Mark Waltz | ...Because People Matter

15 Reasons to Travel to Indiana in June

I've had a few conversations lately about summer plans, travel, vacations... and stay-cations. Typically people think about travel to Indiana as a required travel route to get to Chicago from Ohio or the obligatory family reunion because that's where Grandma still lives.

But without shame or embarrassment I submit 15 reasons to travel to Indiana within the next few weeks:

1.   The temp hasn't dropped below 40 degrees for at least 3 days now.
2.   Corn. Fields.
3.   The President of the United States is coming to Indiana in just 5 days. And his Grandma doesn't live here.
4.   Soul Funkshun @ the East Race
5.   Yard. Sales.
6.   Yarn Overcomers! Meetup (YO!) - (ok, I'm a little embarrassed) 

The other 9 reasons happen on the campus of Granger Community Church. WiredChurches.com will be hosting a variety of workshops, designed to help you lead well, empower your people and resource your church ministry.

Pick one of the following workshops to attend all day. Come for the full day - or stay for two. Here are 9 more great reasons to travel to Indiana in June:

7.  Less Clutter. Less Noise. [How to get the word out.](Thursday, June 25

8.  EnterMission [Engaging your people in local and global missions.] (Thursday, June 25)

9.  First Impressions [Keep guests coming back to your church.] (Thursday, June 25)

10.Kids [Creating safe, fun spaces for kids to know Jesus.] (Thursday, June 25)

11.Multi-site Church Practicum [Strategies for launching a multi-site.] (Thursday, June 25)

12.Less Clutter. Less Noise. Day 2 [Extended Day 1 with consulting.](Friday, June 26)

13.Lasting Impressions [Keep guests growing and engaged.] (Friday, June 26)

14.Simply Strategic Volunteers [Finding and keeping great volunteers.] (Friday, June 26)

15.Information Technology Practicum [IT best practices, resources and tools.] (Friday, June 26)

Your materials and lunch are included. So are the real-life examples of what works and what doesn't work. Meet leaders from churches across the country and engage conversation with the Granger team. Just $99 per person, per day.

In Indiana.

What are you waiting on? Another reason? Come on. That's not gonna happen.

Why I Do What I Do

Any questions?

Michael Franzese | Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss

Skills are skills. Christ-follower or not. That's why I've never understood the choice some Christians make to find a "christian plumber", "christian roofer", or a "christian surgeon." Skills are skills. You can be a Christ-follower and be a poor plumber, a rotten roofer or a scary surgeon. Skills are skills.

Before Michael Franzese was transformed by God's grace, he was among the best at what he did. He made money. Lots of money. He was a successful businessman - with the mob. Michael had... and has skills.

That's why I think you should read Michael's latest book, I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse (Thomas Nelson). If you run a business, lead people, want to be successful in life, or want to better navigate a difficult financial climate, read Michael's book. Michael has skills.

And, Michael has met Jesus. And that's changed - not his skills, not his street smarts, not his seasoned experience - but, Jesus has changed his motivation (and he operates within the law now). And that changes the outcome.

That's why I recommend Michael's book to pastors and church leaders, too. Michael doesn't just understand financial success, he understands people, goals, and bottom-lines.

I had a chance to ask Michael some questions about his book. Read on to hear from Michael in his own words:

Me: Michael, your story of life inside, and outside, the mob is captured in a gripping way in your book, Blood Covenant. In it you shoot pretty straight about the change Jesus Christ has worked in your life. What motivated you to write this new book - about business?

Michael: There are business insights I wanted to share that I developed from my old life that I am sure would be beneficial for all those engaging in or planning to be in business today. Insights that can’t be learned in a classroom or boardroom but rather that were developed on the streets.