butchwhitmire.com

Innovate 09: Exposed

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Coming September 24th and 25th. Register here. Register now. It's going to rock.

Taking Flight with Creativity

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My Friends Len Wilson and Jason Moore have hit another one out of the park with their new book, Taking Flight with Creativity: Worship Design Teams that Work.

I found this to be a straight-forward and helpful tome for artists and leaders of artists. I like it's simplicity and it's almost "flight book" style. It's a both "pre-flight" and "in-flight" checklist on how to get your arts program off the ground and keep it flying.

Thanks, Len and Jason.

Objects in Motion

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:45:00 +0000

I bet Isaac Newton was a much better golfer than me. He knew a lot about the physics of motion. He even wrote about it:

"An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an outside force."

We shot a four-part video for our communication series, Sand Traps. You can watch the video and the rest of the service here. So I've been on the golf course a few evenings lately.

Occasionally, I was allowed to take a real swing during the shoot. I would watch my ball soar until the forces of gravity and friction acted upon it and it would land, one time even where I hoped it would. Had there been no outside forces acting upon it, Newton's First Law of Motion says my ball would have continued on it's trajectory forever and ever and ever.

It occurs to me that people are subject to the same laws as my golf ball. That is, people tend to stay in motion, on the same trajectory, until some force acts upon them. I know it was that way for me. I look back at my life and realize there was a time that I was on a bad trajectory. Fortunately, I had a friend in the marketplace nudge my trajectory. After getting to know me, my family, my life, and some of my issues, he invited me to church. He nudged me and that little nudge changed the course of my life for good, forever and ever and ever.

25 Years ago .... The Reunion

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:32:00 +0000

This weekend was my 25-year, high school class reunion. I had a great time hanging out with longtime friends and reuniting with those whom I had lost touch. My graduating class was right around one hundred students, so everyone knew everyone and I liked that.

Our arch rivals, the Niles Vikings, also held their reunion at the same hotel, on same night, at the same time. They were about three times larger than us, and therefore had a much larger turnout. It was great having them there though, and it turned out that the rivalry wasn't as big as I had believed. We all floated between the two reunions and by the end of the night, we had a wonderful time together. I laughed so much my face hurt. My crowning achievement was stealing the Niles Viking Helmet and wearing it back to the Brandywine Bobcat reunion - I think I look pretty good in Viking wear. It was a grand and triumphant entry; I was king of the world for a few minutes.

As part of the reunion committee, I helped plan much of the evening's festivities. Fortunately, there were a lot of vintage "80's" photos rife with the fodder of many great jokes: big hair, spandex, stone-washed jeans, mullets, and ill-formed mustaches. It was enormous fun.

There were somber moments in the evening, though. The memorial for our deceased classmates was one. There were six in our class who had died; five men, one woman. I knew them all a little and presided over that part of the evening. I spent a lot of time looking at their photos this week and preparing slides with their pictures.

The son of one of the men who died came to one of the weekend activities with his mother. He was there looking for people to tell him their memories of his father. His father had died nine years earlier while he was still a young boy.

It was profoundly moving for me to consider what it would be like for one of my children had I been the one who died nine years ago. Alex would have been eight and Audrey only five.

I thought, "What would my classmates have told my children about me? Would my life be remarkable? Or even memorable? Loving or selfish? Would I be known as severe or kind? A man who loved God or the World?"
I am thankful for that young man. I'll be thinking of him and of my children and how I might want to be remembered after I am gone.

A Great Week at Willow Creek

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:54:00 +0000

Just over a week ago, I attended the Willow Creek Association's annual Arts Conference. This year's conference was entitled Wonder and it inspired just that. I was able to bring three other folks from my team this year: Jeff, Kristin, and Elle. It was a great trip just because we got to spend a little more time with each other. They are good friends and gifted artists. I was honored with the opportunity to teach a breakout on leading arts ministry and to do a video showcase with the team. We also participated in the Film Festival and were awarded first place in two categories and the "Best of Show" for Kristin and Cody Baker's short "What Used to Be True." Even if you have already seen this, it's worth a another look. I am proud of our team. They work hard, they honor God, and they really make me laugh ... a lot. I think this will make you laugh, too.

Weekend Arts Preview Clue

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +0000

OK. I'm not going to tell you what we are doing this weekend for the arts programming, but I will tell you this weekend may be the most face-melting rock experience ever at Granger Community Church.

So, come to church; bring a friend. You and your friend will be happy about that. I promise.

Just to pique your interest, here's a little clue about what you'll experience this weekend:

This legendary rock band released their first album in 1978 and later produced a "Best Of" CD they dedicated to their manager who died at the age of 57.

Can you name the band we'll be covering this weekend?

First Wednesday - Creative People Embracing Their Creator

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Photo by R Mark Beeson From GCC Weekend

I hope you had a chance to attend tonight's First Wednesday service. I think it may have been one of my favorite, all-time GCC experiences; it simply moved me. I sensed in my spirit that the rest of our church may have been moved a little, too.

My position at the church gives me a unique perspective. I have the privilege of being a part of the team that produces our services. I get to be a part of the process that begins with a group of people standing in a room staring at a blank whiteboard and ends with what you see on our weekends or First Wednesdays. Throughout that process, I often find myself with my mouth gaping in awe as I watch gifted people surrender their gifts; creative people embracing their Creator. It's as beautiful a thing as any I have witnessed in my life.

Flying Solo

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Photo by R Mark Beeson
From GCC Weekend

How can you not love this young man! Seth Bible. Yep, you heard it right. His name alone is enough to turn me into a Calvinist - seems predestined to be a worship leader. I hope you are fortunate enough to spend a moment with him sometime. You'll leave the encounter better off - I know I always do. While Seth has been on our platform multiple times, this is the first time he's led the worship team alone. Trace, Dan, and Jason have been pouring everything they have into him to help ensure his success. Seth soared this weekend and I couldn't be more proud of him or my team. Well done, men!

The Story Behind the Story

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:25:00 +0000

Photo by R Mark Beeson
From GCC Weekend

I enjoyed last weekend for several reasons; one reason was this drama (you can watch it and the entire service here) Phil, the older gentleman sitting on the fishing dock has been a part of the GCC arts ministry for years and been on our platform dozens of times. He's a good man and a good friend to our church, and to me. The script was adapted from a story from Phil's life. He shared it with us all at a drama team meeting about a year ago. I though Kristin Baker did a great job morphing his childhood story into poignant dialog where an older man imparts wisdom and virtue into the younger. This was Ryan's first weekend on our weekend platform. He did an amazing job. It was inspiring to watch Phil pour into this younger, less-experienced actor. So much is added when the drama and the story of the actors behind it are almost the same. I think it creates an uncommon degree of authenticity that truly helps prepare hearts.

"Go On ... (gasp) ... Without Me"

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I often think of the scene in that movie ... you know, that movie ... the one where the guy gets shot in the leg. He lets out an agonizing cry and grits his teeth. Then he continues on with a profound limp in his walk. He keeps going and going, bleeding and bleeding, dragging his shot leg through the jungle until eventually, his good leg tires and fails. He falls to the ground exhausted, unable to go any further. His comrades gather around him and he looks up at them and with a sad determination and says, "Go on ... (gasp) ... without me." He gives up - exhausted and resolved that he is finished.

Ever been there?

I consider of my Faith walk and the legs that carry me along my life journey. One leg is my Faith, my relationship with Christ, my Spirituality. The other leg is my Being -my physical, mental, emotional health; my relationships with others. With both legs good and strong, I move swiftly and assuredly through the jungle.

But sometimes I catch a bullet from the enemy in one of my legs. And I start relying solely on the other leg to carry me along. It's funny how I think I can go on and on like that ... never removing the bullet and thinking all along that I can be helpful to my comrades.

This summer Chris and I will be taking some time to rest on vacation. To patch up and get ready. I hope you take the time to do the same ... you may have taken a bullet you didn't even feel at the time.

Top Five Quotes from People Who NEED to Attend the June Workshops at GCC:

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:11:00 +0000

#5) "Great Commission? I thought that's what Realtors make."

#4) "My First Impression was J-J-J-Jimmy S-Stewart."

#3) "I wanted Less Clutter and Less Noise so I told my son to go clean his room and turn off the stereo."

#2) "Kids say the darnedest things ... and then we just smack 'em!"

#1) "Let's not call it a split ... let's call it a Multi-Site!"

You need to come to the workshops at GCC June 25-26, 2009.

From Fan to Follower

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:42:00 +0000

The best stories draw you in. The best stories aren't about someone else; they are about you. I felt that way this weekend at GCC. I was not just an observer; the actors on stage were telling my story, the one where I let a harsh and controling world get in the way of a relationship with a gentle and loving God. Sometimes looking at your past can be both difficult and surreal.

"No," I thought,"that couldn't have been me. How could I let that happen?"

Yet, it was me; a man tired and bruised, who finally embraced a God who had been there all along. It's good to be reminded where I've been from time to time. It reminds me of who my God is and how deep the capacity of His Love and how far His reach.

Worship Part II

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:02:00 +0000

At GCC we embrace the notion that worship is more than the singing and praise we do as a gathered body. We believe worship is about how we live our lives. To help our people get a handle on this, we define worship at GCC as "do the next right thing."

Last week someone caught one of our staff in the act of worship. I thought I would share the following from the South Bend Tribune. Doc is a talented high school students who designs and programs the majority of our light shows at GCC. He would never tell you about this, so I thought I would:

Doc's Rx: Kindness ... Inspired by parents, John Glenn senior helps others
CAROL DRAEGER Tribune Staff Writer

NORTH LIBERTY — With a name like Doc Borlik, a teenager has a lot to live up to.Eighteen-year-old Austin "Doc" Borlik is not a doctor, or studying to become one.

He's ... drumroll, please ... kind.That's it. Ask the manager at the BP gas station in North Liberty what she thinks of the John Glenn High School senior. Bonnie Nemeth gushes."Ohmigod," her sentences begin, as she explains how the typical-looking 6-foot teen does some atypical things.A few months ago, he walked into the store to pay for gas and paused after spotting a handful of receipts the store displays from drive-offs.As though it were a candy bar he was adding to his gas payment, Borlik told Nemeth, "I'll pay for one of those, too," she recalled him telling her as she looked at him incredulously.And so it began. Between Borlik and his mother, Donna, the two now routinely pay at the pump for others who don't pay.Nemeth said the teen has shelled out cash for about seven drive-offs so far.Nemeth was so impressed by Borlik that she called the principal at John Glenn High School, William Morton, to tell him about one of his "wonderful" students.Morton didn't know about the gas receipts, but he knew other things."He is an extraordinary young man," Morton said. "He is a creative individual, very bright, open-minded and very involved in school." Borlik is a member of the marching band and has been vice president of his class for four years.He is also involved in the school's plays and musicals, creating the sound and lighting for most of the high school's fine arts shows.Borlik's talents mixing sounds and lights at Granger Community Church (where he works and worships) is also how he pays for his good deeds.He also operates a side business, "DJ Doc," and provides most of the music for school dances."He does it tastefully because of who he is," Morton said. "I can count on him." Donna said she and her husband, Bob, instilled in their three children the value of random acts of kindness."The kids just always had fun paying for customers behind us in the drive-through," she said as though this is something every family does.And the Borliks do it even when money is tight.Donna and Bob both have been unemployed recently. In September, Bob lost his 25-year job at a door company in Walkerton, and Donna left her job at Sherwin Williams to care for a relative whose parents are in the military in Iraq.Donna recently found work with the U.S. Census Bureau. Bob is in training at Edward Jones. "Doc" Borlik said money isn't needed to help make someone smile: Loading groceries for an elderly person at Wal-Mart will do just fine."He lives from the inside out," Morton said of Borlik, adding that the teen lives up to his unusual name.Donna Borlik said her son's name holds no secret meaning: "My husband just started calling him that. There's no real story behind his name."But there is a story.

Worship Part I

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:42:00 +0000

This photo was taken by my friend, Mark Beeson at the Hillsong London worship event this week at GCC. This was a bit newer worship experience for our people. Hillsong created a lot of energy and movement from the platform and in response, there was a more expressive and open participation from the crowd who had gathered. It was a thrilling experience for me on a few fronts: 1) I got to enjoy worshiping God with my 13-year-old daughter who later said, "Dad, that was just what I needed" in response to a stressful week at school. 2) I got to learn a lot about the impact a mid-week concert has on our staff and facility. 3) We got to explore how our people responded to their style of worship.

I loved how Peter Wilson of Hillsong described worship as (paraphrased) "leaning in close to kiss God." And praise as "speaking highly of someone else." I thought those were great definitions of congregational worship. Jason Miller taught me that the word "worship" evolved from the term "worth-ship." That is, proclaiming back to God His worth or worthiness to be praised. I think these are great definitions when we speak of "worship" in the context of gathering together as a body of believers.

At GCC we embrace the notion that there are many ways to worship God. I saw two great examples this week. The Hillsong concert was one. I'll tell you about the other next post.

Easter

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:47:00 +0000

It's Easter at GCC and I am so proud of my teams. I think we really stretched our artistic pallet this weekend performing a 7 minute dance with video sync. Our band played Dave Matthews "Ants Go Marching." (a holy-cow level of complication) Tech teams were on it - audio mix was as about as good as it gets. Mark B delivered an excellent and inspiring message challenging us to live differently in the light of the truth of a risen Christ. Perfect, Easter weather. It's my prayer that people who visited and were outside of God somehow, some way, met Him this weekend.

As I write this, we prepare for the last of 6 services at the Granger Campus and our second service in Elkhart. It's been a great weekend of fellowship with friends and the satisfaction of a well done job after hundreds of hours of work. We'll all go home tired in a good and satisfying way. I'll be having Easter dinner with my family and it will taste extra-good.

I wish you a happy Easter and all the Joy that comes from knowing a risen Savior. Happy Easter.

Holy Thursday

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:19:00 +0000

Tonight is Holy Thursday, the first full day of Passover. I was reminded of the significance of this evening as I watched the last full rehearsal before our Easter Services this weekend. Two thousand years ago, great good and great evil happened on the same night. Jesus washed the feet of the apostles and He delivered the very first communion. Later, He suffered agony in the garden and was betrayed by Judas. Good and evil stood head to head.

Evil seemed to take the lead as a mockery of a trial took place, torture, ridicule, betrayal, denial, humiliation, loathing, and ultimately His death. Evil smiled that day, I'm sure.

Jesus had other plans. Good could not be contained and burst from the tomb three days later. We'll celebrate that uncontainable eruption of Joy this coming Saturday and Sunday during our Easter Services at GCC. Our artists will be there to help us celebrate. They have been rehearsing and preparing for hundreds perhaps thousands of hours. This weekend they will be performing for the God of the universe. It's going to be spectacular to watch.

I hope you plan on attending. It's going to be a great weekend.

Requiem for the Easter Bunny

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:02:00 +0000

This photo is proof we'll do just about anything at GCC to help people figure out how much they matter to God. Heck, we'll even ask our ultra-hip worship leaders to dress up like large rodents.

Your friends are out there facing an uncertain world. Many are out of work, out of friends, out sync. And they're in need of a savior who's always just in time.

So why not invite your friends to GCC's Easter Services this weekend? Help them meet the resurrected Christ? He is the best gift you can give them.

Help remind them that the Easter Bunny isn't real, but that they can put their hope in a God who is. See you and your friends this weekend.

Gas Laws ...

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:28:00 +0000

One of the properties of gas is that it will always fill the container in which it's placed completely. The volume of gas changes to occupy both the shape and size of the container.

I think artists are gassy people. Find out why when I teach "The Science of Arts Team Leadership & Ministry" at Willow Creek during the Wonder '09 Arts Conference June 10-12. I hope to see you there!

Easter is Coming

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I see many species of waterfowl outside my window overlooking the pond on our Granger Campus: Swan, Heron, Canadian Geese, Ducks, Hawks, and ... this. I snapped it's photo Friday morning.

Hmmm.

This chicken? reminded me that it's Easter. This year we celebrate the holiday and open our new series SYNC at Granger Community Church.

Anyway, make sure to invite your friends and get your tickets here. It's going to be a great weekend.

Saturday, April 11 (at the Granger Campus):
3 p.m. (free cotton candy for kids)
5 p.m.
7 p.m.
9 p.m. (free pizza)

Sunday, April 12 (at both the Elkhart and Granger Campuses)
9:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.

A Glimpse of Hope

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:08:00 +0000

I am a Spartan. Yep. Michigan State - the other Big Ten school in Michigan. I enjoyed my experience there. It was and is an enormous university - around 46,000 students (quite a leap from my class of 100 in high school.)

When I attended there in 1988, it was one of the top business schools in the country - receiving much capital (financial and intellectual) from the auto industry in nearby Detroit. We graduated anticipating and hungry for jobs that were quite plentiful. It wasn't so much about if you were going to get a job, but who you were going to work for back then.

Things have changed a bit, both for the University and the Motor City since then. Unemployment is now at 22% as GM hinges on bankruptcy. The city's plight seems hopeless.

Today, the Spartans will be playing in Ford Fieldhouse in the Final Four match up against UConn in Detroit - many of the players having grown up a few miles away. Few expect them to win. But even so, this year's Final Four is expected to have record attendance as 72,000 people (many from Michigan) will watch with hope - hope for victory, hope for something better. I'll be praying for my Spartans today. Not that they'll win necessarily, but that they will somehow inspire hope in a hopeless people.

A Little Friday Morning Costello

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:53:00 +0000

Whats So Funny Bout Peace, Love & Understanding - Elvis Costello

I thought you might enjoy this today. We have a lot of work to do to help our world meet God.

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity.
I ask myselfIs all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
Ohhhh,What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony.

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
Ohhhh, What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?

So where are the strong?And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony.

'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
OhhhhWhat's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding?
OhhhhWhat's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding

Starting to Twitter

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Ok. I have many friends who Twitter. They are great people, brilliant thinkers, amazing Christ-Followers. So, at their recommendation, I am exploring Twitter. I have an account. I link my Tweets to my Facebook and follow a couple of folks on my iPhone using Twitterific. So far, so good. I have found lots of value in that.

Why was I so hesitant? Still so tentative? Time will tell ultimately, but this video captured my worst fears about Twitter. No offense to my Twittering friends - but you know how I like sarcasm. Peace.

Why is this Funny?

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:52:00 +0000

My daughter turned me on to this clip. I have been trying to figure out why I like this. I think it's because of the comedic timing and more importantly, the comedic silence.

Do you like this? Why?

Why the Turnaround?

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Business Time from Granger Community on Vimeo.

During a recent meeting, we were asked our opinion about why we had experienced such an amazing turnaround in attendance (jumping almost1000 attendees on the weekend) in just a few months. We discussed several possibilities but one I hadn't considered was that we have been more intentional in programming levity in our services. Don't get me wrong; we still programmed meaningful, high-impact services. We've just been a little more intentional about giving our people something to laugh about in some tough times. William Faulkner said this:

"We have one precious universal trait, we Americans. That trait is our humor. What a pity it is that it is not prevalent in our art. That characteristic alone, being national and indigenous, could, by concentrating our emotional forces inward upon themselves, do for us what England’s insularity did for English art during the reign of Elizabeth. One trouble with us American artists is that we take ourselves and our art too seriously. And perhaps seeing ourselves in the eyes of our fellow artists, will enable those who have strayed to establish anew a sound contact with the fountainhead of our American life."

Read This Book - Influencer: The Power to Change Anything

bwhitmire@gccwired.com (Butch Whitmire) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:45:00 +0000

From the guys that brought you Crucial Conversations, this has been one of my best reads this year. If the Church is about changing the world, Influencer offers a great structure for doing that.

Utilizing a six-dimensional matrix, the book offers tools to get at changing society's most challenging issues by leveraging people's motivation and ability in the context of shaping their personal, social, and structural environments.

Case studies include successful disease eradication in third-world countries, work programs for criminals and addicts, and company turn-arounds in the marketplace.

I believe the principles here can and should be deployed in the Church.