glocalnet t-lounge

2006-History Making Year at NorthWood

1. Began construction of our new Worship Center--21 years in the making!
2. Our Team (small group) Ministry grew by 50%.
3. Key leaders from around the country gathered to commit to plant churches.
4. Record numbers of people involved in Haltom City, Puebla, Mexico, and Hanoi, Vietnam in multiple projects.
5. Record giving to missions.
6. Record number of Youth and Children baptisms.
7. Because of NorthWood’s involvement in Vietnam, I was privileged to be a part of the historic talks for religious freedom in Vietnam and our NGO, Glocal Ventures, was placed in the MOU to be a model for how churches engage society.
8. On a personal note, our son graduated from NYU, got engaged, and our daughter left for Baylor. My first book came out, finished my second one, and am now writing my third, with a fourth to follow. God help me!!!!
9. On a sad note Bob and Jo Arthur, who helped us start our church, both passed away this year within months of each other.

Probably missing a lot. This is just some. Feel free to add to cool stuff!

Cultural Immersion and Steve Case

In the October issue of National Geographic – the Traveler edition there was a story on Steve Case, cofounder of AOL. He is investing $500 million of his own money to launch Revolution, a company that "seeks to drive transformative change by shifting power to consumers." One goal is to create "disruptive businesses" that will revolutionize how we live and vacation.

The man who has driven globalization more than Soros beyond economics through AOL, which I believe history will say, says, "I wouldn’t say the majority of Americans have embraced globalism. They’re still, for the most part, very America-centric. But there’s a recognition now more than 20 years ago that to really understand what’s happening in your everyday life, it’s more important than ever to develop a broader global understanding . . . But the bigger change is more psychological. I sense a growing desire for meaning and purpose in people lives, and a growing recognition that might come from experiencing people in other cultures. The trick is figuring out a way to help travelers bridge the gap between the safety of their own culture and the foreignness of another."

This guy sounds like me!!!! He wants to do vacations for people to have resorts in ethnic villages. I want to focus on vocations engaging society. He talks about how travel experiences are homogenized – but I would say so is life.

I shared with our interns the other day that I really believe that the future of the church is more with the early twenties group than anyone else.

Ti Graduates and It's Red River Day

Ti has two families--one here not far from the Red River in Texas and one not far from the Red River in Hanoi! Five and a half years ago, our families were blessed with a bundle of hyper-active Vietnamese energy with the arrival of Ti Luu who was 17 and came as a high school exchange student. Ti has brought massive joy and a lot of cultural understanding to our family. We love him and he is part of our family. We also love his family in Hanoi. I have no doubt if we lived in Hanoi his Dad and I would be best friends. Ti graduated with a degree in engineering Saturday, December 16, from Texas Christian University (TCU). Several exchange students who have lived with NorthWood members attend TCU. Many of them were there for his graduation. Right before he graduated, we called his Mom and Dad in Hanoi and he spoke to them. We took pictures and emailed them to his Mom and Dad immediately. Ti heads back home to Hanoi in January to find a job or start a company. We will miss him deeply but will get to see him as we travel to Hanoi. Ti Luu may well be the Asian Bill Gates. Rock and roll my Vietnamese son. We're incredibly proud of you. Ti has taught the Roberts’ family many lessons. Here are just a few:

1. When people come and live in your home, they become a part of your family if they stay long enough! Seeing one another day-in and day-out--in good moods and bad--you really find out who each person is.

2. Every culture and family has remarkable things about which you can learn and bring into your own culture and family. The family loyalty that Vietnamese have is so far beyond anything Anglo-western culture gets today. When you live with people of different cultures, even in your own culture, their culture rubs off on you. Both of my biological kids would like to live in Asia. They love it there. Ti’s a big reason.

3. What do you really believe about God and why? It’s easy to develop your positions from books. It’s an entirely different thing to develop them from life. It’s one thing to accept the assumptions of your ancestors. It’s another thing to think deeply about truth and what really matters and what is really truth and what is culture.

4. I love Ti’s desire to make a difference in the world--his belief that he will be successful, but his simplistic lifestyle. You should see his car, or lack thereof!

What do I hope Ti is taking back home?

1. Knowledge that he is loved from a family in America that will be there for him.

2. An understanding who Jesus is and how He is there for him and loves him deeply.

3. An alternative framework of how to view life.

4. An edge on dealing with globalization.

Developing Leaders

Recently, in response to the blog I posted about our interns, I was asked about developing leaders. There are several things that come to mind. These are not meant to be complete but represent some of what I'm reflecting on, even now, regarding a project in which I'm involved. Let me also say I do not, in the least, consider myself an expert in this area but a practitioner because of various ministries and projects in which I’m involved. From being a pastor, who is discipling a group of men, to working with church planters, to being involved in global development projects, here is some of what I’m learning. I’d like to also say, what I teach and what I try to do is what people like Bobb Biehl, Bob Buford, Leighton Ford, Kent Humphreys, Chris Grant, Roy Fish, and more recently a prayer mentor Vikki Porterfield, have taught me. I would also say this--I learn and get more from our interns and others I work with than they probably get from me.

First, you live the life and do the stuff you talk about. Bobb Biehl has taught me that credibility is gained by 3 threads, results-time-character. Results are simply what is seen. People generally listen not because of what you know or what you did, but because of what you are currently doing. Character is what you are. No one is perfect and everyone has flaws. Time gives us the ability to see those things, both good and bad, that helps us filter counsel from someone. It is the ability to be over consistent.

Second, you teach first from what you've experienced. Anyone can write or talk on a subject and, yet, not be a "doer." Those who "do" and those who "talk" at first sound similar, but the deeper you go, the more you learn the differences and what may sound like semantics becomes key. Also, those who "experience" it will generally read more and more because they want to understand more. I’ve learned over the years there are two ways to gain influence, one is by what you know--people want to hear you talk about that. The other is by what you do--people want to hear the stories of what and how you did something. Teaching is passing on information. Mentoring is life-on-life and the more healthy experiences a mentor has, the more he/she has to share.

Third, they have to be around you in your context. I used to not understand that--and it’s something I have to keep learning again and again. Whether we are in church, or overseas, or involved in a project or ministry, together is crucial. People who are busy doing don’t always have a manual or journal near them while they are working to write down everything-–and if they did--they wouldn’t stop and write it. They’re caught up in what they are doing and living it and it is their passion. I’ve always wanted to get more education in international relations. In fact, I’ve considered getting a degree in it. So, a few months ago, I was at a meeting in D.C and a prominent professor from Georgetown was at the meeting. At a break, I went over and began talking to him about getting a graduate degree to learn more and gain some "credibility" in a field. He stopped me and said, "You’re living it, you’re practicing what those guys I teach come to school for. You’d be wasting your time unless you want to be a professor." I think the apostles followed Jesus because they wanted to watch Him.

Fourth, you have to hold people accountable. Good mentoring doesn’t start by hugging, but by listening, observing, and then challenging. We generally hug too quickly and challenge too late. We should first challenge and then hug when they do it or at least attempt to do it even if they fail and want to try again. The question is what are you trying to produce and what does the person need? Often, we let our own emotional vacuums color relationships with people we are trying to mentor. I’m not afraid to say to a young guy, "Hey man, you gotta work on this" or "That ain’t gonna cut it" or "Why do you think you’re like that?" or "Wow, that’s incredible!" To do that, you have to critique yourself with your mentors and others. An example, I recently mailed a form that I’ve used for several years that allows church members, leaders, family, and friends to critique everything from my "performance" to my character.

Fifth, you give them bite-size things and watch them. Don't give them the whole load--just a part. See what they do with it. It's the parable of the talents--you're going to find out who invests and who hoards. I think one of the reasons why I wind up being asked to mentor or meet with a lot of guys is because they’ve seen consistency and growth in specific areas that continue to open more and more doors. That happens when you are faithful with the 2 talents you’ve been given, not wishing you were a 10-talent guy. The point is not how many talents you have, but how you invest them. I’m not a well-known guy, but very well connected. You get that either by being well-known or a good producer and it continues to put you in unique places where a lot of people aren’t. The key to all of this has been tackling what is in front of me as if it was the only thing, no matter how big or small it is. I remember a few years ago talking to Bobb Biehl about getting mentored on how to deal with diplomats and world leaders because of projects in which I found myself. What you are doing today is often a taste of what is to come, or what could be, if you will learn.

Sixth, watch what's unique about them and help them discover their own uniqueness. Bob Buford has helped me with this. He’s challenged me on more than one occasion, "Roberts you have to know what is unique about yourself and focus on that. What is it you can do that no one else can." Sometimes that's really hard because you may feel you should do one thing when you can see it ain't gonna work! There are at least 3 interns that I’ve visited with on various issues that as I got to know them I could see something was going to bite them or that their giftedness was somewhere else. I didn’t tell them out loud, but asked questions and planted seeds for them to self-discover things. What I discover I value more than what someone else discovers and gives me! A good mentor blurts it out as only a last resort.

Seventh--this could be a book--I think you have to let them see you for who you really are--your good and bad. Admit your faults. They already know them and can see them. They aren’t asking you for help because they think you’re perfect. When you’re honest about your weaknesses, it will frankly increase your credibility with them. You bet--let them see you work. But, let them see you laugh, weep, sweat, everything you are. One of the men who has impacted my life has also been a man that made a bad mistake. Why do I still listen to him? Because he picked up the phone and called me, before it was in the papers or someone else called, and said, "Bob, I blew it. I love you and believe in you, I’m sorry I’ve let you down, but I wanted you to hear it from me--this is what happened . . . ." Though I was hurt and disappointed and for a while somewhat confused over all of it, this man, to this day, speaks deeply into my life. Why? Because he’s real. I trust real people--people whose smile or affirmations aren’t mixed with agendas or profit from a relationship.

In the past 5 years, my life has become incredibly busy and I’ve had to be more selective with what I’m involved. Speaking at conferences actually began to get in the way of some of the projects in which our church has been involved. I had to choose what really mattered. Do I want to be a speaker or a doer? I’ve made sure that the discipleship and mentoring is getting done. But a few months ago, God really begin to speak to my heart that I needed to be more engaged in all of that, and I have. I’ve had to say no to some other things that might seem important, but as Earl Creps recently wrote in Off-Road Disciplines, there is a discipline to passing the baton. It hasn’t been a well-practiced discipline. We often fear letting go of things because of someone who will do it as good as us. But, as Maxwell has said, if someone can do it 80% as good as you--let go. When we don’t let things go, not only do we deprive others of getting in the game, but we also don’t get to grow on to new levels of impact ourselves.

Transformation in Korean

Wow, this is weird, having my book translated in Korean! I can't even read it! One man is an engineer, the other a pastor.

The engineer stumbled onto Transformation and wanted it translated in Korean. Dave Gibbons--are you proud of me, man?

Faith, Society & Gerson

I was on a conference call this last week with a small group of people with the Center for Foreign Relations. Michael Gerson, former speechwriter for President Bush and now a senior fellow at the Council discussed President Bush’s approach to development in the world and faith. He recently did the November 13^th issue of Newsweek on "A New Social Gospel." Several things stood out in my mind from the discussion:

First, faith from the government standpoint is a means but from faith-based groups is an end. I couldn’t help but think of what we teach at NorthWood, "We serve not to convert, but because we have been converted."

Second, the millennium campaign from the UN is trying to provide some skids for people of all persuasions to work in the world, especially the church. Yet, sadly, most people in the church have allowed the UN to become a political issue as opposed to an engagement opportunity.

Third, an observation. Too much of what was discussed was about organizations and the government and how they partner. I thought it was just the church that didn’t get how societies are developed --I was wrong. The day is now when individuals want to engage society and will do so by using their wealth and vocations. If they wait for the government, in terms of funding or connections, they can forget it. The church must not be an organization that funnels things through it. Instead, it must be a clearinghouse that connects people with people and domains of society globally.

Fourth, another observation. I wonder if the church realizes how she has marginalized herself? Because we have limited everything around the discussion of abortion and gay rights, we’ve ignored what the Bible teaches about caring for the poor, the disadvantaged, the suffering. I listened as a guy on the news with some religious right group was trashing Rick Warren for having Barak O’Bama speak at his church. The guy said, "First abortion, and then we deal with the gay rights and then we’ll get to the social issues of poverty, etc." And how many more years is that? And, yeah, like right--I believe that because of what I’ve seen! He reminds me of pastors who say, "Yes we’ll engage our area and then the world!" No, you don’t prioritize unrighteousness--sin is sin. You deal with what you’re confronted with and we have a lot of suffering that, as the church, we’re simply ignoring. Frankly, if we were more concerned about the poor, maybe it would increase our credibility and give us more leverage and scale at addressing things like abortion.

Belize Navidad

Omar Reyes is point over all our missions ministry at NorthWood. Last May, at our Glocalnet Conference, several businessmen and government leaders from his Carribean Country of Belize attended. As a result of their attending the Glocalnet Conference, they invited me to come and speak to them on Transformation. So, last week Omar and I headed down and spent all day Saturday speaking on Transformation. It was a blast. The question was, "Is the Gospel only good to get me in heaven, or should it make a difference in society?"

Belize is a small country of 280,000 people with a rich history of missions. Yet, it is one of the poorest countries in the world. It was a fascinating meeting. Approximately 200 Christian leaders in business, education, and government were there--all asking the question. There may have been 10 pastors in attendance. Wow! A religious conference of laymen wanting transformation using their jobs and influence--when will we learn.

I was privileged to have breakfast with Prime Minister Said Musa. Senator Anthony Chanona was there, as well.

Duc's The Man!!!

We just had our 7^th Annual Life of Christ Drive-Thru and several thousand people drove through our campus with their families, hot chocolate, and snacks, where they saw 13 live scenes depicting the Life of Christ. It was great! I always get a kick out of the exchange students who want to be a part. Many come from non-Christian homes from Vietnam and other countries so it’s interesting to see how they interact. The Drive-Thru starts with scenes from Isaiah all the way to the resurrection.

Duc is one of the exchange students and comes from a very prominent family in Hanoi. His dad is a leader there. Duc is hoping to get into college and my son Ben is trying to help him.  I wanted to check on Duc and see how it was coming so I walked into the room where more than a hundred people were waiting to go to their scenes and there was Duc dressed up like a shepherd, or something. Keep in mind his parents are probably officially non-religious.

Bob: Duc who are you in your scene?

Duc: I’m the one who say, "Cwuficy him, Cwucify him!" (he says it loudly shaking his stick.

Bob: That’s good Duc – your Father would be very proud of you!

Duc: I know – he would! (with a big smile on his face.)

We both died laughing and those around us.

Pastoral Leadership in the Missional Church

I used to think the measure of leadership was tied to your ability to do things. Great leaders did great things--not so great leaders did not so great things. I was impacted by my Western individualistic narcissistic super stardom culture. In the past, being a "great preacher" or "building" a big building or "doing" something worthy of mention meant a person was a great leader. Drucker got it early on--it had to be more than "charismatic" leadership. He drew examples from Stalin and Hitler who he called, perhaps, the two most charismatic leaders of the 20^th century!

Leadership, particularly that of a pastor, is really not tied to their ability to do great things but to mobilize people to in the context of community to do more than they could have done alone--more than they ever could have dreamed possible.

Several of us were in a meeting recently and there were many exceptional leaders around the room. We want to change the world. It’s this thing God puts inside all of us. I challenged them that we must be leaders that are bold like lions and gifted like 10’s, but have the ability to be as quiet and as unassuming as a fly on the wall. If we can do that, we’ll lead incredibly well and may just have a shot at it.

Pastors that I’ve been experiencing and teaching for a good while, now, are mobilizers of the body of Christ to help every part engage society where they touch it. I’ve been thinking of metaphors of leadership. I think the one I like the most is that of a conduit, or a connector. Our job is nothing less than to know God’s Word, our context, people, opportunities and to connect them. I believe the more we connect them, the more flows through us. This is the only explanation of why God has put me where He has connected me in so many domains of society and the world. The principle of "faithful in small" and "faithful in much" is the visible expression of connecting. Connecting is so unassuming--just an outlet that others can pass through.

Resources and people and opportunities are like cords flopping on the floor just waiting to be connected--that’s the job of a pastor.

Church Planting Movement?

Been reading a lot lately about movements--not as much written as you’d think. It’s taken me into Civil Rights, Woman’s Suffrage, and other secular movements to find patterns. Movements are driven by ideas that lead to action. Therefore, do we really want a church planting movement? Is there really a such thing as a church planting movement?

Church planting is an activity that leads to an institution. In China, and the early church, I see no sign that people existed to start churches. Could it be that church planting movements are an expression of a "Jesus movement" or a "Gospel movement?" What is the real movement? You can read it at Onmovements.com--the case study of Layo and his observations over his church planting movement in his country. They got lots of churches, but little transformation. How horrible it would be to start tons of churches, yet to find out we started the wrong kinds of churches because we didn’t get what we were really producing!