Life On Purpose

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.

Ego Leak

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:07:00 +0000

In the past few months, I've had a few cherished encounters (an hour long phone conversation and an airport rendezvous meeting) with a new friend (at least that's what I tell myself) Brad Lomenick.

His latest blog entry was a great follow up piece to my last post!

Do You Have Ego Leak?

As leaders, one of our biggest struggles many times is our Ego. Those of us who are Type A Leaders really struggle with Ego. Being boastful about our own accomplishments. Arrogant. Untouchable. Always talking about ourselves and making sure everything revolves around us.

No one sets out to be arrogant or to have a larger than life ego, but it just usually happens slowly over time, without us being aware.

And once everyone notices, many times its too late because we have so many things in place allowing our ego to flourish uncontrollably. The more influence you have, the more you are pulled away from reality and having those around you who will keep you humble.

Here is a simple solution: LET YOUR EGO LEAK.

EGO LEAK is a GOOD THING, when it’s focused in the right direction.

Squelch your own ego by focusing ALL of your bragging, arrogance, pride and boasting on and around OTHERS. Talk constantly about your team, about your children, about your spouse, about your family, about your friends, and about your staff.
Brag on God, on Jesus, on the Church. On His goodness and grace.

Let your Ego leak freely on behalf of building others up.

If you are like most of us who consider ourselves to be leaders, your ego will leak out regardless, so you might as well put it to good use, bragging on those around you.

I encourage you to follow Brad on twitter at twitter.com/bradlomenick and twitter.com/catalystleader

Save Me From Myself

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:22:00 +0000

I wish I stumbled on it sooner...

It magically and eloquently captures my prayer closet rants before the Lord (over the years) in my ongoing struggle to remain humble, faithful and authentic as God continues to use me...

What's "It"?

I forget at times that His eyes blaze like fire - Who am I kidding? The crowds? In the end, they don't count when the scorecard is being tallied...neither will the amount of friends on facebook, twitter or any other earthly measure- it will all be burned up with the chaff.

I will recite this prayer every day until I die...

What "Prayer"? Keep reading

I also hope and pray that all my now/next generation leader friends will join with me in praying this for themselves and those they serve along side with...

What other weapon do we have to fight against entitlement and the other challenges plaguing now/next generation leadership in the 21st century.

This prayer should be the opening prayer at every conference, hung in every green room, attached to every contract/rider - and tattooed (if your theology is ok with tats) - as a healthy and necessary reminder!

I'll speak for my self...I'm honestly disgusted with how far off course, I've allowed the ever rapidly changing ministry landscape to distract me from what really matters (when the music fades and all is said and done).

I remember the days of ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANYBODY, ANYONE (even for 1) motivated purely out of love for HIM and HIS people. Now it's calendars, dates, engagements, gigs, who else is on the circuit, facebook, twitter, contracts, honorariums, meals, hotel accommodations, ROI...#*(#&(*&#(*#&(#*&#(*&#(*#&(#*&#(*&(#*&#(*&#(*&#(*&#(*#&(#*&#(*&# (I believe in the Spirit, but you don't want this interpretation) =)

I'm not complaining and I know to whom much is given much is required - more begets more! It comes with the territory - right?

Well, I'm sorry for the thing I've made it, while continuing to sing in your presence "I'm sorry Lord, for the thing I've made it - and it's all about YOU!" It is about YOU...but not always...not completely...is it ever really possible? I'm tempted to throw in the towel and just call it quits. I don't want it or need it IF the game ends up turning me into Frankenstein. There are already enough self created monsters in the game, enough to flood the annual Halloween parade in NYC - without the other wackos!
(forgive the broad stroke)

God if you never answer another prayer for me, I beg you - PLEASE answer this one. If I'm too far gone - don't do it for me, do it for your name sake (lead me in the path of righteousness FOR YOUR NAME'S SAKE)

(excerpt from A Preachers Prayer by A.W. Tozer)

Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should become a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the face of the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet; not a promoter, not a religious manager—but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from the bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place. I shall try to be blind to the little ways that I could make my life easier. If others seek the smoother path I shall try to take the hard way without judging them too harshly. I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes. Or if, as sometimes it falleth out to Thy servants, I shall have grateful gifts pressed upon me by Thy kindly people, stand by me then and save me from the blight that often follows. Teach me to use whatever I receive in such manner that it will not injure my soul nor diminish my spiritual power. And if in Thy permissive providence honor should come to me from Thy church, let me not forget in that hour that I am unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, and that if men knew me as intimately as I know myself they would withhold their honors or bestow them upon others more worthy to receive them.

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven. Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.

In Jesus Name

P.S. Thanks A.W. for your honest candor...it inspired mine...maybe someone else's...

Ralph

The Cloud is Moving...

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 07:05:00 +0000

A 'reluctant evolution' and 41 weeks later...our gathering for 20/30 somethings begins a new chapter THIS SATURDAY as we venture to a NEW DAY and NEW TIME!

In conjunction with our move...keep reading...

The old African Proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child!”

I was 14 years old when I encountered the “village” known as Christ Tabernacle – at a critical juncture of my life. I'm thankful to the countless men and women who took a genuine interest in my welfare and made a considerable investment in “raising” me.

For 20 years, Christ Tabernacle has been my home church and extended family.

For 10 years, it’s been my life’s work and place of employment.

I am pleased to announce on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 7:00PM, I will be installed as the Teaching Pastor of Christ Tabernacle. My family and I are both honored and thrilled to serve our church family in this new capacity.

The honor of your presence is requested.

Christ Tabernacle
64-34 Myrtle Avenue
Glendale, New York 11385

For reserved seating as our special guest, please RSVP at 718-386-8882 ext 224 or email Maxsy Alvarez at maxsy@christtabernacle.org

Special Note: I am also celebrating this historical and momentous occasion with other ministry colleagues: Christopher Durso, David Cales and Ariel Nieves who are being installed into their offices respectively. Also, note the ceremonial portion of the ordination will be duplicated in all of the Sunday services at 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM.

Merry Christmas from The Castillos

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 04:14:00 +0000

Upcoming Fall/Winter 2010 Schedule

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Upcoming Fall/Winter Speaking Schedule. Stay tuned for more updates.

Friday, October 1, 2010 - Homecoming Weekend at Rutgers University/Scarlet Knights Chapel
New Brunswick, New Jersey

Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Chicago Bears Chapel
New Meadowlands Arena, New Jersey

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - Grover Cleveland High School/Life on Purpose Lecture Series Launch
Queens, NY
8:20AM & 9:30AM

Friday, October 8, 2010 EnRoute/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY
9:30PM

Friday, October 15, 2010 EnRoute/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY
9:30PM

Tuesday, October 19 - 21, 2010 Healing Place Church
Baton Rouge, LA

Sunday, October 24, 2010 Bethany Baptist Church
Jamaica, Queens
3:00PM

Friday-Sunday, November 5-7, 2010 Belmont Assembly
Chicago, IL
7:00PM

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New York University
La Herencia Latina/Intervarsity
New York, NY

Friday, November 12, 2010 EnRoute/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Prayer Meeting/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY
7:00PM

Friday, November 19, 2010 United Revival Mennonite Church
Bushwick, Brooklyn
7:00PM

Friday, November 19, 2010 EnRoute/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY
9:30PM

Friday, December 3, 2010 EnRoute/Christ Tabernacle
Queens, NY

Friday, December 10, 2010 EnRoute Christmas Party
Queens, NY

Ralph

My Humble Podcast!

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Thank you for visiting Life on Purpose. In response to recent inquiries and requests for sermons/podcast, I've identified a handful of talks posted online:

Click on the link(s) and enjoy!

One Night...STAND!

No Place Like Home

The 252 Way

Walk The Talk

Four Letter Words

When Religion and Religion Collide

A Cry for A Cry

The Big Little Church

Rafael Castillo You Tube Channel

Catalyst Young Influencers List - September

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:41:00 +0000

YOUNG INFLUENCERS LIST - SEPTEMBER
Catalyst

Here you go, the September Edition of the Young Influencers List.

1. Jack Dorsey- Creator and co-founder of Twitter, and CEO of Square.

2. Luma Mufleh- founder and director of The Fugees and Fugees Family, an organization devoted to working with child survivors of war, primarily through soccer and other sports.

3. Jaeson Ma- musician, artist, pastor, and connector in the LA area.

4. Jenny White- director of Art House America in Dallas. Worked previously with the WH First Lady advance team in 2007.

5. Kohl Crecelius- CEO and co-founder of Krochet Kids, helping lift Northern Ugandan women out of poverty through crochet products.

6. Rafael Castillo- Director of Next Generation Min, Christ Tabernacle, Queens, NY.

A heart felt thanks to Brad Lomenick and congratulations to the other "influencers".

Ralph

"Game Changers" by Ralph Castillo at The NINES

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

One Night...STAND!

Yankee Stadium - The Do Over!

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:54:00 +0000

When we arrived at Yankee Stadium, Aaron said "Dad, lets try this AGAIN!" In case you missed our first attempt - click here!

Aaron C. Castillo

Aaron watching Yankees Manager #28 Joe Girardi autograph his baseball

#28 Joe Girardi & Aaron

#28 Joe Girardi & Me

#24 Robinson Cano & Aaron - the autograph hand off

#42 Mariano Rivera signing the 'infamous baseball' he tossed to me on July 25th - the smile says it all!

more laughing at my expense!

#30 David Robertson & Aaron

#29 Francisco Cervelli & Aaron

what's a ball game without food?

The Great Hall with banners of Yankee greats - past. present. and future?

Message: No Place Like Home!

lifeonpurposerc@gmail.com (Rafael "Ralph" Castillo) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:41:00 +0000