Off the grid...

Shauna and I are leaving for vacation tomorrow morning very early. We're looking forward to this so much. I am unplugging and going off the grid for the next week (no phone, laptop, notes, calendar, etc.).

I am so grateful for the team and leadership that don't really need me around anyway in order to do what they do.

Oh, and thanks a lot for all the well wishes on the baby we have on the way! All the kind words are so encouraging and awesome.

Until next week when we come back with pictures and a sunburn...
: )

June 20, 2010

According to Shauna's doctor, this is the day we will expect our first child.
We're ten weeks pregnant. We've seen the heartbeat. We're excited. Our families know. We are grateful to God.

She's going to make a phenomenal mother.


Ecclesiastes 11:5
Just as you'll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, So you'll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does.

Aaron/ Music Director @ ALC

Aaron is my friend. He also works with me and a few other people to lead the Creative Arts community at ALC. I watch him in action each weekend interact with his team and lead our ALC Celebrations with music. He is a very valuable leader for our team, and he does a great job at reminding me that ministry is supposed to be fun and normal. Here's some things I value about his leadership:


1. He demonstrates authenticity. He doesn't scream it out or value it publicly like a politician. He is quiet about it. He is raw. He is constantly bringing others in on the conversations of leadership and direction regarding our music. He has his values, and they are non negotiable. But it is a pretty wide open road when it comes to how he leads in pulling off those values. In fact, Aaron has actually been the catalyst for several out of the box methods, some of which he isn't proficient in pulling off. But that's ok, because none of what he does seems to be about him. I think that is cool.

2. He speaks the truth and not obsess over what I think. I suppose this goes back to the authenticity thing, but I consider this something more. I guess it is a confidence. Aaron does a remarkable job of removing his emotions for the good of the team, even when it is not in his best interest.

3. He works hard. Now, I know most musicians would prefer to wake up right before lunch, and Aaron, when he has the chance, is no different. BUT, that doesn't mean his work ethic is lacking. In fact, he works a lot backstage when no one knows he is there. Whether it's writing music or installing equipment or researching, he is engaged. This past weekend, he led three Celebrations in music, was a part of two long choir rehearsals, attended two major meetings with me, and is currently on his way to my house for another meeting where we have to make some tough decisions. AND, he is bringing Thai food for lunch. Did I mention Monday is usually his day off? (Short week=Thanksgiving)

4. He is dependable. I trust Aaron, and so do Chris and Jim (the others on our Creative Arts Directors Team). When Aaron says he will do something, he does it. He doesn't remind you he is doing it. He does it. This includes things he doesn't enjoy.

5. He asks questions. Aaron and I talk about our teams often. He asks questions, and is reading to broaden his learning and perspective with leadership.

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

It appears that Sears does care...

Check out the email I just received:

Subject:

RE: Sears Cares / Nate Drye / Case # tbd / T.W.

Attachments:
View As Web Page

Dear Nate,



Thank you for the information. I have reviewed your account and would be happy to process a replacement washer for you. If you would like the same model, I am showing the first available delivery date is this Sunday, 11/22/09. This first available date can change depending on when we actually process the exchange but Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are also available for delivery next week.



Just let me know if you'd like the same model or if you prefer, you can select a different model. You would have the full amount you paid for this washer to apply to another washer. I will also need to confirm your delivery address before I process the exchange. I am showing 865 Chestnutview Ct., Baltimore, MD 21226.



Regards,

Tammy W.
Sears Cares - Senior Case Manager
Sears Holdings Corporation


I am pleasantly surprised, and extremely happy about this.
It appears that Sears cares.

Consumer Report: Negative Review of Sears follows...

So, I had a horrible experience with Sears. Below is the letter that went to their corporate office, and one that I will paste in each consumer report I can find. I urge you to be careful when making large purchases at Sears. I won't be back.

Dear Sears,
I will do my very best to be brief. I will not be purchasing anything at your store or online any more. My wife and I purchased a great GE washer/dryer set last August (delivered Aug 21 as a matter of fact). And up until this past Sunday, Nov. 15, they both worked great. I am happy to say the dryer is functioning well, still. However, the washer would not spin the clothes.

I called the repair center and set up a time for a tech to come to the house. I was informed on the phone, and with two courtesy calls, the tech would arrive at my house on Thursday (today), Nov 19, between 8am and 12pm. I usually love being able to take a half day off from work, but my wife and I are traveling and will be out of the country starting Thanksgiving day, and I do have a lot to do. So, I worked from home this morning.

The tech arrived at 1:45pm. I called three times and was told a message would be relayed. After 20 minutes, the tech informed me that a part was needed, and it would arrive in 2-3 business days (at the latest, next Tuesday). I would then need to call and schedule another appointment, which could take 6-7 business days (Thursday and Friday being holiday next week). This solution does not help me to wash my clothes.

I let him know that was a bad plan for me. I purchased the washer/dryer to do a job, and it has broken WITHIN THE 90 DAYS RETURN POLICY I have been given. I want another washer. We can simply replace the washer. The tech informed me that I would have to call and set that up, he didn't have the authority to okay that move.

So I called. I spoke with two different ladies. The first one quickly transferred me to an "Escalated Representative." I vocalized my issue. She informed me that I had no choice but to wait for the part, and if I am unhappy, I can write a letter to the corporate office. Again, these solutions do not help me wash my clothes.

I then went to the Sears store I purchased the washer/dryer from. I talked with Scott (MOD). He talked on the phone with someone (his direct report, I believe). He did his best to get clearance to have another washer delivered so I could wash clothes. After all, I called in the problem before my 90 days return was over. Denied.

Scott then called and made the part shipment a priority with the warehouse, and told me he will try to next day this to my house and get the repair completed as quickly as possible. He apologized for Sears' policies and procedures, and basically did not defend his company when I said: "It seems Sears has my money and that they are more concerned about serving their processes and policies rather than me. No one has really cared that I have clothes to wash and I trusted Sears' products and services with my money to do that." Scott then did what he could do and gave me some money to wash my clothes before my wife and I leave the country next week. Scott heard me and did what he could do. Scott was awesome.

Sears, as a whole, has disappointed me. On Sears' corporate site, this statement is buried two clicks away from the home page: "Sears Holdings is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships. In our associates we value teamwork, integrity and positive energy. Our culture is defined by a clear vision, mission, pace and values."

I officially call bullcrap. Scott, the manager on duty at the Marley Station Mall store in Glen Burnie lives up to that. But no one else at your organization, that I have interacted with, cares about that statement.

I will no longer walk into your store or come to your website. I was not heard by your "escalation department" (really? you really call it that? the mere fact that you have to have one of these says a lot), I was not valued by your policies or processes, and I was undermined and tricked into believing you were someone you cannot live up to becoming.

I sent this email in on the Sears.com website as well. I also sent a copy to GE. I do not care for a reply that let's me know I have been heard, for unless there is a genuine response that inquires and cares about the failing processes within your company then your communication with me is moot.

Maybe someone in middle management or someone that actually cares about the mission and vision of your corporation will read this. That is my hope.

I will also blog, face book, twitter, and paste this response with all my social networking sites (that's close to 1000 people in all who follow). Viral information is so cool.

Nathan Drye

Things I wrote down that Craig Groeschel said...

Yesterday, our team got to sit and listen to Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel for a few hours talk about ministry. Aside from their awesome outline, I wrote down some other great quotes that I took in. Here are some I took from Craig's talks (he did two...)

Talk One: Busting Barriers with Mindset Changes

• Your church will typically mirror your values
• The secure and confident church is attractive
• Limitations are the greatest breeding ground for innovation.
• Buried in your limitations could be the greatest innovation to your church.
• The difference between where you are and where you ought to be often involves pain.

Talk Two: Creating Personal and Spiritual Momentum

• My greatest dark side has become one of the most significant strengths of our church.
• The quickest way to forget what God says about us is to obsess about what people say about us (interchange me with those statements).
• We don't delegate because of pride.
• If you are healthy, your ministry will be healthy.
• Your identity should not be wrapped up in your ministry/ produciton...when it is, that is a signal for deep repentance.
  
• You should never pray more publicly than you do privately.
• You can become a full time pastor and a part time follower of Jesus.

Things I wrote down that Andy Stanley said...

Yesterday, our team got to sit and listen to Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel for a few hours talk about ministry. Aside from their awesome outline, I wrote down some other great quotes that I took in. Here are some I took from Andy's talks (he did two...)

Talk One: Gaining and Sustaining Momentum

• We can never fill everyone's cup; but it is our job to make sure we are emptying our own.
  
• A good question is not WHY isn't God blessing my ministry..a good question is WHAT is God blessing? This indicates where the momentum of our ministries is taking us.
• Minor improvements don't trigger momentum.
• Tweaking the old does not create momentum.
• If cost is an issue, then you are probably doing too much.
• Why on earth would you continue to fund mediocre?!?
• Everything you do and every thing your church does is already being evaluated every week...
• There is no such thing as auto pilot in great churches.
• There is automatic resistance to new, improved, and improving.
  
• If you are committed to momentum you will make mistakes.
• Evaluation has to be a part of your systems.
• Momentum thrives on chaos.
• Anything that reduces friction reduces momentum (that's a big statement!).

Talk Two: Don't Be That Couch

• Quit making excuses for things you are emotionally tied to.
• Read The Dip by Seth Goden.
• Read Why the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins.
• What is it that you have to announce that you are not excited about?!?
• If you could push a magic button and something could disappear...lol
• No one ever feels called to a model.
• Date/ fool around with your programming, but marry your mission.
  
• Jesus never gave us the great model; we can figure that out. He gave us the great commission.
• Don't ever waste God's money on a bad idea!
  

Wow...social media seems to have taken over

I discovered this vid on Kem Meyer's blog...kind of ironic that I share it now.
Think traditional communication hasn't evolved? Think again...



thanks, Kem...keeps me thinking...

Church FAQs Promo Spot #3

Ok, here's the last run that we did last weekend at ALC. If I receive enough feedback, I may post some of the outtakes.

Can't see the forest for the trees...

I have heard that statement many times over the past week. Here's a great blog entry by Ben Decker regarding communication weeds.

sermon notes circa 1940s (?)

Here are some sermon notes from a sermon my grandpa preached around the 1940's...I must say, I am quite impressed with typed notes!

It is a message on salvation: a good old fashioned hell, fire, and brimstone message to be sure!

























Also, my grandfather was a Baptist minister. Here is his marriage license...married by a WOMAN in 1942. lol. A little ironic, dont-cha think?


Thanks for marrying my grandparents, Ella!

Like walking from one room into the next...

My grandfather died today.
He has been ill.
He has aged well.
I am happy to know that he isn't suffering, that he is experiencing the hope he preached about in the back towns and countryside camp meetings of his Baptist roots. My mom, 3 aunts, and one uncle are grieving much. This was there last living parent.

BUT:
According to the Bible, we don't grieve like a person who has no hope (I Thess 4:13). We still grieve, we still have pain, and we still hurt. But we have hope. We shouldn't grieve as if this is the end.

What we consider loss is only temporary, for the end of this life is but a beginning of being wholeness, of clinging to the hope we have heard about over and over again. No, death is simply like walking from one room into the next.