The Price Tag

So, I found the shirt I'd been looking for. It was on the sale rack. The "50% off" sale rack. HELLO! I proceeded to the cashier and after scanning the item, I was informed the shirt was not on sale. I told her where I found the shirt. The sign on the rack determines the value, I argued. Much to my chagrin, she told me the price tag, not its placement determines the value of the item.

Needless to say I left without the shirt but with a lesson far more valuable than an article clothing.

Sometimes we allow our present "placement" in life to determine our value. We discount our value based on our placement on a pecking order, economic status or scorecard. As I discovered in the department store -

It's the price tag and not the placement that determines the value.

Are you allowing your present state of affairs to speak to your infinite worth? Consider the price Christ paid to demonstrate His love and your worth.

And you are not your own, for you have been redeemed at infinite cost. Therefore glorify God in your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:20 WMT

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...John 3:16

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Ralph 

The Morning After

The last 2.5 days have afforded me a handful of life's "greatest moments" for the highlight reel.

Misfit The Conference 2013 was __________.

As I search my vocabulary database to find the right word(s), quite frankly they all fall short.

After 16 years of leading youth ministry with my brothers, friends and a beautiful "band of misfits", to witness 1,400 youth and young adults converge at The Salvation Army Theater in New York City for this years conference was both humbling and exhilarating - the answer to audacious prayers we have prayed for many years.

So, here we are THE MORNING AFTER conference...

This morning, someone is taking a pill called "the morning after" to "UNDO" something that happened last night.

This morning, I'm offering a pill called "the morning after" (in the form of a blog post), to "KEEP" what happened last night - and over the last 2.5 days.

Here's what I'm trying to say by way of illustration,

As many of you know, my work involves occasional run-ins with athletes. A downside to being around professional athletes has been my fatal attraction with their "pre" and "post" game rituals. Fatal, because of my already obsessive-compulsive neurosis. For example,

There's the NBA's secret world of daps - those syncopated and choreographed pre game high fives and body bumps.

There's the baseball player who leaves his bats in the chapel room for "good luck."

There's the guy who played his entire NBA career wearing his college shorts under his uniform. The name escapes me at the moment! =)

Then there's Ray Allen who shaves his head before every game and then goes straight to the court at 4:30PM.

Many athletes have a very strong tendency of doing and repeating certain behaviors with religious like devotion because they suspiciously attribute their success "on the floor" or "on the field" to the things they do before and after games. Admittedly, most of their outlandish habits can be chalked up to mere superstition.

There is also way more emphasis on "pre-game" rituals than on "post-game." This is an indicator to me that our natural tendency is to think more about what we do BEFORE something and less AFTER. But, I think it is equally important, that we make and take time to consider our "post-game" strategy, where we decompress and think through our experiences.

So here are my 5 "Post-Game Conference" rituals. I hope they help.

1. The Notes. The Notes. The Notes.

I always take great notes at conference. I write notes for everything and still forget stuff. My wife tells me to "make a note to read my notes." So, in the words of my beloved, "make a note to read through your notes. I heard 10 speakers at conference so over the next ten days, I will invite one speaker a day (via my notes) into my devotional time. This post game ritual affords me an opportunity to reengage the content and process for a thorough download.


2. Process. Practice. Repeat.

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the right way. Fold a sheet of paper in half. On one side write WISDOM and on the other side ACTION.

Wisdom: What did you learn about you? about ministry? What did God say to you through the speakers? Make a list.

Actions: What am I going to do? What do I need to change? What has to shift? What needs a tweak?

This post game strategy affords me an opportunity to critically think through what I heard AND identify tangible ways to apply. I've been guilty of falling into the trap of thinking that "hearing" a great message is enough. It's not! Process. Practice. Repeat.


3. Remember the "Moco" Moments.

Moco is the sophisticated spanish term for snot. Here, I'm referring to the encounters we have with God where "mocos" are involved. You know, "the Isaiah 6 woe is me but heaven has a solution" moments where we cry our brains out. When I ponder the lyrics I sung and the prayers I prayed at conference, I secretly wonder am I going to do the work it takes to make good on those altar building moments or simply be satisfied with the high flying emotional high. As you think about the abandoned declarations you made "in the room", be reminded of the power of grace that is available to help in this glorious endeavor.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10


4. Holler!

"Yo, I'm a call you."
"Yo, Let's do lunch"
"Yo, Let's get up?"
"Yo, I gotta come through your place."
"Yo, I've been trying to get out to your conference."

In New York City, we preface everything with a YO!

At some point during conference you either saw an old friend, met a new one and promised to "holler" at them at a later date. Make a list, open your calendar and in the next 90 days, schedule the "holler" moments. Otherwise, conference will just be 2.5 days where you made promises to God and people but did nothing. I'm not a baller but I'm told every great shooter has great follow through. Follow Through! I've been guilty of being an "I ain't no holler back...Pastor!"


5. Feed Your Fire. Feed Their Fire.

I've been to my share of leadership and church conferences but I'm not a conference junkie, by no means. Personally speaking, I can attribute and credit a considerable amount of my development to three conferences: The Willow Creek Leadership Summit, The Catalyst Conference and The ARC Conference. For obvious reasons, Misfit The Conference is also on my short list. Pastor Durso reminded us that it is the nature of a fire to go out - feed the fire! While your excitement is high, decide NOW to budget a conference(s) on your calendar for you, your teams and young people to feed the fire. If you're a better leader as a result of this year's conference, you owe it to yourself to make it a staple item on the calendar.

I'll end where we started: the notes...the notes...the notes. With one tap of a finger, my conference notes are landing in inboxes of people I love. SHARE your notes with at least 10 people who were not at conference. Here's my hunch, after hearing your stories and reading your notes, they won't want to miss, Misfit The Conference 2014. 364 days and counting...

For those of you who have been asking...

The Misfit Conference "Open Mic" After Party Shin Dig Extravaganza is THIS Friday at 8:00PM. All Seats Free!

Christ Tabernacle
6434 Myrtle Avenue
Glendale, NY 11385
718-386-8882
christtabernacle.org

Pastor Ralph

Misfit The Conference 2013 Top Ten List

I can't believe we're 10 days away from Misfit The Conference! So I wanted to give you 10 reasons to register:

Reason #1. Ed Young, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas

Reason #2. John Gray, Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas

Reason #3. Rich Wilkerson Jr., Trinity Church, Miami, Florida

Reason #4. Wess Stafford. President, Compassion International

Reason #5. Robert Madu, Evangelist

Reason #6. Adam Durso, Executive Pastor, Christ Tabernacle

Reason #7. Michael Durso, Senior Pastor, Christ Tabernacle

Reason #8. Chris Durso, Youth Pastor, MisfitNYC

Reason #9. Andy Mineo, Reach Records

Reason #10. Kim Walker, Jesus Culture

After you register, here are 10 things you can expect from Misfit The Conference:

1. Expect to experience God in a special way. Yes, we've worked hard on our program, but we're fasting and praying for you to experience times of refreshing in God's presence.

2. Expect to learn something new.

3. Expect to lead better - your leadership bandwidth will increase.

4. Expect to be encouraged, challenged and convicted.

5. Expect to laugh and cry.

6. Expect to meet new friends - for life!

7. Expect to see old friends, like a family reunion.

8. Expect to have fun!

9. Expect to be inspired.

10. Expect to be back in NYC for Misfit The Conference 2014.

We can't wait to host YOU!

1. Conference Promo

2. Misfit The Conference

3. The Theme: NO JV

Misfit The Conference
May 23-25, 2013
Salvation Army Theater

Catalyst Week continues...

Why did you (@bradlomenick) write The Catalyst Leader?”

I wrote this book primarily for 3 reasons. First, while leading the largest leadership movement that gathers young career aged Christian leaders in America, I noticed that many of these young leaders desired to lead right now, but they didn’t know how to ultimately lead well. We have a generation of “called but not yet equipped leaders.” Leaders who are passionate about making a difference and having influence now. Called leaders who want to change the world, a generation ready to action, ready to influence and ready to lead, but not yet equipped for the task. They need the tools, the roadmap, the guide for leading well and getting that done. So many of my peers at 25, 30, 35, 40 years of age are flaming out and need a resource to help them finish well.

Second, I noticed that the leaders who were leading well shared several common traits and characteristics. What I’m calling the eight essentials. The book lays out those 8 essential characteristics for becoming a change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst Leader.

Third, we’ve been handed the reins to lead. I just turned 40, and I believe it’s my generations turn and time to stand up, take the reins, and lead. We are now in the drivers seat, and it’s up to us. The called but not equipped generation. I want to see leaders, my peers, finish well. Too many leaders are crashing early and often right now. Just like me, tons of leaders in their 20’s and 30’s are facing great opportunities that they feel a deep calling and passion for, and willing to take on, but not altogether equipped to handle. These peers of mine need a roadmap, a guide, a handbook for leading well and tools for the journey forward. Our generation needs a roadmap for leading well. Some of my best friends currently sit atop great organizations but are failing to shepherd their teams and lead these entities well. I’ve begun to see a disappointing pattern among young leaders. They achieve lift off with a rocket start but quickly fizzle out. With each instance of short lived success, I grow further convinced that we need to nurture leaders who will not just lead now, but also lead well. Ultimately, I’m writing a book that I wish would have been available to me 20 years ago when I was first starting my career and vocation life.

More from his interview tomorrow...

The Catalyst Leader is available TODAY!

Lead Now. Lead Well.

Ralph

The Catalyst Leader

It is "Catalyst Leader Week" on my blog because in less than 24 hours, my friend Brad Lomenick's first book drops entitled The Catalyst Leader | 8 Essentials For Becoming A Change Maker. I can't wait for the rest of the world to read it. I've already plowed through my advance readers copy TWICE! My objective this week will be to tastefully and tactfully harass you until you purchase the book for yourself AND your leadership teams.

"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." - Truman

Unlike most books, The Catalyst Leader is an "experience" because,

First, you will be introduced to the 8 essentials qualities of a catalyst leader. The list alone will entice you to pick up the book.

1. Called
2. Authentic
3. Passionate
4. Capable
5. Courageous
6. Principled
7. Hopeful
8. Collaborative

As the President and Key Visionary for Catalyst movement, Brad doesn't "play the wall", but brings himself onto the dance floor as he unpacks each area including the good, bad and sometimes ugly parts of striving to be a catalyst leader in the 21st century.

Secondly, peppered throughout the pages of The Catalyst Leader are introductory "snapshots" to actual catalyst leaders from all over the world, who are "modeling" the eight essential qualities. The book will not leave you hanging on mere theory and principle. Like a great teacher, Brad uses modern day visual illustrations. So, if you don't get it from the principles, you'll definitely get it from the people.

A few leaders I enjoyed meeting along the way were:

1.Bryson and Emily Vogeltanz | Do Something Now
2.Julia Immonen | Row For Freedom
3.Justin Dillon | Slavery Footprint
4.Dave Blanchard and Josh Kwan | Praxis
5.Bethany Hoang | International Justice Mission

Thirdly, as if the principles and people in the book weren't enough, a few presents in the form of QR codes are scattered throughout the book. Christmas in April, additional resources are just a "scan" away. A few examples,

1. QR Code on page 12 will take you to "Watch Mark Burnett talk about The Bible Project"
2. QR Code on page 39 will take you to "Why Leaders Need A Confidant"
3. QR Code on page 179 will take you to "Twelve Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone"
4. QR Code on page 192 will take you to "What Poisons A Team Quickly"
5. QR Code on page 200 will take you to "How to Celebrate Your Rivals"

Principles. People. Presents.

The Catalyst Leader is more than a book, it is
an "experience" - well worth the admission price!

Life On Purpose,

Ralph Castillo

LeaderDip

Can "dipping" save your leadership?

Last summer, you may recall an incident reported about a U.S. senator from Kansas, Kevin Yoder, who "skinny dipped" in the Sea of Galilee during a business trip to the Holy Land. Kevin later admitted his actions were inappropriate for a leader of his stature and he apologized for the infraction.

One might be surprised to know tucked away and buried in the pages of Old Testament scripture is a story about another famous leader who skinny dipped...

Well, sort of!

When we pick up the story in 2 Kings 5, we are introduced to a leader named Naaman.

"Now Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him The Lord had given victory to Aram. He was valiant soldier, but he had leprosy."

His Twitter Bio would have read as follows:
Army Commander. Great Man. Highly Regarded. Valiant Soldier. Leper.

Huh? What? Circle the item from the list that DOESN'T belong.
If you circled LEPER, you are right!

As the story unfolds, Namaan received inside information from a young nameless servant girl who told him about a prophet who could cure his leprosy. I imagine that Namaan wasn't happy about his condition. I'm sure his leprosy greatly inhibited his ability to lead. Thus, when he got wind of a potential cure, he responded immediately. The text tells us that Namaan loaded up resources, a letter of recommendation from the king and with horses and chariots left to find the prophet. Upon his arrival to the prophets house, he appears confident that his name, stature, position, presence, endorsement and generosity were going to be the keys that would save the day - again! He was going to lead his way out of this problem using everything at his disposal to make it happen. What he didn't realize was that his healing was going to cost him the one thing he did not yet possess, but so desperately needed.

The text says,
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage."

Namaan's response revealed the underpinnings of his heart and a challenge every leader faces in his or her leadership. Namely, when our leadership gets in the way of God's Leadership. This visionary commander was so thorough that he left no stone unturned in his mind. He already envisioned and premeditated how his entire healing experience would occur. He saw the prophet call on the name of Lord, wave his hand in cirque de soleil like fashion and voila, he would be miraculously cured. If I'm honest, I'm guilty of secretly imagineering similar scenarios in my own mind. I can't even knock his hustle right now!

Well, don't you know, the prophet Elisha doesn't even show up to the meeting. He sends the third assistant pencil sharpener to relay the message on his behalf. Namaan was furious! This was not the way he envisioned his healing. The Big Kahuna prophet didn't even show up to the gig. It becomes evidently clear, leprosy wasn't Namaan's only problem. It was as if the doctor prescribed just the right dose of humility needed for his arrogant soul. The physical leprosy on the outside of his body pales in comparison to the spiritual disease of pride found on the inside.

Namaan quickly took a deep breathe and concluded that even if he could bring himself to follow the orders of the messenger to dip in the Jordan, he'd prefer the higher end and classier bodies of water to dip in. If he was going to dip, it had to be FIGI water because he didn't do POLAND SPRING. Humility, on our terms is an oxymoron.

But a shout out to the nameless servants in the text. First, the young servant girl notified Namaan about the prophet and now the traveling armor bearers tastefully and tactfully reason with their fearless leader. In short, they exhort him to listen to the prophet and dip. So Namaan made his way to the Jordan, possibly still arguing under his breathe, nevertheless moving in the right direction. The stillness of the waters were interrupted by his humble entrance and as he dipped, the ripple effects of his actions are still being felt today.

Dip...One
Dip...Two
Dip...Three
Dip...Four
Dip...Five
Dip...Six
Dip...Seven

"So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy."

The prophet said, Go wash yourself seven times in the Jordan. The number seven represents completion. He dipped until his healing was done.

While not always pleasant, I think we can all attest to the countless opportunities the Lord affords us to dip (get low) in humility. While never easy to swallow, it is always the perfect dose. When it comes to the work of humility, we dip until we're done.

Are there areas in your life and leadership, where the Lord has instructed you to do something that will be outwardly humiliating. It might be what you need. Grace awaits those who are willing to humble themselves. Namaan was a fantastic and decorated leader who could have led the rest of his life with a "but he was a leper" as part of his bio. Our strengths, gifts and calling do not nullify or excuse the areas in our lives where we might be sick.

Peter's definition of LeaderDip...

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6


Life On Purpose,

Ralph

Abundance Mentality > Scarcity Mentality

The ghost of the late Stephen Covey continues to haunt another generation. Consider the following:

An Abundance Mentality maintains that there is "more than enough", and adopts the Win-Win mindset where "we can all achieve more together", and "there's plenty to go around and everyone can enjoy the plenty that we've been given."

People with a Scarcity Mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit - even with those who help in the production. They also have a very hard time being genuinely happy for the successes of other people - even, and sometimes especially, members of their own family or close friends and associates. It's almost as if something is being taken from them when someone else receives special recognition or windfall gain or has remarkable success or achievement.

Now, tell me that ain't insecurrrr - Kanye

Although they may verbally express happiness for others' success, inwardly they are eating their hearts out. Their sense of worth comes from being compared, and someone else's success, to some degree, means their failure. Only so many people can be "A" students; only one person can be "number one". To "win" simply means to "beat."

It's difficult for people with a scarcity mentality to be members of a complimentary team. They look on differences as signs of insubordination and disloyalty.

The Abundance Mentality, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth and security. It is the paradigm that there is plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody. It results in sharing of prestige, of recognition, of profits, of decision making. It opens possibilities, options, alternatives and creativity.

Reference: Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, pp. 219-230.

As my friend would say, I call to the witness stand: Jesus

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. John 13:3-5

Jesus was so SECURE. He knew everything he had was given to him by his Father. He knew where he came from. He knew where he was going. John gives us this additional commentary as a backdrop to the foot washing episode. When we are secure in our identity, position, calling, mantle - whatever, it's the secret sauce that enables us to live with an abundance mentality.

As the old adage goes, "a candle never loses light by lighting another candle."

- Ralph