Campus Pastor /// Year One Reflections

One year ago, today, I walked into Central Peninsula Church to start a new leadership role.  I wish I could say I was fully prepared for this role, but I wasn't.  I wish I could say I wasn't nervous the first day I walked into my new office, but I was totally nervous.  The one thing I was confident in the day I started my new role is: God has called me here.  Because God has called me here I want to share some big lessons I've learned in my first year of being a Campus Pastor.

Power of my words
When I was leading in High School Ministry my words had a good deal of weight, so I thought.  This year I've learned the power of my words.  There was a particular occasion when I said a simple yes to one of our leaders.  That yes was put into motion.  It wasn't a bad yes.  It wasn't a yes that anyone would have questioned; I needed to say yes but I learned how important every decision I make is.  Leading at the current level I'm at holds a much larger responsibility than I could have ever imagined.  This year I've learned how powerful my words are.

Team Value 
I've been blessed to work on many different teams in my life: soccer teams, football teams, mission teams and staff teams.  This year I had a huge leap as the one who leads the team.  Weekly I sit around a table with sixteen people who look to me as the team leader.  This year I've learned how important it is for our entire team to feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the table.  I have been super blessed to work on an amazing team and I value them dearly.

Transition
The first year can't be filled with all positive things.  The transition didn't happen immediately but it happened.  About six months into my first year our Elders made a tough call and we asked our High School Pastor to resign from his leadership position; that was tough.  At the end of June I was prepping to leave for our High School Houseboat trip when I had a regular meeting with our Children's Director.  During that meeting she pulled out a piece of paper and suddenly, and unexpectedly, resigned.  Transition on any team is going to happen, what matters is how you lead in transition.

Communication
When I started at CPC I felt like I was a pretty good communicator.  I had a style I had been using for a while and I never thought I'd change my communication style so drastically.  I like to give a manuscript of my message to my pastor to read before I preach.  One day, as he was leaving the office, I asked Mark if he got the copy I emailed to him.  He let me know he had it.  I quickly responded: "Make sure you're sitting down when you read it because its gonna be so amazing I don't want you to fall over."  The next day Mark gave me my manuscript, bleeding red with all the edits I needed to make.  He was right, it needed to change.  This year I think Mark has helped me become a better communicator.

Lots of Firsts
I've been in pastoral ministry for almost ten years now.  I've experienced many firsts but this year was a year of firsts for me.  From leading out on my first baby dedication, to speaking to over 1800+ people at our Outdoor Service and even having a chance to host the Global Leadership Summit.  This was a true year of firsts for me and it was a great learning experience.  Through all my firsts I was able to form new relationships with people on our Foster City Campus and in the community!

As I reflect on my first year of being a Campus Pastor there isn't much I would change.  I'm thankful our Elders gave me space to learn about the culture and DNA of CPC.  I'm thankful for all the new relationships I've made.  I'm thankful (and humbled) for the new level of leadership God has asked me to lead at.  Last week I was interviewing a potential High School Pastor and he asked me: "How come you're not taking the role, you seem like you would be the perfect fit."  It was nice to confidently respond: "Because God has called me to be a Campus Pastor."

Global Leadership Summit /// Day Two

The Global Leadership Summit is a great leadership event we hosted at Central Peninsula Church.  Here are my bullet point notes from day two (please note, I don't have notes from every session).

Vijay Govindarajan

• Strategy is about leadership in the future
• Box #1: Manage the present
• Box #2: Forget the past (selectively)
• Box #3: Create the future
• How do you create the future while you manage the present?
• Innovation is not just ideas, innovation is commercializing creativity 
• Innovate leaders need to be humble
• How are we creatively working towards the future (VG gave the example: if you want to eat fruit in 5 years, you need to plan the tree today)
• Conflicts are not bad, conflicts are healthy as long as you know how to manage conflict on your team
• Spend a little, earn A LOT
• Innovations is about value for money

Dr. Brené Brown 

• Studies: vulnerability, courage and shame
• The irreducible needs of people: Love & Belonging (in the absence of Love & Belonging there is always shame)
• Shame says: "I'm not enough"
• Love isn't something we give, it something we cultivate (only when self love is involved)
• We can't give what we don't have (example: courage, sense of belonging or permission for grace)
• We can't give help when we're scared to ask for help
• How do we navigate the gap from what we profess to what we practice
• To find shame you have to shine light in dark places
• Blame is toxic in organizations
• Make space for people to fit in; for them to show up and be seen for who they are
• We are born to be brave
• You can choose courage or you can choose comfort but you can't choose them both; they are mutually exclusive. 

Dr. Henry Cloud

• Henry talked through three things that ruin our thinking: personal, pervasive, permanent
• Don't take it personal
• The thought process pervades the brain and makes things seem bad
• When is pervades the brain you think: "it will always be this way" and it becomes permanent.  
• Think about your greatest accomplishments in life
• Your life is more than a scene, its an entire movie.  Every good movie has scenes of crisis.
• Your brain runs on three things: oxygen, glucose and relationships
• Connect by talking about healing
• Be in control of what you can be in control of

Global Leadership Summit 2013 /// Day One

Central Peninsula Church is a premier host site for the Global Leadership and here are my bullet point notes from the event

Bill Hybels

• Don't give back your vision to God
• Take risks as a leader

Colin Powell

• Leadership is breaking science to get more out of people than you can
• In leadership you get no where with out followers who want to follow you
• Give leaders a sense of purpose
• Leadership is about followership
• Give people the resources they need to get the job done
• Have simple things (sayings) you constantly repeat
• Take care of your team

Patrick Lencioni

• Its about getting a job thats not miserable

Things that lead to a miserable job:

1) Anonymity (makes you feel miserable)

* Make sure I show my team I care

* Good people don't leave jobs where they're known

2) Irrelevance (is a job killer)

* If you don't think your job matters its demotivating

* I need to help people find relevance in their ministry

* When someones job is to help us; celebrate that!

3) Immeasurement (no ability to measure your success) 

* People need to know their doing a good job

* Give people another ability to measure their performance

Liz Wiseman

• Multiplier approach is to let people weigh in
• Multiplier's challenge people without apology
• Working for a diminisher is exhausting and boring
• Working for a multiplier is exhausting and fun!
• We do our greatest damage when we hold our greatest intentions
• How do I be more of a multiplier?

Chris Brown

• Jesus is asking me to give up my title, stage and authority for Him 
• Call sin, sin
• Shared leadership is better
• Make room for other leaders, its not my Kingdom!
• Our calling has to trump culture

Bob Goff

• We don't do stuff so Jesus will think we're swell
• People believe we're our biggest mistake

Mark Burnett

• NO= Next Opportunity
• Choose your companions before you choose your road
• Don't keep energy suckers around
• Not everybody is the right player on the right team
• If the person at the top isn't wise enough to hand things off they won't succeed
• Hire great people & let them do their job (get out of their way)

Love Does /// Book Review

Title: Love Does

Author: Bob Goff

Pages: 224

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Recommend: Yep, read it

Quotable: "I've realized that I used to be afraid of failing at the things that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at the things that don't matter." Page 30

My good friend told me about this book he was reading.  Every week when we met he would talk about how amazing the book was; so obviously I bought it.  In the first Chapter Bob caught my attention with his unique ability of story telling.  Honestly, I didn't believe what he wrote to be true.  I thought to myself: "there is no way anyone lives like this."  As I kept reading it became clear that Bob Goff lives like that.

Bob shares some great stories about how people impacted his life for Jesus and how he, in turn, has impacted others life's for Jesus.  The book is so good Charity ended up reading it to me while we had a get-a-way to Tahoe a few months ago.

Bob's stories have encouraged me to live more "open handedly".  Growing up in a home where money was tight I've constantly struggled with money.  After reading Love Does I'm leaving more encouraged to be the person God has called me to be, to be more open handed in life and to be ready to go on the adventures God has put right in front of me.  I'm not going to be perfect but I'm sure going to keep my eyes open to be a part of what God is doing around me!

I can't give you too much but I can encourage you to buy the book, read it and then let's have a coffee and talk about it!

Don't Baptize Students at Camp!

With summer in full swing and thousands of churches heading off to camp lives are going to be changed.  Students are signing up for camp the first day of registration, they are inviting their friends to come to a life changing experience and they are excited for what God is going to do.  Leaders are taking time off of work to pack a bag, sleep in an uncomfortable bed, eat some decent food and expecting God to move in students lives.  Parents have saved all year, they are writing checks, signing paperwork and doing late night trips to Target to make sure their child has everything they need for camp.  Youth pastors have worked hard, created videos to promo camp, invited students who are far from Jesus and are praying for God to move this summer.

It happens all too often.  Camp is going great.  The message from the speaker hits home in a students life.  There is a lake and someone just read Matthew 28:19-20.  Unfortunately, this summer, a youth pastor will take an unforgettable moment away from a parent.  A well intentioned leader will thoughtlessly tell a student they should be baptized.  A student will beg their pastor to baptize them in the location where they re-dedicated their life to Christ.  

In my almost decade of student ministries I never once baptized students at summer camp!

You may think this is a crazy statement to make but I think its a compassionate reality.  Here's why:

Involve Parents in Spiritual Moments

When baptizing students at camp we alienate their parents from being involved in spiritual moments of their life affirming the misconception their student(s) don't need them.  When Rachel calls her mom on the way home from camp and tells her she was baptized mom has her smile on but her heart drops.  Rachel's mom wants to be there with her baby for these spiritual milestones.

Invite Non-Christian Friends

When you wait till your home to baptize students you get an exponential increase for your student ministry.  See when you baptize Rachel at camp she doesn't get an opportunity to invite her 5 non-Christian friends to celebrate with her.  Now multiply that by the 12 students you just baptized and 60 students in your community are now at your church hearing stories of changed lives. BOOM!

Plan a Baptism Ahead

(Students we baptized after our last summer camp)

The best way to solve this problem (my words) is to plan ahead.  Before you leave for camp work with your lead pastor and plan a baptism.  While you're at camp tell your leaders about this upcoming baptism.  After your students give their life to Christ for the first time or decide to re-up their relationship encourage them to get baptized when they get home.  Now you get to have your church involved in their lives, their parents there and they get to invite their friends you may have never met!  

Look at all these wins you get by planning ahead.  The win you may not have seen is people in your church are going to hear the stories of life change and want to be involved with what God is doing in your student ministry.  If you already baptized students at camp this year don't worry, there's always next year.

What do you think? 

CPC Foster City /// Staff Fun

Since arriving at Central Peninsula Church I've made it my mission to help our Foster City staff feel like a team.  There are a few ways I've done this but one main way has been by getting our team doing team things.

Within my first month we did an off-site lunch; something like this hadn't been done in a while.  We loaded up the church vans (yep, I put a bunch of adults in church vans) and headed to a classy restaurant by the name of IN-N-OUT.  This was a great time for everyone to have lunch, laugh and we kept it cheap.

The first time doing something like this can be the easiest, it takes time to make the next ones worth the team's while.  I pulled a page from the playbook of my mentor and our next few team lunches were brown bag in our JH room.  My mentor has shared this idea with me while I was in Vegas as a way to help leaders connect and gain team mindset.

After winter had passed it was time to get the team out for lunch and doing something fun.  Thankfully our Lead Pastor is fiercely competitive and has been bragging about his bocce ball skills!  In early June we headed over to the Foster City bocce ball courts for a bocce lunch.

We slotted a Thursday, a day everyone is in the office, and took our lunch hour.  We meet in the church lobby 15 minutes before lunch to make sure we were all there.  After everyone's accounted for we packed in four cars and drove over to the courts.  Charity, my wife, brought the girls over so they would have some time with our staff also.  This was a huge win having our family there to spend time with our team and it gives our team some time to see I interact with my family.  

The competition was pretty fierce!  We had some good throws and with our Lead Pastor being undefeated it increased the competition level.  Since this was my first time playing bocce ball I wasn't the best person to have on your team.  I did love watching our team bring out the rope to measure and see who was the closest to the ball!

Obviously it isn't about the competition or bocce ball or what we brought in our lunch bag.  The goal is to unite as a team.  I want to work with a group of people who are radically committed to Christ and each other. We have some very capable, qualified, people on this team and our Elders have called me to lead this team.

The reason we have brown bag lunches and play bocce ball is because I believe: the team that plays together stays together 

CPC Houseboats /// Fishing

Last weekend I was blessed to spend the weekend on Lake Shasta with my family.  We had a blast (even though it felt like being back in Vegas it was so hot).

Over the weekend we participated in one of my favorite things to do as a kid: fishing!  I brought the girls barbie poles and we were ready to land the big one.  Each morning one of our adult leaders took my family out, on his boat, to go bass fishing.  I'm pretty stoked my little girls enjoy fishing with me.

The big question always comes up when you go fishing: did you catch anything?  I can confess I didn't catch anything.... but Sophie and Leah each landed two fish (i may have helped them).

Each morning I put on my sunscreen and the girls put on their life vests to head out on the lake.  To make the trip even better Charity came out with us (she caught a tan).  Leah was a great help the whole trip.  She quickly found out how fun it was to net the fish (I was a little scared she may fall in but she never did).

After Sophie saw how fun it was to net the fish she wanted in on the action.  They would take turns reeling in the fish and netting them; it was too cute.

I'm always going to look back on this fishing experience with our girls as so much fun.  I'm thankful they want to hang out with me.  I'm thankful they enjoy fishing!  I'm thankful we only went out for about 30-60 minutes each of the two mornings; any longer and my girls may hate fishing.  I'm most thankful for Jon taking us out and letting us use his equipment; we had a great time fishing on the houseboat adventure.

* We released all of the fish the girls caught; we even kissed some to say we're sorry

CPC Houseboats /// Fun

Last weekend I was invited to speak at our church's houseboat summer camp for high school students.  Honestly I've spoken at a few camps but this was a treat to speak for my own church!  I also was able to bring my family with me so this post is dedicated to some of the fun we had on the first day of our houseboat adventure.

We arrived at the dock around 2:30pm and headed to find our boat.  As we walked the line of boats Sophie didn't pick a boat out quickly; she actually saw a huge boat at the end of the dock and decided she wanted to drive the biggest one.  Unfortunately we didn't rent the big boat so I convinced her we needed to find our own boat.

We headed back down the dock and chose boat #91.  After exploring around the boat Sophie and I decided we needed to explore the roof.  The boat was pretty much like an RV on the water with a ladder to the roof.  Since it was a chilly 90+ degrees we obviously didn't stay up top too long.  I love this picture Charity took of us!  I love seeing Sophie smile this big and pose for a picture with me.  I really needed time with my family and the houseboat adventure was the perfect way to get it!

After all the students arrived, the boat drivers were prepped and we were sweaty we headed off!  I'm going to guess it took us a good 2 hours to arrive at the cove we stayed in.  I think it would have taken us less time to arrive there if one of our boats didn't die in the middle of the lake!

Before the boat dying I taught the girls how to drive the boat; by that I mean I told them you don't just turn the wheel in any direction you like.

Leah hung out on my lap and drove the boat for about 2 minutes; I'm guessing Sophie lasted a little longer.  I really enjoyed spending these fun little moments with my kids.  I love getting a chance to minister while hanging out with my family.  I enjoy being able to teach my girls little life lessons while we smile and enjoy the heat!

Confessions of a Pastor: I Manuscript Preach

I confess; I'm a manuscript preacher.

I've actually been a manuscript preacher for most of my time I've been preaching.  The story most people don't know about me is from college.  After giving my life to Christ I was attending a JC in San Diego.  One semester I had a class that was just too tough for me; I couldn't seem to do well in it and had trouble finding motivation attending.  Eventually I dropped out of my public speaking class; it was the only class I've ever dropped.

What I've learned about myself is I prefer to think off the cuff when it comes to joking and conversing with people.  When it comes to matters of the Bible and Theological topics I prefer to have a guide to help me clearly communicate.  For most of my life my manuscript preaching was more of a guide than a manuscript but recently I've learned how important it is to have a manuscript when you preach.

I know guys who bullet-point their message and others who use mind mapping.
How do you do it?


6/23/2013 - Neal Benson | Worship changes us from Central Peninsula Church on Vimeo.

Family Friday /// Happy Hallow

With school being out for summer we are doing something every Friday as a family!  Last Friday we went down to a little amusement park/zoo with the girls called Happy Hallow.  Happy Hallow reminds me of a smaller version of Magic Mountian mixed with some animals from the San Diego zoo.

All of the rides are built for children.  Some of the rides are designed specifically for kids only.  The first ride we rode was their little roller coaster.  Sophie was not about to go on it but Leah mustered up the nerve to and we had a great time (I'm pretty sure she was terrified the whole ride and my knees were crammed).  After the roller coaster the girls drove the cars with the annoying bells and rode the swings.  We went on the family dragon ride and then they hit the ladybug ride.  I was surprised at how short the lines were for all the rides!

After eating lunch we headed to the playground they have tucked amongst the rides.  Sophie fell down and hurt her knee so we had to go get a treat.  With treats in hand we went down to the little zoo and had a unique encounter with the jaguar.  After the jaguar we went to see the lemurs, honey bees and pretty much were ready to move on.

We meandered towards the entrance and rode the carousel; Sophie rode the Okapi, Leah jumped on the Lemur and I tamed the Ostrich.  After an extremely close race we decided it was a tie and headed over to see the zebu (its a small cow).  We ended up feeding: the zebu, two ponies, a donkey and a handful of goats.  Once we washed our hands we decided to call it a day and head back home!


First family friday was a huge success!

Criticism Bites /// Book Review

Title: Criticism Bites

Author: Brian Berry

Pages: 122

Publisher: Group

Recommend: HIGHLY

Quotable: "Instead, when it comes to criticism, we need to think both practically and theologically about how God can use criticism in our lives and how we can learn to respond to it in healthy ways." Pg. 53

I'm no stranger to criticism... and if your have air in your lungs you probably have experienced your fair share of criticism.  I can recall many times in my life that criticism brought me down, almost left me debilitated.  Brian addresses a real issue many pastors are struggling with in the church.  As I was reading there were a few times I caught myself thinking: "I wish someone would have told me that 8 years ago."  It reminded me of situations I didn't handle so well and helped me think about ways I can improve on my leadership when those situations arise again.

See the previous seven years I pretty much only read books related to seminary but not anymore!  When I got Criticism Bites into my hands I thumbed through it and immediately knew I needed to read this book right away (If you know me, I would prefer to do almost anything before I pick up a book but there is something different about this book).  I put aside the other book sitting on my dresser, cleared my TV watching schedule and got to reading.

One thing I really appreciated about Criticism Bites is what's contained in these pages comes from a ministry veteran.  Brian isn't writing this book to just sell another book, Brian is sharing wisdom from his heart.  The best part is the wisdom he shares its super readable and applicable.  When you read this book you're going to think you're sitting at the local coffee shop talking with Brian over a latte.  Brian provides solid wisdom from someone who has been there and done that.  I could go on and on about how amazing this book is but the only way you're going to really learn how to deal with criticism in a healthy way is to shell out the $12 and start reading.

Bottom Line:  If you have ever experienced criticism in your life, you will know how much it bites!  Brian brings the truth of God and practically ministry experience to this book that I'm going to call a must read for every person in ministry!

Family Game: Giants vs Blue Jays

(Selfie with Leah) 

Last week we went to our first Giants game as a family!  Now it would have been great if the girls sat through the entire game but that didn't happen! Even though it didn't happen we still had a great time (and great seats).


We packed up early and headed to the city.  We parked down the street and walked up the ball park.  It was great seeing Leah's face as we approached the park.  Charity had the best idea as we walked up; she suggested we enter the ballpark dugout to get our girls Panda hats (she's a genius).  We found them right away and also found out we could enter the park right there.  After cutting through the massive crowds we finally found our seats.

Sitting this close to the action was a huge blessing for us; it kept the girls engaged a little more than sitting in the nose bleeds.  The first two innings were the most exciting.  Tores hit a home run that went over the fence in right field and the crowd went ballistic!  I grabbed Leah (who was sitting on my lap) and started cheering with her held high in the air; needless to say she loved every second of that.

(Charity and Leah drinking hot chocolate) 

Eating: cotton candy, pretzels and hot chocolate helped to make our first Giants game even better!  Even though we choose to attend a late game, break all our bedtime rules and keep our kids out super late we had an amazing time.  We walked a few miles, cheered loud, took our kids to rid the coke slide and had a wonderful time as a family.

I'm convinced that spending time, like this, with my family is one of the best investments I can make into them.  I'm not trying to advocate for me to take them to more sporting events but I'm trying to remind myself about how excited they were.  I'm trying to remind myself that getting time with my family, like this, is a huge investment to show them how much I care about them and how important they are to me!

Love you family.

George Muller; Man of Faith and Miracles /// Book Review

Title: George Muller; Man of Faith and Miracles

Author: Basil Miller

Pages: 159

Recommend: YES

Quotable: "I have served Satan much in my younger years, and I desire now with all my might to serve God during the remaining days of my earthly pilgrimage."

It seems safe for one to ask something like: "Neal are you really reading a book about a man from Europe who was born over 200 years ago?"  To which I would answer something like: "Why, yes I am!"

This is a book that I have read a few times and every time I read it I am encouraged.  The short story goes something like this:  George Muller lived a life uncommitted to God until one day God radically grabbed his heart.  George was attending seminary and preparing to lead a church.  Seeing the state of the local church he decided to pray and see what God could do through a life fully surrendered to Him.  George then founded an organization that helped thousands of orphans (yep, thousands).  He sent millions to missions and got millions of Bibles into the hands of people who were far from God.  The best part is George never asked for a penny from anyone and prayed in every dollar.  After he died (over 90 years of age) the ministry continued because he empowered leaders to lead.  This is a man who really trusted in the Lord for everything!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6 

My take-a-way from this book is something different.  This book encourages me to seek the face of God for all my needs.  When I live in a culture that doesn't respect trusting in God it makes me want to see God show up more than ever.  George reminds me that God loves to answer the requests of those who are fully devoted to Him.  I want to be more devoted to Him.  I want to live a life that requires faith; a life that is not answerable by human intellect.

If you're looking for a book that shows a life devoted to God in prayer and faith order this right now!  Next time you think you're prayers don't matter to God think again.

Confessions of a Pastor: I got acceptance issues

This is obviously a tough one to write about because it hits a core need I believe we all have.  You can call it whatever you want to call it: being connected, fitting in, having a place to belong, being cared for and the list goes on.  The bottom line is we all want to be accepted.  I want to be accepted.

I'm not completely sure when my acceptance issues started but I would initially venture to guess it has something to do with childhood.  It could have been: my parents divorce when I was young.  Maybe it happened in Junior High when I desperately tried to fit in with everyone else so everyone wouldn't realize how messed up we are were.  Did it happen in High School when I wanted to be like people who I thought were cool.

I spent hours trying to locate the exact time in my life my acceptance issues began.  As much as I tried to figure out the problem on my own, I decided it was time to turn to Scripture to solve my issues.  Then I found this:

'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the Lord.
I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,"
declared the Lord.  Jeremiah 31:33,34

After hours, days, weeks, even months of searching I'm pretty sure I found the problem.  The problem that I face with acceptance is I am constantly looking to my left and right for acceptance.  For so long I tried to find acceptance from people who could never meet my needs.  The people I was looking to be accepted by were also looking to be accepted by other imperfect people.

I was looking at the things around me to accept me and I fail to look to the God who created me.

Now I wish that I could say every day I remember this truth... but there are days I fail to remember.  There are days I fail to remember how much God loves me.  I fail to remember that Jesus died on a cross for my sins.  I fail to remember that because He died I don't have to look for acceptance from others but that He accepts me for who I am.

My acceptance issues now lay in the hands of a caring God who accepts me for who I am.

Left Knee

My left knee has hurt for probably the last ten years.  I've seen a few doctors but never had any conclusive results.  About 10 days ago I saw an Orthopedist to get some answers because it has been hurting again.  As I was in the office she said: "I think you have a torn ACL."  I was pretty shocked.  The next day I went in for an MRI (it was a Friday).  On Monday she called me back to let me know that I have a: torn meniscus, a partially torn ACL and a partially torn PCL. 

The ACL and PCL are the two ligaments in your knee that keep you stable (if I heard correctly).  When I got the results I was pretty bummed and super discouraged.  Last Friday I met with an Orthopedic surgeon who took some time reviewing the MRI closely and working hands on with my knee.  He affirmed the results of the MRI but with the hyperextension and pain in my knee he doesn't think surgery is the answer.  Normally he could go in the clean up my meniscus helping with the pain but since there is tearing in my ACL and PCL he thinks I would be less stable (not good when you have two little kids).

There are exercises I can do to help strengthen my knee which I was encouraged by.  When we left the doctor Charity summed it up pretty good: Basically we're waiting for my ACL or PCL to snap and then I will get surgery to fix it.  Now this kinda sucks because I'm still really young and its messing with me mentally.  I can still snowboard, ride bikes, wakeboard, etc… but in the back of my mind I know its sketchy.  

I share all that to ask a specific prayer I'm praying daily for the next year (longer if it takes):

God will you please heal my ligaments and make my knee stable for the rest of my life.

Its a short prayer that I've been praying a lot of versions of for the last couple days.  I appreciate your prayers for my knee, which I know God can heal.  

Beyond Blessed /// I have a truck

Lately I've been processing how truly blessed I am so I figured I would write about it to remind myself of God's faithfulness in my life!

I have a truck!

Not everyone can say that... in fact I could have been in a place where I couldn't say that.  For the last year I've been thinking about selling my truck.  I've had my Tundra for about 6 years now and its been nothing but a blessing to me.  Some times you get a truck that sucks all your money away and sometimes you get a truck that takes you where you wanna be; my truck is the latter.  

Near the end of 2006 I called a great friend and asked him to pray for me; I needed a new truck.  The truck I was driving was having some issues (that is an understatement).  I would it somewhere but when I went to leave it wouldn't start.  Now this didn't happen all the time but only at random times (like when I needed to leave and sit in the Verizon parking lot at 9pm).  I began praying for God to provide me a new truck.  When I called my buddy to tell him what I was praying for he said: "I'm selling my truck and its exactly what you just described you're looking for."

Honestly I was a bit shocked and knew I could never afford it.  So I kept praying for God to give me a truck.  Well God didn't give me a truck but he did put someone in my life who gave me the money to buy the truck of my dreams from my good buddy.  I really like God has given me my truck; that He has blessed me with it.  There are times I complain about gas milage being so bad and times I wish it was a little newer.  I've contemplated selling it many times but in the end it doesn't make sense.  My truck runs great and I feel blessed to have such a reliable truck! 

Thank you Lord for all your provision in my life!

Social Media Break

Lately I've been struggling with the impact social media is having on me.  I have an addictive personality and I know!

I wake up and check Facebook.  I look to see what's going on on Instagram.  I check to see if anyone likes my new video on Vine.  I scroll through Twitter to see what's happening there.  I found myself in a place in life where social media was doing more than taking more time; it was consuming my thoughts.

(Before and after)

When I was meeting with my accountability partner I shared this struggle and asked if he wanted to take a social media break with me.  We agreed to take a break.  Then we agreed to start with a week off.  The next morning I woke up and deleted: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Vine from my iPhone.  It was relieving, it was freeing, it felt good!

Its been just over a week now since I've ventured into the realm of Social Media and I'm ready to wade back into the kiddie pool.  I'm not going to jump back into it full force like I once had.  In all honesty I probably wouldn't be back on today except I synced my phone and it put all my social media apps back on my phone.

Here's the deal: a break without a lesson is pointless.  Let me shared what I learned.

When I fixate on Social Media I miss out
I enjoy people watching and it last couple years I've seen a trend.  People don't talk to people as much as we once did; we spend more time on our phone.  I frequently see groups of people out to a meal and no one is talking, they are all staring at their screen and that makes me sad.  I think I have missed out on things in life because of fixating on Social Media.  Now it may not be big things but when you add all the little things up they become a big thing!

Social Media can become an idol
Don't believe me?  Take a week off Social Media but leave the apps on your phone and you will see.  Its tough to not be on there.  Many of us it has become an involuntary response to scroll the newsfeed.  When you're bored you jump on Facebook or Instagram without even thinking!  Delete Facebook from your phone for a week and let me know where your focus is at; Scripture is very clear we are not to have any gods before God.

I like spending more time with my family than with my phone
When I took time off Social Media I found myself more engaged with my family.  As I write this I'm actually thinking about deleting Facebook and Instagram from my phone again.  I like Twitter but it doesn't consume me so I could keep that; Vine I'm not convinced on yet.  I want to be a present dad.  I want to be a dad who is engaged with his children.  I want to take my wife on a date and not care who comments on our picture.  My family is more important to me than my phone or any Social Media platform out there and I'm going to prove it to them.

Now you have to know these are my thoughts.  You may be a person who is blessed with checking Facebook once a month and not care what's happening on there.  I hope my thoughts are challenging to you as you process your involvement in Social Media.

"You shall have no other gods before me"
Exodus 20:3

Beyond Blessed /// I have a roof over my head

Lately I've been processing how truly blessed I am so I figured I would write about it to remind myself of God's faithfulness in my life!

I have a roof over my head

Not everyone can say that.  There are people who don't have a roof over their head right now.  They live a life that lacks the security that I have.  I have spent time with these people.  I have talked with them outside of 7-11 and made sandwhiches for them downtown.  I have seen their life stowed away in a metal shopping cart.  I have watched them vigilantly watched all their articles in life so that no one steals them.  Just because they don't have a roof over their head doesn't make them any less important to God.

I have always had a roof over my head

Some people in life can't say that.  I am thankful that I've always had a roof over my head.  Growing up in a small mountain community it was vital to have shelter; especially in the winter.  Having a roof over my head I've avoided being abused by the elements and people who may desire to harm me.  Just because I have a roof over my head doesn't mean God loves me more than anyone else in this world but today I want to thank God for all His provision in meeting my physical needs in this life.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1

Eight Months Later

Today marks 8 months since I started at CPC (I actually meant to blog about how life has been here after the six month mark but obviously that didn't happen).

I figured I would break this down and share one big highlight related to: ministry, family and personal that have really stuck out to me since moving.

The Healthiest Church I've Ever Seen
I share this line because this sentence is something I shared with others or have thought about probably every day since we've been here.  I am constantly impressed at the level of health that I see at CPC.  We have a healthy staff.  We have a healthy body.  We have healthy Elders.  We have people that are emotionally healthy, spiritually healthy and get the need to invest into younger leaders.  We work hard and have lots of fun together!

Please don't misread my comment on health to mean that CPC is perfect; we know that we are not perfect.  But from someone who has seen A LOT of ministry I can confidently say that CPC is the healthiest church I've ever seen.  I'm not saying we are the best or the flashiest or the smartest or most creative but we are healthy and I needed a healthy church in this phase in my life.

We love the Peninsula
It's almost like God knew that we just needed to be in this area.  It has been such a blessing being back in California.  Its been a blessing being so close to great friends.  We have been exploring all over the Peninsula and Northern CA.  We have taken trips to Santa Cruz, the City, Half Moon Bay and Fishing in the mountains.  Living on the Peninsula has proven to be a great place for us to raise our family.  Charity has made some new friends here and reconnected with old friends.  Our kids have made some friends they love playing with.

We love that we can walk to the store.  We love that we can take family bike rides to 7-11 or the park.  We love that we have great friends near to us that we can visit and spend time with.  We love that God has placed us in such an amazing area to do life.  I think much of this is due to my completion of seminary but I also think a huge component is due to our location.

I feel like a new leader
Being around the team of people I work with has given me an increased hope in the local church.  I start with that line because I am learning more of what it means to be a person and a pastor up here.  I have people around me that are constantly encouraging me to lead.  I feel like I am getting to use my gifts and talents in new ways to help push back darkness in our world.

Not only has ministry gone well for me but personally I have been able to do some things I enjoy.  Being that Tahoe is about 3.5 hours I've taken a few trips up there to ride (and hit some powder days).  I've been able to see life-long friends up in Tahoe that refresh my soul to see.  I've been able to get a few fishing days in and actually landed some big ones!  I'm learning what life is like post seminary and learning how to be a father which has been a wild journey for me!

If I had to sum up our time here in one word it would be:
God knew that we needed to be here and we are absolutely loving it!  

High School Pastor

Our church is looking for a role that I have a deep passion for!  We're looking for someone who wants to change the world.  We're looking for someone who is passionate about reaching lost students and helping students mature into followers of Christ.  We're looking for a team player that is coachable.  We're looking for someone to join a healthy team and add value to what we're currently doing!

Our church has a BHAG that we're looking to accomplish in the next 7.5 years of:

5000 people worshipping in three permanent facilities on the San Francisco Peninsula by 2020

You can learn more about our vision by watching these two videos:
Vision 2020
Sowing More Seed

We're looking for someone who wants to put some roots in the ground, do the hard work of sowing more seed so we can reap a harvest of changed lives.

I really didn't want to post this job description all over the web but figured it would be good to get it available so my like-minded friends could see it and help us find the right person for this role.  If you're getting excited reading this and contact me!