It was 3 years ago this month that my long time friend& ministry mate, Scott Drummond, decided to resign his position as Senior Pastor of a church in Columbus, OH and to join the staff of Next Level Church as our Executive Pastor. Scott grew up in that church and had served as the senior pastor for 11 years before resigning to join the NLC Leadership Team.
What you need to know is that this is an Extremely Uncommon thing in the church world today. In fact, the exact opposite logic is usually what is heard. Associate Pastors resign to become senior pastors. Rarely ever does it go the other way.
And yet, over the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of watching Scott get in his sweet spot and find greater fulfillment in his life and ministry than he ever had as the senior leader of a church. He is perfectly gifted to do what he does at Next Level Church and his influence is making an impact not just within NLC, but in churches across the country as well.
Sometimes the best promotions are the ones that run counter-cultural, even to the church world. I'm so thankful that Scott was willing to obey the call to join the NLC team. The Kingdom of God is better for it.
I love serving with you, Scotty,
Matt
(Follow Scott on Twitter at @ScottDrummond1)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
What Summer Slump?!?
For 8 years now, we have refused to buy into the whole Summer Slump theory at Next Level Church. Instead, we've worked under the theory that if people are home, then why not give them a reason to come to church & bring someone else w/ them? (After all, in this economy, stay-cations are becoming more popular & people are looking for something fun to do.)
This year we declared May & June "A Season of Sabbath" but then, on July 11th, we launched 1 of our big 3 series that we do all year (Easter & October being the other two) called "Who Do You Think You Are?"
We went with a 70's theme complete w/ an NLC Staff 70's photo shoot for the internal mailer that went out to our entire mailing list (1600 homes) of people that have attended at least once in the last 12 months.
In the first 3 weeks of the series, we've seen 50 1st time families!!! In the middle of summer, baby! We know that if we can grow now, we'll have some crazy momentum heading into fall.
To see some of what we did, go to: http://nextlevelchurch.com/video
Additionally, I know of several other churches that we coach who did a big summer series & have literally broken attendance records this summer!
I'm so glad we don't give in to the Summer Slump theory.
...just something to think about...
Matt
This year we declared May & June "A Season of Sabbath" but then, on July 11th, we launched 1 of our big 3 series that we do all year (Easter & October being the other two) called "Who Do You Think You Are?"
We went with a 70's theme complete w/ an NLC Staff 70's photo shoot for the internal mailer that went out to our entire mailing list (1600 homes) of people that have attended at least once in the last 12 months.
In the first 3 weeks of the series, we've seen 50 1st time families!!! In the middle of summer, baby! We know that if we can grow now, we'll have some crazy momentum heading into fall.
To see some of what we did, go to: http://nextlevelchurch.com/video
Additionally, I know of several other churches that we coach who did a big summer series & have literally broken attendance records this summer!
I'm so glad we don't give in to the Summer Slump theory.
...just something to think about...
Matt
The Up the Middle Church is Digital!!!
I wanted to let all of you know that The Up the Middle Church has officially been released on e-book and Kindle.
AND...
(& this is a big AND!)
They made a mistake on pricing which is GREAT NEWS FOR YOU!!!
Right Now you can get a digital copy of The Up the Middle Church for just $2.95! The Hardback edition is $19.99 and the paperback is $13.99. So this is a steal of a deal! Feel free to tell everyone about this Ridiculously Great Deal on the book! (Don't worry I'll still make my $.88 per copy... haha)
Here are all the Links:
E-Book: http://bit.ly/UTMebook
Kindle: (Remember, you can use the Kindle Reader on iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Mac, & Android) http://amzn.to/9e6U4P
Hardback: $19.99 & Paperback: $13.99: http://bit.ly/UTMhardback
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Everything is Beautiful in its Time
I thought I would share my SOAP with you today...
S: Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything..." v. 11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time..."
O: I couldn't help but be reminded of how God has set the time in place for everything. Every promotion, every job change, every opportunity, every relationship, every child, every calling, every provision, every miracle... God has appointed a time for everything.
But verse 11 was the one that really hit me this morning... "Everything is beautiful in its time." Outside of it's time, not so beautiful.
A: I can think of so many times in my life where I have wanted something; an opportunity, an open door, a chance, a blessing & in my own heart, I thought that having it now would be the best thing. But for whatever reason, God decided to not allow me to have it right then. Only in hindsight have I been able to see that God's timing is always better than my time, every time. No exceptions. "Everything is beautiful in its time."
P: "God, help me to trust Your timing on so many things that I desire in my life. I have such a limited view of the bigger picture that You're up to in my life. Help me to keep trusting you, because what I want more than what I want is what You want. You truly do make everything beautiful in the right time. Thanks for that, Amen."
S: Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything..." v. 11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time..."
O: I couldn't help but be reminded of how God has set the time in place for everything. Every promotion, every job change, every opportunity, every relationship, every child, every calling, every provision, every miracle... God has appointed a time for everything.
But verse 11 was the one that really hit me this morning... "Everything is beautiful in its time." Outside of it's time, not so beautiful.
A: I can think of so many times in my life where I have wanted something; an opportunity, an open door, a chance, a blessing & in my own heart, I thought that having it now would be the best thing. But for whatever reason, God decided to not allow me to have it right then. Only in hindsight have I been able to see that God's timing is always better than my time, every time. No exceptions. "Everything is beautiful in its time."
P: "God, help me to trust Your timing on so many things that I desire in my life. I have such a limited view of the bigger picture that You're up to in my life. Help me to keep trusting you, because what I want more than what I want is what You want. You truly do make everything beautiful in the right time. Thanks for that, Amen."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Time to Chase some Lions
I just finished reading @MarkBatterson's Best-Selling Book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day for the 2nd time. I gotta be honest with ya, it's just flat out inspiring. Here are a few thoughts:
1. If you haven't read it, you need to. Click here to get it. It will inspire, challenge and motivate you to chase your lion like never before.
2. It is only those who face their fears and chase their lions that truly live.
3. We all face obstacles. Only we can determine if those obstacles will stop us from pursuing our dreams, or motivate us to achieve them.
4. I have 3 Major Areas of my life where I'm chasing my lions. One is for Next Level Church, another has to do with the pastors and leaders we're coaching across the USA, and the third has to do with writing. I'm excited to chase my lions, take my next step, and not give up.
What lion are you called to chase? What's your next step to getting there?
Matt
1. If you haven't read it, you need to. Click here to get it. It will inspire, challenge and motivate you to chase your lion like never before.
2. It is only those who face their fears and chase their lions that truly live.
3. We all face obstacles. Only we can determine if those obstacles will stop us from pursuing our dreams, or motivate us to achieve them.
4. I have 3 Major Areas of my life where I'm chasing my lions. One is for Next Level Church, another has to do with the pastors and leaders we're coaching across the USA, and the third has to do with writing. I'm excited to chase my lions, take my next step, and not give up.
What lion are you called to chase? What's your next step to getting there?
Matt
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Who Do You Think You Are - Video Link - http://bit.ly/aUad9M
If you missed Part 1 of our Who Do You Think You Are Series that began last week, just click here to watch it. (You can also subscribe to our Audio or Video Podcasts through iTunes as well)
Just between you and me... the 1st 40 seconds are worth watching the entire thing!!!
Just between you and me... the 1st 40 seconds are worth watching the entire thing!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Not Willing to Forget the Forgotten - 3rd Saturday Serve Day Reflections
I gotta be honest w/ ya, every time we go downtown to the communities we've adopted, it just pumps me up on a lot of levels.
First, God wrecks me for the kids. I had a little girl, probably 8 years old, run up to me and give me the biggest hug today! You could just see the joy on her face because we were there. We have no idea what these kids go home to when they leave our activities. My heart breaks for them.
Another little boy, probably 7 or 8 years old again, came up to me and when I asked him his name, he said, "You know my name!" to which I replied, "Why don't you remind me..." and he said, "My name is ROARRRRR!!!"
So from then on I called him "Roar" all day. (He finally told me his name but it was useless after that!)
Second, God wrecks me every time we go downtown, for the parents and adults. There are so many moms and so few dads. Men are clearly absent in the lives of their kids and the mothers of their kids. Additionally, so many of the moms are clueless about the stuff of life. Like love & acceptance & worth. It is absolutely heart-breaking to me because I want to be able to tell them there is a better way to live and have life.
Third, God fires me up for our people. I absolutely get tears in my eyes when I see the people of Next Level Church serving and loving and praying and smiling and hugging the kids and residents of our communities! NLC, you gotta know that I am so proud of you & God is pouring out His blessing on us because we're willing to not forget the forgotten ones that are so precious to Our Heavenly Father!
First, God wrecks me for the kids. I had a little girl, probably 8 years old, run up to me and give me the biggest hug today! You could just see the joy on her face because we were there. We have no idea what these kids go home to when they leave our activities. My heart breaks for them.
Another little boy, probably 7 or 8 years old again, came up to me and when I asked him his name, he said, "You know my name!" to which I replied, "Why don't you remind me..." and he said, "My name is ROARRRRR!!!"
So from then on I called him "Roar" all day. (He finally told me his name but it was useless after that!)
Second, God wrecks me every time we go downtown, for the parents and adults. There are so many moms and so few dads. Men are clearly absent in the lives of their kids and the mothers of their kids. Additionally, so many of the moms are clueless about the stuff of life. Like love & acceptance & worth. It is absolutely heart-breaking to me because I want to be able to tell them there is a better way to live and have life.
Third, God fires me up for our people. I absolutely get tears in my eyes when I see the people of Next Level Church serving and loving and praying and smiling and hugging the kids and residents of our communities! NLC, you gotta know that I am so proud of you & God is pouring out His blessing on us because we're willing to not forget the forgotten ones that are so precious to Our Heavenly Father!
Friday, July 16, 2010
If you didn't see this video... you gotta see this!
Hey everyone,
The infamous "Matt & Sarah's Dancing Heads" video is crazy. If you haven't seen it yet, click here. It's worth the 40 seconds or whatever.
What we won't do to promote a series, I guess...
The infamous "Matt & Sarah's Dancing Heads" video is crazy. If you haven't seen it yet, click here. It's worth the 40 seconds or whatever.
What we won't do to promote a series, I guess...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Up the Middle Church - Team Packs Available at a Discount
Hey Pastors / Church Planters,
Just wanted to let you know that The Up the Middle Church is available at a discount when you buy a 5 or 10 pack. A lot of leadership teams have went through it as a team & it's been beneficial. You can get all the info at www.UptheMiddle.com.
Just wanted to let you know that The Up the Middle Church is available at a discount when you buy a 5 or 10 pack. A lot of leadership teams have went through it as a team & it's been beneficial. You can get all the info at www.UptheMiddle.com.
Who Do You Think You Are - Part 1 Addendum
Man, have we gotten the feedback from Sunday's message in our "Who do you Think You are" series.
If you missed it, you can click on the link to the left on this page and watch/listen online. Also, you can subscribe through iTunes and watch or listen directly on your iPhone, iPod, or mp3 player.
This Sunday is Part 2, & it's gonna be equally Hard Hitting. You don't want to miss it.
If you missed it, you can click on the link to the left on this page and watch/listen online. Also, you can subscribe through iTunes and watch or listen directly on your iPhone, iPod, or mp3 player.
This Sunday is Part 2, & it's gonna be equally Hard Hitting. You don't want to miss it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The MLB All-Star Break
For me the MLB All-Star Break is a mixed bag. I like that all the best players come together in one place and hang out. I like that they are all real guys having a good time together, not taking themselves too seriously.
On the other hand, I miss my team & I miss the everyday action that baseball provides. 4 days feels like an eternity for me around the All-Star Game. Friday's Rays vs. Yankees game can't come soon enough... at least not for me.
On the other hand, I miss my team & I miss the everyday action that baseball provides. 4 days feels like an eternity for me around the All-Star Game. Friday's Rays vs. Yankees game can't come soon enough... at least not for me.
The Dryness Test
Once a month, I have the privilege of meeting w/ 4 young leaders who are future world changers at Next Level Church. Well, today was that day & I challenged them w/ the Dryness test in Exodus 17.
After the children of Israel are led out of Egypt (A Season of The Miraculous) they are faced w/ a water shortage (A Season of Dryness). Seasons of Dryness are normal & should be expected. Unfortunately, most of us, most of the time, never see it coming & therefore get blind-sided by it.
Learning to expect & then knowing how to navigate through them is essential to serving God long-term. Verse 5 tells us how:
1. Get alone w/ God. Nothing can take the place of that.
2. Don't Isolate. Isolation is the trick of the devil to get us to compromise. Nothing can substitute for for accountability. God told Moses to take the Elders w/ him.
3. Remember what God has done in the past. God told Moses to take his staff along w/ him. His staff was a powerful reminder of what God had done for Moses in the past.
4. Strike the Rock. Go boldly before the Lord & expect the water to flow.
Dry Seasons are inevitable. Allowing them to crush us, is not.
After the children of Israel are led out of Egypt (A Season of The Miraculous) they are faced w/ a water shortage (A Season of Dryness). Seasons of Dryness are normal & should be expected. Unfortunately, most of us, most of the time, never see it coming & therefore get blind-sided by it.
Learning to expect & then knowing how to navigate through them is essential to serving God long-term. Verse 5 tells us how:
1. Get alone w/ God. Nothing can take the place of that.
2. Don't Isolate. Isolation is the trick of the devil to get us to compromise. Nothing can substitute for for accountability. God told Moses to take the Elders w/ him.
3. Remember what God has done in the past. God told Moses to take his staff along w/ him. His staff was a powerful reminder of what God had done for Moses in the past.
4. Strike the Rock. Go boldly before the Lord & expect the water to flow.
Dry Seasons are inevitable. Allowing them to crush us, is not.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The SOAP Guides are in!
I'm so fired up about the new #NextLevelChurch SOAP guides that came out yesterday. If you didn't get one, they'll be available next Sunday or at the Warehouse this week too. If you've gotten out of the habit of spending time in God's Word, today's a great day to get back into it!
Today's Chapter is I Peter 1 and it's full of amazing stuff. Why not recommit right now to SOAPing today? Trust me, you'll never regret the time you spend with God on a daily basis.
www.NextLevelChurch.com/SOAP
Today's Chapter is I Peter 1 and it's full of amazing stuff. Why not recommit right now to SOAPing today? Trust me, you'll never regret the time you spend with God on a daily basis.
www.NextLevelChurch.com/SOAP
My Time with Mark Batterson
On Thursday afternoon, I had a chance to spend 90 minutes with Mark Batterson, best-selling author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, & Primal. We talked alot about what it means to feel called to write. Mark is one of the only other people I've ever known who has said that, "He feels as called to write as he does to pastor." That's the same thing I've felt in my heart for years.
Mark has been a long distance mentor for me for the last few years, and it was great to spend some up close time with him.
Top Take Aways from our Time:
Thursday's meeting with Mark Batterson will definitely go down as a life-changing day in terms of my calling to write. Thanks Mark for being a friend, mentor & example for me to follow.
Matt Keller
www.UptheMiddle.com
Mark has been a long distance mentor for me for the last few years, and it was great to spend some up close time with him.
Top Take Aways from our Time:
- Mark is refreshingly down to earth. Talk about a guy with no pretense. Mark made it easy to just jump into a life-changing conversation for me about what it means to be an author.
- Mark has a childlike excitement about him that is contagious & infectious. You get the feeling that "Wherever Mark is, he's definitely all there!" And I love that about him. He never once looked over his shoulder or made me feel like he had something better to do. He was totally into what we were talking about and I could feel that!
- Mark didn't hesitate to believe the best in me & leverage himself for my benefit. It's not everyday that you find someone who understands the calling to write. Most people just roll their eyes and give you a blank stare when you tell them that. But Mark got it on a level that very few other people I've talked to can.
- Mark is passionate about making God's Word relevant to a new generation. I definitely walked about with a true sense that Mark Batterson is serious about being a cultural translator for the next generation.
Thursday's meeting with Mark Batterson will definitely go down as a life-changing day in terms of my calling to write. Thanks Mark for being a friend, mentor & example for me to follow.
Matt Keller
www.UptheMiddle.com
