4 Things Volunteers Wish Leaders Knew: Pt. 2
4 Things Volunteers Wish Leaders Knew: Pt. 2 As a leader it's so easy to forget what it's like to be at the bottom. Over the years I've often found myself in place of leadership, but recently I've spent more time serving our local soccer club and am starting from the ground up. This opportunity is giving me a refreshing reminder of what it's like to have no idea what's going on- on a weekly basis. So, I'm sharing 4 things volunteers wish leaders know. Last week I shared the first 2, which are: 1. I don't care as much ...
4 Things Volunteers Wish Leaders Knew: Pt. 1
4 Things Volunteers Wish Leaders Knew A few years ago I read about an army general upset over his troop’s lack of energy and motivation. A quick investigation pinpointed troop exhaustion as the culprit. The general felt troop’s poor time management led to their lack of sleep, so refused to budge the schedule. Then, one brave soldier asked the general when he found time to sleep. The general explained he often caught a quick catnap while being driven around the base. It was explained to him that no other troop shared that privilege and so did not have the same ...
Dear Velocity…
Dear Velocity, I want to thank you for the honor and joy of serving with you over these last 7 years. It's hard to believe this Sunday will be my last as a staff member of Velocity. I remember the first time Scott sat in my living room sharing his vision for a new church. It would be a place broken people who felt far from God would feel loved and reconnect with their heavenly father. This church would not only change the way people thought about God, but also impact the city- because Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. This dream became ...
How Leading a Team is a Lot Like Cross-Country
I was never very good at cross-country in high school. Any time my picture was taken during a race, I looked like I was passing a kidney stone or had been kicked in the face repeatedly. I may never have won a race, but did learn a thing or two about running one. In any race, you have to pace yourself. You can’t sprint the entire time and must know when to push a little harder and when to rest. It’s the same with leading a great group or team. There’s a time to plant and push and a time to ...
Is It Possible to Do Good?
I’m not sure I’ve ever done a truly selfless thing in my life. I’ve served in Haiti, helped the homeless, visited the sick, taken out the trash without being asked, and yes, even helped a little old lady cross the street. (I’m not 100% I’ve done that last one- but you get the idea.) I find that every time I attempt to make some significant stride for God, I’m conflicted. There’s a part of me wanting to serve because I want to see great things done for God. But, there’s another part wanting to serve because it’ll make me feel ...
Thank You Volunteers
I had a meeting with some leaders at Velocity the other night. It was so amazing to hear leaders and volunteers brainstorm how to make Velocity amazing! It makes me think about all the incredible people who make Velocity a special place to be each Sunday. So, here's to you amazing volunteers, both at Velocity, and everywhere. Thank you for the time you take to create something special. Thank you for investing in something that matters! What I'm Trying to Say Is... http://i.giphy.com/FihMsmKxNdStq.gif http://i.giphy.com/6tHy8UAbv3zgs.gif http://i.giphy.com/nU704Y2jeFOHm.gif http://youtu.be/oomCIXGzsR0 This Is For You http://i.giphy.com/c6rJJ6NXpLLyg.gif http://i.giphy.com/wTzPSxZBqSove.gif http://i.giphy.com/y8Mz1yj13s3kI.gif What You Do Is Kind of Like This... http://i.giphy.com/mtBL79qUZiYo0.gif Keep ...
How to have a neighborhood cookout
I’ve always dreamt of living on a street where everyone knows each other (kind of like Cheers, but on a street instead of a bar). I presently live on a street where that’s very far from reality- but we're trying to change that. My wife and I have lived in our house for almost 6 years and have slowly worked on getting to know the neighbors bit by bit and year by year. This past Sunday, we hosted our 3rd neighborhood party and had 38 people come. They had a great time and profusely thanked us for hosting the get together. I ...
Emotional Bank Accounts Changed My Life: Part 1
Has anyone asked you for a favor and everything inside screams, “NOOoo!” Sometimes you ignore that and still say yes, but it almost makes you feel sick to your stomach (It's a struggle). I’ve thought a lot over the past few years about how this situation happens and tried to figure out how to prevent it. One day I read something that’s changed everything! It affects how I now view my relationships, my work, and really most every area of my life. It’s given me language to describe how to be a better leader, friend, co-worker, and family member. (I'll ...
Seven Ideas for Your Group to Serve This Summer
In Cleveland, people tend to hibernate during the winter. Every year there’s one spring day where that “bright orb in the sky” reappears and myself and all the neighbors wander outside, stretching and yawning. We greet each other like long lost friends and ask how the last few months have been. But, as it continues to warm up, people want to spend more and more time outside and become active. That means it’s a great time for your group to be active too. Spring and summer are excellent times to encourage your group to serve. (If your group doesn’t meet ...