Dinner with the Crosbys

Leading on Empty

I'm reading the latest book by one of my favorite authors and pastor, Wayne Cordeiro. His book, Leading on Empty, chronicles his personal journey from ministry burnout to balance.

Ministry is like a double-edged sword. On the one side, it offers the most refreshing and rewarding experience ever. It's amazing to watch God literally restore life to those that are dry and dead inside.

On the other side, ministry can be a completely draining and exhausting enterprise. Unfortunately, too often many people find more to criticize and complain about rather than celebrating and complementing all that God is doing in and through his church.

I'm loving Wayn'e book and look forward to sharing some thoughts.

It's All Good

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

This is a powerful prayer! Since Jesus is alive - his power is available to us and will give us every good thing we need to do what he's called me to do. A Priest or Pontifix literally means "bridge builder." Every minister stands between two worlds - one foot in a world which is hurting and full of need and one foot the Kingdom of God which holds the capacity to meet every human need.

What an awesome responsibility we have to bring these worlds together and have front row seats to watch the great capacity of God meet every human need and change lives.

Coaching Pt.. 3

A Good Coach Encourages You. Watch this video.

Coaching Pt. 2

Sorry for not posting in a few days. I've been in bed sick as a dog. Thanks for your prayers and patience. Been working too hard and running too fast (I use the word "running" metaphorically). Anyway, here's part 2 of the coaching post.

2. A Good Coach Asks Tough Questions

Good coaches always ask tough questions. Someone said, "The quality of your questions will determine the quality of your life."

Here are some of the questions my coach regularly asks me:

1. What is the one thing that is impeding your progress?

2. What benefits/payoffs do you experience by not doing anything about it?

3. What would you like to see happen in this situation?

4. What are you pretending not to know about this situation?

5. What resources do you need to overcome this challenge?

6. What are you going to do about? When?

7. Would you like some accountability with that?

8. How can I pray with you?

Coaching Pt. 1

Last week I wrapped up an 8 month commitment with my Advanced Coaching Group in NYC led by Nelson Searcy. In addition to planting and pastoring Journey Church, Nelson leads coaching cohorts in both NYC and FlA. Nelson and his team have made a tremendous impact on my ministry here in Pocono and I want to thank him for investing in me and many other pastors.

This week I want to share some of the thoughts regarding the importance and benefits of having a coach.

#1. A Coach Challenges You to Be the Best

Coaches never get on the field and take a shot, score a goal or participate in play. Their work takes place on the sideline and in locker room at the chalk board. Through teaching, training and motivation, coaches bring out the best in their players.

If you are a pastor, who is challenging you to be your best at building the Kingdom? Who is motivating you and speaking into your life? Who is holding you accountable?

If you aren't in church ministry, do you have someone challenging you to be the best at what you do? Paul says that older women are to pour into younger ladies and help them excel in life and faith. The same is true for the guys. Paul's teacher was Gamiliel. His protege was Timothy.

Everyone needs a coach. If you don't have a coach, ask yourself: what's the reason why? What are you going to do this week to find one?

Glen Beck Video

Whether or not you are a Glen Beck fan, you need to watch this video.

Don't Quit

The book of 2 Chronicles records 5 national spiritual revivals that took place in the OT. The first occurred under the leadership of King Asa (2 Chron. 15-16). When this young leader took over the helm, he faced opposition and criticism.

The prophet gave him this word, "Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

It's so easy to get discouraged in life. Whether you are a mom feels completely unappreciated for all the work she does around the house or a minister who gets more complaints than compliments, know this - your work will get rewarded.

One day God will reconcile the books. Rest assured. Don't quit.

Amazing Easter!

This year Easter @ PCC was simply amazing. We had 2536 people show up and tons of them made decisions for Christ. In fact, I don't have the final number yet, but I believe it was over 200! That's crazy awesome! Go God!

We kicked off the series, No Fear. If you missed it, you can go here to listen to it. Next week I'll be sharing a message on how we can overcome discouragement in life.

I want to thank the staff and hundreds of volunteers for praying, fasting and working so hard to make this Easter the best-ever so far at PCC. Thanks for inviting your friends and partnering with PCC to reach this Mountain with the Gospel!

Also, I want to thank all those that attended the third service. We had almost 700 in that service alone. Thanks for freeing up seats for the second service. Unfortunately, we still had to turn people away. Looks like its time to start another service! Let's do it!

Good Friday Communion

Tonight from 5 - 7 PM, PCC will be offering a family come and go communion. Whether you come alone, with friends or family, everyone will be served during this wonderful time of contemplation and thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for us.

The Pastoral Staff and Church Elders will be serving the communion. As you enter the auditorium, you may wish to find a place to sit, pray and quietly give thanks for Christ's sacrifice. When you are ready, make your way to one of the six communion stations where you will be served.

Easter is coming!

Easter is just a few days away. We have an awesome weekend planned to celebrate the fact that Jesus is alive!

You still have time to invite your friends to one of our three weekend services on Sunday at either 9am, 10:45am or 12:30pm. Bring a friend to each of our three services!

This year we have special musical guest, Vickie Yohe. You and your friends will enjoy her upbeat music and inspirational spirit.

Also, I'm putting the final touches on my Easter message. This year I'll be sharing a message called, "No Fear" from John 20:19-24. I pray that God will use it to bring hope and encouragement to all who hear it.

Again, one special request ... if you normally attend the 10:45am service, please come to the 12:30pm service instead. There has been so much buzz about PCC that we may end up having to turn people away from our second service. Last week it was completely packed and first service was jammed too.

God Still Isn't Dead

The Wall Street Journal posted this interesting article in today's column:

Looked at from a celestial perspective, the American model of religion, far from retreating, is going global. Pastorpreneurs are taking their message around the world. In Latin America, Pentecostalism has disrupted the Catholic Church's monopoly. Already five of the world's 10 biggest churches are in South Korea: Yoido Full Gospel Church, which has 800,000 members, is a rival in terms of organization for anything Messrs. Warren and Hybels can offer. China is the latest great convert. There are probably close to 100 million Christians in China, most of them following a very individualistic American-style faith. Already more people attend church each Sunday than are members of the Communist Party. China will soon be the world's biggest Christian country and also possibly its biggest Muslim one. Read more

Weekend Highlights

We had an awesome day at PCC yesterday. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Our attendance was up over 56% from last year on Palm Sunday with over 1700 attendees.

2. Many put their faith in Christ yesterday. Go God!

3. We baptized 26 new believers in Christ.

4. The new three service format was awesome. It helped us grow by 300 people in one weekend.

5. The Gathering prayer service was amazing. God is going to honor those prayers for the lost.

6.We had tons of committed volunteers do a fantastic job creating a warm and welcoming environment.

7. The music was off the hook.

One request ... all those that normally attend the 2nd service at 10:45, please attend the third service this Easter weekend at 12:30pm. We need all the room we can get in that 2nd service. So please help free up seats for those that don't know Jesus yet!

Butt Slapp Thank You