God has allowed me the incredible privilege of hanging around some very successful pastors.  And I take advantage of this opportunity.  As our church quickly approaches 1,000 people in attendance, I have to grow as a leader because what it took to lead a church to 500 will change.  And what it took to grow a church to 1,000 will change as well leading a church to 1,500.  I'm in new waters.  I've obviously never pastored a church of 1,000 or more.  So, I've called on my mega church pastor friends for help. 

Had lunch with Eddie Cox (pastor of Marathon in Powdersville running around 2,500) today.  What an incredible time of food, fellowship and learning.  For those who aren't as fortunate to live so close to great men of God, thought I'd share some of the conversation.  Please realize you are getting the condensed answer version.

Question - What are some of the biggest challenges i will face in leading 5 Point to 1,500?
Eddie's response - First, forming that special group of people who have bought into the vision completely and are willing to do what it takes to reach lost people.  Second, making sure the staff is 110% bought into you and the vision.

Question - How do you personally develop more leaders?
Answer - I realized this year that I had to develop more leaders if we wanted Marathon to go to the next level.  SO, I have begun putting a lot more time into developing more leaders.  I hand picked a group of potential leaders and I'm meeting with them sharing vision and teaching them how to be disciples, not just Christ followers.  They in return will use what I've taught them to make more disciples.

Question - If you were us and knew you would have to start a third service in the very near future, what would the time slots be?
Eddie - Without question, two on Sunday morning and one on Sunday evening. 

Question - What about the youth?
Answer - They will meet on Sunday evening while adults are meeting.  no different than children's church.
(This isn't an option for 5 Point due to facilities.)

Question - What would you change if you could going into the 5th year?
Eddie - I'd be very careful who I empowered.  When in the early stages glad to get bodies willing to serve.  But, some of those same bodies will come back to haunt you.

We talked about a bunch of other stuff but I think you get the idea of how much he helped me.

Some things I'm praying through:
* Really praying about when to start third service and what times.  Attendance will play major factor in deciding.
* Begging God to reveal his desires about permanent location.  Our current facilities will soon hurt growth.
* Easter series.  Leaning towards a series entitled, "Your Mark."  We'll be discussing your purpose in life and the legacy you'll leave behind.  Why? So many people never fully understand why they are here.
* Praying about this Sunday.  We have so much momentum right now.  I don't want to do anything stupid to slow it down.
* Becoming a better communicator to my wife.  Hate when God speaks to me personally about my short comings in messages.  I like it when He gets all over other people, not me. 
* Hurting people in Haiti.
* Our country.  For God to begin a spiritual awakening with millions to be saved.
* ME.  That God would pour vision, wisdom and leadership into me so that I can be the best pastor possible.
* Sunday morning.  That God shows up in an awesome way changing lives.

About to head to house to record intro video for this Sunday.  So funny.  Will record second video for New Believers class.  Can't wait to get theses done so we can get them into the hands of our new converts.  We've got to do a better job of helping new converts grow and this is our first step.