Chelsea Baker

This is my daughter, Alyza, in about 9 years.

Matt Chandler - Preaching and the De-churched

A talk from Matt Chandler on how the church needs to refocus and how cancer has affected his family. I love this guy.

Backstage: Matt Chandler from SBC Greater Things 2010 on Vimeo.

Finding a Church Home

The following is some advice I recently gave to a college Freshman looking for a church home in a new town.

I remember walking into a Starbucks for the very first time on my own to order a drink. My wife, being a Starbucks vet and fluent in the lingo would always order for me. This time, however, I stood alone before a bunch of completely foreign words and had no idea what to choose. The person in front of me ordered a Caramel Frappachino so I decided to do the same. I quickly realized that it was completely different from what my wife always ordered for me. I hesitated to even try it because it was so unusual to me, however, after the first sip I knew that this was my new all time favorite drink. Finding a new church is somewhat similar to my Starbucks experience. Most likely, your parents or girlfriend have always chosen a church for you. Now, however, you get to decide where you attend. So many college students don’t attend church because they haven’t found the “perfect church.” Let me reassure you that there is no such thing as the perfect church. I encourage you, in the midst of your church hopping, to eventually settle on the essentials. What are 3 areas of a church that are non-negotiable for you? This could be biblical depth, worship, and community. You don’t need to find the perfect church, you just need find the best church for you. Remember, a church may seem odd to you, but after your first visit, you may realize that it’s the one you’ve been waiting for. Also, don't just choose a church that serves you, but choose a church where you can see yourself serving others.

11 People To Be Aware Of

I got this from Perry Noble's blog. I've been guilty of a few of these throughout my life.


#1 – The Butt Kisser – this is the person that will allow “the emperor to have no clothes.” They think EVERYTHING you say is a “great idea boss” and NEVER push back. (This person will kiss your butt until they have the opportunity to do it for someone who they feel is more important than you…then they will take their lips elsewhere!)

#2 – The Philosophical Expert – this is the person who has an “innovative philosophy” that will change the game…but has been unwilling to attempt it. Rather than actually do what they propose they usually write a book about it and challenge others to do it. (Such as…the dude who writes a book on how to plant a church but has never actually planted a church!)

#3 – The “Devil’s Advocate” – I’ve said it before, I will say it again…the devil doesn’t need a freakin’ advocate…and no one on your team should feel the need to serve him! If there is someone that ALWAYS finds a dark cloud on every bright day…beware. Becoming preoccupied with the pessimist will always drain your passion!

#4 – The Over Promiser – There are really great people in this world who just can’t say no…so they will over promise, not because they are evil but because they often feel guilty when they say no. If you see someone promising everyone they will do everything then I can promise that the quality of that work will probably amount to nothing…OR…they will do a great job and burn out in ministry.

#5 – The “People’s Advocate” – When the person approaches you and says, “Hey man, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SAYING…” BEWARE! Because…in reality a lot of people are probably NOT saying anything…he and two or three of his friends are saying! If a person isn’t willing to give names they should simply be ignored.

#6 – The “Guilt Trip Guide” – This is the person who always tries to make you feel horrible that you are not as passionate about their ministry as they are. Reality is that God allows different things to fire people up!

#7 – The Incomplete Information Guide – This is the person who shares what’s going on with you…but actually doesn’t know what is going on…so they make up the parts of the story they are unsure about as they go. Listening to this person will always get you to a place that isn’t good!

#8 – The “Gotta Know” Person – This is the person that always has to know everything…and if they don’t they sulk and pout. This person will often begin to invite themselves to meetings and literally suck the life right out of the room. Make sure the right people know the right information…but never feel obligated to invite people to be in a meeting because they just always want to be in the know.

#9 – The “Yeah, But…” Person – ALWAYS beware of the person who, when you or someone else is talking about what God is doing in another church or ministry ALWAYS says, “yeah…but I know someone who told me what is REALLY going on there…” The person who always has something negative to say about other people and ministries is saying negative things about you and your church behind your back! People who can’t celebrate what God is doing elsewhere can’t be trusted.

#10 – The Passionless Person – I told our staff recently that we can no longer afford to have passionless people in prominent positions. It’s not my job to fire people up…it’s my job to keep pouring gasoline on the fire that should already be there. The teams we serve with are either passion suckers or difference makers!

#11 –The “That’s Not My Job” Person – When a person replies in this manner when asked to do something then you can bet your last Bible that they are not fully sold out to the vision of your ministry!