I was reminded of an indispensable leadership principle at my son’s kindergarden drop off.

His first day on the job was seamless: He walks in, gives mommy a kiss and bids her farewell. He likely assumed this was a big step to become a big boy. No problem; I got this. He appeared confident.

One week later, he refuses to get out of the van at drop off, tears and defiance. The school-thing might be a step towards manhood, but he’s no longer interested. Check please. Of course, what he hasn’t grasp yet is that, like it or not, Kindergarden is not an option. Every road to future education starts at that intersection (at least institutionally).

Likewise, when it comes to leadership, every road begins with vision. I can’t move forward as a leader without it (note: read Visioneering by Andy Stanley). If a vivid picture of a better future does not burn in me and spark action, whether for my family, church, organization, community, etc., then I’m managing, not leading. Yes, I’m managing status quo and embedded processes, oftentimes antiquated and even detrimental ones.

So, whatever you’re leading right now ask yourself this question: Do I need to go back to kindergarden? Do I need to revisit the vision? ‘Cause I can’t lead unless I start there.

Wow Brentwood!!!

I’ve never experienced Brentwood services like today. Yes, it was packed full of people (1300) and blowing up with energy, but more than anything, over 100 people packed the stage to break free and confess their sins and secrets, or walk the line with someone else.

So stoked about our church and what God is doing.

That’s what we have to always be about, helping liberate people with our own liberation stories. I’ll admit, it was really awkward towards the end of the first service. I shared my liberation story, put it out there and no one came. Then I said it again, “Stop denying sin and suppressing secrets. Come down here, break free and confess.”

Silence. Stillness. Nothing.

I could literally hear the enemy say to me, “See, God’s truth has no power here. And you shared your story for nothing.” But then one lone person broke through the pride and haze. He walked the long line to freedom and his courage opened the flood gates. Man, it was humbling to see so many, service after service, follow that one guy’s lead.

Here’s the deal, just like the Apostle Paul says, “If we clearly present truth and live it out authentically, then unbelieving people will walk in our church, recognize their sins and worship God.” (1 Cor 14:23, 24)

That’s who we were today.

One girl approached me after the third service and said she surrendered to Christ today. Her story was beautiful. Last night she said God told her to go to church and give her life to Jesus. Her hands were shaking through the entire closing song. She broke, obeyed, confessed and entered life and eternity with freedom. Yes, you can do a backflip right now.

Love being a part of this. Love serving with you all.

Onward!
Jon

Last night I got an email from the headmaster at my children’s grade school. The subject was the murder of two Virginia Tech students who had relational connections with our school community. Not yet 20-years-old, this girl and boy were taken suddenly by a senseless, violent act. The email was crafted with wisdom and grief, but my spirit still ached after reading it. Why God?

First, empathy for the two families and all their friends rushed me. I was nauseated by it. I couldn’t shake it, and a part of me didn’t want to. Help them God, help them find joy again someday.

Then I went into the kids’ bedrooms. They slept and I prayed. That’s when frozen helplessness, like a trillion ice-bags, pounded me to the floor. I want this gone, now! I thought. Lift this off me, God.

Why? Because, once again, I had to resign that I’m not in control of the universe. My life, my family, justice in the world and the destiny of this human story are in the hands of a God I can’t fully understand. What I do know is that, despite how the killing of those two teenagers haunts me, I have to believe God is still good and in control.

I have to believe.

Jesus is clear that our character is better defined by how we treat our enemies than our friends (Lk 6:28). Pray for them, serve them, do good to them, etc.

Why? Because that’s the compassion that flows from God’s heart–what we were created to reflect.

And yet, like most of Christ’s teachings, I’m not naturally capable to think and feel warmth, much less grace, towards the people who take cheap shots at me or contrive plans to make my life hell. You have those people. In fact, you’ve got their mugshot burning in your brain right now.

What then? Holy Spirit? Yes.

So, I often find myself asking God to first give me the grace to pray for them, before I actually pray for them. He does. I pray. And somehow I see them differently once again.

Wow! Freedom.

Brentwood Church

What an incredible summer! Now, the school year is in full swing. Tammy and I dropped off our 5-year old, Chase, at Kindergarten last week. Some major adjustments came his way all at once. It was wake up early with his siblings, get himself dressed, fed and in the van by 7:30 A.M. No more sleeping-in and hanging out with mommy all day. He’s been a trooper. In fact, he walked into his class on day one, kissed his mother goodbye and got down to business. Pretty cool.

Likewise, our church has made some big adjustments too. We’re back to three services. The hallways and parking lot are slammed full of new people. And all new volunteers crank up the 9-month serving season next week.

Here are some awesome wins:
-Already, four people have committed their life and eternity to Jesus Christ.
-Hats off to those that reignited the 8:30 service for the year, over 200 came early and brought friends.
-Over 340 people signed-up and are fired-up to volunteer for the next serving rotation.
-Our Big Vision Event planning team is continuing to prepare an inspiring launch to our vision on Wednesday, September 16th (7P.M). Be there. You don’t want to miss this. Don’t forget to sign up your children online for childcare.

Here is one challenge to solve:
- There are no seats left for guest in the 10A.M. service, but there are over 200 available in the 8:30A.M. For the sake of our unchurched neighbors, we need at least 100 more in 2nd service to commit to coming early. Will you help us reach the unchurched by making this adjustment? Send me an email and let me know jon@brentwoochurch.org.

Finally, the Breaking Point series really hit a nerve with people. I talked to several people who are wrestling with trials, especially loneliness. If you weren’t there Sunday, download part 1 and/or offer it to a hurting friend.

Onward!
Jon