It happened again a month or so ago when I received an email from Todd Rhoades asking me to be a part of The Nines conference. I can’t believe I’m on this list, it is “in my weakness He is strong” in action.

The theme this year is “Game Changer”.
I knew what I was going to talk about, it’s what I’m passionate about. I wanted to talk about the art of church, the art of preaching, my passion to get church leaders focused on HOW we are doing church.

As I prayed about it though I realized that’s not what I was going to talk about.

Heart’s passion isn’t the theme, it’s “Game Changer”. They’ve given me 6 minutes to talk about the Air Jordans of my work, my life, my ministry. I remember wanting those as a teenager, I knew that they would change everything! I would run faster, jump higher, hello slam dunk! They would make me a star athlete…in spite of the fact that I was a terrible basketball player.

And that’s my explanation to why they gave us 6 minutes (instead of 9), because it signifies what a game changer is all about. A turnaround, a change in direction, a change of perspective.

At least that’s what my game changer was about.

I took my 6 minutes and talk about that thing that changed everything, in spite of all my shortcomings. I believe it is the reason doors like this open, why Holy Cow! continues to grow, and a vital move that every one of us, whether you lead a church or not, needs to make. It’s simple, but something, at least for me, that doesn’t happen easily but is so freeing once you put it on.

Do be sure to tune into The Nines for a group of amazing people doing amazing things as they share the Air Jordan’s of their lives. It’s an astounding group to be a part of including
Seth Godin
Phil Cooke
Kem Meyer
Carlos Whitaker
Jenni Catron
Francis Chan
Jud Wilhite
Anne Jackson
Jon Acuff
Scott Williams
Shawn Wood
Leonard Sweet…the list goes on and on full of incredible people, including an appearance by:

This is gonna be good.

Proverbs 31:8 (New International Version)

8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.

Which is ironically what I was doing with my open letter to Rick Warren. I don’t need to rehash that conversation, it was covered in length there. I do want to make something very clear.

It’s not about a contest.

It is about creatives & designers feeling undervalued, unimportant, and unappreciated. That’s the bigger issue. Spec work is just one of the things that highlights it and brings it to the surface.

Destitute has a couple of definitions:
1. lacking something needed or desirable
2. lacking possessions and resources

I’m taking of the first, not the second. Designers, specifically in the church, are often not treated fairly. They are treated as second rate.

Is this the same as taking care of the homeless and poor…of course not, but there is a segment of people out there that feel unappreciated and undervalued, and there’s something we could do to help that. And no, they can’t talk because they don’t have a voice, they aren’t listened to…but they should be.

When I tell someone that and they respond with

“suck it up”
“do better work”
“ignore it” and even
“it’s not about you anyway, it’s about Jesus”

that tells me you are so focused on your world that you can’t see the people, and that’s a harmful place to be. Because it is all about people. That’s why Jesus came. He didn’t come for himself, he came for people. When we see hurting people and ignore it because it’s easier to have life our way, that ignores the purpose of Christ.

Designers feel unappreciated.

We either accept the fact that designers, especially in the church, often feel unappreciated or we don’t. We then decide that we care, or we don’t. It really is that simple.

I hope you choose to be a part of turning that around. If you are a creative, know that I appreciate the work that you are doing in communicating the gospel. If you have a creative on your team, do something to let them know that you appreciate them. Start of by telling them “I appreciate you and the important part you play in this ministry.”

Andy Stanley hits some great chunks of truth in this podcast entry Become a Student. It’s all about paying attention to those on the fringe, they are the ones that are discovering what’s next. It will be uncomfortable, you may not understand it, but they are discovering the next great thing. Please check it out and join my at NRB and we’ll talk more about this and other ways to escape Planet Mundane!

While we do certainly bring great creative to how the church communicates, I also want to help give the church direction in how they are communicating and marketing themselves. When creating a brochure, sermon brand, you name it we must focus on more than just pretty visuals. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is good. Where is it headed? Where does it lead someone? Answer those questions first, then make it hot!

I know this sounds like just self promotion (and certainly don’t miss it…I do want to work with you) but also read it as a reminder to know where you are leading your church.

2. God, please rescue me from all things petty.

4. We have knowledge workers–people smarter than the leaders of the company–give them the opportunity to lead.

8. Your job is not to pander to your people, it’s to lead them.

She also points out “I didn’t miss the 3rd day. You cut out the right stuff and left the right stuff.” Proof that more isn’t better…better is better.

Not a good practice.

That was proven today as I didn’t skip the last portion of 1 Corinthians.

You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Good stuff…there’s a lot there. Here are the two pieces of gold I grabbed from this:

1. Submit to the laborer who is doing (and gifted in) the work. If you are a designer, media director, etc. this means you should be taking the lead in creative meetings. You are not merely the person who takes orders and makes it happen, but you are the one leading the creative march. There is wisdom in the leadership of your church or ministry to submitting to your expertise…they don’t have to, and I’d suggest shouldn’t be, calling all the shots. Same goes for people on your team…don’t just lead them, recognize their gifting.

2. It’s okay to be recognized. Just because you are doing work for the Lord doesn’t mean people shouldn’t recognize the work and talent that you are giving. I’ve had people take credit for the work we do for them, pastors patting each other on the back for their hard work while we sit in the shadow…I’ve always just sucked it up knowing that I don’t do it for recognition…but that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve it. I thought if I thought we deserved recognition we would be taking glory from God, but maybe not. Maybe God receives much glory when his servant is recognized.

Look around you today…who’s gifting can you submit too, who can you recognize?

I am an armor-bearer. The work that we do, I view as tools, weapons if you will, for the pastor, for the church to carry and use in battle. Postcards, websites, powerpoint slides…they are all weapons in carrying out your calling as a pastor and as a shepherd. An armor-bearer links arms with the warrior, they are with them in heart and soul.

With that comes the weight of the armor which the armor-bear is carrying at all times. As a pastor you feel the weight of the vision, remember that your armor-bearer as feels that weight. The position of an armor-bearer can, at times, be a thankless one. It is the hero that gets the pat on the back and the parade through town. Next time you are in a ‘parade’ notice the armor-bearer, he will be there in the hero’s shadow.

As someone in the creative field it is difficult sometimes to let go of the work, to allow someone else to want adjustments, new directions, etc. but as an armor-bearer we must be with the vision of the pastor in heart and soul. The armor-bearer must not simply carry the weapons, but they must also keep them sharp and fix them according to the warriors need.

I am an armor-bearer. I will proudly carry your shield.