Hey all,
Just got off the phone with dad (Harold) and he said Joey had a great night's sleep, only waking up when they came in to give him his medications at 2 am. Joey didn't need any pain medication all night until 7 am this morning.
It appears that the hospital is wanting Joey to start settling into a routine and begin Physical Therapy on his legs, and other body parts, just to keep things from atrophying.
When the doctor came in this morning and asked Joey about where the pain was, the only place he said was on the back on his head, which is a very good sign. He still has a bit of double vision, but they said it's much better than yesterday and are confident his vision will come back completely soon.
Joey had another round of Radiation this morning at 10 am. They are attacking these tumors on his spine aggressively. We need to continue to pray that they shrink.
Joey's strength is returning. He was able to hold his own glass while drinking his juice this morning. They are also allowing him to move to a full menu for eating today, suplemented by a special boost drink in between meals to further nourish his body.
Finally, they have said that it's time to start stimulating him again, to get his brain working. He's even allowed to watch TV now!
Some of Joey's friends from his homeschool group are coming up to see him now which is good for his spirit and for the stimulation.
As for Nick and Elizabeth, they stayed again at the Ronald McDonald House last night and are able to rest well there. Dad (Harold) stayed in Joey's room.
All in all, it's good to hear all of them settling into a routine. This is amazing forward progress. Thanks to all for your continued prayer and support of Nick and Elizabeth during this time.
God bless you all,
Matt Keller (Nick's brother & Joey's Uncle!!!)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
9:30 PM Update for Joey Keller - Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 25th, 2010
Hey everyone,
I just got off the phone with Nick. You can definitely feel their spirits lifting. They certainly are aware that this is a long battle, and obviously are not out of the woods by a long shot, but all in all they are positive. Nick uploaded a few pictures, but is extremely limited in his ability to get and be online. He definitely wanted to communicate that the best way to stay in contact and updated is through this blog for now. I'm monitoring his Facebook for him at this point still, but the messages, comments, etc. are getting to them. He was blown away by all of your support, love and especially prayer.
We definitely know that it's prayer that is the big key now.
A few positives from today:
A few continuing concerns:
Once again, thanks for all of your kind words, comments, prayers, etc. They are so life-giving and powerful during this difficult season for our family. We hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. Thanks for taking time out of your world to get an update from ours.
Much love from the Kellers
I just got off the phone with Nick. You can definitely feel their spirits lifting. They certainly are aware that this is a long battle, and obviously are not out of the woods by a long shot, but all in all they are positive. Nick uploaded a few pictures, but is extremely limited in his ability to get and be online. He definitely wanted to communicate that the best way to stay in contact and updated is through this blog for now. I'm monitoring his Facebook for him at this point still, but the messages, comments, etc. are getting to them. He was blown away by all of your support, love and especially prayer.
We definitely know that it's prayer that is the big key now.
 | |
| Joey's One & Only smile after coming out of surgery. |
A few positives from today:
- Joey ate Lucky Charms twice and kept most of it down.
- A Breathing Therapist came in and gave Joey Applesauce to watch his swallowing and things are looking good.
- The Breathing Therapist also did some tests to monitor for Pneumonia, which at this point looks clear.
- At this point in the game, the radiation doesn't seem to be having any huge side effects that would bother him right now.
- All in all, today was a slower day and some people from church came by with Turkey and Pie which all the family indicated lifted everyone's spirits. Thanks!
 | |
| Nick said Joey sleeps a lot right now. |
A few continuing concerns:
- The biggest concern right now is his spinal cord. We have to believe for these tumors on his spine to shrink big time. They can effect things like bladder control as well as other organs in the body.
- His eyes aren't tracking too well which is frustrating him alot right now, but the medical professionals are saying this is normal and don't seem to be too concerned at this point.
- As for other details concerning treatment, everything continues to remain day to day.
 | |
| Nick feeding Joey Lucky Charms which is a good sign |
Much love from the Kellers
Noon Update on Joey Keller - Thursday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Day
I spoke with dad (Harold) a few minutes ago and he stayed with Joey last night in his room so Nick and Elizabeth could get a good night's sleep. They stayed at the Ronald McDonald House again and did indeed get a much needed good night's sleep. Dad made mention that the facilities at Riley Hospital are absolutely fantastic, by the way!!!
He said Joey had a good night and is still sleeping alot which is to be expected but when he is awake, he is alert and answering questions and talking a little bit, which is a good thing. He is doing well with moving his legs and making a fist, etc. When asked why he thinks he's in here, Joey said, "I'm here to get rid of the bad stuff in my body."
He had another radiation treatment this morning to continue to aggressively fight the m&m sized cancer spots on his spinal cord. This is huge because this is the cancer that can mess with other organs throughout his body.
They took a fluid sample from his brain today to test it. It is this fluid that passes the cancer down his spinal cord, so we need to pray that this fluid comes back clean.
Joey has been drinking fluids such as apple juice, etc. and when the nurse asked what flavor of juice he wanted Joey responded, "Surprise me." That's Joey isn't it!?! :) Dad actually called back to tell me that Joey just started to eat some Lucky Charms which is good news. We need to pray that they stay down.
They have not received any of the results from the MRI scan yesterday and dad thought they will likely start Chemo next week if his strength returns. At this point, the guess is that he will be moved from ICU to the Cancer Ward on Saturday or Sunday.
_____
Many of you have been asking about Thanksgiving arrangements. Nick and Elizabeth are welcome to have Thanksgiving dinner at 2 pm at the Ronald McDonald House. Dad said the cafeteria is serving Turkey all day and there is also a church in Indy that is bringing in Turkey dinner today as well.
All in all, it sounds like they are in good enough spirits and are beginning to settle into a new reality of the marathon that fighting this cancer is going to be.
We must keep praying that these tumors on Joey's spine will keep shrinking. That is huge right now.
Thanks everyone for praying and checking in.
We will begin trying to post twice a day. Once near the noon hour and once in the evening each day. Emphasis on try. But thanks for continuing to carry the burden with our family and lift them up in prayer. Your comments and messages are huge!
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
He said Joey had a good night and is still sleeping alot which is to be expected but when he is awake, he is alert and answering questions and talking a little bit, which is a good thing. He is doing well with moving his legs and making a fist, etc. When asked why he thinks he's in here, Joey said, "I'm here to get rid of the bad stuff in my body."
He had another radiation treatment this morning to continue to aggressively fight the m&m sized cancer spots on his spinal cord. This is huge because this is the cancer that can mess with other organs throughout his body.
They took a fluid sample from his brain today to test it. It is this fluid that passes the cancer down his spinal cord, so we need to pray that this fluid comes back clean.
Joey has been drinking fluids such as apple juice, etc. and when the nurse asked what flavor of juice he wanted Joey responded, "Surprise me." That's Joey isn't it!?! :) Dad actually called back to tell me that Joey just started to eat some Lucky Charms which is good news. We need to pray that they stay down.
They have not received any of the results from the MRI scan yesterday and dad thought they will likely start Chemo next week if his strength returns. At this point, the guess is that he will be moved from ICU to the Cancer Ward on Saturday or Sunday.
_____
Many of you have been asking about Thanksgiving arrangements. Nick and Elizabeth are welcome to have Thanksgiving dinner at 2 pm at the Ronald McDonald House. Dad said the cafeteria is serving Turkey all day and there is also a church in Indy that is bringing in Turkey dinner today as well.
All in all, it sounds like they are in good enough spirits and are beginning to settle into a new reality of the marathon that fighting this cancer is going to be.
We must keep praying that these tumors on Joey's spine will keep shrinking. That is huge right now.
Thanks everyone for praying and checking in.
We will begin trying to post twice a day. Once near the noon hour and once in the evening each day. Emphasis on try. But thanks for continuing to carry the burden with our family and lift them up in prayer. Your comments and messages are huge!
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Update on My Nephew, Joey (8 pm, Wed, Nov. 24, 2010)
After speaking with my Dad, here is the most recent update:
Joey's body is stable from the surgery on the brain tumor. His eyes are re-adjusting and tracking today, which is a good sign. He is still in the ICU and is receiving his nutrients through an IV and his pain is being managed. His legs are moving and it seems that his senses are functioning.
He had another MRI this afternoon, to see how the remaining parts of the tumor in his brain are doing and what the spinal cord looks like.
The largest concern continues to be the small tumors that are on the spinal cord. These tumors are in-operable, so they are treating them with radiation right now. He has had a radiation treatment every day since he was diagnosed (3 days straight). These tumors are the size of M & M's and are putting pressure on his spine and are affecting bodily functions (his bowels in particular).
This needs to be our biggest prayer: That the tumors on his spine would shrink and respond to the radiation quickly.
Joey will start chemotherapy when his body is strong enough to sustain the intensity of chemo. The doctor said that this kind of aggressive cancer has shown to respond well to chemotherapy. After a few more days in the ICU, he will be moved to the cancer ward to continue to fight this fight.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. There is a local church in Indianapolis who is bringing Thanksgiving dinners to the families who are in the hospital. I am thankful to God for his people who will be encouraging my family tomorrow, even though we cannot be there.
Thank you for praying.
Joey's body is stable from the surgery on the brain tumor. His eyes are re-adjusting and tracking today, which is a good sign. He is still in the ICU and is receiving his nutrients through an IV and his pain is being managed. His legs are moving and it seems that his senses are functioning.
He had another MRI this afternoon, to see how the remaining parts of the tumor in his brain are doing and what the spinal cord looks like.
The largest concern continues to be the small tumors that are on the spinal cord. These tumors are in-operable, so they are treating them with radiation right now. He has had a radiation treatment every day since he was diagnosed (3 days straight). These tumors are the size of M & M's and are putting pressure on his spine and are affecting bodily functions (his bowels in particular).
This needs to be our biggest prayer: That the tumors on his spine would shrink and respond to the radiation quickly.
Joey will start chemotherapy when his body is strong enough to sustain the intensity of chemo. The doctor said that this kind of aggressive cancer has shown to respond well to chemotherapy. After a few more days in the ICU, he will be moved to the cancer ward to continue to fight this fight.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. There is a local church in Indianapolis who is bringing Thanksgiving dinners to the families who are in the hospital. I am thankful to God for his people who will be encouraging my family tomorrow, even though we cannot be there.
Thank you for praying.
Yahoo Group set up for Joey Keller for support, meals, etc.
A friend of Nick and Elizabeth has set up a Yahoo Group so many of you in the Indy area can set up meals, offer assistance for the family etc.
If you want to join go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FORJOEY/
Thanks Heather Leary for doing this.
Matt Keller
If you want to join go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FORJOEY/
Thanks Heather Leary for doing this.
Matt Keller
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
10 PM Update for Joey Keller
Hey everyone,
I just talked to dad (Harold) and they were in the car headed back to Nick and Elizabeth's house for the night. He said Nick and Elizabeth are staying at the Ronald McDonald house tonight and will alternate one with Joey in the room and one at the Ronald McDonald House.
The surgeon came in at 9:30 pm tonight and said that Joey is doing well. He was resting well and sleeping which is good. He has 2 IV's and a Drainage Tube which is normal.
Tomorrow another MRI or Cat Scan is scheduled and Joey will probably have another round of Radiation. They will begin to get the plan for how they will proceed in the future tomorrow.
Clearly this is a long road ahead, but today was a big step! Thanks to all who have been praying. Literally hundreds and hundreds of you from across the US and around the world have commented on Facebook, Twitter, Here on the blog or other places as well. I know Nick and Elizabeth appreciate your support more than you'll know.
Continue to pray for them, this is the beginning of a long journey, but we know God is holding them in His hand.
Some of you have asked where to send notes or cards. Here's their home address:
Nick, Elizabeth and Joey Keller
5821 W. Boulder Creek Drive
New Palestine, IN 46163
My wife, Sarah, found a website on medulloblastoma. It will give you a bit more perspective on what Joey's fighting.
http://tiny.cc/7lf1j
We will update as we learn more tomorrow.
Thanks all for your love and care,
The Keller Family
I just talked to dad (Harold) and they were in the car headed back to Nick and Elizabeth's house for the night. He said Nick and Elizabeth are staying at the Ronald McDonald house tonight and will alternate one with Joey in the room and one at the Ronald McDonald House.
The surgeon came in at 9:30 pm tonight and said that Joey is doing well. He was resting well and sleeping which is good. He has 2 IV's and a Drainage Tube which is normal.
Tomorrow another MRI or Cat Scan is scheduled and Joey will probably have another round of Radiation. They will begin to get the plan for how they will proceed in the future tomorrow.
Clearly this is a long road ahead, but today was a big step! Thanks to all who have been praying. Literally hundreds and hundreds of you from across the US and around the world have commented on Facebook, Twitter, Here on the blog or other places as well. I know Nick and Elizabeth appreciate your support more than you'll know.
Continue to pray for them, this is the beginning of a long journey, but we know God is holding them in His hand.
Some of you have asked where to send notes or cards. Here's their home address:
Nick, Elizabeth and Joey Keller
5821 W. Boulder Creek Drive
New Palestine, IN 46163
My wife, Sarah, found a website on medulloblastoma. It will give you a bit more perspective on what Joey's fighting.
http://tiny.cc/7lf1j
We will update as we learn more tomorrow.
Thanks all for your love and care,
The Keller Family
5 PM Update on Joey Keller
I just got a message from Nick updating us on Joey.
After a long day of surgery, Nick said Joey made it through very well. They got 98% of the tumor on the brain. The Doctor felt really good about it, Nick said.
Joey's tumor is called a "Medulloblastoma" which is a rapidly growing form of cancer, but that type of cancer also responds very well to Chemotherapy so that too is a good sign.
Nick said that when Joey woke up, the nurses told him that he was alert and wanting to talk and even asked, "Is it over?" Which again, we're taking as a good sign.
All in all, Nick and Elizabeth are feeling good about it and in Nick's words, "I think we've got a statistical fighting chance on this one."
They are anxious to see Joey and be with him obviously and will report later tonight.
Thanks you all for praying. Let's keep praying for recovery and for the radiation treatments to keep working on the spinal cord.
Thanks,
Matt Keller
After a long day of surgery, Nick said Joey made it through very well. They got 98% of the tumor on the brain. The Doctor felt really good about it, Nick said.
Joey's tumor is called a "Medulloblastoma" which is a rapidly growing form of cancer, but that type of cancer also responds very well to Chemotherapy so that too is a good sign.
Nick said that when Joey woke up, the nurses told him that he was alert and wanting to talk and even asked, "Is it over?" Which again, we're taking as a good sign.
All in all, Nick and Elizabeth are feeling good about it and in Nick's words, "I think we've got a statistical fighting chance on this one."
They are anxious to see Joey and be with him obviously and will report later tonight.
Thanks you all for praying. Let's keep praying for recovery and for the radiation treatments to keep working on the spinal cord.
Thanks,
Matt Keller
3:30 pm Update on Joey Keller's Surgery
As many of you have been tracking throughout the last 36 hours, my 7 year old Nephew, Joey, in Indianapolis has been in surgery most of the day to remove a brain tumor on the base of his brain.
I just spoke with my dad (Harold) and he said that they are still closing up in the surgery and that, "They got most of it." And that the remainder will be treated with Radiation and Chemo. They never did have to do any blood transfusions which again, I think is good news.
I don't have a ton more to share. I know alot of friends from Nick and Elizabeth's church have been up most of the day which is helping, as well as mom and dad & Greg and Roberta Phillips (Elizabeth's parents).
Let's pray for a safe completion to the surgery. I'll update you when I have more information.
Thanks for praying,
Matt Keller
I just spoke with my dad (Harold) and he said that they are still closing up in the surgery and that, "They got most of it." And that the remainder will be treated with Radiation and Chemo. They never did have to do any blood transfusions which again, I think is good news.
I don't have a ton more to share. I know alot of friends from Nick and Elizabeth's church have been up most of the day which is helping, as well as mom and dad & Greg and Roberta Phillips (Elizabeth's parents).
Let's pray for a safe completion to the surgery. I'll update you when I have more information.
Thanks for praying,
Matt Keller
11:30 am Update for Joey Keller
Hey everyone,
I just got off the phone with my dad (Harold) and the latest on Joey is:
- The surgery is going well.
- They have removed the "specimen" or the mass and already sent it off to be analyzed to determine the type of cancer it is.
- There have no blood transfusions which is a good thing.
- All his vital signs are strong.
- & they are ahead of schedule.
All in all, dad seemed positive that this was a good report. The surgery probably has another couple of hours to go, so keep praying everybody.
I also talked personally to Nick a couple of hours ago and he just wanted me to communicate to all of you how much he can feel your support and appreciates your prayers for Joey and he and Elizabeth.
Keep praying,
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
I just got off the phone with my dad (Harold) and the latest on Joey is:
- The surgery is going well.
- They have removed the "specimen" or the mass and already sent it off to be analyzed to determine the type of cancer it is.
- There have no blood transfusions which is a good thing.
- All his vital signs are strong.
- & they are ahead of schedule.
All in all, dad seemed positive that this was a good report. The surgery probably has another couple of hours to go, so keep praying everybody.
I also talked personally to Nick a couple of hours ago and he just wanted me to communicate to all of you how much he can feel your support and appreciates your prayers for Joey and he and Elizabeth.
Keep praying,
Matt Keller (Joey's Uncle)
Update on My Nephew, Joey (6 am, Tue, Nov. 23rd, 2010)
Here is the latest on my nephew Joey, as I understand it. The facts are as right as I know them to be at this moment. I'll keep updating throughout the day. Thanks for praying for him everybody.
For the last month or so, my 7 year old nephew, Joey, who lives in Indianapolis, has been having severe headaches & back aches, which has led to throwing up, weight loss, etc. Even after several trips to the Emergency Room, his condition continued to go down hill.
On Sunday night, November 21st, he took a turn for the worst and was taken to the ER yet again. After running a CAT Scan or MRI on his brain, they discovered that he has a tumor on his brain about 4 centimeters in diameter. They immediately took him to Riley Children's Hospital in downtown Indy where he could be treated.
Monday morning, after more complete testing, they discovered that in addition to the tumor, there were pieces speckled down his spine, so as I understand it, they began radiation last night because the pieces on the spine are inoperable.
The surgery for the brain tumor is scheduled for this morning, Tuesday, November 23rd, at 7:30 am Eastern Time. Please pray for God's healing & precision for the surgeons. Pray the tumor is contained and can be removed efficiently.
Pray for my brother, Nick & his wife Elizabeth during this time as well. They are surrounded by my parents, Elizabeth's parents and friends from their church in Indianapolis.
Again, these are the details as I have them, please have everyone you can be praying for this situation.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who will pray...
Thank you,
Matt Keller
For the last month or so, my 7 year old nephew, Joey, who lives in Indianapolis, has been having severe headaches & back aches, which has led to throwing up, weight loss, etc. Even after several trips to the Emergency Room, his condition continued to go down hill.
On Sunday night, November 21st, he took a turn for the worst and was taken to the ER yet again. After running a CAT Scan or MRI on his brain, they discovered that he has a tumor on his brain about 4 centimeters in diameter. They immediately took him to Riley Children's Hospital in downtown Indy where he could be treated.
Monday morning, after more complete testing, they discovered that in addition to the tumor, there were pieces speckled down his spine, so as I understand it, they began radiation last night because the pieces on the spine are inoperable.
The surgery for the brain tumor is scheduled for this morning, Tuesday, November 23rd, at 7:30 am Eastern Time. Please pray for God's healing & precision for the surgeons. Pray the tumor is contained and can be removed efficiently.
Pray for my brother, Nick & his wife Elizabeth during this time as well. They are surrounded by my parents, Elizabeth's parents and friends from their church in Indianapolis.
Again, these are the details as I have them, please have everyone you can be praying for this situation.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who will pray...
Thank you,
Matt Keller
Friday, November 19, 2010
I can't believe I get to do this!
Sunday, October 24th, was baptism Sunday at Next Level Church! Twice a year, we spend the last 25 minutes at the end of each of our weekend services baptizing anyone who has put their faith in Christ. It is seriously one of the most moving and exhilarating moments of my year.
We set up a 12 foot, 1400 gallon swimming pool outside of our auditorium and then run a live camera feed inside to the projectors in the auditorium. We have 2 of our pastors in the pool baptizing people and a live host who is moderating outside and interviewing different people as they come through!
Our worship pastor and I are on stage engaging the screens and leading the environment inside while everyone in the auditorium is watching the baptisms happening live on the screens. The time is a mixture of singing, praying, celebrating and hearing the stories of life-change.
We provide everything people need to be baptized including: shorts, t-shirts, underwear, towels, makeup remover, even sports bras and hairdryers.
People can sign up prior to the day or we give people the ability to get up at the end of the message and be baptized "spontaneously!" Today we had 19 sign up before and 51 respond in the moment!!! It is always incredible to see people climb out of their seats and go change and get in line! Just Awesome!!!
In the Previous two times we've done this, we baptized 43 & 46 but today was over the top with 70!!! To watch fathers and mothers baptizing their kids and each other is just unreal!!!
This is why we set up & tear down church for 1000 people every week! So people can have a chance to be changed by the love of Jesus Christ! This is why we pray and sacrifice and give and do everything we do all year long.
So I just want to say thank you to you, Next Level Church, today is for you. Lives were changed for eternity because of you! This victory of 70 baptisms is all for you! You guys are changing eternities! Way to go NLC, I'm so proud to be a part of a movement like this!
I love being your pastor,
Matt Keller
To watch the baptisms, click here. To see some pictures from the baptisms, go to www.FaceBook.com/NLCFortMyers
www.NextLevelChurch.com/video
We set up a 12 foot, 1400 gallon swimming pool outside of our auditorium and then run a live camera feed inside to the projectors in the auditorium. We have 2 of our pastors in the pool baptizing people and a live host who is moderating outside and interviewing different people as they come through!
Our worship pastor and I are on stage engaging the screens and leading the environment inside while everyone in the auditorium is watching the baptisms happening live on the screens. The time is a mixture of singing, praying, celebrating and hearing the stories of life-change.
We provide everything people need to be baptized including: shorts, t-shirts, underwear, towels, makeup remover, even sports bras and hairdryers.
People can sign up prior to the day or we give people the ability to get up at the end of the message and be baptized "spontaneously!" Today we had 19 sign up before and 51 respond in the moment!!! It is always incredible to see people climb out of their seats and go change and get in line! Just Awesome!!!
In the Previous two times we've done this, we baptized 43 & 46 but today was over the top with 70!!! To watch fathers and mothers baptizing their kids and each other is just unreal!!!
This is truly the Super Bowl for Next Level Church!
This is why we set up & tear down church for 1000 people every week! So people can have a chance to be changed by the love of Jesus Christ! This is why we pray and sacrifice and give and do everything we do all year long.
So I just want to say thank you to you, Next Level Church, today is for you. Lives were changed for eternity because of you! This victory of 70 baptisms is all for you! You guys are changing eternities! Way to go NLC, I'm so proud to be a part of a movement like this!
I love being your pastor,
Matt Keller
To watch the baptisms, click here. To see some pictures from the baptisms, go to www.FaceBook.com/NLCFortMyers
www.NextLevelChurch.com/video
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Make It Amazing Book Released!!!
6 years ago, my friend (& our Executive Pastor) Scott Drummond challenged my wife & I with some amazing principles for our marriage. It was a risky move on his part, but it was one of a few things that happened that gave Sarah & I permission to believe God for more in our marriage. Now, 6 years later, Sarah & I have something that we believe few marriages ever experience.
For the next few years, I encouraged Scott to write the principles down, because I believed he was saying things that I had never heard any other Christian leader say about marriage. Well... after a few years, he finally did!!!
And here it is! The premiere of Scott's book: Make It Amazing!
I highly recommend that every married couple get this book. In fact, here are a few suggestions that I think every pastor and church should consider doing:
This book is a Must-Read for every married couple! Period.
For the next few years, I encouraged Scott to write the principles down, because I believed he was saying things that I had never heard any other Christian leader say about marriage. Well... after a few years, he finally did!!!
And here it is! The premiere of Scott's book: Make It Amazing!
Buy the Book:
The Book Blog:
e-book:
I highly recommend that every married couple get this book. In fact, here are a few suggestions that I think every pastor and church should consider doing:
- Launching several small groups on marriage using this book as the curriculum.
- Launching a 4 part series on marriage next year using the concepts of this book as the content
- Bringing in Scott (better yet, Scott & his wife Kirsten) for a Marriage weekend and have them stay as a guest speaker for Sunday as well!
- Give a copy of this book to every Pre-Marital Couple that goes through your church
This book is a Must-Read for every married couple! Period.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Access Granted Weekend was Amazing!
One of my favorite weekends of the year is our Access Granted weekend. Existing pastors and their wives come in for 48 hours to learn, stretch, relax and grow at Next Level Church. This weekend we hosted 7 couples from across the US. 2 pastors from Oklahoma, 2 pastors from Jacksonville, FL, Lebanon, IN, McKinney, TX, & Lexington, KY.
Here's Sarah & I with the Frasiers, from Indiana, & the Rains from Oklahoma!
In addition to working, we wanted to spoil them & bless them, because we understand how hard and thankless the adventure of church planting can be. We were able to watch the sunset from downtown Fort Myers & even enjoyed a little candlelight dancing under the stars during dessert!
All of the pastors were able to see a Sunday morning at Next Level Church from start to finish. One of the highlights is getting to see our set-up crews do what I believe they do best in the world, which is mobile church!
One of the great joys of the weekend for me is introducing the pastors from the stage at NLC in both of our services. I love letting our church people see the impact that we're making not just here in Southwest Florida, but in so many other cities as well! It never fails that people in our church know friends or family members in their cities that they want to recommend to them! (We're committed to doing anything we can to help grow their churches!!!)
The weekend concluded Sunday night with our "Italian Themed" Dinner experience, a lively Q & A about the culture they experienced earlier in the day at NLC, & then some closing thoughts from my heart to them.
At NLC, we love hosting & pouring into pastors & their wives! I am so proud of the dozens of people it took to make this weekend happen. I believe these churches will never be the same!
Thanks, NLC for being a church that's committed to not just doing our thing, but investing in other churches across the country as well!
I love getting to do what I do,
Matt
Monday, November 8, 2010
6 Tools I Use to Remember Names
There's no magic pill that we can take to remember everyone's name, but there are a few tactics I've learned over the years that help me to remember people's names. Here ya go...
1. See Them.
I am a visual learner, so seeing a name helps me remember it more often. For years we had nametags at Next Level Church and the reason why, was because it helped me (and others) remember people's names. Now, I try to picture people's names in my mind. If you can see it, it will help you remember it.
From time to time, I'll even write their name down on a napkin or a sheet of paper. For example, if I'm teaching in a team setting with 8 to 12 leaders at a table, I'll ask the pastor to introduce each person and what they do on the team, then I'll jot their name down, because it helps me remember it. And as we talked about on Friday, repeating someone's name later in the meeting or conversation adds "wow factor."
2. Say Them.
When someone is introduced to me, I try to say their name in conversation back to them as quickly as I can. Example: "Matt, this is Jim." I'll immediately repeat it. "Jim? It's great to meet you Jim." Then if I can, and it's not awkward or weird, I'll try and use their name in the next 30 seconds to 1 minute of conversation. "...you know, I've found the same thing, Jim..." And when leaving their presence I'll say their name one more time. "It was great to meet you Jim..."
Saying a name helps lock it into your short term memory.
3. Repeat Them.
This is similar to #2, Say Them, except it puts the person's name in a future context. Staying with the example from above, if I walked away from Jim. I would try to say to my friend who introduced us, "Jim seems like a great guy." Repeating a name after the interaction, helps lock it in further.
4. Associate Them.
The ultimate goal with a name is that it becomes linked to something greater than just their name or their face. Some people will talk about creating some cute memory game like, "Jim is Slim..." I've never been able to do that very well in real time, because my creative juices get going while I'm standing there talking to them, so instead of listening and making a real connection, I'm busy trying to think up a rhyming game or something cute to associate their name with.
I'd rather associate their name to something real. Like what they do for a living, who their spouse is, their kid's names or activities, or a similar passion or hobby we share, or they enjoy. It just feels more genuine than, "Jim is slim." Especially if he's not.
5. Place Them.
Often, for me it's literally on a map. I'm such a visual learner that, for example, when I meet a pastor or leader and find out what city they're in, I can see it on this huge map of the United States I have in my office. Then, my mind usually goes to what Major League Baseball team is near them! But it helps me place them.
For others, I'll try and place them in the surroundings we're in, if I want to remember their name beyond just the meeting or the day I'm spending with them. For example, if I met Jim at a party at Dave and Barbara's house, then I'd try and place him in my mind in their living room, or beside their pool. If I can see him somewhere, I can connect him to what the event was about and am more likely to see him there in my mind in the future.
6. Nickname Them.
This is kind of a funny one, but for me it's totally real. Everyone I like, I nickname. Once I get comfortable with someone, I find myself morphing their name into a nickname. And I tell them that their nickname will morph over time, but that's only because I like them.
I have found that giving people a nickname makes them feel special. After all, if you have a nickname for them, then you must be pretty close, right? I love nicknaming people. And I love watching how the nickname morphs over time. And I think the people I nickname enjoy it too. If nothing else, it gives us something in common to laugh and talk about.
The bottom line is this: Names matter. More than we'd like to admit. As leaders, we have to refuse to make excuses and do the hard work of engaging people's names. It's always worth it.
Matt
1. See Them.
I am a visual learner, so seeing a name helps me remember it more often. For years we had nametags at Next Level Church and the reason why, was because it helped me (and others) remember people's names. Now, I try to picture people's names in my mind. If you can see it, it will help you remember it.
From time to time, I'll even write their name down on a napkin or a sheet of paper. For example, if I'm teaching in a team setting with 8 to 12 leaders at a table, I'll ask the pastor to introduce each person and what they do on the team, then I'll jot their name down, because it helps me remember it. And as we talked about on Friday, repeating someone's name later in the meeting or conversation adds "wow factor."
2. Say Them.
When someone is introduced to me, I try to say their name in conversation back to them as quickly as I can. Example: "Matt, this is Jim." I'll immediately repeat it. "Jim? It's great to meet you Jim." Then if I can, and it's not awkward or weird, I'll try and use their name in the next 30 seconds to 1 minute of conversation. "...you know, I've found the same thing, Jim..." And when leaving their presence I'll say their name one more time. "It was great to meet you Jim..."
Saying a name helps lock it into your short term memory.
3. Repeat Them.
This is similar to #2, Say Them, except it puts the person's name in a future context. Staying with the example from above, if I walked away from Jim. I would try to say to my friend who introduced us, "Jim seems like a great guy." Repeating a name after the interaction, helps lock it in further.
4. Associate Them.
The ultimate goal with a name is that it becomes linked to something greater than just their name or their face. Some people will talk about creating some cute memory game like, "Jim is Slim..." I've never been able to do that very well in real time, because my creative juices get going while I'm standing there talking to them, so instead of listening and making a real connection, I'm busy trying to think up a rhyming game or something cute to associate their name with.
I'd rather associate their name to something real. Like what they do for a living, who their spouse is, their kid's names or activities, or a similar passion or hobby we share, or they enjoy. It just feels more genuine than, "Jim is slim." Especially if he's not.
5. Place Them.
Often, for me it's literally on a map. I'm such a visual learner that, for example, when I meet a pastor or leader and find out what city they're in, I can see it on this huge map of the United States I have in my office. Then, my mind usually goes to what Major League Baseball team is near them! But it helps me place them.
For others, I'll try and place them in the surroundings we're in, if I want to remember their name beyond just the meeting or the day I'm spending with them. For example, if I met Jim at a party at Dave and Barbara's house, then I'd try and place him in my mind in their living room, or beside their pool. If I can see him somewhere, I can connect him to what the event was about and am more likely to see him there in my mind in the future.
6. Nickname Them.
This is kind of a funny one, but for me it's totally real. Everyone I like, I nickname. Once I get comfortable with someone, I find myself morphing their name into a nickname. And I tell them that their nickname will morph over time, but that's only because I like them.
I have found that giving people a nickname makes them feel special. After all, if you have a nickname for them, then you must be pretty close, right? I love nicknaming people. And I love watching how the nickname morphs over time. And I think the people I nickname enjoy it too. If nothing else, it gives us something in common to laugh and talk about.
The bottom line is this: Names matter. More than we'd like to admit. As leaders, we have to refuse to make excuses and do the hard work of engaging people's names. It's always worth it.
Matt
Friday, November 5, 2010
How I Work at Remembering Names
Yesterday I told the story of how a guy named Kulani, in Hawaii, changed my perspective on remembering people's names. I'm not perfect at it, by any stretch, but I have learned several things over the past 10 years that I use regularly in remembering people's names.
1. I Really Believe that People's Names Matter.
There is a special connection that happens when you say someone's name. It's personal. It's who they are. And when we, especially in leadership, know someone's name it means alot to them. I really beleive that. Knowing people's names make them feel special. It's a WOW Factor.
2. I Work at It.
I don't take no for an answer. I don't make excuses, I'm a public figure who influences people and it's important for me to know as many people's names as I can. Of course, now that there are over a thousand people in our church, it gets pretty tough, but whenever I can, I do. I don't just say, "Well, there's so many people so why bother..." I force myself to work at it.
3. If I get it wrong, I own it.
Most of the time, people just admire you for trying. Anymore, I've found that most people don't expect me to remember their names. And I even throw out that disclaimer when I am introduced to someone. I say, "I will do my best to remember your name..." Most of the time, most people are pretty understanding. And when they're not, and they act put-off, I just let it go. I'd rather remember 5 people's names and make them feel special, and forget the 1, then not try at all.
4. I'm better with certain groups of people then with others.
I'm not sure if I'm just more engaged with certain groups of people or what, but I find that not all names are created equal. For example, I have found that I'm very attentive to pastors or church planter's names, but not as good with the other parents on the bleachers at the Little League park.
5. I have found that the #1 key to remembering someone's name is:
If I share a moment with someone, or we have something in common, it's much easier to remember their name. If we are at the same event or go to the same connection group and then see each other at a restaurant later, I'm more prone to remember their name.
At the end of the day, it's a whole lot more motivation than information and it's about realizing that there are no magic pills, it takes effort, energy and practice. But in the end, I've found it's always worth it.
Monday, I'll give the 6 Tactics I use to help me remember people's names.
1. I Really Believe that People's Names Matter.
There is a special connection that happens when you say someone's name. It's personal. It's who they are. And when we, especially in leadership, know someone's name it means alot to them. I really beleive that. Knowing people's names make them feel special. It's a WOW Factor.
2. I Work at It.
I don't take no for an answer. I don't make excuses, I'm a public figure who influences people and it's important for me to know as many people's names as I can. Of course, now that there are over a thousand people in our church, it gets pretty tough, but whenever I can, I do. I don't just say, "Well, there's so many people so why bother..." I force myself to work at it.
3. If I get it wrong, I own it.
Most of the time, people just admire you for trying. Anymore, I've found that most people don't expect me to remember their names. And I even throw out that disclaimer when I am introduced to someone. I say, "I will do my best to remember your name..." Most of the time, most people are pretty understanding. And when they're not, and they act put-off, I just let it go. I'd rather remember 5 people's names and make them feel special, and forget the 1, then not try at all.
4. I'm better with certain groups of people then with others.
I'm not sure if I'm just more engaged with certain groups of people or what, but I find that not all names are created equal. For example, I have found that I'm very attentive to pastors or church planter's names, but not as good with the other parents on the bleachers at the Little League park.
5. I have found that the #1 key to remembering someone's name is:
Having a Significant, Shared Experience.
If I share a moment with someone, or we have something in common, it's much easier to remember their name. If we are at the same event or go to the same connection group and then see each other at a restaurant later, I'm more prone to remember their name.
At the end of the day, it's a whole lot more motivation than information and it's about realizing that there are no magic pills, it takes effort, energy and practice. But in the end, I've found it's always worth it.
Monday, I'll give the 6 Tactics I use to help me remember people's names.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
How 1 night in Hawaii Changed my Ministry Forever
In the year 2000, my parents took our entire family to Hawaii for their 30th wedding anniversary. On one of the nights, we made reservations for one of those Luau / All-Inclusive entertainment night things. The plan was for the Luau Company to pick us up at our hotel around 4 pm, I think, and return us to the hotel at around 1 am, after a full night of partying of course.
I've never been the party type (aka, I don't drink) but I do love a good party, but the thing that has stayed with me the most from that night wasn't the Hawaiian Culture or the food or the party atmosphere, it was our Bus Host, Kulani.
When we got on the bus at the hotel, Kulani greeted each of us, asked us our name and where we were from. At the time, we were living in Indiana, so we responded, "Matt and Sarah Keller, from Indiana." A few minutes later, he walked down the aisle of the bus handing out some sort of note card for us to indicate if we were having the beef or chicken and as he came through the aisle, he started looking at each of the 60 passengers and remembered about 1/3 of their names.
For the next hour he told jokes, made us laugh and tried to get us to ignore the rather ugly industrial park surroundings we were headed toward where this Luau was being held. When we reached the party and began exiting the bus, he stood at the steps and wished each of us a great night and then called us by name. All 60 of us... by name.
For the next 5 or 6 hours, hundreds of people partied like they weren't going to be sick in the morning and then at around midnight, we were all instructed to reload our buses for the ride home. As we approached our bus, Kulani greeted us by saying, "Matt and Sarah Keller from Indiana, how was your night?" Needless to say I was blown away.
For another full hour, he did stand up comedy and kept us entertained and then, one last time as we reached our hotel and exited the bus, Kulani called all 60 of us by name, from memory and thanked us for participating in the event.
That night forever changed me... here's why:
Up until that night in Hawaii, I always used to say, "I'm just not very good with names..." I would see church people, or other pastors and would easily forget their name and just blow it off under the guise of, "I'm just not good with names."
But that night, when Kulani was able to remember the names of 60 drunk people who he would never see again in his life and call each of us by name, it changed me.
So for the last 10 years, I've worked hard at developing the skill and attention to remember people's names. I'm not perfect at it, but I've developed enough of a skill that occasionally someone will ask me how I remember so many people's names.
So, tomorrow, I want to share with you some of the secrets I've learned to remembering people's names.
If Kulani in Hawaii can do it, so can we... no, so must we.
I've never been the party type (aka, I don't drink) but I do love a good party, but the thing that has stayed with me the most from that night wasn't the Hawaiian Culture or the food or the party atmosphere, it was our Bus Host, Kulani.
When we got on the bus at the hotel, Kulani greeted each of us, asked us our name and where we were from. At the time, we were living in Indiana, so we responded, "Matt and Sarah Keller, from Indiana." A few minutes later, he walked down the aisle of the bus handing out some sort of note card for us to indicate if we were having the beef or chicken and as he came through the aisle, he started looking at each of the 60 passengers and remembered about 1/3 of their names.
For the next hour he told jokes, made us laugh and tried to get us to ignore the rather ugly industrial park surroundings we were headed toward where this Luau was being held. When we reached the party and began exiting the bus, he stood at the steps and wished each of us a great night and then called us by name. All 60 of us... by name.
For the next 5 or 6 hours, hundreds of people partied like they weren't going to be sick in the morning and then at around midnight, we were all instructed to reload our buses for the ride home. As we approached our bus, Kulani greeted us by saying, "Matt and Sarah Keller from Indiana, how was your night?" Needless to say I was blown away.
For another full hour, he did stand up comedy and kept us entertained and then, one last time as we reached our hotel and exited the bus, Kulani called all 60 of us by name, from memory and thanked us for participating in the event.
That night forever changed me... here's why:
Up until that night in Hawaii, I always used to say, "I'm just not very good with names..." I would see church people, or other pastors and would easily forget their name and just blow it off under the guise of, "I'm just not good with names."
But that night, when Kulani was able to remember the names of 60 drunk people who he would never see again in his life and call each of us by name, it changed me.
If this guy can do this for drunk people, night after night, can't I do this for God's Sons and Daughters?
Don't they deserve for me to at least try harder to remember their name than I have been?
So for the last 10 years, I've worked hard at developing the skill and attention to remember people's names. I'm not perfect at it, but I've developed enough of a skill that occasionally someone will ask me how I remember so many people's names.
So, tomorrow, I want to share with you some of the secrets I've learned to remembering people's names.
If Kulani in Hawaii can do it, so can we... no, so must we.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Prophetic Word for our Relationships
This weekend at Next Level Church, we're concluding our "The Big Game" series. For 6 weeks, we've been talking about how we win at our relationships. In part 1, I introduced a concept that has been sparking quite a bit of buzz:
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Click here to listen or watch the message or go to www.NextLevelChurch.com/videowww.nextlevelchurch.com/video.
You can also download the podcast on iTunes, by searching for Next Level Church.
I believe this idea could be a prophetic word for our relationships. If we'll not run, but we'll commit and grow, imagine what is possible!?!
Question: Who do you need to have a hard conversation with? A Parent? A Spouse? A Co-Worker? The Boss? A Teacher? What's stopping you?
Conflict in our relationships is the #1 tool God uses to shape us into His image.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Click here to listen or watch the message or go to www.NextLevelChurch.com/videowww.nextlevelchurch.com/video.
You can also download the podcast on iTunes, by searching for Next Level Church.
I believe this idea could be a prophetic word for our relationships. If we'll not run, but we'll commit and grow, imagine what is possible!?!
Question: Who do you need to have a hard conversation with? A Parent? A Spouse? A Co-Worker? The Boss? A Teacher? What's stopping you?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hey Next Level Church, We just Closed on the Property!!!
Today, Friday, October 29th, 2010 at 2:30 pm EDT, we, Next Level Church, became the owners of 10 Acres of land and the church property (formerly Celebration Family Church.) Woohoo!!!
This is a picture I took one Sunday morning while I was over there praying early! If you look real close you can see a rainbow over the top of the building!
Demolition and renovations are scheduled to begin in the next week or two! The property is going to look and be amazing! Not one inch of the property is going to be untouched! Woohoo! Here we go everybody!
I don't think it's a coincidence that our monthly, 1st Monday prayer and fasting day is on Monday! Come on everybody, let's pray that God will give us a smooth road as we begin renovations and construction. What a tool God has given us to impact so many lives in SW FL and beyond in the years ahead!!!
For all the latest, and to see the latest floor plans, etc. Go to www.ThisIsOurTime.org
Today begins a new chapter in the life of our church!
This is a picture I took one Sunday morning while I was over there praying early! If you look real close you can see a rainbow over the top of the building!
Demolition and renovations are scheduled to begin in the next week or two! The property is going to look and be amazing! Not one inch of the property is going to be untouched! Woohoo! Here we go everybody!
I don't think it's a coincidence that our monthly, 1st Monday prayer and fasting day is on Monday! Come on everybody, let's pray that God will give us a smooth road as we begin renovations and construction. What a tool God has given us to impact so many lives in SW FL and beyond in the years ahead!!!
For all the latest, and to see the latest floor plans, etc. Go to www.ThisIsOurTime.org
Today begins a new chapter in the life of our church!
Ministry's Margin-Less Reality (A Re-Post)
Many of you have been commenting about what a difference some of the Margin stuff we talked about in September has made. So I have re-posted a lot of it here. Also, here is a link to the Conference Call I did last month to talk about Margin Live with a group of about 25 pastors. Click here.
In my opinion, margin in ministry could be one of the most overlooked ideas out there! Too many of us pastors are overworked, stressed out, and living out-of-control schedules and unfortunately, it's taking it's toll on us, our families, our marriages and our ministries.
Margin Defined...
Today I want to give a working definition for the idea or concept of Margin. So here you go…
The obvious illustration is the margins on a piece of paper. It’s the white space between the edge of the paper and that little red line. I love it. Even paper manufacturers knew that we (as kids) would be prone to push the limits in our lives, so they gave us a bright red line to basically scream:
And yet… even with the wonderful red line, how often did we try and push the limits and write all the way to the edges?!?
And all the kids in the world look over at our desk and say, “See, another one bites the dust.” And the moral authority of the message we proclaim becomes tainted or dilluted or compromised in some way.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We gotta get this figured out, & I’m convinced that margin is the answer to the problem.
In my opinion, margin in ministry could be one of the most overlooked ideas out there! Too many of us pastors are overworked, stressed out, and living out-of-control schedules and unfortunately, it's taking it's toll on us, our families, our marriages and our ministries.
Margin Defined...
Today I want to give a working definition for the idea or concept of Margin. So here you go…
“The distance between where you are and your limits.”
The obvious illustration is the margins on a piece of paper. It’s the white space between the edge of the paper and that little red line. I love it. Even paper manufacturers knew that we (as kids) would be prone to push the limits in our lives, so they gave us a bright red line to basically scream:
“Hey kid, STOP! You’re gonna run out of paper and write on your desk and then your teacher is gonna yell at you and all your friends will make fun of you and you’ll feel like a stinkin’ idiot, so STOP!!!”
And yet… even with the wonderful red line, how often did we try and push the limits and write all the way to the edges?!?
Some things never change do they?
Unfortunately for many of us, (and especially those of us in ministry,) we don’t have little red lines anymore warning us that we’re pushing our limits. Consequently, we plunge ahead with commitments and e-mails and appointments and deadlines and stressful situations and little sleep. And more times than we’d like to admit, we end up writing on the desk somewhere and our marriage breaks down or our kids rebel, or we compromise morally, or we have a financial breakdown.
And all the kids in the world look over at our desk and say, “See, another one bites the dust.” And the moral authority of the message we proclaim becomes tainted or dilluted or compromised in some way.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We gotta get this figured out, & I’m convinced that margin is the answer to the problem.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
An Outsider's View of a Next Level Church - Weekly Staff Meeting
Last weekend, we hosted 11 church planters from across the USA for 5 days to train them in what is called "Basic Training." One of the experiential elements we put into the curriculum is an opportunity for them to "watch" our 1 hour, weekly, all-staff meeting we do on Monday afternoons from 4 to 5 pm. The why behind the what is because we've realized that alot of church planters are coming out of less-than-healthy church cultures and the likelihood of them having never seen what a healthy, functional staff meeting looks like, is extremely high.
Ben Liles, a recently launched church planter in Panama City Beach, FL came in to teach, share his story, and observe for Monday and Tuesday. He recently posted on his blog (www.BenLiles.org) his observations from watching our staff meeting on his blog. I have re-posted them below. It's always interesting to see what you do through someone else's eyes, so thanks Ben, for the chance to see our weekly staff meeting through an outsider's perspective.
Here's Ben's Blog Post from October 19th, 2010:
Ben Liles, a recently launched church planter in Panama City Beach, FL came in to teach, share his story, and observe for Monday and Tuesday. He recently posted on his blog (www.BenLiles.org) his observations from watching our staff meeting on his blog. I have re-posted them below. It's always interesting to see what you do through someone else's eyes, so thanks Ben, for the chance to see our weekly staff meeting through an outsider's perspective.
Here's Ben's Blog Post from October 19th, 2010:
Next Level Church Staff Meeting Takeaways
October 19th, 2010 One of the things I love to do is to find ways to be more productive. From online help, to personal schedules, to reading books on productivity, I want to be productive in my personal life. Yesterday, I found a major flaw in one area of my productivity as a leader: being productive in a staff meeting.
For the last few days I have been at the ARC Basic Training helping to train church planters. Part of the training yesterday was getting the privilege to sit in on an all staff meeting led by Lead Pastor Matt Keller at Next Level Church. WOW. It was amazing to watch a staff meeting flow like that one. Here are some of my main takeaways.
Pastor Matt also highly recommended the book, “Death By Meeting” by Patrick Lencioni. Overall, it was a great eye-opening experience. Leaders, what have you done to improve productivity in your staff meetings?
For the last few days I have been at the ARC Basic Training helping to train church planters. Part of the training yesterday was getting the privilege to sit in on an all staff meeting led by Lead Pastor Matt Keller at Next Level Church. WOW. It was amazing to watch a staff meeting flow like that one. Here are some of my main takeaways.
- Just so you know, there were 11 departments represented and the lead pastor, so keep in mind it was not just 3-4 people. They do this every Monday afternoon.
- NO COMPUTERS! There was not a single computer at the meeting. None. You know what that means? No one was on Facebook or Twitter during staff meeting. Yeah, I am sure you’ve never done that!
- The lack of computers created an environment of engagement. Everyone was listening, helping, discussing, and a part of every conversation. It was not one person talking while everyone else played on their computer. They brought pens, and yes, wait for it…notebooks and paper calendars! No computers, no iPads, but plenty of engagement.
- Phones were shut off or on silent. Most of them never even looked at a phone once. Again, no Twitter and Facebook.
- They discussed “wins” first. They celebrated their wins together. Many of the wins were heard for the first time and they celebrated together. They dealt with losses at a later time. Fight to not go to the negatives first!
- Next they went around the room for department reports. Sounds like the boring part right? Nope. They each talked for about 60-75 SECONDS. They talked about 2 things. First, the one main thing they are working on. Second, the one challenge they are having. They discussed ways to help the challenge as a team, and when a possible solution was had, a secondary meeting was scheduled for those two staff members and BANG, next person! No long term discussions, trying to solve hundreds of problems.
- Next they discussed a reading assignment they had been given. It was a blog about how to organize and respond to the overwhelming number of emails that leaders respond. They each gave their one main takeaway and helped each other find ways to implement it.
- They finished with prayer requests. Not prayer requests from a card, that is handled by others. These were prayer requests that they had found about through relationships. It forces the staff to be involved in people’s lives. They assigned a staff member to follow up with each request, and report back.
- Done. Wins and losses, 11 departments reports, secondary meetings scheduled, leadership devotional with application, and prayer…total time…52 minutes. Less than an hour. Very productive and very time conscious.
Pastor Matt also highly recommended the book, “Death By Meeting” by Patrick Lencioni. Overall, it was a great eye-opening experience. Leaders, what have you done to improve productivity in your staff meetings?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Playing with Pet Rattlesnakes... Dealing with the Media in Ministry
Over the past few years, we have had to deal with the media from time to time in our church. By and large, it’s been a positive experience but there have also been a few times when we’ve been misrepresented or haven’t been portrayed in the best light. Gaining media attention can bring increased (& free) promotion for your church, but it must also be handled with the right perspective or it can damage you and your ministry.
In Mark 6, Jesus has an interaction with what would be the equivalent of “the media” in his day. He’s speaking and his audience is filled with people who were anxious to hear what he had to say and then leave and give their opinion about it! (I don’t know about you, but that sounds like the media to me!)
We can learn some things from how Jesus interacted with the media.
Mark 6 (In The Message Paraphrase)
v. 1-2 “On the Sabbath, he gave a lecture in the meeting place. He made a real hit, impressing everyone. "We had no idea he was this good!" they said. "How did he get so wise all of a sudden, get such ability?"
1. The Media will think you are an Overnight Success.
The people in Jesus’ hometown didn’t realize that Jesus had been preparing for this for 30 years, they heard him speak one time and thought he was an overnight success. When you gain media attention, don’t be surprised if they don’t know or care much about your back story. The media lives in a moment by moment world and representing your years of blood, sweat and tears isn’t their biggest priority.
v. 3 “But in the next breath they were cutting him down…”
2. Never believe your own press.
Always remember the media has a job to do: Tell a story that will increase viewers. They’re interested in telling the story they want to tell. That’s why they are capable of loving you and hating you all in the same article. If it means they gain more viewers than that’s what they’ll write. Believing your own press is a dangerous thing, because if you’ll swallow the good things they write, you’ll be tempted to swallow the bad things they write as well. Don’t let either sink in to your spirit.
v. 3 "He's just a carpenter—Mary's boy. We've known him since he was a kid. We know his brothers, James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and his sisters. Who does he think he is?"
3. The Media can reduce you and discredit you pretty fast.
The listeners in Jesus’ day went from “How did he get so wise…” to “He’s just a carpenter…” in just a few seconds. Don’t be surprised if the media reduces you to a “He’s just a…” statement. Over the years I’ve been labeled a lot of things: Too young, too hip, a sell out, and a flash in the pan to name a few. Don’t worry about it. Let them say what they want, it’s just words. The way to prove them wrong is NOT to fight back and defend yourself, it’s to keep doing what you do every single week. Consistency wins out every time, if we’ll give it enough time.
v. 4 “They tripped over what little they knew about him and fell, sprawling.”
4. The media only sees and believes a small piece.
In the media world, deadlines trump fact almost exclusively. Unfortunately, when a reporter is on a deadline, they must take what little facts they have about you and then project the rest. Often too much detail only clouds their mind for the story they need to write for the 6 O’Clock news. Remember, for you this is your life, for them this is today’s deadline, and tomorrow they’ll be off reporting on something else.
v. 4 “…they never got any further.”
5. The media want what they want, sometimes, more than they want fact.
In most TV interviews I’ve ever done, I can tell the reporter is listening for a couple of select sound bites from me that will fit into the story they’re already trying to write in their head. Only every once in a great while do we get a reporter who will show up at our event with one story in their mind, see the reality of what is actually going on and then change the story they were going to write. Most media people have a pre-conceived idea of the story they want to tell long before they arrive on the scene.
v. 4-5 “Jesus told them, "A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child." Jesus wasn't able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's all.”
6. The Media is a lot like a Pet Rattlesnake.
I remember when a nationally known and very prominent leader had seen a piece that CNN did on our church several years ago and made this comment to comparing the media to a pet rattlesnake. I have never forgotten that comparison. His warning was to, “never get too comfortable around them, because the minute you do, they just might turn on you and bite you.”
All in all, capturing the attention of the media can be a positive thing for your church or ministry. But knowing how to handle the attention and keeping it in the right perspective is key. Never forget, we do what we do out of faithfulness for an unseen Creator, not for media attention.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Spending Time w/ One of America's Great Pastors - Part 2
On Wednesday, I posted the first 5 of my Actionable Learnings from my time with Robert Morris, Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. Here are my second 5 Learnings... Enjoy.
Learning #6: Our job as a pastor is to continually be asking, “How can I help?”
I love this perspective, especially in light of the context he said it in which is helping his staff. When you see someone carrying a burden of some kind, simply stopping to ask the question, “How can I help?” is how we pastor them.
Learning #7: Givers don’t want attention, but they do want to be appreciated. We must stop ignoring the gift of giving in the Body of Christ. It’s in the same list as teacher and miracles.
Learning #8: 3 Things about a pastor that you’re going to have to decide if you like, because they’re probably not going to change:
1) Their Friends,
2) Their Vision, &
3) Their Government.
What a great filter for new people coming into a church. Who do the leaders watch, learn from and hang with? What is their vision? And How are they committed to running the business of the church? Phenomenal.
Learning #9: The greatest temptation in the ministry in the next 5 to 10 years is Burnout. It’s a major reason pastors are falling morally, because they’re looking for an escape from the stress and pace of their life and they are turning to illegitimate escapes.
Great perspective and warning. It makes me so thankful for the precedence of Sabbath and days off and rest that we’ve got in place as a church. It also motivates me to teaching every pastor I come in contact with. What a major need in the ministry today. (Click here for the link to a talk I did recently on Margin)
Learning #10: A Personal Challenge to Pastors: Don’t exhibit God in your churches, let people experience Him. The greatest tool of evangelism today is the Presence of God in our worship services. Don’t compromise the presence of God and preaching of the Word. Your opinion won’t change anybody’s life, but the Presence and Power of God in your church will.
That’s what I’m talking about!
I’m definitely leaving this time with one of America’s great leaders encouraged, inspired and challenged to keep pushing into the great and unique thing that God is doing at Next Level Church.
Thanks again to Pastor Robert, Gateway Church, Billy Hornsby and the ARC for making this opportunity possible.
Learning #6: Our job as a pastor is to continually be asking, “How can I help?”
I love this perspective, especially in light of the context he said it in which is helping his staff. When you see someone carrying a burden of some kind, simply stopping to ask the question, “How can I help?” is how we pastor them.
Learning #7: Givers don’t want attention, but they do want to be appreciated. We must stop ignoring the gift of giving in the Body of Christ. It’s in the same list as teacher and miracles.
Learning #8: 3 Things about a pastor that you’re going to have to decide if you like, because they’re probably not going to change:
1) Their Friends,
2) Their Vision, &
3) Their Government.
What a great filter for new people coming into a church. Who do the leaders watch, learn from and hang with? What is their vision? And How are they committed to running the business of the church? Phenomenal.
Learning #9: The greatest temptation in the ministry in the next 5 to 10 years is Burnout. It’s a major reason pastors are falling morally, because they’re looking for an escape from the stress and pace of their life and they are turning to illegitimate escapes.
Great perspective and warning. It makes me so thankful for the precedence of Sabbath and days off and rest that we’ve got in place as a church. It also motivates me to teaching every pastor I come in contact with. What a major need in the ministry today. (Click here for the link to a talk I did recently on Margin)
Learning #10: A Personal Challenge to Pastors: Don’t exhibit God in your churches, let people experience Him. The greatest tool of evangelism today is the Presence of God in our worship services. Don’t compromise the presence of God and preaching of the Word. Your opinion won’t change anybody’s life, but the Presence and Power of God in your church will.
That’s what I’m talking about!
I’m definitely leaving this time with one of America’s great leaders encouraged, inspired and challenged to keep pushing into the great and unique thing that God is doing at Next Level Church.
Thanks again to Pastor Robert, Gateway Church, Billy Hornsby and the ARC for making this opportunity possible.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Spending Time with One of America's Great Pastors
On Monday of this week, I got to spend a few hours with a select group of about 15 guys with Robert Morris, Pastor of Gateway Church in Dallas, TX. Gateway is one of the America’s largest and fastest growing churches. Here are 10 learnings from my up close and personal time with Pastor Robert.
(Principle is in regular font. My thoughts are in italics. BTW, Special thanks to Billy Hornsby and the ARC for this rare and unique opportunity… I'll share the first 5 Learnings today & the second 5 on Friday. Stay tuned...)
Learning #1: One of the roots of immorality is bitterness. If we don’t dig bitterness out of our heart, it can eventually lead to immorality.
Gosh, that’s good stuff. I’ve never heard anyone apply that scripture like that before.
Learning #2: So often when we see a leader we admire, we want to ask “How” they did or do what they do. Instead, we should be asking “Why” they do what they do and “What” God did in them to allow them to do what they’re doing today.
This is a great reminder that any leader that God uses greatly, He first breaks in a great way. Robert has paid a huge price to be where he is today and to lead at the level he’s leading at today.
Learning #3: Concerning Brokenness: “One of the best things that ever happened to me was that I saw myself for who I actually was.”
I can’t help but think of how many leaders never slow down long enough or embrace the breaking that God is doing in their heart to actually see themselves for who they truly are. Instead, we push and plow through in the name of productivity and forfeit the very work of God in our hearts that will establish our leadership long-term.
Learning #4: 3 Things that are important to 45 year old Executives:
1) Time. If you are unorganized and unstructured in your services, business people aren’t gonna like it.
2) Dress. You can be casual without being sloppy. There is a huge difference.
3) The Building. Successful people want to see a vision for excellence in everything you do. Your building has to match your city.
Great stuff right here. All intangibles to reaching successful business people in our communities.
Learning #5: Man looks at the outward. In reference to I Samuel 16:7 which says, “Man looks at the outward, but God looks at the heart. So often we preach and teach the second part, but fail to see the first part. When it comes to reaching people for Christ, never forget that they ARE looking at “the outside” of how we do what we do in our churches.
Brilliant. It is the intangibles that give us permission to influence many of the people in our city we’re called to reach. We must not overlook them.
Stay tuned for the second 5 take aways coming on Friday...
Matt
(Principle is in regular font. My thoughts are in italics. BTW, Special thanks to Billy Hornsby and the ARC for this rare and unique opportunity… I'll share the first 5 Learnings today & the second 5 on Friday. Stay tuned...)
Learning #1: One of the roots of immorality is bitterness. If we don’t dig bitterness out of our heart, it can eventually lead to immorality.
Gosh, that’s good stuff. I’ve never heard anyone apply that scripture like that before.
Learning #2: So often when we see a leader we admire, we want to ask “How” they did or do what they do. Instead, we should be asking “Why” they do what they do and “What” God did in them to allow them to do what they’re doing today.
This is a great reminder that any leader that God uses greatly, He first breaks in a great way. Robert has paid a huge price to be where he is today and to lead at the level he’s leading at today.
Learning #3: Concerning Brokenness: “One of the best things that ever happened to me was that I saw myself for who I actually was.”
I can’t help but think of how many leaders never slow down long enough or embrace the breaking that God is doing in their heart to actually see themselves for who they truly are. Instead, we push and plow through in the name of productivity and forfeit the very work of God in our hearts that will establish our leadership long-term.
Learning #4: 3 Things that are important to 45 year old Executives:
1) Time. If you are unorganized and unstructured in your services, business people aren’t gonna like it.
2) Dress. You can be casual without being sloppy. There is a huge difference.
3) The Building. Successful people want to see a vision for excellence in everything you do. Your building has to match your city.
Great stuff right here. All intangibles to reaching successful business people in our communities.
Learning #5: Man looks at the outward. In reference to I Samuel 16:7 which says, “Man looks at the outward, but God looks at the heart. So often we preach and teach the second part, but fail to see the first part. When it comes to reaching people for Christ, never forget that they ARE looking at “the outside” of how we do what we do in our churches.
Brilliant. It is the intangibles that give us permission to influence many of the people in our city we’re called to reach. We must not overlook them.
Stay tuned for the second 5 take aways coming on Friday...
Matt
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Flight Patterns
One of my favorite times of my entire month is my Men's Connection Group that meets on the last Saturday of the month at the NLC Warehouse at 9 am. There are several reasons why:
First, I love the honest & open communication from the heart that these guys bring. They're there for 1 reason: to pursue honest & real friendship with other guys who are trying to honor God with their whole lives.
Second, because the pace is relaxed. There's no rush, simply easy flow.
And third, because it's perfect for guys to get in my flight pattern. As our church gets bigger, it's just not humanly possible for me to spend time w/ everybody who wants to spend 1 on 1 time w/ me. It doesn't mean I don't want to trust me. ( The extravert in me loves hanging with people!!!) But I've learned that I can't be everything I need to be to my wife and my boys and to my staff & the church if I'm spread too thin.
That's why my Men's Connection Group is so awesome!!! It is a smaller environment where I get to be "up close & personal" w/ the men of NLC every single month!
So, if you're looking to connect w/ some other guys ( and me) who are serious about their relationship w/ God, then this is a great way for us to fly together.
For more info, e-mail Chelsie@NextLevelChurch.com & let us know you're coming.
Matt
First, I love the honest & open communication from the heart that these guys bring. They're there for 1 reason: to pursue honest & real friendship with other guys who are trying to honor God with their whole lives.
Second, because the pace is relaxed. There's no rush, simply easy flow.
And third, because it's perfect for guys to get in my flight pattern. As our church gets bigger, it's just not humanly possible for me to spend time w/ everybody who wants to spend 1 on 1 time w/ me. It doesn't mean I don't want to trust me. ( The extravert in me loves hanging with people!!!) But I've learned that I can't be everything I need to be to my wife and my boys and to my staff & the church if I'm spread too thin.
That's why my Men's Connection Group is so awesome!!! It is a smaller environment where I get to be "up close & personal" w/ the men of NLC every single month!
So, if you're looking to connect w/ some other guys ( and me) who are serious about their relationship w/ God, then this is a great way for us to fly together.
For more info, e-mail Chelsie@NextLevelChurch.com & let us know you're coming.
Matt
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Margin Regained: (Notes for the LIVE Conference Call)
Margin Regained:
If I could say anything to Pastors who are stressed out, overworked & living out of control schedules this is what would I say...
1. No one else is gonna fight for your schedule, if you don’t.
2. It’s more important than you think.
A. It is affecting you.
- You’re not getting your best thoughts & productivity.
B. It is affecting your family.
C. It is affecting your church.
3. 5 Quick Tips for Building Margin:
- Think Large Blocks of Time.
- Get ahead on Message Prep. (Article on ARC Blog)
- Protect your Sabbath.
- Learn how to say NO without excuse.
- Refuse to feel guilty.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
We're Talking Margin Tomorrow - LIVE
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 23rd, @ 11am EDT, we're talking about Margin on a LIVE, FREE 30-45 minute Conference Call with the ARC.
I would love for you to be apart. Here's how:
By the way, if you've missed it, the last few posts have been all about the idea of margin. Feel free to take a look before tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to hanging with you tomorrow...
Matt
I would love for you to be apart. Here's how:
- Call 888-350-0075 tomorrow at 11 am EDT then enter the code 7479514.
By the way, if you've missed it, the last few posts have been all about the idea of margin. Feel free to take a look before tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to hanging with you tomorrow...
Matt
Monday, September 20, 2010
Margin Drains
Thursday, September 23rd, @ 11 am EDT, I'll be hosting a Live, FREE Conference Call with the ARC. So, leading up to it I thought it would be good to prime the pump a little bit by talking about Margin, which is the subject we'll be talking about this Thursday.
Today I want to talk briefly about Margin Drains:
1. Violating the Sabbath. Nothing will drain you like a lack of a day off. But this one is a subtle one. The enemy of our souls love to get us so busy that we have to violate our sabbath. It's like changing the oil in your car. Don't do it for 5,000 miles and nothing will happen. Don't do it for 10,000 miles and no one will notice, still. Don't do it for 25,000 miles and your car will breakdown on the side of the road.
The same is true with our Sabbath, we can neglect it for quite a while with seemingly little or no consequences, but eventually it will catch up with us and bite us.
2. Schedule Creep. Put simply, adding without subtracting can eat your lunch. As your church grows, so will it's calendar. If you don't strategically subtract from it, you'll end up running yourself ragged.
3. Not having Pre-Determined Boundaries. Plain and simple, if we don't set our boundaries, someone else will. The problem for most of us is that because we've not pre-decided on what we will and won't do, we end up allowing the emotion or pressure of the moment to dictate our commitments and obligations, and we pay the price.
4. Our Inability to say no. This is a tough one, because we all want people to like us. But if we don't learn the art (& it is definitely an art) to saying no to people, we'll be at their mercy to the detriment of our own margin.
And here's the thing about saying no, we have to learn the art of saying no, without excuse. This is killer hard. Because we feel the pressure to have a "good" or "legitimate" excuse. But there's something powerfully mature about being able to say no with no because. Just Thanks, but no. That's a tough one.
_________________
To be apart of the Conference Call:
Today I want to talk briefly about Margin Drains:
1. Violating the Sabbath. Nothing will drain you like a lack of a day off. But this one is a subtle one. The enemy of our souls love to get us so busy that we have to violate our sabbath. It's like changing the oil in your car. Don't do it for 5,000 miles and nothing will happen. Don't do it for 10,000 miles and no one will notice, still. Don't do it for 25,000 miles and your car will breakdown on the side of the road.
The same is true with our Sabbath, we can neglect it for quite a while with seemingly little or no consequences, but eventually it will catch up with us and bite us.
2. Schedule Creep. Put simply, adding without subtracting can eat your lunch. As your church grows, so will it's calendar. If you don't strategically subtract from it, you'll end up running yourself ragged.
3. Not having Pre-Determined Boundaries. Plain and simple, if we don't set our boundaries, someone else will. The problem for most of us is that because we've not pre-decided on what we will and won't do, we end up allowing the emotion or pressure of the moment to dictate our commitments and obligations, and we pay the price.
4. Our Inability to say no. This is a tough one, because we all want people to like us. But if we don't learn the art (& it is definitely an art) to saying no to people, we'll be at their mercy to the detriment of our own margin.
And here's the thing about saying no, we have to learn the art of saying no, without excuse. This is killer hard. Because we feel the pressure to have a "good" or "legitimate" excuse. But there's something powerfully mature about being able to say no with no because. Just Thanks, but no. That's a tough one.
_________________
To be apart of the Conference Call:
- Call 888-350-0075 on Thursday at 11 am EDT then enter the code 7479514 .
Friday, September 17, 2010
Marginless Results:
Thursday, September 23rd @ 11 am EDT, I'm leading a FREE conference call for any and all pastors. (Details at the bottom) In preparation for that, we've been talking about an extremely overlooked topic in ministry circles: Margin.
Today we're going to look at the results of a Marginless existence.
1. Fragmented Thoughts. Ever noticed that when you're stressed out and busy as heck, that your thoughts feel scattered and discombobulated? (yeah I totally just worked that word into this blog post!) I know it's true for me. In fact, there are times when I'm running like crazy in my day that I actually say out loud, "What am I doing right now?"
Other times, we'll lose our train of thought, right in the middle of a sentence or conversation with someone. Definitely a sure sign that we're living marginless.
2. Inability to Focus. When the margin is gone, so is the focus. We have some huge thing that's gotta get done, and yet we can't focus for anything! That's from a lack of margin. Kill the margin, kill the focus. (Wait... what are we talking about right now?)
3. Guilt. The problem with burning the candle at both ends is that eventually our subconscious catches up to us and starts making us feel guilty. "You should be sleeping more..." "You should be home more..." "You should be whatever..." Take it from me, guilt will suck the life out of you.
4. An Inability to Rest. There is a dangerous place in all of our workaholism/marginless lifestyles and that is the inability to turn it off. We become addicted to progress, or completion or the to-do list, or the in-box, or the twitter feed. If you can't shut it off, you're living dangerously.
Margin restores balance to the force, Luke. It's not an optional luxury for the lucky few. God created us to not function properly without it.
______________
To be apart of the FREE Conference Call:
Today we're going to look at the results of a Marginless existence.
1. Fragmented Thoughts. Ever noticed that when you're stressed out and busy as heck, that your thoughts feel scattered and discombobulated? (yeah I totally just worked that word into this blog post!) I know it's true for me. In fact, there are times when I'm running like crazy in my day that I actually say out loud, "What am I doing right now?"
Other times, we'll lose our train of thought, right in the middle of a sentence or conversation with someone. Definitely a sure sign that we're living marginless.
2. Inability to Focus. When the margin is gone, so is the focus. We have some huge thing that's gotta get done, and yet we can't focus for anything! That's from a lack of margin. Kill the margin, kill the focus. (Wait... what are we talking about right now?)
3. Guilt. The problem with burning the candle at both ends is that eventually our subconscious catches up to us and starts making us feel guilty. "You should be sleeping more..." "You should be home more..." "You should be whatever..." Take it from me, guilt will suck the life out of you.
4. An Inability to Rest. There is a dangerous place in all of our workaholism/marginless lifestyles and that is the inability to turn it off. We become addicted to progress, or completion or the to-do list, or the in-box, or the twitter feed. If you can't shut it off, you're living dangerously.
Margin restores balance to the force, Luke. It's not an optional luxury for the lucky few. God created us to not function properly without it.
______________
To be apart of the FREE Conference Call:
- Call 888-350-0075 at 11 am EDT on Thursday, Sept. 23rd then enter the code 7479514.
- NOTE: This is a new phone number & code.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Margin Defined...
In preparation for the Live, Free, Conference Call I'll be hosting for the ARC on Thursday, September 23rd, We're talking about Margin this week.
Today I want to give a working definition for the idea or concept of Margin. So here you go...
"The distance between where you are and your limits."
The obvious illustration is the margins on a piece of paper. It's the white space between the edge of the paper and that little red line. I love it. Even paper manufacturers knew that we (as kids) would be prone to push the limits in our lives, so they gave us a bright red line to basically scream:
And yet... even with the wonderful red line, how often did we try and push the limits and write all the way to the edges?!?
And all the kids in the world look over at our desk and say, "See, another one bites the dust." And the moral authority of the message we proclaim becomes tainted or dilluted or compromised in some way.
It doesn't have to be this way. We gotta get this figured out, & I'm convinced that margin is the answer to the problem.
_______________
To be apart of the Conference Call on Sept. 23rd @ 11 am EDT:
Today I want to give a working definition for the idea or concept of Margin. So here you go...
"The distance between where you are and your limits."
The obvious illustration is the margins on a piece of paper. It's the white space between the edge of the paper and that little red line. I love it. Even paper manufacturers knew that we (as kids) would be prone to push the limits in our lives, so they gave us a bright red line to basically scream:
"Hey kid, STOP! You're gonna run out of paper and write on your desk and then your teacher is gonna yell at you and all your friends will make fun of you and you'll feel like a stinkin' idiot, so STOP!!!"
And yet... even with the wonderful red line, how often did we try and push the limits and write all the way to the edges?!?
Some things never change do they?
Unfortunately for many of us, (and especially those of us in ministry,) we don't have little red lines anymore warning us that we're pushing our limits. Consequently, we plunge ahead with commitments and e-mails and appointments and deadlines and stressful situations and little sleep. And more times than we'd like to admit, we end up writing on the desk somewhere and our marriage breaks down or our kids rebel, or we compromise morally, or we have a financial breakdown.
And all the kids in the world look over at our desk and say, "See, another one bites the dust." And the moral authority of the message we proclaim becomes tainted or dilluted or compromised in some way.
It doesn't have to be this way. We gotta get this figured out, & I'm convinced that margin is the answer to the problem.
_______________
To be apart of the Conference Call on Sept. 23rd @ 11 am EDT:
- Call 312-878-0222 at 11 am EDT time to be on with us, then enter the code 327-645-673.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Great Article on "Being Excellent" by Tony Schwartz
I'm always looking for content that is value-adding, & I was recently given a link to an article that I LOVED!!! It's called, "Six Keys to Being Excellent at Anything" written by a guy named Tony Schwartz. It's FREE and you can read it here.
He's principles come from his book that I'm actually reading right now called, "The Way We're Working Isn't Working." It's available at all kinds of bookstores and of course, on Amazon.com.
In a world of new titles and a million things to read, this book, (albeit nearly 300 pages long) is definitely worth reading.
I love what he's got to say, especially in the article.
Enjoy.
Matt
He's principles come from his book that I'm actually reading right now called, "The Way We're Working Isn't Working." It's available at all kinds of bookstores and of course, on Amazon.com.
In a world of new titles and a million things to read, this book, (albeit nearly 300 pages long) is definitely worth reading.
I love what he's got to say, especially in the article.
Enjoy.
Matt
