Steven Barr from Cast Member Church in Orlando

ladies and gentlemen welcome to the ladies and gentlemen welcome to the unseminary podcast are you looking for unseminary podcast are you looking for unseminary podcast are you looking for practical Ministry help to drive your practical Ministry help to drive your practical Ministry help to drive your ministry further faster have a sinking ministry further faster have a sinking ministry further faster have a sinking feeling that your ministry training feeling that your ministry training feeling that your ministry training didn't prepare you for the real world didn't prepare you for the real world didn't prepare you for the real world hey you're not alone join thousands of hey you're not alone join thousands of hey you're not alone join thousands of others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's unseminary unseminary unseminary podcast all right well welcome happy podcast all right well welcome happy podcast all right well welcome happy Thursday everybody we just want to start Thursday everybody we just want to start Thursday everybody we just want to start off with that thanks so much for off with that thanks so much for off with that thanks so much for listening in to the unseminary podcast listening in to the unseminary podcast listening in to the unseminary podcast my name's Rich The Host around these my name's Rich The Host around these my name's Rich The Host around these parts today we've got a fascinating parts today we've got a fascinating parts today we've got a fascinating interview I've been looking forward to interview I've been looking forward to interview I've been looking forward to this what if I was to tell you that this what if I was to tell you that this what if I was to tell you that there's a group of people actually there's a group of people actually there's a group of people actually 67,000 people in this community who 67,000 people in this community who 67,000 people in this community who don't have or up until this guest who don't have or up until this guest who don't have or up until this guest who don't have a kind of active uh presence don't have a kind of active uh presence don't have a kind of active uh presence of Christ there kind of a church of Christ there kind of a church of Christ there kind of a church something reaching out to them what something reaching out to them what something reaching out to them what would what if I was to tell you that would what if I was to tell you that would what if I was to tell you that that's in America in this country uh that's in America in this country uh that's in America in this country uh today's guest is Stephen bar I'm going today's guest is Stephen bar I'm going today's guest is Stephen bar I'm going to let you tell us what community that to let you tell us what community that to let you tell us what community that is but Stephen welcome to uh to the show is but Stephen welcome to uh to the show is but Stephen welcome to uh to the show today thanks Rich it's a pleasure to be today thanks Rich it's a pleasure to be today thanks Rich it's a pleasure to be here nice so Stephen runs a Ministry here nice so Stephen runs a Ministry here nice so Stephen runs a Ministry called cast member Church which uh called cast member Church which uh called cast member Church which uh reaches out specifically to the cast reaches out specifically to the cast reaches out specifically to the cast members at Walt Disney World in Orlando members at Walt Disney World in Orlando members at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida uh the largest single sight Florida uh the largest single sight Florida uh the largest single sight employer just heard this today the employer just heard this today the employer just heard this today the largest single sight employer uh in the largest single sight employer uh in the largest single sight employer uh in the entire country so Stephen I look forward entire country so Stephen I look forward entire country so Stephen I look forward to hearing more about this why what's to hearing more about this why what's to hearing more about this why what's the idea behind cast member Church well the idea behind cast member Church well the idea behind cast member Church well cast members which is uh Walt Disney's cast members which is uh Walt Disney's cast members which is uh Walt Disney's term for an employee anyone who works term for an employee anyone who works term for an employee anyone who works for the Disney company is a cast member for the Disney company is a cast member for the Disney company is a cast member so uh because his attitude is was that so uh because his attitude is was that so uh because his attitude is was that they have a role to play it's a show and

they have a role to play it's a show and they have a role to play it's a show and no matter what your job is you have a no matter what your job is you have a no matter what your job is you have a role to make the show happen so anyway role to make the show happen so anyway role to make the show happen so anyway um you see where Disney draws the most um you see where Disney draws the most um you see where Disney draws the most talented um we call them dreamers and talented um we call them dreamers and talented um we call them dreamers and doers and this is a place where not just doers and this is a place where not just doers and this is a place where not just Walt Disney World but Disneyland and the Walt Disney World but Disneyland and the Walt Disney World but Disneyland and the parks around the world but these are parks around the world but these are parks around the world but these are magnets for Creative people these are magnets for Creative people these are magnets for Creative people these are these and they're like Talent incubators these and they're like Talent incubators these and they're like Talent incubators these these young people come out of these these young people come out of these these young people come out of college they they come to work to dis college they they come to work to dis college they they come to work to dis for Disney to develop their skills and for Disney to develop their skills and for Disney to develop their skills and uh and not just not just entertainment uh and not just not just entertainment uh and not just not just entertainment but business and things like that but but business and things like that but but business and things like that but it's an incubator AB it's a magnet and it's an incubator AB it's a magnet and it's an incubator AB it's a magnet and so we felt what a great opportunity to so we felt what a great opportunity to so we felt what a great opportunity to be able to bring Christ into that be able to bring Christ into that be able to bring Christ into that formation process as they're developing formation process as they're developing formation process as they're developing their their talents and abilities if their their talents and abilities if their their talents and abilities if Jesus can become a part of that process Jesus can become a part of that process Jesus can become a part of that process as well imagine the potential they have as well imagine the potential they have as well imagine the potential they have when they move on Beyond uh Beyond when they move on Beyond uh Beyond when they move on Beyond uh Beyond Disney very cool I know at our church we Disney very cool I know at our church we Disney very cool I know at our church we have there's like a Cadre of there would have there's like a Cadre of there would have there's like a Cadre of there would be 20 something early 30s somethings who be 20 something early 30s somethings who be 20 something early 30s somethings who have been through the the college have been through the the college have been through the the college program at Disney World and it's true program at Disney World and it's true program at Disney World and it's true there is like a there's a unique quality there is like a there's a unique quality there is like a there's a unique quality of those individuals when you kind of of those individuals when you kind of of those individuals when you kind of take them as a whole um they're like take them as a whole um they're like take them as a whole um they're like talented creative um people that are talented creative um people that are talented creative um people that are making a difference in all kinds of making a difference in all kinds of making a difference in all kinds of different Industries now um and so that different Industries now um and so that different Industries now um and so that I think it's such a unique idea what you I think it's such a unique idea what you I think it's such a unique idea what you know what you're doing here so let's know what you're doing here so let's know what you're doing here so let's take a step back give us a bit of the take a step back give us a bit of the take a step back give us a bit of the history how did you get started um you history how did you get started um you history how did you get started um you know why why do this what it's such an know why why do this what it's such an know why why do this what it's such an interesting you know uh ministry that's

interesting you know uh ministry that's interesting you know uh ministry that's a great question um I've always loved a great question um I've always loved a great question um I've always loved Disney I mean uh most people who have Disney I mean uh most people who have Disney I mean uh most people who have ever been to the parks I mean that first ever been to the parks I mean that first ever been to the parks I mean that first time they remember going to Disney it time they remember going to Disney it time they remember going to Disney it it's a magical uh experience but for me it's a magical uh experience but for me it's a magical uh experience but for me that that experience stayed with me all that that experience stayed with me all that that experience stayed with me all the way growing up and uh in the way growing up and uh in the way growing up and uh in 1991 I believe it was uh I was a cast 1991 I believe it was uh I was a cast 1991 I believe it was uh I was a cast member for a while and I remember member for a while and I remember member for a while and I remember looking around and going wow it's a looking around and going wow it's a looking around and going wow it's a shame there isn't the church to minister shame there isn't the church to minister shame there isn't the church to minister because all of these these cast members because all of these these cast members because all of these these cast members have crazy schedules I mean you cannot have crazy schedules I mean you cannot have crazy schedules I mean you cannot put something together that would be put something together that would be put something together that would be normal or predictable and I but I normal or predictable and I but I normal or predictable and I but I remember thinking wow wouldn't it be remember thinking wow wouldn't it be remember thinking wow wouldn't it be cool if there was a church just for cast cool if there was a church just for cast cool if there was a church just for cast members and I forgot about that I mean I members and I forgot about that I mean I members and I forgot about that I mean I really did it was one of those things really did it was one of those things really did it was one of those things where you know and and you know many where you know and and you know many where you know and and you know many many years later and uh it it came back many years later and uh it it came back many years later and uh it it came back to I don't want to say haunt me but it to I don't want to say haunt me but it to I don't want to say haunt me but it certainly came certainly came certainly came back very cool well you know has anybody back very cool well you know has anybody back very cool well you know has anybody tried this before is this and and and tried this before is this and and and tried this before is this and and and when you say Church like what is this is when you say Church like what is this is when you say Church like what is this is this like did you do Services you know this like did you do Services you know this like did you do Services you know at the you know the foot of Cinderella's at the you know the foot of Cinderella's at the you know the foot of Cinderella's castle on Sunday mornings like how what castle on Sunday mornings like how what castle on Sunday mornings like how what how are you doing cast member Church how are you doing cast member Church how are you doing cast member Church wouldn't that be fun I uh well no uh we wouldn't that be fun I uh well no uh we wouldn't that be fun I uh well no uh we are a church in the we like to call it are a church in the we like to call it are a church in the we like to call it in the biblical sense um when we when I in the biblical sense um when we when I in the biblical sense um when we when I started cast member Church there was um started cast member Church there was um started cast member Church there was um I came to Orlando and the first thing I I came to Orlando and the first thing I I came to Orlando and the first thing I did was try to connect with other did was try to connect with other did was try to connect with other pastors and I started hearing the horror pastors and I started hearing the horror pastors and I started hearing the horror stories of churches that had tried and stories of churches that had tried and stories of churches that had tried and failed to to reach Disney it's a very um

failed to to reach Disney it's a very um failed to to reach Disney it's a very um I mean it's show business right so it's I mean it's show business right so it's I mean it's show business right so it's like putting a church in in you know like putting a church in in you know like putting a church in in you know Hollywood right um and it's it's um so Hollywood right um and it's it's um so Hollywood right um and it's it's um so that the churches have tried and failed that the churches have tried and failed that the churches have tried and failed and so I started asking myself well why and so I started asking myself well why and so I started asking myself well why why have they failed because I know God why have they failed because I know God why have they failed because I know God would want something here right and so would want something here right and so would want something here right and so um I just really start and I and I have um I just really start and I and I have um I just really start and I and I have to admit that I came with this model in to admit that I came with this model in to admit that I came with this model in my mind of how it was going to work and my mind of how it was going to work and my mind of how it was going to work and how awesome was be and I believe it was how awesome was be and I believe it was how awesome was be and I believe it was about two weeks into it where God took about two weeks into it where God took about two weeks into it where God took that plan and said nah no no not going that plan and said nah no no not going that plan and said nah no no not going to do that to do that to do that one I had a a almost um it was not a one I had a a almost um it was not a one I had a a almost um it was not a crisis but I mean I really had a Moment crisis but I mean I really had a Moment crisis but I mean I really had a Moment of Truth where I really had to ask the of Truth where I really had to ask the of Truth where I really had to ask the Lord what do you want to do not what Lord what do you want to do not what Lord what do you want to do not what what are my plans what do you want to do what are my plans what do you want to do what are my plans what do you want to do I'm hearing all these stories about I'm hearing all these stories about I'm hearing all these stories about Church's trying and failing and so Church's trying and failing and so Church's trying and failing and so here's a here's a novel thought I went here's a here's a novel thought I went here's a here's a novel thought I went back to back to back to scripture I decided how did it work how scripture I decided how did it work how scripture I decided how did it work how and I the book of Acts became my best and I the book of Acts became my best and I the book of Acts became my best friend for weeks and I just kept looking friend for weeks and I just kept looking friend for weeks and I just kept looking at this this Dynamic Church and at this this Dynamic Church and at this this Dynamic Church and somewhere in that wrestling um I Heard a somewhere in that wrestling um I Heard a somewhere in that wrestling um I Heard a quote by uh somebody I'm very fond of quote by uh somebody I'm very fond of quote by uh somebody I'm very fond of Mike Breen and he made this comment Mike Breen and he made this comment Mike Breen and he made this comment about if you plant churches you might about if you plant churches you might about if you plant churches you might get disciples but if you make disciples get disciples but if you make disciples get disciples but if you make disciples you always get the church and I thought you always get the church and I thought you always get the church and I thought well that's it true that's it we we've well that's it true that's it we we've well that's it true that's it we we've been doing it backwards so instead of been doing it backwards so instead of been doing it backwards so instead of planting a church at Disney let's just planting a church at Disney let's just planting a church at Disney let's just focus on making disciples and if we make focus on making disciples and if we make focus on making disciples and if we make disciples God will take care of the disciples God will take care of the disciples God will take care of the church and that's exactly what that's church and that's exactly what that's church and that's exactly what that's exactly what's happened very cool now

exactly what's happened very cool now exactly what's happened very cool now that's that's I think a great idea you that's that's I think a great idea you that's that's I think a great idea you know a great a great thought right how know a great a great thought right how know a great a great thought right how instead of looking at I'm assuming you instead of looking at I'm assuming you instead of looking at I'm assuming you know some of the ways that other know some of the ways that other know some of the ways that other churches failed I'm assuming they were churches failed I'm assuming they were churches failed I'm assuming they were trying to import maybe other models trying to import maybe other models trying to import maybe other models things that they had been doing in the things that they had been doing in the things that they had been doing in the past and that just doesn't work and uh I past and that just doesn't work and uh I past and that just doesn't work and uh I hadn't really even thought of this until hadn't really even thought of this until hadn't really even thought of this until we were going to interview that it it's we were going to interview that it it's we were going to interview that it it's going 24 hours a day Disney World is you going 24 hours a day Disney World is you going 24 hours a day Disney World is you know is there's constant activity there know is there's constant activity there know is there's constant activity there 365 days a year and so the idea of 365 days a year and so the idea of 365 days a year and so the idea of appointment based we're going to run a appointment based we're going to run a appointment based we're going to run a service or run some sort of deal that service or run some sort of deal that service or run some sort of deal that may be you know that doesn't that maybe may be you know that doesn't that maybe may be you know that doesn't that maybe not work for you so what does the not work for you so what does the not work for you so what does the ministry actually look like how are you ministry actually look like how are you ministry actually look like how are you you know reaching out to cast members you know reaching out to cast members you know reaching out to cast members well the first thing I did is I started well the first thing I did is I started well the first thing I did is I started Gathering a group of people that kind of Gathering a group of people that kind of Gathering a group of people that kind of like U my first group of disciples you like U my first group of disciples you like U my first group of disciples you know the the people that I'm going to know the the people that I'm going to know the the people that I'm going to invest in and then these people in turn invest in and then these people in turn invest in and then these people in turn will lead their own groups and we become will lead their own groups and we become will lead their own groups and we become a Network that has a Network that has a Network that has we call them the groups communities and we call them the groups communities and we call them the groups communities and d stands for Disney until you know they d stands for Disney until you know they d stands for Disney until you know they don't like that we'll call it D for don't like that we'll call it D for don't like that we'll call it D for discipleship discipleship discipleship yes but anyway we have these groups that yes but anyway we have these groups that yes but anyway we have these groups that meet all over the Disney property um at meet all over the Disney property um at meet all over the Disney property um at different days at different times and a different days at different times and a different days at different times and a cast member can choose a group that cast member can choose a group that cast member can choose a group that works for their schedule if we try to do works for their schedule if we try to do works for their schedule if we try to do one service we'll draw maybe a 100 one service we'll draw maybe a 100 one service we'll draw maybe a 100 people and that's it because it's it's people and that's it because it's it's people and that's it because it's it's just crazy but if we put the emphasis on just crazy but if we put the emphasis on just crazy but if we put the emphasis on the discipling groups not only do they the discipling groups not only do they the discipling groups not only do they have their own family but this is a have their own family but this is a have their own family but this is a place where a an unbeliever can actually

place where a an unbeliever can actually place where a an unbeliever can actually sit in a a group of people and say I sit in a a group of people and say I sit in a a group of people and say I don't get that or you know I'm not sure don't get that or you know I'm not sure don't get that or you know I'm not sure I believe that and that's okay because I believe that and that's okay because I believe that and that's okay because it's a family right and so they're drawn it's a family right and so they're drawn it's a family right and so they're drawn to they're drawn to the family element to they're drawn to the family element to they're drawn to the family element but in within that family element but in within that family element but in within that family element discipling begins to take place and so discipling begins to take place and so discipling begins to take place and so we have this network that that meets at we have this network that that meets at we have this network that that meets at different times and different days very different times and different days very different times and different days very cool one of the things I love I you know cool one of the things I love I you know cool one of the things I love I you know we'll make sure I want everybody who's we'll make sure I want everybody who's we'll make sure I want everybody who's listening to check out your website listening to check out your website listening to check out your website which is castmember church.com right and which is castmember church.com right and which is castmember church.com right and one of the things I love about what one of the things I love about what one of the things I love about what you're doing that I want church leaders you're doing that I want church leaders you're doing that I want church leaders to lean into don't write this off is I to lean into don't write this off is I to lean into don't write this off is I think you've done an incredible job think you've done an incredible job think you've done an incredible job contextualizing your ministry um even contextualizing your ministry um even contextualizing your ministry um even just you know you just kind of thrw it just you know you just kind of thrw it just you know you just kind of thrw it out there communities it's a small thing out there communities it's a small thing out there communities it's a small thing right it's like it's it's nodding to you right it's like it's it's nodding to you right it's like it's it's nodding to you know the culture you're in um but I just know the culture you're in um but I just know the culture you're in um but I just think that's powerful what a you know think that's powerful what a you know think that's powerful what a you know powerful idea and and it's throughout powerful idea and and it's throughout powerful idea and and it's throughout your you know from what I see online your you know from what I see online your you know from what I see online it's through everything you do you're it's through everything you do you're it's through everything you do you're trying to find how do we connect with um trying to find how do we connect with um trying to find how do we connect with um you know with these groups or with the you know with these groups or with the you know with these groups or with the people who are actually there now what people who are actually there now what people who are actually there now what kind of what kind of for lack of better kind of what kind of for lack of better kind of what kind of for lack of better word curriculum or you know what are you word curriculum or you know what are you word curriculum or you know what are you actually talking about in those groups I actually talking about in those groups I actually talking about in those groups I you know there's probably a better word you know there's probably a better word you know there's probably a better word than that but what's that actually look than that but what's that actually look than that but what's that actually look like it's we start every group when like it's we start every group when like it's we start every group when every time we launch a new group we every time we launch a new group we every time we launch a new group we start with something called life beyond start with something called life beyond start with something called life beyond imagination it's a it's a curriculum I imagination it's a it's a curriculum I imagination it's a it's a curriculum I think that's probably the best word uh think that's probably the best word uh think that's probably the best word uh it's a curriculum that I developed uh it's a curriculum that I developed uh it's a curriculum that I developed uh for cast members it is um what it does for cast members it is um what it does for cast members it is um what it does is we found out that when you talk to is we found out that when you talk to is we found out that when you talk to cast members about Jesus well let me cast members about Jesus well let me cast members about Jesus well let me back up if I tell them I'm a back up if I tell them I'm a back up if I tell them I'm a pastor they're gone right right right

pastor they're gone right right right pastor they're gone right right right right the the conversation shuts down right the the conversation shuts down right the the conversation shuts down and the idea of talking about Jesus and and the idea of talking about Jesus and and the idea of talking about Jesus and and even trying to get a conversation and even trying to get a conversation and even trying to get a conversation going is extremely difficult and and at going is extremely difficult and and at going is extremely difficult and and at least in our culture and so but in my least in our culture and so but in my least in our culture and so but in my conversations with cast members I mean conversations with cast members I mean conversations with cast members I mean hundreds of cast members I realized that hundreds of cast members I realized that hundreds of cast members I realized that none of them are afraid to talk about none of them are afraid to talk about none of them are afraid to talk about purpose and thought okay that is that's purpose and thought okay that is that's purpose and thought okay that is that's huge because purpose is the core of who huge because purpose is the core of who huge because purpose is the core of who we are we exist because God has given we are we exist because God has given we are we exist because God has given each one of us a purpose a reason to each one of us a purpose a reason to each one of us a purpose a reason to glorify him so I thought what if I glorify him so I thought what if I glorify him so I thought what if I worked through a scriptural model on how worked through a scriptural model on how worked through a scriptural model on how to help a person find their purpose and to help a person find their purpose and to help a person find their purpose and in that process we introduce Christ we in that process we introduce Christ we in that process we introduce Christ we introduce this idea of you have a introduce this idea of you have a introduce this idea of you have a purpose but you're separated from the purpose but you're separated from the purpose but you're separated from the one who gave you that purpose and so U one who gave you that purpose and so U one who gave you that purpose and so U we called it life beyond Imagic we called it life beyond Imagic we called it life beyond Imagic which hence the Disney kind of which hence the Disney kind of which hence the Disney kind of vocabulary but we also use dis what we vocabulary but we also use dis what we vocabulary but we also use dis what we call Disney speak another word for call Disney speak another word for call Disney speak another word for vocabulary and we use words like story vocabulary and we use words like story vocabulary and we use words like story Dream quest mark and these these words Dream quest mark and these these words Dream quest mark and these these words that float around Disney all the time that float around Disney all the time that float around Disney all the time but the idea is every week they're but the idea is every week they're but the idea is every week they're working through this process of why am I working through this process of why am I working through this process of why am I here who am I what where am I going and here who am I what where am I going and here who am I what where am I going and what what does all of this matter and what what does all of this matter and what what does all of this matter and what's wonderful about it is we've had what's wonderful about it is we've had what's wonderful about it is we've had an amazing verion rate as a result this an amazing verion rate as a result this an amazing verion rate as a result this process very cool it it was um it's kind process very cool it it was um it's kind process very cool it it was um it's kind of surprised all of us but it it's been of surprised all of us but it it's been of surprised all of us but it it's been very successful and then once we have it very successful and then once we have it very successful and then once we have it we've at the same time we've created a

we've at the same time we've created a we've at the same time we've created a common vocabulary a common set of values common vocabulary a common set of values common vocabulary a common set of values and the ideas every person that goes and the ideas every person that goes and the ideas every person that goes through this has they're able to tell through this has they're able to tell through this has they're able to tell their own story they're able to share their own story they're able to share their own story they're able to share whether they've come to Christ yet or whether they've come to Christ yet or whether they've come to Christ yet or not they know how to tell their story not they know how to tell their story not they know how to tell their story and that's so crucial so crucial here and that's so crucial so crucial here and that's so crucial so crucial here isy well I wonder if you could tell us isy well I wonder if you could tell us isy well I wonder if you could tell us you know give us a maybe an insight into you know give us a maybe an insight into you know give us a maybe an insight into an individual who's kind of when you an individual who's kind of when you an individual who's kind of when you think like oh this is the kind of person think like oh this is the kind of person think like oh this is the kind of person that your ministry is is reaching you that your ministry is is reaching you that your ministry is is reaching you know give us a sense of their profile know give us a sense of their profile know give us a sense of their profile and and kind of how has it impacted uh and and kind of how has it impacted uh and and kind of how has it impacted uh them it's great we I we use the term them it's great we I we use the term them it's great we I we use the term dreamer and doer and the idea is it's dreamer and doer and the idea is it's dreamer and doer and the idea is it's someone who goes I know I have something someone who goes I know I have something someone who goes I know I have something to offer right I just don't know what it to offer right I just don't know what it to offer right I just don't know what it is or how how to do it um these are is or how how to do it um these are is or how how to do it um these are these are uh usually artistic people and these are uh usually artistic people and these are uh usually artistic people and I don't mean artistic like painters or I don't mean artistic like painters or I don't mean artistic like painters or singers these are just creative yeah singers these are just creative yeah singers these are just creative yeah creative folks um they are U usually creative folks um they are U usually creative folks um they are U usually just out of college um Disney employees just out of college um Disney employees just out of college um Disney employees all ages uh but we seem to draw those all ages uh but we seem to draw those all ages uh but we seem to draw those that want to make a difference in the that want to make a difference in the that want to make a difference in the world and so we've we're able to say hey world and so we've we're able to say hey world and so we've we're able to say hey you know what we know that God wants you you know what we know that God wants you you know what we know that God wants you to make a difference too and so that to make a difference too and so that to make a difference too and so that seems to be the connection right there seems to be the connection right there seems to be the connection right there we have a lot of um we have entertainers we have a lot of um we have entertainers we have a lot of um we have entertainers we have people that work in merchandise we have people that work in merchandise we have people that work in merchandise we have people that work in food and we have people that work in food and we have people that work in food and beverage there's really not one beverage there's really not one beverage there's really not one particular slice of the population particular slice of the population particular slice of the population except to say that we are reaching at except to say that we are reaching at except to say that we are reaching at the younger element of Disney right very the younger element of Disney right very the younger element of Disney right very cool now what would you say to a church cool now what would you say to a church cool now what would you say to a church leader who they're listening in today leader who they're listening in today leader who they're listening in today and they're thinking okay that's and they're thinking okay that's and they're thinking okay that's interesting I'm not in Orlando um but

interesting I'm not in Orlando um but interesting I'm not in Orlando um but you know there's maybe a they look at you know there's maybe a they look at you know there's maybe a they look at this and say there's a college campus this and say there's a college campus this and say there's a college campus close by to us or um you know maybe close by to us or um you know maybe close by to us or um you know maybe another large employer like what you another large employer like what you another large employer like what you know like Disney or another kind of know like Disney or another kind of know like Disney or another kind of identifiable kind of subculture that identifiable kind of subculture that identifiable kind of subculture that does feel outside of them but they'd does feel outside of them but they'd does feel outside of them but they'd like to reach into them what are some of like to reach into them what are some of like to reach into them what are some of those kind of lessons or or a few things those kind of lessons or or a few things those kind of lessons or or a few things that you like that they should be that you like that they should be that you like that they should be thinking about if they want to try to thinking about if they want to try to thinking about if they want to try to reach into that Community well I would reach into that Community well I would reach into that Community well I would say first of all ask the question Who Do say first of all ask the question Who Do say first of all ask the question Who Do You Love I mean who who is it that you You Love I mean who who is it that you You Love I mean who who is it that you love that you connect with people seem love that you connect with people seem love that you connect with people seem to connect with you I'm a dreamer and to connect with you I'm a dreamer and to connect with you I'm a dreamer and doer and so Disney just happens to be doer and so Disney just happens to be doer and so Disney just happens to be the place where those people come but the place where those people come but the place where those people come but you put me in any City I'm going to be you put me in any City I'm going to be you put me in any City I'm going to be drawn to those people who who are are drawn to those people who who are are drawn to those people who who are are catalysts and and innovators so the catalysts and and innovators so the catalysts and and innovators so the question would be is who do I connect question would be is who do I connect question would be is who do I connect with who has God created me to connect with who has God created me to connect with who has God created me to connect with so you have to know who you are with so you have to know who you are with so you have to know who you are right and then you start thinking about right and then you start thinking about right and then you start thinking about well where do those people gather where well where do those people gather where well where do those people gather where do they and you're going to find out do they and you're going to find out do they and you're going to find out that there's a mission field out there that there's a mission field out there that there's a mission field out there that's designed just for you very cool that's designed just for you very cool that's designed just for you very cool well this is fascinating now do you well this is fascinating now do you well this is fascinating now do you actually get a chance to be in the park actually get a chance to be in the park actually get a chance to be in the park is that a part of what you do have you is that a part of what you do have you is that a part of what you do have you figured out how have you figured out the figured out how have you figured out the figured out how have you figured out the ultimate job oh no I'm ministering today ultimate job oh no I'm ministering today ultimate job oh no I'm ministering today I got to go ride Space Mountain you know I got to go ride Space Mountain you know I got to go ride Space Mountain you know it's the truth is yes I do I get to uh it's the truth is yes I do I get to uh it's the truth is yes I do I get to uh I'm in the park so much um it's never I'm in the park so much um it's never I'm in the park so much um it's never gotten old I don't I'm not there riding gotten old I don't I'm not there riding gotten old I don't I'm not there riding the rides all the time although if my the rides all the time although if my the rides all the time although if my kids come with me um chances are we're kids come with me um chances are we're kids come with me um chances are we're going to end up on something but uh but going to end up on something but uh but going to end up on something but uh but you know it's it's fun I love I have the

you know it's it's fun I love I have the you know it's it's fun I love I have the coolest Mission field in the world coolest Mission field in the world coolest Mission field in the world because where else can you go where because where else can you go where because where else can you go where people are paid to talk to you right and people are paid to talk to you right and people are paid to talk to you right and so so so I I go in as a guest I I don't so so so I I go in as a guest I I don't so so so I I go in as a guest I I don't have any special I I don't receive any have any special I I don't receive any have any special I I don't receive any special treatment from Disney we're not special treatment from Disney we're not special treatment from Disney we're not endorsed by Disney everything but I go endorsed by Disney everything but I go endorsed by Disney everything but I go in with an annual pass and so I'm in with an annual pass and so I'm in with an annual pass and so I'm treated as a guest and so I look for treated as a guest and so I look for treated as a guest and so I look for cast members that are you know you can cast members that are you know you can cast members that are you know you can just tell I'd love to talk to somebody just tell I'd love to talk to somebody just tell I'd love to talk to somebody right and so I'll go and just start a right and so I'll go and just start a right and so I'll go and just start a conversation with them and um it's been conversation with them and um it's been conversation with them and um it's been fun taking friends of mine into Disney fun taking friends of mine into Disney fun taking friends of mine into Disney as well and showing them what I do and as well and showing them what I do and as well and showing them what I do and they they start to see the mission field they they start to see the mission field they they start to see the mission field as well so I'm there I'm there a lot uh as well so I'm there I'm there a lot uh as well so I'm there I'm there a lot uh I try to balance not just the parks but I try to balance not just the parks but I try to balance not just the parks but the hotels most of our most of our the hotels most of our most of our the hotels most of our most of our communities meet in hotels okay uh we communities meet in hotels okay uh we communities meet in hotels okay uh we don't meet in homes we meet in we meet don't meet in homes we meet in we meet don't meet in homes we meet in we meet actually on dis and um so yeah I'm I and actually on dis and um so yeah I'm I and actually on dis and um so yeah I'm I and I live about 3 minutes from Cinderella's I live about 3 minutes from Cinderella's I live about 3 minutes from Cinderella's castle so oh gosh um my kids if they castle so oh gosh um my kids if they castle so oh gosh um my kids if they can't hear this thing this will be very can't hear this thing this will be very can't hear this thing this will be very bad they'll be like Dad you've got the bad they'll be like Dad you've got the bad they'll be like Dad you've got the wrong Ministry why are you not in you wrong Ministry why are you not in you wrong Ministry why are you not in you know Florida I will I will tell you this know Florida I will I will tell you this know Florida I will I will tell you this though I think my kids are the only ones though I think my kids are the only ones though I think my kids are the only ones you'll ever hear seriously dad do we you'll ever hear seriously dad do we you'll ever hear seriously dad do we have to go to Disney today I can imagine have to go to Disney today I can imagine have to go to Disney today I can imagine that I can imagine that well funny cuz that I can imagine that well funny cuz that I can imagine that well funny cuz we're you know we're similar we're like we're you know we're similar we're like we're you know we're similar we're like you know 45 minutes from um Manhattan you know 45 minutes from um Manhattan you know 45 minutes from um Manhattan right New York City and it's the same right New York City and it's the same right New York City and it's the same thing right like I love going into thing right like I love going into thing right like I love going into Manhattan uh when guests come and my Manhattan uh when guests come and my Manhattan uh when guests come and my wife and kids are like no it's fine you wife and kids are like no it's fine you wife and kids are like no it's fine you take them we're staying here I don't take them we're staying here I don't take them we're staying here I don't really want to see Time Square One More really want to see Time Square One More really want to see Time Square One More Time you know so I can identify with

Time you know so I can identify with Time you know so I can identify with that well this fantastic anything else that well this fantastic anything else that well this fantastic anything else you'd love to share uh with our you'd love to share uh with our you'd love to share uh with our listeners before we jump into the listeners before we jump into the listeners before we jump into the lightning round yeah just simply the lightning round yeah just simply the lightning round yeah just simply the fact that yeah I mean Disney sounds fact that yeah I mean Disney sounds fact that yeah I mean Disney sounds incredible it sounds like a know it it incredible it sounds like a know it it incredible it sounds like a know it it makes sense we're doing but the truth is makes sense we're doing but the truth is makes sense we're doing but the truth is it took a lot of hard work to figure out it took a lot of hard work to figure out it took a lot of hard work to figure out how to make this work and I want to how to make this work and I want to how to make this work and I want to encourage anyone that if you're really encourage anyone that if you're really encourage anyone that if you're really feeling called into church planting or feeling called into church planting or feeling called into church planting or something similar to what we're doing something similar to what we're doing something similar to what we're doing don't be afraid to do the hard work don't be afraid to do the hard work don't be afraid to do the hard work because it's worth it God wants to do a because it's worth it God wants to do a because it's worth it God wants to do a new work through you don't don't new work through you don't don't new work through you don't don't necessarily look at models you can learn necessarily look at models you can learn necessarily look at models you can learn from Models but don't be afraid to step from Models but don't be afraid to step from Models but don't be afraid to step into something Innovative because I into something Innovative because I into something Innovative because I really believe that's how God grows the really believe that's how God grows the really believe that's how God grows the church this is the UN Seminary podcast church this is the UN Seminary podcast church this is the UN Seminary podcast stuff you wish they taught in seminary stuff you wish they taught in seminary stuff you wish they taught in seminary all right well we're going to jump into all right well we're going to jump into all right well we're going to jump into the lightning round that part of the the lightning round that part of the the lightning round that part of the show where we jump through similar show where we jump through similar show where we jump through similar questions uh with people who are on questions uh with people who are on questions uh with people who are on every uh episode today we're super every uh episode today we're super every uh episode today we're super excited to have Steven bar with us he's excited to have Steven bar with us he's excited to have Steven bar with us he's from cast member Church a really super from cast member Church a really super from cast member Church a really super unique Ministry uh reaching out to cast unique Ministry uh reaching out to cast unique Ministry uh reaching out to cast members at Walt Disney World in in members at Walt Disney World in in members at Walt Disney World in in Florida and actually you're thinking Florida and actually you're thinking Florida and actually you're thinking about expanding or you're in the process about expanding or you're in the process about expanding or you're in the process of expanding to other locations tell us of expanding to other locations tell us of expanding to other locations tell us about that our vision is to have a cast about that our vision is to have a cast about that our vision is to have a cast member church at every Disney location member church at every Disney location member church at every Disney location around the world wow uh so that means around the world wow uh so that means around the world wow uh so that means Anaheim Tokyo Paris Hong Kong and Anaheim Tokyo Paris Hong Kong and Anaheim Tokyo Paris Hong Kong and Shanghai right and so um we are now Shanghai right and so um we are now Shanghai right and so um we are now getting this month this is exciting I'm getting this month this is exciting I'm getting this month this is exciting I'm flying out to LA uh to have the first flying out to LA uh to have the first flying out to LA uh to have the first meeting uh with leadership uh with meeting uh with leadership uh with meeting uh with leadership uh with forming a leadership team for Disneyland forming a leadership team for Disneyland forming a leadership team for Disneyland Anaheim very cool wow that's that's neat

Anaheim very cool wow that's that's neat Anaheim very cool wow that's that's neat that's a what a cool vision and again that's a what a cool vision and again that's a what a cool vision and again you'll have a really tough job the day you'll have a really tough job the day you'll have a really tough job the day you have to fly to all those Parks one you have to fly to all those Parks one you have to fly to all those Parks one after another we'll pray for you Stephen after another we'll pray for you Stephen after another we'll pray for you Stephen we'll be like oh it's that's a tough we'll be like oh it's that's a tough we'll be like oh it's that's a tough Ministry you know I'm just kidding I'm Ministry you know I'm just kidding I'm Ministry you know I'm just kidding I'm just kidding I'll thanks all right well just kidding I'll thanks all right well just kidding I'll thanks all right well what's uh what's on one online resource what's uh what's on one online resource what's uh what's on one online resource that you're using these days that that's that you're using these days that that's that you're using these days that that's really helping you uh for us it's we're really helping you uh for us it's we're really helping you uh for us it's we're using something called fuse it's similar using something called fuse it's similar using something called fuse it's similar to Skype what we what we're doing right to Skype what we what we're doing right to Skype what we what we're doing right here um but it allows us to have here um but it allows us to have here um but it allows us to have multiple people at the same time on the multiple people at the same time on the multiple people at the same time on the screen we can actually have communities screen we can actually have communities screen we can actually have communities that meet virtually they don't even have that meet virtually they don't even have that meet virtually they don't even have cast members don't even have to leave cast members don't even have to leave cast members don't even have to leave their home so they're able to connect I their home so they're able to connect I their home so they're able to connect I can look at seven or eight people at the can look at seven or eight people at the can look at seven or eight people at the same time have a conversation and it's same time have a conversation and it's same time have a conversation and it's and would use the same thing for Anaheim and would use the same thing for Anaheim and would use the same thing for Anaheim it's going to allow the church to it's going to allow the church to it's going to allow the church to connect virtually and even though I know connect virtually and even though I know connect virtually and even though I know there are people out there that are there are people out there that are there are people out there that are critical of you know is it really a critical of you know is it really a critical of you know is it really a church when you're meeting virtually yes church when you're meeting virtually yes church when you're meeting virtually yes it is we have we have we have people it is we have we have we have people it is we have we have we have people that I have never met face to face and that I have never met face to face and that I have never met face to face and yet I've wept with them and and yet I've wept with them and and yet I've wept with them and and celebrated with them things there is celebrated with them things there is celebrated with them things there is something that God is doing in an something that God is doing in an something that God is doing in an incredible way through this technology incredible way through this technology incredible way through this technology that we've been given so fuse is that we've been given so fuse is that we've been given so fuse is something that we value greatly very something that we value greatly very something that we value greatly very cool what's a book you've read in the cool what's a book you've read in the cool what's a book you've read in the last I don't know six months to a year last I don't know six months to a year last I don't know six months to a year that's kind of shaping your your that's kind of shaping your your that's kind of shaping your your thinking or you know your your your thinking or you know your your your thinking or you know your your your ministry yeah it's a book that I keep ministry yeah it's a book that I keep ministry yeah it's a book that I keep rereading to be honest with you right rereading to be honest with you right rereading to be honest with you right it's I it's I can't say I read it the it's I it's I can't say I read it the it's I it's I can't say I read it the last six months I keep reading it over last six months I keep reading it over last six months I keep reading it over and over um it's building a discipling and over um it's building a discipling and over um it's building a discipling culture by uh Mike Breen um it's what culture by uh Mike Breen um it's what culture by uh Mike Breen um it's what between that book that's what confirmed between that book that's what confirmed between that book that's what confirmed for us hey I think we're heading in the

for us hey I think we're heading in the for us hey I think we're heading in the right direction by understanding right direction by understanding right direction by understanding building a discipling culture also real building a discipling culture also real building a discipling culture also real quickly um Church unique by Will manini quickly um Church unique by Will manini quickly um Church unique by Will manini had a powerful impact uh on um on our had a powerful impact uh on um on our had a powerful impact uh on um on our being here Disney but Mike Mike Green's being here Disney but Mike Mike Green's being here Disney but Mike Mike Green's done a great job with building a done a great job with building a done a great job with building a discipling culture yeah Will manini's discipling culture yeah Will manini's discipling culture yeah Will manini's been on the podcast he's a great guy I been on the podcast he's a great guy I been on the podcast he's a great guy I uh value him big time he's a great uh value him big time he's a great uh value him big time he's a great leader for sure he's one he's one of the leader for sure he's one he's one of the leader for sure he's one he's one of the reasons we're actually here I mean we reasons we're actually here I mean we reasons we're actually here I mean we did we did the whole Vision process with did we did the whole Vision process with did we did the whole Vision process with him and I was in San Antonio at the time him and I was in San Antonio at the time him and I was in San Antonio at the time and ended up here because of him oh wow and ended up here because of him oh wow and ended up here because of him oh wow very cool very cool all right well are very cool very cool all right well are very cool very cool all right well are there any other Ministries you're there any other Ministries you're there any other Ministries you're looking around to and saying like hey looking around to and saying like hey looking around to and saying like hey that kind of inspires you or you know that kind of inspires you or you know that kind of inspires you or you know you're got has you thinking in a new way you're got has you thinking in a new way you're got has you thinking in a new way is there anybody doing anything like is there anybody doing anything like is there anybody doing anything like what you're doing what you're doing what you're doing uh I'm sure there is I uh I'm sure there is I uh I'm sure there is I mean but the funny thing for me is and mean but the funny thing for me is and mean but the funny thing for me is and Rich this is come more comes more from a Rich this is come more comes more from a Rich this is come more comes more from a personal thing when I start looking at personal thing when I start looking at personal thing when I start looking at other Ministries um I'm either tempted other Ministries um I'm either tempted other Ministries um I'm either tempted to duplicate or start to feel guilty to duplicate or start to feel guilty to duplicate or start to feel guilty because I can't do what they're doing because I can't do what they're doing because I can't do what they're doing and so what I've done is I've I've and so what I've done is I've I've and so what I've done is I've I've really looked to our cast members for really looked to our cast members for really looked to our cast members for inspiration and what is God doing there inspiration and what is God doing there inspiration and what is God doing there and how can we build on that um you know and how can we build on that um you know and how can we build on that um you know there are I I I go online look at what there are I I I go online look at what there are I I I go online look at what other people are doing but my greatest other people are doing but my greatest other people are doing but my greatest inspiration to be honest with you comes inspiration to be honest with you comes inspiration to be honest with you comes from watching what he's doing right here from watching what he's doing right here from watching what he's doing right here very cool very cool all right just two very cool very cool all right just two very cool very cool all right just two more questions um so if you could get 15 more questions um so if you could get 15 more questions um so if you could get 15 minutes with any leader alive today uh minutes with any leader alive today uh minutes with any leader alive today uh you know who would you want to get that you know who would you want to get that you know who would you want to get that time with and why that's that's not a time with and why that's that's not a time with and why that's that's not a fair question because you got to narrow fair question because you got to narrow fair question because you got to narrow it down one or two there are so many

it down one or two there are so many it down one or two there are so many people I've been blessed to be able to people I've been blessed to be able to people I've been blessed to be able to spend time with some of my heroes but uh spend time with some of my heroes but uh spend time with some of my heroes but uh I think Seth Goden is somebody who I think Seth Goden is somebody who I think Seth Goden is somebody who understands culture oh so true and and I understands culture oh so true and and I understands culture oh so true and and I think it's he's not just a marketing guy think it's he's not just a marketing guy think it's he's not just a marketing guy but he understands the psychology of but he understands the psychology of but he understands the psychology of people and so I would love to pick his people and so I would love to pick his people and so I would love to pick his brain another one is a guy named sir kin brain another one is a guy named sir kin brain another one is a guy named sir kin Robinson and he is um he's a a leader in Robinson and he is um he's a a leader in Robinson and he is um he's a a leader in education but he he understands how education but he he understands how education but he he understands how people learn and that fascinates me people learn and that fascinates me people learn and that fascinates me because it it really helps the church if because it it really helps the church if because it it really helps the church if we understand how people learn we can we understand how people learn we can we understand how people learn we can help them obviously embrace the help them obviously embrace the help them obviously embrace the principles of Christ and all and um you principles of Christ and all and um you principles of Christ and all and um you know Dave Gibbons uh Dave is just one of know Dave Gibbons uh Dave is just one of know Dave Gibbons uh Dave is just one of those guys that he's out on the edge and those guys that he's out on the edge and those guys that he's out on the edge and um I've heard him speak but I'd love to um I've heard him speak but I'd love to um I've heard him speak but I'd love to for 15 minutes be able to say you know for 15 minutes be able to say you know for 15 minutes be able to say you know what makes you tick right right pick his what makes you tick right right pick his what makes you tick right right pick his brain a little bit cool y all right when brain a little bit cool y all right when brain a little bit cool y all right when you're not doing the hard work of you're not doing the hard work of you're not doing the hard work of ministering to people inside Disney ministering to people inside Disney ministering to people inside Disney World and uh you know what do you do for World and uh you know what do you do for World and uh you know what do you do for fun how do you kind of kick back I'm fun how do you kind of kick back I'm fun how do you kind of kick back I'm obviously kidding I'm I'm ribbing you obviously kidding I'm I'm ribbing you obviously kidding I'm I'm ribbing you too much on that I understand I'm not too much on that I understand I'm not too much on that I understand I'm not trying to diminish your ministry no what trying to diminish your ministry no what trying to diminish your ministry no what what what do you do for fun how do you what what do you do for fun how do you what what do you do for fun how do you just kind of Kick Back enjoy some some just kind of Kick Back enjoy some some just kind of Kick Back enjoy some some downtime uh a couple things one I love downtime uh a couple things one I love downtime uh a couple things one I love music um I uh I was in in fact when I music um I uh I was in in fact when I music um I uh I was in in fact when I was a cast member I was a musician so uh was a cast member I was a musician so uh was a cast member I was a musician so uh and I spent 20 years as a worship Pastor and I spent 20 years as a worship Pastor and I spent 20 years as a worship Pastor so I love I love just to play I love to so I love I love just to play I love to so I love I love just to play I love to write um but to be honest with you I I write um but to be honest with you I I write um but to be honest with you I I love going to Disney I mean I love being love going to Disney I mean I love being love going to Disney I mean I love being at Disney in that environment and um uh at Disney in that environment and um uh at Disney in that environment and um uh I don't take it for granted and yes it

I don't take it for granted and yes it I don't take it for granted and yes it is fun I mean it it really is but um I is fun I mean it it really is but um I is fun I mean it it really is but um I go back to the fact that I love my go back to the fact that I love my go back to the fact that I love my mission field and I love hanging out mission field and I love hanging out mission field and I love hanging out there so very cool well Stephen I really there so very cool well Stephen I really there so very cool well Stephen I really appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you being on the show today appreciate you taking time out um from appreciate you taking time out um from appreciate you taking time out um from your schedule uh to be with us if people want that's easy uh Stephen with a V want that's easy uh Stephen with a V castmember church.com I'd love to hear castmember church.com I'd love to hear castmember church.com I'd love to hear from do my pleasure rich thank you want to do my pleasure rich thank you want to get in touch with you or with cast get in touch with you or with cast get in touch with you or with cast member Church how can they do that great yeah because I know even just that great yeah because I know even just practically I know there's a lot of um practically I know there's a lot of um practically I know there's a lot of um you know students in the college program you know students in the college program you know students in the college program come down and there may be church come down and there may be church come down and there may be church leaders that are like hey they've heard leaders that are like hey they've heard leaders that are like hey they've heard that there's some kid in you know they that there's some kid in you know they that there's some kid in you know they they organized their church that's they organized their church that's they organized their church that's coming your way I'm I don't know if coming your way I'm I don't know if coming your way I'm I don't know if you'd be open to you know kind of you'd be open to you know kind of you'd be open to you know kind of bridging some of those contacts and you bridging some of those contacts and you bridging some of those contacts and you know helping people as they arrive into know helping people as they arrive into know helping people as they arrive into Orlando that might be kind of a nice uh Orlando that might be kind of a nice uh Orlando that might be kind of a nice uh connection for people listening connection for people listening connection for people listening in great thanks so much thanks Stephen in great thanks so much thanks Stephen in great thanks so much thanks Stephen for being on the show for being on the show for being on the show today thank you for tuning in to this today thank you for tuning in to this today thank you for tuning in to this week's unseminary podcast don't be shy week's unseminary podcast don't be shy week's unseminary podcast don't be shy we'd love to connect check out

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