5 Keys for How to Break Out of Christianville

Christainville (noun)- a place Christians get trapped in through to much church activity, to many relationships with other Christians, and to much time spent in circles with other Christians. 

As a pastor it can become really easy to slip into Christianville where everyone I see, talk to and have relationship with is a Christian. The following is a list of "5 Keys for How to Break Out of Christianville" and make an impact in the "circles of opportunity" all around us. Its my personal plan and I hope it can serve as a guide for you on how to reach those that are dis-connected from God.

1. Inquire of God- In one word, "PRAY"! Find out who God has placed in your life to reach for Him. Find out how God wants you to reach them. He knows what will be effective, and meaningful to people.

2. Identify circles of opportunity. "Circles of opportunity" are those circles of people in your life that are dis-connected from God. My "circles of opportunity" are:

• The gym
• My sons preschool
• People at our neighborhood park 
• Our neighbors
• Those I run into while "out and about"

3. Invest in meaningful conversation. Once you have Identified your circles of opportunity and inquired of God about these people. Begin to look for and step into opportunities to engage people in conversation

• Learn peoples names
• Make small talk (this helps people feel comfortable)
• Ask questions about their life (most people love to talk about themselves)

4. Invite people to church. Once you have Inquired, Identified and Invested its time to step out and Invite them to church or a church event or function. If you have invested in people relationally and have favor with them a personal invitation may be all they need to come to church. Christmas Eve, Easter, and church events are always good times to invite. Some things to remember:

• Carry invitations. Give them something with necessary information about what you are inviting them to.
• Remember no one wants to be a "project". Don't treat people like they are your "project" that will turn them off to your invite
• Make the invite simple. Don't feel like you have to "preach" to them before they come to church. Coming across overly "preachy" may turn people off to your invitation. 
• Have personal conviction. Sometimes coming across weak or un-convinced can turn people off. I believe that passion and conviction about your beliefs polarizes people. Those who are open will be drawn to you and those opposed will be turned off. Focus on the ones who are drawn in by your passion and convictions.

5. Include people in your life. After you have, inquired, identified, invested and invited make sure to include them in your everyday life. This one is hard because it means opening your home and life to people. Here are some idea of how to include people in your life:

• Have a meal or coffee together.
• Invite them to be a part of a small group you are a part of.
• Do things together. Shared experiences bring people together and creates vulnerability and trust. 
• Include them in a family birthday party or celebration

I am on a journey in living this out in a greater and greater measure every day. What has God led you to do to reach those in your "circles of opportunity"? I would love to hear ideas and stories. Is there anything you would add to these thoughts?

For more thoughts by like-minded people visit here.

3 Simple Life Changing Ideas

3 Simple Life Changing Ideas

1. Attitude- I am sure you have worked with someone with a lousy attitude sometimes that "someone" may even be yourself (I know it can be for me at times!). Being around someone with a lousy attitude is never fun, just ask my wife...

How to keep a good attitude even amidst lousy situations:
- Give Thanks- take a moment to make a list of the things you are thankful for. This will take your mind and focus off of what the negative situations in your life are.
- Learn- Read books, blogs, listen to podcasts, meet or talk with inspiring people. These are all things that have helped me "snap out of it" during a challenging season of life.

2. Responsibility- Responsibility is what I call the potter of development. Responsibility grows, molds and changes us into better people if we allow it to.

- Responsibility is the key to promotion. I don't know where we lost sight of this but today we see many people wanting more stuff, work, tittles, kids, and money yet they have been irresponsible with the relationships, and opportunities they currently have. If you are frustrated with your current life situation (work, relationships, finances) then try to excel in your current circumstance instead of changing it. Become the best version of you and situations will change over time. Patience, perseverance, and faithfulness  is what creates opportunity.

3. Vision- We can have a good attitude, be responsible people and live the most boring life known to mankind. Vision is what adds excitement, adventure, risk and meaning to life.

- Allow imagination to lead to innovation- inspiring and meaningful vision takes imagination to see, but innovation to craft. Work at developing both your imagination and your ability to innovate.

Is there anything you would add to this list? If so, comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts..

NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE

On Wednesday as I walked into the Renaissance Church office I heard a telephone message being taken for our on call Pastor. I quickly checked the calendar to see if I was on that week, unfortunately, not because of my excitement to serve those in need, but rather to see if my day and to do list would be interrupted by an inconvenient trip to the hospital. I sighed with an internal breathe of relief when my calendar revealed that I was not on that week.

A few moments after our administrator was done taking the message I heard footsteps inching towards my desk. I reluctantly turned around to address our gracious administrator as she explained how our on call Pastor had family in from out of town and was unable to respond to this request.

She went on to explain the situation, "A man from Anchorage, Alaska had called and asked for one of our Pastor's to go and visit and pray with a lifelong friend of his that is in her last week of life."

As I walk into the care facility off of Cirby Way in Roseville I was wondering why I was here, I thought to myself, I don't know this person in fact I don't even know the man from Anchorage that I am visiting on behalf of. I was reminded of the words of Jesus, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do it unto me". This provided my heart with motivation that this visit was not for growing the local church, it was not a favor for a friend, it wasn't about fulfilling any selfish ambitions, this visit was pure, because of that I became expectant of what God might do.

Before I left the church office I printed out the Romans Road to salvation in case I had the opportunity to share the gospel with Faye, the elderly woman in this care facility. As I walked into the room I was welcomed by one of Faye's friends that was there visiting. I introduced myself and asked to hear Faye's story.

She didn't share much except that she was in her last week of life and that she wanted someone to pray with her. I asked if she had heard and had an opportunity to respond to the good news of Jesus. She hadn't but wanted me to tell her. So I went through the Romans Road to salvation and as I read/preached to her tears began to fall on her cheeks.

At the end of my simple presentation I asked if she wanted to receive the gift of salvation and eternal life that Jesus purchased for her and she said, "YES!". I lead her in the sinners prayer and affirmed that her faith in Jesus has saved her and that she would be with Jesus forever in eternity.

After this amazing opportunity she began to express her concern for her two sons. She talked briefly about how desperately she wanted to see them and to make sure they were taken care of. I immediately began thinking of my two boys and the fragility of life and how quickly it comes and goes.

Faye's priorities blessed me, and reminded me of what is most important in this life. Taking care of my boys and living for eternal things. This life has much to offer but very little of what it has to offer will truly bring the fulfillment our souls long for.

What are your priorities? Will they leave you with regret when you look back upon your life? Or will your memories of a full, fulfilled life leave you with great peace? Its your choice, how will you live....

The Gratitude Experiment

When was the last time you said thank you to someone? No I mean you actually pulled someone aside and expressed your heart of gratitude for them, for who they are and for how they have helped you become more like the person that you want to be.

I don't do this as often as I should. So I am conducting a Gratitude Experiment. I am on a mission to express heartfelt gratitude to 100 people over this next month. It may not seem like much to you, but, hey I gotta start somewhere. So if you get a random text, email, Facebook message, or tweet from me saying thank you, don't think that you are just a part of an experiment, please just accept my long overdue expression of gratitude for you.

To get started: thank you so much for taking a moment to read this blog entry, I hope it was worth your time!

Who can you express gratitude to today?

how to find real rest..

This is an old, updated post from a couple of months ago: Jesus is the shepherd of our souls. He gives us rest. In our need for rest we take multiple vacations, mental health days, sabbaticals, go to conferences, and try to escape the business and craziness of life.

This is not a bad thing but sometimes these attempts to find rest leave us more tired an weary than before and we end up needing a vacation from our vacation.

But Jesus advice to those needing rest those feeling weary was, and still is, "come to ME all you who are weary and heavily burdened and I will give you REST." Matthew 11:28

I am on vacation this week but not vacation from the presence of Jesus. On vacation fully engaged in seeking the heart, presence and purpose of God.

And having a lot of fun, not thinking about work and focussing on my family and personal connection to Jesus! That's rest for me...

Courageous Experimentation & Avoiding Regret

Regret is something to avoid at all cost. There is nothing that can distract us from enjoying the present like considering the "what if's" of the past. Maybe there is something that is in your heart to do, or pursue or become. Maybe you have a dream that you have always been to afraid to pursue. Maybe you don't want to fail, but the only true failure is never trying.

Those that are the most successful are those that have learned what not to do & what to do through courageous experimentation. I know I usually drop a Bible verse here, but this time I will not. Not because there isn't one to reference in regards to this but because I think this is a topic that we all know in our hearts to be true.

Here are 3 tips on how to avoid regret:
1. Pursue your dreams, but use wisdom. You may be on to something, but you may not. So don't put all your eggs in one basket. Take one small step at a time in your pursuit.

2. Ask those around you if you should pursue what you are considering. Ask someone who will be honest with you. Not a "yes" man or woman but someone who will give it to you straight, even if it hurts.

3. If it doesn't work out don't stop pursuing your dreams. Fall forward, failure is one step closer to success. Failure is the currency of success, there is a cost.

What will you pursue with courageous experimentation? What regret will you avoid?

HOW TO GAIN A BETTER PERSPECTIVE

Colossians 3:1-2 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."


Perspective: its something thats hard to maintain especially if your a details person. I know I can get so caught up in the details of life, relationships, family, projects, work, and everything in between that I forget what this life is supposed to be about.

I know Jesus, Moses, Elijah and many others have retreated to the "mountain" to connect with God. Many times people talk about pursuing the presence of Jesus on the "mountain". For me I go to the "mountain" not only to retreat from the details of the world, but to get perspective on those details. To seek a clearer glimpse of where God is, where his kingdom is and how to get to where I need to be, which ultimately is with Him.

In Exodus 25-31 Moses retreats to the "mountain". Moses then records 6 long chapters of detailed instructions of how he was to lead the people of God. These six chapters start with, "The Lord spoke to Moses". Moses received God's vision, (the presence of God), the core values (ten commandments), and the details (6 chapters of them) all on the "mountain" with God. As leaders we must go to the "mountain" not just to escape but to encounter. We must go expectantly, trusting that God will grant us perspective to see Him and to see how to fulfill the purposes that He has for us and His people.

Take some time today and go to God, go to Him expectantly, pursuing Him, and pursuing a vision of His kingdom and how to get to where He wants you to be.

What to do in a "Back up against the wall" situation

"Answer me,Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." 1 Kings 18:37


I have been calling on the character of God lately. I have been asking him to defend his name. To show up and confirm through signs and wonders his presence and favor.

God wants to make himself known. Stepping into and walking through situations that look impossible seems to be what God typically requires of those that claim to follow Him.

The reason I believe He leads us to those "back up against the wall" type of places is so that He can show up and show off and prove to those watching that He is more than able to save and rescue.

Are you in a "back up against the wall" situation? Well call out to the one that can turn the impossible to the possible. Allow Him to show up and show off to those around you.

That is why He has led you to this place, it's for His glory. To do what only He can do to save the day and prove that He truly is our only true Savior.

3 Keys to Effective Leadership

Proverbs 20:28 MSG"Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity."

As I think about different leaders that have influenced and impacted my life I can remember a lot of great people and a few, less great, people.

But this scripture definitely nails the leadership characteristics that have helped me to develop:

1. "If you don't care about me I don't care about you." As a leader we must truly love and care for those that are following us. If you don't your influence will dry up quickly.

2. "Your life has to be grounded in truth." If you are someone that is following your own thoughts and dreams your plans will fail. If you allow God to lead your life with his truth and direction you will find yourself working with God and not against Him.

3. "Keep it real." When I was young I wouldn't listen to anyone if I felt like they where in-authentic. If I felt like they where trying to put up a front, manipulate me, control me or pull some religious trickery. But if I understood their faithfulness to God and respected how they lived their life I would listen and allow them some influence over my life.

Loving, grounded, authentic leaders is what we need more of because those kind of people are changing the world by influencing lives, one person and meaningful relationship at a time.

The 'get er done' Internal Motor

Proverbs 14:35-  Diligent work gets a warm commendation; shiftless work earns an angry rebuke.


Hard Work used to be something that I avoided in my younger years. In fact I wanted to find a way to make a profession out of recreation. Which is possible, but as I found out, it takes a tremendous amount of hard work to do so.

But man is internally wired for work. Man is hard-wired for diligent work. When we aren't being diligent in the work God has given us something is short-circuiting Gods internal hard- wiring.

Does your internal motor work? Are you able to dig deep when need be to get the job done? If not find out what is short-circuiting your 'get er done' internal motor that God has hard-wired you for.

The Simple Life

Proverbs 13:7 "A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life"


Trying to put on a show for those around us is a waste of time, effort and energy. To simplify things to authentic love for people and God is necessary to find true meaning and fulfillment in this life.

It can become very easy to try to do great work, accomplish big goals, do good deeds and impress those around us. But if that is our motivation the scriptures are clear that none of what we do matters, if our motivation for doing it isn't love.

Let us not envy others in our personal insecurity of insufficiency. Anything we do, not motivated in love, will end in meaninglessness and ineffectiveness. 


Keep it simple and keep it real.

IMAGINE+CREATE=IMAGINATE

I like this idea of Imaginate. Its the idea of rediscovering your imagination, using your dreamer again and then creating what you have imagined. It doesn't nessesarliy have to do with art. I think that creativity should be used in every arena of life and every job weather its working at McDonalds, Pixar or a Church, imagination and creativity should be a part of doing GREAT work. What will you IMAGINATE? IMAGINE+CREATE=IMAGINATE

DO GREAT WORK

Colossians 3:25 says, "The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." (The Message)

The scriptures are not just for pastors, priests and prophets. It's for us, everyday people trying to live our lives for something greater. A lot of times we can settle for "just getting by" at work, at home or in relationships but Christians have been called to live differently. We have been instructed to have our work, relationships and home reflect the greatness of our Great God. We are his representatives to those around us, so how does your life reflect His greatness? What is one way you can reflect Gods greatness at home, work or relationships today?

Keep On Keepin' On

6 things to consider while persevering in God's purposes, plans and projects for your life.

1. YOUR EXAMPLE AFFECTS PEOPLE- When no one seems to be getting IT, they are, by your example. Our actions speak loudly.

2. FIND YOUR PEOPLE- Find the people that support, energize and encourage you and spend time with them. Walk with the wise and grow wise.

3. GET GOD’S PLANS- Don't try to figure out life on your own. We only have one life, figure out what its for, and make it happen.

4. KEEP THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE- It could always get worse. There is always someone that is dealing with more than you and doing it with a better attitude.

5. PERSEVERANCE PREPARES US- Strength comes through overcoming challenges. Don't miss out on how God wants to use your current challenge to prepare you for his next project.

6. FINISH THE PROJECT- Don't give up! God is a rewarder of those that seek and serve him with perseverance.

The Power of Story

The Power of Story: Comments on Acts 22:22

Paul bursts into this story of his life seemingly out of no where. He starts to explain to the people in his hometown the amazing story that God has been authoring through his life. Their reaction was not a welcoming one but rather one of great resistance.

The story that God was writing through Paul's life was one that was shaking history. A story that was confronting culture, convicting people of their prejudice and one that was calling people to be courageous and stand against the gravity of the cultural norms, in doing that he placed himself in grave danger. When we stand against the wave of culture (especially religious culture) and share our unconventional story that God is writing through our life we place ourselves in the crosshairs of the enemy and at the mercy of our listeners.

Paul set us an example of how to walk through misunderstanding, others unbelief, opposition and persecution. Share your story, share your story, share your story! Let others hear the context of your life and how you ended up where you are now!!

A Look Back at 2010

I think it is important not only to set goals and resolutions for the new year but also to look back and celebrate personal and professional accomplishments. The following is a list of things I am extremely grateful to have been a part of in 2010.

1. I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to serve at Bayside Plumas Lake in 2010. I feel my time there was blessed and that I experienced some great personal accomplishments there. I am also very grateful for all the friends we made while serving. I am proud of the fact that we transitioned out of that position well and left on a good note with the leadership. If you ever find yourself in Plumas Lake on a Sunday be sure to go and visit Bayside (http://www.baysideplumaslake.org/) tell Pastor Randy & Hansi Sherwood we said hello, they are amazing pastors, leaders and friends!

2. In 2010 I began a new job as the Youth Pastor at Renaissance Church (http://www.renchurch.tv/) We have experienced varying degrees of success so far with this ministry. One event I feel very blessed to have been a part of was our Back To School Party. It ended up being the most successful youth event I have ever put on. We had over 65 students, my brother-in-laws band (http://www.methodecho.com/) played, along with many decisions from students to follow Christ. It was definitely a highlight for me this year!

3. Vanessa made it through pregnancy number two with very few complications (especially compared to last time) and blessed our family with Moses Timothy Coburn. Moses has brought so much joy to our home. I am still so amazed that God has entrusted two boys to Vanessa and I to raise! We are very excited to see them grow and develop in this new year.

4. Working at The Greenhouse (http://www.thegreenhousecenter.org/) has been a great adventure this year. I feel so encouraged to see one of my former students stepping into a position at The Greenhouse. He is leading a project with the Youth Action Team. It has been incredible seeing him challenge himself, grow and develop as a leader and influencer in his neighborhood and generation.

5. I am very excited about our family not only growing but also growing closer. This year has been filled with trips to the park, Art Beast, the beach, cousin & friend play dates, and family church events. We have also had multiple trips to Mimi & Papas, Mami & Grandpa Jays, Uncle Josh and Auntie Wendy's, and Grammygrampy's house. We were able to take some time off of work to bond with baby Moses which was a huge blessing! Vanessa and I have had some great date nights, conversations, parties and coffee time with friends, as well as going through a marriage series called iMarriage together, coupled with times of prayer, lots of podcasts and some bible study we feel closer not only to each other but also to our God than ever before.

5. This last one is less of an accomplishment and more of something I am looking forward to in this new year. The church we attend and I serve at (Renaissance Church) is in the process of selling their building and going mobile. We are going to be starting a mobile church plant in Roseville and are in the process of figuring out the details of where, when and how, as I write this. I am very excited to be a part of this and look forward to seeing what God has planned for the new year!

Praying for a HAPPY NEW YEAR for you and yours!