Before preaching Rocket, I got to the point I was not looking forward to Sunday.  It was always there.  Always preparing.  Now, I feel so relaxed and my level of confidence is exponentially higher.  I am honoring God and He is honoring me.

Nicholas Carr, writing in Wired Magazine, gives us powerful food for thought.

What kind of brain is the Web giving us?  That question will no doubt the subject of a great deal of research in the years ahead.  Already, though, there is much we know or can surmise – and the news is quite disturbing.  Dozens of studies by psychologists, neurobiologists, and educators point us to the same conclusion:  When we go online, we enter an environment that promotes cursory reading, hurried and distracted thinking, and superficial learning.  Even as the Internet grants us easy access to vast amounts of information, it is turning us into shallower thinkers, literally changing the structure of the brain.

A few of my thoughts:

• Some things deserve more than “a cursory reading, hurried and distracted thinking and superficial learning”
• I know we’re supposed to write scannable copy for mobile phones, but some topics aren’t meant to be consumed fast.
• If someone sends me something important, I owe them more than scanning it at a red light.
• I’m reading a book now called Moonlighting with Einstein about the world memory championships.  He says that the invention of hte printing press changed everything.  Before that time, we had to remember stuff.  Now, we just need to know how to find it.  Interesting.

What do you think?

• “I didn’t choose to become a Jesus follower because I loved Jesus but because I didn’t want to go to hell.”  A lot of us get off to self-centered starts.
• In Matthew 19:27, Peter is worried about what will happen to HIM.  He was approaching it as a Jesus consumer.
• Jesus didn’t hate the Romans.  Jesus didn’t align with the religions leaders.  This frustrated Judas.
• Matthew 26:6ff describes Judas and the disciples reacting to a woman who poured expensive purfume out to worship Jesus.
• Judas wanted to be the treasurer or the CFO of the Kingdom of God.
• God’s hand can’t be forced.  His will can’t be thwarted.
• Following Jesus might feel like a death.
• Our response should be:  I want what YOU want more than I want what I want.
• If we’re not there yet, maybe we could start with this:  I want to want what you want more than what I want.
• Blessed is the one who chooses to do the will of God rather than attempting to impose his will on God.

• Following isn’t always fun.
• Jesus was the Messiah – that’s a Jewish word.  ”Christ” is the Greek version of that word, not Jesus’ last name.
• Peter was concerned about himself.  Many Christians today are using Jesus, not following Him.
• Jesus said following would require taking up a cross.
• C.S. Lewis said the cross didn’t become a part of Christian art until everyone who had seen one used had died.
• Your soul is more important than your stuff.
• Salvation is free; it costs us nothing.  Following Christ will eventually cost us something.

Watch this and other messages from Andy Stanley at followseries.org.

1.  Don’t say “I’d like all the mothers to stand.”  Affirming mothers is great, but asking them to stand can be painful for someone.  Really painful.  Chances are, there is someone in the congregation who is trying to get pregnant or just lost a baby.  For that person, sitting down in a room full of other standing moms is horrifying.

2.  Don’t say “If you’re the youngest/oldest mother here, please stand.”  This might seem like a creative idea, but it’s a more focused version of what I mentioned above.  Plus, it’s really not all that creative.  For a great perspective from a woman on this, read Amy Young’s post.

3.  Most pastors are not moms, so it’s a good idea to send your sermon to moms and get feedback before you preach it.  Getting feedback ahead of time is better than getting an evaluation after the fact.  You don’t have to call a meeting or have a big creative team…just email your message notes to three or four moms and ask for their honest opinion.

On a side note, Father’s Day is a month away.  In my observation, churches really try to honor, cherish and affirm mothers with the mother’s day sermon only to yell at Fathers with the father’s day sermon a month later.  Maybe dads need some encouragement too.

Pinterest users can browse categories and find recipes, home decor ideas, and even inspirational quotes.  It’s a popular social media destination for parents and crafters.  But I’ll admit it…I have a Pinterest account. 

Such collections of creative ideas can be inspiring, but they can also be depressing.  Who has time to buy all the ingredients for those tasty, healthy family meals?  Who has the money to convert their walk-in closet to a custom laundry room?  Who has the time to convert a Craigslist dresser into a bathroom vanity?

There are two downsides to websites like Pinterest.  First, it facilitates boasting.  Pinterest give you the virtual space to boast about your DIY miracle, flea market find,  or homemade 7-layer cake.  It’s easy to cross the fine line between sharing something that could benefit someone else and screaming, “Look at me.”

Second, it’s facilitates jealousy.  It’s an envy-evoking website where you can digitally drool over all you don’t have.  How many people become dis-satisfied with their closet when they see a dramatic overhaul?  I’ve found myself lost in a sea of wishes, scrolling through images of all the things I want but don’t have.

I want to talk about how the Pinterest phenomenon might underscore a secret problem I believe afflicts many pastors.

Pinterest Pastor Type 1:The Uppers

Like the moms who plan a birthday party with pictures for Pinterest in mind, these kind of pastors do things to get the attention of other pastors.  They aren’t necessarily doing what’s best for their church or ministering out of their unique calling, gifting or personality, they are doing stuff to get noticed.

It’s a publicity stunt, provocative outreach campaign or the press release precisely timed with a community service.  It’s a big event, because big events yield good pictures.  And those pictures are great in denominational newsletters and church leadership blogs.

Pastors aren’t except from pride and insecurity.  Attention is an addiction, and those who stand on stages or in pulpits are not immune.  It’s easy to get drawn in by likes, favorites and social media shares, and before you do it, you’re looking at your congregation as a platform to propel you into prominence rather than a flock to be lovingly shepherded.

I know this tactic well, because I used to live it.   I wanted to be noticed and I pursued recognition.  I wanted people to read my blog and come to my church.  And I pushed and pushed to make it happen.  Of course there was a greater good and a bigger purpose, but the pull to do things to get attention was strong.

The need to be noticed is powerful, and it can drive you to do things to tease and please the crowd.

Pinterest Pastor Type 2: The Downers

There’s a second type of Pinterest Pastor, one who has fallen into the comparison trap.  You feel like you can’t live up to the other cool things others are doing.

It’s easy to understand why pastors can feel so beat down by success of others on their same team.  With a few clicks, we can compare church size, influence and even salaries.

It used to be the spirit of competition was geographic or denominational, with pastors swapping stories at conferences and meetings.  Today, social media has closed the comparison gap. You’re comparing your children’s ministry area to the Disney-esque church with the million dollar budget.  You’re comparing last week’s message to the conference talk of the mega-church pastor.  And you’re comparing your website to the top 100 websites in the world.

Nevermind that the people in your church have never heard of the famous podcast pastor or will never visit the other children’s ministry.  Their existence and recognition is enough to make you wonder what you’re doing wrong and why you’re not experiencing that level of success.

Steven Furtick says pastors often feel bad about their message because they are comparing their everyday talk to the A-game conference special of their communication hero.

The drive to go to the next level, fueled  with knowledge of cool things other people are doing, can keep you from focusing on where you are and who you are.  Suddenly, your identity is a leader is being shaped more by what others are doing and what you should be doing, rather than the One who saved and called you.

“It is vital that you cross the finish line in ministry, and to finish well, you have to refuse the urge to compare yourself to others. The measure of your success is fulfilling God’s calling on your life, not the standards set by others,” says Rick Warren in this video.

But God didn’t call you to impress other pastors on social media – He called you to your place of service.  If he’s entrusted you with two talents, it’s not helpful to compare yourself to the pastor with ten.

So, are you guilty of being a Pinterest pastor?  Where are you naturally drawn on the people pleasing spectrum?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

“I’ve still got it..it won’t go away,” he says. ”I use it in my act, because your weakness can be your strength.”  There are a lot of reason why you might not be able to do something, but then there’s Jack Carrol.

As I watched the video, several thoughts raced through my mind.

• Laughter brings people from diverse backgrounds together.  It really is a common language.
• Finding your unique message is so important.  Everyone needs to find their angle and develop their voice.
• Reasons don’t have to become excuses.  There are lots of reasons Jack Carrol can’t be a comedian.  But he has no excuses.

What did you think as you watched this video?  What is your inspiration for overcoming excuses?