Finish Line or Starting Line?!

I just left the Plantation Key Campus.  Tomorrow’s work day (9:30 am-1 pm) will finish up the renovations completely.  In fact, it is to the point right now that we are hosting a Halloween concert tonight (doors open @ 8 pm).

Is this the Finish line or Starting line?

This is definitely the starting line.  The story is just beginning.  There are many new relationships to be forged and work to be done.  If you’d like to be a part of the Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key story, get on board.  The Sunday service is at 6 PM.  If you want to serve, be there at 5 PM sharp.  Here are the directions.

Focus

In every trauma or moment of intensity I’ve ever experienced, my body has gone through a heightened sense of focus.  The focus has come at the expense of extraneous detail.

• Once, I drove up on a car flipped over in a canal.  I was the first one on the scene.
• Once, I had a gun put to my head in a bizarre, random act of violence in the middle of nowhere in east Tennessee.

In both of those situations, I zeroed into some sort of internal response mechanism that completely blocked out all of the issues of lesser importance of the moment.  I was focused solely on the immediacy of the event to the point that everything felt like slow motion and I saw only the scene.

In life, we should have a similar ability to look at the singular cause/mission that drives us and determine to block out the lesser things to focus on the cause/mission.  There are seasons we find ourselves in where greater focus is required.  But, in the daily routine, we distract ourselves with meaningless minutia that drains away vital focus from the core issues of our life calling.

Don’t wait for your internal mechanisms to make you focus.  Choose the discipline of focus in the monotony of the daily routine.

Have you ever experienced a similar phenomena?

What are the things that tend to distract you from your mission?

PHOTOS: life pointe church – plantation key

We’ve had some great guys and gals coming out volunteering their time to get the new Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key campus all set for our kick-off this Sunday @ 6 PM!  It’s really coming together.  I’ve had a great time hanging out with this crew.  I am totally blown away by one guy.  No one has done more than Tom Little.  That guy has been amazing.  I’m humbled to have him as a friend and a ministry partner.  We’re growing in this thing together.

The Kids areas are just about perfect.  The auditorium is coming together.  The cafe has a little ways to go but should be in place.  We’ll be hosting after-service Sunday Night football parties every week as a way for us to get to know one another and hang out.

There is still some work to do.  We’ll be working at it everyday this week and capping it off with a church-wide work day on Saturday at 10 AM.  Great stuff.

Wanna see some more pics?!  Check out the Plantation Key slideshow…you’ll have to wait to see the kids areas and cafe until later.

Will the Plantation Key Campus Be Different from Homestead?!

We’ve gotten a lot of questions about the Plantation Key campus.  Here is one of my favorite ones:

Q: Will the Plantation Key Campus be different from Homestead?!

A: Yes and No.

Some of the ways it will be different:

• The campus will be different in that it will be a permanent space with no weekly setup required.
• After the Sunday night service, the Cafe will be open for people who’d like to stay late, hang out, and watch Sunday Night football.  Establishing a community within the community is key to the Keys.
• The service times.  We launch with a Sunday night service.  But, once we outgrow that spot, we’ll launch a second service in the morning.

Some of the ways it will be the same:

• We’ll be tracking in the same message series.  I’ll be teaching about 70% of the messages.  The campus pastor will be teaching the otehr 30%.
• We’ll have the same kind of Life Pointe quirkiness.
• All of our church systems will sync (life groups, children’s ministry, youth ministry).
• We’ll also function with a high value on service.  We’ll place people in service as quickly as possible- releasing leadership roles to the folks who demonstrate a desire to serve, to love Jesus, and t love their neighbors.
• We’ll also push the envelope.  Like in Homestead, if you are looking for a sanitized, nice place where status quo is revered, this probably isn’t the place.

Sunday Wrap-up

• My head was a bit foggy this morning from some sinus issues I’ve been dealing with since late Tuesday night.
• In spite of that, I had an awesome day.
• We had a lot of first timers, including a friend from North Cleveland about 10 years ago.  Greg, it was great hanging with you today!
• We also had a crew up from Plantation Key.  We toured them around and welcomed them to the family.
• The Sunday movies came early, beginning at 12 PM.  We worked right through it perfectly.
• Today, also ended a 3 service schedule.
• We actually go to 4 services effective next Sunday as we kick off a 6 PM service at the Plantation Key campus.
• I’ll speak there about 70% of the time.  The campus pastor will speak there the other 30%.
• I think the Plantation Key Campus is going to develop into a really great faith community.
• After service today, we crashed and watched the Dolphins take it to the Bills.
• Then, we popped over to Jeremy and Tessy Globe’s house for their kiddos birthday party.  Kourtney is in Tyler’s class.  It was a A-list crowd of ankle biters there.
• Now, we unwind while I check in on how my Fantasy Football teams are doing.  I played my lil’ bro today.  I think he might have beaten me.
• I pretty much dominate my church planter’s league.  I’m down with that.  There are some big trash talkers in that league who have grown eerily silent- guys like Mike, Chris, and Bob.  What’s up fellas?!
• Great stuff.  When you get a second, check out what Chris Day had to say about Life Pointe today.

Saturday Night Thoughts

• My head is in a fog…not feeling great.
• Feeling foggy enough to take a pass on Miami Hurricane tix today with a friend.
• We had a small 1st birthday get-together with just our family.
• I was a dud.  I basically sat around and drooled…though I did manage to play with some of Blake’s cool new toys.
• I have a ton of things coming together in my head right now dealing with our new campus and some other gigs.
• Turning my brain off is tough right now.  But, I expected this.
• I’ll be like this for the next two weeks when we motor to the launch of Plantation Key.
• However, in about 45 minutes, I’m shutting it down.
• Kelly and I are going to watch the newest Indiana Jones flick that we rented from one of our newest LPC members at Blockbuster.
• Then, I’m carting myself off to bed where I’ll get rested up for a big day tomorrow.

Until then, I say, “cheers” as I lift a blazing hot cup of Theraflu..see you soon.

Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key Campus Pastor

I am really excited to announce that Ken Lane is joining the Life Pointe Church staff as our new campus pastor for Plantation Key effective November 16th.

Ken and Tina are moving to the Keys from Austin, TX along with their handsome 18-month old son, Josiah.  Ken and Tina are also expecting a little girl around the end of November.  I guess they’re committed to church growth on every front. 

We had a number of really exceptional people that made themselves available for this ministry position.  While it was a tough decision, it became obvious that Ken and Tina were a perfect fit.

I’ve known Ken for about 15 years (we went to college together).  I count him as a close and trusted friend- someone who has an intense love for Jesus and for his family.  Ken has served effectively as a pastor and a missionary (one whom we have supported in the past).  He is also a former marine (they say there is no such thing as a “former” marine).

Things are coming together nicely at the Plantation Key campus for our November 2nd Preview service.  Ken will certainly have his work cut out for him…hitting the ground running when he gets here.  So, take a second to say “hi” and welcome him to his new home.

New LPC generic invites cards

I love the feel of these new invite cards…great stuff.  I had to share them.  I hope you can’t wait to share them either.  Afterall, that’s the point. 

I Need Training Wheels

20 minutes ago, I twittered that I was going to take the training wheels off of Kourtney’s bike.  She’s 5 and insists that she’s ready.

I complied gladly…exciting day.  And, an exciting day got more exciting.  After our 8th run down the street, we wobbled.  It was apparent that we were going down.  The result? A little road rash on my hand and chin and bit my lip.  At first, thought I chipped a tooth when my face bounced on the sidewalk.  Much fun.

I think I’m the one that needs the training wheels.  Anyway, we’ll hit it again tomorrow.  Hopefully, I do better then.

Kourtney is 5

Kourtney’s birthday was October 1st.  She’s 5.  And, she’s my best bud.  Check out these really great words Kelly said about her and the little vid that Kelly put together too.  Great stuff about a great, rugged little princess.

Solidarity, Unity, Victory

I’m reading through Sun Tzu’s Art of War for the third time in three weeks.  My biggest takeaway right now is this:

“The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops.”

There are disunity and factions when there is no enemy and no course being pursued.  Churches all over America are in disarray because they have forgotten their objective.

• They no longer invade enemy territory.
• They no longer risk casualty or loss of influence.
• They value prosperity and affluence over Gospel advancement.
• They argue over inane decisioneering because they forgot about the battle.

Want to restore unity to your army?

• Focus on the mission.
• Do the mission.
• Waylay the enemy.
• Shed tears after experiencing great gain and great loss.
• Fight for the lives and souls of men.
• Weep over the captives.
• But, don’t stop there.  Free them.
• Risk loss.
• Stop at nothing short of victory.
• Fight next to the man who doesn’t hang his kettle over his fire.  He’s not planning on returning and is willing to fight to the death.
• If you aren’t willing to fight to the death, you are willing to surrender.
• Never surrender.
• Die to yourself.
• Live for Christ.
• Give generously.
• Lay it on the line.
• Love the people you fight with.
• Live for the God who died for you.

Finish Well

Yesterday afternoon, I was speaking to a new batch of Life Pointe Church members.  Here are some of the things I shared with them:

• Anybody can start well.  Almost everyone does.
• It takes a person with guts, perseverance, and tenacity to finish well.
• If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

Paul said it a lot better than me.  He said in Hebrews 12:1-3:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.  He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.

As a church and as followers of Jesus, we have to choose the hardwork of persistence, stick-to-it-tiveness, guts, and tenacity.  The pursuit of Jesus is worth it.  But, it may mean you have to press forward when pulling back would be easier.

Finish Well.

Sunday Pre-Wrap-up

• I spent this morning at the not-yet-launched Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key.
• We had a grand total of 21 really super people that are getting ready to be a part of something great.
• Next Sunday is the last 10:30 AM service there.
• Then, we take a week off to do an outing to our Homestead campus.
• After that on Sunday, November 2nd we’ll have our first and only preview service.
• Big stuff.
• I’m on my way to our membership luncheon.
• When I get back, I’ll share some pics and give a run down from today.
• Until then, PEACE OUT!

The Stock Market – It’s Been a Crazy Week

It has truly been a crazy week with the Dow (DJIA) taking an 18% drop.  For me at age 35, it isn’t nearly as traumatic as it is for someone retiring this year. In addition to this, we’ve seen some serious housing value ripped out of the market over the last two years.  I’ve personally felt it in a big way.  No doubt, these are trying times.

But, they can be good times as well.  Each of us have the opportunity to reassess our lives, our values, and determine where we put our trust.  Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.

Everyday, we should put our all into our work.  God calls us to do that.  We produce to the best of our ability.  But, at the end of the day, God brings the increase.  We should trust Him as we go through this.  And, we should maintain a godly perspective. At our most desperate financial place, we are exponentially more wealthy that the vast majority of the rest of the world.  Even if you live at the poverty level in America, you are more wealthy than over 90% of the rest of the world.

I read Troy Gramling’s blog everyday.  He had some great things to say that size up the scope of our financial situation compared with the size of our God.  I think you will enjoy his thoughts, especially this phrase I lifted from his blog:

God is in control, while the G7 is getting together to talk about the world’s financial crisis, The Trinity (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) has NEVER, not even once met in an emergency session…

This is great stuff.

So, what is my response to the economic situation? Retreat? Surrender? Despair? Play it safe?  Not quite.  I’m going to continue working hard, loving my family, giving and living generously, and advancing the Gospel of Jesus.

In fact, in times like these, people are more open to the Gospel than usual.  I want people to see the grace of Jesus Christ in me.  They won’t see it if it appears my hope is in something other than Him.

Life Pointe Church – Plantation Key

The devil isn’t in the details.  But, there are a lot of details to be dealt with in Plantation Key for the launch of our second campus.  Some of those details will be addressed this week as we work on beautification of the campus, signage, and equipment installation.

After that, the focus gets placed squarely on leadership structure and campus launch.  We have a preview service scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd where we’ll take a run through and invite the community.  Then, we have our launch scheduled for Sunday, November 9th.

I’ll be talking about what all of that is going to look like tonight in Plantation Key…looking forward to it.

My Son, Blake – The Faith Healer

ht: Kelly

Sunday Wrap-up

• Today was a good day at LPC.  Chris, Phil, and Jesse can tell you about it.
• I didn’t like my message in the 8:30 service.  Tweaked it up a bit and came back in the 9:45 and 11 with the quickness.  Mucho bueno.
• Kelly shared in all three services about what she went through this week.  She did a great job and really connected with a lot of people.
• As a result, we got to pray with a lot of people in all three services.
• While we were rocking the 8:30, 9:45, and 11 in Homestead, my dad and Paul were in Plantation Key launching the Habakkuk series.
• We had a couple first-time guests who were thrown into the mix right away as volunteers.
• I can’t wait for the launch coming soon.
• This Saturday @ 9 AM, we’ve got a work day rockin’.  Watch your inbox for more info.
• The band in Homestead seriously rocked today…really good stuff.
• After service, we went to Pam King’s going away party.  She’s one of our teachers in Kids Life who will be missed.
• While I was there, we got to watch the Dolphins take it to the Charges…holding LT to 35 yards was exceptional.  Ronnie Brown is a beast.
• We closed out the day in Islamorada celebrating Marcela’s (my sister-in-law) birthday.  Great sunset.  Great Grouper Reuben.

Being a Real Fan

When you’re a real fan, you pull for your team even when they have strung together a couple losing seasons.  And, when your team is trailing 32-34 with 8:30 in the fourth quarter, you’re all in, fully vested, and expecting a win…even after a disappointing loss in the previous week.  Commitment through the good times and the bad times.

The upside? Buying football jersey’s when things aren’t so hot is quite a bit more affordable.

Great News about Kelly

We’ve asked for prayer for Kelly.  I can’t begin to count the responses…overwhelming.  Even last night, we were able to watch my friends Jerry Lawson and Tom Sterbens along with the New Hope Church in Tennessee stop the service and talk directly to Kelly via live streaming video.  The entire church prayed a powerful prayer.  As they prayed, Kelly said she had feeling return in her lip.  Awesome moment.

Well, just now Dr. Pena just called with the results.  There is no MS and every serious issue has been ruled out. I have to say it one more time, “The devil is a punk.  But, God is ridiculously good!”

Great Baptism Pics from Sunday!

About 13 people went public with their faith in Jesus on Sunday afternoon at Bayfront Park in Homestead.  It was an awesome day.  Alderius, Zech, and Christian were baptized by immersion and sprinkling (the rain started coming down).

This is one of the most exciting things I do as a pastor…being there when people wear their faith on their sleeve!

Baptism at the Bay Slideshow

Prayer for My Wife

Over the last several days, my wife Kelly has developed numbness and tingling in her face, left arm and left leg.  It has progressively gotten worse.

We spent the entire day yesterday at the hospital with her going through tests, bloodwork, EKG, CAT Scan, etc…  A stroke has been ruled out as have many other things.  Tomorrow, we have a 5:30 appointment for an MRI.  They are testing her specifically for Multiple Sclerosis.  If that comes back negative, our doctor told her that there is nothing significant to be concerned about.

The stress from all of this has left Kelly with no sleep, which causes increased anxiety and has likely exaggerated the numbness and weakness in her arm and leg.  She is praying and believing God with a lot of faith while still struggling with the weight of anxiety.

Pray for my wife.  She’s my best friend in the world and one of the strongest people I’ve ever known.  I want her to be fully healed and for the doctors to find absolutely nothing wrong with her and that the numbness will go away totally.  I know God can do it in a second.

We’ve hesitated to share this because it was personal and private.  Then, we decided we value privacy less than we do your prayers. We’d rather our family, church family, extended family, friends, and strangers who believe God listens and answers the prayers of His children to pray.