Rafael Castillo | Life On Purpose |

Misfit The Conference 2013 Top Ten List

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:18:00 +0000

I can't believe we're 10 days away from Misfit The Conference! So I wanted to give you 10 reasons to register:

Reason #1. Ed Young, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas

Reason #2. John Gray, Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas

Reason #3. Rich Wilkerson Jr., Trinity Church, Miami, Florida

Reason #4. Wess Stafford. President, Compassion International

Reason #5. Robert Madu, Evangelist

Reason #6. Adam Durso, Executive Pastor, Christ Tabernacle

Reason #7. Michael Durso, Senior Pastor, Christ Tabernacle

Reason #8. Chris Durso, Youth Pastor, MisfitNYC

Reason #9. Andy Mineo, Reach Records

Reason #10. Kim Walker, Jesus Culture

After you register, here are 10 things you can expect from Misfit The Conference:

1. Expect to experience God in a special way. Yes, we've worked hard on our program, but we're fasting and praying for you to experience times of refreshing in God's presence.

2. Expect to learn something new.

3. Expect to lead better - your leadership bandwidth will increase.

4. Expect to be encouraged, challenged and convicted.

5. Expect to laugh and cry.

6. Expect to meet new friends - for life!

7. Expect to see old friends, like a family reunion.

8. Expect to have fun!

9. Expect to be inspired.

10. Expect to be back in NYC for Misfit The Conference 2014.

We can't wait to host YOU!

1. Conference Promo

2. Misfit The Conference

3. The Theme: NO JV

Misfit The Conference
May 23-25, 2013
Salvation Army Theater

Catalyst Week continues...

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Why did you (@bradlomenick) write The Catalyst Leader?”

I wrote this book primarily for 3 reasons. First, while leading the largest leadership movement that gathers young career aged Christian leaders in America, I noticed that many of these young leaders desired to lead right now, but they didn’t know how to ultimately lead well. We have a generation of “called but not yet equipped leaders.” Leaders who are passionate about making a difference and having influence now. Called leaders who want to change the world, a generation ready to action, ready to influence and ready to lead, but not yet equipped for the task. They need the tools, the roadmap, the guide for leading well and getting that done. So many of my peers at 25, 30, 35, 40 years of age are flaming out and need a resource to help them finish well.

Second, I noticed that the leaders who were leading well shared several common traits and characteristics. What I’m calling the eight essentials. The book lays out those 8 essential characteristics for becoming a change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst Leader.

Third, we’ve been handed the reins to lead. I just turned 40, and I believe it’s my generations turn and time to stand up, take the reins, and lead. We are now in the drivers seat, and it’s up to us. The called but not equipped generation. I want to see leaders, my peers, finish well. Too many leaders are crashing early and often right now. Just like me, tons of leaders in their 20’s and 30’s are facing great opportunities that they feel a deep calling and passion for, and willing to take on, but not altogether equipped to handle. These peers of mine need a roadmap, a guide, a handbook for leading well and tools for the journey forward. Our generation needs a roadmap for leading well. Some of my best friends currently sit atop great organizations but are failing to shepherd their teams and lead these entities well. I’ve begun to see a disappointing pattern among young leaders. They achieve lift off with a rocket start but quickly fizzle out. With each instance of short lived success, I grow further convinced that we need to nurture leaders who will not just lead now, but also lead well. Ultimately, I’m writing a book that I wish would have been available to me 20 years ago when I was first starting my career and vocation life.

More from his interview tomorrow...

The Catalyst Leader is available TODAY!

Lead Now. Lead Well.

Ralph

The Catalyst Leader

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:39:00 +0000

It is "Catalyst Leader Week" on my blog because in less than 24 hours, my friend Brad Lomenick's first book drops entitled The Catalyst Leader | 8 Essentials For Becoming A Change Maker. I can't wait for the rest of the world to read it. I've already plowed through my advance readers copy TWICE! My objective this week will be to tastefully and tactfully harass you until you purchase the book for yourself AND your leadership teams.

"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." - Truman

Unlike most books, The Catalyst Leader is an "experience" because,

First, you will be introduced to the 8 essentials qualities of a catalyst leader. The list alone will entice you to pick up the book.

1. Called
2. Authentic
3. Passionate
4. Capable
5. Courageous
6. Principled
7. Hopeful
8. Collaborative

As the President and Key Visionary for Catalyst movement, Brad doesn't "play the wall", but brings himself onto the dance floor as he unpacks each area including the good, bad and sometimes ugly parts of striving to be a catalyst leader in the 21st century.

Secondly, peppered throughout the pages of The Catalyst Leader are introductory "snapshots" to actual catalyst leaders from all over the world, who are "modeling" the eight essential qualities. The book will not leave you hanging on mere theory and principle. Like a great teacher, Brad uses modern day visual illustrations. So, if you don't get it from the principles, you'll definitely get it from the people.

A few leaders I enjoyed meeting along the way were:

1.Bryson and Emily Vogeltanz | Do Something Now
2.Julia Immonen | Row For Freedom
3.Justin Dillon | Slavery Footprint
4.Dave Blanchard and Josh Kwan | Praxis
5.Bethany Hoang | International Justice Mission

Thirdly, as if the principles and people in the book weren't enough, a few presents in the form of QR codes are scattered throughout the book. Christmas in April, additional resources are just a "scan" away. A few examples,

1. QR Code on page 12 will take you to "Watch Mark Burnett talk about The Bible Project"
2. QR Code on page 39 will take you to "Why Leaders Need A Confidant"
3. QR Code on page 179 will take you to "Twelve Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone"
4. QR Code on page 192 will take you to "What Poisons A Team Quickly"
5. QR Code on page 200 will take you to "How to Celebrate Your Rivals"

Principles. People. Presents.

The Catalyst Leader is more than a book, it is
an "experience" - well worth the admission price!

Life On Purpose,

Ralph Castillo

LeaderDip

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:15:00 +0000

Can "dipping" save your leadership?

Last summer, you may recall an incident reported about a U.S. senator from Kansas, Kevin Yoder, who "skinny dipped" in the Sea of Galilee during a business trip to the Holy Land. Kevin later admitted his actions were inappropriate for a leader of his stature and he apologized for the infraction.

One might be surprised to know tucked away and buried in the pages of Old Testament scripture is a story about another famous leader who skinny dipped...

Well, sort of!

When we pick up the story in 2 Kings 5, we are introduced to a leader named Naaman.

"Now Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him The Lord had given victory to Aram. He was valiant soldier, but he had leprosy."

His Twitter Bio would have read as follows:
Army Commander. Great Man. Highly Regarded. Valiant Soldier. Leper.

Huh? What? Circle the item from the list that DOESN'T belong.
If you circled LEPER, you are right!

As the story unfolds, Namaan received inside information from a young nameless servant girl who told him about a prophet who could cure his leprosy. I imagine that Namaan wasn't happy about his condition. I'm sure his leprosy greatly inhibited his ability to lead. Thus, when he got wind of a potential cure, he responded immediately. The text tells us that Namaan loaded up resources, a letter of recommendation from the king and with horses and chariots left to find the prophet. Upon his arrival to the prophets house, he appears confident that his name, stature, position, presence, endorsement and generosity were going to be the keys that would save the day - again! He was going to lead his way out of this problem using everything at his disposal to make it happen. What he didn't realize was that his healing was going to cost him the one thing he did not yet possess, but so desperately needed.

The text says,
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage."

Namaan's response revealed the underpinnings of his heart and a challenge every leader faces in his or her leadership. Namely, when our leadership gets in the way of God's Leadership. This visionary commander was so thorough that he left no stone unturned in his mind. He already envisioned and premeditated how his entire healing experience would occur. He saw the prophet call on the name of Lord, wave his hand in cirque de soleil like fashion and voila, he would be miraculously cured. If I'm honest, I'm guilty of secretly imagineering similar scenarios in my own mind. I can't even knock his hustle right now!

Well, don't you know, the prophet Elisha doesn't even show up to the meeting. He sends the third assistant pencil sharpener to relay the message on his behalf. Namaan was furious! This was not the way he envisioned his healing. The Big Kahuna prophet didn't even show up to the gig. It becomes evidently clear, leprosy wasn't Namaan's only problem. It was as if the doctor prescribed just the right dose of humility needed for his arrogant soul. The physical leprosy on the outside of his body pales in comparison to the spiritual disease of pride found on the inside.

Namaan quickly took a deep breathe and concluded that even if he could bring himself to follow the orders of the messenger to dip in the Jordan, he'd prefer the higher end and classier bodies of water to dip in. If he was going to dip, it had to be FIGI water because he didn't do POLAND SPRING. Humility, on our terms is an oxymoron.

But a shout out to the nameless servants in the text. First, the young servant girl notified Namaan about the prophet and now the traveling armor bearers tastefully and tactfully reason with their fearless leader. In short, they exhort him to listen to the prophet and dip. So Namaan made his way to the Jordan, possibly still arguing under his breathe, nevertheless moving in the right direction. The stillness of the waters were interrupted by his humble entrance and as he dipped, the ripple effects of his actions are still being felt today.

Dip...One
Dip...Two
Dip...Three
Dip...Four
Dip...Five
Dip...Six
Dip...Seven

"So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy."

The prophet said, Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan. The number seven represents completion. He dipped until his healing was done.

While not always pleasant, I think we can all attest to the countless opportunities the Lord affords us to dip (get low) in humility. While never easy to swallow, it is always the perfect dose. When it comes to the work of humility, we dip until we're done.

Are there areas in your life and leadership, where the Lord has instructed you to do something that will be outwardly humiliating. It might be what you need. Grace awaits those who are willing to humble themselves. Namaan was a fantastic and decorated leader who could have led the rest of his life with a "but he was a leper" as part of his bio. Our strengths, gifts and calling do not nullify or excuse the areas in our lives where we might be sick.

Peter's definition of LeaderDip...

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6

Life On Purpose,

Ralph

Abundance Mentality > Scarcity Mentality

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:10:00 +0000

The ghost of the late Stephen Covey continues to haunt another generation. Consider the following:

An Abundance Mentality maintains that there is "more than enough", and adopts the Win-Win mindset where "we can all achieve more together", and "there's plenty to go around and everyone can enjoy the plenty that we've been given."

People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit - even with those who help in the production. They also have a very hard time being genuinely happy for the successes of other people - even, and sometimes especially, members of their own family or close friends and associates. It's almost as if something is being taken from them when someone else receives special recognition or windfall gain or has remarkable success or achievement.

Now, tell me that ain't insecurrrr - Kanye

Although they may verbally express happiness for others' success, inwardly they are eating their hearts out. Their sense of worth comes from being compared, and someone else's success, to some degree, means their failure. Only so many people can be "A" students; only one person can be "number one". To "win" simply means to "beat."

It's difficult for people with a scarcity mentality to be members of a complimentary team. They look on differences as signs of insubordination and disloyalty.

The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth and security. It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in sharing of prestige, of recognition, of profits, of decision making. It opens possibilities, options, alternatives and creativity.

Reference: Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, pp. 219-230.

As my friend would say, I call to the witness stand: Jesus

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:3-5

Jesus was so SECURE. He knew everything he had was given to him by his Father. He knew where he came from. He knew where he was going. John gives us this additional commentary as a backdrop to the foot washing episode. When we are secure in our identity, position, calling, mantle - whatever, it's the secret sauce that enables us to live with an abundance mentality.

As the old adage goes, "a candle never loses light by lighting another candle."

- Ralph

Keep Little

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:59:00 +0000

"If I appear great in their eyes, the Lord is most graciously helping me to see how absolutely nothing I am without Him, and helping me to keep little in my own eyes. He does use me. But I am so concerned that He uses me and that it is not of me the work is done. The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. It could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it and he used it. The moment he throws it aside; it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."

- Samuel Brengle (diary entry)

Evolution of Assignment

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:59:00 +0000

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Let's trace the evolution of Peter's assignment together.

1. Peter’s revelation comes from God. When we “get it” – it’s because the Holy Spirit turns on the light bulb, figuratively speaking. I’m all for reading, learning and studying but knowledge by itself is only half the battle. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the right way – and that takes revelation from the Holy Spirit! According to Jesus, Peter answered correctly ONLY because his Father in heaven revealed it to him!

2. Peter’s revelation led to an assignment. To whom much is given much is required. I’ve discovered that God doesn’t allow us to see things, learn things or know things without a responsibility and purpose. Peter goes from revelation to assignment: on this rock (Peter), I’m going to build my church. What an honor it is when God gives us an assignment in his kingdom work.

3. Peter’s assignment comes with authority. God is not going to reveal Himself, His purpose without giving us the keys - which denotes authority to fulfill our assignments. If I say you can borrow my car, I must leave you the keys – giving you the access and authority to drive the vehicle. Jesus was giving Peter the keys, empowering him (and us) to build His church. Jesus will give us what we need to get the job done. Be encouraged!

4. Peter’s God given authority resulted in spirit empowered deliverables. When God reveals Himself, His purpose and grants us the keys – something on earth should look different. Peter's post pentecost sermon, Cornelius house visit, church letters and the like influenced his known world. Earth was impacted by his efforts to build the church and expand the kingdom. We can all ask ourselves, what on earth looks different because of our influence and leadership?

Prayer Points:

+ God, reveal yourself to us in a greater way so that everything we say and do will flow from a revelation of who you are.

+ God, reveal your specific assignment to us like you did for Peter. Lord, make it clear!

+ God, since much will be required of us, give us the courage and faith to steward both assignment and authority, properly.

+ God, help us to produce Spirit empowered deliverables, on earth as it is in heaven.

Life On Purpose,

Ralph

Rules of Engagement

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:05:00 +0000

As part of my summer reading, I picked up Colin Powell's memoir entitled: It Worked For Me | In Life and Leadership

The opening chapter begins with his "13 Rules" for Life and Leadership.

The "Powell Principles" actually inspired Willow Creek's, Bill Hybels to pen his own book of leadership proverbs called: Ax-i-om - another great read for anyone serving in a leadership capacity.

Leaders identify, articulate and frequently share phrases, sayings, quotes, proverbs which help them to communicate their leadership philosophy and to guide them through various decision making processes.

I found Powell's "13 Rules" to be both encouraging and challenging reminders on my own leadership journey...

I hope you find them to be equally helpful to you.

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

"This rules reflects an attitude and not a prediction. A good night's rest and the passage of 8 hours will usually reduce the infection." Give it a little time.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

Get mad...then get over it! =)

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

"Loyalty is disagreeing strongly, and loyalty is executing faithfully."

4. It can be done!

"Don't surround yourself with instant skeptics. At the same time, don't shut out skeptics and colleagues who give you solid counter views."

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

"Don't rush into things...you will have to live with your choices"

6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

"Superior leadership is often a matter of superb instinct. When faced with a tough decision, use the time available to gather information that will inform your instinct"

7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

"We are taught in the military to take full responsibility for everything your unit does or fails to do, and what you do or fail to do. Since ultimate responsibility is yours, make sure the choice is yours and you are not responding to the pressure and desire of others."

8. Check small things.

Check small thinks a.k.a Sweat the small stuff a.k.a the devil is in the details a.k.a the little foxes spoil the vines.

9. Share credit.

"Share the credit and take the blame. Whenever you place the cause of one of your actions outside yourself, it's an excuse and not a reason."

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

Be angry - sin not!

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

Set vision and set up to fulfill vision.

12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

"How many cynics built empires, great cities, or powerful corporations?"

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

"Perpetual optimism, believing in yourself, believing in your purpose, believing you will prevail, and demonstrating passion and confidence is a force multiplier. If you believe and have prepared your followers, the followers will be believe."

Consider adding this book to your summer reading and consider coming up with your own lists to share with others.

I still have stripes to earn and dues to pay so my advice is borrowed, stolen and plagiarized. Here are a few of "my" leadership axioms...

+ character is king

+ measure twice, cut once

+ real recognize real

+ are you smoking what you selling?

+ people buy YOU before they buy WHAT you're selling

+ facts are your friends

+ sometimes a teacher, always a student

+ what you 'do' is not who you 'be'

+ life...on purpose!

I'll keep working my list...what is your list look like.

Ralph

Healthy Leader Begets Healthy Teams

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:20:00 +0000

Ultimately, a leader who cannot relish strong and differentiated team members loses the benefit of having them around in the first place, and instead develops a team that is merely an extension of himself and subject to all the diseases and foibles that exist in his own head. - Dr. Henry Cloud | One Life Solution

Misfit The Conference

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:16:00 +0000

Dates:
May 24-26, 2012

Location:
Salvation Army Centennial Theater

Website:
www.misfittheconference.com

Speakers:
@ChrisDurso
@CarlLentzNYC
@JudahSmith
@AdamDurso
@RealJohnGray
@Chad_Veach
@RafaelCastillo

Voices:
@AaronRGillespie
@B_Reith
@Lecrae

Conference Promotional Videos:
Misfit The Conference Promo #1
Misfit The Conference Promo #2

Conference Hosts:
Christ Tabernacle
Youth Explosion

“While women weep as they do now, I'LL FIGHT; while little children go hungry as they do now, I'LL FIGHT; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'LL FIGHT; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl on the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'LL FIGHT — I'LL FIGHT to the very end.” - William Booth

On Your Mark, Get Set - STOP!

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:15:00 +0000

I have a ton of 'to do' lists...

I never had a 'stop doing' list until I read, What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

The basic thesis of the book is simple: the things we do to succeed on one level can end up becoming a detriment to future success on another level if left unchecked.

After reading this book AGAIN and realizing how much I stink on so many levels, I thought I'd share the list with everyone since misery loves company.

I won't ask you to consider which ones personally apply because as soon as you read each one, you'll feel a dagger in your gut!

21 things to STOP doing...

1. Winning too much - The need to win at all costs and in all situations - when it matters, when it doesn't and when it's totally beside the point.

2. Adding too much value - the overwhelming desire to add our two cents to every discussion.

3. Passing Judgement - the need to rate others and impose our standards on them.

4. Making destructive comments - the needless sarcasms and cutting remarks that we think make us sound sharp and witty.

5. Starting with "no," "but," or "however" - the overuse of these negative qualifiers which secretly say to everyone "I'm right. You're wrong."

6. Telling the world how smart we are - the need to show people we're smarter than they think we are.

7. Speaking when angry - using emotional volatility as a management tool.

8. Negativity, or "let me explain why that won't work" - the need to share our negative thoughts even when we weren't asked.

9. Withholding information - the refusal to share information in order to maintain an advantage over others.

10. Failing to give proper recognition - The inability to praise and reward.

11. Claiming credit that we don't deserve - the most annoying way to overestimate our contribution to any success.

12. Making excuses - The need to reposition our annoying behavior as a permanent fixture so people excuse us for it.

13. Clinging to the past - the need to deflect blame away from ourselves and unto events and people from our past; a subset of blaming everyone else.

14. Playing favorites - failing to see that we are treating someone fairly.

15. Refusing to express regret - the inability to take responsibility for our actions, admit we're wrong, or recognize our actions affect others.

16. Not listening - The most passive-aggressive form of disrespect for colleagues.

17. Failing to express gratitude - the most basic form of bad manners.

18. Punishing the messenger - the misguided need to attach the innocent who are usually only trying to help us.

19. Passing the buck - the need to blame everyone but ourselves.

20. An excessive need to be "me" - exalting our faults as virtues simply because they're who we are.

21. Goal Obsession - this one has a whole chapter.

How did you do? I don't fare very well when I lay this list over my leadership grid. I know, retirement is looking real good for you too!

The second half of the book lays out very practical and helpful suggestions on how to make the necessary adjustments.

All jokes aside, the knowing is half the battle (the list is helpful), but the other half is believing God's call also comes with HIS divine equipping. There is power to start and STOP!

Life On Purpose,

Ralph

Life On Purpose

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Life On Purpose aired on September 27, 2011 during THE NINES online conference hosted by The Leadership Network

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:21:00 +0000

We're Back! The third annual NINES conference happens next Tuesday, September 27. The NINES is a way for pastors and church leaders from across the world to meet together and learn from each other. The conference is totally online (no need for travel!) and will feature 99 church leaders from all over the country.

Actually... the list of speaker is pretty impressive... people like Craig Groeschel, Mark Driscoll, Rick Warren, Jon Acuff, Dino Rizzo, Ed Stetzer, Scott Williams, Dave Gibbons, Greg Surratt, Rick McKinley, Jud Wilhite, Sam Chand, Perry Noble...and ME! =)

I'll be unpacking some thoughts in a video piece appropriately entitled: Life On Purpose!

Trust me, you'll want all 99 leaders on a steady IV drip. Tuesday, September 27th

I hope you’ll join me and the rest of the team at The NINES. Registration is free... but you have to let them know you’re coming! http://thenines.cc/register-now/

I hope to see YOU at the NINES!

Ralph

Favor IS Fair!

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:36:00 +0000

If you've spent any length of time in ministry circles, I'm sure you've said and/or heard the following statements:

Favor ain’t fair!

Favor ain’t fair, but it looks good on you!

fa·vor/ˈfāvər/ - Noun: An attitude of approval or liking

It is powerful when God shows up in a very particular way for a person, at a place or for some thing one might be doing on God’s behalf. In my circles, we refer to this as ‘the favor of God.’

As I watch the ‘favor game’ play out, I’ve wondered, who would NOT want a sign or indication that their life has God’s approval or liking? Can favor be measured, quantified and proven? Who determines the benchmarks? Are we guilty of judging things prematurely before the appointed time? Wouldn’t the mere facts regarding election, salvation and redemption sufficiently demonstrate the favor of God in our lives? I recall the disciples rejoicing over their apparent success on the road and Jesus having to redirect their rejoicing - your names are in heaven! Luke 10:20

I know some of this favor stuff is right up our meritocratic alley. We love the idea of earning stuff based on a system of merit and reward.

I read Proverbs 28:23 this morning…

“He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.”

This is how the verse actually unpacked in my mind as I read it this morning…

He who rebukes (honestly confronts) a man will in the end (long term benefit) GAIN MORE FAVOR (I want more favor) than (a comparison is coming) he who has a flattering (lavish insincere praise and compliments upon, especially to further one's own interests) tongue.

So the proverb pitches a culture of honesty versus a lifestyle of flattery. DING! DING! DING!

Here’s are some of my ever evolving, wet cement musings on the issue...

I’ve gained more favor (not always at the moment) by being genuine and authentic with people – even saying the hard things at times.

The people in my life that have earned my respect are those who have been brutally honest with me about stuff. i.e. character flaws, weaknesses and the like. The honesty has been the ‘gifts’ money can’t buy! While I’ve not always loved correction in the moment, a wise man heeds correction and adds to his learning. Proverbs 1:5 & Hebrews 12:11

People in the long run will appreciate you for being a person who says what they mean and means what they say. For example, it might be better to say to someone, ‘hey man, preaching might not be your deal instead of ‘Yo, you killed it son’! I don’t want anyone to be the Bishop, Founder and CEO of the Handkerchief Ministry – you know, for the stuff that accumulates on the nose!

I recently heard someone publicly honor his pastor at a conference and than privately make fun of him in the green room. It made me sick to stomach! I prayed for him to have a 2 Kings 2:23-24 encounter!

How is it possible? I think we’ve created a culture that fosters and celebrates ‘public displays’ of honoring (GOOD) without actually taking an equal amount of time to ensure our words and hearts are in actual alignment (NOT GOOD). Jesus once said, the people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. Matthew 15:8

I’ve thrown my hat in the ‘honor ring’ and have made a more concerted effort these days to be about the business of giving honor where it’s due. If you honor the prophet, you get the prophets reward! Matthew 10:41 Com’ On Somebody! Hello! That’ll Preach! As my friend, Adam would say, you can't honor God without honoring the stuff he honors!

BUT I also dread the black hole of honoring for the wrong reasons - I've seen this more than I really care to admit! What is the use of public honor and private dishonor? I’d rather honor more in my heart and say it less than honor more with my mouth and my heart be honorless. (new word)

So, do you want more FAVOR? Consider using the powerful tools of tongue and words to engage in honest dialogue with those around you. If you prefer to use flattery as way of garnering “fake favor”, beware the trap you’re setting for yourself!

A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his steps. Proverbs 29:5

Anyone can GAIN MORE FAVOR (Proverbs 28:23) - and that’s what makes it fair…

Favor IS Fair and it would look so good on YOU!

Rafael ‘Ralph’ Castillo

HE not me...

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:31:00 +0000

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, THEN your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. HE led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. HE brought you water out of hard rock. HE gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today." Deuteronomy 8:10-17

Where would I be, you only know
I'm glad to you see through eyes of love
A hopeless case, an empty place
If not for grace...

- Clint Brown

A Happy Birthday Indeed

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:03:00 +0000

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present...

Today, I'm celebrating 35 years of precious life, but now 35 rounds off to 40! Premature midlife crisis?

So imagine my joy when I saw my name listed among 30 YOUNG influencers in this months issue of Outreach Magazine! While most will take pride in being listed among other "influencers" - not me, I'm still YOUNG baby! LOL

A Happy Birthday Indeed!

My gratitude to Tim Willard and Linda Lowry for introducing me and the rest of the world to 29 other fantastic leaders.

Tim Willard just authored a book with Jason Locy called Veneer! A must read! Twitter: @EndVeener

Linda Lowry is an Outreach Magazine editor! Twitter: @LindaLowry

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and kind words!

Ralph

No Place Like Home

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:50:00 +0000

back to the scene of the crime...

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:52:00 +0000

First THIS

Then THIS

So on July, 25th 2011 on the one year anniversary of my infamous accident, I went back to the scene of the crime to face my fears and this time, I wasn't going alone...

I'm flanked by two LEGENDS: Brad Lomenick a.k.a @TheCatalystLeader & New York Yankees Chaplain Willie Alfonso - and yes, I'm wearing Ralph Lauren seek sucker pants! Can you say SWAG-A-LICIOUS?

You can't roll in NYC without yo "game face" on!

And what's a Yankee game without these STUDS!

I'm glad to report that no injuries occurred, accept for the increase in the size of my love handles from the hot dogs, peanuts and cracker jacks.

Ralph

Open Letter to Mayor Cory Booker

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:06:00 +0000

Dear Mayor Cory Booker,

Before I get cold feet and reason this action away...

I want to thank you for your talk at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit! I'll spare you the details until we get the chance to meet in person!

On the heels of my 35th birthday, I've been asking God for clues as to what the next leg of my journey might look like!

I'm also writing (in my dreams) a book entitled STAND UP! It's based partly on my journey and a not so famous passage in the bible. I preach this one message everywhere I travel! I strive to live it! If I had one message to preach and then die - it would be this one! So, imagine my astonishment when you introduced your title talk and began to unpack your story!

Today, YOU were a bonafide clue sent courtesy of The Willow Creek Leadership Summit - and GOD!

Allow for "little me" bragadocius

Here's me with Mayor Guiliani

Here's me (and my Senior Pastor) with Mayor Bloomberg

Here's me with Corey Booker

Back to the "big me", I'd love some face time and the opportunity to meet you!

In closing, If I'm speaking at The Leadership Summit in 15 years, I can tell this sexy story about how Mayor Corey Booker took some time to meet with a future....

$5.00 for the Mayor who accepts

From the top of the roof,

Ralph

Happy New Year

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:34:00 +0000

Today's the 1st of August - the start of a brand new month!

I use the 1st of every month as an excuse to press the reset button...clear the cache...

It sort of feels like a "monthly" New Year's Day!

This 'Jedi mind trick' gives me the chance to set attainable resolutions and goals more frequently!

Don't wait until January 1, 2012 to be intentional about your living, leading, loving, serving...

Life on Purpose

Ralph

Storyteller...

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:49:00 +0000

Ralph Castillo and Operation Backpack from 20/20 Vision For Schools on Vimeo.

Monkey See. Monkey Do.

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:53:00 +0000

My colleague Ariel referenced this experiment in a talk he gave yesterday morning...worth sharing!

The experiment involved 5 monkeys, a cage, a banana, a ladder and, crucially, a water hose.

The 5 monkeys would be locked in a cage, after which a banana was hung from the ceiling with, fortunately for the monkeys (or so it seemed…), a ladder placed right underneath it.

Of course, immediately, one of the monkeys would race towards the ladder, intending to climb it and grab the banana. However, as soon as he would start to climb, the sadist (euphemistically called “scientist”) would spray the monkey with ice-cold water. In addition, however, he would also spray the other four monkeys…

When a second monkey was about to climb the ladder, the sadist would, again, spray the monkey with ice-cold water, and apply the same treatment to its four fellow inmates; likewise for the third climber and, if they were particularly persistent (or dumb), the fourth one. Then they would have learned their lesson: they were not going to climb the ladder again – banana or no banana.

In order to gain further pleasure or, I guess, prolong the experiment, the sadist outside the cage would then replace one of the monkeys with a new one. As can be expected, the new guy would spot the banana, think “why don’t these idiots go get it?!” and start climbing the ladder. Then, however, it got interesting: the other four monkeys, familiar with the cold-water treatment, would run towards the new guy – and beat him up. The new guy, blissfully unaware of the cold-water history, would get the message: no climbing up the ladder in this cage – banana or no banana.

When the beast outside the cage would replace a second monkey with a new one, the events would repeat themselves – monkey runs towards the ladder; other monkeys beat him up; new monkey does not attempt to climb again – with one notable detail: the first new monkey, who had never received the cold-water treatment himself (and didn’t even know anything about it), would, with equal vigour and enthusiasm, join in the beating of the new guy on the block.

When the researcher replaced a third monkey, the same thing happened; likewise for the fourth until, eventually, all the monkeys had been replaced and none of the ones in the cage had any experience or knowledge of the cold-water treatment.

Then, a new monkey was introduced into the cage. It ran toward the ladder only to get beaten up by the others. Yet, this monkey turned around and asked “why do you beat me up when I try to get the banana?” The other four monkeys stopped, looked at each other slightly puzzled and, finally, shrugged their shoulders: “Don’t know. But that’s the way we do things around here”

The philosopher in me revels in any question beginning with WHY? Why do I/WE (fill in the blank)? Often times the answer is: I don't know, that's just what I/WE do - like the monkeys in the experiment!

It's been said, 'the unexamined life in not worth living'! Take a moment and consider a brief life audit. Are you aimlessly grinding through life without rhyme or reason? Is their method to your madness? Can you answer the WHY's for your life? It might be worth the exercise!

While monkey see/monkey do made for a great game as a child, it makes for a terrible strategy for living, leading and loving! Do Life Today...On Purpose!

- Pastor Ralph

Orange Conference 2011 Day #2

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Andy Stanley did a FANTASTIC job last night launching us off last night...

Thesis:
We are the stewards of the message of eternal AND of a better life. Can you imagine a world or life without Christianity and the church? What we take for granted as 'normal' is actually the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The alternative leads to sin and chaos. Text: Galatians 5:16-24

Main Session #2
Jeff Manion
The Land In Between

+ jr higher trying on different identities - welcome to the land in between
+ after years of fertility followed by a miscarriage - welcome to the land in between
+ bad week marriage turns into a bad years marriage - welcome to the land in between

What is God doing? What is God trying to produce?

+ Between Egypt & The Land Of Promise...Sinai Desert
+ Exodus 3:7 - you're seen, heard, I'm concerned! - God
+ Exodus 3:8 - out of...into! No mention of the "land in between".
+ God has deep affection for you and will not keep you from the desert.

Crisis:

1. Water (Exodus 15)
+ 15:24 - bitter water. desert.
+ God makes the bitter sweet.

2. Food
+ They complain. Prefer Egypt. God provide Manna

3. Water Part II

+ We're sick of tired of the land in between. I'm sick of...I'm sick of...
+ fertile soil for transformation growth OR faith goes to die. It's your move!
+ Will you trust ME? -God
+ How can you represent God in Canaan the God you don't know or trust? THe land in between is faith school.
+ I wrote checks at baby dedication and God cashed them at 18 years old!
+ We are not raising children...we are raising adults...child raisers...
+ Will you honor & respect when you receive no honor or respect
+ Time heals all wounds - it doesn't.
+ choices of the heart are made in the land in between! grace or bitterness?
+ Invite trust when complaints tries to move in. They are incompatible roommates. One will push the other out. Good movement pushes out bad movement.
+ the soil we detest produces the fruit we so desperately want.
+ Identify your land in between!
+ Emerge as a person of grace.

Prayer for You/Us:

Lord, thank you for all the 'land in between' moments, which created opportunities for the transformational growth we've experienced. Thank you for the wisdom, revelation and faith to see beyond the temporal. You are the potter and we are the clay. Please continue to form and shape us into the vessels of honor - instruments fit for the Master's use. We are your people made for your glory! Be glorified in and through us - and all that is connected and entrusted to us...

May the land in between make us better and not bitter...all things work together for the good of them who are called according to your purpose. Romans 8:28

In Jesus Name...

Ralph

Orange Conference 2011

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Meet The Bloggers...

Enjoy!

MISFIT THE CONFERENCE

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Misfit the conference from Red Army Press on Vimeo.