chazzdaddy

Archive for December, 2007

small town…big church

In Big Church-Small Town Church Leadership on December 29, 2007 at 2:56 pm

I will be posting more and more to leaders who are like us in a weird position…You lead a larger church (or desire to) in a small to medium sized town (or to be honest, principals that are reaching people in all sized towns).

I am shocked at the lack of churches who are truly engaging the culture in huge ways for the Kingdom of Christ. Not to build bigger attendance, but to truly reach people for Christ and then help them grow in their faith to where they are truly “new creations.” Tried finding churches in my Sister’s town (a large suburb of Detroit…1 huge one, the rest non-engaging pretty-much, but a lot are trying…but it seems to not be truly fruitful).

In our personal lives, our spiritual lives, and in the lives of the staff at New Hope…one of the biggest principals we live by is vision. If we pray to God and ask His direction and He gives us all a picture of what that vision is, why do we stop and make excuses for why “we can’t do that!”

From lack of finances, to lack of staff to lack of knowledge…we cut short the vision God has given us and we wonder why we are not hitting on all cylinders. As a leader…you have to make things happen, especially if that vision was truly from God. That is the A-1-A principal that we have followed since day 1 at New Hope and in my family. “I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Most wont like you for taking that picture that God has given you and bringing it to life. But who are we to obey…God or man? Tough stuff to ponder…

Yesterday I got some father-son time amidst the chaos of the week. Were supposed to do some stuff in Michigan where we were on vacation staying at my sister’s house…so we re-formulated it for home. Took him on His first skiing adventure…he did very well. We are both killer sore though…not used to being hit by downhill skiers who can’t stop at a rapid speed…then went to dinner and then…he was stoked big time…to see National Treasure 2. How amazing to spend time with my son. God must think the same when we slow down to be with Him.

Gotta run…need to spend time with the Father and prepare for the Celebration of Life Service tomorrow.

blessings and peace.

sandy

In New Hope Stuff on December 28, 2007 at 3:09 am

Sandy Humphrey is our Director of Children’s Ministry @ New Hope’s Loudonville Campus. I loved and respected her like my own Mother. Words cannot express what she meant to me, our staff, our church, her family and her Extreme Kidz.

Sandy went home to be with the Lord today @ 8:20 am. Sandy unexpectantly slipped into a coma after her heart stopped during surgery to remove blood clots from her arm and leg. Nobody was prepared for this or saw it coming. It was supposed to be a routine surgery that we were praying would be the start of her returning to full health.

Services @ New Hope this Sunday. Calling Hours 2-5, Celebration of Life Service beginning @ 5.

Please leave a tribute to her or prayer for the family below in the comments.

Pretty sure my last words to her on the phone that she heard were, “I love you…bye.”

I’ll just leave it at that.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

In New Hope Stuff on December 26, 2007 at 2:22 pm

So nice to be done with all the stuff that goes with the celebration of the Savior. Don’t get me wrong, I love almost every minute of it, but it is also my profession, so I can’t skip out on a whim! I don’t ever want Christmas to end, but what a refreshing time it is for me. I am on vacation from the office :) which is a time that I sorely need so that I can be recharged and ready to continue to attack the Kingdom with each of you in 2008!

Our services finished in an amazing way. Thought it was very hard on Christmas Eve to get through the first service (with Sandy being on my heart…she is still in serious condition, but there have been potentially good signs lately, but still in grave condition) the night was special as we gathered to lift up the Savior.

Final count was around 1,160 at the Loudonville Campus (Relatively speaking, that is almost half our towns population!) and 200 at the Wooster Campus in their new facility!

Many, many people gave their hearts to our Lord and Savior, which is the greatest gift they could receive this Christmas! The payoff. Wow!

A huge thanks to our amazing teams at all campuses, and to you for bringing all your friends to hear the life-changing message of Christ! Here we go even stronger than ever to “Reach and teach our church, community and world to become passionate followers of Christ” in 2008!

Well, I am off to my Sisters house in Michigan for some family time with all of them and Mom and Dad…also hitting the slopes in New York next week…yeah! Will be visiting a few new churches Lord-willing in the time off (watch out, here comes the best ministry thief in the world!) I will not post very often for a while…so enjoy the break!

Don’t suffer Christmas hangover…keep pressing on in the weeks ahead for our Savior. Pastor Tom will be rocking in the New Year this weekend, and he always speaks to so many hearts when he teaches…

Thanks God for presenting us your Son. That’s what this is all about.

Christmas Eve Reflections

In New Hope Stuff on December 24, 2007 at 5:26 pm

For those of you not scrambling for last minute gifts, slaving over a hot stove or trying to get a last minute prescription to calm your sugar-filled, present crazed kids down…here are some reflections on our first 3 Christmas Eve services yesterday…2 more to go today @ the Loudonville Campus at 5 & 7 pm…

We kicked it off at the Wooster Campus in their new facility…all I can say is WOW! They are not fully done with renovation yet, but the auditorium was amazing. (Their lighting system is actually better than the Loudonville Campus…for now!) A little competition is always good right? (And a recent capital campaign that made it possible to buy new toys didn’t hurt either). Their main areas are coming along and have a great feel as well. A special guest appearance by Mark Usher who is one of the state’s best guitar players was just outstanding! The creative arts teams and band did an amazing job leading us into worship. The entire teams there ran like butter. Great job to all involved!

The best news is 200 people showed up and at least 15, maybe 20 people gave their lives to Christ yesterday. That’s why we do what we do, and why we all worked so hard to have a space where the gospel could be told in a way that reaches across time and space to the core of a person’s heart. That is the payoff!

We also had 2 services at the Loudonville Campus last night, and as always our teams were outstanding. With around 600 already who participated in worship yesterday, we are off and running with 2 to go! Our new lights and set-up for the Trans-Siberian opening song (don’t be late!) was outstanding.

Highlights of the services (I don’t want to give it away too much) were: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a soprano sax solo by Dan Knight, a Goo Goo Dolls Special, candlelight communion and singing, along with a really special element in the message, and as always, just getting to fellowship with all of you is amazing. Special thanks to our Xtreme Kidz team and Hopeland for dealing with the longer services with crazed, wild-eyed kids! Side note: please be in prayer for Sandy Humphries (Xtreme Kidz Director) who went into surgery to remove blood clots this AM at the Cleveland Clinic. She is an amazing, special person who has been through so much lately.

The best part last night was the fact that God showed up as he always does. Just like the night so long ago when Jesus came to earth to save us–several people accepted the gift of Christ at our services last night. I will never get over rejoicing when people enter the Kingdom of God. The pay-off to all the hard work of presenting the gospel in a relevant way to reach all generations.

Another amazing pay-off was the food brought in by our volunteers for the arts teams…thanks so much!

And of course, my Assistant Vicki, whom I could not do ministry without was a great highlight as she was a huge leader in making so many things happen behind the scenes! She is amazing.

Thanks to all our staff and volunteers for your heart and passion in serving Jesus!

There’s still time to pick up the phone and invite those you know need a touch of the Savior…I’ll see you tonight @ 5 or 7 pm.

Ohhhh…and I am dreaming of a White Christmas…got a little last night, so let it snow! (After the services of coarse!)

Merry Christmas!

it’s here…

In New Hope Stuff on December 21, 2007 at 2:57 pm

As you really know by now…I love Christmas. What a time of the year that we (and those who don’t usually) can at least have a heightened awareness of our Savior who came to set us free.

Christmas at my house growing up was always a pretty big deal. As you know, I grew up with some dysfunction through alcohol and other issues in my home, though it was a loving home, weekends were not cool.

But Christmas was different, and I will never forget that. Something changed. Hearts were open and tender, and usually our entire family would be in church together at some point.

As a church, let’s make Christmas different for those who need a touch of the Savior. For those who know Christ and are hurting this time of the year, to those who need to accept the God of the universe into their lives.

Today or this weekend at the latest…don’t forget to make it a priority to not come alone to one of our Christmas Eve services. I promise you that you will see the Savior in a whole new way. Our team has put together an amazing time of worship and discovery of what Christmas was, and still is today.

From some Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Goo Goo Dolls to traditional worship of our Savior and candlelight communion to amazing video and other elements, we will celebrate the Savior like never before.

We will not be having normal service times this weekend (No Saturday or Sunday AM at the Loudonville Campus, and the Wooster Sunday AM service time is different as well).

Christmas Eve Service Times:

Wooster Campus: Sunday, December 23rd @ 11:00 AM at their new facility.

Loudonville Campus: Sunday, December 23rd @ 5 and 7 pm. Monday, December 24th @ 5 and 7 pm.

All services are the same, and Hopeland Children’s Ministry and Extreme Kidz Ministry will be available and offering amazing programming for those ages birth-5th grades.

Regulars, please remember to help us by parking and riding the shuttle @ Loudonville and at Wooster, parking farther away in the lot and coming early to check your kids in. Let’s serve our guests and make them feel welcome and the love of the Savior. Everyone should greet at least 3 people they don’t know this weekend. Let’s put our faith into action

Let’s do our part and come with hearts prepared to meet the Savior in fresh new ways, and also let’s announce as the shepherds did to the world the birth of the King by bringing our friends and family or even a stranger or 2 to our services this weekend. Friends, this is why we do what we do, and you all are some of the most amazing, enthusiastic people that I have ever been around!

Merry Christmas!

dad and cool God stuff

In Church Leadership, My Life, New Hope Stuff on December 20, 2007 at 3:18 am

Dad flies in from China tomorrow. Will be there to see him at the airport in Detroit. He is home for a few weeks. The big 60 this year!

I often wonder if I am willing to answer the call of God wherever He may lead?

I pray I am. Welcome home Dad.

Tonight I also got to deliver one of the boxes and a fat turkey to a family who wouldn’t have had the same kind of Christmas without all of our people stepping up to help those who needed a little boost this year. We helped 56 families this year…you read right, and not just with a couple presents, but a nice sized box full, complete with Bibles and other great stuff. New Hope and it’s people are amazing.

He said, “Thanks Charles.”…I said, “It wasn’t just me…it’s that place.” And I pointed toward the church. But we both knew it was not the building, but the “Church”. Thanks to all of you for being the church. There will be people in Heaven because you choose to think of others besides yourself. Jesus is more than jacked I am sure about us following His lead.

How can words describe how I felt about that moment and how I feel about the amazing people at New Hope and other churches who take it to the streets? They can’t.

blessings and peace.

staff

In Church Leadership, Church Staffing, New Hope Stuff on December 19, 2007 at 3:03 pm

We have an amazing staff (not all are even listed here yet, so blessings to all of you!) We have always been short-handed and still we continue to not only get better, but to shake up the communities we live in. It is not easy to get very well qualified people in ministry to come to the booming town of Loudonville or any of our campus sites for that matter. It takes very special people who love the mission and have great passion. That describes our staff. I push them at every angle to be all they can in Christ, with their families and lastly with their careers here at the church. WHY? Because I really believe eternal destinies are at stake.

They serve myself and our church so faithfully, and today is a day that I (on behalf of the church) give back. Tonight is our Staff Christmas Party where they and their spouses (who many times are the forgotten ones who plug away at this thing just as faithfully) will be honored with a great dinner and a time of fellowship. I also invited in a massage therapy office to give 15-20 minute massages to each of our staff who desired today. This is one of the most stressful times of the year, and couple that with all we have to pull of this week…and boom, there you have it. They are all so well deserving. Make sure to give them a big thanks when you see them. Scripture tells us:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17.niv)

I pray nothing but honor to our staff today. Great work to all of you. Thanks for following my leadership and giving your all.

And by the way…check out this amazing post from Perry Noble @ NewSpring. I pray this describes our church as well.

blessings and peace.

cool stuff

In Devotional, New Hope Stuff on December 18, 2007 at 3:35 am

(Here is Mom’s Letter: I posted it here so the original post wasn’t so long. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE ORIGINAL POST FOR “COOL STUFF” SEE BELOW:)

Dear New Hope:

Today was the beginning of the vision the Lord gave us when we were living in Boa An and it has taken a year and a half to begin this campus but His time is perfect.

We had 12 here in our small apartment and it was overcrowded but awesome. It seems to be a problem with New Hope about overcrowding!! Anyway, We had a young couple with the wife being from Australia and the husband from China, We had another young couple from Holland with twins that are 3 years old, and another couple from USA however they are Spanish and they have 3 adorable children 5,7,9 years old.

As the people came it was small enough that I had name tags for all and we fellowshipped and got to know each other over coffee, juice, fruit and muffins. It was a fun time and very good.

Unfortunately ________ (My Husband) is in the States right now and could not be here with us however his prayers and heart were here. We started off by moving my coffee table so we had more room and also for praise and worship. We did Adult praise and kidz praise and they all loved it and our Lord received the glory. The kidz loved the praise and so did the parents.

I talked about our Vision and the Vision of New Hope and asked them to pray and think about this all week. I also told them about our history with New Hope and about the ________ Fellowship starting with a Bible Study of 5 and growing to more than 250 in 5 years and 85% being Chinese or Korean or Pilipino etc. I then put on the DVD about “why do we dream so big at New Hope” and left to go with the kids to a small study for our time.

The 5 kids and I studied from the Treasure Quest that was used at New Hope. Our Bible Study verse was “Trust in the Lord with all your Heart.” Proverbs 3:5. I did not realize until I started teaching that the verse I was using was our main verse when coming to China, and believe me we live by Prov. 3:5, 6. If you lean on your own understanding of how to do this and that for the kingdom you will die! I then took the kids out to the playground and asked ________ to come get me when the video was over. Did the kids have fun? They wanted to stay and cannot wait to come back. They all had their verse memorized except for the twins and “Miss Mary” (they called me that back home) loved hearing her name again!!!!

Well, at this point I am reduced to tears as I write you and thank you for your support in finances and in prayer. So far we have not needed the finances but we will here very shortly as we grow.

When ________ came to get us I asked her how things went and she had the biggest smile on her face and said it was sooooo awesome, she said” I love Charles Vision and it is awesome to see a vision and know it is happening” Her husband felt the same. The young lady from Australia (________) loved it and her dad is a preacher in her homeland and he preaches at a Chinese Church. ________ husband (________) who is from China said he cannot wait to meet and talk to Pastor Charles and wants his e-mail. The couple from Holland I do believe were blessed however they come from a very conservative church but said they would be back next week. I pray you are all blessed for even though in number we are few, I have a dream, We have a Vision to reach and teach our community and beyond the love of Jesus. The beyond part is really happening and we thank all of you for supporting us over here.

I had 3 of my Chinese friends come over Saturday nite to pray. They were here with me praying for 3 hours. In the course of praying I asked the Father to show us where to go next for we will outgrow this place in 3 meetings! After the prayer hours ________ told me we could use her Apartment for it is 5 times larger than mine and is also here in _______ where we live. I think we need it now so I am so excited that the Lord has gone before us and prepared the way.

To think that before we were born God had New Hope and all of this on his planning table is more than I can fathom. We love ya’ll and miss you and are looking forward to seeing God revealed in all his work at New Hope and beyond.

I pray that each of you will have knowledge and go forth in truth with your calling because we serve an awesome God and there is nothing we can do without Him.

My Husband led ________ to the Lord last year and has rehired him now that we are here in ________. ________ speaks good English but his wife speaks none. ________ wanted to experience church so we took both of them with us over the bay to ________ fellowship for Easter. He was so excited that he was at the ferry terminal very early. ________ and His wife had to come 50 minutes just to get to terminal and then it cost them a weeks earnings to go on ferry to go to church and they still came. Now of course we paid for everything that day and I was so emotional that I cried off and on all day. To think there is nothing close for them to go to worship! We will invite them here however his wife speaks no English so I will probably take them to the underground church to worship and still they have a 50 minute bus ride to get here. I am blessed by the Chinese hunger to know God and to serve Him. Something funny about our Easter Sunday is that in Shekoe there are actually nice (a few) places to eat but ________ only wanted to go to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch so we ate there for Easter Sunday!! Actually that was a treat for them. Do you feel the need? We take so much for granted in the USA and are so blessed, please be thankful for all the Lord has given you and worship Him and praise Him and glorify His Name.

Our Love and prayers,

________________

So…almost broke my neck at Snow Trails Sunday after church. Had to ski despite the blizzard-like condition, went too fast, fell real hard, whiplash incurred. No, really, whiplash incurred. But that didn’t stop me. And dang it was worth it. 1 nice fall out of a whole night of skiing…will take that anytime! Heading to Holiday Valley (NY) in January for a day. Amazing up there. That’s me in the pic…not really (maybe one day). Adrenaline junkie here if you didn’t know that by now.

Cold this morning with some bad roads still, so there was a 2 hour delay for school. I built a fire and taught Christian how to play the chess set he got for this Birthday…thanks Micki! Amazing morning.

Another really, really cool thing…Christmas Caroling at the nursing homes tonight. People of all ages, issues, and stages in life. The smiles on their faces…priceless. My kids singing with all their hearts…priceless. The people from New Hope taking God’s love to the world…priceless. Singing really loud as a group because the dear souls who are mentally challenged loved the singing so much they were screaming (literally) with joy…priceless. One of the residents who I know (Carl) even conducted for us.

It reminded me of the real price that God paid for us when He sent His Son. It truly was a priceless gift we received and tonight reminded me of how blessed I am, and how the simple things in life can bring the most joy. I love slowing down to see the world as Jesus does. It is so hard for me to slow down…and when I do, God always blows me away.

Blessings and peace.

all this for our King.

In New Hope Stuff; Teaching Series on December 15, 2007 at 2:10 pm

So…I am alive. Our team in alive. We survived! Thanks for the prayers. God laid on our hearts a miracle…to transform a building in 4 weeks, and I mean transform to the point of occupancy at our Wooster Campus. Christmas is always the time to do something like this…right? God does some amazing things in my life and our church at the oddest times. Ever notice that? Glad I don’t control the schedule…it would have been much different.I guess I will leave that to the Lord. Anyway…Demo was underway, but was dragging along, and that is the easy part!

I really believe we will make it. Pastor Matt and Pastor Tim have been amazing. Pastor Tim who is the construction coordinator has done a job that I couldn’t have done better myself. And Pastor Matt despite not feeling well, has been vital to making this happen.

It was going to take amazing leadership on the part of our Wooster Staff to make it happen, and by God’s grace, we will be in our new facility tomorrow! See the pics of the progress below. 1 week ago, there was NO DRYWALL in many of the spaces! So, it’s up to our King now, to do the rest. A huge thanks to our staff, volunteers, strangers, and whomever gave of their time, talents and treasure to make this happen. The power of everyone.

Today is the last push day…we still need anyone who can make it over there. They will be working until midnight. No, really. So if you can come later in the day today, you will be a miracle in our eyes! We need some 2nd shift relievers. Come when you can, leave when you must.

The official Grand Opening will be in 6 weeks, so there will still be plenty of work after Christmas, but this was our first goal, and we have several things to satisfy occupancy requirements to finish today. Who would have thought 5 years ago we would be renovating a 2nd campus and opening a 3rd? Our God reigns.

One other note…with threatening weather this weekend, please note our weather cancellation policy. We will post in this order no later than 1 hour before a service if we cancel. ALSO…we usually do not cancel all services unless it is extreme conditions.

1. Check your e-mail as we send out a mass e-mail. Not on the list? Contact Tammy@newhopewired.tv (LV) or Allana@newhopewired.tv (Wooster)

2. Check the website.

3. Check our voice message (419.994.1112).

4. The last places to confirm are local radio (93.7, 101.3, 104.5, 106.1) [Wooster...a few more over there, not sure which ones, but of course 104.5 is local for you too] and TV (Columbus and Cleveland Stations).

I am greatly looking forward to the service and teaching this weekend…we are looking at what the Saviors birth teaches us about being real followers of Christ and how to know if we are truly following Christ.

blessings and peace…off to wootown soon.

2day

In New Hope Stuff, Watch This on December 12, 2007 at 9:41 pm

So…4 days till Wooster moves into their new facility. All are still alive, I think.

Several people trusted Christ @ both campuses last weekend during our TREES series…it was a very different style message for me (Listen Here: “The Family Tree”)…God is so goooooooooooood! That’s why we do what we do.

Only 25 Angel Tree tags left…New Hope helped 56 families this year! God is amazing, and so are you all who help take Christ outside the 4 walls of the building.

Have you seen this video? I am glad I have never slipped up…well, uh, most of the time…

Ashland Campus…opening in 10 months…will be here before you know it. Thanks to those who are bravely stepping out to take New Hope to Ashland and beyond!

So…New Spring church is stripping for Christmas. Details here. New Spring is a great church…they promoted their Christmas Series with T-Shirts saying something crazy…not sure what, I will find out, but probably something like: Been Stripped Yet? Then they post service times on the back…I know, some of you are crying foul, but when was the last time someone asked you about your church or Savior? I think it is fantastic…

Pastor Tom is recovering from his nose injury…it is now more of a black eye…should have taken a photo today as we shared lunch. Great stuff happening in the U-18 departments @ NH.

Last but not least…HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTIAN…he is 9, going on 18. Missed it on the 9th…He is an amazing kid. Just shared with me that he led someone to the Lord on the bus last week. That is better than the kid who made our neighbor’s daughter eat pencil lead on the bus and said it was candy.

blessings and peace!

xmas thoughts

In My Life, New Hope Stuff on December 10, 2007 at 1:26 pm

No…xmas is not taking Christ out of Christmas for me, it is a quicker type today…It is also the Greek letter Chi, which represents Christ. While it might be secular to remove the word Christ with an X…which some might do, dig a little deeper here. I will always prefer “Christmas”, but I thought I would get the mind warming on that one…

One of my most anticipated moments of all year…Christmas Shopping! No really, Tiff and I do all our shopping in one day and then have a great dinner together. It’s a tradition I really look forward too.

Christmas Caroling? We will invade the nursing homes Monday, December 16th. Meet @ the Loudonville Campus @ 6:30pm. Let’s take the birth of the King to the community!

Billboards are up…Wooster (Rt. 3), Ashland (Rt. 42), Perrysville (Rt. 39)…Cool Stuff.

The TREES series has just really been cool. God is stretching and shaping me. This week will be no different as we look at whether we are Real or Fake…praying I lean toward the right side.

Wootown is scheduled to be in their new building this weekend. The team is doing an outstanding job. It was a happy, but sad, last day at the High School (unless you are on the set-up team…in tt case, all happy. Pray for us all that we will survive this week…

I am reminded that it just takes a small hole for sin to creap in…I must train my eyes, my mind, and my heart for action to stay pure and just for the Savior. (Scripture says to not give Satan a foothold…or even a pin hole I would guess?) That is always so hard on Monday’s don’t ya think?

Is Tom’s nose going to make it? Stay tuned. 50 Evolution teenagers came to volunteer last night for the Kidz Event? Amazing.

Our Xtreme Kidz Ministry did an amazing job last night at their Christmas Production. Thanks to all the parents, kids and directors. You are amazing. As Tiffany just commented. Look around the auditorium…only kids can get some of these more “hardened” cases to come to the church. “The power of a child.” –Tiffany Hill

Christmas Eve…5 services, 1 in Wootown (maybe more?), 4 @ the Loudonville Campus…all the times are different and the services are all the same…see the site.

Lastly…according to the re:gurge blog poll, most of you like Christmas so far.

blessings and peace.

morning

In Devotional, My Life on December 7, 2007 at 4:52 pm

Having a bad day, week, life? I have bad days all the time. Yes, Pastors have those too, probably more than you would ever think. So, I had one of those last night. I am reminded of a passage that is so true for those of us connected with the Savior who always takes picks us up, who always brushes us off, who always sets us back on the path. And who makes His mercies new every morning:

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:21-26.niv


life is messy.


blessings and peace.

snow and staff

In Church Leadership, Church Staffing on December 5, 2007 at 1:44 pm



I love snow. It’s great for my a.d.d. Did I mention I love snow…

Anyway, a nice little Alberta Clipper rolled through…(I am a weather junkie). I also love to golf in the summer as you know, and SKI in the Winter. So, here we go Lord-willing!

Our newest staff member who is really young and just married this year can’t get to work until they plow him out. WHY? He drives a BMW. What are we paying him anyway? Just kidding. It is actually an older, but nice real-wheel drive BMW. And of course he lives in Wooster, because if he lived in Loudonville, he would own a truck with a snow plow on the front.

Anyway…Here are some great staff reminders to warm you up that Mark Batterson posted on his blog…read them, whether you have church staff or not. #7 is something that I had to learn and also the e-mail rule will tick more people off than you might imagine, especially volunteers.

Staff is like an extended family. We fight, we love, we support, we battle on in the name of Jesus. Though we are fairly short-staffed, we have an amazing staff, who do the work of several people, so the above stuff is even more important when you are a big church in a small town with limited funds.

In regard to what Mark said about “continually coaching”…I just had a conversation with Pastor Jeff Cooper last night about “continually coaching” as he will begin to handle more day to day operations at the Loudonville Campus so I can focus more on running the 3 campuses, teaching and leading. It is so very true.

The other part I might add is that you must know how to coach a person based on who they are and what their core identity and personality are. You can’t coach everyone to be like you. Play to their strengths and shore up to coach their weaker characteristics.

blessings and peace.