Hey Connection Co! I wanted to put something on your radar that I think is pretty unique. My friend Ahshuwah is hosting Ignite PDX on September 23–25, and it’s bringing together pastors, ministry leaders, software developers, AI builders, entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives to build practical solutions that can serve the Church. This isn’t a conference where you just sit and listen. It’s a working session where people collaborate on real projects—including an open-source platform designed to benefit churches everywhere. You definitely don’t have to be technical to participate. In fact, some of the most valuable contributions come from ministry leaders who understand the real problems that need solving. As we continue asking how Westside can leverage technology to remove barriers, make disciples more effectively, and serve people better, I think this is worth checking out. If this kind of thing energizes you, I’d encourage you to take a look. 🔗 https://brilliancelabs.org/ignite-pdx Use code MPDX25 for 25% off registration. If you end up registering, let me know—I think it would be fun to have a few of us there representing Westside.

Are you thinking… or just compiling? I’m running a little experiment this week. 👉 The Unassisted Week For my message prep: - No AI - No Google - No screens Just: - Paper Bible - Pen - Notebook - Books Not because analog is better… But because I want to make sure my thinking is still strong enough to stand on its own. Here’s what I’m seeing in leaders (myself included): We’ve gotten really good at: - Searching fast - Compiling ideas - Producing quickly But we might be losing: - Depth - Clarity - Discernment And that’s dangerous. Because if you’re not careful, you start:👉 trusting tools more than your thinking👉 borrowing clarity instead of developing conviction Scripture says:We have the mind of Christ.The Holy Spirit is our guide. So here’s the tension: Are we actually using that…
or defaulting to tools because they’re faster? I’m not anti-AI. I use it all the time. But I refuse to let it sit in the driver’s seat. Your challenge (if you’re in): Before you search this week… ➡️ Sit with the text➡️ Write your own thoughts➡️ Process first THEN go to tools. I want to hear from you: 💬 Could you go fully unassisted for a week? 💬 What would be hardest about it? 💬 Where do you feel most dependent right now? 👇 Watch the video and jump in: This isn’t about being old school. It’s about thinking at a higher level again.

Here's a quick hit on what to do this week to make the most of your Easter Momentum:

It's Easter week and I just sat down for my weekly review. I'm coming out of a very busy weekend - 4 services, a board meeting, a worship night and a vision casting tour. This coming weekend our church is doing 7 Easter services (the most we've ever done). Feels like we've been pushing hard for quite a while. But I got some very good advice from a pastor friend a while back about the week before Easter. He said, "Clear your personal calendar." And for the most part I did. That leaves me with a full day off on Monday, a meeting day on Tuesday, followed by 3 full days with no meetings. I can't even remember the last time that was true in my calendar. But I'm excited about it! That means I can hit Saturday and Sunday FRESH for 7 Easter services. Those 3 days will give me room for prayer-walking (or driving), deep study, family connection, reflection, rest, and planning. It hit me as I was looking ahead: The secret weapon of spiritual leaders isn't productivity or tools or notoriety or any of the stuff you might automatically think of. It's MARGIN used well. I, for one, am going to do my best to use this margin well this week. Can I challenge you - like my friend challenged me - to clear your calendar in every way possible this week? What would that look like for you?

Hey all - here's a video from last year, but still some relevant ideas... https://youtu.be/GpPWVVypnMg