I had an unusually blessed opportunity to spend some time with Andy Stanley yesterday while at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw. My former pastor, Mike Linch, invited us over to sit in on their staff meeting that Andy had graciously agreed to come lead. I appreciate Andy’s ministry so much and have been greatly influenced by his ministry over the years.
First, let me gloat just a bit for the privilege I had to be a part of this and to spend some time talking with Andy in a personal setting. I would love it if someone would make sure that this was passed on to Tony Morgan at Newspring Church in Anderson due to the fact that he has enjoyed gloating over getting a hug from Andy and having his picture taken with him. Tony titled a now well-known blog entry “This is not Andy Stanley’s Blog” and increased the number of his blog hits as a result. If by chance I get an increased number of blog hits as a result, it is totally unintentional. Of course, one of my goals is to personally meet Tony and Perry and hope to do that this coming March at Unleash 08. I hope to get my picture made with both of them as well.
But more importantly, back to what I learned that applies to reaching disconnected and unconvinced people. Andy shared several random thoughts and quotes he has collected recently and over the years and offered commentary on these thoughts and how they have applied to him and Northpoint Community Church. Here goes:
- When your memories exceed your dreams your end is near.
- There is a danger when you have accomplished a lot of things and your focus is on the past rather than future dreams. It is dangerous being an expert on the past. You must gain clarity around future dreams. Success breeds complacency and complacency breeds failure.
- The next generation product almost never comes from the previous generation: Act early, develop a totally new product, and give the product a new name–Act Boldly.
- To reach people that haven’t been reached we will need to do things that haven’t been done. Question: What are the barriers and boundaries of what we’re doing?
- What do I believe is impossible to do in my field, but if it could be done, would fundamentally change my business?
- If you brought in fresh eyes, had nothing to lose and had young leadership, what would they do to multiply your business? Then why aren’t you doing it?
- If I had someone give me all of the current assets I have for my organization and the yearly income, would I utilized it the same way that I am currently operating? If not, why am I doing it this way and why don’t I make the necessary changes?
Monday was extremely valuable and encouraging! Thank you Andy, Mike Linch, and NorthStar for allowing The Grove to be a part!
Check out the pics. Note the tall, rather hairy guy with me. He is another hero of mine and my wife. I met Donald Wise years ago at a camp called IMPACT and have been friends with him ever since. Donald knew my wife Jill before I ever met her. The fact that Jill married me is still the only reason that Donald is my friend and the only reason he has any respect for me. He and his wife Sandy are awesome and they have an awesome family. Donald has joined the staff at Northpoint to help launch their new Strategic Partner sites across the country.
