From Church Marketing Sucks:

We recently talked about God's bailout plan, and I brought up the point that some churches are doing some pretty dumb things, especially in relation to Christmas. The one that really hit a chord with me was this: an archbishop who gave churches "some pastoral insights and suggestions about how we might prepare to celebrate Christmas this year when economic conditions are so grim."

At first glance, it seems benign. At second glance, however, there is a deep, deep issue. How far off do we have to be if the celebration of a baby born in dirt and straw can be impacted by economic conditions

Read the whole (very challenging) post

I love lists of good content. Don't we all - the internet is a Niagara Falls of content, so a list helps you find the good stuff.

Despite the lists, I run across dozens of things each week that I really want to read, but don't have time to, or don't get around to.

Partly this is because they're too long. I want short content! Interesting, funny, provoking ... efficient.

However, I've noticed lately there are several such things - short bits of interesting content - that I want to engage, but never do. (For example: several awesome podcasts, Seth Godin's blog, Daily News from Good.is)

Why don't I take the time to engage in this awesome content that I really like (and know I really like) especially after the producer has taken the time to package it well and make it short and good?

Do you have this problem? What do content producer's need to do to make me engage their content?

Writer/Producer Gary Ross, writer/producer of Seabiscuit, Pleasantville, & Dave, talks about the leadership required to make a film in our interview with him (see "5 Minute Playbacks" section on our homepage).

He says:

"The best way to get something out of someone, to motivate them to be there best is, thru example and getting them to feel safe enough to contribute to the process."

"If I take the bat out of their hands, then I'm only editing the film as well as I can edit it, or acting as well as I can act it, it would be crazy ... what you want is for them to feel your enthusiasm and your vision for what the movie's gonna be."

Are you inspiring your team? Does your team feel safe to contribute to the process?

Gary Ross is the writer, director and producer of the new film, Tale of Despereaux. An inspiring story of courage, kindness, forgiveness and challenging the process. WATCH THE TRAILER!

America is suffering right now. Millions have been affected by the hurricanes this year, as well as millions of others struggling through the recession.

Fortunately, The Church is uniquely positioned and commissioned (TM) to help those who are suffering!

That's why Mission Year is partnering with other innovative leaders to mobilize The Church and meet some acute needs in Houston, this March 9-20th.

"Mission Year is bringing together the nation to come behind Hurricanes Gustav and Ike by gutting and building houses during the day and learning from chosen mentors each night. Topics will include serving the underserved, compassion, social justice, loneliness, multi-ethnicity, creation care, culture, consumerism and community. We will be partnering with the churches of Houston to do a small part in bringing restoration to the 4 million people influenced across Houston and Galveston. We are looking for groups to join us."

The list of leaders include:

• Leroy Barber President, Mission Year
• Jamie Tworkowski Founder, To Write Love on Her Arms
• Nikki Toyama-Szeto Program Director, Urbana
• Jarrett Stevens Leader, 7:22
• Chris Heuertz Exectutive Director, Word Made Flesh
• Shane Claiborne Founder, The Simple Way
• Chris Seay Pastor, Ecclesia
• Jeff Shinabarger Founder, Gift Card Giver

Find-out more details at OriginalCity.org

God may be using the difficult times we are experiencing now to draw people to Himself. Let's partner with Him and share His love with our broken nation.

I read the first chapter of Luke this morning looking for something new. I've practically memorized the second chapter, with the inn, the shepherds, the angels, and whatnot, but I'm trying to read the Bible as if for the first time. I'm looking for new thoughts and perspectives, and today it was how Mary responded to Gabriel's news of her pregnancy. Here's how it might have gone down for me:

Me: Super. So my parents are going to disown me. I'll have nowhere to live. The people in Nazareth will think Joseph and I have been doing the nasty this whole time. Joseph will think I've cheated on him. I'll never be able to go to the Temple again. In fact, I may not be able to go anywhere since I'll be killed as soon as the first person finds out I'm pregnant. And even if they don't kill me, I'll be ostracized for the rest of my life, living as a wanderer in the mountains. How am I going to feed and care for a baby while I'm living homeless in the mountains? It's not like I could explain this to people - who has ever heard of someone getting pregnant by the Holy Spirit? Who would believe me?

Mary: I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! [Luke 1:48, The Message]

Mary had a perspective that allowed her to immediately see beyond her own anxiety and go straight to the mind of God. Maybe that's where we should be - nestled so close to God's heart that fear can't even take hold. It doesn't have a chance next to His overwhelming sovereignty and love.