I got a sermon series idea last week.
I met Brad Formsma, VP at Generous Giving. He told me about a ninety-three year friend, Stanley Tam, who felt led to give His business to the Lord in the 1950s. At the time, sales were $250K. Sales are now $50M. Basically, Stanley made a Spirit-led decision to live off less so he could give more. He's given away more than $120 million. So I'm hearing Stanley's story and I'm thinking: NCC needs to hear this.
A few days later, I had dinner with Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP. His heart for God blessed me and challenged me beyond words. And I had the same thought: NCC needs to hear this.
So here's the scoop. I'd like to do a series called Voices or Influence. Not sure how to brand it yet. But I'd like to get some culture-shapers who are leveraging their influence for kingdom purposes. I'd like to get a range of speakers: authors, entertainers, entrepreneurs, activists, journalists, educators, and who knows, maybe even a politician or two.
So here's my question: who would you want to hear? Or who would you recommend?
I met Brad Formsma, VP at Generous Giving. He told me about a ninety-three year friend, Stanley Tam, who felt led to give His business to the Lord in the 1950s. At the time, sales were $250K. Sales are now $50M. Basically, Stanley made a Spirit-led decision to live off less so he could give more. He's given away more than $120 million. So I'm hearing Stanley's story and I'm thinking: NCC needs to hear this.
A few days later, I had dinner with Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP. His heart for God blessed me and challenged me beyond words. And I had the same thought: NCC needs to hear this.
So here's the scoop. I'd like to do a series called Voices or Influence. Not sure how to brand it yet. But I'd like to get some culture-shapers who are leveraging their influence for kingdom purposes. I'd like to get a range of speakers: authors, entertainers, entrepreneurs, activists, journalists, educators, and who knows, maybe even a politician or two.
So here's my question: who would you want to hear? Or who would you recommend?
32 Comments:
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic
Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators.
How about Os Guinness?
Denzel Washington. Probably wont get him... but he's awesome. :-)
Wesley Duewel -- 92 year old prayer warrior -- wrote Touch the World Through Prayer and Ablaze for God.
This man lives closer to heaven than anybody I've ever met.
Still travels some to speak.
President emeritus of OMS.
Suggest the web site Iamsecond.com They have sports figures like Josh Hamilton and musicians like Brian "Head" Welch. Sounds like a great series Mark
Tony Dungy, stepping down in the prime of his career to do things for God. He's a great speaker too.
Heidi Baker. left her life in Laguna Beach to be a missionary.
Shaun Groves has a really powerful story about giving up money for eternal riches.
Former MLB All-Star Sean Casey. Kiva.org founder Matt Flannery.
This reminds me of something the USA network is doing. They had a spot for the founder of Wikipedia...can't remember his name, but he would be an interesting person to talk to.
Craig Detweiler, he would be awesome to speak on this subject. Here's a link to his staff page from Fuller - http://www.fuller.edu/faculty.aspx?id=5966
Zach Johnson, 2007 Master's winner - haven't heard him speak but always thought he'd be worth pursuing
Mark,
Tim Tebow would be a great choice. John Smoltz now with the Red Sox would be another.
From the business world, I can't think of many as big as Truett Cathey of Chick-fil-a. He's got about 60 yrs. of experience he could unpack for NCC.
Mark Zuckerberg, creator and CEO of Facebook. Not sure he's a Christian, I believe he's Jewish, but he has a great drive and is incredibly focused on his goals, not selling out for the bigger bucks.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/115/open_features-hacker-dropout-ceo.html
Kurt Warner - Arizona Cardinals
Mark:
I know he's been around for awhile but, I think Jim Cymbala, pastor from BTC would be inspiring as well.
Kurt Warner - still has a huge name and of course Tim Tebow
I'm out in Bellflower, CA so probably not going to hear the series most likely, but...you've got to include somewhere in your series a Pax 217 song called "Voices". So good, guaranteed to pump up you up to "raise your voices"
The Kendrick Brothers (Face The Giants, FireProof). An interesting story on how God used a simple idea to transform what the Entertainment industry can be.
2 more thoughts:
Ryan Hall, 26 year-old Olympic marathoner
Chuck Ripka, author of "God Out of the Box"
Ebo Elder is a boxer with an amazing story that is all about Jesus. Check out his website http://www.ebotribe.net/. Amazing story! I think he would be perfect for this series!
Tyler Perry! He has an incredible testimony of overcoming hardship and learning the importance of forgiveness through his faith.
"Perry was inspired by a comment on the program about how writing about difficult experiences could lead to personal breakthroughs. He started a series of letters to himself, which became the basis for the musical "I Know I’ve Been Changed". While the show tackled such tough subjects as child abuse, it also touched on forgiveness, a theme has remained central in many of his works and reflects his deep connection to his Christian faith."
You could call the series...
"Voices of Influence."
Just a thought.
Willow Creek student ministries just did a series in November called "Vox" They brought in several different people who use their voice to change the world. The most popular speaker was from TOMS shoes. They are a really cool company. I could try to get some contact info for them if you would like.
Mark,
Steve Fitzhugh would be great. He lives in the DC area also. I've heard him and he is incredible.
Agree with Tyler Perry. How 'bout Mike Huccabee?
i definately agree on Tim Tebow. also...
Jeff foxworthy is a strong christian as well. he has great God honoring things going on in Africa.
Dr. Beverley Oliver Hawkins, CEO, Model Cities. Her faith absolutely guides everything she does, and she's working for real change right where she's at (St Paul, MN). Let's not forget the everyday heroes!
Marian Wright Edelman would be another amazing speaker. Her quotes get me every time, especially on concepts of social change (e.g. "Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.")
More women in general though -- men aren't the only ones that can leverage influence anymore! :)
Mike (Pinball) Clemens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Clemons
A terrific motivational speaker and a man walking out his christian faith.
i second Brian "Head" Welch, former guitarist for the metal band Korn. He also wrote the book, "Save Me From Myself"
If you're looking for a journalist suggestion (and I may be biased, but I feel like journalists have one of the greatest influences over people and what they thing in the world) I can give you the contact information for a gentleman who runs a group for Christian journalists ... he would have a great list of names. I could throw some out there, too, but David is your best bet.
Why only known people? Why not some radical people that few have ever heard of - working in obscure places - but making a big difference in a little niche. I just read Mike Barrett's article "Searching for Radical Faith" in Christianity Today (Feb 09) and was moved by his search for anonymous radicals making a difference in the world. These are the world's real change agents.
Isn't it amazing that there is no such thing a prepared "sermon" in Scripture and the Apostolic tradition...and yet very few even question its validity??...........
Yeah, pick Mike Barrett. If his wife agrees I think he would do it for free.
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