Watch NBC News Tonight at 6:30

Tadd and the church he pastors is being featured on NBC…interviewed by Tom Brokaw. That’s pretty cool for a church that is about 3 month’s old. Here’s the trailer:

My Two Favorite Sounding Sayings (non-American)

• Two toonies and a loonie. (Canadian) – Translation? Change for $5, please. American alternative? How about “2 Willies ($500) and a Billy ($1)?”

• Con quatro plancha planchas. (Spanish) – Translation? Something like “With 4 Irons I iron.”…not sure the real meaning of the saying but it rolls of the tongue and sounds cool as heck. Perhaps, the redneck alternative is “busier than a one legged man in a butt kickin’ contest.”

Want to Be Smart?

Be hungry.

Should a Pastor Have a Vision for his Church?

As a young church planter in my first church, I would say “yes” the pastor HAS to have a vision. Afterall, where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18).

I’m still young but perhaps, a little more thoughtful and now in my second church. My answer today is “no.” The pastor needs no vision because Jesus has already supplied it (Mat. 28:19-20 and Mark 12:29-31). Organizations whose vision are outside the parameters of these passages are no church. They may be good, positive social organizations, but the Church is strictly defined by Jesus.

What the pastor DOES need though is a strategy. What will it take to reach the people of your community with the transformational Gospel of Jesus? What will loving God and man look like in your community? This is the question that must be wrestled with and figured out. Additionally, it must be a constant wrestling. Since culture and community needs change, strategy must always be in development. We get comfortable with strategy. When it changes, it is uncomfortable. We have to constantly remind ourselves and our people that it is all about the mission of Jesus and nothing else. The mission/vision dictates strategy.

The how (strategy) is not sacred. The what (vision) is. The how is yours to discern. The what is Christ’s to give. The answer is that Jesus has a vision for “His Church.”

Sunday Is All Set

This week’s video for likeus.tv is pretty awesome…good content.  But, there is one effect that just kind of freaked me out.  Very cool.  This has definitely been my favorite message series that we’ve ever done.

Francis Chan and Charlie Hall breakdance video

Francis Chan pastors Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. Charlie Hall is a long goateed worship leader. They squared off in a breakdance contest. Its worth the watch and a good chuckle.

The Height of Uncertainty

Have you ever been to a place where you are uncertain how things will turn out?  I have.

In fact, I am in that place right now on several different major issues.  Its as if a multitude of paths have intersected and I am in charge of directing the traffic.  Its exciting because I don’t know exactly how things will turn out.  It isn’t a matter of survival.  But, it is a matter of destiny.

So, as I step into the crossroads, I listen for God’s voice, remember His Word hidden in my heart, and seize the opportunities as God presents them.  But, sometimes I can’t really hear a distinct direction from the Lord.  In those times, I know God is trusting me to do what He has prepared me to do.

At the height of uncertainty, I know I am closer to God’s plan than ever before.  It is in these moments where I’ve stepped out into the unknown that I have to be most dependent on Him.  The knowledge that God is in control brings an amazing peace.  The knowledge that God has a great future for us ignites a fire in me that is consuming.  The height of uncertainty is not about survival.  Its all about destiny.

I have to confess…I love living in the middle of uncertainty.  But, I also look forward to passing through the intersection of uncertainty to race further down the path towards the mark that God has set for my life.

Pop Christian Phrase: “I’m Going to Put Out a Fleece.”

“I’m Going to Put Out a Fleece.”

This is the pop-Christian phrase used to state how a person is going to find out the will of God! Gideon did this. But, the problem is that he was reluctant to go into battle like God had already told him to do. This is a poor perspective on Going and doing the ministry of Jesus and on discerning the heart of God.

Jonathan said, “Let’s go over and pick a fight. If they say, ‘Come on up and let’s fight,’ we’ll know the Lord has already given us the victory.” Erwin McManus points out in Chasing Daylight that he knew God would answer as he journeyed instead of expecting God to answer before he began his journey. McManus says that “We should go until God says ‘no!’”

I like that. But, I would go further and say “the need is the call.” We should simply live life as people who were made to “Go!”

Sean Taylor

I’m kind of at a loss for words.  I woke up this morning to find out that Sean Taylor died.  Sean’s dad is the police chief in Florida City…really heartbroken for the family.

Starbucks in Homestead

The first of four Starbucks that are being built in Homestead is now open.  Paul, Jesse, and I met up there this morning.  Its huge, has great chairs, and awesome windows.  Two thumbs up.

Sunday Wrap-up

• Today, Paul gave the best message I’ve ever heard from him.  He spoke on passing on a spiritual inheritance.
• My favorite thing he said was, “you cannot give your children an inheritance if you’ve never possessed what you are trying to give away.”
• Jonathan and Lillian’s video was awesome.It will be at LikeUs.tv tomorrow.
• I’m humbled to be called to lead people like them. Not only do I attempt to be their pastor but, they are some of our most enthusiastic servant leaders in the church.
• They both represent the mission of Jesus well and serve as great exapmles.
• Lillian flew back in from Sierra Leone this morning and was in church for both services (attending 1 and serving in 1!). She’s determined!
• Over the past 5 Sundays, I’ve spoken twice.
• With Blake coming onto the scene, its given me time sit with Kelly in church (something we have done only about a dozen times in our marriage since I’ve been a lead pastor).
• That’s time I will cherish
• Before I lead Life Pointe, I will lead my family. Being a good father and husband comes before being a good pastor (1 Timothy 3:4-5).
• I hope that as I lead my family, you will be inspired by my struggles (which are numerous) and successes (which come by God’s grace alone) and follow Jesus and humbly serve those you are most responsible for with great passion.
• It also gave me time to work on the sale of our property and plan for 2008.
• It was good to see Chris Day back from vacation.
• It was also great to see Melinda back in town from DC. She ditched us for a move north. I’m really glad to know that she’s found a really great church to be a part of.
• Jesse and Reina led a beautiful acoustic set today.
• All white lights, simple stage, and a great environment.
• Victor Lopez took the point on setup last night and did really well.
• The crowd in both services was phenomenal, especially for a holiday weekend.
• God is working through each one of us. Sundays are special opportunities to gather, celebrate, and declare God’s goodness together. I love it…a lot.
• Oh yeah…the Starbucks drive-through on Palm Dr. and US-1 is open!

Jingle Bells from some of the Life Pointe Staff

Our staff dance video just for you (and one from Kelly and our kids). It should help you get in the Christmas spirit, perhaps.

Dreaming Outloud About 2008

• Will we add a third or fourth service in 2008?
• Will one of those services be in Spanish? Easter 2008?
• Will we have an opportunity to open a second site?
• Will we raise enough money to build and organize our ministry center in Freetown, Sierra Leone?
• Will we stay flexible enough to act on the surprise opportunities that present themselves along the way?
• Will we be able to give more to our community and to mission in 2008 than in the 3 previous years combined?
• Will we impart the principles of love, grace, mercy, stewardship, selflessness, passion for Jesus and community?

While none of the top 4 are definites, they are distinct opportunities. They will require the best of our dreams, resources, prayer (lots of it), and service. Dream with me…bigger than you are comfortable dreaming. Consider Jesus and your community. Know that Christ came to seek and save those who are lost. Then, ask God how we are to be a part of it all.

Oh yeah! And, hang on tight because 2008 is going to be one of the most significant years we’ve ever seen.

2008 Conferences on My Radar

I’m going to try to hit three conferences in 2008.  I also want to make sure that some of our volunteers can go in addition to our staff where it makes sense.  Here’s what is on my radar for the coming year.

• National Outreach Conference
• ChurchPlanters.com Conference
• Exponential Conference (National New Church Conference)

I’ve been to the last two and won’t miss them.  I’ve never been to the NOC…but I won’t miss it this year even if I have to sell aluminum cans to get there.

The Upside of Being Direct

I’m a direct person.  It doesn’t come naturally.  It has been a discipline for me.  I work at being better at it everyday.

UPSIDES

• Giving an honest assessment of yourself and others  removes the mystery.  Mystery works against you in relationships (unless you are trying to consolidate power and would like to be involved in a dysfunctional relationship).
• It lets people know that you trust them with the facts.
• In a work situation, being direct helps people get better.  If they can’t get better, they know they aren’t measuring up to what is expected.  If that persists, its no surprise when the work relationship ends.
• It removes doubt.
• It is healthy.  If you have to lie or be terribly indirect to maintain/prop-up a relationship, it is unhealthy.
• It spares embarrassment.  If I have a piece of lettuce between my teeth, don’t spare my feelings and not tell me.  Be direct.  Help me out so I don’t walk around looking like a goon.

DOWNSIDES

• Some people misinterpret direct as rude.  So, season directness with grace (i.e., instead of saying, “Hey guys, look at the lettuce wedge hanging out of Travis’ mouth” and then laughing, say in hushed tones, “Trav, check your teeth bro.  You’ve got a piece of lettuce dangling.”)
• Some people use direct like a mallet and bash people because it feels good.
• If direct is the only tool you have, you won’t have many friends.

Like I said, I’m a huge fan of direct.  Every organization needs direct.  Family needs direct.  Friends need direct.  Embrace being direct and you embrace health.  But, be direct and show grace.

An Open Thankfulness Blog Entry

I’m thankful this year. I hope you are. I’m inviting you to share how thankful you are right here in this open entry. I’ll start it out.

• I’m thankful that though this is the first Thanksgiving without any grandparents on this earth, I am surrounded by a beautiful family.
• I’m thankful that I live in a land where I can speak, worship, and live freely.
• I’m thankful that God is slowly but surely shaping me into a man that loves Jesus above all.
• While my heart hurts for the poor, I am thankful that you and I both are likely among the top few percentage points of the wealthiest in the world
• I am thankful that there is no war raging in my city.
• I am thankful that my children are healthy.
• I am thankful that my children are surrounded by other children whose parents want them to grow up learning about and loving Jesus.
• I’m thankful that my beautiful wife loves me and laughs at my jokes.
• I’m thankful that I have a roof over my head and food in my pantry.
• I’m thankful that God is at work in Miami.
• I’m thankful that God has magnificent timing.
• I’m thankful that I work with people who resemble family more than co-workers (Paul, Jesse, Anne, Reina, and Annie).
• I’m thankful for the people who serve at Life Pointe. We have a ton of volunteers that give freely of themselves. Amazing people.
• I’m thankful for a great church that opens their arms up to our community.
• I’m blessed beyond belief and I’m thankful to God for it all, including the blessings that come out of major challenges.

What are you thankful for?

The New and Somewhat Improved travisjohnson.net

I’m leaving my Typepad diggs behind for the “land of the free!”

WordPress is my new home because I really like free. I also like the feel a tad bit more. I regret leaving behind the incoming links. But, there is more to life than your Technorati authority. So, make sure you update to the travisjohnson.net address or to travjohnson.wordpress.com. Also, update your feeds. It may be the same if you’ve already subscribed…depending on how you did it. And, if you’re not a subscriber, click here.

Anyway, make your mark. Grab a coffee. Say hello.

Sunday Wrap-up

I’m enjoying Life Pointe, ministry, my friends, and family more than ever.  I feel incredibly blessed and loved.  Life is not perfect…not anywhere close.  There are definitely challenges, stresses, etc…  But, God is really good.  My Sunday-wrap up is just to say that I am so blessed to be a part of an incredible family that is bigger than my last name.

In Honor of Homestead/Miami Race Weekend

This may be the funniest video I’ve ever seen. Quotes:

• “Was I speedin’?”
• “My wife said that if I don’t get her another beer, she’s gonna stab me in the face.”
• “AAHHHHH! I know my rights! I know my rights!”
• “Is it illegal to cut grass?!?!”

Quick Hits

• NASCAR at Homestead/Miami Speedway is in full force this weekend.  Get your traffic passes you need to get into your neighborhoods if you live on the east side ASAP.  Traffic will be a monster.  This is a good reason to attend the 9 AM service this Sunday. The gates to the track open at 10 AM.  So, get a jump on your day and get to Life Pointe before your get hammered by millions of redneck driven RV’s!  Keep your digital camera handy.  You never know what you’ll see.
• A cool article on our new mayor.  I never talk politics here.  But, its a cool article.  I’ve known Lynda for a while.  She’s a class act.
• BIG NEWS! Our church building is under contract.  We’ve taken our time and have looked for the right buyer.  These guys that are in process with us are sharp people.  They will better our city.  They are also going to continue working with the churches we rent space to.  They are getting the building at a time when this property is really popping with the Starbucks going in two blocks away, the new intersection, and the busway being completed.  So, it seems like the timing is right all the way around…a real win/win situation.
• God is doing some amazing things in our church community.  I am anxious to see what’s next as we enter this new phase of ministry.
• Colin Aparicio is doing an amazing job spearheading our Swaziland Children’s Cup project.  To date, we have about $10,000 collected, 150 backpacks, hundreds of stuffed animals from Osh Kosh, piles of school supplies, 250 pairs of new shoes, and baby supplies from Baptist Health.  He is fearlessly going to everyone inviting people to give of themselves.  The cool thing is all of this started from a phone call from Patrick Conti about 1 year ago which got started by meeting Dan Ohlerking at the Buzz Conference in DC a couple years ago.
• This has kind of lit a fire in us.  We have someone in Sierra Leone right now.  Freetown, Sierra Leone is going to be a project for us in 2008.  I envision us building a church/school/basic medical facility there.  Can you see it?  Life Pointe Church – Freetown!
• We will be putting together two trips in 2008 if everything comes together: one to Swaziland and one to Sierra Leone.
• This Sunday is going to be special.  I’m soaking every second of it up.  I have been since day one…even when people were asking what we’re smoking….wait!  They still ask that.

Triple Threat

Kourtney, McKenna, and Blake.

One of My Favorite Life Pointe Banners

We are working on getting our own movie posters to insert in the movie poster picture boxes.  For now, we use vinyl banners as a cover and turn the light off in the picture box.  The light is on here, making a pretty cool effect.  Check out some more pics from our weekends on our slideshow.

One of My Favorite Life Pointe Banners

We are working on getting our own movie posters to insert in the movie poster picture boxes.  For now, we use vinyl banners as a cover and turn the light off in the picture box.  The light is on here, making a pretty cool effect.  Check out some more pics from our weekends on our slideshow.

Sunday Wrap-up

• I skipped Life Pointe today and missed it.
• Kourtney was concerned…really concerned that she wouldn’t get to see her friends.  She said, "But, they won’t know what happened to me!"
• Of course, the Sunday that we’re out is the day that we have 338 people!
• 338?!  Its was a 3-day weekend, we’re in the middle of a series….doesn’t make sense except you guys won’t stop inviting people!
• Of course, the day that we have our largest attendance so far is also the day that the janitorial staff walked out leaving us with a trashed theater….nothing like some last minute angst and cleanup to deal with.
• I hear that everyone pulled together and got the place cleaned up.
• Last week, 18 people made decisions to follow Jesus….can’t wait to hear about today’s service.
• I was in the lobby for a few minutes this morning.  I was blown
  away by Collin’s Children’s Cup booth.  His heart is tweaked for
  Swaziland. 
• I’m glad that Swaziland is going to receive the bulk of our Christmas Offering (you ready to give yet?)
• We haven’t even begun officially receiving that offering and we have just under $10,000 for the offering!!!
• SO, WHY DID WE SKIP LPC?  If you were at church, you already know.  For those that don’t, we went to INdependence Church in Weston, FL (will share pictures later).
• INdependence was in their 2nd preview service.  We’re one of their supporting churches.  So, I wanted to be there and check things out.
• We are going to jump in and help them get the word out for preview service #3 (will share details later).
• After service at INdependence, we broke down their portable church and put it in their trailer.  They had some really super people over there.
• Then, we hit Lucille’s American Cafe….great food and a great server that put up with heaping piles of sarcasm from us.
• Then, tonight The Saturn Project played and I spoke at Monument of Faith in Miami Gardens where James Francis pastors.
• Pastor Francis is my friend…kind of like a distant father that I don’t know nearly well enough.
• We had a great time.  He’s coming down on Tuesday for lunch and I’ll pick his brain for a while.
• Kelly and the kids were with me all day.  We left at 8:20 AM and got home at 11:15 PM.  She’s supergirl…don’t know how she did it.
• I’m glad she did.  I used to travel all over and speak in Public Schools, churches, and anywhere that would let me in the door.  She’d go with me. 
• So, it kind of felt like our first year of marriage again…only with three kids and all their trappings.
• Loved it.  Still, I can’t wait to kick Paul off the stage and get back to going through the Scriptures with you guys.
• This Sunday is my turn…I’m not giving the stage over for a while!!! sorry Paul…don’t care how well today went!

Feet in the Ocean and Friends More Numerous than Sand

Today, we (the family) went to the beach…no HUGE outing, just a walk, lunch, and walking in the sand.  Kourtney, McKenna, and I played around in the surf.  Then, I took Blake and dabbed him in the water.  It’s a really big ocean.  It’s a big world.  I know he’s going to take it by storm…if his sisters don’t beat him to it that is.  Kourtney, McKenna, and now Blake have made life pretty awesome.  I really love being their dad.

With Blake coming on the scene, everybody has been really incredible…making our life easier.  We haven’t fixed a meal in over two weeks.  Let me tell you that there are some women at Life Pointe that can throw down in the kitchen! I’ve gotten more voice mails, emails, and blog comments than I could ever return.  Today, we even got flowers from a cool-as-heck pastor and his wife Stephanie from right up the road.

I’m a blessed guy.  My son put his feet in the ocean and I feel like I have more friends than a beach has sand.

Flatfoot Friday

The weather is killer today!  It’s Sunny and 69 degrees!  We’re heading outside…probably to Lincoln Road on Miami Beach to enjoy my day off.  Great shops, treats, and great sidewalks for a walk with the girls kids.  Then, we hit the Flatfoot 56 and The Saturn Project concert tonight at our building…which probably won’t be our building for long.

The Saturn Project is leading worship and playing a couple of their songs at Life Pointe on Sunday in both services.  TSP is Jesse’s band.  If the only music you jive to is Kiss, you probably won’t like them.  But, if you actually enjoy good music, you’ll be all over a TSP album.

Anyway, they’re in from Chicago on tour.  Alex (the beat machine) is dying to move here.  Who knows…maybe we’ll let him one of these days.  In the meantime, we’re enjoying having the guys in with us.

Flatfoot Friday

The weather is killer today!  It’s Sunny and 69 degrees!  We’re heading outside…probably to Lincoln Road on Miami Beach to enjoy my day off.  Great shops, treats, and great sidewalks for a walk with the girls kids.  Then, we hit the Flatfoot 56 and The Saturn Project concert tonight at our building…which probably won’t be our building for long.

The Saturn Project is leading worship and playing a couple of their songs at Life Pointe on Sunday in both services.  TSP is Jesse’s band.  If the only music you jive to is Kiss, you probably won’t like them.  But, if you actually enjoy good music, you’ll be all over a TSP album.

Anyway, they’re in from Chicago on tour.  Alex (the beat machine) is dying to move here.  Who knows…maybe we’ll let him one of these days.  In the meantime, we’re enjoying having the guys in with us.

Danger Will Robinson

The new Starbucks’ sign is in place at Palm and US-1.  I may have a problem "brewing." 

Perhaps, the Lord Will Help Us

"Let’s go across to see those pagans," Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"     -1 Samuel 14:6

I’m a fighter.  It’s true.  In fact, I was tempted to jack up some child-directed parent in Southland Mall the other day because they were ganging up with their mini-thug of a child and both of them were physically handling my kid.  Of course, I had to be wearing a Life Pointe T-shirt…I guess they won’t be checking us out any time soon.

But, on to a more redemptive fight.  Jonathan, in this passage, is looking at the Philistines across the ravine.  His dad is lying down under a pomegranate tree, not leading the army.  He turns to the other guy (there’s a total of two of them vs. thousands of Philistines) and says, "Let’s fight…I hope God helps."

I’m looking at Homestead and Miami…itching for a fight with the devil.  Perhaps, the Lord will help us.

First 39 Weeks of Following Jesus

Chris Day’s story of his "first 39 weeks of following Jesus" video precedes the message on week 3 of Likeus.tv as we profile Noah and talk about "Obeying God When It Doesn’t Make Sense."  What a great story of Jesus stepping into someone’s life!