It’s 1:16 AM. I just walked in my house after two days in Oklahoma at a roundtable with about 15 of the smartest pastors in the country (I was #16 and certainly didn’t fit in that category.)

I was going to write an email to my staff about what God taught me over the last 2 days.
But why not post it here instead? Maybe you’ll be inspired too.
Or bored.
In any event, if my staff looks at me like: “What letter?” when I talk about this on Monday, I’ll know they’re not reading my blog. Which certainly won’t result in any bonuses. But may result in job openings.

Oh, and by the way, thanks Craig and Bobby and company for rolling out the red carpet and being the most openhanded bunch of people I’ve ever been around. Ever.
You guys are the kings of Kingdom mindedness. I’m on your team for life.
1 Samuel 14:7, Craig.

Now on to the letter:

Hey guys,

My last 2 days were just like the last 14 months have been… way out of my league, over my head, and beyond my expectations. God is allowing me to be the dumbest and youngest and most inexperienced person in the room a lot these days. It’s a great feeling. He’s putting me in these positions because the levels we’re pursuing this year are going to require wisdom and leadership way beyond my 27 years.

Speaking of where we’re going this year, I’m writing this letter to warn you:
I’m coming back extremely fired up. Fired up and focused.
I settled a goal in my mind about the city of Charlotte this week that I can’t share in a format this broad. I’ll spill it Monday in all-staff meeting. When I told Larry Brey about it he jumped up and down. In the airport. In front of a lot of people. I know…

I’m pretty clear on a few things we’re going to tweak about our worship experience, too. This week I became more certain who I am, and who we are. I’m coming back a little more informed about our personality, and a lot more devoted to our simplicity and focus.
And there were three statements made to me that affirmed the intensity of our calling in a big way. Again, they’re pretty personal. You’ll hear them Monday.

So Lori and Chunks, get ready. I have 11 pages in my Moleskin to download to you first thing Monday morning. Sleep well this weekend. You’ll need it.

You know how I always quote that Jakes line:
“You can tell what God is about to build in your life by the equipment He brings around you”?
God rolled up on my construction site with some freaking heavy duty machinery this week.
And I’ll never be the same. Neither will you.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I love you, I’ll see you Sunday, and I’ll freak you out with details Monday.