In April 2012 a group of 52 people from Seacoast Church went on a pilgrimage to Israel. This is their story.

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After hearing Priscilla Shirer preach, I’m thinking about giving up preaching & going back to giving talks (sorry Robert Morris

Here’s some of the Twitter love from the conference

@craiggroeschel: Great day at ARC conference at Gateway Church! Planting 80 churches this year!

@keithjohn: Best Conference ever!

@Willie_George: The ARCchurches have developed the most effective church-planting program I’ve ever seen. I’m all in!

@danielchampine: #allaccess12 was awesome, can’t wait for next year

@rachel_frazier: Heading home after another inspiring ARC conference! Watch out cause I’m fired up!

@lesliesiebeling: Heading home with a full heart and spirit – loved every minute of #AllAccess12

@CindyFerrell: Few conferences are packed as full at the closing as it is at the opening. Awesome beginning to end.

@screech1: Best I’ve ever been to! Finally found my tribe. Pumped about the future.

@drdavemartin: This is a must conference for those who love the local church.

@monte_young: #AllAccess12 Was amazing!!! The most ministry-impacting week of my life

@ksvanbuskirk: Hands down one of the best conference experiences I’ve ever had! Thank you #AllAccess12 for going above & beyond in every detail! Love ARC!!

@chrisvanb: This conference was more relational & transformational than any I’ve ever attended!

Watch a short video recap of the conference

Were you there? What was your takeaway?

Dealing with The Seasons of Ministry

I just finished “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson. Here’s 20 things I highlighted. Some apply to preaching. Some apply to pastoring. Some are just interesting:

1. Apple had a 3rd partner, Ron Wayne, who got cold feet after 11 days. He was paid a buyout of $2,300. Had he stayed, his share would be worth $2.6 billion.

2. Picasso had a saying – “Good artists copy, great artists steal” – we have been shameless about stealing great ideas.

3. In the annals of innovation, new ideas are only part of the equation. Execution is just as important.

4. The empowering force of naïveté – “Because I didn’t know it couldn’t be done, I was enabled to do it. ”

5. The goal was never to beat the competition, or to make a lot of money. It was to do the greatest thing possible, or even a little greater.

6. Jobs recruiting Pepsi’s Scully – Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?

7. Jobs responding to a question about how he did market research for the Mac – “Did Alexander Graham Bell do any market research before he invented the telephone?”

8. The best & most innovative products don’t always win.

9. A colleague on how he dealt with Jobs abrasive personality “I used to be an angry man myself. I’m a recovering assaholic. So I could recognize that in Steve.”

10. What prepared him for the success he would have in Act 3 was not his ouster from Act 1 @ Apple, but his brilliant failures in Act 2.

11. It takes a lot of hard work to make something simple.

12. You have to deeply understand the essence of a product in order to be able to get rid of the parts that are not essential.

13. Gretzky – “Skate where the puck is going, not where it has been.”

14. Jobs – “What are the 10 things we should be doing next?…We can only do 3″

15. The mark of an innovative company is not that it comes up with new ideas first, but also that it knows how to leapfrog when it finds itself behind.

16. Some people say, “Give the customers what they want.” but that’s not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do.

17. Henry Ford – “If I’d asked customers what the wanted, they’d have told me, ‘a faster horse’.”

18. People don’t know what they want until you show it to them. That’s why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.

19. You build a company that will stand for something a generation or two from now. That’s what Walt Disney did, and HP, and the people that built Intel. They created a company to last, not just to make money. That’s what I want Apple to be.

20. Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.

So, what about you?

What got your attention?

I’ve been a Bronco fan for a long time. I remember striped socks, the South Stands, Steve Tensi, Cookie Gilcrest, Lyle Alzado, The Orange Crush, and the days when two words were enough to describe Mile High Stadium. We loved our Broncos. We filled the stadium. We cheered them on, even though they didn’t win much. We learned to endure. “Maybe next year we’ll beat the Raiders”, was our rallying cry.

Then along came a savior.

Not THE savior. There’s only been one of those. He was born in a manger in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. His name was Jesus. He came to save the world. And he did.

Our savior was born in a hospital in Port Angeles, Washington in 1960. His name was Elway. He came to save our Broncos. And he did.

And then he left us, and we’ve been looking for another ever since.

Maybe, just maybe we’ve found him. He was born in the Philippines, and like THE savior, his birth was a bit of a miracle. He came to us by way of Florida and we hope he has come to save our Broncos.

Or maybe it’s not just our Broncos he came to save. In a time when our innocence has been shattered by revelations of the sexual abuse of our children by those we’ve cheered as role models, maybe he has come to restore faith in our heroes. We want to believe. We need to believe. But, in the dark recesses of our psyche, we wonder if he’ll disappoint us like so many have. Or worse, turn out to be something entirely different than the public package.

We want to believe in the underdog. The kid that the pundants say will never make it.

We want to believe in the gifted young man who says “No sir” and “Yes sir” in response to questions at the press conferences.

We want to believe in the humble leader who “thanks my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”, gives credit to his coaches and team mates and pledges to do his best to improve everyday.

We want to believe. We want to hope. But the cynical pessimist inside of us is waiting for the other shoe to drop. We’re afraid he will disappoint us.

The truth is, he probably will. Hopefully not in scandalous ways. He’s human. Although they run quite well, his feet are made of clay. He’s just a wealthier, better looking, more athletic version of me. And I don’t always get it right, neither do you, and nor will he. He’s going to make mistakes, throw to the wrong jersey from time to time, say stuff he shouldn’t, and be severely tested when wins become losses and the temptations of fame are thrown his way.

If you want a Savior that won’t disappoint, you’d be better served trusting the one from Bethlehem. He proved himself divine.

Tim Tebow’s not THE savior, but he sure acts a lot like one.

I’m pulling for him. We need him to win. Not just for the Broncos, but for our hopes and dreams that the good guys really do exist and that they do well. I know he’s just beginning, but we need him to finish strong.

Honestly, I think he will. The fourth quarter at Mile High is becoming known as Tebow time.

One more thing…I just wish Tim Tebow could play for the Cubs.

If you like stories about unlikely heroes, you’ll love Ir-rev-rend: Christianity without the pretense, faith without the facade. You can read more about it and order your copies as Christmas gifts HERE

I thought I’d take a minute and tell you why I wrote it and maybe give you some reasons why you should buy the book.

If you want to skip the explanation and get right to the ordering, you can do so by clicking here: Ir-rev-rend: Christianity Without the Pretense. Faith Without the Façade

WHY I WROTE THE BOOK

One of my early preaching mentors told me that a good sermon will “make em laugh, make em cry and give em Jesus”. That’s essentially what I’ve tried to do with this book. It’s a collection of real life stories (including mine) that will hopefully make the readers laugh, cry and push them toward Jesus. The stories deal with faith, hope, doubt, love, sex, money, politics and a bunch of other real life issues that we all wrestle with. (You can read a preview chapter HERE) I’ve written it to believers, hoping that the writing will be engaging enough that, after reading it, they will want to give it to their friends who may be struggling with their faith.

I tried to keep it real.

One of my kids saw a preview copy and thought it might be a little too real.

“Dad, some thoughts are probably best kept in your head”.

He’s probably right, but I left them on the pages anyway. What do kids know?

TOP TEN REASONS YOU SHOULD BUY A COPY

1. The writing style is kind of like Ann LaMotte meets Donald Miller in a Shack
2. It cost about the same as three Starbucks coffees but it lasts longer and has greater eternal value
3. The chapter on Sex is worth the price of the book
4. My wife and children will love you forever
5. You may recognize yourself in one of the chapters
6. It’s written for people who have a hard time finishing an entire book
7. You can start on any chapter you want and create your own adventure
8. You are having trouble coming up with the perfect Christmas gift for that special somebody
9. You think a lot of Christians take themselves a tad too seriously
10. God just might use it to change your life, stranger things have happened you know

Purchase your copy: Ir-rev-rend: Christianity Without the Pretense. Faith Without the Façade

I examine that possibility in this video trailer for the book Ir-rev-rend.

You can purchase Ir-rev-rend here: Ir-rev-rend: Christianity Without the Pretense. Faith Without the Façade


You can read a preview chapter HERE

“Filled with life-changing wisdom and sidesplitting humor.”
–Craig Groeschel, author, and founder of Life Church TV

“In a world where most people think they gain credibility by hiding their imperfections, Greg Surratt turns that myth on its head with IR-REV-REND.”
–Phil Cooke, filmmaker, and author of Jolt

“To those tired of the plastic, shallow spirituality, IR-REV-REND is for you.”
–Darrin Patrick, Journey Church pastor and author of Church Planter

“Greg Surratt is really qualified to write this book. He is sincere, humble and without pretense.”
–Brady Boyd, author of Fear No Evil

“IR-REV-REND will leave you wanting more of the God behind the stories.”
–Larry Osborne, author, and pastor at North Coast Church in Vista, CA

“IR-REV-REND is a delightful adventure.”
–Matthew Barnett, author, and co-founder of the Dream Center

“This is a book that people will be talking about for years.”
–Ron Hall, author of Same Kind of Different as Me

“Blatantly honest, refreshingly authentic, and continually comedic.”
–Pete Wilson, pastor at Cross Point Church, and author of Plan B

“IR-REV-REND will push you to a place of real, raw life-changing faith.”
–Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation Church, and author of Sun Stand Still

“The laughing brain engages more than the bored brain. Prepare to laugh, learn, and grow by reading Greg Surratt’s true life tales of family, marriage, church and leadership in IR-REV-REND. I couldn’t put it down.”
–Dave Travis, co-author of Beyond Megachurch Myths

“Greg Surratt is one of the most life-giving and wise leaders I know. He brings that insight and wisdom to the terrific book.”
–Jud Wilhite, pastor at Central Christian Church and author of Throw it Down

“There are books and there are books that matter and make a difference. This is absolutely one that matters and makes a difference.”
–Brent Rowan, producer, musician, composer

“This book is a lot like Greg; honest, funny, and entertaining, and at the same time, powerful, poignant, and thought provoking.”
–John Siebling, pastor at The Life Church of Memphis

“This compelling book will inspire you to live your own brand of ir-rev-rence.”
–Joe Champion, author of Rocked and pastor at Celebration Church

“I can tell you this: Greg Surratt is one of the good guys.”
–Bob Buford, founder of Leadership Network and author of Halftime

“Oh my gosh! Put down everything else and read this book. Vintage Surratt.”
–Michael Fletcher, author, and pastor at Manna Church

“This book is a must read.”
–Jonathan Falwell, author, and pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church

To see a video trailer for the book click HERE

I’m pretty sure that you have been waiting all weekend with baited breath to find out who won the free copies of Ir-rev-rend.

I promised that there would be five winners who commented on this post. There were over 2,000 readers and 190 comments. Here’s how we chose:

First, we gave Dr Jon Carlile one because he was the hero of the story and was brave enough to identify himself.

Next, we asked the computer to randomly identify four more worthy candidates.

And the winners are:
1. Dr. Jon Carlile
2. Aimee Rawlinson Lehman
3. Chris Russo
4. Gail Derreberry
5. Lorie Ferguson

Just send us your name, email, and mailing address and we’ll get you a copy as soon as we get our hands on some. Send it to PastorGreg@Seacoast.org

Congrats!!!

I thought you’d be interested in hearing his take on the story.

Well it’s me, I’m the chiropractor you met on the plane. I can’t remember exactly how long ago, I think a couple of years or so. Any way a friend Sean Tabor told me about your book tonight. I decided to read your preface and wanted to comment on what I think gave me power to be me. It’s simple with preachers like Fred Richards, Robert Spadley, truth is I was blessed to have some of Charlestons finest teach me Gods word. Boy does Gods word make a difference especially when you’re forced to believe it. I mean trials can make you or break you depending on how you choose to respond. I was told in Bible school that if you respond to trials in faith , they will make you better. If you respond to trials in fear doubt and unbief, they can make you bitter. I think life can be full of trials, it’s kind of a serendipity experience that builds your character along the way. Well any way I wanted to tell you my secret. It’s not only listening to great preaching it’s listening to Gods word. I know it sounds cliche, who cares there are plenty of versions to listen to. It works, listening to Gods word changed my life. I wish I could say I didn’t have feet of clay, but I do. Many times I honestly listen to God’s word even after knowing I just meditated on something I should not have. Guess what his word cleanses to the utter most. I’m also amazed with Gods word that I listen to the Word during my work hours over the speaker system. I want all of my patients and staff to hear Gods precious word. I go home at night and turn on my iPhone and listen to Gods word when I sleep I listen to Gods word. I currently attempt to hear the word from Genisis to Revelations about every three to four weeks and repeat the process often. I feel that Gods word is the most important thing I can give my self to. One other thing I want to say, I am very happy to say that my children are doing well. My youngest Hannah, is sixteen, she attends Fair hill Christian school in Fairbanks Alaska, my next oldest child is a senior at hutcheson high also in Fairbanks. My next oldest just graduated high school and attends Lee university in Cleveland Tn. My oldest is attending Southeastern University in Lakeland Fla. I told you this because I see Gods faithfulness and answered prayers. God is amazing. I love him and want to spend the rest of my life serving my flock at Carlile Chiropractic. I am pleased that you refer to me in your book. I’m so glad that after so many years God kindly allows me be re instated back to the lives I left over thirty years ago. I want to thank Fred Richards and Rob Spradley, Jim Kelly, Jeff Stockford, and Sue Nesmith for being there in YouthQuake. Gods word, Gods people, Gods Spirit what a combo. Now that’s a hardy meal that feeds this Charlestonian Alaska boy. I love you, thanks for sharing and allowing me to share on the plane. God bless you if you want to keep in touch I would love to take you into the wilderness. If you want pictures let me know. Thank you Dr Jon Carlile

A little later Jon’s brother Ed left a comment:

Greg, your description of Jon and his enthusiasm was perfect. He is so inspirational even in the worst of times. He would always say, “I just want to stay in God’s will”. It is because we were raised in a good Christian home. We were members of Northwoods Assembly when Sea Coast was started. So we had the good training and direction of Pastor Richards. In fact, my wife and I were married there by Doug Cotton. When Jon totally committed his life to God, he never looked back.
He has amazed me in his accomplishments, which haven’t come easy. When he was at Life Chiropractic University in Atlanta, he didn’t have tuition for his sophomore year. He was insistent that God would provide a way. I’ll never forget the day he called me in Charleston to say he was on the Rugby team. John had never played any high school sport and he really didn’t know what Rugby was. But that’s where enthusiasm, following God’s will and 285 pounds of Jon Carlile can do. I asked him if he ever scored. He said they just put me in to rough people up. Either God is a big sports fan or He wanted Jon to get that sophomore year scholarship.
I’m glad you had an opportunity to meet Jon and share his story.
I’m proud to be his brother.
Ed

As if that wasn’t enough, there was at least one more interesting comment. You may remember me referring to a girl I sat next too on an earlier flight. She was nervous about flying and releaved to be sitting next to her pastor, not realizing that he was piously praying for an empty seat. Her name is Brenda and she recognized herself:

To be fair, once the adrenaline wore off and the plane took off I tried not to talk to you because I figured you get tired of being a celebrity. But geesh you just kept yammering on and on. I said a couple of prayers of my own. I was sorry to see the editor changed the original text from “an intelligent well put together (and most likely very funny) woman” and just went with “young woman”.
I get it. You needed the space.

Great chapter. You had me at “no one should be up at that hour.”

Thank you for the times you have been a part of my story. I’m sure that sentiment could be repeated sincerely all over the world! I look forward to the rest of the stories.

Honestly, I tried to disguise the identity of some of the characters in other stories a little better than these. I changed names and facts to protect the innocent (and sometimes the guilty). But I’m kind of glad that Jon identified himself. He’s the kind of hero that everyone should get to meet at least once in your life.

I’m glad I got my chance, I hope you enjoyed reading about it.