Talent is only the start. You must keep working your talent

– Irving Berlin (Famous American Composer and Lyricist)

Picture this: Your computer suddenly dies or you see somebody running off with it… What will you do?

For many Pastors, this will absolutely destroy their week. Why? Because they do not back up their system.

Take a minute today and make preparations to enroll in an online back-up service or purchase an external hard drive that you can schedule back-ups to.  At the Journey, we have a corporate account with Carbonite but there are many good services. (We don’t have any affiliation with them but their website is http://www.carbonite.com.)

Don’t waste valuable time by having to worry about losing your data. Make some steps today!

PS – This blog was prompted by one of my coaching participants asking me about Backing up his system. This is an example of some of the practical steps we discuss in the Renegade Pastors  Network. Join today for some great bonuses and some time saving tips!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

We are very close to the One Day Launch Conference  in Orlando. I want to take some time today to talk about the Launch Large concept in preparation for this Live Event. Have your registered and ordered your plane tickets?

Here is my goal for this conference: I want to help you start a chruch from scratch that will reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, my goal is to provide you will everything you need to Launch Large. 

Launching Large is the ability of a new church to reach as many people as possible within the first six to eight months of existence. It’s all about discovering and fulfilling potential.

Large is a relative term and launching large will look different for different church planters in different environments. Don’t get too caught up in the numbers. Instead, focus on the potential of your area as you allow the concept to sink in.

At the same time, don’t completely dismiss the numbers. Numbers are important in that they represent the people you have won to Christ as well as your impact on the community as a whole.

Numbers do serve a purpose – not as a means to secure bragging rights, but as a tool for measuring the expansion of God’s kingdom.

Ask yourself, What would launching large look like in my area?

I hope to continue this dialog with you at my One Day Launch Conference  in Orlando on April 13th. 

Space is very limited so don’t delay signing up today.

Here are the details:

The One Day Launch Conference For Pastors, Church Planters and Teams
Location: Royal Plaza Hotel Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Date: Friday, April 13, 2012
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Hurry – space is now extremely limited!

PS - Special hotel rates are available for conference attendees (information will be emailed upon registration).

After helping thousands of pastor, I have learned that there is no single issue that keeps church leaders awake at night more often than staffing!

I know that you desire to lead a great staff, to reach your church’s full kingdom potential and bring glory to God. I am sure that is why you are reading this blog, but trying to navigate choppy and uncertain staffing issues (like recruiting, hiring, managing and “de-hiring” staff members) can leave even the most passionate and visionary leaders feeling stressed, drained and disillusioned.

Join me LIVE in Orlando for The Staffing Workshop. In this full day event, I will teach you all about recruiting, hiring, managing and “de-hiring,” based on years of reading, consultation and real-world experience (including 18 months of intense study and research).

REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS FULL-DAY STAFFING LIVE EVENT FOR JUST $499 AND RECEIVE “THE STAFFING WORKSHOP” RESOURCE FREE ($499.95 VALUE)!

*This Live event is also available without “The Staffing Workshop” Resource for $299 registration fee.

BUT HURRY – THERE ARE LESS THAN 15 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!

Date and Time:
Tuesday, April 10
9:30am – 4:00pm

Location: Royal Plaza Hotel – Walt Disney World
1905 Hotel Plaza Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

I want to teach you:

• How to overcome your next growth barrier through effective staffing
• How to prevent 90% of staff problems before they start (hint: its in the hiring process!)
• How to know when its time to hire your next staff person
• How to know when it’s a volunteer position versus a paid position
• The two methods to get people to apply for an open position
• The critical first action you must take before you hire (and it has nothing to do with the person being interviewed)
• Why you should never interview only one person at a time
• The A-B-R principle of effective staffing
• The three C’s of effective hiring
• The three key personality tests in hiring
• The three ‘rules of 3′ in effective hiring
• The three ‘calls’ that every staff member must have
• How to measure the commitment level of every staff member . . . every day.
• The three ways you can manage people (and which one is right for you)
• How to know which of the NINE different ways your staff person likes to be paid (money is only one of them)
• How to develop an effective bonus structure
• How to gain solid agreements from your staff before they begin (agreements prevent disagreements)
• When and how to have a ‘crucial conversation’
• How to handle a resignation (even one for ‘moral reasons’)
• How to de-hire someone so they resign on their own (that is, without you having to fire them)
• The six step firing process (you just might need it)
• Why being on a church staff is the highest calling anyone can answer
• And so MUCH more!

Too many think inaction is the least risky path. Sometimes action is the most conservative and safest path. Not doing anything is exceedingly dangerous.

– Fred Smith, FedEx CEO

I’d like to extend a very special invitation to you…

Would you bring a mission team to NYC this summer to work with The Journey Church?

Here’s four benefits to you for bringing a team to serve with The Journey this summer:

1- There’s no place like New York City (we work hard, but we’ll also show you around the city and give you evenings off to explore) - if you impact NYC, you are literally changing the world.

2- We will train your team in the nuts-and-bolts of Servant Evangelism (which will make them a more effective witness when they return home).

3- This 6-night, 7-day experience is great for teenagers, college students AND adults. You can involve entire families or just specific groups.

4- You will experience the mission and vision of The Journey Church first hand.

Will you pray about sending a team of people on one of these dates?

** June 2 – June 8

** June 9 – June 15

** June 16 – June 22

** June 30 – July 6

** July 7 – July 13

** July 14 – July 20

** July 21 – July 27

Each week you’ll receive servant evangelism supplies and training for one low missions investment of only $350 per person (if you’ve been to NYC lately you know you barely even spend a night in a Times Square hotel for that price).  All you need to do is take care of transportation, some meals, and booking your housing.

Even if you are just moderately interested in bringing a team to NYC this summer, why not request more info? Don’t miss out on this opportunity until you have all the facts and take some time to pray about it.  If you’re interested, please contact Mike Cooper – our coordinating pastor via phone 212-830-7300 ext. 206 or email (mike@journeymetro.com).

Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to partner with God and The Journey Church to impact the greatest city in the world.

And…thank you in advance for sending a team to NYC this summer!

Your friend,

Nelson

With only 3 weeks until my upcoming One Day Launch Conference in Orlando on April 13, excitement is building! I have been sharing Church Planting Tips for the last few weeks to get us ready for this great event.

Today’s topic is one of the most requested. Church planters list funding as one of their biggest struggles. In my book Launch, there is some great practical solutions for the church planter willing to take the steps.

Today I am going to highlight the benefits of finding good “Partners.”  To do this, you need to shift your focus from Individual Partners to Church Partners.

Your primary source of funding over the long haul will likely come from churches, not individuals. Partnering with churches has many advantages over partnering with individuals. For one thing, churches are more financially stable in the long term. If you recruit a large church to support you, it may be able to invest $10,000 to $15,000 for a number of years without any problem.

However, individual, even those who are financially successful with a strong source of support on the front end, will have personal rises and falls in their finances that may hinder them from supporting you year after year. Churches are much more capable of making investments that span a number of years.

Churches can also offer more than just money. They can provide coaching, mentoring, staff assistance, procedural advice, training materials and a host of other resources for you. Often, they are not only able to raise large amounts of money, but they are also able to rally large numbers of people who can pray for you.

A word of caution on recruiting partners: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Beware of having only one church partner or individual who agrees to cover your costs. If you have only one church partner and that church experiences setback, you’ll find yourself in trouble. Even the most stable churches experienec setbacks. Having a single financial partner is a recipe for disaster.

In our experiences with at least  a half-dozen churches that have used a single financial backer, all have turned out poorly. The best way to ensure that your new church is not dependent on one source is to diversify and recruit several partners.

I hope that you will have success in finding individuals who will support you, but I really want to encourage you to be intentional in dealing with churches and securing them as your partners.

Churches understand, from a perspective of experience, where you are and where you are trying to go. They are best-equipped to support you – financially and otherwise – along the journey.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. – Eccles. 4:12

You will need funding for your Launch. I suggest you learn now how to raise it! 

Zig Ziglar has said, “Money isn’t everything, but it is right up there with oxygen.” I will be devoting some of our time together at the upcoming One Day Church Planting Launch Conference in Orlando on “Funding.” 

The funding element alone will make this conference well worth your time and investment to be a part of it.

You’ll learn from my personal experience and the experience of having coached hundreds of other successful church planters. I will teach you the key principles for “Launching Large” PLUS the latest lessons learned in launching and growing an effective church plant.

This one-of-a-kind event is perfect for church planters and key team members of existing church plants or pastors and teams looking to effectively start new churches.

As a bonus, there will be a special lunch time “Round Table Discussion” with effective church planters from my Advanced Coaching Network.

Here are the details:

The One Day Launch Conference For Pastors, Church Planters and Teams
Location: Royal Plaza Hotel Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Date: Friday, April 13, 2012
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Hurry – space is limitedto the first 99 registrants!

$49 for one person; $79 for three people from the same church/new church team (Call for further group options – 1-800-264-5129)

Note: Special hotel rates are available for conference attendees (information will be emailed upon registration).

P.S. Don’t miss out – click the link below to register your spot now for the One Day Launch Conference in Orlando – Friday, April 13.  The last one sold out!

Register for the One Day Launch Conference in Orlando!

Let’s face it – church planting is difficult. Successful church planters must have a unique faith, a clear call from God and a leadership ability that sets them apart. Starting a new church is both a profound spiritual journey and a challenging entrepreneurial endeavor all at the same time.

Compounding all this is that many church planters feel as though they’re facing this monumental task all alone…

Let me help you!

You’re invited to join me for the One Day Launch Conference! You’ll learn from my personal experience and the experience of having coached hundreds of other successful church planters. I will teach you the key principles for “Launching Large” PLUS the latest lessons learned in launching and growing an effective church plant.

This one-of-a-kind event is perfect for church planters and key team members of existing church plants or pastors and teams looking to effectively start new churches.

As a bonus, there will be a special lunch time “Round Table Discussion” with effective church planters from my Advanced Coaching Network.

Here are the details:

The One Day Launch Conference For Pastors, Church Planters and Teams
Location: Royal Plaza Hotel Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
Date: Friday, April 13, 2012
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Hurry – space is limitedto the first 99 registrants!

Note: Special hotel rates are available for conference attendees (information will be emailed upon registration).

Topics covered include:

• Launching Large – starting your new church healthier than you thought possible
• Developing a Launch Team – getting the right people together from the beginning
• Fundraising – how you can gather the necessary resources to start strong
• Developing a strategic plan – the key elements you must include to succeed
• The first year beyond the Launch – and why most planters fail to properly prepare
• Recruiting a Team – who else you should include on your initial planting team
• Accelerating your effectiveness – how to make the most of what you have
• Personal and Pastoral Leadership – several keys to laying a strong foundation
• Q and A – your church planting questions answered

I left my position on staff at Saddleback Church in 2001 and moved to New York City to start The Journey Church with no members, no money and no staff. Despite plenty of early challenges, The Journey grew to over 1,000 people within the first few years.

Since then, I have written the popular church planting book “Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch,” and launched multiple Journey locations through Metro New York City. Most recently, I give hands-on leadership to The Journey’s newest location in South Florida, which launched with over 500 people in attendance and has reached an average weekly attendance of over 350 in less than a year.

Plus, I have coached church planters for the past six years through my Senior Pastor Coaching Networks. At the One Day Launch Conference, you’ll gain insights from my personal experience and the experience of all those I have coached. Don’t miss this one of a kind opportunity.

P.S. Don’t miss out – click the link below to register your spot now for the One Day Launch Conference in Orlando – Friday, April 13.  The last one sold out!

Register for the One Day Launch Conference in Orlando!

Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

- John Wooden, UCLA Basketball Coach

I’m looking for just the right “A” player to fill a key pastoral position here at The Journey Church!

We’re looking for a Ministry/Assimilation Pastor to join our team – Don’t apply unless you love ministry & my systems!

However, if you’re passionate about helping people connect to the church while seeing them get involved in serving and are willing to devote yourself to “giving the people of New York City the best opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus,” you may be just the right fit!

Here’s the official position description:

Pastor of Ministry and Spiritual Development @ The Journey Church in NYC:

Are you called to serve in New York City?

The Journey is a contemporary 10 year old church in New York City with campuses in Manhattan and Queens. The position of full-time Pastor of Ministry & Spiritual Development is currently available.

The Journey consistently has over 1,000 adults attending weekend services, over 1,100 in groups and expects continued growth.

Are you passionate about raising up new leaders and volunteers, seeing people get connected in the church and challenging them to grow in their faith?

Do you believe that every believer has spiritual gifts that could serve the church and are you passionate about seeing people mobilized to serve the church and God’s kingdom?

Can you work with our team to increase the number of people serving in ministry, improve our care/follow-up to new believers and create systems that see ever more people taking the step to be baptized and becoming members of the church?

Are you interested in helping a growing church continue to grow?

Do you have a high view of ministry and of ‘serving as part of discipleship’ and do you have a strong desire to reach unchurched young professionals?

This is not a pastoral care position, but an equipping position to make a difference with the best and the brightest from around the world that make up the Journey Church in NYC.

Responsibilities:

Leadership, growth and innovation of The Journey’s ministry and volunteer systems – with the goal of getting 50% of Sunday attendance involved in meaningful ministry on a weekly basis.
Also, leading The Journey’s Spiritual Development Process and Assimilation System in moving first time guests to becoming fully developing members. This includes the Sunday experience, follow-up to first time guests and next step decisions, new believer follow-up and care, leading people to take the step of baptism and then to attend Membership Class and beyond.
Requires the ability to lead teams effectively, to raise up new leaders at a rapid rate and to communicate/teach.

Organizational and administrative skills are a must.

Must be extremely hard-working and bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the table.

Other desired characteristics include strong interpersonal skills; growing leader; team builder; sense of humor; risk-taker (seminary not required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

- A Solid Calling to New York City
- The ability to manage a large and growing Ministry System
- A passion for the Bible and innovation
- An ability to communicate, lead classes and lead meetings (volunteers/staff)
- A team player
- Experience in a large/growing church
- A positive attitude
- A familiarity with The Purpose Driven Church Model
- A risk taker
- A passion for helping people take spiritual next steps
- A desire to not let anyone fall through the cracks
- A passion and drive for evangelism and reaching the unchurched
- A high commitment to the local church
- Non-charismatic
- Must be willing to work up to 60 hours a week when necessary

Only resumes accompanied with a COVER LETTER will be considered.

The cover letter should be personalized for this position and should answer 4 questions:

(1) Why you are interested in this position?

(2) Have you read the book “Fusion: Turning First Time Guests into Fully Engaged Members of Your Church” by Journey Lead Pastor Nelson Searcy?

(3) Why you would feel comfortable relocating to New York City?

(4) And what about you makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

*Also – if you have a recent video/audio of you teaching in front of a group (large or small) – please include that along with your resume and cover letter.

Please send cover letters and resumes to kt1@journeymetro.com.

Sorry, but emailing me or contacting the church in other ways shows that you can’t follow instructions and thus you won’t be considered – ha (but true!).

- Nelson