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In God We Trust

At Sun Valley Community Church we’re getting ready to begin a brand new teaching series in November called “In God We Trust.” The reality is we put our trust in all kinds of things. Many of us think education will fix our problems, others strive after financial security, some chase after the perfect relationship, while others even believe electing the right President will solve our problems. We’re all putting our trust in something. What are you trusting in? Hope to see you at one of our three Sun Valley Campuses (Casa Grande, Gilbert, or Tempe) as we begin this conversation the weekend of November 3-4. Check out this brand new video and feel free to share it with your friends!


Posted in Creative Arts

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Taking Steps to Make Vision Real

Typically churches aren’t stuck when it comes to the mission. Fortunately we don’t have to search very far in the Scriptures to discover God’s intent for the church to reach the nations. However where churches are notorious for being stuck is what comes next. Understanding and developing the steps that are necessary to take in order to make that vision reality. This is where strong leadership is needed. The task of leadership is to break a complicated process of moving from where you are to where God wants you to be into clear, simple, easy, natural steps that make vision real.

Clear:

If what you’re asking people to do is confusing, chances are they’ll move in a different direction than you intend for them to, or worse they won’t move at all. Your idea and message may seem obvious and clear to you, but it doesn’t matter how clear it is in your mind. You’ve got to figure out a way to make it clear to the people you want to take the step.

Simple:

If you want people to take a step that will move them and the organization in a preferred direction then it can’t be complicated. If you’ve ever put together IKEA furniture then you understand what I mean. It’s amazing how they can fit a 6×6 entertainment center in a box the size of a Rubix Cube, and for some reason there always seems to be parts left over! The best and quickest process is always a one step process.

Easy:

Let me be clear. By no means am I saying that helping people take steps towards making vision real is easy in the sense that it is painless, peaceful, or comfortable. Moving people towards a preferred future vision of reality (change) by its very nature is difficult and painful. Rather I’m asserting that easy solutions to complex problems lead to movement.

Natural:

If you are intentional in forming the culture of the organization then you will be creating an environment that tells people where they should naturally move towards and how they should behave. People should begin to see it as the natural obvious step they should move towards.


Posted in Leadership

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Leadership Network One Day

I’m pleased to announce that Sun Valley Community Church is partnering with Leadership Network to host a Leadership Network One Day Experience. These regional events are a unique gathering designed specifically for Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor teams. At this fast paced one-day offering, participants will experience Leadership Network’s “Peer Protocol Process” by:

  1. Having the opportunity to network with other leadership teams from similar sized churches
  2. Learning from experienced and effective Senior Pastor/Executive Pastor Teams
  3. Addressing some of the challenges and opportunities facing growing congregations
  4. Exploring some creative ways of discovering the “What’s Next” for your church

Details:

Who: Senior Pastor/Executive Pastor teams of churches with Weekend Worship Attendance of 1,500 or more

Cost: Regular Fee $199/person.

Where and When: Southwest Regional One Day December 6, 2012 Sun Valley Community Church, Gilbert, AZ

More Information / Request Contact / To Register

 


Posted in Leadership

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It’s a Boy!

Lisa and I just found out some incredible news this week…WE’RE HAVING A BOY! We checked the kids out of school and all went to the ultrasound together, a complete family experience! Needless to say the kids are stoked about having a baby brother, especially Lincoln. Now he won’t be outnumbered by his sisters. We waited until our small group met this week and did a reveal party. Everyone wore the color they thought represented what we were having (pink or blue) and Lisa made cupcakes that she filled with blue icing! She’s super creative! Now all we have to do is figure out a name…and start stocking up on diapers again!


Posted in Family

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What 2nd Chair Leaders are Looking For

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with a room full of Second Chair Leaders and have a conversation with them about what they’re looking for from the leaders they’re serving under. This is what they had to say.

1. I need clarity

I want to support you, that’s why God put me in the role I’m in. I’m not pushing back, I’m just chasing after understanding. I just need you to give me a clear picture of the future so I can help us get there.

2. Say you’re sorry

When you make a wrong call, just own it. You don’t need to impress me. I’m leading close enough to you to already know you’re not perfect.

3. Give me clear Boundaries

I love implementing but I want to honor you at the same time. Be clear with me about how far I can go with implementation before checking in to make sure the results are what you were hoping for.

4. Bring me in the loop sooner rather than later

I want to help you make the vision God’s given you become real. But if you bring me in on the ground floor of an idea I can help you build a great foundation and map a great game plan for the future.

If you’re a 1st Chair Leader this list can provide you with some incredible insight to the heart of your team. I hope you take advantage of this list and it’s helpful to you. If you’re a 2nd Chair Leader, what would you add to the list? Leave a comment.

 


Posted in Leadership, Staffing