Friday, August 29, 2008

A little bit about LB....

1. I was born and raised in a small town in Minnesota. You may have heard of it if you ever watched "Little House on the Prairie"...I grew up in Sleepy Eye, MN.

2. I was the second youngest of 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. Here are names: Lonnie, LuAnn, Leslie, Larry and Lance.

3. My hobbies: church….and when I'm not doing that I officiate high school wrestling.

4. My educational background is as an Athletic Trainer....sports medicine.

5. Prior to getting into the full time pastor gig I was a college professor. I was the director of Athletic Training at Gardner-Webb University.

6. My first day at school in Kindergarten I wore cowboy boots...one other person wore boots that day as well. Her name was Ashely and we became best friends.

7. Favorite movie of all time: toss up between "The Godfather" and "Vision Quest"

8. First “real job” working at the local Dairy Queen…my sister was the manager.

9. Die hard Minnesota Vikings fan.

10. I’m pretty intense about things especially the church…it is the hope of the world!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Decision Making....

My wife and I were out shopping recently when we engaged in a conversation about life. Well it was more of me asking her annoying questions and her humoring me, but the topic of our discussion dealt with decision making. Through the discourse I had a huge revelation…there are 2 diametrically opposed processes people employ for making decisions. There is the “starting with the end in mind approach” and the “looking at my circumstances” approach.

Through the conversation I learned that there are people who were raised to look at the circumstances surrounding them and agonize over every step along the way toward a goal. My natural bent is to start with the end in mind and work backward from that decision.

When you make decisions based upon circumstances it can create a belief system that causes you to function in an unhealthy “auto-pilot” approach. If you approach each situation by looking at the first obstacle, than all you see are obstacles standing in the way of where you really want to go. Over time you’ll just say “it’s too hard” or “it’s not worth the hassle”. Eventually you’re living in an endless cycle of failure. It’s the place where you have a lot of “I shoulds”. It’s the place where you start new things but never finish because it’s becomes too difficult or you lack the discipline to see them through. Let me give you an example. Let’s say you want to get into shape and drop some weight. The circumstance approach starts by looking at the immediate condition. “I’m not in good shape right now and I’d probably have a hard time getting in shape. I’d don’t have a lot of free time in my schedule so I’d have to get up early and I’m not an early morning person. If I did loose weight, I’d have to buy a new wardrobe and I can’t afford that so I’ll just sit on the couch.” Extreme example but you get the point.

The other end of the decision making spectrum is to start with the end in mind and let that filter determine ever decision. Let’s use the same example of getting in shape and losing weight. If you start with “I am going to lose weight and get in shape”, here’s how you approach the same scenario. “I will get into shape. I know it’s going to be hard and painful so I’m going to get a personal trainer to make sure I’m doing it right. I don’t have much free time, but I believe so much in the goal I’m going to cancel some standing evening appointments because this is more important. I’m also going to find a work out partner because I realize I’m not a morning person and I need someone to help hold me accountable. I can’t afford the wardrobe right now so I’m going to start saving as I go and sell a few things on ebay, because I’ll need a new wardrobe for my sexy new body that’s around the corner!”

When you start the end in mind the answer to ever decision you face is “YES”. The challenge begins with making choices to see your goal come to pass. It’s evaluating what things need to change in your life in light of the decision and what sacrifices do you have to go through to achieve the goal.

Start with the end and mind…commit to a goal and let that choice answer every decision.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Love in the auditorium.....

Each week hundreds of volunteers labor to create an experience where people are welcomed in a way that makes them feel accepted and loved so that by the time they sit in the auditorium they are free from distractions. We work so hard because we want people relaxed so that their entire focus is on the gospel being preached. It is accomplished through smiling greeters who are actually glad people show up, parking guys who are the first face of Christ for many and our ushers helping people find the seat where their life has the potential to be changed. I truly believe our volunteers get it, they get the connection between what they do and people coming to faith in Christ. They see the fruit of their labors when hands go up in response to an invitation or when they hear a story of someone’s life that was changed at Elevation.

One of the areas where the whole thing becomes a little sticky is in our auditorium. It’s the place where our ushers help people find their seat. There is a mind set in many who have a history in church that they can sit anywhere they want on a Sunday morning. There’s an expectation that there shouldn’t have to sit next to anyone. Well that’s the exact opposite of our philosophy at Elevation. We seat people from the front of the room to the back squeezing everyone toward the middle. Our goal is to have as few as open seats as possible to create a level of excitement in the room. We do allow children in the auditorium, but if they are under the age of 5 they need to sit toward the back in reserved rows and if the child becomes a distraction they will be asked to leave. Lastly, if someone gets up from their seat and leaves the auditorium during the sermon they will not be allowed to return to their seat. They will be graciously escorted to a seat in the back of the auditorium when they return.

Sounds kinda harsh doesn’t it…the fact that we don’t let people sit anywhere they want or if someone leaves during the sermon we don’t let them return to their seat can sound down right mean. But it’s actually the most loving thing we can do. All it takes is one crying child for someone who needs Christ to be distracted. All it takes is one person walking down the isle for someone’s focus to be taken off of the gospel. The most loving thing we can do is to remove all distractions and allow people to experience the love of Christ. Most churches wouldn’t dare do some of the things we do because they don’t want to offend anyone. At Elevation, the most offensive thing we could do would be to see someone far from God come to a worship experience and leave unaffected because of the distractions going on around them.

Most of the people who are offended by what we do in the auditorium are people who have grown up in church because they have never seen it done our way. The people who are far from God usually have no problem with what we do because they don’t have a history entrenched in churchianity and are used to concerts where you’re assigned a seat not expecting much elbow room.

The most loving thing we can do on Sunday morning is to passionately and uncompromisingly run after our vision of seeing people far from God filled with life in Christ. Who do you love on Sunday mornings and how do you love them? For Elevation it’s simple, we’ll always be more concerned with who we’re trying to reach than who we’re trying to keep.

Monday, August 25, 2008

What can happen in a day.....

Yesterday was a continuation of an incredible season at Elevation Church....check this out:
  1. Highest attendance ever in the history of Elevation, well over 4,800 showed up!

  2. We successfully opened a brand new campus, Elevation Uptown opened with over 500 in attendance!

  3. Our student "revival" for middle and high school student had over 500 in attendance both nights over the weekend.

  4. Over 180 students accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior during the the 2 nights!!

  5. 420 people placed their faith in Jesus Christ between our 3 campus and 7 different worship experiences yesterday!!!

  6. Over 600 people were made new in Christ over the weekend....all Glory goes to God!!!!!

Think about it, over 600 people are going back to work today or going to the first day of school forgiven of all their sins and made a New Creation. WOW...God made His name famous and a revival is breaking out in the city of Charlotte!!

Friday, August 22, 2008

It has started....

We’ll its begun…An intense 3 week season, where we press into God and pray an audacious prayer asking Him to see 1,000 people profess faith in Christ for the first time, began tonight with the first of a two night student event called “Awakening Students”. It was an incredible evening as Pastor Steven preached an intense message challenging students to not just survive the school year, but thrive in Christ as be a change agent at their school. His sermon ended with an invitation to receive Christ and over 100 students responded placing their faith in Christ. It was an incredible sight watching life transformation right in front of your eyes. And its only the beginning...the second night of the student “revival” is Saturday followed by an explosive Sunday morning.

We’re anticipating and expecting God to do something so outrageous only He could take the credit. Stay tuned as we watch God change hundreds of lives right in front of us!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The gospel of John....

The Elevation staff and hundreds of volunteers embarked on a 21 day fast this past Sunday. We are modeling it after the fast that Daniel went through when he refrained from the king's delicacies. To know more about the particulars of the fast click HERE.

In conjunction with the fast we are all going through the book of John. It has 21 chapters so we are reading a chapter a day during the fast. The past three weeks at Elevation have been incredible. The first two weeks we witnessed 1,044 people spontaneously baptized and last week we had a powerful display of life transformation through cardboard testimonies and a radical call from Pastor Steven to invite people to church this coming Sunday. We are entering this fast to collectively seek the heart of God. We are starting new series this Sunday called The Gospel in which we are praying and asking God for hundreds of people to give their lives to Christ.

As we read through a chapter of John each morning I am trying to focus on one Scripture that God impresses upon my heart and that scripture becomes my prayer for the day. Here's what come out of the first three chapters:
  • Chapter 1:50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see even greater things than that." I really felt God telling me that what we have seen at Elevation. We're just getting started...we ain't seen nothing yet!!!!
  • Chapter 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "do whatever he tells you". What a simple statement but profound in application...listen to what He says and do it. Petty good life verse.
  • Chapter 3:2 "For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." The things happening at Elevation are evidence of God. We are not smart enough, cool enough, slick enough...it could have only happened by the hand of God!

As you go through John what is God speaking to? Try boiling it down to one Scripture or theme that drives your prayer life for that day....Today after reading Chapter 3 my prayer is "Lord, keep making your name famous through showing your grace and mercy to thousands. Do such amazing things that only you can take the credit and receive the glory."

Monday, August 18, 2008

The Power of a Story....

Everyone has a story. Some make for a better lifetime movie than other's but everyone has one. This past Sunday we had one of the most powerful illustrations of God's grace that I have ever seen. We used "cardboard testimonies" to tell of God's mercy. One by one we walked story after story out on to the stage. Each story had a before side and an after side on their piece of cardboard. Each person started with the "before" side of the card. It described in a few words or a short sentence who they used to be. Then they flipped the card to the "after", the part that describes who they now are in Christ. Here are a few of the cardboard testimonies from Sunday:

  • Broken Marriage, Broken Heart - Restored Bride of Christ
  • I was ashamed of the Gospel - Now a missionary to my college campus
  • Tried to kill myself with a gun - Redeemed and made new in Christ
  • My brother died 2 months ago - I'll see him in heaven because I was saved at his funeral

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as we were moved by the stories of God's grace, compassion and restoration. Each of you have a story. What would be on the front and back of your "cardboard"? I'd love to see a few people leave a comment with what their board would say.

My cardboard would say:

  • Alcoholic, bitter, angry at the world - Filled with Joy and encouraging others

Baby Update...

Over the weekend Janet started having back labor. It would sneak up on her late in the afternoon and last for a few hours each episode. The pain came in 10 minutes waves but diminished by the end of the night. She is having a few other symptoms that suggest Daelyn may be coming soon. It was a big weekend at Elevation so I laid hands on that baby and asked God to let us get through Sunday. He honored the prayer so I think we're ready. If she doesn't arrive before the weekend I may be praying the same thing all over again....

Saturday, August 16, 2008

False Labor....

It's late on a Friday night. I can't sleep because we had a little bit of reality check tonight. Janet, my lovely 37 1/2 week pregnant wife had excruciating back pain. It was coming in 10 minute intervals and we thought she may be having "back labor". After calling the doctor and getting some advice we monitored the pain and within a few hours it diminished. The scare passed and we're chalking it up as muscle spasms. A few reflections on the events of the night:
  1. My wife is a whole lot tougher than me....I would have been asking for morphine, but she was in "some" discomfort.
  2. As much as we planned, painted and prepped we still were not completely ready. It is amazing how fast things can sneak up on you.
  3. Being a father is one of the most incredible privileges a man can ever have.
  4. Our 2 1/2 year old son Corbin is a sweet boy, but rough. I will not be surprised if he starts dragging his new sister around like a toy.
  5. I can't wait to meet our daughter Daelyn Carley Brey, I just hope it's not on a Sunday.

We'll keep you posted on when the big event happens.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Opportunity of a lifetime.....

Each week I have the pleasure of speaking with churches all around the country. One of the consistent questions I am asked is “how do get volunteers to show up on time”. If you’ve every worked with people you realize that question translates across all spectrums. When I ask, “what are you doing to address the issue” I hear a wide array of answers. Things like “the volunteers that show up on time get donuts and the late ones have to watch” or “the ones that are on time have their names put in a raffle to win a prize.”

There’s a fundamental flaw in that perspective. Churches are notorious for communicating a need based message. “We need volunteers so will you help me fill the need.” Many times it’s almost a desperate plea of “please help me because if you don’t people will go to Hell and this thing will fall apart.” It’s a scarcity mentality that is coming from the wrong perspective.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for His church. It was his redemptive plan for the earth and there isn’t a plan “B” or a plan “C”. He did not die for a business, industry or para-church organization. He died for His church, His righteous bride and He made a few promises along the way. Jesus told us that the “gates of Hell would not prevail against His church” and that “He would build His church”. If the reality of scripture shaped our perspectives we’d realize the opportunity we are giving people.
When leaders realize that participating in the local church isn’t a burden for people, but rather it’s an opportunity to be a part of God’s redemptive plan the whole thing changes. When you understand this truth you have a drastically different approach. You now see volunteering as an amazing opportunity to be a part of what Jesus died for, not something that comes after the tee-ball games or something you can fit in around kick-off times.
When we as leaders view what we have as the most important thing on earth, when we see it like we’re allowing someone to get in on the IPO of Microsoft, now we have the right perspective. When a person uses their gifts to advance the gospel and become a part of the transformation process there’s nothing like…it’s a supernatural partnership.
If people sign-up to help with a need, it will wear out over time…when people commit to an opportunity it can last a life-time. It’s a beautiful thing to watch lives transformed because they had an opportunity to be used by God to touch another person. As leaders, let us never be guilty of not giving our people an opportunity to partner with the creator of the universe through the local church.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

What's wrong with this picture....

At first glance you'll just think this guy is in a little bit of discomfort, but take a closer look at his right elbow!!!!! This Hungarian weightlifter had a very bad day when his lift didn't go as planned.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Leverage what you have....

As we've grown as a church I've had the privilege of learning from Pastor Steven, one of the best leaders in the church today. I am constantly amazed at how he is always thinking about the next thing before the current thing is complete. He is continually pressing us to leverage every opportunity to develop leaders and improve systems. Let me give you a few practical examples of how I've been able to implement this principle in my area of ministry:
  1. Lunch - If I'm going to a lunch where I'll be communicating vision/culture, meeting with someone who wants to know more about the church or pitching a leadership role to a volunteer I ask myself who can I bring along. This is an easy opportunity to help key volunteers/other leaders to learn how to speak the voice of the church. Let them know why you're taking them along, define your expectations and debrief afterward. Leverage this valuable opportunity to help high level people learn how communicate your heart. It's a great way to develop leaders that doesn't take any more time out of your schedule and only costs you a lunch.
  2. Event Volunteers - When you need a short term event driven volunteer force you have an gold in your hands. Go out of your way to recruit people who are not currently volunteering and give them the chance to get a front row opportunity to see your vision in action. We just finished putting on two weeks of spontaneous baptisms. A significant portion of those volunteers were new volunteers we recruited for the event. Most of those newbies will end up on a volunteer team because they have been so captivated by being part of the life transformation process.
  3. Systems - figure out what you want to do and empower others to drive the system. Here's an example from the spontaneous baptisms. I developed the plan for how I wanted the system to flow for getting people out of their seats, changed, baptized and back into their street clothes. I identified high capacity put them in leadership roles. I gathered those leaders together and empowered them to lead their teams and drive the process. They were empowered to make decisions to improve the system on the fly. The short term role will give you future leaders who will be ready for the next thing you need them to do.

Why don't we leverage these and other opportunities more often: 1) We're too busy checking things off our list to stop and ask "how can I utilize what I am currently doing to develop someone." 2) We rely on the same people over and over again rather than seeking out new people to bring into the mix and 3) We get too caught up in the details rather than giving leadership away through empowering others to drive the details.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Holy hangover....

Monday's are kinda rough....especially after big Sunday's. The best way I can describe it is "a holy hangover". There's no alcohol involved, but you feel like you've been on an all night bender. A typical Sunday at Elevation starts by rolling into the school parking lot at 5:00am and ends when I walk into my house between 3:30 -4:00. It's a full out sprint that lasts all day. The holy hangover stems from an environment that drains me physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I can't believe I get to do what I do. I have the best job (calling) in the world. What I get to do every day is the best 4 hours of the week for many of our volunteers.

Today was not immune to the hangover. We had been praying and asking God to do something so amazing that we could not take any credit. We asked Him to do something so profound that it leaves no doubt that He was behind it. Well, He did it!! After two weeks of baptism 1,044 people responded.

It may have been the best two weeks that I have ever been a part of at Elevation. Hundreds of volunteers invested countless hours, Pastor Steven preached the best sermons I've ever heard and God moved. I can't believe God allowed us to be a part of it. It's an experience that I will tell my grandchildren.

As a staff we celebrated God's faithfulness, Pastor Steven took the entire staff out to lunch where we retold the stories from the weekend. We were all exhausted, but in the best way!!!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Speechless....

There are few times in life when I am lost for words, today is one of those days. We prayed and asked God to see 1,000 baptisms during our two weeks of spontaneous baptisms as part of our "Awakening" series. The two week total of 1,044 leaves me absolutely speechless!!!!

God is good, our volunteers are sold out for the vision and this city is in the midst of an Awakening......

Thursday, August 7, 2008

The Olympics....

There are a few things you need to know about me; 1) I'm extremely loyal and 2) I'm extremely competitive. Growing up as one of 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl, taught me a few things. I learned to be fiercely loyal. I could fight with my brother. I'm talking about a knock-down-drag-out fist fight, but if you said a word about him it's on. I also learned to be extremely competitive. Everything was a competition with my brothers, who could drink their glass of milk the fastest, who could hold the breath the longest and my personal favorite, who could spit the farthest. My competitive nature has improved with age, but it doesn't take much for it to rear it's head. Today in fact, Rachel, one of our children's ministry staffers challenged me to a push-up contest. Yes, I accepted the challenge and yes I beat a girl in a push up contest. Hey I'm not proud of it but I won a "Red Velvet Cake" that Jessi will be delivering tomorrow!!!

All that background to say I can't wait for the Olympics to start. It's the only time I can actually watch a soccer game and I can only do that if it's the United States is playing. I take great pride in being an American. I love my country and have been know to cry during the national anthem. I plan on watching every single moment possible and cheer for the Red, White and Blue. One of the best parts of the games are the stories of the athletes who have trained for years for this opportunity. Here are a few of the athletes/stories I'm really excited about watching:
  1. Jake Deitchler - From my home state of Minnesota. This kid was a three time state champ in wrestling and just graduated from high school. He qualified for the Olympics by winning the 66kg weight class. He beat guys that have been wrestling longer than he has been alive. I can't wait to see what Jake does, I think he will shock the world!

  2. Eric Shanteau - He's definitely not a household name, but you'll be hearing more about the swimmer in the upcoming weeks. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer 6 weeks ago and started treatment, but has put surgery on hold till after the games.

  3. Lopez Lomong - Lomong, 23, lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for 10 years before coming to the United States as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. He was selected to be flag bearer of the U.S. team by his peers on the U.S. Olympic team.
    "The American flag means everything in my life -- everything that describes me, coming from another country and going through all of the stages that I have to become a U.S. citizen," Lomong said. "This is another amazing step for me in celebrating being an American. Seeing my fellow Americans coming behind me (in the Opening Ceremony) and supporting me will be a great honor – the highest honor. It’s just a happy day. I don’t even have the words to describe how happy I am."

As a kid my dream was to win an Olympic gold medal. I guess that one of the reason's I'm so fond of the summer games. We live in the greatest county that has ever been on the face of the earth. I hope you stand a little taller and cheer a little louder as you watch the good ol' USA.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The voice...

Do you have a favorite movie voice, maybe its James Earl Jones playing Darth Vader in "Star Wars" or Marlon Brando playing the Godfather. There’s just something about a recognizable voice that communicates more than just information, it communicates an attitude. It communicates a particular brand of thinking, a unique culture that encapsulates the character and the people that surround him.
When the Godfather speaks everyone listens. His voice also empowers his guys to speak with authority wherever they go because they realize they are speaking on his behalf. There’s power when any organization has a singular voice that defines it. That voice is unique to the organization and defines its culture.
Elevation Church is one of those organizations that has a unique culture, one that can be described but only until you experience it can it be appreciated. One of the keys to the success of our ministry through our short history is the tremendous unity we have maintained. I’m talking about actively embracing the culture and speaking the voice of the church, believing in the vision so strongly that it causes you to speak the voice of the church. My role as a staff member is is to make sure that voice permeates through the entire Church. To help leaders learn the voice Elevation, embrace its uniqueness and help them learn how to communicate it.
My job isn't to try to figure out what to say, my role is to listen to Pastor Steven and speak that voice to the rest of the organization. When we’re all saying the same things with the same passion there’s a tremendous synergy and unity.

What’s the voice of your organization?

If you are the Lead Pastor, what are you speaking? Are you surrounding yourself with people who have their own agenda or are they people who truly believe in the vision that God has put in your heart. If you’re on staff, are you using your own voice or are you pressing into your leader and learning his voice. Evaluate your current setting and ask the question “what is the voice of this organization”.
At Elevation Church there’s only one voice and as long as we remain unified around that voice we will walk in unity with a laser focused vision on “seeing people far from God filled with life in Christ.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Surprised or Amazed....

This morning in our all staff meeting we celebrated what God did yesterday. We praised Him for moving over 600 people out of their seat to be baptized on the spot. Pastor Steven was sharing his reflections on the day and encouraging us to never take what God is doing for granted. He went on and said what appeared to be a simple statement, but it's had a profound impact on me the entire day. He said we should be amazed by what God did, but not surprised. As I've reflected on what he said, it hit me between the eyes. God wants to bless His people. As much as we wanted to see hundreds of people baptized, He wanted it more. As much we want to see people forgiven of their sins, He wants it more. As much as we want marriages put back together, He wants it more. We should never be surprised when He moves, but always amazed when He does because it truly is a miracle. When we're surprised we've stopped expecting God to do something amazing.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Words don't describe....


What happened at Elevation today can't be explained with words....we saw hundreds of people get up from their seats and spontaneously baptized on the spot. Hundreds of people woke up this morning with no idea what would take place a few hours later. It was incredible watching people respond to Pastor Steven's message, get up from their seats, change clothes and go public with their faith and be baptized.

I am standing-up right now giving our volunteers a standing ovation...their hearts and hands made it happen. I am so proud of our people!!! It is a privilege to labor along side our Elevators...many came up at the end of the day and thanked me for allowing them to volunteer!! Can you believe it, they labored all day Saturday setting it up and all day Sunday making it happen and they thank me! God is good!!!

Pastor Steven's inspired message was straight from the heart of God and divided truth from lie. People were convicted and we removed all the excuses...add it together and we watched person after person baptized!!

I can't believe I get to do what I do! I can't believe God has allowed me to be part of one of the truly amazing movements of God in the country. And you know what, we get to do it all over again next week!!