October 13, 2008 in
Church 2.0,Intros and Announcements,Random Thoughts,Social Justice with
Do you think that slavery ended with Lincoln? Today I want to share what has been breaking my heart lately. These Church 2.0 Local Forums I’ve hosted around the country have been used by God to stir my heart. God really used the Atlanta one to open my eyes to the problem of child sex trafficking right here in the good ‘ol USA. Since that time I’ve done some research and soul-searching.
Did you know that there are more slaves today than ever before in human history? Alltop now has a slavery version. You can find great information and links HERE. In my blog about the Art+Music+Justice Tour, I mentioned one of their sponsors: The International Justice Mission - a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. I highly encourage you to get to know IJM and support them.
A few things you can do to learn more about this real problem:
I know that slavery exists in Atlanta, Phoenix and Dallas (you may know of other cities). This is not a 3rd world country. This is happening right here in the states. Wake up Church!
October 8, 2008 in
Church 2.0,Churches,Communication,Companies,Conferences,Consulting,Continuing Education,Events and Seminars,Greg's Favorites,Internet Links,Intros and Announcements,Leadership,Media ministry,Multi-site,Outreach,Preaching,Travel,Web 2.0,Worship resources with
1. Friday, Oct. 17: Church 2.0 Local Forum – Boston
2. Friday , Oct. 24: Church 2.0 Local Forum – Tulsa
3. Friday, Nov. 7: Church 2.0 Local Forum – Portland
* I write this post for several reasons:
- One – To encourage you to register (if you’re in the area I’m coming to) or pass the word on to a friend and peer in ministry that is in the area.
- Two – To thank, praise and make you aware of the fine sponsors that not only support my ministry, but are relevant, valid and solid options for you to consider in your ministry context.
- Three – I’d like to ask YOU to do something that I’ve never done before. Please blog about this Fall tour. Email your friends and peers. INVITE. INVITE. INVITE. These times together (I’ve done 6 so far) are special and powerful. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about these 3 cities coming up this Fall. God is stirring and moving in my heart and I know He has something special in store for these gatherings coming up.
- Four – Pray for wisdom, discernment, vision, protection, provision, and God’s blessing. I feel strongly that God is allowing me to meet with these Church leaders in these 3 cities, making 9 in total since May. After Portland, I will end these for ’08. In 2009 I’ve got several great cities on my heart that I’ll share later.
- Five – If your city, and particularly your church, would be interested in hosting a Church 2.0 Local Forum, email me and let me know. Many wonderful, innovative and growing churches have hosted these gatherings for ALL Church leaders. You and your church may be an answer to a prayer.
I simply want to acknowledge that this is all a God-thing and I’m humbled to just be a part of it.
October 6, 2008 in
Churches,Conferences,Continuing Education,Events and Seminars,Holidays,Internet Links,Media ministry,Music,Outreach,Random Thoughts with
Things are busy around my church (Bent Tree). Here’s what’s going down:
- Last month we had our Grand Opening (pics HERE).
- This month we have our annual Missions Festival. This years theme: GLOCAL. I’ve been using that term a lot lately. Our Visual Arts team is transforming our church for this yearly extravaganza! More info HERE.
- Saturday, Oct 25: We host the Art+Music+Justice Tour. More info HERE.
- In November we’ll host the “Hymns of Hope” featuring worship leaders (including our own) from 4 amazing churches. Click HERE to see a sneak peak of them on The Worship Network and hear our worship leader, Scott Dyer.
- In December we’ll have some sort of theatric/dramatic presentation in the early part of the month. I’m told we’ll do something “simple” for Christmas Eve. I’m counting on it!
- In January we host Leadership Network’s Innovation 3 Conference featuring MANY amazing speakers. Be there!
- Word on the street is that we’ll also be hosting Catalyst in May ’09. Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel will be on the Bent Tree stage. Watch out!
October 3, 2008 in
Church 2.0,Church Media,Church video,Churches,Communication,Greg's Favorites,Internet Links,Media ministry,Multi-site,Preaching,Web 2.0 with
My friend, DJ Chuang, has put together some great information and links on internet campuses HERE and HERE. So – what are your thoughts? Have you ever attended an internet campus? Would you consider launching one?
October 2, 2008 in
Church Media,Churches,Communication,Companies,Internet Links,Media ministry with
I will finish up with internet campuses tomorrow. Too many late nights lately. Today, I’d simply like to welcome my new sponsor: FaithHighway. Please check them out.
