Scott Bixby on How a 127 Year Old Church Grew to Over 90% in Groups and 2,000+ People

welcome to the unsummon airy podcast are welcome to the unsummon airy podcast are you looking for practical ministry help you looking for practical ministry help you looking for practical ministry help to drive your ministry further faster to drive your ministry further faster to drive your ministry further faster have a sinking feeling that your have a sinking feeling that your have a sinking feeling that your ministry training didn't prepare you for ministry training didn't prepare you for ministry training didn't prepare you for the real world hey you're not alone join the real world hey you're not alone join the real world hey you're not alone join thousands of others in pursuit of stuff thousands of others in pursuit of stuff thousands of others in pursuit of stuff that we wish they had taught in seminary that we wish they had taught in seminary that we wish they had taught in seminary buckle up and let's get started with buckle up and let's get started with buckle up and let's get started with this week's on seminary podcast what this week's on seminary podcast what this week's on seminary podcast what everybody welcome to the on seminary everybody welcome to the on seminary everybody welcome to the on seminary podcast my name is rich the host around podcast my name is rich the host around podcast my name is rich the host around these parts so glad that you've decided these parts so glad that you've decided these parts so glad that you've decided to tune in today we've got North Ridge to tune in today we've got North Ridge to tune in today we've got North Ridge Church on the line Scott Bixby's leader Church on the line Scott Bixby's leader Church on the line Scott Bixby's leader their executive pastors it's a great their executive pastors it's a great their executive pastors it's a great Church a friend of ours a friend of the Church a friend of ours a friend of the Church a friend of ours a friend of the podcast actually a friend of on seminary podcast actually a friend of on seminary podcast actually a friend of on seminary they got three campuses in Rochester in they got three campuses in Rochester in they got three campuses in Rochester in beautiful Rochester we like to call it beautiful Rochester we like to call it beautiful Rochester we like to call it that you know cultural hub of the world that you know cultural hub of the world that you know cultural hub of the world actually we've talked about them in the actually we've talked about them in the actually we've talked about them in the past we featured we talked about you past we featured we talked about you past we featured we talked about you guys have a location or a couple guys have a location or a couple guys have a location or a couple locations in movie theaters we've locations in movie theaters we've locations in movie theaters we've referenced active half at past yeah referenced active half at past yeah referenced active half at past yeah we've done all kinds of great thing so we've done all kinds of great thing so we've done all kinds of great thing so Scott welcome to the show and thank you Scott welcome to the show and thank you Scott welcome to the show and thank you it's great to be here I'm so glad that it's great to be here I'm so glad that it's great to be here I'm so glad that you're that you're on the show today why you're that you're on the show today why you're that you're on the show today why don't you tell us a little bit about don't you tell us a little bit about don't you tell us a little bit about northridge give us the kind of northridge give us the kind of northridge give us the kind of Northridge story and we know what would Northridge story and we know what would Northridge story and we know what would people you know were you know people you know were you know people you know were you know experienced when they came this weekend experienced when they came this weekend experienced when they came this weekend right so Northridge Church we are a right so Northridge Church we are a right so Northridge Church we are a church has been around a long time church has been around a long time church has been around a long time so about 127 years yeah so about 127 years yeah so about 127 years yeah and we're a church that's transitions so and we're a church that's transitions so and we're a church that's transitions so when I came to the church about 12 years when I came to the church about 12 years when I came to the church about 12 years ago you know there were a couple of ago you know there were a couple of ago you know there were a couple of people three four hundred people on a people three four hundred people on a people three four hundred people on a Sunday morning and we have transition Sunday morning and we have transition Sunday morning and we have transition that so is your typical Baptist Church that so is your typical Baptist Church that so is your typical Baptist Church what you would have thought of what I what you would have thought of what I what you would have thought of what I grew up in that's who we were and we had

grew up in that's who we were and we had grew up in that's who we were and we had the Sunday School the prayer meeting the Sunday School the prayer meeting the Sunday School the prayer meeting that we did it all so we we began to that we did it all so we we began to that we did it all so we we began to look at churches that were reaching look at churches that were reaching look at churches that were reaching people we were not a church that was people we were not a church that was people we were not a church that was reaching people who were far from God reaching people who were far from God reaching people who were far from God and so we said well who is and how might and so we said well who is and how might and so we said well who is and how might God be able to use that to help us here God be able to use that to help us here God be able to use that to help us here at Northridge so we began the process of at Northridge so we began the process of at Northridge so we began the process of adjusting transitioning and began to adjusting transitioning and began to adjusting transitioning and began to head in the direction that would help us head in the direction that would help us head in the direction that would help us do that so we have grown do that so we have grown do that so we have grown we're multi-site we've got three sites we're multi-site we've got three sites we're multi-site we've got three sites right now one in a school one in a right now one in a school one in a right now one in a school one in a theater and then one that is our theater and then one that is our theater and then one that is our original campus we have a fork that original campus we have a fork that original campus we have a fork that we're rolling out this summer that maybe we're rolling out this summer that maybe we're rolling out this summer that maybe another Regal theater that we're going another Regal theater that we're going another Regal theater that we're going to use so grant sabja our fourth and to use so grant sabja our fourth and to use so grant sabja our fourth and we're excited about that but if you come we're excited about that but if you come we're excited about that but if you come today today today it would look similar to it would look similar to it would look similar to other churches that are reaching people other churches that are reaching people other churches that are reaching people so you're talking about a church where so you're talking about a church where so you're talking about a church where groups is a big part of what we do a groups is a big part of what we do a groups is a big part of what we do a church that's kind of that you know church that's kind of that you know church that's kind of that you know become more simple I kind of move you become more simple I kind of move you become more simple I kind of move you know we had a school there are a lot of know we had a school there are a lot of know we had a school there are a lot of things that were a part of who we were things that were a part of who we were things that were a part of who we were and we did a ton of things as a church and we did a ton of things as a church and we did a ton of things as a church and we've pared that down and really and we've pared that down and really and we've pared that down and really attempted to we say make more and better attempted to we say make more and better attempted to we say make more and better disciples so that is who we are you want disciples so that is who we are you want disciples so that is who we are you want to make make more and better and so to make make more and better and so to make make more and better and so we've pared down and there's 22 2300 we've pared down and there's 22 2300 we've pared down and there's 22 2300 people on a weekly basis right now and people on a weekly basis right now and people on a weekly basis right now and we've we're just really thankful really we've we're just really thankful really we've we're just really thankful really thankful now I know correct my language thankful now I know correct my language thankful now I know correct my language here so I would describe your church and here so I would describe your church and here so I would describe your church and this is I'm sure this is imprecise book this is I'm sure this is imprecise book this is I'm sure this is imprecise book but corrective I would describe you guys but corrective I would describe you guys but corrective I would describe you guys as you know you're you're like a high as you know you're you're like a high as you know you're you're like a high discipleship Church in the fact that you discipleship Church in the fact that you discipleship Church in the fact that you you know we want to you know to you know we want to you know to you know we want to you know to unashamedly you know use Scripture and unashamedly you know use Scripture and unashamedly you know use Scripture and and help people take steps closer to God

and help people take steps closer to God and help people take steps closer to God but you also at the same time I haven't but you also at the same time I haven't but you also at the same time I haven't been afraid to say like hey we want to been afraid to say like hey we want to been afraid to say like hey we want to mix in some of the attraction 'el stuff mix in some of the attraction 'el stuff mix in some of the attraction 'el stuff that some of you know our tractional that some of you know our tractional that some of you know our tractional brothers and sisters do it seems like brothers and sisters do it seems like brothers and sisters do it seems like you're striking and newer a different you're striking and newer a different you're striking and newer a different balance that maybe some in you know in balance that maybe some in you know in balance that maybe some in you know in from maybe your close tribe aren't from maybe your close tribe aren't from maybe your close tribe aren't really doing it was that true am i really doing it was that true am i really doing it was that true am i describing that correctly we've not been describing that correctly we've not been describing that correctly we've not been afraid to tackle deeper theological afraid to tackle deeper theological afraid to tackle deeper theological issues if that's what you're asking read issues if that's what you're asking read issues if that's what you're asking read and we also have we have a whole equip and we also have we have a whole equip and we also have we have a whole equip section we have equipped classes there's section we have equipped classes there's section we have equipped classes there's e there's weekly equipped emails that go e there's weekly equipped emails that go e there's weekly equipped emails that go out a lot of video teaching type stuff out a lot of video teaching type stuff out a lot of video teaching type stuff so yeah we we try to do more and better so yeah we we try to do more and better so yeah we we try to do more and better instead of being a church that just goes instead of being a church that just goes instead of being a church that just goes all - the more I'm trying to reach more all - the more I'm trying to reach more all - the more I'm trying to reach more disciples we want to do more and better disciples we want to do more and better disciples we want to do more and better and that was that was really helpful UPS and that was that was really helpful UPS and that was that was really helpful UPS and holding on to our core because we and holding on to our core because we and holding on to our core because we didn't want to just you know turn our didn't want to just you know turn our didn't want to just you know turn our church over and lose I mean we've got church over and lose I mean we've got church over and lose I mean we've got we've got something stuck with us who we've got something stuck with us who we've got something stuck with us who are in their sixties seventies eighties are in their sixties seventies eighties are in their sixties seventies eighties there still with us and love the fact there still with us and love the fact there still with us and love the fact that we're seeing a whole bunch of young that we're seeing a whole bunch of young that we're seeing a whole bunch of young people come into the church a ton of people come into the church a ton of people come into the church a ton of young couples come to the church and see young couples come to the church and see young couples come to the church and see us you know baptize people so that yeah us you know baptize people so that yeah us you know baptize people so that yeah so I think yeah we are we're of one that so I think yeah we are we're of one that so I think yeah we are we're of one that way yeah that's very cool which i think way yeah that's very cool which i think way yeah that's very cool which i think is great I think it's fantastic great is great I think it's fantastic great is great I think it's fantastic great church you should be checking out now church you should be checking out now church you should be checking out now one of the things I combine I wants you one of the things I combine I wants you one of the things I combine I wants you know hearing about the group side of know hearing about the group side of know hearing about the group side of what's going on at at North 4:20 tell us what's going on at at North 4:20 tell us what's going on at at North 4:20 tell us a little bit about that you know what a little bit about that you know what a little bit about that you know what you've actually kind of gone through a you've actually kind of gone through a you've actually kind of gone through a little bit of a rub little bit of a rub little bit of a rub lucien here and seeing in a whole bunch lucien here and seeing in a whole bunch lucien here and seeing in a whole bunch of people get you know more plugged into of people get you know more plugged into of people get you know more plugged into groups can tell us a little bit about groups can tell us a little bit about groups can tell us a little bit about that yeah so we decided to put our eggs that yeah so we decided to put our eggs that yeah so we decided to put our eggs in the group's basket as opposed to the

in the group's basket as opposed to the in the group's basket as opposed to the adults on a school basket and as a part adults on a school basket and as a part adults on a school basket and as a part of that process we had some other of that process we had some other of that process we had some other churches that were really helpful and we churches that were really helpful and we churches that were really helpful and we studied the normals and and in the on studied the normals and and in the on studied the normals and and in the on that groups front we've seen it grow that groups front we've seen it grow that groups front we've seen it grow from when we started we had about 20 from when we started we had about 20 from when we started we had about 20 percent of our you know adult on a percent of our you know adult on a percent of our you know adult on a sunday morning who are in our group sunday morning who are in our group sunday morning who are in our group environments to now where we're up in environments to now where we're up in environments to now where we're up in the you know ninety ninety five hundred the you know ninety ninety five hundred the you know ninety ninety five hundred percent of our people are another percent of our people are another percent of our people are another amazing and that's when that's when you amazing and that's when that's when you amazing and that's when that's when you measure how many adults are there Sunday measure how many adults are there Sunday measure how many adults are there Sunday morning and then how many are attending morning and then how many are attending morning and then how many are attending in a group and so there's a number of in a group and so there's a number of in a group and so there's a number of things that have helped us in that things that have helped us in that things that have helped us in that process but we've we become a church of process but we've we become a church of process but we've we become a church of groups as opposed to a church with groups as opposed to a church with groups as opposed to a church with groups and and that's where it happens groups and and that's where it happens groups and and that's where it happens and there's no way we could have grown and there's no way we could have grown and there's no way we could have grown from a few hundred to you know twenty to from a few hundred to you know twenty to from a few hundred to you know twenty to twenty three hundred without our groups twenty three hundred without our groups twenty three hundred without our groups pumkin functioning well and those three pumkin functioning well and those three pumkin functioning well and those three hundred plus community leaders stepping hundred plus community leaders stepping hundred plus community leaders stepping up and shepherding those people and up and shepherding those people and up and shepherding those people and leading those people because we we can't leading those people because we we can't leading those people because we we can't do it we're not a big enough that hmm do it we're not a big enough that hmm do it we're not a big enough that hmm that's amazing why don't we kind of pick that's amazing why don't we kind of pick that's amazing why don't we kind of pick through what are some of the things that through what are some of the things that through what are some of the things that you did to really make that shift from you did to really make that shift from you did to really make that shift from hey we're a church of groups to our hey we're a church of groups to our hey we're a church of groups to our church yeah you know with groups to of church yeah you know with groups to of church yeah you know with groups to of groups tell me what you did to kind of groups tell me what you did to kind of groups tell me what you did to kind of make that transition right so some of make that transition right so some of make that transition right so some of the some of things we did is we talked the some of things we did is we talked the some of things we did is we talked about it all the time so on Sunday about it all the time so on Sunday about it all the time so on Sunday mornings we talked about in your groups mornings we talked about in your groups mornings we talked about in your groups you're going to do this this week and so you're going to do this this week and so you're going to do this this week and so in your group should be discussing it so in your group should be discussing it so in your group should be discussing it so it became a constant thing that we're it became a constant thing that we're it became a constant thing that we're talking about the other thing is we made talking about the other thing is we made talking about the other thing is we made it a part of our simulation strategy so it a part of our simulation strategy so it a part of our simulation strategy so the first step for everyone is a worship the first step for everyone is a worship the first step for everyone is a worship service that tends to be the way it is service that tends to be the way it is service that tends to be the way it is for people in America today so we're for people in America today so we're for people in America today so we're going to be missionaries to America to going to be missionaries to America to going to be missionaries to America to Rochester we got a million people in

Rochester we got a million people in Rochester we got a million people in Rochester and we're going to be Rochester and we're going to be Rochester and we're going to be missionaries to that culture unbelievers missionaries to that culture unbelievers missionaries to that culture unbelievers say if I was gonna show up at church I'd say if I was gonna show up at church I'd say if I was gonna show up at church I'd show up Sunday morning so first step is show up Sunday morning so first step is show up Sunday morning so first step is worship service then from there they worship service then from there they worship service then from there they jump right into a group so we're jump right into a group so we're jump right into a group so we're immediately attempting to find a group immediately attempting to find a group immediately attempting to find a group that bend them well we use three that bend them well we use three that bend them well we use three trimesters a year so three times a year trimesters a year so three times a year trimesters a year so three times a year it's Ahnold you know on ramps and off it's Ahnold you know on ramps and off it's Ahnold you know on ramps and off ramps it's north coast and you know ramps it's north coast and you know ramps it's north coast and you know Larry Osbourne they're modeled Church Larry Osbourne they're modeled Church Larry Osbourne they're modeled Church and with those everybody gets a chance and with those everybody gets a chance and with those everybody gets a chance to join groups three times a year and to join groups three times a year and to join groups three times a year and then you know get out of groups three then you know get out of groups three then you know get out of groups three times here so there's the back forearms times here so there's the back forearms times here so there's the back forearms they're you know jumping in jumping out they're you know jumping in jumping out they're you know jumping in jumping out but it becames real natural but it becames real natural but it becames real natural the groups are all starting you know the groups are all starting you know the groups are all starting you know three times a year and everybody's three times a year and everybody's three times a year and everybody's jumping in and promoting them we'll do a jumping in and promoting them we'll do a jumping in and promoting them we'll do a churchwide campaign we don't do it churchwide campaign we don't do it churchwide campaign we don't do it Saddleback style we're we're doing them Saddleback style we're we're doing them Saddleback style we're we're doing them all the time and I kind of think but we all the time and I kind of think but we all the time and I kind of think but we will do up hey we're all going to be you will do up hey we're all going to be you will do up hey we're all going to be you know doing this together and a couple know doing this together and a couple know doing this together and a couple them a couple times a year to get as them a couple times a year to get as them a couple times a year to get as many people kind of jumping in the many people kind of jumping in the many people kind of jumping in the difference is we don't ask our groups difference is we don't ask our groups difference is we don't ask our groups Saddleback would ask their groups to Saddleback would ask their groups to Saddleback would ask their groups to kind of stop meeting and do it together kind of stop meeting and do it together kind of stop meeting and do it together we don't do that our groups kind of we don't do that our groups kind of we don't do that our groups kind of continue on it so you're adding new continue on it so you're adding new continue on it so you're adding new people into your existing group as a people into your existing group as a people into your existing group as a part of that process as far as how we part of that process as far as how we part of that process as far as how we Shepherd those leaders oceans you know Shepherd those leaders oceans you know Shepherd those leaders oceans you know 300 running they're like 321 community 300 running they're like 321 community 300 running they're like 321 community group leaders those people are so key group leaders those people are so key group leaders those people are so key and we staff to help them we've taken and we staff to help them we've taken and we staff to help them we've taken kind of a Northpoint model where North kind of a Northpoint model where North kind of a Northpoint model where North Point said we tried to use volunteer Point said we tried to use volunteer Point said we tried to use volunteer coaches Brown for our group leaders and coaches Brown for our group leaders and coaches Brown for our group leaders and it didn't work and we found the same it didn't work and we found the same it didn't work and we found the same thing it was really hard to have our thing it was really hard to have our thing it was really hard to have our volunteer group leaders kind of respect volunteer group leaders kind of respect volunteer group leaders kind of respect volunteer coaches and so for us and with

volunteer coaches and so for us and with volunteer coaches and so for us and with all this stuff this isn't what everybody all this stuff this isn't what everybody all this stuff this isn't what everybody should do but this is just what's worked should do but this is just what's worked should do but this is just what's worked for us its kind of matched ardian we've for us its kind of matched ardian we've for us its kind of matched ardian we've actually had our staff I'll be the ones actually had our staff I'll be the ones actually had our staff I'll be the ones who coach those group leaders so we'll who coach those group leaders so we'll who coach those group leaders so we'll have staff members who have you know 50 have staff members who have you know 50 have staff members who have you know 50 60 community leaders that they read they 60 community leaders that they read they 60 community leaders that they read they would have that report to them and that would have that report to them and that would have that report to them and that they connect with each of our campus they connect with each of our campus they connect with each of our campus pastors they coach the leaders on their pastors they coach the leaders on their pastors they coach the leaders on their campus so we want to do that and for campus so we want to do that and for campus so we want to do that and for like for our original campus there's a like for our original campus there's a like for our original campus there's a couple different guys from staff who couple different guys from staff who couple different guys from staff who would help to coach but it's something would help to coach but it's something would help to coach but it's something where we really want to support them and where we really want to support them and where we really want to support them and help them as they work throughout the help them as they work throughout the help them as they work throughout the year but I'm gonna stop ya know so you year but I'm gonna stop ya know so you year but I'm gonna stop ya know so you said there's 50 or 60 per staff member said there's 50 or 60 per staff member said there's 50 or 60 per staff member in is that um what does that look like in is that um what does that look like in is that um what does that look like what is that kind of coaching what is that kind of coaching what is that kind of coaching relationship look like how often they relationship look like how often they relationship look like how often they checking in what is that you know I know checking in what is that you know I know checking in what is that you know I know North Point has that I think they call North Point has that I think they call North Point has that I think they call 2-1-1 - you know what raining event one 2-1-1 - you know what raining event one 2-1-1 - you know what raining event one or two one one two two one training or two one one two two one training or two one one two two one training event - two one-on-ones a year and then event - two one-on-ones a year and then event - two one-on-ones a year and then to kind of equipment's during the year to kind of equipment's during the year to kind of equipment's during the year but what are you guys doing on that but what are you guys doing on that but what are you guys doing on that front yeah great question reg so what we front yeah great question reg so what we front yeah great question reg so what we do is twice a year we do a large do is twice a year we do a large do is twice a year we do a large training event and so we'll pull all the training event and so we'll pull all the training event and so we'll pull all the leaders together from all the campuses leaders together from all the campuses leaders together from all the campuses lead pastor is there it'll do so you lead pastor is there it'll do so you lead pastor is there it'll do so you know a little talk with cast some vision know a little talk with cast some vision know a little talk with cast some vision we'll feed them they get to choose we'll feed them they get to choose we'll feed them they get to choose a number of breakouts that we'll offer a number of breakouts that we'll offer a number of breakouts that we'll offer at that event and they get to choose at that event and they get to choose at that event and they get to choose which breakouts they want to go to which breakouts they want to go to which breakouts they want to go to because they kind of divide and conquer because they kind of divide and conquer because they kind of divide and conquer as group leaders and each picket at her as group leaders and each picket at her as group leaders and each picket at her spot or they can all go together to the spot or they can all go together to the spot or they can all go together to the specific breakouts as a part of that specific breakouts as a part of that specific breakouts as a part of that process as a part of that training we we process as a part of that training we we process as a part of that training we we just you know love odd men like crazy

just you know love odd men like crazy just you know love odd men like crazy and make it you know you guys are the and make it you know you guys are the and make it you know you guys are the key to growth at Northridge stealth life key to growth at Northridge stealth life key to growth at Northridge stealth life change stories and a baptism stories change stories and a baptism stories change stories and a baptism stories just talk up what they're doing and just just talk up what they're doing and just just talk up what they're doing and just celebrate them as our leaders because celebrate them as our leaders because celebrate them as our leaders because they really are the key there I look they really are the key there I look they really are the key there I look back there are the front lines we aren't back there are the front lines we aren't back there are the front lines we aren't a staff they're the ones that are making a staff they're the ones that are making a staff they're the ones that are making happen so those two trainings a year we happen so those two trainings a year we happen so those two trainings a year we will do for them in addition to that we will do for them in addition to that we will do for them in addition to that we do something a little different no point do something a little different no point do something a little different no point we we do visit the groups so our coaches we we do visit the groups so our coaches we we do visit the groups so our coaches will visit the groups which for a campus will visit the groups which for a campus will visit the groups which for a campus pastor is all helpful totally yeah I pastor is all helpful totally yeah I pastor is all helpful totally yeah I mean because if if you have a high mean because if if you have a high mean because if if you have a high percentage of your people who are in percentage of your people who are in percentage of your people who are in groups and now you're visiting the groups and now you're visiting the groups and now you're visiting the group's I mean they get to learn new group's I mean they get to learn new group's I mean they get to learn new names they basically see people in a names they basically see people in a names they basically see people in a group context so a couple times a year group context so a couple times a year group context so a couple times a year once or twice a year we kind of let the once or twice a year we kind of let the once or twice a year we kind of let the based on where the group is at as far as based on where the group is at as far as based on where the group is at as far as in there you know they just started a in there you know they just started a in there you know they just started a coach is going to be there more often if coach is going to be there more often if coach is going to be there more often if they're you know kind of they've been at they're you know kind of they've been at they're you know kind of they've been at it for a while and they don't need the it for a while and they don't need the it for a while and they don't need the help then they might you know opted only help then they might you know opted only help then they might you know opted only visited once a year but we get in the visited once a year but we get in the visited once a year but we get in the group and we connect with them and then group and we connect with them and then group and we connect with them and then as we go throughout the year there's as we go throughout the year there's as we go throughout the year there's there's touch points um we do a weekly there's touch points um we do a weekly there's touch points um we do a weekly blog post they go not leaders from our blog post they go not leaders from our blog post they go not leaders from our director of our groups that'll go out director of our groups that'll go out director of our groups that'll go out and this is all on our website giving and this is all on our website giving and this is all on our website giving the vibe there and you can see all the the vibe there and you can see all the the vibe there and you can see all the past blog posts basically you can steal past blog posts basically you can steal past blog posts basically you can steal anything we do because everything to do anything we do because everything to do anything we do because everything to do we stole them somebody they exactly we stole them somebody they exactly we stole them somebody they exactly actually hey there's nothing new Under actually hey there's nothing new Under actually hey there's nothing new Under the Sun and any of those feel free to the Sun and any of those feel free to the Sun and any of those feel free to feel like yeah and then from there you feel like yeah and then from there you feel like yeah and then from there you know it's you know they're texting know it's you know they're texting know it's you know they're texting they're connecting will do like one they're connecting will do like one they're connecting will do like one thing I love about it and I'm a group thing I love about it and I'm a group thing I love about it and I'm a group leader all of us on staff workers leader all of us on staff workers leader all of us on staff workers leaders and as I lead my group my coach

leaders and as I lead my group my coach leaders and as I lead my group my coach will text me on the first night of group will text me on the first night of group will text me on the first night of group on the first night of a turn after I get on the first night of a turn after I get on the first night of a turn after I get a text from him saying hey I'm praying a text from him saying hey I'm praying a text from him saying hey I'm praying for you today he'll love you we're for you today he'll love you we're for you today he'll love you we're behind you excited about how God is behind you excited about how God is behind you excited about how God is going to use groups this trimester if I going to use groups this trimester if I going to use groups this trimester if I can help you in any way let me know and can help you in any way let me know and can help you in any way let me know and we just do that through Google Voice so we just do that through Google Voice so we just do that through Google Voice so it's something you can text from his it's something you can text from his it's something you can text from his computer and you can send it out as computer and you can send it out as computer and you can send it out as group text to go out everybody as group group text to go out everybody as group group text to go out everybody as group leaders but you know just high-touch hi leaders but you know just high-touch hi leaders but you know just high-touch hi Shepherd hi love and Shepherd hi love and Shepherd hi love and we we see 80 to 90% of our group leaders we we see 80 to 90% of our group leaders we we see 80 to 90% of our group leaders show up for our trainings because what show up for our trainings because what show up for our trainings because what they know we love them and we care about they know we love them and we care about they know we love them and we care about them and we you know we're packing out them and we you know we're packing out them and we you know we're packing out the auditorium the moment it's really the auditorium the moment it's really the auditorium the moment it's really cool that's amazing now you talk about cool that's amazing now you talk about cool that's amazing now you talk about trimesters can you talk through that a trimesters can you talk through that a trimesters can you talk through that a little bit because I know a lot of little bit because I know a lot of little bit because I know a lot of churches do twice a year they kind of churches do twice a year they kind of churches do twice a year they kind of have to on ramps but talk through the have to on ramps but talk through the have to on ramps but talk through the three and what does it look like you three and what does it look like you three and what does it look like you know just kind of an overview of what know just kind of an overview of what know just kind of an overview of what the on looks like and what the off looks the on looks like and what the off looks the on looks like and what the off looks like yeah that's great like yeah that's great like yeah that's great so our first try necessary within the so our first try necessary within the so our first try necessary within the school year you know from that school year you know from that school year you know from that perspective will start in September so perspective will start in September so perspective will start in September so we'll do about a 10-week trimester run we'll do about a 10-week trimester run we'll do about a 10-week trimester run to September until Thanksgiving and so to September until Thanksgiving and so to September until Thanksgiving and so there's about ten weeks you get eight there's about ten weeks you get eight there's about ten weeks you get eight nine ten weeks in that run so we'll run nine ten weeks in that run so we'll run nine ten weeks in that run so we'll run that we kind of kick it off with a you that we kind of kick it off with a you that we kind of kick it off with a you know there's a sermon on groups in know there's a sermon on groups in know there's a sermon on groups in September the way everybody does it kind September the way everybody does it kind September the way everybody does it kind of get it going and then run the ten of get it going and then run the ten of get it going and then run the ten weeks there we encourage groups then to weeks there we encourage groups then to weeks there we encourage groups then to take and stop and actually take a break take and stop and actually take a break take and stop and actually take a break we it's just so helpful to take a break we it's just so helpful to take a break we it's just so helpful to take a break now get together do a Christmas party we now get together do a Christmas party we now get together do a Christmas party we serve together Christmas go ring a bell serve together Christmas go ring a bell serve together Christmas go ring a bell you know be a dingaling you're gonna do

you know be a dingaling you're gonna do you know be a dingaling you're gonna do yeah but serve together but party yeah but serve together but party yeah but serve together but party together and then start back up again in together and then start back up again in together and then start back up again in January okay so then again we'll have a January okay so then again we'll have a January okay so then again we'll have a a training so there's a training that a training so there's a training that a training so there's a training that happens for our leaders to kind of kick happens for our leaders to kind of kick happens for our leaders to kind of kick it off in the fall our second training it off in the fall our second training it off in the fall our second training will be in January again and that kicks will be in January again and that kicks will be in January again and that kicks off that January trimester and so then off that January trimester and so then off that January trimester and so then again in January we do about another ten again in January we do about another ten again in January we do about another ten weeks another ten week trimester then we weeks another ten week trimester then we weeks another ten week trimester then we take another break and we'll usually take another break and we'll usually take another break and we'll usually take a break tied to Easter and so we'll take a break tied to Easter and so we'll take a break tied to Easter and so we'll try to take a break couple weeks off and try to take a break couple weeks off and try to take a break couple weeks off and then get upset for Easter and then do it then get upset for Easter and then do it then get upset for Easter and then do it again and that last trimester for us again and that last trimester for us again and that last trimester for us usually is about an eight week trimester usually is about an eight week trimester usually is about an eight week trimester eight nine weeks or an icer - yeah it is eight nine weeks or an icer - yeah it is eight nine weeks or an icer - yeah it is because we like to for us up here in the because we like to for us up here in the because we like to for us up here in the north we like to get it stopped before north we like to get it stopped before north we like to get it stopped before we get too far into June right because we get too far into June right because we get too far into June right because once you hits everything breaks loose once you hits everything breaks loose once you hits everything breaks loose and people start you know heading out to and people start you know heading out to and people start you know heading out to the right to the lake or whatever Sun the right to the lake or whatever Sun the right to the lake or whatever Sun starts shining again and they're outside starts shining again and they're outside starts shining again and they're outside it does so that's where that's how it it does so that's where that's how it it does so that's where that's how it breaks down for us three trimesters and breaks down for us three trimesters and breaks down for us three trimesters and all three times we on Sunday morning are all three times we on Sunday morning are all three times we on Sunday morning are promoting our groups so we typically promoting our groups so we typically promoting our groups so we typically give three announcement times okay D for give three announcement times okay D for give three announcement times okay D for each of those so in a span of a full each of those so in a span of a full each of those so in a span of a full year nine times a year we're talking year nine times a year we're talking year nine times a year we're talking about groups that's good a little about groups that's good a little about groups that's good a little different I'm pushing it showing videos different I'm pushing it showing videos different I'm pushing it showing videos life change stories but just trying to life change stories but just trying to life change stories but just trying to tough people in tough people in tough people in and it's not just taught people into and it's not just taught people into and it's not just taught people into checking out groups because there's so checking out groups because there's so checking out groups because there's so many people already injured but also many people already injured but also many people already injured but also talking people into why it's valuable talking people into why it's valuable talking people into why it's valuable that they're already in the right state that they're already in the right state that they're already in the right state of your time is if you're just always of your time is if you're just always of your time is if you're just always just pushing the getting group getting just pushing the getting group getting just pushing the getting group getting your group you can lose someone has some your group you can lose someone has some your group you can lose someone has some attrition and so we try to make it a attrition and so we try to make it a attrition and so we try to make it a both/and and then are you're like are both/and and then are you're like are both/and and then are you're like are the groups are they just stay together

the groups are they just stay together the groups are they just stay together forever or are they again using north forever or are they again using north forever or are they again using north poie knees example they're doing like poie knees example they're doing like poie knees example they're doing like the two years they kind of journey so the two years they kind of journey so the two years they kind of journey so maybe six cycles together something like maybe six cycles together something like maybe six cycles together something like that what does that look like right that what does that look like right that what does that look like right that's a great question so the way our that's a great question so the way our that's a great question so the way our groups work they will stay together groups work they will stay together groups work they will stay together until they multiply now us you know until they multiply now us you know until they multiply now us you know multiply multiplication happens at about multiply multiplication happens at about multiply multiplication happens at about 18 to 20 people so once you get to that 18 to 20 people so once you get to that 18 to 20 people so once you get to that point you're multiplying those groups point you're multiplying those groups point you're multiplying those groups multiply in a couple different ways multiply in a couple different ways multiply in a couple different ways sometimes we'll do what we call a sometimes we'll do what we call a sometimes we'll do what we call a missionary multiplication which is you missionary multiplication which is you missionary multiplication which is you kind of send off a couple missionaries kind of send off a couple missionaries kind of send off a couple missionaries to start a brand new group for new to start a brand new group for new to start a brand new group for new people so we might spend a couple people so we might spend a couple people so we might spend a couple couples out of my group my wife and I've couples out of my group my wife and I've couples out of my group my wife and I've done that multiple times we've jumped done that multiple times we've jumped done that multiple times we've jumped out of our group and went started out of our group and went started out of our group and went started another group with brand new people so another group with brand new people so another group with brand new people so that could be ours or it could be that could be ours or it could be that could be ours or it could be something that's tied more to could be something that's tied more to could be something that's tied more to could be geography when we've rolled out new geography when we've rolled out new geography when we've rolled out new campuses every time but every two years campuses every time but every two years campuses every time but every two years we've been rolling out new campuses when we've been rolling out new campuses when we've been rolling out new campuses when that happens you got people that go to that happens you got people that go to that happens you got people that go to the other campus right you don't mandate the other campus right you don't mandate the other campus right you don't mandate at that point I'm you have to go you at that point I'm you have to go you at that point I'm you have to go you know your group that's just divide but a know your group that's just divide but a know your group that's just divide but a multiplication it becomes natural if multiplication it becomes natural if multiplication it becomes natural if you're seeing the people in group we you're seeing the people in group we you're seeing the people in group we would prefer that you meet in a group would prefer that you meet in a group would prefer that you meet in a group that is tied to the people that are at that is tied to the people that are at that is tied to the people that are at your campus sheltering like a natural your campus sheltering like a natural your campus sheltering like a natural time for that's happen or it might just time for that's happen or it might just time for that's happen or it might just be that you know there's a just tied to be that you know there's a just tied to be that you know there's a just tied to where people's age and stage you know we where people's age and stage you know we where people's age and stage you know we need child care we don't need child care need child care we don't need child care need child care we don't need child care so let's divide that way but we would so let's divide that way but we would so let's divide that way but we would encourage them you get to eighteen encourage them you get to eighteen encourage them you get to eighteen twenty people new people don't talk and twenty people new people don't talk and twenty people new people don't talk and new people find that it feels more like new people find that it feels more like new people find that it feels more like a click and so at that point we would a click and so at that point we would a click and so at that point we would say it's time we don't have a hard and say it's time we don't have a hard and say it's time we don't have a hard and fast after two years you're done it's fast after two years you're done it's fast after two years you're done it's something where I scroll add people and something where I scroll add people and something where I scroll add people and then they they multiply as neatly so

then they they multiply as neatly so then they they multiply as neatly so then I people would be adding in for then I people would be adding in for then I people would be adding in for each of those trimesters so like they're each of those trimesters so like they're each of those trimesters so like they're maybe like the same people together maybe like the same people together maybe like the same people together through the fall trimester and then through the fall trimester and then through the fall trimester and then you're kind of reopen and say oh there's you're kind of reopen and say oh there's you're kind of reopen and say oh there's groups in your part of town naturally groups in your part of town naturally groups in your part of town naturally then you might add like a couple more then you might add like a couple more then you might add like a couple more people in at that point is that how people in at that point is that how people in at that point is that how that's working yeah it is it totally is that's working yeah it is it totally is that's working yeah it is it totally is and we would say groups are starting and we would say groups are starting and we would say groups are starting even though a group met in the fall when even though a group met in the fall when even though a group met in the fall when we're promoting groups in January we're we're promoting groups in January we're we're promoting groups in January we're saying hey saying hey saying hey they're starting up fresh and then when they're starting up fresh and then when they're starting up fresh and then when you show up in the group you'd realize you show up in the group you'd realize you show up in the group you'd realize that a bunch of these people have done that a bunch of these people have done that a bunch of these people have done together before but we act like all of together before but we act like all of together before but we act like all of our groups are starting or restarting at our groups are starting or restarting at our groups are starting or restarting at the same time so you it becomes an the same time so you it becomes an the same time so you it becomes an easier way for someone to join a group easier way for someone to join a group easier way for someone to join a group now we do have people that join groups now we do have people that join groups now we do have people that join groups in the middle of a trimester as well we in the middle of a trimester as well we in the middle of a trimester as well we don't say that you can't do that but the don't say that you can't do that but the don't say that you can't do that but the bulk of our people join primarily in the bulk of our people join primarily in the bulk of our people join primarily in the fall and January 1 that's what most I'm fall and January 1 that's what most I'm fall and January 1 that's what most I'm going cool good now what do you use to going cool good now what do you use to going cool good now what do you use to measure all that what would be some of measure all that what would be some of measure all that what would be some of the kind of key metrics across that that the kind of key metrics across that that the kind of key metrics across that that you're looking at I'm sure you know a you're looking at I'm sure you know a you're looking at I'm sure you know a good executive pastor is always staring good executive pastor is always staring good executive pastor is always staring at a spreadsheet somewhere what are the at a spreadsheet somewhere what are the at a spreadsheet somewhere what are the what are some of those you know metrics what are some of those you know metrics what are some of those you know metrics that you're kind of taking a look at that you're kind of taking a look at that you're kind of taking a look at through this process yeah I do love through this process yeah I do love through this process yeah I do love numbers I've been accused of that before numbers I've been accused of that before numbers I've been accused of that before this profession yeah so the dashboards this profession yeah so the dashboards this profession yeah so the dashboards that I'm looking at or that we're that I'm looking at or that we're that I'm looking at or that we're looking at are group's director looking looking at are group's director looking looking at are group's director looking at I mean what we're looking at at I mean what we're looking at at I mean what we're looking at attendance we do track attendance every attendance we do track attendance every attendance we do track attendance every single week okay so all of our group single week okay so all of our group single week okay so all of our group leaders it's really the view scholarship leaders it's really the view scholarship leaders it's really the view scholarship one I mean you could use anything one I mean you could use anything one I mean you could use anything everybody has different we use care everybody has different we use care everybody has different we use care teams years ago but but it lands in your teams years ago but but it lands in your teams years ago but but it lands in your inbox it's just an email you click on it inbox it's just an email you click on it inbox it's just an email you click on it and then you click who is present so and then you click who is present so and then you click who is present so we're tracking every week's attendance we're tracking every week's attendance we're tracking every week's attendance in all of our groups that become

in all of our groups that become in all of our groups that become something that the coach can follow back something that the coach can follow back something that the coach can follow back up with hey I notice this person wasn't up with hey I notice this person wasn't up with hey I notice this person wasn't there what's going on in their life you there what's going on in their life you there what's going on in their life you know what's happening it becomes know what's happening it becomes know what's happening it becomes something when we can help track so it's something when we can help track so it's something when we can help track so it's attendance we're also tracking attendance we're also tracking attendance we're also tracking assimilation there so what's our assimilation there so what's our assimilation there so what's our simulation how many people are signing simulation how many people are signing simulation how many people are signing up to check out a group how many people up to check out a group how many people up to check out a group how many people actually landing in the group so what actually landing in the group so what actually landing in the group so what are our percentages look like that way are our percentages look like that way are our percentages look like that way and then how we're doing are attending and then how we're doing are attending and then how we're doing are attending them are they sticking are they not them are they sticking are they not them are they sticking are they not sticking what does that look like so sticking what does that look like so sticking what does that look like so we're looking at those we do like kind we're looking at those we do like kind we're looking at those we do like kind of quarterly dashboards and we you know of quarterly dashboards and we you know of quarterly dashboards and we you know that's across the board all sorts of that's across the board all sorts of that's across the board all sorts of things were measuring but tied to groups things were measuring but tied to groups things were measuring but tied to groups it's it's in those three trimesters it's it's in those three trimesters it's it's in those three trimesters house new that's lining up who's house new that's lining up who's house new that's lining up who's sticking who's not what is our sticking who's not what is our sticking who's not what is our attendance look like and then you know attendance look like and then you know attendance look like and then you know who's kind of slipping away we're always who's kind of slipping away we're always who's kind of slipping away we're always looking at dropouts and figuring out how looking at dropouts and figuring out how looking at dropouts and figuring out how can we circle back with them and help can we circle back with them and help can we circle back with them and help them in that process so having good data them in that process so having good data them in that process so having good data is so important and the larger scale it is so important and the larger scale it is so important and the larger scale it just because so much more important just because so much more important just because so much more important doesn't happen that data right now again doesn't happen that data right now again doesn't happen that data right now again cool this has been so good can we change cool this has been so good can we change cool this has been so good can we change gears a little bit in a totally gears a little bit in a totally gears a little bit in a totally different area about you know about different area about you know about different area about you know about Northridge you guys have gone through a Northridge you guys have gone through a Northridge you guys have gone through a senior pastor transition as a church and senior pastor transition as a church and senior pastor transition as a church and you know it just as I was thinking about you know it just as I was thinking about you know it just as I was thinking about this which obviously it's been super this which obviously it's been super this which obviously it's been super it wasn't like anything negative went it wasn't like anything negative went it wasn't like anything negative went down but I'd like to hear kind of what down but I'd like to hear kind of what down but I'd like to hear kind of what you learned through that process because you learned through that process because you learned through that process because as an executive pastor you serve through as an executive pastor you serve through as an executive pastor you serve through that whole you know that little deal and that whole you know that little deal and that whole you know that little deal and it actually seems from outside it it actually seems from outside it it actually seems from outside it actually seems like a lot of times I actually seems like a lot of times I actually seems like a lot of times I think some churches can struggle through think some churches can struggle through think some churches can struggle through that process but actually for you guys that process but actually for you guys that process but actually for you guys it seems to have really you know it seems to have really you know it seems to have really you know reinvigorated continue to you know keep reinvigorated continue to you know keep reinvigorated continue to you know keep things heading in the right direction things heading in the right direction things heading in the right direction you know what have you learned through you know what have you learned through you know what have you learned through that process again I've thrown you a that process again I've thrown you a that process again I've thrown you a curve ball here Scott no plates that's curve ball here Scott no plates that's curve ball here Scott no plates that's okay that's fine yeah no we did we went

okay that's fine yeah no we did we went okay that's fine yeah no we did we went through a lead pastor transition within through a lead pastor transition within through a lead pastor transition within mallesh it was about well in the last mallesh it was about well in the last mallesh it was about well in the last year so a year ago David would have year so a year ago David would have year so a year ago David would have announced out a year in a couple months announced out a year in a couple months announced out a year in a couple months so there's about about he would have he so there's about about he would have he so there's about about he would have he would have announced to me nearly a year would have announced to me nearly a year would have announced to me nearly a year and a half ago or nearly two years ago and a half ago or nearly two years ago and a half ago or nearly two years ago he said I'm going to be leaving and so he said I'm going to be leaving and so he said I'm going to be leaving and so that began a process for us and so in that began a process for us and so in that began a process for us and so in that process get God was really good to that process get God was really good to that process get God was really good to us regime mm-hm it it was a time that us regime mm-hm it it was a time that us regime mm-hm it it was a time that for us as a church we really you know we for us as a church we really you know we for us as a church we really you know we became more dependent on God in that and became more dependent on God in that and became more dependent on God in that and and we became more focused on making and we became more focused on making and we became more focused on making more disciples and so we just said more more disciples and so we just said more more disciples and so we just said more disciples more dependence that wasn't disciples more dependence that wasn't disciples more dependence that wasn't that was our mantra as a church you want that was our mantra as a church you want that was our mantra as a church you want to be on our knees every day God you to be on our knees every day God you to be on our knees every day God you used northridge and real Ong to see you used northridge and real Ong to see you used northridge and real Ong to see you use northridge movement for and we don't use northridge movement for and we don't use northridge movement for and we don't know what this means but we know you're know what this means but we know you're know what this means but we know you're calling David elsewhere and he's moving calling David elsewhere and he's moving calling David elsewhere and he's moving on and he's the one that is transition on and he's the one that is transition on and he's the one that is transition us at this point yeah so we were on our us at this point yeah so we were on our us at this point yeah so we were on our knees and it kind of galvanized us it knees and it kind of galvanized us it knees and it kind of galvanized us it pulled us together by God's grace I I I pulled us together by God's grace I I I pulled us together by God's grace I I I called a number of executive pastors and called a number of executive pastors and called a number of executive pastors and just like what can I learn you know and just like what can I learn you know and just like what can I learn you know and what do I need to do and how do I lead what do I need to do and how do I lead what do I need to do and how do I lead through this and that was really helpful through this and that was really helpful through this and that was really helpful what they shared with me and and we we what they shared with me and and we we what they shared with me and and we we actually grew our church grew last year actually grew our church grew last year actually grew our church grew last year we grew at our third highest rate in the we grew at our third highest rate in the we grew at our third highest rate in the last 15 years one was how the lead last 15 years one was how the lead last 15 years one was how the lead pastor yes and and we yeah that was by pastor yes and and we yeah that was by pastor yes and and we yeah that was by His grace God's grace our budget grew I His grace God's grace our budget grew I His grace God's grace our budget grew I mean we grew right through the mean we grew right through the mean we grew right through the transition and in that process transition and in that process transition and in that process yeah God made it really clear drew

yeah God made it really clear drew yeah God made it really clear drew Kershner is our newly pastor human amaze Kershner is our newly pastor human amaze Kershner is our newly pastor human amaze and we've been incredible and helpful in and we've been incredible and helpful in and we've been incredible and helpful in that process but we had a season where that process but we had a season where that process but we had a season where we were without a lead guy and we as a we were without a lead guy and we as a we were without a lead guy and we as a staff have stuck together all the whole staff have stuck together all the whole staff have stuck together all the whole staff is still here we're growing staff is still here we're growing staff is still here we're growing forward we grew so forward we grew so forward we grew so ask that we needed at another campus so ask that we needed at another campus so ask that we needed at another campus so we're doing that right now and I guess I we're doing that right now and I guess I we're doing that right now and I guess I would say if you're in a transition would say if you're in a transition would say if you're in a transition depend try to let it drive you to your depend try to let it drive you to your depend try to let it drive you to your knees and let it drive your church to knees and let it drive your church to knees and let it drive your church to its knees because it's God's church it's its knees because it's God's church it's its knees because it's God's church it's not your church it's not my church we not your church it's not my church we not your church it's not my church we are over you know it's a it's God are over you know it's a it's God are over you know it's a it's God showing I'm just along for the ride and showing I'm just along for the ride and showing I'm just along for the ride and we all just walk right so in the process we all just walk right so in the process we all just walk right so in the process you know when there's a transition make you know when there's a transition make you know when there's a transition make that a time where you can help everybody that a time where you can help everybody that a time where you can help everybody to say god this is about you and it's to say god this is about you and it's to say god this is about you and it's about your glory thinks about us being about your glory thinks about us being about your glory thinks about us being missionaries in this culture for you and missionaries in this culture for you and missionaries in this culture for you and we need your help in it and if you can we need your help in it and if you can we need your help in it and if you can get your staff to be praying and you can get your staff to be praying and you can get your staff to be praying and you can use milk right that connectedness is use milk right that connectedness is use milk right that connectedness is beautiful I mean that's that's that's beautiful I mean that's that's that's beautiful I mean that's that's that's where the power is at right I mean it's where the power is at right I mean it's where the power is at right I mean it's not hot I can't change anybody's life not hot I can't change anybody's life not hot I can't change anybody's life you know Paul in 1st Corinthians 3:6 and you know Paul in 1st Corinthians 3:6 and you know Paul in 1st Corinthians 3:6 and 3 it said in speaking of seeds of the 3 it said in speaking of seeds of the 3 it said in speaking of seeds of the gospel said I planted the seeds Apollo's gospel said I planted the seeds Apollo's gospel said I planted the seeds Apollo's watered but it's God who made it grow so watered but it's God who made it grow so watered but it's God who made it grow so neither he who plants them he waters is neither he who plants them he waters is neither he who plants them he waters is anything but only God we make seeds of anything but only God we make seeds of anything but only God we make seeds of the gospel groans so having that be the gospel groans so having that be the gospel groans so having that be something that can help your staff and something that can help your staff and something that can help your staff and your team to kind of be driven back to your team to kind of be driven back to your team to kind of be driven back to hey God this is about you and it's not hey God this is about you and it's not hey God this is about you and it's not about much and oh yeah that's what we about much and oh yeah that's what we about much and oh yeah that's what we shall happen for us we don't take any shall happen for us we don't take any shall happen for us we don't take any credit we're very thankful we're but credit we're very thankful we're but credit we're very thankful we're but yeah it is something that God's helped yeah it is something that God's helped yeah it is something that God's helped with that with that with that very cool is there anything else you very cool is there anything else you very cool is there anything else you want to share before we on either on the want to share before we on either on the want to share before we on either on the group stuff or on the you know the

group stuff or on the you know the group stuff or on the you know the pastoral transition before we jump into pastoral transition before we jump into pastoral transition before we jump into the lightning round yeah I mean if the lightning round yeah I mean if the lightning round yeah I mean if you're a church that's transitioning I you're a church that's transitioning I you're a church that's transitioning I know you've missed a little earlier on know you've missed a little earlier on know you've missed a little earlier on the transition run um you know in that the transition run um you know in that the transition run um you know in that whole process you can do it I guess I whole process you can do it I guess I whole process you can do it I guess I would say don't go too fast I mean it would say don't go too fast I mean it would say don't go too fast I mean it was like a 12 year process for us you was like a 12 year process for us you was like a 12 year process for us you know that whole transition piece ie I know that whole transition piece ie I know that whole transition piece ie I think I've watched friends go too fast think I've watched friends go too fast think I've watched friends go too fast and it's you know it's caused people to and it's you know it's caused people to and it's you know it's caused people to jump out but didn't need to jump out and jump out but didn't need to jump out and jump out but didn't need to jump out and I guess I'll just encourage you yeah you I guess I'll just encourage you yeah you I guess I'll just encourage you yeah you know you need to lead for transition but know you need to lead for transition but know you need to lead for transition but make it incremental lead well and you make it incremental lead well and you make it incremental lead well and you can take a church that 127 years old and can take a church that 127 years old and can take a church that 127 years old and have it be something that you see God have it be something that you see God have it be something that you see God use in huge ways moving forward so you use in huge ways moving forward so you use in huge ways moving forward so you know don't give up this is the unsummon know don't give up this is the unsummon know don't give up this is the unsummon airy podcast stuff you wish they taught airy podcast stuff you wish they taught airy podcast stuff you wish they taught in seminary we're going to jump to the in seminary we're going to jump to the in seminary we're going to jump to the lightning round that part of the episode lightning round that part of the episode lightning round that part of the episode where we ask similar questions of where we ask similar questions of where we ask similar questions of everybody that's on the show you really everybody that's on the show you really everybody that's on the show you really do need to lean in and follow Northridge do need to lean in and follow Northridge do need to lean in and follow Northridge it's a great church it's a great church it's a great church Scott Bixby's the executive pastor there Scott Bixby's the executive pastor there Scott Bixby's the executive pastor there and it's just honored that you're on the and it's just honored that you're on the and it's just honored that you're on the show today show today show today Scot if you you know have an online Scot if you you know have an online Scot if you you know have an online resource that you'd love to let us know resource that you'd love to let us know resource that you'd love to let us know about the church you're sharing what about the church you're sharing what about the church you're sharing what would be what would that be would be what would that be would be what would that be yeah so online Stefan we use the normal yeah so online Stefan we use the normal yeah so online Stefan we use the normal stuff at everything Ellen you click the stuff at everything Ellen you click the stuff at everything Ellen you click the Google drive's and Evernote and that Google drive's and Evernote and that Google drive's and Evernote and that kind of thing I guess one that I love is kind of thing I guess one that I love is kind of thing I guess one that I love is I love pocket cast and pocket casts I love pocket cast and pocket casts I love pocket cast and pocket casts allows me to listen to podcasts I feel allows me to listen to podcasts I feel allows me to listen to podcasts I feel like podcasts are such a wealth of like podcasts are such a wealth of like podcasts are such a wealth of information and I listen to double-time information and I listen to double-time information and I listen to double-time and so you know speed them up that's a and so you know speed them up that's a and so you know speed them up that's a beautiful thing yeah but there's so much beautiful thing yeah but there's so much beautiful thing yeah but there's so much good information out there I mean I've

good information out there I mean I've good information out there I mean I've always been a guy who reads a lot that always been a guy who reads a lot that always been a guy who reads a lot that all's gonna guy who loves conferences up all's gonna guy who loves conferences up all's gonna guy who loves conferences up the conference this week with a bunch of the conference this week with a bunch of the conference this week with a bunch of our staff but I'm telling you what our staff but I'm telling you what our staff but I'm telling you what there's so much good information out there's so much good information out there's so much good information out there I'm podcast that I just drive it there I'm podcast that I just drive it there I'm podcast that I just drive it back north to work every day I'll double back north to work every day I'll double back north to work every day I'll double time drill my earbuds in and I just time drill my earbuds in and I just time drill my earbuds in and I just would encourage guys yeah that that's would encourage guys yeah that that's would encourage guys yeah that that's something for me personally that helps something for me personally that helps something for me personally that helps me all the time right and then I'll take me all the time right and then I'll take me all the time right and then I'll take a screenshot of the where I'm at on that a screenshot of the where I'm at on that a screenshot of the where I'm at on that like because you're always like hey that like because you're always like hey that like because you're always like hey that was really good information you know but was really good information you know but was really good information you know but I'm not lettin up for me I'll take a I'm not lettin up for me I'll take a I'm not lettin up for me I'll take a screenshot on my my phone of where it is screenshot on my my phone of where it is screenshot on my my phone of where it is like the the time and then I can go back like the the time and then I can go back like the the time and then I can go back later and get it so that's dude that's a later and get it so that's dude that's a later and get it so that's dude that's a great tip I've always struggled with great tip I've always struggled with great tip I've always struggled with that like I'm like screwing in my car that like I'm like screwing in my car that like I'm like screwing in my car looking for a pen to try to write down looking for a pen to try to write down looking for a pen to try to write down notes that's a great idea man that's notes that's a great idea man that's notes that's a great idea man that's good yes fantastic great call yeah I good yes fantastic great call yeah I good yes fantastic great call yeah I don't know have you ever listened to any don't know have you ever listened to any don't know have you ever listened to any podcasts on half time have you ever done podcasts on half time have you ever done podcasts on half time have you ever done that I never had that whoa oh man so if that I never had that whoa oh man so if that I never had that whoa oh man so if you are if you've got an iPhone you are if you've got an iPhone you are if you've got an iPhone it doesn't actually just slow it down by it doesn't actually just slow it down by it doesn't actually just slow it down by half it does something the algorithms half it does something the algorithms half it does something the algorithms very strange so it actually sounds like very strange so it actually sounds like very strange so it actually sounds like the person's drunk so it's amazing so if the person's drunk so it's amazing so if the person's drunk so it's amazing so if you ever want to hear like you know if you ever want to hear like you know if you ever want to hear like you know if you're listening to John Piper and you you're listening to John Piper and you you're listening to John Piper and you want to make it what it was John Piper want to make it what it was John Piper want to make it what it was John Piper sound when he had too many you know too sound when he had too many you know too sound when he had too many you know too many to drink listen to listen to them many to drink listen to listen to them many to drink listen to listen to them at half em it's it's amazing so what's a at half em it's it's amazing so what's a at half em it's it's amazing so what's a book you've read in the last six months book you've read in the last six months book you've read in the last six months or maybe two a year that that's been or maybe two a year that that's been or maybe two a year that that's been shaping your thinking or ministry yeah a shaping your thinking or ministry yeah a shaping your thinking or ministry yeah a number of books come to mind some that number of books come to mind some that number of books come to mind some that we've used on staff is that axiom and we've used on staff is that axiom and we've used on staff is that axiom and leadership axioms by Hybels were leadership axioms by Hybels were leadership axioms by Hybels were actually going through that with a actually going through that with a actually going through that with a number of our staff guys right now

number of our staff guys right now number of our staff guys right now really good on those leadership really good on those leadership really good on those leadership principles and helpful stretch by Scott principles and helpful stretch by Scott principles and helpful stretch by Scott so man shine I read that this week so man shine I read that this week so man shine I read that this week really good I'm just really good I'm just really good I'm just you picked up that's a business book you picked up that's a business book you picked up that's a business book called stretch it just called stretch it just called stretch it just yeah really helpful on who you hire how yeah really helpful on who you hire how yeah really helpful on who you hire how you hire what that looks like you hire what that looks like you hire what that looks like yeah the right kind of people for your yeah the right kind of people for your yeah the right kind of people for your team that was helpful to me team that was helpful to me team that was helpful to me stop stop recruiting start rotating stop stop recruiting start rotating stop stop recruiting start rotating containing yeah that one is really good containing yeah that one is really good containing yeah that one is really good on the volunteers we're going to run on the volunteers we're going to run on the volunteers we're going to run that one with our our staff moving that one with our our staff moving that one with our our staff moving forward in the next couple months kind forward in the next couple months kind forward in the next couple months kind of focusing on how do we work on the of focusing on how do we work on the of focusing on how do we work on the volunteer constant that's a good one volunteer constant that's a good one volunteer constant that's a good one it's good Christine crusher the author it's good Christine crusher the author it's good Christine crusher the author of that book has been on the podcast of that book has been on the podcast of that book has been on the podcast it's great that's a fantastic book all it's great that's a fantastic book all it's great that's a fantastic book all all great books are what's another all great books are what's another all great books are what's another ministry that you're looking to that ministry that you're looking to that ministry that you're looking to that inspires you these days yeah ton of them inspires you these days yeah ton of them inspires you these days yeah ton of them we at this week I had a number of our we at this week I had a number of our we at this week I had a number of our staff down at North Point for drive staff down at North Point for drive staff down at North Point for drive they've helped us over the years we've they've helped us over the years we've they've helped us over the years we've gone every year to drive they they gone every year to drive they they gone every year to drive they they stretch start thinking in reaching stretch start thinking in reaching stretch start thinking in reaching people far from God we also had another people far from God we also had another people far from God we also had another campus pastors down at 12 stone this campus pastors down at 12 stone this campus pastors down at 12 stone this weekend kind of studying them learning weekend kind of studying them learning weekend kind of studying them learning from them LC BC is near us here in the from them LC BC is near us here in the from them LC BC is near us here in the north so we'll run down to their stuff north so we'll run down to their stuff north so we'll run down to their stuff whatever they have it they'll answer any whatever they have it they'll answer any whatever they have it they'll answer any question they're just amazing at helping question they're just amazing at helping question they're just amazing at helping us so the normal guys you know like us so the normal guys you know like us so the normal guys you know like church elevation we try to get out and church elevation we try to get out and church elevation we try to get out and check those out as often as we can to check those out as often as we can to check those out as often as we can to learn you know what's going on watch pop learn you know what's going on watch pop learn you know what's going on watch pop do that if you get 15 minutes with a new do that if you get 15 minutes with a new do that if you get 15 minutes with a new dater live who would that be with and dater live who would that be with and dater live who would that be with and why yeah Bill Hybels I would just why yeah Bill Hybels I would just why yeah Bill Hybels I would just because I'll tell you what it is rich because I'll tell you what it is rich because I'll tell you what it is rich its his emphasis on prayer you know he's its his emphasis on prayer you know he's its his emphasis on prayer you know he's like an amazing leader and he's

like an amazing leader and he's like an amazing leader and he's accomplished incredible things but the accomplished incredible things but the accomplished incredible things but the fact that he's you know writing books fact that he's you know writing books fact that he's you know writing books you know too busy not to pray and you you know too busy not to pray and you you know too busy not to pray and you know talk about you know he talks about know talk about you know he talks about know talk about you know he talks about every day starting the day on he thank every day starting the day on he thank every day starting the day on he thank God who is it today they're going to God who is it today they're going to God who is it today they're going to bring into my life who's far from God bring into my life who's far from God bring into my life who's far from God that I can connect with I just love that that I can connect with I just love that that I can connect with I just love that you got a high high capacity leader that you got a high high capacity leader that you got a high high capacity leader that God used to reach people but he's got God used to reach people but he's got God used to reach people but he's got that connection to God on a daily basis that connection to God on a daily basis that connection to God on a daily basis and so yeah I would love to just talk and so yeah I would love to just talk and so yeah I would love to just talk with him about some of the rhythms what with him about some of the rhythms what with him about some of the rhythms what he's learned and yeah pick his brain he's learned and yeah pick his brain he's learned and yeah pick his brain yeah very cool yeah very cool yeah very cool good y know be an executive pastor at good y know be an executive pastor at good y know be an executive pastor at church like yours it takes a lot out of church like yours it takes a lot out of church like yours it takes a lot out of you but what do you do for fun we just you but what do you do for fun we just you but what do you do for fun we just want to kick back relax you know have want to kick back relax you know have want to kick back relax you know have some have a good time yeah so I'm I'm some have a good time yeah so I'm I'm some have a good time yeah so I'm I'm probably a little weird on this one huh probably a little weird on this one huh probably a little weird on this one huh we I kind of live out of town I kind of we I kind of live out of town I kind of we I kind of live out of town I kind of have some land and I can have like a have some land and I can have like a have some land and I can have like a little farm thing going and so I love to little farm thing going and so I love to little farm thing going and so I love to get on a tractor a John Deere around a get on a tractor a John Deere around a get on a tractor a John Deere around a bucket bucket bucket you know move some stuff around knock you know move some stuff around knock you know move some stuff around knock some stuff over yeah I really love the some stuff over yeah I really love the some stuff over yeah I really love the outdoors outdoors outdoors I love getting now and so I'm in the I love getting now and so I'm in the I love getting now and so I'm in the city of a million people when I live city of a million people when I live city of a million people when I live about 20 minutes outside of the city or about 20 minutes outside of the city or about 20 minutes outside of the city or about 20 minutes from the church but um about 20 minutes from the church but um about 20 minutes from the church but um yeah I love outside project if I can yeah I love outside project if I can yeah I love outside project if I can have a project I got five kids if I can have a project I got five kids if I can have a project I got five kids if I can be outside with my kids and we can be be outside with my kids and we can be be outside with my kids and we can be you know having fun together and it's a you know having fun together and it's a you know having fun together and it's a beautiful day and Rochester is amazing beautiful day and Rochester is amazing beautiful day and Rochester is amazing that's me I love the outdoors very cool that's me I love the outdoors very cool that's me I love the outdoors very cool well Scott I really appreciate being on well Scott I really appreciate being on well Scott I really appreciate being on the show today thanks so much for doing the show today thanks so much for doing the show today thanks so much for doing that if people want to get in touch with that if people want to get in touch with that if people want to get in touch with you or with the church what's the best you or with the church what's the best you or with the church what's the best way for them to do that yeah so it's way for them to do that yeah so it's way for them to do that yeah so it's Northridge Rochester com is our website Northridge Rochester com is our website Northridge Rochester com is our website that's probably the easiest way my water

that's probably the easiest way my water that's probably the easiest way my water my Maya emails are in there but yeah my Maya emails are in there but yeah my Maya emails are in there but yeah it's Northridge registered account it's Northridge registered account it's Northridge registered account perfect thanks so much - appreciate you perfect thanks so much - appreciate you perfect thanks so much - appreciate you on the show yes yes thanks thank you for on the show yes yes thanks thank you for on the show yes yes thanks thank you for tuning in to this week's unsung Neri tuning in to this week's unsung Neri tuning in to this week's unsung Neri podcast don't be shy we'd love to podcast don't be shy we'd love to podcast don't be shy we'd love to connect check out on seminary inbox you connect check out on seminary inbox you connect check out on seminary inbox you can sign up at unsummon Ericom and we'll can sign up at unsummon Ericom and we'll can sign up at unsummon Ericom and we'll send you helpful training resources send you helpful training resources send you helpful training resources every week plus you'll gain immediate every week plus you'll gain immediate every week plus you'll gain immediate access to our exclusive members area access to our exclusive members area access to our exclusive members area with tons of resources you can use with tons of resources you can use with tons of resources you can use connect with rich on twitter at rich connect with rich on twitter at rich connect with rich on twitter at rich birch or through email rich at unn birch or through email rich at unn birch or through email rich at unn seminary comm don't forget to check out seminary comm don't forget to check out seminary comm don't forget to check out the show notes for this episode at the show notes for this episode at the show notes for this episode at unfeminine calm it includes links to unfeminine calm it includes links to unfeminine calm it includes links to what we talked about today and more what we talked about today and more what we talked about today and more leave a comment we'd love to hear from leave a comment we'd love to hear from leave a comment we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy today's episode drop you did you enjoy today's episode drop you did you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes and leave a review thanks by iTunes and leave a review thanks by iTunes and leave a review thanks again for tuning in to this week's again for tuning in to this week's again for tuning in to this week's unsimilar a podcast join us next week unsimilar a podcast join us next week unsimilar a podcast join us next week when we'll learn more stuff we wish they when we'll learn more stuff we wish they when we'll learn more stuff we wish they taught in seminary