iLEAD

iLead is coming to Connect in 2010!!! What is it? iLead is our way of partnering with Connect Leaders & Champions in helping others reach their God-Potential. Stay tuned for more details.

What It Means to Feed the Children

Someone walks up to the rectangular table outside the Rush. They get a name tag and a fashionable hairnet. They walk in through the double doors, leaving all food and drink outside.
They walk out two hours later, with a new sense of purpose, a huge smile on their face and a wonderful story to tell!

"Someone" is you, if you volunteered this weekend at our Feed My Starving Children food packing event! We have had an average of 130 volunteers per noisy, friendly shift! Children and adults, even those with some physical impairment, have been able to participate. We are blessed to be able to help feed the children who are so very hungry in Haiti.

But can you keep a secret? I think the biggest blessing is happening in the heart of each volunteer, who is participating in something so meaningful. These events help us all keep our own lives in perspective, and move us to thank God with more passion than ever.

If you haven't come out yet, check out www.flamingoroadchurch.com Hands and Feet for shift times, and come on out! You can still participate, no need to sign up. Just come and be blessed!

And for those that have already done their part - a huge Thank You! It's fun, isn't it? Take a minute to tell us below about what your participation meant to you!

My Pastor's Shoes

This is my view most weekends….Pastor T’s (@tgramling) shoes :)  You see...I have the privilege every weekend of sitting in the front row in many of our services…and when you look up at the stage, this is what I SEE.  Many weekends later, and many unique shoes later…I began thinking…where have these shoes been?  How did Pastor T’s walk get him to this point?  What have they seen….experienced?  What obstacles have they faced that ultimately shaped him & brought him to this point in his destiny?

 

And then I began thinking of my own shoes…my own “feet” you can say….my own journey…and when I look back, I can see God’s hand on my life, EVERY step of the way bringing me to this place & time in my life. Every mountain...every valley.  I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be by divine appointment.  Have never felt more in tune with what He’s created me to be, have never felt more whole or complete than right now.  Everything He brings or allows in my life from this point forward is ADDITION. Look forward with ALL that I am to be HIS hands & feet!

 

 

Hands & Feet!

Connect Leaders

 

These are the biggest weekends of the year!!! We have been preparing for months as a staff & can barely sleep!!! Here a few things to keep in mind as we run after it:

 

• INVITE, INVITE, INVITE! We are the eyes & ears, hands & feet of Flamingo!
• Connect through volunteering. It takes a village to do what we do week after week. We can’t do it without you!
• Identify Potential Leaders for 2010! We will have many more lives desiring to CONNECT from Christmas Series. Our heart is to open many more Connect Groups to connect folks!
• Sign up to TWITTER & keep connected with your Connection Leadership Team! You can follow me & your Connect Directors at:  @lilibeth @barbyward @mnadlman @mrryanmoore @jeralinf  @flmmr
• Think Christmas! Tons of services, tons of opportunities for you to connect with God & others through volunteering. Connect Ministry will be leading one of the largest Top Secret Missions this Christmas. Stay connected to our Connections Blog for details: www.flamingoroadconnections.com

 

 

Thank you for partnering with others to help them reach their God-potential. Lets do this!!!

 

Training vs. Trying

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

If you had the apostle Paul as your success coach he would tell you that intensity, alone, is not enough; you have to train. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul writes that , "all athletes are disciplined in their training." If you put 300 pounds on the bar and try to lift it but haven't trained, no matter how intense you are, you ain't gonna move it! It's so easy to try, but training takes discipline. Training is done outside the spotlight and behind the scenes. Training is the work that leads to the prize. Those who train are easy to spot -- they're the ones with the medals. The most difficult part of training is consistency. Just because you could lift 300 pounds last year doesn't mean you get a pass on it this year. Whether it's in the gym, the home, the church or the office -- to win the medal you have to train.

The Series Before the Series - Week One

Pastor Matt Miller taught us about Bridging the Gap this past weekend. How much do we really care about the people in our lives? Here is this week's iMAX (I MAXimize the message) for your group discussion...

Read Ezekial 22:30-31 Bridging the Gap
Think about who/what bridged the gap between you and the Cross. Where do you think you would be if that had not happened? Discuss.

There are three general reasons that the gap exists for people:

• They do not know - can you think of some examples of this?
• They do not understand - how can we help them understand?
• They do not care - is it possible to "make" people care?

We feel comfortable staying close to the Cross, in our own safety zone. It can be scary to step out to bridge the gap. "It is hard to put caring into action." but, is our fear or discomfort a good excuse for not helping a lost soul?

If someone was about to get hit by a speeding truck, what would you do? If no one ever bridges the gap for the lost, waht will happen to them? Discuss.

We have many resources you can use to draw people to God [via Flamingo]

• Business cards
• TV broadcast - in South Florida Sundays at 10:30 am, FOX Channel 7
• Website - www.flamingoroadchurch.com
• Evite (through website)
• Talk about the worship team, pastors, ministries

Connect Group Challenge - This week, name 5 people in your sphere of influence who either don't know God, or need to get closer to Him. Pray for opportunities and courage, and invite them to Flamingo Road Church. Bridge the Gap!

To be a kid again...

I look at this picture & cant help but think or wish sometimes "that I could be a kid again". What I would give to see the world through their eyes...

Everything is an adventure...

A friend is anyone that will play with you...

Giggling is a form of Art & expression...

There isnt anything you couldnt do...

You believe the best in people...

You keep no one out ("gate-ology") & let everyone in...

You believe everything is possible!!!

We were reminded this weekend to hold on to our "child-like" faith with all that we are. The kind of faith that carelessly, recklessly, whole-heartedly believes so much in God & in His unfailing promises that you blindly surrender, fall-back into His arms without any reservations. Praying that kind of child-like faith in me & in my arrows all the days of my life.

DREAMS

This is what I face every day when I sit at my desk...

the letters D R E A M sit right in front of me.

I am a HUGE "dreamer"!  Believe in Dreaming Big with all that I am since I was a little girl...

When I look at my list of DREAMS, many have come to fruition...so many it blows my mind!  Yet there are still some DREAMS that I ponder...some that scare me...some that excite me.  Some that I think HOW will that come true?!  

But I believe with ALL that I am, that God is the one that puts those DREAMS in us, that they WILL come to fruition if you HONOR & OBEY God first in everything (stay under the umbrella) & if you remain faithful to His calling on your life.  

Life is about reaching His plan for our lives, submitting to HIS heart, HIStory. DREAMING big for & WITH HIM.

The Best Part of the Journey

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

I remember a couple of years ago, on a particular weekend, I had a hard time catching my breath. It could have been the weather change or the chili I ate the night before. Either way, due to heart disease and stents in my heart, when coupled with chest pain, you start wondering if it's the "Big One." What if that weekend had been my last opportunity to proclaim the Good News? That simple thought brought a flood of emotion because my favorite part of teaching is your response to God's word. It's your transformation when the light bulb turns on. For me, teaching doesn't start with an idea that I have, but with the questions you have. My responsibility is to walk through the Bible with you to find the answer... and the best part of the journey is YOU.
Obviously, that weekend was NOT my last weekend to teach, but it did serve as a reminder of the power of God's word and the reason I love to teach. This week, look inside yourself and identify the best part of being who God created you to be!

The Aphrodisiacs: Tempted - Week Two

Tempted is our new series dealing with how to have a fulfilling sex life, and how to avoid the traps that lead to bad choices about sexuality. This is Week Two.

Read Matthew 4:3-7, Ephesians 4:26&29, and Proverbs 25:11

• The devil wants to tempt you to stay at surface level with communication. Pastor Brian said, "A satisfying sex life starts with good communication." Discuss.
• Can you trust that people always say what they mean? What is an example of a spouse not saying what they mean? How might this affect the couple's sex life?
• What are some non-verbal forms of communication?
• Can something the husband or wife does in the morning have an effect on their intimacy at night?
• Timing (knowing when to bring something up), tone (think about how they will receive it), and temperature (it it gets too hot, cool it... if it's been cold for a while, heat it up) are all crucial in communication. In light of Pastor Brian's message, give some practical examples of how this is true.

The Aphrodisiacs:
Read James 1:19, 1 Peter 3:7b, Genesis 2:24, and Ephesians 4:31-32. Discuss each of the items below. How can they contribute to emotional and physical intimacy?

• Actively LISTEN
• Intentionally LEARN
• Remember your LINK
• Passionately LOVE

Connect Group Challenge - this week, focus on really listening to other people, intentionally trying to understand what they are saying (or not saying) both in their words and body language.

Apologetics Class starts next week at FLAMINGO!

Do you have an answer for people who talk to you about other religions? Do you feel "stumped" when people ask you questions about your faith? Are you intimidated by discussions about whether or not the Bible is true?

So are most people! This is why we are offering the next class in the Seminary Gear. The textbook is When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics, by Paul Copan.

"Apologetics" seems like a big word, but it simply means learning to articulate what you believe, and give a strong explanation of your faith. It doesn't mean to apologize!

Please don’t be intimidated. Dr. Lema has tons of grace for people who feel inadequate with all of this. As an example: in our last class, in an exercise we used Viva La Vida, by Coldplay as our text! Dr. Lema has a direct and easy to understand teaching style, and is super approachable. The classes are relaxed, and you can feel free to ask questions. If you are serious about ministry, and don’t want to get left behind, this class is for you. There is a good buzz around this class, and we are excited.

Please consider taking the time to participate in this class, and encourage your team members to do so. It is only five weeks long, on Thursday evenings at the Cooper City campus. Cost is $90 (with a $25 registration fee if you did not take the summer class).

Please email questions to Janis Whipple, who is coordinating the class, at jwhi954@aol.com.

Thank you for thinking about this! And if you have any questions please contact Barby Ward at ext 220 or at barby.ward@flamingoroad.org

Tempted - Sex, Lies & Adultery

This week's iMAX (weekend discussion guide) comes with a PG-13 warning! Tempted is our new series dealing with how to have a fulfilling sex life, and how to avoid the traps that lead to bad choices about sexuality. This is Week One.

Read Matthew 26:41; I Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 4:1-4

• The temptation Jesus faced was to satisfy normal desires, but at the wrong time in the wrong way. Have you faced similar situations?
• Pastor Troy said, "Life is about more than two naked bodies, techniques or an orgasm." Discuss.

Celebrate Our Love - Read I Corinthians 6:16-17; John 8:10-11

• "For sex to be fulfilling it has to have: Purpose, meaning and commitment. Outside of marriage, it becomes a competition." What does this mean?
• What are some physical consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some mental consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship?
• What are some spiritual consequences of being sexually active outside of the marriage relationship/
• In the light of John 8:10-11, what hope can you give to a person who has been involved in this way, and now wants to change?

Capture Your Mind - Read Matthew 5:27-29; Romans 8:5-7

• Some people feel that, if thinking it is the same as doing it, they might as well do it. Pastor Troy said, "It is the same betrayal, but not the same consequences, because of the number of people involved." Discuss.
• "If you feed your lust, it will grow into a monster. Lust is the ultimate act of selfishness." Discuss.

Cherish Their Body - Read I Corinthians 7:3-5; Ephesians 5:25-28

• Do people ever use sex as a weapon or bargaining tool? Is this wrong? Is it ever okay? Why or why not?
• In light of the scripture in Ephesians 5, how is the marital relationship meant to parallel/mirror our relationship with God? What does it say about how God "feels" about us?
• Is it possible for married couples to continue to have a sexually fulfilling relationship throughout the lifetime of their marriage?

Connect Group Challenge - How can the Church help single people to deal with this issue? What encouragement can you give to the singles in your life? If you are a single Christ follower, how can you encourage other singles?

When God Goes to Starbucks

Do you have an answer for people who talk to you about other religions? Do you feel "stumped" when people ask you questions about your faith? Are you intimidated by discussions about whether or not the Bible is true?

So are most believers! This is why we are offering the next class in the Seminary Gear. It will feature the book When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics, by Paul Copan. We will also use the Holman Quicksource Guide to Christian Apologetics, by Doug Powell.

Dr. David Lema has a direct and easy to understand teaching style. The classes are relaxed, with an atmosphere where you can feel free to ask questions. They are ideal for lay people who want to be more informed, and for people who are considering becoming more involved in ministry.

Please consider taking the time to participate in this class, and encourage the members of your Connect Group to do so also. It is held for five Thursday evenings, from 7-10 pm at the Cooper City campus. It is fully accredited through the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please email gears@flamingoroad.org if you have any questions. You can register online here.

Thought of the day!

"The way you deal with life each day depends on what you bring to life each day"

Colored Perception

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

It is amazing how experiences color perception. There are two companies that carry a trusted brand name, but a couple years ago, we had bad customer service with both of them. Now on numerous occasions, they had done the right thing. But this ONE time they didn't, and that ONE time colored everything. I wonder how many people we don't get second chances with? How many people have ONE bad experience at church and it ends up coloring their entire perspective? It may not be fair, but it is true. The fact that I may never walk into either of those companies again doesn't have eternal consequences but when people give up on the Church it could. This week, as you go about your normal routine in your usual environment, take time to ask, "What am I doing to make sure the experience I'm offering is getting colored with the best perception?"

Are You Mutating?

This is the iMAX (weekend discussion guide) for Heroes & Villains week five. The only way for any of us to fulfill our potential is to allow God to transform us!

Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 2:5, 9-11

• Pastor Troy said, "Most people live life as Christ-followers trying to convince God to bless us." What did he mean by this?
• The Bible makes it clear that we have to be transformed ("mutated") by changing the way we think. Do you believe it is possible to change the mindsets people have had for years?
• When we allow God to transform us, promotion is given, opportunities abound, and leadership is recognized. Have you experienced this? Share some examples from your life or the life of someone you know.

Read Philippians 2:6-8, and 3:13-14

• The first step in the transformation is to position your mind. What does this mean?
• How can a person be intentional about doing this?
• The next step is to embrace your emotions. Do you show your emotions easily?
  
• The third step is to humble your heart. Jesus emptied himself, "pouring out" his reputation. How many times has God asked you to do something, but because you were afraid of what people would think, you disobeyed?
• Can you share an instance of this with the group?
• Other examples of this are: being unwilling to forgive, or unwilling to step out and take a risk in ministry. Discuss.
• The fourth step is to focus your strength. do you ever feel like your priorities are unbalanced?
• "There are a lot of things you can do, but you have to focus on the one thing you were created for." What is your reaction to this statement?

Connect Group Challenge - Pastor Troy encouraged us to not focus on all the things we need to pour out of our lives, i.e. all the darkness we feel is there. He told us to focus on pouring the four steps outlined above into our lives. How can the members of your Connect group help each other be transformed, so each one can reach his or her God potential? Spend some quality time exploring this.

Connect for the G!

This weekend is our chance to participate in the G Offering. On a personal note, Peter and I are looking forward to the G. Why?

• Because there are orphans and widows in distress.(James 1:27)
• Because there are people who are hungry and thirsty. (Matthew 25:35)
• Because there is a need to go into the world and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

I read this quote today: God takes full responsibility for a life wholly devoted to him (Charles Stanley). Over the years, in so many situations, we have experienced God's faithfulness and miracles. Even in a difficult situation, or with a harsh economic reality, it is a joyful thing to choose to give toward making other people's lives better.

We each have a part of the offering that is our responsibility. Have you prayed about your part? As leaders, we are an example in tone and the attitude to the members of our connect groups. Have you asked your connect group to pray about their part in the offering? Will you please take the time today and tomorrow to encourage your people in this area? The Connect Ministry can make a huge difference in the outcome of the G!

You are awesome leaders, dedicated to doing life with others. You help people grow, you give of your time and energy for the well-being of your people. Thank you!

Let's help others experience the same peace of knowing God and not doing life alone. Let's Connect for the G!
~Barby

Sneak Peek Service Tonight at Cooper City, 7pm!!!

Hot 5 for CLT

Global CLT! Below are the top HOT 5 items in our forefront to be intentional about as you run after IT & communicate with your Connect Leaders:

* Sneak Peek Service is tomorrow at Cooper, 7pm & on Thursday at Hallandale, 7pm. Lets get our people there ready with anticipation & energy!!!

* The "G" offering is being collected this weekend. Challenge & encourage your Leaders, groups & families to pray and act in some way towards G. Its not about the amount, but the intentionality behind it. We should ALL participate in what God will do thru "G".

* Be thinking of those "next steps" for your Heroes & Villains Groups. Encourage Leaders to continue gathering if they are feeling that nudge. A couple of ways they can do that is by downloading the iMax (or weekend discussion guide) available on Mondays on our Connect Blog (www.flamingoroadconnections.com). The iMax provides an Icebreaker & a series of group discussion questions around the weekend's teaching as well as a Connect Group Challenge of the Week!  Leaders could also choose from a variety of books and launch a book study, and even change the setting of gatherings.  The key is to continue to the connecting.

* Save the Date!  We are planning a Connect Leader Day Retreat in October! A time for us to "disconnect" from the speed, but connect with each other & dream, make memories & enjoy some of what Florida has to offer. Friday Oct.23rd from 9am to 9pm. More details to come! 

* Take time this week to honor 1 of your Leaders in some creative way. It will go a long way. Keep in mind as we run after it, to not use people to do ministry, but use ministry to build people!

Honored to have you each in Connect!  50, 100, 150

Inspiration

Ran across Proverbs 3 yesterday in the midst of so many details, deadlines, to-do's and had to share its essence. It sustained me, refreshed me in SO many ways. 

"Do not forget my teaching (no matter how FAST you are running :), but keep my commands in your heart, for they will PROLONG your life many years & bring you prosperity...let LOVE & FAITHFULNESS never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your HEART. Then you will win favor & a good name in the sight of GOD & man. Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart & lean not on your own understanding....He will make your paths straight when you acknowledge him"

Proverbs 3: 1-6

Word up from one of our CHAMPIONS!

 

FLAMINGO has asked the CHAMPIONS to speak with their respective Connect Group Leaders about the G Offering that will be taken at the end of the Super Hero Series. The Church asks that you take time to speak with each of your groups this weekend to share Pastor Troy's vision for missions in this area. If each member of the Church, or even each member of a Connect Group gives something, imagine how far we could go in reaching our goals.  Keep in mind the real goal is the salvation of souls!

 

I'm sure many of you are struggling in these financially difficult times (I know I am) and may have no idea where you could possibly come up with more money to give in another offering. Remember Your Father has an endless supply of resources and it is virtually impossible to out-give Him. I would recommend you suggest to each member of your group that they pray on this issue throughout the coming week and ask God for His guidance in this area.

 

Now is the time to start thinking about whether your group will continue on at the end of the Super Hero series. If you group will continue, make sure the information on your "regular" group is updated with the date your group will start up, make sure the date/time/location of the meeting for the "regular" group is accurate in its listing and you can start entering your members (the same as you did for members in your Super Hero group) over the next few weeks so you don't have to do it all at one time.

 

This is the time to start thinking about what topic your group will cover at the end of the Super Hero series. The Church is putting together at least 3 topics that will have DVD's you can use (much as you did in the SH series) and some materials to help you transition to your next group. We strongly recommend all new leaders select one of these pre-selected topics that have been put together for you at least for your next series. Once the topics have been finalized and the Champions informed, I will be sure to let you know additional information on these materials.

 

In God's Love, CHAMPTION - Linda!

iMax (Weekend Discussion Guide for Week 4 of Heroes & Villains)

Connect Group Guide for Week 4 of Heroes & Villains

Wonder Woman v/s Peace

IceBreaker: In what era would you most like to have grown up?

Connect Group Discussion Questions

• Read together Psalm 23:1-6  -  This passage describes how God is our Shephard. What are some ways we can HONOR God with our lives? How do you know your God is your Shephard?
• What are some ways you have resolved conflict in the past?
• Pastor Troy shared how you can choose to see life through two lenses: ABUNDANCE or SCARCITY. Which one do you tend to mostly see life through?
• God is a God of abundance clearly, of limitless supply. Why do you think most of us trust Him with our eternity and not our finances?
• Can you recall a time in which you were obedient in following His nudge, and how God used the situation to bless you and the recipient?
• Psalm 23:6 - remind the group how if we have God in our lives, we essentially have ALL we need.
  
• What are some ways we can prepare for the "G" offering as individuals, as families, or even as a Connect Group?

Connect Group Challenge of the week:  What are some ways we can honor God when facing conflict? Keep Him in the forefront as you encounter situation & people. Pondering the question, what WOULD he do (wwjd :)

Leaders, one last thing, remind your groups SNEAK PEEK service this week at Cooper & Hallandale Campus. And lets be praying & getting ready for the "G" offering this coming weekend. Together, we can CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!!!!!

Heroes & Villains Week 3 - Anger

Connect leaders, this week's IMax ("I Maximize the Message") discussion guide is all about Anger. Batman and Joker both had to deal with anger, brought about by injustice. But they reacted in very different ways.

A. Read 1st Peter 2:12 and James 1:12
Have you ever faced an injustice in life? An adverse situation that was completely out of your control, and caused you emotional pain?
What emotions rise up within us when we deal with injustices?
Anger is a difficult emotion to channel. Are there constructive uses of anger?
In what situations do you feel is it acceptable to express anger?

B. Read Ephesians 4:26b – 27, and Proverbs 22:24-25
Anger causes you to not listen to others – have you found this to be true in your own life?
How can you counteract that?
Have you ever said or emailed something you really regretted? What did you do to “fix” the situation?
What was the outcome of that situation?

C. Read Ephesians 4:26, 1 Peter 3:9 and Philippians 1:21
Share with others in the group any coping mechanisms you are familiar with that can help them deal with anger.
Do you believe there is a relationship between unresolved anger and bitterness?
If you have any key scriptures that you use to help you to deal with anger, please share them with your group.

Connect Group Challenge – When faced with injustice, and you feel yourself getting angry, CHOOSE use that anger and frustration to make an impact for good. ENDURE like a hero – the reward is great. A hero can use even adverse situations to grow stronger, and help others.

What is "G"?

Generosity

The "G Offering" is an opportunity to help the salvation of the world through heroic acts of generosity.
 

When?

October 10 & 11, 2009 at all campuses

How?

1. Begin to pray about the amount of your “G Offering.”
2. Participate in the “G Offering” the weekend of October 10 & 11.

What?

Our goal is $500k above and beyond our weekly tithes.

Why?

• Because there are orphans and widows in distress.(James 1:27)
• Because there are people who are hungry and thirsty. (Matthew 25:35)  
• Because there is a need to go into the world and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

On the radar!

Leaders! Wanted to keep some HOT items in the forefront as we run after it!

• Beach Baptism is this weekend - Sept. 27th at 5pm - in Ft. Lauderdale Beach! Come on out with your Connect Groups & celebrate life change, enjoy BBQ & a great time. Rain or shine!!
• "G" offering - our opportunity to be Heroes to this world! Be praying about what that looks like for you & your family, and for your Connect Group!
• Check out our new Connection Center at all the campuses. It's your stage! iConnect

Thanks for all you do to run after IT with us. Lets connect & partner with people to help them reach their God-Potential!

We launch new series!!!!

Walk with me...

WALK WITH ME along paths of trust.  The most direct route between point A and point B on your life-journey is the path of unwavering trust in Me.  When your faith falters, you choose a trail that meanders and takes you well out of your way.  You will get to point B eventually, but you will have lost precious time and energy.  As soon as you realize you have wandered from your trust -path, look to Me and whisper, "I trust You, Jesus."  This affirmation will help you get back on track.

 

The farther you roam along paths of unbelief, the harder it is to remember that I am with you.  Anxious thoughts branch off in all directions, taking you father and farther from awareness of My Presence.  You need to voice your trust in Me frequently.  This simple act of faith will keep you walking along straight paths with Me.  Trust in Me with all your heart, and I will make your paths straight. 

 

ISAIAH 26:4;  PSALM 9:10;  PSALM 25:4-5;  PROVERBS 3:5-6

 

I trust you God.

Happening Tomorrow at 10am in Cooper City!

New Connection Center!

TIDALWAVE This Sunday - See You There!

Are you ready for the Tidalwave?

You don't want to miss this. We will be revealing the Connect re brand, and introducing you, our leaders, to our new global Connections structure. Find out what the Connections Centers will look like! Meet the new Campus Connections Directors and our Connections Creative Developer. We are especially excited to introduce our new Director of Innovative Leadership to you!

Pastor Lili will also cast vision about the Fall ministry season, specifically the Heroes & Villains series. This is a curriculum we have developed in-house. We are trusting the Lord for many new Connect groups! Heroes & Villains is an alignment series, which means all Connect Groups (which is how we will be referring to small groups) will do it starting the week of Sept. 12&13.

Come dressed ready to walk on the beach!! This is a great opportunity for you to team build with your group.

See you at the Bandshell!!

Tidal Wave Meeting!

Leaders!  Had to share the picture my 7 year old drew yesterday.  It looks like a Tidal Wave!!! 

Very much like the Tidal Wave Meeting we have coming this Sunday, August 23rd, from 3pm to 5pm, at the Hollywood Bandshell off Johnson Street & A1A. Bring your small group & families!!!   Its going to be so exciting! Music, energy & team-building. And yeah, surprise contest! Meeting is for all exisiting small group leaders, the folks in your small groups & for potential Leaders.

(plus you will leave with Top Secret information for upcoming SuperHero series). See you at the BEACH!!!

"Kabuki"

I had a really interesting adventure with 2 beautiful souls during my last hours in LA a few weeks ago Ive been eager to share.  In the quest to find a sushi place called Kabuki, we learned so much about our journey in Life….about how to navigate through life circumstances.  

We were hungry, tired from all day conference, weary we wouldnt find "it", it was a looong few hours before we FINALLY did….with many other options along the way we held on for Kabuki, the "Promise Land". There was no compromising.

The funny thing is, Kabuki ended up being right where our adventure BEGAN, we just didn’t notice the sign. We walked right past IT. But we are grateful for the journey that took us there as we wouldn’t have learned all that we learned & that the Spirit whispered to us through out the quest.

These are some of the things we learned along the way:

Sometimes what you are looking for is right around the corner 

He will blind you to it until its time for you to receive it

Don’t entertain your hunger with the wrong choices

The long walk had a purpose to get to final destination

Deepest desire of your heart might not come in the package you’re expecting

We will have many options on the way to our destiny, don’t compromise

We ran across several pizza & burger joints along the way....but didnt settle!

Align your dreams with His destiny

Closed doors of other sushi places didnt mean blessing was not coming

Trust your courage

Gods best plan could be around the corner

If God has placed it in your heart, He will bring IT

Don’t do life alone – remind one another, allow encouragement to carry you through

Share your vision with those around you for accountability

We had no idea where we were going, but He did, look for direction along the way

We never stopped moving, kept MOVING forward as we navigated

Enjoy the journey...share it with friends...find the joy as you walk!

Know if you are enduring hunger, it WILL BE satisfied

If we go to wrong people, you will be sent to the wrong place

Know that the journey will involve disappointment, & you will get tired & weak, but you are that much closer

Sometimes we have to make several left turns to make the right turn

Even if IT looks good (other options), be bold enough to walk away

When you interfere with the wrong someone else, you are interfering with that person’s destiny

The pain now will not compare to the joy of your later; When in pain, think of what God has promised you

Sometimes you feel like all you do is walk in circles, but you are that much closer to your destiny

There is only complete satisfaction in His purpose

We were in a quest for sushi, we got chocolate fudge dessert on top of that. God will always EXCEED your expectations!

The moment we walked in to Kabuki, we knew...this is it! You will know when you’re walking into your reward, into your destiny

God has chosen IT for you - Seek that peace in your heart. His confirmation.

As the iPhone was our guide in search of Kabuki, so will the Bible be your guide

Once we arrived at destination, we got the revelation, we had found IT!

In His will is where His abundance flows

Hope our journey spoke to you. It left us speechless!!! Enjoy the journey...leave destination to HIM.

Denial is Not a River!!

How the Mighty Fall - we continue with the Blogger's Bookstudy today. Need to catch up? Check out Marcy's blog post!

Stage 3 is all about denial - denial of Risk and Peril.

Collins takes us through a case study of Motorola, and one of their big failures. There was a point in 1996 when Motorola could have pulled the plug on an expensive technology they were developing, called Iridium. However, instead of acknowledging the compelling evidence of risk, and being willing to take a limited hit, they went ahead with development. The following year Iridium filed for bankruptcy and defaulted on $1.5 billion in loans! Says Collins:

Audacious goals stimulate progress, but big bets without empirical validation, or that fly in the face of mounting evidence, can bring companies down, unless they're blessed with unusual luck. And luck is not a reliable strategy.

How do you avoid this? You can definitely set big hairy audacious goals - but not based on denial of risk. Make the moves based on growing empirical evidence.

Contrasting Leadership Team Dynamics:
On the Way Down Versus on the Way Up

• Way Down - people shield those in power from grim facts
• Way Up - people bring forth unpleasant facts

• Way Down - people assert strong opinions without providing evidence or solid argument
• Way Up - people bring data, evidence, logic, and solid arguments to the discussion

• Way Down - team leader doesn't ask enough questions and avoids critical input
• Way Up - team leader challenges people and pushes for penetrating insight

• Way Down - team members go along with decisions but don't unify to make them happen
• Way Up - team members unify behind a decision and work to make it succeed

• Way Down - team members seek credit for themselves, but their peers don't trust them
• Way Up - team members credit each other for successes, and enjoy one another's trust

• Way Down - team members argue to look smart, instead of to find the best answers
• Way Up - team members debate with the goal of finding the best answers

• Way Down - team conducts "autopsies w/blame," seeking culprits, not wisdom
• Way Up - team conducts "autopsies w/o blame," getting wisdom from painful experiences

• Way Down - team members faith to deliver exceptional results, and blame shift
• Way Up - team members deliver exceptional results, yet accept responsibility for setback

That list gives us a lot to think about, doesn't it?? What are your thoughts about it?

Make sure you check out the next installment tomorrow at Genie's Rock and Ramble!

Leadership Summit Schedule of Speakers!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2009 9:00AM-5:00PM CST SESSION 1: 9:00-10:15 A.M. Leading In a New Reality Bill Hybels * * * Break * * * SESSION 2: 11:00-12:30 P.M. Hiring, Firing, and Board Meltdowns(videocast) Bill Hybels, Patrick Lencioni, Henry Cloud, David Ireland, Carly Fiorina Manage Differently NOW  Gary Hamel * * * Lunch * * * SESSION 3: 2:00-3:00 P.M. Leading People to the Prodigal God Tim Keller * * * Break * * * SESSION 4: 3:30- 5:00 P.M. A Leadership Case Study: Jessica Jackley and the KIVA Story Jessica Jackley (Interview with Jim Mellado) Against All Odds Harvey Carey   FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009 9:00AM-5:15PM CST   SESSION 5: 9:00- 10:45 A.M. Thinking Forward Third Culture Leadership Dave Gibbons Aid vs. Trade Andrew Rugasira Leveraging Your Past Wess Stafford * * * Break * * * SESSION 6: 11:30- 12:30 P.M. Eyewitness to Power David Gergen (Interview with Bill Hybels) * * * Lunch * * * SESSION 7: 2:00-2:50 P.M. Switch Chip Heath and Dan Heath (Interview with Craig Groeschel) * * * Break * * * SESSION 8: 3:00-3:45 P.M. Bono, the Church… Three Years Later (videocast) Bono * * * Break * * * SESSION 9: 4:15- 5:15 P.M. An Interview with Tony Blair (videocast) Tony Blair (Interview with Jim Mellado)   The times listed on the Summit schedule are in Central Time (CT), the local zone for Willow Creek Community Church

Leadership Summit is next week!

Pastor Troy is hosting the Leadership Summit next week as we hear from global leaders like Tony Blair, David Gergen (CNN Analyst), & Bono (U2 & Activist). 

Flamingo gets a special rate of just $75. That's a fraction of the registration! I believe so much in each of you as leaders & in the Leadership Summit that I am willing to put $10 of my own dollars towards your registration.

Seats still available. You can register on www.flamingoroadchurch.com, and enter our Flamingo Promo Code of TLS2009.

Don't miss an opportunity to tap into your leadership potential. Attend part or all of the conference. The investment you will make in yourself is priceless!

Tidal Wave coming to Connections

Save the date! Our next CANT MISS "Connections Meeting" for ALL Leaders is MOVED TO SUNDAY, August 23rd, from 3-5pm!!!

LOCATION? Yet to be revealed!! Somewhere in the BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting Things Done! Chapter 7 & 8

The Blogger's Bookstudy continues! and just this past weekend, Pastor Matt broke down Chapter 6 for us "Getting IN to Empty"  https://mattmiller24.blogspot.com.  We are going to break down the next 2 Chapters!

 Organizing: Setting Up the Right Buckets. I will never forget a consultant on Oprah that once said, "you will never be disorganized or have a mess, if you have a place for everything!?"

That statement changed the way I tailored my house, my closets, & my calendar. Its all about buckets or "bins" to place things in. The RIGHT buckets!Having a total & seamless organized system in place give you POWER because it allows your mind to let go of lower-level thinking & fly at intuitive FOCUS.

I personally start off every Sunday evening with an Action Item List of the week. This Chapter helped me evaluate "the stuff" in the basket.

There are 7 primary types of things that you'll want to keep track of & manage from an organizational perspective:

• A "Projects" list
• Project support material
• Calendared actions & information
• "Next Actions" lists
• A "Waiting For" list
• Reference material
• A "someday/maybe" list

You have to keep these categories distinct from one another as they each represent a discrete type of "agreement" we make with ourselves, & if they "lose" their edge & begin to blend, the value of organizing is gone! Be true to your categories, your "buckets". For instance, if you have a project that you're not going to be doing anything about for some time....it must go onto your "Someday/Maybe" list so you can truly relate to the "Projects" list with action-generating FOCUS :)

In Chapter 8, Reviewing: Keeping your system functional - the purpose of this whole method of workflow management is not to let your brain become lax but rather enable it to move toward more productive activity. Reviewing your "system" on a regular basis & keeping it current & functional are pre-requisites for that kind of control.  Instill the power of a weekly review. The weekly review is whatever you need to do to get your head "empty agan". Its going through the five (5) phases of workflow management - collecting, processing, organizing, and reviewing all your outstanding involvements. 

You must basically ask yourself "What do you need to do, and how often, to ensure that all of it works as a consistent system, FREEING you to THINK & MANAGE at a higher level? Your personal system needs to be established in such a way that you can SEE all the Action Options you need to see, when you need to see them.

Go over to Genie's blog tomorrow for the next chapter of Getting Things Done!  https://geniemo.blogspot.com!