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XP-Day, August 2004

Format

The format was perfect- small group, presentation followed by discussion, Q & A time at the end - I wouldn't change a thing about the format It was also a great mix of guys Finally, I needed the encouragement and to have my perspectives, my horizons broadened.

I enjoyed most the opportunity for everyone to participate. The size of the group was helpful and added to an atmosphere of sharing. It was a good barometer for me to get a feel for where I was at.

The day was definitely worth my time! I like the format informal and allowed for a lot of interaction and discussion. I think the one thing to me that was beneficial was to hear the group talk about our role more than just business and structure, but that the role is very much pastoral in shepherding the staff.

We had a great host; the facilitator knew what he was doing. The food was great and the room was fun(pastor's office). The materials were of excellence and the flow of day was very good.

Topics

Steve's presentation about being a catalyst had the most profound impact on me. I believe it's where I am needed the most, and it's where my gifts and passions are great stuff.

Thank you for all that you did to facilitate the day. It was a learning experience, well worth the time. I enjoyed the "You Pick the Topic" time. It was interesting to hear the opinions of the other guys. The mix of job expectations/requirements in the room was clear, and this brought many different perspectives to the table. I would like more of this.

I wish we could have worked through a few more practical suggestions (how do XP structure their time, coaching tips for staff/leaders, retreat ideas (Steve gave a few of these), resource suggestions, org charts, meeting agendas). Maybe these are things that the others have figured out and that I'm learning as I go, but I thought that some of our discussion was at a level that was a little too theoretical.

I enjoyed hearing about the mechanics of the Board of Elders and all. I had not been exposed to this type of structure, and it was most interesting to learn about this, especially in light of the fact that many larger Baptist churches are moving to this type of structure. I know that my situation is really different from most in that we are a strong pastor-lead church with only two committees that have any input at all, but then again, my pastor is the founding pastor, so he has a lot of change in his pocket.

Meet Again?

I'd love to meet with them again.

As for Aug '05, I'm probably in and will be able to have an entire year's budget to plan ahead on the trip. An idea that I had was what if everyone (not just you and Steve) brought 6 or 8 copies of a book that had been influential in the life of their ministry leaders and we talked about an idea or two from them and sent people home with an armful of XP tools.

I think August of 2005 would be great. I would even like to see the group meet possibly twice a year, but at least once would be great!

I would like to see others of us pitch in so that you do not have to do everything. For example, I would be glad to host a meeting here in College Station. I would love tomeet with this group again or with other groups of Executive Pastors next August or any other time. I believe the synergy from connections like thisis immeasurable.

Changes?

I liked it all. The structured yet flexible schedule was just about right. Your facilitation of the meeting was well done, and I would not want to make any changes. The content was right on target as well. No boredom here. One of the main things I brought home was the critical concept of focusing on deepening staff relationships for the ultimate purpose of fulfilling the Great Commission. In fact, I have already made some changes in how I spend my time and I intend to make more changes.