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No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing

Since year one of our church’s 16 year history we have put on an annual Halloween event called the Family Fall Festival that over the years has grown to be quite an undertaking involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pounds of candy and thousands of people in attendance. And for all-intention purposes was a pretty successful event in the life of our church.

However, in the past two years including this one -- we have not had this event and it is a good thing. I will explain shortly, however let me first explain what I have deemed as some positives of the event in years past.

1. It served as a great way to introduce ourselves to the community. In 1997 we relocated our church to a new community and with a name change to our church in 1998 we were relatively unfamiliar. This event served as great way to introduce ourselves by providing a “give” community event completely free to all participants. I liken the FFF to a better, more strategic open house. I have been a part of a church open house in the past where over 50,000 direct mail pieces were sent to neighbors to come and check out the newly built church in their area. In an eight-hour span -- I believe 50 people showed up -- with the majority of the people being attendees of the church who wanted to get an early look at the property.
2. It served as a great invite opportunity for our church. Whereas inviting people to a weekend service may have been a little more risky -- inviting friends to a free event for their kids where they were sure to get tons of candy and participant in a whole slew of games and rides was a no brainer. It also gave to our guests a positive first impression of Journey or maybe church all together.
3. It mobilized people into action. For many their serving at the FFF on a one time basis was the first step to committing to an on-going serving role. 

Now there were many other positives, but these were the main ones that stood out. Now like most things -- terms lose meaning over time and practices lose its effectiveness over time. Such as the case I believe with the FFF.

Now here are some of the main reasons why I feel not having this event anymore is a good thing.

1. After about 5th year we did this event in the La Mesa community we were pretty well established as a presence in the area. So if the purpose was to introduce ourselves to the community this is no longer a reason.
   
2. The crowd that we were drawing changed. More and more this became a Christian community event versus an outreach event. It was not uncommon to see another church bus’ show up to drop of its members. In fact one church pastor (of a huge church) said that they actually xeroxed copied our flier and put in their church program and encouraged them to attend our event. Now I am all for events that unite the big C church and I all for serving other churches -- yet this was not the purpose and focus of the event.
   
3. Volunteer involvement continually decreasing. Now this is no reason to stop an event yet some of the reasoning for is valid. Often people chose to do their event in their own neighborhood (expect a follow-up post on this)
   
4. Overall effectiveness is in question. Though some have acknowledged that the FFF was the initial introduction to our church over the years these stories have become less frequent. In addition I also believe seekers are changing as well and these methods do not necessarily address where they may be.
   

 (Please note these opinions do not necessarily of Journey Community as a whole -- it is one person’s opinion.)

My 1st U2 Concert Experience

In my junior year of high school a good friend was trying to broaden my music palette beyond the normal 80's pop music genre to a band exuded an incredible passion and conviction in their song writing -- he introduce me to the song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2.  It was a year later that the The Joshua Tree came out and two songs in particular grabbed me "With or Without You" & "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For."  That album was followed up with "Rattle and Hum" that also was a film documentary that  I thoroughly enjoyed (I have it on DVD) and I was becoming a huge fan.

However, shortly after this time I experienced a renewing in my relationship with Christ and with that brought a struggle in my spiritual journey that took an unfortunate all or nothing approach.  And what I mean by this is that I would listen to, engage in and watch only "Christian" oriented material.  As time passed my conviction in regards to this loosened. 

Yet the struggle of what is secular and what is sacred continued over the next 5 to 7 years and the question on whether something that was not specifically labeled or themed as Christian had much redemptive valued continued.

It would be at an event over 12 years ago that brought forth an incredible awakening.  It was a church event that primarily featured "secular music" to help tell the story of people's spiritual journey.  It was there and series of unrelated experiences that opened my eyes to how God can use the secular to point to the sacred and how God can use any means to speak to me.

So one event I have been wanting to experience is a U2 concert.  I had missed their previous two tours for various reasons.  However last week at the Georgia Dome I was able to take in my first concert and to say it was an incredible experience would be an understatement.  Here are a few pictures from the concert.  If you get a chance to take in the 360 tour -- I want to prod you to so -- you will not regret it.  With the 360 format there really is not a bad seat.

 

 

 

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 2 -- The Chocolate Festival

Our last few hours in San Francisco were spent at Ghirardelli Square where by chance they were hosting the 14th annual Chocolate Festival.  It was a two-day event that went from 12-5pm each day.  I saw a special on this festival either on the Food Network or Travel Channel.  The way it works is you purchase a ticket for $20 (the proceeds go to a local charity) and you are given 15 sample opportunities that are checked off by each vendor you receive a sample from. There were chocolate companies of various sorts throughout the square and the street in front of it.   The great thing is that you can share a ticket and for Tara and I one ticket was more than enough.  I never thought I would say I can too much chocolate, however after having multiple gelato servings, ice cream, cup-cakes, drinking chocolate, shakes, truffles, cookies and so on -- we were experiencing a chocolate coma.  Our last 2 samples were used on tea -- we just could eat any more chocolate.

Here are a few pictures from our day:

Tara after a long wait gets a cupcake.

One of the many vendors preparing his sample.

Having some drinking chocolate even though it is a small cup I could not finish it.

Well that is it for our San Francisco trip -- thank you for journeying with us. 

San Francisco Eating Day 2 Meal 1 -- Mama's

Day 2 in San Francisco began by incredible breakfast at Mama's in the North Beach area of San Francisco.  This restaurant was featured on Food Network's Rachael's Vacation.  Of all the places we would visit this was the place that I was most excited about eating at.  First I love breakfast food at any time and I have heard from others what a great place this is.  The first thing you notice there is that there is a line.  This restaurant is open only 7 hours a day (8am-3pm) and it takes no reservations.

The food did not disappoint and the next time we get to visit San Francisco -- I will eat there daily if possible.

You order your food first then you are given your seat assignment and you can see your food being prepared as the kitchen is right there.

Tara had the French Toast samplers that changes daily.  I had an incredible Monte Cristo.  This is must visit place!

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 2 -- NOPA

After walking off the meal we had Rocco's, later that night we had a late dinner at NOPA.  We were introduced to this restaurant when we saw it on the Food Network show  The Best Thing I Have Ever Ate.  This restaurant is known for its trendy, hip vibe and it was one of the few restaurants open late night to 1am nightly.

We ordered the dish featured on the episode "flatbread of spicy fennel sausage, lipstick peppers and crescenza."

In addition for dessert we had an almond butter cake with plumb ice cream.  

Earlier that day while visiting China Town we went to oldest bakery there Eastern Bakery.  As you can see by the picture some pretty famous people have visited.  When there order the warm custard tart.  It cost less than a dollar and it great snack.

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 1 -- Rocco's

So I am about 6 pounds heavier than I was last week at this time.  In fairness I was in training. Not for a 1/2 marathon or some other athletic event, but for the eating I would do in a city known for its incredible cuisine -- San Francisco.  Tara & I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Sept. 12 and we went there for a quick get away last week.

(above: It is always great when the owner/chef is in -- Tara and I with Rocco)

From the beginning of our marriage we were big Food Network fans and we created a list of restaurant and eateries we wanted to visit based on what was featured on various Food Network shows.  So on day 1 last Thursday here is where we we visited.  The day began with a late lunch/early dinner at Rocco's that was featured on the show Diners, Drive-inns' and Dives with host Guy Fieri.  The food was incredible!  We had dish we saw on the show -- clam linguine with white sauce & we also had an order of fried calamari with homemade cocktail sauce and they give complimentary fresh bread with fresh garlic/olive oil dipping sauce.  Again can I say the food was incredible!

This restaurant is in the SOMA district and well worth the visit.

The kitchen is real close to seating area -- you could see the whole layout.

Across the street is another cool place to check out that was also featured on one of Rachel Ray's shows called Brain Wash -- which is a laundromat and cafe combo that serves espresso drinks and pastry/desert items.

Being Like the One Leper

10 days ago I had the opportunity to play a very small role at a celebration gathering, that quite frankly,  I wish would happen more often.  Chuck Martinez one of the greeters at our church gathered 50 of some of his wife Jeannine’s closest friends to simply give thanks to God and to all of them for their support in the journey they had been on.

Jeanine, two months ago went in for a double-mastectomy, and by God’s grace the surgery was successful.  She went in on a Monday, was released on Wednesday and actually attended church that Sunday.  Now a surgery of this magnitude is serious however, the weight of this was even more so for Jeannine as she has been battling various forms of cancer over the past five years and there was a sense of finality this time around.  In addition this is an extra sensitive matter to Chuck who lost his first wife to cancer.

So on this afternoon it had the flavor of a small wedding.  There was a catered meal, a cake, a presenting of gifts to hosts who helped put this party on and even an out of town friend from child hood visiting to share memories of Jeannine.  We ate, laughed and simply hung out with the sole purpose to celebrate the fact that Jeannine was here with us.   What a great afternoon!  I had the privilege of presiding over Chuck and Jeannine’s wedding seven years ago and in many ways this gathering was just as special if not more so.

In Luke 17:11-17 Jesus tells the story of healing ten lepers and how only one returned to give thanks.

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”

How often do we let these moments of God’s intervention in our lives pass and fail to take the time to reflect and give thanks to God He truly deserves?

Chuck and Jeannine thank you for being like the one who returned to give thanks.

What Will You Be Doing at 10pm Tonight (PST)?

Learning from Darlene Zschech at Toward Wonder

Yesterday I attended an incredible workshop lead and taught by Darlene Zschech at the Willow Creek Community Church Arts Conference "Toward Wonder."    The richness of my learning experience cannot be fully expressed in this post.  However, I can share with you some unedited notes from the session. 

Where the Real Wonder is

I am looking forward to our Programming Arts Leadership arriving in a few hours to attend the Toward Wonder (the Willow Creek Community Church arts conference) -- I got in a day early for a few meetings and was able to pop in on some of the prep that is taking place.  The place is a buzz with rehearsals; the going over details of service orders, signage and booths set up.

In my opinion this is where the "real wonder" takes place.  I am naturally curious to hear and find the intricate details of how an event of this magnitude is put on.  Most of us really have no idea what it really takes to even pull off events on that takes place on a weekly scale -- like a weekend service.

The pictures you see is of the technical arts team finalizing all the lighting cues and settings for the mains sessions of the conference.

Twilight at New Format

It is just a few moments before the olleg-age service New Format begins.  Tonight I have privilege of sharing from the movie Twilight as the college gathering is also in their version of God at the Movies.

One of the great things about working with college kids is you can have fun and tonight amongst other things -- there will be many different give-aways including this hard to get collectable.

Yet on the serious side of things ... the text I am sharing from tonight is Colossians 3:1-9.  I believe the main character Edward Cullen, a vampire by nature who chooses to live differently and not become what he describes as being a monster, is a great example of how we often need to make the choice and not give into our fleshly desires, but instead live for a grander vision of what God desires for us.

25 Million Pieces of Legos

Yesterday I took my kids to Legoland for the first time.  In addition to my kids having a great time (the rides and attractions are just right for their ages 3 & 5 respectively)  I found myself marveling at how building blocks that I played with as a kids could be used to build such incredible works. 

It is said that over 40 million lego pieces have been used to build the various statues and exhibits seen throughout the park -- with over 25 million being used for Miniland alone.  I could have spent hours taking in the intricacies and details of what was on display. 

Check these out:

New York City

Mount Rushmore

Las Vegas

San Francisco

The inauguration of the President

I'm Thinking, I'm Thinking, I'm Thinking ...

What did we do yesterday?

I'm thinking ...

I'm thinking ...

I'm thinking ...

Learnings from a Leaders Gathering

Yesterday I attended a Leaders Gathering in Costa Mesa at The Crossing Church.  The purpose of the gathering  was to help encourage leaders and at the same time promote The Leadership Summit in the area as the The Crossing serves as the host site for Orange County.  The featured speaker was Dave Gibbons pastor of New Song Church in Irvine and is also one of the speakers at the Leadership Summit.

The content of his message included the sharing of his spiritual journey; sharing principles from his current book The Monkey and the Fish and a book he is currently working on; in addition to giving us a preview of what his talk will be about at the Leadership Summit.  I am really looking forward to learning from Dave later this year.

For that day here a couple of additional thoughts that he shared that has got me thinking ...

• Referencing Leighton Ford:  "We need to learn to walk slowly in crowds."  We never know who is in our crowds we may miss a future potential leader.
• Maybe creating boundaries for ourselves have gone to far ... where we have become gated in, disconnected and isolated from those whom God desires for us to reach and those who could have an impact in our lives.
• The congregation of our churches are asking: "Do you see me?"  "Do you know my story?"
• We have pimped out the Second commandment to define our neighbor as someone like me -- when the Parable of the Good Samaritan gives a definition of "our neighbor."
• Need to broaden what we look for in leader.  Most of the time we are looking for the leader who can lead thousands -- in reality we need to look for leaders who can lead ten or twenty or fifty or a hundred.
  

What I Pray for Daily

For more than five years now there is a prayer I pray daily for and that is the healing of my son, Rhett.  Who was diagnosed a few days after birth with a complex heart defect that required surgery at five months.

In addition we have a pastor's prayer team (ppt) that prays for updated prayer requests weekly.  I usually list about 15 specific items to pray for and I do change them weekly, yet the top prayer on line one has not changed in 5 years as well.

This past Wednesday we had Rhett's annual echo-cardiogram.  This appointment is usually followed up with an appointment the following week with his cardiologist to discuss his development or potential concerns.  And for the second year in a row this follow-up appointment has been canceled and the consultation has been done in a brief conversation over the phone. 

The reason being is that our son's heart development is still at a good place and there has been no real change -- which is a good thing.  Now, is there possible surgeries in Rhett's future?  The answer is yes.  However, at this juncture if things were to remain the same and continue to move in this trajectory the possibility of future surgeries diminishes.  So thank you God! And thank you all who pray for Rhett and I continually and graciously ask that you continue to pray for healing and development his heart -- for this I would be most grateful.

How Well Do You Know New York

One of the fun aspects of visiting New York City is seeing so many landmarks that you have grown familiar with though the years from TV shows and movies.  Here are a few places we visited last week.  Can you name where you have seen this on TV or at the movies? 

1. Clue: AOL

2. Clue: NBC show & ABC show

3. Clue: it is in the photo

4. Clue: a sequel

5. Clue: Meg & Tom

6. Clue: a late night talk show

ANSWERS:
1. You've Got Mail 2.Law & Order & Ugly Betty 3. Serendipity 4. Home Alone 2 5. Sleepless in Seattle 6. Late Night With David Letterman

Last Week Thursday -- The New Yankee Stadium

Last week Thursday my son, Rhett, & I attended the first game in Yankee Stadium.  It was a 10 to 2 loss to Cleveland Indians yet the experience was simply incredible!  Just 7 months ago we attended the last game in the old Yankee Stadium.

Here are some pictures from that day Thursday April 16.  This is the view from where I was sitting the opening day rosters.

The only Yankee 3-time MVP Yogi Berra threw out the opening pitch.

Derek Jeter used the bat that Babe Ruth used when Babe first batted in the old Yankee Stadium
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Here banners of the legends from the Yankee's rich past.

Easter Weekend Art at Journey

Our church is blessed with some great young artists that continually develop and mature in their offerings.  For most new series and on special events we ask these artists to do paintings that capture their interpretation of how the series may be presented on canvass. 

Here are this year's Easter paintings -- the first two are done by team artist Minnaret King and the four thereafter are done by team artist Amy Hoyt. 

All of these paintings are in church lobby for you to take in -- enjoy!

Good Friday at Journey

A lasting picture of our Good Friday. Sins nailed to the Cross

An Office Bracket Pool -- Gone to Far!

As I mentioned in a previous post the NCAA Basketball Tournament embodies for me the most wonderful time of the year.  There are always a few surprises in the tournament on the court and for those who simply fill out brackets. 

One of my friends and fellow pastor, Chris Rader,  is from Philadelphia, therefore he has a natural affinity for Villanova whom Duke (whom I am a die hard fan of) would have to beat to advance.  Duke got beat by Villlanova.  Last week I went out of town for a few days and this is what I was greeted with  in my office:

Even my desk and chair were marked.

Take a look at this effort ...my wall tv and the roof of my office ....unbelievable

The outside of my office was not spared either.

The biggest surprise of all -- I am a sucker for the under dog and once Duke goes out I root for the lowest seeded team which happens to be the Villanova Wildcats of the remaining four.

My Thoughts Heading into "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Today begins what truly is the most wonderful time of the year – the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament!

I have been watching the NCAA tournament since 1978 when I followed the Duke Blue Devils lead by Sophomore center Mike Giminski go all the way to the finals losing to Kentucky Wildcats 92-88. 

In my 31st year of watching the tournament here are my thoughts heading into it …

For a team that has been named the team of the nineties and is the team with the most wins in this decade, winner of its 8th ACC Tournament Championship in 11 years this year– I am wondering why do the Duke Blue Devils get so little respect as #2 seed headed into the tournament?  Sure they do not necessarily over power their opponents, but they have incredible on-the-ball defense and I have seen Duke teams like this in the past that though may lack a strong inside presence, can get on a run, stay focused and go very far in the tournament.  In addition they have a pretty good guy sitting on the bench in Coach K!  He is the difference maker that only Duke has.

UCLA, though I am picking them to go out in the first round, this is a team that no one is talking about and could make a run in the tournament.  How soon we forget that the guy playing point guard for them, Darren Collison, played in the last three final fours.

Can one man make a difference?  We will find out in regards to Oklahoma Sooner sophomore Blake Griffin – who more than likely will be the national player of the year.  Will he be able to carry a team on his back with strong individual performances and take his team to the dance like these players in the past have: Larry Bird (1979 Indiana State University), Danny Manning (1988 Kansas) & most recently Carmelo Anthony (2003 Syracuse).  I believe can in part because he has an incredible coach in Jeff Capel, a Duke alumni.

Teams that are not a 1,2 or 3 seeds that I think can make a run and go far in the tournament:  Arizona State Sun Devils (6), Florida State Seminoles(5), California Golden Bears(7) &  Boston College Eagles (7).

How much of difference will Ty Lawson make if he is not playing?  Experts are saying the North Carolina Tar Heels can’t win it all without him?  Keep this in mind in 1995 UCLA beat defending champions Arkansas Razorbacks without starting point guard Tyus Edney whom, without his opening round heroics would not have been in the finals.

Dallas Willard shares at the Monvee Gathering

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Monvee Gathering in Corona California.

At the gathering one of the featured speakers was Author/USC Philosophy Professor  Dallas Willard that spoke about spiritual formation.  He was interviewed by pastor/author John Ortberg.  There was so many great insights that were shared by Dallas and John. Here are some of the questions that John posed and Dallas's response:

J.O.: Tell us a bit about how you prepare to pray.

D.W.: I take a small passage of Scripture and keep meditating on it until it warms my heart and opens my mind -- our mind is the biggest challenge in prayer."

J.O.: What does it mean to glorify God?

D.W.: To have enough sense to know how great He is and not run against it.  Glorifying God is for our safety and benefit.

J.O.: Why do you go to church?

D.W.: I go to church to love and be loved.

J.O: How do you start your day?

D.W. Pray for a covering and to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then commit my day to Him by meditating through Psalm 23 or the LORD's Prayer.

My Super Bowl is Tonight!

In our culture the Super Bowl has come to be more than event, but it is used as an adjective to express the enormity and/or meaning other events.  An expression like "it feel like a Super Bowl-like atmosphere here n the arena" are not uncommon.

As incredible game as it was yesterday -- my "Super Bowl" like event for me is happening tonight at 4:30pm (PST) on ESPN 2 where Tennessee Lady-Volunteer Head Coach Pat Summit will go for win 1,000.  Coach Summit is someone I have long admired as a leader on and off the court and if she should get this win tonight against Oklahoma State this would only further solidify her ranking as one of the greatest coaches of all time in any sport.

Her list of accolades in her profession are simply unbelievable and too much to list!  Click here for a look at her illustrious career.  And click here for an article on here on her being named one of our country's great leaders.

I am looking forward to "My Super Bowl" later today.

Why "Non-Sports Fans" Should Love the Super Bowl

This weekend at church I will welcome our crowds and thank them for joining us on this "holiday" weekend.  Though no ones get a mandated day off the effects of the game is holiday like -- Christmas holiday like.  Have fun shopping at a grocery store between 1-3pm (PST) this Sunday.

Yet as great as the Super Bowl is for the serious sports fan and even for those who our casual followers of the NFL -- it is even greater for the non sports fan who will not be watching the game.

For you the non-Super Bowl watcher between 3 & 7pm (PST) that is your time to do anything you want -- I mean anything you want!

Here are few things I would do if I was not watching the game:

• Go to Disneyland and ride Space Mountain 10 times in a row then hop over to California Adventure Park and ride Soaring California 10 times.
• I would watch whatever movie that came out on Friday that is the most popular show up right before it starts and still get an incredible seat in the theater.
• Do an extensive work out and never wait for a machine.
• Go shopping at Fashion Valley and park as a close as I want.
• If it was the time to do so -- buy a car and test drive as many cars as I want.
• Go to the beach and have a spot in the front row.

What would you do?

Kaya's Store: Something New for Me

On our recent trip to Hawaii I was reminded that no matter how familiar we may be with an area; or no matter how many times we may have experienced something there can always be something new to discover. 

Understand that I lived in Hawaii for 19 years and have visited too many times to count since I have moved back to the mainland. Now when I visit it is like experiencing familiar outings through the eyes of my children yet I did experience something a couple of weeks ago for the very first time.

On a couple of occasions when I mentioned my last name to people they asked if I was related to those who owned the Kaya's Store in Punalu.  I answer no and frankly I was vaguely aware of a store that has become somewhat of a landmark on that part of the island.  Well by chance while driving around the island headed toward the North Shore on the Kamehameha Highway we stopped by Kaya's Store for the first time.

Having the same last name does have its benefits.

So next time when you engage in the familiar try to keep an open mind and a fix your eyes you never know when you might experiencing something new no matter how well you think you may know something.

Fire Proof of Success!

I have noticed that in conversations with some of my programming team members and other arts leaders that I am in contact with that there seems to be growing criticism toward "Christian themed art"  -- specifically in the realm of film making.  I hear terms like "low budget" or "cheesy" being used to describe these some of these Christian-themed movies.  Now I must admit in recent years some of the films that have come out have warranted those comments.

However, I do believe these films do need to given a fair shot and when one does well it should be noted.  Take for example "FIREPROOF" which will be released on DVD next Tuesday Jan. 27.  Though I have not seen this film here is an interesting fact -- Do you know what the top grossing indie film was in 2008? 

Answer:  FIREPROOF that grossed 33 million twenty million dollars more than the next movie in the indie category. 

In the movie industry where proof of success is often determined by box-office receipts and if that is the case FIREPROOF is a success -- especially considering that it cost about $500,000 according to the Jan. 12, 2009 Time Magazine.

The second proof measure of success  should be whether it is reaching its targeted audience.  The movie that deals with a firefighter, played by Kirk Cameron, trying to repair a failing marriage due to his mistakes by seeking God and if the aim of the film is to give a picture of how there is hope for one's marriage that I have first hand proof of its effectiveness.  A friend of mine after being declined by myself and another to friend to go and see the movie went and saw it on his own.  (It should be note that this friend is currently separated from his wife after some poor decisions on his part and now is trying to see this relationship restored.)  After he saw the film he shared with us that it was exactly what he needed to see and how God really spoke to him through this movie.

I believe I will now watch this movie and I need to give these offerings a better shot because there is definite proof of its success.

What the Arts Champions Gathering "Lacked"

Yesterday, I shared in a post how great experience it was to gather together with church creative arts leaders from all over the country.  This is a follow-up post and it shares few things, that in my opinion, the gathering lacked.

The first thing that the gathering lacked was "ego."  Here was a collection of incredibly gifted and talented arts leaders that are a making significant kingdom impact within their church and abroad.  Many of these churches I have sought out on varied occasions for ideas and creative inspiration. Yet what stood out more than any thing else was not necessarily their talent, but the incredible level of humility and willingness to learn (probably why they are having such an impact.)

The second thing that the gathering lacked was "over sensitivity."  Artist tend to be stereotyped as being overly sensitive.  Yet what I noticed was how open the group was open to feedback and this was modeled first and foremost by Nancy Beach the WCA team.

The third thing that the gathering lacked was "time."  At the opening session of our time together Nancy shared how we need to steward our time together wisely, to take advantage of reaching out and getting to know the other leaders and do not underestimate the hang out time to share ideas ... that before we would knew it 12pm on Friday would arrive.  Those words could not be truer -- there are many whom I would have liked to have had longer conversations with and/or simply gotten to know their stories. 

I am looking forward to our time in June.

"I Wish I Could Be on a Team Like That"

In 1997 I attended the Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Community Church.  Willow had, had a shaping influence on my life and ministry through books and tapes prior to that visit, but being there at the church really expanded my vision to the possibilities of what God can do through the local church.

One of the lasting impressions of that first visit to Willow was Nancy Beach's talk at the Leadership Summit called "Leading Teams That Last."  I have heard every Leadership Summit message, and til this day it is one of my top five all time messages. 

I remember saying to myself, "I wish I could be on a team like that and be lead by a leader like her."

Well 10 years later I am having that opportunity.  For a few years now Nancy Beach has been putting together a team of programming arts leaders from churches all over the country to be a part of a group that she leads called the "Arts Champions."  The term "arts champions" is not to imply some one who is a achieved a status of a champion, but rather someone who champions artists in the local church.  I was graciously asked to be a part of this group two years ago. 

Part of my commitment to this group is attending a gathering of these arts leaders that I just attended a few days ago in Orlando FL.  For a two-and-a-half day period 30 of us brainstormed and dialogued about how to better Ennoble, Connect, Equip and Refresh artists in the local church in view of today's realities and to talk through the upcoming Arts Conference "Toward Wonder" taking place June 10-12.

It was humbling sitting under Nancy's leadership and hearing the great depth of passion that these arts leaders exuded as they shared their passions for God, His Church and the artists who serve within the church.

So thank you Nancy, Lori, Eileen, Pam, Sharon and all the other Arts Champions for allowing me to be a part the team.

The Church: A Place Where the Arts Should Flourish

Last night I was invited by one of our programming team members, Skyler Lusteg, to an art exhibit that he and two friends were putting on.  It had recently brought to my attention by another team artist that Skyler, who plays bass on our team, has a real passion to paint and has been doing so daily for several months now.  I could not have been more encouraged by what I experienced. 

Above and below are sampling of some of Skyler's works that he had on display.  I can't wait to see the pieces that he has been working on for our current weekend series that will be featured this coming weekend.  I have known Skyler since he was in middle school and it is really cool to see how he has grown up in the church and found a place within it to express his God-given passions.

At a recent gathering of Programming Arts Leaders that I just came back from one of the concerns that was raised was whether the current generation of college age students and young adults that have an artistic expression would see the value of sharing their gifts within their church not just in broader culture.

Why I Love the Leadership Summit

The highlight of my ministry year is the Leadership Summit.  I simply love this event.  And I consider it such a great privilege to serve as the lead pastor for this as we serve as the San Diego host site.  This makes it all worth it!  I got this e-mail and got permission to share it on this post.  So to anyone who has attended this event or has a part in serving at it.  Please be encouraged.

"I just wanted to share with you the fruit (at least I hope it will be fruit) of last year's leadership summit.  We've been working hard to get Kick for Hope sanctioned by Cal South, and we got approval last week!
I'm just super excited and wanted to share it with you.

This idea started in March of 08, after we found out Michael would be going
to Africa. Its a long story, but ultimately I committed to God, without reservation, to pursue it during the Leadership Summit.  I took one of the speakers mottos and adopted it for this endeavor:  "If you're not failing, you're not dreaming."  This helped kick my fear of failure.  And secondly, I promised God that I would not be afraid to ask anyone for anything for these kids.  I've kept that promise and as a result God has
blessed me with an amazing board and group of volunteers, including several from Journey, to bring this vision to light.

So here's the first tournament (ad attached) in what I hope and truly believe will become a national Kick for Hope weekend somewhere down the road.  When you think of it, please keep the event and all of us who are working on it in your prayers.

God Bless, and thank you for bringing Leadership Summit to JCC."

Kristen Chandler

(Mark your calendars now the 2009 Leadership is on Thursday and Friday August 6 & 7.)