It will be held at the Royal Palm Campus, Gardens Campus and will also be Live Online Wednesday November 12 & 19, at 6:30 pm EST.

Live Online, I will be joined by David Helbig the Internet Campus Pastor of Christ Fellowship. Together Pastor David and I will go over the following in our first session (Wed, Nov 12):

1. God’s Principles for Managing Finances
2. Developing a Financial Statement
3. Q & A

You can join us live online by clicking the following link on Wednesday Nov. 12 at 6:30 pm EST.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/internetcampus

You will also be able to chat with us live online as we present the material. Please join us, and email David at davidh@cftoday.org for a copy of our student manual.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Please post your comments to this post and let’s learn together.

Remember, Street to the Seat is a learning community so posting your comments for all to read is very important.

I am so excited to share with you how we have been unpacking the 4 C’s at Christ Fellowship (CF) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  As you recall the 4 C’s are Communication, Connection, Contribution and Community.

As we think through helping persons take next steps on the journey of faith see if this helps you.  At CF we are doing this through G2G - Grow to Go: Reaching your Potential.

G2G can be unpacked this way.

Discover - Now that you’re on the JOURNEY and have made the most important decision of your life…what’s next?

Develop - no matter what stage of life you’re in, if you have a desire to grow in your relationship with others and Jesus… here are more NEXT STEPS.

Deploy - Jesus commands us to GO… check our next steps that will take your FARTHER than you’ve been before.

If you are looking for one of the most creative guys in Christianity today with a heart for making your business, ministry, and/or church relevant in it’s communication with the world, then Bill Jones and UDFD Design can take you there.

Hook up with Bill and let him do his thing.  Tell him Kerry sent you.

Thanks Bill!

This is a principle that goes beyond multi-site and is very practical for the church running 50, 500, or 5,000 plus.

Sometimes we as staff in the church make decisions without having the right people in the room. Or we make assumptions that we have the right people in the room. My concern for us in this is that we make decisions we “think” are in the best interest of the organization when in reality they may not be.

And don’t think this is just a church thing. It happens in all types of organization. This past week while Stephanie was in the hospital she and I had the opportunity to talk with 2 ladies in post op about their procedures of post op care listed on the wall above Stephanie’s bed which was the acronym, “SHARED”. Now SHARED is the hospital administrations 6 steps of care that is suppose to be used by every department; however, we learned the truth by those in the trenches. The ladies shared with Stephanie and I that no one in the trenches uses those 6 steps because they are not practical and they do not transfer between departments. In fact, one of the ladies sad, “Ahh… you know how it is, some of those ivory tower decisions without knowing how things really work.”

WOW… might it be said of you and I that we have and/or are making “ivory tower decisions”. I sure hope not. I know that the team that I have the great privilege of serving alongside are working overtime to make sure we have all the players in the room. We are not prefect by any means, but we are working at having the right people in the room.

Just a thought as you look to future planning.

Summary:

1.  Have a plan
2.  Have someone who can take over in your absence - your “second”
3.  Make sure your “second” can run your plan
4.  Allow your “second” flexibility to run your plan on your behalf
5.  Know the right time to hand over leadership

I was absence from my team for 5 days and they never missed a beat.  In fact, they probably did a better job without me there.

Thanks TEAM!

Here is the deal.  We can put the best training manuals in the world together, align every team in the church, and tell everyone in class 101 - 501 that everyone is responsible for making first impressions there own, BUT if we as staff do not model for our members what first impressions are we can not expect them to follow.

As you walk across your campus this weekend think about these things:

1.  If you see it, fix it
2.  If parking is an issue help someone find a place to park.
3.  When you see someone you don’t know, introduce yourself.
4.  Help someone before they get to the Welcome Center.
5.  Take someone under your wing for the day.  Never walk alone.
6.  If the material in the Welcome Center is out of date, throw it in the trash.
7.  If someone looks like they need help, they usually do.  Help them.
8.  When you find stuff laying around, remove it.
9.  If the trash is full, take it out.
10. Walk your campus before, during, and after every service.
11. Pick up trash on your way in and out.
12. Straighten signs if needed.
13. If displays look messy, clean and straighten them.
14. Help someone find a seat before the ushers do.
15. Be available to give up your seat in a heartbeat.
16. Stop by every restroom in the facility and clean it before it needs it.
17. Wipe down every counter before calling someone else to do it.
18. Replace the paper in the restrooms yourself.
19. Look for people in need and serve them.
20. Come early and stay late.

Surely that is enough to get us started.  Sorry for the abruptness in my tone of this post.  I am a little tired today.

The thing that I am most proud of is that we have seen hundreds of lives changed in such a short time. OneLife at a time. I had the privilege of leading my first beach baptism at Christ Fellowship here in June with 115 baptism and in July saw 66 baptism. How awesome is that! The water on the East Coast is a whole lot warmer than the West Coast. Florida has California beat on water temperature.

Here are a few other things you can rejoice with us about. (no particular order)

• launching our 6th campus in Stuart, Florida on September 7th (You go Matt!)
• working on our new communication strategy with Cindy (Communications Director) (aligning oral, print, broadcast, and digital media)
• we are aligning core values, purposes, strategies, philosophy, and implementation across our campuses.
• we are seeing several thousand join us with our online community - Pastor David Helbig is here to help you make that connection as well
• new welcome brochures coming out in the next several weeks
• updating our First Impression Team manuals for all campuses
• reworking our Response Card to get persons engaged earlier - launching new card and process September 6/7
• rewriting 101-401 and putting them in 2 hour orientations (Pastor Lance Witt is doing most of the work. Thanks Bro!)
• beginning to write 501 with James Duvall (our worship pastor)
• our Community Life Pastor Reid Smith is rebranding our groups to “Life Groups” with a major relaunch of groups on September 6/7
• defined our discipleship “matrix” with the team to launch October 1 (this is super cool… stay tuned for details)
• addressing the needs of college, singles, men, and women in the new discipleship matrix
• getting ready to open our new Life Center (125,000 sq. ft.) - October 1

Thought you would enjoy that. Wonder what the next 90 days holds. Can’t wait.

I was in the midst of standardizing the manuals when I noticed I was leaning toward positions of “being right” instead of what is best for all multi-sites.  SO, I stopped and started over completely with a “right frame of mind”.

The final work up is much better when you have the right frame of mind.  In addition, I turned on the “track changes” function and sent it back out to all the campuses for their input before bringing this to a culmination of the finished product in the next 2 weeks.

Sidebar:  standardizing these areas of ministry in a multi-site environment is the right thing to do.  It builds team, keeps DNA consistent, supports ease of enlistment/training/placement, allows cross training, and gives you freedom to share the work load among your multi-site campuses.  Not to mention that it fosters communication, connection, contribution, and community.

That is what our learning community is all about.  Please continue to share our learnings.

The Sunday School Revolutionary

Search, “Kerry Mackey” on their site and the articles will pull up.

“Kingdom Vision”

I awoke this morning to a beautiful sun rise over the tall pines in my backyard while listening to my new David Upton CD, “Unshackled“.  David has been leading me to worship for the past several years and recently my worship experience has been more freeing.

Thank You David!  First for being a man of God unshackled by tradition or expectations.  Secondly, a godly husband to your wife and children.  Third, for helping me reconnect with my God.

Check David out on his website and myspace.

You will be blessed as he leads you to worship.

What does it mean to standardize First Impressions and all that that entails across multi-site?

I.e. -

Communication - oral, print, broadcast, & digital media (branding look/feel)

Connection - traffic, greeters, ushers, first aid, security, welcome centers, campus cleaning, ministry promotions

Contribution - enlistment, training, and placement of ministry partners and the need for cross training

Community - standardization of B.E.L.O.N.G.ing (Become, Embrace, Live, Offer, Nurture, & Grow)

What does it mean to have a standardized assimilation strategy that is organic enough to allow for real community yet strategic enough that follow-up and next steps are taking place.  Stability that creates flexibility.

The more I am researching the more I can see how standardization makes “intentionally”, “clarity”, “alignment”, and “focus” home runs for unity and productivity across an organization.

What are your learnings in this area?

Who has read this book and what are your learnings?

Twitter connection with me.

Anyone and everyone can follow my twitters. This is where you can see what I am doing and who I am meeting with throughout the day. I will also be providing ministry tips throughout the day as well.

Facebook connection with me.

When hooking up with me on Facebook please put in the comment section which church you are from and that you are hooking up via Street to the Seat (STTS). Facebook provides a “chat” feature that will allow me to dialog with you while I am online from anywhere in the world.

Join me!

Continue to get the word out.

Thanks for being a part of our learning community.

Leave a post in the “comment” section so that we can share our learnings together.

Our communications team has put together a great theme which helps tremendously in helping persons take next steps.

What are some ways you are using to help persons take next steps in serving the church?

The million dollar question,

“What do I do with this list of names you gave me from the Ministry Fair?”

If you are asking this question it tells me that you might not have been as prepared as you thought you were. But since you have found yourself at this point, here are a couple of suggestions.

This is NOT an exhaustive list, just a few things that came to mind as I was thinking through some things our team are working on.

Tips for follow-up:

1. Email thank you - within 24 hours of the time they sign up you should have an email sent to them just saying thanks for their availability. Make it short and sweet. Give them basic information and let them know you’ll be following up with them in the next couple of days.

2. Phone call with 48 hours - have you and your “ministry partner” leaders on the phone within 48 hours saying thank you to ever persons for taking a step of faith and trying a ministry. Let them know of the upcoming training dates and times as well as reminding them they are only agreeing to try the ministry out. This isn’t a permanent position, but a “test drive”.

3. Letter in the mail ASAP - give them basis ministry description, roles availability, training dates, and contact information for their questions.

4. Training Manuals - have a training manual ready for every ministry position. Make it simple. Someone needs to be able to pick up the manual and have a basic understand of what it is you are asking them to do, how it fits the vision, and how often you are asking them to serve.

5. Next Steps - provide a next step strategy for those who are new to the church. I recommend at simple process like 101-501. We call it “Get In The Game” at Christ Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to get persons on board with the mission and vision of the church. It is imperative that persons get involved in your basic steps to assimilation as they are beginning to serve.

I’m sure we could think of another 5 - 7 things that would be great next steps as well.

What are some things that you are thinking of that might be helpful tips to our learning community?

Today is the day to step up to the plate and TEST DRIVE a ministry.  If you’d like to join the Christ Fellowship online team.  DO IT.  www.gochristfellowship.com

“Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.”James 1:22 (NIV)

4.We Inspire Others When We:

* GIVE

“Give as freely as you have received!”Matt 10:8 (NLT)
Pastors Todd Mullins and Shaun Blakeney

Todd is referencing Mother Theresa. Todd is now telling the story of some of our ladies who ministered to Shelia in Fort Pierce, Florida. Todd is ready the email that Shelia sent to the ladies. COOL Story.

* SACRIFICE

What are you sacrificing that you value. Todd is talking about our special needs ministry. We host special needs children every Saturday morning for horseback riding on our campus. That’s right… we have horse stables on our campus for children in the community who have special needs.

“Be imitators of God,therefore,as dearly loved children and
live a life of love,just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up
for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Eph 5:1-2 (NIV)

“…Do not forget to do good and to share with others,for with
such sacrifices God is pleased.”Heb 13:16 (NIV)

* SERVE

We are an inspiration when we pick up a basin and a towel. Have you ever been around a person who is humble in nature. Todd is giving honor to Brian Benjamin (adult team member) who is on the Royal Palm Campus. Brian is a steller dude… a humble servant. Brian, YOU ROCK

“For we are God’s workmanship,created in Christ Jesus to do
good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Eph 2:10 (NIV)

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere;but they all originate in
God’s Spirit.God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere;but
they all originate in God’s Spirit.God’s various expressions of power are
in action everywhere;but God Himself is behind it all.Each person is
given something to do that shows who God is:Everyone gets in on it,
everyone benefits.”1 Cor 12:5-7 (Msg)

1.What Inspiration Is Not: (Shaun Blakeney)
* EMOTIONAL
* SELF-SERVING

Shaun telling stories about inspiration. Doing the right thing is inspiring.

Shaun just called his wife Teresa “Jesus Jr.”. He was reference her desire to shoot another parent at laser tag.

Shaun has been a Youth Pastor for 16 years. Shaun is giving credit to his old youth pastor, “Richard”. Richard was inspirational in Shaun’s life in being a youth pastor

2.What Inspiration Is: (Shaun Blakeney)
* INFLUENCE
* POWER - a respect thing.

Shaun talking about Paul from the New Testament. He inspired everyone he was around.

I want to be an influencer.

3.Authentic inspiration requires ACTION.

“Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has
it? For instance,you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and
half-starved and say,”Good morning,friend! Be clothed in Christ!
Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so
much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it
obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?”
James 2:15-17 (Msg)

“…You are a chosen people.You are a kingdom of priests,God’s holy
nation,His very own possession.This is so you can show others the
goodness of God,for He called you out of the darkness into His
wonderful light.”1 Pet 2:9 (NLT)

“…You are a chosen people.You are a kingdom of priests,God’s holy
nation,His very own possession.This is so you can show others the
goodness of God,for He called you out of the darkness into His
“Give as freely as you have received!”Matt 10:8 (NLT)

Joining Pastor Todd to deliver the message is Shaun Blakeney, Gardens Campus Pastor of Student Ministries.  Pastor Shaun, who has been in Student Ministry since 1991, graduate from Florida Christian College and Indiana Wesleyan University.  His passion?  “Seeing students be radically changed forever.”

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as means of helping the entire church. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

We have just opened the service led by James Duvall (Worship Pastor)… Good stuff.

Watching a video on “One Life” our campaign to launch our Online campus, Stuart Campus, and build our new Life Center on the Gardens Campus.

Stay tuned for the message…

From those passages of scripture we have expressed those expectations through the Purposes of Belonging, Growing, Serving, Sharing, and Worshiping.

Since there are 5 purposes… each owns a 1/5.  So when you hear me mention 1/5 of healthy you know that I am referring to one of the 5 purposes.

Notice that I have intentionally placed “ing” on the end of each work.  Anyone know why?

Here is the deal… it is imperative that we model for others what it means to give our lives away. You know that 1/5 of healthy is SERVING. I so believe in it that it is one of the 4 C’s for Street to the Seat - CONTRIBUTION. You have also heard me say you have a ministry in the church.

Last week during Part 1 we had some 850 persons come forward during our Ministry Fair and commit to trying out a ministry on one of our six campuses (Gardens, Royal Palm, CityPlace, Stuart, Online, Espanol). How cool is that?

Now for follow-up…

So, I’m stopping right not to say THANK YOU for investing in me over the years. You have made me who I am today. I am indebted to you. My success is your success. I have never been lonely on this journey. You are with me and I with you.

FAMILY

Faye B. Mackey (mom)
Stephanie (wife) Caleb, Josiah, Levi, Silas

PRE SEMINARY

Mark Wiley, James & Gaye Calhoun, Ken & Barbie Stogsdill, The Kensel’s

SEMINARY DAYS

Daryl Eldridge, Gary Waller, Ken Hemphill

MAYFIELD ROAD

Wayne C., Keven F. and their wives Jana & Regina and the ministry partners we work alongside.

WOODLAND HEIGHTS

Wayne & Amy B., Patty, Doug, Lee, Kristi, Rob & Donna, Jase & Tami, and the many ministry partners (volunteers).

FIELDER ROAD

Gary, Michael, Clayton, Jerry & Jerry, Dorthy, Ginger, Lonnie, Jim, Larry Dan, Yevonne, David, Analisa, Jarrod, Glen, Kyle, Elizabeth, Lee, Barbara, Kevin, and the hundreds of ministry partners (volunteers) on our team, and the list goes on…

SADDLEBACK

Gina, Erin, Linda, Stacey, Denise, Dee Dee, Janelle, Susan, Carey, Lance, Doug S., Forrest, Jan S., Jan W., Clayton, Pat, David Upton, Eric, Bill, Buddy, Mike, Steve, Rick W., Stevy K, Rick M., Tim L., Tony Steward, Brad, Dan, David, Mark, Dawn, Michelle, Glen, Tom, Tim D., Tony G., Charlotte, Shaun B., Doug F., Doug H., Kurt, Josh, Jana, Dick, Tom A., Todd, Debbie, Louis, David A., David G., Ron, Jim, Liz, Bob, Tommy, John B., Johnny B., Kevin, Chuck, Matt, Dave, Curtis, Bob, Bob, & Bob, Justin A., Oz Genis, Sam, Rick B., Jon, Kathy, Jim D., Steve R., Skip, David W., Craig, Brian, Shawn K., over 1100 ministry partners (volunteers) on our team, and the list goes on…

CHRIST FELLOWSHIP (just in the past 2 weeks)

Tom & Donna, Todd & Julie, Dave & Betsy, Lance, Patricia, Kathryn, Kelly & Brad, Shila, Ruth, Reid, Time, Brian, Peter, Mona, Gail, Tina, Julie J., Angela, Christy, Johnathan, Matt P., Don, Jon, Shaun B., Chis, Heather, James, Greg, Jay, Meagan, Lenora, David K., Robert, Heidi, Yvonne, Bill, Leo Nathan, Jason, Joe, Jeremy, Cindy, Spring, Katie, Stephen, Keven, Danny, Joe M., Char, Michal & the twins, Debbie, Pam, Tom, Darvan, Pam, Dale, Daniel, Danielle, Ricky, Bill, Paul, Dr. John Maxwell, the ministry partners we are getting to know and the list continues to grow..

I can’t tell you how blessed I have been to have been taught by so many. These people have made me who I am today. I am a blessed man!

Thank You All!