The Asylum - A Refuge for Crazy Church Planters

Hey Everybody,

I want your feedback. How many of you out there got a chance to watch any of "The Nines" conference that Leadership Network did online Sept. 8th. This was a marathon of speakers addressing a wide variety of topics and it was kind of like drinking from a fire hose. This was an incredible idea from which I got a lot of great ideas and thoughts.

Here's what I want to know. Who were your top three favorite speakers and why? Who really stood out to you and why? Who was that one speaker unknown to you, but impressed you and why? Leadership Network is working on posting all of the videos online through their website and they should be up by the first of next week. If you missed "The Nines," then you should be able to see the videos next week.

The top three that stuck with me (I missed several speakers I wanted to hear):
1. Jennie Catron - Crosspoint Community Church - Great leadership stuff.
2. Leonard Sweet - Challange of balancing confidence and humilty. Always thought-provoking.
3. Mark Batterson - Christmas Catalog for Missions - great idea.

Others of mention: Troy Gramling, Stephen Furtick, JD Greear, Bill Cornelius, among others

People I was disappointed to miss: Alan Hirsch, Craig Groeschel, Jud Wilhite, Darrin Patrick

Shoot back your answers through the comments section on this blog. I'm anxiously awaiting your thoughts. Have a great weekend guys and gals.

Dave

Hey Guys and Gals.

I just wanted to throw up a quick new blog post to let everyone know about something really cool happening with Leadership Network tomorrow. They are hosting an online conference called "The Nines" for free, but you have to register online. There are 70+ leaders and thinkers who are going to be sharing their thoughts. The premise behind the conference is that Leadership Network asked each of the speakers to share one major significant thought in nine minutes. If they could say anything to us in nine minutes, what would it be? Everybody from Troy Gramling to Leonard Sweet, Mark Batterson, Reggie McNeal, Alan Hirsch, and the list goes on and on. The link to register is http://thenines.leadnet.org. Like I said it is free, but you do have to register. Check out the website for other details. I'll be twittering throughout as well @dmcclung2112. Come follow along and hope you enjoy.

Dave

Hello Everybody,

Welcome to the first blog post for the new Innovative Church Planting Fellowship of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. When I was asked to be a part of a new position focusing on relating to and planting "Innovative" type churches, I got excited. I can't think of a better job in the whole world than to be able to work with and help start new churches filled with people who are constantly trying to find new and creative ways to reach people with the story of Jesus.

You may be asking yourself, "Self, why would this lunatic title an innovative church planting blog site 'The Asylum?'" Well that would be a good question for your self to ask your self. Let me see if I can answer self's question. Obviously "The Asylum" is meant to be a little tongue in cheek. As you guys will get to know me better, you will find that I'm rarely serious and love to have fun. While meant to be tongue in cheek there are some legitimate reasons to call this fellowship The Asylum.

1. Asylum means a place of refuge. We want this network/fellowship, whatever you want to call it, to be a place where innovative/creative church planters can come and hang out online, share ideas, discuss strategy, and just interact with one another in an encouraging environment.
2. Innovative/creative church planters are just a little bit crazy. We think about life, ministry, and church just a little bit differently than most. We are willing to try some things that some may think a little bit strange. We have given up the safety of secure places, comfortable places of ministry to wander into the realm of uncertainty, discomfort, and wonder. For all that, The Asylum seems appropriate.
3. Let's just face it, innovative/creative church planters are just different. The sense of humor is different. Lives are different. It takes a different sort of people to do what God has called us to do. And it doesn't hurt to be just a little crazy to fulfill the roles in life and ministry that God has called us to. In that regard the Asylum fits as well.
4. During all the times when we bang our heads against the wall trying to find that "just right" sermon idea, or that "just right" ministry idea, or that "just right" leadership trick, sometimes we need a good padded room to bang away and not give ourselves concussions. Once again, I give you The Asylum.

So, with all of that in mind, let me welcome you to "The Asylum - A refuge for Crazy Church Planters." In the coming weeks as this blog grows, there will be some changes in the look coming as we are working on branding this fellowship and getting everything looking consistent. This will get us started for now and we'll update and change as we go.

You may ask yourself once again "Self, what can I expect from a blog such as this?" Another good question your self might ask. Let me give you some tidbits:

1. I will post links to great blog posts from other sharp innovative thinkers and planters out there such as Tony Morgan, Ed Stetzer, Mark Batterson, Guy Kawasaki, Seth Godin, among others.
2. I want to read some things with you guys, so I will post random thoughts and questions from books that I am reading. I would also love to highlight great books that you guys have come across that have helped you in your life and ministry. The first book I will be posting comments from is The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson. If you guys would like to purchase that book and read along as well, while posting your own thoughts in the comments section that would be great.
3. I would also like to hear from you with any successful ideas and practices. I would love to have a regular "best practices" post that highlights some great things God is doing in your ministries around the state and beyond. So keep me posted on what is happening in your ministries.
4. I will also post opportunities for networking and having face to face get-togethers. I want us to be able to get face to face on a regular basis and learn from each other and just have some fun.

Most of my blog posts will not be this long, but I wanted to give you a good idea of what to expect from this fellowship and this blog. Welcome to "The Asylum." Let the craziness begin.

Dave