More from our off-site leadership day at Mountainview. What are the stakes? Why does it matter if we as a ministry team function properly?  I reminded our staff that the stakes are different for us in ministry than if we were selling used cars.  We are dealing with the lives and destinies of people. Learning from obstacles. Not surprisingly, we as a church currently face many obstacles as we seek to move the Kingdom forward.  Money is tight.  Facilities are limited.  People are busy.  In fact, we generated a rather lengthy list of very real obstacles. Yet, according to James, these same obstacles can become great opportunities: When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the…

In my first "official" act as a executive pastor at Mountainview, I led our staff in an off-site vision casting and leadership development day.  I am privileged to coach a dedicated, creative, and fun group of people. Here's a brief recap of what we talked about: Opening devotional: Nehemiah 4:1-15.  Nehemiah has multiple opportunities to grow discouraged and quit.  He faces opposition from outside and doubts from those on the inside.  Rather than give up, he rallies the troops with these words: "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." We, too, face many opportunities to grow discouraged.  That's why it's important we remember how great and awesome our God is ... and what we are fighting for. What is a church? Next I shared Alan Hirsch's definition of church:…

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This is the final night of Opportunity Camp 2010 and it has been a good week. Our staff arrived from various parts of California, Texas, Washington, Oregon, New York, and Colorado.  I'm continually amazed at the year-after-year loyalty that Opportunity Camp inspires among our staff.  Our executive director has served 31 consecutive years; others on staff have served 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. Camp is also a good entry point for high school students on mission trips.  It provides them with a week outside of what they would normally experience at home -- the same goal we have for our campers.  It stretches, challenges, and encourages our younger staffers. For our campers, this week is one of ups and downs.  There is the usual tension of trying to figure out a new place, a new system, a new community.  Kids are kids and each has a certain amount…