Revamp

Rob Bell & Brain Cramps

2010-02-19T12:19:00.002-07:00

Tonight I will be sitting in a very peculiar shaped auditorium, listening to a fairly odd pastor, speak a relatively unique message.

As I listen to Rob Bell speak I expect my mind to be stretched beyond that of a normal college lecture class. I plan on walking away from whatever he has to say with a mind full of questions eager to investigate the truth. Whether I agree with everything Rob says is beside the point.

You see, Rob Bell has stepped where far too many pastors shy away from. He has gripped the intellectual side of Christianity and forced people into a deeper knowledge of who God is and what He is saying to us.

Many of us have become comfortable with a 4th grade understanding of God: He died, rose again, and now we live for Him by making wise choices. The truth is that God transcends even the mind of a genius; so then why do we dumb down His word?

I like Rob Bell because what he has to say actually seems like it took thought. I like Him because He has challenged other great leaders to deepen their understanding and knowledge of God.

I've never heard him claim to know everything, but I know from the way he writes and speaks that he is working to know as much as possible.

Who stretches you to think outside of the box?

Who are the people you surround yourself with that constantly cause your brain to reach it's intellectual border and then cause you to jump past it?

God created nerds in more of his image than you think.

Do Not Fear Intellect,

Shane

Be A Common Creative

2010-02-17T10:30:00.003-07:00

Is our ability to create stagnated by our ability to understand creativity?

I have heard the statement "I'm just not creative" way too many times. The truth is we are all creative. We create on a daily basis. Every time we get ready in the morning we create something. Whether it's our hair, our style, our wash routine, our breakfast, or the way we sing that hit song in the shower, we are constantly creating.

The problem with creativity is that we always expect originality.

We think creativity is the art of forming something the world has never seen. In many ways this is what creativity perceives, but the truth is creativity is something common being used in a form that is new to humanity.

STOP trying to create from nothing and begin to create from everything.

Our creativity is using the materials of old to supply the needs and provoke the minds of today.

King Solomon (the wisest man ever to live) puts it this way in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NIV):

⁹ "What has been will be again,

what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.

¹⁰ Is there anything of which one can say,
"Look! This is something new"?
It was here already, long ago;
it was here before our time."

Maybe the reason you struggle with "being creative" is due to your definition of creativity.

Perhaps you've been striving for originality by removing yourself from the common.

I want to challenge you to gaze upon the world with creative eyes. Look at the world around you and begin to use it in new ways. Start to adapt what is already there to enhance the lives of those around you. Be creative by using what God has already created in a way to bring Him the overall glory.

True creativity is hidden within the common.

You've Been Trying Too Hard,
Shane

My Weekend In Pictures

2010-02-16T12:15:00.013-07:00

I may have left LA but my heart is still in town.

It Really Is The City of Angels,

Shane

LaLaLand

2010-02-11T15:07:00.007-07:00

My weekend looks a little like this:

And this:

For the next 4 days my incredible fiancée (1 point Shane), Heather, and I will be in LA hanging with some great new friends. We are going to experience as much of the city as possible. We will be hanging with the Red Eye Inc. crew who are currently pursuing an agenda of love for all people. I am hoping for big things from this weekend trip.

I have always loved the people of Southern California. Every vacation I've taken to LA has been eye-opening and thought provoking, but every trip has been a vacation.

This time I'm ready to serve. I'm ready to have fun and enjoy the excitement of LA, but I'm also ready to experience the hurt. I am asking God to break my heart for the things that break His and for my eyes to be focused through His lens. I want my passion for the hurting to cause my heart to beat right out of my chest. I want my love for an amazing city to seep from my pores. I want this weekend to be everything it could and should be for a God-fearing, human loving man.

If what I am expecting is what God is planning, things could get interesting.

Southland Is Waiting,

Shane

This Little Thing Called Love

2010-02-10T09:25:00.004-07:00

What's getting in the way of God's love in your life?

Do you hide behind Bible study materials, a hearty to-do list, or volunteer opportunities because they make you feel important?

What if i told you that you couldn't do anything to make God love you more?

This concept has completely blown my mind. For years I have been trapped in this corrupt idea of God's love. Reading my Bible more, spending more time at church, or being more "holy" would trick me into believing I was earning more love from God. I felt more loved when I was in a place that required me to do something. I had no idea that I could feel love better within the silence of my devotion time.

Here's the big idea:

"But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him." (Romans 5:8 MSG emphasis added)

Whoa, is that really in the Word?

We bring nothing to the table in our relationship with God, but for some reason He still loved us, He still loves us.

There is nothing we can do to earn God's love. He has been giving it unconditionally since the beginning of time. The time we spend devoting our lives to His cause are greatly blessed, but they don't submerge us in any more of His love. We had His love from the moment He created us. Before we were placed in our mother's womb He loved us. Before we had even taken our first breath, His love for us was just as great as it is now. We can never destroy God's love in our lives. Whether we reject Him or accept Him, His love remains the same.

God's great love stretches us in our personal love for others.

God first loved us while we were of "no use whatever" to Him. That requires us to love everyone around us. People don't need to earn our love, they should receive it simply because they exist. Everyone is someone, they breath, they sleep, they eat, they have a soul, that means they are worthy of our love. If we love other people before they offer us anything we will better understand exactly how we are loved.

Love is deep. Love is beyond rational thinking. Love has no boundaries. Love is the answer to all of our problems.

Love without thought today and every day of your life.

Shattering Misconceptions,

Shane

History Changed, Again

2010-01-27T14:34:00.005-07:00

Apple has live events that single handedly change the face of technology history. They happen about twice a year and draw more attention than a a chimp riding a unicycle blindfolded. Seriously, they're that good.

Why do people always watch?

What is it about a computer company that has totally changed history?

Is there anything your church or business can learn from this example?

There has to be something about what Apple does that requires the attention of the world.

Maybe we should pay closer attention.

(p.s.-Can't wait to see how my blog looks on an iPad.)

-Shane

Wanted: Opinions

2010-01-26T08:48:00.005-07:00

I need your help blog readers.

Next Monday I have the privilege of speaking to youth leaders from all over the country. Our Youth ministry, ThreeSixty, is holding a conference (www.redefinedleaders.com) prior to Pastor's School at Phoenix First.

(I may have just broken the link per sentence world record)

Anyways, back to the point. I NEED your help. Jesse Watson and I are doing a workshop on ministry in the 21st Century. During our "allotted time frame" we will be tackling the topics of social media, dynamic services, and personal networking. I have my personal opinions of what works and what doesn't, but I also realize I don't know nearly as much as I think I do.

That's why I want to know what you think.

If you are willing to help, leave a comment with your personal answers to these questions:

1. What is the most creative/off the wall idea you've ever seen/experienced in a church service?

2. What would make you more eager to interact with a church via FB, Twitter, YouTube, etc.? Do you believe that online ministry is an effective way to connect people with the local church? Why/Why Not?

3. Would you be willing to interact w/ a church that offers mobile notes, polls, and key scripture references during service? (i.e. and interactive service)

4. What is your purpose for personal networking? What drives you to read blogs, follow people on Twitter, and add friends on FB? (Be honest, I won't judge, other readers might, but not me.)

Your help and honesty will help me better equip other leaders that attend this workshop. I believe all of the principles Jesse and I will be discussing have a very important role in The Church and it's mission. The internet is becoming it's own nation so we have to find a way to share the gospel within it's borders.

Again, I value your opinions and want to learn from the people that stop by Revamp.

You are all awesome and I appreciate the help.

Happy Answering,

Shane

The Parable Of The Talents & A Life That Splatters

2010-01-25T15:14:00.004-07:00

What are you doing right now?

Are you currently using the gifts God has given you to glorify Him?

Are you currently part of a career, church, school, or network that is pushing you to be your best for God?

Do you take your ministry seriously?

Are you chasing after your God-sized dreams with an unstoppable passion?

As I was reading the Parable Of The Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (Go read it) I couldn't help but feel challenged by Jesus' teaching.

I have heard/read this story countless times but this time the Holy Spirit led me to see where this story applies in my own life. I am in a place of life right now that is absolutely crucial to my story. I know that seems pretty broad but I believe you are in the same place as well.

There is a reason why you are where you are right now. There is a reason why you have been entrusted with the influence, abilities, and blessings that are a part of your life right now. God has invested in you so that you may invest in others and glorify God. It's time that we start taking our situations seriously. Whether you are in a climbing phase of life or you are in your mountaintop experience, God has surrounded you with people, places, and situations that need your attention. God may currently be transitioning you to greater things but until that transition is complete you are to fully invest in your current situation. After all, sometimes we need to shows God that we can be entrusted with a few things before He trusts us with many things.

Give everything you have to be the best for God. Use all of your blood, sweat, and tears to fully invest in seeing His purpose throughout your life. Be relentless about pursuing His BIG dreams for your life but make sure some of that fervor splatters on the steps that lead up to the fulfillment of that vision.

I wouldn't want hide what God has given me for a fear that I may lose it...

Things didn't go well for that guy.

Invest Wisely,

Shane

One.20

2010-01-22T11:57:00.009-07:00

Two nights ago ThreeSixty JV/Varsity held it's first outreach service of the year. Students from all over the Phoenix area gathered in The Stadium at Phoenix First for a night of complete mayhem. We worshiped, danced, partied, and responded all for the glory of God. Here is a a little clip from one of my favorite moments of the night:

There is something awesome about students getting pumped during a church service.

I Love What I Do,
Shane

(PS-Please excuse the Cloverfield style camera work and the really excited kid in the hoodie. Thanks.)

Knowing People vs. Meeting People

2010-01-19T13:20:00.004-07:00

Do you like meeting people or knowing people?

If you answered yes to either there is a chance you're a networker. Maybe you have had coffee meetings with more people than you have in your church on a Sunday morning. Perhaps you have met some of the greatest influencers in the world today. You may have even expanded beyond the array of church leaders and crossed over into the business world, sports world, or entertainment industry. You may have met with a lot of people...

...but how many of those people do you really know?

Something I strive for is to learn from every person I encounter. I may get a new perspective of God's personality, His creativity, or even His wisdom if I prepare myself to learn from everyone. Every person walking on this Earth has something about them that reflects a fragment of the image of our Creator.

When you take the time to ask personal questions, listen, and dig deeper into what makes a person who they truly are, your understanding of God begins to grow.

The next time you sit down and connect with a person at any level, take the time to see them for more than what everyone else does.

If you do this the money you spent on their coffee will always be worth it.

Take Time To Discover,

Shane

3 Things Hollywood Can Learn From The Church (Part 3)

2010-01-18T13:12:00.002-07:00

There is a reason why Hollywood has numerous residents that are constantly spiraling downward.

There is no hope.

There is no freedom.

There is no restoration.

The third thing I believe Hollywood needs to take from the church is the restoration process.

I don't understand how celebrities that fall go through rehab and then wind up in the tabloids 2 weeks later because of a relapse.

Hollywood needs to learn restoration rather than normalization.

When a celebrity falls it seems as though the main goal is to get that person back to a functional level and get them back in the party scene.

Am I the only one confused by this methodology?

What will it take for the famous to truly turn their lives around instead of getting back to a place where they can easily stumble again?

I know that there is a way to restore the broken people of Tinseltown.

I believe that the negative situations covered by the tabloids are a cry for help from the fallen individuals.

Hollywood needs grace just as much as you and I do.

The people within it's borders need the same healing as the people within your church.

Restoration should be for all people. Healing is something we all deserve.

Hollywood may be the source of numerous forms of negative influence, but they still need a Savior.

It's time that we restore the people in the lime light, rather than laugh at their mistakes.

"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46 (NIV)

He wants to bring people out of the darkness...

Shouldn't Hollywood be brought out too?

It's For All People,

Shane

3 Things Hollywood Can Learn From The Church (Part 2)

2010-01-16T09:37:00.002-07:00

Why is is that young stars and starlets are constantly falling into some of the worst conditions of today's society?

Almost every week someone is Hollywood is divorced, over dosed on drugs, involved in a social scandal, or arrested from some alcohol related issue.

I know that these issues are widespread but in Hollywood it is constantly happening to the same people group.

Something I have noticed is that famous people hang out with famous people. They marry famous people. They live with other famous people. They party with other famous people. They stick to the Fame Flock.

If we can all agree that famous people stick together, doesn't that raise the question as to why famous people keep falling?

The second thing Hollywood can learn from The Church is the principle of accountability.

Though not everyone in The Church lives an accountable life, it is still a commonly taught principle of a Christian's walk.

Hollywood has one form of accountability, TMZ; and once it has reached TMZ it's already too late.

What if the friends of one fallen individual stepped up to warn others of imminent danger. What if great falls weren't commonly accepted as the norm in Hollywood? What if one star or starlet stood up to change the perceptions of fame? What if one Christian decide that it was time for Hollywood to change?

I believe that when Hollywood learns accountability we will see TMZ covering more weddings than divorces. I know that when someone steps up to say enough is enough we will see a revolution in the influence that seeps from that town.

I feel that soon Hollywood will understand that failure shouldn't be so common among it's people.

Eventually someone will step up for change and Hollywood will learn accountability.

I pray for the day Hollywood grasps it's opportunity for good and God revives it's people.

It Could Be Sooner Than You Think,

Shane

3 Things Hollywood Can Learn From The Church (Part 1)

2010-01-15T08:08:00.004-07:00

Hollywood: the center of influence in our modern world.

It's the place where dreams come true and harsh reality becomes public.

Creativity sores while real lives are left at stake.

Fame is the measure of success and body image is the drug of choice.

Everything within it's city limits has become a standard of greatness in today's modern world.

Having said that, Hollywood still has a lot to learn.

I believe there are 3 key elements that Hollywood can learn from The Church.

Element 1:

Substance is the key to captivating an audience.

In today's Church performance has become a vital part of the service. As soon as we walk into a church we are bombarded with music, video, hard copy marketing, and social media connections. All of these aspects of the church play a key role in how we engage our audience. Hollywood already understands how to do these things. We are driven to have the best presentation possible because the tiny town in Southern California has set such a high bar in that area.

What is different about the church is the substance of the video, music, marketing, and social media connections. The Church understands that what we have to say can potentially change lives. We are aware that a 2000 year old message is still relevant in today's world and we want to present it in a way that will draw people in. If we do anything less than the best in our media and marketing departments I believe we are doing God an injustice. We must present the message in a way that people will relate with. The message is what captivates the heart of the audience, the presentation is what brings them there to hear it.

That's one idea Hollywood has missed. They believe that attracting an audience, getting them to pay $8 for a ticket, and then giving them a movie that causes an adrenaline rush is enough to impact a life. Though a person may leave a movie theater with a sense of motivation or excitement, reality soon sets in that they are no closer to the life portrayed on the screen than they were prior to taking their seat.

When a person comes to church he or she can be forever changed by the message that is presented.

When a person goes to a movie he or she can be temporarily appeased by the inspiration of a fairy tale life.

One thing I must add is that there have been movies throughout time that have truly touched the hearts of their viewers, but what they all have in common is the fact that they are reality.

Movies that truly inspire are ones filled with heroics that are truly obtainable. Without a true message the presentation can only serve as a agitator of human emotions.

Maybe less sex, less drugs, less violence, and less money would actually bring more people to the movie theaters.

Substance Is Key,

Shane

Time Crunch

2010-01-12T22:53:00.004-07:00

There are not enough hours in the day.

No matter how many times I ask God to extend the length of a day, it never happens.

I'm feeling it right now. Between work, school, church, wedding planning, and exercise almost all 24 of my hours are taken up.

I've been stressed, exhausted, focused, and distracted all at once in the past 2 weeks or so.

(That last sentence won't make sense unless you're in the same boat as me.)

Even though life has been non stop lately I wouldn't trade it for anything. Every day=progress. The wedding is sprinting closer, the ministry is taking off, the payroll hours are building, and I like to believe I'm gaining a little muscle.

I guess what I am trying to say is that my busy schedule is a blessing. Even though I've had some major stress moments (to put it kindly), I still know that God is the God of my schedule.

He has marked all of these locations on the roadmap of my life and I know there is a purpose. I truly love knowing that hard work will pay off. I believe that God has something in store for every area of my life I am currently pursuing. Some are obvious. Some, not so much. But at the end of each day when I rest my head I know that for the most part I moved closer to what's in store for tomorrow.

Do you feel progress in your life?

Keep On Truckin',

Shane

I'm So Annoying

2010-01-04T11:51:00.003-07:00

There is one person who annoys me beyond anyone in the world...

Shane Sanchez.

I get so frustrated with myself when I know I can do better. I get upset when I'm late for something. I'm an angry person when I forget to set my alarm. I'm annoyed when something I do doesn't turn out the way I expected. I stress myself out by procrastinating.

The good thing about all of this is that I can fix it.

With God's strength and correction, I know that I have the ability to gain discipline, wisdom, and patience in this new year. If I set my mind to something I know that I can reach it and to be honest, in the past, I haven't made some of the little things my priority. I have taken for granted my ability to succeed where it counts and because of that I've done a poor job of smoothing out the edges.

Having said all that, I want to focus on the little things in 2010. This year I will gain discipline, wisdom, and patience because I care enough to work at them. I am thankful of God's grace as it's been extended to me many times through bosses, teachers, leaders, etc. but now it's time to do what Christ would do and live a more intentional life.

Maybe you are in the same boat. Maybe it's chronic tardiness that wears you down. Maybe it's constant procrastination that stresses you out. Maybe it's horrible time management that wastes your time. This is the year to change it. Step up to the plate with me and make 2010 a year to focus on the little things that mean the most in the long run.

I don't just want to be a great husband, leader, pastor, worker, and someday father. I want to be someone who lives like the Jesus I talk about constantly.

Here's To Intentional Living,

Shane

A New Year

2010-01-01T13:53:00.004-07:00

It's a New Year.

That means it's time to begin changing the world.

2009 was a great year and all, but it has nothing on twenty ten.

This year everything can change. We can continue along the path of yesterday or move into the vastness of tomorrow. God has already written each day, it's about time we start sticking to His plan.

I want to see great things in this new year. I believe God has big plans for me individually, just like He has for each of you. I'm not guaranteed tomorrow, that's why I will be living each day to impact the world in a way that is unique to me.

I want you to do the same.

Live today in a way that no one else can. Do something significant and distinct. Be the best at what you do and focus on the purpose God has for your life right now.

I believe God has even bigger plans than we do for 2010.

I look at marriage, a pastors license, and a new role in leadership at church and think I have a lot going on the road ahead. I couldn't imagine being the God of the universe, who could ever keep His calendar? He knows it all, let His direction and peace cover every plan you have for this year.

Do something big in twenty ten. Break habits, form healthy relationships, work hard, seek God more, and enjoy every second of each day.

After all, you only get one 2010, and God willing that means you have 365 chances to change the world.

What Are You Waiting For,

Shane

Because...I'm Awesome

2009-12-28T17:00:00.003-07:00

I wish we could all poke fun at ourselves like this.

Now it's easy for him. He's a 2 time NBA MVP and 6 time All-Star.

But who cares. We are all good at what we do. That's why we do it. It's ok to make mistakes and it's definitely ok to poke fun at yourself.

Laugh a little today. Instead of beating yourself up over a simple mistake at work or in ministry, make a joke out of it and learn from it for next time.

If Steve can do it so can you.

I'm Awesome,

Shane

Book Review: Primal

2009-12-22T06:17:00.003-07:00

What if every Christian on Earth was searching for something different?

Instead of being a Christian just for the sake of not committing sins, what if we were on "A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity"?

In Mark Batterson's new book, "Primal", he challenges readers to return Christianity to it's roots. "Primal", is a roadmap to the heart of a true Christian lifestyle. In this book you will learn what it truly means to love God with your heart, souls, strength, and mind. Readers are encouraged to break the chains of boring religion and instead dive head first to a God who transcends all humanity.

This book truly sets you back on track to a love for God that won't fizzle out. I believe that, "Primal", should be on every readers list at the start of the New Year. Batterson writes with intent and urgency for the church to return to it's early roots. He encourages the readers to expand themselves in all four areas of the Great Commandment in order to serve a God who is beyond all comprehension.

"Primal", brings new perspective. It tears down the stereotypical Christian walk and instead leads readers to a refreshed relationship with God. I truly enjoyed reading this book. I know that due to this book my view of God and of the Great Commandment have changed. I now understand a little bit more about why I must use everything God has given me to serve Him. I am a being of curiosity and imagination, because of this I have great responsibility to serve God in ways specific to me.

I encourage you buy this book and prepare for a journey back to primal Christianity.

You can purchase "Primal" on RandomHouse.com here. Or on Amazon here.

This book has the potential to revolutionize your walk with God. It's not your ordinary "Christian Inspiration" reading. When you buy "Primal", prepare to be challenged in ways that are new to you. Use it as a spark plug to go into the world and do something new for Christ.

After all "Reformations are born out of discovering something ancient, something primal." (pg. 169) We are a part of this reformation. It's time to get back to our roots.

Be Primal,

Shane

The Great Toy Giveaway

2009-12-21T13:14:00.005-07:00

This is my church.

I am so thankful to be a part of Phoenix First Assembly. Yesterday was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I have never been so humbled as I was standing in the middle of that sea of people. As each family walked by I couldn't help feel proud of my church. The smiles on the faces of the children gave me a deeper understanding of Matthew 25:40:

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (NIV)

Do something for Him this Christmas.

This Is Christmas,

Shane

GE Your Church

2009-12-14T14:41:00.002-07:00

What if the church was more like GE?

What are your thoughts? What can you do to develop unity and exemplify the importance of hope?

Imagine That,

Shane

- Thanks to Shaun Mayfield (@shaunmayfield) for opening my eyes to the imagination of GE.

Reading Words vs. Seeping Content

2009-12-11T14:07:00.004-07:00

Do you ever read something and then pause, to discover that you have no clue what you're eyes just glanced over?

I am the KING of reading words and not seeping in content.

I've been struggling with this since at least my freshman year of high school. I was unintentionally trained to not grasp what I was reading while in school. Reading became necessary and I was normally assigned dry, empty books that meant nothing to me past graduation day. Reading words and missing content became my preferred method of self-teaching mainly due to the fact that it got me by with a passing grade.

Then God decided that post-high school would be a great time for me to realize I enjoy reading thought-provoking material. I began to enjoy reading books that taught me more about who I am in Christ. I even started reading my Bible on a regular basis. I'm 20 days away from reading the Bible in it's entirety in one year.

But, this thought hit me today:

"What have I missed?"

I faithfully read my Bible from cover to cover, but did I grasp what it was saying? Yes, I prayed before and after, but when I was tired and simply read just to complete a task, did I take anything from it? How many times did I miss God trying to speak into my life because I was more concerned about getting to the next days reading than allowing the Spirit to engage me in it's content?

It's scary what we become. We've all done it. We've been trained to read words and not seep content. The most dangerous part of this scenario is that we apply our training to Bible reading.

Starting now I'm doing things differently. The Bible isn't the same as other books in the "Christian Inspiration" section of Barnes and Noble. The Bible is the inspired word of God. I refuse to skim over the words and familiar stories. I want to go deeper, listen more intently, and allow God to use everything in the Bible to further strengthen my relationship with Him and understanding of Him.

What have you been missing?

Take Your Time,

Shane

The Seasons (Part 2)

2009-12-08T12:12:00.004-07:00

If you're reading this right now and you live in the Northern Hemisphere like I do, you know that it's cold outside. Winter hasn't officially started, but as far as you're concerned, we're in the dead of it.

Now there is this world acclaimed holiday we celebrate every December 25th that doesn't seem to fit the mold of winter. On this day we come together to bring joy to everyone we can encounter. The common tradition is to give gifts to those that mean the most to you in order to bring some form of happiness into their life. Christmas is a holiday meant to bring both joy and hope to the world.

So why is it that this holiday falls in the middle of a desolate season?

Maybe there is something deeper than beautiful snowfall, cold winds, and long shopping lines that encompass the holiday of Christmas.

Is there a chance that the principles of hope and joy are meant to reflect what Christ brought us in the middle of our most desperate times?

You see, the winter of our life is hopeless and full of despair. We don't know when it will end but we are constantly seeking a means of relief. We would give almost anything to end the blizzard that our life has become.

Then this gift-giving holiday arrives. We wake up early and expect to find a years worth of bliss under a giant green tree. There has to be more to this day than the kind of happiness money can buy. Most of us know there is more. This holiday has much deeper purpose than what we've focused it on. On Christmas we celebrate the birth of a Savior. Many people shun Him and turn His holiday into one set on consumerism, but there are those that don't, they understand why we celebrate in the dead of winter.

It's because Christ comes in the grim of our lives. When we are down and out, when our heart is cold, and when there is no hope on the horizon,

Christ is there.

He's our relief. He's the ray of light that peaks through the clouds of the snow storm.

We celebrate Christmas in the winter because Christ came to carry us into spring.

All the hope and joy we could ever ask for came to us while we were still sinners. The birth of a child meant much more than we could ever imagine. As Christ began to develop here on Earth our lives quickly began to change.

He came in the dead of winter so that we could have hope for the seasons to come.

Spring Is On The Horizon,

Shane

Commonly Unique

2009-12-04T08:42:00.003-07:00

We all want to fit in.

I don't even care if you would describe yourself as indie. You probably reflect your indie lifestyle by shopping at Urban Outfitters, just like every other indie person.

There are certain brands and trends that define the social group we are a part of.

What are yours?

Where do you shop?

What kind of music do you listen to?

Are you a coffee or smoothie person?

Is it the gym or the art gallery?

Are you a Mac or PC?

I'll go first:

RVCA is currently dominating my closet.

Switchfoot's "Hello Hurricane" has been on repeat the last week or so.

Green Tea is slowly becoming infused within my blood cells.

I spend more time at the gym in a day than I do watching TV for the entire week.

Apple products are second only to the people in my life (Obviously, God is the #1)

I also can't stand when guys make smily faces like this :-) on a computer. I don't know why, maybe it's because they were made popular by jr. high girls. Somehow that destroys street cred.

So that's me. I don't know how to define myself. I'm a pretty unique person, just like you.

Now it's your turn to comment and tell the Revamp world a few things that may give them a peek of what you enjoy.

We All Fit In,

Shane

The Seasons (Part 1)

2009-12-04T08:05:00.005-07:00

Every year our Earth and our lives go through this vicious cycle we call seasons.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.

These four words describe the constant flow of our humanity.

What we may not see is how the Earth's seasons parallel the seasons of our life.

The Spring season of our everyday life is where the anticipation builds. It's when life is beginning to fill, opportunities are beginning to surface, and everything seems to be coming together. We may experience some minor set backs but nothing can take our eyes off of the events that are ahead.

Summer is our arrival. There are many points in life where we feel accomplished. We believe that we have finally received our payoff for all of our hard work. There is nothing that can stop and nothing will stop the sun from shining on our achievements. We hope these days never end.

Then comes Fall. Maybe it's an event, mistake, fade-out, or direction change; whatever it is we're stopped right in our tracks. We were hoping the rays of summer would never fade out and suddenly we begin to see the leaves of our lives begin to turn and the weather begin to chill. This isn't necessarily a miserable time, it could still be filled with joy as we reflect on what the Summer season of life was like. Though, altogether we begin to doubt. We start to wonder if what we are doing is what we were meant to do. All of the sudden our hopes and dreams don't feel big enough anymore. We feel like we've been chasing God's plans all along but begin to wonder if we've been pursuing to our full extent. This season is dreary, it's the time that cools our boiling hearts to nothing more than a lukewarm stagnation.

Eventually we slip into winter. Sometimes this season comes unexpectedly. We may be warm one week and require a jacket the next. We begin to wear more layers and our breath turns to fog. The layers of our winter are emotions like frustration, anger, bitterness, confusion, and regret. We aren't sure what we did to walk away from the excitement of summer and walk into the chill of winter. This is where we are at our low. We don't know what to do in order to get out of this chilling part of our life, but we are willing to try anything. We want to feel the heat of summer pounding down on our heart's desires. We want to dream again, create again, and succeed once more. However, we can't shake the comfort of our layers.

I don't know what season you may be in right now, but I believe we have all experienced these different times. Our lives are constantly rotating and adjusting. We are always adding more layers and taking more off in order to adjust to our environment.

Maybe you're reading this and winter isn't just the season our Earth is in right now. You know what it means to be stuck outside in a personal snow storm. You are wondering if life will ever heat up again. You want to dream again, you want the joy you had in your summer, you just want freedom from the layers of emotions you have covered yourself with.

If that's you, I want you to know:

There

hope

the

dead

winter...

Until Tomorrow,

Shane

Thank You Christian Rappers

2009-12-03T14:49:00.002-07:00

You're welcome:

By the way, I found this little ditty at Alltop.com. Just want to give credit where it's due.

-Shane

Desire

2009-12-01T13:41:00.003-07:00

Are you who you want to be?

When will those convictions and desires that rest deep within the walls of your heart be exposed?

What will it take for you to break out of the bondage of normality and do something huge?

Why are you afraid to devote your life to what you most desire?

For so long we have been taught to seek Gods will in everything. Sadly, this has caused many people to completely disregard their own burning passions. We are supposed to seek Gods will, but he also says he will "...give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4 NIV)

Maybe the desire to start a new career, explore a new hobby, or travel to an exotic country are in your heart and mind for a reason.

Maybe He put them there.

Is it a crime to believe that God wants us to enjoy our life?

I believe He wants us to have just as much fun being alive as He did creating us to live.

There is a purpose in our God given desires and they all inevitably strengthen the cause of Christ.

So are you who you really desire to be?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:38:00.003-07:00

I'm thankful for people like this:

And people like this:

Don't use these when you're putting up lights tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Shane

Be Different

2009-11-22T23:06:00.004-07:00

What makes you different than the person next to you?

Whether you're at work, school, home, or in the car (uh...), what makes you unique in comparison with that person.

Is it your hair color, your talents, your background, your body composition, or something else?

As distinct as all these characteristics are, there should be one that stands out above the rest.

If you are a Christian the Holy Spirit should be seeping out of your pores. There should be that something that makes you different. You should walk different, talk different, and look different because the Spirit of God lives in you.

This thought has really been challenging me lately. Shouldn't we, as Christians, be different than the rest of the world? Don't get me wrong, we're not to be weird or arrogant, but we should live different lives. We should be intentionally pleasing God with our choices. We shouldn't have to quickly change how we act when we run into our Christian friends or pastor outside of the church. We should live a lifestyle that is completely saturated by the Holy Spirit.

I've had to make some major adjustment based on this life principle. I believe that the music I listen too, the movies I watch, and the places I go all display something to the world. That doesn't mean I only listen to Carman and watch Salty The Singing Songbook reruns, but it does mean I am careful about what I feed into my heart and mind and about the image I portray to the people around me. I don't want to seem like everyone else. I have no desire to be society's norm.

I want to be different.

I want the Spirit's presence in my life to be obvious, to non-Christians and Christians alike.

I want people to look at me and know that my faith is what makes me who I am.

Shouldn't you want to be different too?

-Shane

P.S. - If you want to read a great book on the topic of the Holy Spirit in our lives, check out "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.

What Do You See?

2009-11-18T14:13:00.006-07:00

What do you see when you are in the grocery?

What do you see when you are at the mall?

What do you see when you are driving to work?

Do you see what God see's?

I have really been striving to view life through the eyes of God. I want to see creation like He does. I want watch the mountains bowing down, I want to see the night sky reflecting His creativity, and most importantly I want to see beyond the exterior of the people around me.

God's depth is so far beyond our comprehension. As hard as I try, I won't ever be able to see creation through the fullness of God's sight. Nevertheless, I truly believe that if we could gain God's view of creation, it would completely change the way we live our lives.

I want to experience this. I know I will never, ever, be able to have the full wisdom or insight of God, but I do believe He allows us little glimpses here and there. It's through His Earth, through His creation, through His people.

So, what do you see today?

-Shane

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part Four

2009-11-16T00:21:00.003-07:00

So it's the Monday after.

Convention has passed and the work/school week has begun.

What will Youth Convention be this year? It was great, fun, exciting, exhausting, etc; but what will it be?

The fourth "thing" I can't wait for, is the take home. I want to see the life change that happened this weekend reverberate throughout our schools, workplaces, churches, and homes. I don't want Convention to be another year of emotional and spiritual highs to return back to a life of monotony. We must take this weekend and allow it to be the start of something big. Every commitment we made with God has to stick, we must be the difference. God is expecting a deeper relationship with us, are we ready?

This weekend changed everything...

It's time to get activated!

What A Weekend,

Shane

Tim Black: The Mastermind

2009-11-14T17:44:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all you do Tim!

The Edge

2009-11-14T17:19:00.001-07:00

This is the place for growing leaders.

It's a collection of incredible people under the best leadership around.

If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself check out The Edge!

Worth Dying For Interview

2009-11-14T14:49:00.004-07:00

This worship band rocked our stage! We were so blessed to have them as a part of what we do.

Check them out at www.worthdyingfor.com and the internship at www.thestadiumu.com

Channing Frye Shout-Out!

2009-11-14T09:34:00.008-07:00

He's tall, I'm medium (watch it), enjoy the angle.

-Shane

The Real Thing

2009-11-14T09:26:00.003-07:00

YC goes beyond the service. This is what it looks like:

Share the love,

Shane

This Changes Everything

2009-11-14T09:15:00.007-07:00

Back and kicking for day two of Youth Convention 2009.

I'm currently sitting in the auditorium as 2000+ Arizona Jr. High and High School students worship God with all they have.

Today we find a way...

To go deeper,

To worship more sincerely,

To build more relationships,

To be more like Christ,

To change everything...

These are the students of Arizona, this is the weekend they begin to change history.

I Hope You're Ready,

Shane

Service Night One

2009-11-13T21:48:00.003-07:00

Here are a couple of videos from tonight's service. Pastor Allen Griffin brought it and Worth Dying For led us into God's presence:

The night is closed and the students are heading to late night down on the youth walk. God moved, lives were rocked, and we are already anticipating tomorrow! I hope you are enjoying this inside look of azyc09. The Arizona Students are world changers!

So Much More On The Way,

Shane

Worship Night 1

2009-11-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Channing Frye On Stage

2009-11-13T20:32:00.004-07:00

Countdown To Convention

2009-11-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

Jordan's Rap

2009-11-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Creation Dance

2009-11-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Bull Pull

2009-11-13T20:28:00.003-07:00

40 Second Dance

2009-11-13T20:28:00.001-07:00

Bohemian Rhapsody

2009-11-13T20:27:00.001-07:00

Stupid Human Trick

2009-11-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hot Dog Contest

2009-11-13T20:24:00.002-07:00

Pop Lock Dance

2009-11-13T20:24:00.001-07:00

Pre Show Intro

2009-11-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

1 Hour And Counting...

2009-11-13T16:58:00.002-07:00

We are less than one hour away from the biggest night in Arizona AG Youth history. This really is going to change everything. Everyone is in place and the day is flying by. The band has sound checked, the dancers have practiced, the ________ have _________ed. Now all we need is the seats filled.

I can't wait for this to begin. The wait is killing me. I'm running out of things to say to you guys. My computer is almost dead and my phone is on overload. All I can say is...

GET PUMPED!

This is going to change AZ Youth history, forever!

It's Being Brought,

Shane

(PS-Look for video updates of service throughout the night!)

Lights, Sounds, & Screens

2009-11-13T14:41:00.003-07:00

"This is where the magic happens". These guys are the brains of our operations. Tonight will be the best production in azyc history.

Running Like A Headless Chicken,

Shane

Pre-Show Run Thru

2009-11-13T11:56:00.002-07:00

We can only hope you're this excited...

Just wait for the show.

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part Three

2009-11-13T00:27:00.004-07:00

You know, it's actually kind of difficult to narrow my "4 Things I Can't Wait For" down to just "4 things". I am actually, completely excited for every part of Youth Convention. There is so much work being put in all across the board and I know it will show throughout this weekend. When the students file in and all the seats are filled, we will know exactly what is about to take place.

Having said all of that, if I have to narrow it down I would say that #3 on my list of "can't wait for's" is the altar.

If you have never experienced a Youth Convention altar call then I encourage you find a means of transportation and head to Phoenix First tomorrow night around 8:30. You won't be able to get in, but you will be able to feel the presence of God seeping through the door cracks.

When you gather 2000 eager and accepting students in one auditorium and they seek after God, mountains can truly move. The altar is the most dynamic part of Youth Convention. Now, I'm not saying that because we're at Youth Convention, God decides to give us a little more than anyone else, but I am saying that because we expect it He shows up in force.

(Now if we could just take that back to our churches. Oh wait, that's for later. ;-) )

The altar is going to be a place where the hard work and prayer that is going into AZYC09 pays off. Lives are going to be changed and Christ is going to do what He does, seek and save.

Be Prepared,

Shane

Final Touches

2009-11-12T20:18:00.004-07:00

It's taking form...YOU will complete it.

Bring It!

-Shane

Want To See The Preshow Cue Sheet?

2009-11-12T12:49:00.008-07:00

You didn't think I was going to give away all the secrets, did you?

Not Quite Yet,

Shane

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part Two

2009-11-12T07:47:00.005-07:00

I cannot wait for Lunch on Saturday...

Wait, what?

Yeah, seriously, I can't wait for lunch, and it's not because of the food either.

I am pumped for the break between sessions because that means it's time to connect. Youth convention is more than just the show and service. It's about the students and youth leaders of Arizona coming together in unity to get to know God and each other. That's why lunch is so important. It will be time to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and build deeper relationships with my group. It's a chance to share ideas with other leaders, discuss service, and chug your favorite drink all in a 2 hour and 15 minutes time increment. If you can't tell already, I love connecting with people and talking with them about who they are and what they do. Lunch will provide a perfect platform for me to do that.

So, all of that being said, come and find me at lunch on Saturday. Introduce yourself and who knows, maybe I'll throw a video or ridiculous picture of you up here on the blog. I want to meet you and I want to know what makes you, you!

Happy Lunching,

Shane

Stage Set Pics

2009-11-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

The stage set for AZYC09 is starting to come together:

This Changes Everything...

Official AZYC09 Blog

2009-11-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

4 Things I Can't Wait For (Youth Convention Edition) Part One

2009-11-10T17:06:00.005-07:00

This weekend over 2000 students will gather together at Phoenix First Assembly for the Arizona Assembly of God District Youth Convention. This year is going to be unlike any we've ever had and I can't tell you enough how pumped I am to see everything come together.

Over the next 4 days I am going to highlight some incredible things that I can't wait to experience this weekend. Hopefully Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I will be able to post some video of everything that is taking place at convention.

The first part of AZYC09 that I'm pumped about is:

The Preshow.

This year ThreeSixty (our youth ministry @Phoenix First) is heading up the preshow.

I can't even tell you how stoked I am to see everything come together. This is going to be a night unlike any we've had at Youth Convention. Now, I'm not just saying this because we are doing it, I really mean it's going to be awesome. God has provided us with some incredible means to be able to do some larger than life things for the preshow this years. So, for about the first hour in the auditorium we will be eating, jumping, pulling, exploding, locking, painting, popping, and even rhyming our way into the open of Youth Convention 2009. "This Changes Everything" is the Speed The Light theme for '09 and the preshow will truly be living up to this theme.

If you are a student or youth worker/leader and are attending Arizona Youth Convention 2009 make sure to have your students in their seats and ready for an incredible night as close to 6pm on Friday as possible. You don't want to miss the preshow!

If you have no clue what Youth Convention is but want to see what I'm talking about be sure to check back here at Revamp often this week, as I will be posting videos, pictures, and who knows what else to keep you in the loop with Arizona Youth Convention 2009!

Let's Get Things Activated,

Shane

The iHeart Film

2009-11-04T12:34:00.002-07:00

We are about 5 hours away from this:

Which theater are you going to be at tonight?

-Shane

Catalyst '09 Compassion Moment

2009-10-28T05:10:00.003-07:00

This video is from the Catalyst conference that took place earlier this month in Atlanta, GA. If you haven't already seen this, prepare to be moved:

This is the kind of stuff that helps us hear our call to something bigger than ourselves. My burden for the broken, both here and abroad, is growing quickly.

What role do you play in the healing of this world?

-Shane

Beauty & The Change

2009-10-27T09:55:00.006-07:00

Change is good.

As you can see, things have changed around here a little bit. I have to mix things up every so often. Monotony is a stifle to leadership. We should constantly strive to be creating, changing, and developing everything we do.

Often change is hard, but that can be a good thing. Think about growing pains, the only way to become stronger and physically move into the next stage of life is to experience discomfort. We have to sometimes feel a little uncomfortable in order to progress and grow.

God is always the same, but He is a catalyst of change. Look at creation, season's change, animals go extinct, landmass shifts, shorelines move, everything changes.

When God is at the root of change, the results are more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.

Think back to seasons aforemetioned:

With spring comes wildflowers and peaceful breezes, with summer comes white sandy beaches and a gleaming sun, with fall comes turning leaves and cooler wind, and with winter comes snow covered ground.

Even though we each have our preference, it is impossible to deny the beauty that each change of season brings.

Sometimes change is exactly what you need to step into the plans of God. What has God been asking you to change? Remember, the beauty comes after the transformation.

Another Revamp,

Shane

Stand By Me

2009-10-23T09:43:00.002-07:00

I know this video is about a year old, but I saw it on my friend's (Ryan O.) facebook page and wanted to share it...

Doesn't unity sound incredible?

-Shane

Revamping Revamp

2009-10-22T13:13:00.002-07:00

Sorry there hasn't been much action around here since Monday.

I'm in a redecorating faze.

I want to change up the look of this blog. I really like it right now but it needs a facelift.

It's taking a little time but I am working with a great web guru (@godztek) and things should be coming together really quick.

I'll still be blogging tomorrow, but my plan is to have everything looking fresh by next week.

Sit tight, the construction will be done soon.

Constantly Revamping,

Shane

Overcome With Pity

2009-10-19T10:39:00.005-07:00

Are people your first priority?

If one of your closest friends was killed unjustly would you give up your time to mourn in order to meet the needs of others?

I know this sounds kind of extreme, but as I read through Matthew I was challenged by the example of Christ:

"When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was.When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick." Matthew 14:13-14 (The Message)

Upon being told about the brutal death of John the baptist Christ sought retreat, but he never lost sight of His purpose.

How many of us, as leaders, miss this principle? Whether it's a bad day, an argument with a loved one, built up anger, a death in the family, etc. The initial response for most individuals is to retreat and unplug from everything. We want to totally disconnect and just have time to mourn, reflect, or calm down. In moments like these the last thing we want to do is deal with the needs of other people.

We need to look at the example Christ gave. This one passage of scripture should challenge every leader who believes they are called to a purpose. Even in one of the most emotional times of Christ life, when all He wanted to do was get away, he took the time to live out His purpose. He never lost sight of His vision and took the time to show compassion.

What if we lived our lives like this? Christ never missed an opportunity. His priority was always others first. Even in a time of mourning, he was "interrupted", and still had pity on the broken.

The next time you let your bad day affect the way you do ministry, focus on the example of Christ. Their are times to deal with the tough occasions of life, but in those times we must never lose sight of our calling. We have to constantly be aware of the needs of others and meet those needs at all times.

My prayer is to continuously be "overcome with pity" for the brokenhearted of this world.

-Shane

Commitment vs. Consent

2009-10-14T07:11:00.004-07:00

My boss said something the other day that made a lot of sense. He was discussing the principle of consent vs. commitment and it hit me; we, as leaders, don't ask enough of those around us.

Now I know what you are thinking, "Are you kidding me, I'm concerned about asking the people around me to do too much". Hear me out though. I'm not talking about the quantity of what we ask, but instead the quality.

My boss described consent vs. commitment as this:

Asking a person's consent would be: "Will you throw out the trash for me?"

Asking a person's commitment would be: "From now on, every time you see this trash full, will you throw it?"

Do you see the difference between simply asking someone to handle a task and asking someone to commit to a task?

The concept seems simple but I know a lot of us struggle with asking for commitment. We have a team of individuals around our ministry that take care of task week in and week out, yet we still wind up doing a lot on our own. Some day's we have nothing to worry about because someone was instructed to take care of the task, but the next we find ourselves distracted from our work in order to take care of other responsibilities. That is why it's so important to learn to ask for commitment. You must gain full commitment from your team. You cannot be afraid to ask someone to commit long term, to a task, or a cause. Their commitment will open up more opportunity for you to focus on developing your ministry based on the vision God has given you.

It's not always easy to gain commitment from your volunteers, but when you find someone who will commit to the cause, grab onto them and don't let go. Constantly thank your committed team members and show them that their hard work is recognized. Even the leaders who "take out the trash every week" play a crucial part in the ministry. After all, they are the ones who allow you to fully focus on your sermon, small group lesson, creative meeting, network, etc.

Be a leader who is devoted to seeking commitment rather than consent.

-Shane

Catalyst 2009

2009-10-07T07:13:00.002-07:00

Catalyst is the most innovative and dynamic conferences in the church today.

I wish I could be there, but I can tell you I am pumped to watch the backstage events and anything else that is going to come from this conference. Something great comes out of this conference every year and I can't wait to watch it progress this week.

If you are a church leader: what are you looking forward to from Catalyst 09?; whether you are there or not.

Also, what conferences have you/do you plan on attending in the future?

-Shane

More Than Ministry

2009-10-06T11:37:00.005-07:00

What are you doing to equip future leaders?

I think sometimes we can get so focused on what we want to accomplish, that we completely forget what we are called to do.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

This is our true calling. Yeah we are called to ministry, if you aren't pursuing excellence you would be doing something wrong, and of course we want to see people accept Christ, but it goes beyond all this. We are all called to make disciples. This isn't a commission just for youth pastors and small group leaders, We are all commissioned to pour into the lives of those around us.

So, wherever you stand today. Whatever you are doing: pastoring, banking, teaching, fixing computers, etc., make an effort to invest in the people God has placed in your life. Take them to lunch, call them regularly, show them what it means to live a Revelation 21:5 kind of "new" life.

Christ died for a chance to have a relationship with each of us. Is it too much to sacrifice $5 and an hour at Starbucks, for a chance at relationship with someone else?

"It Is For Your Good..."

2009-10-05T08:50:00.003-07:00

When is the last time you worshipped God?

Now some of your reading this would answer: "Well, yesterday in church, we sang songs and we worshipped."

I believe you did worship Him, but did you truly worship all of Him?

What about the Holy Spirit?

When is the last time you entertained His presence. When is the last time you asked for the Spirit to wrap you up and be the comforter that Christ promised.

Last night during the music part of our service, something hit me. Something pushed me to worship differently than I ever have. Something was tugging me, something wanted me to acknowledge It's presence. I know now that this wasn't simply a something it was God. It was His Spirit. The Holy Spirit gripped me last night and wouldn't let go.

For the first time last night, I understand what Jesus meant when He said:

"But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7, NIV)

It is for our good. The Holy Spirit is sheer power. He is a completely unique part of the Trinity but is entirely as important as the other parts. He is the power to heal the sick, comfort the broken, and strengthen the weak. He is POWER!

I believe that this is something Christians need to hear. We have ignored the Spirit for so long. He has been ignored for far too long and I believe He wants to break out. If we want to change the World we will engage the Spirit of God. If we want our lives to be different, we will believe Christ when he said "It is for your good that I am going away, Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you..."

I encourage you to worship God. The Triune God. Worship The Father, The Son, and The Spirit. Don't forget the obvious. The spirit lives in you. He is the one that has come to us. He is the one who is on the inside of our heart working to pound His way out into our everyday lives.

Worship The Spirit,

Shane

PS: An incredible read on this topic is "Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect Of The Holy Spirit" by Francis Chan Buy it on Amazon here: http://tinyurl.com/myg8f5

Josh Harris: Self Control

2009-10-02T00:51:00.004-07:00

This is a video of Pastor Josh Harris (Senior Pastor Covenant Life Church, Author) that I pulled from his blog. In the video he illustrates the issue of self control in one of the most relevant ways I have seen so far. This definitely opened my eyes and challenged me to pray for help in this area and any other area I may miss.

This is so perfect for where we are today. I don't care if you are a church leader, school teacher, student, or business mogul, if you are in relationship with God there is a pretty good chance you get distracted by technology.

What are other activities that surpass our self control?

-Shane

That Something

2009-09-30T07:22:00.006-07:00

What attribute of God do you love the most?

What is it about Him that grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go?

Lately for me it's been His vastness. I read Psalms 111 recently and it has quickly become one of my favorite Psalms. I read a Message devotional and the way a couple of the verses are translated describe the attributes currently on the forefront of my heart:

God’s works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! (v2)

Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true: (v8)

He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He’s so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. (v9)

These verses describe the current state of my heart. I have had a commitment to studying Him lately that totally goes against my education track record. I enjoy Bible College, I love sitting down and wrestling with scripture, and I constantly read other "Christian" material. I can't get enough of God study right now. I have never been into any of the prior listed forms of study but as I continue to find something new about God each day, my enjoyment of studying is growing.

I am also amazed with the relevance of God and His Word. Many times we lose sight of the fact that God's Word stands forever. It's for the ancient people as much as it is for today's world. The Bible was put together with us in mind. It's not like God inspired The Word and then went "O shoot, these humans are sticking around longer than I thought". He was thinking about each of us when He inspired the Word. He wanted to make sure that what was going to be recorded in the Bible would apply to every individual that takes the time to read it. God's Word is always relevant and can solve the world's problems, even today.

If you don't already, I encourage you to READ! Read your Bible. Pray about what you read, wrestle with what you read, read commentaries, allow God to speak to you through His most obvious form. As you read I also encourage you to find the attributes of God that stick out to you. He is amazing in all His ways but there are going to be some attributes of His persona that fuel your passions and make you who you are. As you begin to understand The Creator you begin to better understand yourself. Remember, we're made in His image (Genesis 1:27).

-Shane

Where You're Headed

2009-09-29T14:03:00.005-07:00

Is your life crazy right now?

Do you have deadlines to meet, projects to work on, studying to do, personal items to deal with, people to invest time in?

I think most of us would answer yes to all of those.

I know personally, right now is one of my craziest times in a long time. I have A LOT going on. The baseball season just ended so I am starting a new offseason job, Heather and I are in the middle of planning a wedding, I am actively pursuing youth ministry, I am a full time student, and I have friends that I am investing in. This is one of the busiest times of my life, but it is also the BEST!

Yeah, I have had some pretty stressed out moments, but when I come down of that emo high, I realize that I am right where God wants me to be.

I can't make everyone happy, I can't always spend time with everyone I want to, I have to lose sleep in order to finish homework, and I am investing in a wedding, but nonetheless I am working towards the life that God wants me to live.

I am confident that through all my commitments and schedules God is at the center of everything. The time I spend with Him each day is the only way I keep a level head. He encourages me and seems to add extra hours to my day. He knows exactly where I am and as I am faithful He provides.

Are you where you need to be?

Is your stress a means of slowing you down to refocus on the goals God has put in place for your life?

I know their are some busy people reading this right now...

Are you doing the right things?

-Shane

People Over Programming

2009-09-23T13:15:00.004-07:00

Is it hard to work with your church?

If you are a church leader I really want you to think about that for a second.

Is your church harder to do business with than a secular company.

A church is obviously a place where believers connect and fellowship but it is also a house for many other events. People rent churches out for conventions, weddings, funerals, graduation ceremonies, etc.

Why is it that sometimes working with the venue down the street is easier than working with the church around the corner?

I understand there are bills to pay, pay checks to write, and costly time, but shouldn't it be easier for a person to walk in a negotiate with a church than it is to rent out the reception hall a mile away?

As some of you know my fiancée and I are currently planning a wedding and I don't want this to come off as a shot at any church. It's not at all, we have had a great experience with our church helping us in a variety of ways. I was just honestly plowing through this thought when this post came to mind.

I just pray that church leaders would have a heart that constantly reminds them of their never ceasing witness. People are always looking for compassion from the church. I understand it's sometimes hard to work around an already set schedule to allow an outside event to use your building, but we should never act like it's an inconvenience. People need to know that a church is a place that wants to provide for the needs of the community, especially when it comes to some of their most important occasions. We are to be a witness, we are to love the fact that people want to hold their event at the church we lead. We need to feel privileged at the idea that someone was attracted to something about what we do as a church. Everything we do needs to glorify God. We need to act as He would.

After all, it's His church not ours.

PS-I totally understand priorities. They are set for a reason. I am talking about details. There need not be a struggle between what a person needs and what the church will help them with. Jesus prioritized people before programming.

That's my opinion, but what is yours? Let me know what you think.

-Shane

Stop Eating Vomit

2009-09-21T11:00:00.004-07:00

How could I be so stupid?

Why in the world would I do that?

Can I ever fix this?

Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Do you ask yourself these questions on a regular basis? I know I have. I have struggled with sin, to say the least. We all have. I don't really understand why sin is so enticing. I don't grasp how it captivates us and causes us to make completely irrational decisions. There is no reason why we constantly repeat sins that have controlled us for weeks, months, even years.

Sinning repetitively is like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun. We will lose every time we pull the trigger. Also like Russian Roulette, every time we sin death is waiting to take us down. I'm not talking about a physical death, I'm talking about a numbness that leads to a place of eternal death.

Would you say that when you struggle with a certain sin after a while it becomes easier and easier to do without thought? I believe that it's because every time we repeat a sin we are adding a brick to the wall that blocks conviction. The Spirit wants to bring us freedom but as we reject it we walk further and further away from Him.

This is an extremely bad situation to be in.

But...

There is a solution to the issue of repetitive sin.

One, would be to accept Christ as your personal savior, confess of your sins and be made new. This is definitely a life changing experience and if you haven't already done so I encourage you to pursue the freedom of salvation.

Two, would be to find accountability. Find someone who will ask you the tough questions. I'm not talking about your girlfriend or the coworker who parties with you. I'm talking about someone you look up to and can trust to stay on you. You need someone who will pray for you and help you through your struggles.

Third, PRAY! Pray all the time. Pray constantly and earnestly for freedom. I know myself and countless others who will tell you that prayer is the key to destroying sin. God has freed me from stuff that took months of prayer to pull through. When I say pray, I mean it. Give it everything you have. In your moments of struggle cry out, don't be afraid to get real with God. Confess your sins to Him and watch Him begin to pull you out of your rut.

"As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness." (Proverbs 26:11 NLT)

I don't know why I felt I needed to share this today but I know that no matter what it will serve as a reminder to everyone who reads it. God is there, He is always helping us. He wants to see us live a free and purposeful life. And I can tell you that when you embrace His freedom, you experience life on a whole different level.

Be Free,

Shane

Be Salty

2009-09-18T13:04:00.005-07:00

We are God's greatest creation.

Think about it. Not a one of us is the same as another. We all have different personalities, styles, physical attributes, and abilities.

We really are the salt of the Earth. We spice things up with who we are.

In Matthew 5:13 Jesus says "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." I believe He wants us to season the Earth who we are. He wants us to embrace our differences and excel in the areas that He has made us strong.

The second part of the verse clarifies our purpose. We are not on this Earth to be a carbon copy of the person we admire the most. We shouldn't be boring people. We need to constantly be dreaming, innovating, working, and praying so that we can be used by our Creator. God wants to use each and everyone of us. He gives us our quirks, personalities, fashion sense, and talents for a reason. He doesn't judge you based on where you shop, what hobbies interest you, or what your pet peeves are. What he cares about is how you use them to share His love with other people.

What makes you differnt, makes you special. He did that on purpose. So embrace your personality, your gifts, and your interest, as long as they are pleasing to Him chances are you will be living the life He wants you to live.

Love Who You Are,

Shane

Welcome To ThreeSixty

2009-09-17T10:17:00.005-07:00

Our video genius (@godztek on twitter) made this video as our welcome to service kick off. Last night we played it after worship, to the avail of claps and shouts of students. They loved it, and I don't think it's just because it looked cool but because it's who we are as a youth ministry. I'm proud to be a part of a place like ThreeSixty.

Check out the video:

-Shane

He Kept My Coin

2009-09-16T08:51:00.005-07:00

So I was searching for a video to incorporate into our youth service yesterday and stumbled upon some of my favorite videos of all time. They come from Vintage 21 church in North Carolina. Many of you have seen these videos but watch this one again and enjoy some laughs:

Even though this video is hilarious it kind of gets you thinking...

What have we done to Jesus? Aren't a lot of the humorous parts of this video perceptions that the unChristian world has of our Savior? Don't we sometimes portray a Christian life as walking on eggshells instead of living in His mercy and grace? Shouldn't we be more concerned with relationship than trying to impress God with our money, clothes, and "knowledge". I mean, think about it, nothing we have is something He doesn't.

What can you do to clarify Christ to a unChristian world?

P.S.-We need to entertain our creator as well, be creative people! Jesus first line in the video almost had me rolling on the floor but it's tone is something I never want to hear from my Creator. But that's for another post...

I Wish I Had A Holy Donkey,

Shane

God's Applause

2009-09-15T08:47:00.003-07:00

I read something this morning in 2 Timothy 4 that ran me straight in to a brick wall.

"This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause!..." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (The Message)

If you're a leader does that hit you where it counts?

I want to focus on the last part of that passage during this post. Paul is describing his life and says that through it all the only thing he has left to hear are God's compliments.

"Wait a second Paul. You mean to tell me that's it? Nobody is going to recognize you here on Earth? You won't be asked to speak at any conferences? You won't get walked up to after service and told what a great job you did? You won't be featured in a magazine interview? Man, you must not be that great."

We all know that is absolutely not true. Many believe Paul was the most influential and world changing leader of the Christian faith. We still read from and about him today.

So why do we live differently than he did? I believe that in this passage he is describing one of his greatest personality traits. He could care less if people complimented his work, all he cared about was God's opinion.

We as leaders tend to look past God's opinion and seek the opinions of others way too often. We aren't working for other people. We want the awards, compliments, and privileges of being great in the eyes of other people, but does what they say really define us as great? NO! It means that we are great at fooling people into thinking we are important. God's message is important, His purpose is what makes us great.

If we are looking for approval we need to look to God. He defines our greatness. He tells us when and where we need to be. His compliments, encouragement, and invitations to greatness are the only ones that last beyond this world.

We need to stop viewing ourselves through the filters of others and instead be anticipating "God's applause".

Who Do You Work For?

-Shane

Do Something

2009-09-14T10:43:00.004-07:00

We have all stiffed the poor. We all care more about ourselves than those around us. We are all greedy.

Whoa, got your attention I hope. Just to clarify, we aren't all these things all the time (some people may be), but we have all been convicted of these charges at one point or another.

Do you ever struggle with the fact that some people are deciding what their next big purchase will be while they drive by people sleeping on the streets?

I don't get it. AT ALL.

I know that I am guilty of not giving enough and supplying my needs before those of others, but I don't understand how we as Americans can look past the needs of others.

I see this firsthand constantly and not just in my own life. I work with professional athletes. I've seen some decide which $15,000 wristwatch to buy and then ignore the needs of those around them. I've watched some roll in on $10,000 rims and then stiff those who supply their needs. I'm not saying that the rich are the only guilty ones but I am saying that they are the most capable of stopping poverty. And before you think you're off the hook, rich doesn't just mean professional athlete rich. I'm talking Americans who drive more than one car, live in houses, own a cell phone, and have a meal everyday. We are all rich compared to the struggling world around us

We ALL have the responsibility to do something.

Please, take the time today to help someone who is not as financially stable as you are. Whether it's lending your talents or gifts, rolling down your window and giving them that extra burger you bought at lunch, donating money to your cause of choice, or meeting the request of someone in your church. Do something that will not only change their life, but will also revamp yours.

Give Freely,

Shane

Too Blessed To Be Stressed! (Barf!)

2009-08-26T14:18:00.005-07:00

Heather and I sat down last night to really crank out some plans for our wedding.

This is stressful! Trust me, it's fun and more than exciting but every couple who has planned a wedding knows there is stress that comes along with it.

For me this is a chance to really grow. Honestly, it's going to stretch my faith. I trust that God is going to provide for everything including, and most importantly, the life we start together after the wedding. God has always provided for me. I have stressed tons of times throughout my life:

Am I going to make the team?
Will I get that job I've always wanted?
Will I pass that test?
Will I run out of money?
Am I doing enough?
Does God even know I'm stressed?

Yes, that last one has even caused stress. The common trend with every worry or stress I've had is that God always provides and relieves. He has NEVER, EVER, let me down.

So what am I worried about?

After all he has given me the most incredible woman in the world to pursue and love like He loves the church. He has given me plenty of thoughts to keep my mind from stress, for example: "What does she see in me?" :)

God is about to stretch the faith of two people who are growing and maturing in life, love, and ministry.

I can't wait to look back years down the road and thank God for providing in the times we stressed. I also can't wait to look back and laugh at what we thought was stressful.

Luv Is A Verb,
Shane

PS-Yeah, I really signed off with a DC Talk song title. How you like them apples?

My 2 Favorite Blog Post (in the last 30 min.)

2009-08-25T12:02:00.005-07:00

Matthew Paul Turner is a genius. He may have one of the funniest blogs I read on a daily basis. This recent post and it's predecessor have made my day. I want them to do the same for you.

Warning: If you're a rockstar that doubles as a worship leader prepare to be destroyed.

Check them out:

"You Might Be a Christian Rockstar..."

"You Might Be a Christian Rockstar... (Part 2)"

Get a Haircut,
Shane

The Machine Can Make It For Us

2009-08-20T13:22:00.003-07:00

I hope I'm a better speaker than this.

Have you ever been to a church and walked out with the same look that's on your face now?

Speaking takes work, that's why you practice.

If she looks ridiculous at a town council meeting how bad can a pastor look at his own church.

Know your stuff, practice, and please use coherent sentences.

Ever Heard of Toastmasters?

-Shane

Looking Back Early

2009-08-19T15:21:00.003-07:00

I am so thankful to be a part of a great church.

I have only been at PFA for about 5 months, but it has already been an incredibly experience.

Here are some reasons why:

The pastoral staff is comprised of incredible men and woman of God that are truly devoted to His purpose.

Pastor Tommy Barnett is THE MAN! Seriously, I have never met anyone like him. He's truly a GREAT pastor and man of God.

ThreeSixty youth is full of planet shaking students.

The people here have embraced Heather and I as if we have attended for years.

The worship teams melt faces every service.

The prayer pavilion may be the coolest spot on the planet.

Most importantly, God's presence shows up and takes control of every detail. The faith of Pastor Tommy and the rest of the staff allows for real life change and a place where the Holy Spirit is expected to move and move intensely.

I am proud to be a part of such an incredible church.

I encourage you to plug into a local church. Find one that makes you feel at home but constantly shakes up your spirit. Find a church that cares more about people than popularity. Most importantly, find a church where you can get involved and serve others like they first served you.

Go To Church,

Shane

I ♥ Service

2009-08-07T08:08:00.005-07:00

As technology and social capabilities grow, the chances of a church service engaging someone's attention seems to fall.

This scares the crap out of me.

I'm not even a youth pastor yet and I sometimes worry that students could care less about church. I don't know what I will do the first time I can hear a full blown conversation going on while I'm preaching. I won't know how to react when a kid answers his phone during a service. I sure as heck won't know how to react if I can hear a kids music playing over the video on the screen.

Now I pray and hope to have an incredible team of leaders someday that will defuse these situations before I explode, but it still concerns me. It concerns me because technology never stops growing, friends never stop talking, parents never stop calling during service, and students will always have short attention spans.

I never want a youth service to feel like it's doing it's best to compete with what's outside the walls of the church. I believe that mindset results in cheesy presentation and superficial spirituality. I want a youth service that grabs hold of students and takes them from every struggle and care they face in the world and sets them on the lap of the Creator. I want a service that is led completely by the Holy Spirit but still connects with today's culture. I want the videos, interactive worship, incredible presentations, and life changing message; but I want it all to come from the Heart.

I believe that is the kind of service that grabs God's attention.

21 “I can’t stand your religious meetings.

I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.

22 I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
your public relations and image making.

23 I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.

When was the last time you sang to me?" (Amos 6//Message)

Always Growing,

Shane