Access Church

Our staff is headed back to Jacksonville today after three days at North Point learning from the best & brightest about developing irresistible environments designed to encourage people in their growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our meetings were part of n*rich, an annual event for North Point Partner staff teams. This was my second n*rich, and it was amazing to see how much the conference has grown. There are now 12 strategic partners up and running, and three in development. Amazing! Our collective goal is to have 15,000 people in groups at strategic partners by 2010. Wow!

Just as an example of the great content we enjoyed, here are my notes from Andy's farewell talk to the 80 or so attendees:

• The goal isn't video messages, but environments that capture people's
attention and draw them into a relationship with Christ
• I think you can lead and influence an organization by just asking
questions, without ever providing the answers.
• The questions you repeat reinforce your values. People know what's
most important in your organization (and your home) by the questions
you ask.

Here are two questions that hang on my office wall.

1. What do I believe is impossible to do in my field, but if it could be done would fundamentally change my business? (Andy used to kid, "If I could be in two places at one time..." and now video makes it possible.)
2. If I got kicked out of our organization and the board brought in a new CEO, what would he do? Why shouldn't I do that myself?

Here are some questions to think about:

1. Is this something you feel called to do?
2. Are your relationships (on staff) worth exporting to the rest of the church?
3. Where are you manufacturing (forcing) energy?
4. What gauges on the dashboard are you watching? Which ones should you watch?
5. Where do you make the greatest contribution?
6. Do you have the right people at the table?
7. What are you celebrating?

Three things that I consider my primary responsibilities:

1. Plan
2. Prepare
3. Prevent

Great stuff, eh? (for our new Canadian partner, Connexis)