Journey is kicking off a new series this weekend. ‘UnChristian’. This series looks at 5 ‘good’ things that Christians do, that distracts us from the mission of Christ. In part 1 I’m talking about the perception that the unchurched have of the believers. That perception says, ‘The church is known for what it is AGAINST.’ When, it appears to me that Christ was constantly teaching what He was FOR.
   We will also cover some hot topics like; politics, tradition, judgmental attitudes and super spiritual Christians. Should make for an interesting month. Let’s get this party started.
    I don’t want to be UNchristian.

We welcomed forty new friends to Journey today at the Newcomers Luncheon. It was a great way to complete the weekend. The X-Team did an amazing job hosting the event. The food was delicious and I confess that I went back for seconds. Danny’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo was so good. So good.

  We have been working on the fountains in Lake Journey for several months. Well, today they are flowing. Man are they beautiful ? I took several pictures, some before dark and some after. The ones after dark didn’t come out to good. But they really shine at night. Thanks to all who made these possible.

Journey is hosting the Dave Ramsey Simulcast tonight(Thurs. April 23)
at 7PM. Dave will be broadcast on the Big Screen in the Main Worship Center with surround sound. Childcare will be available for 5 and under.
   There is NO Charge for this event. We are preparing for you. Come see us.

  “We are not participating in this recession.”
                                                               Dave Ramsey

I have been collecting this list of core values for 20 years. None of these are original. They are all truths that I have learned from visionary leaders. Over the years, I have attended many great conferences and events that featured some of the best spiritual leaders of our time. I have heard, in person, the teachings of some men and women who have greatly influenced our generation. I have listened to people like, David Cho, Bill Hybel, John Maxwell, Rick Warren, George Wood, John Lindell, Willie George, Jesse Duplantis, Gilbert Bilzikian and others. Well, while listening I took notes and the following list is the result.
    This posting is for leaders in general and pastors in particular. If one of the Core Values catches your attention and you want to discuss it, email me at pastordoug@jfcemail.com Also feel free to copy this and use it for your team.

         21 CORE VALUES for VISIONARIES

1. The Kingdom of God is built on relationships.
2.Dream big dreams. Take risks.
3.The message is sacred, the methods are not.
4. Paint your church fire engine red.
5. Be relevant.
6. Be authentic.
7. Tell the story.
8. Celebrate wins.
9. Do everything with excellence.
10. Change is coming. You will either initiate it or react to it.
11. You can’t choose who visits your church, but you can determine who stays.
12. Church should be the most exciting place on the planet.
13. Exploit the Internet.
14. Believe the best about others.
15.Walk by faith.
16. Do the paperwork.
17. Delegate, delegate, delegate.
18. Location, location, location.
19. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. Be yourself.
20. Say the other 10%.
21. May he who serves the most people WIN.

   The final numbers are in and the report is on my desk. Easter week was the best ever at Journey. Every area of the ministry was way up. Here’s the highlights:

  2    Campuses
  2    Languages
  7    Experiences
40    Decisions to follow Christ
55    ’First Time Guest’ Families
132   X Team Members
237   Jr & Sr High Students at Momentum
227   Elementary students in FUSION
269   Pre School Students
756   autos,trucks,motorcycles and SUV’s parked
And a lot of adults….

Dr. Miller took a few hundred pictures this weekend. I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you….

     Well Easter 2009 is history. It was a lovely event indeed. We will gather all the official numbers this week, but the unofficial results are in. About 40 people responded to the call to follow Christ. That alone makes the weekend. But the good news continues. We hosted 7 Experiences on two campuses, our busiest Easter ever. 5 services on the Northshore,(4 in English and 1 in Spanish) and 2 services in the Ninth Ward. We welcomed dozens of first time guest. We ministered to over 500 children. A combined cast and crew of 60 performed the ‘Portraits’ production on both campuses. With a grand total attendance of 2100 for the weekend. He is alive.

   The first two shows have been very moving. Good Friday night and Saturday night are done. Both of those Experiences were well attended and the cast and crew delivered an awesome performance. There are four more shows today. Two on the Northshore and two in the Ninth Ward. Journey Northshore meets at 9 & 11 am today. Journey Ninth Ward will meet at 11am & 1pm today. All seats are free. Lots of extra stuff for the kids too. I will post pictures tonight of the weekend at Journey. Happy Easter. The Tomb is EMPTY.

We are hosting the Dave Ramsey Simulcast at Journey on Thursday April 23, 2009 at 7 PM. We will be joining thousands of others from around the nation to hear Dave talk common sense about the economy. While so many are worried about the “recession” Ramsey says, he’s not participating. Neither am I. We will feature the simulcast on our giant wall screen in the main auditorium. Hope you can make it.