Keni Thomas told his story at GCC this weekend.

I learned a lot about leadership, team-building and responsibility. 

Keni was deployed to Mogadishu Somalia with the 3rd Ranger Battalion as part of an elite special operations package called Task Force Ranger. He fast-roped from his Black Hawk to the ground and fought in the worst urban combat seen by US troops since WWII. 19 Americans gave their lives and 78 were wounded during the 18 hour fire-fight that would later be recounted in the movie “Black Hawk Down”. 

One of the most captivating moments of his presentation came when he described circumstances in Mogadishu after the first Black Hawk went down.

As I recall his personal account of the incident, he told us of a DELTA Force Operator killed in the battle. Keni paused and offered an insightful comment; he said the DELTA Operator “was doing everything right”… but he still got hit.

He made a great point.

He said it's common to think nothing bad will happen if we do everything right, but that’s just not true. He said you can do everything the way its supposed to be done but things can turn ugly, and it can all come down in the blink-of-an-eye (even when you’re “doing everything right”).

He asked us:

• What will you do when it comes down on you? 
• Will you be prepared when you’re "tapped" for leadership and suddenly you are in charge?
• Will you step forward and lead, or will you say, "Not me," and fail the people on your right and left?

Keni said the military clarifies your options in a crisis. You’ve only got two choices; when trouble comes you can react by doing one of two things: the right thing or the wrong thing.

How you’ve trained (rehearsed, practiced, prepared) will determine your ability to step forward and lead (influence those around you).

Basic Training at GCC is this Wednesday, 6:30-8:00PM.

I’ll be there.

 

Isaiah 6:8  -  I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send,
and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

 

 

This big bull was staking his claim to a piece of the British Columbia shoreline when he leaned his head back, did his little head-bobbing motion and challenged us with an impressive low-frequency roar. He's an 11 foot long 2,500 pounder, so it's probably a good thing we were in a little boat instead of strolling along the rocky shore. 

That was almost a year ago and I wonder if this 'ol boy is still roaring somewhere.

Sheila and I have shared many wonderful experiences, but Proverbs says there is "still a thing or two for the experienced to learn" so we're joining you for BASIC TRAINING, Wednesday evenings in May: "learning what's right and just and fair." 

 

Proverbs 1:1-6

These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
    David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
    to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
    for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
    and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
    still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
    the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

 

 

 

There are Seasons in life.
   Some are colorful, warm and reassuring. 
   Others are severe and harsh, even devastating.

So it is in the seasonal ebb-and-flow of church leadership.
   Some days are for celebration, joy and happiness.
   Others bring brutal disappointment and sadness, even heartbreak.

I've known both and believe me, joy is better than disappointing heartbreak.

Bre Hallberg, a fine young woman married to my friend Jon Hallberg (who happens to be the best fisherman south of the Mason-Dixon Line), contacted me requesting a phone interview to discuss visionary leadership. So when her teammate Carey Nieuwhof (Senior Pastor of Connexus Community Church) asked me to talk to young leaders about my 27 years as the Lead Pastor at GCC I agreed. (He said something about me being a "seasoned leader," which I took as a compliment at the time...) 

Carey interviewed me for ORANGE and he wanted me to talk about some of the trials church leaders face when diminished vision leads to mission drift. He asked me to talk about my trials. We love the Orange Strategy and use it at GCC, so I jumped on the opportunity to help Orange Leaders and talked with Carey about what I've learned by building and leading envisioned teams.

I know what it's like to lead poorly, fall on my face, disappoint my teammates and lead in a fog. I also know what it's like to lead from strength, build a great team and lead with penetrating clarity. 

I've known both and believe me, clear vision is better than foggy confusion.

Carey interviewed me for a 30 minute podcast and you can hear what I said to help church leaders here. 

 

Proverbs 29:18a  -  Where there is no vision, the people perish.

 

Why did the beaver chewing through this tree stop chewing?

• Did it get distracted and wander away from the task at hand? 
• Was it unable to continue because it was hurt? 
• Were circumtances unbearable? 
• Did the beaver's life end before it finished the job?

We can only speculate, but one thing is certain; a long time ago a beaver started working on this tree but its work ended with the job half-done. 

I photographed this tree beside a lake in Ontario. When I looked at the picture this morning, these three thoughts popped into my head: 
 

1. I want to do something with my life that actually makes a difference. I long for the assurance that I've had a noticeable impact and made a contribution. 
   (Matthew 25:23 - His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave.") 
    
2. I intend to serve God's purposes until I can do no more and when my time on earth is done, I want God to find me in the middle of some worthwhile task - continuing the work of Christ's followers before me. 
   (Titus 1:5 - "I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done.") 
    
3. I'm determined to look for the next right thing to do, each-and-every-day of my life. When Jesus brings me home I'll be glad to know I served God's purposes to the end. Even if I don't finish every little project I'm working on, I want to be like Paul, "the doulos (slave) of Christ," doing what God wants me to do and finishing well. 
   (Ephesians 6:5b-7 - "Always serve with an eye for obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God.")

 

I'll need to be intentional if I'm going to leave such a legacy. No one drifts into a life of significance, so we're launching an entire month of growth opportunities. Before the kids are out of school, and our summer schedules kick-in, I'm inviting everyone to join me for a month of focused discipleship training. 

Registration and information for "Basic Training" on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 is here. (Programs for newborns through 3rd grade is provided.)

Registration (which includes the price of your book) and information for "Mark's Book Study for Men" on Tuesday mornings at 6:30 is here.
     All men.
     All discipleship.
     All month.
(Have the first 2 chapters read before our first meeting on May 7^th.)

Sign up with me and let's do something for God ... together.

 

Psalm 119:1-8a

You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do. 

 

 

From time to time a storm blows through. High winds inevitably crack branches and snap limbs; sometimes entire trees are broken in a gale.

That's the story of this tree. For several years it stood tall, shading the playground of GCC's Early Learning Center. One day a severe storm felled the giant and only the trunk was left in the storm's wake.

Saddened by the loss, we planned to make something beautiful out of what remained. We secured the skilled assistance of Doug Blosser and the devastated tree is now being restored. It has a new purpose. It's being transformed into a beautiful reminder of God's presence.

What was ruined is redeemed.

After the services this weekend I talked with several people who'd been shattered by life's storms. Some brutal force had knocked them over: changing them, ruining their lives and breaking them down. Little of what they once were remained. Not much of them was left standing and though their storm had passed, they were devastated.

So, I told them about God's invitation to a new life. I asked them to accept God's forgiveness for their past sins. I asked them to surrender their lives to God and start walking The Jesus Way. I told them about the strength the Spirit offers, the guidance God's Word provides and the support God's people deliver. I prayed with them, then I invited them to join us every Wednesday night in May so they could get some basic training and start living as a disciple of Jesus. 

Don't give up. God takes broken lives and re-purposes them.

 What was ruined is redeemed. 

Restoration is at hand.

Count on it.

Revelation 21:5  -  He that sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revelation 3:2-3a  -  Wake up! Strengthen what you have left before it dies completely. I have found that what you are doing is less than what my God wants. So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it, and change your hearts and lives. So you must wake up ... 

 

 

 

Dave Ferguson, President of the Exponential Conference 2013 led more than 5,000 Church Planters in prayers for Boston this afternoon.

This world is not ultimately changing because sinful people do sinful things; the world is ultimately changing because citizens of heaven are living as resident aliens in this world. And though we're strangers to the world's wicked ways, we're resolved to live so differently (as we follow The Jesus Way) that people will see the good things we do and give God glory. 

It is God's love, and the exemplary lives of HIS people, that will ultimately change this world.

Count on it.

 

1 Peter 2:11-12  -  Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

 

This is today's IQ Test.

Question: If Bill Hybels gives you a book, what do you do?
Answer: Read it.

Yesterday, after giving words of encouragement, instruction and motivation, Bill gave me Henry Cloud’s new book, integrity: the courage to meet the demands of reality. 

In that book Cloud tells the story of a woman who asked him to speak with her adult sons. She wanted him to meet them for lunch and talk with them about success. She pressed to know what he would say to them.

Cloud made a couple of points, then told her,

Now, having said that, let’s get to the real issue that I would want to talk to them about. I would tell them that the people who possess the first two abilities are a dime a dozen. There is no shortage of talented brainy people who are very, very good at what they do and are able to work the system and schmooze other people to get things done. There are zillions of them, and we all see them every day. But if your boys are truly going to make it, they have to have the third ingredient as well:

They have to have the character to not screw it up.

 

I’m pretty sure of two things:

1. If Hybels gives you a book, you should read it.
   
2. A lack of character will impede your success.

 

Proverbs 11:4-5  

 

Life is filled with vibrant hues and bold colors, but there are times when desaturation actually helps you see more clearly. Seeing in black & white awakens you to the contrast hidden in subtle shades of color. You may lose some beauty but you can gain some clarity.

I sometimes prefer black & white.

Sometimes I need clarity, and I need to know what’s right and what’s wrong.

But at other times I have clarity, and because of the lucidity of God’s Word I know exactly what’s right and what’s wrong.

The Bible says seven things are abominations to God. Those include: hands that spill the blood of innocent people, a heart or mind that thinks up evil plans and feet that are quick to run to do evil.

I am not confused. The terrorist actions deploying Boston's “Pressure-Cooker” bombs are plain to see for what they are - not in beautiful and vibrant colors, but in simple black & white. 

 

Proverbs 6:16-19  -  There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. 

 

 

 

Sheila and I went to the annual "Dancing With Our Stars Miracle Auction" last night. We saw a zillion folks from GCC, all gathered to support the great work of the Center for the Homeless. 

Steve Camilleri, the Executive Director, launched the evening with special "Thanks" to those who worked so hard and gave so much to make the event a success. Sheila and I sponsored a child but those who donated time, talent and "treasure-for-auction" did even more. They brought the community together to fund the multi-million dollar annual budget of the Center for the Homeless.

My special thanks to Rick Van Vlasslaer & Maribeth Roncz for their tremendous leadership. Their herculean efforts to unite Michiana in this important ministry are laudable.

I'm honored to be part of a community so willing to help our guests at the Center receive the tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness.

 

Psalm 12:5

Into the hovels of the poor,
Into the dark streets where the homeless groan,
God speaks:
“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way
To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”

 

 

 

Last weekend 280 people stepped into the waters of baptism during our weekend services (262 at GCC Granger, 13 at GCC Elkhart and 5 at GCC LaPorte). They’re taking steps on the Jesus Way and wondering, “What now? How do I take my next steps toward Christ with my new friends at GCC?”

Let me offer you two immediate steps forward.

1.  I’m teaching the same “Discovering GCC” course three times: Monday the 15^th in Elkhart, Tuesday the 16^th in Granger and  & Saturday, May 11^th in LaPorte. This gives you a chance to see what becoming a member of the family really means; this is when you learn what we value and how we treat one another on the Jesus Way. Register here and I’ll see you there.

2.  Before school ends and we hit our summer schedules, we’re putting a massive energy burst into the next few weeks. Each consecutive Wednesday, everyone at GCC is engaging one of five core "life" issues: Worship, Bible, “Koinonia” (Ideal Fellowship/Community), Prayer and Outreach. We’re devoting the entire month of May to a regimen of coaching and training in “the basics” of life on the Jesus Way.

A lot more is coming, but now you have a partial preview of our immediate discipleship plans. 

Be faithful.

Live strong.

We’re learning to do God's will, and serve God's purpose, as we walk the Jesus Way  … together.

 

Acts 13:36  -  David did God’s will [served God’s purpose] during his lifetime. 

 

 

 

2 Timothy 2:1-7  -  So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It’s the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.

 

 

 

 

 

I've often advised young leaders: "Catch someone doing something right and affirm them. Be specific. Be clear. Give them a pat-on-the-back. When you notice what they did right, and congratulate them on a job well done, you'll be amazed at the way God uses your support to enrich their journey."

Don't withhold well-deserved applause.

Sometimes, a little pat-on-the-back and some richly deserved praise is all a person needs to take their next step toward Christ.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11  -  Encourage each other and give each other strength [build each other up], just as you are doing now.

 

This weekend 261 men and women went through the waters of baptism in the pools at the Granger Campus. Once in the water, each person declared their surrender to Christ and confessed their faith in Him. Additionally, each of the candidates-for-baptism answered in the affirmative when I asked them these questions:

The baptisms took a while, so as I sang and worshipped with the gathered church, I paused from time-to-time and took some pictures. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 2:36-39  -  Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

 

 

 

I'm 15 minutes away from launching into one of our weekend baptism services. GCC is a wonderful place to be this weekend. Great crowds are gathering and we're ready.

Did you ever wonder how people can see and hear from the very back of a large crowd?

While we're intent on the service, camera operators like Kristin Howard are making it possible for everyone to participate with better perspective. They work with diligence and devotion to enable the rest of us receive God's help during the services. I appreciate every single one of our volunteers, laboring behind the scenes ... often unnoticed by others but always noticed by God.

 

Matthew 25:23a  -  The master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful ..."

 

-  Adult Mute Swan  -

-  Juvenile Mute Swan  -

 

Both birds were flying the same direction when I took their pictures. The immature followed the mature as they winged their way over the marsh. Every tack of the older swan was copied by the younger. 

I've seen this behavior before, and not just with birds.

Those learning "the way" follow those who know "the way." Maybe we should keep that in mind as we raise our children, train our students, coach our players, lead our companies and disciple our friends. Those new to the journey rely on their leaders, so get your bearings and lead well.

Those trailing you along The Jesus Way are depending on you. Be sure to guide them into corporate worship this weekend; it's one of the way-points they'll need to know if they're really going to soar.

 

Isaiah 40:31

Those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind. 

 

 

 

This guy was in full-strut at sunrise this morning. 

It must be Spring in Michiana.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13a

Look around you: Winter is over;
    the winter rains are over, gone!
Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
    The whole world’s a choir—and singing!
Spring warblers are filling the forest
    with sweet arpeggios.
Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,
    and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. 

 

 

Hundreds surrendered their lives to Jesus in the services this weekend. They chose The Way of Jesus: 218 in Granger, 23 in Elkhart and 7 in LaPorte (which held its first service this Easter Sunday with 256 people in attendance).

It was a fantastic and wondrous weekend, for which many of us had prayed.

I am a grateful man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ephesians 4:23-24  -  Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

 

The sun was shining in Michiana this Easter, so after all the services came to an end and the people of Granger Community Church scattered across the region, I watched one of my granddaughters go down a little slide, again and again and again and again and again. It was glorious.

 

Luke 18:17  -  These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.