Tag Archives: Orange Conference
Creating a healthy staff culture
Posted on 30. Apr, 2012 by Kenny.
Most of us could probably tell some great stories of horrible church staff situations. I’ve been a part of several, some of which were highly political where few trusted each other and I’ve been a part of church staff where things even got hostile. I’m not quite sure that the perfect church staff culture exists out there, but I’ve been a part of some good ones too.
While at The Orange Conference last week, Andy Stanley spoke specifically to to the issue of staff culture. Many of the points I’ve heard before in one of his leadership podcasts, but it was a great and timely reminder. He spoke at length about creating a staff culture where mutual submission is present. Yes, God may have called key leadership and senior staff to do something significant and the primarily purpose for additional staff is to serve that vision (I truly do believe that), but this doesn’t mean that senior staff doesn’t and shouldn’t serve the staff that works for them. This type of mutual submission creates a healthy culture where people want to work.
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Orange Conference Breakouts: A Little Help
Posted on 19. Apr, 2012 by Kenny.
So, next week is the Orange Conference. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get there. Things have been so busy and crazy, I’m just excited to get away. However, I do need a little help.
My boss, the Executive Pastor at Gateway is coming with me to Orange (Which I’m super stoked about) this year. He came to the Orange Tour in Dallas and has read Think Orange, so he gets the whole Orange strategy. This is the first time I’ve brought someone who isn’t on my kidmin or student ministry team, so I’m not sure what breakouts he should attend.
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Orange 2011: Networking with Brian VanderArk
Posted on 05. May, 2011 by Kenny.
I had the privilege of sharing a meal (it was more like cheese fries) with Brain VanderArk from Ada Bible Church. Sorry, this is the best picture I could find of Brian. Before last week, I had not met Brian, but I’ve sat in several Orange Conference Breakouts over the year and I’m good friends with his favorite employee… Dan Scott (I just made that up about Dan being his favorite… but if I were Brian I’d give Dan a HUGE raise). Actually, a whole bunch of people from Orange kinda showed up at a restaurant and I just invited myself to sit at the “Ada” table with Brain and Dan and some other staff (plust that guy from Scranton… Daren Kaiser).… Read the rest
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Orange 2011: Lunch with Rob Bradbury
Posted on 05. May, 2011 by Kenny.
I had several “defining moments” at Orange 2011. One of them happened the day day before the conference began when I met up with Rob Bradbury for lunch. It was epic (I say that because that’s what it seems Aussies like to say). 
Rob and I met 3 years ago at Orange 2008. The only reason I knew him was because his face was plastered on the cover of K magazine. Other than that, I had no idea who he was. I bumped into him a few times at the conference and he almost always made me laugh. He was so filled with joy.
Over the years I’ve read his blog and have seen and heard of things he’s done and things he’s been doing at Planetshakers church in Melbourne, Australia.… Read the rest
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The shortest Orange Breakout take-away
Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Kenny.
I had the privilege of introducing a few breakout speakers. One of these speakers was Stewart Hall. Stewart Hall is on staff with XP3 and has co-authored books with Andy Stanley and Louie Gigleo. He’s a legend in my book.
Although I did not get to stay and hang out for the entire session, he asked one question that I’ve not been able to shake. It’s a question that I’ll probably not be able to shake. Here’s what he asked:
What does your ministry environment SCREAM that you value?
Wow. I’ve sat down with my team and we’ve listed our ministry values. Many of them speak very loudly. Are they screaming? That’s a good question. I think it’s probably a question we should ask ourselves on a regular basis.… Read the rest
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Why #Orange11 was so different
Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Kenny.
I’m finally catching my breath from Orange last week. Looking back, one word easily describes my take on the 2011 Orange Conference. DIFFERENT.
It was my fourth to attend, but it certainly stood apart from the rest. I’m not going to say that it wasn’t what I expected. I think that it exceeded my expectations. I’ve actually been telling people that it is by far the BEST Orange Conference I’ve attended. Was it better speakers? Beter topics? Maybe, I’m not sure if it was or wasn’t. That’s not what made it better… at least for me.
Bottom line, I only sat in 1-2 sessions in the arena and 1-2 breakouts in addition to the ones I taught/co-taught. What was I doing with all my extra time?… Read the rest
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It’s not my birthday
Posted on 29. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.
So, yesterday I got punked by my own prank. It was so funny. At lunch yesterday, I told everyone about a great new facebook prank to play. I recently learned it and hadn’t tried it yet. If you can hop on someone’s computer when they’re not on it, get on their Facebook account and change their birthday to today. Later in the day, they’ll find out what you’ve done after they have dozens of “happy birthday” comments.
Well, yesterday during the main afternoon session, I spent the entire time meeting and talking with people. While away from my computer, some other blogger (Jonathan Cliff) changed my birthday. So, since last night, people have been wishing me a happy birthday. I think someone even brought me a cake.… Read the rest
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Orange: MinisterSearch
Posted on 28. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.
As you know, I’m blogging for Orange this week, my third year straight. One of the things that is making it much easier to blog this year is some space that David Lyons of MinisterSearch has provided… the blogging suites. Woo hoo! If you’re here at Orange, MinisterSearch wants to connect with you. Come by anytime today and stop by the blogging suite and meet David as well as all the bloggers. Here’s some incentive for you. Drop by and sign up to be entered into a drawing for a new iPad. Yeah, that’s right… a new iPad.
So, who is MinisterSearch? What is MinisterSearch?
MinisterSearch is a search firm for those who serve in the church. Whether you’re a church looking to hire someone or you’re seeking a position in a church, MinisterSearch is a great resource for you.… Read the rest
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Speaking at Orange for the first time
Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.
In case you didn’t know, I’m speaking at Orange this year. Crazy, huh?
I still can’t believe they asked me to lead a couple of breakouts. I’m excited, nervous and honored all at the same time. So, I thought I’d share with you what my breakouts are about this year.
- How to Plan a Ministry Calendar – You know that I’m passionate about this kind of stuff. I’ve written blog posts (plural) about this kind of stuff. It’s only natural that they’d pick me, ha! I think that too often we don’t make the best use of our time each year. We often have good intentions, but ministry is busy and when the year is done we wonder why we didn’t do this or that.
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One last push!
Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.
In case this is your first day on the internet and you just found this blog, I thought I’d let you know about an incredible conference that’s kicking off this week in Atlanta. It’s called Orange and if you serve in the church, you don’t want to miss it!
Although it might be a little pricey, you can probably still book some airfare to get out to Atlanta and attend. I’m telling you, it’s worth it. Just start driving right now! Click here to register for Orange!
For those of you who can’t come for whatever reason, just stay connected right here. There are dozens of “Orange” bloggers this year and I’ll connect relevant content here as well as more original content that you’ll have time to read.… Read the rest
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