Friday Five
Posted by Michael | Filed under Uncategorized
Five things I’m excited about.
1. God at the Movies begins this weekend. Come Saturday night and then go watch the fireworks. Or come to one of the services on Sunday.
2. We’re setting up a mister and giving away free Iced Coffee at the 4th of July deal at Dellinger Park on Saturday. Come say hi.
3. In August, I’m coaching about 10 other church planters. We’ll meet once a month. People are coming in from Ohio, Texas, South Carolina and Florida.
4. Going away for a few days later this month with our Lead Team to talk about what the next five years of Oak Leaf Church looks like.
5. Baptism at the Lake. Actually, more of a river. But on July 26, the whole church is getting together. Food, games, hanging out and watching people go public with their faith.
God Forms - God Fills
Posted by Michael | Filed under Christianity
If you read through the creation story in Genesis 1, you might pick up on this.
On the first three days, God creates light, sea, sky and the earth. Think of those things like containers.
On days four, five and six, God puts things into those containers. He creates the sun and moon, creatures, animals and mankind.
First God forms, then God fills.
It works that way in your life as well. God has to form you first. The stuff is coming…but first you have to be prepared.
Right now, you may feel like God has you in a holding pattern. Don’t stress. God might be forming you for something. He might be preparing you for something.
God forms before God fills
Help
Posted by Michael | Filed under Uncategorized
I have a really good friend who is going to start a church soon. This isn’t a normal, run-of-the-mill kind of guy…this guy and his family are the real deal. Today, he expressed his desire to come and be a part of what God is doing at Oak Leaf Church. He’d come here and learn from us. His family would relocate here to be a part of the Oak Leaf family. We’d take him in and pour into him.
The only way I could probably make this happen is if a family connected to our church had a place for them to live. We could reallocate some resources to provide a little bit, but they would need a place to stay, one that would have room for the 5th kid that’s on the way. 
I know this is a crazy request, but this family is worth it. I wouldn’t even ask otherwise.
Stuff Doesn’t Always Cut It
Posted by Michael | Filed under Leadership
From Hugh MacLeod’s Ignore Everybody And 39 Other Keys to Creativity...
There is no correlation between creativity and equipment ownership. Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address on a sheet of borrowed stationary. Van Gogh rarely painted with more than six colors on his palette. A fancy tool just gives the second-rater one more pillar to hide behind. This is why there are second-rate art directors with state-of-the-art Macintosh computers and so many crappy photographers with state-of-the-art digital cameras.
Amen to that.
When our church first started, we had very little money. In fact, we still don’t. But in the past year, I fear that we’ve allowed that to be an excuse for not chasing after things. It’s to easy to go out and buy something, when in the past, some creativity and sweat would have filled the gap. Money and staff can easily become a crutch. Having tools and toys can become a road block for creativity.
On the flipside, having little funds and regular equipment could lead you to assemble, brainstorm, create and go with whatever God gave you.
Taking Risks
Posted by Michael | Filed under Christianity
I asked this questions last weekend as we wrapped up the Uncomfortable series: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken for God? If you’re like most people, you recognize that risks are a part of life, but you play your Christianity safe. We jump in the swimming pool, but tiptoe into the faith. You’ll take a risk to make money or meet someone, but you’re worried that taking a risk for God will get you labeled a fanatic. Anyway…
What was my biggest spiritual risk?
In May of 2005, my family and I moved to Cartersville, Georgia to start a church. I didn’t have a job or a way to support my family. We had about $10,000 in the bank and that was it. I figured that would last for a few months, and then God better do something. I had no bank roll, and tons of people were not lining up to help start a new church in an area filled with churches.
To top that, I knew a total of ZERO people in Cartersville. And after several months of work, a total of six people showed up to our first informational meeting.
So why was I able to stay positive, keep the faith and press forward? Because I knew I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. Obedience has a way of increasing faith. Just do what you already know God wants you to do, and leave the results to Him.
Odd Jobs around Oak Leaf
Posted by Michael | Filed under Oak Leaf Church
Oak Leaf Church is driven by God, but fueled by volunteers. Every weekend, hundreds of volunteers show up early and stay late because they want to lead people from where they are to where God wants them to be.
Here’s a few special needs that we have. I’ll call them ODD JOBS, because they aren’t your normal tasks. Maybe you could help us out?
1. Hang insulation in skylights. There’s about 6 skylights in the House of Rock. They are blacked out but they are not insulated, which means they add heat to a few of our kids environments. I need someone to get some insulation, put them in these skylights, and then paint it black. Probably 3-4 hours, and a little Bob the Builder experience would probably be helpful. Could be done anytime the building is open.
2. We’ve got two U-Haul trucks and the sides need to be painted. I actually painted one side of each truck myself, so I just need someone to roll white paint on the other sides. Probably an hour or so and could be done on your schedule.
3. In our green room (which is not green, it’s just a term for the room that the band and people hang out in before the service starts), we have a really loud, hot and ugly ice machine. I’d love to build a wall (the opening is about 90 inches) and put a door there. Right now, we’ve got a shower curtain. This is probably 3-4 hours worth of work and some construction experience would be helpful.
4. During the month of July, we’re doing God at the Movies, so we want to put out road signs, inviting the community to our services. We haven’t done this for a while, and I’ve got 100 signs. You could help one weekend. We’ll start around 5pm and it would take about an hour. You’d need to pick them up on Sunday night and bring them back to the House of Rock during the week.
5. Data entry. We’re trying to get our database cleaned up, which is really not that fun. I’m looking for someone to come in and take excel sheets and make groups in our church management software. This is an ongoing project, but you could do it for 2-3 hours anytime during the week.
If you’re interested in helping out in any of these areas, email Tracy and she’ll get you in touch with the right person.
Get on Your Horse
Posted by Michael | Filed under Leadership
The other day, I said that sometimes luck is hitching your wagon to a person with great potential. But there’s another important principle you need to understand if you want to make it.
You can’t always ride someone else’s coat tails. Nope, instead you’re going to have to do some work. I am convinced that the majority of people in Christian ministry are not reaching their full potential because they are just lazy and don’t want to work hard.
We keep waiting for someone to give us money or come up with some new idea, so we sit around. Sometimes we even blame it on putting our families first. (which is a real reason, it’s just overused)
If you want to make it, you better be willing to work hard, sweat, show up early and stay late.
Weekend Recap
Posted by Michael | Filed under sunday recap
We finished the Uncomfortable series this weekend. This has been one of my favorite series so far. Each week, we looked at Abraham. Big ideas from each week were
- If you want to follow God, you can’t stay where you are
- If you want to follow God, it’s going to cost you something. (But it might cost you more NOT to follow)
- If you want to follow God, it’s going to require some faith.
Here’s some other thoughts about the weekend.
- Joel led worship this weekend. Songs included Marvelous Light, Awesome is the Lord, and Cannons. They closed the series with Jars of Clay’s Two Hands.
- Every Saturday night, we have a quick production debrief to fix anything for the next day. This week, we didn’t change anything…that makes me happy!
- I love our Saturday night service. And people that come on Saturday create space for guests on Sunday. If you’re a regular, you should make the switch. As soon as a few more people do so, we’ll add a second Saturday night service. Then people can serve one time and attend one time.
- We gave people the opportunity to jump in with one of our amazing serving teams. If you’re interested in serving somewhere, let us know. We’ll connect with you over the next few weeks and get you ready to go for the fall.
- Speaking of serving teams, some guys on our parking team washed cars this morning. Great day to be a guest! Way to go parking team. They don’t park cars…they help create an environment where people can hear from Jesus.
- God at the Movies starts next week. The set is great, and we’ve got some special things in store. Come walk the red carpet and eat some popcorn with us. This series is always a great opportunity for you to invite your friends. And yes, you’ll need some 3D glasses. But don’t worry, we’ll have them for you!
- We’re setting up a mister thing and giving away iced coffee at the 4th of July deal at Dellinger Park. Let us know if you want to help. And of course, we’ll invite a bunch of people to Oak Leaf Church. I predict a bunch of happy and cool kids!
Hitch up your Wagon
Posted by Michael | Filed under Uncategorized
In 1995, Andy Stanley stepped out to start Northpoint Community Church, and for the next few years, a group of guys stood with him. I wonder if that team knew the impact they would have on the Kingdom. Andy Stanley has become one of the best leaders and speakers in the world, and as that has happened, it launched several other guys into the limelight. Those guys made a great choice to hitch their wagon.
In 2001, I was doing a summer camp and hired this young college band to lead worship. I brought a sound guy from my church and the band the sound guy hit it off. Tenth Avenue North and Tim grew together, and Tenth Avenue North ended up being Tim’s ticket to Nashville. The roofing business became the music business. Great decision.
Sometimes, you can identify a trait in someone, and when you do, you’re smart to hitch your wagon to those people. They don’t always have to be the most famous or most talented, but there’s something there.
If I was a musician in Cartersville, I would hitch my wagon to Matt Moody. He will be the first to tell you that he’s not the strongest vocalist, but Matt is going to lead us to some good places. There are some other young leaders in this church that I feel the same way about.
Sometimes, luck is simply hitching your wagon to the right person.
Kids and Students Rebranding
Posted by Michael | Filed under Oak Leaf Church
Oak Leaf Church is one unified body, not a federation of sub-ministries. We have one purpose, one mission, one staff. Volunteers don’t serve a particular ministry….they serve the church through a particular ministry. Each ministry does not need it’s own website…our main website should have all the content. We are not trying to build a house of brands…we want to be one brand.
For this reason, we are rebranding two of our ministries to keep the look consistent with the look of the church. KidVenture is now Oak Leaf Kids. Fuel is now Oak Leaf Students.
We’re choosing clarity over creativity. We’re choosing unity over identity. Nobody really knows what Fuel means, but if you say Oak Leaf Students, there is understanding. KidVenture is cool, but it’s not connected to the church.
A teenager isn’t a part of Fuel…he is a part of Oak Leaf Church. A child doesn’t come to KidVenture…she comes to Oak Leaf Church. We’ll use some different colors, but the look is staying consistent. One day, the leaf will be just as recognizable in Bartow County as the Golden Arches of McDonalds.
Here’s the new look.
Documents and Forms
Posted by Michael | Filed under Church, Church Planting
So many people have asked for this, so I’m pleased to announced that our Documents and Forms are available for purchase. This is a complete set of nearly every document and form that we use…it’s like a church in a box. Budgets, bylaws, policies, forms, strategies, and more. It’s taken us years to get this stuff to where it is now, and I would have probably killed for it three years ago. The download will be ready in about two weeks, but if you pre-order now, it’s yours for $79. I think it’s worth much more than that. And the money will go towards our staff’s leadership development.
Here’s the link for you to order via Paypal. You’ll receive a download link in about two weeks. That link will take you to a zip file containing the following documents (and maybe a few surprises).
Statement of Beliefs
Bylaws
Ordination Application
Calendar Request
Descriptions of Meetings and Retreats
Staff Org Chart
Key and Alarm Agreement
Event Planning Checklist
Facility Use Policy
Facility Use Request Form
Building Procedures
Volunteer Application
Children’s Ministry Policies and Procedures
Children’s Ministry Parent Handbook
Baby Dedication Philosophy
Student Ministry Policies and Procedures
Pro Kids Policy
Counseling Procedures
FTG Follow Up Process
Greeter Handbook
Parking Handbook
Security Plan
Small Group Handbook
New Christian Follow Up Process
Baptism Process
Series Video/Graphic Checklist
Series Planning Timetable
Master Production Checklist
Worship Philosophy
Creative Arts Ministry Manual
Style Guide
Guide to the Giving Talk
Guide to the Welcome
Production Meeting Agenda
Worship Leader Expectations
Chart of Accounts
Spending Procedures
Offering Count Directions
Benevolence Policy
Purchase Requisition
Budget
Budgeting Process
Reimbursement Form
Hiring Process
Employee Handbook
Blank Housing Allowance Form
Employment Application
Checklist for New Hires
Leadership Development Plan
Resignation Agreement
6-Month Evaluation
Staff Job Descriptions
That’s quite a collection of super-practical resources that will help your church or church plant function at a higher level.
I Dream
Posted by Michael | Filed under Oak Leaf Church
I confess. I’m a bit of a dreamer. Here’s just some of the crazy stuff that I dream and pray for the future of Oak Leaf Church.
- I want to have another campus, reaching a new segment of the North Georgia population.
- Sometime in the next few years, I want to add a Hispanic service, with a spanish-speaking Pastor teaching our weekend messages.
- I want to be a place that trains church planters…through coaching, internships, residents, etc.
- I’m praying that someone would GIVE us a house so we could fill it with interns. There’s nothing like learning by doing.
- I dream of partnering with a city in the United States and a country in the world, taking repeated trips to those places to see lives changed.
- I’d praying that someone would give us some land. Not sell cheap…give.
Some of these sound crazy, but I bet God thinks they are too small.
My Father’s Day Song
Posted by Michael | Filed under Uncategorized
Here’s the song that my 7-year-old wrote me for Father’s Day.
Happy Fathers day
I love you vary much.
with all my haet.
Happy Father’s Day.
You’re cheacks are red.
Laying on the couuch.
Happy Father’s Day.
A New Campus?
Posted by Michael | Filed under Uncategorized
Over the past few months, I’ve really been thinking about how Oak Leaf Church is going to continue to grow and reach people. I’m not content to move into a new building and settle down….that’s not the spirit of the great commission.
Since we’ve always been full at an 11:00 or 11:15 service, I think one of our keys to continued growth will be adding another campus or site. I could teach live on Saturday nights, and teach live on Sunday mornings at 9:30, and drive to another campus to teach live there at 11:15. The 11:15 service at the House of Rock could be a video message from one of the two earlier services.
I’ve been thinking and praying about where this new campus should be. Rome? We’ve got a good delegation from there. Calhoun. Seems like there would be a need. Kennesaw? Lots of people there. The other side of Cartersville? Canton?
In looking at locations, here’s some of the things I’m considering.
1. Do we already have Oak Leafers coming from that area?
2. Could we get 100 Leafers to commit to attending the new campus for six months?
3. Are there unchurched people in the area who would attend the new campus?
4. Is there a good place to meet?
5. Where does God want us to go?
Pray through this with me. There’s still a lot of work to do, and this might be a ways off. But I do think it’s something that’s on our radar for the next couple of years.
Weekend Recap
Posted by Michael | Filed under sunday recap
We continued the Uncomfortable series this weekend at Oak Leaf Church. This week, we talked about how it costs something to follow Jesus. I’m tired of preachers not being honest when talking about following Jesus…the disciples left their nets and Jesus told us to consider the cost. By the way, while it costs something to follow Jesus, I think it costs a lot more NOT to follow. We saw that in the life of Lot. Here’s some other highlights from the weekend.
- Will Goodwin led worship this weekend. Songs included Jesus Saves, Faithful, Cannons (love that song), and Sing Sing Sing.
- We decided to stream Saturday night’s service online using a demo of Ustream Watershed. A few people stopped by to participate. We’re going to make a few tweaks this week and test it again next Saturday night. Follow me on twitter and I’ll send you the link.
- If we get the streaming thing working, we’ll make it a real deal with sermon notes, twitter invites, and a host in chat room. Which means I might be looking for someone to do a little web page layout for me.
- We got the AC situation fixed in our elementary side, now we’ve got to do some work on the preschool side. I will confess that I am somewhat irritated with the people who did not get this right in the first place. Please pray that I don’t hurt anyone too bad.
- Over the past year, I’ve watched Marcus become one of the best worship guitar players around. I know every pastor brags on their band members, but Marcus really sets the bar. He’s grown so much…he takes it seriously…and he does a great job. Seriously, he’s as good as anyone out there, and he just graduated from high school. Maybe sometime next year, our band will record a worship record.
- If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times…Brad Nash is hands down one of the best sound guys in the country. I will take Brad over anyone on any day. And now he’s setting out to develop a team of tech people at Oak Leaf Church…just watch out!
- I love our Saturday night service, but I never know whether to eat dinner before church or after church. I gotta find me a routine that works.
- On Sunday night each week, I’m going to start hanging out with a few pastors to talk shop, life and just hang out.
- Next week, we finish up Uncomfortable by talking about taking risks. I’m pretty sure I say this all the time, but you won’t want to miss next week. If you were going to Disney World, I’d reschedule!
