Kyle Mitchell

Group Life Conference

Sarah, Adam, Lisa, and I were able to make it to the simulcast of Willowcreek's Group Life Conference this weekend hosted by FBC-Midlo.  As with any conference there were highs and lows, but there were many more highs than lows and it was great to hear those involved in Kingdom work share their passion for Christ and people.  It always pumps me up to listen to others share their insights and it's even more fun to do that with a great group of people.  We spent all the breaks digesting the concepts and talking about ways to apply things to all that is developing in Mosaic.

Here's a few of my personal favorite moments:

John Burke

• He took the concept of oneness and expanded it beyond marriage to our purpose with God, self, others, and creation.  There are profound implications for taking this lens and applying oneness as the goal for life.  In our current state of brokenness in all of these areas of our lives, one can see our need for healing and restoration.  This is the message of the Church and it affirmed my passion to build a community of faith here in Ellis County built on this premise.

Will Miller

• I don't remember his spiritual point, but I do know I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time.  I was crying and my side ached and my cheeks were stiff from the smile plastered on my face.  Lisa had to head out early because she was feeling achy from a cold, and though I felt bad for her, I was a bit relieved because had she been there, she would have been snorting so loud and laughing hysterically.  It was a great way to end the night.
• Note to self, before going live with interactive texting with a message, do a test.

Bill Donahue

• Made amazing points drawn from a rich experience in ministry and mistakes that he's seen or personally made.  Here's a quick recap:
• "Obsession with vision while ignoring reality." Although a compelling vision is essential, once a leader begins to camp on the vision without awareness of the reality of the people around them, growth becomes arrested or declines altogether.  These leaders will ignore conflict altogether, or avoid any negative feedback in order to "maintain the vision", usually at the expense of relationships.   "If we love the dream of community more that we LOVE the community we will destroy the community". 
• "Implementing a strategy without the infrastructure to maintain the strategy". 
• "Empowering leaders without developing them"
• "Launching groups that never become community"
• Solutions to these key mistakes:
• Own the failures, both personal and leadership mistakes.  People don't expect perfection, but respect authentic integrity with humility. 
• Forgive self and others around us.  Create a culture that reconciles failures
• Cultivate hope.  It's one thing that the church owns and can dispense freely and our world desperately needs and wants.

Russ Robinson

• Great insight on the process of leading great discussions and how to prepare for leading a small group. 
• He inspired people to invest in leaders and cultivate relationships.  "people are the only thing that goes into the next generation". 

Mark Batterson and Heather Zempel

• These two had some of the most creative elements and also seemed to take the most scientific approach to understanding systems and making applications to the organism of the church.
• Ian and Caed would have LOVED the "experiments" and made me think, I've gotta get on-line and do some of those at home with the little guys.
• "Know your context."  In today's culture of information accessibility it can be very easy to take what God's using in one place and then "cut and paste" it into a new context without thinking through the fact that each church exists in a unique context.  They inspired us all to be seriously knowledgeable about our specific ministry context and the people God has called us to reach.
• They reviewed several of their "core values" and gave beautiful illustrations of how these values infect their thinking and church culture.  As a group that is compiling our core values we were inspired to look at what makes us, well...us.  This hour couldn't have come at a better time in our formation.
• I was personally inspired by their commitment to "mission" and the purpose of the church. 

Miles McPherson

• For me, this hour really affirmed my personal passion to reach our broken world by listening to their pain, sharing our own pain, and bringing all to Christ for healing and comfort. 
• His challenge was to "redefine evangelism" as more than just presenting the truth of the gospel, but introducing others to the person of Christ.  That involves more than just relationship, but true caring and compassion for people. 
• Looking for the brokenness in our own lives, and then showing others how Christ heals our brokenness creates a culture that attracts those that need the emotional and spiritual healing that is found only through the gospel of Christ.

All in all it was time well spent and inspirational.  I think we will have great discussion tomorrow night at our gathering of Mosaic's core.  God really affirmed that we are heading in the right direction!  I can't wait to see what God does next.

Saying Goodbye never gets easy

Today we had our Student Ministry Christmas Party at FBC which got combined with a "Far well Friends" moment since my season at FBC has come to a close at the end of the year.  Upon arriving 10 month ago, we had no idea that the partnership would last this long.  I just arrived on "The Journey" and was stopping in for a season and willing to help out however I could.  Clay and I shared about the dreams and goals of FBC Student ministry and I agreed that I could help with 3 big ones: a student-led worship team, Middle school leadership, and Summer events. 

These 10 months have been filled with memories that create a rich life.  Relationships formed and lives interwoven so that God could do amazing things in and through us all.  On a journey with no tangible destination, I discovered that the path along the way need not be mysterious, but filled with discovery, wonder, and new and old friendships. 

My closest friendships have come from the band.  These students created joy during my self-appointed sabbatical.  I watched a group of unconnected and unknown musicians assemble over time to create a group that now glorifies God and leads in worship.  We laughed, sang, shared our thoughts, complained, messed up, and felt God use us in wonderful ways.  A huge smile will always appear on my face as I think about Austin, Marshall, Dillon, Mandi (with an i), Courtney, April, Paul, Kelsey, Brian, Logan, Kendall, Hunter, Brandon, Macy, Neal and Leann.   Each week we discovered more about each other and God as we learned new songs, shared our lives, and had some laughs.  God has allowed worship to be such a vital part of my design and having a group of students to share this with on my journey has been an "oasis".  I'll NEVER forget you all.

The students at FBC have also been a bright spot each week.  You all let a stranger walk into your lives and you called me a friend almost instantly.  There are too many amazing kids to name at this point of the blog.   Memories flood my mind filled with faces from 10 months of great times at "The 'Shroom" and Piney Woods, a Rangers game, Super Summer (YELLOW SCHOOL ROCKS!), every Sunday morning with Middle School,  New Orleans road warriors and the best work crew EVER!  There are just too many ways to have fun with this group.  It's been a season of partying with new friends.

There's no doubt my life is richer having been here for 10 months.  When one steps out into the "unknown" you never know what you will discover.  Lisa and I have a life verse that states "He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us." These past 10 months have proved to be no exception to that rule.  He has done so much more than I would have been able to ask or imagine.   I must give Him thanks for opening such an awesome door for me and I must give each of you at FBC thanks for opening your lives up to me.  My life is better because of each of you.  I love you all and can't wait to see what He does in your lives as you grow and discover all that is planned for you.

FBC Student Worship Band

A rare moment emerged tonight as we had the opportunity to kick back and just worship as a team.  Not for rehearsing, but just to have some fun and sing and play the songs that we love.   Since we are gathering food for Manna House this Wednesday night, we didn't have to gear up for the night.  So we each picked a song and then we dove in.  The fact that we could just dive into so many songs and sing them marked great development of this team.  I smiled just listening to them have fun and be comfortable singing and using the gifts that God has given to them.  We were missing a few students tonight, but for the 9 of us there...it was a night to remember! 

We also had the time to share about how the group has connected more with each other.  We joke around, learn new stuff, and have really become a great team.  The past 7 months created a worship team and I'm so glad to be a part of it!  These leaders have hearts to worship and it shows!  I'm inspired by their commitment to rehearse, learn, and share life with one another!

SYATP 2007

Yesterday was the annual See You At The Pole worldwide prayer event on school campuses.  Here in the buckle of the bible belt, of course, it was in full swing.  I went to the Walnut Grove middle school campus were about 50-60 middle school kids gathered to worship and pray.  There were cameras rolling every where, parents dropping their kids off, then driving around the corner, and walking back to sneak a peek at their kids praying for their schools.  One parent was in tears as she was snapping pics right and left.  It was cool.  I joined in the singing time, but Caed and Braedan were with me and kept talking, so for the prayer time we walked over to our van where I could still see and pray, but the kids could watch a video.  I could see students calling out to God on behalf of their campus.  It was great!!

That night, about 200 gathered at the park for See You at the Park, a local rally that was planned by the students as well to celebrate the SYATP's around the area.  The local band Youth United did an awesome job leading us in worship.  Then several students shared their experiences at their flagpoles.  It's great to see this generation leading and exercising their faith. 

Legal Necessities

Tonight I went to the 2nd Church Conference since we started attending FBC...oh wait...that's First Baptist Church.  The first one seemed pretty typical and people that wanted to know things had an opportunity to engage in dialog with church leaders and address their ideas in a "formal" context.  Pretty standard stuff, I'd say.  Tonight we were reviewing and changing the Constitution and Bylaws.  Not sweeping changes, mind you, some verbiage changes, and changes to free people up for ministry and streamline some processes.  All good stuff.  It was great to see open discussion and freedom for people to express ideas and get feedback from one another about the issues that are close to their heart.  It was kinda like a "family meeting", but a bit more "official".  Overall, it was smooth, the only bumps seemed to be the time it took for people to actually understand some questions that were asked and what they were about to be voting on.  Communication is such a delicate process that we engage in with one another.  In the end, we have everything approved and put into its legal place.  New Constitution and new Bylaws reflecting who we are on Sept. 15, 2007 are approved! 

We had a lot of voting, mostly formality in the form of assenting, as a group, to the words in front of us and affirming the work put into it by a person that has the experience and trustworthiness to craft such a document.  We had one vote that reminded me why I'm not a huge fan of voting.  It's divisive.  It creates winners and losers.  In our case tonight, the outcome of the vote is really semantical.  Nothing really will change no matter which side "won".  Voting just polarizes people.  It's the down side of democracy.  Everyone has a voice.  That's the up side.   I just don't see the early church being a democracy.    I see people following Christ and leaders establishing trust in their leadership by listening, loving, and teaching the Word.  I love being in a church where I see leaders leading biblically and establishing trust.   Our pastor did a great job of leading our church tonight through the legal necessities of church in democratic society with legal requirements. 

Plus I'm glad that one of the votes that flew right through was to only have these meetings Quarterly.  That will help the process for sure!  Maybe the next time we rework the Constitution and Bylaws to keep in step with our processes that God has changed since the last time we voted to approve what He was doing, we can move it to an Annual affirmation of the leadership that's in place. 

Base Camp

This past weekend we had middle school students gather at Mt. Lebanon for 25 hours of "Base Camp '07".  We made new friends and deepened current friendships.  We had a great time.  My personal favorite from the weekend having EVERYONE go down the 4 story zip line.  Even Sherri Hendrix finally decided to strap herself in and walk up the winding staircase only to jump off a perfectly good platform .  I also loved seeing 3 of my kids (Makenzie, Ian, and Caed) also strap on and jump off.  Plus the view from the top of the tower was amazing.  You could see all the way to Downtown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth...and downtown Midlothian with the amazing skyline of cement plants! 

Another personal favorite moment was our time of communion together at the foot of the Cross at Inspiration point at 10:30 at night.  We had a fire roaring for light and we prayed and reflected on the sacrifice of Christ for each of us as we participated in one of the oldest celebrations of the church.

Base Camp's design planned to help our students learn about the purpose of the Church and we had 4 sessions of teaching and worship to provide a place for them to gain foundational building blocks. 

This weekend became our first "gig" for the Student Ministry Worship Team.  Thanks Austin, Courtney, Mandy, and April for leading us in worship for the weekend.  What a great picture of Servant leadership for the Middle School to see each of you using your talent for Christ! 

New Orleans 5.0

Today marked our final day here in New Orleans.  This crew exhausted itself for the cause of Christ and the ministry of Irish Channel Christian Fellowship.  For those who sent someone on this trip, thank you.  There work is beautiful.  They have transformed the exterior of this church and created a beautiful office space for Pastor Cornelius.  Their teamwork, commitment, work ethic, and servant hearts shined brightly all week long. 

We did get to go to complete another day at the Backyard Bible Club since we didn't get any rain today (a first).  The students had been bummed at not getting to see the kids again, so today was especially exciting.  They are all walking back into the building and getting ready for our final feast prepared by the wonderful ladies of this church.  The food has been amazing!!!

Tonight we rest and pack up and get ready to head home in the morning.  We have left our mark on Irish Channel and it has left it's mark on us.  We will never be the same.  God is great to allow us to serve and be involved in all that He's doing on this planet.  I can't wait to get home to hear about the crew that went to Mexico.  I'm sure they have some life changing stories to share with us all.

New Orleans 4

Today we knocked out a TON of painting and other projects.  The sun was shining and that allowed us to get finished with both sides of the church and we should be able to get going on the front of the church in the AM and finish it pretty quickly.  It looks great!  The crews have done an amazing job.  Bruce and "the Hardy boys" (named because the crew was using Hardi-plank siding) aka Dustin, Brad, Oliver, and James, have worked on repairing several places around the church property and it all looks great.  I had now idea that Bruce could sweat so much.  I patted him on the back once when I passed and sweat went flying off.  WOW...but some of the hardy boys were dry...hmmm...we speculated that sweat ratio and body fat had some correlation. 

The down side of the day came when our Bible Club got rained out for the second day in a row.  It hadn't rained all day, nor even been cloudy, but at 5:15 a black cloud rolled over and lightning ripped through the sky and we took cover indoors.  We were bummed because we didn't get to see the kids yesterday, and now...we'd not get to see them today. 

Tomorrow is our final work day, so pray that we'll wrap up all the current projects and get everything cleaned up and put away. 

New Orleans 3.1

We experienced a bit of a bummer this afternoon.   Rain.  Rain. And more Rain. So we didn't get to paint as much as we wanted, and the real set back came when we couldn't go to the park for our Backyard Bible club.  So I didn't get to carry Pee-Wee around on my shoulders.  Pee-Wee made me laugh and was 4 going on 18.  Hopefully, I'll get to see him tomorrow.

On the plus side, we got another amazing concert on the Hammond.  She brought dinner again tonight and while we ate she played some great gospel.  AMAZING!  She said she's got a CD coming out soon, so stay tuned. 

We did get a lot done, despite the rain.  We tore the flooring out of one room and prepped the other room to get the flooring out of it tomorrow.  That's a project that we can do in the rain.  Plus we got the siding replaced on the bottom of one full side of the church and got started with the other.  Bruce is leading a great crew and making steady progress.  Once they got the saw put together (check out the picks of his motley crew during the assembly process). 

With only one van we shuttled everyone back to the hotel, people cleaned up, then we headed over to Cafe Du Monde for some beignet's (french donuts).  Very good stuff!  I'd recommend it if you're in New Orleans or Atlanta, Georgia (The Underground).  Afterwords we went shopping, though most of the shops were closed.  I picked up a gift for each of the kids.  It's always fun to hear them get so excited about what I find for them. 

We still have 2 solid days to accomplish our tasks.  So pray for the rain to let up so we can finish all that we've started. 

New Orleans 3.0

Rain delay!  We got started this morning.  (My room almost didn't make it, because for some reason our alarm didn't go off.  So we had 7 minutes to get up and get downstairs.  We did all make it, unlike one of the Girls room.)    Once we all got to the church we get our supplies out and started painting.  This is a great work crew and they all climbed the scaffolds and start right in. 

Shortly after we left Kenny and I had to take one of our vans to the shop.  The AC wasn't working and the turn signals weren't working either.  Both crucial items in New Orleans.  It will be in the shop until tomorrow, so we'll have to shuttle people back and forth from the work site to the hotel, but it's not that far, so that's a good thing.  Hopefully, they'll have it all done by the AM. 

Upon our return, they had disassembled one of the scaffolds and were re-assembling it on the other side of the church to get started scraping the top part.  Did I mention how hard these students work.  Then...lightning showed up and we decided that having students 20 feet up in the air on a metal scaffold, probably wasn't the best place to be.  So we moved a crew inside the office space next door to start some demo work on the flooring.  Students LOVE demo work.  It didn't take them long to completely remove a layer of flooring from the office.   Once the rain stops we'll be able to get back to the painting/scraping projects.   Pray that the rain will stop so that we can do Day 2 of the Backyard Bible Club.