Karl, what is your responsibility as Campus Pastor and how did that role play itself out in building the Core for the Clear Lake campus?
My three primary responsibilities are: building teams; pastoral care; and being the ‘face of the place.’ In the building phase of this campus, team building was key in that it was structured and we followed the model of: Identify>Assess>Train>Evaluate. This set a great standard to follow in that we continue to utilize this model and it creates opportunities to have a culture of continual improvement.

Campus Pastor Karl Garcia

The pastoral care component of my responsibilities seemed to naturally unfold in that my team know they are deeply loved by me. In this time of team building, one of our team members died of cancer. This man was actually at a team meeting on a Sunday and within 24 hours went to be with Jesus. It only made sense that I would be the officiant and share the message at his memorial service.

Being the ‘face of the place’ played itself out through presence. Not only presence to my team, but also through all communication, promotion, and church-wide announcements. We creatively used different forms of communication to achieve this.

What steps did you take to develop the Core?
I started by identifying people that lived in the area we were trying to reach and then I sat down with them to cast vision. I shared our church’s vision, data to support why and where we were going, Scripture that calls us to go, the story of what Jesus did in my heart and the radical transformation of my life, and Christ’s call on their lives to be missionaries.

What leadership insights did you gain as you developed the Core?
1) Action determines core, not words. Not everyone that says they want to be a part of this, actually does. So, we dance with them as opposed to kicking them off the dance floor.
2) Let your leaders lead. The age old axiom will always play out: there is not one of us as smart as all of us (or even two or three).
3) Enjoy the journey. Stories of God at work is the fuel that drives the engine and if you’re too busy/stressed/self-absorbed/self-reliant/prideful, you’ll not only burn out quickly, no one will want to follow you.
3) Use the experts. Leaders are learners so never assume you’re the best at anything. Humble yourself and ask lots of questions.

First service at Clear Lake campus

What was your biggest struggle throughout this entire process? How did you seek to address it?
Everything I read, heard, and discussed pointed to somewhat rigid requirement for core team members. As I looked at this process I discovered that there were actually three buckets of people that were in “The Core”. They were: Core (those who were prepared to do whatever it took to make this happen); Serve (those who thought they were prepared to be part of the core, yet really just wanted to serve in an area); and Attend (those who one way or another came to the realization this was just going to be their church). My epiphany came as I sat back and looked at this information and came to the realization that this was the church! My job, along with those I knew were part of the core, would be to take responsibility for walking those in any bucket to the next level.

Why did you think the Core-development strategy you chose was so particularly effective?
It was clearly laid out, methodical, flexible, inclusive, celebratory and it was never about anyone other than Jesus.

Is there anything you would have done differently? If so, what?
I think time will tell. As we go on I anticipate seeing gaps that could have or should have been addressed.

With such a fortuitous opening, what are you focusing on currently?
Celebrating, and strategizing on how to harness the energy and fan the influence of our team to attract those far from Jesus.

Thanks Karl! What Karl didn’t say (but I will) is that he also is from the Clear Lake area. In fact, Karl graduated from the high school where his new campus currently meets. One of the great stories we get to see unfold at CCCC concerns our wonderful campus pastor. When Karl left the Clear Lake area he pursued a life aimed in a different direction than to glorify God. Now, years later, God’s grace has so radically rescued him that he returns home (and to his school) as a pastor of a young congregation willing to do whatever it takes to see Jesus for the city. Amazing grace indeed!

1. Brotherhood. Leading a church is like climbing Everest. Very few can thrive in the thin air of constant critique, wayward staff and problems too numerous to count. Right or wrong, the result is an overwhelming sense of loneliness. That’s why it’s so important to find other like-minded pastor-climbers. They ‘get you,’ understand your struggles and can laugh heartily at your gallows humor, finishing with the punchlines of their own broken story. Acts 29, this cohort of climbers, has been a band of brothers for me unlike I’ve ever encountered in ministry.
2. Theology. What we believe is, and always will be, important. At least it should be. Frankly, I struggle to respect ministers who’ve left their doctrine on the top shelf in ministry in lieu of the easy reach of pragmatism. A pastor who ‘isn’t really into theology’ (something one local pastor actually told me) is akin to a doctor informing you he really isn’t into medicine. However, the truth is, one always (and I mean always) impacts the other. Acts 29 not only understands this maxim but is rooted in it. Far from being doctrinaire prigs, this collection of leaders is outpacing most, if not all, church planting endeavors in the States yet is robustly committed to biblical soundness. It’s a community where doctrinal distinctives are rightfully seen as a strength not weakness. For that I’m very grateful.
3. Humility. Unfortunately, I think  many within the network are often painted as stiff-necked, arrogant power-mongers who desire to mow people down in their pursuit of whatever is at the end of their bulls-eye. While I’m sure some have fit that description in certain times and places, from my experience, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of humility in the men whose paths I’ve crossed. From leaders who’ve confessed of deep, painful personal struggles to those who welcome direct correction and accountability, Acts 29 has been a rich garden in which I’ve witnessed the growth of grace in the hearts of rebels turned sons.
4. Fellowship. If brotherhood is a connection of heart, fellowship is a connection of sharing. Acts 29 is a place where I can hear from others, bounce ideas off friends, be encouraged by prayer, deepen relationships with old friends and lay the foundation with new friends. Like Howard Schultz’ hope for Starbucks, the network has become a ministerial ‘third place’ for me that stretches between home and church. It’s an avenue where I can speak/pray/counsel with fellow husband/father/pastor/leaders. And not only for me, but for my wife as well. In Acts 29, my spouse has found sisters-on-mission who’ve blessed her greatly and connected with her deeply. So very grateful…
5. Grace. I think, in the end, what God is doing through Acts 29 is wholly, completely an act of grace. After being around men and women who are passionately pursuing Jesus and given to the mission of the gospel with hearts full of faith and hope, I simply want to stand back and watch in amazement to God’s great work. But that isn’t the call. Ours is to jump in with both feet and not only witness but enjoin this great and good mission for the King. Oh that God would continue to use Acts 29 in it. Grace upon grace.

There’s more to write but I’ll leave it for now. Needless to say, I’m grateful to God for the men and women who make up the family of the Acts 29 Network and the blessing to be a part of it.

For starters, our initial flight was essentially cancelled. Chris, a lay leader from our church who also happened to be our trip guide and Ukraine veteran, worked it out where we could fly from Houston to London to Munich where we would spend the night and travel to L’viv the next day. Munich was absolutely stunning. Nicest airport I’ve ever seen – clean, efficient, pretty. Shortly after arriving we darted downtown to take in the sights. Even though our new schedule called for us to arrive in L’viv a day later than originally planned, our brief stay in Munich was worth it.

L’viv is a very old city in a very young country (Ukraine gained its independence only twenty years ago with the collapse of the Soviet Union). The people are gracious, approachable and carry with them a rich history. The church has her challenges. Less than 2% of Ukraine is evangelical. And for those evangelical churches there are mountains to climb: certain traditions which inhibit gospel growth, pervading assumptions about church-in-culture and a general lack of theological and pastoral training for far too many leaders. I can only hope that our time there moved the ball down the field in helping the Ukrainian church make disciples.

After Ukraine we traveled to England to spend time with Steve Timmis, pastor, author and Director of Acts 29 Western Europe. Steve’s book Total Church was one of my favorite reads last year. His approach to making disciples is biblical, balanced and thought-provoking. He is also a brilliant thinker, keen theologian and genuine follower of Christ. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with Steve while he was in the States but it was even more special to visit him in his backyard…literally. Steve and his wife Janet opened their home in Sheffield to us as we spent the day with him talking about making disciples, gospel ministry and the benefits of listening to really good hip-hop. It was a time of great food, laughter and fellowship with our beloved brother from England.

All that and more. This post was simply to let you know where I’ve been. Hopefully future posts will share what I’ve learned.

1. Crafting Gospel-Centered Sermons
2. Latest Learnings about Message/Series Preparation
3. Current Burdens & Challenges of Preaching

In Topic #1 I will be sharing my learnings about preaching with a Gospel-centric focus. Topics #2 and #3 will be interactive and discussion-oriented with Chuck Land, Lead Pastor of Crossbridge Church, and myself leading/facilitating.

While this is a Acts 29 Network Houston event, non-A29 pastors are welcome. Just contact me if you’d like to attend. The Quarterly will be hosted at Crossbridge in Sugar Land.

Want to know more about the Acts 29 Network?

Sorry I haven’t posted much lately. It’s Christmas season which means I’m usually out of pocket more often with events, outings, etc. One of those events was last evening and I thought it merited a post.

Last night thirteen couples gathered for dinner to celebrate not only the season of Christmas but the fact that God has truly begun a movement of church planters for the city of Houston. I asked pastor Bill Streger of Kaleo Church, who was one of the first Acts 29 Network planters in Houston, how many A29 planters there were 24 months ago. He said there were only two or three at best. Here’s a snap of a few more than two or three of us…and growing.

(Some of you CCCC-ers will notice they let some of our staff came along. Hey, you know too well that Prater, Alston and I won’t turn down free food!)

Add this to the new Houston Church Planting Network that’s increasing in numbers and it appears that something wonderful really is happening in our neck of the woods. So, in your times of prayer over this holiday season, remember the Bayou City!

For the Gospel. For Houston.

But for me, my heroes at the conference weren’t on stage. In fact, most wouldn’t know their names. They don’t have big churches or a book to push. When you introduced them to others you’d probably just have one title – “Pastor.” And when you talked to them you’d likely find out not only do they NOT have the answers and solutions people travel many miles to hear, you’d discover they work very hard and long for little victories that the “big guys” dealt with ages ago. If you gave them a chance to speak at a conference they’d probably lead seminars on “How To Take Risks And Have Them Blow Up In Your Face,” or “Trying to Make Ends Meet When Your Core Questions Your Leadership.” I know, probably not going to be well-attended breakouts.

If you haven’t guessed it already, my heroes are the church-planters and the staff that have “crossed the line in the sand” with them. Often my strategy at conferences is more to connect relationally than it is to hear the speakers. I can do that online…for free…without leaving the comfort my office. What I can’t do is connect and reconnect with the guys in the trenches of doing what I’m trying to do. Lead a church. And when I get around men who have the courage and faith to plant a new church in order that the gospel might reach those which other churches might not, I’m star-struck! I am amazed at their love, passion and laser-like focus for the mission of Jesus. For example, Saturday night I spent a late evening fellowshipping with church-planters and their staff in downtown Austin. To know their names, to shake their hands and to hear their stories, for me, beats sitting down and listening to speakers nine times out of ten. I was beside myself, totally amazed and honored and humbled to hear about how Jesus was at work in the lives of my brothers and the churches they led. Again, it only reconfirmed in my heart what I already know. These guys – these no name, small attendance, scraping up money to even come to a conference but would charge Hell with a water-pistol for Jesus – these guys are my heroes.

Like I said, my heroes weren’t on stage. Okay, maybe one or two of them were…

• Seen my church transition going from two weekly services to one, with a change in strategy to boot
• Formatted Bible studies for small groups in order for them to be published
• Laid the foundation for my church to become a publishing house (of said studies)
• Written and finalized our church’s new membership material, of which we sent out 1400-15o0 copies to our small groups
• Written the foreword and conclusion to my book which, by the way, is before the senior editors of three different mainstream publishers thanks to the gracious efforts of a noted seminary professor and author
• Hosted the Acts 29 Network Boot Camp

Let me say a little about the last point.

Yes, for those who have followed my church’s journey with the Acts 29 Network, we not only are a part of the network but hosted one of their boot camps this week. This was a personal highlight for me for many reasons. First, these are my people! The men (and women) of Acts 29 share the same values, beliefs and convictions that I have. Most of these guys would be my friends had I never heard of the network. Needless to say, my heart easily resonates with this group.  They are humble, smart, love the Lord and his church! Secondly, my heart has been that our church join this movement of church-planting churches. I not only think A29 fits me, it fits our church. We have always been about planting churches that are theologically robust, gospel-centered and culturally savvy for missional purposes. Now we get to partner with like-minded churches on a broader scale. You only get stronger when you work together on-mission. Thirdly, I think our partnership with A29 in general, and the boot camp in specific, will help Houston have more gospel-centered church plants. Indeed, we have already seen this happen. Lastly, I think A29 will not only help us, but I think by God’s grace we can help A29. We are a church that has grown slowly, in a healthy fashion, without being a personality-centered church. We are also strong in gifts of leadership (organizationally, strategic, etc.), team building and creating a culture that blesses the church. It would be bragging if it weren’t so true. I believe that with all my heart.

So devoted readers (all two of you…just kidding), my apologies for being away. It’s been a little busy around here, and that’s been a very good thing. I’ll leave you with some pics from the boot camp. (These were taken by David Barron, a professional photographer who is a part of my church. Many thanks for donating his time, talents and photos for this weekend. I made these low-res so as to save space. Don’t hold it against Dave. He donated 15MB images.)

I’m in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, spending time with Jeff Lawrence, a good friend of mine who happens to be a new church planter at Chatham Community Church. I flew out Thursday to help him in any fashion I could because church-planting, no matter how talented you are, is a major hill to climb. Even though I have never planted a church I did join the staff of one that was pretty early in the game (a little over four years old at the time and meeting in a school) and feel like I have a passable understanding of a few “in’s and out’s” of leading a young congregation trying to make it (which sounds like a church-planting issue to me). As soon as I got here we were off to the races and talking about things like membership, mission and sermon series has energized me to both help my buddy and dig in more passionately at what I’m working on for my church. So, while I pray God will use me as an instrument of encouragment and assistance to Jeff, I also believe the Lord will use this time to work in me. Needless to say, I’m looking foward to my time here in the Tar Heel state!

God is using our network to influence and shape the church planting culture through both solid theology and contextualizing the gospel. We will not waver on either of these commitments. We won’t water down our theology to reach more people and we won’t attack the culture in the name of Christianity.

For as long as I can remember in my ministry, I have tried to champion the idea that the church should be robustly theological in what it does while being relevantly intersected with the culture it hopes to reach. Needless to say, the A29 guys are my kind of people.

So I would be lying if I told you anything but that I’m very grateful and pumped that my church and A29 have crossed paths. Frankly, the story God is writing upon the hearts of our elders, in particular, and the church as a whole is amazing in and of itself. While I would be the first to say that we have, and will, intentionally try to learn about how others do church from a myriad of different people and movements in evangelicalism (and outside of it), I think there have been many who serve in “Willow Creek-model” churches (read seeker-sensitive churches) that look in bewilderment at our church. It is likely because, initially, our church took the same path as theirs, but now we return from Chicago not due to a Willow Conference but The Gospel Coalition. Indeed, one of the great personal “moments” for me  that spoke of my church’s journey happened while I was in Chicago. One of my good friends, finding out that I was in the Windy City, contacted me asking where I was because he was on his way to Chicago and wanted to meet up. He likely assumed that if I was there for church-related stuff then surely I would be at Willow, right? Well, while he was at Willow (speaking at one of their main sessions I might add) I was across town gathering with our executive staff as we heard pastors and scholars talk about the need for gospel-centered ministry. Let me add, I would have no problem attending something at Willow I felt would benefit my leading the church (I have in the past and likely will at some point in the future), but some would look at our church’s last few years and exclaim, “Boy, how times have changed,” but the truth is, our church was always a little different.

I remember a church consultant telling us that we were the “most theological church” he had ever been around in his circuit of fast-growing, contemporary, attractional churches. At first I thought that to be a sad commentary on other congregations because I didn’t feel we were doing anything special. Why wouldn’t theology (literally, the study of God) be important to leaders of a local church? I will never forget what  theologian A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” We didn’t need convincing of that truth. Our executive staff has always believed  a sound, biblical theology blesses the church, not holds her back. On the contrary, to do anything less is both unwise and ungodly. That’s why, for example,  everyone must read a brief theological primer before becoming a small group leader at our church. It’s why we spend weeks from time to time teaching about doctrines (we just finished a five-week series on ecclesiology last Wednesday). It’s why our teachers (from student ministry up) gather every week to listen to a doctoral level seminary class on gospel-centered preaching. And why we will be taking most of our staff (including preschool, elementary, junior high and high school ministries) in an eight-month study of Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology (yes, the 1,200+ page book) in the fall. Being theological isn’t something we do, it’s who we are. Unfortunately, to some churches who have elevated the pragmatic to an almost idolatrous level, those examples may seem impractical if not ludicrous. I could go on about other areas where God is growing us – our desire to be gospel-centered, to be missional to our community and so on  – but I share this to help some outside our walls see that when Acts 29 approached us asking if we might host their Houston Boot Camp, it only seemed natural for us to say, “Yes. Absolutely!” In my mind, these guys were our kind of people…and  the truth is, they always had been.

So this September, when hopefully hundreds, if not a thousand or so church leaders descend upon our campus to hear some of the best and brightest pastors in the Acts 29 Network talk about the need to be doctrinally  sound, theologically robust and gospel-centered in order to more effectively accomplish the mission of Jesus in the world, the least surprised (and most grateful) in the room will be those of us on staff.

September can’t get here soon enough! Welcome A29! Here’s to a great partnership for the church, for the gospel!