Disqus - Latest Comments for Jesse

Re: 100 Words - Project Update

Jesse — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:19:37 -0000

Love this 100 words idea! "less is more" is definitely the mantra of the day.
Alan Hirsch on the church going forward.
Tony Morgan on leadership
Erwin McManus on loving your neighbor
Joshua Blankenship on branding
Neil Cole on discipleship
Joel Houston on helping people
Donald Miller on loving your neighbor (it's an important topic!)
Francis Chan on loving God (oh yeah, and this is prob more important)

Just some ideas. Cheers, Blaine. good work.

Re: Wise as serpents, innocent as doves: are Christians “sneaking” their views into culture?

Jesse — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:41:56 -0000

This is a great question. Should we not be stealthy. Christianity has such a horrible reputation, that anything we try to do under that banner gets immediattely rejected. What does it mean to "hide your motives", is that just me not saying I'm a Christian when I argue for ID, or when I serve at a soup kitchen, or do something nice for my neighbor?

I think sharing that I'm a Christian does needlessly sabotage my message. If I'm trying to do something good, or argue for truth, my motive is for that truth or that good. For me to share that it's what God wants me to do is to discredit myself. I do it because it's good. And yes, God wants me to do good stuff.

It's just not fair for Non-Christians to complain that we're doing things motivated by God. There are bad effects of abortion and pre-marital sex. I don't think that's underhanded at all, it's just the way things are.

but most importantly, I think the bible is clear that we don't judge those outside the Church. Why are we even trying to convince those outside to live rightly? This leads them to a legalistic/religious/pharisee-like understanding of Jesus and God. this is bad. stop it.

Re: Early Christians and the Cross

Jesse — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:16:21 -0000

1. Sorry, I'm not sure that I agree with the basis of his data. Is this really true about Christian art history - did it really evolve this way, and are these the reasons for his evolution?
2. I seriously doubt the early Christians were worrying about "public relations" or their image.
3. The cross makes sense to me as a symbol: "take up your cross daily", "living sacrifice", "put to death"

Re: 30 Day Sex Challenge

Jesse — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:56:22 -0000

I disagree, I think that sex is meant to draw you together. And when you practice abstaining from it in marriage, you open yourself to lust. The scripture says not to deprive each other except for a time to devote to prayer.

I think it's a clever and effective idea. I blogged about it as well.

Re: That Was The Sound of the World Getting That Much Smaller

Jesse — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:33:10 -0000

I agree that the environment issue is somewhat futile. BUT I love that it has brought two "christian" leaders together. I think we've had enough of disunity and arguing, so it's refreshing to see some solidarity.

Re: Swearing in Movies

Jesse — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:36:19 -0000

I affirm the idea that Christians focus too much on little things and ignore other, more serious, sins. I think it's another exampel of how our Christian culture is very similar to the Pharisees of Jesus' day - which makes me think that Pharisee-ism is a common malady, not isolated to those early Jews, but rather it pops-up in, perhaps, all "religious" groups.

BUT 2) let me say, I don't think swearing is a sin. It's simply how our culture talks. When a non-Christian swears, they're probably not thinking evil in their heart, they're just using the word that everyone else does to express how their feeling. Obviously swear words can be used in sinful ways, but I think it's interesting that some people use them in other ways: to empathize, "F***, I'm sorry. That's F***ed-up." when talking about their neighbors dog getting hit by a car. Is that wrong? No, I don't think so, their intent and heart is empathetic and kind to their neighbor. Or "What the F***" - translated - "What the Heck!?",

or some people just use F constantly! And if you're a pharisee, it will drive you crazy "Yeah, F***in, we went to the grocery store, and F***in', they didn't have any F***in eggs" - I would argue that there's no mal intent - that (really, obviously) they're just using a word their culture has taught them to use. Therefore, I don't think it's wrong in those cases.

The reason I even care, is because I noticed that when I would hear ppl cus, It would immediately cause a rift between me and them. I was the too holy pharisee, and I would think, oh their just soo sinful - don't want to be around them, OR EVEN WORSE tell them how innappropriate they were, - which is not loving and the opposite of what Jesus taught - just b/c I was uncomfortable, and all they're doing is using the language the way they've learned it to be acceptable.

So, I hope you agree. I think us Pharisees are the reason that the Church is failing in the West.

Please check-out my blog: http://jessephillips.wordpress.org

Re: Defending the Church

Jesse — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:26:44 -0000

This is very interesting, Indeed! I'm a young person (relatively, 26). I'm not looking for it outside of church walls (I don't think), but I do experience the problems mentioned above.

I've done the evangelism thing and found that ppl HATE! us, our reputation sucks.

I think the problem is we're trying to argue how much better we are. Hmm, not really. We're trying to argue how great it is to be Christian...sorta. I don't know.

I think our negative past can be helpful, it should make us humble, make us realize that we suck, and that we need to just love people and show them by our actions that God loves them too. not through "fine sounding arguments," or annoying arguments. hopefully.

Re: The rapture of the nerds

Jesse — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:44:51 -0000

This does not surprise me at all. There are many pseudo religious beliefs that come from the scientific community, which are VERY interesting, and it's an interesting discussion. These beliefs include:
- The belief in aliens, and their genius and benevolence; including the idea that they created us, somehow, and are watching over us
- The belief in evolution in that our species needs to evolve to a higher conscienceness, the faith that we will evolve and become better people to one another
- The vague belief in technology to save us: the idea that computers can become smarter than us, that artificial intelligence is possible and will bring about a new age.
- The idea that by not eating animals and living organically, this is your higher morality and calling - what you live for.

Scientific atheists may not believe in God, but they do believe in some weird things too. I think it's our nature to look for that transcedence.

Re: Should I Stay or Go?

Jesse — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:24:59 -0000

I think he raises some valid concerns! I agree with what he's saying and thinking.

1. WE ARE THE BODY! we need to all do ministry!!!! not just a single professional, it's RIDICULOUS! we need to work together, but this one man show model is not that !!! !! ! ! !

2. Can't grow close with a large group like that. This is not what Jesus intended! We need community - to grow, to love each other - amen, I agree.

3. yes

4. aren't all leaders workaholics. But I agree, the body is there for a reason, to distribute the work.

5. we all need to be reaching out to non-Christians. I agree.

Re: The Future is Here!

Jesse — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:34:50 -0000

What about for video games!? I remember, when I was 10, wanting to invent a 3D gaming console - for playing those silly miniatures games (like Warhammer).

Yeah, it would be cool to show Billy Graham via hologram at the Catalyst Conference! Can't wait!

Re: How do you celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

Jesse — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:43:46 -0000

AMEN AMEN AMEN! We don't do commune like that, but I think that's how they did it in Acts and stuff.

I think the anemic way in which we celebrate communion is indicative of the anemic way we do church: passive, unfeeling, anonymous, spectatorish

Re: How do you celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

Jesse — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:49:20 -0000

Well, that's interesting. I don't think God intended communion to be done this way - don't think it's what the bible describes or God's heart at all, but if it works, go with it.

I disagree that opening something to innovation is bad. I think tradition lends itself to a hardness of heart and forgetting the meaning behind the tradition. Jesus roundly criticized the Pharisees for their traditions - please be careful, brother.

Re: God and Gustav

Jesse — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:07:01 -0000

I believe it's from God, as is everything, all things good and bad, God allows them. God allows/brings suffering and good things. He's in complete control of all events, all atoms and electrons, their location and properties - every milisecond he is consciously holding the universe, the earth, my brain, together.

Not saying he's bringing this to punish anyone, or stop the convention, I'm just saying He's doing it - don't know why. And if we ask Him to stop it, He might do that too.

promotion comes neither from the east or from the west but from God.
God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape.
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
God disciplines those he loves.
Thank God for trials of many kinds.

Re: Closed Worship

Jesse — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:39:06 -0000

I agree worship should never be closed. However, I don't think they're doing anything wrong by keeping people out who have not paid to attend the event. I bet it was pretty expensive, and in this economy, it's not fair for us to expect them to not look after their financial affairs.

Re: Quick Thought: Selling Your Church Building to Meet Community Needs

Jesse — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:51:39 -0000

I'd say the majority of churches do not have some sort of ministry in their building every day, and that they're not recognized in the community - so I think it's a great idea for most churches. Furthermore, I bet at least half of the ministry things happening in your church are a small enough size that they could still easily be accomplished in someone's home.

I like the idea of a community center church - a place that's known in the community and gets lots of use. However, I think this only describes 0.1% of the churches in America. Most churches squander their resources on buildings, staff, marketing, etc - mostly ignoring our charge to help the orphan and the widow. Consequently, we're known for just wanting people's money.

Re: Hello, I'm El Clinto.

Jesse — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:03:09 -0000

Dude, what is this? Is it like a parable of how Christians are? I wish there was an identifier with this, who made it? What's the message?

Re: » Hello, I am El Clinto.

Jesse — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:50:18 -0000

el Clinto, I love you. How did you make this awesome picture look so awesome?

Re: » Hello, I am El Clinto.

Jesse — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:24:11 -0000

What happened to Michigan? Why did you move to Michigan, and why are you leaving?

Re: twas the night before Rick Warren’s stealth conference

Jesse — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:45:48 -0000

DJ, this is so interesting. I've been thinking about house church lately - which seems similar to small groups (to me). Do you forsee people meeting in home/small groupish settings eating video content, but not attending a large service on Sunday?

Re: get a free 12seconds.tv invite : djchuang.com

Jesse — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:45:47 -0000

I'd like an invite, I know it's too late.

Re: who’s gonna be there at Innovation3 Gathering

Jesse — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:34:21 -0000

I'll be there:

Jesse Phillips http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog *

Re: Make Twitter into Cash

Jesse — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:31:49 -0000

wow, interesting find. I definitely won't be doing this. However, on the topic of advertisements, I kind-of actually enjoy adverts on Facebook that are ministry related things - they do this thing where they target ads to me base on my profile, so I made my profile reflect the kinds of things I'd like to see ads on, and they're not half bad - or maybe 2/3 bad, but there are some good nuggets.

Re: Christian Venture Startup Group

Jesse — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:55:02 -0000

I"M WITH YOU! I think there is a huge need, and the ROOV guys inspire me. The Body greatly needs to be more tightly networked (it's happening), and working together on Kingdom Ventures!

My idea: coffee houses (inspired by Ekklesia in Houston), that are open 7 days a week. More than a coffee house, they are an art gallery, a community center, a place where people come, hear live music, get together. And upstairs, on sunday, a church plant is meeting - in a cool environment.

and all kinds of unchurched people come to get community, and do the fun community events that are held there, and hear local bands, and see really cool art or hear a lecture on economics and eventually come to the funky little church they have on sundays, or sat evening.!!! BOOYAH, fires me up!

Re: Sharing Innovation is Sharing the Love

Jesse — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:18:57 -0000

Thanks for bringing this up, John! That Peter Drucker quote is PHENOMENAL! seriously phenomenal. But, I can't think of anything we've done that's truly innovative like that! I would like to hear more of those things. (and the less phenomenal kind).

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Don’t Try And Change The World…

Jesse — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:44:11 -0000

Um, Why the heck would our job be to "create culture"? I don't get that.

Our job is to love God and really love people.

I think we get easily distracted when we over analyze and make it something more complicated ("creating culture").

It's actually much, much harder (and simpler) to love God and love people.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Dear Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Jesse — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:36:26 -0000

DUDE! I just got pulled-over a month ago and got 3 tickets, 1 for not having a GA license, 1 for expired tags (I drove my car here from CA) and 1 for something else.

You should get your GA license and tags and insurance ASAP.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Books, Books, Books

Jesse — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:03:10 -0000

Los, I think you're right. Perhaps it would help to have a service that will pull the diamonds out of all the heaps of coal. Maybe I could provide that service? Who will help me with this new business venture?

If I wrote a book, it would be about how I think racism is less about color and more about culture. Culturism, not racism. I wrote a blog about that here: http://jessephillips.wordpress.com/2008/04/07/c...

You should read it because it could potentially drastically improve our understanding of race relations and help bring some healing and solutions.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » A Day In The Life…

Jesse — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:03:07 -0000

AWESOME! Is there an application for me to do this with a PC? I just bought a PC! - bad idea?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Some Shots From Live Summit Blogging Studio

Jesse — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:54:05 -0000

DUDE! is that Mark Batterson, he is a GIANT!
Miles McPherson is my old pastor, back in San Diego! Yay!
It's so fun to hear Tony Morgan's voice after looking at his picture for so long (reading his blog...c'mon).

well done, los.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Dear Worship Dude

Jesse — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:31:25 -0000

Los! Thanks for this!

I love the topic. IT'S HUGE that you bring this up. WE NEED TO BE THINKING about the outsiders.

But, Los, I love you, I must disagree. I don't think outsiders see authentic passion in worship leaders. worship seems the least authentic part of the service to me, as a Christian. The non-Christians I've talked to don't seem to see "worship" as authentic - they think it's weird.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Creative Chaos // 14

Jesse — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:51:12 -0000

CARLOS for President of Christian Creatives!

LOVE THIS!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » 24 - Flipped

Jesse — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:24:20 -0000

You guys are AMAZING! Thank you for inspiring me, Los!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » I’m a 2T

Jesse — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:11:50 -0000

Sorry about the name problem. You wouldn't believe how many spellings there are for Jesse.

I would like to know if there are any heuristics, or rules of thumb, for how to estimate the ROI for learning and engaging in this technological stuff.

Any kind of way to think about the ROI of social networking, or this kind of stuff, would be very helpful!!!!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » My Head Is Bigger Than Crowders But Not As Big As Stetzer’s

Jesse — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:41:51 -0000

Los, you drove so much traffic to our site with this post! It's ridiculous! How do you do it!?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Meet My Fake Friends

Jesse — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:04:15 -0000

Good point! Lots of people are trying to argue that you need to have face to face connection, but I think your blog is proof that you don't, and it still works.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » If You Could Name Your Band…

Jesse — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:41:36 -0000

VIOLENT! REVOLUTION!

or

HMLTY

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » July’s Flava

Jesse — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:10:43 -0000

www.elclinto.com

www.thelongbrake.com

www.churchology.org - actually, not ready yet.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Best Sermon Ever

Jesse — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:00:25 -0000

Miles Welch - Purity vs. Promiscuity
Matt Chandler - practically anything - but his lab at Catalyst 2007 was ... really awesome.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » If You Love My Family

Jesse — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:06:16 -0000

I LOVE your time lapse stuff!!!

I wish I had a family!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Look Out Below!!!

Jesse — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:54:15 -0000

yes, biscuet!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » I Love It When My Worship Leader

Jesse — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:05:56 -0000

I like when they transition songs with only music. I like when they remind me to be worshipping, but in a humble, gentle way.

I like when they cry, and sway.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Caption Please…

Jesse — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:34:26 -0000

C'mon, another "unspoken" prayer request! GEEEEEZ!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Only 40% Left!!!

Jesse — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:11:29 -0000

I read in firefox. But, Los, it's really 41% reading it in IE. (oh, does IE 7 fix the bug?)

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » RagamuffinSoul.com T-Shirt Design Contest!!!

Jesse — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:38:43 -0000

HOTNESS! Great idea, Los!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » BMP Announcement - Tommorow @ Night Of Worship

Jesse — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:44:24 -0000

Los is wearing the WIBO shirt!, oh, sorry Matt Morgan.
"Bad Mother Plucker" - seriously though. What IS THIS!? Is it 723?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Announcing The Buckhead Music Project

Jesse — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:52:10 -0000

I LOVE this!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Cocks, Atheists, and Ragamuffin Soul

Jesse — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:34:16 -0000

This is really interesting! I mean, it's proof that Christians have a horrible reputation, right?

What can we do to change that?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » An Immigrant’s Thoughts

Jesse — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:53:23 -0000

Wow, that's such a good perspective! Pray for the new President!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » How Big Is Your Chenis?

Jesse — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:20:24 -0000

AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN!
amen!

something just occured to me as I misread your post. I read the idea "there are no mega churches" to mean that beyond a certain size, whatever you've got is not a church - like depending on your definition. (here I'm getting into mathematical graph theory). Let's define a church ... no, let's define a "church" as a "zurk". church = zurk. And define a "zurk" = a group of believers who know and support each other and worship God together. No zurk can exceed the size of the relationships in the zurk. If this is true, than you can't have a zurk larger than like 20 or 50. (My zurk would be like 4 or 5). church = zurk = <= 50ppl. So, perhaps, what we call a "church" or megachurch is really not a church, but a group of zurks/churches that really matters to the individual.

In a sense, if I only know 30 people at my mega church, my church is a size of 30 people. Although there are 5,000 other people there - they are essentially invisible to me. Sadly, I can easily be attending the megagroup, but not know anyone and therefore attending a church of size.

I wonder what the zurk sizes are like at a mega church?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » To Catch A Racist

Jesse — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:24:00 -0000

How do we become just a strong community, ignoring the differences? It's tough.

I have a theory that racism is not based on color as much as it is on culture. I feel like we descriminate more on the basis of how others dress, talk, and act, more than skin color - that's why Tiger Woods was drafted by the Whites in that SNL skit and why some in the African American community think of him as a sell-out. He talks, dresses and acts "white".

These cultural differences are deeply ingrained, and I think they are what make different racial groups uncomfortable around each other and maybe fear each other - maybe for the same reason I feared the cool kids growing-up as a nerd? I think these cultural differences is why they don't hang-out together much (which perpetuates the isolation and differences of the subcultures). I really don't know though, it just seems that way.

This theory also explains why groups in different nations of the same color but different cultures (accent, dress, idioms, traditions) discriminate one another.

I'll be honest, I'm a little uncomfortable chillin with someone that has a thick "ebonics" (or what's a better word? not meaning to offend) accent as opposed to my friend Asher who has a TV accent. Although our skin colors are different, his outward appearing culture is very near to mine - dresses, talks, acts like me.

Perhaps this is racist. If so I need to fix this. But I think it's true that this is the hurdle: embracing people who talk differently, dress differently and act differently - and further - hurdling the past stereotypes of that culture.

Please, no offense Los, please, please, please. I LOVE YOU so much. I think it's interesting that you talk and dress and act less like the ethnic hispanic culture and more like the white suburban culture I'm used to.

What do you think about that? Do you think it makes you more palatable/attractive to the majority white evangelical Christians that do and follow NorthPoint? Do you think it has anything to do with your success? Just questions, I'm curious.

I love you, I love you, I love you.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » My Vomit Filled Post About Jealousy.

Jesse — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:57:06 -0000

HELL YEAH, Los! Plus, we're all different parts of the body! We don't need two Los's. It's not about popularity, etc, as you said, it's about us working together as a body, rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn.

Re: Is Podcasting Dead?

Jesse — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:46:53 -0000

I don't listen to them as often either. I have plenty of time while driving to listen to podcasts, BUT! I feel like I should pray or something. I feel guilty for being constantly plugged in.

Therefore, although I enjoy the RELEVANT Podcast (and, of course, the Catalyst Podcast where I learned about this blog), I just haven't taken time to listen to it.

Re: How would Apple do church?

Jesse — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:42:51 -0000

Apple and Starbucks are HOT because of their awesome design/experience/coolness.

The churches I go to, the company I work for, we're trying to do this approach. But I'm not sure if this approach will be effective in promoting Jesus.

I feel like, much, much more than the above, the world is starving for LOVE, community, authenticity and meaning. Which we can convey using Starbucksian methods, but the world doesn't buy spiritual truth in the same way they do products, so it's not a fair comparison.

Therefore, for the sake of strategy and winning people, I think we need to: 1) create a culture of authentic community 2) LOVE people a lot 3) be humble and communicate total humility and brokenness and acceptance.

maybe...

Re: Churches I’d Visit if I Had a Free Weekend and an Unlimited Travel Budget

Jesse — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:15:43 -0000

I would visit Chris Seay's Church: Ecclesia (top of my list), And Mark Driscoll, Gateway, Francis Chan, Erwin and that weird church of Jay Baker.

Re: The Electronic Sign

Jesse — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:35:06 -0000

OH Crap! He done said it!

Tony, what a great point! It's soooooooooo important to recognize when you're poorly communicating your message [which happens to be the most important message EVER!].

I think we've had centuries of poor communication, and I fear that now the Christian brand is so set-back that people can't even hear us anymore. I feel like Christianity selling peace and joy and life is like McDonald's selling over-priced organic health food. It's not credible, no one is buying it.

I wonder sometimes if it would help to change our brand by almost starting a new religion (in name only), like Jesusism, or Loveianity - b/c people are (unfortunately) turned-off by "Christian" before they know anything about it! They have all these pre-conceived notions.

Re: Hosting Live Webcasts from Saddleback this Week

Jesse — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:13:32 -0000

SWEET! Can't wait for the schedule, I LOVE ME some UStream.

Re: Rick’s First Session Live on the Web

Jesse — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:46:46 -0000

LIVE! BABY! so it starts at 11:45 East Coast.

Re: 25 Web Apps That Make My Life Easier

Jesse — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:58:10 -0000

LOVE this post! love learning new things that are out there, will definitely link back to this, Tony!

Re: Hierarchies Versus Paths

Jesse — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:24:00 -0000

Tony, you're a genius! Thanks for writing this post. I agree, it's so so so easy to ignore your "customer's" perspective, but it's essential to connecting with them and helping them to "buy-in."

Very insightful. What do you think are one of the practical applications here?

Re: Does Jesus Belong in a Pub?

Jesse — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:28 -0000

Hell Yes!! Thanks Tony. We need to get out there and reach the unchurched. THANK YOU TONY!

Re: Interested in a New Coaching Network?

Jesse — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:32:12 -0000

Wow! That's what I'm talkin' about! So glad that you've decided to take some time and invest and connect with other leaders, huge for The Church. thank you, Tony.

Re: 9 Do’s and Don’ts for Ministry Growth

Jesse — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:57:06 -0000

Tony, thanks for this list! It seems so easy to get wrapped up in worrying about branding and being slick - honestly it's easier (and more fun) to focus on that stuff than to focus on life change and helping people connect with God.

LOVE your point about the volunteers! We are a body, and ALL OF US need to be excercising our gifts - as leaders we need to empower the body to do that.

#10 goes without saying really, but "pray."

Re: 49 Simple Strategies for Better Blogging

Jesse — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:54:32 -0000

good insights. Thanks Tony

Re: Exciting Things Happening in Greenville

Jesse — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:07:00 -0000

DANG! 54 of 63! that's ... 85%! well played, New Spring.

Re: You Asked For It

Jesse — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:42:25 -0000

Wow! this is so cool. I think it's extremely relevant to ask them what they want to hear about, then answer those questions.

Re: Blog Reader Profile

Jesse — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:35:27 -0000

Arts people are more hip and in the know than the rest of us, so naturally they'll be reading blogs and wasting time more often than the other segments of the population.

Re: Direct Mail

Jesse — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:28:29 -0000

The last piece I really enjoyed was from Passion in Atlanta. It was a small 3 x 6 piece that folded out from the center to 12 x 6 (or something along these lines). Very simple piece of cardboard, but the design (with all those flourishy things, and stuff) was breathtaking for me (not the most recent one, the one before that, it was orange and white I think).

2. passion cds and videos
3. design was awesome for me
4. no strong call to action, just told me what products were available.

Re: Save time. Subscribe.

Jesse — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:19:44 -0000

I use bloglines. Josh Cody, from ChurchMarketingSucks, recently recommended Google Reader. I wish bloglines was faster and easier than it is. Would love to hear about a better one out there!

and my favorite feed is http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog/

Re: Multi-site Strategy Revealed

Jesse — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:59:26 -0000

funny you should mention multisite - www.EdStetzer.com just wrote a blog post on multi-site strategy/philosophy (based on article from World Magazine http://www.worldmag.com/articles/article.cfm?ei...)

I'm curious what people's experience is with it. Some have reservations.

Re: Using WordPress for Church Websites

Jesse — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:30:39 -0000

I'm having my wordpress theme created by http://dallaspetersdesign.com/ guy is really good and really economical

Re: How to Get from Here to There

Jesse — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:50:39 -0000

Thanks, Tony. It's hard for my generation to accept this fact. I believe we need more opportunities, however.

Re: Outculturing, Crowdsourcing and Clever Repartee

Jesse — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:05:31 -0000

Wow, this is a hard one to comment on. Matt Chandler just started bloggin: http://www.dwelldeep.net.

I subscribe to: http://brandautopsy.typepad.com/ which has marketing and branding goodness.

Re: 5 Questions with Seth Godin

Jesse — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:43:14 -0000

Love the idea of taking social networking to the next step (or being more specific with it). Seth, thanks for being willing to talk to us!

Similar to triiibes, ROOV.com is trying to connect people based on interests, start conversations, discuss ideas, start businesses, get people together.

Great interview Tony. Thanks.

Re: Why We Twitter

Jesse — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:49:34 -0000

Sharing is Caring!!!

Twitter shows that people are interested in the highlights and lowlights of your day. We need to talk about these things in person - face to face - to foster community.

Re: 5 Questions with Lincoln Brewster

Jesse — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:42:40 -0000

Tony, you're a genius! Thank you for offering this nice little audio clip for us! God bless you!

Re: Are You Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable?

Jesse — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:46:49 -0000

OMGosh! Tony, you're amazing! Thank you so much for this post! This is so self-less and kingdom focused! Thank you for saying this, Tony, I think you're right!

It must be hard, though, for an older leader to relinquish some control and serve the younger leader, since, in the old model, they themselves had to wait to get where they are. It must be very tempting to think:

"I worked hard, paid my dues and had to wait to have influence, they should have to do the same. They can wait till they're old like me."

Thanks for sharing these thoughts! So Christ-like.

Re: Books to Fuel Creativity

Jesse — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:00:15 -0000

Good magazine, Print Magazine, How Design Mag, http://www.graphic-exchange.com, http://www.behance.net

Re: Collide Magazine Interview

Jesse — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:25:40 -0000

I LOVE that interview Q&A feature. I would love to see more regular interviews with Christian leaders around the US. I think it helps us get to know each other and become more of a body!

Re: Child-like Wonder

Jesse — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:52:54 -0000

DEWDE! Your new blog is HOT! Thanks for sharing!

Re: Storm Watch Part 2

Jesse — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:29:28 -0000

Hey Chris!

Thanks for commenting on my blog! I appreciate it. I like your blog roll, big fan of several of those. Kiva is awesome as well.

Chris, let me ask you. What does it meant to give a tithe to God? does it mean giving it to a non-profit organization that has a guy who is a good speaker, and some musicians? What is God's heart and intention for His tithe?

What is a church? Aren't we all "The Church"? Aren't we corporately Jesus' body and Church? Aren't I His temple? Who is a priest/pastor? Is there not a "Priesthood of all believers" ? If I get together with my friend, are we a church? do you have to have 501-3c status to be a church? Do you have to preach a sermon on Sundays to be a church?

Thinking about these questions, I think our common definition of "church" is too narrow and unbiblical.

Re: First Post With Seesmic!

Jesse — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:51:15 -0000

How did you get a seesmic account? Do you have any invites?

Re: How would you define what’s necessary for a group to become a church?

Jesse — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:17:13 -0000

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ASKING THIS! I LOVE YOU TONY!!!!!!!

Christians gathering together for community, mutual encouragement, edifying one another with their gifts, and being discipled. Authenticity and confession of sin - intimacy, growth and love for one another. Not sure about the "worship" part.

What it's not:
anonymity, a sermon full of meaningless and trite sayings, a pep rally, a monologue, religiousy and inauthentic (un real), irrelevant, not changing my life, not helping me closer to Jesus, wasting God's resources, traditional for tradition's sake - but not really helping me transform, fake, a show, 3 easy steps, alliterative, ..... hmmm - what it is now.

Re: paperwhite peony

Jesse — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:34:50 -0000

that is a frickin RAD photo!

Re: paperwhite peony

Jesse — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:35:53 -0000

These are awesome! You may also like The Sub Studio Design blog: http://blog.sub-studio.com/ or http://www.ohjoy.blogs.com/
=D =D =D

Re: How Many People Actually Read What You Say on Twitter?

Jesse — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:23:51 -0000

great point! therefore, I would like to see several case studies of successful twitter social media marketing campaigns. How do you be "successful" if you're not really reaching anyone? I'm sure there is some benefit, but the problem you show here makes lots of sense and is very discouraging.

Re: How Many People Actually Read What You Say on Twitter?

Jesse — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:23:51 -0000

Re: Pay Atention to Detail.

Jesse — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:32:38 -0000

AWESOME! thanks for this post!!! I need to clean my desk, and my room!

Re: Is ‘No Sex Before Marriage’ a Realistic Expectation?

Jesse — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:32:12 -0000

Christina, I love you, but I disagree! =) Who gets married in the courts!? Seriously? The notion of how you get married in the US is in a church or at least by a pastor - whether you're Christian or not, that's the tradition. Furthermore, a limited number of people are licensed to certify marriage certificates - those are probably 90% pastors.

So, I'm sorry Christina, but your argument doesn't make sense to me - nor is it a very honest interpretation reality - i love you.

I like your second paragraph - but do you really think some random guy that you've asked to do your wedding will have the relational equity in your life to tell you a hard truth like that? I think probably not, and like Justin says, they'll be turned-off to church for a long time, sadly =(

When people come to get a civil service performed, they're basically completing a government transaction, they're not asking for your opinion.

Re: Is ‘No Sex Before Marriage’ a Realistic Expectation?

Jesse — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:33:44 -0000

I agree! Brother Jay, I think you missed the point of the post - not talking about Christians.

Re: Is ‘No Sex Before Marriage’ a Realistic Expectation?

Jesse — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:38:41 -0000

Sorry, I disagree - I think that's against scripture. Not saying you have to do it thru the state or anything, but God talks about committing to each other for life before having sex. And if you do have sex, then you have to marry them (old testament law, but still).

Re: ELCA One Step Closer to Passing Sexuality Statement

Jesse — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:30:42 -0000

I'm kinda glad if a mainline denom demises. It seems to me, from the mainline denom folks I've read/followed and spoken to, they've largely rejected the bible as authoritative and the exclusivity of salvation thru Jesus, in general (yes, sorry this is horribly general, but it's been my consistent experience with mainliners).

So, if the denom does demise, perhaps that's a good thing (or a God thing?). Why would God continue to support a denomination that doesn't really believe in Him or what He's said in the bible?

I personally feel that denominations (and I guess specifically leaders or churches) that don't teach/lead consistent with scripture are leading people astray, and if that is the case they're doing a TON of damage to the Kingdom. I can think of several examples.

Now we obviously will disagree on whether they're leading anyone astray -but if they are, I hope we'd agree it would be better for them not to exist. (better for a millstone to be hung around their neck, eh?)

Re: “We’re Human First, Christian Second”

Jesse — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:52:41 -0000

I mean, you're right, but I think I disagree in how you chose to say it.

We are Christians first!!!!! But Christians are not Perfect!!!! That is a tooooootally unbiblical idea that has seeped into the Church.

So, you don't have to say Human first, then Christian, b/c Christians are broken, sinner humans - that must have grace on each other and bear with one another, humbly loving each other deeply and forgiving each other.

But that aside, I agree with the content of your post! Totally! Good stuff.

Re: Pressing 0

Jesse — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:59:30 -0000

LOL! That sucks! I'm sorry you have to endure that. But I like your writing!