I was hesitant to post this earlier, but I can’t get it out of my head that another important anchor is to make sure that the congregation knows exactly what we are doing. We’ve got to squash any kind of church “competition” and get members out of the prideful mindset that kills spiritual growth personally and corporately. We must be known as a churches who never bash other ministries, but helps to build them. Satan works overtime in dividing churches. I think that Satan is often very efficient and knows how best to get us squabbling. Let’s recognize the enemy for who he is take back some ground.

Larry, Great stuff! Thank you for sharing the awesome kingdom ideas!

Scott, Thanks man. Great to see you at staff today.

Larry, I have loved our merge with you all. The other ingredient is your great leadership. (I’m sure I’ll get a copy of the Catalyst message soon. I’ll get it out to staff when we get one.)

Tasha, I think Seacoast Church is offering free resources. We have also “opened open” to let other churches contribute. I’m sure Bobby will write about that some.

I love your partership idea too.

Are any other churches offering free dvd downloads like life church is?

You guys are awesome. Thanks so much!!

How can we see or hear your Catalyst Conf message?

I think what is making our merge successful [in addition to God] is that two healthy ministries came together. In our particular case I think that one added to one equals more than two and that is kingdom multiplication

Although we’re not a huge church, we are trying to share and work with other ministries. Here are some ways.
1. we’re doing a building campaign, and are giving 100,000 out of that to other ministries, and part of that is going to another church here in town to help them finish their building
2. we’ve been partnering with a couple of Hispanic churches in the area, and it’s been a really great thing seeing the ministry explode there
3. my pastor is mentoring some other pastors in town, and prays with them every thursday morning
4. We all have tried to help other local churches move along any way we can. We almost shared our building with the church in #1 (until they got their own). I’ve tried to meet with other associate-type guys and swap ideas, etc.

Again, I think we need to be “teaching” churches, in the sense that we share what we’ve learned with others anytime we can (and they want to hear). Often you learn as much from them as they do from you!

BTW Bobby- I don’t remember hearing other thoughts about the AppleTV… any other uses you’re looking at with it? When do you think Apple will have a loop playback feature so that it could be used for digital signage?

Imagine the impact that we “will” make when “we” do it all for the glory of God and not for our selfish pride. The ministry of Jesus Christ is the only occupation that is not a zero sum game. By this I mean there are no losers. Jesus has won for all of us, it is only a matter of how many will join in the celebration when He comes again.

What is obvious to me, is that God reaches the lost by different means. For me and thousands of others, God has intentionally used His ministry at LifeChurch to forever change lives, but LifeChurch is not for everyone. God provides for an infinite number of paths to be drawn closer to Him. It is by no means a cookie-cutter approach. When all of us band together as followers of Christ to share our story, God will move the man-made mountains that we have selfishly created.

I am sensing a Kingdom-Minded message series. Imagine how many of our LifeChurchers will be squirming in their seats when God challenges them not only to serve in an intentional capacity at LC but to go outside of our comfortable walls and participate and contribute their resources to other Kingdom-Minded projects and ministries. WOW! When we heed that call, the world will never be the same.

Craig, thank you for your incredible leadership and passion to lead all us (world-wide) to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. I am humbled and blessed to be a part of this glorious mission.

Johnny B., Sounds like your dad was a great pastor and friend to pastors.

Kevin, My evening wake up time is 2 a.m. Maybe we’re in different time zones and it’s the same time…

Harley, Great stuff. I pray God blesses your church planting!

Mike, A ton of churches are following suit. I’m excited about the kingdom minded climate!

Tyler, I agree. Partnering in missions is a great opportunity.

In the 1960s forward thinkers in the programming world started talking about this new way of working together “open source” programming. While it took many years for the idea to catch on, today open source programming is becoming a gold standard of working in that industry.

LifeChurch works in much the same way in the church world. Rather than hording resources and trying to squeeze every ounce of financial juice out of those resources LifeChurch works to share, collaborate, and ultimately make other and their own ministries stronger.

Great post.

But I’m a little miffed at you. I have not been able to sleep all week. I’ve been waking up every morning @ 3:00 AM. Any significance to that time?