the power of story

There is a lot of talk about ’story’ right now. In fact, there is a one day conference coming up this fall called Story.

While we were in NYC, Lynda and I took one night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and go out to a show. We ended up seeing In the Heights, which won last year’s Tony for best musical. And after seeing it, I can see why. What an amazing show.

As I watched it, I was in total awe of how someone can craft such a creative piece…weaving three stories together to tell one story. The music was memorable…the characters endearing…the story compelling. Just an amazing show. Even now, several days later, I’m still thinking about it, remembering lines and songs.

It reminds me how important the message we communicate each week in our churches truly is. We have the role of sharing the most important story ever told.

So my question is: Are we telling it in a way that stays with people long after they leave our doors?

nyc with the incarnation team

We had a great long weekend with the team (and our good friends) of Church of the Incarnation, a new church planting this fall on the upper west side of Manhattan. As we got to hang with the team (Jared & Stephanie Witt and Rhesa Storms — Jonathan & Jubi Williams will be joining the team soon), we were able to get a real sense of what they are doing and what COTI is going to look like. I was able to help them think through some marketing and facility stuff… but more importantly, we were just able to encourage and support them as they are planning their launch. I remember those months leading up to us starting Harbor of Hope… it was sometimes lonely, sometimes discouraging and, many times, overwhelming. So I think it was a perfect trip for us to make.

Here is a pic from our last night there when we all got to go out for dinner at a great place in the city… It was so good to be with such good friends. We miss them…and are praying for them as they prepare for their launch.

showing off…

We’ve been moving kids around the house to try to make sleeping a bit better… that means Colin gets his own room now. He’s pretty excited about that. So now he finally has a place to display his Lego creations and stuff… Here are a few pics Lynda snapped of Aubrey and Colin as they were setting things up…

my dream job

I think I could make a living being a professional conference attender… there are so many out there I would like to attend. Hoping to maybe take in a few of these…

• Killing Cockroaches tour — I read Tony Morgan’s book earlier in the year and it was great (I posted a review here). He’s taking the show on the road this summer and is making a stop up in Aurora at The Orchard. I’ve wanted to make a trip up there for the past year to see what Scott Hodge and team have up there. I’d get to kill two birds with one stone.
• Cultivate Conference 09 — In October, Chicago will be home to the Cultivate Conference. This will be a gathering of some of the most creative people in the ministry world. It looks like a thought-provoking learning experience.
• Story — the next day, Ben Arment’s two day experience will be held outside Chicago in Aurora. I attended his Whiteboard Sessions last year and met some great people. This promises to be another great gathering.
• Catalyst — in the fall, Atlanta is the place to be. I’ve wanted to attend Catalyst the past few years but it just hasn’t happened. Hoping to make it this year.

So sign me up… I’m ready to become Matt Bortmess, Full-time Conference-attender.

big goal for the summer…

at least for me it is. I’m committing to read through the growing stack of books that are on my bookshelf in my office… they have all been ones that caught my eye over the past 6 months but haven’t gotten around to reading yet. Here’s what I’ll be reading this summer, in no particular order:

• The Unlikely Disciple
• Everything Must Change
• The Hole in Our Gospel
• Collapse of Distinction
• The Furious Longing of God
• Jesus Wants to Save Christians
• Sin Boldly
• The Fine Line
• It
• Holy Discontent
• Churched
• Church Unique

So I’ll post here how I’m coming along. My first one will be The Unlikely Disciple…going to take it with me on the plane to NYC this week. It looks really good.

What are you reading this summer? Any good novels you’d recommend (that’s what my list is lacking..)?

updating my links

I just wanted to mention that I’ve added some links of blogs that I’m currently reading. Check ‘em out…

Imagine NYC — our good friends, Jared & Stephanie Witt, are in NYC planting a new church. We’re heading out there later this week to visit and help them in any way we can as they are working towards a fall launch.

I also added a couple sites that are humor takes on Christian culture: Jesus Needs New PR and Stuff Christians Like. I guess I’m a bit cynical because I tend to think these two guys nail it most often.

What sites am I missing? Let me know what you’ve been reading lately…