National XP-Day
August 23, 2005

David Fletcher
Founder & Host, XPastor

Introductions and setting the course for the day

XP-Days brings together a few XPs to talk about relevant issues. We do not examine monotonous programs or extol the size of our churches. We hone our skills through life on life discussion.

The Dallas based National XP-Days are open to anyone with XP function in their ministry. By drawing ministers from around the nation, these discussions challenge cultural perspectives and promote a broad understanding of the XP. National XP-Days are led by Dr. Fletcher.

Generally, National XP-Days are limited to 10 XP to foster close discussion on pertinent XP topics. Attendees may bring one member of their church as a guest. Authentic interaction is key. Don't bring pride about the size of your church or pretense in the extent of your ministry.

XP-Day schedules follow the format of three presentations by XPs on core issues. Lunch features a Senior Pastor discussing the working relationship with an XP. Two sessions are left open-ended, enabling each participant to bring questions for the group to examine.

For each hour-long session, we will have an XP share from an area of expertise for 20 to 30 minutes. This will be followed by 30 to 40 minutes of discussion. This is a "safe place" to share success and struggles. Active participation in discussion is a must.

Nathan Baxter
XPastor's Master Mentor.
A Mix it Man for Volunteer
& Paid Staff

The XP as Mentor

We all have an idea that the XP mentors paid staff, but how about utilizing and empowering volunteer staff?

There are churches that are not hiring more staff but are having volunteers lead ministry areas. This is not just volunteers leading volunteers, but volunteers leading paid staff.

Hmmm ... is this coffee too strong for me? Would it ever work in my church? Some are skeptical and others are doing it. This area will be introduced by Nathan Baxter, XP at Liberty Church in Tulsa Oklahoma. Nathan has effectively meshed volunteers and paid staff. Should be a juicy discussion!

Mentors often ...

• Evaluate job descriptions for all staff
• Exhort staff as deemed necessary
• Hire and terminate staff
• Mentor key staff
• Recruit staff
• Run staff meeting and retreats
• Supervise all staff
• Work as the Chief of Staff

The XP as Catalyst

The Catalyst function invigorates existing ministry or begins new ones. The Catalyst empowers members to be involved in ministry, often asking: "Who is on the bus and who is in the right seat?"Catalysts often ...

• Start new ministries
• Challenge people to improve
• Create a strategic plan
• Empower members to be involved
• Encourage folks to volunteer
• Envision future ministry
• Equip members for ministry
• Light fires to instigate change
• Motivate people to get involved
• Network ministries to enhance effectiveness

Toby Slough
Senior Pastor
Cross Timbers


Jim Kuykendall
XP of Cross Timbers

"Who is who and what is what?
What is the relationship between the XP and SP?"

It started on a Sunday night in October of 1999, the story says on Cross Timbers' web site. Toby Slough, the Senior Pastor, has seen the church grow from 14 families to 3,500 each weekend. Jim Kuykendall, the XP, will interact with Toby on the role of the SP & XP in a rapidly growing ministry.

How do you handle the wonderful stress of such growth? When do you find time to develop the SP & XP relationship, much less nurture it? How has the XP & SP roles changes as the church has moved through the major growth stages of a church?

Catered lunch by the Hilton Park Cities.

Stacey Campbell
XP of Christ Community

Getting Started (and "Re-Started") as an XP

This area will be introduced by Stacey Campbell, XP at Christ Community Church of Greeley Colorado (yes named after "Go, west, young man"). Trained as a professional counselor, Stacey brings a unique slant to the XP role. He knows how to roll the dice!

Jim Collins in Good to Great says, "Enduring great companies preserve their core values and purpose while their business strategies and operating practices endlessly adapt to a changing world. This is the magical combination of preserve the core and stimulate progress."

This "magical combination" of preserving the core and stimulating progress is also the mantra of all great churches. The core of the church - itsvalues, theology,andvision - must be preserved.Butthe implementation of that vision must remain progressive. Methods and strategies must change as the culture does.Mike believes that the role ofthe Executive Pastor is to assist the Senior Pastor and church leadership in this pursuit, acting as a guardian to preserve the core and as a catalyst encouraging progressive change.