Why Gen Z Is Flocking to This Church

And that's just what we're trying to do And that's just what we're trying to do with our podcast. So, it's really not with our podcast. So, it's really not with our podcast. So, it's really not for everyone. If you want to talk about for everyone. If you want to talk about for everyone. If you want to talk about theology and doctrine, I geek out over theology and doctrine, I geek out over theology and doctrine, I geek out over that, but I know that's not my call with that, but I know that's not my call with that, but I know that's not my call with the podcast right now. Um, which a lot the podcast right now. Um, which a lot the podcast right now. Um, which a lot of people are doing with their sermons. of people are doing with their sermons. of people are doing with their sermons. They do a podcast post with their They do a podcast post with their They do a podcast post with their sermon, which I think is great, but the sermon, which I think is great, but the sermon, which I think is great, but the world isn't asking about the meaning world isn't asking about the meaning world isn't asking about the meaning behind Galatians. They're they're behind Galatians. They're they're behind Galatians. They're they're they're going like, you know, what they're going like, you know, what they're going like, you know, what should what is ethic? What's ethics and should what is ethic? What's ethics and should what is ethic? What's ethics and what's morals? How should I live my what's morals? How should I live my what's morals? How should I live my life? And then it could lead them into life? And then it could lead them into life? And then it could lead them into deeper doctrine and theology. Welcome to deeper doctrine and theology. Welcome to deeper doctrine and theology. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff Leadership Podcast the Carrie New Hoff Leadership Podcast the Carrie New Hoff Leadership Podcast on YouTube. I'm so glad you joined us on YouTube. I'm so glad you joined us on YouTube. I'm so glad you joined us today. Hey, today we're going to talk today. Hey, today we're going to talk today. Hey, today we're going to talk about what it is like to lead a mega about what it is like to lead a mega about what it is like to lead a mega church when you're a millennial like church when you're a millennial like church when you're a millennial like mid30s pastor. Adam Messa took over from mid30s pastor. Adam Messa took over from mid30s pastor. Adam Messa took over from his father. Uh he grew the church from his father. Uh he grew the church from his father. Uh he grew the church from 1100 after COVID to 7500 plus today. How 1100 after COVID to 7500 plus today. How 1100 after COVID to 7500 plus today. How did he do it? We're going to talk about did he do it? We're going to talk about did he do it? We're going to talk about that. And one of the things he did is he that. And one of the things he did is he that. And one of the things he did is he used podcasting. Actually viral used podcasting. Actually viral used podcasting. Actually viral podcasting, not the church podcast, but podcasting, not the church podcast, but podcasting, not the church podcast, but a totally different approach. You're a totally different approach. You're a totally different approach. You're going to hear all about that. Plus, going to hear all about that. Plus, going to hear all about that. Plus, we're going to talk about the challenges we're going to talk about the challenges we're going to talk about the challenges of succession and leading when you're of succession and leading when you're of succession and leading when you're ADHD. I am familiar with that. If you're ADHD. I am familiar with that. If you're ADHD. I am familiar with that. 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a mega church. Now it's pretty normal. I a mega church. Now it's pretty normal. I mean, there's been a massive mean, there's been a massive mean, there's been a massive generational shift in the last few generational shift in the last few generational shift in the last few years, but back us up and tell us how years, but back us up and tell us how years, but back us up and tell us how that conversation started for you and that conversation started for you and that conversation started for you and your dad about you taking over what is your dad about you taking over what is your dad about you taking over what is now uh is it Patri or Patria? How do you now uh is it Patri or Patria? How do you now uh is it Patri or Patria? How do you say? Uh it's pronounced pretty much the say? Uh it's pronounced pretty much the say? Uh it's pronounced pretty much the same way, but it, you know, it's it's same way, but it, you know, it's it's same way, but it, you know, it's it's like the difference between uh you know, like the difference between uh you know, like the difference between uh you know, saying burrito and burrito, you know, saying burrito and burrito, you know, saying burrito and burrito, you know, it's it's just so we call it patria, but it's it's just so we call it patria, but it's it's just so we call it patria, but that's how I would say it. Petria is how that's how I would say it. Petria is how that's how I would say it. Petria is how you would pronounce it in the Greek you would pronounce it in the Greek you would pronounce it in the Greek originally, which is what we Yeah. Yeah. originally, which is what we Yeah. Yeah. originally, which is what we Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. But, you know, it started in Exactly. But, you know, it started in Exactly. But, you know, it started in 2017, really around 2015. Um, I have two 2017, really around 2015. Um, I have two 2017, really around 2015. Um, I have two older brothers and so my dad really just older brothers and so my dad really just older brothers and so my dad really just started exposing the church to say, started exposing the church to say, started exposing the church to say, "Hey, I'm exposing my sons to to "Hey, I'm exposing my sons to to "Hey, I'm exposing my sons to to leadership." I started full-time on leadership." I started full-time on leadership." I started full-time on staff in about 2012, 2013. And so, staff in about 2012, 2013. And so, staff in about 2012, 2013. And so, relatively a couple years later, all my relatively a couple years later, all my relatively a couple years later, all my brothers ended up being in ministry brothers ended up being in ministry brothers ended up being in ministry together. That wasn't the original plan, together. That wasn't the original plan, together. That wasn't the original plan, but that's how things had turned out. but that's how things had turned out. but that's how things had turned out. And so my dad just started saying, "Hey, And so my dad just started saying, "Hey, And so my dad just started saying, "Hey, I'm bringing my sons up into I'm bringing my sons up into I'm bringing my sons up into leadership." And by time around 2017, I leadership." And by time around 2017, I leadership." And by time around 2017, I was um two years into marriage, me and was um two years into marriage, me and was um two years into marriage, me and my wife were leading our Sunday night my wife were leading our Sunday night my wife were leading our Sunday night services. And my dad basically said, services. And my dad basically said, services. And my dad basically said, "Hey, my the board came to me and said, "Hey, my the board came to me and said, "Hey, my the board came to me and said, you know, if something should happen to you know, if something should happen to you know, if something should happen to you, who who would you want to lead? You you, who who would you want to lead? You you, who who would you want to lead? You know, should you pass away? Should you know, should you pass away? Should you know, should you pass away? Should you get uh into a coma or anything?" He get uh into a coma or anything?" He get uh into a coma or anything?" He really thought about it and prayed about really thought about it and prayed about really thought about it and prayed about it and thought um my youngest son Adam it and thought um my youngest son Adam it and thought um my youngest son Adam is who I would want to fill in that gap.

is who I would want to fill in that gap. is who I would want to fill in that gap. I was 27 at the time. And so the main I was 27 at the time. And so the main I was 27 at the time. And so the main premise was hey you know I'd like you to premise was hey you know I'd like you to premise was hey you know I'd like you to help lead if something happens to me. help lead if something happens to me. help lead if something happens to me. What do you think about that? And then What do you think about that? And then What do you think about that? And then relatively short in a matter of a few relatively short in a matter of a few relatively short in a matter of a few months he actually decided and said months he actually decided and said months he actually decided and said actually I would like an intentional actually I would like an intentional actually I would like an intentional transition with you for the next 10 transition with you for the next 10 transition with you for the next 10 years. So it was originally supposed to years. So it was originally supposed to years. So it was originally supposed to be uh 2027 because I was only 27 at the be uh 2027 because I was only 27 at the be uh 2027 because I was only 27 at the time. So the goal was 37 was going to be time. So the goal was 37 was going to be time. So the goal was 37 was going to be the transition and then this little blip the transition and then this little blip the transition and then this little blip on the radar thing called CO happened on the radar thing called CO happened on the radar thing called CO happened and that kind of really changed and that kind of really changed and that kind of really changed everything for us. everything for us. everything for us. What happened? Like did your dad just What happened? Like did your dad just What happened? Like did your dad just kind of go now is better than later. kind of go now is better than later. kind of go now is better than later. What happened with CO? Yeah, really for What happened with CO? Yeah, really for What happened with CO? Yeah, really for CO it was um you know like anyone else CO it was um you know like anyone else CO it was um you know like anyone else our church is majority minority uh going our church is majority minority uh going our church is majority minority uh going into CO we were about a 60 65% into CO we were about a 60 65% into CO we were about a 60 65% African-American church and so we're African-American church and so we're African-American church and so we're kind of a historic black church. My kind of a historic black church. My kind of a historic black church. My dad's a Mexican from East LA, but he got dad's a Mexican from East LA, but he got dad's a Mexican from East LA, but he got saved in the black church. So, when he saved in the black church. So, when he saved in the black church. So, when he planted his church in 1994, Abundant planted his church in 1994, Abundant planted his church in 1994, Abundant Living Family Church was our original Living Family Church was our original Living Family Church was our original name. He um grew really rapidly in the name. He um grew really rapidly in the name. He um grew really rapidly in the African-American community cuz his style African-American community cuz his style African-American community cuz his style is that you my dad would wear the is that you my dad would wear the is that you my dad would wear the three-piece suits, you know, choir, three-piece suits, you know, choir, three-piece suits, you know, choir, choir ropes, whole thing, you know. So, choir ropes, whole thing, you know. So, choir ropes, whole thing, you know. So, so coming back out of COVID, African so coming back out of COVID, African so coming back out of COVID, African African-Americans were the last African-Americans were the last African-Americans were the last community to really start going back to community to really start going back to community to really start going back to church again. and the black church as a church again. and the black church as a church again. and the black church as a whole has really taken a hit uh even whole has really taken a hit uh even whole has really taken a hit uh even postco I have many friends that pastor postco I have many friends that pastor postco I have many friends that pastor largely uh African-American churches who largely uh African-American churches who largely uh African-American churches who are still having side effects rebuilding

are still having side effects rebuilding are still having side effects rebuilding their churches and so for my dad frankly their churches and so for my dad frankly their churches and so for my dad frankly he had turned 60 and he was just like he had turned 60 and he was just like he had turned 60 and he was just like there was a few things God's grace and there was a few things God's grace and there was a few things God's grace and anointing as he would say but also he anointing as he would say but also he anointing as he would say but also he didn't really want to rebuild a church didn't really want to rebuild a church didn't really want to rebuild a church at 60 years old you know it's like you at 60 years old you know it's like you at 60 years old you know it's like you you meet someone who you know like a man you meet someone who you know like a man you meet someone who you know like a man gets pregnant at 60 or 55 five their gets pregnant at 60 or 55 five their gets pregnant at 60 or 55 five their wife and they're like, "Do I want to be wife and they're like, "Do I want to be wife and they're like, "Do I want to be a dad again? This is Do I have sleepless a dad again? This is Do I have sleepless a dad again? This is Do I have sleepless nights at 60?" It was hard enough at 25. nights at 60?" It was hard enough at 25. nights at 60?" It was hard enough at 25. Right. Exactly. That was his main Right. Exactly. That was his main Right. Exactly. That was his main premise was I don't have the energy to premise was I don't have the energy to premise was I don't have the energy to rebuild this thing. We were, you know, rebuild this thing. We were, you know, rebuild this thing. We were, you know, over 10,000 member church going into uh over 10,000 member church going into uh over 10,000 member church going into uh going into COVID and our relaunch going into COVID and our relaunch going into COVID and our relaunch weekend was, you know, 1100 people. So, weekend was, you know, 1100 people. So, weekend was, you know, 1100 people. So, you know, postcoid. So it was it was a you know, postcoid. So it was it was a you know, postcoid. So it was it was a different world and we were and and different world and we were and and different world and we were and and every week it was it was honestly uh every week it was it was honestly uh every week it was it was honestly uh depressing you know as you were trying depressing you know as you were trying depressing you know as you were trying to lead during that time. So he just to lead during that time. So he just to lead during that time. So he just really didn't have the the energy or the really didn't have the the energy or the really didn't have the the energy or the desire. So it was actually in in um uh desire. So it was actually in in um uh desire. So it was actually in in um uh 2021 that he decided and said um that he 2021 that he decided and said um that he 2021 that he decided and said um that he wanted to uh increase the the time of wanted to uh increase the the time of wanted to uh increase the the time of the transition to uh about 20 18 months the transition to uh about 20 18 months the transition to uh about 20 18 months later. And so that's when we decided uh later. And so that's when we decided uh later. And so that's when we decided uh that uh 2024, January 2024 would be the that uh 2024, January 2024 would be the that uh 2024, January 2024 would be the date that I would begin to lead date that I would begin to lead date that I would begin to lead officially.

officially. officially. So you have three two brothers, three So you have three two brothers, three So you have three two brothers, three sons involved in the ministry, that can sons involved in the ministry, that can sons involved in the ministry, that can sometimes create family tension if you sometimes create family tension if you sometimes create family tension if you and and to pick the youngest, not the and and to pick the youngest, not the and and to pick the youngest, not the eldest. If you don't want to talk about eldest. If you don't want to talk about eldest. If you don't want to talk about it, let me know. But what how did that it, let me know. But what how did that it, let me know. But what how did that family dynamic play out? because I've family dynamic play out? because I've family dynamic play out? because I've heard of cases where honestly it's gone heard of cases where honestly it's gone heard of cases where honestly it's gone sideways because of that, Adam. Yeah. sideways because of that, Adam. Yeah. sideways because of that, Adam. Yeah. And I mean, you know, probably too And I mean, you know, probably too And I mean, you know, probably too often, more than not, it that it does often, more than not, it that it does often, more than not, it that it does not go well. Uh I think there's a few not go well. Uh I think there's a few not go well. Uh I think there's a few dynamics in our family that's unique. My dynamics in our family that's unique. My dynamics in our family that's unique. My So, I have one brother that's two old So, I have one brother that's two old So, I have one brother that's two old years older than me. I have another years older than me. I have another years older than me. I have another brother that's uh uh 5 years older than brother that's uh uh 5 years older than brother that's uh uh 5 years older than me. And and u my oldest brother is our me. And and u my oldest brother is our me. And and u my oldest brother is our executive pastor. And then my middle executive pastor. And then my middle executive pastor. And then my middle brother actually just about a year ago brother actually just about a year ago brother actually just about a year ago took time off from ministry uh due to took time off from ministry uh due to took time off from ministry uh due to really wanting a break from ministry and really wanting a break from ministry and really wanting a break from ministry and some other things. It really wasn't some other things. It really wasn't some other things. It really wasn't about our dynamic. It was some other about our dynamic. It was some other about our dynamic. It was some other things going on uh in his personal life. things going on uh in his personal life. things going on uh in his personal life. And so, you know, one of one of the And so, you know, one of one of the And so, you know, one of one of the dynamics that worked for us is I'm the dynamics that worked for us is I'm the dynamics that worked for us is I'm the little brother, but both of my brothers little brother, but both of my brothers little brother, but both of my brothers call me their little big brother. So, call me their little big brother. So, call me their little big brother. So, you know, they you know, they had their you know, they you know, they had their you know, they you know, they had their first kiss with their wife they're first kiss with their wife they're first kiss with their wife they're married to now. they their you know one married to now. they their you know one married to now. they their you know one their first real kind of main real job their first real kind of main real job their first real kind of main real job was kind of at the church where me I you was kind of at the church where me I you was kind of at the church where me I you know my first job was at 16 working at a know my first job was at 16 working at a know my first job was at 16 working at a skate shop by 18 I ran my own media skate shop by 18 I ran my own media skate shop by 18 I ran my own media company by 22 I'm buying my first house company by 22 I'm buying my first house company by 22 I'm buying my first house and my my parents helped with that all and my my parents helped with that all and my my parents helped with that all of us but then I'm running a company to of us but then I'm running a company to of us but then I'm running a company to also pay my own bills and so in a lot of also pay my own bills and so in a lot of also pay my own bills and so in a lot of ways I was just kind of progressed in

ways I was just kind of progressed in ways I was just kind of progressed in life uh a little quicker than them in life uh a little quicker than them in life uh a little quicker than them in those areas and so um they always we those areas and so um they always we those areas and so um they always we always I encourage them on business and always I encourage them on business and always I encourage them on business and finance and relationship and all even finance and relationship and all even finance and relationship and all even though I'm way younger. So, you know, though I'm way younger. So, you know, though I'm way younger. So, you know, later years down the line when kind of later years down the line when kind of later years down the line when kind of the Lord made this kind of gifting, the Lord made this kind of gifting, the Lord made this kind of gifting, which was originally more which was originally more which was originally more entrepreneurial for me, they really saw entrepreneurial for me, they really saw entrepreneurial for me, they really saw when you when you see church, you you when you when you see church, you you when you when you see church, you you you see the platform, you see preaching, you see the platform, you see preaching, you see the platform, you see preaching, you see teaching, but the big stressors you see teaching, but the big stressors you see teaching, but the big stressors are staffing and you know and budget and are staffing and you know and budget and are staffing and you know and budget and finance and scale and growth and helping finance and scale and growth and helping finance and scale and growth and helping really manage reaching people in the really manage reaching people in the really manage reaching people in the way. And that was something that way. And that was something that way. And that was something that actually the Lord had given me a lot of actually the Lord had given me a lot of actually the Lord had given me a lot of gifting in. And so my brothers before my gifting in. And so my brothers before my gifting in. And so my brothers before my dad ever have a conversation said, dad ever have a conversation said, dad ever have a conversation said, "Adam, we think dad is going to ask you "Adam, we think dad is going to ask you "Adam, we think dad is going to ask you one day to lead the church. We just want one day to lead the church. We just want one day to lead the church. We just want to let you know that we're good with to let you know that we're good with to let you know that we're good with it." And um I didn't want that. I I had it." And um I didn't want that. I I had it." And um I didn't want that. I I had when you when you looked at our church when you when you looked at our church when you when you looked at our church over 10 years ago, it looked nothing over 10 years ago, it looked nothing over 10 years ago, it looked nothing like me, you know? So I'm I got tattoos.

like me, you know? So I'm I got tattoos. like me, you know? So I'm I got tattoos. I you know, like I dress different. My I you know, like I dress different. My I you know, like I dress different. My dad's wearing three-piece suits, choir dad's wearing three-piece suits, choir dad's wearing three-piece suits, choir robes, all that stuff like that. And so robes, all that stuff like that. And so robes, all that stuff like that. And so he and I actually had to make some he and I actually had to make some he and I actually had to make some conscious decision. He really wanted to conscious decision. He really wanted to conscious decision. He really wanted to change the culture and the demographic change the culture and the demographic change the culture and the demographic of the church and he invited me to speak of the church and he invited me to speak of the church and he invited me to speak into that. And so as we began to do into that. And so as we began to do into that. And so as we began to do that, the church really started to that, the church really started to that, the church really started to change in terms of who you saw coming to change in terms of who you saw coming to change in terms of who you saw coming to church. And that shifted a lot. I want church. And that shifted a lot. I want church. And that shifted a lot. I want to back up and talk about your to back up and talk about your to back up and talk about your entrepreneurial spirit. So you didn't go entrepreneurial spirit. So you didn't go entrepreneurial spirit. So you didn't go not a straight line into ministry at 18. not a straight line into ministry at 18. not a straight line into ministry at 18. You're building your own company. Yeah. You're building your own company. Yeah. You're building your own company. Yeah. Talk about that. Where when did you Talk about that. Where when did you Talk about that. Where when did you first notice like looking back on your first notice like looking back on your first notice like looking back on your childhood now from your childhood now from your childhood now from your mid-30s? What were the first signs that mid-30s? What were the first signs that mid-30s? What were the first signs that maybe you're wired as an entrepreneur? maybe you're wired as an entrepreneur? maybe you're wired as an entrepreneur? The first first sign was when I was 12, The first first sign was when I was 12, The first first sign was when I was 12, me and my middle brother Caleb wanted to me and my middle brother Caleb wanted to me and my middle brother Caleb wanted to start a t-shirt brand. And so and so my start a t-shirt brand. And so and so my start a t-shirt brand. And so and so my mom back then Dragon Ball Z was big. So mom back then Dragon Ball Z was big. So mom back then Dragon Ball Z was big. So my brother was a good artist. So he my brother was a good artist. So he my brother was a good artist. So he would draw these like angels that look would draw these like angels that look would draw these like angels that look like Dragon Ball Z characters. And then like Dragon Ball Z characters. And then like Dragon Ball Z characters. And then I basically was like, "Well, I'll figure I basically was like, "Well, I'll figure I basically was like, "Well, I'll figure out how to get it out to people." So, we out how to get it out to people." So, we out how to get it out to people." So, we went to a t-shirt store. Technology went to a t-shirt store. Technology went to a t-shirt store. Technology wasn't what it is today. And so, they wasn't what it is today. And so, they wasn't what it is today. And so, they essentially told us, you know, here's essentially told us, you know, here's essentially told us, you know, here's how much it would cost to do it this and how much it would cost to do it this and how much it would cost to do it this and this and this. And my mom said, "If you this and this. And my mom said, "If you this and this. And my mom said, "If you guys want to do it, you got to save and guys want to do it, you got to save and guys want to do it, you got to save and you got to do this and that." And so, you got to do this and that." And so, you got to do this and that." And so, but my parents encouraged it like, "Oh, but my parents encouraged it like, "Oh, but my parents encouraged it like, "Oh, you want to do t-shirts? I'll set up a you want to do t-shirts? I'll set up a you want to do t-shirts? I'll set up a meeting with you at a store and you meeting with you at a store and you meeting with you at a store and you could talk about what it takes to make could talk about what it takes to make could talk about what it takes to make it and all this and then you decide if it and all this and then you decide if it and all this and then you decide if you really want this, you got to save you really want this, you got to save you really want this, you got to save for it." And we were 12 and 14 years

for it." And we were 12 and 14 years for it." And we were 12 and 14 years old, so we didn't have the money for it. old, so we didn't have the money for it. old, so we didn't have the money for it. Then 16 years old, I was that kid around Then 16 years old, I was that kid around Then 16 years old, I was that kid around school that used to go to Costco, buy school that used to go to Costco, buy school that used to go to Costco, buy candy, put it in Ziploc baggies, and candy, put it in Ziploc baggies, and candy, put it in Ziploc baggies, and sell, you know, five pieces at a time. I sell, you know, five pieces at a time. I sell, you know, five pieces at a time. I had a candy dealer. Yeah, exactly. I had had a candy dealer. Yeah, exactly. I had had a candy dealer. Yeah, exactly. I had a teacher in high school, 16 years old. a teacher in high school, 16 years old. a teacher in high school, 16 years old. He had a refrigerator and I and I and I He had a refrigerator and I and I and I He had a refrigerator and I and I and I rented his freezer out for $20 a month. rented his freezer out for $20 a month. rented his freezer out for $20 a month. He built a contract. We signed it. His He built a contract. We signed it. His He built a contract. We signed it. His name was Mr. Katalo. He still know he's name was Mr. Katalo. He still know he's name was Mr. Katalo. He still know he's still in our city, too. So, he hears still in our city, too. So, he hears still in our city, too. So, he hears this story every time I preach it and this story every time I preach it and this story every time I preach it and everything like that. and students go everything like that. and students go everything like that. and students go and talk to him. But I rented his and talk to him. But I rented his and talk to him. But I rented his freezer out for $20 and I stocked it freezer out for $20 and I stocked it freezer out for $20 and I stocked it with Otter Pops, those little frozen with Otter Pops, those little frozen with Otter Pops, those little frozen popsicles. Yeah. And I would sell and I popsicles. Yeah. And I would sell and I popsicles. Yeah. And I would sell and I would sell two Otter Pops for uh 50 would sell two Otter Pops for uh 50 would sell two Otter Pops for uh 50 cents or four for a dollar. And I cents or four for a dollar. And I cents or four for a dollar. And I started making about $500 a month uh started making about $500 a month uh started making about $500 a month uh selling Otter Pops. And really at 16, selling Otter Pops. And really at 16, selling Otter Pops. And really at 16, that's kind of where that that's kind of where that that's kind of where that entrepreneurial bug because I was like, entrepreneurial bug because I was like, entrepreneurial bug because I was like, "Wow, I could go buy Otter Pops a "Wow, I could go buy Otter Pops a "Wow, I could go buy Otter Pops a hundred for $5 and I could sell and I hundred for $5 and I could sell and I hundred for $5 and I could sell and I could I could make $500 and keep could I could make $500 and keep could I could make $500 and keep $495." So that was something that really $495." So that was something that really $495." So that was something that really uh and he tried to renegotiate the uh and he tried to renegotiate the uh and he tried to renegotiate the freezer lease and I pulled out the fake freezer lease and I pulled out the fake freezer lease and I pulled out the fake contract that he made and so that's contract that he made and so that's contract that he made and so that's really where it started. You're under really where it started. You're under really where it started. You're under contract, sir. Yeah, we both signed a contract, sir. Yeah, we both signed a contract, sir. Yeah, we both signed a contract and um Yeah. And then 18 1920 contract and um Yeah. And then 18 1920 contract and um Yeah. And then 18 1920 because I learned TV, video and film because I learned TV, video and film because I learned TV, video and film from him. That was what my teacher was.

from him. That was what my teacher was. from him. That was what my teacher was. Um that's kind of when the big Facebook Um that's kind of when the big Facebook Um that's kind of when the big Facebook boom happened, Instagram boom happened boom happened, Instagram boom happened boom happened, Instagram boom happened when I was uh 21. And uh the moment when I was uh 21. And uh the moment when I was uh 21. And uh the moment Facebook and Google started online Facebook and Google started online Facebook and Google started online advertising, I just seamlessly went into advertising, I just seamlessly went into advertising, I just seamlessly went into offer businesses, hey, I can manage your offer businesses, hey, I can manage your offer businesses, hey, I can manage your your online ads. I can help drive your online ads. I can help drive your online ads. I can help drive traffic. I already knew media and film traffic. I already knew media and film traffic. I already knew media and film and other things like that. And so um I and other things like that. And so um I and other things like that. And so um I just grew. I actually one day when I was just grew. I actually one day when I was just grew. I actually one day when I was uh 26 I had to make a big decision uh 26 I had to make a big decision uh 26 I had to make a big decision because that company had started making because that company had started making because that company had started making three times as much as I was making in three times as much as I was making in three times as much as I was making in ministry and I had to make a decision ministry and I had to make a decision ministry and I had to make a decision when my dad asked me to take over the when my dad asked me to take over the when my dad asked me to take over the church would I continue to run that church would I continue to run that church would I continue to run that company or would I set it aside to to company or would I set it aside to to company or would I set it aside to to pursue full-time ministry uh to the pursue full-time ministry uh to the pursue full-time ministry uh to the degree of what it would take to senior degree of what it would take to senior degree of what it would take to senior pastor a church. And me and my wife pastor a church. And me and my wife pastor a church. And me and my wife prayed and we ultimately decided I I prayed and we ultimately decided I I prayed and we ultimately decided I I actually had a $1.2 million contract on actually had a $1.2 million contract on actually had a $1.2 million contract on the table with a company to run their the table with a company to run their the table with a company to run their ads. And um I I ended up passing on it ads. And um I I ended up passing on it ads. And um I I ended up passing on it and ultimately kind of ended up shutting and ultimately kind of ended up shutting and ultimately kind of ended up shutting down the company at that time.

down the company at that time. down the company at that time. Yeah. My lifestyle would have changed a Yeah. My lifestyle would have changed a Yeah. My lifestyle would have changed a lot but again I it wasn't God's call for lot but again I it wasn't God's call for lot but again I it wasn't God's call for me and I knew that very clearly. me and I knew that very clearly. me and I knew that very clearly. Why why do you think you end up renting Why why do you think you end up renting Why why do you think you end up renting a freezer and selling outer pops? Like a freezer and selling outer pops? Like a freezer and selling outer pops? Like what is that inside you when you look what is that inside you when you look what is that inside you when you look back on it? Because not everybody has back on it? Because not everybody has back on it? Because not everybody has that, right? Yeah. Yeah. I I mean that, right? Yeah. Yeah. I I mean that, right? Yeah. Yeah. I I mean ultimately I think I I have a ultimately I think I I have a ultimately I think I I have a determination to work. I think that's determination to work. I think that's determination to work. I think that's one thing I've uh learned from my dad one thing I've uh learned from my dad one thing I've uh learned from my dad and um my brothers have very incredible and um my brothers have very incredible and um my brothers have very incredible giftings and we're very different at the giftings and we're very different at the giftings and we're very different at the same time. And one of the giftings I same time. And one of the giftings I same time. And one of the giftings I have which I've gotten from my dad is have which I've gotten from my dad is have which I've gotten from my dad is this drive of work. Um it's what drives this drive of work. Um it's what drives this drive of work. Um it's what drives me. It's what feels me. It also could be me. It's what feels me. It also could be me. It's what feels me. It also could be my kryptonite. So I actually have to be my kryptonite. So I actually have to be my kryptonite. So I actually have to be very aware of that. That's what was very aware of that. That's what was very aware of that. That's what was wrong with my dad and he admits it when wrong with my dad and he admits it when wrong with my dad and he admits it when he grew our church. Uh he sacrificed he grew our church. Uh he sacrificed he grew our church. Uh he sacrificed kind of family and family time at the kind of family and family time at the kind of family and family time at the bedrock of ministry. And so I I I have bedrock of ministry. And so I I I have bedrock of ministry. And so I I I have seen that growing up and I've been seen that growing up and I've been seen that growing up and I've been trying to be as conscious as possible trying to be as conscious as possible trying to be as conscious as possible with that. My wife, you've met Ashley with that. My wife, you've met Ashley with that. My wife, you've met Ashley before, she's she's not scared of before, she's she's not scared of before, she's she's not scared of speaking her mind and so she helps keep speaking her mind and so she helps keep speaking her mind and so she helps keep me accountable in that. But it's this me accountable in that. But it's this me accountable in that. But it's this drive that I that I love. I'm a I'm not drive that I that I love. I'm a I'm not drive that I that I love. I'm a I'm not big into Inagram, but I'm a three. So big into Inagram, but I'm a three. So big into Inagram, but I'm a three. So that's what you know I just I really that's what you know I just I really that's what you know I just I really want to accomplish things. I really want want to accomplish things. I really want want to accomplish things. I really want to work hard. And so selling Otter Pops to work hard. And so selling Otter Pops to work hard. And so selling Otter Pops that was I get to solve a pro people's that was I get to solve a pro people's that was I get to solve a pro people's problem which at the time they had just problem which at the time they had just problem which at the time they had just passed the law in California that you passed the law in California that you passed the law in California that you couldn't sell anything that had a couldn't sell anything that had a couldn't sell anything that had a certain amount of sugar in it. That was

certain amount of sugar in it. That was certain amount of sugar in it. That was in the 2000s. And so so the high schools in the 2000s. And so so the high schools in the 2000s. And so so the high schools had to change all of the foods they had to change all of the foods they had to change all of the foods they offered. So they couldn't sell candy offered. So they couldn't sell candy offered. So they couldn't sell candy anymore. They couldn't sell soda anymore. They couldn't sell soda anymore. They couldn't sell soda anymore. And so here I come. I'm like, anymore. And so here I come. I'm like, anymore. And so here I come. I'm like, "Hey, supply and demand. This is This is "Hey, supply and demand. This is This is "Hey, supply and demand. This is This is perfect, you perfect, you perfect, you know. And I had a 1.4 GPA in high know. And I had a 1.4 GPA in high know. And I had a 1.4 GPA in high school, so I was not the smartest in school, so I was not the smartest in school, so I was not the smartest in high school. Exactly. But something's high school. Exactly. But something's high school. Exactly. But something's working for you. Exactly. Yeah. Often working for you. Exactly. Yeah. Often working for you. Exactly. Yeah. Often one of the challenges entrepreneurs find one of the challenges entrepreneurs find one of the challenges entrepreneurs find is they don't fit easily into the church is they don't fit easily into the church is they don't fit easily into the church mold. What gifts, skill set, personality mold. What gifts, skill set, personality mold. What gifts, skill set, personality traits have translated well for you as traits have translated well for you as traits have translated well for you as now the lead pastor of Patriot Church now the lead pastor of Patriot Church now the lead pastor of Patriot Church and which are clunky or don't fit? Yeah, and which are clunky or don't fit? Yeah, and which are clunky or don't fit? Yeah, I mean I think so I'm clinically I mean I think so I'm clinically I mean I think so I'm clinically diagnosed with ADHD and so and so I I I diagnosed with ADHD and so and so I I I diagnosed with ADHD and so and so I I I do have an interesting way of do have an interesting way of do have an interesting way of approaching things. Not only am I approaching things. Not only am I approaching things. Not only am I entrepreneurial, but I also can't sit entrepreneurial, but I also can't sit entrepreneurial, but I also can't sit still. I can't sit in one place. I'm still. I can't sit in one place. I'm still. I can't sit in one place. I'm always learning something new and so uh always learning something new and so uh always learning something new and so uh paying attention is very difficult for paying attention is very difficult for paying attention is very difficult for me, you know, which is what which made me, you know, which is what which made me, you know, which is what which made high school very hard. Uh I I I had a high school very hard. Uh I I I had a high school very hard. Uh I I I had a constant reassurance and thought there constant reassurance and thought there constant reassurance and thought there was only two kids in my senior class was only two kids in my senior class was only two kids in my senior class that weren't going to graduate high that weren't going to graduate high that weren't going to graduate high school. It was me with a 1.8. I had a school. It was me with a 1.8. I had a school. It was me with a 1.8. I had a 1.4 most of the time in high school, got 1.4 most of the time in high school, got 1.4 most of the time in high school, got it to a 1.8, and then the guy who was it to a 1.8, and then the guy who was it to a 1.8, and then the guy who was the the school drug dealer, he wasn't the the school drug dealer, he wasn't the the school drug dealer, he wasn't going to graduate high school. So us two going to graduate high school. So us two going to graduate high school. So us two of thousands of students in California, of thousands of students in California, of thousands of students in California, you know. So, um, that didn't feel good

you know. So, um, that didn't feel good you know. So, um, that didn't feel good for me. And actually, it was this for me. And actually, it was this for me. And actually, it was this summer, this last summer, I was now summer, this last summer, I was now summer, this last summer, I was now pastoring the church. I was playing golf pastoring the church. I was playing golf pastoring the church. I was playing golf with my dad cuz I don't remember my dad, with my dad cuz I don't remember my dad, with my dad cuz I don't remember my dad, my parents ever worrying about why I my parents ever worrying about why I my parents ever worrying about why I didn't do good in school. I I don't ever didn't do good in school. I I don't ever didn't do good in school. I I don't ever remember them sitting me down. I don't remember them sitting me down. I don't remember them sitting me down. I don't ever remember them, Adam, what's going ever remember them, Adam, what's going ever remember them, Adam, what's going on? You know, all these things. And And on? You know, all these things. And And on? You know, all these things. And And so I asked him, I said I asked my dad, so I asked him, I said I asked my dad, so I asked him, I said I asked my dad, why did you never care? Like, did you why did you never care? Like, did you why did you never care? Like, did you ever look at my grades? I had all Fs, ever look at my grades? I had all Fs, ever look at my grades? I had all Fs, all D's. Like I feel like for me, I'm a all D's. Like I feel like for me, I'm a all D's. Like I feel like for me, I'm a dad now. Like I'd be concerned. I'd be dad now. Like I'd be concerned. I'd be dad now. Like I'd be concerned. I'd be involved. I'd be, you know, with meeting involved. I'd be, you know, with meeting involved. I'd be, you know, with meeting with teachers. What's going on? Like why with teachers. What's going on? Like why with teachers. What's going on? Like why didn't you care? And my dad said, he didn't you care? And my dad said, he didn't you care? And my dad said, he thought about it. We were in the middle thought about it. We were in the middle thought about it. We were in the middle of a hole, like I think the ninth hole of a hole, like I think the ninth hole of a hole, like I think the ninth hole at a local golf course. And he thought at a local golf course. And he thought at a local golf course. And he thought about it and he said, "Because I knew about it and he said, "Because I knew about it and he said, "Because I knew you weren't who your test said you were. you weren't who your test said you were. you weren't who your test said you were. And I knew God made you different, And I knew God made you different, And I knew God made you different, special, and unique. and and school special, and unique. and and school special, and unique. and and school wasn't going to define what you did for wasn't going to define what you did for wasn't going to define what you did for your future. And um that was healing for your future. And um that was healing for your future. And um that was healing for me. What a dad. And that just happened a me. What a dad. And that just happened a me. What a dad. And that just happened a year ago, you know, but powerful.

year ago, you know, but powerful. year ago, you know, but powerful. So I think for that, I think I've always So I think for that, I think I've always So I think for that, I think I've always had, whether it was said or conscious or had, whether it was said or conscious or had, whether it was said or conscious or not, I always had two parents that not, I always had two parents that not, I always had two parents that embraced my uniqueness. They didn't try embraced my uniqueness. They didn't try embraced my uniqueness. They didn't try to fit me in a box. If I wanted to learn to fit me in a box. If I wanted to learn to fit me in a box. If I wanted to learn boxing one day, it's like, let's let's boxing one day, it's like, let's let's boxing one day, it's like, let's let's try to save up and get you a boxing bag. try to save up and get you a boxing bag. try to save up and get you a boxing bag. If the next week I wanted to, you know, If the next week I wanted to, you know, If the next week I wanted to, you know, be a pro, you know, m road cyclist cuz be a pro, you know, m road cyclist cuz be a pro, you know, m road cyclist cuz my we did road biking and stuff. My my we did road biking and stuff. My my we did road biking and stuff. My dad's like, "All right, let's figure it dad's like, "All right, let's figure it dad's like, "All right, let's figure it out. Let's get let's get you." And and out. Let's get let's get you." And and out. Let's get let's get you." And and so they always encouraged my difference. so they always encouraged my difference. so they always encouraged my difference. And by time I found for me it was uh And by time I found for me it was uh And by time I found for me it was uh media and design and all of that stuff media and design and all of that stuff media and design and all of that stuff that really I found a talent and a that really I found a talent and a that really I found a talent and a gifting for is helping to tell story gifting for is helping to tell story gifting for is helping to tell story through branding and marketing and um through branding and marketing and um through branding and marketing and um and really just my passion for Jesus. and really just my passion for Jesus. and really just my passion for Jesus. But but that drove this uh this heart But but that drove this uh this heart But but that drove this uh this heart for entrepreneurship in the way that I for entrepreneurship in the way that I for entrepreneurship in the way that I finally now I can articulate what makes finally now I can articulate what makes finally now I can articulate what makes me unique and what I love and I enjoy. me unique and what I love and I enjoy. me unique and what I love and I enjoy. In the past, it'd be like, "Well, it's a In the past, it'd be like, "Well, it's a In the past, it'd be like, "Well, it's a Tuesday. I'll tell you what I love Tuesday. I'll tell you what I love Tuesday. I'll tell you what I love today, but by Friday, it may change, you today, but by Friday, it may change, you today, but by Friday, it may change, you know." Yeah. Now, it's been consistent.

know." Yeah. Now, it's been consistent. know." Yeah. Now, it's been consistent. There is a a school of thought because There is a a school of thought because There is a a school of thought because everything's treated now. Every everything's treated now. Every everything's treated now. Every diagnosis I'm uh like I've never had an diagnosis I'm uh like I've never had an diagnosis I'm uh like I've never had an official diagnosis, ADHD, but my medical official diagnosis, ADHD, but my medical official diagnosis, ADHD, but my medical friends are like, "Yeah, you're friends are like, "Yeah, you're friends are like, "Yeah, you're textbook." And I I was goofing around in textbook." And I I was goofing around in textbook." And I I was goofing around in high school, got like B's. But then when high school, got like B's. But then when high school, got like B's. But then when I hit university and got to choose, I I hit university and got to choose, I I hit university and got to choose, I was like dialed in, like hyperfocused, was like dialed in, like hyperfocused, was like dialed in, like hyperfocused, but even to this day, I have trouble in but even to this day, I have trouble in but even to this day, I have trouble in meetings I don't want to be in. I have meetings I don't want to be in. I have meetings I don't want to be in. I have trouble paying attention to anything I trouble paying attention to anything I trouble paying attention to anything I don't care about, etc., etc. And the don't care about, etc., etc. And the don't care about, etc., etc. And the argument, Adam, is that if you treat argument, Adam, is that if you treat argument, Adam, is that if you treat ADHD, now I'm sure I'm not a doctor, ADHD, now I'm sure I'm not a doctor, ADHD, now I'm sure I'm not a doctor, okay? So I'm not giving medical advice, okay? So I'm not giving medical advice, okay? So I'm not giving medical advice, but you can kill the entrepreneurial but you can kill the entrepreneurial but you can kill the entrepreneurial gene. like you look at the number of gene. like you look at the number of gene. like you look at the number of CEOs, entrepreneurs who have uh dyslexia CEOs, entrepreneurs who have uh dyslexia CEOs, entrepreneurs who have uh dyslexia or ADHD, it's a majority. And so I guess or ADHD, it's a majority. And so I guess or ADHD, it's a majority. And so I guess my question is did you ever get it my question is did you ever get it my question is did you ever get it treated with medication? And if so, what treated with medication? And if so, what treated with medication? And if so, what were the impacts positively or were the impacts positively or were the impacts positively or negatively? Or is yours like mine never negatively? Or is yours like mine never negatively? Or is yours like mine never never had a drug for it? Yeah. No, I never had a drug for it? Yeah. No, I never had a drug for it? Yeah. No, I actually did. And and to your point, and actually did. And and to your point, and actually did. And and to your point, and like you said, like I'm not a medical like you said, like I'm not a medical like you said, like I'm not a medical doctor. This is my own personal doctor. This is my own personal doctor. This is my own personal experience, but in my early 20s when I experience, but in my early 20s when I experience, but in my early 20s when I was in college, I I ended up getting uh was in college, I I ended up getting uh was in college, I I ended up getting uh treated with aderall and uh I used it treated with aderall and uh I used it treated with aderall and uh I used it pretty regularly, which did help me pretty regularly, which did help me pretty regularly, which did help me excel in my test scores and uh paying excel in my test scores and uh paying excel in my test scores and uh paying attention and and remembering things, attention and and remembering things, attention and and remembering things, but but I did lose a piece of my uh but but I did lose a piece of my uh but but I did lose a piece of my uh creativeness. I lose I lost a piece of creativeness. I lose I lost a piece of creativeness. I lose I lost a piece of my ability to adapt mentally in certain my ability to adapt mentally in certain my ability to adapt mentally in certain situations. And so ultimately after

situations. And so ultimately after situations. And so ultimately after about a year and a half of using Aderall about a year and a half of using Aderall about a year and a half of using Aderall pretty regularly, I had decided uh not pretty regularly, I had decided uh not pretty regularly, I had decided uh not to use it anymore cuz I still ran even to use it anymore cuz I still ran even to use it anymore cuz I still ran even when I was in college, I was helping pay when I was in college, I was helping pay when I was in college, I was helping pay all my bills in college by running my all my bills in college by running my all my bills in college by running my own company. And so I even saw that what own company. And so I even saw that what own company. And so I even saw that what I was doing with that media company, I I was doing with that media company, I I was doing with that media company, I had I had lost a bit of my entrepreneur had I had lost a bit of my entrepreneur had I had lost a bit of my entrepreneur side, my ability to be creative. And side, my ability to be creative. And side, my ability to be creative. And it's different for everyone. And so for it's different for everyone. And so for it's different for everyone. And so for me it it w it wasn't I didn't like it me it it w it wasn't I didn't like it me it it w it wasn't I didn't like it help I mean it helped tremendously but help I mean it helped tremendously but help I mean it helped tremendously but it didn't help what made me special and it didn't help what made me special and it didn't help what made me special and made me unique and made me gifted. So made me unique and made me gifted. So made me unique and made me gifted. So ever since then I I have not used any ever since then I I have not used any ever since then I I have not used any prescription medication for it. I've had prescription medication for it. I've had prescription medication for it. I've had to tailor not only my leadership but my to tailor not only my leadership but my to tailor not only my leadership but my own life uh to be able to handle uh what own life uh to be able to handle uh what own life uh to be able to handle uh what it is. And it my wife has early on in my it is. And it my wife has early on in my it is. And it my wife has early on in my our marriage, it would frustrate her our marriage, it would frustrate her our marriage, it would frustrate her because it would be the I'd leave a because it would be the I'd leave a because it would be the I'd leave a front door open, you know, refrigerator front door open, you know, refrigerator front door open, you know, refrigerator open. It would just mine is very severe. open. It would just mine is very severe. open. It would just mine is very severe. And so if my mind moves on to a new And so if my mind moves on to a new And so if my mind moves on to a new task, it forgets everything I just did task, it forgets everything I just did task, it forgets everything I just did uh previously and that would frustrate uh previously and that would frustrate uh previously and that would frustrate her very early on. But now she embraces her very early on. But now she embraces her very early on. But now she embraces it. And we've we've learned to create it. And we've we've learned to create it. And we've we've learned to create and our team is incredible at uh and our team is incredible at uh and our team is incredible at uh acknowledging what it is that I'm gifted acknowledging what it is that I'm gifted acknowledging what it is that I'm gifted in. And also being aware like you have in. And also being aware like you have in. And also being aware like you have five minutes with Adam to to spark his five minutes with Adam to to spark his five minutes with Adam to to spark his interest. Now I'm going to I'm going to interest. Now I'm going to I'm going to interest. Now I'm going to I'm going to give you an hour but and I'm going to be give you an hour but and I'm going to be give you an hour but and I'm going to be looking at you but it doesn't mean just looking at you but it doesn't mean just looking at you but it doesn't mean just because I'm looking at you doesn't mean because I'm looking at you doesn't mean because I'm looking at you doesn't mean that I'm paying attention. So the team that I'm paying attention. So the team that I'm paying attention. So the team kind of makes a joke if there's a big kind of makes a joke if there's a big kind of makes a joke if there's a big public meeting they say the moment Adam

public meeting they say the moment Adam public meeting they say the moment Adam touches his phone he's out. He's gone. touches his phone he's out. He's gone. touches his phone he's out. He's gone. Like he's checked out. So they just look Like he's checked out. So they just look Like he's checked out. So they just look for it like and then and I and I hate to for it like and then and I and I hate to for it like and then and I and I hate to be that person. and I try to be better be that person. and I try to be better be that person. and I try to be better in that area, but they just know if I in that area, but they just know if I in that area, but they just know if I have to draw my attention somewhere else have to draw my attention somewhere else have to draw my attention somewhere else and still listen cuz I'm still and still listen cuz I'm still and still listen cuz I'm still listening, but I have to also be doing listening, but I have to also be doing listening, but I have to also be doing something else, they think he's something else, they think he's something else, they think he's disinterested. He we have to we got to disinterested. He we have to we got to disinterested. He we have to we got to line him back in. So, my executive team line him back in. So, my executive team line him back in. So, my executive team is really great at helping me uh dial in is really great at helping me uh dial in is really great at helping me uh dial in because our church is growing right now. because our church is growing right now. because our church is growing right now. Uh it is we're like I share with you Uh it is we're like I share with you Uh it is we're like I share with you we're in a capital campaign and so the we're in a capital campaign and so the we're in a capital campaign and so the Lord has like moved tremendously in our Lord has like moved tremendously in our Lord has like moved tremendously in our church but we also have to because the church but we also have to because the church but we also have to because the team has been working with my strengths team has been working with my strengths team has been working with my strengths but they've also been working with my but they've also been working with my but they've also been working with my weaknesses as well filling in those weaknesses as well filling in those weaknesses as well filling in those gaps. So no one on my executive team has gaps. So no one on my executive team has gaps. So no one on my executive team has ADHD. Thank God. Just me. Yeah. And and ADHD. Thank God. Just me. Yeah. And and ADHD. Thank God. Just me. Yeah. And and just to amplify what Adam said, we are just to amplify what Adam said, we are just to amplify what Adam said, we are not doctors. Please go check with your not doctors. Please go check with your not doctors. Please go check with your doctor. Do not take this as advice. Uh, doctor. Do not take this as advice. Uh, doctor. Do not take this as advice. Uh, and yet I'm I'm of the same view that and yet I'm I'm of the same view that and yet I'm I'm of the same view that one of the things that makes me good at one of the things that makes me good at one of the things that makes me good at what I'm good at is the fact that my what I'm good at is the fact that my what I'm good at is the fact that my attention span is so short. If I'm attention span is so short. If I'm attention span is so short. If I'm bored, but if I'm interesting, I got an bored, but if I'm interesting, I got an bored, but if I'm interesting, I got an hour. I got all day. If I'm bored, hour. I got all day. If I'm bored, hour. I got all day. If I'm bored, please, let's move on. And my team had please, let's move on. And my team had please, let's move on. And my team had to adapt to that ADHD, too. And they're to adapt to that ADHD, too. And they're to adapt to that ADHD, too. And they're like, you know, if Carrie's not like, you know, if Carrie's not like, you know, if Carrie's not passionate about this idea, it's going passionate about this idea, it's going passionate about this idea, it's going to fail. And that's a strength and a to fail. And that's a strength and a to fail. And that's a strength and a weakness because if I'm in, I'm in. But weakness because if I'm in, I'm in. But weakness because if I'm in, I'm in. But if I'm out, I'm like, I'm not going to if I'm out, I'm like, I'm not going to if I'm out, I'm like, I'm not going to fake it. Like, we've we've we've sent fake it. Like, we've we've we've sent fake it. Like, we've we've we've sent advertisers away because I don't believe advertisers away because I don't believe advertisers away because I don't believe in the product on this podcast. We've

in the product on this podcast. We've in the product on this podcast. We've sent guests away because I don't believe sent guests away because I don't believe sent guests away because I don't believe in, you know, I don't think that's going in, you know, I don't think that's going in, you know, I don't think that's going to be a good interview. Like, you know, to be a good interview. Like, you know, to be a good interview. Like, you know, so how let's go a little bit deeper in so how let's go a little bit deeper in so how let's go a little bit deeper in that because I talked with Mark Clark that because I talked with Mark Clark that because I talked with Mark Clark earlier this year about his Tourette's earlier this year about his Tourette's earlier this year about his Tourette's and it's it's a bit of a fascination for and it's it's a bit of a fascination for and it's it's a bit of a fascination for me and when you have Tourette's or ADHD me and when you have Tourette's or ADHD me and when you have Tourette's or ADHD or or or dyslexia, like how do you compensate for dyslexia, like how do you compensate for dyslexia, like how do you compensate for something like that? because the something like that? because the something like that? because the percentages are so high, not of percentages are so high, not of percentages are so high, not of Tourette's but of ADHD in leadership. Tourette's but of ADHD in leadership. Tourette's but of ADHD in leadership. What What have been some of the the What What have been some of the the What What have been some of the the coping strategies or the um leadership coping strategies or the um leadership coping strategies or the um leadership strategies that you've had to engage in strategies that you've had to engage in strategies that you've had to engage in order to lead Patria? Well, and your order to lead Patria? Well, and your order to lead Patria? Well, and your team, I mean, if this was 30 years ago, team, I mean, if this was 30 years ago, team, I mean, if this was 30 years ago, I think it would have been really I think it would have been really I think it would have been really difficult for for how severe I have it. difficult for for how severe I have it. difficult for for how severe I have it. And who knows if how much technology And who knows if how much technology And who knows if how much technology plays in worsening it or or whatever it plays in worsening it or or whatever it plays in worsening it or or whatever it is, but uh as it is today, there's a few is, but uh as it is today, there's a few is, but uh as it is today, there's a few things that have worked really well for things that have worked really well for things that have worked really well for me. So our whole team is on Slack and me. So our whole team is on Slack and me. So our whole team is on Slack and I'm in a massive amount of Slack I'm in a massive amount of Slack I'm in a massive amount of Slack channels that have hyperfocused channels that have hyperfocused channels that have hyperfocused conversations within the organization.

conversations within the organization. conversations within the organization. And so whether it be, you know, Easter's And so whether it be, you know, Easter's And so whether it be, you know, Easter's going to be coming up, you know, or or going to be coming up, you know, or or going to be coming up, you know, or or has happened, you know, whenever this has happened, you know, whenever this has happened, you know, whenever this airs, but it's about, you know, 45 days airs, but it's about, you know, 45 days airs, but it's about, you know, 45 days out for us. And there's a slack with out for us. And there's a slack with out for us. And there's a slack with that where they're talking everything that where they're talking everything that where they're talking everything Easter. And so I get notifications on my Easter. And so I get notifications on my Easter. And so I get notifications on my phone, all the conversations. We're phone, all the conversations. We're phone, all the conversations. We're having baptisms this weekend. Uh we're having baptisms this weekend. Uh we're having baptisms this weekend. Uh we're going to have about 500 people getting going to have about 500 people getting going to have about 500 people getting baptized. So I'm aware of all the baptized. So I'm aware of all the baptized. So I'm aware of all the dynamics across all of our campuses dynamics across all of our campuses dynamics across all of our campuses what's happening. And Slack is helping what's happening. And Slack is helping what's happening. And Slack is helping because it's notification at a time. because it's notification at a time. because it's notification at a time. People have to you you keep it in less People have to you you keep it in less People have to you you keep it in less characters. In the past and even with my characters. In the past and even with my characters. In the past and even with my dad in the past, we would have had a dad in the past, we would have had a dad in the past, we would have had a baptism meeting. we would have spent two baptism meeting. we would have spent two baptism meeting. we would have spent two hours talking about that Sunday and how hours talking about that Sunday and how hours talking about that Sunday and how many signups are there and how are we many signups are there and how are we many signups are there and how are we you know right now I got three people you know right now I got three people you know right now I got three people talking in a Slack channel and I'm talking in a Slack channel and I'm talking in a Slack channel and I'm jumping in and going yes no yes okay jumping in and going yes no yes okay jumping in and going yes no yes okay great I'll okay I'll bring this up I'll great I'll okay I'll bring this up I'll great I'll okay I'll bring this up I'll do this and it's helping me framework do this and it's helping me framework do this and it's helping me framework because I can do it in bite-sized pieces because I can do it in bite-sized pieces because I can do it in bite-sized pieces but at the same time I'm having a but at the same time I'm having a but at the same time I'm having a baptism conversation right now before baptism conversation right now before baptism conversation right now before you and I film this I'm also having an you and I film this I'm also having an you and I film this I'm also having an Easter conversation and I'm also having Easter conversation and I'm also having Easter conversation and I'm also having a capital campaign conversation And I'm a capital campaign conversation And I'm a capital campaign conversation And I'm also today's Monday so I'm also going to also today's Monday so I'm also going to also today's Monday so I'm also going to get our numbers of you know how many get our numbers of you know how many get our numbers of you know how many people we reached this weekend and how people we reached this weekend and how people we reached this weekend and how many salvations there were. I'm going to many salvations there were. I'm going to many salvations there were. I'm going to be able to do all of that within 10 be able to do all of that within 10 be able to do all of that within 10 minutes and if something needs if minutes and if something needs if minutes and if something needs if something needs my hyperfocus then we something needs my hyperfocus then we something needs my hyperfocus then we will call a meeting and we will have will call a meeting and we will have will call a meeting and we will have that conversation. But if it doesn't that conversation. But if it doesn't that conversation. But if it doesn't need hyperfocus then we've got all the need hyperfocus then we've got all the need hyperfocus then we've got all the answers we've needed through that. And answers we've needed through that. And answers we've needed through that. And so, uh, technology today has allowed me

so, uh, technology today has allowed me so, uh, technology today has allowed me and my assistant and other people on our and my assistant and other people on our and my assistant and other people on our team have a shared calendar with me in team have a shared calendar with me in team have a shared calendar with me in my iPhone. And so, at any given time, my my iPhone. And so, at any given time, my my iPhone. And so, at any given time, my wife, today, my son has praise. It's in wife, today, my son has praise. It's in wife, today, my son has praise. It's in my calendar. So, my wife has a shared my calendar. So, my wife has a shared my calendar. So, my wife has a shared calendar with me. My assistant has a calendar with me. My assistant has a calendar with me. My assistant has a shared calendar with me. My executive shared calendar with me. My executive shared calendar with me. My executive pastors have shared calendars with me. pastors have shared calendars with me. pastors have shared calendars with me. And so, as everyone's making adjustments And so, as everyone's making adjustments And so, as everyone's making adjustments to my schedule and my calendar, I'm to my schedule and my calendar, I'm to my schedule and my calendar, I'm getting live notifications on my phone. getting live notifications on my phone. getting live notifications on my phone. And so I'm being aware right then. And so I'm being aware right then. And so I'm being aware right then. Whereas if I met with my assistant once Whereas if I met with my assistant once Whereas if I met with my assistant once a week and told me, "What's my week look a week and told me, "What's my week look a week and told me, "What's my week look like?" And I had this very, you know, like?" And I had this very, you know, like?" And I had this very, you know, antiquated form of knowing what my week antiquated form of knowing what my week antiquated form of knowing what my week looks like. I'd be horrendous. I looks like. I'd be horrendous. I looks like. I'd be horrendous. I wouldn't be showing up to stuff on time. wouldn't be showing up to stuff on time. wouldn't be showing up to stuff on time. I Hey, what what what time is the Carrie I Hey, what what what time is the Carrie I Hey, what what what time is the Carrie New Hop podcast again? And is the team, New Hop podcast again? And is the team, New Hop podcast again? And is the team, you know, like I just wouldn't have you know, like I just wouldn't have you know, like I just wouldn't have known. But I know because I wake up this known. But I know because I wake up this known. But I know because I wake up this morning, I open up my calendar. It's all morning, I open up my calendar. It's all morning, I open up my calendar. It's all updated. I can actually click the link. updated. I can actually click the link. updated. I can actually click the link. I already see the link to the podcast, I already see the link to the podcast, I already see the link to the podcast, everything, all the questions. And so my everything, all the questions. And so my everything, all the questions. And so my team has learned like if you give Adam team has learned like if you give Adam team has learned like if you give Adam stuff in bite-sized pieces, you could stuff in bite-sized pieces, you could stuff in bite-sized pieces, you could give it as frequent as you want and give it as frequent as you want and give it as frequent as you want and he'll answer as frequent as you need as he'll answer as frequent as you need as he'll answer as frequent as you need as long as you don't take a lot of time.

long as you don't take a lot of time. long as you don't take a lot of time. And so for me, that's my enemy uh is And so for me, that's my enemy uh is And so for me, that's my enemy uh is time. If you take a lot of it, I I time. If you take a lot of it, I I time. If you take a lot of it, I I become very anxious and disinterested. become very anxious and disinterested. become very anxious and disinterested. And so we've shrunk in meetings. We've And so we've shrunk in meetings. We've And so we've shrunk in meetings. We've can we don't have certain meetings can we don't have certain meetings can we don't have certain meetings anymore. when my dad was doing things um anymore. when my dad was doing things um anymore. when my dad was doing things um that we just felt like they were that we just felt like they were that we just felt like they were important for him the way he led but um important for him the way he led but um important for him the way he led but um we could do it differently now and and we could do it differently now and and we could do it differently now and and that's what we do. And then I make sure that's what we do. And then I make sure that's what we do. And then I make sure Monday is my Sabbath. So I rest on Monday is my Sabbath. So I rest on Monday is my Sabbath. So I rest on Mondays unless there's something unique Mondays unless there's something unique Mondays unless there's something unique like this going on but I rest on like this going on but I rest on like this going on but I rest on Mondays. So I make sure my mind uh at Mondays. So I make sure my mind uh at Mondays. So I make sure my mind uh at least gets 24 hours of rest as best as least gets 24 hours of rest as best as least gets 24 hours of rest as best as possible. I mean, there are so many possible. I mean, there are so many possible. I mean, there are so many shifts that have happened in leadership, shifts that have happened in leadership, shifts that have happened in leadership, but you've only been, as we record this, but you've only been, as we record this, but you've only been, as we record this, the lead pastor for just over a year, the lead pastor for just over a year, the lead pastor for just over a year, and that sounds like a massive cultural, and that sounds like a massive cultural, and that sounds like a massive cultural, organizational shift in a period of organizational shift in a period of organizational shift in a period of months. How did you bring the team up to months. How did you bring the team up to months. How did you bring the team up to speed to your unique wiring that speed to your unique wiring that speed to your unique wiring that quickly? And did you get push back?

quickly? And did you get push back? quickly? And did you get push back? Yeah, I mean I think some people it was Yeah, I mean I think some people it was Yeah, I mean I think some people it was difficult to adapt to. Um, one of the difficult to adapt to. Um, one of the difficult to adapt to. Um, one of the things we my dad and I have had a very things we my dad and I have had a very things we my dad and I have had a very successful transition um on from all successful transition um on from all successful transition um on from all ways that you would measure it. The only ways that you would measure it. The only ways that you would measure it. The only thing that did kind of statistically thing that did kind of statistically thing that did kind of statistically happen the way that is said is we've had happen the way that is said is we've had happen the way that is said is we've had about 50% staff turnover rate. And so about 50% staff turnover rate. And so about 50% staff turnover rate. And so over the past really since co we have over the past really since co we have over the past really since co we have rebuilt the staff even though my dad was rebuilt the staff even though my dad was rebuilt the staff even though my dad was the senior pastor knowing that I would the senior pastor knowing that I would the senior pastor knowing that I would be the senior pastor. So 5 years ago my be the senior pastor. So 5 years ago my be the senior pastor. So 5 years ago my dad stepped out from all the hiring dad stepped out from all the hiring dad stepped out from all the hiring processes and our executive team acted processes and our executive team acted processes and our executive team acted as buffers between my dad being the as buffers between my dad being the as buffers between my dad being the senior pastor and we would help senior pastor and we would help senior pastor and we would help translate what he needed knowing that we translate what he needed knowing that we translate what he needed knowing that we were hiring for my leadership style. So, were hiring for my leadership style. So, were hiring for my leadership style. So, even though I've been the senior pastor even though I've been the senior pastor even though I've been the senior pastor for about a year and a half, um really for about a year and a half, um really for about a year and a half, um really the staff that's been built for the past the staff that's been built for the past the staff that's been built for the past four years has been one that I would four years has been one that I would four years has been one that I would say, "Okay, that's who I want to grow say, "Okay, that's who I want to grow say, "Okay, that's who I want to grow with. That's who I want to work with." with. That's who I want to work with." with. That's who I want to work with." And things like that. And so, as we've And things like that. And so, as we've And things like that. And so, as we've hired, it's been with that with that hired, it's been with that with that hired, it's been with that with that knowing that strength.

knowing that strength. knowing that strength. What kind of push back have you had to What kind of push back have you had to What kind of push back have you had to the culture shift on multiple levels? I the culture shift on multiple levels? I the culture shift on multiple levels? I mean, a lot of people it's um they they mean, a lot of people it's um they they mean, a lot of people it's um they they end up just transitioning and leaving. end up just transitioning and leaving. end up just transitioning and leaving. And I the two dynamics between me and my And I the two dynamics between me and my And I the two dynamics between me and my dad that were very different is uh and dad that were very different is uh and dad that were very different is uh and we say this all the time is if you we say this all the time is if you we say this all the time is if you worked with Pastor Diego, Pastor Diego worked with Pastor Diego, Pastor Diego worked with Pastor Diego, Pastor Diego hired a doer, which was he really needed hired a doer, which was he really needed hired a doer, which was he really needed someone that would just execute uh his someone that would just execute uh his someone that would just execute uh his vision the way that he has written it vision the way that he has written it vision the way that he has written it out in kind of a blueprint. And what I out in kind of a blueprint. And what I out in kind of a blueprint. And what I do is I hire stewards, which are a do is I hire stewards, which are a do is I hire stewards, which are a little different. It's there is a little different. It's there is a little different. It's there is a vision, there is a mission, but the vision, there is a mission, but the vision, there is a mission, but the resources that you're given, there's a resources that you're given, there's a resources that you're given, there's a multiplication that needs to happen and multiplication that needs to happen and multiplication that needs to happen and you need to be the expert at what you're you need to be the expert at what you're you need to be the expert at what you're doing. And so that has been a very doing. And so that has been a very doing. And so that has been a very different way of doing things because different way of doing things because different way of doing things because what people would do in the past on what people would do in the past on what people would do in the past on staff is pastor Diego just tell me what staff is pastor Diego just tell me what staff is pastor Diego just tell me what you want us to do and we will go execute you want us to do and we will go execute you want us to do and we will go execute it. For me, I'm going the end result is it. For me, I'm going the end result is it. For me, I'm going the end result is people discipled. how we get there and people discipled. how we get there and people discipled. how we get there and and how every formulation that happens, and how every formulation that happens, and how every formulation that happens, I'm going to need you guys to have some I'm going to need you guys to have some I'm going to need you guys to have some say in that. And some people were like, say in that. And some people were like, say in that. And some people were like, I'm not used to that. I don't think like I'm not used to that. I don't think like I'm not used to that. I don't think like that. And I'm like, well, you won't that. And I'm like, well, you won't that. And I'm like, well, you won't survive here with where we're going if survive here with where we're going if survive here with where we're going if if you cannot problem solve. If I have if you cannot problem solve. If I have if you cannot problem solve. If I have to be your problem solver, which for my to be your problem solver, which for my to be your problem solver, which for my dad, his gift mix is working dad, his gift mix is working dad, his gift mix is working strategically every day, getting strategically every day, getting strategically every day, getting intuitive. Give him the problem, he'll intuitive. Give him the problem, he'll intuitive. Give him the problem, he'll give you the fix. For me, I go, I don't give you the fix. For me, I go, I don't give you the fix. For me, I go, I don't have time for that. I can't fix all the have time for that. I can't fix all the have time for that. I can't fix all the problems. I need you to critically think problems. I need you to critically think problems. I need you to critically think how to fix problems. And dynamically for

how to fix problems. And dynamically for how to fix problems. And dynamically for some people, they they they were like, I some people, they they they were like, I some people, they they they were like, I don't I don't want to do that anymore. don't I don't want to do that anymore. don't I don't want to do that anymore. And believe it or not, we didn't have to And believe it or not, we didn't have to And believe it or not, we didn't have to re we did release some due to vision re we did release some due to vision re we did release some due to vision differences and mission differences, but differences and mission differences, but differences and mission differences, but a lot of them were just transitioning on a lot of them were just transitioning on a lot of them were just transitioning on their own. But I would say this right their own. But I would say this right their own. But I would say this right now and it's one of the things that now now and it's one of the things that now now and it's one of the things that now on our exit interviews we're saying is on our exit interviews we're saying is on our exit interviews we're saying is about 50% of the people who have left in about 50% of the people who have left in about 50% of the people who have left in the last four years 50% of them have the last four years 50% of them have the last four years 50% of them have asked to come back on board and they asked to come back on board and they asked to come back on board and they they said they made a a rash decision they said they made a a rash decision they said they made a a rash decision and they've seen where the church is at and they've seen where the church is at and they've seen where the church is at and they've seen what you know that how and they've seen what you know that how and they've seen what you know that how the church is doing now and it's almost the church is doing now and it's almost the church is doing now and it's almost like if people think that it's a Titanic like if people think that it's a Titanic like if people think that it's a Titanic they want to jump off the boat but if they want to jump off the boat but if they want to jump off the boat but if Titan Titanic's still sailing in the Titan Titanic's still sailing in the Titan Titanic's still sailing in the water then they go oh well I want I want water then they go oh well I want I want water then they go oh well I want I want I want to get back gone. I want to get I want to get back gone. I want to get I want to get back gone. I want to get back on. And so now whenever we e exit back on. And so now whenever we e exit back on. And so now whenever we e exit interview people, we just say, "Hey, interview people, we just say, "Hey, interview people, we just say, "Hey, would you give 24 hours just to pray would you give 24 hours just to pray would you give 24 hours just to pray about this? We're with you. If you want about this? We're with you. If you want about this? We're with you. If you want to leave, we're we're we come alongside to leave, we're we're we come alongside to leave, we're we're we come alongside of you. If we failed in any way, we of you. If we failed in any way, we of you. If we failed in any way, we apologize, but would you give it 24 apologize, but would you give it 24 apologize, but would you give it 24 hours to really pray about it because hours to really pray about it because hours to really pray about it because we're just seeing too many people um we're just seeing too many people um we're just seeing too many people um regret it at this moment when when they regret it at this moment when when they regret it at this moment when when they end up leaving." It's about half right end up leaving." It's about half right end up leaving." It's about half right now. Some of the change is obviously now. Some of the change is obviously now. Some of the change is obviously from one style to another, father to from one style to another, father to from one style to another, father to son. Uh and that would be true. I mean, son. Uh and that would be true. I mean, son. Uh and that would be true. I mean, a lot of this is so analogous to people a lot of this is so analogous to people a lot of this is so analogous to people who are just your generation taking over who are just your generation taking over who are just your generation taking over from older leaders, too. But some of the from older leaders, too. But some of the from older leaders, too. But some of the shift, Adam, has got to be cultural, shift, Adam, has got to be cultural, shift, Adam, has got to be cultural, right? Like your dad is a young boomer.

right? Like your dad is a young boomer. right? Like your dad is a young boomer. You're right in the heart of millennial, You're right in the heart of millennial, You're right in the heart of millennial, uh, the millennial generation. What are uh, the millennial generation. What are uh, the millennial generation. What are some of the generational shifts you're some of the generational shifts you're some of the generational shifts you're seeing in leadership style, leadership seeing in leadership style, leadership seeing in leadership style, leadership approach, or the way you do ministry approach, or the way you do ministry approach, or the way you do ministry from, you know, one generation to from, you know, one generation to from, you know, one generation to another? Yeah. I mean, I think this another? Yeah. I mean, I think this another? Yeah. I mean, I think this works also for the church space and what works also for the church space and what works also for the church space and what we're seeing in general as well, but you we're seeing in general as well, but you we're seeing in general as well, but you know, it's moving to a very highly know, it's moving to a very highly know, it's moving to a very highly relational kind of community oriented relational kind of community oriented relational kind of community oriented way of doing things. Um, I think the way of doing things. Um, I think the way of doing things. Um, I think the heavy structure of a corporate kind of heavy structure of a corporate kind of heavy structure of a corporate kind of uh hierarchy and nuance and all that uh hierarchy and nuance and all that uh hierarchy and nuance and all that kind of stuff like that. I Gen Z kind of stuff like that. I Gen Z kind of stuff like that. I Gen Z struggles with that. I'm not Gen Z. I'm struggles with that. I'm not Gen Z. I'm struggles with that. I'm not Gen Z. I'm millennial and so we kind of even even millennial and so we kind of even even millennial and so we kind of even even Gen Xers teeter between the two. But Gen Xers teeter between the two. But Gen Xers teeter between the two. But really for Gen Z, really for Gen Z, really for Gen Z, um, and it's incredible. Like I I've um, and it's incredible. Like I I've um, and it's incredible. Like I I've heard Dave Ramsey say this with Gen Z, heard Dave Ramsey say this with Gen Z, heard Dave Ramsey say this with Gen Z, you either absolutely love them or you you either absolutely love them or you you either absolutely love them or you absolutely hate them, you know, like absolutely hate them, you know, like absolutely hate them, you know, like it's kind of it's one it's one or the it's kind of it's one it's one or the it's kind of it's one it's one or the other in the sense that they will other in the sense that they will other in the sense that they will absolutely come into your organization absolutely come into your organization absolutely come into your organization and thrive and like and just kick butt and thrive and like and just kick butt and thrive and like and just kick butt and just work really hard or they're and just work really hard or they're and just work really hard or they're going to just why are we doing this? Why going to just why are we doing this? Why going to just why are we doing this? Why are we doing this? Why are we doing are we doing this? Why are we doing are we doing this? Why are we doing this? I don't want to do that. I don't this? I don't want to do that. I don't this? I don't want to do that. I don't want you know. So it's kind of and we've want you know. So it's kind of and we've want you know. So it's kind of and we've seen that. It's like we're seeing a new seen that. It's like we're seeing a new seen that. It's like we're seeing a new generation. they are either on fire or generation. they are either on fire or generation. they are either on fire or they find out very quickly this is this they find out very quickly this is this they find out very quickly this is this isn't what I want to do which is okay isn't what I want to do which is okay isn't what I want to do which is okay and I I know you and others have stared and I I know you and others have stared and I I know you and others have stared the statistics of how many jobs Gen Z is the statistics of how many jobs Gen Z is the statistics of how many jobs Gen Z is going to have compared to baby boomers going to have compared to baby boomers going to have compared to baby boomers and so um for for my level of leadership and so um for for my level of leadership and so um for for my level of leadership and what we're seeing right now is we're

and what we're seeing right now is we're and what we're seeing right now is we're seeing the change in culture would have seeing the change in culture would have seeing the change in culture would have had to happen whether I was the leader had to happen whether I was the leader had to happen whether I was the leader or a baby boomer was still the leader is or a baby boomer was still the leader is or a baby boomer was still the leader is because I see baby boomers who are because I see baby boomers who are because I see baby boomers who are seeing growing churches but you talk to seeing growing churches but you talk to seeing growing churches but you talk to him. They're saying we I had to change him. They're saying we I had to change him. They're saying we I had to change everything. I I had to shift I had to everything. I I had to shift I had to everything. I I had to shift I had to shift our culture event. Yeah. And so shift our culture event. Yeah. And so shift our culture event. Yeah. And so and so it's it's really not a me thing and so it's it's really not a me thing and so it's it's really not a me thing that had to happen. I just happen to be that had to happen. I just happen to be that had to happen. I just happen to be the person uh in the captain's chair the person uh in the captain's chair the person uh in the captain's chair that that and and I'm young enough that that that and and I'm young enough that that that and and I'm young enough that I can it's still pretty intuitive for me I can it's still pretty intuitive for me I can it's still pretty intuitive for me cuz I'm near both of the generations. cuz I'm near both of the generations. cuz I'm near both of the generations. But there's this individual we we've had But there's this individual we we've had But there's this individual we we've had to change the culture to reinvent to be to change the culture to reinvent to be to change the culture to reinvent to be able to reach the next generation which able to reach the next generation which able to reach the next generation which is what we're seeing right now within is what we're seeing right now within is what we're seeing right now within our churches. We're seeing a massive our churches. We're seeing a massive our churches. We're seeing a massive amount of young people not only joining amount of young people not only joining amount of young people not only joining the team but coming to our church as the team but coming to our church as the team but coming to our church as well. well. well. One more thing about attention span. How One more thing about attention span. How One more thing about attention span. How do you prep for Sunday when you have the do you prep for Sunday when you have the do you prep for Sunday when you have the propensity to get distracted? Yeah. One propensity to get distracted? Yeah. One propensity to get distracted? Yeah. One of the things we do now is on Tuesdays I of the things we do now is on Tuesdays I of the things we do now is on Tuesdays I have a team of gifted communicators have a team of gifted communicators have a team of gifted communicators where we spend two and a half hours where we spend two and a half hours where we spend two and a half hours together. There's seven of us and uh together. There's seven of us and uh together. There's seven of us and uh every person we know what we're what's every person we know what we're what's every person we know what we're what's going to be talked about. I have a going to be talked about. I have a going to be talked about. I have a preacher team. So, we're multi-sight, preacher team. So, we're multi-sight, preacher team. So, we're multi-sight, some multicightes are video, some some multicightes are video, some some multicightes are video, some multicightes get rotated with live multicightes get rotated with live multicightes get rotated with live preachers and and things like that. So, preachers and and things like that. So, preachers and and things like that. So, one weekend it may be video, one weekend one weekend it may be video, one weekend one weekend it may be video, one weekend it may be a live preacher and then our it may be a live preacher and then our it may be a live preacher and then our and then our broadcast campus is for the and then our broadcast campus is for the and then our broadcast campus is for the most part always live teaching. And so, most part always live teaching. And so, most part always live teaching. And so, with that, we now we spend two and a with that, we now we spend two and a with that, we now we spend two and a half hours, we study together. Um, but

half hours, we study together. Um, but half hours, we study together. Um, but we there's there's enough people in the we there's there's enough people in the we there's there's enough people in the room that we will go on tangents and room that we will go on tangents and room that we will go on tangents and rabbit trails. And it works because rabbit trails. And it works because rabbit trails. And it works because we're all working on sermon we're all working on sermon we're all working on sermon illustrations. We're working on sermon illustrations. We're working on sermon illustrations. We're working on sermon stories and we're working on the text. stories and we're working on the text. stories and we're working on the text. So, every person in that room loves the So, every person in that room loves the So, every person in that room loves the word of God like me. So, I still to this word of God like me. So, I still to this word of God like me. So, I still to this day geek out over my Bible. I geek out day geek out over my Bible. I geek out day geek out over my Bible. I geek out over the word of God. I geek out over over the word of God. I geek out over over the word of God. I geek out over the nuances of words and I have people the nuances of words and I have people the nuances of words and I have people in the room that are smarter than me in in the room that are smarter than me in in the room that are smarter than me in certain areas that they're even telling certain areas that they're even telling certain areas that they're even telling me, "Hey, Adam, th this is really what me, "Hey, Adam, th this is really what me, "Hey, Adam, th this is really what this word is." And then we're even this word is." And then we're even this word is." And then we're even arguing like, you know, old Jewish arguing like, you know, old Jewish arguing like, you know, old Jewish rabbis as well on what the text actually rabbis as well on what the text actually rabbis as well on what the text actually means. So for me that open forum of means. So for me that open forum of means. So for me that open forum of learning and digging in and building the learning and digging in and building the learning and digging in and building the sermon together and then me I I sermon together and then me I I sermon together and then me I I ultimately being the leader have the ultimately being the leader have the ultimately being the leader have the final authority with what direction we final authority with what direction we final authority with what direction we go with. But that keeps my attention go with. But that keeps my attention go with. But that keeps my attention because as we build that for two and a because as we build that for two and a because as we build that for two and a half vers the rest of the week is now half vers the rest of the week is now half vers the rest of the week is now study time. So that happens on Tuesday study time. So that happens on Tuesday study time. So that happens on Tuesday for 2 and 1/2 hours and then on Thursday for 2 and 1/2 hours and then on Thursday for 2 and 1/2 hours and then on Thursday evenings I'll spend about another two evenings I'll spend about another two evenings I'll spend about another two hours on it. Friday mornings, I'll I'll hours on it. Friday mornings, I'll I'll hours on it. Friday mornings, I'll I'll listen to some sermons regarding I listen to some sermons regarding I listen to some sermons regarding I wanted to make sure my sermon was pretty wanted to make sure my sermon was pretty wanted to make sure my sermon was pretty much done before I'm influenced by much done before I'm influenced by much done before I'm influenced by anything else. But then I want to I want anything else. But then I want to I want anything else. But then I want to I want to listen to some other sermons that to listen to some other sermons that to listen to some other sermons that really prep me and then by Saturday I'm really prep me and then by Saturday I'm really prep me and then by Saturday I'm studying again. I have to do it in studying again. I have to do it in studying again. I have to do it in bite-sized pieces and I do it also in my bite-sized pieces and I do it also in my bite-sized pieces and I do it also in my phone throughout the week in my notes phone throughout the week in my notes phone throughout the week in my notes app. So I'm doing it all day with, you app. So I'm doing it all day with, you app. So I'm doing it all day with, you know, with an attention span. If we're know, with an attention span. If we're know, with an attention span. If we're thinking about something, which every thinking about something, which every thinking about something, which every Sunday is a big day for us, it's Sunday is a big day for us, it's Sunday is a big day for us, it's something that's always in the back of something that's always in the back of something that's always in the back of my head. And so when I think about it, I

my head. And so when I think about it, I my head. And so when I think about it, I immediately start writing. So I may be immediately start writing. So I may be immediately start writing. So I may be at Disneyland, you know, with a turo in at Disneyland, you know, with a turo in at Disneyland, you know, with a turo in one hand and I'm like, "Oh, I'm with my one hand and I'm like, "Oh, I'm with my one hand and I'm like, "Oh, I'm with my family. My wife knows I'll never give a family. My wife knows I'll never give a family. My wife knows I'll never give a lot of time to something, just enough to lot of time to something, just enough to lot of time to something, just enough to get the thought out." And so she's get the thought out." And so she's get the thought out." And so she's really good about letting me get some really good about letting me get some really good about letting me get some space just to But I was also an space just to But I was also an space just to But I was also an entrepreneur before when we were entrepreneur before when we were entrepreneur before when we were married. So my wife's aware of the married. So my wife's aware of the married. So my wife's aware of the entrepreneurial life of like there's no entrepreneurial life of like there's no entrepreneurial life of like there's no set hours of anything, right? You're not set hours of anything, right? You're not set hours of anything, right? You're not done at 4:30. Exactly. No. When when she done at 4:30. Exactly. No. When when she done at 4:30. Exactly. No. When when she wanted to go on vacation and I said, wanted to go on vacation and I said, wanted to go on vacation and I said, "Babe, I need to get two to three more "Babe, I need to get two to three more "Babe, I need to get two to three more clients in order to do this." She's clients in order to do this." She's clients in order to do this." She's like, "Yeah, do it. I want to go on like, "Yeah, do it. I want to go on like, "Yeah, do it. I want to go on vacation." So, she understands. And now vacation." So, she understands. And now vacation." So, she understands. And now going into ministry, her she's in going into ministry, her she's in going into ministry, her she's in ministry with me as well. We just ministry with me as well. We just ministry with me as well. We just understand the sacrifice together of understand the sacrifice together of understand the sacrifice together of what it takes uh to be able to thrive at what it takes uh to be able to thrive at what it takes uh to be able to thrive at the capacity that we believe God has the capacity that we believe God has the capacity that we believe God has called us to. called us to. called us to. So let's go back to So let's go back to So let's go back to 2021,00 people down from 10,000 2021,00 people down from 10,000 2021,00 people down from 10,000 pre-COVID 10,000 members. Pre-COVID we pre-COVID 10,000 members. Pre-COVID we pre-COVID 10,000 members. Pre-COVID we were right at about uh 6,900 uh weekend were right at about uh 6,900 uh weekend were right at about uh 6,900 uh weekend attendance. Yeah. So fraction of what it attendance. Yeah. So fraction of what it attendance. Yeah. So fraction of what it used to be. And you've seen record used to be. And you've seen record used to be. And you've seen record attendance. Yeah. In the last few years.

attendance. Yeah. In the last few years. attendance. Yeah. In the last few years. Um what was the rebuilding like? What Um what was the rebuilding like? What Um what was the rebuilding like? What did you have to do? uh there was a lot did you have to do? uh there was a lot did you have to do? uh there was a lot of things we had to do and and so for of things we had to do and and so for of things we had to do and and so for context we're we're about 7,500 uh context we're we're about 7,500 uh context we're we're about 7,500 uh weekly attendants now and so uh over our weekly attendants now and so uh over our weekly attendants now and so uh over our precoid numbers and um some of the precoid numbers and um some of the precoid numbers and um some of the things we had to do was number one I things we had to do was number one I things we had to do was number one I believe we had to start speaking to the believe we had to start speaking to the believe we had to start speaking to the language of the culture of what we were language of the culture of what we were language of the culture of what we were doing uh right now and what we see so doing uh right now and what we see so doing uh right now and what we see so our church has a heart majority of our church has a heart majority of our church has a heart majority of people who are joining our church today people who are joining our church today people who are joining our church today are not church transfers they are new are not church transfers they are new are not church transfers they are new believers and so that's the heart of our believers and so that's the heart of our believers and so that's the heart of our church evangel Evangelism is the heart church evangel Evangelism is the heart church evangel Evangelism is the heart of our church. Being the hands and feet of our church. Being the hands and feet of our church. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is the heart of our church. And of Jesus is the heart of our church. And of Jesus is the heart of our church. And so we have a feeding center called the so we have a feeding center called the so we have a feeding center called the generosity center that has about $10 generosity center that has about $10 generosity center that has about $10 million worth of food contracts. And so million worth of food contracts. And so million worth of food contracts. And so we have about over 5,000 families every we have about over 5,000 families every we have about over 5,000 families every single week that's getting free food single week that's getting free food single week that's getting free food from our generosity center. So during from our generosity center. So during from our generosity center. So during CO, we built that stronger. Um me and CO, we built that stronger. Um me and CO, we built that stronger. Um me and our team, we went out and chased down uh our team, we went out and chased down uh our team, we went out and chased down uh companies to try to help us to feed companies to try to help us to feed companies to try to help us to feed people. And believe it or not, because people. And believe it or not, because people. And believe it or not, because of COVID, restaurants would be open one of COVID, restaurants would be open one of COVID, restaurants would be open one day. And in California, they'd be closed day. And in California, they'd be closed day. And in California, they'd be closed the next day. So they'd have all these the next day. So they'd have all these the next day. So they'd have all these refrigerators. So that helped us secure refrigerators. So that helped us secure refrigerators. So that helped us secure a lot of relationships that have stayed a lot of relationships that have stayed a lot of relationships that have stayed to this day where we're getting a lot of to this day where we're getting a lot of to this day where we're getting a lot of food for the community who's in need.

food for the community who's in need. food for the community who's in need. And so we're reach we're making sure And so we're reach we're making sure And so we're reach we're making sure that we want to reach people in a very that we want to reach people in a very that we want to reach people in a very practical level. At the same time, uh practical level. At the same time, uh practical level. At the same time, uh we've developed counseling curriculums. we've developed counseling curriculums. we've developed counseling curriculums. And so like if you come through And so like if you come through And so like if you come through counseling for us, we have about 10 counseling for us, we have about 10 counseling for us, we have about 10 video series and we're going to walk you video series and we're going to walk you video series and we're going to walk you through certain counseling needs. And so through certain counseling needs. And so through certain counseling needs. And so we've seen that mental health crisis we've seen that mental health crisis we've seen that mental health crisis peak up. And so we're one of the only peak up. And so we're one of the only peak up. And so we're one of the only churches in our area that you can get churches in our area that you can get churches in our area that you can get time to sit with a pastor after you do time to sit with a pastor after you do time to sit with a pastor after you do the counseling curriculum. And so you the counseling curriculum. And so you the counseling curriculum. And so you get up to two to three sessions for get up to two to three sessions for get up to two to three sessions for free. Uh regardless if you're a believer free. Uh regardless if you're a believer free. Uh regardless if you're a believer or not with a pastoral biblical or not with a pastoral biblical or not with a pastoral biblical counselor. And so uh we're doing things counselor. And so uh we're doing things counselor. And so uh we're doing things like that. Uh we start we started a like that. Uh we start we started a like that. Uh we start we started a podcast that specifically speaks to podcast that specifically speaks to podcast that specifically speaks to culture. And so me and my wife do one culture. And so me and my wife do one culture. And so me and my wife do one culture called Beyond I Do and then we culture called Beyond I Do and then we culture called Beyond I Do and then we have another one called Beyond the have another one called Beyond the have another one called Beyond the Letter. Right now, one in every five Letter. Right now, one in every five Letter. Right now, one in every five first-time visitors refers to our first-time visitors refers to our first-time visitors refers to our podcast as a first thing they interacted podcast as a first thing they interacted podcast as a first thing they interacted with before they came to our church. And with before they came to our church. And with before they came to our church. And so whether it's our marriage one or our so whether it's our marriage one or our so whether it's our marriage one or our lifestyle one where we're talking about lifestyle one where we're talking about lifestyle one where we're talking about it's kind of like a Christian Joe Rogan. it's kind of like a Christian Joe Rogan. it's kind of like a Christian Joe Rogan. So we're talking about everything. Um So we're talking about everything. Um So we're talking about everything. Um the last episode we talked about was the last episode we talked about was the last episode we talked about was self-reliance verse reliance on God, but self-reliance verse reliance on God, but self-reliance verse reliance on God, but we used a a very famous thing that you we used a a very famous thing that you we used a a very famous thing that you know somebody posted as as kind of a a know somebody posted as as kind of a a know somebody posted as as kind of a a trampoline into the conversation. And so trampoline into the conversation. And so trampoline into the conversation. And so we're really trying to speak truth to we're really trying to speak truth to we're really trying to speak truth to culture as we see many young people culture as we see many young people culture as we see many young people having a lot of question marks about a having a lot of question marks about a having a lot of question marks about a lot of topics in the world today. Our lot of topics in the world today. Our lot of topics in the world today. Our podcast is answering those. And so we're podcast is answering those. And so we're podcast is answering those. And so we're not answering having the conversation to not answering having the conversation to not answering having the conversation to them. Unless it's the word of God, then them. Unless it's the word of God, then them. Unless it's the word of God, then that's going to answer things. But that's going to answer things. But that's going to answer things. But otherwise, we're just giving our opinion

otherwise, we're just giving our opinion otherwise, we're just giving our opinion on certain things, but we're talking on certain things, but we're talking on certain things, but we're talking about raising godly children, how to how about raising godly children, how to how about raising godly children, how to how to deal with your children in secular to deal with your children in secular to deal with your children in secular schools, things like that. That's schools, things like that. That's schools, things like that. That's bringing people to our church. And then bringing people to our church. And then bringing people to our church. And then we also I think like many churches we we also I think like many churches we we also I think like many churches we have kept it simple. We are trying our have kept it simple. We are trying our have kept it simple. We are trying our best to just preach the word of God. best to just preach the word of God. best to just preach the word of God. People want to learn the Bible. And so People want to learn the Bible. And so People want to learn the Bible. And so you know in some ways we've taken some you know in some ways we've taken some you know in some ways we've taken some of the glitz and glamour out of some of the glitz and glamour out of some of the glitz and glamour out of some things. We still have dynamic worship. things. We still have dynamic worship. things. We still have dynamic worship. We're a historical black church. So our We're a historical black church. So our We're a historical black church. So our worship is you know people are doing worship is you know people are doing worship is you know people are doing back flips and you know jumping up and back flips and you know jumping up and back flips and you know jumping up and down and having fun. But when we go to down and having fun. But when we go to down and having fun. But when we go to preach the word of God I mean I I am preach the word of God I mean I I am preach the word of God I mean I I am teaching you the Bible. That is my goal. teaching you the Bible. That is my goal. teaching you the Bible. That is my goal. I want you I'm not preaching for your I want you I'm not preaching for your I want you I'm not preaching for your Sunday. I'm teaching for your Monday Sunday. I'm teaching for your Monday Sunday. I'm teaching for your Monday through Saturday so that you can walk through Saturday so that you can walk through Saturday so that you can walk out your faith. And so, um, and that's out your faith. And so, um, and that's out your faith. And so, um, and that's no different. I mean, my dad was doing no different. I mean, my dad was doing no different. I mean, my dad was doing his own version of that, but I think his own version of that, but I think his own version of that, but I think we're seeing the growth right now we're seeing the growth right now we're seeing the growth right now because we're actually trying to because we're actually trying to because we're actually trying to disciple people in community. Our small disciple people in community. Our small disciple people in community. Our small groups are bigger in our church's groups are bigger in our church's groups are bigger in our church's history. And most people say minority history. And most people say minority history. And most people say minority churches, especially black churches, do churches, especially black churches, do churches, especially black churches, do not do small groups. We're right now at not do small groups. We're right now at not do small groups. We're right now at 95% of our weekend attendance is in 95% of our weekend attendance is in 95% of our weekend attendance is in small groups, uh, statistically. And so small groups, uh, statistically. And so small groups, uh, statistically. And so I think all of that together is working I think all of that together is working I think all of that together is working to reach an unchurched. Not not not to reach an unchurched. Not not not to reach an unchurched. Not not not people who left their church looking for people who left their church looking for people who left their church looking for a new church, which that's fine, too. We a new church, which that's fine, too. We a new church, which that's fine, too. We have some of those, but it's people who have some of those, but it's people who have some of those, but it's people who are going, I was Catholic when I was are going, I was Catholic when I was are going, I was Catholic when I was three and I was baptized and that's three and I was baptized and that's three and I was baptized and that's about it, but I've never been in a about it, but I've never been in a about it, but I've never been in a church since. We're getting a lot of church since. We're getting a lot of church since. We're getting a lot of those right now. Today's episode is those right now. Today's episode is those right now. Today's episode is brought to you by Glue. Well, summer's brought to you by Glue. Well, summer's brought to you by Glue. Well, summer's almost here, which means millions of

almost here, which means millions of almost here, which means millions of people are moving. In fact, over 19 people are moving. In fact, over 19 people are moving. In fact, over 19 million people will relocate between May million people will relocate between May million people will relocate between May and August, and more than half of them and August, and more than half of them and August, and more than half of them are actually looking for a new church. are actually looking for a new church. are actually looking for a new church. So, here's the question. Will your So, here's the question. Will your So, here's the question. Will your church be ready to welcome them when church be ready to welcome them when church be ready to welcome them when they move to your community? With the they move to your community? With the they move to your community? With the new mover program in Glue Plus, you can new mover program in Glue Plus, you can new mover program in Glue Plus, you can automatically send personalized automatically send personalized automatically send personalized postcards to new families in your area postcards to new families in your area postcards to new families in your area every single month. You don't have to do every single month. You don't have to do every single month. You don't have to do the printing, the postage, no hassle to the printing, the postage, no hassle to the printing, the postage, no hassle to you. It's the easiest way to make a you. It's the easiest way to make a you. It's the easiest way to make a great first impression and help people great first impression and help people great first impression and help people feel at home in their new neighborhood. feel at home in their new neighborhood. feel at home in their new neighborhood. This is one of the most popular features This is one of the most popular features This is one of the most popular features in Glue Plus and it's now included with in Glue Plus and it's now included with in Glue Plus and it's now included with your membership. If you haven't your membership. If you haven't your membership. If you haven't activated it yet, well, now's the time. activated it yet, well, now's the time. activated it yet, well, now's the time. So, don't wait until summer's already So, don't wait until summer's already So, don't wait until summer's already gone. Visit gone. Visit gone. Visit glue.com/plus. That's gloo.com/plus to activate the new mover gloo.com/plus to activate the new mover program and start welcoming your new program and start welcoming your new program and start welcoming your new neighbors today. I want to talk about neighbors today. I want to talk about neighbors today. I want to talk about the podcast and community groups, but the podcast and community groups, but the podcast and community groups, but let's start with the podcast because you let's start with the podcast because you let's start with the podcast because you and I were at an event uh beautiful palm and I were at an event uh beautiful palm and I were at an event uh beautiful palm trees and I remember you were talking trees and I remember you were talking trees and I remember you were talking about this podcast. Most pastors pastors about this podcast. Most pastors pastors about this podcast. Most pastors pastors are like, I got a podcast because we put are like, I got a podcast because we put are like, I got a podcast because we put my message out on Sunday. I'm sure you my message out on Sunday. I'm sure you my message out on Sunday. I'm sure you do that, but you're talking about do that, but you're talking about do that, but you're talking about something totally different. Talk about something totally different. Talk about something totally different. Talk about your why did you start the podcast? How your why did you start the podcast? How your why did you start the podcast? How is it different? What are you doing? And is it different? What are you doing? And is it different? What are you doing? And why is it drawing approximately 20% of why is it drawing approximately 20% of why is it drawing approximately 20% of your new growth uh by podcast?

your new growth uh by podcast? your new growth uh by podcast? Yeah, I think so. started our beyond the Yeah, I think so. started our beyond the Yeah, I think so. started our beyond the letter two two and a half years ago and letter two two and a half years ago and letter two two and a half years ago and then we started beyond I do a little then we started beyond I do a little then we started beyond I do a little over a year ago and for us what we over a year ago and for us what we over a year ago and for us what we wanted to do was we found I found that wanted to do was we found I found that wanted to do was we found I found that as we were bringing new believers not as we were bringing new believers not as we were bringing new believers not people who grew up in church not people people who grew up in church not people people who grew up in church not people who have been in church for forever um who have been in church for forever um who have been in church for forever um people who had no impact touch to people who had no impact touch to people who had no impact touch to Christianity to faith in Jesus at all Christianity to faith in Jesus at all Christianity to faith in Jesus at all there were a lot of questions that just there were a lot of questions that just there were a lot of questions that just our church and churches were never our church and churches were never our church and churches were never talking about we just assumed example talking about we just assumed example talking about we just assumed example like what? Oh man, for example, uh like what? Oh man, for example, uh like what? Oh man, for example, uh things about what's happening in things about what's happening in things about what's happening in culture, what you know, um um as I as my culture, what you know, um um as I as my culture, what you know, um um as I as my as schools start to open up, should I as schools start to open up, should I as schools start to open up, should I should should I let my kids take sex ed should should I let my kids take sex ed should should I let my kids take sex ed as junior highs, you know? Um and this as junior highs, you know? Um and this as junior highs, you know? Um and this is like not even Christians are asking is like not even Christians are asking is like not even Christians are asking that questions. They're, you know, other that questions. They're, you know, other that questions. They're, you know, other people are asking those questions. Um people are asking those questions. Um people are asking those questions. Um people are asking questions like um how people are asking questions like um how people are asking questions like um how do I have a healthy family? How how do I do I have a healthy family? How how do I do I have a healthy family? How how do I what what is good in the world?

what what is good in the world? what what is good in the world? Everybody's debating about politics and Everybody's debating about politics and Everybody's debating about politics and what's right and what's wrong and so what's right and what's wrong and so what's right and what's wrong and so like what does good what makes a person like what does good what makes a person like what does good what makes a person good? Things that we would in the good? Things that we would in the good? Things that we would in the Christian world go this is very like we Christian world go this is very like we Christian world go this is very like we understand this. We've heard this for understand this. We've heard this for understand this. We've heard this for forever. But to an unbeliever or a new forever. But to an unbeliever or a new forever. But to an unbeliever or a new believer, they don't always know what believer, they don't always know what believer, they don't always know what that is. What I one time had a a new that is. What I one time had a a new that is. What I one time had a a new believer came up to me and she said, believer came up to me and she said, believer came up to me and she said, "Why do you why do you keep referring to "Why do you why do you keep referring to "Why do you why do you keep referring to these guys names? what books are are are these guys names? what books are are are these guys names? what books are are are are is is their names from? I said, are is is their names from? I said, are is is their names from? I said, "What do you mean?" She said, "Like when "What do you mean?" She said, "Like when "What do you mean?" She said, "Like when you say Matthew, like when you're you say Matthew, like when you're you say Matthew, like when you're teaching and a thing goes and it says teaching and a thing goes and it says teaching and a thing goes and it says Matthew, where is Matthew and where is Matthew, where is Matthew and where is Matthew, where is Matthew and where is his book at?" And I said, "This book's his book at?" And I said, "This book's his book at?" And I said, "This book's in the Bible." And she was like, "No, in the Bible." And she was like, "No, in the Bible." And she was like, "No, the Bible's one book." And I was like, the Bible's one book." And I was like, the Bible's one book." And I was like, "No, the Bible's 66 books." And she was "No, the Bible's 66 books." And she was "No, the Bible's 66 books." And she was like, "What? 66 books?" You know, so her like, "What? 66 books?" You know, so her like, "What? 66 books?" You know, so her mind was blown. And a lot of times we mind was blown. And a lot of times we mind was blown. And a lot of times we just don't think. Now, we've changed just don't think. Now, we've changed just don't think. Now, we've changed that in our sermons, too. We do explain that in our sermons, too. We do explain that in our sermons, too. We do explain things as much as possible as well. But things as much as possible as well. But things as much as possible as well. But but beyond the letter has helped us be but beyond the letter has helped us be but beyond the letter has helped us be able to have conversations to see what able to have conversations to see what able to have conversations to see what the normal Christian life looks like.

the normal Christian life looks like. the normal Christian life looks like. What would four Christian friends over What would four Christian friends over What would four Christian friends over lunch be talking about? Well, we'd lunch be talking about? Well, we'd lunch be talking about? Well, we'd probably be talking about what's probably be talking about what's probably be talking about what's happening in society. We'd probably be happening in society. We'd probably be happening in society. We'd probably be talking about that big thing that went talking about that big thing that went talking about that big thing that went viral yesterday and how do we think viral yesterday and how do we think viral yesterday and how do we think about it or what do we feel about it? about it or what do we feel about it? about it or what do we feel about it? And so, as we're having those type of And so, as we're having those type of And so, as we're having those type of conversations, we ended up doing a conversations, we ended up doing a conversations, we ended up doing a marriage spin-off one cuz a lot of marriage spin-off one cuz a lot of marriage spin-off one cuz a lot of people are having relationship stuff. I people are having relationship stuff. I people are having relationship stuff. I I'll make this short, but there was a I'll make this short, but there was a I'll make this short, but there was a day right when we launched our marriage day right when we launched our marriage day right when we launched our marriage one. Our stuff kept going viral, our our one. Our stuff kept going viral, our our one. Our stuff kept going viral, our our marriage stuff. And there was a couple marriage stuff. And there was a couple marriage stuff. And there was a couple who was separated. They were living in who was separated. They were living in who was separated. They were living in two different apartments and they were two different apartments and they were two different apartments and they were going to get a divorce. And um my wife going to get a divorce. And um my wife going to get a divorce. And um my wife started sharing statements about, you started sharing statements about, you started sharing statements about, you know, how much what about biblical know, how much what about biblical know, how much what about biblical submission means and all these things submission means and all these things submission means and all these things like that. and he basically sends her like that. and he basically sends her like that. and he basically sends her the Instagram reel and says, "If if you the Instagram reel and says, "If if you the Instagram reel and says, "If if you thought more like this girl, I don't thought more like this girl, I don't thought more like this girl, I don't think we'd be getting a divorce." And think we'd be getting a divorce." And think we'd be getting a divorce." And turns out while they had been separated, turns out while they had been separated, turns out while they had been separated, that girl actually started coming to our that girl actually started coming to our that girl actually started coming to our church and got saved. We just randomly church and got saved. We just randomly church and got saved. We just randomly showed up on his for you page that it showed up on his for you page that it showed up on his for you page that it was going viral. And so he sends her was going viral. And so he sends her was going viral. And so he sends her another one two days later. Then she another one two days later. Then she another one two days later. Then she sends him one and says, "Oh, look at sends him one and says, "Oh, look at sends him one and says, "Oh, look at this comment what they're saying about this comment what they're saying about this comment what they're saying about marriage here." And then finally she marriage here." And then finally she marriage here." And then finally she says, "Just so you know, those are says, "Just so you know, those are says, "Just so you know, those are pastors. They didn't know we were He pastors. They didn't know we were He pastors. They didn't know we were He didn't know we were pastors. I go to didn't know we were pastors. I go to didn't know we were pastors. I go to their church. I I just got led to Jesus.

their church. I I just got led to Jesus. their church. I I just got led to Jesus. Will you come to church with me?" Today Will you come to church with me?" Today Will you come to church with me?" Today their marriage has come back together. their marriage has come back together. their marriage has come back together. They're living in the same room again, They're living in the same room again, They're living in the same room again, same home. So for me, that that's the same home. So for me, that that's the same home. So for me, that that's the win. It's we're meeting people exactly win. It's we're meeting people exactly win. It's we're meeting people exactly where they're at. We're we're we're where they're at. We're we're we're where they're at. We're we're we're using our faith as a daily life to be using our faith as a daily life to be using our faith as a daily life to be able to have conversations that an able to have conversations that an able to have conversations that an unbeliever can see and say, "I I think I unbeliever can see and say, "I I think I unbeliever can see and say, "I I think I think that's what I want." And then we think that's what I want." And then we think that's what I want." And then we say, well, our secret sauce is Jesus, say, well, our secret sauce is Jesus, say, well, our secret sauce is Jesus, our relationship with God. That's that's our relationship with God. That's that's our relationship with God. That's that's what's driving us. And so that's kind of what's driving us. And so that's kind of what's driving us. And so that's kind of what we're trying to do with our what we're trying to do with our what we're trying to do with our podcast. So you can listen to it and we podcast. So you can listen to it and we podcast. So you can listen to it and we barely ever talk about our church's barely ever talk about our church's barely ever talk about our church's name. We don't even link our church's name. We don't even link our church's name. We don't even link our church's name to it. Our church understands it is name to it. Our church understands it is name to it. Our church understands it is a ministry of ours to reach people far a ministry of ours to reach people far a ministry of ours to reach people far from Jesus. But I want people to step from Jesus. But I want people to step from Jesus. But I want people to step into someone else's church and say, "I into someone else's church and say, "I into someone else's church and say, "I became open to faith because of what became open to faith because of what became open to faith because of what these individuals said." I don't think these individuals said." I don't think these individuals said." I don't think there's a lot of front door to faith there's a lot of front door to faith there's a lot of front door to faith today. I think there's a lot of back-end today. I think there's a lot of back-end today. I think there's a lot of back-end disciplehip, but I don't think there's a disciplehip, but I don't think there's a disciplehip, but I don't think there's a lot of evangelism. I don't think there's lot of evangelism. I don't think there's lot of evangelism. I don't think there's a lot of people opening up the doors for a lot of people opening up the doors for a lot of people opening up the doors for people to be able to see who Jesus is. people to be able to see who Jesus is. people to be able to see who Jesus is. And that's just what we're trying to do And that's just what we're trying to do And that's just what we're trying to do with our podcast. So, it's really not with our podcast. So, it's really not with our podcast. So, it's really not for everyone. If you want to talk about for everyone. If you want to talk about for everyone. If you want to talk about theology and doctrine, I geek out over theology and doctrine, I geek out over theology and doctrine, I geek out over that, but I know that's not my call with that, but I know that's not my call with that, but I know that's not my call with the podcast right now. Um, which a lot the podcast right now. Um, which a lot the podcast right now. Um, which a lot of people are doing with their sermons.

of people are doing with their sermons. of people are doing with their sermons. They do a podcast post with their They do a podcast post with their They do a podcast post with their sermon, which I think is great, but the sermon, which I think is great, but the sermon, which I think is great, but the world isn't asking about the meaning world isn't asking about the meaning world isn't asking about the meaning behind Galatians. They're they're behind Galatians. They're they're behind Galatians. They're they're they're going like, you know, what they're going like, you know, what they're going like, you know, what should what is ethic? What's ethics and should what is ethic? What's ethics and should what is ethic? What's ethics and what's morals? How should I live my what's morals? How should I live my what's morals? How should I live my life? And then it could lead them into life? And then it could lead them into life? And then it could lead them into deeper doctrine and deeper doctrine and deeper doctrine and theology. I think that's a really theology. I think that's a really theology. I think that's a really innovative approach. Now, there are some innovative approach. Now, there are some innovative approach. Now, there are some people going, "Wait a minute, the church people going, "Wait a minute, the church people going, "Wait a minute, the church name isn't there. Uh you're not leading name isn't there. Uh you're not leading name isn't there. Uh you're not leading with an I'm a pastor and you ought to go with an I'm a pastor and you ought to go with an I'm a pastor and you ought to go to." You're not leading with any of to." You're not leading with any of to." You're not leading with any of that. So, you're not speaking to the that. So, you're not speaking to the that. So, you're not speaking to the Christian subculture. You're speaking to Christian subculture. You're speaking to Christian subculture. You're speaking to people. So to ask the question probably people. So to ask the question probably people. So to ask the question probably everybody's asking Adam is well okay how everybody's asking Adam is well okay how everybody's asking Adam is well okay how do they make the connection between you do they make the connection between you do they make the connection between you and Patria the church how do they do and Patria the church how do they do and Patria the church how do they do that how does that happen yeah the main that how does that happen yeah the main that how does that happen yeah the main connection is I'm the host so uh I tell connection is I'm the host so uh I tell connection is I'm the host so uh I tell you who my name is I tell you uh you you who my name is I tell you uh you you who my name is I tell you uh you know in the handle it's my personal know in the handle it's my personal know in the handle it's my personal Instagram and so then people start deep Instagram and so then people start deep Instagram and so then people start deep diving and you know when when you try to diving and you know when when you try to diving and you know when when you try to push something they figure it out people push something they figure it out people push something they figure it out people are hungry who want more people who want are hungry who want more people who want are hungry who want more people who want to learn more there. You know, I had a to learn more there. You know, I had a to learn more there. You know, I had a friend from high school that I hadn't friend from high school that I hadn't friend from high school that I hadn't spoken to for 17 years who's married spoken to for 17 years who's married spoken to for 17 years who's married with children, and about 6 months ago, with children, and about 6 months ago, with children, and about 6 months ago, he said he DM'd me on Instagram and he said he DM'd me on Instagram and he said he DM'd me on Instagram and said, "I started listening to your said, "I started listening to your said, "I started listening to your podcast. I like the way you talk about podcast. I like the way you talk about podcast. I like the way you talk about things. Um, I'd like to start reading things. Um, I'd like to start reading things. Um, I'd like to start reading the Bible. What do you suggest I start the Bible. What do you suggest I start the Bible. What do you suggest I start reading?" And he and his wife, who I reading?" And he and his wife, who I reading?" And he and his wife, who I knew in high school, too, messaged me knew in high school, too, messaged me knew in high school, too, messaged me and said, "He has never been open about and said, "He has never been open about and said, "He has never been open about faith in church in his entire life. He's faith in church in his entire life. He's faith in church in his entire life. He's never been to church before. And because

never been to church before. And because never been to church before. And because of your podcast, he's thinking about of your podcast, he's thinking about of your podcast, he's thinking about opening the Bible." So, I asked him for opening the Bible." So, I asked him for opening the Bible." So, I asked him for his address. I sent him a Bible. I sent his address. I sent him a Bible. I sent his address. I sent him a Bible. I sent him a devotional. And uh he's in Mark him a devotional. And uh he's in Mark him a devotional. And uh he's in Mark chapter 5 right now. And so, and he's chapter 5 right now. And so, and he's chapter 5 right now. And so, and he's reading the Bible. He's yet to come to reading the Bible. He's yet to come to reading the Bible. He's yet to come to my church. But if I'm living the way I my church. But if I'm living the way I my church. But if I'm living the way I don't I don't what I what we do as don't I don't what I what we do as don't I don't what I what we do as believers isn't to fill butts and seats. believers isn't to fill butts and seats. believers isn't to fill butts and seats. That's not what I'm called to do. I'm That's not what I'm called to do. I'm That's not what I'm called to do. I'm called to radically share the gospel, called to radically share the gospel, called to radically share the gospel, the love of Jesus, and bring people to the love of Jesus, and bring people to the love of Jesus, and bring people to repentance and faith. And if it's my repentance and faith. And if it's my repentance and faith. And if it's my church or someone else's, praise God church or someone else's, praise God church or someone else's, praise God that they be grown in that. And so our that they be grown in that. And so our that they be grown in that. And so our church understands that that's a mission church understands that that's a mission church understands that that's a mission and vision of ours. And people who want and vision of ours. And people who want and vision of ours. And people who want to know who I am, they go they they go to know who I am, they go they they go to know who I am, they go they they go and they find Adam Messa and they oh and they find Adam Messa and they oh and they find Adam Messa and they oh he's a pastor. I wonder where his he's a pastor. I wonder where his he's a pastor. I wonder where his churches. A woman thought I was because churches. A woman thought I was because churches. A woman thought I was because I was talking about Jesus through my I was talking about Jesus through my I was talking about Jesus through my podcast. She thought I was a pastor in podcast. She thought I was a pastor in podcast. She thought I was a pastor in Texas. And so she showed me she had on Texas. And so she showed me she had on Texas. And so she showed me she had on her vision board to visit me in Texas. her vision board to visit me in Texas. her vision board to visit me in Texas. And come to find out a friend invited And come to find out a friend invited And come to find out a friend invited her to our church and her third week she her to our church and her third week she her to our church and her third week she realized I'm the guy she'd been realized I'm the guy she'd been realized I'm the guy she'd been listening to for 6 months. She had no listening to for 6 months. She had no listening to for 6 months. She had no idea. Crazy. So, she'd already been to idea. Crazy. So, she'd already been to idea. Crazy. So, she'd already been to your church and finally connected the your church and finally connected the your church and finally connected the dots and and cuz on Sundays I wear a dots and and cuz on Sundays I wear a dots and and cuz on Sundays I wear a blazer and you know I dress up a little blazer and you know I dress up a little blazer and you know I dress up a little bit more cuz I do I'm aware of my my bit more cuz I do I'm aware of my my bit more cuz I do I'm aware of my my crowd and who I'm pastoring and so I'll crowd and who I'm pastoring and so I'll crowd and who I'm pastoring and so I'll wear but one Sunday I happen to wear a wear but one Sunday I happen to wear a wear but one Sunday I happen to wear a hoodie and a hat and she connected the hoodie and a hat and she connected the hoodie and a hat and she connected the dots and was like oh cuz I in the dots and was like oh cuz I in the dots and was like oh cuz I in the podcast I dress very down and so you podcast I dress very down and so you podcast I dress very down and so you know it's Yeah. So I got to ask how is know it's Yeah. So I got to ask how is know it's Yeah. So I got to ask how is the podcast going viral? Is it audio? Is the podcast going viral? Is it audio? Is the podcast going viral? Is it audio? Is it YouTube? Is it social media? What are

it YouTube? Is it social media? What are it YouTube? Is it social media? What are what are you doing to get the word out what are you doing to get the word out what are you doing to get the word out and where does it seem to be connecting and where does it seem to be connecting and where does it seem to be connecting the most? Yeah. So, my team that's the most? Yeah. So, my team that's the most? Yeah. So, my team that's producing the podcast, most of them are producing the podcast, most of them are producing the podcast, most of them are under 22 years old and so uh they have a under 22 years old and so uh they have a under 22 years old and so uh they have a natural eye for what we're doing and I natural eye for what we're doing and I natural eye for what we're doing and I and again I have a background in this. and again I have a background in this. and again I have a background in this. So, I' I've produced podcasts for uh you So, I' I've produced podcasts for uh you So, I' I've produced podcasts for uh you know the King family and some people know the King family and some people know the King family and some people that you know teams at Facebook and that you know teams at Facebook and that you know teams at Facebook and other stuff. So, it's what I've done in other stuff. So, it's what I've done in other stuff. So, it's what I've done in my for other people for years. And so it my for other people for years. And so it my for other people for years. And so it just happens virality with Tik Tok and just happens virality with Tik Tok and just happens virality with Tik Tok and other stuff is built different now. So other stuff is built different now. So other stuff is built different now. So there's a couple main things. Number one there's a couple main things. Number one there's a couple main things. Number one is we are talking about things that are is we are talking about things that are is we are talking about things that are controversial. One of the things we controversial. One of the things we controversial. One of the things we don't touch as a podcast is we don't don't touch as a podcast is we don't don't touch as a podcast is we don't touch politicians or heavy politics cuz touch politicians or heavy politics cuz touch politicians or heavy politics cuz I think that is very divisive. But what I think that is very divisive. But what I think that is very divisive. But what we will talk about is the ideas behind we will talk about is the ideas behind we will talk about is the ideas behind some of these things. And so, um, like some of these things. And so, um, like some of these things. And so, um, like right now, one of the things that I right now, one of the things that I right now, one of the things that I consistently go viral for that still is consistently go viral for that still is consistently go viral for that still is going viral every single day is I made a going viral every single day is I made a going viral every single day is I made a comment one day that I had told all of comment one day that I had told all of comment one day that I had told all of my four friends, cuz I have four very my four friends, cuz I have four very my four friends, cuz I have four very close friends. I said, if you ever see close friends. I said, if you ever see close friends. I said, if you ever see me hit on another woman publicly, you me hit on another woman publicly, you me hit on another woman publicly, you don't you can immediately go and tell my don't you can immediately go and tell my don't you can immediately go and tell my wife on me. You can call my wife and wife on me. You can call my wife and wife on me. You can call my wife and say, "I saw Adam. He flirted with a say, "I saw Adam. He flirted with a say, "I saw Adam. He flirted with a waitress. You don't have to warn me. You waitress. You don't have to warn me. You waitress. You don't have to warn me. You don't have to check me. I know that's don't have to check me. I know that's don't have to check me. I know that's wrong. I know I shouldn't be doing that.

wrong. I know I shouldn't be doing that. wrong. I know I shouldn't be doing that. Snitch on me to hopefully save my Snitch on me to hopefully save my Snitch on me to hopefully save my marriage. Well, that got clipped and marriage. Well, that got clipped and marriage. Well, that got clipped and people love it. People hate it. People people love it. People hate it. People people love it. People hate it. People are like, "Who is this guy? Where do are like, "Who is this guy? Where do are like, "Who is this guy? Where do people actually do this?" And and then people actually do this?" And and then people actually do this?" And and then other men are DMing me say, "Hey, I other men are DMing me say, "Hey, I other men are DMing me say, "Hey, I actually need this accountability. I actually need this accountability. I actually need this accountability. I find myself." So, we're we're kind of find myself." So, we're we're kind of find myself." So, we're we're kind of we're we're sharing our beliefs as that we're we're sharing our beliefs as that we're we're sharing our beliefs as that a normal Christian would be like, "Yeah, a normal Christian would be like, "Yeah, a normal Christian would be like, "Yeah, you shouldn't be hitting on a waitress." you shouldn't be hitting on a waitress." you shouldn't be hitting on a waitress." But people who aren't believers and but But people who aren't believers and but But people who aren't believers and but I mean, even Christians are foolish, I mean, even Christians are foolish, I mean, even Christians are foolish, too. But you know, it's just the the the too. But you know, it's just the the the too. But you know, it's just the the the practical way that we're having practical way that we're having practical way that we're having conversation is we're talking about conversation is we're talking about conversation is we're talking about things that the average person want. And things that the average person want. And things that the average person want. And I'm okay. One of the things co taught me I'm okay. One of the things co taught me I'm okay. One of the things co taught me is not everyone is going to like me. And is not everyone is going to like me. And is not everyone is going to like me. And so if I had this podcast precoid, I so if I had this podcast precoid, I so if I had this podcast precoid, I would have thought, well, I want to have would have thought, well, I want to have would have thought, well, I want to have a church that everyone wants to come to. a church that everyone wants to come to. a church that everyone wants to come to. Well, the reality is you could be the Well, the reality is you could be the Well, the reality is you could be the most perfect person. You look at Joel most perfect person. You look at Joel most perfect person. You look at Joel Ostein. He smiles every Sunday. He talks Ostein. He smiles every Sunday. He talks Ostein. He smiles every Sunday. He talks about all all the good things and half about all all the good things and half about all all the good things and half of the people still won't listen, you of the people still won't listen, you of the people still won't listen, you know. So, so I realized there is nothing know. So, so I realized there is nothing know. So, so I realized there is nothing that I could do or talk about where that I could do or talk about where that I could do or talk about where everybody's going to say I love this everybody's going to say I love this everybody's going to say I love this guy. I agree with what he says. So when guy. I agree with what he says. So when guy. I agree with what he says. So when I realized I said actually the things I realized I said actually the things I realized I said actually the things that I would talk about privately about that I would talk about privately about that I would talk about privately about the way I discipline my life and the way the way I discipline my life and the way the way I discipline my life and the way that I my marriage is ran and the way that I my marriage is ran and the way that I my marriage is ran and the way that I think about what's going on in that I think about what's going on in that I think about what's going on in the newspapers and stuff if I share that the newspapers and stuff if I share that the newspapers and stuff if I share that publicly there are going to be people publicly there are going to be people publicly there are going to be people that are going to start to oh wait I I I that are going to start to oh wait I I I that are going to start to oh wait I I I I think that way or maybe I don't think I think that way or maybe I don't think I think that way or maybe I don't think that way and I'm one of I'll just say that way and I'm one of I'll just say that way and I'm one of I'll just say one of the things that does I don't know one of the things that does I don't know one of the things that does I don't know your thoughts on this Carrie but it it

your thoughts on this Carrie but it it your thoughts on this Carrie but it it does bother me that in America we talk does bother me that in America we talk does bother me that in America we talk pastors mostly talk about free speech pastors mostly talk about free speech pastors mostly talk about free speech speech and stuff, but they're always speech and stuff, but they're always speech and stuff, but they're always hiding their comments and limiting their hiding their comments and limiting their hiding their comments and limiting their comments for people to comment. And so comments for people to comment. And so comments for people to comment. And so it doesn't it doesn't make any sense to it doesn't it doesn't make any sense to it doesn't it doesn't make any sense to me if we believe in the dots. That's the me if we believe in the dots. That's the me if we believe in the dots. That's the genius insight, Adam. I'll see a pastor genius insight, Adam. I'll see a pastor genius insight, Adam. I'll see a pastor going viral and then I'll open up the going viral and then I'll open up the going viral and then I'll open up the comments and say comments have been comments and say comments have been comments and say comments have been limited or people going, "Why are you limited or people going, "Why are you limited or people going, "Why are you deleting my comment?" And and I'm going deleting my comment?" And and I'm going deleting my comment?" And and I'm going like, "Why are we taking advantage of like, "Why are we taking advantage of like, "Why are we taking advantage of free speech but not also letting free free speech but not also letting free free speech but not also letting free free speech happen?" So in my comments, free speech happen?" So in my comments, free speech happen?" So in my comments, it sometimes is a bloodbath. I don't it sometimes is a bloodbath. I don't it sometimes is a bloodbath. I don't engage with it. I don't talk in it. I I engage with it. I don't talk in it. I I engage with it. I don't talk in it. I I know what God's called me to do, which know what God's called me to do, which know what God's called me to do, which is have conversations. Our culture go is have conversations. Our culture go is have conversations. Our culture go there. Mhm. Cuz let it stretch you. Let there. Mhm. Cuz let it stretch you. Let there. Mhm. Cuz let it stretch you. Let it challenge you. Let it grow you. I I it challenge you. Let it grow you. I I it challenge you. Let it grow you. I I I'm glad what I said is making you feel I'm glad what I said is making you feel I'm glad what I said is making you feel uncomfortable because hopefully by time uncomfortable because hopefully by time uncomfortable because hopefully by time you meet Jesus, Jesus is going to ask you meet Jesus, Jesus is going to ask you meet Jesus, Jesus is going to ask you to do a lot of uncomfortable things. you to do a lot of uncomfortable things. you to do a lot of uncomfortable things. So if the sheer fact of me just saying, So if the sheer fact of me just saying, So if the sheer fact of me just saying, "Hey, be accountable to your wife in "Hey, be accountable to your wife in "Hey, be accountable to your wife in marriage is angrily to you, then just marriage is angrily to you, then just marriage is angrily to you, then just wait until you meet Jesus and the other wait until you meet Jesus and the other wait until you meet Jesus and the other things he starts speaking to you to do."

things he starts speaking to you to do." things he starts speaking to you to do." So I I embrace it. You know, I always So I I embrace it. You know, I always So I I embrace it. You know, I always tell my team, don't delete comments. tell my team, don't delete comments. tell my team, don't delete comments. Don't don't block people. Don't Now, Don't don't block people. Don't Now, Don't don't block people. Don't Now, there rare times we maybe have had to do there rare times we maybe have had to do there rare times we maybe have had to do it out of bullying or whatever, but it out of bullying or whatever, but it out of bullying or whatever, but other than that, we say, "Hey, we're a other than that, we say, "Hey, we're a other than that, we say, "Hey, we're a free market. We're a town hall. That's free market. We're a town hall. That's free market. We're a town hall. That's what we want our church to serve as, and what we want our church to serve as, and what we want our church to serve as, and we want to encourage our congregation." we want to encourage our congregation." we want to encourage our congregation." Oh, you don't like what he said? Yeah. Oh, you don't like what he said? Yeah. Oh, you don't like what he said? Yeah. go talk to him about it because because go talk to him about it because because go talk to him about it because because that's what I want, you know? I want to that's what I want, you know? I want to that's what I want, you know? I want to be able to talk. Hey, let's let let's be able to talk. Hey, let's let let's be able to talk. Hey, let's let let's talk about what what I said made you talk about what what I said made you talk about what what I said made you feel uncomfortable. What have been some feel uncomfortable. What have been some feel uncomfortable. What have been some other keys to seeing your church really other keys to seeing your church really other keys to seeing your church really uh, you know, grow 6x in the last 5 uh, you know, grow 6x in the last 5 uh, you know, grow 6x in the last 5 years? I think one of the biggest things years? I think one of the biggest things years? I think one of the biggest things is make baptism a big deal. It's one of is make baptism a big deal. It's one of is make baptism a big deal. It's one of two things Jesus left us with, communion two things Jesus left us with, communion two things Jesus left us with, communion and baptism. And so, communion should be and baptism. And so, communion should be and baptism. And so, communion should be sacred. Uh, communion should be sacred. Uh, communion should be sacred. Uh, communion should be reverent. Communion should be special reverent. Communion should be special reverent. Communion should be special and but baptize people like just so for and but baptize people like just so for and but baptize people like just so for us we make baptism a big deal. Everybody us we make baptism a big deal. Everybody us we make baptism a big deal. Everybody gets a shirt. We change the shirt every gets a shirt. We change the shirt every gets a shirt. We change the shirt every single year. Uh we put a 40ft pool in single year. Uh we put a 40ft pool in single year. Uh we put a 40ft pool in the center of the sanctuary. We worship the center of the sanctuary. We worship the center of the sanctuary. We worship God and celebrate. Um last year there God and celebrate. Um last year there God and celebrate. Um last year there was a movement called Baptize uh was a movement called Baptize uh was a movement called Baptize uh California. This year it's called California. This year it's called California. This year it's called Baptize America and uh the church called Baptize America and uh the church called Baptize America and uh the church called Oceans Church is leading it. Mark Oceans Church is leading it. Mark Oceans Church is leading it. Mark Francancy, incredible pastor. But we Francancy, incredible pastor. But we Francancy, incredible pastor. But we participated in Baptize California and participated in Baptize California and participated in Baptize California and and I don't say this braggadociously or and I don't say this braggadociously or and I don't say this braggadociously or anything. There was about 350 churches anything. There was about 350 churches anything. There was about 350 churches involved in it. About 20,000 people got involved in it. About 20,000 people got involved in it. About 20,000 people got baptized on Pentecost Sunday last year.

baptized on Pentecost Sunday last year. baptized on Pentecost Sunday last year. Our church had the single most baptisms Our church had the single most baptisms Our church had the single most baptisms of any church that participated. We of any church that participated. We of any church that participated. We had,00 people get baptized on one had,00 people get baptized on one had,00 people get baptized on one Sunday. And um we we weren't even Sunday. And um we we weren't even Sunday. And um we we weren't even expecting it. We had about 650 signed expecting it. We had about 650 signed expecting it. We had about 650 signed up. We had over 400 impromptu people get up. We had over 400 impromptu people get up. We had over 400 impromptu people get baptized their clothes on. And so we baptized their clothes on. And so we baptized their clothes on. And so we always make a promise. We preach the always make a promise. We preach the always make a promise. We preach the gospel and we say if you decide to come gospel and we say if you decide to come gospel and we say if you decide to come in your clothes, we have an entire set in your clothes, we have an entire set in your clothes, we have an entire set of shirt and shorts and socks in a box of shirt and shorts and socks in a box of shirt and shorts and socks in a box that we'll give you. Don't let the fact that we'll give you. Don't let the fact that we'll give you. Don't let the fact that you didn't come here prepared be that you didn't come here prepared be that you didn't come here prepared be the thing that stops you. And we had a the thing that stops you. And we had a the thing that stops you. And we had a little close to 400 people that day in little close to 400 people that day in little close to 400 people that day in suits, jeans, t-shirts decide to get suits, jeans, t-shirts decide to get suits, jeans, t-shirts decide to get baptized on Pentecost Sunday. And so we baptized on Pentecost Sunday. And so we baptized on Pentecost Sunday. And so we do it every single quarter. Last year do it every single quarter. Last year do it every single quarter. Last year was our most in our church's history. was our most in our church's history. was our most in our church's history. 1,900 people were baptized. Um, I'm 1,900 people were baptized. Um, I'm 1,900 people were baptized. Um, I'm believing God for even more this year, believing God for even more this year, believing God for even more this year, not because I care about the numbers, not because I care about the numbers, not because I care about the numbers, but I care about the souls. And I but I care about the souls. And I but I care about the souls. And I believe God has called us to a season to believe God has called us to a season to believe God has called us to a season to reach lost people. And there's more lost reach lost people. And there's more lost reach lost people. And there's more lost people, you know, than ever. There's people, you know, than ever. There's people, you know, than ever. There's more believers, you know, in history more believers, you know, in history more believers, you know, in history with billions, but there's also more with billions, but there's also more with billions, but there's also more lost people at the same time. And so, I lost people at the same time. And so, I lost people at the same time. And so, I I would just love for our church patriot I would just love for our church patriot I would just love for our church patriot to be rooted in preaching the gospel and to be rooted in preaching the gospel and to be rooted in preaching the gospel and allowing lost people a space to find allowing lost people a space to find allowing lost people a space to find Jesus and find salvation. And so South Jesus and find salvation. And so South Jesus and find salvation. And so South baptism is just to me absolutely baptism is just to me absolutely baptism is just to me absolutely critical about it. We used to have it in critical about it. We used to have it in critical about it. We used to have it in a back tank. We would do 40 people a a back tank. We would do 40 people a a back tank. We would do 40 people a year and it was kind of secondhand kind year and it was kind of secondhand kind year and it was kind of secondhand kind of not for any reason. Not you know it of not for any reason. Not you know it of not for any reason. Not you know it just sometimes in church you just you just sometimes in church you just you just sometimes in church you just you get you take the religious stuff and you get you take the religious stuff and you get you take the religious stuff and you oh that's religious let's just put it

oh that's religious let's just put it oh that's religious let's just put it behind the scenes. And man I think if it behind the scenes. And man I think if it behind the scenes. And man I think if it if Jesus said it make a big deal of it if Jesus said it make a big deal of it if Jesus said it make a big deal of it because chances are he's going to because chances are he's going to because chances are he's going to breathe life into it if you do. breathe life into it if you do. breathe life into it if you do. 95% of your average weekend attendance 95% of your average weekend attendance 95% of your average weekend attendance in community groups. Two things. Uh how in community groups. Two things. Uh how in community groups. Two things. Uh how and why? Why? Like that's something and why? Why? Like that's something and why? Why? Like that's something you're celebrating. A lot of churches you're celebrating. A lot of churches you're celebrating. A lot of churches are questioning community groups right are questioning community groups right are questioning community groups right now. You're like, "No, we're doubling now. You're like, "No, we're doubling now. You're like, "No, we're doubling down on that." So why' you do it? And down on that." So why' you do it? And down on that." So why' you do it? And then how did you do it? Yeah, I think then how did you do it? Yeah, I think then how did you do it? Yeah, I think there's a few ways that we did it. So we there's a few ways that we did it. So we there's a few ways that we did it. So we we take the Highlands model and so we do we take the Highlands model and so we do we take the Highlands model and so we do seasonal. And so um we do we do, you seasonal. And so um we do we do, you seasonal. And so um we do we do, you know, three to four seasons a year. 8 know, three to four seasons a year. 8 know, three to four seasons a year. 8 week 8w week, 12week, 8week. And so, um, week 8w week, 12week, 8week. And so, um, week 8w week, 12week, 8week. And so, um, one of the things we had to do as a one of the things we had to do as a one of the things we had to do as a church is, uh, number one, we were church is, uh, number one, we were church is, uh, number one, we were working against a culture. So, minority working against a culture. So, minority working against a culture. So, minority culture, African-American, Hispanics culture, African-American, Hispanics culture, African-American, Hispanics don't tend to live in apartments, don't don't tend to live in apartments, don't don't tend to live in apartments, don't have the nicer homes. And so, to tell have the nicer homes. And so, to tell have the nicer homes. And so, to tell people, invite them into your home. In people, invite them into your home. In people, invite them into your home. In the black community, if you get invited the black community, if you get invited the black community, if you get invited into someone's home, you're not a into someone's home, you're not a into someone's home, you're not a friend, you're family. It's a huge leap, friend, you're family. It's a huge leap, friend, you're family. It's a huge leap, you know, whereas other cultures, it's you know, whereas other cultures, it's you know, whereas other cultures, it's like, oh, bring your friend Johnny over.

like, oh, bring your friend Johnny over. like, oh, bring your friend Johnny over. We'll have some lemonade. You know, like We'll have some lemonade. You know, like We'll have some lemonade. You know, like in the black culture, you get invited to in the black culture, you get invited to in the black culture, you get invited to someone's home, you're you're a cousin. someone's home, you're you're a cousin. someone's home, you're you're a cousin. You're now a play cousin. So, it's it's You're now a play cousin. So, it's it's You're now a play cousin. So, it's it's it there there's a lot of cultural it there there's a lot of cultural it there there's a lot of cultural things you're working through. Hispanic things you're working through. Hispanic things you're working through. Hispanic family still a little bit more open, but family still a little bit more open, but family still a little bit more open, but still very chaotic. Families, still very chaotic. Families, still very chaotic. Families, lifestyles, busyiness, all that stuff. lifestyles, busyiness, all that stuff. lifestyles, busyiness, all that stuff. So, for us, what we did is about 6 years So, for us, what we did is about 6 years So, for us, what we did is about 6 years ago, we knew we had to kind of starve ago, we knew we had to kind of starve ago, we knew we had to kind of starve our church in some way. We used to be our church in some way. We used to be our church in some way. We used to be the Burger King model, which was you can the Burger King model, which was you can the Burger King model, which was you can have it your way. So we had singles have it your way. So we had singles have it your way. So we had singles ministry, young adult min, and these ministry, young adult min, and these ministry, young adult min, and these were all weekly ministries. Men's were all weekly ministries. Men's were all weekly ministries. Men's ministry, women's ministry. They all met ministry, women's ministry. They all met ministry, women's ministry. They all met every single week, and each one had, you every single week, and each one had, you every single week, and each one had, you know, 60 people here, 20 people here, know, 60 people here, 20 people here, know, 60 people here, 20 people here, 10. And people had full-time jobs just 10. And people had full-time jobs just 10. And people had full-time jobs just running 60 people, 80 people, all that running 60 people, 80 people, all that running 60 people, 80 people, all that stuff. So when I started taking over, I stuff. So when I started taking over, I stuff. So when I started taking over, I I just said, "Dad, we've tried small I just said, "Dad, we've tried small I just said, "Dad, we've tried small groups, but we've never stopped doing groups, but we've never stopped doing groups, but we've never stopped doing everything else. We've always just everything else. We've always just everything else. We've always just treated it as one of the one of the treated it as one of the one of the treated it as one of the one of the things to add on top of everything things to add on top of everything things to add on top of everything else." So I said, "I think if we have to else." So I said, "I think if we have to else." So I said, "I think if we have to do it, we we have to get rid of do it, we we have to get rid of do it, we we have to get rid of everything, like everything besides everything, like everything besides everything, like everything besides Wednesdays and Sundays." And he was Wednesdays and Sundays." And he was Wednesdays and Sundays." And he was like, "All right, let's do it." So we like, "All right, let's do it." So we like, "All right, let's do it." So we cut young adult. So we when people ask cut young adult. So we when people ask cut young adult. So we when people ask me, "Hey, when does young adult meets?"

me, "Hey, when does young adult meets?" me, "Hey, when does young adult meets?" I say, "Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00." I say, "Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00." I say, "Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00." That's when young adult meets every That's when young adult meets every That's when young adult meets every Sunday. We're not building a mini church Sunday. We're not building a mini church Sunday. We're not building a mini church for you. You know, we have kids for you. You know, we have kids for you. You know, we have kids ministry, we have youth ministry, but ministry, we have youth ministry, but ministry, we have youth ministry, but after that it's all adult ministry. Hey, after that it's all adult ministry. Hey, after that it's all adult ministry. Hey, where's our singles ministry? It's where's our singles ministry? It's where's our singles ministry? It's called serving. you start serving, called serving. you start serving, called serving. you start serving, you're gonna start meeting singles, you you're gonna start meeting singles, you you're gonna start meeting singles, you know, like. So, it's not perfect, but we know, like. So, it's not perfect, but we know, like. So, it's not perfect, but we and we do every once in a while we'll and we do every once in a while we'll and we do every once in a while we'll have mixers and we have quarterly young have mixers and we have quarterly young have mixers and we have quarterly young adult nights. And so, whenever we have adult nights. And so, whenever we have adult nights. And so, whenever we have something special, so now we do two something special, so now we do two something special, so now we do two men's nights a year, two women's nights men's nights a year, two women's nights men's nights a year, two women's nights a year, four young adult nights a year. a year, four young adult nights a year. a year, four young adult nights a year. Every time we have those nights, five Every time we have those nights, five Every time we have those nights, five minutes of the entire itinerary is minutes of the entire itinerary is minutes of the entire itinerary is talking about small groups and saying if talking about small groups and saying if talking about small groups and saying if you're not meeting in a small group, you're not meeting in a small group, you're not meeting in a small group, then this night does not matter because then this night does not matter because then this night does not matter because this night is meant to fill you and show this night is meant to fill you and show this night is meant to fill you and show you the options for community. And so we you the options for community. And so we you the options for community. And so we just had a men's night last week. 10 just had a men's night last week. 10 just had a men's night last week. 10 minutes to the whole night was talking minutes to the whole night was talking minutes to the whole night was talking to five guys who started a small group to five guys who started a small group to five guys who started a small group with men that were all incarcerated. And with men that were all incarcerated. And with men that were all incarcerated. And so we talked about, hey, if you have a so we talked about, hey, if you have a so we talked about, hey, if you have a past, if you have, you know, drug abuse, past, if you have, you know, drug abuse, past, if you have, you know, drug abuse, incarceration in the past, this is incarceration in the past, this is incarceration in the past, this is potentially a group for you. Are they potentially a group for you. Are they potentially a group for you. Are they tripled in size the next Saturday? You tripled in size the next Saturday? You tripled in size the next Saturday? You know, so, so for me, it was we got to know, so, so for me, it was we got to know, so, so for me, it was we got to start people when we do have specialty start people when we do have specialty start people when we do have specialty nights, we need to point to community.

nights, we need to point to community. nights, we need to point to community. And so for us, as we pointed to that, And so for us, as we pointed to that, And so for us, as we pointed to that, and then the last thing that we did and then the last thing that we did and then the last thing that we did was twice a year in between our small was twice a year in between our small was twice a year in between our small groups, we do what we call disciplehip groups, we do what we call disciplehip groups, we do what we call disciplehip sprints. and we take one topic and we sprints. and we take one topic and we sprints. and we take one topic and we put roundts all in our sanctuary. So put roundts all in our sanctuary. So put roundts all in our sanctuary. So everybody has to sit with each other in everybody has to sit with each other in everybody has to sit with each other in circles and we do a fiveweek sprint on circles and we do a fiveweek sprint on circles and we do a fiveweek sprint on one particular uh subject. And so we've one particular uh subject. And so we've one particular uh subject. And so we've done a men's one where we just taught done a men's one where we just taught done a men's one where we just taught Luke Luke 252, Jesus grew in wisdom, Luke Luke 252, Jesus grew in wisdom, Luke Luke 252, Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God, favor with man. stature, favor with God, favor with man. stature, favor with God, favor with man. We did a fiveweek women's one. Uh we did We did a fiveweek women's one. Uh we did We did a fiveweek women's one. Uh we did a five this last one we did five weeks a five this last one we did five weeks a five this last one we did five weeks on how to read your Bible by yourself. on how to read your Bible by yourself. on how to read your Bible by yourself. So, we just taught how to read the So, we just taught how to read the So, we just taught how to read the Bible. And we're having over a thousand Bible. And we're having over a thousand Bible. And we're having over a thousand people show up to all of those every people show up to all of those every people show up to all of those every time, every time we do one. And then time, every time we do one. And then time, every time we do one. And then that whole point of when you're at that that whole point of when you're at that that whole point of when you're at that is you're sitting in a table of six and is you're sitting in a table of six and is you're sitting in a table of six and we say, "Hey, with this table you've sat we say, "Hey, with this table you've sat we say, "Hey, with this table you've sat with five weeks. Would you consider with five weeks. Would you consider with five weeks. Would you consider doing a small group with this group?" doing a small group with this group?" doing a small group with this group?" And then a lot of times people go, And then a lot of times people go, And then a lot of times people go, "Yeah, I would these I really got along "Yeah, I would these I really got along "Yeah, I would these I really got along with these people. I'll do it." You with these people. I'll do it." You with these people. I'll do it." You know, and so everything we're doing at know, and so everything we're doing at know, and so everything we're doing at the end it's capped with, "Hey, would the end it's capped with, "Hey, would the end it's capped with, "Hey, would you continue to do life with these you continue to do life with these you continue to do life with these individuals?" How do you overcome the individuals?" How do you overcome the individuals?" How do you overcome the home issue? Like if you are you sending home issue? Like if you are you sending home issue? Like if you are you sending are you doing it at the church or are are you doing it at the church or are are you doing it at the church or are you still sending them to people's you still sending them to people's you still sending them to people's homes? We're letting people rotate into homes? We're letting people rotate into homes? We're letting people rotate into their church into the church campuses their church into the church campuses their church into the church campuses where uh people are holding it at where uh people are holding it at where uh people are holding it at Starbucks. People are I mean you know Starbucks. People are I mean you know Starbucks. People are I mean you know the third space has lost its value today the third space has lost its value today the third space has lost its value today but um people are slowly opening up but um people are slowly opening up but um people are slowly opening up their homes but they're also um meeting their homes but they're also um meeting their homes but they're also um meeting at parks and things like that. And so uh at parks and things like that. And so uh at parks and things like that. And so uh people are finding creative ways to work people are finding creative ways to work people are finding creative ways to work it out. And you know coffee shops are so

it out. And you know coffee shops are so it out. And you know coffee shops are so popular nowadays. So most people are popular nowadays. So most people are popular nowadays. So most people are doing them at coffee shops. That's doing them at coffee shops. That's doing them at coffee shops. That's that's where most of the time it that's where most of the time it that's where most of the time it happens. Yeah. happens. Yeah. happens. Yeah. What is the biggest surprise to you What is the biggest surprise to you What is the biggest surprise to you since you became the lead pastor? You're since you became the lead pastor? You're since you became the lead pastor? You're like, I had no idea. like, I had no idea. like, I had no idea. Well, I mean, I think anyone would say, Well, I mean, I think anyone would say, Well, I mean, I think anyone would say, I had no idea the weight was going to be I had no idea the weight was going to be I had no idea the weight was going to be what it was. And so, I think just being what it was. And so, I think just being what it was. And so, I think just being next to my dad for so many years, I next to my dad for so many years, I next to my dad for so many years, I figured, oh, I I could do this. Like, I figured, oh, I I could do this. Like, I figured, oh, I I could do this. Like, I could, you know, I I see it stressful. could, you know, I I see it stressful. could, you know, I I see it stressful. and and then you know the month that I and and then you know the month that I and and then you know the month that I took over and then we had to step into a took over and then we had to step into a took over and then we had to step into a capital campaign because our church had capital campaign because our church had capital campaign because our church had all seen so much growth across all of all seen so much growth across all of all seen so much growth across all of our campuses. I was like I had no idea. our campuses. I was like I had no idea. our campuses. I was like I had no idea. There's just days that I'm just awake at There's just days that I'm just awake at There's just days that I'm just awake at night. I I slept like a baby, you know, night. I I slept like a baby, you know, night. I I slept like a baby, you know, before this. Now I'm just awake. Uh now before this. Now I'm just awake. Uh now before this. Now I'm just awake. Uh now I now I have to talk to my wife about um I now I have to talk to my wife about um I now I have to talk to my wife about um I was really good with handling stress I was really good with handling stress I was really good with handling stress before. Now I just like, hey babe, I before. Now I just like, hey babe, I before. Now I just like, hey babe, I need your help. Like I'm I'm really need your help. Like I'm I'm really need your help. Like I'm I'm really anxious right now. I'm really stressed anxious right now. I'm really stressed anxious right now. I'm really stressed right now. And so the weight became and right now. And so the weight became and right now. And so the weight became and I have great outlets, great I have great outlets, great I have great outlets, great relationship. Um, you know, have great relationship. Um, you know, have great relationship. Um, you know, have great pastors that I go to counseling. And so pastors that I go to counseling. And so pastors that I go to counseling. And so I'm in a cohort with Shawn Morgan. And I'm in a cohort with Shawn Morgan. And I'm in a cohort with Shawn Morgan. And so that has been lifesavers. If I didn't so that has been lifesavers. If I didn't so that has been lifesavers. If I didn't have those things, I don't think I'd be have those things, I don't think I'd be have those things, I don't think I'd be standing the way that I am right now. I standing the way that I am right now. I standing the way that I am right now. I think I think a lot of this would have think I think a lot of this would have think I think a lot of this would have crumbled me or I would have I would just crumbled me or I would have I would just crumbled me or I would have I would just been progressing much slower than what been progressing much slower than what been progressing much slower than what we're seeing in our church. And so the we're seeing in our church. And so the we're seeing in our church. And so the weight of ministry has been has has

weight of ministry has been has has weight of ministry has been has has really shocked me to this degree. And really shocked me to this degree. And really shocked me to this degree. And then also the um relationships do change then also the um relationships do change then also the um relationships do change when you're leading at this capacity. when you're leading at this capacity. when you're leading at this capacity. And so particularly when you grew up in And so particularly when you grew up in And so particularly when you grew up in the church, all these people knew you the church, all these people knew you the church, all these people knew you and related to you as the younger and related to you as the younger and related to you as the younger brother, the son, the entrepreneur. all brother, the son, the entrepreneur. all brother, the son, the entrepreneur. all of a sudden you're the senior leader. of a sudden you're the senior leader. of a sudden you're the senior leader. Talk about that dynamic like what Talk about that dynamic like what Talk about that dynamic like what shifted. shifted. shifted. You know, I think some of the biggest You know, I think some of the biggest You know, I think some of the biggest things is, you know, people that I things is, you know, people that I things is, you know, people that I thought liked me, they, you know, wanted thought liked me, they, you know, wanted thought liked me, they, you know, wanted opportunity the moment I became in opportunity the moment I became in opportunity the moment I became in charge and when I didn't, we weren't charge and when I didn't, we weren't charge and when I didn't, we weren't friends anymore. And so that made me friends anymore. And so that made me friends anymore. And so that made me people putting me in really people putting me in really people putting me in really uncomfortable positions, really uncomfortable positions, really uncomfortable positions, really uncomfortable asks. um the opposite uncomfortable asks. um the opposite uncomfortable asks. um the opposite people that um that I' that I've really people that um that I' that I've really people that um that I' that I've really respected in ministry of like, hey, I'd respected in ministry of like, hey, I'd respected in ministry of like, hey, I'd love for you to come like on an elder love for you to come like on an elder love for you to come like on an elder level or I want you to come walk level or I want you to come walk level or I want you to come walk alongside me. No, Adam, I don't want to alongside me. No, Adam, I don't want to alongside me. No, Adam, I don't want to be that guy. I don't want, you know, I'm be that guy. I don't want, you know, I'm be that guy. I don't want, you know, I'm not I'm not trying to climb no ladder. not I'm not trying to climb no ladder. not I'm not trying to climb no ladder. And I'm like, no, I need you. And so, And I'm like, no, I need you. And so, And I'm like, no, I need you. And so, it's been people who are go, hey, I it's been people who are go, hey, I it's been people who are go, hey, I don't want to take advantage of you. And don't want to take advantage of you. And don't want to take advantage of you. And then other people who are like, I would then other people who are like, I would then other people who are like, I would love to take advantage of you, you know, love to take advantage of you, you know, love to take advantage of you, you know, and and then on top of that, all of a and and then on top of that, all of a and and then on top of that, all of a sudden, everyone's called to ministry sudden, everyone's called to ministry sudden, everyone's called to ministry when you take over. I think one of the I when you take over. I think one of the I when you take over. I think one of the I it could be any reason, but I think it could be any reason, but I think it could be any reason, but I think because of my age, some people thought because of my age, some people thought because of my age, some people thought maybe I'd be naive and so people were maybe I'd be naive and so people were maybe I'd be naive and so people were requesting meetings. At one point when I requesting meetings. At one point when I requesting meetings. At one point when I took over last year, I had about over a took over last year, I had about over a took over last year, I had about over a hundred requests for people to meet with hundred requests for people to meet with hundred requests for people to meet with me for different things. Um whether it me for different things. Um whether it me for different things. Um whether it was for counseling or it was for me or

was for counseling or it was for me or was for counseling or it was for me or for them to share with me their great for them to share with me their great for them to share with me their great call that God has placed on their life. call that God has placed on their life. call that God has placed on their life. And I think because of my age, yeah, I And I think because of my age, yeah, I And I think because of my age, yeah, I think because of my age, it was just think because of my age, it was just think because of my age, it was just like, oh, I could I could I could like, oh, I could I could I could like, oh, I could I could I could probably I could Adam's going to need probably I could Adam's going to need probably I could Adam's going to need help and, you know, as long as I sell help and, you know, as long as I sell help and, you know, as long as I sell myself well, he'll I could probably myself well, he'll I could probably myself well, he'll I could probably flatter him, you know. And and I tell flatter him, you know. And and I tell flatter him, you know. And and I tell people all the time, if if I was easily people all the time, if if I was easily people all the time, if if I was easily flatterable and I was easy to flatterable and I was easy to flatterable and I was easy to manipulate, my dad would have never manipulate, my dad would have never manipulate, my dad would have never transition. We didn't have to transition transition. We didn't have to transition transition. We didn't have to transition right now. We we had a different runway. right now. We we had a different runway. right now. We we had a different runway. He had a different plan, but he did it He had a different plan, but he did it He had a different plan, but he did it because he felt like I was ready. Uh he because he felt like I was ready. Uh he because he felt like I was ready. Uh he felt like the church was ready. And so I felt like the church was ready. And so I felt like the church was ready. And so I tell people all the time like if if you tell people all the time like if if you tell people all the time like if if you think that it was because I have some I think that it was because I have some I think that it was because I have some I still have some type of naivity. Now still have some type of naivity. Now still have some type of naivity. Now there's a lot of stuff I don't know, but there's a lot of stuff I don't know, but there's a lot of stuff I don't know, but I'm also not brighteyed bushy tail I'm also not brighteyed bushy tail I'm also not brighteyed bushy tail thinking that everyone's in this for the thinking that everyone's in this for the thinking that everyone's in this for the right reasons or everyone's doing things right reasons or everyone's doing things right reasons or everyone's doing things for the right cause. I'm still very for the right cause. I'm still very for the right cause. I'm still very highly uh critical and highly, you know, highly uh critical and highly, you know, highly uh critical and highly, you know, I'm more of that person that's more of a I'm more of that person that's more of a I'm more of that person that's more of a skeptic than anything. And so, um, that skeptic than anything. And so, um, that skeptic than anything. And so, um, that has, it's just been a whirlwind of has, it's just been a whirlwind of has, it's just been a whirlwind of people wanting to meet.

people wanting to meet. people wanting to meet. Um, and everyone has a different reason. Um, and everyone has a different reason. Um, and everyone has a different reason. And people that I go, "Oh, man. I would And people that I go, "Oh, man. I would And people that I go, "Oh, man. I would love to run with this person." They tend love to run with this person." They tend love to run with this person." They tend to be the ones that are like, "No, no, to be the ones that are like, "No, no, to be the ones that are like, "No, no, no, no, no. I don't, you know, I'm good, no, no, no. I don't, you know, I'm good, no, no, no. I don't, you know, I'm good, Adam. I'm good. I just want to continue Adam. I'm good. I just want to continue Adam. I'm good. I just want to continue to serve." Or whatever that is. So, it's to serve." Or whatever that is. So, it's to serve." Or whatever that is. So, it's it's it really it has and it's stuff it's it really it has and it's stuff it's it really it has and it's stuff that you could learn and it's also stuff that you could learn and it's also stuff that you could learn and it's also stuff that it's just you're seeing you're that it's just you're seeing you're that it's just you're seeing you're seeing it as you go in, you know. Are seeing it as you go in, you know. Are seeing it as you go in, you know. Are are you saying I just want to make sure are you saying I just want to make sure are you saying I just want to make sure I'm understanding this the people that I'm understanding this the people that I'm understanding this the people that want your time are not the people you want your time are not the people you want your time are not the people you want to spend time with as a rule and want to spend time with as a rule and want to spend time with as a rule and the people you want to spend time with the people you want to spend time with the people you want to spend time with never ask you for your time. Is that the never ask you for your time. Is that the never ask you for your time. Is that the dynamic? Yeah, it's probably the that's dynamic? Yeah, it's probably the that's dynamic? Yeah, it's probably the that's probably the summary of it. No, it's probably the summary of it. No, it's probably the summary of it. No, it's it's something I encountered too. I it's something I encountered too. I it's something I encountered too. I think I actually wrote about that at think I actually wrote about that at think I actually wrote about that at some point. It's like, why is it the some point. It's like, why is it the some point. It's like, why is it the people I want to spend time with never people I want to spend time with never people I want to spend time with never ask me for my time and the people I ask me for my time and the people I ask me for my time and the people I probably shouldn't be spending my time probably shouldn't be spending my time probably shouldn't be spending my time with always want my time? It's it's a with always want my time? It's it's a with always want my time? It's it's a dilemma. How How do you dilemma. How How do you dilemma. How How do you How do you determine who you can trust How do you determine who you can trust How do you determine who you can trust when all those relationships have when all those relationships have when all those relationships have shifted and now you're in the senior shifted and now you're in the senior shifted and now you're in the senior seat? And I know these are early days, seat? And I know these are early days, seat? And I know these are early days, but how are you like, "Yeah, I can run but how are you like, "Yeah, I can run but how are you like, "Yeah, I can run with him. I can run with them. I can with him. I can run with them. I can with him. I can run with them. I can trust this person. this person's welcome trust this person. this person's welcome trust this person. this person's welcome in my personal inner circle or the in my personal inner circle or the in my personal inner circle or the leadership inner circle. Are there any leadership inner circle. Are there any leadership inner circle. Are there any criteria you're developing in real time criteria you're developing in real time criteria you're developing in real time for that? Yeah, I am. I And I've made for that? Yeah, I am. I And I've made for that? Yeah, I am. I And I've made mistakes. I'm I'm very relational. I'm mistakes. I'm I'm very relational. I'm mistakes. I'm I'm very relational. I'm very relational. I still make mistakes.

very relational. I still make mistakes. very relational. I still make mistakes. Okay. And so I'm I'm um I really lean Okay. And so I'm I'm um I really lean Okay. And so I'm I'm um I really lean towards bearing my heart, being very towards bearing my heart, being very towards bearing my heart, being very open, being very it's it's a gifting of open, being very it's it's a gifting of open, being very it's it's a gifting of mine, but it's also something that that mine, but it's also something that that mine, but it's also something that that can get me in trouble or also uh hurt me can get me in trouble or also uh hurt me can get me in trouble or also uh hurt me and my wife. And so one of the things uh and my wife. And so one of the things uh and my wife. And so one of the things uh in the past couple probably about past in the past couple probably about past in the past couple probably about past couple five months, one of my mentors is couple five months, one of my mentors is couple five months, one of my mentors is a pastor named Gerald Brooks. And um he a pastor named Gerald Brooks. And um he a pastor named Gerald Brooks. And um he he sat with me after a certain he sat with me after a certain he sat with me after a certain circumstance that um um highly circumstance that um um highly circumstance that um um highly relational. It just didn't work out the relational. It just didn't work out the relational. It just didn't work out the way that my wife and I had anticipated way that my wife and I had anticipated way that my wife and I had anticipated in terms of a staffing thing. And and he in terms of a staffing thing. And and he in terms of a staffing thing. And and he he said right away, he said, "Adam, he said right away, he said, "Adam, he said right away, he said, "Adam, here's what I want to encourage you to here's what I want to encourage you to here's what I want to encourage you to do. Um no couple should ever just get do. Um no couple should ever just get do. Um no couple should ever just get one-on-one time with you and your wife. one-on-one time with you and your wife. one-on-one time with you and your wife. if if you're going to hang out with a if if you're going to hang out with a if if you're going to hang out with a couple, there has to be at least two to couple, there has to be at least two to couple, there has to be at least two to three other couples. So that no couple three other couples. So that no couple three other couples. So that no couple could say, "Well, we're Adam and could say, "Well, we're Adam and could say, "Well, we're Adam and Ashley's blank," you know, like. So now, Ashley's blank," you know, like. So now, Ashley's blank," you know, like. So now, he said there there's people me and he said there there's people me and he said there there's people me and Ashley consider really close friends and Ashley consider really close friends and Ashley consider really close friends and family, but they're lucked. They've been family, but they're lucked. They've been family, but they're lucked. They've been I mean, I think our closest friends in I mean, I think our closest friends in I mean, I think our closest friends in our life have like over seven years old our life have like over seven years old our life have like over seven years old at this point. So there's there's no at this point. So there's there's no at this point. So there's there's no close friends that we've gotten within 5 close friends that we've gotten within 5 close friends that we've gotten within 5 years. So those individuals, they're years. So those individuals, they're years. So those individuals, they're locked. I trust them. They keep me locked. I trust them. They keep me locked. I trust them. They keep me accountable. I have three layers to accountable. I have three layers to accountable. I have three layers to accountability in my life and so they're accountability in my life and so they're accountability in my life and so they're one of them. I have five friends. These one of them. I have five friends. These one of them. I have five friends. These guys always have my location on at all guys always have my location on at all guys always have my location on at all times and so they can pull up and see times and so they can pull up and see times and so they can pull up and see where I'm at at any given time. Multiple where I'm at at any given time. Multiple where I'm at at any given time. Multiple people have my calendar so they can see people have my calendar so they can see people have my calendar so they can see what I'm doing at any given time. Those what I'm doing at any given time. Those what I'm doing at any given time. Those those are some of the layers. But then those are some of the layers. But then those are some of the layers. But then this layer this this layer of

this layer this this layer of this layer this this layer of disciplehip and relationship and church disciplehip and relationship and church disciplehip and relationship and church and ministry. Um I me and my wife don't and ministry. Um I me and my wife don't and ministry. Um I me and my wife don't have uh meetings with just one couple. have uh meetings with just one couple. have uh meetings with just one couple. always more than one. Uh on top of that, always more than one. Uh on top of that, always more than one. Uh on top of that, my wife and I won't do any private my wife and I won't do any private my wife and I won't do any private meetings just with just her and I. So if meetings just with just her and I. So if meetings just with just her and I. So if you want a meeting with me and my wife, you want a meeting with me and my wife, you want a meeting with me and my wife, there has to be someone in the room as there has to be someone in the room as there has to be someone in the room as well uh with us. If you want unless you well uh with us. If you want unless you well uh with us. If you want unless you write out specifically confidential write out specifically confidential write out specifically confidential counseling, which at that point then I'm counseling, which at that point then I'm counseling, which at that point then I'm able to just if you go into something able to just if you go into something able to just if you go into something different, I'm just able to get up and different, I'm just able to get up and different, I'm just able to get up and leave the room. But you know, in things leave the room. But you know, in things leave the room. But you know, in things like that. Uh at the same time, I tell like that. Uh at the same time, I tell like that. Uh at the same time, I tell people I can't really do one-on- ones people I can't really do one-on- ones people I can't really do one-on- ones that much anymore. if you're just in the that much anymore. if you're just in the that much anymore. if you're just in the church, I need someone else with me as church, I need someone else with me as church, I need someone else with me as well because there has been some times well because there has been some times well because there has been some times people have walked away and said Adam people have walked away and said Adam people have walked away and said Adam said he's going to put me on track to be said he's going to put me on track to be said he's going to put me on track to be a minister. And I'm like, what that was? a minister. And I'm like, what that was? a minister. And I'm like, what that was? You told me you had a call. I told you, You told me you had a call. I told you, You told me you had a call. I told you, you know, there's steps like this. And you know, there's steps like this. And you know, there's steps like this. And so what he walked alongside is he said, so what he walked alongside is he said, so what he walked alongside is he said, you know, really value every word that you know, really value every word that you know, really value every word that you say. Your your church has resources. you say. Your your church has resources. you say. Your your church has resources. Your church has influence. Your church Your church has influence. Your church Your church has influence. Your church has size. And so you're going to have to has size. And so you're going to have to has size. And so you're going to have to be able to pray through and navigate be able to pray through and navigate be able to pray through and navigate whether that person is really called or whether that person is really called or whether that person is really called or they are seeing as an opportunity. And they are seeing as an opportunity. And they are seeing as an opportunity. And we've had to create layers of we've had to create layers of we've had to create layers of accountability, layers of of how we accountability, layers of of how we accountability, layers of of how we meet. I think be one because I'm meet. I think be one because I'm meet. I think be one because I'm stepping in as the new guy, but I also stepping in as the new guy, but I also stepping in as the new guy, but I also am younger. And so I think there is am younger. And so I think there is am younger. And so I think there is individuals who who see that and and may individuals who who see that and and may individuals who who see that and and may want to take advantage of that. And so want to take advantage of that. And so want to take advantage of that. And so I've had a great I I have incredible I've had a great I I have incredible I've had a great I I have incredible wise counsel including my dad and these wise counsel including my dad and these wise counsel including my dad and these other individuals on our board that they other individuals on our board that they other individuals on our board that they go they've said hey Adam we're going to

go they've said hey Adam we're going to go they've said hey Adam we're going to help you by putting non-negotiables and help you by putting non-negotiables and help you by putting non-negotiables and so those are some of the non-neg that so those are some of the non-neg that so those are some of the non-neg that have been cuz now I say well this is my have been cuz now I say well this is my have been cuz now I say well this is my elders this is my board they you know elders this is my board they you know elders this is my board they you know like you can't get one-on-one coffee like you can't get one-on-one coffee like you can't get one-on-one coffee with me because my elders don't let me with me because my elders don't let me with me because my elders don't let me and truly they they don't because they and truly they they don't because they and truly they they don't because they see that a lot of people are trying to see that a lot of people are trying to see that a lot of people are trying to they want to get on the podcast or they they want to get on the podcast or they they want to get on the podcast or they want to share about a book that they want to share about a book that they want to share about a book that they have or this and at the end of I'm still have or this and at the end of I'm still have or this and at the end of I'm still a pastor and so I lean with pastor a pastor and so I lean with pastor a pastor and so I lean with pastor first. I'm loving. I want to be there first. I'm loving. I want to be there first. I'm loving. I want to be there for you. And they go, Adam, that's a for you. And they go, Adam, that's a for you. And they go, Adam, that's a weakness of yours. We got to like you're weakness of yours. We got to like you're weakness of yours. We got to like you're just long-suffering with everyone. And I just long-suffering with everyone. And I just long-suffering with everyone. And I really am. So, they've had to help me a really am. So, they've had to help me a really am. So, they've had to help me a lot with that. You may have already lot with that. You may have already lot with that. You may have already answered this and if so, we can move on answered this and if so, we can move on answered this and if so, we can move on quickly. But what did you do with the quickly. But what did you do with the quickly. But what did you do with the hund and some odd requests to meet? Did hund and some odd requests to meet? Did hund and some odd requests to meet? Did they just all get filtered or people are they just all get filtered or people are they just all get filtered or people are waiting until 2037 to meet with you? waiting until 2037 to meet with you? waiting until 2037 to meet with you? like some some were waiting, some were like some some were waiting, some were like some some were waiting, some were willing to wait. And so for some it was willing to wait. And so for some it was willing to wait. And so for some it was a 90day to six month window. Uh some a 90day to six month window. Uh some a 90day to six month window. Uh some people waited 6 months uh to have the people waited 6 months uh to have the people waited 6 months uh to have the meeting. Others it was okay, I'll just meeting. Others it was okay, I'll just meeting. Others it was okay, I'll just go to another pastor or um I'm upset go to another pastor or um I'm upset go to another pastor or um I'm upset that's not right or whatever. But there that's not right or whatever. But there that's not right or whatever. But there wasn't too many I'm upsets. There were a wasn't too many I'm upsets. There were a wasn't too many I'm upsets. There were a few, but most of them were. And then few, but most of them were. And then few, but most of them were. And then others were just like, "Oh, I'll just others were just like, "Oh, I'll just others were just like, "Oh, I'll just send him a DM." And I I tend to read my send him a DM." And I I tend to read my send him a DM." And I I tend to read my DMs. And so if you can send it a DM and DMs. And so if you can send it a DM and DMs. And so if you can send it a DM and I'll answer it. what I don't want to I'll answer it. what I don't want to I'll answer it. what I don't want to give is 45 minutes to an hour, you know, give is 45 minutes to an hour, you know, give is 45 minutes to an hour, you know, uh uh to this. And so, um my assistant uh uh to this. And so, um my assistant uh uh to this. And so, um my assistant has got and and I brought on a new has got and and I brought on a new has got and and I brought on a new assistant with me who was on staff, but assistant with me who was on staff, but assistant with me who was on staff, but we moved her into my role with me. So, we moved her into my role with me. So, we moved her into my role with me. So, my wife h and I happen to disciple her

my wife h and I happen to disciple her my wife h and I happen to disciple her early on in her career in her life and early on in her career in her life and early on in her career in her life and career. And so, we have a great great career. And so, we have a great great career. And so, we have a great great relationship. She gets me. So, she's relationship. She gets me. So, she's relationship. She gets me. So, she's really good at helping navigate anyone really good at helping navigate anyone really good at helping navigate anyone who wants a meeting. But all in all, I who wants a meeting. But all in all, I who wants a meeting. But all in all, I think I ended up meeting with maybe 20 think I ended up meeting with maybe 20 think I ended up meeting with maybe 20 of those hundred. And um and uh most of of those hundred. And um and uh most of of those hundred. And um and uh most of them were good, others them were good, others them were good, others were people are some people are were people are some people are were people are some people are well-intentioned. I want to I want to well-intentioned. I want to I want to well-intentioned. I want to I want to help you, you know, go further, Adam, help you, you know, go further, Adam, help you, you know, go further, Adam, but they they just don't realize, you but they they just don't realize, you but they they just don't realize, you know, what they mean by when they say know, what they mean by when they say know, what they mean by when they say that, you know. What are some that, you know. What are some that, you know. What are some misconceptions you had about the lead misconceptions you had about the lead misconceptions you had about the lead pastor role or church leadership that pastor role or church leadership that pastor role or church leadership that you're rethinking? Oh man, I think well one of the biggest Oh man, I think well one of the biggest things and maybe it's different for things and maybe it's different for things and maybe it's different for everyone but um we were very uh everyone but um we were very uh everyone but um we were very uh hierarchical. It was very uh CEO kind of hierarchical. It was very uh CEO kind of hierarchical. It was very uh CEO kind of driven if I use corporate language, driven if I use corporate language, driven if I use corporate language, right? Um if you use religious language, right? Um if you use religious language, right? Um if you use religious language, you could say pope, right? It was very you could say pope, right? It was very you could say pope, right? It was very like my dad was kind of the end all be like my dad was kind of the end all be like my dad was kind of the end all be all. Uh the room looked at him when he all. Uh the room looked at him when he all. Uh the room looked at him when he was in the room and it kind of much more was in the room and it kind of much more was in the room and it kind of much more of a triangle. What what I'm trying to of a triangle. What what I'm trying to of a triangle. What what I'm trying to do where I believe God's taking our do where I believe God's taking our do where I believe God's taking our church is because we we we have a strong church is because we we we have a strong church is because we we we have a strong heart not for not only multia campus but heart not for not only multia campus but heart not for not only multia campus but I want to go into minority cities and I want to go into minority cities and I want to go into minority cities and middle to lowincome cities. I don't middle to lowincome cities. I don't middle to lowincome cities. I don't think there's enough church planning think there's enough church planning think there's enough church planning happening in middle to lowincome cities.

happening in middle to lowincome cities. happening in middle to lowincome cities. And so that's that's my heart. And so I And so that's that's my heart. And so I And so that's that's my heart. And so I think in order to do that I'm going to think in order to do that I'm going to think in order to do that I'm going to have to share influence. I'm going to have to share influence. I'm going to have to share influence. I'm going to have to share leadership as best as have to share leadership as best as have to share leadership as best as possible. It's just not manageable for possible. It's just not manageable for possible. It's just not manageable for one person or even two to three people. one person or even two to three people. one person or even two to three people. And so one of the one of the things that And so one of the one of the things that And so one of the one of the things that we're trying to shift is how do we build we're trying to shift is how do we build we're trying to shift is how do we build a strong team, not one strong leader who a strong team, not one strong leader who a strong team, not one strong leader who drives the team. You know, it's not a drives the team. You know, it's not a drives the team. You know, it's not a chariot where I have the whip and chariot where I have the whip and chariot where I have the whip and everybody else has the horses. That everybody else has the horses. That everybody else has the horses. That that's not what we're building. What that's not what we're building. What that's not what we're building. What we're building is a place where we are we're building is a place where we are we're building is a place where we are highly collaborative. We are highly highly collaborative. We are highly highly collaborative. We are highly willing to not be the smartest person in willing to not be the smartest person in willing to not be the smartest person in the room and we're passionate about the room and we're passionate about the room and we're passionate about where we're trying to go. And so for me, where we're trying to go. And so for me, where we're trying to go. And so for me, what I did with our executive team, I what I did with our executive team, I what I did with our executive team, I immediately elevated their voice, immediately elevated their voice, immediately elevated their voice, immediately elevated their authority, immediately elevated their authority, immediately elevated their authority, immediately elevated what they're what immediately elevated what they're what immediately elevated what they're what they're able to approve and not approve. they're able to approve and not approve. they're able to approve and not approve. And cuz I also think that wore my dad And cuz I also think that wore my dad And cuz I also think that wore my dad out over all these years. And so, and so out over all these years. And so, and so out over all these years. And so, and so I'm really highly and he was that guy. I'm really highly and he was that guy. I'm really highly and he was that guy. He was just like, I'm exhausted, but He was just like, I'm exhausted, but He was just like, I'm exhausted, but that's also all he knew. So, um, I mean, that's also all he knew. So, um, I mean, that's also all he knew. So, um, I mean, our team, we're passionate. my oldest our team, we're passionate. my oldest our team, we're passionate. my oldest brother, me and Nathan, we I mean we brother, me and Nathan, we I mean we brother, me and Nathan, we I mean we man, we get into it in a in a not in a man, we get into it in a in a not in a man, we get into it in a in a not in a brotherly way, but in like a work way.

brotherly way, but in like a work way. brotherly way, but in like a work way. We we dialogue, we debate. Um our We we dialogue, we debate. Um our We we dialogue, we debate. Um our executive team, we go hard with each executive team, we go hard with each executive team, we go hard with each other. But what I'm trying to do, even other. But what I'm trying to do, even other. But what I'm trying to do, even though I am the youngest guy in the though I am the youngest guy in the though I am the youngest guy in the room, I'm I'm trying to lead them in a room, I'm I'm trying to lead them in a room, I'm I'm trying to lead them in a way that says, "Hey, you you guys got way that says, "Hey, you you guys got way that says, "Hey, you you guys got this. We got this. You don't have to ask this. We got this. You don't have to ask this. We got this. You don't have to ask me about everything. We don't if you me about everything. We don't if you me about everything. We don't if you make a mistake, I'm going to address it make a mistake, I'm going to address it make a mistake, I'm going to address it and we're going to learn from it, but and we're going to learn from it, but and we're going to learn from it, but I'm I'm not looking for every I'm I'm not looking for every I'm I'm not looking for every opportunity to cut you loose, you know? opportunity to cut you loose, you know? opportunity to cut you loose, you know? I'm not I'm and if I draw fear into them I'm not I'm and if I draw fear into them I'm not I'm and if I draw fear into them into my executive team that then what into my executive team that then what into my executive team that then what are they going to do? They're they're are they going to do? They're they're are they going to do? They're they're going to draw that into everyone else. going to draw that into everyone else. going to draw that into everyone else. Like I'm so scared of Adam. I don't want Like I'm so scared of Adam. I don't want Like I'm so scared of Adam. I don't want to be cut by Adam. So I'm really trying to be cut by Adam. So I'm really trying to be cut by Adam. So I'm really trying to uh and my dad never drew that fear. to uh and my dad never drew that fear. to uh and my dad never drew that fear. But I think just by nature when you But I think just by nature when you But I think just by nature when you create that level of hierarchy that is create that level of hierarchy that is create that level of hierarchy that is the driving force. I'm a yes man cuz I the driving force. I'm a yes man cuz I the driving force. I'm a yes man cuz I don't want to get replaced. Uh where don't want to get replaced. Uh where don't want to get replaced. Uh where rather I like I don't I'm not going to rather I like I don't I'm not going to rather I like I don't I'm not going to replace you just because you say to replace you just because you say to replace you just because you say to disagree with me or because you didn't disagree with me or because you didn't disagree with me or because you didn't do it the way I want you to do it. Um, do it the way I want you to do it. Um, do it the way I want you to do it. Um, now now now if you're wrong, I'm going now now now if you're wrong, I'm going now now now if you're wrong, I'm going to bring it up for sure. And and and and to bring it up for sure. And and and and to bring it up for sure. And and and and the next time you make a decision in the next time you make a decision in the next time you make a decision in that area, I'm going to say, "Hey, that area, I'm going to say, "Hey, that area, I'm going to say, "Hey, remember last time?" But other that's remember last time?" But other that's remember last time?" But other that's all learning. You know, I do that with all learning. You know, I do that with all learning. You know, I do that with my sons every day. So that's kind of the my sons every day. So that's kind of the my sons every day. So that's kind of the shift I'm trying to make right now.

shift I'm trying to make right now. shift I'm trying to make right now. Yeah. For those of you who are Yeah. For those of you who are Yeah. For those of you who are interested in more in the transition, I interested in more in the transition, I interested in more in the transition, I didn't want to repeat uh the wheel like didn't want to repeat uh the wheel like didn't want to repeat uh the wheel like recreate it here. Sean Morgan, you recreate it here. Sean Morgan, you recreate it here. Sean Morgan, you already mentioned him. Leaders in Living already mentioned him. Leaders in Living already mentioned him. Leaders in Living Room. great conversation between you and Room. great conversation between you and Room. great conversation between you and your father Diego about the succession your father Diego about the succession your father Diego about the succession and how it worked. So, we'll link to and how it worked. So, we'll link to and how it worked. So, we'll link to that in the show notes. If you just that in the show notes. If you just that in the show notes. If you just search leaders in living rooms, you'll search leaders in living rooms, you'll search leaders in living rooms, you'll find it there. And it was so good. Adam, find it there. And it was so good. Adam, find it there. And it was so good. Adam, we covered a lot of ground. I got to we covered a lot of ground. I got to we covered a lot of ground. I got to tell you, I've you're you're a leader I tell you, I've you're you're a leader I tell you, I've you're you're a leader I really enjoy. NextGen Leader. I've got really enjoy. NextGen Leader. I've got really enjoy. NextGen Leader. I've got you on my radar. Uh I'm just so grateful you on my radar. Uh I'm just so grateful you on my radar. Uh I'm just so grateful for this conversation. Anything that we for this conversation. Anything that we for this conversation. Anything that we did not talk about that we should talk did not talk about that we should talk did not talk about that we should talk about before we wrap up? about before we wrap up? about before we wrap up? No, I don't think so. Other than this is No, I don't think so. Other than this is No, I don't think so. Other than this is a massive honor, Carrie, and you're a a massive honor, Carrie, and you're a a massive honor, Carrie, and you're a hero of mine and my dad's. We're hero of mine and my dad's. We're hero of mine and my dad's. We're actually I do believe we're thriving actually I do believe we're thriving actually I do believe we're thriving today because your voice was probably today because your voice was probably today because your voice was probably one of the top three loudest voices in one of the top three loudest voices in one of the top three loudest voices in our past seven years. And so, um, we our past seven years. And so, um, we our past seven years. And so, um, we couldn't have done it without you. couldn't have done it without you. couldn't have done it without you. Seriously, what you're doing. Every Seriously, what you're doing. Every Seriously, what you're doing. Every week, I'd roll up to my dad's car and week, I'd roll up to my dad's car and week, I'd roll up to my dad's car and he'd be listening to you and he'd say, he'd be listening to you and he'd say, he'd be listening to you and he'd say, "I think we need to do this because I "I think we need to do this because I "I think we need to do this because I heard Carrie interview someone and heard Carrie interview someone and heard Carrie interview someone and mention it." And so, thank you so much.

mention it." And so, thank you so much. mention it." And so, thank you so much. Uh, thank you. Hey, you and your dad Uh, thank you. Hey, you and your dad Uh, thank you. Hey, you and your dad came to our Art of Leadership Live event came to our Art of Leadership Live event came to our Art of Leadership Live event last September in Dallas and we had last September in Dallas and we had last September in Dallas and we had dinner together and I can see why this dinner together and I can see why this dinner together and I can see why this transition worked and what an honor to transition worked and what an honor to transition worked and what an honor to follow your dad and shout out Diego. I follow your dad and shout out Diego. I follow your dad and shout out Diego. I think uh one of the handful of listeners think uh one of the handful of listeners think uh one of the handful of listeners who's listened to every single episode who's listened to every single episode who's listened to every single episode along the way and uh yeah, you got a along the way and uh yeah, you got a along the way and uh yeah, you got a great son as well. He has notes. He has great son as well. He has notes. He has great son as well. He has notes. He has probably has more notes than I do. Yeah, probably has more notes than I do. Yeah, probably has more notes than I do. Yeah, exactly. exactly. exactly. Uh this is great. Well, Adam, there's a Uh this is great. Well, Adam, there's a Uh this is great. Well, Adam, there's a great future ahead. Thank you so much. great future ahead. Thank you so much. great future ahead. Thank you so much. So, uh give people um just an easy place So, uh give people um just an easy place So, uh give people um just an easy place to find you. And then tell us about the to find you. And then tell us about the to find you. And then tell us about the different podcasts in your church and different podcasts in your church and different podcasts in your church and where they can find you online. Yeah. Uh where they can find you online. Yeah. Uh where they can find you online. Yeah. Uh the church is Patria Church. We're the church is Patria Church. We're the church is Patria Church. We're located our broadcast is Rancho located our broadcast is Rancho located our broadcast is Rancho Cukamonga, California. So, patria.faith Cukamonga, California. So, patria.faith Cukamonga, California. So, patria.faith uh p a t r i a.faith. Uh my website is uh p a t r i a.faith. Uh my website is uh p a t r i a.faith. Uh my website is adamesa.org. adamesa.org. adamesa.org. you know, you can keep up to date with you know, you can keep up to date with you know, you can keep up to date with what we have going on and you could find what we have going on and you could find what we have going on and you could find the podcast on admesa.org or simply the podcast on admesa.org or simply the podcast on admesa.org or simply we're on YouTube, Spotify, everything we're on YouTube, Spotify, everything we're on YouTube, Spotify, everything else. The the main podcast is Beyond the else. The the main podcast is Beyond the else. The the main podcast is Beyond the Letter and that comes from 2 Letter and that comes from 2 Letter and that comes from 2 Corinthians. Paul says to the church, Corinthians. Paul says to the church, Corinthians. Paul says to the church, you are the letter written on my heart.

you are the letter written on my heart. you are the letter written on my heart. And uh on top of that, the marriage one And uh on top of that, the marriage one And uh on top of that, the marriage one that me and my wife do where we talk that me and my wife do where we talk that me and my wife do where we talk about all relationships is beyond I do. about all relationships is beyond I do. about all relationships is beyond I do. And um and so yeah, that's where you And um and so yeah, that's where you And um and so yeah, that's where you could find me. Till next time, Adam. could find me. Till next time, Adam. could find me. Till next time, Adam. Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Carrie. Appreciate it.