jayhardwick.com

Friday Five :: It's a BIG Weekend

5 reasons that this weekend is a biggie...

1. We're beginning our first missional community on Sunday night!  I am so excited about this I can hardly stand it! People who don't believe in God, people who love and follow Jesus with all their heart, and people who are somewhere in between will share a meal together, share in the Word together, and share prayer, stories, questions, and encouragement together.  This is the first step in the big picture of what God has called us to do here in Columbia...WOW!

2. I'm preaching for the third week in a row at Lake Murray.  We started a three week journey through Luke 9:23-26 last week...this week, we'll talk about obedience in taking up YOUR cross to follow Jesus. Last week, we talked about idolatry and denying yourself...it was THICK in there! Can't wait to see what God does this week.

3. Lara Beth, the girls, and I are hanging out with some friends we grew up with and haven't seen in forever. One of the coolest aspects of being back home is renewing friendships with people we haven't seen in over 10 years.  So many of the people we re-connect with still can't believe I'm a pastor...:-)

4. My brother in-law is officially launching a new church here in Northeast Columbia on Sunday.  His story is a pretty remarkable one...he didn't go looking to plant a church - it found him! He's done a great job developing and leading his core team and I am confident God is going to use this church to do big things. How crazy is it that my father in-law, my brother in-law, and I are pastors on the same side of the same city?

5. And finally, this weekend is my last weekend in my 20's.  Yep...the big 30 rolls in on Thursday the 5th. Not sure how I feel about that yet...it's a big deal when that first number changes...

Have a great weekend! Throw up a prayer for us this weekend if you think about it!

WiBo Big Ideas :: Answer to His Prayer

"How would your day change if you lived it as an answer to Jesus' prayer?"

That's the question I wrote down after Vince Antonucci finished his talk last week at Whiteboard.  I'd never heard Vince speak, but loved his energy, his passion, and his humor.  Easily one of the funniest guys I have ever met.

In talking about Jesus' prayer for more workers for the harvest, he said that we have the honor of being the answer to Jesus' prayer.  Woah...never thought about it like that.  But as quickly as I got a shot of adrenaline, the weight of conviction set in.

I am part of the answer to Jesus' prayer for more workers when I am actively engaged in the harvest. If my days are spent doing nothing but preparing sermons, thinking about and talking about church strategy stuff, and meeting with Christians about Christian/church stuff, then I'm not sure I'm much of an answer.  Not that those things are all bad, but when they are the dominant uses of my time, then I am off track.

Vince made the point that the most messed up people in Jesus' day wanted to be around Him. Do the most messed up people in your town and my town want to be around us? If we can answer, "Yes," then I think we are on our way to being an answer to Jesus' prayer. If not, then what needs to change?

As I consider what needs to change so that I will engage in the harvest all the more, I am realizing that it is not that hard. It's natural. It starts with people closest to me. It happens doing things that I love to do.

The hard part is me walking away from my laptop, my books, and my notebooks to actually do what I read, write, and talk to others about. But, the thought that I am part of the answer to Jesus' prayer is more than enough motivation!

WiBo Big Ideas :: Underestimating God

If you're like me, you are a professional when it comes to underestimating God.  Sure, I believe God can and will do great things...greater than I could ever imagine.  But on a day by day basis, I am a professional at underestimating God.

When something catches me off guard, I act as if God was caught off guard, too.

When I let circumstances tie me down, I act as if God is tied down.

When fear paralyzes me, I act as if God is paralyzed.

When I think a dream is too big, I assume it's too big for God, too.

God used Mark Batterson to smack me in the face last Thursday at Whiteboard.  I've heard him make this point before, but that doesn't matter.  It never gets old and it's worth repeating everyday of my life.

In Isaiah 55:8-9, God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

The farthest known galaxy is 13.2 billion light years away...that's a LONG way...and only Mark Batterson can talk about this stuff with church leaders and get away with it!

Which means that my best thought on my best day is at least 13.2 billion light years smaller than God's thoughts on that day.  As Mark said, "Every one of us came in here underestimating God by about 13.2 billion light years."

There is no circumstance that ties Him down. There is no fear that paralyzes Him. There is nothing that catches Him off guard.  There is no dream that He scoffs at as too big. If these things are true, then why do I sometimes live and lead as if they are?

What would it look like if you and I lived today believing that God's thoughts for us and the work He has called us all to are far bigger than our own? Would you dream bigger? Would be more willing to take an irreversible step of obedience? Would you trust Him more?

Just thinking about this is freeing to me! Can't wait to see what happens when I act on it.

Whiteboard :: Day One Highlights

LONG but GREAT day today!  A few highlights...

• Made it here in 7 hours with only one stop...but Vera (our GPS) got us lost once we got into Reston...we're back on speaking terms now, though.
• Reston Town Center is beautiful...Ben pointed out a condo building on the way to dinner where condos START at 1 million...
• I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having Lara Beth with me on this trip...but man, do we miss our girls.  So cool to be able to call and actually talk with them, though...and, I'm not sure they miss us as much as we miss them. :-)  
• Believe it or not, I walked in Starbucks after dinner and walked out without ordering a drink...did not know that was possible!  
• Set-up for the conference could not begin until 8:00 pm...lots of busy bodies loading in, setting up, and making everything perfect for the extraordinary gathering that is WiBo!  
• Matt, Boyd, and I talked through every detail we could think of from a production standpoint...our prayer: "Lord, help us to not suck." 
• My best friend Lee Webb and two former students from our church in Kentucky rolled in late this evening.
• Talked with Perry and Tony for while when they arrived from their cross country flight...Perry was doing okay, but Tony was whipped! 
• Finally met Darrin Patrick, Jeff Kapusta, Terrace Crawford, Matt Morgan, Tim Stevens, and Kem Meyer.
• Got green room interview plans nailed down with Todd Wilson and Todd Rhoades 
• Ate dinner at Yum Yum Sandwich Shop with Lara Beth, Sam the Intern, Ben, Brad, LV, Terrace, Boyd, Scott, and Matt.
• Ben Arment is the nicest human being alive today...BAR NONE! What a great leader! 

Time to crash...t-minus 7 hours until GO time tomorrow!  I'll post again tomorrow night...but follow my tweets at twitter.com/jayhardwick or on the ConferenceChannel.org site.

Off to Whiteboard

Lara Beth, Sam the Intern, and I are on the road heading for Reston, VA for the long awaited Whiteboard Sessions!  Yes, we're driving...much cheaper than flying, believe it or not.

In the Road Trip survival pack...

• Roasted Almonds
• Trail Mix 
• Bottled Water 
• Goldfish 
• Gum 
• Sandwich stuff for lunch 
• Bananas 

Can you tell we're poor missionary church planters? :-)

Really looking forward to seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and hearing some great ideas from some great leaders. Also, glad to come alongside my great friend Ben Arment to help make WiBo a world class event.

Follow The Fun

• Check out my new friend Todd Wilson's baby ConferenceChannel.org as it makes its debut at WiBo
• I'll be posting some highlights here on the blog, but probably won't be able to post session notes
• But I'll be tweeting like a mad man...follow me at twitter.com/jayhardwick

Should be a fun one...let the Road Trip begin!

Wait For It

The last few weeks have been the most frustrating weeks of our journey in Columbia. Lots of second-guessing, questions, confusion, impatience, and sleepless nights. When you sign up for leading in new directions, seasons like this are inevitable - Seth Godin calls it the dip.

But, it still stinks when you hit one.

I've never done or been a part of a work similar to what God has called us to do here. Most decisions that I make are, at best, educated guesses. Consequently, my prayer life has never been more important or stronger, I think! I'm learning more everyday what Paul meant when challenged the church at Thessalonica to "pray without ceasing."

If I'm honest, I have to say that my patience has been stretched to the max throughout this journey. Sometimes, it gets stretched so far that I wonder if God is even there or if we've just completely screwed something up.

Then, last Wednesday, we gathered with the people that God is assembling together to launch this movement. We shared our hearts, we wrestled openly with what God is up to in and around us, and we prayed. One person shared this passage of Scripture and it rocked my world:

And the LORD answered me: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. - Habakkuk 2:2-4 (ESV)

Too often, I am the guy who's soul is puffed up and not upright within me. When that happens, I question God's timing, work, calling, and presence in and around me. I live like everything is up to me.

But, God knows exactly what He's doing (surprise, surprise). He calls me to wait. He's not dragging His feet. He's preparing me for what He's going to drop. He's preparing our people for what He is going to drop.

The vision is coming. It will not delay. It will not be late. It will be right on time. When it comes, it will be clear. When it comes, I have to make sure it's clear to those who will work it. It needs to be clear so they can run unhindered in the right direction.

My call is to live by faith. My faith is not in what I can see, it's in what I cannot see. My faith is not in what I know, it's in Who I know.

I went to bed Tuesday night frustrated. I went to bed Wednesday night encouraged. I woke up Thursday morning and felt like a pastor again, not just a dreamer/visionary. The vision is coming...we're living by faith and waiting.

Friday Five

Is it Friday already...

1. I'm speaking at Lake Murray Baptist Church in Lexington the next four Sundays. Could use your prayers and so could they. They're still healing from their former pastor's moral failure. I want to be a voice of encouragement for them.

2. Very excited about Whiteboard next week. The most exciting part for me is that Lara Beth is able to go. We'll arrive in Reston sometime on Wednesday afternoon. I think there are still a few spots left for the conference, so if you want to go last minute, let me know...I can help with that.

3. Next week, I'll introduce you to Sam Frye. Sam and I met about three years ago and have kept in close contact ever since. He's currently in seminary at Liberty focusing on church planting. He offered to come spend the summer with us in Columbia and he'll be here next week! Can't wait to have him...you'll love him! One problem...we're still looking for a place for Sam to live for the summer. If you have a room or know of someone who does, let me know.

4. Had an incredible gathering on Wednesday with the people God has brought together to launch a movement in Northeast Columbia. I haven't been that encouraged in a long time...more on all this next week.

5. I'm pretty much scared to death of this new drink at Starbucks. But curiosity is killing me, so at some point I have to try it. Anyone tried it yet?

Have a great weekend!

Not Before 2058

I had a first time experience this past weekend that had way more impact on me than I ever thought it would. I guess every pastor with daughters experiences it at some point, but even knowing it's coming eventually doesn't lighten the blow.

One of our former students from our ministry in Kentucky got married on Hilton Head Island and invited me to officiate the wedding. It was beautiful...a great couple, on the beach, at sunset, on Hilton Head, with family and close friends pretty much defines beautiful. I even wore a seersucker suit. :-)

As the wedding began, I looked over the groom's shoulder and there sat our 4 year old, Molly. She and Ellie, our almost 2 year old, both wore these cute, white summer dresses. They were gorgeous! Lara Beth, who was gorgeous too, was walking around with Ellie to keep her calm, so that left Molly sitting next to my best friend Lee on the back row.

When I looked at her, I caught her eye and she caught mine. Time stopped.

And then she gave me her classic, blushing, radiant smile and my heart melted. It was all I could do to stay focused on getting Anna and Chris married.

After the ceremony, she ran up to me, threw her arms around me, and said, "Daddy, you did a great job on Ms. Anna's wedding. I want you to do my wedding, too."

No way I was holding back the tears at that point. And then the weight of what she said hit me...and I told her..."Uhh...of course I will, but not before 2058, babe!"

It blows me away how fast these girls are growing up. One day, I will give her hand to a young man who has been called by God to love and lead her. Between now and then, my highest calling is to lead her to love, follow, and serve Jesus. Everyday counts.

What a moment!

Friday Five: Link-o-Rama, Prayers, & Hilton Head

1. New bloggers :: Welcome Chris Ruppe and Bryan Plyler to the blogosphere! I had the "opportunity" to ride to Exponential with Chris and Bryan a couple of weeks ago...the scars are healing nicely. Love these guys and the important work they are doing in Rock Hill and Lugoff/Camden respectively.

2. Comment King :: Pete Wilson can post a picture of someone sweeping a floor and ask "What's your favorite broom?" and 600 people will comment. :-) The best example this week was his hold your breath contest. Pete's blog has become one of my favorites because you just never know what's next!

3. WiBo :: Yes, there's still time to get on on the epic that is The Whiteboard Sessions. Ben has been posting the "why's behind the speakers" over on his blog...check 'em out and then get signed up. If you need help signing up, email me. Hey, Chris Elrod is going...how can you resist now?

4. Prayers :: Pray today for the family of Michael Colwell and the North Point family. Michael was a passionate follower of Jesus who went home to Jesus Sunday night after battling cancer for 2 years. He was 32 and left an incredible wife and 2 beautiful boys...and who knows how many people who were impacted by his life and leadership. The memorial service is today at North Point.

5. Hilton Head :: LB, the girls, and I are heading to Hilton Head for the weekend. One of our former students is getting married and I am doing the wedding...it's on the beach and everything! Should be a great couple of days with some great friends.

See you next week!

The Tyranny of Out of the Box

I'm a sucker for the next big idea. I admit it.

I crave the edge. I hate status quo.

I've seen this work for good. In our journey to discover what God is up to in Columbia and to join Him in that work, it has been good. We had to leave behind a lifestyle and a ministry style that was quite comfortable and embrace an entirely new posture.

But, this passion can also work against me.

When I constantly chase the out of the box idea, I feel like I am running 1000 miles per hour with my feet one inch off the ground. Lots of great thoughts, ideas, conversations, but no real progress.

What if, by defining or accepting a box, my ability to innovate, create, and see forward movement increased?

After a few months living in Columbia, we had met interested people that live all over Metro Columbia and discovered needs and opportunities all over the city. The problem was prioritizing and focusing...I simply couldn't.

God clearly showed me that our initial box is in Northeast Columbia - it's where Lara Beth and I grew up, it's where we have the most street cred, it's where our best relationships are, it's where we know needs and opportunities and have the connections to do something about it. I can ignore it or accept it. To ignore it is to accept little or no progress and tons of big ideas. To accept it is to put the rubber on the road and get something done...with the big ideas all still attainable.

Out of the box thinking is great until it paralyzes you. When you feel paralysis setting in, look for a box and accept it. Once you accept your box, leverage, innovate, and create within it like crazy.