Lead Well

Big projects.  It seems that I live my professional life from one big project to the next.  Each new event or change is another big project.  I love it. However many people don't.  They get overwhelmed by the daunting tasks.  They get so nervous about the monumental project that they never begin or they get so wrapped up in all the little details that they quit halfway through.  I've faced both of these extremes, but sometimes you just have to get things done.  You have to grit your teeth, buckle down and get dirty. Here are some of the things I've learned that help me complete those big projects. 1. Set a deadline.   I don't know about you, but if I don't have a set time to complete a task, it may never get done.  We need to set a reasonable timeline to accomplish our goals.  Some projects can be done in a few minutes, others a few years.  Either way think about how long you will need to accomplish the goal and set a time limit.  You'll be surprised at

from gettyimages.com A few Sundays ago, we gave the Gospel message along with an opportunity to become a Christian.  We had 9 children raise their hands to signify they were ready to accept Christ.  I am so excited that God moved, and we had so many come to Christ.  Let me caution you, however.  All of these salvations were in second service.  I didn’t have a single one in first.  In fact, I didn’t even offer because I knew they weren’t paying attention.  I justified this misstep by saying that they were all saved anyway.  They already know the story of Jesus crucifixion.  They were bored.  All of these may be true, but may I offer another reason?  I wasn’t ready.  I spent my pre-service time socializing. I didn’t double check my tech.  I didn’t show my sound person what she needed to do.  I didn’t even go over what I was talking about that morning.  The last time I even looked at it was the Thursday before.  As a result, I had to break up the flow of the service to loa

I read a Facebook post that my former boss, pastor, and mentor, Steve Lambert, passed away one year ago today.   If you know his story , we knew that day was coming soon.  Now, a year later with a new job in a new state with all new friends, I look back and am amazed at all the great things God has done. Within a few short weeks of Pastor Lambert passing, I moved to Montgomery to start a new ministry position at Evangel Church.  I didn't know what God was going to do, but now as I look back, I see God's answers to so many prayers. I and my family were in a tough spot in Clearwater.  Conflict was around every corner and uncertainty colored every decision.  I was determined, however to follow God's leading and trust that everything was in his hands. I look forward to walking with God and praising Him when prayers are answered.  I will follow that old 90's cliche F.R.O.G. (Forever Rely On God) because with Him nothing is impossible. Look back to where you were a y

Success is awesome.  Having a bunch of people telling you how great a job you're doing gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling and can cause you to ride high for days.  I love to hear it and love to give it. However, there is a downside.  It can all go to your head.  God can bring you to a place, give you opportunity, prepare you with the necessary skills and walk with you all the way, then when it all comes together, you drop God faster than flaming hot lump of coal from the furnace.  How do I know?  I've done it more times than I care to tell. Recently in my prayer time, God reminded me to not forget who I'm doing all this for.  Who am I working for really?  Who made all this possible?  Who put me in this place with these people with this skill set? God did. Facing the Giants had the same concept.  In everything they did they praised Him.  I know this is churchy and I cringe at the phrasing, but the truth remains. Let God work through you and in you, but when

**NOTE The reunion has changed!  We are keeping the same dates and times, but we are changing how much each event costs.  You will be responsible for paying for each event.  This ensures the lowest prices for each participant and the least amount of liability on the planning committee. You can see the changes below. Hardaway Homecoming Football Game Friday, September 7, 7:30 at Kinnett Stadium (Admission on your own) Picnic at the Park (Flatrock Park -Friendship Hall) Saturday, September 8, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (bring your own lunch) Carson Revel put up the $50 deposit. We will have a donation jar out to help cover this cost. Adults at the Cannon Brew Pub Saturday, September 8, 6:00 at Cannon Brew Pub (Adults only/ dinner and drinks are on your own) Thanks to everyone who helped put this plan together.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. If you have any questions ask them on the Facebook group page .

So, I'm here at Camporama, and I find myself excited for what this week may hold. Camporama is a week long Royal Ranger camp out, where men and boys from all over the nation come out to celebrate all things Royal Ranger. This will be my fourth trip out here to Eagle Rock, MO, and my first trip as a commander. I'm excited to see what God may do in these boys lives over this week. Each night there is a service where there is a powerful move of God. When I came in 98, I was called into the ministry. I was about the same age as these boys that are with me. I feel as though now things have come full circle. This is the first time I've come and have fully answered God's call. I am so thankful, and would never have dreamed that I would be where I am today when He called me 14 years ago. This week will be fun but also challenging. I'm so looking forward to it. Have you ever revisited a place God spoke to you? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

Vacation Bible School is this week, so I am going to blog every night about the night's experiences. We did it!  The week is over.  The decorations are down, the materials are put away, and the lights are turned down.  Another VBS for the history books.  I could not have made it without an amazing team helping me along the way.  Here are some things I've learned through this latest journey: When advertising say pre-registration and not just registration. I had several calls all week asking if their kids could still come to VBS even though they didn't register before the event.  After pondering why this question would surface I've narrowed it down to this  possibility .  People were confused and led to believe that if they didn't register early they couldn't register at all.  That's easily fixed next year. Don't put VBS in the same month that everything else is going on. This month alone, I went to Orlando for JBQ national finals, went to Ki