When I found out that Shannon O’Dell was writing a book, I couldn’t wait to get it and read it! I met Shannon a couple of times and from the moment I met him and talked with him, I was totally impressed! This guy is the real deal and is doing life changing ministry in a creative way in Rural America!
Being a pastor in a rural community has its own unique challenges and issues.  This book has rocked my world, and if you are planting or pastoring a church in …

Learning IS FREE! I love to learn new things and I’m blessed to have access to so many great leaders to learn from. One of the ways I learn is by reading blogs. Here are some great blog posts that I just wanted to share with you today. Remember, Learning IS FREE! Be a life learner and grow.

The Church Is Not A Gig – by Michael Lukaszewski
Your Days Are Numbered – by Pete Wilson
Shocked By What I Don’t Know – by Craig Groeschel
5 Ways To Lead Creative People Without Stifling Them …

Three years ago, RiverPoint Church began and God has blessed us with so much and we’ve seen Him do some amazing things over the years. I am in awe of all that God has done. These past few years have been nothing short of a miracle and it’s been a crazy ride.
I’ve noticed the past few months with all that’s been going on and all that I believe God is about to do that I’m “Leading On Empty”! I’m reading that book right now and it’s a great read for …

Here’s a simple 4 step model for training and releasing leadership to someone. I learned this model a couple of months ago at one of my coaching networks. It is so good and so easy, we are using it at every level at RiverPoint. The steps are a great way to apprentice, train and release future leaders. In the context of our church, these 4 steps can be a short process with each step representing a weekend, or they can be a longer process depending on the future position of …

I found this on Lifeway.com and it is a great help in dealing with difficult people in your church.  (Your church does have at least one difficult person, right?!)
Can you identify any of these folk in your church?
Brooks Faulkner, Pastoral Ministry Specialist, at LifeWay Christian Resources, identifies nine types of difficult people and the usual effect they have on people.

The sherman tank will run right over you.
The star performer is entitled to your preferential treatment.
The megaphone will talk your ear off.
The bubble buster deflates everyone’s enthusiasm.
The volcano has temper like Mt. …

Currently I’m involved in this great Pastor/Leaders Coaching Network. I’m surrounded by some of the smartest Pastor/Leaders in the country. Why I’m with them, God only knows, but I am humbled and honored to be a part of this team. Last month a bunch of us got together and began discussing what we use to help us stay on top of all that we do. So, here’s my list of a few things that I always keep with me in my bag. I’m a scatter-brain, and I need all the …

I usually don’t remember many of my dreams and many of my dreams are too stupid to recall. For some reason last night I had a very real and intense dream. I don’t usually dream such vivid dreams, but last night seemed so real that I actually woke myself up. Here’s what happened..
I was with a large group of people walking through a forest and having a great time. It was a beautiful summer day and everyone was having a blast just being able to hang out. In just seconds …

I didn’t see the game last night because I was flying home from Minnesota. However, I did get to check out the highlights when I got home and this video was the best part of the game in my opinion.
No matter what God does, ALWAYS give Him the Glory because He is in control and His plans are better than ours.

Trust me, you HAVE TO WATCH this! If you do not know Matt, he’s an amazing pastor in Texas that recently had brain surgery at 35 years old. Matt is one of the pastors I listen to each week and his story over the past few weeks has had me stop and re-evaluate and pray through many things.
Join the thousands praying for Matt and his family, but pray also for the ministry he will have as a result of this time in his life.
CLICK HERE to view the video!

Every day people are living their lives without a relationship with Jesus, and they are dying and going to Hell! The other day at RiverPoint I was talking with a group of people about who they know that doesn’t know Jesus and that doesn’t go to a church. The room was silent! I asked again. “Who do you know that doesn’t know Jesus and doesn’t go to a church?” The room remained silent! At that moment, my heart BROKE and is still broken.
What is happening is, many churched people have …