ajwired.com

I’ve began to do something that I’ve been putting off for a while. I have finally taken the dive into After Effects for creating some motion graphics (that’s cool looking animations/video for the non-techies). I love Final Cut Pro for editing and assembling projects, but for those very cool backgrounds, bumpers, and text effects - After Effects is the standard. I will say this, though: it has a VERY steep learning curve. I’m seriously loving tutorials right now as they have been a big help

I want to continually sharpen my tools and learn more as I go. One thing that I heard Rick Warren say one time is that “Leaders are Learners”. It’s critical in ministry and life that we be continually learning and teachable. Okay, it is getting late on Saturday so I’m going to chill for a while….l8r!

written by admin

“Don’t let people put a period where God put a comma.” TD Jakes

Simple but profound. I’m still chewing on that one. We allow our job, our past, our income, our family, our friends, our fears, our weaknesses….(you insert your own obstacle here)…to limit and define who we are and quite too often who we WILL BE and BECOME. If God is calling you to a new direction, to follow Him in faith to a new place, don’t let people and obstacles around you define who you are and will become. Instead, believe what your Father says about you:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

written by admin

I was reading Batterson’s blog this morning and I think the guy has been reading my thoughts. Seriously, I have been thinking about this for the past two years:

Generational Trend

You see the shift in current sermon message styles and even in newer worship music styles. Here’s my hypothesis:

The seeker sensitive shift that occurred in the 1980’s (starting with Willow Creek, Saddleback and others) was to have worship experiences where those that were unchurched or had been burned by the church could come, hear about the Love of Christ in a way that was non-judgemental. The idea was that people would not become theologically aware until they become environmentally comfortable. I agree with much of that sentiment. There is much good in that.

The danger in that is that some pastors, and I don’t think it is a majority, but some have backed away from preaching the full counsel of the Bible and have soft served key teachings that might be offensive. Words like “sin” and “repent”, words that are in the Bible are often winced at and instead the temptation is to replace them with words and phrases that are more….palatable.

What I see among churches that are experiencing growth, that are reaching the unchurched, are impacting rising generations, and that are becoming leaders in new and innovative ministry are those that 1. chose to do ministry in ways that are creative, innovative that push the boundaries of “we’ve always done it this way” 2. communicate the Gospel and God’s Word in a way that is honest, real, challenging, sometimes confronting, and relevant.

The shift that I see and that Batterson touches on is that while the seeker sensitive approach was in part due to a generation that had seen a church that was “bible thumping”, rising generations value authenticity, the real deal, and honesty. You don’t have to be “beating someone over the head” to show them the truth of scripture. I think it is not only possible, I think it is CRITICAL that if we are to continue to reach and engage the culture, we must communicate in our music, in our messages, in our communications, and in our relationships in ways that are real, relevant, Biblically centered, full of grace and love, and honest.

written by admin

“When you give an invitation, give the invitation like the building is going to burn down 3 minutes after you’re done talking and no one is going to make it out alive.” Steven Furtick

God, set me on fire. Let me burn for you…Amen.

written by admin

In this interview, Perry sits down one on one and is just real. A must see. Dude is genuine.

written by admin

Total sweetness. Unleash and all of the media (video, photos and notes) from this year’s conference is online and ready to check out.

Find it HERE

written by admin

In less than a week, the usca aiken convocation center will be jam packed for Easter. I can’t wait. If you have any unchurched friends, please invite them to come as they are at either 9 or 11 AM.

We have a lot of video elements for this event. For our bumper, countdown and video background for verses, we outsourced that to Ken Wilson. He did an outstanding job! The pieces he put together are smokin! You’ll have to wait till Sunday to check them out though.

written by admin

They showed this video at C3. Everyone was rolling. Too funny.

written by admin

I successfully moved my blog to the new server today. Had to actually do a good bit more digging in the backend of the site to make it happen, but hopefully down the road I can more rapidly deploy posts as well as audio video.

Few quick hits:

• UNleash at Newspring was incredible. We had about 40 or so creekers there. For those that had to leave early and missed the last session….I’m so sorry but you missed the best part of the day…seriously. Fortunately for you I’ll have a copy of the cd from the last session that you can listen to. Should be in next week.
• I got home from UNleashed last night and just sat in silence for a while trying to process everything. Got some notes that I’ll be posting over the next few days.
• What an incredible job the Newspring staff did, both paid and volunteer alike. Everything was excellent. Our folks are ready for next year already!
• I praise God for what He is doing through Perry and the people at Newspring.

written by admin

When you get a minute, check out my boy Trav at http://www.travisholmes.net

Travis was on staff at CCC when I first arrived 10 years ago. He is a church planter in the upstate of SC and is in the early process of a new work. Drop in and tell him Dr. Jones sent you

written by admin