The office is sending out the 2011 annual giving statements this week. Feel free to contact me ( kody@elementweb.net) if you have any questions regarding your statement. Also, I want to take this opportunity to inform you that if you sign-up to give online you can view and print your giving statement anytime throughout the year. I encourage you to consider using the online giving option that we have provided. Not only does it make it easier on you ( and us) but also it can help you to automate the important and give to God the first and the best of what He has already given us.

Coming up in February we will have our 2011 annual report available for download. God has continued to pour out His blessing upon Element Church and we are excited to share with you all the He has done.

Element Church Online Giving

I Was Broke Now I’m Not (IWBNIN) – For the past four-years we have hired Joe Sangl (Founder and owner of IWBNIN) to come speak to our congregation about finances, tithing, budgeting and how to win with your money. Seriously, Joe and his company are WELL worth the investment!  Every year after Joe speaks on Sunday and then teaches the FLE (Financial Learning Experience) on Monday we have seen a tremendous amount of people begin to make strides with their finances.  Joe’s passion and energy make learning about finances and budgets fun!

Check them out here:  IWBNIN

Miles Advisory Group – The Miles Advisory Group is a church outsourcing agency that we have used for the last 14-months and I am here to tell you they are a breath of fresh air. I was a little skeptical about using a virtual executive assistant, but we have been 100% satisfied. The quality of service and attention to detail we receive is unbelievable. Currently we only use their EA (Executive Assistant) services, but I plan on using additional services from them in the near future.

Check them out here: MAG

Cogun Inc. – I first got introduced to Cogun in the summer of 2009, and last year we hired them to be our church construction and building design firm. We are in desperate need of a new facility and Cogun is working with us from concept to completion. I cannot speak high enough praise of Cogun, and in particular Randy Ongie who has been our project consultant since the beginning. If you need to build additional space, or remodel existing space, I recommend you give Cogun a call.

Check them out here: Cogun

Lesson 1 – Do your homework

Looks can be deceiving so do your homework on any potential major decision. The Gibeonites masked their true identity to gain favor with Joshua and the Israelite army.

Lesson 2 – Ask the tough questions

Joshua and the Israelites were skeptical and in verse 7 and 8 they asked three direct and tough questions. As a leader you must have a sense of skepticism and take a cautious tone on all major decisions. One bad decision can lead to many years of trouble, heartache, and losses.

Lesson 3 – Expect a direct answer

In verse 9-12 the Gibeonites babble on about their clothes, food, and journey but never directly answer Joshua. They beg to be made servants, or join their team, and they point out everything except who they truly are and why they are there. Joshua did not hold firm and expect an answer to ease his initial skepticism.

Lesson 4 – Do not be swayed by flattery

Many times, someone who is trying to win your favor will flatter you. The Gibeonites praised the Israelites for their victories and expressed fear of their mighty power (verse 9-12). Any good leader should be skeptical and proceed with caution of an outsider lauding praise on your organization. More often than not their motives are not pure.

Lesson 5 – Consult God

Everything hinges on lesson 5. You can do your due diligence until the cows come home, but if you do not consult God you will make a mistake. Any plan without God is destined to fail. Joshua did not consult God

Lesson 6 – You have a responsibility to your people and church

In verse 18 the Israelites find out that they were deceived, and they begin to grumble against the leaders. As a leader your decision will impact a whole organization and the people who call that organization home. You better make sure you are doing what God has directed, and that you have done your homework.

Lesson 7 – Honor an oath or contract

Sometimes we will make a mistake and get stuck with a poor decision. Handle the dealing with honor and uphold your end of the bargain. However, you can make the best of a bad situation (see lesson 9).

Lesson 8 – Own it!

If you make a poor decision own up to that decision and then move forward. Joshua knew he head made a mistake and he did not try to hide it. He told the people about the mistake, but he also came with a plan to fix it. Joshua 9:19-21

Lesson 9 – Make the best of a poor decision

We all make poor decisions, but many times you can find a way to make it benefit your organization. Joshua honored his treaty with the Gibeonites, but he made them woodcutters and water carriers for the nation of Israel and the altar of God(see verses 26-27).

Point Guard– The job of the point guard is to call out the play while running down the court and then he has to trust and expect that the other players have learned their plays and are in the proper position. If any one of the players is out of position or has not memorized the play then the end result could be chaos or failure. The Point Guard has to be loud and clear and direct the traffic on the court He has to be decisive and make decisions on the fly. Consequently, he has to expect his team to follow him and adapt to his changes.

Here is the same paragraph but with the Church references in CAPS:

Point Guard (Lead Pastor) – The job of the point guard (LEAD PASTOR) is to call out the play (VISION) while running down the court (LEADING THE CHURCH) and then he has to trust and expect that the other players (PASTORS AND STAFF) have learned their plays (KNOW THEIR JOBS) and are in the proper position (BE DEPENDABLE). If any one of the players (PASTORS) is out of position (WRONG SEAT ON THE BUS), or has not memorized the play (LAZY AND DOES NOT GET THEIR WORK DONE), then the end result (SUNDAY AND THE SOULS WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR) will be chaos or failure. The Point Guard (LEAD PASTOR) has to be loud and clear (DECISIVE AND BOLD) and direct the traffic on the court (KEEP THE TEAM MOVING TOWARD THE VISION). He has to be decisive and make decisions on the fly. Consequently, he has to expect his team to follow him and adapt to his changes.

Power Forward – A large majority of my son’s plays position the Forward under the basket to pick up the rebounds and then either put the ball back in the hoop or kick it out to the point guard to start the transition to offense. Many times, the Forward is responsible for setting picks for every other player, especially the point guard. The Forward always needs to keep his eye on the ball and be one step ahead to determine where to set the pick or to position himself to get the rebound. Also, the Forward is expected to be scrappy and to do some “dirty work” if necessary.

Here is the same paragraph but with the Church references in CAPS:

Power Forward (EXECUTIVE PASTOR) – A large majority of my son’s plays position the Forward (XP) under the basket (RIGHT NEXT TO THE ULTIMATE VISION OR GOAL) to pick up the rebounds (PICK UP THE VISION / GOAL WHEN IT MISSES THE MARK A LITTLE) and then either put the ball back in the hoop (FIX THE LITTLE MISTAKES AND PUT THE VISION / GOAL BACK ON COURSE) or kick it out to the point guard (GRAB THE VISION AND GIVE IT BACK TO THE LEAD PASTOR FOR RE-TOOLING) to start the transition to offense (PICK UP THE BROKEN VISION / ASSESS / STRATEGIZE / START AGAIN) or re-set the play (RE-TOOL THE SAME VISION AND START AGAIN). Many times, the Forward is responsible for setting picks (DEFLECTING CRITICISM OR ATTACKS) for every other player, especially the Point Guard (LEAD PASTOR). The Forward (XP) always needs to keep his eye on the ball (VISION) and be one step ahead to determine where to set the pick (ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS AND HEAD THEM OFF) or to position himself to get the rebound (DETERMINING WHERE PROBLEMS WILL BE AND BE READY WITH AN ANSWER TO FIX AND RE-TOOL THE VISION). Also, the Forward is expected to be scrappy (KICK SOME BUTT AND FIGHT FOR THE TEAM) and to do some “dirty work” (KICK MORE BUTT AND BE READY TO TAKE THE FALL FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM. THE XP SHOULD NEVER SEEK THE LIMELIGHT AND DO THE BEHIND THE SCENES STUFF NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE VISION.) if necessary.

Status: Full-time

CONTACT: kody@elementweb.net

Description:
The Production Manager will be responsible for all areas of audio, video, lighting and IT functions of Element Church. The ideal candidate will possess extensive training in audio/video production and be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues prior to Sunday morning. The candidate must also be familiar with the basic principles and functions of IT related issues (i.e. updating of websites, routers, internet, etc.).

The candidate will be responsible for scheduling and training volunteer leaders to run the audio / video equipment for Element Church campuses on Sunday morning. Attention to detail and good communication skills are a must. Candidate must be able to mobilize and empower leaders to fill essential volunteer positions for Sunday morning.

Responsibilities
• Oversee, train and manage the volunteer tech team on Sunday morning.
• Train volunteer leaders to run the AVL equipment for Sunday morning.
• Maintain a schedule for all tech positions for all Element Church campuses.
• Coordinate with the Worship Pastor on all lighting scenes and creative elements for the weekly worship experience.
• Continually improve your skills and knowledge of AVL issues related to the church setting.
• Continually improve your skills and knowledge of IT issues related to the church setting.
• Monitor the sound and volume levels on Sunday morning and make sure we adhere to our noise policy.
• Throughout the week tweak and enhance the experience so that Sunday morning is done with excellence.
• Have weekly meetings with Creative / Worship Director and the XP to discuss any changes that need to be made for the following week.
• Maintain and update the website
• Continue to improve and enhance our online and campus presentation
• Work with vendors on purchasing and updating our equipment.
• Assist with general office duties as required
• Troubleshoot and repair any AVL and IT issues
• Produce / Shoot / Edit all videos used for Element Church
• Schedule:
Sunday – Thursday
Friday – Saturday – Off
Total hours: 40-50 hrs per week

Desired Skills
· Final Cut Pro
· Motion
· Photoshop
· Illustrator
· Sound Engineering
· Basic computer troubleshooting

STAFF VALUES
Community
We are a team, modeling community for our church. We’ll celebrate each other’s victories, pray for each other, and treat each other with respect. We’ll do life together.

Professionalism and Excellence
We value each other’s privacy and schedules in the office and in the home. People will know where we are during the day, what time we’ll be in and what time we will leave. We will do the things that matter most first, and not overlook the important for the urgent. We will do what we say we will do and be on time and prepared for meetings.

Team Ministry
We can accomplish more together than we can individually. We are not a federation of sub-ministries and realize that we all have a part in the overall vision of the church. We will communicate with each other and collaborate with each other. We will respect each other’s roles and positions.

Right Priorities
We will meet with God every day. We will cheat the ministry and the church before we cheat God and our families. We will work hard so we can honor our days off. We never take our staff hat off and realize that people are always watching.

Retreat and Relax
We will retreat once a year as a staff. We will retreat once a year by ourselves. We will use our vacation time and attend conferences.

People Matter
People matter more than programs, buildings and budgets, but not more than principles and purpose. We will get back with people within 24 hours when they call or e-mail us. We will close the loop on communication.

If you are interested in the position please contact me: kody@elementweb.net

I was reading in Mark 6:5 about when Jesus returned home to Nazareth and did not perform many miracles because the people did not believe. There was a line that stuck in my head:

“And because of their unbelief….”

How often does Jesus want to perform a miracle in our own life, but is waiting for us to believe? Now, Jesus can do whatever He wants whenever He wants and does not need our belief or permission to accomplish His will. But I wonder how often He is just waiting for us to believe and ask.

Do we believe in the same Jesus who healed the sick, cast out demons, turned water into wine, calmed the seas, made the lame walk, restored life to those who had died, and rose from the dead?

Jesus can heal. Jesus can change your circumstance. Jesus can do anything you ask, but do we have the faith to actually believe it will happen? Many of the New Testament stories about healing and life change are the result of people having faith, and asking Jesus to intercede.

Jesus may be waiting for you to believe and ask before he will act.

Praise in public and correct in private. When an employee excels at a given task, make sure you give them the proper respect and accolades in front of others. If the employee fails at a job, do not belittle them in public, but correct them in private. The response from the employee will be less defensive and you will save their dignity and gain their respect and trust.

Take responsibility when you are wrong. People are not looking for perfection in their leader, but they are looking for someone who is open and honest and who will take responsibility for their actions. People will continue to follow your vision and leadership if you will admit when you are wrong.

Take the blame for a failure and pass along the praise. When any part of your organization sustains a setback, be quick to take the blame in public. Many times you will have had nothing to do with the situation, but you are still the figurehead of the operation. Afterwards, behind closed doors, figure out what went wrong and who let you down.

When there is a ‘win’ for your organizations, be quick to pass along the accolades to the appropriate employees who made it happen. If you were the sole person who made it happen, find some way to pass along praise to anyone that had even a remote part in the success.

Continually try to improve yourself and stay relevant. Your employees do not want to continually hear what worked 20 years ago. Times have changed, and will continue to change. In order to reach the masses and to stay relevant, you must be willing to part with the past. Certain principles and methods will never die, but how you package them will constantly change. Be willing to adapt or be resigned to failure.

Last night the kids sat down at the table waiting for dinner, but they had neglected to do their part and set the table. So, the table was completely empty except for the meal that Julie had brought out. One of the kids finally asked Julie, “aren’t you going to feed us?” Julie’s answer was great: ” You are mature enough to feed yourself and to prepare the table for dinner. If you neglect to prepare the table for dinner, you will not be fed. So, get off your butt and set the table so you can eat”

Wow, and she was not even in church on Sunday to hear the message (You can blame Pastor Derek for making her work e:kidz and the Denver museum for having a free admission day).

How often do we come to church expecting to be fed by the pastor, but we have neglected to set the table throughout the week? Pastor Jeff will bring the food to the table, but we must be ready to eat.

How do you set the table for Sunday and prepare for the meal? I am glad you asked. Here are some steps to take so that you can be ready to eat:

• Pray everyday and ask God for His guidance and direction in your life.
• Have a daily devotional time that is spent studying and meditating on God’s Word.
• Make quiet time a priority in your life and use this time to listen to God.
• Meet together with other believers throughout the week and discuss what God is doing in your life.
• Come to church ready to worship the Lord of the universe.
• Bring your Bible and take notes so you can do further in-depth study during the week.
• Participate in the full worship experience on Sunday. Do not wait in the lobby until the music is done, or leave before offering is taken.

I believe that taking these steps will prepare you for the meal on Sunday. So, in the words of one of the great thinkers, wife and mom or our generation: “Get off your butt and set the table so you can eat.”

Element, I challenge us to continue to be the church that reaches out to the known sinners and to never become a church that caters to the already righteous. I am excited that in the span of three weeks I will have been involved with three different court hearings of Element attendees who have turned their lives around and found hope, love, acceptance and LIFE through Element Church and Jesus Christ.

When the pastors of the church attend more court hearing then board meeting, with the already righteous, you know we are reaching those who need to be reached.

Keep up the good work church!

Joe is a phenomenal communicator and his passion for setting people free financially is amazing. Thank you Joe for spending time with us this weekend. I would highly recommend Joe to any church that wants to teach their people the biblical principles of financial stewardship.

I have provided links to Joe’s material below:
Wildly popular website
Financial Learning Experience:
I was broke now I’m not partner site

Awesome event! Thank you Joe!