This was an article from the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper. They asked readers “How Would You Fix the Economy?” I thought this was the BEST idea …..

Patriotic retirement:

To heck with pouring BILLIONS of dollars into the economic bailout plan. With an estimated 40 million people over the age of 50 in the work force, just pay each of them $1 million apiece in severance with the following stipulations.

1) They must leave their jobs. Result: Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed.

2) They must buy NEW American cars. Result: Forty million cars ordered – Auto Industry fixed.

3) They must either buy a house or pay off their mortgage. Result: Housing and Banking Crisis fixed.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I never cease to be amazed at the impact of small groups in our culture. They are the glue of many organizations…and especially Christian organizations. For the last year I have been privileged to serve as one of two teaching pastors at North Star Church in Florida. We have seen some incredible things happen, such as a 300% growth rate last year, the giving units almost double in a year and the average giving per unit increase…even in the midst of this crazy econoomy.

But something that stunned me was a recent emphasis we launched increasing our smally group focus sufficiently. We saw the average attendance increase by 46.1% in March over the attendance in January/February. And people are loving it!

In addition, I lead men’s conferences I call BECOMING A MAN OF VALOR focused on helping men step to the plate of what it means to be a godly leader in the face of overwhelming opposition in our culture. We have hundreds of men attend. The mind boggling thing to me is that over 90% of the men attending are now participating in a 6 week small group follow- up process I have written. And that is amazing!!! What hunger it reveals.

We all have a huge need for others in our live…and their impact upon us, and our contribution to theirs. God made us for that. After all, even the Lone Ranger needed Tonto!

One of the most amazing stories in the Christian world in America is the 18 year leadership of Dr. Hayes Wicker at First Baptist Church of Naples, Florida. He has taken the church from a few hundred meeting at their old location to some 5000+ gathering at their new sprawling campus on the east side of Naples. The school is world class, the facilities make you want to sit down–take a load off of your feet–kick back, and get to know someone over a cup of coffee. The people are outstanding. The staff, one of the best anywhere. And Hayes is the “Real Deal”! A great friend. A wonderful husband and dad. And a consistent Christ follower. I have watched him over the years consistently move forward…never getting too far ahead of his people, but consistently setting a pace they have followed.

This last weekend I had the amazing privilege of leading a men’s retreat there. It was 250 men strong…the largest they had ever had by a long shot, I was told. And the men came ready for business. Out theme was BECOMING A MAN OF VALOR. VALOR is a word found on the Medal of Honor signifying one who stands firm in the face of overwhelming oposition. And that’s what men are facing today…having to stand firm in the face of overwhelming oposition!

Under the fabulous leadershp of Greg Davidson, and his associates Don Ingle and Lou Falorio, men kept pouring in. The food was to die for (home made pot roast with potatoes, carrots, etc–you can taste it can’t you!!!!!), the atmosphere was electric and the hearts and attitudes were expectant. And God didn’t let us down. As we dealt with issues like “Keeping Life in Balance,” “Repairing Ruptured Relationships,” and “Guarding Your Home and Heart” men cried, accepted Christ, admitted to ruptured relationships in their life, committed to do everything within their power to repair the ruptures, committed to start praying with their wives, and stepped up to the plate to be men that God could bless…and use! They would stay around for a long while even when we had finished, just wanting to talk about what God had done in their lives.

It was a highlight for me. I can’t wait to be with them again. And I take a lot of amazing memories with me as I travel on down the road…the weekend that God showed up amidst the men of First Baptist Naples!