Even more lessons from the Jonas Brothers

The phenom has caught on. I can’t believe that the posts I have written about JB has drawn more readers than any post over the last 2 years.  Unbelievable.  Who would have thought that comparing the Jonas Brothers to Church would be so catchy.  Anyway … let’s continue.

Here are my final lessons …

1.  Never settle.
I love that JB was willing to take a risk.  They stepped out of the comfort of Wyckoff, NJ and landed a huge following across the nation.  Church – don’t settle.  Step up and do something HUGE for God.  Let’s fill some stadiums of worshippers of God.

2.  Honor your fans/members.
I have watched musicians for a lot of years.  Most that succeed will always honor their fans.  They will say things like, “We love you NY.”  That don’t mention anyone by name but identifying with their location goes a long way.  Honor the people in your church – staff, volunteers, members and attenders.

3.  Provide reminders of the experience.
I can them tokens.  They are “altars” that are built to remind people of the experience.  The altar was never about the location it was always about what God did!  JB gives out t-shirts, glow sticks, posters, pictures, calendars, bags and more.  Churches must place things in the hands of their people that remind them of their mission!

4.  Longevity matters.
I am not sure how long the average teen band lasts, but JB has been around for 5 years.  That seems long for a teen sensation.  But they are always writing music, performing & acting.  They are looking to last.  Pastor – bloom where you are planted.  Don’t wish or hope for something “greener” – outlast and watch how God causes the growth!

5.  Mission mobilizes.
JB gives to some amazing initiatives.  One of them is Convoy of Hope.  When things went down in Haiti Joe Jonas sent $30,000.  It also inspires others to give.  Nick Jonas has diabetes and helps raise awareness and funds.  When the church gives to missions it inspires the people to grow larger and make a more significant impact locally and globally.

6. Multiple Streams of Impact
Churches are typically one-dimensional – meaning that we typically focus on Sundays alone, but we must impact our communities 365.  Acts teaches us that every day the “Lord added to the church” – it grew every day.  God, give me that kind of church.  JB has music, tv shows, movies and more giving them a larger platform.  We must be creative and launch multiple streams of Kingdom Impact.

Okay. I promise. That’s the last “Lessons from Jonas” posts.  I guess you can officially call me a JOBRO.

Portable Church Life

Being a portable church often opens the doors to unique challenges that non-portables face.  Relocating … set-up … break-down … loads of cash in marketing … finding creative ways to solidify your presence in a community … so many more!  None of them are problems, but opportunities to experience a new level of trust and faith in God.

We just found out that our office space will no longer be available as of January 1, 2009 — 3+ weeks away.  At first it seems like a problem, but there is always the journey back to my basement (I get to go to work in my pajamas again, yes).  Seriously, we are now considering a step of major faith to rent office space in a highly visible part of Westbury.  And we are even calling churches asking if they want to sell us their buildings!!!  It totally seems crazy!!!

As a portable church I have to always ask this question:  ”God, what are you trying to tell me?”  If we listen long enough we will hear God speaking!

What is God telling you???

Rocks, God and Hard Places

I am privileged to live in one of the most diverse areas of the country – Nassau County – but it also happens to be one of the hardest to launch a church in.  So hard that 9 years ago was the last time the Assemblies of God tried to plant a church in an area that contains nearly 3 million people … less then 2% evangelical Christian!

But between a rock and a hard place there is God … he is on Long Island.  In fact, he has never left!  God wants to reveal his love and salvation to the nation, but I believe he truly desires to reach this metropolis of the forgotten.

Who else will plant?  Who will leave their earthly comfort to make an eternal impact?  Who will join our next effort to launch the 2nd point on our 10 church start campaign?

“The fields are ready … the laborers are few”

Will it be YOU?  If you want to help me start more churches in a 98% unreached area email me … todd@pointwestbury.com.

Average

Ed Stetzer has released his findings on Assembly of God church plants.  He has discovered that the average AG church is 51 people on it’s 1 Year Anniversary.  The Point is averaging 88.5 people so far!

WE ARE 37 PEOPLE ABOVE AVERAGE!  But that is still not good enough!  There are too many unchurched or dechurched people around us.  I don’t want to be an above average church I want to help raise the average!  That means The Point must work harder and take greater risks for the Glory of God!

I believe that I am doing what God has designed me to do.  Everything else I have done in life has prepared me for this moment!

You Know You're a Lead Pastor in a Church Plant When … (Part 4)

… the average person gives 74 cents in the offering.

Now this does not happen every week.  Thank God.  But the first week of September that was our average tithe per person.  It’s picked up since then.  But newer people take a longer time to “buy in” to the vision and direction of the church.  Some may take 4-6 months before they begin to contribute … that’s ok … because when they do you know you have them.

What have I learned from low offerings?  It’s a chance for God to test your trust in His provision.  What have you learned?

You Know You're a Lead Pastor in a Church Plant When … (Part 3)

… you are willing to let people to leave.

A church plant is very different than any other church.  Especially in the early years.  People come and go based on what you can provide or what you can’t provide.  They also sometimes feel like they are not being taught enough or the messages aren’t deep enough.  And some leave for the right reasons and do it the right way!

Sometimes the back door is not a bad door!!!

You Know You're a Lead Pastor in a Church Plant When … (Part 2)

… your office is in your basement!

My basement is filled with computers, sound equipment, supplies, worship programs, and stuff.  It is a mess, but we make it work!  Soon I will show you a video of our office.

Pros:

* Save on gas.

* Go to work in pajamas.

* Convenient

* Save money

Cons:

* You are always at work

* No community presence (b/c we are portable on Sundays)

You Know Your the Lead Pastor in a Church Plant When … (Part 1)

… someone asks, “What do you think of circumcision?”

I received a phone call yesterday from a member of The Point.  They said they needed my advice.  ”Sure,” I responded.  Then they asked what my view of circumcision was.  I gulped.  I gave my 3 point perspective … just kidding … kind of.

The things you NEVER were asked as a Youth Pastor!

Average

Do you want to be average?  I know that I don’t.  I want to live above average.  I desire to do what no one else is doing … well, sometimes.  Is being average bad?  Not at all!  But is it the best we can do?

What does the average church look like in size?

* 1 out of 7 churches are fewer than 25.

* 1 out of 8 churches has 26-50 attendees.

* 1 out of 3 churches has 51-100 attendees.

* 1 out of 13 churches has 101-125.

* 1 out of 4 churches have 126-350 attendees.

* 1 out of 18 churches average 351-800 attendees.

* 1 out of 406 churches average more than 800.

(“Small Congregation Big Potential” by Lyle Shaller)

The average size church in America is approximately 75 people.

Let’s defy the odds and raise the average size church!  Do you want to be average?

Point Design Featured on Evotional.com

I love it when a design can be so “off the hook” that others want to share it or reproduce it.  Bobby Fowley designed our new graphic for Chase The Lion … it was so good that Mark Batterson posted the design on his website for others to use it.  Mark is the author of the book we are using to launch our new series.

Awesome, Bobby!

LIFEPOINT:  God uses our gifts to BUILD the Body!!!

What is your gift?  What are you doing to build THE church?