Greg Curtis on Assimilation in a Fast Growing Church

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around podcast my name's rich the host around these parts thank you so much for tuning these parts thank you so much for tuning these parts thank you so much for tuning in i'm so glad that you've decided to in i'm so glad that you've decided to in i'm so glad that you've decided to take some time with us we know that take some time with us we know that take some time with us we know that things are really busy at your church things are really busy at your church things are really busy at your church particularly as we head into the weekend particularly as we head into the weekend particularly as we head into the weekend and it's our honor that you would take and it's our honor that you would take and it's our honor that you would take some time to listen in today and you're some time to listen in today and you're some time to listen in today and you're gonna be rewarded for that because we've gonna be rewarded for that because we've gonna be rewarded for that because we've got a great interview lined up today i'm got a great interview lined up today i'm got a great interview lined up today i'm super pumped and excited about this for super pumped and excited about this for super pumped and excited about this for a while greg Curtis from Eastside church a while greg Curtis from Eastside church a while greg Curtis from Eastside church in Anaheim California I am on the lime in Anaheim California I am on the lime in Anaheim California I am on the lime on the left the right coast in Jersey on the left the right coast in Jersey on the left the right coast in Jersey he's in California you know we're coming he's in California you know we're coming he's in California you know we're coming together look at this you know that the together look at this you know that the together look at this you know that the kingdom of God actually does bridge the kingdom of God actually does bridge the kingdom of God actually does bridge the whole you know the whole country Greg whole you know the whole country Greg whole you know the whole country Greg welcome to the show oh great to be here

welcome to the show oh great to be here welcome to the show oh great to be here rich thanks I'm so glad that you've rich thanks I'm so glad that you've rich thanks I'm so glad that you've taken some time out to be with us for taken some time out to be with us for taken some time out to be with us for folks that don't know Eastside Church is folks that don't know Eastside Church is folks that don't know Eastside Church is a great church they have two locations a great church they have two locations a great church they have two locations one in California and the other one in one in California and the other one in one in California and the other one in Minnesota I believe right yeah that's Minnesota I believe right yeah that's Minnesota I believe right yeah that's true which we got to hear a little bit true which we got to hear a little bit true which we got to hear a little bit about that I'm currently a church of about that I'm currently a church of about that I'm currently a church of about 5,000 people you may know the lead about 5,000 people you may know the lead about 5,000 people you may know the lead pastor there Jeanne Appel a great great pastor there Jeanne Appel a great great pastor there Jeanne Appel a great great leader so why don't you tell us a little leader so why don't you tell us a little leader so why don't you tell us a little bit about Eastside give us kind of the bit about Eastside give us kind of the bit about Eastside give us kind of the flavor of the church and tell us about flavor of the church and tell us about flavor of the church and tell us about your role there okay I came to Eastside your role there okay I came to Eastside your role there okay I came to Eastside when I was 14 years old we moved from LA when I was 14 years old we moved from LA when I was 14 years old we moved from LA County to Orange County and my County to Orange County and my County to Orange County and my experience in the youth group les experience in the youth group les experience in the youth group les Christie was the youth pastor at the Christie was the youth pastor at the Christie was the youth pastor at the time and it it was so impactful it just time and it it was so impactful it just time and it it was so impactful it just kind of Ari kind of Ari kind of Ari erected my life path my career path I erected my life path my career path I erected my life path my career path I felt the call to ministry and when I was felt the call to ministry and when I was felt the call to ministry and when I was 22 Eastside which was a church when I 22 Eastside which was a church when I 22 Eastside which was a church when I got there of about 750 800 people but got there of about 750 800 people but got there of about 750 800 people but when I graduated from high school it was when I graduated from high school it was when I graduated from high school it was 2250 and Geney Apple was a young intern 2250 and Geney Apple was a young intern 2250 and Geney Apple was a young intern under the Thunderer our lead pastor at under the Thunderer our lead pastor at under the Thunderer our lead pastor at the time and he lived in our house and the time and he lived in our house and the time and he lived in our house and thought he was a great guy and later on thought he was a great guy and later on thought he was a great guy and later on he went on to great things at other he went on to great things at other he went on to great things at other churches and then I I was part of a churches and then I I was part of a churches and then I I was part of a staff team to start a daughter church in staff team to start a daughter church in staff team to start a daughter church in a community nearby yeah where I was at a community nearby yeah where I was at a community nearby yeah where I was at for 27 years the last 17 years as a for 27 years the last 17 years as a for 27 years the last 17 years as a senior pastor in the meantime Jeanne senior pastor in the meantime Jeanne senior pastor in the meantime Jeanne Apple was called when when the pastor Apple was called when when the pastor Apple was called when when the pastor retired the previous pastor retired and retired the previous pastor retired and retired the previous pastor retired and eight years ago Jean came back and as eight years ago Jean came back and as eight years ago Jean came back and as they went through some facility issues they went through some facility issues they went through some facility issues from the growth we were going through from the growth we were going through from the growth we were going through facility issues we decided to reemerge

facility issues we decided to reemerge facility issues we decided to reemerge the churches after 27 years crazy had a the churches after 27 years crazy had a the churches after 27 years crazy had a new campus at a Boeing plant that we new campus at a Boeing plant that we new campus at a Boeing plant that we bought and we just moved him together bought and we just moved him together bought and we just moved him together three years ago 84 percent of my church three years ago 84 percent of my church three years ago 84 percent of my church is still a part of this is International is still a part of this is International is still a part of this is International Ministries got supported everything a Ministries got supported everything a Ministries got supported everything a very successful merge and then my very successful merge and then my very successful merge and then my ministry has been really at the heart of ministry has been really at the heart of ministry has been really at the heart of my passion which is connecting people my passion which is connecting people my passion which is connecting people mmm both to God into the community of mmm both to God into the community of mmm both to God into the community of faith because in when we did this it was faith because in when we did this it was faith because in when we did this it was such explosive growth the church almost such explosive growth the church almost such explosive growth the church almost over the the period of the last several over the the period of the last several over the the period of the last several years like tripled in size Wow and so I years like tripled in size Wow and so I years like tripled in size Wow and so I mean we have like 14,000 for Christmas mean we have like 14,000 for Christmas mean we have like 14,000 for Christmas we have like I mean it's just it's a lot we have like I mean it's just it's a lot we have like I mean it's just it's a lot of people yeah and you know well average of people yeah and you know well average of people yeah and you know well average in the fives but it'll be in the 7s and in the fives but it'll be in the 7s and in the fives but it'll be in the 7s and 8's for anything special and bigger than 8's for anything special and bigger than 8's for anything special and bigger than that for real big weekends and so we that for real big weekends and so we that for real big weekends and so we have a ton of guests to assimilate and have a ton of guests to assimilate and have a ton of guests to assimilate and when the church became through outreach when the church became through outreach when the church became through outreach magazine we didn't even know it the 11th magazine we didn't even know it the 11th magazine we didn't even know it the 11th fastest-growing Church in the country fastest-growing Church in the country fastest-growing Church in the country right you know we had a big job gene right you know we had a big job gene right you know we had a big job gene basically gave me a blank slate in basically gave me a blank slate in basically gave me a blank slate in creating an assimilation strategy to creating an assimilation strategy to creating an assimilation strategy to really these people and help them become really these people and help them become really these people and help them become followers of Jesus so that that's right followers of Jesus so that that's right followers of Jesus so that that's right in my wheelhouse and I've been loving it in my wheelhouse and I've been loving it in my wheelhouse and I've been loving it oh cool yeah yeah that's you know I oh cool yeah yeah that's you know I oh cool yeah yeah that's you know I think a lot of times when people see a think a lot of times when people see a think a lot of times when people see a fast fast fast Church like Eastside it's easy to look Church like Eastside it's easy to look Church like Eastside it's easy to look at kind of the evangelism strategies or at kind of the evangelism strategies or at kind of the evangelism strategies or the like hey what are we doing on the the like hey what are we doing on the the like hey what are we doing on the front end to like whether it's you know

front end to like whether it's you know front end to like whether it's you know big special Christmas stuff or Easter big special Christmas stuff or Easter big special Christmas stuff or Easter stuff or maybe some cool series yeah but stuff or maybe some cool series yeah but stuff or maybe some cool series yeah but the thing that I love about what's the thing that I love about what's the thing that I love about what's happening at Eastside is really you're happening at Eastside is really you're happening at Eastside is really you're spending a lot of time a considerable spending a lot of time a considerable spending a lot of time a considerable amount of time working really on the amount of time working really on the amount of time working really on the connection side or the assimilation side connection side or the assimilation side connection side or the assimilation side of the conversation of the conversation of the conversation why don't you give us a sense of kind of why don't you give us a sense of kind of why don't you give us a sense of kind of the scope of that what is it that you're the scope of that what is it that you're the scope of that what is it that you're doing to help people take steps closer doing to help people take steps closer doing to help people take steps closer to you know getting connected to the to you know getting connected to the to you know getting connected to the church and then ultimately obviously to church and then ultimately obviously to church and then ultimately obviously to Jesus Jesus Jesus well we have an East Side has a simple well we have an East Side has a simple well we have an East Side has a simple Church strategy which is familiar I Church strategy which is familiar I Church strategy which is familiar I think to a lot of your audience but when think to a lot of your audience but when think to a lot of your audience but when Jean got here he he took the church for Jean got here he he took the church for Jean got here he he took the church for 33 ministries down to three Wow and the 33 ministries down to three Wow and the 33 ministries down to three Wow and the way we put it and he stood the test of way we put it and he stood the test of way we put it and he stood the test of time on that he's still there which is time on that he's still there which is time on that he's still there which is incredible totally you know and part of incredible totally you know and part of incredible totally you know and part of it was because of his history with the it was because of his history with the it was because of his history with the church way back way and he's always been church way back way and he's always been church way back way and he's always been a loved a loved person you know right so a loved a loved person you know right so a loved a loved person you know right so he had a lot of relationship and Jean he had a lot of relationship and Jean he had a lot of relationship and Jean you know he's got a book called how to you know he's got a book called how to you know he's got a book called how to change your church without killing it change your church without killing it change your church without killing it his he has done this at different his he has done this at different his he has done this at different congregations and his his real one of congregations and his his real one of congregations and his his real one of his big strengths is change his his big strengths is change his his big strengths is change his architecting change in churches so he architecting change in churches so he architecting change in churches so he did this well but it was pretty severe did this well but it was pretty severe did this well but it was pretty severe you know Antron and none of these you know Antron and none of these you know Antron and none of these ministries weren't ministry that that ministries weren't ministry that that ministries weren't ministry that that were failing right yeah they were were failing right yeah they were were failing right yeah they were working and that's harder to kill him working and that's harder to kill him working and that's harder to kill him yeah it was stewardship of energy Wow yeah it was stewardship of energy Wow yeah it was stewardship of energy Wow and resources so it broke down to three and resources so it broke down to three and resources so it broke down to three things where we pursue God and weekend things where we pursue God and weekend things where we pursue God and weekend services we build community and services we build community and services we build community and connection groups and the unleash connection groups and the unleash connection groups and the unleash compassion through local and global

compassion through local and global compassion through local and global initiatives that's all we do Wow and so initiatives that's all we do Wow and so initiatives that's all we do Wow and so we do have a Friday night of Hope which we do have a Friday night of Hope which we do have a Friday night of Hope which which is more like a hospital you know which is more like a hospital you know which is more like a hospital you know for people both new to the church it's a for people both new to the church it's a for people both new to the church it's a good assimilation piece and people who good assimilation piece and people who good assimilation piece and people who have been following Jesus for quite a have been following Jesus for quite a have been following Jesus for quite a while who find themselves in a situation while who find themselves in a situation while who find themselves in a situation they didn't expect whether through grief they didn't expect whether through grief they didn't expect whether through grief share or divorce care or addiction or share or divorce care or addiction or share or divorce care or addiction or those kinds of things cancer support so those kinds of things cancer support so those kinds of things cancer support so and that just but that kicks it back and that just but that kicks it back and that just but that kicks it back into these three other environments so into these three other environments so into these three other environments so what we needed is to is kind of a what what we needed is to is kind of a what what we needed is to is kind of a what we call a first step next step big step we call a first step next step big step we call a first step next step big step strategy is but we architected strategy is but we architected strategy is but we architected - designed to move people from one - designed to move people from one - designed to move people from one environment into the next in other words environment into the next in other words environment into the next in other words they come to a weekend service how do we they come to a weekend service how do we they come to a weekend service how do we get them connected in a connection group get them connected in a connection group get them connected in a connection group how do we get them on a ministry team how do we get them on a ministry team how do we get them on a ministry team this kind of thing and so the way it this kind of thing and so the way it this kind of thing and so the way it works is is first step is jesus is my works is is first step is jesus is my works is is first step is jesus is my lord eastside is my church okay as lord eastside is my church okay as lord eastside is my church okay as that's what we want to accomplish yep that's what we want to accomplish yep that's what we want to accomplish yep and but under jesus is my lord we've and but under jesus is my lord we've and but under jesus is my lord we've identified seven areas of training that identified seven areas of training that identified seven areas of training that we want them to receive in order to we want them to receive in order to we want them to receive in order to follow Jesus you know basically in these follow Jesus you know basically in these follow Jesus you know basically in these seven areas of life right and so that seven areas of life right and so that seven areas of life right and so that has some meat to it and and feeling has some meat to it and and feeling has some meat to it and and feeling called - Eastside added to Eastside as a called - Eastside added to Eastside as a called - Eastside added to Eastside as a member of the body of Christ not just I member of the body of Christ not just I member of the body of Christ not just I go here because you have a cool youth go here because you have a cool youth go here because you have a cool youth group or I like the worship or I like group or I like the worship or I like group or I like the worship or I like they got cool lights so people give me a they got cool lights so people give me a they got cool lights so people give me a sense of how people are getting sense of how people are getting sense of how people are getting connected from say the big service to connected from say the big service to connected from say the big service to these first this first step first step these first this first step first step these first this first step first step of gene and then this you know

of gene and then this you know of gene and then this you know experience what does that look like how experience what does that look like how experience what does that look like how often er you do that is that like what often er you do that is that like what often er you do that is that like what is that process we do if I break down is that process we do if I break down is that process we do if I break down first step into jesus is my lord first step into jesus is my lord first step into jesus is my lord eastsidaz by church this is how that eastsidaz by church this is how that eastsidaz by church this is how that works the answer is simple Church format works the answer is simple Church format works the answer is simple Church format even at our info counter we have no even at our info counter we have no even at our info counter we have no brochures it is as clean as a daisy brochures it is as clean as a daisy brochures it is as clean as a daisy because there's nothing to invite them because there's nothing to invite them because there's nothing to invite them to except one thing the joke on our to except one thing the joke on our to except one thing the joke on our staff is the answer to every question is staff is the answer to every question is staff is the answer to every question is first step with Jeanne right first step first step with Jeanne right first step first step with Jeanne right first step with Jing okay and so how do I become a with Jing okay and so how do I become a with Jing okay and so how do I become a volunteer first step of Jeanne how do I volunteer first step of Jeanne how do I volunteer first step of Jeanne how do I find a connection group first step of find a connection group first step of find a connection group first step of Jeanne how do I find out what the church Jeanne how do I find out what the church Jeanne how do I find out what the church believes its vision how do I learn how believes its vision how do I learn how believes its vision how do I learn how to read the Bible how do I become a to read the Bible how do I become a to read the Bible how do I become a member first step with Jeanne and that member first step with Jeanne and that member first step with Jeanne and that first step with Jeanne he invites them first step with Jeanne he invites them first step with Jeanne he invites them it's a free lunch or dinner after the it's a free lunch or dinner after the it's a free lunch or dinner after the Saturday or evening services we do it Saturday or evening services we do it Saturday or evening services we do it eight times a year okay okay that's a eight times a year okay okay that's a eight times a year okay okay that's a lot that's good yes you know eight times lot that's good yes you know eight times lot that's good yes you know eight times a year and they feed two of them what we a year and they feed two of them what we a year and they feed two of them what we do is a seven week training course do is a seven week training course do is a seven week training course called the first step experience which called the first step experience which called the first step experience which is what's behind me yeah yeah and and is what's behind me yeah yeah and and is what's behind me yeah yeah and and where he says I would rather you miss where he says I would rather you miss where he says I would rather you miss Church for seven weeks and not go to Church for seven weeks and not go to Church for seven weeks and not go to this Wow this Wow this Wow so a huge commitment to it eight times a so a huge commitment to it eight times a so a huge commitment to it eight times a year you're pushing ahead rather you year you're pushing ahead rather you year you're pushing ahead rather you come to this rather than our services come to this rather than our services come to this rather than our services that's a that's a big deal now or do you that's a that's a big deal now or do you that's a that's a big deal now or do you do anything like within you I'm do anything like within you I'm do anything like within you I'm obviously within your service obviously within your service obviously within your service saying something hey if you're here for saying something hey if you're here for saying something hey if you're here for the first time if you're a new year the first time if you're a new year the first time if you're a new year person what's that look like what that person what's that look like what that person what's that look like what that looks like is every week we have an looks like is every week we have an looks like is every week we have an announcement where people say hey we announcement where people say hey we announcement where people say hey we want to meet you at a guest central we want to meet you at a guest central we want to meet you at a guest central we have a room and we also have an area on

have a room and we also have an area on have a room and we also have an area on the other side of the church like a cart the other side of the church like a cart the other side of the church like a cart and stuff but we have a nice room like and stuff but we have a nice room like and stuff but we have a nice room like hospitality suite kind of room and we hospitality suite kind of room and we hospitality suite kind of room and we said we'd love to meet you would you said we'd love to meet you would you said we'd love to meet you would you trade your connection card for it we trade your connection card for it we trade your connection card for it we have a gift for you and it's put it up have a gift for you and it's put it up have a gift for you and it's put it up on the screen and it's an insulated on the screen and it's an insulated on the screen and it's an insulated oranjee side cup and it's stuffed with oranjee side cup and it's stuffed with oranjee side cup and it's stuffed with homemade cookies and an invitation to homemade cookies and an invitation to homemade cookies and an invitation to first step would you okay so they come first step would you okay so they come first step would you okay so they come there they trade their cards so we get there they trade their cards so we get there they trade their cards so we get their contact info on the back of it you their contact info on the back of it you their contact info on the back of it you can sign up for first step we gene by can sign up for first step we gene by can sign up for first step we gene by checking a circle okay and our checking a circle okay and our checking a circle okay and our volunteers are trained that that it is volunteers are trained that that it is volunteers are trained that that it is not that their job is not to make them not that their job is not to make them not that their job is not to make them just feel welcome and return to the just feel welcome and return to the just feel welcome and return to the worship service with a bright orange cut worship service with a bright orange cut worship service with a bright orange cut the following week it's for them to end the following week it's for them to end the following week it's for them to end up at first step with gene because up at first step with gene because up at first step with gene because that's where uh that's where he that's where uh that's where he that's where uh that's where he confronts them with a decision to follow confronts them with a decision to follow confronts them with a decision to follow Jesus and I'm not kidding one third of Jesus and I'm not kidding one third of Jesus and I'm not kidding one third of the room decides to follow Jesus every the room decides to follow Jesus every the room decides to follow Jesus every single time oh my goodness wow that's single time oh my goodness wow that's single time oh my goodness wow that's incredible incredible incredible and a lot of these people we had a and a lot of these people we had a and a lot of these people we had a Muslim man do that lesson he just did it Muslim man do that lesson he just did it Muslim man do that lesson he just did it last weekend Wow we have people from all last weekend Wow we have people from all last weekend Wow we have people from all backgrounds all ethnicities we a lot of backgrounds all ethnicities we a lot of backgrounds all ethnicities we a lot of the people it's their first time in the people it's their first time in the people it's their first time in church was that weekend and he just says church was that weekend and he just says church was that weekend and he just says follow me over let's just do it you know follow me over let's just do it you know follow me over let's just do it you know coming at beads he shares his heart his coming at beads he shares his heart his coming at beads he shares his heart his testimony his story the East Side's testimony his story the East Side's testimony his story the East Side's history and the gospel and and then he history and the gospel and and then he history and the gospel and and then he says now we need to get you trained so says now we need to get you trained so says now we need to get you trained so and Greg and his teaching team will do and Greg and his teaching team will do and Greg and his teaching team will do that so so our and our guest central that so so our and our guest central that so so our and our guest central workers I think this is we're sharing workers I think this is we're sharing workers I think this is we're sharing what they do also is in addition to what they do also is in addition to what they do also is in addition to giving them the cup and asking them that giving them the cup and asking them that giving them the cup and asking them that they if they'd like to sign up for first they if they'd like to sign up for first they if they'd like to sign up for first step of gene and explain what that is it

step of gene and explain what that is it step of gene and explain what that is it answers all their questions is that they answers all their questions is that they answers all their questions is that they they end up writing a card a little they end up writing a card a little they end up writing a card a little personal false card hadn't written that personal false card hadn't written that personal false card hadn't written that we make sure has not run through the we make sure has not run through the we make sure has not run through the postage machine it's stamped in at and postage machine it's stamped in at and postage machine it's stamped in at and asked and they put a like a gift to asked and they put a like a gift to asked and they put a like a gift to their to our a gift card to our their to our a gift card to our their to our a gift card to our compassionate cafe hmm for free stuff compassionate cafe hmm for free stuff compassionate cafe hmm for free stuff there had just Matt said it was awesome there had just Matt said it was awesome there had just Matt said it was awesome meeting you praying for your mom or meeting you praying for your mom or meeting you praying for your mom or whatever personal thing you know this whatever personal thing you know this whatever personal thing you know this week and just use this this gift card on week and just use this this gift card on week and just use this this gift card on me and not only does me and not only does me and not only does make them feel welcome but we even make them feel welcome but we even make them feel welcome but we even contract those second time visits very contract those second time visits very contract those second time visits very well through our copy barking yeah well through our copy barking yeah well through our copy barking yeah because you know whether they use it or because you know whether they use it or because you know whether they use it or not not not exactly alright so okay that makes sense exactly alright so okay that makes sense exactly alright so okay that makes sense I think you know you're one thing you've I think you know you're one thing you've I think you know you're one thing you've underlined there that I don't want underlined there that I don't want underlined there that I don't want people to miss is that you're pushing people to miss is that you're pushing people to miss is that you're pushing everything to this that there's you know everything to this that there's you know everything to this that there's you know it all rides on first step to the gene it all rides on first step to the gene it all rides on first step to the gene which is good I think some churches kind which is good I think some churches kind which is good I think some churches kind of Miss that they drop that ball and it of Miss that they drop that ball and it of Miss that they drop that ball and it becomes there's a lot of different becomes there's a lot of different becomes there's a lot of different things going on yeah it's hard to point things going on yeah it's hard to point things going on yeah it's hard to point people in what direction let me give you people in what direction let me give you people in what direction let me give you a great example with Baptists yes we a great example with Baptists yes we a great example with Baptists yes we baptize I know we baptize around eight baptize I know we baptize around eight baptize I know we baptize around eight hundred people a year around here and hundred people a year around here and hundred people a year around here and it's just it's it's amazing the amount it's just it's it's amazing the amount it's just it's it's amazing the amount of people that respond to the gospel of people that respond to the gospel of people that respond to the gospel spontaneously in the services and we do spontaneously in the services and we do spontaneously in the services and we do that you know about four to six times a that you know about four to six times a that you know about four to six times a year in these big baptism weekends and year in these big baptism weekends and year in these big baptism weekends and when a person is baptized they come out when a person is baptized they come out when a person is baptized they come out of the water and once they dry off of the water and once they dry off of the water and once they dry off they're handed a gift bag with a new they're handed a gift bag with a new they're handed a gift bag with a new Bible and a a orange bracelet like Bible and a a orange bracelet like Bible and a a orange bracelet like rubber bracelet says first step which rubber bracelet says first step which rubber bracelet says first step which they think is all that I just took my they think is all that I just took my they think is all that I just took my first step with Jesus which they did but

first step with Jesus which they did but first step with Jesus which they did but it also kind of connects to the it also kind of connects to the it also kind of connects to the invitation to first step with Jeanne in invitation to first step with Jeanne in invitation to first step with Jeanne in that's great right that's great and then that's great right that's great and then that's great right that's great and then they get that night they get a text of a they get that night they get a text of a they get that night they get a text of a photo of their baptism to them that they photo of their baptism to them that they photo of their baptism to them that they can use on social media which helps with can use on social media which helps with can use on social media which helps with outreach but what what's really cool is outreach but what what's really cool is outreach but what what's really cool is on Wednesday they get a one-minute video on Wednesday they get a one-minute video on Wednesday they get a one-minute video from me by email and it just says and I from me by email and it just says and I from me by email and it just says and I do the baptisms with Jeanne there's two do the baptisms with Jeanne there's two do the baptisms with Jeanne there's two of us yep I'd say it was an honor to of us yep I'd say it was an honor to of us yep I'd say it was an honor to baptize you last weekend and by baptize you last weekend and by baptize you last weekend and by Wednesday you're probably saying what Wednesday you're probably saying what Wednesday you're probably saying what now let me tell you what its first step now let me tell you what its first step now let me tell you what its first step of Jeanne and here's the lane you know of Jeanne and here's the lane you know of Jeanne and here's the lane you know and you can register though though you and you can register though though you and you can register though though you could come spontaneously too but right could come spontaneously too but right could come spontaneously too but right but we have them register and invite but we have them register and invite but we have them register and invite them too and then they get a personal them too and then they get a personal them too and then they get a personal phone call by a staff person relevant to phone call by a staff person relevant to phone call by a staff person relevant to who they are and they they hear their who they are and they they hear their who they are and they they hear their story they say what grade it was and story they say what grade it was and story they say what grade it was and then they'd see if they've been to first then they'd see if they've been to first then they'd see if they've been to first step with Jeanne if they have it they step with Jeanne if they have it they step with Jeanne if they have it they say hey what's up with jeans next I'll say hey what's up with jeans next I'll say hey what's up with jeans next I'll sign you up and then the following week sign you up and then the following week sign you up and then the following week they get a baptism certificate a letter they get a baptism certificate a letter they get a baptism certificate a letter from Jeanne and it invites them to first from Jeanne and it invites them to first from Jeanne and it invites them to first step with Jeanne so literally it's just step with Jeanne so literally it's just step with Jeanne so literally it's just everything like you said drives them to everything like you said drives them to everything like you said drives them to one thing right yeah that's huge one thing right yeah that's huge one thing right yeah that's huge I don't want your two leaders to miss I don't want your two leaders to miss I don't want your two leaders to miss that I think we have to make it super it that I think we have to make it super it that I think we have to make it super it has to be strategic and it has to be has to be strategic and it has to be has to be strategic and it has to be obvious those next steps have to make obvious those next steps have to make obvious those next steps have to make and push people in direction you want and push people in direction you want and push people in direction you want them to go but you can't have people them to go but you can't have people them to go but you can't have people wondering I wonder what it is and I love wondering I wonder what it is and I love wondering I wonder what it is and I love what you're doing there layering what you're doing there layering what you're doing there layering multiple times the same message so let's multiple times the same message so let's multiple times the same message so let's say I go through that on you know I've say I go through that on you know I've say I go through that on you know I've whether I've accepted Christ or not I've whether I've accepted Christ or not I've whether I've accepted Christ or not I've kind of done the seven weeks what is the kind of done the seven weeks what is the kind of done the seven weeks what is the next step from there what is the kind of next step from there what is the kind of next step from there what is the kind of outcome out of that experience for outcome out of that experience for outcome out of that experience for people the seven weeks it is incredible

people the seven weeks it is incredible people the seven weeks it is incredible because what we do is we we put them at because what we do is we we put them at because what we do is we we put them at tables that are similar zip code of town tables that are similar zip code of town tables that are similar zip code of town and similar life stage so we ask enough and similar life stage so we ask enough and similar life stage so we ask enough information when they sign up at first information when they sign up at first information when they sign up at first step a gene to put them in some good step a gene to put them in some good step a gene to put them in some good tables and we I always tell them we're tables and we I always tell them we're tables and we I always tell them we're gonna promise you at first step with or gonna promise you at first step with or gonna promise you at first step with or the first step experience you're gonna the first step experience you're gonna the first step experience you're gonna get three things faith fun and friends get three things faith fun and friends get three things faith fun and friends the safe part is I'm not gonna be your the safe part is I'm not gonna be your the safe part is I'm not gonna be your teacher I'm gonna be your coach you're teacher I'm gonna be your coach you're teacher I'm gonna be your coach you're gonna get a backpack and they get a gonna get a backpack and they get a gonna get a backpack and they get a backpack week one and we're going on a backpack week one and we're going on a backpack week one and we're going on a journey and I explained it like that I journey and I explained it like that I journey and I explained it like that I use the Grand Canyon as a metaphor for use the Grand Canyon as a metaphor for use the Grand Canyon as a metaphor for all this but I said you're gonna you're all this but I said you're gonna you're all this but I said you're gonna you're gonna get a backpack in each week of the gonna get a backpack in each week of the gonna get a backpack in each week of the training you're going to receive a new training you're going to receive a new training you're going to receive a new object for your backpack that will object for your backpack that will object for your backpack that will reinforce the training you're gonna get reinforce the training you're gonna get reinforce the training you're gonna get assignments every week and you're gonna assignments every week and you're gonna assignments every week and you're gonna share them at your tables with these share them at your tables with these share them at your tables with these friends how they're going and do friends how they're going and do friends how they're going and do discussion questions with them and build discussion questions with them and build discussion questions with them and build relationships then the fun part is we relationships then the fun part is we relationships then the fun part is we have these competitions with great have these competitions with great have these competitions with great prizes one person wins their whole table prizes one person wins their whole table prizes one person wins their whole table wins all the tables start competing wins all the tables start competing wins all the tables start competing against each other it goes kind of nuts against each other it goes kind of nuts against each other it goes kind of nuts it's real fun but I said but the the it's real fun but I said but the the it's real fun but I said but the the friend part is that after seven weeks friend part is that after seven weeks friend part is that after seven weeks one-third to two-thirds of the tables of one-third to two-thirds of the tables of one-third to two-thirds of the tables of first step experience launches first step experience launches first step experience launches connection groups really yes Wow so and connection groups really yes Wow so and connection groups really yes Wow so and we have that table launching as affected we have that table launching as affected we have that table launching as affected so much of what we do we table launch at so much of what we do we table launch at so much of what we do we table launch at everything we Dave Ramsey's Financial everything we Dave Ramsey's Financial everything we Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University we do do that mm-hm Peace University we do do that mm-hm Peace University we do do that mm-hm we we put them at tables and we launch we we put them at tables and we launch we we put them at tables and we launch them as connection groups people not them as connection groups people not them as connection groups people not even from our church sixty percent from even from our church sixty percent from even from our church sixty percent from our church and we give them a curriculum

our church and we give them a curriculum our church and we give them a curriculum from Craig Groeschel and Dave Ramsey to from Craig Groeschel and Dave Ramsey to from Craig Groeschel and Dave Ramsey to do it with we just launched these groups do it with we just launched these groups do it with we just launched these groups by tables at every event we do no matter by tables at every event we do no matter by tables at every event we do no matter what it is we learn that from starting what it is we learn that from starting what it is we learn that from starting at at first step experience right right at at first step experience right right at at first step experience right right week five at first step experience is week five at first step experience is week five at first step experience is interesting on the volunteer piece of a interesting on the volunteer piece of a interesting on the volunteer piece of a simulation because what we do at week simulation because what we do at week simulation because what we do at week five is an all access to her five is an all access to her five is an all access to her so during its these the first step so during its these the first step so during its these the first step experience happens during church okay experience happens during church okay experience happens during church okay for childcare and all that for that so for childcare and all that for that so for childcare and all that for that so they go around and they go behind the they go around and they go behind the they go around and they go behind the stage we have a huge LED screen they can stage we have a huge LED screen they can stage we have a huge LED screen they can see the back during game time oh that's see the back during game time oh that's see the back during game time oh that's funnel in the green room they go in the funnel in the green room they go in the funnel in the green room they go in the children's areas they go out in the children's areas they go out in the children's areas they go out in the parking lot volunteers compassion cafe parking lot volunteers compassion cafe parking lot volunteers compassion cafe everywhere and at each stop a little a everywhere and at each stop a little a everywhere and at each stop a little a volunteer comes out and talks about why volunteer comes out and talks about why volunteer comes out and talks about why that's the best place on earth to serve that's the best place on earth to serve that's the best place on earth to serve how it's done when they get back in the how it's done when they get back in the how it's done when they get back in the first step experience room they sign up first step experience room they sign up first step experience room they sign up for an area of service for an area of service for an area of service Manek that's going and so many times by Manek that's going and so many times by Manek that's going and so many times by the time that they are done with first the time that they are done with first the time that they are done with first step experience they're already taking step experience they're already taking step experience they're already taking their next step which at our church their next step which at our church their next step which at our church means they're in a connection group or means they're in a connection group or means they're in a connection group or ministry team okay very cool so then ministry team okay very cool so then ministry team okay very cool so then obviously you're creating I'm assuming obviously you're creating I'm assuming obviously you're creating I'm assuming throughout the first step experience throughout the first step experience throughout the first step experience you're creating all these hooks like you're creating all these hooks like you're creating all these hooks like your exterior describing here all these your exterior describing here all these your exterior describing here all these hey here's some potential is there a hey here's some potential is there a hey here's some potential is there a formal kind of at the end of you know formal kind of at the end of you know formal kind of at the end of you know first step where you're you're literally first step where you're you're literally first step where you're you're literally kind of closing the deal as a sense of kind of closing the deal as a sense of kind of closing the deal as a sense of kind of asking people to take their next kind of asking people to take their next kind of asking people to take their next step to find a team or or a group well step to find a team or or a group well step to find a team or or a group well yeah at week five day start that yeah at week five day start that yeah at week five day start that conversation they get assignments and conversation they get assignments and conversation they get assignments and that assignment one of the assignments that assignment one of the assignments that assignment one of the assignments that week is to respond to the contact that week is to respond to the contact that week is to respond to the contact they get on Wednesday okay by that by

they get on Wednesday okay by that by they get on Wednesday okay by that by that area and hopefully that deal gets that area and hopefully that deal gets that area and hopefully that deal gets sealed within that last two weeks on sealed within that last two weeks on sealed within that last two weeks on week seven not by that time we've week seven not by that time we've week seven not by that time we've prepared them for the conversation is prepared them for the conversation is prepared them for the conversation is your table gonna launch or not and we your table gonna launch or not and we your table gonna launch or not and we have a coach that comes in and meets have a coach that comes in and meets have a coach that comes in and meets with them and gets them going registers with them and gets them going registers with them and gets them going registers them as a group gets their resources them as a group gets their resources them as a group gets their resources that says I'm your go-to person and that says I'm your go-to person and that says I'm your go-to person and they're involved they're volunteers so they're involved they're volunteers so they're involved they're volunteers so most of the time that that's how it's most of the time that that's how it's most of the time that that's how it's handled and then if they don't do it handled and then if they don't do it handled and then if they don't do it that way we have other ways to connect that way we have other ways to connect that way we have other ways to connect with groups and other on on boardings with groups and other on on boardings with groups and other on on boardings you know for volunteers but the result you know for volunteers but the result you know for volunteers but the result of this rich is after that first year of of this rich is after that first year of of this rich is after that first year of that explosive growth we had one out of that explosive growth we had one out of that explosive growth we had one out of three of our we had 1993 guests actually three of our we had 1993 guests actually three of our we had 1993 guests actually sign a card during that year so just sign a card during that year so just sign a card during that year so just about 2000 by the end that year one out about 2000 by the end that year one out about 2000 by the end that year one out of three got baptized of three got baptized of three got baptized one out of two got in a connection group one out of two got in a connection group one out of two got in a connection group oh my goodness went out a seven oh my goodness went out a seven oh my goodness went out a seven graduated from the first step experience graduated from the first step experience graduated from the first step experience one out of seven became a volunteer one one out of seven became a volunteer one one out of seven became a volunteer one out of fourteen went on a compassion out of fourteen went on a compassion out of fourteen went on a compassion trip overseas and one out of one out of trip overseas and one out of one out of trip overseas and one out of one out of 20 became a leader wow that's incredible 20 became a leader wow that's incredible 20 became a leader wow that's incredible and have those kind of has that and have those kind of has that and have those kind of has that assimilation kind of Statistics kind of assimilation kind of Statistics kind of assimilation kind of Statistics kind of continued to bear out over these last continued to bear out over these last continued to bear out over these last couple years couple years couple years what has happened what you kind of as what has happened what you kind of as what has happened what you kind of as you because obviously you're tracking you because obviously you're tracking you because obviously you're tracking the front end first-time guests to then the front end first-time guests to then the front end first-time guests to then people get in connection what does that people get in connection what does that people get in connection what does that look like the lowest the lowest in the look like the lowest the lowest in the look like the lowest the lowest in the three years that we've ever gotten is three years that we've ever gotten is three years that we've ever gotten is about one out of one out of three or about one out of one out of three or about one out of one out of three or between one out of three and four between one out of three and four between one out of three and four becoming a connection group and one out becoming a connection group and one out becoming a connection group and one out of eight becoming a volunteer but we of eight becoming a volunteer but we of eight becoming a volunteer but we always do these dial credible to make always do these dial credible to make always do these dial credible to make sure that we that that it's it's staying sure that we that that it's it's staying sure that we that that it's it's staying within a range of health and we've got

within a range of health and we've got within a range of health and we've got goals to better on that there that's not goals to better on that there that's not goals to better on that there that's not as as good as we want to be so we've got as as good as we want to be so we've got as as good as we want to be so we've got plans to to hopefully increase those plans to to hopefully increase those plans to to hopefully increase those steps yeah for folks that are listening steps yeah for folks that are listening steps yeah for folks that are listening in church leaders that are listening in in church leaders that are listening in in church leaders that are listening in that don't know those numbers that's a that don't know those numbers that's a that don't know those numbers that's a great place for you to start to dig great place for you to start to dig great place for you to start to dig around and figure out where are your around and figure out where are your around and figure out where are your kind of first-time guests to kind of kind of first-time guests to kind of kind of first-time guests to kind of people being connected what that means people being connected what that means people being connected what that means in your church and the fact that your in your church and the fact that your in your church and the fact that your worst case is one in three is incredible worst case is one in three is incredible worst case is one in three is incredible that from an industry-wide point of view that from an industry-wide point of view that from an industry-wide point of view that is amazing a lot of churches are that is amazing a lot of churches are that is amazing a lot of churches are less than 10 percent you know able to less than 10 percent you know able to less than 10 percent you know able to keep you know their their guests so keep you know their their guests so keep you know their their guests so you're tripling that on your in your you're tripling that on your in your you're tripling that on your in your world scenario well in all honesty it's world scenario well in all honesty it's world scenario well in all honesty it's one out three get baptized right and one one out three get baptized right and one one out three get baptized right and one out of seven become a volunteer but but out of seven become a volunteer but but out of seven become a volunteer but but one out of two to 103 get in the one out of two to 103 get in the one out of two to 103 get in the connection group so you're not far right connection group so you're not far right connection group so you're not far right yeah that's incredible that's that's yeah that's incredible that's that's yeah that's incredible that's that's very good okay so first step next step very good okay so first step next step very good okay so first step next step big step what is big step big step is big step what is big step big step is big step what is big step big step is that I'm leaving Christ footprint on that I'm leaving Christ footprint on that I'm leaving Christ footprint on this world through my little foot by this world through my little foot by this world through my little foot by crossing a border local and globally you crossing a border local and globally you crossing a border local and globally you know locally or globally through and we know locally or globally through and we know locally or globally through and we have things like serve days where we do have things like serve days where we do have things like serve days where we do title one schools all stuff and we we title one schools all stuff and we we title one schools all stuff and we we have prolific works in seven different have prolific works in seven different have prolific works in seven different countries these ciders that have gone countries these ciders that have gone countries these ciders that have gone there we respond collectively our church there we respond collectively our church there we respond collectively our church sponsors over two thousand children most sponsors over two thousand children most sponsors over two thousand children most of which are in this one community in of which are in this one community in of which are in this one community in Mathari Mathari Mathari that is literally transformed a slum that is literally transformed a slum that is literally transformed a slum it's amazing but anyway it's it's it's amazing but anyway it's it's it's amazing but anyway it's it's crossing a border locally globally in crossing a border locally globally in crossing a border locally globally in compassion and then the second is

compassion and then the second is compassion and then the second is developing my influence okay we have developing my influence okay we have developing my influence okay we have three levels of volunteer positions and three levels of volunteer positions and three levels of volunteer positions and I like this not all churches feel I like this not all churches feel I like this not all churches feel comfortable with this but we have green comfortable with this but we have green comfortable with this but we have green light yellow light and red light service light yellow light and red light service light yellow light and red light service opportunities green light is a Hindu or opportunities green light is a Hindu or opportunities green light is a Hindu or an atheist can do it right yes okay we an atheist can do it right yes okay we an atheist can do it right yes okay we don't care or if you want don't care or if you want don't care or if you want get under the hood and fix a car for a get under the hood and fix a car for a get under the hood and fix a car for a single mom at our car clinic our single mom at our car clinic our single mom at our car clinic our compassion efforts join us you know I compassion efforts join us you know I compassion efforts join us you know I mean and we have uh we have several mean and we have uh we have several mean and we have uh we have several things that they could do on an things that they could do on an things that they could do on an off-campus ad because I think we want to off-campus ad because I think we want to off-campus ad because I think we want to move away from the believe become belong move away from the believe become belong move away from the believe become belong model institutional model to belong model institutional model to belong model institutional model to belong become believed right and so people have become believed right and so people have become believed right and so people have to belong when we they have to feel that to belong when we they have to feel that to belong when we they have to feel that sense of our love and our belonging the sense of our love and our belonging the sense of our love and our belonging the moment we meet them no matter who they moment we meet them no matter who they moment we meet them no matter who they are hurt your virtue and so allowing are hurt your virtue and so allowing are hurt your virtue and so allowing them to serve alongside of us in them to serve alongside of us in them to serve alongside of us in greenlight positions is it a feature of greenlight positions is it a feature of greenlight positions is it a feature of that the yellow light positions are just that the yellow light positions are just that the yellow light positions are just a little caution like it to know you in a little caution like it to know you in a little caution like it to know you in it you know where where you're at in it you know where where you're at in it you know where where you're at in your your surrender to Christ and all your your surrender to Christ and all your your surrender to Christ and all the Chi SEP red light is okay we want the Chi SEP red light is okay we want the Chi SEP red light is okay we want you to be a baptized follower of Jesus you to be a baptized follower of Jesus you to be a baptized follower of Jesus who's graduated for the first step who's graduated for the first step who's graduated for the first step experience because your life is going to experience because your life is going to experience because your life is going to directly germinate and and positively directly germinate and and positively directly germinate and and positively affect other lives its life on life affect other lives its life on life affect other lives its life on life influence then we bail up that for you influence then we bail up that for you influence then we bail up that for you and so we see the big step it's not just and so we see the big step it's not just and so we see the big step it's not just crossing borders in compassion but also crossing borders in compassion but also crossing borders in compassion but also developing your influence in some kind developing your influence in some kind developing your influence in some kind of a red light weight one or the other of a red light weight one or the other of a red light weight one or the other mm-hmm that's very cool I you know just mm-hmm that's very cool I you know just mm-hmm that's very cool I you know just to encourage people who might be to encourage people who might be to encourage people who might be challenged a little bit about by your challenged a little bit about by your challenged a little bit about by your green light you know

green light you know green light you know roles we've experienced the same thing roles we've experienced the same thing roles we've experienced the same thing at our church we have a wide open on at our church we have a wide open on at our church we have a wide open on particularly our cat compassion particularly our cat compassion particularly our cat compassion experiences and have seen that those experiences and have seen that those experiences and have seen that those experiences are great front end experiences are great front end experiences are great front end experiences for people there people are experiences for people there people are experiences for people there people are more likely to invite their friends or more likely to invite their friends or more likely to invite their friends or have been very likely to invite their have been very likely to invite their have been very likely to invite their friends to a we just did a thing last friends to a we just did a thing last friends to a we just did a thing last weekend where we served our we pulled weekend where we served our we pulled weekend where we served our we pulled together two hundred thousand meals for together two hundred thousand meals for together two hundred thousand meals for folks and we had all kinds of first-time folks and we had all kinds of first-time folks and we had all kinds of first-time guests come to that who they're not guests come to that who they're not guests come to that who they're not coming to our weekend service they're coming to our weekend service they're coming to our weekend service they're saying hey I'd love to get plugged in saying hey I'd love to get plugged in saying hey I'd love to get plugged in here now for us that then is a way that here now for us that then is a way that here now for us that then is a way that we begin developing a relationship and we begin developing a relationship and we begin developing a relationship and they're not a people within our church they're not a people within our church they're not a people within our church that that you know that really is a that that you know that really is a that that you know that really is a significant step for them from out of significant step for them from out of significant step for them from out of the seats into serving through one of the seats into serving through one of the seats into serving through one of those experiences so you know you those experiences so you know you those experiences so you know you strongly encourage people to think that strongly encourage people to think that strongly encourage people to think that through in their context for sure yeah through in their context for sure yeah through in their context for sure yeah for sure great for sure great for sure great is there anything else you want to share is there anything else you want to share is there anything else you want to share before we move on with the rest of the before we move on with the rest of the before we move on with the rest of the episode you know there's one thing that episode you know there's one thing that episode you know there's one thing that I think is an interesting learning when I think is an interesting learning when I think is an interesting learning when it comes to this environment if you have it comes to this environment if you have it comes to this environment if you have an event like first step which you that an event like first step which you that an event like first step which you that you're trying to drive everybody to to you're trying to drive everybody to to you're trying to drive everybody to to to and then to and then to and then have dispensed them into their you know have dispensed them into their you know have dispensed them into their you know the the right the right fit and the the right the right fit and the the right the right fit and connection when we started that we just connection when we started that we just connection when we started that we just had people come in the room and they'd had people come in the room and they'd had people come in the room and they'd sit wherever they get their pizza sit sit wherever they get their pizza sit sit wherever they get their pizza sit down and and they were awkwardly silent down and and they were awkwardly silent down and and they were awkwardly silent with all the other people at their table with all the other people at their table with all the other people at their table who may or may not be like them or who may or may not be like them or who may or may not be like them or they're new they're new they're new there's just they're just looked at there's just they're just looked at there's just they're just looked at comfortable and please start the program comfortable and please start the program comfortable and please start the program right I ended up going to Central right I ended up going to Central right I ended up going to Central Christian Church in Vegas and which is a Christian Church in Vegas and which is a Christian Church in Vegas and which is a church gene had pastored him really grew

church gene had pastored him really grew church gene had pastored him really grew in the past and saw that they did an in the past and saw that they did an in the past and saw that they did an event that had table host and so what I event that had table host and so what I event that had table host and so what I ended up doing this secret sauce of the ended up doing this secret sauce of the ended up doing this secret sauce of the table host was was night and day table host was was night and day table host was was night and day difference is that we put a host usually difference is that we put a host usually difference is that we put a host usually a first step experienced grad mmm-hmm a first step experienced grad mmm-hmm a first step experienced grad mmm-hmm sitting there and then we assigned the sitting there and then we assigned the sitting there and then we assigned the people by birds of a feather the table people by birds of a feather the table people by birds of a feather the table says they walk in the guess and and so says they walk in the guess and and so says they walk in the guess and and so they'll sit down and that person is in they'll sit down and that person is in they'll sit down and that person is in charge of questions cards and calls that charge of questions cards and calls that charge of questions cards and calls that the question is they ask two questions the question is they ask two questions the question is they ask two questions Hey how'd you find each side and what Hey how'd you find each side and what Hey how'd you find each side and what made you come back a second time and the made you come back a second time and the made you come back a second time and the beauty of that is it's not personal and beauty of that is it's not personal and beauty of that is it's not personal and everybody has it in common and as soon everybody has it in common and as soon everybody has it in common and as soon as one person answers they just and and as one person answers they just and and as one person answers they just and and there's so much energy and connection there's so much energy and connection there's so much energy and connection that gene the first time we did it he that gene the first time we did it he that gene the first time we did it he goes how he goes there the energy in goes how he goes there the energy in goes how he goes there the energy in this room is 10x what what happened I go this room is 10x what what happened I go this room is 10x what what happened I go it's table those so now we have to we it's table those so now we have to we it's table those so now we have to we have to do some things to get their have to do some things to get their have to do some things to get their attention upfront and one time a table attention upfront and one time a table attention upfront and one time a table lunch is a connection group right there lunch is a connection group right there lunch is a connection group right there Wow yeah just keep doing like a post Wow yeah just keep doing like a post Wow yeah just keep doing like a post that I love you they and they just just that I love you they and they just just that I love you they and they just just start a connection group so now that start a connection group so now that start a connection group so now that happened what time but that that's what happened what time but that that's what happened what time but that that's what they do and then they pass out the cards they do and then they pass out the cards they do and then they pass out the cards and whatever and talk to them you know and whatever and talk to them you know and whatever and talk to them you know I've various part parts to get them I've various part parts to get them I've various part parts to get them signed up answer their questions and signed up answer their questions and signed up answer their questions and then at the end they take down their then at the end they take down their then at the end they take down their contact info and they call them by contact info and they call them by contact info and they call them by Wednesday or email them and say I love Wednesday or email them and say I love Wednesday or email them and say I love meeting you saw you sign up for first meeting you saw you sign up for first meeting you saw you sign up for first step experience are you gonna love it or step experience are you gonna love it or step experience are you gonna love it or saw you didn't sign up but I hope you saw you didn't sign up but I hope you saw you didn't sign up but I hope you can in the future there'll be another can in the future there'll be another can in the future there'll be another one and it just really that has we wit

one and it just really that has we wit one and it just really that has we wit our sign ups for first step experience our sign ups for first step experience our sign ups for first step experience before that whole that whole before that whole that whole before that whole that whole discipleship training and following discipleship training and following discipleship training and following Jesus thing went through the roof in Jesus thing went through the roof in Jesus thing went through the roof in fact now that we one time we had a fact now that we one time we had a fact now that we one time we had a table host we had to leave to table host table host we had to leave to table host table host we had to leave to table host that and that never happens but we saw that and that never happens but we saw that and that never happens but we saw that nobody at their tables signed up that nobody at their tables signed up that nobody at their tables signed up for step experience and all the other for step experience and all the other for step experience and all the other ones almost all had a hundred percent ones almost all had a hundred percent ones almost all had a hundred percent Wow that's difference that table host Wow that's difference that table host Wow that's difference that table host piece made big deal big deal this is the piece made big deal big deal this is the piece made big deal big deal this is the uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they taught in seminary well today we've had taught in seminary well today we've had taught in seminary well today we've had a great interview so far with Greg a great interview so far with Greg a great interview so far with Greg Curtis from Eastside Christian Church Curtis from Eastside Christian Church Curtis from Eastside Christian Church fantastic conversation all-around fantastic conversation all-around fantastic conversation all-around assimilation I hope you're getting a lot assimilation I hope you're getting a lot assimilation I hope you're getting a lot of this I'm sure you are we're gonna of this I'm sure you are we're gonna of this I'm sure you are we're gonna jump into lightening room that part of jump into lightening room that part of jump into lightening room that part of the episode where we have similar the episode where we have similar the episode where we have similar questions of everybody that's on the questions of everybody that's on the questions of everybody that's on the show Greg what's an online resource that show Greg what's an online resource that show Greg what's an online resource that you're using these days that's helping you're using these days that's helping you're using these days that's helping your ministry well it's kind of more your ministry well it's kind of more your ministry well it's kind of more helping me personally a tough ID app and helping me personally a tough ID app and helping me personally a tough ID app and the app ID app is this spiritual the app ID app is this spiritual the app ID app is this spiritual formation app that creates like one and formation app that creates like one and formation app that creates like one and a half two minutes maybe eight minute a half two minutes maybe eight minute a half two minutes maybe eight minute how do I set meditations it guides you how do I set meditations it guides you how do I set meditations it guides you through a meditation it has you pick the through a meditation it has you pick the through a meditation it has you pick the style of music in the background it style of music in the background it style of music in the background it makes you think of certain things you makes you think of certain things you makes you think of certain things you press pause and the music continues as press pause and the music continues as press pause and the music continues as you talk about God with that then you you talk about God with that then you you talk about God with that then you press play and it keeps leading you press play and it keeps leading you press play and it keeps leading you through it on a variety of topics you through it on a variety of topics you through it on a variety of topics you pick a mentor an incredible way to even pick a mentor an incredible way to even pick a mentor an incredible way to even ask classic some of the classic writings ask classic some of the classic writings ask classic some of the classic writings of saints and other things in there and of saints and other things in there and of saints and other things in there and prepares it's just phenomenal and it

prepares it's just phenomenal and it prepares it's just phenomenal and it really is a great centering resource and really is a great centering resource and really is a great centering resource and the abide app I recommend it everybody the abide app I recommend it everybody the abide app I recommend it everybody very cool what's a book you've read in very cool what's a book you've read in very cool what's a book you've read in the last six months to a year that's the last six months to a year that's the last six months to a year that's shaping your thinking or ministry I shaping your thinking or ministry I shaping your thinking or ministry I would say it's not directly about would say it's not directly about would say it's not directly about ministry but it has huge implications ministry but it has huge implications ministry but it has huge implications and that's the prodigal God by Tim and that's the prodigal God by Tim and that's the prodigal God by Tim Keller a lot of your listeners know that Keller a lot of your listeners know that Keller a lot of your listeners know that but I feel like it's just its but I feel like it's just its but I feel like it's just its description of the elder brother description of the elder brother description of the elder brother explains why assimilation is so hard for explains why assimilation is so hard for explains why assimilation is so hard for us right now in churches and culture and us right now in churches and culture and us right now in churches and culture and how if we really tap into what he's how if we really tap into what he's how if we really tap into what he's talking about how a simulation could talking about how a simulation could talking about how a simulation could just flow so much better mmm very cool just flow so much better mmm very cool just flow so much better mmm very cool very cool great book if you haven't read very cool great book if you haven't read very cool great book if you haven't read it um what are some other ministry it um what are some other ministry it um what are some other ministry you're looking to that's inspiring you you're looking to that's inspiring you you're looking to that's inspiring you Church of the highlands of Birmingham Church of the highlands of Birmingham Church of the highlands of Birmingham Alabama much yeah they're amazing they Alabama much yeah they're amazing they Alabama much yeah they're amazing they you know we have a we've launched to you know we have a we've launched to you know we have a we've launched to campus I commissioned earlier Minnesota campus I commissioned earlier Minnesota campus I commissioned earlier Minnesota totally accident another one locally totally accident another one locally totally accident another one locally here this spring and we hope to launch here this spring and we hope to launch here this spring and we hope to launch a total of four in the next two years a total of four in the next two years a total of four in the next two years and they are running almost 40,000 and they are running almost 40,000 and they are running almost 40,000 people in like 13 campuses right now and people in like 13 campuses right now and people in like 13 campuses right now and they have some great things with they have some great things with they have some great things with connection groups of free market system connection groups of free market system connection groups of free market system surrounding hubs I mean this really surrounding hubs I mean this really surrounding hubs I mean this really needs strategy but one of the things needs strategy but one of the things needs strategy but one of the things that they do that they do that they do our first step experience they do it in our first step experience they do it in our first step experience they do it in four weeks and they just offer it all four weeks and they just offer it all four weeks and they just offer it all the time so week one is always the same the time so week one is always the same the time so week one is always the same week two is always the same and you week two is always the same and you week two is always the same and you could just jump in and rather than go could just jump in and rather than go could just jump in and rather than go through it in order you could go through through it in order you could go through through it in order you could go through it you know interesting go for it out of it you know interesting go for it out of it you know interesting go for it out of order if you miss a week pick it up the order if you miss a week pick it up the order if you miss a week pick it up the next month and there they have a really next month and there they have a really next month and there they have a really high volume revolving door to get people

high volume revolving door to get people high volume revolving door to get people through there and that's that's an through there and that's that's an through there and that's that's an interesting thing that we're looking at interesting thing that we're looking at interesting thing that we're looking at hmm yeah interesting challenge they're a hmm yeah interesting challenge they're a hmm yeah interesting challenge they're a fantastic church they're a great church fantastic church they're a great church fantastic church they're a great church for sure what's if you get 15 minutes for sure what's if you get 15 minutes for sure what's if you get 15 minutes with any leader alive today who would with any leader alive today who would with any leader alive today who would you want to get that with him why well you want to get that with him why well you want to get that with him why well it might surprise the people but I think it might surprise the people but I think it might surprise the people but I think I would say Pope Francis nice great I would say Pope Francis nice great I would say Pope Francis nice great leader he's been mentioned a couple leader he's been mentioned a couple leader he's been mentioned a couple times on the show correct yeah you might times on the show correct yeah you might times on the show correct yeah you might be the second person but not a lot a few be the second person but not a lot a few be the second person but not a lot a few times okay I think is this in my times okay I think is this in my times okay I think is this in my StrengthsFinder my number one is StrengthsFinder my number one is StrengthsFinder my number one is connector okay yeah and I see him in his connector okay yeah and I see him in his connector okay yeah and I see him in his work with the disenfranchised and the work with the disenfranchised and the work with the disenfranchised and the way that he relates with people the way way that he relates with people the way way that he relates with people the way he even uses sky flike this to talk to he even uses sky flike this to talk to he even uses sky flike this to talk to large audiences and what his challenge large audiences and what his challenge large audiences and what his challenge is in in what he sees as a is reforming is in in what he sees as a is reforming is in in what he sees as a is reforming the church is something that I think the church is something that I think the church is something that I think really you know the concepts in the really you know the concepts in the really you know the concepts in the prodigal God and it's something that is prodigal God and it's something that is prodigal God and it's something that is big on my heart so that we can become a big on my heart so that we can become a big on my heart so that we can become a body of believers that that really body of believers that that really body of believers that that really served the disenfranchised whether it's served the disenfranchised whether it's served the disenfranchised whether it's the poor or the hurting or the broken the poor or the hurting or the broken the poor or the hurting or the broken and I I would his his task is much and I I would his his task is much and I I would his his task is much bigger than mine and I would love to bigger than mine and I would love to bigger than mine and I would love to have 50 minutes to say how did you deal have 50 minutes to say how did you deal have 50 minutes to say how did you deal with this on the at the elevation that with this on the at the elevation that with this on the at the elevation that you fly at very cool yeah great leader you fly at very cool yeah great leader you fly at very cool yeah great leader for sure doing you know doing great for sure doing you know doing great for sure doing you know doing great stuff well I'm sure you know trying to stuff well I'm sure you know trying to stuff well I'm sure you know trying to wrestle through all this assimilation wrestle through all this assimilation wrestle through all this assimilation stuff it takes a lot of time effort stuff it takes a lot of time effort stuff it takes a lot of time effort energy when you want to recharge just do energy when you want to recharge just do energy when you want to recharge just do something to kind of you know whether something to kind of you know whether something to kind of you know whether it's unplug or plug in whatever the you it's unplug or plug in whatever the you it's unplug or plug in whatever the you know right analogy is what do you do know right analogy is what do you do know right analogy is what do you do what do you do for fun our day off at

what do you do for fun our day off at what do you do for fun our day off at Eastside is is Mondays and I go to the Eastside is is Mondays and I go to the Eastside is is Mondays and I go to the beach beach beach I don't live too far from the goona I don't live too far from the goona I don't live too far from the goona beach about 20 minute drive and I get beach about 20 minute drive and I get beach about 20 minute drive and I get down there and when it's warm I'm in the down there and when it's warm I'm in the down there and when it's warm I'm in the water when it's not I'm just sitting in water when it's not I'm just sitting in water when it's not I'm just sitting in my chair staring at the ocean it's my chair staring at the ocean it's my chair staring at the ocean it's bigger than I am it's been there before bigger than I am it's been there before bigger than I am it's been there before I am and they'll be there when I'm gone I am and they'll be there when I'm gone I am and they'll be there when I'm gone and my whole life gets back in and my whole life gets back in and my whole life gets back in perspective and the other thing is about perspective and the other thing is about perspective and the other thing is about three times a year my my wife and I we three times a year my my wife and I we three times a year my my wife and I we love to go wine-tasting in the vineyards love to go wine-tasting in the vineyards love to go wine-tasting in the vineyards of the Central Coast California we love of the Central Coast California we love of the Central Coast California we love that whole area and that that's a real that whole area and that that's a real that whole area and that that's a real retain for us retain for us retain for us well you're living the classic well you're living the classic well you're living the classic California life right there you just California life right there you just California life right there you just describe it that's what everyone's you describe it that's what everyone's you describe it that's what everyone's you know stereotypical do you think that's know stereotypical do you think that's know stereotypical do you think that's what it is all day long beaches and what it is all day long beaches and what it is all day long beaches and wine-tasting Greg this has been wine-tasting Greg this has been wine-tasting Greg this has been fantastic I've loved today's fantastic I've loved today's fantastic I've loved today's conversation thank you so much for being conversation thank you so much for being conversation thank you so much for being on if people want to get in touch with on if people want to get in touch with on if people want to get in touch with you or with the church I know you have you or with the church I know you have you or with the church I know you have an event coming up that you want to talk an event coming up that you want to talk an event coming up that you want to talk about q tell us a little bit about that about q tell us a little bit about that about q tell us a little bit about that yeah it's called climbing the yeah it's called climbing the yeah it's called climbing the assimilative and that's kind of a weird assimilative and that's kind of a weird assimilative and that's kind of a weird thing that happened out of a thing that happened out of a thing that happened out of a presentation of what's to our staff but presentation of what's to our staff but presentation of what's to our staff but we look at the assimilation as like we look at the assimilation as like we look at the assimilation as like climbing Everest and that we in these climbing Everest and that we in these climbing Everest and that we in these ministries that connect people are ministries that connect people are ministries that connect people are Sherpas helping people go from a base Sherpas helping people go from a base Sherpas helping people go from a base camp like first step to another camp camp like first step to another camp camp like first step to another camp like the next step and of course the like the next step and of course the like the next step and of course the summit is a connected serving member so summit is a connected serving member so summit is a connected serving member so in helping other churches and other in helping other churches and other in helping other churches and other leaders learn about simulation I'm leaders learn about simulation I'm leaders learn about simulation I'm putting together an event on January 14 putting together an event on January 14 putting together an event on January 14 and 15 called climbing the assimilate and 15 called climbing the assimilate and 15 called climbing the assimilate it's a day and a half half date Thursday it's a day and a half half date Thursday it's a day and a half half date Thursday all day Friday and you can get in touch all day Friday and you can get in touch all day Friday and you can get in touch with me and find out more information on with me and find out more information on with me and find out more information on it on my blog which is at Gregg Curtis -

it on my blog which is at Gregg Curtis - it on my blog which is at Gregg Curtis - assimilation dot-com assimilation dot-com assimilation dot-com perfect we'll put a link and I'll show perfect we'll put a link and I'll show perfect we'll put a link and I'll show notes about that too so people can just notes about that too so people can just notes about that too so people can just go there I don't find that easily ok go there I don't find that easily ok go there I don't find that easily ok that's great well Greg I appreciate you that's great well Greg I appreciate you that's great well Greg I appreciate you being on the show today thank you so being on the show today thank you so being on the show today thank you so much I hope you have a great weekend and much I hope you have a great weekend and much I hope you have a great weekend and you know appreciate you but you're you know appreciate you but you're you know appreciate you but you're challenging us today thanks me it's challenging us today thanks me it's challenging us today thanks me it's great to meet your wrist Thanks great to meet your wrist Thanks great to meet your wrist Thanks thank you for tuning in to this week's thank you for tuning in to this week's thank you for tuning in to this week's unsung nari podcast don't be shy we'd unsung nari podcast don't be shy we'd unsung nari podcast don't be shy we'd love to connect check out inseminate love to connect check out inseminate love to connect check out inseminate inbox you can sign up at unsummon Ericom inbox you can sign up at unsummon Ericom inbox you can sign up at unsummon Ericom and we'll send you helpful training and we'll send you helpful training and we'll send you helpful training resources every week plus you'll gain resources every week plus you'll gain resources every week plus you'll gain immediate access to our exclusive immediate access to our exclusive immediate access to our exclusive members area with tons of resources you members area with tons of resources you members area with tons of resources you can use connect with rich on twitter at can use connect with rich on twitter at can use connect with rich on twitter at rich birch or through email rich at rich birch or through email rich at rich birch or through email rich at unsummon Ericom don't forget to check unsummon Ericom don't forget to check unsummon Ericom don't forget to check out the show notes for this episode at out the show notes for this episode at out the show notes for this episode at inseminate com inseminate com inseminate com it includes links to what we talked it includes links to what we talked it includes links to what we talked about today and more leave a comment about today and more leave a comment about today and more leave a comment we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes and leave today's episode drop by iTunes and leave today's episode drop by iTunes and leave a review thanks again for tuning in to a review thanks again for tuning in to a review thanks again for tuning in to this week's unsung nary podcast join us this week's unsung nary podcast join us this week's unsung nary podcast join us next week when we'll learn more stuff we next week when we'll learn more stuff we next week when we'll learn more stuff we wish they taught in seminary