The Batterson Blog - Thoughts on Life and Leadership

5th Printing

2009-11-04T07:46:00.003-05:00

The fifth printing of Wild Goose Chase just came off the press. We're doing a special "fifth printing" discount. If you want a case (24 books) for Christmas gifts, small groups or a church-wide campaign we'll hook you up.

Email resources@theaterchurch.com.

Standing on the Word

2009-11-03T16:24:00.001-05:00

There is a vast difference between a casual reading of the Word and standing on the Word. Honestly, there are some verses we read in comfortable circumstances that can't come to life until we're in a situation where we have no where to turn but to a biblical promise. You can't just read it. You need to stand on it.

For eight years we prayed that God would give us a piece of property at 201 F Street, NE. And we stood on this promise: Matthew 18:18. We didn't just read it. We stood on it. "What you bind on earth will be bound in heaven."

We believed that God wanted to give us that piece of property to build a coffeehouse so we stood on Matthew 18:18. The word "bind" means "to place a contract" on something. How do we do that in the spiritual realm? Prayer. Prayer puts spiritual contracts on things. So we had a spiritual contract on that property long before we had a physical contract. This isn't "name it, claim it." I'm not talking about selfish pursuits. There comes a moment when you simply need to stand on the Word and believe that God is going to deliver on His promise!

Don't just read the Word. Stand on it.

Largest Offering in NCC History

2009-11-03T16:01:00.004-05:00

Two weeks ago I talked about the ancient ritual of tithing. Honestly, I used to hate to talk about anything financial. I was defensive. But the longer I tithe the more I love to talk about it. Why? Because I believe in it. So I threw caution to the wind and preached my heart out.

This past weekend we had the largest offering in NCC history. Honestly, I'm pretty sensitive about attendance and giving numbers. It's not something we talk about very often. But I think it's important to celebrate this. Preachers don't always get to see "tangible evidence" that they are making a difference because the transformation isn't measurable. It's spiritual. It's invisible. But tithing is measurable. What encouraged me the most is how many new givers we had. So proud of the way NCCers responded to that message.

The Stolen Car Saga

2009-11-03T07:20:00.003-05:00

So our stolen car saga continues. We got a letter from Prince George's County police department saying they found our car. So we went to the police station to get a release form to pick up our impounded car. As we went in I said to Lora, "I have a feeling something is going to go wrong." Sure enough. The lady at the window, who likes customers less than criminals, tells us they can't release it because our car has been involved in the commission of a crime. More specifically, someone used our '97 Honda with 225,000 miles as their getaway car in a bank robbery! They are "sweeping" the car for evidence so we can't get it back till they are done.

Seriously? You steal a '97 Honda with 225,000 mile as your getaway car? I promise you this: if there was a chase after that bank robbery, our Honda wouldn't be able to outrun a cop on a segway! Why don't you steal a Ford Explorer with rims or a mini-cooper with stripes? That's the best you can do?

I have no idea when we'll get our car back, but this pastor is going to be driving around a getaway car used in a bank robbery. Taking the junky car club to the next level baby!

Free Book 4 Discipleship Pastors

2009-11-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

It's time for the next Primal giveaway. And the advance copies go to...drum roll...Discipleship Pastors. If you lead the small group or discipleship efforts at your church, I want to get a copy of Primal into your hands.

I honestly believe that our potential as a church is determined by how many small groups we have because God won't bless us beyond our ability to disciple people. And for us, discipleship primarily happens in the small group context. So I half-jokingly tell our discipleship pastor, Heather Zempel, that all the pressure is on her!

If you're a Discipleship Pastor and you'd like a free copy of Primal all you have to do is:

1) email tour@theaterchurch.com.
2) include your name, position, church name & address.

Teaching Team

2009-11-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

Here's the sum total of my reflections on this weekend at NCC: I'm so grateful for our teaching team. I used to preach just about every weekend. And it was hard for me to scale back but I think it's so healthy for me and so healthy for NCC.

I preach about 36 weekends a year. That allows me to recharge my preaching batteries. It also allows our congregation to hear a variety of voices.

So grateful for our team @ NCC.

Overconfidence

2009-11-01T07:58:00.002-05:00

So Josiah and I went hiking in Great Falls, MD yesterday. First time on the billy goat trail. I didn't realize it was 70% rocks and I wore boots with a slippery bottom. Josiah was amazing. His new nickname is the trailblazer. But I kept telling him "don't get overconfident". I must have said it two dozen times because one slip and I knew it could spell a serious injury on the jagged rocks. Want to guess who fell? Yours truly! I barely made it back to our car with a limp. I have the biggest bruise I've had since I went cliff jumping in the Galapagos islands.

Here's the lesson learned. I kept telling Josiah you have to concentrate on every step. When you get overconfident you get careless. And that pride literally leads to a fall. We need holy confidence--confidence in what God can accomplish through us. But overconfidence in our own abilities is dangerous. It usually leads to a fall.

When you get overconfident it goes to your head. When you get holy confident you go to your knees. And that makes all the difference in the world.

5 Creativity Equations

2009-10-30T04:55:00.001-04:00

Headed to Charlotte, NC to speak at the WFX Conference. Fly in and fly out same day. Some of our staff is already present and accounted for. Gonna talk about leading out of right-brain imagination. I'm hoping that a little theology + a little neurology = paradigm shift.

Here are five creativity equations I'll talk about:

1) 1% Change = 99% Difference
2) 1 God Idea > 1000 good ideas
3) Change of pace + change of place = change of perspective
4) More Mistakes = More Innovation
5) 90% of Creativity = AM Hours

Keep on Keeping On

2009-10-29T08:25:00.002-04:00

The king stuck the ground three times and then quit. The Holy Man became angry with him: "Why didn't you hit the ground five or six times?"

II Kings 13

Dare I say it? The primary reason we don't experience a complete breakthrough is because we quit too soon! There is a time to call it quits--if the Lord has released you from the thing he called you too. But you better not quit for any other reason!

When I get discouraged, 9 times out of 10, it's because I'm focused on the short-term. I need to zoom out and see the big picture. Here's some encouragement. In the words of Bill Gates: we tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in 2 years and underestimate what we can accomplish in 10 years. It's true! Don't quit after three attempts. Keep hitting the ground. Literally and figuratively. One way we honor God is simply this: keep on keeping on.

No One Has Thought of Yet

2009-10-29T07:52:00.003-04:00

I have a core conviction that gets me up early and keeps me up late: there are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet.

I issue that challenge and offer that encouragement almost everywhere I go. And I did at Liberty as well. But what made it unique this time around is that Dr. Elmer Towns was on stage. When I was in college I read a book by Dr. Towns, 10 of Today's Most Innovative Churches. I can't even put into words how much that book inspired me. It dared me to be different. Pretty profound moment for me to be speaking with Dr. Towns right behind me listening.

By the way, I was uber-impressed with staff and students @ Liberty! Only wish I'd had a little more time.

Free Book 4 Campus Pastors

2009-10-28T09:00:00.002-04:00

I think campus pastors are unsung heroes. They pastor in academic shadows, but what they do will have more lasting impact than what happens in classrooms or dorm rooms. Did you know that 61% of college students who grew up in church will quit going to church in their twenties? That attrition rate is killing us. And campus pastors stand in the gap.

Long story short, I love college students and I love campus pastors. For that matter, I love campus ministries like Campus Crusade and IV and Chi Alpha. And I know campus pastors don't have a big book budget. So here's the scoop. The first Primal giveaway goes to campus pastors. I'm giving away 100 advance copies. They'll ship in December. Think of it as an early Christmas gift.

Simply email tour@theaterchurch.com.
Include your name, college, campus ministry, and address.

So many revivals have started on college campuses. Hoping Primal starts another one!

Fearlessness

2009-10-28T07:24:00.003-04:00

According to psychologists we're only born with two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. That means that every other fear is learned. Which means that every other fear can be unlearned. Here's a definition of faith: the process of unlearning ungodly fears.

The enemy is a fear monger. He wants to scare the heaven out of you. But I John 4:18 says: "Perfect love casts out all fear." In other words, as we grow in a love relationship with God we unlearn our fears until the only fear we have is the only healthy and holy fear: the fear of God. And when you fear God you don't have to fear anything else! Perfect love results in fearlessness.

I think there are moments in life when we have to make major decisions that will determine our destiny. And we will spend the rest of our lives managing those major decisions. And if you let fear dictate your decision you'll end up with a ton of inaction regrets at the end of your life. Fear is a great friend, but it makes a terrible master! Don't let fear dictate your decisions. You have to face your fears. And what you'll find is this: the thing that scares you to death is very often the thing that brings you to life.

Here's another lesson learned: few things are as liberating as what you fear actually happening. You realize that God is still there and life goes on.

Liberty University

2009-10-27T19:55:00.003-04:00

Just made the four hour drive from DC to Lynchburg, VA. Speaking at Liberty University convocation in the AM. Staying at the Carter Glass Mansion on campus tonight. Nice digs. You can feel the history when you walk into the mansion.

Honestly, a four hour drive was just what the Doctor ordered. Great time of prayer and processing. I feel like my spirit was a little cluttered after a crazy couple of weeks. Nothing like a long drive with no one to talk to but Jesus.

You Cannot Give Away Too Many Books

2009-10-27T07:08:00.002-04:00

Here is a lesson I learned when I wrote In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: if your book is worth reading then you can't give away too many copies! On one level, every book given away subtracts from sales. But on a much higher plane, every book given away multiplies sales. I've chosen to take a multiplication mindset. Here's my rationale. If people like the book, they will buy a copy for someone or tell someone about it. First generation readers spawn second generation readers via word of mouth.

I also think there is a spiritual principle at play. If you are generous with your book then God will multiply it. Luke 6:38 applies to anything and everything. It's the law of measures. "Give and it will be given unto you, good measure pressed down shaken together will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured unto you."

I gave away hundreds of copies of In a Pit to hundreds of church planters. So we "lost money" long before we "made money" on my first book. In fact, we were several thousand dollars in the hole. But the Lord honored that and blessed the book because of it. Now here is the payoff. Those hundreds of copies given away translated into thousands of books purchased as leaders used the book for small groups, sermon series, and books for family, friends & staff.

So here's the scoop. I'm going to give away several hundred copies of Primal to a few more groups of people: artists, discipleship pastors, campus pastors and lead pastors. I'll follow up with more details in the days to come.

But the bottom line is this: the more you believe in something the more willing you are to give it away. Why? Because you believe in the message. I've only written a few books. And I'm a biased author. But I really think Primal is more than a book. I think it's a movement waiting to happen. So I'm going to give away as many copies as I possibly can!

Blog Tour

2009-10-26T20:34:00.002-04:00

Huge thanks to everyone who signed up for the Primal blog tour. And thanks to my publisher who is giving away so many advance copies! You may have missed the cut off for the blog tour, but I've got a few more giveaways up my sleeve.

Stay tuned.

7 Tithing Tips

2009-10-25T08:47:00.004-04:00

Continued our Ritual series this weekend. Talked about a 4000 year-old ritual called tithing that traces all the way back to Abraham. Honestly, I used to hate talking about money. Thought people would think it was a money grab so I was almost defensive about it. But the longer I tithe the more I love talking about it.

We need a paradigm shift. So many people perceive the tithe as an obligation. It's an opportunity! Yes, Malachi 3 says you are "under a curse" if you are not giving a tenth. But what a promise! God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on you that you cannot contain.

Here are a few principles I shared this weekend:

1) God can do more with 90% than I can do with 100%
2) U cannot out give God
3) 2 be blessed beyond your ability u need to give beyond your ability
4) When u start tithing, your financial problems become God's problem
5) The tithe keeps money from becoming your master
6) Tithing positions u 4 blessing
7) Tithing = Trusting

In my personal experience, tithing makes finances fun. It infuses me with economic optimism because I'm walking in obedience. I live in holy anticipation to see the way God is going to provide!

Focus on Parenting

2009-10-25T08:41:00.002-04:00

NCC is hosting an event called Focus on Parenting: a simulcast conference by Focus on the Family on November 14, 2009 from 9-4 @ Ebenezers Coffeehouse. Love the lineup of speakers: Dr. Kevin Leman, Phil Vischer, Elisa Morgan and others. Lots of wisdom. Bring your spouse or bring a friend. Buy tickets @ church office or email info@theaterchurch.com.

Prayer Impressions

2009-10-23T12:01:00.003-04:00

NCC is fasting for favor on Fridays. It's so important that we keep track of the things we're praying for and the impressions we're receiving from the Lord.

First of all, you don't have to "go after" the favor of God. His favor comes to you. It's not something we have to make happen. It happens to us! And it's out of our control. That "out of control" feeling can drive us crazy, but there is no better place to be than in His control.

By the way, God is already answering the favor prayer. Some of the favor that has come to us is the press coverage we've been getting. Very positive articles in the Washington Post and Washington Times. I just did an interview with the Washington Examiner. And a nationally-syndicated radio show, NOT a Christian show or Christian station, wants to broadcast live at our first service in whatever venue we find as a replacement for Union Station.

How cool is that?

A second distinct impression is that part of the reason we're in this situation is that the Lord wants to do something new in us. And God usually initiates something new by forcing us to say goodbye to the old. I'm finding that some of the ancient dreams I have for this city are being resurfaced in my spirit. I'm thinking bigger and I'm thinking different. I'm not sure I would be if it weren't for the unfolding events of the last two weeks.

Finally, let me say thanks for the prayer cover we've gotten from literally hundreds of pastors and churches across the country. So grateful. Gives me an unshakable confidence about what's next.

Enjoy the Journey

2009-10-23T08:51:00.002-04:00

Is it possible that one of your greatest spiritual responsibilities is to enjoy this moment in your life as much as you possibly can? Right here. Right now. Are you enjoying life as much as you can?

As a young church planter, I always felt driven by what was next. I thought I'd find fulfillment in our next service or next sermon or next stage. It's a lie. It's the when/then syndrome. When we have a certain number of people...make a certain amount of money...have a certain number of things...get a certain promotion...then I'll be happy. No you won't. You need to enjoy the journey.

I love the very first statement of the Shorter Westminster Catechism. It hits the nail on the head: the chief end of man is the glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

I don't think we're good at enjoying God.

Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow. Why? Lots of reasons. But one of them is this: so you don't waste emotional energy on things you cannot control. Don't waste guilt on yesterday or anxiety on tomorrow. Spend today's emotional energy on today!

Live like today is the first day and last day of your life.

The more you enjoy God the more you glorify God.

The Inca Trail

2009-10-22T23:58:00.000-04:00

Want to hike the Inca Trail?

I got a unique speaking invitation about a year ago from Joel Malm and Summit Leaders. They asked if I'd be the "trail mentor" while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Long story short, I'd like to extend an invitation to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm bringing Parker with me. I think it'd make an amazing Father/Son experience. In fact, it's over Father's Day next June.

Here's the 411.

What I'm Reading

2009-10-22T23:55:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I like sharing what I'm reading. My latest read? Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg. How do I describe Margaret's writing style? She's not just insightful and encouraging. You feel like her friend when you read one of her books.

I lover her subtitle: my search for God in wine, wool, and wild honey. The book is a fascinating journey into biblical metaphors. You'll never read passages on wine, wool or wild honey the same way!

Blog Tour Update

2009-10-22T17:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the response to the blog tour! At last count we had 700+ blog reviewers signed-up. I know you get a free advance copy out of the deal, but that is a huge response. Huge thanks!

We did 300 blog reviews for Wild Goose Chase and about 250 for In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. We're going over the top with Primal. We'll probably have to cut off at 750 advance copies, but keep signing up because some responders missed the little factoid about having a blog. And make sure you check the box about "Mark Batterson's Blog."

Sign-up here.

Preach Through the Bible

2009-10-22T10:24:00.002-04:00

In 2010, we're going to challenge NCCers to read through a one-year Bible. And we're thinking about having all of our weekend messages track those readings. But we need some help. If you've done something like this, can we borrow your wisdom? Obviously, you can't preach on all 66 books of the Bible in 52 weeks. Did your messages precede or follow the readings? What worked? What didn't?

This would be a very different endeavor for us. We're pretty intentional about branding our sermon series. And it's not like we wouldn't try to add creative elements. We're just used to new series every 4-6 weeks. A 52-week series is a little different.

Thoughts? Ideas? Input?

Primal Blog Tour

2009-10-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

My publisher, Waterbrook-Multnomah, is giving away 500 advance copies of my next book, Primal, to bloggers who would like to do a blog review. It's first-come first-serve. Last year we hit our limit within 48 hours so sign-up quick.

To submit your blog for consideration, sign-up here. Make sure you check the box that says you heard about the tour on Mark Batterson's blog. You'll be notified by November 23.

Thanks for spreading the word.

1 Person

2009-10-21T09:11:00.001-04:00

One of our specific prayers during this location transition was that we wouldn't lose a single person! I'm not concerned about regular attenders. But I was concerned about people "on the fringe" who seek from the shadows of Union Station.

Got some good news today. Attendance this week versus last week? 1 less person. I think that falls well within the +/- margin of error! And one NCCer already emailed me and said they were sick. So voila! It was also our ninth largest offering in NCC history. Huge thanks to NCCers for their flexibility and faithfulness. We couldn't have scripted the transition any better. Near record attendance at several locations due to people shifting to other locales. And just enough space at Ebenezers to accommodate all three services.

Taking it one week at a time!