JohnYouell.com

Top 10 Things We Learned @ Access Granted 2009

NOTE:  Compiled by John and Shandra Youell & Darian and Tyra Rains.

10.  It's a systems problem...not a people problem.

9.    There are no bad ideas...only bad people with ideas.

8.    NLC Top Church Growth Strategy:  Pimpin out people.

7.    "What?  I have roomates?  I should have brought my 'other' jammies!"

6.    "BUY YOUR MAN CARD BACK!!!!!"

5.    Guidelines, Deadlines and Butts-on-the-line.

4.    This is "NOT" resource scarce.

3.    "It's never this windy here....unless there is a hurricane!"

2.    "We are way past level 20."

1.    Six and a half minutes.

Honorable Mentions:

• Healthy Living = Beach front condo + time away together + new bff's
• If you only work in it and never on it you'll never rise above it.

This event was so rewarding.  The above list is fun but illustrates the kind of real people that make up all things called Up The Middle.  To learn more about Up The Middle and how you can learn about making your church go to the next level, check out www.upthemiddle.com.

Thanks Matt & Sarah for a great weekend, rewarding relationship and all the leadership training and mentoring you are giving us.

Oh, and the beach front condo was INCREDIBLE!!!!

The 3 Faces of Elah

It has been a long while since my last post.  A lot has transpired in my life and at Fellowship Church.  This summer has been tough.  4 key marriages came under attack.  All 4 involved in my leadership core.  Been a long time since I have lost my breath and struggled to breathe.  For the entire summer, my spirit was out of breath and thought I was going to faint from the pressure and the dream inside was going to be aborted.

Then, as God would have it, an encounter with the Word changed it all for me.  The encounter came through the story of David and Goliath and is found in 1 Samuel 17.  In this story are three main figures - faces if you will.  3 Faces emerge from the pages of this story that have changed me and I want to share them with you.

It's important for those who are leaders because we are all of these faces - we have tendencies of each of these 3 faces in us.  I will focus on leaders first then wrap it up next week by bringing home to all of us.  But for now, let's look at leadership.

FACE 1 - SAUL

The Bible says that Goliath came and challenged the armies of Saul.  At the outset it's important to understand that Goliath was Saul's giant.  He was Saul's challenge.  He was Saul's problem.  When David came to Saul - a man who was willing to address the problem, Saul puts him in HIS ARMOR.  If Saul was concerned with protecting David, he would have found armor that would have fit David.  But what is often missed in this story is the importance of SAUL's IMAGE ON THE BATTLEFIELD. 

Lesson from Saul - There are some battles you CANNOT abdicate to someone else.  You have to take them on.  Your image is not enough.  Giving authority to someone to stand in your stead is not enough.  It's your baby - TAKE IT DOWN!!!!

FACE 2 - GOLIATH

The Bible says Goliath mocked and discounted David because of his size and his age.  Goliath was better staffed with weapons.  He had an armor bearer - someone who would go out and take the brunt of the attack if needed!  He was the big daddy who didn't feel that the issue (David) was important enough for him to deal with.

Lesson from Goliath - It's the little things you discount that you don't think are important are the ones that will bring you down.  DON'T MISS THIS.  Your attitude and your words are enough to bring down your marriage.  Your communication to others on a heart level is enough to lead to adultery.  Do not miss this.  The little things that you discount that you don't think are important are the ones that will bring you down.

FACE 3 - DAVID

The Bible says that when David approached Saul, willing to face Saul's giant, Saul discounted David in comparison to Goliath.  Goliath was a warrior.  David a shepherd.  David a young man. Goliath a real man.  David gave his resume - he defeated a lion and bear.

Lesson from David - You can't decapitate another person's giant until you defeat your lions and bears.  Bears are seasonal animals and represent seasonal attacks.  We have to recognize the season we are week so that we can defend ourselves against their attacks.  Lions are constant predators and represent constant attacks that nip at our heels.  As a minister, I cannot truly expect a move from God in my church to the level I want until I defeat the issues of my own life - the lions and bears!

Tomorrow, I will share how these faces apply to all people.  Leaders - I hope you have some things to challenge your thoughts today.  I know I do.

On The Backside Now

In all my life, I think this has been the longest week.  I honestly think that I have reached a point where it at least is beginning to make the final turn- not just because today is Friday and the week-END is upon us but because the issues of the week are ending their current stages.  Lately I feel like I am fighting up hill at times and all alone at that. Understanding that it's the position of leadership and the challenge ever leader faces doesn't make it any easier.  Yet, as always is the case for us, I find myself learning a new nugget of truth that hopefully will help me the next time I face a week similar to this.

In the Bible we read the story of Elijah where God directed him to go to a brook and stay there.  He was coming out of a very tough season of ministry.  In fact he had just declared to a king that there would be drought and that no rain would fall for a while.  It was a tough encounter I am sure.  Prophets had to have thick skin because they must have dealt with rejection all the time.  So after the tough season, he was taken to a place of rest (lead me beside cool waters...he restores my soul).  Some thoughts here...

THE WATERY BROOK - Served as a place of refreshing.  He was free to drink of the water and find coolness in the heat of the day...wetness when his throat was dry...etc.  It's about nature replenishing us.  I noticed this week that I will not be able to play my round of golf.  Golf is my weekly stop at the watery brook of nature.  Something happens when I am out on that course fighting against myself to break into the 80's while counting every stroke (yes I count lost balls guys.  For those who don't know it's 1 stroke in + 1 stroke to out. lol).  We you get out on the backside of the course you find the cars are not as loud.  The sounds of the city fade and are replaced by the singing of birds and the running of water in the creeks.  Each week I find a spot where I spend 20 minutes or so and just listen.  Doesn't matter how many people I allow to play on while I rest.  It's these moments where God uses nature to restore and replenish me.

FOOD FROM RAVENS - This speaks of God provision.  There are some things that I need that can only come from God.  Nature in and of itself is not enough.  God's spirit and his word are becoming the love of my life.  I at times have to fight to get them because I allow myself to get busy but in those moments on the golf course I find that the words that I have been SOAPing all week seem to take on new meaning.  I see ways to apply them that I never saw in the daily moments.  It's so wonderful when God gives us nuggets of understanding and morsels of faith that strengthen the soul. The temptation of ministry is that we can get sucked into studying for series or messages.  When we are there we lose the personal edification that we can experience.

Lord, forgive me for not taking the time to refresh myself this week.  As I finish up today, help my efforts to be fruitful and my mind to be sharp so that I can do what I long so desperately to do - set down and the brook and feast on what you provide.

Challenging Thoughts

I have been spending the day reading, praying, thinking and in a ToxBox session with my church planting coach.  I have had several thoughts running through my mind so this post is going to be very disconnected as I am using this space to throw these thoughts on the page so that I don't forget them.  Thanks for understanding.

The toughest places for me to see as a leader are seen best by those who are closest to me. 

So instead of just opening my life up to those who are afar I need to find away to create an atmosphere with those whom I trust have my best in mind and who truly carry the same dream of FC that I do, I need to become comfortable to allow them to speak into my life just as I want them to speak into mine.  This is a core reason for starting the FC Eagles Gathering.  I hope a few months from now that the above mentioned things are in place in my life.

The insecurities of leaders keeps organizations for reaching their full potential. 

If this is true, am I stretching myself enough?  Am I holding myself accountable enough?

When we spend our days ignoring the voice of the Spirit, is it any wonder that when we WANT to hear Him he has so much interference to break through? 

I am here right now.  I have a desperate need to hear God.  So many people are depending on my connection to God and at times I feel like the connection is on dial-up.

Perhaps we will know we are coming to the end of ourselves when we don't care what way an encounter with God comes because we are consumed with the desire to have His touch to ease our dryness of heart.

Working Date Night #1

Last night, Shandra and I had the privilege of having dinner with Kim V. and Cassie W. These two ladies are members of Fellowship Church but we wanted to personally get to know them a little better and food seems to make that happen a little easier.  So, off to Chili's we went and on our part had a really good time.  There was lots and lots of laughing and good talk plus great Chili's food.

They both work at the same place currently and live very close to each other.  They have been very close friends for years and both heard about Fellowship Church through the mailer that we sent out on launch weekend.  They talked about attending and kept the mailer on the hand.  On week 3 they visited and have been here ever since.  

They are our kind of people.  They are so real and genuine.  So precious.  Shandra and I left that dinner praying that God would make himself know to them in a real way.  A way that could change their lives even more than his gentle touch is doing now.  

Lord, give us more Kim V's and Cassie W's.  More people who are hungry to connect with you and looking for a church that will remove the hoops and ladders and get out of your way so you can change people's lives. Thank you for the wonderful responsibility you have give us to showcase your love to a confused and hurting world.  You are awesome!!!!

A Well Run Journey Now Completed

I have not posted since writing the last post as I wanted to save this space to remember someone who has been very dear to me for over 20 years.  My dear friend, Sherri Danley completed her race today at 1:30 p.m.  She is probably the best living definition of a worshiper that I know of.  When I think of Sherri, worship is not too far behind.

I remember as a teenager finding parts of Sherri's tambourine on the floor after service. She use to beat that thing so hard the cymbals would fall out onto the floor.  I think there was a time when all the kids had tambourines in the church because Sherri had one so we needed one. 

Sherri was the first person who ever got me to put on a parka.  She got tickets from the bank to an OU vs OSU game at Norman.  It was cold and rainy.  This was during the not so good years for the Sooners so the stands were not real full.  We stood the whole game in blue parkas while it rained.  We did not leave until the last second went off the clock.  We laughed.  We shivered.  We shared one of the rare moments of life and made a memory that will last forever in my heart.

Another great memory I have was a musical that we did together.  It was one about heaven and it featured angels.  We made angel costumes out of sheets - it was cool.  We used lights and smoke for the first time at The Crown Center.  It was great.  It was awesome actually.  It was so much fun staying late, late, late working on sets and lighting schemes.  Again, we laughed.

It didn't take much to make her laugh. She was just that joyful.  But it did take a whole lot for her to react any differently.  She was just a happy person.  Her life wasn't easy by any means.  But what she lacked in somethings she made up for in the friendships that were so dear to her.

I love you Sherri.  I will miss you.  YET....I rejoice for you.  I celebrate the fact that you have made it home - where you always told me you wanted to go.  You made the trip.  Save me a seat in that stadium up there, I'll be there soon.

p.s.  Have a parka ready ... just in case it rains.

Unshakable Faith

Today is a tough day in the Youell household.  A very dear and long beloved friend is fighting for her life today.  All medical options have been explored and no physical help is left to save her life.  Her spirit is so strong.  Her faith is so solid.  Her hope is so secure.  It's simply inspiring.

This forces a question to the surface that comes every time we face this type of situation.  What is death?

In a very basic sense it is the transition between the life we have know to the life that is yet to be known.  It is the goal of all who serve the way of the Master - to experience the union of our spirits with the one who gave us life.  This truth underscores the "hope of our faith."  And yet, when faced with circumstances like the dying of a friend and believer, one must come to grips again with the faith that we profess.

The other week I shared the story of the 3 Hebrew children who were thrown in the fire.  I was captivated and briefly hit on the fact that their response to King Nebi was that their God was able to save them.  That is where I am.  I know God can do what ever He wants to do.  The strain is when I realize it's not really His will I am asking for - but for mine to be realized.

The Hebrew kids were somewhere else though.  They were on another level of trust that I long to reach.  They said in Daniel 3:18, "But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."  Did you catch that?  If God did not respond in a way that preserved their lives; if His desire was for them to come home, then they were content with his decision - their faith would not be shaken.

WOW!  I need to get there.  I need an unshakable faith - regardless of the circumstances.  I guess this brings me to another way of looking at death that may seem weird to some people.  But it is a view that I find myself leaning towards at times and believe it requires even greater faith, perhaps.  It's the prayer of release.

The idea is if it is God's desire to bring a loved one home and if we desire to partner with God in what He is doing, then we should pray for Him to take home those he desires.  If we truly believe in life after death. If we believe that this life is only to prepare us for the future glory with God we desire...then death becomes the doorway to that place - that existence.  In many ways, I think it might take greater faith to pray this prayer - faith that everything we believe in is so accurate - so secure - that we willingly release our loved ones.

Please stop and hear me here.  I am not saying that I am praying for the death of my friend.  I want more time with her.  We have some great memories but I want more.  I pray daily for God's will to be done in her life.  If He has destined her to be healed, then heal her God.  Restore her strength.  Honor her faith and desire to be a living testimony for you. 

Yet, in her darkest moments lately what has impressed me the most has been her attitude and the faith that she has lived out in front of all who took the time to see.  She has been waking up in the night praising God.  Praying in the spirit.  Some may look on this and not understand what is happening.  For me, it is the proof of her faith.  The proof is not in whether God heals her physically.  It's in the way in which she is walking through this - full of hope, faith, joy and strength - all the things that make her who she is - have been put on display.  What a testament to her faith and her God.

I plan to have her pray for me.  I want her joy.  Her peace. Her unshakable faith. 

I, like the Hebrew children ask, "God, be gracious to my friend. Heal her if it is your desire.  Take her home if that is your desire.  Regardless, my faith is secure in you.  Unshaken in the midst of questions that are beyond my ability to answer.  Just be gracious to her, Oh Father.  No more suffering.  Give her strength.  Make her a testimony of your grace and mercy.  I trust in you, O God."

Happy Freedom Day

On this date, 233 years ago, our fore fathers declared their independence from a dictator who used his power to dominate and enslave - to hinder personal rights for the sake of the crown.  Now, 233 years later, we are face to face with yet another dictator who uses power to dominate, enslave and hinder personal rights and freedoms.  This dictator is much more harmful to liberty than the king we opposed 233 years ago because this dictator is of our own making - our own government.

Through the people that we have elected as our representatives, the laws which they have authored and passed, the direction of this country has drastically changed course from the one set out at our inception.  We have now traded the dictatorship of a king and replaced it with our own government.  A government who knows what's best for us.  A government that operates on the idea that it sees the big picture and we just don't get it.  A government that continues to gain more and more authority in our lives and we happily let it occur.

In Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith, there is a line where Queen Amadala is speaking about the council electing it's emperor and says, "this is how a republic crumbles with shouts and cheers."  In many ways, we are cheering ourselves farther and farther away from the foundations laid by our forefathers.  We have now become so obsessed with freedom that freedom itself is an endagered species.

With every new right given to this group or that group other people lose rights.  Example.  Though I do not smoke, I do not believe that a city government should be dictating wheter someone can smoke in their own home and yet that is currently happening in the USA.  Though I don't believe that government should favor one business over another it is happening in the USA. Though I don't believe that anyone religion should be given preference over another (even though the founders were Christians) it is happening in the USA (Obama did not support the day of prayer by signed a proclomation that June 2009 was gay, lesbian, and transgender pride month.)  He could not give a day to prayer but gave a month to perversion.

With all that is going on in this country today - I still don't want to live any other place on the planet.  it's still the last great beacon of hope to a world in turmoil.  The people of this country are still the best hope for the future of the world. 

That said, on this our 233rd birthday as a nation, let us rise now in opposition to a dictator that we created and put an end to our current course toward socialism.  Let's stand against those who attempt to marginalize us because of our faith and let our faith stretch the margins of our heart towards all people.  As one leader leaves the stage (Gov. Palin left the Governorship of Alaska today) may we all step up into the spotlight.  Young and old a like.  Liberal and conservative.  Male and female.  Let us declare our independence from out of touch politicians who spend our money faster than we can earn it.  Let's be prepared to vote out of office those who do not carry our feelings to Washington.

233 years ago a new revlution was born.  Perhaps - now 233 years later, it's time for history to repeat itself.  Let those who believe in freedom and libery be encouraged today.  The flag still flies.  The song, God Bless America still echoes in the minds of our people.  Be strong and courageous as we stand for truth, justice and freedom.  God bless America!

Tuesday Tussle

It's another Tuesday...time for some Tussle.  Here are some random thoughts on this past weekend.

• Cold, Hot, Cold, Hot, Cold again. - The week of A/C troubles at home finally was solved thanks to a great new company that is owned by a friend of ours.  If you need quality A/C work and don't trust the "big" boys who only want to sell you a new unit instead of doing the work to find the leak the first time, then give me a shout and I will pass along their name and number. Thanks to them we are finally resting comfortably and enjoy the cool life once again.


• Purple is the new power color!  Had a lot of fun starting our new series Sunday - Purple People Leaders.  The idea is totally stolen from the book, The Purple Cow by Seth Godin.  The idea of the series is that each of us has the potential to be people that stand out in the crowd - like a purple cow in the midst of a herd of brown ones.  In fact, if we have Christ in our life we are suppose to stand out.  This series looks at some simple characteristics of individuals who made a difference and encourages us all to be purple people in a brown world.  To top it off, we gave away grape KoolAid to everybody to end the day with.  Everythings better with KoolAid.


• Well Done.  That is how I looked after golfing with some friends from Fellowship on Sunday.  After service, 8 of us hit the little white ball all over the country side and made spectacular putts and shots that sent the crowds raving and chanting our names...Okay, maybe not but it was a great time of fun with friends.  Looking forward to doing it again soon.


• My SOAP Journal. In an effort to prepare for an upcoming teaching on Discipleship in July, I have created a new online site where I will begin posting my daily S.O.A.P. journal.  Join me in daily reading, studying and applying the Bible to your life.  Click on the "My SOAP Journal" link at the top of this page to see the post for today.


• DEEPER 2.  Our second Deeper service this Wednesday promises to be a new experience.  We are excited to create a different feel to our worship service than ever before.  Join us this Wednesday night at The Crown Center beginning at 7:30 pm.  It's an intimate time with the Father in worship, a challenging "Purple" thought and communion.  Don't miss it.


• Family Reunion.  This weekend is my wife's family reunion in Oklahoma City.  She comes from a huge family and in the 15 years of our life together, I still don't know everyone there but I will make it through again this year.  At least it is here in Oklahoma City.  Works out perfect since Fellowship Church in on Sunday.  Here's hoping I can convince some of them to come visit us for worship!


• Purple Freedom.  On the Sunday after we celebrate our freedom as a nation, I will be speaking on what Purple Freedom looks like.  It is a challenging though that contrasts agains the notion of freedom we have here in America.  Hope to see you at Fellowship Church this Sunday.

A/C update

As the world turns..... the Youell house is now hot again.  Just a few days removed from the filling of the a/c with freon it is out ..... again!  Now heat is now filling the void left by the cold air.  As I write this, the house is again at 90, sweat is building on my arms and the family has been sent over to my mother and father-in-law's home for the evening.

We have called another service man but he can't come till tomorrow afternoon.  In the mean time, I thought I would share a few more thoughts - now that it's hot again. 

Perhaps one of the things we really could render the past two post down to would be this thought - what do we need to help us keep our cool when the heat is on?  The Bible is full of stories where people had troubles that seemed to hit them constantly but they also seemed to mostly keep their cool.  I think that Purple People Leaders would be people who don't lose their cool during the heat of trials.  People like this would be the most courageous of leaders.  Organizations that were like this would be courageous organizations.  In fact, they would be purple!

Hm....think it's time to type my teaching notes.  Feel inspiration coming on!

See you Sunday at Fellowship!