10 Church Leaders I Would Love to Have Lunch With

Now, here are ten church leaders I would love to have lunch with.


10. Dee Duke. Dee Duke preaches for a church in a small town of 1,000 in the northwest, with an attendance of over 1,800! Prayer, he says, is the key! I would love to learn about prayer from this great prayer warrior! We would just skip lunch and pray!

9. Beth Moore. Love her passion. Love her story. She has touched the hearts of women everywhere. I would love the opportunity to meet the person behind the persona.

8. Rick Warren. Like him or hate him, the man has made a huge impact on the world!

7. John Maxwell. The father of the Christian leadership movement. Who better than to talk about Christian leadership with than John Maxwell?

6. Erwin McManus. The Mosiac Church in LA. Love his vision of doing church in a unique way. The Unstoppable Force is one of my favorite books on church. A real visionary.

5. Landon Saunders, Heartbeat radio ministry. Those not familiar with Landon, he has always been a prophetic voice among us who are in the “churches of Christ”. He is one of the deepest, wisest men I know.

4. Greg Groeschel. Livechurch tv. What an inivator! Love his use of media in worship. Love his book “Confessions of a Pastor”. What a lunch it would be discussing the proper use of media, plus getting tips!

3. Max Lucado. Love his storytelling. Would love to ask him how he came to his current views on baptism, salvation, etc.

2. Andy Stanley. Love his vision; his leadership. His book “Visioneering” is one of my all time favorite books. Love his book on preaching. This would be long lunch!

1. Bill Hybels. Love everything thing he says about leadership and vision.

More Snow!

It snowed a foot at my house on Wednesday night. Between my driveway and the church's sidewalks - I spent a good part of my Thursday shoveling the white stuff.

Have two books to recommend. First, "Between Sundays" by Karen Kingsbury. Using the NFL as the backdrop, Kingsbury reminds us it is what we do between "games" (i.e., assemblies) that matters. Second, "The Shack" is a book I'm currenlty reading. Great read. Both men and women would like both of these novels. Both will be read by our Southside book club.

I've been reading books on Powerpoint lately. One of my goals is the mark of excellence in everything I do - including powerpoint! It has increased the congregations attention to the sermon. Whether we like it or not, we live in a media driven world. You may have noticed the media focus even on this blog with the music in the background. I may be 50, but I'm trying!

I just heard that 50 is the new 40. Amen!

I hope and pray that you and your congregation are lights set on hills!

Top 10 Non Church LeadersTo Have Lunch With

10. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, -- one of these people will be our new president. Would love a chance to meet the real person and get to know what makes them tick – make a judgment about them for myself rather than getting in through the media.

9. John Wooden. I would love to discuss his views of leadership. Love his triangle of success. A legend of coaching, he would be a phenomenal person to have lunch with!

8. Earl Scruggs. Banjo legend. The stories he could share! Perhaps he could even work in a banjo lesson.

7. Eddie Sutton, Frank Broyles, Rick Schaffer, Houston Nutt, all Razorback heroes. Just think of the stories they could tell! You knew there had to be a Razorback somewhere on this list!

6. Truett Kathy, Founder, Chic-Fil-La. Talk about a guy who takes an idea, keeps it simple, values excellence; values the Lord’s Day – and is still successful! We’d have lunch at his place. Maybe his treat?

5. John Grisham, author. I love his stories. Would love to ask him questions about story telling.

4. Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple. Talk about a creative genius! His work with Pixar and Apple make him one of the most creative leaders on the planet.

3. Jim Collins, author of Good to Great. Good to Great is one of the best books I’ve ever read on creating vision. I just love the whole concept of not being satisfied with being “good”. Churches need that lesson!

2. Dick Winters. Winters is the central leader in “Band of Brothers”. Man, you talk about a man who understands leadership! What a lunch it would be hearing his stories.

1. Howard Schultz. (CEO, Starbucks). This guy knows how to dream! I love his view of the “third place”. I would love to discuss leadership and vision with this man.

Who would be on your list, and why?

sprucing up the ole blog

My thanks to Kevin (through his wife Elise) for helping me spruce up this old blog. He showed me how to play music for you to enjoy while visiting my humble space. Have any suggestions? The tunes will change from time to time.

I've also added a list of books I am currently reading and blogs I visit on a regular basis.

I also hope to add what I'm currently listening to and that kind of stuff.

Received my new Treo phone in the mail today. My old one was ran over about a year ago. And so, I've been saving. Got it with my birthday money. Found a good deal on eBay. I guess getting old does have its upside.

a 2nd mile attitude

I've been a part of a prayer accountability group for a few years now. A part of the covenant is that we pray for an hour a day. Recently, one of our guys has raised the bar. Here's what he is doing - and he challenged the rest of us to do the same. He has an hour of private prayer and day and is aiming for an hour of corporate prayer a day. (He is defining corporate prayer as praying with at least one person).

Beginning this week, I am taking on the challenge myself. It will be a challenge. I have a prayer time with my shepherds on Monday night. Wednesday mornings I pray with some men. Beginning last week, a few of us now pray on Thursdays. SO - I've got to find some people who will pray with me for at least one hour on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The early church met everyday -- why can't we?

I also go from walking a 1.5 miles to 2 miles a day!

What are you doing to "step up" your game this week?

When Can a Person Leave a Church?

I believe that there are valid reasons for a person leaving a church. Here are some valid reasons that I can think of. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Feel free to add to the list.

The first reason should be obvious. If a church is teaching heresy. Jesus didn't raise from the dead. The Bible is not the inspired Word of God. Jesus really didn't do miracles. There are other teachers on par with Christ. That kind of thing.

Second, when you move to another town. Again, an obvious reason, but just wanted to get it out there.

Third reason would be that you can't follow the leaders of that church. They are not living what they teach, or there is an obvious sin issue that isn't being addressed. They lord it over the flock, etc. That would be a serious issue for me.

That should get the ball rolling. In other reasons that you feel are valid for someone leaving a body of local believers?

When Is It Okay to Leave a Church?

When is it okay to leave one fellowship of believers to go an join another one? Might be good to step back and ask a more fundemental question. Is it okay? It is right? Is it what God intended when he created the church?

When I was the youth minister at the University Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, people changed church membership as often as they changed their underwear. Or so it seemed. Someone hired a new preacher - off they would go to hear the new voice. A new youth minister? Oh, boy! My kids really like him - "he's awesome!" they would say. A new building? Wow! See ya later. That gym is something else.

We're leaving, but don't take it personal, say they. No hard feelings, we hope.

What I liked about the church here in Salt Lake was the fact that there wasn't a whole lot of Christian churches around. You had to work through your differences. You had to plow through the dry patches.

And now, 15 years later, there have been many church plants to sprout up. Don't get me wrong - I'm all for church planting. We do need more churches! The down side is this - it is now very easy to leave your current church for the newer "more exciting" model across town.

Church shopping has crept into the vocabulary of the church in Salt Lake. Maybe we're just catching up from all those years when we had few choices of where to fellowship. We've become spiritual consumers. What do you offer? Here's what we're looking for - do you have that?


So today, I raise a question: When is it okay to leave a church? IS it okay to leave a church?

I have some thoughts on the subject. I would love to hear yours.

This and That

With the Packers out (can't believe it!) I'll have to root for the Giants. Or, do you pull for New England to pull off the undeafeated season?

Loved the season finale of The Amazing Race. My favorite team, TK and Racheal won the million! Now, we turn our attention to Amercian Idol, LOST, watching "24" Season 6 on DVD.

I'm reading several good books right now. "What On Earth Have I Done" by Robert Fulghum is a good book to read a chapter before going to bed. Also, "Solving the PowerPoint Predicament" is a very informative book that explains the ins and outs of Powerpoint.

Had 9 inches of snow in West Jordan this morning. Spent most of the day shoveling the white stuff here at the house and at the church's building.

A busy weekend

Took the fam to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" (the new Veggie Tales movie). The kids loved it! As always with any Veggie Tales movie, it had a great moral.

My daugther's high school band had the honor of playing with the Dallas Brass in a concert on the campus of Univeristy of Utah Friday night. It was an amazing concert! A guy did the most incredible Tuba solo that I've ever heard. Yeah, the Tuba! If you can make the Tuba cool, you've pulled off a miracle.

The Amazing Race is almost over! Can't wait till the finale next week. We're pulling for TK and Rachel.

During the holidays my daugthers had me watch all three seasons of "The Office". I just started season six of "24". So good so far. Question: during the writers strike are there any other shows I can watch on DVD? I've heard that Jericho, and Journeyman are good shows. Any other recommends?

I'm looking forward to see some new "LOST" eposides. The question is - how many will we seet? Just wish that "24" would make it for a new season. Doesn't look good.

Started a two part series today "Confessions of a Minister". Got the idea from the book by Greg Groeschel "Confessions of a Pastor". It was an overwhelming response. It's amazing what happens when we really talk about the things that matter.

My Cowboys are out of the playoffs. The Colts are gone. Guess I'll become a Packers fan. Who are root against Brett Farve?

Left Out Some Great Books!

To Elise: You can hijack this blog any time!! I can't believe that I left out the Home to Harmony series of books by Philip Gurley. Love every book! Great story telling. A lot like the Mitford series, which I love, too! Must be gettin' old. "The Postcard" is a wonderful book as well. (I like book about Amish people and their culture.)

My wife's favorite is "The Blue Bottle Club". She doesn't do a lot of reading, but she loves that one! Everyone she has recommended it to has brought back a favorable response.

I've been listening to the book of Ezekiel from the "Bible Experience". Pretty cool. The Bible Experience was recorded by African American actors, which bothers me a little bit -but I've really enjoyed what little I've heard so far. I put it on my iPod which makes the Bible easier to listen to while I work or walk. You can get each book by itslef off iTunes without buying the whole Bible. Each book is $3.95. Check it out!

Hope your new year is off to a good start.

Christian Fiction

I love to read. In the last few years there have been some really good fictional books written that have a Christian bent to them. Like any other genre, some are good; some are bad!

As I promised on December 11 (my last post!?) Here is a list of some of my favorite Christian Fiction books:

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
Piercing The Darkness by F. Peretti
The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
Redeeming Love by F. Rivers
And The Shofar Blew by Rivers
You Are Special by Max Lucado
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunnard
Love Comes Softly Series (Rivers)

Have heard that Karen Kingsbury is a good writer. Anyone have a book of hers to recommend?

I love a good political thriller - like Grisham, Baldacci. Question: is there a "Christian" writer that writes a compelling thriller?

I didn't care for the Left Behind Series. I read the first five then lost interest.

Seems that most Christian fiction is meant for women. Why is that?

What is your favorite Christian fiction book?

Must Read Books

Before I give my list of must read books, I must give a movie recommendation. Go see "August Rush"! One of the best movies I've seen in years. You'll be cheering at the end! You want to applaud when the credits roll. How long has it been since you wanted to do that? Take a date to see this great movie.

MUST READ BOOKS. Okay, I know that I will forget one or two - but here it goes. Here is my must read Christian book list. These are not for preachers, but for everyone to read!


ABC’s of Christianity Rubel Shelly
I Just Want to be a Christian by Rubel Shelly
Experiencing God
Your God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright
It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado - any book by Lucado!
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Any you would like to add to the list?

Next: My favorite Christian fiction books!

List of must reads list?

A man has been attending Southside for about a year. He was raised LDS but has now embraced Christianity. He asked me last night for Christian books he should read. Good question!

While I'm compiling my list, I would love for you to weigh in on what books would be on your must read list.

Give me your top 10 (or 15 - how many you want!).

50 new people in 2 months!

Go to livechurchtv.org and check out Greg Groeschel's blog on "40 Things I Wish Pastor's Would Have Told Me When I Was 20". Classic! He's up to number 20. If you are a pastor (minister), this list will resonate with you!

Trying to get my One Year Bible reading up to speed. I got really behind during our construction on the new building. Don't know if I'll make it up; but I'm going to give it the ole college try.

We've been in the new building for about 2 months. So far, we've gained about 50 new people! We've got our guest services going full throtle; our follow up is going great; getting our 101 back on track. I've been preaching on "Simple Church" and the reaction has been incredible!

Now, we are trying to get most, if not all, invovled in a small group. We have an ice cream social with our newcomers planned for this Sunday. They will meet all the elders and the ministry team leaders. We follow up with a 101 seminar in the new year.

Who will the Hogs hire to replace Huston Nutt? I'm hearing Tommy Bowden from Clemson. Boy, I would not be excited about that hire. Give the job to Chris Peterson from Boise, or Gus Mulzhan - and see what happens! Take a chance!

Confessions Of A Pastor

Reading "Confessions of a Pastor" by Greg Groescheil. Wow! What a powerful book. Greg is a pastor (i.e., "minister") of a cutting edge church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has written a book that EVERY minister you know can relate to. He has written what many of have been thinking but were afraid to share it. Well, Greg does! He writes in an honest, confessing tone.

Some of the chapter titles: "I have to work hard at being sexually pure," "I can't stand a lot of christians," "I worry most of the time," "I feel completely inadequate" "I'm afraid of failure"
"I stink at handling criticism" "Most of the time I feel incredibly lonely" and more!

Have you ever read a book and thought, man, this writer has been reading my mind - this book is one of those books! This book should be required reading for ministers.

If you have a minister on your Christmas list (and who doesn't?), please buy them this insightful book.

Thanksgiving thoughts

Many times I dwell on the things that I wished I could do but can't: Ride my bike with no hands; sing, play the banjo like Earl Scruggs, -- but this day makes me stop and give thanks for what I do have. I have a lot to be thankful for.



Hope you have enjoyed a great Thanksgiving holiday. We joined the Osborn's (we have 13 of the last 14 years) in hosting several families who do not have family close by. This year we had about 23 people. We've had as many as 48 in years past! It's one of our annual traditions.



Had our annual "Pie Night" at Southside. We had close to 300 come and enjoy the 95 pies! Our praise team did a great job of singing; many, many guests came! Now, that's "a win"!



Had a great time watching the LSU vs. Arkansas with several good friends of mine. Wow! What a game! Couldn't believe the Hogs pulled it out! Maybe McFadden also won a Heisman as well! Hope so.



Took by seven year old daughter to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium today. Good movie. At least we both enjoyed it.



Looking forward to seeing "Enchanted" and "August Rush". I like it when Hollywood makes movies I can see with my children.

Who Can Be a Prophet? What is the goal of preaching?

Who can be a prophet -- who is qualified "preach the word"? Read this challenging words from William Willimon:

The purpose of my preaching, the test of a "good" sermon, is its ability to be enlisted by God as part of God's prophet-making process. God intends to have a people who speak the truth, who testify to the world of God's great, loving assult upon the world. As Moses put it, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"

In Acts 2, the pentecostal test for prophecy is not how outrageous we preachers have managed to be in the pulpit but rather how many people we have produced who are able to say, NO: people who speak the truth to power, people who can go up and stand before the Pharaoh and impudently tell him that he is not fully charged in the world - old men and women, janitors and maids with visions and dreams who don't mind telling the world about them.

From my reading of Acts 2 and Luke's account of the birth of the church, I derive a few principles for prophecy: (1) The Spirit has given the world a prophetic community, not simply a few outspoken social critics; (2) the goal of the Spirit's descent is the creation of a polis, a people who look, speak, and act differently from the world's notions of community; and (3) No individual prophets are possible without the existence of a peculiar prophetic community whose life together is vibrant enough to produce a band of prophets who do not mind telling the truth to one another and to the world, no matter what.

The goal of our pastoral care, preaching, visitation, prayer and praise is the production of a whole gaggle of prophets who will let God use them to get back what God owns.

Wow! I love that! Does that encourage you today? Yes! It is more than just creating "good" sermons -- finding that story that everyone will love. It is much deeper than that! Is your ministry producing prophets who live out the gospel during the week?

That's the question we should be wrestling with!

Open House/Dedication Sunday

We had our community open house last Saturday. We invited the community in to see our new building. The West Jordan Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting to open things. We had 500 people to come and visit! A number of them expressed that they hadn't been active in a fellowship in a long time and felt the need to do so. Many came on Sunday!

On Sunday we had our day to dedicate our new facility to the Lord's use. We had 365 in worship! About 200 stayed for the potluck. We had over 14 first time guests! (Most were from our open house). Many of them stayed for the potluck.

Wow! What a day! I especially liked what one guest wrote in our guest book, "You are some super friendly people!" It's one thing to say that you have a friendly church; quite another to have a first time guest say it!

Now, I embark on a four part series "Simple Church". I will attempt to bring us back to imitating Jesus two commandments! I'm praying that we, along with our guests, will get a fresh glimpse of Jesus' radical vision of what his church is to be.

Really enjoying reading "UnChristian". Good stuff!

McFadden back in Hesiman?

It was good to see Darren McFadden & Felix Jones run for a combined almost 500 yards of rushing Saturday night for my Hogs. Hopefully, McFadden will get back in the Heisman running.

This coming weekend is our grand opening weekend. We have a ribbon cutting open house on Saturday; a dedication/homecoming on Sunday - complete with a potluck! Should be a busy week getting all that planned and implemented.

Finally, I get time to read Harry Potter 7! Also, I will start reading the book "UnChristian: What the next generation is saying about Christianity". Looking forward to it. Next on my list is "Confessions of a Pastor".

A Divine Conversation

A quote from "Proclamation and Theology" by William Willimon concerning the dialogue we have with God:

"John says that the risen Christ stood among them and said, "Peace." He spoke to them.

Why would the risen Christ appear first to these fearful ordinary men and women, his disciples, who had demonstrated so conclusively their failure to follow him and be his courageous disciples? Why would the risen Christ not appear to some powerful, influential, public figure like Pilate or Augustus?

He came to the ones who had fled the conversation once the going got tough. He came to the very ones who had so disappointed and forsaken him, those whom he had so patiently taught and yet who had so patently misunderstood his every word. He came to them and said, in effect, "Let's talk. As I was saying . . ."

And thus the church was born, and thus we were all made witnesses or resurrection and preachers of the good news.

And the conversation was resumed. Time and again in our history with the God of the church and Israel, when we have betrayed the love of God with our infidelity, when we have misunderstood, when we have fled into the darkness or stopped up our ears and hardened our hearts, this God has returned to us and has resumed the conversation.

In that divine-human dialogue, in that conversation, this God has proved to be remarkably resourceful and imaginative, full of stratagems and devices - the Incarnation, Word Made Flesh, beging the most imaginative of all. There is a relentlessness about the speech of God, an effusive loquaciounsess, a dogged determination not to rest, not to fall silent, not to cease striving until every single one of us is part of the conversation.

Therein is our hope. Here is a a divine-human dialogue that is initiated and , at every turn in the road sustained, by a living, resourceful, long-winded God, thank God."

Isn't that good news?