The Journey of a Next Gen Leader

Committed

// January 20th, 2013

As many of you know, I am now overseeing the start of CCV’s new satellite campus in Etiwanda, CA. We purchased the former wedding facility called Etiwanda Gardens. These past few months I have been preparing my team to start this new venture. Today I went to visit a few churches in Orange County to get some new and creative ideas. In the midst of visiting these few churches today, I was encouraged and challenged by the gentlemen you see in the picture above. Yes, I did take when he was not looking like a creeper. I looked for him after the service but could not find him.

You might ask, why was I encouraged and challenged? Simple. Here is a man that is obviously older, but still serving. And it was not that he was just older, he had a breathing apparatus strapped to his back. Most people like this simply stop serving out of the difficulty these challenges present. But here is a man that is dedicated to serving his church no matter the difficulty. Even with a breathing apparatus and small air tank strapped to his back, this man serves others for the sake of Christ. He is committed at doing what it takes to serve others. Are you?

Here are three questions that come to my mind as a leader:
Am I that committed to serving others for the sake of Christ?
Do I quit serving others when a difficult challenge presents itself?
What kind of example am I to others when I am serving?

My prayer is that I display this type of lifestyle.

Stay Focused

// December 18th, 2012

We all know that in life and leadership there are going to be the people that disagree with and dislike us. We’ve all experienced the disdain of another person. What are we to do about this disdain?

Jesus had leaders that disliked him and were trying to catch him on something they disagreed with. But Jesus continued on his mission. We see this in Mark 3:2, when it says, “And they (the Pharisees, the religious leaders that disliked the way Jesus led) watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, SO THAT THEY MIGHT ACCUSE HIM (ESV).

Jesus didn’t care. He just focused on his mission. He healed the broken and gave hope to the lost. As leaders, we should do the same. Stay focused on the mission that God has given you. You are most effective when you are exactly where God wants you. Embrace that today.

Love It!!!

// November 29th, 2012

Just read an article on USA Today about a NYPD officer that gave up his new work boots on duty to a homeless man that had no shoes or socks in the cold winter night. I love knowing there are still good cops and kind people in this world taking care of the needy. Praise God for acts of kindness like this. May this encourage you to reach out to be the hands and feet of Jesus today; that you would be a living display of the love of God.

I Voted

// November 6th, 2012

The “Busyness” Problem

// November 1st, 2012

Today, I was at the hospital for a doctor’s appointment with Julie and almost everyone we were around was a little on edge and quite grumpy. I have noticed this more and more lately; people let their busyness lead to grumpiness Regardless of the fast food associate serving food, or the receptionists that answers the phone, it seems that the busyness of life causes grumpiness. Many times, as an American, it is easy to get so caught up with being “busy,” and begin to let our busyness dictate our feeling of accomplishment for that day. However, we all to often allow our busyness to altar what we say and how we react to others. Why? One of my answers is that busyness, in excess, turns into selfishness. Even if you are busy doing things for other people, your schedule and tasks become king of the day, and if that ideal schedule is altered by someone else we may think, “Don’t they know how busy I am?” It is easy that even in a job where our description is to serve people, we get irritated with “interruptions” from the people we are supposed to be serving.

I would encourage you as a leader to not let busyness dictate your attitude and responses, both to peers and followers. Rather, be grateful for the opportunities God has provided, take every opportunity to make people know you care, and capitlize on the platform God has provided you. This is a good reminder for us all, so let’s work together in this.

Most Effective Poison

// October 1st, 2012

Cannot Coexist

// September 30th, 2012

The Marvelous Exchange

// September 25th, 2012

“You [Christ] committed to us not only you’re your body’s suffering but also your heart’s affection. Your death gave us life, your fear made us brave, your sadness made us joyful, your loathing made us eager, your trouble made us tranquil, and your desolation consoled us.”
St. Bernard, Sermon on St. Andrew, 1.6 in Bernard of Clairvaux: Selected Works, Jean Leclercq, p. 44.

I <3 Night Decision Count

// September 6th, 2012

I love seeing how students take ownership in bringing friends that do not know Jesus. Here is the decision count from last night’s I <3 Night. Isn't it awesome?

Teach Me How to Pray

// August 22nd, 2012

Enjoy another SHIFT Students video…