One of Those Days

This morning, it was just one of those days when God creates a phenomenal gumbo of our worship with his presence, creativity, joy, challenge, affirmation and conviction. Yet again, Mark Groutas and our worship team took us to the throne with an inspired combination of fresh worship blended with a centuries-strong hymn that took on a new life of its own.

The message hammered me long before it saw the light of day this morning. “The Power of Compassion” holds so much potential and promise for anyone and any church willing to set aside our own comfort and just serve. I can’t wait to see what God brings to reality in the weeks and months ahead (If you were in the 11:30 service, I failed to tell you that God is moving us to begin making moves into Africa and establishing a foothold in Cuba. My bad).

And, then, our last worship song was led by…high schoolers??!! Yep. And they were amazing! Not only for the skill of their musicianship, but for the hearts and joy behind their leadership.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you missed ANY of the PowerHouse series, please make the time to check it out online. It is absolutely mission-critical to who we are and where God is leading us in the months and years ahead.

DON'T FORGET: This coming Sunday, we get to launch a brand new message and ministry series: Why I’m not a Christian. We’re going to address honestly and directly some of the most common objections to the Christian faith. It’s going to be good for those of us in the House. But it’s going to be great for those people that we choose to invite and introduce to the extravagant, unconditional love of God.

You in?

###

Vacation Is Hard Work, Pt. 4

Why in the world post about vacation in August?

Great question. The reason is simple: You have to start now preparing, scheduling, and planning for an extended vacation NOW. It takes months to plan where to go, how long to go, and who not to go with (VERY important criterion, by the way--more in a minute). We're just back from our trip and already I'm saving my milk money for next year's trip, fishing, and unknown-at-this-point opportunities to unwind.

The first thing that has to happen is that you decide and declare that time away is a priority. Making that time to get away and sharpen the saw as Stephen Covey calls it has to be a priority in your year and on your calendar or it will not happen. Remember, it's not just "time off:" this is a mission-critical strategic decision to be better at everything you do.

Second, travel companions determine how restful and replenishing this time will be. Family reunions are not vacation. They can be great. They can be fun. They can be important. (They can also be none of those, but that's for another time.) But they are not vacation. Bill Hybels has long encouraged people to pay attention to their gauges: Emotional, spiritual, relational, physical--just like a car has a dashboard that registers engine performance, fuel levels, oil pressure, etc., we have gauges that we can often ignore always at our peril.

Vacation travel should only happen with people who fill your tanks. If it's an obligation, it's not a vacation. If it's a whip relationally, conversationally, or in any other way--it doesn't count as vacation. And, because we all have a limited number of vacation days, this means that we have to be very discerning and shrewd about how we spend our time away. Kindof like we should be shrewd about how we spend our time not away.

Vacation Is Hard Work, Pt. 3

Like just about everything else that requires hard work, vacation time is worth it. Nothing else provides the benefits and blessings that time off and away can provide.

Obviously, this idea can be pushed too far. Like any other gift, we can abuse and misuse it. But, if you apply a little common sense, pray for wisdom in setting the time (length of time and when to take the time), seek counsel from other people, and have a peace about it, then pull the trigger and go for it.

The great irony is that taking time off work in the way that I'm describing actually makes you better at work when you return. And, in every other way as a human being, assuming there is more to who you are than what you do for a living.

Here are just some of the reasons to make time off:

1. We are hard-wired to need rest. It's true every night. It's true once a week. And it's true throughout the different seasons of the year. No one--no, not even you--can operate at full capacity and highest effectiveness over a sustained period of months without some time to recharge.
2. We see the world differently in different locations. When I pick my head up and leave Austin, Lake Hills Church, even my house, I think differently. New sights, experiences, foods, people all cause us to expand the way we think and what we think about. Broadening our experiences stimulates our brains and hearts to think and feel in ways that broaden our capacity.
3. If you're calling is something that you truly love, time away from it will make you want to do it more. There's something about being away from the church, our team, and the work that makes me love it that much more. The rest is good, the new experiences are fun and exciting. But, after a few days or a couple weeks, those things make me appreciate my day-in/day-out so much more than I do when I'm at the end of my rope.
4. Family time. Like a lot of modern families, we have a LOT of activities going on. Sports, school, choir, friends, church...all of them are good things. And very, very few of them do we do all together as a family. Vacation time is where we reconnect and forge the ties that bind. From playing games--not one of my favorite pastimes, but I love doing it with Julie, Emily & Joseph because of the smacktalk, laughter, yelling and mockery that gameplaying entails in our house--to crappie fishing to deer hunting to trying a new flavor of frozen custard, we have lifetime memories together shaped through shared experiences.


Question: What benefits do you draw from vacation?

###

Vacation Is Hard Work, Pt. 2

Obviously, vacation is about rest, refueling, and recharging. But, for all those things to happen takes enormous amounts of intentional work. Just because you're out of the office or out of town doesn't guarantee that your vacation will truly refuel you for the next season of work/ministry ahead of you. Here is a list of things to DO so that you can unwind and recharge:

1. Carve the time out on your calendar for vacation. You will not drift into quality time off. You have to make the commitment to MAKING time to recharge. Set the dates and treat vacation as a commitment on your calendar.
2. Communicate your level of accessibility while on vacation. Let the people in your office know how to contact you IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. Then, YOU define "emergency" for them, not the other way around. Also, change any voicemail/email responses to let people you know you're not available and give them an alternative contact (make sure your alternative contact knows he/she's the go-to in your absence!).
3. Set people up for a win. Before you leave, make sure that your responsibilities are covered and contingency plans are in place for WHEN something goes wrong. Something will need attention before you return, so make sure that you've equipped someone to handle it in your absence and it doesn't have to be YOUR attention.
4. VACATE. Vacation means that you have vacated, left the building, quit using email...in essence, you're not working, so that when you come back, you can work better.

In the comments section, share strategies you've used that help vacation really be vacation for you.

###

Vacation is Hard Work, Pt. 1

Today marks our family's first full day back home after vacation. We got to play, rest, fish, eat, work out, sleep--on days we didn't fish!--hang out, and completely recharge for the new season of ministry and school that we're about to launch. All of this was made possible because of two huge factors:
1. We're blessed with a church family that encourages us to take time off and get away.
2. Lake Hills Church is led by a phenomenal team of gifted, passionate, talented, called people who make it happen day in and day out, regardless of where I am or who's looking over their shoulder.

The reality is, though, that neither one of those things just happens. It's taken years to develop, cultivate, and perpetuate both of those things. This year's vacation was a huge teachable moment for me. Over the next few days, I'm going to share some of what God is teaching me about the spiritual discipline of rest.

Also, make sure that you are a part of community worship this weekend. I'm starting a new series called POWERHOUSE that God has been pouring into me for weeks. I can't wait to share it and watch what he does with it.

###

VBS--The Art of Inside/Out

Last week's VBS absolutely rocked the face off of just about anything I've ever seen. 1,200+ kids...400+ volunteer leaders...the worship...the fun...the Bible teaching...It was just amazing.

The genius of VBS is the Inside/Out dynamic that it fulfills: It gives those who are IN the LHC family a unique opportunity to serve, connect and grow as we plan, pray, and prepare to serve so many kids. The hours, the sweat, the exhaustion, the joy of seeing kids discover the love of God and what it can mean in their lives--all of it unites us around a common dream and vision.

But, then there are those kids and families who've never darkened the doors of a Sunday morning service at LHC that we get to meet, engage, and introduce to Christ and his Bride. There is the offering that kids bring every morning to serve overseas and across-borders missions and orphanages. This kind of mobilization to serve those who are OUTside the family of faith is a thing of beauty to behold.

I got to be there early before any of the kids and before most of the volunteers arrived, and I saw men and women, high school and middle school students show up at 7:30 a.m. in the middle of the summer, smiling, laughing, serving. And that was the big take-home for me: The undeniable link between joy/happiness and serving. The most joyful people I've ever known are those people who serve as a regular lifestyle. That link was on high definition display last week.

To all of you who served and laughed and worked and sweat it out through the heat: THANK YOU. You are Lake Hills Church and I'm so grateful to you for pouring yourself into the lives of those kids. And me. It was a blessing and a gift to get to be there with you.

The Best Father's Day Gift

Last night, we had the opportunity to sit down for a taped interview with UT quarterback and Heismann candidate Colt McCoy and his dad. It is salty. It's one of the strongest statements of faith that we've ever shared at Lake Hills Church. We're going to show it this weekend in our Father's Day services as we conclude the message series Manhunt.

Most people I know really wrestle w/ Father's Day. It starts with, What are we gonna give Dad for Father's Day this year? Dads are tough to buy for. Always have been, always will be. Kindof like men and women are different, it just is what it is.

So, go beyond the gift this year. Let me tell you the one-size-fits-all, slam-dunk, he'll-actually-use-it gift that works every time for every dad: Affirmation. Every dad worth his salt wants to know that he's doing a good job. That he's appreciated. Respected.

Take the time--no, MAKE the time--to tell him something that you know is built into your life that helps you live better, more faithfully, more consistently, joyfully, or stronger than if he hadn't given it to you. Think about the little things that aren't little when they're added up over the years.

We're going to help you do that. This weekend's service will affirm, IN-courage, and challenge dads for the amazing ride that is fatherhood. The rest is up to you.

MANHUNT

This weekend at LHC, we're kicking off the new message series MANHUNT. As we begin this series on Memorial Day, we'll be paying special respect to those who paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedoms and opportunities. It's going to be a very special service and a HUGE series in the life of our church.

I'm asking you to do THREE THINGS:

1. Check out the series trailer below. John Fones, Kristopher Rutherford, Alex Alexander, et. al created a phenomenal piece of work. I'm preaching and I get fired up watching it!
2. Use the video to e-vite as many people as you can to discover the greatest Man who ever lived.
3. Worship with us at either of our locations THIS SUNDAY. I know it's Memorial Day weekend, but this worship service will so be worth your time. If you Tweet, you can use this URL to share w/ your followers: http://bit.ly/5ZGyS .

Manhunt Trailer from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.

Family Church

From the very beginning of LHC, we have pursued one thing where children and student ministries are concerned: We want kids to drag their parents to church, rather than parents dragging their kids. This weekend's installment of the Soulmate series brings a up a great question (that actually applies EVERY week):

*What ages are welcome in the weekend worship services?

First, EVERYONE is welcome at LHC-at large. But, there is no way that a worship experience can really meet children where they are and lead adults to truly worship in spirit and truth and process teaching spiritually and intellectually. When I say children, obviously every child develops at a unique pace, but there are many more commonalities between 2nd and 3rd graders than between 2nd graders and 30-year-olds.

WE DO CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES. WE DO NOT DO CHILDCARE. We invest significant time, talent, and treasure in creating meaningful worship and teaching experiences through our children's ministries. Even in infant rooms where all they do is sleep, eat, soil, cry and sit, children and their parents are prayed over and cared for by a committed staff and volunteers.

Most--not all, but most--people who demand to "worship as a family" do so out of nostalgia for their childhood experiences and because they remember boring, lifeless flannelboard Sunday School bits that they don't want to subject their kids to. That, I respect. It's just that that's not who God has called us to be, so that's not what we do. And in our context, it certainly isn't because it's what packs the most meaningful spiritual punch in the kids' lives. THAT happens in and through the various LHC Kids ministries.

That's why we ask all parents to lead their kids to the experience designed specifically for their kids. They are prayed over, thought through, and led by such gifted and committed people who are there specifically for kids.

It's a practice, based on a principle rooted in our values and vision as a church. It's part of who we are. Your kids will thank you.

Sometimes It's Just Fun

There's joy and then there's fun. Joy transcends circumstances, but fun is circumstantial.

I am so excited about the season of ministry that we get to walk through for the next 8 months. This weekend, we're beginning a sermon series about marriage called Soulmate. that God is going to use in thousands of lives, hundreds of homes, and multiple communities. I know that marriages will be strengthened and encouraged, as well as helped and healed. I know that single adults and students will engage in this series and set course for healthy, God-honoring dating lives that will ultimately result in healthy, God-honoring marriages for many of them.

And, then, after Soulmate, we're going to speak into the lives of men. May 24, I'm going to begin a series of messages called Manhunt that explores the God-given role of men in this world, in the church, and in their families (or families-to-be). I know that week is Memorial Day weekend and summer's coming. But, God is leading me and prompting me to serve this series NOW and not wait for back-to-school, January, or some strategic time. NOW is the strategic time.

Summer means kids at LHC. VBS, student ministry camps/events, Kids Camp--all these things impact kids at the most strategic times of their lives. And, Oct. 1-2 we'll host the second annual Spur Leadership Conference. We're finalizing the lineup of speakers, but the ones we have in the bag so far are WORLD CLASS influencers and difference-makers.

And, then...well, you get the general gist of why what we get to do every day is a joy. But, these days, it's just fun.

Help Write a Sermon

Help Write a Sermon from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.

LHC Easter Insider Info

With Easter celebrations at both our campuses, we sent video-emails out tailored for two different audiences this week. They are both below:


Downtown Austin - Easter Invite from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.



West Austin - Easter Invite from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.

Hands & Feet This Weekend at LHC

We work and pray diligently for every worship experience to be an opportunity to introduce people to the extravagant love of God. However, this weekend I'm beginning a sermon series that is PERFECT to invite people for that reason. THROUGH OUR HANDS will be something you don't want to miss and a great excuse to bring someone with you to see what the Jesus thing is really all about.


Through Our Hands/Community Fair Invite from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.

Tough

"Tough" is not the most frequently used term to describe most worship pastors. But, LHC's Worship Pastor Mark Groutas is not most worship pastors. This morning, he and his team led us to the throne in genuine, excellent, spirit-and-truth worship--all while he was suffering from a severely yanked back spasm.

I was standing backstage with Mark when a friend walked by and slapped him on the shoulder to say "Good morning!" and you could see the pain radiate through him--after he smiled and returned the "Good morning!" to the unknowing offender.

It's admirable when athletes play through pain and give their teammates everything they've got. How much more so when the stakes are eternal and literally, spiritually, life and death. "Tough" is rarely paired with spiritual character traits, but it should be. Spiritually mature, Christ-like people are tough. I was proud of him and proud to serve with him today in a new and fresh way. Thanks, Mark, for doing all you do as well as you do for the reasons you do it all.

Oh, yeah, how he yanked his back? Playing on the trampoline with his kids.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Save the Daylight

I've known for a while that God is Provider--but until I started preparing for this week's message, I had no idea all the ramifications of that fact. I'm telling you right now, if you or someone you know is anxious/nervous/concerned/freaked out over the economy--and I understand if you are--then this weekend's service is HUGE for you and them.

Also, remember that Sat. night is night to set your clocks AHEAD one hour for the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. Check out this reminder:


Save The Daylight from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.

This Weekend

The Dow reaches a 12-year low. The "Stimulus Package" has more pork in it than my two breakfast tacos yesterday (and that's saying something). People are financially freaked out and puckered up. And...the sun still came up this morning. We still have people in our lives to love, people who love us, and a lot more people in our lives who are more open than ever to the touch of God in their lives.

All of which means I cannot WAIT for worship this weekend. We're going to continue the message series Hello, My Name is God with a look at God Who Provides. Provider is one of God's primary roles that He chooses to play in our lives. This fact couldn't be any more relevant or important as we walk through this economic swamp. I promise you this weekend will in-courage, challenge, and stretch us as we continue chasing God together.

If you are a Christ-follower, there's nothing more spiritually mature or deep that you can do than introduce someone to Christ. If you invite them to join you at LHC this weekend, I guarantee they will meet Christ. We all will.

Good to Be Back

It's so good to be back--

1. From the flu. It knocked Julie + me down hard for 8-10 days and then took another week or so to feel like I'm back to what passes for normal.
2. From our first Pastors Retreat in too long. We got some great work and planning done. But, just as important, we got to get away and play some too. I am so blessed to work alongside some of the most gifted, loyal, godly men. Also, we're incredibly grateful to Mike + Holly Gardner for hosting us at San Miguel Ranch & Lodge just outside of Uvalde, TX. What an incredible place and incredible people!
3. From a blogging hiatus. It's been a wild few weeks to kick off 2009 and posting was just one of those things that got pushed to the back burner. We've got some changes coming in the next couple of weeks to macrichard.com that are going to be sweet brown sugar.

Can't wait for worship tomorrow--in preparing for the message, I've been so encouraged by the fact that God is a warrior who fights for us. Make sure you're a part of worship tomorrow either at the Mother Ship in Bee Cave or at LHC Downtown. And bring someone with you who needs to know that God is on their side.

Fandemonium Conclusion/Beginning

Every week, sermon preparation can take a lot of different forms. This week, the message is going to include a truly unique introduction that you do NOT want to miss. While our team was preparing for it, I took this picture at the UT Basketball practice facility:

ATTACK * EXECUTE * FINISH -- Not a bad way to think about how we apply our faith throughout the week.

This weekend we're going to conclude the series Fandemonium, AND it's going to be the beginning of something really profound for anyone who wants it to be. No matter where you are in your relationship with God, in your own personal FANDEMONIUM, there is something for everyone in this weekend's message.

Please, make it a point to be a part of what God is doing through LHC this year and this week by attending and inviting someone to come with you who may not realize yet just how extravagantly God loves him/her.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

This weekend, LHC continues the series FANDEMONIUM. And we're going to look at the promise of victory God offers to every single person through Christ...victory in life, in our homes, our relationships, our careers, AND in our challenges and losses. That's right, in Christ, there is always victory even in our losses.

Please make it a priority to join the Fandemonium. Make the effort to invite someone you know who may be experiencing a loss or walking through a challenge right now to discover they don't have to do it alone.

FAN*DEMONIUM

FAN*DEMONIUM from Lake Hills Church on Vimeo.