You mustn’t underestimate the value of a good START.

There are two basic types of a good start.

First, there is the VOLCANO:

• BIG vision
• BIGGER opportunity
• Major funding
• Loyal, vision-soaked team
• Time is your enemy
• Gifted, Charismatic leader

There is also the LOCOMOTIVE:

• Team mostly developed on-site
• Team mostly groomed by the leader
• Time is your friend
• Highly relational
• Funding built over time
• Very good, strategic leader

Certainly there are various breeds and combinations… No two starts are entirely the same. Keystone doesn’t fall neatly into these categories, but I think it’s helpful to know that God doesn’t always do things the way you think.

Consider how Jesus performed his miracles. Once, he spit into the dirt and healed a man’s blindness from the mud he made. He also just spoke and people were healed! Perhaps to keep his disciples from spitting on every sick person they met, he changed it up!

Early in my Keystone journey, God gave me this clear word: STOP COVETING SOMEONE ELSE’S MIRACLE… RECEIVE YOUR UNIQUE, CUSTOM-MADE MIRACLE!

No two miracles are the same. If your START will be a miracle, consider that he may do things differently in you than others you admire.

Two great books for church planters wanting a GOOD START:

• LAUNCH by Nelson Searcy
• GO BIG by Bil Cornelius

Watch this quick update on Haiti from Brandon.

What does it cost to be the biggest church in the world?  This is a question I asked myself recently.  After giving it some thought, I believe it’s one of the most penetrating questions a pastor can ask.

First of all, I believe a growing church is God’s way!  I’m shocked when church people seem offended by growth.  Are we offended by the book of Acts?  They not only grew, but were intent on counting the growth!  (See Acts 2:41)

Furthermore, I am encouraged by the fastest growing churches in America.  I have seen prominent public speakers snarl at fast growing churches.  While they frown, I believe God smiles at the life change and impact of these great churches.  Each explosive-growth pastor I have met were incredibly humble, driven, focused, and gracious.  In my experience, these pastors practice what they preach.  I am eager to discover what God wants me to learn from these men!

Yet, my question remains… What does it cost to be the biggest church in the world?

• Hard work?
• Tough decisions?
• Courageous staffing?
• Willingness to fail?
• Determination to break down growth lids?
• Being misunderstood by other christians?  Even leaders?

I believe I would pay any and all of these prices. (Easier said than done!  I’m sure there are many more costs associated with growth.)

But, what if the price was…

• Growing your church mainly by taking believers from other churches?
• Ignoring the first ministry of your home?
• A loss of biblical conviction?
• Playing politics with immature believers at the expense of the mission of the church?

These prices I do not believe I would not pay.

In order to grow, there is a price to be paid.  The question: What would you be prepared to pay?

I’ve heard it said, “If you live like no one else, you can live like no one else!”  I like to adjust it a bit…

If you live like no one else, you can LIVE & GIVE like no one else!

Often, our answer to any financial dream or need is this: MAKE MORE ‘MULA$$$!  At Keystone, we have found that the most people could immediately give THEMSELVES a raise by cutting expenses.

I want to share ONE WAY we cut our expenses in the Thomas house… BINS!  The word sends shivers down Susan’s spine.  Like a dragon that awakens 2-3 times each year, we embark on a major project and ‘recycle’ our kids’ clothes.

With four growing kids, it is an especially effective way to create money margin!

It’s a MAJOR PROJECT, but we are able to reallocate those resources toward:

• LIVING: We have several goals that have been reached because of sacrifices like this.
• GIVING: When it comes to our generous & sacrificial giving (above our 10% tithe), making margin in ways like this unlock generosity!

What are some other ways you have created margin in order to LIVE & GIVE supernaturally?