This Sunday we start a new sermon series for August and September called PARABLES.

We are going to walk through a few of the many parables that Jesus told during his life.  Reading through these parables and studying them together is going to be really helpful in our walk with Jesus.  The reality of God was revealed in these short stories and they challenged the listeners to respond to an eternal message, a message that Jesus lived and taught.  These stories go beyond the intellect, but capture the heart.  You can feel, identify, and touch the reality of the story beyond mere understanding.

Our dig through these ancient stories starts this Sunday with the Parable of the Talents.  Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, wake your spouse up…this is going to be good.

I love to write.  Love it.

It has always been a dream of mine to write books.  Yes, that was plural.  I have been working on several book ideas and writings for YEARS, but never to the point of putting anything out to get published.  Did a few articles here and there, a few for relevant magazine, and a few for church groups…but no books.

I got a book agent a few years back that believed in my writing abilities and what I had to offer in the way of thoughts on paper (suckered that guy into being my agent really).

But – it took a new good friend, Daniel McNaughton from Philly, hooking up with me in Dallas and putting a great opportunity to co-write and expand the idea of discipleship – to get my butt to sit down long enough to punch out some writing for a book.

And guess what!?

It is going to be out this FALL.

LEARNING TO FOLLOW JESUS -by Daniel McNaughton and Trinity Jordan

The book is designed for those that are new to following Jesus and walks them through 7 attributes that are essential to learn in our journey with Jesus.  It was designed with the idea that a new believer would have a spiritual coach/mentor walk with them through these essentials.  No more discipleship classes, no more expecting people to just “get it” when they come around long enough.  This is a strategic attempt to teach and get one-on-one discipleship in place.

Maybe it will never blow up anywhere else, but for Daniel’s church and Elevation…we will become churches that are committed to discipleship by individuals.  As my friend JR Mahon calls it, “table top evangelism.”

Here is the first concept cover for the book…designed of course by Elevation Studios (Brandon Irwin).

Sabbatical is over.  I’m back in the game!

So excited to be working again…full-time in the office with all the coolest peeps in the world.  It is no secret that I am a workaholic, so my fix is back.  I have learned a few lessons while I was on sabbatical that I am ready to incoporate into my life now.

• I am called by God to be a husband and father first.  I get one shot with these little girls, their whole lives will be shaped by how I father them.  My family deserves my attention more than an email, phone call, or random thought.
• No more doing what I am not good at.  I know what I am good at and I will pour myself into that when it comes to pastoring and leading.  What I am not good at…I will pray that God shows me someone who is and put that person in charge.
• I need to take ALL my vacation days every year!  Never done it…must do it.  For my own sanity.
• Elevation, though they took a drop in attendance & money while I was gone, is not MINE.  This is Jesus’ church and he will do as he wills.  I will listen, but I will not carry this on my shoulders, I will place it on his.
• Costa Rican coffee is the best.  (Just saying)
• I miss my friends at Elevation.  I miss your encouragement and your passion to live life.
• I am not going to wait until some time in the future to attempt to do the things that God has placed in my heart to do…I’m going after them now, whether you like it or not.
• I placed too much of my worth on the success or failure of Elevation.

Excited to be back…excited to annoy everyone again with my thoughts.  Excited to teach the Bible and live life with some great people.