The Most Important Word

In many cases, the word “no” is more important than the word “yes.”

To say “yes” to the best things, you’ll have to say “no” to the good things.

In ministry, you will be overwhelmed with many good opportunities. But if you say “yes” to all of them, one day you won’t be able to say “yes” to the most important things.

Just because you could do something, doesn’t mean you should do it.

It may sound odd, but if you want to do more to make an impact, it often starts with the word “no.”

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Craig talks about One Prayer

Earlier this week, Brad Lomenick of Catalyst interviewed Craig about One Prayer 2010. I wanted to share it here because it’s a great look at the why behind One Prayer.

Interview with Craig Groeschel from Catalyst on Vimeo.

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LeadershipXP

This week we’re rolling out something brand new at LifeChurch.tv: LeadershipXP. It’s a 9-month apprenticeship experience designed to cultivate young leaders by giving them responsibility in the trenches and immersing them in a special mentoring group.

We wanted to create an experience that would allow us to invest in young leaders in a significant way. As they learn by doing, they’ll be supported in an environment of responsibility, freedom, mentoring, and personal development.

It won’t be a cookie-cutter approach. Participants will discover more about who they are and develop a vision and purpose for their lives.

Specifically, we’ll be focusing on four key elements:

1. Leadership development
2. Spiritual development
3. Character development
4. Emotional intelligence

Know a sharp 18-24-year-old who’s cut out for something like this? Let them know about LeadershipXP…quickly! The deadline to apply is May 28.

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The Small Things Ignored

I’ve written about four things that people (or companies) did for us on a recent trip to Florida that made a difference to me. Today I’ll write about a small thing ignored that could have made a difference.

For my daughter’s sixteenth birthday, we ate (for the first time) at a certain restaurant chain.

The waiter botched our order (which is an understandable mistake with eight people to serve). The food came out in three shifts over five minutes apart. Three orders were wrong including mine. Instead of a salad, I received a cheeseburger. Since the food took so long to arrive, I ate the burger instead of waiting for a salad.

When the bill arrived, not only did they not remove any charges for the wrong food, but they overcharged us for two things we didn’t order. When I asked the waiter if he’d remove the overcharged portions, he seemed very put out.

I told him not to worry about it and just decided it would be my first AND last visit.

Admittedly, I’m being a little petty. But in a world of great service, bad service stands out like a sore thumb.

It makes me wonder how often guests might not return to our churches because we didn’t welcome them, help them find a seat, or help them feel comfortable dropping their kids off to complete strangers.

Thoughts?

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The Small Things: Snacks on the Plane

On our way home from our trip to Florida, we flew Continental Express. With a fast turnaround to connect in Houston to Oklahoma, I knew our family wouldn’t have time to eat.

I was pleasantly surprised when they offered us snack baskets containing trail mix, crackers, cheese spread, M&Ms, and meat.

At possibly $2 to $3 per box lunch, that gesture likely set Continental back $16 to $20 for my family; but that small bonus set them apart from the other airline we flew on earlier. I know times are tight for airlines, but if I’m traveling with my family to Florida again, Continental may earn my business over a small snack pack.

Some of our campuses offer food and drinks to people who worship with us on the weekend. I’ve occasionally wondered about the cost verses the benefit.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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The Small Things: The Gift Basket (and other hospitality)

Celebration Church does a tremendous job hosting. When we arrived to our room, they blessed us with a very thoughtful gift basket.

It was packed with water, snacks, and goodies to munch on. On top of the treats, they gave our kids beach toys, sunscreen, and an underwater camera. Since we were going to stay for four days, they even gave us a gift card to the local grocery store.

When we left, one of their staff members met us at the airport (even though I told him not to) to help us return our van and transport our baggage. I’d never expect that kind of generous treatment but was grateful for their acts of selfless and thoughtful hospitality.

When people visit our churches, I want them to know we were thinking about them before they arrived.

What do you do to make guests feel welcome?

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Christian Atheist Launches Today!

Today’s the big day—the official release of Craig’s new book, The Christian Atheist! We’re beginning our celebration right here on Swerve with the giveaway we posted about yesterday. We’ll be announcing the winners today at 3:00 CDT, so be sure to check back this afternoon.

This evening, we’ll be continuing the celebration at a book launch party at Mardel in Edmond (33rd & Boulevard). Craig will be there at 6:00pm to sign books and share his vision behind The Christian Atheist. We’d love to see you there if you’re in the area!

We’re so excited to see what God does in people’s lives as they read this book. If you would like to purchase a copy, you can order through any of these booksellers:

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, and Mardel

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The Small Things: The Wake-up Knock

After teaching at Celebration Church, Pastor Stovall Weems arranged for us to stay at the Hammock Beach Resort. This resort excels at customer service. Beside the normal things that I always appreciate (like calling us by name, opening doors, friendly service, etc.), they did one small thing that meant a lot to me.

On the day we were checking out, we had to depart early from the room to catch a flight. We asked for an early wake-up call. Like usual, I woke up before the phone call. Amy took the phone off the hook to keep it from waking our kids earlier than necessary.

Within five minutes of the time the phone would have rung, someone knocked on our door. It was one of the employees making sure we were awake, since the phone was off the hook. Wow! That’s good service.

I love it when people don’t just do their job but go beyond the call of duty.

How have you seen this lived out in the church?

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