Happy Monday! Here’s some updates, the latest and greatest in the world of church communication, some favorite videos, links, Likes and more!
All posts tagged Ben Arment
Monday Mind Dump
Happy Monday. It’s time for my weekly mind dump where I share the latest and greatest, updates, Likes, and other great content from the interwebs and social media.
Monday Morning Mind Dump
- Last week was my first official full week working with Church Solutions Group. While filled with many meetings to kick off the year, it was great to get a sense of the heart of the company and to meet so many remarkable men and women who are passionate about the Church. I’m so excited to be a part of this team and to help them help churches around the country!
- For the record… it’s weird not going to work for a church. But as I mused last week, sometimes you need a new pot.
- On a somewhat related note in case you didn’t see it, Donald Miller wrote a fantastic article last week entitled “Is Church Life Stifling Your Creativity?” A must read.
- My car started acting weird on my drive home from Christmas and I haven’t driven it since… I’m officially a commuter! I know I shouldn’t be so excited about such things, but with gas prices in Chicago being the highest in the nation, it’s good that I’m relying on public transportation… and cabs. Many, many cabs.
- Call me crazy, but I’m really going to miss Sarah Palin’s Alaska on TLC. [For the record, I watched for the fun, not the politics.]
- I did an interview with Kevin Hendricks on ChurchMarketingSucks.com that posted this morning. I am the final in a series of interviews Kevin did with board members for the Center for Church Communication. Check it out.
- There’s a lot happening behind-the-scenes with Cultivate… we’ve got four confirmed speakers that are exceptional! One that has never graced the stage of a faith-based conference before. The site should be going live very, very soon. Watch for details!
- In other conference news, last week the Elephant Room was announced. Holy… elephant? It looks AMAZING! I love the idea, concept and conversation. Kudos to Ben Arment for his help in making it happen.
- Quick update on my theme for 2011… health. I went the entire last week on fruit and vegetables only [with some beans and tofu for protein] and feel amazing! Training starts this week. EEEK!
- I may potentially have some more exciting news later this week. I’m soooo excited!!!!
- Ok, back to work! Have a great Monday!
Monday Mind Dump… Thanksgiving/Birthday Week Edition
- God is faithful.
- These last two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions as I’ve announced that I’m leaving Park. Thanks to everyone who has emailed, commented, sent a DM [direct message on Twitter for those who haven't seen the light] or texted. It’s been overwhelming to see the amount of love, support, encouragement, and affirmation I’ve received as I’ve taken this step of faith into the unknown.
- A really good friend took me out for an amazing lunch at NoMI on Friday to celebrate this new chapter and to celebrate [in advance] whatever God has in store. And on Friday evening I was able to grab dinner with Ben Arment, Sarah Cunningham, and Nathan & Becky Ykema. While there was talk and planning for STORY 2011, it was just great to connect, catch up, and share life. Having people in your life, especially in seasons of change and transition, is absolutely vital and I’m so thankful for the people God has put in my life.
- I’m excited to report that in the next couple of weeks I’ll be able to share exactly where I’m headed next. The best part… I’m staying in Chicago!
- Some of you have asked, so I’ll answer… for the first time in my adult life I will be looking for a church home when I leave Park staff. I’ve been working in churches since I was 18 and have always gone to the church I worked for by default. In this next season as I won’t be working for a church, I will be looking for a church community to call home. Park is one of many incredible churches in the city and I look forward to wherever God will plant me! “Blessed are those who are planted in the house of the Lord for they shall flourish!”
- In other news… Oprah’s Favorite Things episode [part 1] was incredible. My favorite part of the entire episode isn’t all of the gifts she gives away but the audience’s reactions. These people are going absolutely bonkers. Thanks to my friend Josh for finding this mashup… classic.
- Confession: I had a beer at 11 AM on Sunday morning. But it wasn’t at a bar, it was at a movie theater. One of my friends and I went to see an afternoon matinee at the Gold Class Cinemas. Oh my word. I felt like I was walking into the lobby of an upscale hotel. Our seats were reserved in advance online. We were escorted by the staff to our oversized reclining chairs by the staff and offered pillows and blankets… they had a full menu and bar and we had a buzzer to get refills whenever you wanted them during the movie. I’m officially ruined.
- Sooooo excited to see Brooke Fraser in Chicago on Wednesday night.
- On Thursday, which is also Thanksgiving, I’ll be turning 28. I’m becoming an old man.
- I think it’s interesting how Thanksgiving is becoming less and less of a family event [at least in urban centers] and more and more of a holiday being spent with friends. I will be headed home for Thanksgiving but turning right around to make it back for a Thanksgiving leftovers party with some friends here in the city. When you’re living in the city your friends really do become your family.
- Speaking of, this weekend I was reminded of the fact that we were all created for relationships and community. We were created from relationship for relationship… life is hard but we don’t have to do it alone.
- God is faithful. [I'll say it again!]
