Travis Johnson

R.I.P.

2006-07-29T13:54:00.000-05:00

www.travisjohnson.net

2006-07-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

Go to www.travisjohnson.net to continue the conversation.

New Travis Johnson Blog Domain

2006-07-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

My blog will soon be moving to www.travisjohnson.net - I'm also changing over from Blogger to Typepad. I'm having some difficulty exporting my blogger content into Typepad. If anyone (like David) has any tips, I'm all ears. In the meantime, Please change your bookmarks and your your blogrolls to the new domain. All new posts will be there.

Blogging the COG General Asembly

2006-07-21T22:35:00.000-05:00

Church of God = fellowship of churches I am ordained through
General Assembly = where I'll be Mon-Fri of next week (Indy).
Blogging = what I'll do late each day with news of how its going.

I'll try to keep it to the point and interesting for all.

TLC-The Messengers

2006-07-21T22:10:00.000-05:00

The Messengers - TLC Spiritual Reality at its best. I think this was originally supposed to be called Pulpit Masters. Interesting social commentary.

Outside of Modernity - Outside of Emergent

2006-07-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

Mark Hardgrove, wrote some comments regarding Socialization and Emergent Movement. I appreciated his thoughts. In fact, while not totally agreeing, I share many of the same concerns regarding the open-endedness of emergent theology. Brian McClaren, the face of Emergent gives me the chills. He pushes me outside of Emergent...far outside.

However, when I read and follow Mark Driscoll's thoughts, I get fired up. Driscoll was a part of Emergent when the movement was finding its voice. He shares an orthodox view of Christ and the Church as well as a general dissatisfaction with the state of the church. But, he has been outspoken against the lack of Scriptural fidelity found in the statements of McClaren and other Emergent leaders. Joel VandenBrink gives a brief brief glimpse and links to the articles and responses in order. I was thankful for those public conversations of which Driscoll later apologized for his tone. In my opinion, Driscoll makes the emerging church appealing to me with a call to orthodoxed theology and unorthoxed practice.

I believe that much of modern church is failing. It is a gut feeling. It may be in my gut because of peer pressure. Ed Stetzer points out that it is also a factual reality. Stetzer summarzes that problem well in "Planting Missional Churches." Again, here are those statistics:

In 1900, there were 28 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 1950, there were 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 2000, there were 12 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 2004, the latest year available, there are 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans.

The state of the church in America is unhealthy. This in itself is not an argument for emergent. But, it is an argument against the status quo. In the past, we could say it was an argument against mainline denominations. Now, even the Church of God which in the late 90's was the fastest growing denomination in the US is experiencing decline in some statistical categories. In 2005, the Church of God closed more churches than the denomination opened. It is now a widespread American Church problem.

So, I am left dangling outside of modern church practice and outside of emergent theology, unable to resonate fully with either. I don't know exactly what you call that. But, that's where I am. I know other guys like that. But, I don't know what its called. I believe I fall within some kind of a "Missional" label.

This week, I will participate in our denominational conference which will determine direction for our World Missions organization as well as other denominational issues. I am simulataneously aggravated at the non-missional, non-core focus of many of our initiatives and excited about the passion I hear from pastors. I just came out of a meeting with one of our denominational guys and about 6 pastors. What we discussed would be fantastic for the city of Miami. It would also address some of the things that some people find aggravating. I am encouraged by that and pray for the missional focus of our group to be expanded and to influence what I see as an all too often corporately safe, modern church organization. My prayer is that we will find ourselves outside of modernity- yet fully within orthodoxy.

Jointly Fit and Bottom Up Culture

2006-07-18T09:42:00.001-05:00

Without direction from God, there is no gas in the tank. Without decision making there is no foot on the accelerator, no impetus to move forward. Without horizontal and bottom up counsel, there are no passengers in the car.

In 2005, Media is transformed by the pajamas media that don't buy the corporate spin. Just ask Dan Rather who is now enjoying retirement. In 2006, the Southern Bapists respond to the bottom up leadership of Wade Burleson and the SBC Bloggers like Steve McCoy.

Honesty, integrity, involvement, empowerment, and shared ministry will energize this bottom up culture and release the innovation and passion of the local church. Our churches must embrace the diversity of the community of individuals and rally around singlular passions as articulated by Christ. If there is a time to understand the depth of the concept of colaborers, jointly fit together in Christ, that time is now.

Rhett Smith wrote an excellent piece on bottom up culture. In his article, he said:

The "bottom-up" culture wants to be at the table. They want to be part of the process. But as long as the church operates in a "top-down" model, those at the bottom will often be excluded and will not be allowed to think for themselves.

I would change his premise. Top-down, restrictive leadership, while perhaps depriving people of information, does not prohibit people from thinking for themselves. However, it will prohibit participation and stifle people who are hungry for interaction, development, and personal investment.

"40 Days of Prayer for the Children"

2006-07-18T00:50:00.000-05:00

From 8.1-9.9, I will pray for the children. Join Dan and me for this 40 Day prayer journey with Children's Cup.

Roscoe at Reformation '06

2006-07-16T18:10:00.000-05:00

My boys in Roscoe out of Clemson are playing Reformation '06 in Atlanta. These guys are the real deal...not nearly as flaky as most musicians. I'd say they kind of rock in a big way!

Ed Young and Fellowship Church-Miami

2006-07-16T17:10:00.000-05:00

Tony Morgan says its official. Ed Young Jr has opened Fellowship Church-Miami. At the last C3 Conference, I told my team that I had a hunch that was going to happen. So, Tony scooped me but at least I broke the news to Gary first. That has to count for something. See the first response on Tony's blog for that story.

My feelings? I am excited. Miami is a city in desperate need of life giving churches. Bob agrees. I pray the best for that cool cat, Ed jr. The guy has got style. He can pull off wearing some sick shoes and has good taste in cities. Ed, you're a stud. I have a Pastor's small group that meets once a month. Now that you are pastoring here in Miami, you may need the connections and encouragement as you start up your little mission. Feel free to drop by for our next lunch.

Indianapolis Eight Days and Counting

2006-07-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

A week from Monday, I will be in Indiannapolis for our general conference. I'm meeting up with some guys that are involved in some pretty creative stuff. Ben Hodges, lead pastor of Four Corners Community Church is one I particularly look forward to. I will also be linking up with some other pastors that are change agents in their communities and in our church fellowship to dialogue.

I plan to sleep little, interact a lot, and sit through a ton of meetings. You can probably find me on the floor of the RCA Dome 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, at the Reformation '06 booth during breaks, and almost any night of that week (post 10 pm) sitting around a table at Embassy Suites asking lots of questions and sharing the remaining pieces of my mind that I can locate.

Striking the Balance

2006-07-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

When I was in Canton at Ridgestone Church, I was talking to Gary about striking the right balance with our atmosphere and our messages. I don't know that we figured out the answer to that question.

Consider this. The iGod series was a lot of fun for us. It was almost cartoonish in some ways. The environment at Life Pointe is exciting, inviting, permissive, and I believe very comfortable for our guests. But, sometimes in our casual approach, the gravity of "God interactivity" is missed.

The Origins message series is a pendulum swing in the other direction. There is no pop-culture reference in the title. It's a back to the basics look at ancient faith. This Sunday is also the first Sunday that we are asking that no one leave during the service. We've been prepping for this for 6 weeks. If you do, we have greeters that will politely tell you that you cannot re-enter. Our aim? Minimal distraction.

Also, we have invested a lot in creating a superb worship experience for kids from 0-12 years old. Please take advantage of that so that you and people around you can focus on the moment and so that your kids can be taught in an age appropriate environment. It's just an attempt for us to try to strike the balance.

Home Alone!

2006-07-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

Pete did it. I can too. Fortunately, Kelly is only leaving me with the girls until Sunday night instead of the two weeks Mr. Zefo pulled off. Between my mom, Tammy, Isabel, and the detailed "kid handling instructions" left by my sweetheart, I may survive while Kelly does wedding #2 this week in South Carolina.

Are you amazing?

2006-07-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

Stop and look around you. There are some incredible people with incredible stories. Ela and Ivan Ortega surely are. They make people feel welcome with their amazing gifts of hospitality. They do that while overcoming serious physical challenges. When I hear people making excuses for why they cannot serve, I think of Ela. Amazing!

I hung out with another amazing guy from LPC today- Art. The guy is as cool as the other side of a pillow. He's South African. He looks like a younger Sean Connery. He's got an edge and he is totally a sell out to Christ. He reads the same books as me. He's a Moody Bible Institute graduate and a doctoral student at Regent University. I really like him. Unfortunately, we are losing him. He is moving to Stuart where he will be working with foster children. I consider he and his family to be amazing.

Who else out there is amazing? Who is on the road to amazing? I am. I choose the edge...the bleeding edge of Christ followership. Sometimes, it seems I fall over the edge. My wife says I go off the deep end. That's where I want to be...not off the deep end. Rather, I want to be suspended in the hands of God's grace. No apologies. No regrets. I want to possess an open, blatant edge-pushing desire for Christ. Art, Ivan, and Ela have inspired me to be closer to amazing.

Warren Blogs, Troy Blogs

2006-07-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

Rick Warren Blogs. This guy is the new Billy Graham, no doubt. Troy Gramling blogs. Cool cat from SFL. He's got Influence.

Blogs are an awesome tool to get personal with people, to expand influence, to exchange ideas, to be open source, and to promote Christ. I think every pastor should have a blog (especially Brian at the hip new Genesis Church). In fact, every person that has something to say in life should seriously consider blogging. We are given the responsibility to steward and expand our circles of influence. Connect, communicate, and listen to the millions of conversations around you.

Origins- the message series

2006-07-12T12:27:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed that as you go through life, you collect a ridiculous amount of non-essential junk?! I have. I have lived a fairly nomadic life here in Miami (4 residences in 4 years). In about two weeks, I will move into my fifth. This is the last one until I am kicked out of town by my peeps at Life Pointe who have been living a parallel life of change.

When I move, I take everything that has not been used in the last 6 months and get rid of it. I hate junk! I hate it in church life also. The Christian life has had so many trinkets, doo-dads, thing-a-majigs, and add-ons over the last 2,000 years, that the clutter may have pushed God over into some dusty corner. I really cannot wait for this message series- "ORIGINS." We are going back to the beginnings to understand how it all worked originally. This preparation has been challenging for me. I hope the series is challenging for you as well.

Top 50 Most Influential Churches

2006-07-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

Check out the Top 50 Most Influential Churches as released by the Church Report. Newcomers to the list include:

Community Christian Church - Dave Ferguson
Granger Community Church - Mark Beeson
Life Church.TV - Craig Groeschel
Without Walls International Church - Randy and Paula White

Dave Ferguson had some humorous commentary on his church ranking #13 on the list. By the way, I just finished reading Multi-Site Church Revolution. I totally agree with Dave and CCC's ranking. Great stuff!

Blogging Church & Blogging Pastors

2006-07-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks to CMS, here is a great article from the Washington Post about blogging and the church. My favorite quote in the article came from Mark Batterson when he said, "John Wesley [a prominent 18th-century evangelist] had to travel 250,000 miles on horseback to reach people, and I can do it with one click of the mouse."

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Brian Bailey's book on the Blogging Church.

Ridgestone Church - Cool Leaders II - UFC 61

2006-07-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday night I got back in from the wedding. I planned to watch UFC 61 on PPV. I'm glad I didn't waste my cash. Tito flattened Shamrock in 1:31. I watched it today for free on You Tube. You can too at the bottom of this thread.

Sunday morning I got up early for a long drive to Ridgestone Church in Canton, GA to visit perhaps my favorite Redneck pastor, Gary Lamb. I also got to hang out with the sharp Brit pastor from Grace Church in Long Island, Roger Blackmore. Roger and Gary are cool people. Ridgestone was my kind of church. It was worth the drive.

Gary and Ridgestone have a great theater setup. Their 1st Impressions team made me feel at home. They greeted me at the front door and all the way down the hall to the auditorium. The signage was also great. Their children's areas were clean, safe, and very well organized. Kids in Canton would want to be at Ridgestone on Sunday mornings.

I walked into the auditorium during the first song. I think you could pretty much interchange Tim May's band from Canton to Homestead and you would not tell a difference. They rocked. Their worship set included a Black Crowe's song which I enjoyed. Gary went right into his message...giving his people an earful on the Ridgestone vision and referencing his story and dirty southern rock frequently. Ridgestone is the kind of place you can bring your buddies to and they'll feel right at home, especially with Gary's chauvanistic ways.

I have to admit, I was amazed (and a little jealous) at the size of their staging. When I saw their breakdown, I was no longer jealous. But, I was even more amazed...mad props to the setup crew at Ridgestone. Speaking as a pastor who has two teams that do the same things as those guys every week, you guys are studs for making it happen like you do!

The lighting setup was over the top. During the service, I was wondering if we could pull that off. I just don't know how they were pulling that much power in a theater without tripping a breaker. I was very impressed. Gary pumped me for critiques on the service. I really didn't have any. I have had a few decent ideas for him since I left lunch. I also stole plenty of ideas that we'll use pretty soon. Hats off to Gary and the Ridgestone team. Cool people!

Oh, enjoy the fight! I wonder if Shamrock will retire...hope so.

Atlanta, Matrimony, Cool Leaders

2006-07-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I was out of commission from the Pointe. It was the finale of the iGod series and I was absent. I hear my pops did great as usual. I was in Atlanta so that I could perform a wedding for my cousin, Heather Smith and Clint Jenkins. Performing a marriage ceremony is always a privilege. This was very special. I have always been close to Heather. Being there yesterday in that capacity was significant for me.

While I was at the reception I got to hang out with my extended family. They are awesome people. Being around them gives me this huge sense of responsibility. I have something to live up to. They are all pretty spectacular people who are out doing some amazing things in the world. I can't just exist through life. My heritage dictates that I have to be a person of substance. I am more mindful of that today than I was last week.

I also hung out with some pretty cool church guys-Jerry Chitwood, the administrator of Church of God in South Carolina, James Byrd from Mount Paran Church of God- North, and Ron Gilbert from Lee University.

I think James Byrd is one cool cat. His wife took a picture of him whispering something in my ear and I am grinning from ear to ear. I've got to have a copy of that. It looks like we are plotting something. Really, it was just me enjoying the company of a great man. Ron Gilbert was my Advertising professor at Lee. He's partly responsible for my warped, unbalanced approach to church packaging and my sometimes overly sarcastic handling of people. Blame him!

Ron is in the middle of writing a dissertation on Post-literate churches in our fellowship. It looks like he will be in Homestead at some point this fall to survey our people since we would be considered post literate. I am really looking forward to his work. A reformation is underway in the Church today...Ron is all over it academically and practically. The videography that he does for Lee University and our Fellowship is pretty amazing. Hopefully, his dissertation where he will be highlighting several churches including us will help some of our good literate churches step forward and reach out more effectively to this increasingly unchurched emerging culture.

Pastors that should be bloggers

2006-07-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

Brian Hunter - Life Church - Tallahassee, FL (has a blog in development I hear!)
Anthony McDaniel - Abundant Life - Largo, FL
Marty Baker - Steven's Creek CC - Augusta, GA
Tony Byrd - Morningstar Church - Tampa, FL

If they were, I'd be a daily reader.

Think on These Things

2006-07-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. -Phil 4:8

from Kelly's blog

"Suspend the Rules"

2006-07-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

"To suspend the rules and to tend to all other business from the agenda before any elections are completed."

There is a circle of people I run with where this statement is being discussed. I like it. In fact, I love it. Thomas Jefferson understood it best when he said, "Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government."

So, I'll stand with that statement and I am guessing a lot of other people will also.

The Incredible Shrinking Church

2006-07-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

From Ed Stetzer in Planting Missional Churches (2006):

In 1900, there were 28 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 1950, there were 17 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 2000, there were 12 churches for every 10,000 Americans.
In 2004, the latest year available, there are 11 churches for every 10,000 Americans.

That's startling. Thank you, John Smulo.

A Maniacal Focus on High Potentials

2006-07-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Kathy Bernhard of KFB Leadership had 20 Top Companies for Leaders published in The Journal of HRPS. In that article, I grabbed onto the following statement:

A Maniacal Focus on High Potentials: The Top Companies focus disproportionate energy and resources on correctly identifying the top 10%-15% of their current leadership population, giving them a rapid series of developmental assignments to assess or confirm potential, and sharply differentiating their rewards based on that potential.

Advancing Church leaders DO NOT replicate themselves in available people. Inordinate amounts of time, resources, and energy must be spent by leaders with people who have the greatest potential to expand Kingdom influence.