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Big Idea and Defining Moments

Yesterday Dave, Eric, and I had the opportunity to record an upcoming edition of "Defining Moments" at Willow Creek.  It was a ton of fun and Bill Hybels and Nancy Beach couldn't have been more gracious.  As a matter of fact, they both gave huge endorsements to our book, The Big Idea as well as the whole concept of the Big Idea. Bill has this amazing way of making important missional things sound like they are a matter of life and death.  And while I know they are, he quickly puts words to it in ways few anywhere can.  Several times it seemed a little surreal to be sitting next to two of the most influential Christian leaders in North America (no, not Dave and Eric, but Bill and Nancy).  I'm not sure when this edition will come out, but I think it will be sometime this coming Spring.  For Dave's take on the experience, click here.

Cub Futility Reaches New Level

My fellow CCC Staffer and friend David Girdwood helped me realize today that the Red Sox winning the World Series gave my Cubs just one more claim to futility fame.  The Cubs were swept by the team who was swept by the team who was swept by the team who won the World Series.  That has to make the Cubs one of the worst teams in the history of Major League Baseball to make the playoffs.  Sad, isn't it?

Arrested Development Series to Begin

This Sunday CCC starts a new series I've been looking forward to for quite some time. It's called "Arrested Development."  In the next three weeks we're going to explode some myths and explore some truths regarding what it really means to grow and mature as a Christ-follower.  The series breaks out like this:

• Infancy - October 27-28
• Adolescence - November 3-4
• Adulthood - November 10-11

If you live in the area or if you will be around, be sure to stop by one of our 8 Chicagoland locations.  We'd love to welcome you to CCC!

The Chapel at Crosspoint

Yesterday I spent the day in Buffalo, New York with some great people from The Chapel at Crosspoint.  Jerry Gillis is lead pastor and Daryl Largis is the Executive Pastor.  After spending most of the day with them it's clear that God has wired the two of them to be an incredible 1-2 punch.  The Chapel is the largest church in Western New York, and they have a monster-huge vision for what God is calling them to do both locally and nationally.  One aspect of their vision is to partner with local churches to encourage and equip each other to reach their specific demography.   Keep these guys on the radar for sure.

Another part of The Chapel's vision is to be involved with a church plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania (yes, home of The Office).  So part of the day we met with Dennis D'Augostino the Team Leader for SteamTown Church to open March 2, 2008.  Dennis and his team have been building a student ministry in Scranton for several years and will hold their first preview service November 4th.  Be sure to keep Dennis and SteamTown in your prayers.

New Name for Miami Plant

Matt Mehaffey and his team at our NewThing affiliate in Miami has selected a name and "look."  They will be known as The Pursuit Christian Church.  Check out the latest on The Pursuit right here.

Big Idea Practicum

We just began our first-ever NewThing Big Idea Practicum.  We have 12 different church teams registered for the practicum.  Right now Eric Bramlett and Tim Sutherland are facilitating an actual Big Idea brainstorming meeting.  Good stuff.  We will continue until tomorrow afternoon, and our goal is for each team to leave with a strategy for implementing a Big Idea process in their context.

Stayin' Alive at the DownTown Campus

I found a note in my inbox Saturday from Eric Bramlett with this picture.  It was invitation to join him at the Naperville DownTown Campus Sunday morning for the second part of our Retro series - "The 70's".  The service was too fun -- the creative arts team began with a prelude that included teaching everyone how to do the "Hustle."  Then before the message Eric and Elic Bramlett covered the Bee Gee's hit song - "Stayin' Alive."  You won't want to miss next week as we take a walk through "The 80's."

Walking Backwards

I went for a "run" yesterday at my favorite path, and the last 1/2 mile turned into a "walk." For part of it I walked backwards. Strange I know. But I discovered something. When I walked backwards I saw things I don't typically see. My eyes lingered on things I have never noticed before because when I run I quickly pass them by.  The new perspective provided a look at things in a way I'd not experienced previously. I was even more aware of sounds, looking intently to try and figure out what it was I think I heard as I passed by.

I think I might try to walk backwards more often. No, not literally. But figuratively. I get so busy moving forward with my eyes set on the future and what's ahead of me,  that I fail to take a look behind me to remember the past, celebrate victories, and evaluate a previous season. I think walking backwards from time to time will help me celebrate the things God has been doing in my life and ministry.  It might help me avoid repeating mistakes. It may give me the chance to grieve over losses and honor those who helped me move forward.

My suggestion: Occasionally, take a walk backwards.

Big Idea Practicum

Next week is NewThing's 1st Ever Big Idea Practicum.  The practicum will be held at CCC's Yellow Box.  The dates are Monday and Tuesday, October 15-16.  At this practicum you will learn how to creatively present one laser-focused theme each week to be presented in the weekly services, and discussed in families, children's groups, student groups, and small groups. You will walk away from this practicum with a customized strategy to implement THE BIG IDEA in your church.  Oh yea, and you get a free copy of our book.  It's not too late to register. For more information or to register, click here!

Cub Depression

It's almost too painful to talk about.  The Cubs showed absolutely nothing in being swept by the Diamondbacks.  That wasn't even a whimper.  How embarrassing . . . I guess there's always next year.