The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

No specs…No “ours does this does yours…”

Not even the name of the product spoken in the ad.

One word to describe this entire ad campaign: Classy. Such a big contrast from ads with robotic space ships or trash talking the competition or the “hey mom, look what I can do” type of ads that we see from the competition.

The Lesson: Focus on the experience & tell a compelling story.

Paint a picture of what could be and what should be!

I’m trying to figure out how the church can show how life “could be” and “should be” with Jesus (John 10:10).

Goodness…they really know what they’re doing don’t they.

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

The ONE Trait All Leaders (Should) Have In Common

Jesus was an innovative teacher who taught in an innovative way.  He came on the scene to explain God to a group of people who were confused about God.  They saw God as as distant, demanding, and unapproachable.  Therefore, Jesus used word pictures, parables, and fatherly imagery to show how God desires a relationship with His people. Jesus’ innovative way of teaching upset the status quo and ultimately played a part in His crucifixion and death.

What’s the lesson:  Innovation is costly!

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com recently shared his approach to innovation—both how to do it and how to stay focused when critics question high-risk projects.  You can read the entire article HERE.

He said:

I believe you have to be willing to be misunderstood if you’re going to innovate. That’s actually a serious point. If you’re going to do something that’s never been done before – which is basically what innovation is – people are going to misunderstand it just because it’s new.

Jeff Bezos, Founder & CEO of Amazon.com (BusinessWeek.com April 17, 2008)

I agree with Bezos’ thoughts on innovation and see why most leaders play it safe and copy others.  Innovators drink from the fountain of being misunderstood while ultimately paving the way for others.

Question: Do you agree or disagree with Jeff Bezos’ statement?

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

Friday's Top 5 – A Church Men Would Love To Attend

Mars Hill is the kind of church men would love to attend.

Every Sunday, church pews fill up with despondent women who are forced to worship without the men in their lives. A recent survey by Ellison Research found that 31% of men never attend church even on holidays believing that church is for women, weirdos and wimps.

This sad statistic prompts parishioners and ministers alike to ask: “Where are the men?” While it’s true that several men spend their Sundays satisfying their vices for sports, beer, and sleep, men who don’t attend church usually have more substantial reasons for not attending.


However, I’d like to share five reasons why I believe Mars Hill is a church men would love to attend. (more…)

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

An Open Letter To The Greatest Members – PERIOD!

God blessed me with an opportunity most pastors rarely experience – an opportunity to pastor a large and thriving congregation that grows daily (Acts 2:42-47). I’m humbled because I had a strong and solid foundation to build upon. Although our church experienced many changes, for the most part, our members remain supportive, prayerful, and committed.

As a family, we’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and trials, however, we’ve remained true to our mission, values, and vision. Although we’ve accomplished much, there’s more God wants us to accomplish and we are uniquely positioned participate in expanding God’s Kingdom.

Therefore, I want the world to know how proud I am to serve as your pastor.

Dear Family,

There are people in this world we hardly notice. There are people in our circle of friends we rarely observe. But you are different.

Because of your significant contribution to our church family, your dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ through our local body of believers, I’m writing this letter to say a big “Thank you.” I want you to know that your devotion does not go unnoticed.

You are there when we need you. You are available at extra times, and best of all, you back up what you do with a life of faith. I value your ministry among us.

With heartfelt gratitude, I put into words in this letter what has long been in my heart.

With best regards,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

Senior Pastor
Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

Today's Church: A Women's Thing?

People often joke: “You have a greater chance seeing Marvin Gaye (R.I.P) at the Superbowl than seeing men attend church.”  Although some men attend church regularly, it is a fact many do not attend…at least not with the frequency and regularity women.

Churches from every country, race, and ethnic group all ask: Where are the men? According to Church for Men website, “Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in the typical worship service in America. Some overseas congregations report ten women for every man in attendance. Volunteer ranks are heavily female.”

This is not the case at Mars Hill.  Men regularly attend our worship experiences and are not embarrassed or afraid to worship God.  In fact, there were a few occasions when our men led worship. If you find this hard to believe, check out the picture below.  That’s right…men kneeling at the altar…going after God with everything they have.

(more…)

The Single "BEST" Way To Cast Vision

Getting To The Next Level – Pt. 3

It appears I hit the right nerve judging from your response to “Getting To The Next Level.”  Thank you for sharing the articles with others via Facebook and Twitter. I’m humbled and happy that others are able to experience what you have.  If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.

Getting to the next level is a GOD-THING and not OUR-THING.  He alone determines who’s prepared and elevates them at the appropriated time.  No better person illustrates this important principle like Joshua.

According to The Book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron had disqualified themselves from entering the land of promise when they had failed to honor the Lord by striking the rock at Meribah in the Desert of Zin (Numbers 20:12). Aaron had already died (Numbers 20:27-29) but the Lord now allowed Moses a glimpse of Canaan from afar. Rather than lapsing into self-pity as a lesser man might have done, Moses expressed his concern that Israel have a good leader to take his place.

(more…)

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