God did some amazing things last week during “Skill School” at Sunnybrook. 720 kids and over 300 volunteers came together to make it great! It all wrapped up with “Family Fun Night” which drew over 2,500 people to the campus. In the end, over 130 kids gave their lives to Christ…Amazing! Check out the highlights below!

People who disagree with a ministry decision I have made and actually connect with me to talk about it.

Pastor’s who allow their creative team to create effectively by continually clarifying the vision.

Artists who know how to express themselves but also understand how to follow direction.

Leaders who say what they mean and back up what they say.

People who serve willingly with a smile on their face.

People who will give an honest critique instead of blowing smoke.

Musicians who enjoy the art of collaboration.

Creative confidence wrapped in spiritual humility

Churches that make a difference no matter the cost rather than counting the cost before trying to make a difference.

Transparency, transparency, transparency

This week @sunnybrookcc

Pre-Service: Instrumental Stuff

My Savior Lives- Newlife

Glorious One – Steve Fee

Healer – Mike Guglielmucci

Special: Watching You – Rodney Atkins

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Blogging has become difficult of late. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, it’s just finding the time to actually sit at my computer and do something other than design and edit. So…I shall now spew forth as much randomness as my fingers can handle.

- Next week, we install our new 21′ x 13′ center screen in the @sunnybrookcc auditorium. It’s going to take our already transforming worship environment to a whole new level.

- Speaking of next week, we launch our new “Revolution” series on the 14th. I’ve been looking for a chance to do my take on this graphic since the election.

- The 14th is also Father’s Day where I get the honor of singing a song with my little girl in all 3 Sunday services. Can’t wait!

- The 14th is ALSO…(drum roll please)…my birthday! No gifts under $50.00 please

- The new Hillsong United album is completely off the chain. Glad this one was recorded live…it’s better that way!

- Still pondering my conference dilemma. The Dirt Conference is a definite and I’d be kicking myself if I didn’t make Innovate. Beyond that, I’m debating between some GCC workshops, Story and Echo. Suggestions?

- For you Adobe AE people out there, here are a few resources to check out if you haven’t already: Video Co-Pilot, Video Hive, Revostock …If you’re short for time and need something sharp, be sure to take a look.

- Starting in a couple weeks, all our pre-service music will be rolling directly from pandora.com.

- I’m excited to see our creative teams start to take shape @sunnybrookcc. We’ve added several new peeps to our tech team and there suddenly seems to be musicians coming out off the walls!

- God is amazing…’nuff said…more soon.

This weekend at Sunnybrook:

Pre-Service: Open Jam

I Am Free- Jon Egan

Glorious One - Steve Fee

Give Us Clean Hands - Charlie Hall

Healing Rain - Michael W. Smith

One of the more difficult things about creative ministry is dealing with the court of public opinion. Everyone has certain tastes and stylistic preferences and many are eager to express those opinions to whoever is in charge. At times the comment cards, emails, voice mails and hallway conversations can become overwhelming. Here are a few things that have helped me navigate through this area.

- Know Your Vision: If your leading a creative ministry and have no clue what the vision of your church is, you’re in for a rough ride. At Sunnybrook, we have a clear vision that calls for a specific worship environment, song selection and artistic direction. As long as my team is working within those parameters, we know we are doing the right thing.

-You Can’t Please Everyone: You can’t do it…so quit trying! Turn the volume up and some will say it’s too loud. Turn it down and some will say it’s too quiet. Work to honor God by making artistic decisions based on the vision He has given. If you’re pleasing Him…you’re doing well.

-Be Gracious: On occasion, I’ve received an email or have been stopped in the hall by someone who isn’t happy with what we’re doing creatively. As an artist (i.e. emotional, controlling etc.) it’s easy to dismiss that person or even be abrupt in my response. Saying things like; “Well, that’s the direction we’re going so get used to it” or “Get on the train or get off it” creates animosity, division and wounded hearts. Offering to meet at a later date where you can share the creative vision in detail or simply taking the time to listen can go a long way in keeping unity in your congregation.

-Pick the Right Pace: As I mentioned in another post here, creative ministry is about pace. God has given a long term vision to His church and isn’t looking for us to implement the entire vision this week. Never stop moving forward, but make certain you’re doing so at a pace that makes sense for your ministry target.

-Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over: People need to be able to express their opinions. You need to be able to handle those opinions regardless of what they are. Don’t allow a negative comment to drive how you view your performance. Again, if you’re creating within the vision, you are on the right track.

-Agree to Disagree: Every once in a while, there simply isn’t a solution. A person may become completely frustrated with the creative direction of the church and no matter what you do, they are going to remain frustrated. This is where you need to agree to disagree. It’s not worth it to engage in an endless stylistic and directional debate. Ultimately, that person will need to decide for themselves what to do with their frustration. As long as you have effectively communicated the vision and are creating based on that vision, you can rest assured that you are doing what God has asked of you. In the end…that’s what matters most.

The great thing about creativity is that it’s endless…the hard part is that everyone has a creative preference. The court of public opinion is a very strong voice and one that should be listened to. However, following God’s leading is even more important. Never sacrifice the vision in an effort to please everyone. Rather, please God in an effort to reach everyone.

Caught this on boingboing.net tonight…I love this kind of creativity!

Sara Watson, an English art student, turned a car “invisible” with a lovely trompe l’oeil paintjob:

Sara Watson, who is studying drawing at the University of Central Lancashire (Uclan), took three weeks to transform the car’s appearance.

She created the illusion in the car park outside her studio at Uclan’s Hanover Building in Preston.

The car is now being used for advertising by the local recycling firm that donated the vehicle.

This weekend at Sunnybrook:

Pre-Service: Why – Big Daddy Weave

Today is the Day - Lincoln Brewster

Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman

Amazed - Lincoln Brewster

Special: Completely Free - Big Daddy Weave

My Son Turner loves Monday’s. After school, he gets to come to the church and play with some of our Jr. High kids, youth leaders and our Sr. Pastor’s son (who happens to be his hero) – Yesterday, while playing in the gym…this happened!

I love NFL draft day. It’s a day of hope for my 4-12 Seahawks. There’s a ton of good scenarios that would play out well for us, but I’m really hoping to hear Roger Goodell say; “With the 4th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC.”

It’s time to have a plan for life after Hasselbeck.