it. The problem is we never own that belief. Questions make us consider the why about everything. Why do I believe, what do I believe and who do I believe in. Some of the most powerful questions we can ask are things like, why do bad things happen to good people or is the Bible true or do all roads lead to heaven? Sometimes people will ask us these questions and we won't know how to respond. If these questions resonate with you or if you need answers to these questions attend our FUEL class called Discovery at www.thecrossing.com/fuel and begin to find answers to questions that you have always had but were afraid to ask.

Sometimes we just can't be an ISLAND

I am more convinced these days that we want to be islands. We struggle with letting people in but at the same time we desire to be known. Its a constant struggle for us to risk with others. I believe God designed us to be in community with others. There are over 50 'one anothers' in the New Testament. In other words, we were not designed to be an island. Sometimes the first step is simply getting connected. If you are not in a community go online at www.thecrossing.com and click groups. We are also launching new singles groups called Connection on November 23rd at the church. Don't be an island, it may take risk but relationships always do!

FUEL

When: October 12th and October 13th

Where: The Crossing church campus

Duration: 6 weeks from 6:30pm-8pm

Childcare: Available for $10 a child or $15 a family (2+kids) a night. Must RSVP.

Register at http://www.thecrossing.com/fuel



If you have any questions on any FUEL class feel free to email Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com


FUEL classes available on Tuesdays


Discovery:

The purpose of this class is to help you answer some of the tougher questions along our journey. Questions like, who is God, do all roads lead to heaven, is the Bible true and why do bad things happen to good people. Whether you are a seasoned Christian wanting information on how to respond to these kinds of questions or seeking answers to any of the above questions this class is for you. For more information about this class contact Steve Stary at sstary@thecrossing.com. The book title is The God Questions. Class will be taught by Gina and Steve Stary.


Worship:

The purpose of this class is to bring in depth understanding of the past present and future of worship as it pertains to the church! You will learn who worships, why do we worship and how do we worship! For more information about this class contact Ben Coplin at bcoplin@thecrossing.com. The book title is Unleashing Worship. The class will be taught by Ben Coplin and Freddi Smith.


Christianity: (in Spanish)

The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith such as, who is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important precepts of the Christian faith. This class will be taught in Spanish and is specifically designed for those that primarily speak Spanish. For more information about this class contact Jorge Moscoso at jmoscoso@thecrossing.com. The class will be taught by Jorge Moscoso and Jaime Huff.


Singles:

The purpose of this class is to discover the difference between courting and dating from Gods perspective. You will learn the necessary steps in order to walk out any relationship with a Godly foundation as well as discuss God’s perspective on boundaries, the do's and don'ts in relationships and the pitfalls in order to avoid costly mistakes along the way. For more information contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com. The book title is Going All the Way. The class will be taught by Patrick Detken and Vicki Holland.


Parenting:

The purpose of this class is how to make your home a place where God lives and is free to grow your family. You will learn how to (1) make your family a part of God’s family in ways that activate God’s calling in each individual’s life, and (2) attract people outside your family into God’s family. For more information contact Mark Vandruff at mvandruff@thecrossing.com. The class will be taught by Mark Vandruff and Sean Kappauf.


Young Adult:

The purpose of this class is to discuss issues that dominate the life of a 20 something. Topics like career, purpose, dating and developing an authentic relationship with God. You will walk away knowing you are not alone and discussing some of the most important topics that you are dealing with in your journey. For more information contact Pax Pulido at ppulido@thecrossing.com. The boo title is The Purpose Driven Life. The class will be taught by Pax Pulido.


Finances:

Each person will be here for a different reason, and the fact that you are asking for information shows in itself a willingness to either take back, or in some instances, for the very first time take control of your finances. This is not a “quick fix” or “silver Bullet” – for those of you who are in financial trouble, a good rule of thumb is, however long it took to get to where you are…it will take that long to get out of it! This is purely a class to help you develop personal money management skills, through spreadsheets and principals we will teach you, and personal financial disciplines that you will have the opportunity to develop. For more information contact Ward Nickless at wnickless@thecrossing.com. The book title is I Was Broke and Now I'm Not. The class will be taught by Ward and Maria Nickless.



FUEL classes available on Wednesdays


Bible Study:

The purpose of the class is to learn how and why we should study the Bible. By the end of the class students will:

• have a strong understanding of why the Bible is worthy of study

• know the difference between various translations of the Bible

• learn different Bible study methods

• go through an actual Bible study

For more information contact Randy Moraitis at rmoraitis@thecrossing.com. The book title is Bible Study Methods. The class will be taught by Randy Moraitis and Randy Clark.


Sharing Your Faith:

The purpose of this class is to practically help equip, encourage and inspire people to show and share God’s love, helping them discover their style of reaching out as well as how to share their story and God’s story in a clear and effective manner. You will learn your own personal “style” of how to best reach out to others. How to share their story, how to share Gods’ story (the gospel) and some practical steps they can take to engage in reaching out to others so they can come to know Christ. For more information on the class contact Ian Stevenson at istevenson@thecrossing.com. The book title is Walk Across the Room. The class will be taught by Ian Stevenson and Doug Mills.


Women:

It’s time to get wild! It’s time to grow deeper and reach higher. It’s time to learn what it means to live up! And because living up does not come naturally to most of us, it’s a lifestyle to be learned --- a life based on living, breathing, and moving in step with God’s Spirit within us. A life that is rooted in the vertical connection of looking up, praying up, and living up to the standards that God has put before us in the Bible. Learning to live up establishes faith, enriches our sense of purpose, and lifts our sagging spirits when life gets too hard. Living up involves wild choices made out of obedience to God. Living up challenges us to go under the knife --- not plastic surgery but process development, as the knife of God’s Word penetrates the deepest part of us with truth. This new wild is about taking our lives back from anything that holds us back and reclaiming the lives that God has created us for. It’s about becoming women who dare to live differently --- living in the faith we profess and daring to choose to live what we say we believe. For more information on the class contact Cyndi Clark at cclark@thecrossing.com. The book title is A Different Kind of Wild. The class will be taught by Cyndi Clark, Sandi Schooler and Nycole Rochford.


Men:

Most men have no idea what it means to be a spiritual leader, lead their family or simply understand Gods purpose for them as a man. In this class we will discuss some of the most important topics that every man deals with in their marriage, as a single man or as a dad. There is a battle that we are facing every day and we need to know how to be Godly men in this world and begin to take a stand. You will walk away with tools, great fellowship and a sense of unity that all men need in order to fight this battle. For more information on the class contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com. The book title is Wild At Heart. The class will be taught by Patrick Detken and Marty Whitecotton.


Marriage:

How do I create a Godly marriage? In this class you will discover Gods perspective on marriage as well as learn new tools to better communicate, resolve conflict and build a Godly foundation for this incredible relationship. You will learn a better way to approach tough topics and build on the strengths you have already developed in your journey. This class will encourage your marriage whether its your first year or you have been married for 40 years! For more information on the class contact Jim Schwarz at jschwarz@thecrossing.com. The book title is Sacred Marriage. The class will be taught by Jim and Georgie Schwarz and Madaline and Geoff Gaites.


Christianity: (in English)

The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith like, what is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important understanding of the Christian faith. For more information on the class contact James Paley at jpaley@thecrossing.com. The book title is Know What You Believe. The class will be taught by James Paley, Mindy Wohlford and Ethen Thacher.


ESL: (English as a Second Language)

We are proud to introduce an ESL class for our community. This class is primarily for those that are not familiar with the English language and would like to learn some of the basics. Every student will be provided an English partner to help them and encourage them on their journey. If you are interested in being English partner contact Michelle Yeun at myeun@thecrossing.com or if you are interested in the class email her in order to register. The book title is Side by Side Student Book #2, 3rd edition.

FUEL Class Registration Begins

FUEL classes starting in October


When: October 12th and October 13th

Where: The Crossing church campus

How long: 6 weeks from 6:30pm-8pm

Childcare: is available for $10 a child or $15 a family (2+kids) a night

If you have any questions on any FUEL class feel free to email Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com



FUEL classes available on Tuesdays


Discovery

The purpose of this class is to help you answer some of the tougher questions along our journey. Questions like, who is God, do all roads lead to heaven, is the Bible true and why do bad things happen to good people. Whether you are a seasoned Christian wanting information on how to respond to these kinds of questions or seeking answers to any of the above questions this class is for you. For more information about this class contact Steve Stary at sstary@thecrossing.com


Worship

The purpose of this class is to bring in depth understanding of the past present and future of worship as it pertains to the church! You will learn who worships, why do we worship and how do we worship! For more information about this class contact Ben Coplin at bcoplin@thecrossing.com


Christianity: (in Spanish)

The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith such as, who is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important precepts of the Christian faith. This class will be taught in Spanish and is specifically designed for those that primarily speak Spanish. For more information about this class contact Jorge Moscoso at jmoscoso@thecrossing.com


Singles:

The purpose of this class is to discover the difference between courting and dating from Gods perspective. You will learn the necessary steps in order to walk out any relationship with a Godly foundation as well as discuss God’s perspective on boundaries, the do's and don'ts in relationships and the pitfalls to avoid costly mistakes along the way. For more information contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com


Parenting:

The purpose of this class is how to make your home a place where God lives and is free to grow your family. You will learn how to (1) make your family a part of God’s family in ways that activate God’s calling in each individual’s life, and (2) attract people outside your family into God’s family. For more information contact Mark Vandruff at mvandruff@thecrossing.com


Young Adult:

The purpose of this class is to discuss issues that dominate the life of a 20 something. Topics like career, purpose, dating and developing an authentic relationship with God. You will walk away knowing you are not alone and discussing some of the most important topics that you are dealing with in your journey. For more information contact Pax Pulido at ppulido@thecrossing.com


Finances:

Each person will be here for a different reason, and the fact that you are asking for information shows in itself a willingness to either take back, or in some instances, for the very first time take control of your finances. This is not a “quick fix” or “silver Bullet” – for those of you who are in financial trouble, a good rule of thumb is, however long it took to get to where you are…it will take that long to get out of it! This is purely a class to help you develop personal money management skills, through spreadsheets and principals we will teach you, and personal financial disciplines that you will have the opportunity to develop. For more information contact Ward Nickless at wnickless@thecrossing.com



FUEL classes available on Wednesdays


Bible:

The purpose of the class is to learn how and why we should study the Bible. By the end of the class students will:


• have a strong understanding of why the Bible is worthy of study
• know the difference between various translations of the Bible
• learn different Bible study methods
• go through an actual Bible study

For more information contact Randy Moraitis at rmoraitis@thecrossing.com

Evangelism:

The purpose of this class is to practically help equip, encourage and inspire people to show and share God’s love, helping them discover their style of reaching out as well as how to share their story and God’s story in a clear and effective manner. You will learn your own personal “style” of how to best reach out to others. How to share their story, how to share Gods’ story (the gospel) and some practical steps they can take to engage in reaching out to others so they can come to know Christ. For more infomration on the class contact Ian Stevenson at istevenson@thecrossing.com


Women:

It’s time to get wild! It’s time to grow deeper and reach higher. It’s time to learn what it means to live up! And because living up does not come naturally to most of us, it’s a lifestyle to be learned --- a life based on living, breathing, and moving in step with God’s Spirit within us. A life that is rooted in the vertical connection of looking up, praying up, and living up to the standards that God has put before us in the Bible. Learning to live up establishes faith, enriches our sense of purpose, and lifts our sagging spirits when life gets too hard. Living up involves wild choices made out of obedience to God. Living up challenges us to go under the knife --- not plastic surgery but process development, as the knife of God’s Word penetrates the deepest part of us with truth. This new wild is about taking our lives back from anything that holds us back and reclaiming the lives that God has created us for. It’s about becoming women who dare to live differently --- living in the faith we profess and daring to choose to live what we say we believe. For more information on the class contact Cyndi Clark at cclark@thecrossing.com


Men:

Most men have no idea what it means to be a spiritual leader, lead their family or simply understand Gods purpose for them as a man. In this class we will discuss some of the most important topics that every man deals with in their marriage, as a single man or as a dad. There is a battle that we are facing every day and we need to know how to be Godly men in this world and begin to take a stand. You will walk away with tools, great fellowship and a sense of unity that all men need in order to fight this battle. For more infomation on the class contact Patrick Detken at pdetken@thecrossing.com


Marriage:

How do I create a Godly marriage? In this class you will discover Gods perspective on marriage as well as learn new tools to better communicate, resolve conflict and build a Godly foundation for this incredible relationship. You will learn a better way to approach tough topics and build on the strengths you have already developed in your journey. This class will encourage your marriage whether its your first year or you have been married for 40 years! For more information on the class contact Jim Schwarz at jschwarz@thecrossing.com


Christianity: (in English)

The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith like, what is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important understanding of the Christian faith. For more information on the class contact James Paley at jpaley@thecrossing.com


ESL: (English as a Second Language)

We are proud to introduce an ESL class for our community. This class is primarily for those that are not familiar with the english language and would like to learn some of the basics. Every student will be provided an English partner to help them and encourage them on their journey. If you are interested in being an English partner contact Michelle Yeun at myeun@thecrossing.com or if you are interested in the class email her in order to register.

Connection (Singles Ministry)

New Connection Ministry for Singles

Connection Ministry

• We are launching a new ministry called ‘Connection’ this fall. 
• Our next information meeting in on September 11th at 5:30pm-6:45pm in the youth room (called the ‘garage)
• Then we would officially begin on Tuesday, November 22nd 6:30-8:30pm-December 19th, immediately following FUEL!

What would we do from 6:30-8:30pm?
6:30-7:30pm - The first hour would be a bible study/topical study or sermon study on a specific topic. Sometimes related to the weekend message and other times specific to key areas the group wants to discuss. During that hour we would all age groups would gather together where we would get into Gods word, have a time of worship and testimony.

7:30-8:30pm - The second hour would be a time where people would get into their small group. The small groups would be divided up into 5 age groups:

• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60+

These groups would have small group questions and would have a time to discuss how these verses/topics relate to their life.

Anything else?
Yes, we will also begin something called Clubs and Connection Events.
Clubs will be certain hobbies people enjoy doing and would like to do them with other people from The Crossing. Examples would be: Motorcycle Club, Dog Club, Dance Club, Triathlon Club, Running Club, Hiking Club…..

Connection Events would be projects we do together on a monthly basis in order to serve the community. These are acts of kindness like helping clean someone’s yard, pain a house, go to Mexico, serve at a school.

Small Group Leaders!!

Dear Past and Present Group Leaders,

Many of you lead a group this past 2009-2010 ministry year, maybe it was a Hope Lives group or a Community group or a Campus group. You are being emailed because you had either been interested in leading a group in the future or are currently going to be leading a group this Fall. As we begin to prepare for this next small group season let me share with you a few things you will need to do and know.

Computer Orientation (Please choose just one from the below dates) This training will take no more than 30-45 minutes and will take place in the conference room at the church. The intention is to train you on the data base system we use for small groups. This will help you understand how to enroll people in your group, keep attendance and assimilate new people into your group. In order to lead a group this season you must attend one of these trainings. Email Janice Roque at jroque@thecrossing.com to let her know which training you will be attending.

• Sunday, Aug 29 at 11:30am
• Tuesday, Aug 31 at 6:30pm
• Wednesday, Sept 1 at 6:30pm
• Saturday, Sept 4 at 5:30pm
• Sunday, Sept 5 at 10am or 11am


FUEL 4 Group Leaders
Choose from October 2nd or 9th (5:30-6:45pm) where we will give you the 411 on leading your group this next season. Please email me at pdetken@thecrossing.com and let me know which night you can attend.


Commissioning
On October 5th (6:30-8pm) we want you to set aside some time to officially commission you this next season. We will pray for you and share a few key things as you head into your journey with your group. Please rsvp at pdetken@thecrossing.com


Thanks for choosing to shepherd God’s kids this next season!

FUEL Classes

FUEL classes starting in the fall

• When: October 12th and October 13th
• Where: The Crossing church campus
• How long: 6 weeks from 6:30pm-8pm
• Sign up: You can sign up starting in September so SAVE THE DATE!

FUEL classes available on Tuesdays

• Discovery

The purpose of this class is to help you answer some of the tougher questions along our journey. Questions like, who is God, do all roads lead to heaven, is the Bible true and why do bad things happen to good people. Whether you are a seasoned Christian wanting information on how to respond to these kinds of questions or seeking answers to any of the above questions this class is for you.

• Worship

The purpose of this class is to bring in depth understanding of the past present and future of worship as it pertains to the church! You will learn who worships, why do we worship and how do we worship!

• Christianity: (in Spanish)
The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith such as, who is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important precepts of the Christian faith. This class will be taught in Spanish and is specifically designed for those that primarily speak Spanish.

• Singles:
The purpose of this class is to discover the difference between courting and dating from Gods perspective. You will learn the necessary steps in order to walk out any relationship with a Godly foundation as well as discuss God’s perspective on boundaries, the do's and don'ts in relationships and the pitfalls to avoid costly mistakes along the way.

• Parenting:
The purpose of this class is how to make your home a place where God lives and is free to grow your family. You will learn how to (1) make your family a part of God’s family in ways that activate God’s calling in each individual’s life, and (2) attract people outside your family into God’s family

• Young Adult:
The purpose of this class is to discuss issues that dominate the life of a 20 something. Topics like career, purpose, dating and developing an authentic relationship with God. You will walk away knowing you are not alone and discussing some of the most important topics that you are dealing with in your journey.

• Finances:
Each person will be here for a different reason, and the fact that you are asking for information shows in itself a willingness to either take back, or in some instances, for the very first time take control of your finances. This is not a “quick fix” or “silver Bullet” – for those of you who are in financial trouble, a good rule of thumb is, however long it took to get to where you are…it will take that long to get out of it! This is purely a class to help you develop personal money management skills, through spreadsheets and principals we will teach you, and personal financial disciplines that you will have the opportunity to develop.

FUEL classes available on Wednesdays

Bible:
 The purpose of the class is to learn how and why we should study the Bible. By the end of the class students will:
• have a strong understanding of why the Bible is worthy of study
• know the difference between various translations of the Bible
• learn different Bible study methods
• go through an actual Bible study

Evangelism:
The purpose of this class is to practically help equip, encourage and inspire people to show and share God’s love, helping them discover their style of reaching out as well as how to share their story and God’s story in a clear and effective manner. You will learn your own personal “style” of how to best reach out to others. How to share their story, how to share Gods’ story (the gospel) and some practical steps they can take to engage in reaching out to others so they can come to know Christ.

Women:
It’s time to get wild! It’s time to grow deeper and reach higher. It’s time to learn what it means to live up! And because living up does not come naturally to most of us, it’s a lifestyle to be learned --- a life based on living, breathing, and moving in step with God’s Spirit within us. A life that is rooted in the vertical connection of looking up, praying up, and living up to the standards that God has put before us in the Bible. Learning to live up establishes faith, enriches our sense of purpose, and lifts our sagging spirits when life gets too hard. Living up involves wild choices made out of obedience to God. Living up challenges us to go under the knife --- not plastic surgery but process development, as the knife of God’s Word penetrates the deepest part of us with truth. This new wild is about taking our lives back from anything that holds us back and reclaiming the lives that God has created us for. It’s about becoming women who dare to live differently --- living in the faith we profess and daring to choose to live what we say we believe.

Men:
Most men have no idea what it means to be a spiritual leader, lead their family or simply understand Gods purpose for them as a man. In this class we will discuss some of the most important topics that every man deals with in their marriage, as a single man or as a dad. There is a battle that we are facing every day and we need to know how to be Godly men in this world and begin to take a stand. You will walk away with tools, great fellowship and a sense of unity that all men need in order to fight this battle.

Marriage:
How do I create a Godly marriage? In this class you will discover Gods perspective on marriage as well as learn new tools to better communicate, resolve conflict and build a Godly foundation for this incredible relationship. You will learn a better way to approach tough topics and build on the strengths you have already developed in your journey. This class will encourage your marriage whether its your first year or you have been married for 40 years!

Christianity: (in English)
The purpose of this class is to give you a strong understanding on some of the foundational principles in our faith like, what is the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the church, the birth of Christianity and the role we have as Christians. You will walk away with some of the most important understanding of the Christian faith.

A response to an overwhelming love that compelled her to do nothing less.

Last week as we kicked off this series called unstoppable Tim described a moment that probably changed the course of a woman life forever. Here’s the story…

Imagine a woman, who lives in the Middle East in a small town, in a very religious community some 2000 years ago, she is well known as a sinful woman. Maybe she’s sleeping with her boyfriend. Maybe she’s married and she’s cheating on her husband or a prostitute. The text doesn’t exactly tell us.
All we know from history is that she’s a well known notorious sexual sinner, unclean woman the Bible tells us.

We also know historically some important things about women some 2,000 years ago in this culture. We know they

• Couldn’t vote
• Couldn’t own property
• Couldn’t testify in court
• Did not participate in the meals
• If they let their hair down it was grounds for a beaten.
• And was, often times considered property of their husbands or their dad.

That’s the life of this woman we walking with in this story in Luke chapter 7.
Imagine what her life is like, how damaged and broken and brutal it must be from all she has gone through.

And then one day she experiences something or better yet someone that alters her entire destiny

Luke 7:36-49

Here we find the religious people inviting Jesus to have dinner…in particular he’s having dinner with the Pharisees. The Pharisees where the church attendees. This is a private dinner party in a home and Jesus accepts the dinner invitation. This woman bursts on the scene. Her reputation is damaged, destroyed, because she’s considered dirty and defiled in that culture.

And she hears that Jesus is at this man’s home. So she’s going to do the unthinkable. She walks to the door… and just walks in the house…And they all know her, they all know her reputation. She walks right into the dinner party, she’s the only woman in the room. And they smell the perfume. This is very expensive perfume. This is costly stuff. This may have been the perfume she wore to entice men, we don’t know.

But we do know in the text is that she noticed that Jesus feet were dirty, I mean people back then were walking along dirty, muddy paths, the same paths that the animals walked, which probably meant they had stepped on feces and garbage and mud. And the way the dinner table would’ve looked is their dining table would have been low to the ground. And the men’s feet would have been coming out from the table in a circle, basically right in front of someones face.

That’s why it was customary to have someone wash your feet because of this and because in the text it tells us that she was the one that did this, it can be assumed no one even bothered to do this for Jesus. And then, all of sudden, this woman who would not be stopped, she bursts on the scene and she notices that Jesus’ feet are dirty and she does the unthinkable. She approaches Jesus.

Why is this unthinkable? You need to understand the culture. Even though the bible doesn’t forbid it, the culture of the day forbids a woman like her from touching a man like him in any way.

She gets down, perhaps on her knees and she goes to wash Jesus feet.

There are moments in our life that shape us, that define us and that mark us. I believe this was one of those moments for this woman.This woman had everything to lose socially by doing what she was doing so here’s the question I want to pose today…

Why, why did she do it? Why put herself in danger? Why give away this perfume? Why take a risk and do something no one would understand or even accept…why?

Things we MISS (Facebook Responses)

 These are some of the responses from Facebook questions. They are a great reflection of the things that we miss in life.

 

August 11 at 7:12am

 

Things you MISS..............................................

 

• Cindy Swatkowski Finneran my grandma...
• Debbie Stawarz Standing on the Oceans edge and having the water run up over my feet. Have not done that for 8yrs since my stroke that ended me up into a wheelchair.
• Dylan Bailey Pops... n the list goes on n on. BBs
• Esther Johnson My daddy!
• John J. Wald Hangin' with you guys! I miss you! :)
• Brent Acajabon My best friend Sean RIP
• Cyndi Gosnell McCormick Standing in the middle of a wheat field with no other person in sight on a warm Indiana evening
• Kenneth Collins MOM, DAD, and COLD STONE OATMEAL COOKIE DOUGH ICE CREAM, they say it is seasonal.....REALY... when is Oatmeal Cookie Dought Iceream season anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Stephanie Lane Enjoying jumping in an ice cold pool...when I was young, I would swim in anything!
• Larry Whitfield Father/Son Pathfinders year end Catalina trip camping and hiking with CCNM dads and sons
• Jenifer Baca Jaime my best friend
• Leslye Petersen Stockdale my mom and dad...
• Sharon Hulett My grandma, dad, mom and my best friend Penny...
• August 11 at 8:31am · LikeUnlike · .Julie Kushner Marovish UC Santa Cruz
• Regina Jones The U.S. of A!! Specifically:: family, friends, churches that LOVE to serve, Mexican food, the beach, fast Internet, reliable cell phone service, electrify and running water that always work...hmmmm should I go on?!? :) haha let's just sum ...it up by saying, I miss life as we know it ;) and of course all of you lovely crossing peeps!!See More
• Isabel Rodriguez Never things! People! My wonderful husband!
• Michele Pangle my mom n dad, & my brother
• Also...the 70's...what a great time of life!
• Mnmxyz Mnm My young newborn in heaven!
• Donna Harper Cramsie My BigWheel! =)
• Wayne Mayberry mom and dad
• Laurie Conlon My friend Rose who lives in Colorado♥
• Tim Janeka Cambria in a few days.
• Sallie Cordova Gallagher Mom, Dad, Saffron, Ripley
• Ethen Thacher Sometimes, most often, I miss what God's trying to tell me, but He is patient, thankfully. This season is about taking time each day to slow down, get quiet and give time to listen.
• Ethen Thacher and surfing between classes at UCSB.
• Pamela Carter Jackson and Mia
• Crystal Clark Being naive and my rose colored glasses.... and Marve....
• Denise Goodman University City, Mo in the late 60s early 70s MAN!! Talk about GOOD TIMES!!
• Tina Heinemann Inocense
• Van Netdao Mendoza my closed friends and family.
• Lisa Cunningham Henderson My Granddad.
• Nicole Marme Carter going dancing on the weekends!
• Sharon L. Cusic My parents.
• Jane Johnson Wall All my peeps on the Left Coast...
• Brandon Finneran Steve Switzer!! 
• Marty Whitecotton My dad. My best friends who have moved to other places in the world. And midwestern thunderstorms, in that order.
• Sheri Lee Turner An 8 hour sleep....
• Jerilee Davis My Momma !!! soooo much.
• Leesa Wincler My mind....most of the time!!! =D
• Henry Majoue Meeting with my pastor

REFUEL - Matthew 6:1-18

REFUEL – Matthew 6:1-18

The ‘low down’ on a Bible study:
• Your role in a study is to become a DETECTIVE not a passive participant.
• It’s not KNOWING the Word of God that changes you, it’s what it does it your heart that changes you.
• Bible study is a SPIRITUAL practice like solitude, silence, prayer and fasting. They are all essential in your spiritual growth.
• Meditating and Memorizing God’s word is the BEST way to allow it to sit and soak into your soul.
• Be careful to make your knowledge of God’s word ‘ RECYCLED knowledge’.
• Always ‘test and approve’ those that teach the Word. Never ACCEPT the fact just because they taught it, it should be correct.


The 4 C’s of a Bible study

Fundamental Principle: It can’t MEAN what it never MEANT .
The scriptures weren’t written to us, they were written to another culture in another setting. In order to know what it means you must determine what it meant to them. ONLY then can you determine what it means to us.


CHARACTER : What perspective was he coming from? In other words what’s his angle?

CONTEXT :Why was he saying this? In other words it can’t mean what it never meant.

CLIMATE : What was going on during this time? In other words how did the political, spiritual and economic climate affect what was being written.
CULTURE : What do we know about the culture? In other words what was unique in that culture that defines the text.

Final way to study the scriptures:

O BSERVATION : Read it once and the question “What do I OBSERVE about what I am reading, in other words what stands out?”

I NTERPRETATION : Read it again and ask the question “What QUESTIONS do I have about the text that I need to find out. This is where the 4 C’s of Bible Study come into play.

A PPLICATION : Read it one final time and ask the question, “What is one thing I can take away from this text and APPLY into my life?”

Character: What perspective was he coming from? In other words what’s his angle?
We know that he was Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus disciples. He was writing to PROVE that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King.


Climate: What was going on during this time? In other words how did the political, spiritual and economic climate affect what was being written. The initial reading of the passage will show that the basic teaching of Jesus will be to avoid the SHOW and to seek to please God. His instruction was that it is best to hide any PERSONAL acts that may lead to wrong motives and thereby ensure that they will be done for God. The three samples He gave are at the heart of personal piety (godliness): GIVING to the poor, PRAYER and FASTING .


Culture: What do we know about the culture? In other words what was unique in that culture that defines the text. Fasting, prayer and giving was MANDATORY for the Jewish people. Fasting was done once a year on the day of atonement (Leviticus 23:32) The Pharisees fasted 2x’s a week. Giving was a part of a law (Exodus 23:10) and prayer was a part of the Jewish tradition (Genesis 20:7)

Context: What’s the general overview of what the author was saying?

• This passage can be divided up into three specific parts which deal respectively with almsgiving (6:2-4), prayer (6:5-15) and fasting (6:16-18) - each of which were a necessary part of first century religious life but which needed a REDEFINING for the life of the disciple of Christ seeing as their exploitation had produced a society that was demonstrable in its outward observance of its service of God but which was running on empty most of the time. This entire passage, therefore, although dealing with just the three religious principles of almsgiving, prayer and fasting, are a good summary of the principles of PURE religion and what it means to offer false service to God.


• One word which occurs in each of these three and which warrants special dealing with is the word ‘HYPOCRITE’.

• Jesus associates this word (Strongs Greek number 5273) with all three religious duties (Mtw 6:2,5,16)

• The NT uses the word in a negative sense as meaning someone who gives a false representation of who he really is. But the nature of the word was more of a description not an accusation like a ‘ PLAY ACTOR ’ ‘It was a custom for Greek and Roman actors to speak in large masks with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice’ The ‘hypocrite’ of the NT is normally a religious observer who gives a good outward show of his piety (godliness) but who, inwardly, is not the type of person that his actions would otherwise indicate.





Mtw 6:1 Introduction

Almsgiving was so essential a part of righteousness as the Jews had come to understand it, that the words had become almost
Synonymous with RIGHTEOUSNESS

Jesus says that the three religious exercises (almsgiving, prayer and fasting) are done by the ‘hypocrites’, the ‘play actors’, so that
the people who do them can be both PRAISED and seen by men and women (Mtw 6:2,5,16) and, that by
doing such things publicly, they are receiving any reward they are likely to get (Mtw 6:2,5,16).

If the disciple performs religious duties before God, he must be careful to do them solely for Him and not have, as some ulterior
motive, the desire to be seen and regarded highly by men. The Greek word translated here by ‘seen’ (Strongs Greek number
2300) conveys the concept, ‘...spectators and denotes ATTENTIVE SEEING

The Greek word for ‘reward’ which is the same one used not only in Mtw 6:1 but throughout the passage in each of the three
religious services (Strongs Greek number 3408) means, generally, ‘ WAGES , this doesn’t mean they won’t
be blessed but rather they have received their immediate payment.

All three religious duties, Jesus speaks about ‘ WHEN they are performed not ‘ IF (6:2, 6:5, 6:15), thus
indicating to any disciple of the present age that none of these have been discarded in the new order of things and that help for
the poor, prayer to God and fasting before Him are all still INTEGRAL parts of what it means to be
a follower of Christ.

Mtw 6:2-4 Alms (Giving)

The word, which is derived from another Greek word meaning ‘ MERCIFUL ’ (and is used, for instance, in Mtw 5:7
in the beatitude mentioning the ‘merciful’ - Strongs Greek word 1655) is defined by Vines as meaning ‘mercy, pity’ and then, as a
natural PROGESSION from this feeling of compassion, the giving of certain gifts to the less well off,
presumably based upon one’s feeling of pity directed at those who receive the charitable act.

Almsgiving is any act of giving to the LESS well off that is based on a feeling of compassion, pity or mercy in the
bestower of the gift.

Deut 15:11 - which gives the summation of all almsgiving - states that ‘For the poor will never cease out of the land;
therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in the land’ and the
provision of the Law in, for instance, the legislation of the sabbatical (seventh) years (Ex 23:10-11) was a demonstration of the
nation’s commitment to help their poorer brethren to be able to maintain themselves based upon a command of God that, once
prosperous, they should not overlook those among them who were struggling to live adequately. The Law also commanded
annual provision for the poor from the extra yield of the fields that the farmers were forbidden to collect (Lev 23:22), giving
them over rather to the hard work of those who obtained their livelihood from such omissions of the harvest.


Throughout the Law, abundant provision was made by God to command the Jews to look after their OWN , not
only on a yearly and sabbatical basis but by the command, previously quoted, that the Israelite was forbidden to turn a blind
eye to those among them who were materially poor.

Righteousness was also considered to be IMPARTER to the almsgiver in one specific act of giving where the
garment of clothing was to be restored to the Israelite before the sun went down if it had been taken as a pledge (Deut 24:13).

Therefore, in their seeking out justification of their existence on earth from God, Judaism appears to have turned to certain
practices, amongst them almsgiving, that SELF SAVED themselves in the sight of God and which
prompted the Lord (like some cause and effect relationship) to have to look down from heaven and to both REDEEM and
save those who bestowed such acts of kindness on the poor. Salvation, therefore, became not based upon the mercy of God but
on the KINDNESS of mankind, and almsgiving became uprooted from a reliance upon the necessary emotions of pity and
mercy and, rather, was seen to reside in a religious duty that was beneficial and a source of immediate return to the person who
performed it. ‘Righteousness and almsgiving came to regarded as synonymous terms.

In first century Judaism, there was both a ‘ POOR FUND ’ and a ‘pauper’s dish’ which appear to have been corporately collected purses that were used to bestow money on the needy wherever they were but there were strict rules set out as to who could benefit from such a fund. But, above all, although almsgiving was something that was expected of His followers (notice that Mtw 6:2 states ‘when you give alms’ not ‘if you give alms’), it was still a matter of personal commitment and of allowing God to direct individual hearts as He so chose to do.

The early Church saw almsgiving as a RESPONSE to the love of God and not as a meritorious act which won the love of God for themselves. Therefore the disciple should ‘sound no trumpet’ before them and such a phrase more rightly means that the disciple should be concerned not to draw attention to himself whenever (not ‘if’) he performs charitable acts towards the poor.

The word for ‘streets’ here (Strongs Greek number 4505) also points towards a place where almsgiving can be seen and displayed in the sight of men and women. It is better rendered ‘ NARROW STREET ’ or ‘alleyway’ that is shut in by buildings on either side, thus restricting human traffic to a narrow corridor of people where all can witness such charitable acts.

Mtw 6:5-8 - Praying

Both the place of almsgiving and of praying teach the same principles of NOT being seen by men and women

‘The attitude to be observed during prayer is very accurately defined by the Rabbis. The worshipper was to stand, turning towards the Holy Place; he was to compose his body and his clothes, to draw his feet close together, to cast down his eyes at least at the beginning of his prayer, to cross his hands over his breast and to “stand as a servant before his master with all reverence and fear”’


Such a physical attitude while prayer was being OFFERED to God could not, therefore, have gone unnoticed by the populace who passed by the petitioners going about their daily duties and the response.

Mtw 6:9-13 is solely as a RESPONSE to the negativity of the Gentile way of praying and, therefore, can be seen to contrast with their approach.

Mtw 6:16-18 - Fasting

Fasting in Isaiah’s day, just before the exile, had become - just like the NT - a matter of SHOW which was used to try and twist God’s hand into hearing and doing what the petitioner was praying. But perhaps the most frightening aspect of fasting is the way it developed in the life of the Church of the first two centuries and how it seems to have become a LITURGICAL rite which was laid as a mandate instead of an individual disciple to decide for himself when it was necessary.

‘Do not keep the same fast days as the hypocrites [this could refer to the Christians who followed the Jewish fasting calendar or the Jews themselves. Mondays and Thursdays are their days for fasting so yours should be WEDNESDAY and Fridays’

‘Private fasts would, of course, depend on individuals but the strict Pharisees were expected to fast every Monday and Thursday (because on a Thursday Moses had gone up to Mount Sinai and came down on a Monday.

Jesus proposes an alternative way of fasting, one that is not outwardly discernible to those who come into contact with the disciple throughout the day. Instead of demonstrating one’s piety by a facial expression, the disciple of Christ is to present himself to the world as he would do on a normal day when he wasn’t fasting. The anointing of the head. Olive oil was used as a FACIAL cosmetic like a lotion.

The 2010 Global Leadership Summit Notes - Aug 5th & 6th

Summit 2010 Notes - Aug 5th & 6th




Blake Mycoskie - Tom's Shoes

Why did you get into the shoe business?

• I wasn’t trying to get into the shoe business. I was on vacation in Argentina, saw some volunteers doing a shoe drive. Thought it was unsustainable. Didn’t want to start a charity, wanted to start a business.

• For every pair of shoes bought, they give away a pair.

• The word “give” is on just about every wall in the offices of TOMS. Why?

• It feels good to give.

• What I’ve learned is that giving not only feels good but it’s a good business strateg

• In a NYC airport, had never seen anyone wearing TOMS. Saw a girl wearing a pair, asked her about the shoes. Pulled Blake aside and told him all about TOMS.

• If we focus on giving, our customers are going to do the marketing for us.

• Have given away more than 600,000 pairs of shoes.

• What distinctive are a part of the TOMS culture?

• We encourage our staff, involve all our staff in the giving.

• For every employee that’s been with the company at least 2 years they pay for a trip for them to do a shoe drop.

• Not everyone can do a 1-for-1 strategy, but every company can incorporate giving and service into their culture.

• When people start serving, they quickly forget about themselves...giving should be at the core

• Why didn’t you just start a non-profit?

• Invested money gained from sale of previous business into TOMS.

• By doing TOMS as a for-profit, it has enabled it to be sustainable and grow.

• Over 680,000 pairs of shoes have been given

• One Day Without Shoes

• Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlz3QKHJBac

• First year 250,000 people participated.

• Doesn’t cost anything to take off shoes, but enabled people to have conversations.

• Didn’t spend a dollar to advertise, but had some amazing partners.

• What happened when you came up with the idea for TOMS?

• Not a big deal when I had the idea.

• Became big to me 6 months later when I did that first shoe drop.

• Woman came up to him and told him that her 3 kids had been sharing 1 pair of shoes.

• TOMS has captured the attention of young people. Why?

• Young people want to have a voice and want to do something that matters. Can’t always afford to do something big, but they’re going to buy a pair of shoes.

• We make it very easy for them to act.

• It becomes a part of their identity.

• What have you learned about the importance of strategic partnerships?

• Very blessed.

• Not just corporate partners, but churches as well.

• The reason why the ATT thing worked is because we gave them an authentic story that worked. I’m never in the office. Their technology enabled me to do what I was doing.

• How important is "asking people" to accomplish your goal?

• People really enjoy it because then they get to be a part of your vision and your journey.

• If you really want to do something, you've got to ask people...you can’t be bashful if you want to make change.

• What part has your faith played in TOMS

• Give your first fruits

• They stayed true to that principle and didn’t deviate for the 1-for-1 principle even when they were losing money.

• What would you say to other young leaders?

• Come work for us!

• We need fantastic leaders to help us get from here to there.

• Thought as a freshman in college that he would be a successful entrepreneur so that then he can give back when he’s retired. But it’s never too early to start giving.

• How can churches get involved?

• Go barefoot on One Day Without Shoes – April 5, 2011



Jack Welch - Interviewed by Bill Hybels

• When you say leaders have to be authentic..what does that mean?

• You have to be yourself...not portray yourself as someone who you are not.

• They want to know they can count on you.

• You talk a lot about energy...

• You have to be able to energize people, excite those around you...

• How do you energize people?

• Engage them.

• Tell the story, so others will join you.

• Not hyping them.

• It’s basically getting them to feel the vision.

• The job of a leader is to draw out the people around you who are starter than you.

• The crazy thing about insecure people is they hire dopes and they don't get any better

• Most meetings if they are any good...you go in and come out with an answer

• Finish the day/meeting asking what people got out of the day/session

• Candor

• We fought desperately to really get what people are thinking on the table.

• Less bureaucracy, less meetings, just say what you think.

• Differentiation - Hotly debated in leadership circles...

• At GE there was a ranking of staff as the top 20%, the vital 70%, then there was the bottom 10%.

• Some people say that’s a heartless way to differentiate people and treat them differently.

• Do you think sports teams differentiate? Do you think the teams with the best players usually win?

• You have to have a real appraisal system (candor) to differentiate.

• It’s critical that the people who work for you know where you stand.

• In every organization, everyone knows who rates where.

• Most organizations spend too much time focusing on the lowest 10%.

• You’ve got to get out of the bottom 10% or move on.

• What are the A players like - top 20%?

• Good values, good people…

• Filled with energy

• They have a gene that says I love to see people grow. I love to reward people. They get a kick out of giving a bonus and seeing their people promoted. They celebrate their people. They have generosity.

• Insecure people hide their best people.

• A players don’t have envy.

• Describe B players - 70%?

• Hard working but maybe not as gifted.

• The top of the 70 and the bottom of the 70 was a world of difference.

• You run the risk of losing the 21-26 percentile.

• You have to say, “this is a snapshot in time. You’ll have a chance to move up. Here’s how.”

• Here’s what I like about what you’re doing. Here’s what you can do to improve. Always on the same page.

• Don’t write a new appraisal, write over the old one.

• What characterizes the bottom 10%

• Not a team player, low energy, acidic, pain in the arm.

• Nothing is worse than negative energy.

• They’re disruptors, antagonizors...

• "The hallway whisperer"...you have to make "the meeting after the meeting" go away

• Could you have built GE without paying big salaries and bonuses?

• I wouldn’t have wanted to.

• People choose to work in the church...and they choose the rewards that go along with that too.

• You choose non-profit and you better deliver in non-profit - find a better way to motivate.

• What’s your biggest failure?

• In the early stages when people thought I was tearing things apart, I should have moved more quickly.

• Part of your job as a leader is to help people become more confident.

• Go, act, do...don't ponder!

• Speak about finding a successor and making the transition.

• Started 8 years before he was going to retire. Had 22 candidates.

• 8 years later got down to 3 and they were all the long-shots

• Jay Leno/Conan O’Brien fiasco was caused by making the choice 5 years in advance when people change.

• I don’t think you ever know how someone is going to behave at the next level.

• Need a rigorous process, involve a lot of people.

• Celebrations

• The hardest thing we could get to happen was to get managers to celebrate small victories.

• Jack was in the hospital for 104 days, got a staph infection from a shot.

• Jack sent Bill an email saying “toss one north for me” (an ask for prayer). Did the time in the hospital open you up to things of God?

• I love this church.

• Bill: I sense an openness to the next step in the journey. Jack: yes.

• Bill: I think the next phase of your life will be your most impactful.

• Bill: Never, ever, ever give up on somebody. Everyone of you has people in your life that you know great things would happen through them if God got ahold of them. We’re here to keep praying and probing and contacting people to see what God might be up to.



TD Jakes

• People don’t do everything because of dollars and sense, they do it because of passion.

• Church leadership is unique. People don’t’ come to follow you, they come to follow Jesus.

• They came to follow Him and they got you.

• It’s a real step down from Jesus to you.

• You cannot make passionate people if you’re not passionate yourself.

• People get tired of following an imitation.

• People follow people who move, take action, and take risk.

• Part of leadership is to make sure the lamp in your group, your church does not go out.

• Anointing from the head, to the beard, to the skirt. Make sure it’s not diluted or polluted.

• Challenge people without overwhelming them.

• Gift analysis is important.

• When God gives you people to work with that’s assets, they’re right from his treasure chest.

• You have to make sure that people deliver on the promises you make.

• Pray that the Holy Spirit gets the message across to people even when you don’t.

• God will make up the difference.

• People are ignited by passion.

• Passion is more than emotionalism.

• Passion is the fuel that makes the engine go.

• Put people to work doing things that make them jump out of bed.

• 2 different kids of leaders: builders and bankers.

• Banking the fire made it burn all night without burning out.

• Builders are people who you can give next to nothing and they can make something out of nothing. Joseph was a builder. He was building in prison.

• If your a builder you need a banker, someone who can manage and sustain.

• The problem is most people get people like themselves around themselves.

• If you only have people around you who do what you do, they compete with you instead of complete you.

• When Jesus began his ministry he didn’t pick one rabbi. He didn’t pick anyone who did what he did.

• Don’t make confidants out of the people you work with.

• Confidants are people who are for you no matter what.

• If you have 2-3 confidants in a lifetime you are blessed.

• Constituents are not people who are for you, they are people who are for what you are for.

• Don’t try to hold people to tightly who are meant to come and go.

• Some people are like the King James Version, they came to pass.

• Comrades they are against what you’re against. You put them in the fight.

• Like Peter, you gotta keep at least one ear-cutter.

• If you don’t learn how to use comrades to fight for you, they will fight against you.

• If you try to make comrades grazing in the pasture when they should be howling on the mountain, it will bring trouble to your team.

• Most leaders find it difficult to be transparent enough to let people know them and read them.

• Nobody has to be impassioned when you’re in a battle, you have to encourage them when they’re along the way.

• Sometimes when you encourage people they leave with your courage.

• Sometimes I think I need a me. (to encourage me)

• When you’re tired and running low, you have God who gives strength.

• When my heart is overwhelmed I go to the rock who is higher than me.



Terri Kelly (interviewed by Jim Mellado)

CEO of W.L. Gore and Associates

• What were the founders of Gore trying to do?

• Fundamental values lead to your success.

• Foster an environment of collaboration.

• Personal relationships that formed while doing special projects, wanted to create an entire company that functions that way.

• Organize around the power of small teams.

• What’s so different about Gore?

• It truly is a peer-based organization.

• Everyone understands it’s everyone’s job to make everyone successful.

• People are much more vested in their own outcome and the success of the organization.

• What do you mean by “on demand hierarchy?”

• Decisions are made based on who is most knowledgeable


Daniel Pink:

• Is anyone hungry? Ron. Gave him a couple energy bars. That’s a motivation.

• Humans have other motivations other than biological motivations.

• Offered Tawani $10 to give Ron the energy bars

• That’s another motivation, 2nd drive, reward/punishment drive.

• There’s a 3rd drive. We do things because they’re interesting, meaningful, contribute to the world, want to learn...this drive is a powerful part of what it is to be human but the problem is it is routinely ignored in the business world

• Science of rewards and punishment - calls into question some assumptions of how we run our companies

• Researchers did a study with MIT students. Split them into 3 groups – little reward, bigger reward, huge reward. For tasks that didn’t require cognitive performance the higher the pay the better the performance, but tasks that required cognitive performance got worse with bigger rewards. Not supposed to work this way...

• If you do this...then you get that...Punishment/reward motivators work well for simple tasks but not for complex tasks that require creativity. It creates "tunnel vision" - what is the reward...hard to see outside of that and can't get to the creative process

• When carrots & sticks don’t work, instead of trying other motivators we get bigger carrots and sharper sticks

• Redgate software, doing things differently, sales people worked on commissions and were gaming the system, made the compensation more complex, sales people upped their game.

• Went to top 2 sales guys. Told him that they were going to eliminate commissions and instead raise base salary and do profit sharing. First guy said it was a good idea, but the other guy wouldn’t go for it. Second guy also liked the idea, but thought the first guy wouldn’t go for it.

• 2 false assumptions within organizations

• Human beings are machines. If you press the right buttons in the right people, they will do what you want. That is not true.

• Human beings are blobs. People wouldn’t do anything without external motivation

• I defy you to find me a 2 year old that is passive and inert.

• Our nature is to be active and engage. That is our default, factory setting.

• 3 motivators: autonomy, mastery, and purpose (AMP)

• Autonomy

• Management is a technology some guy invented from the 1850s

• Management is a technology designed to get compliance.

• We don’t want compliance in out organizations today, we want engagement.

• Management does not lead to engagement, self-direction leads to engagement.

• Ask someone to tell you about their best boss...

• Give people autonomy over their time, team, task, technique.

• Example: Aussie software development co. Once a quarter, Thu PM work on anything you want that’s not a part of your job. Only requirement is that have to show everyone else what you created the next day. Call it FedEx Day because you have to deliver over night. Worked so well that they now have 20% time (work on whatever you want during 20% of your work week.

• Google does 20% time - almost since the beginning. Google News, Gmail were not official projects but 20% projects.

• Google..."Just about all the good ideas here have bubbled up over the 20% time"

• Implement this slowly. Have to provide “scaffolding" - if you want people to be successful, you have to provide steps to get there. Try a FedEx Day. 10% time. Don’t start with everyone but a small group. Don’t do it forever, but for a test period.

• Mastery

• Playing the bassoon on the weekend is a strange behavior - a biologist can't explain it. Why would anyone do it? Because it’s interesting...fun...rewarding...you get better at it.

• Teresa Amabile did research, asked people to chart their motivation every day. Single largest motivator was “making progress.” Days when people were making progress those were the days they felt most motivated, engaged, and loyal to the organization. Managers should help people see progress and put people into positions of making progress.

• “Flow” – when a challenge is so well matched to our capabilities that we loose track of time, loose track of self...in the moment. We’re more likely to find “flow” at work than in leisure because we’re passive in leisure.

• You have to get feedback to know if you’re making progress, but the workplace is one of the most feedback-deprived settings int he world. Once a year performance reviews.

• Imagine if a tennis player got feedback once a year. They wouldn't be very good tennis players.

• Performance reviews are usually not honest conversations...

• How do we get more feedback? Encourage people to seek out feedback...there own performance reviews

• Great athletes have goals, but they also meticulously track their progress.

• Purpose

• There is a palpable sense that a page is turning. We are reaching the limits of the profit motivation.

• There’s a rise in the purpose motive.

• When the profit motive becomes detached from the purpose motive, bad things happen.

• Diagnostic tool from Robert Reisch. Listen to the pronowns people use. Do they say “we” or “they.” “They” indicates a sense of alienation and discontent.


Dr. Zhao Xiao - Beyond Economy


• Leadership is not just about influence. It’s also about moving them in the right direction.



• In the last 2,000 years the most significant change was the life of Christ. In the last 1,000 years the most significant change was the Protestant reformation. In the last 500 years, the most significant change was the rise of America. In the 20th century, the most significant change was the rise of China.



• More accurately it’s the return of China. China was a world leader economically and in literature for must of human history. It fell behind in the 19th century, but in the 20th century experienced the fastest economic growth in world history. It is is likely China’s economy will surpass the US soon.



• But that doesn’t necessarily mean China will be a leader.



• China has caused great environmental damage. It is consuming a lot of resources. There is corruption. There are critical challenges.



• Margaret Thacher pointed out if China is not able to export values it will not become a superpower.



• There is no such thing as the Chinese Dream, so no one will follow China.



• Many people in the world love America because of the values behind the people.



• China’s goal should be more than economic growth and pursue growth in other areas.



• China must learn values from the Christian faith.



• I want to take this moment to thank you and all the missionaries who have brought love China.



• Matteo Ricci brought Christianity to China in the 1500s.



• Robert Morrison in early 1800s.



• In 1949 when the new China was formed, missionaries were forced to leave China and there were only 1 million Christians in China.



• The number of Christians in China have increased to somewhere between 80 and 130 million.



• Life transformation has surpassed economic transformation.



• China will become the largest Christian nation in the world.



• Europe rose to prominence because of the transformation of the cross, then America rose to prominence because of the transformation of the cross, now Asia is rising to prominence because of the transformation of the cross.



• Korea has sent the 2nd most missionaries of any nation.



• Spiritual transformation led to the 2 greatest periods in Chinese history. Christian transformation is leading to the next great period in Chinese history.



• China is forming a more harmonious society. The foundation of a harmonious society is love. Love comes from Christ.



• Christian business society in China… calling for only one set of books. No bribery. Treat employees well.



• The Chinese “Mayflower” has set sail… Cypress Leadership Institute… China: a new city on a hill, a nation of integrity…



o People ask me 2 questions.



1. Will China’s economy continue to grow or collapse?



2. Will China be a blessing or a curse to the world?



• The road will not be easy or smooth for China.



• I invite you into the process of China’s transformation with the cross.



• A lot of Americans fear the rise of China because the west has been the leader for so long. We ask you remove your fear of China and give China your love and support.



• You can help your Chinese brothers, be an example to them.



• You can influence today’s China which will bless tomorrow’s world.



• Expect one day the Global Leadership Summit will take place within China.





Andy Stanley



• As a young leader, it was temping to think everything came easy for veteran leaders.



• The myth I believed is if you’re a great leader you’ll solve all your problems and you’ll get rid of all the tension.



• But just the opposite is true, great organizations have tensions and problems that are never solved. Great leaders are able to leverage those in a way that creates progress for the organization.



• The very same person with the very same digits can pick up a contact lens and throw a baseball 90 miles per hour.



• Every organization has problems that shouldn’t be solved and tensions that shouldn’t be resolved



• How do you solve the tension between family life and work? You don’t.



• It keeps coming up because it’s not a tension you can resolve.



• If you try to solve the problem, you create more problems



•  Examples: Marketing vs sales, management vs leaders, systems vs flexibility, preaching as led by the spirit vs getting services done on time, reaching unbelievers vs nurturing believers



• If you solve those tensions, you will create a new problem.



• What if you go for excess and ignore finances?



• What if you go all theology and no application? You’re Presbyterian.



• What if you allow the preacher to go as long as he wants? You’re Baptist.



• If you remove your thumb you resolve the tension, but you create more problems.



• If you solve any of those tensions, you create a barrier to progress.



• Progress depends on successfully managing the tensions



• To distinquish between problems to solve and tensions to manage, ask the following



• Does this problem or tension keep resurfacing?



• Are there mature advocates for both sides?



• Are the two sides really interdependent?



• If you work all the time, you’ll lose your family. But if you spend all your time with your family, you’ll lose your job (and then lose your family.



• The role of leadership is to leverage the tension to the benefit of the organization.



• Identify the tensions to be managed



• Create terminology



• “I guess that’s a tension we have to manage.”



• Some arguments you don’t want a person (or one side) to win



• Inform your core.



• Continually give value to both sides.



• Don’t weigh in too heavily based on your personal biases.



• If you’re not careful as a leader, you can move something off the table that should always be on the table.



• You need to be able to argue the upside of the side you don’t normally lean.



• Don’t allow strong personalities to win the day



• I need passionate people who will champion their side, but I need mature people who understand how to live with the tension.



• Don’t think in terms of balance, think in terms of rhythm.



• As a leader should never try to be fair.



• There’s a time to weigh heavily towards one thing and other times to weigh heavily towards the other side.



• As a leader, one of the most valuable things you can do for your organization is differentiate between tensions your organization will always need to manage vs problems that need to be solved.





Jeff Manion - The Land Between



• In “the land between” we use the words “for now” like “for now I’m living with my parents.



• You can find the land between on a map… the Sinai Peninsula, the land between Egypt and the Promised Land of Canaan.



• The Jewish people were in the desert.



• How did they eat? God provided manna, which means “what is it?”



• They began to crave other food and began to complain. Numbers 11:4



• You think nothing grows in the desert? It’s fertile ground… for complaints.



• Given the right set of circumstances I would be right there with them (complaining.)



• Moses was not immune to complaining. Numbers 11:11-14



• “God, if this is how you’re going to treat me, put me to death” -Moses....emotional meltdown time



• This is too heavy. I can’t carry it anymore. Whose voice do you hear here? The voice of the woman who after years if illness can’t get a good diagnosis. The parent whose kids are rebelling. The pastor whose trying to hold a church together.



• When you throw yourself into spiritual leadership and you will have moments where you come to the end of yourself. You will come to a breaking point.



• When I started into ministry I was prepared for days of disappointment, but I wasn’t prepared for years of disappointment. I wasn’t prepared for years of being a disappointment. Slowly over time we can get crushed...we can't carry it anymore.



• God told Moses to get 70 leaders and God would place the spirit He gave to Moses and put it on them as well so Moses wouldn’t have to bear the burden himself. Numbers 11:16-17 They will help you carry the burden of the people...so you won't have to carry it alone.



• The land between is fertile ground for God’s provision.



• Sometimes God provides a job, and sometimes he provides contentment to do without. Sometimes he provides the strength to send out one more resume or make 5 more phone calls.



• God loves to provide.



• Another famous melt-down in scripture – Elijah. He prayed and asked God to die. He fell asleep & when he woke there was a jar of water and bread baking over coals.



• I love this story because I was expecting a lecture and instead God made him lunch. I am expecting him to awaken with a lecture...but God feeds him.



• What if God is good? What if He provides?



• Solved Moses leadership issue but what able the riots? What about the other issues? God desires to address the food issue as well.



• God said, I have heard your wailing and will provide you with meat, and you will eat meat until it comes out of your nostrils and you loath it. Numbers 11:18-20 Somebody's in trouble... :)



• They were basically saying "God we don't need you"



• Moses asked how are we going to have food for a month. God answered “are my arms too short?” Are you questioning my competence or my love for you?



• The land between is also fertile ground for discipline.



• God sent the quail. While they were still eating it, God sent a plague and people died.



• Great dinner-time story for your kids.



• Discipline is inflicting pain for redemptive purposes. It's not causing pain for pain...it's paying to rescue something.



• We are naive to think we are exempt from God’s discipline.



• We would respect an employer who disciplines when needed...especially in light of a promising employee



• Why don't we see God as a authority figure



• God is telling us, “I want you to trust me.”



• The Jewish people were an unruly mob of ex-slaves who have been indoctrinated with idolatry for generations. They were not ready for the promised land. God wanted them to learn to trust him in the desert.



• The land between is fertile ground for transformational growth



• I need you to trust me...I need you to trust me... I need you to trust me



• We say “time heals all wounds” but it doesn’t. Some people just get more and more bitter over time.



• The land between is the wilderness for growth...we choose.



• You don’t have to ask for complaints. Complaints arrive as an uninvited guest. You experience a disappointing day and discover complaint has taken over your house.



• Complaint doesn’t like to be evicted...it resists eviction.



• Good movement pushes out bad movement but bad movement also pushes out good movement.



• You deter complaint’s return by inviting trust to take its place.



• Trust evicts complaint. They are incompatible roommates.



• That space in your life that you most resist is the very soil that God wants to produce the crop we so very desire...the space we hate is the very soil where God will do the richest and deepest work.




Bill Hybels

• “Leaders move people from here to there.”

• People need to hear “we can’t stay here” speeches to catch vision for the future.

• “Your job is to convince people ‘we cannot stay here.’”

• “It takes fantastic if your going to move an organization from here to there. You can’t do it alone.”

• “One of the joys of leadership is knitting together teams of fantastic people.”

• “What kind of person flourishes in our unique culture?” (Something Bill looks for in people in addition to character, chemistry and competency.)

• “How do you inspire people to stay on the journey from here to there?”

• “Refill their vision bucket. Everyone’s vision bucket leaks.”

• “You have to celebrate every mile-marker you possibly can on the way to the destination.”

• “I think God still speaks to you every single day.”

• “The smartest moves I’ve made as a leader didn’t come from my human wisdom.”



Jim Collins: (jimcollins.com)

• Good is the enemy of great!

• You can be sick on the inside but still look okay on the outside

• If it's just about money...it's not enough

• Things to do before you fall...

• Do your diagnostics

• Do not stop until you have

• What is your questions to statements ratio and can you double it?

• How many seats are on the bus? How many open? How many filled with fantastic people?

• Create an inventory of the brutal facts...what are the brutal facts?

• What do we have the discipline to stop doing

• To find results or show clicks on flywheel, what do you mean by the results? How can

• Double your reach to young people by changing your practices without changing your core values

• BHAG - determine them



Christine Caine

• As leaders, we must lead people in a place of home

• How do you keep passionate hope alive?

• 2508 1966 - without knowing the meaning, these numbers are meaningless to us

• You do what you want from passion...passion drives us from the inside

• No one has to make us act when we are acting out of passion...

• Hope fuels our risk taking



Tony Dungy (interview/questions by Craig)



• Always there to help the players...help those you lead

• We are called to help people get better

• Exemplified something different from leading out of a place of fear...gonna nurture, grow and building relationships

• First year at Tampa, lost first 5, won a couple, lost some more..."stubbornness is a virtue if you are right..."

• You can work yourself into the ground...but how do you live within a life balance?

• You gotta be a "family man"

• You can't make this business your life

• Football and winning are not the most important thing...didn't want to be a coach who burned their assistants into the ground



What would you do as a mentor for someone to help them have life balance?



• Lead by example...show you what I am doing

• Let's be efficient...there will be times when we stay late, but let's not waste time. Don't mistake hours for productivity.

• Don't feel guilty going home at a decent hour


Did you ever have someone say something or speak something that was a life changing moment to you?

• Almost quit over dispute..."why would you let anyone stop you from doing what you enjoy"

• You don't have to be the president to make a difference

• No matter where you are in life, one word, one case of encouragement can be so important

• The biggest thrill you get is watching someone grow, seeing a young man come in at 21

• Who is Christ to you?

• We can be Superbowl champions but if we don't have a right relationship with God...nothing else matters.



Adam Hamilton - When Leaders Fall



• Two leaders at his church had an affair together.

• In a study in 2005, 35% of pastors admitted to a sexual impropriety.

• We have to be concerned both about the person who has fallen and the church that is impacted.

• In the UMC, bishops handle the discipline.

• 4 options for how to handle it



1. Say nothing



2. Be evasive, say it was for personal reasons.



3. Scarlet letter approach. Distance the church from them.



4. Transparency. Acknowledge the sin, and care for them because they are a part of our church family.



Spoke with the staff first.

• Word got out, so they emailed the congregation acknowledging the situation & asking them to feed the rumor mill. Will be discussed Sunday.

• Sunday preached a simple sermons about sin, repentance, and grace. Came back to the story of the woman caught in adultery.

• This was a defining moment for our church. The community was watching. Asked “Who are we as a church?” Are we a church that gathers with stones in our hands? Or a church that offers grace.

• Some people came to the church for the first time that day and decided to become a part of the church because of how we handled it.



How they try to prevent sexual sin at their church.

• They have a staff covenant, reviewed every year.

• They have policies about where 2 people of the opposite sex can go together. A third person has to go along to a conference.

• He gives the “sex talk” twice a year.

• We’re wired for intimacy, companionship, and sin.

• Borrowing from a Buddhist technique, take a sin and try to think about it in the worst, most disgusting way possible.

• Walt Wangin, “the moment of the maybe,” we start to entertain sin in our minds. We don’t think about, how it could possibly end well.

• If you have feelings for someone other than your spouse, don’t share them with the other person.

• "Don’t let the devil ride, because he’s going to want to drive.”



5 things that have helped me resist temptation



1. Remember who you are. A child of God, a husband/wife, a parent, a leader…



2. Recognize the consequences of your actions. Use your imagination to fantasize about the worst possible outcome.



3. Rededicate yourself to God. Stop, drop, and pray.



4. Reveal your struggle to a trusted friend. (James 5:16)



5. Remove yourself from the situation.



Wrap-up



• 1 Thes 4:3-5 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;



• All of us are tempted as human beings.

• The final word of the church must be not a word of judgment but a word of grace.

• Shooting your wounded can’t be the answer of the church.

• No one is beyond redemption...God is the God of second chance!

• Remember who you are...reveal your struggle...remove yourself from the situation...set accountability.