MGM thoughts...

We spent the day yesterday at Disney MGM. We ended up seeing several shows: Beauty and the beast and Playhouse Disney. Every venue was large and packed. The sound was amazing! It was loud...and clear. Even in the daytime, tons of lighting and projectors were used-effectively. (Matt and Steve check out that truss system...how much???) Michele wanted to "steal" the Playhouse Disney set for our "actionkids" area. It was excellent in every way...and you know what? We expected it to be!

Here's what I didn't experience- People looking for "smaller shows" because they couldn't "get to know everyone" in such a large venue. People complaining that Disney spent "too much money" just to tell old fairy tales. For that matter, people wondering how much of their ticket price Disney spent on equipment...because "this stuff looks expensive". People saying Disney should have stayed at the "plywood, paint, and glitter" production level their original "It's a small world" ride...because that's the "right" way to do fun. My daughter, Reagan, wished they had "gone deeper" into the story on Beauty and the Beast. Other than that...It was nothing like church.

Final Questions: Why do we expect a place like Disney to be technically excellent in telling their "stories", and yet complain about churches who attempt to tell the Greatest Story with the same attention to detail???

Hot Pants

I saw this lady at Disney's Animal Kingdom wearing cordoroy pants! (Temp: 90+ degrees)

I've never been a boy scout but isn't that a fire hazard???

Lord forgive me...

Chicago style pizza and balloon animals.

An added bonus of this week in Kissimmee, FL. is that we are staying less than a mile from a Giordano's pizza joint. They serve amazing Chicago style pizza (about 3 inches thick!). I am usually too impatient to wait a long time for food, but we make the time every time we are here...It's worth it!

While waiting for our pie to cook and devouring our appetizers we had the good fortune to meet Noah, the "balloon animal dude". This cat is a "jedi" of balloonology. He gets the kids laughing, the ladies blushing, and the dudes reaching for their wallets. He is absolute proof that if you do almost anything with enough passion and enough excellence it will draw a crowd. It turns out from our conversation that Noah is also a follower of Jesus. I think we need more "balloon Jedis" in the kingdom...If he lived a little closer to York, I would have tried to recruit him.

Thinking about heaven...

I've been thinking about heaven this morning. Not because Orlando reminds me of heaven...although it is pretty flipping sweet in May. It's just that for the first time, instead of staying at a hotel, we rented a house for the week from these guys. (vrbo ) We are so stinkin' blessed because this place is amazing! It's 5 minutes from Disney's main gate and whoever is the owner of this home, seriously thought of everything we could possibly need to enjoy our vacation. Every time I open a drawer or a door, I am a amazed at the things that are here for us to enjoy in this home. (Including Wi-Fi!) It seems like they thought of everything.

I don't spend a lot of time thinking or teaching about heaven. (Maybe I should?) I don't think Jesus died on the cross just so I could "go to a better place" when I die. I think salvation is an amazing opportunity for us to be part of God's kingdom plan here on earth (link) with the awesome by-product of spending eternity with Jesus...starting now! No matter how much I think teaching about the "sweet by and by" may be overdone in our culture...Heaven is going to be beyond words. I can't help imagining Jesus himself, who created me and knows me better than anyone, preparing a place that is truly perfect! I don't think there will be enough time in a timeless eternity to open every "drawer and door" to find what our creator has prepared for us to enjoy! Can you imagine?

Even better, there is no security deposit and check out isn't at 11am...

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3

Bible Colleges, Fireworks, and Strip Clubs.

Nope, that's not our family vacation itinerary. It's my list of the most "popular" billboards in the Carolina's... Closely followed of course by Waffle Houses, Pedro, and discount cigarettes. (I consider myself a "southerner" because I was raised in Southeast Missouri...I guess I have just been in the Yankee north too long to truly understand the "Bible Belt" anymore.)

In spite of the monotony of driving 16 hours straight (there was a stretch for about 21 miles in Georgia that we sang "I'm the Map" from Dora the Explorer constantly...seriously- constantly!) we were blessed with a safe trip and are looking forward to relaxing here in Orlando.

As Kip Dynamite would say- peace out!

...and we're off!

We're loading up and heading to Orlando for a week at Disney. (I know, most people take less luggage when they move to Kenya...) I will check in when we get settled in with some wi-fi. I am so thankful for this time to "make some memories" as a family!

For all of us traveling this holiday weekend, may God give us safe travels. Amen

Workin' on my old truck.

Lately my old VW work truck "Brutus", hasn't been "feeling well". The engine has had a bad "miss" and it has generally just been running poorly. Since I've been busy and not feeling so well my self, I let it go. I just pushed the gas pedal harder and tried to ignore it. I finally had the time and the energy to work on it yesterday and wow, what a difference! I changed one simple thing and he runs like a new truck... Well, maybe not a "new" truck, but I had forgotten how much fun he was to drive when everything is working right!

Life is kinda like that isn't it? Sometimes little things go wrong in our relationship with God, others, or even in our health. Little things get broken. We screw things up, we sin. It's not a perfect world. The problem is, we don't take time to fix them, ask forgiveness, find out what's wrong. We are so busy we just push the "gas pedal" of our life a little harder and try to ignore the problems that weigh us down. Sometimes things completely "break down" and we have to stop and fix it. Usually though, we just keep on going even though life has become "less powerful", less enjoyable, less full. I was shocked recently when I became so ill to discover that I had probably been walking around with mononucleosis for weeks. I thought I was just tired and getting older...I didn't take time to stop and see if something was wrong before I "broke down".

I'm trying to be more proactive in my life. I hope you will too. Let's agree to not ignore the things in our life that we actually have the power to "fix". Let's ask forgiveness sooner rather than later. Endeavor to ask God to search our hearts and minds for things that could cause us to "break down" later. Let's try to live our lives at "full power" whenever possible instead of limping around due to our own neglect.

For the Gearheads: Brutus is a 65 VW doublecab truck. Low? yup, 3 inches off the ground and the lowest point. VW/porsche Type IV power. 944 four wheel discs. Front end narrowed 5 inches. IRS rear suspension. BRM wheels... "custom paint" by me. HA ...and yes that is an actionchurch sticker on the window.

action-gear!

I just got the pre-production samples of the actionchurch t-shirts. They will be running them this week! Our goal was to make a shirt that people would choose to wear...not just "agree to wear" to promote actionchurch. I hope we have succeeded. I do not wear logo'd t-shirts as a general rule and I can't wait to wear one! I might be a "little partial" though...

God has blessed us with some great business contacts (link) and our "wearable" supplier, A-Z Advertising Specialties, is no exception. What make this relationship even better is that our sales rep, Dave Meile, is the founder and leader of X-Stream Youth Ministries! (Please Check out their web site.) Dave and his wife Alicia truly love and lead teenagers in an amazing way. Their program uses kayaking, skateboarding, and Mountain Bike instruction to introduce "at risk" teens to a life centered on following Jesus. I think using God's Creation as a "visual aid" beats a text book or PowerPoint presentation any day. Dave and Alicia have been a great support and encouragement from day one of actionchurch, and in the future we look forward to supporting X-Stream in ways even beyond ordering lots of t-shirts! We are truly thankful to have Dave and family in our lives.

Final Plug: Anyone walking with us at York Relay for Life will be receiving a way cool actionchurch t-shirt. It could be you...

Too Flippin' Long!!!

Last night I experienced a familiar progression of emotions as I watched the American Idol finale. As the show began I was mildly entertained and interested, as it drug on I became distracted. After being treated to Sanjaya and Joe Perry (why Joe, why?) , I became bored and chatted with Michele. After being subjected to 18 group musical numbers and Bette Midler in a leather mini skirt (my eyes, my eyes!) I became agitated. And finally as the show went beyond it's time slot to reveal the winner, I became openly hostile and began yelling at the TV!

I say that I experienced a "familiar progression of emotions" because I have experienced and watched others go through similar progressions during church services that went on too long! (Thankfully, embarrassment usually overcomes hostility so no one yells at the pastor...although...maybe that would help...)

Civility and lack of space doesn't permit me to comment on why some churches have such unbearably long services, but here a few of the reasons actionchurch's Sunday Morning will be exactly one hour long:

• Editing makes a presentation stronger! A four hour home movie has more "content" but a commercially produced and edited 90 minute blockbuster has more "impact"!
• We value transformation over information! Our goal is to encourage and challenge people to live a life that honors Jesus Christ, not pass a bible survey 101 test.
• It's about the "audience" not the speaker or singer! The bible says to be a leader we must become a servant of many. In order to best serve our "listeners" as leaders we must put aside our own desires to "get it all in" or "really go deep because I enjoy this passage" or "keep talking because I like the sound of my voice". It ain't about us!
• We trust people to come back! Our goal each week will be to communicate one "action step" from God's word that people can actually put into practice in their lives. We do not have to tell the "everything we know" about the Bible, doctrine, and history because "they may never be back"... We have confidence that the good news presented in a creative and attractive manner will cause people to return for more.

I could go on, but then this post would be too long...

Film maker wanted.

Like everybody else in America, I watched Idol last night. Daughtry Rocked and Jordan will win. In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's about all I got to say about that".

I did stick around to watch "On the Lot" which came on after idol because I am fascinated with amateur film making. Obviously, the technology is here and affordable enough to now make really amazing short films...with nothing but a digital camera and a laptop. I have a gut feeling that having great film at church will become (over the next 5-10 years) nearly as important as having a great Band in communicating with the "new to church" crowd.

So, are you an amateur film maker wanting to do something that will matter for all eternity? Can you imagine your art telling "the" Story. Making people laugh? Making people cry? actionchurch is looking for someone with the talent, equipment, and calling to digitally communicate truth and hope to York County and the world. Is it you? Do you know someone? If so, we'd like to hear from you. info@actionchurch.com

Kindness "Hit List".

If "actions speak louder than words", here's a list of people to "target" with kindness and generosity this week:

1. Salespeople (even telemarketers)
2. Waiters and Waitresses
3. Mall Security guards who think they are Dog the Bounty hunter.
4. Slow Cashiers at Wal-mart.
5. Slow people in the fast lane.
6. Mumbling drive-thru workers.
7. (Just to make it difficult) Mini-van drivers with soccer ball decals...

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Mathew 5:16 NLT

What is a "real" Christian?

I just ran across an article by that name in to days USA Today. I won't link to it because it was filled with political nonsense that makes my head want to explode! The point of the whole article was different christian "experts" pointing out which political candidates for president were or were not "christians". The list of course differed depending which "expert" you listened to. The article was followed by a long line of reader comments arguing biblical interpretation, religion, and doctrinal differences, arguing who they thought were the "real" christians.

It struck me as I was reading all this crap that no one, not a single "expert", not a single reader, pointed out an incident or example of a candidate or anyone actually acting like someone who follows Jesus. I am not saying none of the candidates have lived out a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Jesus-It just never came up in the whole article! Not once.

I am done with trying to figure out who's "in" or "out" based on their "beliefs". To tell you the truth, as much as possible I will leave that up to the ultimate judge-God. When I must try to make that determination, the standard I will use are from the words of Jesus: "You will know them by their love" and "by their fruits you will know them."

I have been asked several times to post a "statement of beliefs" or "doctrinal statement" on the actionchurch website. Although I may do it at some point it is truly one of my lowest possible priorities. It is not that I believe what a church believes is unimportant...it means everything. I just strongly believe that what a person or church "says they believe" is just about worthless! What we actually believe and value will always be demonstrated by our actions. What we truly "believe" is obvious to God, others, and very rarely, ourselves.

35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

Church and Disney World.

One week from today we will be on our way to Orlando, Fl. for a week of all things Disney. I was thinking this morning that so much has changed since Disney world opened, but they have still remained a family vacation "must experience." My wife has great memories of going to the original park over thirty years ago and my four year old is beside herself with excitement to see "Cinderellas Castle".

How have they stayed "relevant" to culture for all these years? How do they keep attracting record crowds? How have they kept "the magic" for all these years?

Here's some observations I have now and I will keep my eyes open for more as we visit the parks.

1. Disney went multi-cite. They have launched 3 new parks MGM, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot to provide more options for visitors.
2. They stuck with their "brand". Even though they have launched into many different areas of entertainment they have been true to their initial "vision" and relentlessly promoted their brand.

3. Creativity! Disney "imagineers" have had their failures over the years but they are consistently ahead of the curve in all things creative!

4. They have embraced all new media.

When Disney was founded home movie viewing and the Internet didn't exist, but they have embraced and dominated those media venues.
5. Disney understands it's about serving people! I am always amazed how well Disney "cast members" welcome and serve their guests...nobody does it better!

I think all of these concepts are very important tools in keeping our churches relevant-and full! It amazes me that the most exciting good news (Gift!) the world has ever received is consistently presented in the most boring and unflattering package! I am frankly sick to death of hearing complaints that "people just won't come to church" when so little effort is put into actually making it worth their time if they did show up! We could learn a lot from a "mouse"!

Going to a party...

It's a beautiful Saturday and the only thing on our family "agenda" is going to a birthday party held for some people we just recently met. I am thankful to be invited. I am thankful to be feeling well enough to attend! Thanks for every one's prayers, I am getting healthier every day. (Can you tell I'm feeling a little thankful today?!)

I was just thinking about how much my priorities have changed. There was a time when meetings, and religious services, and work filled my schedule. Parties just rarely made the cut. I was too busy with the "serious business" of being a "christian".

Jesus went to parties. Jesus even made a little "miracle wine" when the party went dry. I think Jesus was the "life of the party". He was said to be a "friend of sinners". Even though I'm not great in social situations ( I just try not to break or spill anything!) I am looking forward to attending a birthday party for people I hardly know-yet! It's top priority. I look forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories, and maybe even telling someone mine. It's an adventure...

I love the fact that following Jesus is more likely to lead you to a party than a "meeting"... How about you?

Relay for life update.

We are now less than One Month away from York Relay for Life! (link) This will be the first public event that we will participate in as a launch team. I am really excited at the progress that has been made. I am so thankful to God and the team for getting us closer to the Goal.

What we still need: 1. We could use a couple more walkers to help us in the relay 2. We are still accepting Donations to the American Cancer Society so that we can be a big blessing to the relay. 3. Pray that God will use this event to help us connect with people in our community, help us connect as a team, and help us better connect with the vision he has for us (actionchurch) to be a blessing to our community.

Please contact me info@actionchurch.com for more info about walking or sponsoring "team actionchurch".

Hallelujah!

Enjoy this beautiful "baked Bean" footage. I hope it makes you laugh like it does me.

It does make you think though...so many things at church that seem so "normal" and "traditional" to us, things we think "everyone" knows, can certainly make someone from the outside feel (and look) really stupid. No matter how "contemporary"(whatever that means) our churches are I think we should avoid "unspoken rules" and traditions that make outsiders uncomfortable when they don't know what to do.

Not "doing the dew".

I just realized that I haven't had any caffeine since Saturday! I think that is the longest "dry" period in life. One of the side affects of my immune system crashing is that my mouth and throat are totally broken out in sores and even water feels like "firewater" going down. So my favorite drink in all the world is definitely not on the menu... Our recycler is strangely empty of green and silver cans.

I told Michele maybe having mono isn't what's making me so tired all the time. Maybe this is just the way I would be all the time without caffeine???
I wonder if Mountain Dew makes an IV bag...

God loves a good story...

How do I know that? I read the Bible, I read history, I listen to the "stories" of other followers of Jesus. From Noah to Moses and Joshua, David to Daniel, the prophets to Jesus, so many great stories. Stories filled with unpredictable plot twists and seemingly endless, overwhelming conflict. Great stories are like that, From Martin Luther to Mother Theresa, St. Patrick to Billy Graham, their stories are great because they all overcame enormous obstacles to see God's promise fulfilled.

I believe every follower of Jesus has the opportunity to be part of a great story! That's God's very best plan for each of us. The "problem" is that to be part of a great story we will also have to experience great conflict...

I have been truly blessed with great health. I have missed maybe three days of work in the last 10 years for sickness. That's about to change. I have been feeling very tired for the last few weeks. I became really ill last Friday and started antibiotics on Saturday. Here's the "plot twist" it now turns out that the reason I have been so run down, is that I have been walking around with Mono for the last few weeks. Like every Good story....I never saw this one coming.

I don't know how the story will end but I imagine some day it will be told like this: "Remember when we were just beginning to launch actionchurch and I came down with Mono? It was about a month before our first event, the Relay for Life, and I was still supporting my family (and church), by working as a painting contractor. It was also about a week before we were scheduled to leave on our vacation to Disney that we had planned for years. It seemed like such a disaster at the time but it was amazing how God helped us through that time by..."

God is already doing amazing things. We are fortunate to have a "Doc", Erik Brink, on the Launch team who has been such an answer to prayer already. I know God sent his family to us- hopefully not just to keep me breathing through the Launch process. (I think I'm joking.) Please Join us in praying for 1. Wisdom to know what can be put off of cancelled. 2. Strength to do what must be done.

I will keep you updated on this "story" stay tuned!

"Nice" Sucks!

I had a discussion Saturday night with some friends on the launch team about why it has always been (in our experience) a much worse working environment in "Christian" organizations than in "secular" corporations. How is it that co-workers can work together better at hospitals and construction sites than Churches and Christian Schools? Shouldn't the opposite be true?

I believe the culprit is "niceness". We've somehow traded "speaking the truth in love" for being "nice". "Nice" Sucks! "Nice" talks about someone, instead of talking to someone. (We call them "prayer requests" in religious joints) "Nice" is more worried about "stepping on toes" than actually advancing the kingdom. "Nice" is more worried about "offending" someone than affecting someone positively. "Nice leaders" (oxymoron?) are more interested in avoiding conflict than actually leading. "Nice leaders" actually cause conflict because they tell everyone what they want to hear, until everyone ends up feeling disappointed and lied to.

As we discussed Saturday night, there's no place for "nice" in the actionchurch organization. We have room for messed up people, wounded people, and imperfect people in general. We have lots of room for forgiveness, mercy, love, and kindness. We even have room for honest disagreement and debate. What we don't have room for is "nice". Our mission is too important.

15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Eph. 4:15-16 esv

Monday Morning "Hodgepodge".

1. I am Sick! I have some kind of bacterial infection in my throat/sinus... I haven't felt this bad in a longgggg time. Pray that I get better quickly as we are leaving for vacation in two weeks and I have a lot to do!
2. Mothers Day kind of sucked for Michele.... I was sick, she had to do everything...not at all what I hoped for her. Sorry! I owe you one.
3. I went to Church and it Rocked! Even though I was "medicated" It was SO worth being there...
4. Speaking of church, Newspring gave away a house to a single mother on Mothers Day! Read about it here. (link) They continue to set the standard for loving God, and loving their community in a visable way! Please DO NOT think, "It's easy for them because they are a "big" church. It's never easy to do something like that...no matter what size your organization is...it's a question of being inwardly focused or externally focused.
5. I need to lay down...