You Can Be a Kind Boss and Still Wear Your Team Out with Adam Weber

Unseminary Unseminary stuff you wish they taught in seminary. stuff you wish they taught in seminary. stuff you wish they taught in seminary. >> Hey friends, welcome to the Unseminary >> Hey friends, welcome to the Unseminary >> Hey friends, welcome to the Unseminary podcast. So glad that you have decided podcast. So glad that you have decided podcast. So glad that you have decided to tune in. Listen, lean in on today's to tune in. Listen, lean in on today's to tune in. Listen, lean in on today's conversation. Uh because I know you're conversation. Uh because I know you're conversation. Uh because I know you're going to have some stuff you can pull going to have some stuff you can pull going to have some stuff you can pull out of this for your church. There's out of this for your church. There's out of this for your church. There's some part of this discussion that's some part of this discussion that's some part of this discussion that's going to help you as you think through going to help you as you think through going to help you as you think through leading in the season you're currently leading in the season you're currently leading in the season you're currently in. We're honored to have Adam Weber in. We're honored to have Adam Weber in. We're honored to have Adam Weber with us. He's the founder and lead with us. He's the founder and lead with us. He's the founder and lead pastor of Embrace Church, which began in pastor of Embrace Church, which began in pastor of Embrace Church, which began in 2006. 2006. 2006. Uh with just 32 people gathered at a Uh with just 32 people gathered at a Uh with just 32 people gathered at a worship service. Today, it's a few more worship service. Today, it's a few more worship service. Today, it's a few more than 32. Uh Embrace is one church with, than 32. Uh Embrace is one church with, than 32. Uh Embrace is one church with, if I'm counting correctly, five campuses if I'm counting correctly, five campuses if I'm counting correctly, five campuses work worshiping with thousands each week work worshiping with thousands each week work worshiping with thousands each week around Sou Falls, South Dakota. Outreach around Sou Falls, South Dakota. Outreach around Sou Falls, South Dakota. Outreach magazine named these guys Embrace one of magazine named these guys Embrace one of magazine named these guys Embrace one of the fastest growing churches in the the fastest growing churches in the the fastest growing churches in the country in 2026. Adam is the author of country in 2026. Adam is the author of country in 2026. Adam is the author of uh Talking with God and Love has a name. uh Talking with God and Love has a name. uh Talking with God and Love has a name. He hosts the Life Between Sundays He hosts the Life Between Sundays He hosts the Life Between Sundays podcast while he and his wife Becky have podcast while he and his wife Becky have podcast while he and his wife Becky have four kids. Adam, welcome to the show. So four kids. Adam, welcome to the show. So four kids. Adam, welcome to the show. So glad you're here.

glad you're here. glad you're here. >> Oh, Rich, huge honor. I know I said this >> Oh, Rich, huge honor. I know I said this >> Oh, Rich, huge honor. I know I said this before to you. Uh you are someone that before to you. Uh you are someone that before to you. Uh you are someone that I've looked to for wisdom, I've looked to for wisdom, I've looked to for wisdom, encouragement, insight for many years. encouragement, insight for many years. encouragement, insight for many years. And so this for me is a huge honor. And And so this for me is a huge honor. And And so this for me is a huge honor. And I I just really don't take it lightly. I I just really don't take it lightly. I I just really don't take it lightly. Honestly, if it was anything else today, Honestly, if it was anything else today, Honestly, if it was anything else today, I'm headed to the cabin right after I'm headed to the cabin right after I'm headed to the cabin right after this. If it was anything else, I'd be this. If it was anything else, I'd be this. If it was anything else, I'd be like, "Ah, let's pass on that." But for like, "Ah, let's pass on that." But for like, "Ah, let's pass on that." But for me, like for me, this is one of those me, like for me, this is one of those me, like for me, this is one of those like key true honors. And so, I just like key true honors. And so, I just like key true honors. And so, I just thank you big time. I'm just on behalf thank you big time. I'm just on behalf thank you big time. I'm just on behalf honestly of so many people who listen honestly of so many people who listen honestly of so many people who listen just like me and read your writing. just like me and read your writing. just like me and read your writing. Thank you. So, Thank you. So, Thank you. So, >> that's kind of you to say. That's really >> that's kind of you to say. That's really >> that's kind of you to say. That's really kind of you to say. This is between you kind of you to say. This is between you kind of you to say. This is between you and the cabin. So, we'll make this and the cabin. So, we'll make this and the cabin. So, we'll make this quick. We'll get this We'll move this quick. We'll get this We'll move this quick. We'll get this We'll move this on. I don't want to There's There is on. I don't want to There's There is on. I don't want to There's There is zero rush. Zero rush. zero rush. Zero rush. zero rush. Zero rush. >> No, I'm just kidding. That's uh that's >> No, I'm just kidding. That's uh that's >> No, I'm just kidding. That's uh that's great. That's fantastic. So, why don't great. That's fantastic. So, why don't great. That's fantastic. So, why don't you kind of give us the story, the the you kind of give us the story, the the you kind of give us the story, the the embrace story? It's like 20 years in a embrace story? It's like 20 years in a embrace story? It's like 20 years in a few minutes. Take it back to 2026. few minutes. Take it back to 2026. few minutes. Take it back to 2026. Uh back to those 32 people. What did Uh back to those 32 people. What did Uh back to those 32 people. What did that look like? And then paint the that look like? And then paint the that look like? And then paint the picture of wearing braces today.

picture of wearing braces today. picture of wearing braces today. >> H So, I always when I encourage pastors, >> H So, I always when I encourage pastors, >> H So, I always when I encourage pastors, I'm like, do the opposite of what we I'm like, do the opposite of what we I'm like, do the opposite of what we did. So I was going into my third and did. So I was going into my third and did. So I was going into my third and final year at Asbury Seminary. So I was final year at Asbury Seminary. So I was final year at Asbury Seminary. So I was living in Kentucky and my pastor who led living in Kentucky and my pastor who led living in Kentucky and my pastor who led me to Christ led me to my wife led me me to Christ led me to my wife led me me to Christ led me to my wife led me into ministry led me to Asbury had the into ministry led me to Asbury had the into ministry led me to Asbury had the initial idea of a new church in Sou initial idea of a new church in Sou initial idea of a new church in Sou Falls. He's the one who who reached out Falls. He's the one who who reached out Falls. He's the one who who reached out to me and said, "Hey, we're we're to me and said, "Hey, we're we're to me and said, "Hey, we're we're thinking about starting a church in Sou thinking about starting a church in Sou thinking about starting a church in Sou Falls. What do you think?" And I'm like, Falls. What do you think?" And I'm like, Falls. What do you think?" And I'm like, "I think Sou Falls has enough churches. "I think Sou Falls has enough churches. "I think Sou Falls has enough churches. Like I don't think and and then who's Like I don't think and and then who's Like I don't think and and then who's going to pastor this thing?" He's like, going to pastor this thing?" He's like, going to pastor this thing?" He's like, "Uh, that's why I'm calling you." And I "Uh, that's why I'm calling you." And I "Uh, that's why I'm calling you." And I was like, "Ah, I'm not in I'm actually was like, "Ah, I'm not in I'm actually was like, "Ah, I'm not in I'm actually not interested. We love Kentucky. The not interested. We love Kentucky. The not interested. We love Kentucky. The weather, the history, so much of it we weather, the history, so much of it we weather, the history, so much of it we love." So, we had no plans of coming love." So, we had no plans of coming love." So, we had no plans of coming back to South Dakota. And he uh told us back to South Dakota. And he uh told us back to South Dakota. And he uh told us to pray about it. We didn't. Uh, and to pray about it. We didn't. Uh, and to pray about it. We didn't. Uh, and then he found then we then he found out then he found then we then he found out then he found then we then he found out I was coming back to do my brother's I was coming back to do my brother's I was coming back to do my brother's brother's wedding. Uh, so the week of us brother's wedding. Uh, so the week of us brother's wedding. Uh, so the week of us coming back, he said, "Hey, how about coming back, he said, "Hey, how about coming back, he said, "Hey, how about you send an email and I'll send an you send an email and I'll send an you send an email and I'll send an email. we'll see who shows up. And I'm email. we'll see who shows up. And I'm email. we'll see who shows up. And I'm like, nobody's going to show up. It's like, nobody's going to show up. It's like, nobody's going to show up. It's going to be Labor Day weekend. Nobody's going to be Labor Day weekend. Nobody's going to be Labor Day weekend. Nobody's going to come. I'm not even interested going to come. I'm not even interested going to come. I'm not even interested in being this thing. So, I was like, in being this thing. So, I was like, in being this thing. So, I was like, this is the perfect way to kind of get this is the perfect way to kind of get this is the perfect way to kind of get them off my case. So, we sent a couple them off my case. So, we sent a couple them off my case. So, we sent a couple emails that night, September 4th, 2006, emails that night, September 4th, 2006, emails that night, September 4th, 2006, 32 people showed up. And I was depressed 32 people showed up. And I was depressed 32 people showed up. And I was depressed cuz 32 showed up. Uh I was I was hoping cuz 32 showed up. Uh I was I was hoping cuz 32 showed up. Uh I was I was hoping for zero. And and my my my pastor was for zero. And and my my my pastor was for zero. And and my my my pastor was pumped. So he once a month he's like,

pumped. So he once a month he's like, pumped. So he once a month he's like, "Adam, once a month we're going to fly "Adam, once a month we're going to fly "Adam, once a month we're going to fly you back for services and we'll just see you back for services and we'll just see you back for services and we'll just see how this goes." Now, quick note, at the how this goes." Now, quick note, at the how this goes." Now, quick note, at the time we were United Methodist and so we time we were United Methodist and so we time we were United Methodist and so we had 40 years worth of failed church had 40 years worth of failed church had 40 years worth of failed church starts in North and South Dakota starts in North and South Dakota starts in North and South Dakota >> and so they were very reluctant, you >> and so they were very reluctant, you >> and so they were very reluctant, you know, specifically going to be a new know, specifically going to be a new know, specifically going to be a new seminary grad. So we kind of needed to seminary grad. So we kind of needed to seminary grad. So we kind of needed to prove to the denomination that people prove to the denomination that people prove to the denomination that people would come. So that's why we started would come. So that's why we started would come. So that's why we started once a month even though I was in once a month even though I was in once a month even though I was in seminary. So I'd come back every time seminary. So I'd come back every time seminary. So I'd come back every time I'm like this is such a bad idea. I mean I'm like this is such a bad idea. I mean I'm like this is such a bad idea. I mean literally months into it I'm like this literally months into it I'm like this literally months into it I'm like this is a bad idea. And um but I just didn't is a bad idea. And um but I just didn't is a bad idea. And um but I just didn't have the courage to tell my pastor no. have the courage to tell my pastor no. have the courage to tell my pastor no. He's just an amazing godly man. Zero he He's just an amazing godly man. Zero he He's just an amazing godly man. Zero he put zero pressure on me which made it put zero pressure on me which made it put zero pressure on me which made it even harder for me to say no. even harder for me to say no. even harder for me to say no. >> And so once a month I'd come back and >> And so once a month I'd come back and >> And so once a month I'd come back and then sure enough I ended up getting then sure enough I ended up getting then sure enough I ended up getting appointed uh to start this church. So I appointed uh to start this church. So I appointed uh to start this church. So I came back in 2007. We kept once a week came back in 2007. We kept once a week came back in 2007. We kept once a week worship. Uh uh we we kept once a month worship. Uh uh we we kept once a month worship. Uh uh we we kept once a month worship. In March of08 we went to weekly worship. In March of08 we went to weekly worship. In March of08 we went to weekly Sunday evening services and we struggled Sunday evening services and we struggled Sunday evening services and we struggled to grow. We were just struggling to get to grow. We were just struggling to get to grow. We were just struggling to get above 100 100. I mean we were just we above 100 100. I mean we were just we above 100 100. I mean we were just we are almost closed. About once a quarter are almost closed. About once a quarter are almost closed. About once a quarter the denomination would say we just don't the denomination would say we just don't the denomination would say we just don't think you're financially sustainable. We think you're financially sustainable. We think you're financially sustainable. We don't think this is going to work. Even don't think this is going to work. Even don't think this is going to work. Even early early on, I can remember a one early early on, I can remember a one early early on, I can remember a one denominational leader said, "When this denominational leader said, "When this denominational leader said, "When this church fails, what are we going to do?"

church fails, what are we going to do?" church fails, what are we going to do?" And so that was kind of the mindset And so that was kind of the mindset And so that was kind of the mindset going into it. So September of '09, going into it. So September of '09, going into it. So September of '09, three years in, three years in, three years in, >> we moved in through the most insane >> we moved in through the most insane >> we moved in through the most insane circumstances. We got our own space on a circumstances. We got our own space on a circumstances. We got our own space on a Sunday morning and in one morning we Sunday morning and in one morning we Sunday morning and in one morning we doubled in size. doubled in size. doubled in size. >> And so we went from barely surviving to >> And so we went from barely surviving to >> And so we went from barely surviving to flourishing. And every week we were flourishing. And every week we were flourishing. And every week we were seeing more and more new faces. That seeing more and more new faces. That seeing more and more new faces. That really began our first season of really began our first season of really began our first season of incredible growth. I was uh you know you incredible growth. I was uh you know you incredible growth. I was uh you know you I started Embrace when I was 24. So that I started Embrace when I was 24. So that I started Embrace when I was 24. So that would have been three years. I'd have would have been three years. I'd have would have been three years. I'd have been 27 28 man and I was I was super been 27 28 man and I was I was super been 27 28 man and I was I was super unhealthy. Um you try for three years to unhealthy. Um you try for three years to unhealthy. Um you try for three years to get it to grow and then it finally grows get it to grow and then it finally grows get it to grow and then it finally grows and you don't know when the water's and you don't know when the water's and you don't know when the water's going to shut off so you just keep going to shut off so you just keep going to shut off so you just keep running faster. running faster. running faster. >> And so that was just a really hard >> And so that was just a really hard >> And so that was just a really hard season. But really away from that, season. But really away from that, season. But really away from that, embrace has always been the most embrace has always been the most embrace has always been the most unlikely of people. Um gosh, I feel like unlikely of people. Um gosh, I feel like unlikely of people. Um gosh, I feel like if uh yeah, it's just the most unlikely if uh yeah, it's just the most unlikely if uh yeah, it's just the most unlikely of people to be in church. Uh so I went of people to be in church. Uh so I went of people to be in church. Uh so I went to college in Sou Falls and I always to college in Sou Falls and I always to college in Sou Falls and I always said early on, if you would have told me said early on, if you would have told me said early on, if you would have told me you're going to start a church, who's you're going to start a church, who's you're going to start a church, who's going to come to your church? I would going to come to your church? I would going to come to your church? I would have listed off all the guys that were have listed off all the guys that were have listed off all the guys that were uh in Bible studies with me, blah blah uh in Bible studies with me, blah blah uh in Bible studies with me, blah blah blah. And if you were like, who's the blah. And if you were like, who's the blah. And if you were like, who's the most unlikely of people? have been like most unlikely of people? have been like most unlikely of people? have been like ah a lot of the football players and you ah a lot of the football players and you ah a lot of the football players and you know whatever. Uh from that first group know whatever. Uh from that first group know whatever. Uh from that first group only like one or two came only like one or two came only like one or two came >> because they already had churches and >> because they already had churches and >> because they already had churches and were connected and whatever. Uh from the were connected and whatever. Uh from the were connected and whatever. Uh from the second group all of them came.

second group all of them came. second group all of them came. >> And so from really the get-go it's just >> And so from really the get-go it's just >> And so from really the get-go it's just been this most unlikely of people. And been this most unlikely of people. And been this most unlikely of people. And so since then uh we are now we have so since then uh we are now we have so since then uh we are now we have three physical campuses. We have two God three physical campuses. We have two God three physical campuses. We have two God behind bars locations. Uh we're right behind bars locations. Uh we're right behind bars locations. Uh we're right now we are we just announced earlier now we are we just announced earlier now we are we just announced earlier this week that we're launching a fourth this week that we're launching a fourth this week that we're launching a fourth physical campus that will be our new physical campus that will be our new physical campus that will be our new broadcast campus. Um over double the broadcast campus. Um over double the broadcast campus. Um over double the size of our current broadcast. And um size of our current broadcast. And um size of our current broadcast. And um still today it just continues to be the still today it just continues to be the still today it just continues to be the most unlikely of people. And um I feel most unlikely of people. And um I feel most unlikely of people. And um I feel like we don't take ourselves seriously like we don't take ourselves seriously like we don't take ourselves seriously but we take God very seriously. And I I but we take God very seriously. And I I but we take God very seriously. And I I think the thing that people are like think the thing that people are like think the thing that people are like what is the thing? Um, I think it's just what is the thing? Um, I think it's just what is the thing? Um, I think it's just really, um, trying to be as relatable as really, um, trying to be as relatable as really, um, trying to be as relatable as possible possible possible >> and just trying to make as much of Jesus >> and just trying to make as much of Jesus >> and just trying to make as much of Jesus as we possibly can. as we possibly can. as we possibly can. >> And for for me, the more I follow Jesus, >> And for for me, the more I follow Jesus, >> And for for me, the more I follow Jesus, the more I realize how wonderful and and the more I realize how wonderful and and the more I realize how wonderful and and gracefilled and loving and truthfilled gracefilled and loving and truthfilled gracefilled and loving and truthfilled he is. And so, it's just trying to share he is. And so, it's just trying to share he is. And so, it's just trying to share that that that >> as as clearly and as simply as we can.

>> as as clearly and as simply as we can. >> as as clearly and as simply as we can. So, I'm talking too much. So, I'm talking too much. So, I'm talking too much. >> No, no, not at all. That's great. That's >> No, no, not at all. That's great. That's >> No, no, not at all. That's great. That's so good. I you know we track pretty so good. I you know we track pretty so good. I you know we track pretty closely the outreach 100 list here at on closely the outreach 100 list here at on closely the outreach 100 list here at on seminary. look at it and are seminary. look at it and are seminary. look at it and are >> you know the secret to we find a lot of >> you know the secret to we find a lot of >> you know the secret to we find a lot of guests there and um when you know I was guests there and um when you know I was guests there and um when you know I was looking at this there's this interesting looking at this there's this interesting looking at this there's this interesting kind of blip of history where Embrace kind of blip of history where Embrace kind of blip of history where Embrace was on the list 10 years ago 15 16 and was on the list 10 years ago 15 16 and was on the list 10 years ago 15 16 and then there was a gap and then then there was a gap and then then there was a gap and then congratulations you're back on for 2026 congratulations you're back on for 2026 congratulations you're back on for 2026 uh which caught my attention or 2025 uh which caught my attention or 2025 uh which caught my attention or 2025 caught my attention um and I thought caught my attention um and I thought caught my attention um and I thought okay that's interesting like I wonder okay that's interesting like I wonder okay that's interesting like I wonder what the story is there, you know, when what the story is there, you know, when what the story is there, you know, when it's just little, you know, buttons or it's just little, you know, buttons or it's just little, you know, buttons or whatever. It's like it looks really whatever. It's like it looks really whatever. It's like it looks really antiseptic on the website, but am I antiseptic on the website, but am I antiseptic on the website, but am I framing that incorrectly? Talk me framing that incorrectly? Talk me framing that incorrectly? Talk me through what happened between these two through what happened between these two through what happened between these two uh you know, showing up on this list. uh you know, showing up on this list. uh you know, showing up on this list. >> Very that's you're you're highlighting >> Very that's you're you're highlighting >> Very that's you're you're highlighting something that's very very true. I I something that's very very true. I I something that's very very true. I I first got to say uh I just shared this first got to say uh I just shared this first got to say uh I just shared this with my team uh on Monday. Um, my first with my team uh on Monday. Um, my first with my team uh on Monday. Um, my first full-time hire, uh, his name's Travis full-time hire, uh, his name's Travis full-time hire, uh, his name's Travis Walner. Yeah. He He's always so good at Walner. Yeah. He He's always so good at Walner. Yeah. He He's always so good at saying, "Hey, Adam, I know this you're saying, "Hey, Adam, I know this you're saying, "Hey, Adam, I know this you're fired up about this. Can you share why fired up about this. Can you share why fired up about this. Can you share why with our team this matters?"

with our team this matters?" with our team this matters?" >> And something he had never heard before, >> And something he had never heard before, >> And something he had never heard before, I said, I can remember every year when I said, I can remember every year when I said, I can remember every year when the outreach 100 came out and I was this the outreach 100 came out and I was this the outreach 100 came out and I was this new pastor who didn't have anybody that new pastor who didn't have anybody that new pastor who didn't have anybody that he could connect with who had led a a a he could connect with who had led a a a he could connect with who had led a a a large thriving church. I mean, there's large thriving church. I mean, there's large thriving church. I mean, there's there at that time in Sou Falls, there there at that time in Sou Falls, there there at that time in Sou Falls, there just wasn't really many. Now there's just wasn't really many. Now there's just wasn't really many. Now there's several, which is awesome. And so I several, which is awesome. And so I several, which is awesome. And so I would get that outreach magazine. would get that outreach magazine. would get that outreach magazine. >> And those pastors uh I would try to find >> And those pastors uh I would try to find >> And those pastors uh I would try to find five to 10 churches that were similar uh five to 10 churches that were similar uh five to 10 churches that were similar uh to to Embrace or where I saw us going to to Embrace or where I saw us going to to Embrace or where I saw us going and they those people never met me or I and they those people never met me or I and they those people never met me or I never talked with them, but they became never talked with them, but they became never talked with them, but they became mentors of mine, right? mentors of mine, right? mentors of mine, right? >> And so it's where I learned from. And so >> And so it's where I learned from. And so >> And so it's where I learned from. And so I just told the team, I'm like, "It's so I just told the team, I'm like, "It's so I just told the team, I'm like, "It's so cool to think that like God is now using cool to think that like God is now using cool to think that like God is now using us and hopefully we can be a blessing to us and hopefully we can be a blessing to us and hopefully we can be a blessing to others cuz it's cool to see fruit grow others cuz it's cool to see fruit grow others cuz it's cool to see fruit grow on your own trees, but it's even it's on your own trees, but it's even it's on your own trees, but it's even it's even better when you help others grow even better when you help others grow even better when you help others grow fruit on their trees." So that blip that fruit on their trees." So that blip that fruit on their trees." So that blip that blip though. So growing growing really blip though. So growing growing really blip though. So growing growing really from I would say from 2009 from I would say from 2009 from I would say from 2009 to 2016, I mean just constant growth.

to 2016, I mean just constant growth. to 2016, I mean just constant growth. Um, one year we were number four on Um, one year we were number four on Um, one year we were number four on outreach. What? So, I mean, just like outreach. What? So, I mean, just like outreach. What? So, I mean, just like enormous growth. enormous growth. enormous growth. >> We plateaued >> We plateaued >> We plateaued >> and I'm going to talk very unfiltered >> and I'm going to talk very unfiltered >> and I'm going to talk very unfiltered about myself. Um, as an enagram three about myself. Um, as an enagram three about myself. Um, as an enagram three achiever, uh, plateauing is uh, not your achiever, uh, plateauing is uh, not your achiever, uh, plateauing is uh, not your favorite thing. favorite thing. favorite thing. >> And so, I've never been a yeller. I've >> And so, I've never been a yeller. I've >> And so, I've never been a yeller. I've never been I I feel like I could say never been I I feel like I could say never been I I feel like I could say this confidently, never been an angry this confidently, never been an angry this confidently, never been an angry boss. But, uh, something I've learned boss. But, uh, something I've learned boss. But, uh, something I've learned out about myself is I wear people out. out about myself is I wear people out. out about myself is I wear people out. Uh, you can still be super non- angry Uh, you can still be super non- angry Uh, you can still be super non- angry and still wear people out. And so, I and still wear people out. And so, I and still wear people out. And so, I didn't do a great job of caring for my didn't do a great job of caring for my didn't do a great job of caring for my team. I love people. It's why I I team. I love people. It's why I I team. I love people. It's why I I literally I just love people. I got a literally I just love people. I got a literally I just love people. I got a steak uh at a grocery store for lunch steak uh at a grocery store for lunch steak uh at a grocery store for lunch today and ended up talking to all these today and ended up talking to all these today and ended up talking to all these random people. It was my favorite thing. random people. It was my favorite thing. random people. It was my favorite thing. I love people, but I haven't always been I love people, but I haven't always been I love people, but I haven't always been good at loving my team. And so, um, we good at loving my team. And so, um, we good at loving my team. And so, um, we went through, uh, I wasn't caring for my went through, uh, I wasn't caring for my went through, uh, I wasn't caring for my team. And because of that, uh, someone team. And because of that, uh, someone team. And because of that, uh, someone began to care for my team that was began to care for my team that was began to care for my team that was taking the church another direction.

taking the church another direction. taking the church another direction. >> And so, I let that person go. It's the >> And so, I let that person go. It's the >> And so, I let that person go. It's the only time I've let someone go in the only time I've let someone go in the only time I've let someone go in the history of Embrace. And when I did, history of Embrace. And when I did, history of Embrace. And when I did, again, this is very unfiltered. 10 out again, this is very unfiltered. 10 out again, this is very unfiltered. 10 out of 16 people that were closest with me of 16 people that were closest with me of 16 people that were closest with me left. left. left. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Including one of my including uh, just a >> Including one of my including uh, just a >> Including one of my including uh, just a very, very, very close friend. And so, very, very, very close friend. And so, very, very, very close friend. And so, man, it was brutal. And out of that, man, it was brutal. And out of that, man, it was brutal. And out of that, hundreds of people left Embrace. Um, and hundreds of people left Embrace. Um, and hundreds of people left Embrace. Um, and it wasn't just people. It was people it wasn't just people. It was people it wasn't just people. It was people that I had literally left date nights that I had literally left date nights that I had literally left date nights with my wife to care for him. with my wife to care for him. with my wife to care for him. >> And it was it was people that I skipped, >> And it was it was people that I skipped, >> And it was it was people that I skipped, you know, being with my kids to meet you know, being with my kids to meet you know, being with my kids to meet with them. And uh, so it was it was with them. And uh, so it was it was with them. And uh, so it was it was brutal. Uh, lowest point in my life, brutal. Uh, lowest point in my life, brutal. Uh, lowest point in my life, including even harder than losing my including even harder than losing my including even harder than losing my brother unexpectedly two years ago brother unexpectedly two years ago brother unexpectedly two years ago >> with my brother. It was all one feeling, >> with my brother. It was all one feeling, >> with my brother. It was all one feeling, grief, grief, grief, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Um, which is horrible, you know. >> Um, which is horrible, you know. >> Um, which is horrible, you know. >> Um, but with that, there was so many >> Um, but with that, there was so many >> Um, but with that, there was so many feelings. feelings. feelings. >> Uh, I mean, I was done. I was I was >> Uh, I mean, I was done. I was I was >> Uh, I mean, I was done. I was I was done.

done. done. >> I was done with everything except Jesus. >> I was done with everything except Jesus. >> I was done with everything except Jesus. >> Um, when it came to ministry, I mean, I >> Um, when it came to ministry, I mean, I >> Um, when it came to ministry, I mean, I wanted to give up on and then wanted to give up on and then wanted to give up on and then >> and then, um, I stuck with it. I don't >> and then, um, I stuck with it. I don't >> and then, um, I stuck with it. I don't know how. I honestly looking back 2018 I know how. I honestly looking back 2018 I know how. I honestly looking back 2018 I I literally don't know how I survived. I literally don't know how I survived. I literally don't know how I survived. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And again, I want to make sure I take >> And again, I want to make sure I take >> And again, I want to make sure I take ownership. I had a lot to learn about ownership. I had a lot to learn about ownership. I had a lot to learn about myself. Um and it's it's it was my myself. Um and it's it's it was my myself. Um and it's it's it was my leadership that allowed the situation leadership that allowed the situation leadership that allowed the situation that happened um with with the person. that happened um with with the person. that happened um with with the person. Um so that's that's not on them, that's Um so that's that's not on them, that's Um so that's that's not on them, that's on me. And so um but yeah, we we uh we on me. And so um but yeah, we we uh we on me. And so um but yeah, we we uh we it was rock bottom. It was brutal. And it was rock bottom. It was brutal. And it was rock bottom. It was brutal. And then uh we just started. It was just then uh we just started. It was just then uh we just started. It was just like one foot in front of the next. like one foot in front of the next. like one foot in front of the next. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And we just we I mean it was just like >> And we just we I mean it was just like >> And we just we I mean it was just like you began to see some resemblance of you began to see some resemblance of you began to see some resemblance of daylight. daylight. daylight. >> I mean it was so bad I can't even tell >> I mean it was so bad I can't even tell >> I mean it was so bad I can't even tell you. And it's in Sou Falls is not that you. And it's in Sou Falls is not that you. And it's in Sou Falls is not that large of a town. large of a town. large of a town. >> And so it's like I thought every >> And so it's like I thought every >> And so it's like I thought every everything that God had done was over. I everything that God had done was over. I everything that God had done was over. I mean no good days were ahead of us. I mean no good days were ahead of us. I mean no good days were ahead of us. I mean I couldn't see anything. And then mean I couldn't see anything. And then mean I couldn't see anything. And then just little by little just little by little just little by little >> and little by little and little by >> and little by little and little by >> and little by little and little by little and then we started getting little and then we started getting little and then we started getting momentum uh right before co momentum uh right before co momentum uh right before co >> classic.

>> classic. >> classic. >> So this this is what's kind of crazy and >> So this this is what's kind of crazy and >> So this this is what's kind of crazy and I I'm not I don't want to I'm not I I'm not I don't want to I'm not I I'm not I don't want to I'm not devaluing CO whatsoever, devaluing CO whatsoever, devaluing CO whatsoever, >> but like so away from the the tragedy of >> but like so away from the the tragedy of >> but like so away from the the tragedy of CO uh CO for me as a pastor was a CO uh CO for me as a pastor was a CO uh CO for me as a pastor was a cakewalk. M cakewalk. M cakewalk. M >> I'm I'm like we could not have services >> I'm I'm like we could not have services >> I'm I'm like we could not have services for the next 15 15 years and this would for the next 15 15 years and this would for the next 15 15 years and this would be nothing compared to 2018, be nothing compared to 2018, be nothing compared to 2018, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And so what was kind of cool was I was >> And so what was kind of cool was I was >> And so what was kind of cool was I was able to be uh and so many had people had able to be uh and so many had people had able to be uh and so many had people had done this for me. But I was able to be a done this for me. But I was able to be a done this for me. But I was able to be a light to other pastors light to other pastors light to other pastors >> cuz they had they hadn't gone through >> cuz they had they hadn't gone through >> cuz they had they hadn't gone through 2018 and now they were. So it was really 2018 and now they were. So it was really 2018 and now they were. So it was really cool cuz for me I couldn't have been cool cuz for me I couldn't have been cool cuz for me I couldn't have been more at peace more at peace more at peace >> during it because uh again I was just >> during it because uh again I was just >> during it because uh again I was just glad that we were healthy glad that we were healthy glad that we were healthy >> and um and so it ended up being really >> and um and so it ended up being really >> and um and so it ended up being really cool and then when we came out of co we cool and then when we came out of co we cool and then when we came out of co we started a process called traction which started a process called traction which started a process called traction which I just have to mention traction away I just have to mention traction away I just have to mention traction away from God's kindness from God's kindness from God's kindness >> and amazing people traction has been >> and amazing people traction has been >> and amazing people traction has been huge since 2021 we started traction in huge since 2021 we started traction in huge since 2021 we started traction in August and that just helped us focus and August and that just helped us focus and August and that just helped us focus and now we're just seeing I I've never had now we're just seeing I I've never had now we're just seeing I I've never had this much fun in my life.

this much fun in my life. this much fun in my life. >> Attraction like the Larry Bossity that >> Attraction like the Larry Bossity that >> Attraction like the Larry Bossity that book. book. book. >> So yeah. So it's the book. It's just a >> So yeah. So it's the book. It's just a >> So yeah. So it's the book. It's just a it's an EOS. A lot of a lot of it's an EOS. A lot of a lot of it's an EOS. A lot of a lot of businesses use a lot of nonprofits use businesses use a lot of nonprofits use businesses use a lot of nonprofits use it. A person on our lead team, we were it. A person on our lead team, we were it. A person on our lead team, we were just trying to figure out so what are we just trying to figure out so what are we just trying to figure out so what are we doing? doing? doing? >> You know, like co had just come and so >> You know, like co had just come and so >> You know, like co had just come and so it was a if you're going to start over it was a if you're going to start over it was a if you're going to start over on your strategy, it's a perfect time to on your strategy, it's a perfect time to on your strategy, it's a perfect time to do it. do it. do it. >> So they just said I think we should go >> So they just said I think we should go >> So they just said I think we should go through traction. And I'm like I have no through traction. And I'm like I have no through traction. And I'm like I have no idea what that is. And he's like, "Well, idea what that is. And he's like, "Well, idea what that is. And he's like, "Well, all these major businesses in Sou Falls all these major businesses in Sou Falls all these major businesses in Sou Falls are all traction businesses." And I'm are all traction businesses." And I'm are all traction businesses." And I'm like, "No way." And uh this nonprofit's like, "No way." And uh this nonprofit's like, "No way." And uh this nonprofit's attraction nonprofit. So, we looked into attraction nonprofit. So, we looked into attraction nonprofit. So, we looked into it. They helped us set a 10-year goal it. They helped us set a 10-year goal it. They helped us set a 10-year goal and then off of that a three-year goal, and then off of that a three-year goal, and then off of that a three-year goal, one-year goal, and then every 90 days, one-year goal, and then every 90 days, one-year goal, and then every 90 days, you have rocks. Before that, though, I you have rocks. Before that, though, I you have rocks. Before that, though, I should say they re like your vision should say they re like your vision should say they re like your vision statement truly your vision statement. statement truly your vision statement. statement truly your vision statement. So, ours was reaching the next person So, ours was reaching the next person So, ours was reaching the next person for Jesus. This sounds so small. one guy for Jesus. This sounds so small. one guy for Jesus. This sounds so small. one guy on our team who's not an enog 3, he on our team who's not an enog 3, he on our team who's not an enog 3, he said, I don't think that's accurate to said, I don't think that's accurate to said, I don't think that's accurate to who we are. who we are. who we are. >> And I was like, what do you mean? And >> And I was like, what do you mean? And >> And I was like, what do you mean? And he's like, that just seems seems way he's like, that just seems seems way he's like, that just seems seems way more chill than what we are. And I was more chill than what we are. And I was more chill than what we are. And I was like, okay, what do you mean? He's like, like, okay, what do you mean? He's like, like, okay, what do you mean? He's like, we're like relentless about it.

we're like relentless about it. we're like relentless about it. >> We're like, if someone needed help and >> We're like, if someone needed help and >> We're like, if someone needed help and they didn't know Jesus, we would do they didn't know Jesus, we would do they didn't know Jesus, we would do everything we could to get to them. We everything we could to get to them. We everything we could to get to them. We wouldn't just try to reach them. We wouldn't just try to reach them. We wouldn't just try to reach them. We would relentlessly. would relentlessly. would relentlessly. And it was so crazy coming from that And it was so crazy coming from that And it was so crazy coming from that individual specifically that I I said, I individual specifically that I I said, I individual specifically that I I said, I feel like that's so true. We added that feel like that's so true. We added that feel like that's so true. We added that in. And then you set kind of like what in. And then you set kind of like what in. And then you set kind of like what are your distinct things that separate are your distinct things that separate are your distinct things that separate you maybe from others. So ours is you maybe from others. So ours is you maybe from others. So ours is relatability is our number one. And that relatability is our number one. And that relatability is our number one. And that just really dialed us in. And even just just really dialed us in. And even just just really dialed us in. And even just one small thing, even like who's our one small thing, even like who's our one small thing, even like who's our target audience? We we kind of we kind target audience? We we kind of we kind target audience? We we kind of we kind of set it and we said young families was of set it and we said young families was of set it and we said young families was in it. Well, Young Families was in it in it. Well, Young Families was in it in it. Well, Young Families was in it when we first started Embrace and we when we first started Embrace and we when we first started Embrace and we kind of went away from it because, you kind of went away from it because, you kind of went away from it because, you know, I had young kids that needed a know, I had young kids that needed a know, I had young kids that needed a nursery back then, but now I don't. And nursery back then, but now I don't. And nursery back then, but now I don't. And so now nursery had become optional so now nursery had become optional so now nursery had become optional because it's like, oh, it's not a big because it's like, oh, it's not a big because it's like, oh, it's not a big deal. Well, when you have little kids, deal. Well, when you have little kids, deal. Well, when you have little kids, it's a huge deal. And when you have it's a huge deal. And when you have it's a huge deal. And when you have little kids, it's a huge deal. And little kids, it's a huge deal. And little kids, it's a huge deal. And you're the lead pastor, you have nursery you're the lead pastor, you have nursery you're the lead pastor, you have nursery at everything because you want your wife at everything because you want your wife at everything because you want your wife there. Uh, and you want other people to there. Uh, and you want other people to there. Uh, and you want other people to be able to come. So, there was a couple be able to come. So, there was a couple be able to come. So, there was a couple things that we just got off track off things that we just got off track off things that we just got off track off track a little bit that we just dialed track a little bit that we just dialed track a little bit that we just dialed in, too. So, I just needed to say that.

in, too. So, I just needed to say that. in, too. So, I just needed to say that. >> Yeah, that's good. I I do want to dig >> Yeah, that's good. I I do want to dig >> Yeah, that's good. I I do want to dig into traction a little bit more, but I'd into traction a little bit more, but I'd into traction a little bit more, but I'd love to take a step back and talk about love to take a step back and talk about love to take a step back and talk about your own journey around, you know, just your own journey around, you know, just your own journey around, you know, just having to process your ownership 2018 having to process your ownership 2018 having to process your ownership 2018 and what was what did that look like? and what was what did that look like? and what was what did that look like? Like, how did you find some health Like, how did you find some health Like, how did you find some health around that? Was it, you know, did around that? Was it, you know, did around that? Was it, you know, did someone challenge you? Did you end up someone challenge you? Did you end up someone challenge you? Did you end up getting some help? What did that look getting some help? What did that look getting some help? What did that look like to to actually try to process like to to actually try to process like to to actually try to process through that? through that? through that? >> I >> I >> I um um um >> I like that sound. That's like, oh, I >> I like that sound. That's like, oh, I >> I like that sound. That's like, oh, I don't really want to talk about don't really want to talk about don't really want to talk about for for me. Um I can remember one time for for me. Um I can remember one time for for me. Um I can remember one time um the Lord uh is as clear as I could um the Lord uh is as clear as I could um the Lord uh is as clear as I could hear it said, Lord said said to me, hear it said, Lord said said to me, hear it said, Lord said said to me, "Adam, I've been trying to uh address "Adam, I've been trying to uh address "Adam, I've been trying to uh address this people pleaser inside of you since this people pleaser inside of you since this people pleaser inside of you since you were a little boy." you were a little boy." you were a little boy." >> Wow. And um and whether or not I cause >> Wow. And um and whether or not I cause >> Wow. And um and whether or not I cause this situation to happen uh is this situation to happen uh is this situation to happen uh is irrelevant. I'm most definitely going to irrelevant. I'm most definitely going to irrelevant. I'm most definitely going to use it to address some things inside of use it to address some things inside of use it to address some things inside of you.

you. you. >> I was forced to address some things >> I was forced to address some things >> I was forced to address some things inside of me. Everything from being a inside of me. Everything from being a inside of me. Everything from being a people pleaser, wearing people out, not people pleaser, wearing people out, not people pleaser, wearing people out, not caring for my team. I really didn't have caring for my team. I really didn't have caring for my team. I really didn't have an option, an option, an option, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> I mean, it was just so >> I mean, it was just so >> I mean, it was just so >> uh it was there. I mean, there there was >> uh it was there. I mean, there there was >> uh it was there. I mean, there there was Sundays before certain staff left that Sundays before certain staff left that Sundays before certain staff left that I'd be on stage with with an individual I'd be on stage with with an individual I'd be on stage with with an individual and I mean he he they hated me. and I mean he he they hated me. and I mean he he they hated me. >> Uh and you could feel it in the air. I >> Uh and you could feel it in the air. I >> Uh and you could feel it in the air. I mean I I can remember Sundays I mean I I can remember Sundays I mean I I can remember Sundays I literally didn't want to go to church literally didn't want to go to church literally didn't want to go to church because of how scared I was. Not like because of how scared I was. Not like because of how scared I was. Not like for fear of my life, but like just like for fear of my life, but like just like for fear of my life, but like just like the awkwardness. So I was forced to deal the awkwardness. So I was forced to deal the awkwardness. So I was forced to deal with it. And um I because I couldn't with it. And um I because I couldn't with it. And um I because I couldn't make everyone happy for the first time make everyone happy for the first time make everyone happy for the first time in my life. And so I I I in my life. And so I I I in my life. And so I I I my my wife and my best my non-family my my wife and my best my non-family my my wife and my best my non-family member best friend, his name's Tyler member best friend, his name's Tyler member best friend, his name's Tyler Goff. He's a realer. I would talk to my Goff. He's a realer. I would talk to my Goff. He's a realer. I would talk to my wife and Tyler every day and ask them if wife and Tyler every day and ask them if wife and Tyler every day and ask them if I if I quit my job.

I if I quit my job. I if I quit my job. >> Um probably for six to eight months. Can >> Um probably for six to eight months. Can >> Um probably for six to eight months. Can I quit my job? And they would both say, I quit my job? And they would both say, I quit my job? And they would both say, "Nope. Nope." But but we you know Tyler "Nope. Nope." But but we you know Tyler "Nope. Nope." But but we you know Tyler every single time answered the phone. So every single time answered the phone. So every single time answered the phone. So it was just processing that pain first it was just processing that pain first it was just processing that pain first off and all the hurt and early on it was off and all the hurt and early on it was off and all the hurt and early on it was everybody's fault. everybody's fault. everybody's fault. >> You know it's like it's everybody else. >> You know it's like it's everybody else. >> You know it's like it's everybody else. It's everybody else. It's everybody It's everybody else. It's everybody It's everybody else. It's everybody else. That's I wouldn't say that else. That's I wouldn't say that else. That's I wouldn't say that publicly. I said it internally. The only publicly. I said it internally. The only publicly. I said it internally. The only thing that I really did did well during thing that I really did did well during thing that I really did did well during this time is I did I really felt like I this time is I did I really felt like I this time is I did I really felt like I was not supposed to talk to anybody was not supposed to talk to anybody was not supposed to talk to anybody >> outside my little tiny circle and I I >> outside my little tiny circle and I I >> outside my little tiny circle and I I didn't feel like I was supposed to def didn't feel like I was supposed to def didn't feel like I was supposed to def defend myself. defend myself. defend myself. >> So I really just felt like nope there >> So I really just felt like nope there >> So I really just felt like nope there was you know the Lord will be your was you know the Lord will be your was you know the Lord will be your defender. I don't know what it was. I defender. I don't know what it was. I defender. I don't know what it was. I just felt that internally. So that I just felt that internally. So that I just felt that internally. So that I just I didn't talk I didn't even what just I didn't talk I didn't even what just I didn't talk I didn't even what I've said I've been trying to be really I've said I've been trying to be really I've said I've been trying to be really really intentional. I just have not really intentional. I just have not really intentional. I just have not badmouththed anybody at all and I I badmouththed anybody at all and I I badmouththed anybody at all and I I that's God's protection cuz I wanted to that's God's protection cuz I wanted to that's God's protection cuz I wanted to but um so I just I but anybody who but um so I just I but anybody who but um so I just I but anybody who reached out to me I would meet with them reached out to me I would meet with them reached out to me I would meet with them and because you know there was all these and because you know there was all these and because you know there was all these questions and I would say there's no questions and I would say there's no questions and I would say there's no question that's off limits. You can ask question that's off limits. You can ask question that's off limits. You can ask me anything and if I badmouth anybody me anything and if I badmouth anybody me anything and if I badmouth anybody even for a second that's unacceptable.

even for a second that's unacceptable. even for a second that's unacceptable. So please cut me off if I start So please cut me off if I start So please cut me off if I start speaking. So I just I did a lot of that. speaking. So I just I did a lot of that. speaking. So I just I did a lot of that. But as far as how to how do I started But as far as how to how do I started But as far as how to how do I started addressing it, talking to that close addressing it, talking to that close addressing it, talking to that close inner circle inner circle inner circle >> and just verbalizing my pain, my um just >> and just verbalizing my pain, my um just >> and just verbalizing my pain, my um just my all the feelings. I I can remember my all the feelings. I I can remember my all the feelings. I I can remember with Travis Walner one time I I'm on the with Travis Walner one time I I'm on the with Travis Walner one time I I'm on the phone and I'm embarrassed to say this, phone and I'm embarrassed to say this, phone and I'm embarrassed to say this, but I I probably made up swear words. Um but I I probably made up swear words. Um but I I probably made up swear words. Um it just came gushing out. it just came gushing out. it just came gushing out. >> Sure. And I got done with this emotional >> Sure. And I got done with this emotional >> Sure. And I got done with this emotional outlet over the phone to him and I said, outlet over the phone to him and I said, outlet over the phone to him and I said, "And now you probably hate me." "And now you probably hate me." "And now you probably hate me." >> And he said, "No, I've actually been >> And he said, "No, I've actually been >> And he said, "No, I've actually been wondering when that was all going to wondering when that was all going to wondering when that was all going to come out." come out." come out." >> And >> And >> And >> that's cool. It's good to have friends >> that's cool. It's good to have friends >> that's cool. It's good to have friends like that. like that. like that. >> I was like, "You don't hate me." And >> I was like, "You don't hate me." And >> I was like, "You don't hate me." And he's like, "No, you literally have not he's like, "No, you literally have not he's like, "No, you literally have not said a word to anybody or about said a word to anybody or about said a word to anybody or about anything, and I just this has to be anything, and I just this has to be anything, and I just this has to be killing you." killing you." killing you." >> And um so I think that was huge. Therapy >> And um so I think that was huge. Therapy >> And um so I think that was huge. Therapy was huge. Yeah. was huge. Yeah. was huge. Yeah. >> Um I mean just going uh therapy uh also >> Um I mean just going uh therapy uh also >> Um I mean just going uh therapy uh also just like really with Travis Walner and just like really with Travis Walner and just like really with Travis Walner and others like help me understand because others like help me understand because others like help me understand because I'm not angry. I'm not like an angry I'm not angry. I'm not like an angry I'm not angry. I'm not like an angry person. I'm not a yeller boss. Like I'm person. I'm not a yeller boss. Like I'm person. I'm not a yeller boss. Like I'm not a dictator like you would think like not a dictator like you would think like not a dictator like you would think like uh that like someone going through this uh that like someone going through this uh that like someone going through this I I don't understand why like I'm quick I I don't understand why like I'm quick I I don't understand why like I'm quick to say thank you. And they're like Adam to say thank you. And they're like Adam to say thank you. And they're like Adam I know but like you just don't have an I know but like you just don't have an I know but like you just don't have an off switch.

off switch. off switch. And so as actually a business leader, And so as actually a business leader, And so as actually a business leader, he's he's still one of my dearest he's he's still one of my dearest he's he's still one of my dearest friends, a very just awesome business friends, a very just awesome business friends, a very just awesome business leader in Sou Falls. He's the one who leader in Sou Falls. He's the one who leader in Sou Falls. He's the one who gave me the terminology. Adam, you and gave me the terminology. Adam, you and gave me the terminology. Adam, you and I, we don't yell at people. We don't, I, we don't yell at people. We don't, I, we don't yell at people. We don't, you know, throw stuff. We just wear you know, throw stuff. We just wear you know, throw stuff. We just wear people out. people out. people out. >> I was like, "Oh man." >> I was like, "Oh man." >> I was like, "Oh man." >> And so that didn't because I couldn't >> And so that didn't because I couldn't >> And so that didn't because I couldn't see that, see that, see that, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And so I I was like, you know, I'm >> And so I I was like, you know, I'm >> And so I I was like, you know, I'm saying thank you. I'm not angry. I don't saying thank you. I'm not angry. I don't saying thank you. I'm not angry. I don't understand what why this is a big deal understand what why this is a big deal understand what why this is a big deal that I wear people out, that I wear people out, that I wear people out, >> right? Well, because they have lives >> right? Well, because they have lives >> right? Well, because they have lives >> and because they they feel like you're >> and because they they feel like you're >> and because they they feel like you're you're just using them you're just using them you're just using them >> and that you don't actually care for >> and that you don't actually care for >> and that you don't actually care for them because all you care about is the them because all you care about is the them because all you care about is the next hill that you want to climb. next hill that you want to climb. next hill that you want to climb. >> Even if you got the best intents of >> Even if you got the best intents of >> Even if you got the best intents of teach like my drive in life is telling teach like my drive in life is telling teach like my drive in life is telling people about Jesus cuz I I know what people about Jesus cuz I I know what people about Jesus cuz I I know what it's like to be lost. it's like to be lost. it's like to be lost. >> Mhm. And I can't imagine being wired >> Mhm. And I can't imagine being wired >> Mhm. And I can't imagine being wired like me and not know the hope, joy, like me and not know the hope, joy, like me and not know the hope, joy, peace, every life found in Christ. I'd peace, every life found in Christ. I'd peace, every life found in Christ. I'd never heard the gospel until I was a never heard the gospel until I was a never heard the gospel until I was a sophomore in high school. And I never sophomore in high school. And I never sophomore in high school. And I never missed church my entire life. And so I missed church my entire life. And so I missed church my entire life. And so I just like when I heard about Jesus, it just like when I heard about Jesus, it just like when I heard about Jesus, it was the greatest news I'd ever heard.

was the greatest news I'd ever heard. was the greatest news I'd ever heard. And so I wanted to spend the rest I hope And so I wanted to spend the rest I hope And so I wanted to spend the rest I hope I'm the guy in the wheelchair at the I'm the guy in the wheelchair at the I'm the guy in the wheelchair at the nursing home going from one room to the nursing home going from one room to the nursing home going from one room to the next talking people's ears off and next talking people's ears off and next talking people's ears off and trying to share about Jesus. And so it trying to share about Jesus. And so it trying to share about Jesus. And so it was just a lot of like self-awareness. was just a lot of like self-awareness. was just a lot of like self-awareness. >> Sure. Yeah. >> Sure. Yeah. >> Sure. Yeah. >> And just really pushing in. And then I >> And just really pushing in. And then I >> And just really pushing in. And then I got to I got to mention Brad Lomik, too. got to I got to mention Brad Lomik, too. got to I got to mention Brad Lomik, too. >> Uh being a being around Brad Lomic, um >> Uh being a being around Brad Lomic, um >> Uh being a being around Brad Lomic, um his gatherings are like non-negotiables his gatherings are like non-negotiables his gatherings are like non-negotiables for me. for me. for me. >> And just just to hear other pastors >> And just just to hear other pastors >> And just just to hear other pastors going through it and to see them and going through it and to see them and going through it and to see them and hear them. So that all that I'm talking hear them. So that all that I'm talking hear them. So that all that I'm talking too much again. too much again. too much again. >> No, you're not talking too much. That's >> No, you're not talking too much. That's >> No, you're not talking too much. That's great. Yeah. And I u you know a good great. Yeah. And I u you know a good great. Yeah. And I u you know a good friend of mine says you know we all need friend of mine says you know we all need friend of mine says you know we all need people in our lives uh who love us but people in our lives uh who love us but people in our lives uh who love us but aren't impressed by us right it's that aren't impressed by us right it's that aren't impressed by us right it's that you know which is true right it's that you know which is true right it's that you know which is true right it's that like like like >> so true >> so true >> so true >> like that friend of yours who was who >> like that friend of yours who was who >> like that friend of yours who was who said like hey I'm I was waiting for that said like hey I'm I was waiting for that said like hey I'm I was waiting for that to come out that's that's a gift what a to come out that's that's a gift what a to come out that's that's a gift what a gift to be that kind of person have gift to be that kind of person have gift to be that kind of person have those kind of people in our lives for those kind of people in our lives for those kind of people in our lives for sure sure sure >> so what would you say um and then we'll >> so what would you say um and then we'll >> so what would you say um and then we'll we will get back to traction but what we will get back to traction but what we will get back to traction but what would you say uh Adam today what your would you say uh Adam today what your would you say uh Adam today what your leadership how is it different yeah leadership how is it different yeah leadership how is it different yeah different rhythms, different patterns different rhythms, different patterns different rhythms, different patterns did you are there some kind of a couple did you are there some kind of a couple did you are there some kind of a couple behaviors that you look to like oh this behaviors that you look to like oh this behaviors that you look to like oh this is new kind of new Adam uh rather than is new kind of new Adam uh rather than is new kind of new Adam uh rather than where we were you know 15 years ago or where we were you know 15 years ago or where we were you know 15 years ago or 10 years ago 10 years ago 10 years ago >> I would say so a couple of things that >> I would say so a couple of things that >> I would say so a couple of things that have been told to me first have been told to me first have been told to me first >> you you pause you're you pause more >> you you pause you're you pause more >> you you pause you're you pause more >> like in a meeting you pause more >> like in a meeting you pause more >> like in a meeting you pause more >> yeah that's good >> yeah that's good >> yeah that's good >> um you also like I've always had a deep

>> um you also like I've always had a deep >> um you also like I've always had a deep respect for for if we don't have the respect for for if we don't have the respect for for if we don't have the money for something, I'm not going to be money for something, I'm not going to be money for something, I'm not going to be the person. Let's green light it and the person. Let's green light it and the person. Let's green light it and just trust God. I want to take faith just trust God. I want to take faith just trust God. I want to take faith steps, but I'm not. I've I've always had steps, but I'm not. I've I've always had steps, but I'm not. I've I've always had that healthy fear of like I don't want that healthy fear of like I don't want that healthy fear of like I don't want to put the church in a bad place. And to put the church in a bad place. And to put the church in a bad place. And and people around me would say, you now and people around me would say, you now and people around me would say, you now have the same fear in a good way of not have the same fear in a good way of not have the same fear in a good way of not burning your team out. burning your team out. burning your team out. >> So when you see that, >> So when you see that, >> So when you see that, >> in the past, I would have been like, but >> in the past, I would have been like, but >> in the past, I would have been like, but is there any way we could possibly do it is there any way we could possibly do it is there any way we could possibly do it still? Like I got told even know about still? Like I got told even know about still? Like I got told even know about something today like just a small thing something today like just a small thing something today like just a small thing I wanted to do I wanted to do I wanted to do >> and Emily really she she my assistant >> and Emily really she she my assistant >> and Emily really she she my assistant she pursued it and she was the one she's she pursued it and she was the one she's she pursued it and she was the one she's like I I just don't think we should do like I I just don't think we should do like I I just don't think we should do this this this >> in the past in the past I would have >> in the past in the past I would have >> in the past in the past I would have been like well is there any way that we been like well is there any way that we been like well is there any way that we could do this still you know like again could do this still you know like again could do this still you know like again not a yeller I wouldn't have been like not a yeller I wouldn't have been like not a yeller I wouldn't have been like Emily you should do this blah blah I Emily you should do this blah blah I Emily you should do this blah blah I would have I would have probably used would have I would have probably used would have I would have probably used like hey there's not a way that we can like hey there's not a way that we can like hey there's not a way that we can so I think it's just a healthy like so I think it's just a healthy like so I think it's just a healthy like pause.

pause. pause. >> Um, and then but but then like the >> Um, and then but but then like the >> Um, and then but but then like the practical things. Well, it's even going practical things. Well, it's even going practical things. Well, it's even going to the the the cabin after this. to the the the cabin after this. to the the the cabin after this. >> I would have seen no need for it. >> I would have seen no need for it. >> I would have seen no need for it. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, you know, like I would have been like, I you know, like I would have been like, I you know, like I would have been like, I don't understand why I'm doing this. I don't understand why I'm doing this. I don't understand why I'm doing this. I kind of just kind of just kind of just >> uh I I could probably work though. >> uh I I could probably work though. >> uh I I could probably work though. >> Um, so like so >> Um, so like so >> Um, so like so >> I could send some more emails and give >> I could send some more emails and give >> I could send some more emails and give some people some more feedback on things some people some more feedback on things some people some more feedback on things just to be helpful. just to be helpful. just to be helpful. >> Emily's smiling just as you just said >> Emily's smiling just as you just said >> Emily's smiling just as you just said that. She's like, "Oh, sweet baby that. She's like, "Oh, sweet baby that. She's like, "Oh, sweet baby Jesus." So, I I think it's pausing. Uh Jesus." So, I I think it's pausing. Uh Jesus." So, I I think it's pausing. Uh my I've always spent time with Jesus. my I've always spent time with Jesus. my I've always spent time with Jesus. Always. I mean, my I'm just so hungry Always. I mean, my I'm just so hungry Always. I mean, my I'm just so hungry for God. for God. for God. >> But now it's like it is like >> But now it's like it is like >> But now it's like it is like untouchable. untouchable. untouchable. >> Like I get up and I'm at the coffee shop >> Like I get up and I'm at the coffee shop >> Like I get up and I'm at the coffee shop by 7 a.m. and I'm just sitting with the by 7 a.m. and I'm just sitting with the by 7 a.m. and I'm just sitting with the Lord. And a like this morning I didn't Lord. And a like this morning I didn't Lord. And a like this morning I didn't bring my computer out um with me to the bring my computer out um with me to the bring my computer out um with me to the coffee shop. I just sat and I got coffee shop. I just sat and I got coffee shop. I just sat and I got scripture open. I got my journal and I'm scripture open. I got my journal and I'm scripture open. I got my journal and I'm reading. And man, the busier my day reading. And man, the busier my day reading. And man, the busier my day gets, oh, the more time I'm spending gets, oh, the more time I'm spending gets, oh, the more time I'm spending with Jesus.

with Jesus. with Jesus. >> In the past, I would have squeezed out >> In the past, I would have squeezed out >> In the past, I would have squeezed out that time with Jesus cuz I got to go. that time with Jesus cuz I got to go. that time with Jesus cuz I got to go. And now it's like, no, no, no. I'm so And now it's like, no, no, no. I'm so And now it's like, no, no, no. I'm so busy busy busy >> that I need to spend even more time with >> that I need to spend even more time with >> that I need to spend even more time with him. him. him. >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> That's so good. >> And um and then instead of like shoving >> And um and then instead of like shoving >> And um and then instead of like shoving one more, I'm still working on this, but one more, I'm still working on this, but one more, I'm still working on this, but in the past it was like, okay, let's do in the past it was like, okay, let's do in the past it was like, okay, let's do this interview and then, you know, as this interview and then, you know, as this interview and then, you know, as I'm whatever, let's have the next thing I'm whatever, let's have the next thing I'm whatever, let's have the next thing right up next to it and then the next right up next to it and then the next right up next to it and then the next thing. And I would start I've always thing. And I would start I've always thing. And I would start I've always verbalized it to my myself and my wife. verbalized it to my myself and my wife. verbalized it to my myself and my wife. I feel like a robot without a soul. I feel like a robot without a soul. I feel like a robot without a soul. >> I I would treat myself like that. And >> I I would treat myself like that. And >> I I would treat myself like that. And now I don't want to treat myself like a now I don't want to treat myself like a now I don't want to treat myself like a robot without a soul. So now what I'll robot without a soul. So now what I'll robot without a soul. So now what I'll do like me going to Hi, the grocery do like me going to Hi, the grocery do like me going to Hi, the grocery store and getting a store and getting a store and getting a >> randomly getting a steak for lunch would >> randomly getting a steak for lunch would >> randomly getting a steak for lunch would have never happened. A I literally have never happened. A I literally have never happened. A I literally wouldn't have ate lunch. Uh, I would say wouldn't have ate lunch. Uh, I would say wouldn't have ate lunch. Uh, I would say up until three years ago, I literally up until three years ago, I literally up until three years ago, I literally didn't eat lunch, didn't eat lunch, didn't eat lunch, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Um, and now I like I mean it's stuff >> Um, and now I like I mean it's stuff >> Um, and now I like I mean it's stuff like that like that like that >> that is seems really small but it's huge >> that is seems really small but it's huge >> that is seems really small but it's huge to me. to me. to me. >> No, that's good. I love that. That's >> No, that's good. I love that. That's >> No, that's good. I love that. That's super helpful. Thanks for letting me go super helpful. Thanks for letting me go super helpful. Thanks for letting me go down that road uh with you. Let's take a down that road uh with you. Let's take a down that road uh with you. Let's take a step back and and talk about traction.

step back and and talk about traction. step back and and talk about traction. So the 10-year, the 90day, the what do I So the 10-year, the 90day, the what do I So the 10-year, the 90day, the what do I do on Tuesday afternoon? I'd love to do on Tuesday afternoon? I'd love to do on Tuesday afternoon? I'd love to kind of talk through all of that. So, so kind of talk through all of that. So, so kind of talk through all of that. So, so you you defined the 10-year goal. H how you you defined the 10-year goal. H how you you defined the 10-year goal. H how did you get clarity around that? What did you get clarity around that? What did you get clarity around that? What what does that actually look like? How what does that actually look like? How what does that actually look like? How how are you making steps towards that? how are you making steps towards that? how are you making steps towards that? Talk us through that. Talk us through that. Talk us through that. >> So, good. I I I can't tell enough >> So, good. I I I can't tell enough >> So, good. I I I can't tell enough pastors about this. So, I didn't read pastors about this. So, I didn't read pastors about this. So, I didn't read the book and I've been told the book is the book and I've been told the book is the book and I've been told the book is kind of confusing. If you can find kind of confusing. If you can find kind of confusing. If you can find someone in your community, specifically someone in your community, specifically someone in your community, specifically if you got a a business leader in your if you got a a business leader in your if you got a a business leader in your church that's willing to donate his time church that's willing to donate his time church that's willing to donate his time or her she's willing to donate her time, or her she's willing to donate her time, or her she's willing to donate her time, try to get if there's there's usually in try to get if there's there's usually in try to get if there's there's usually in community there's there's people who community there's there's people who community there's there's people who lead you through this process. So, we lead you through this process. So, we lead you through this process. So, we had a guy named Mike Ritter. I got to had a guy named Mike Ritter. I got to had a guy named Mike Ritter. I got to shout out Mike. He doesn't attend our shout out Mike. He doesn't attend our shout out Mike. He doesn't attend our church. He donated his time for us to go church. He donated his time for us to go church. He donated his time for us to go through it because he's a he's a faith through it because he's a he's a faith through it because he's a he's a faith man. So, we had our lead team and which man. So, we had our lead team and which man. So, we had our lead team and which is the group that I report to along with is the group that I report to along with is the group that I report to along with the strategy team, the group that the strategy team, the group that the strategy team, the group that reports to me. We just brought them all reports to me. We just brought them all reports to me. We just brought them all together and we wrestled with our together and we wrestled with our together and we wrestled with our vision, you know, kind of key things vision, you know, kind of key things vision, you know, kind of key things that set us apart, who is our target that set us apart, who is our target that set us apart, who is our target audience, and then we really began to audience, and then we really began to audience, and then we really began to pray through what is our 10ear goal. So, pray through what is our 10ear goal. So, pray through what is our 10ear goal. So, our 10 year goal that we set back in 21, our 10 year goal that we set back in 21, our 10 year goal that we set back in 21, I just I know these numbers just because I just I know these numbers just because I just I know these numbers just because I just I've been sharing them with the I just I've been sharing them with the I just I've been sharing them with the church the last few nights. In August of church the last few nights. In August of church the last few nights. In August of 21, we were right around 1,900 people in 21, we were right around 1,900 people in 21, we were right around 1,900 people in worship um when we set the goal. So, we worship um when we set the goal. So, we worship um when we set the goal. So, we wanted to reach 5% of Sou Falls, which wanted to reach 5% of Sou Falls, which wanted to reach 5% of Sou Falls, which at the time was 12,500 people. Again, at the time was 12,500 people. Again, at the time was 12,500 people. Again, 199, 1900 people, 12,500 people.

199, 1900 people, 12,500 people. 199, 1900 people, 12,500 people. >> Uh are this again, I'm I'm going to >> Uh are this again, I'm I'm going to >> Uh are this again, I'm I'm going to share this just because it's pastors and share this just because it's pastors and share this just because it's pastors and I want it to be helpful. I usually don't I want it to be helpful. I usually don't I want it to be helpful. I usually don't share this elsewhere, but you know, away share this elsewhere, but you know, away share this elsewhere, but you know, away from non uh we had uh we broke 5,000 in from non uh we had uh we broke 5,000 in from non uh we had uh we broke 5,000 in worship this last spring. One non-h worship this last spring. One non-h worship this last spring. One non-h holiday Sunday, we were up over 5,600 holiday Sunday, we were up over 5,600 holiday Sunday, we were up over 5,600 people. people. people. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So, we set that that that 12-year goal. >> So, we set that that that 12-year goal. >> So, we set that that that 12-year goal. It's just so fun to see it happening. It's just so fun to see it happening. It's just so fun to see it happening. >> That's amazing. Yeah, you're totally on >> That's amazing. Yeah, you're totally on >> That's amazing. Yeah, you're totally on track to that. track to that. track to that. >> We really are. And with this new campus >> We really are. And with this new campus >> We really are. And with this new campus we're pursuing, this new broadcast, I we're pursuing, this new broadcast, I we're pursuing, this new broadcast, I mean, it it will catapult us towards our mean, it it will catapult us towards our mean, it it will catapult us towards our goal, which is just awesome. So then goal, which is just awesome. So then goal, which is just awesome. So then what we do is, you know, we have a what we do is, you know, we have a what we do is, you know, we have a three-year goal, a one-year goal, and three-year goal, a one-year goal, and three-year goal, a one-year goal, and then these 90-day rocks. then these 90-day rocks. then these 90-day rocks. >> And we just what's it's so good for >> And we just what's it's so good for >> And we just what's it's so good for someone like me. I I get I'm the next someone like me. I I get I'm the next someone like me. I I get I'm the next fun shiny thing I want to go do. What fun shiny thing I want to go do. What fun shiny thing I want to go do. What traction does is it helps me stay traction does is it helps me stay traction does is it helps me stay focused. Adam, your number one thing you focused. Adam, your number one thing you focused. Adam, your number one thing you want to tell people about Jesus. This is want to tell people about Jesus. This is want to tell people about Jesus. This is why this church exists 100%. So those why this church exists 100%. So those why this church exists 100%. So those side things are fun, but we're not going side things are fun, but we're not going side things are fun, but we're not going to do them because we are focused. And to do them because we are focused. And to do them because we are focused. And then what's also nice is, you know, as then what's also nice is, you know, as then what's also nice is, you know, as you know, as a lead pastor, it's often you know, as a lead pastor, it's often you know, as a lead pastor, it's often easy to get in martyr syndrome. I'm easy to get in martyr syndrome. I'm easy to get in martyr syndrome. I'm working harder than everybody else. No working harder than everybody else. No working harder than everybody else. No one else cares about Jesus as much as I one else cares about Jesus as much as I one else cares about Jesus as much as I care about them. Am I you you're tempted care about them. Am I you you're tempted care about them. Am I you you're tempted to micromanage.

to micromanage. to micromanage. >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, traction has accountability built in the traction has accountability built in the traction has accountability built in the guts of what it is. So, what we do is we guts of what it is. So, what we do is we guts of what it is. So, what we do is we set every 90 days we have an off-site set every 90 days we have an off-site set every 90 days we have an off-site meeting for a half day where we we lay meeting for a half day where we we lay meeting for a half day where we we lay out our current rocks that we're just out our current rocks that we're just out our current rocks that we're just finishing and we grade them a green or a finishing and we grade them a green or a finishing and we grade them a green or a red. Was that successful or not? So, red. Was that successful or not? So, red. Was that successful or not? So, there's that built-in accountability and there's that built-in accountability and there's that built-in accountability and then we say, "Okay, for this next 90 then we say, "Okay, for this next 90 then we say, "Okay, for this next 90 days that starts in two weeks, what what days that starts in two weeks, what what days that starts in two weeks, what what do we want our rocks to be?" So, we lay do we want our rocks to be?" So, we lay do we want our rocks to be?" So, we lay them all out and then we pick them. So, them all out and then we pick them. So, them all out and then we pick them. So, what are the top five or six things that what are the top five or six things that what are the top five or six things that we're going to focus on? we're going to focus on? we're going to focus on? >> Yeah. Again, for me, I got all these >> Yeah. Again, for me, I got all these >> Yeah. Again, for me, I got all these shiny things, but Adam, are they more shiny things, but Adam, are they more shiny things, but Adam, are they more important than those things? important than those things? important than those things? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Um, no, they're not. And then so you >> Um, no, they're not. And then so you >> Um, no, they're not. And then so you pick your five or six rocks and then pick your five or six rocks and then pick your five or six rocks and then everybody except me gets to be the owner everybody except me gets to be the owner everybody except me gets to be the owner of a rock and they then you so out of of a rock and they then you so out of of a rock and they then you so out of that meeting you okay here's my goal for that meeting you okay here's my goal for that meeting you okay here's my goal for the next 90 days and here are the the next 90 days and here are the the next 90 days and here are the benchmarks that I'm going to hit to benchmarks that I'm going to hit to benchmarks that I'm going to hit to reach that goal that rock reach that goal that rock reach that goal that rock >> and then every week there's a weekly >> and then every week there's a weekly >> and then every week there's a weekly meeting and at the start of the meeting meeting and at the start of the meeting meeting and at the start of the meeting you go through each rock every Monday on you go through each rock every Monday on you go through each rock every Monday on track or off track track or off track track or off track >> and if it's on track good to go you >> and if it's on track good to go you >> and if it's on track good to go you don't talk about the rock at all and if don't talk about the rock at all and if don't talk about the rock at all and if off track according to the milestones off track according to the milestones off track according to the milestones that you set. You say, "What do we need that you set. You say, "What do we need that you set. You say, "What do we need to do to get back on track then?"

to do to get back on track then?" to do to get back on track then?" Because we've said that that's one of Because we've said that that's one of Because we've said that that's one of the top five things. And that is the the top five things. And that is the the top five things. And that is the process. And now, as of this January, process. And now, as of this January, process. And now, as of this January, I'm not even in the weekly meeting I'm not even in the weekly meeting I'm not even in the weekly meeting anymore. anymore. anymore. >> Okay? >> Okay? >> Okay? >> So, that's led you. You're supposed to >> So, that's led you. You're supposed to >> So, that's led you. You're supposed to have that meeting led by someone other have that meeting led by someone other have that meeting led by someone other than the visionary. than the visionary. than the visionary. >> Um, they call it the integrator. And so, >> Um, they call it the integrator. And so, >> Um, they call it the integrator. And so, I I'd never led the meeting when I was I I'd never led the meeting when I was I I'd never led the meeting when I was in it. and now I'm not even in it in it. and now I'm not even in it in it. and now I'm not even in it anymore. And so that process has refined anymore. And so that process has refined anymore. And so that process has refined us and dialed us in. And here's what's us and dialed us in. And here's what's us and dialed us in. And here's what's been so fun to see it work first off and been so fun to see it work first off and been so fun to see it work first off and then the ownership has just skyrocketed. then the ownership has just skyrocketed. then the ownership has just skyrocketed. >> You know, my team is more they're more >> You know, my team is more they're more >> You know, my team is more they're more boots on the ground than I am. boots on the ground than I am. boots on the ground than I am. >> And uh so it's just been so exciting. >> And uh so it's just been so exciting. >> And uh so it's just been so exciting. It's all about instead of It's all about instead of It's all about instead of >> it's all about focus. You know, water >> it's all about focus. You know, water >> it's all about focus. You know, water can't really do much un unfocused, can't really do much un unfocused, can't really do much un unfocused, >> but man, you if you get it in a pressure >> but man, you if you get it in a pressure >> but man, you if you get it in a pressure washer, man, that thing can well, it can washer, man, that thing can well, it can washer, man, that thing can well, it can cut stone. cut stone. cut stone. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Uh if you focus it enough >> Uh if you focus it enough >> Uh if you focus it enough >> and that is the power of traction. I >> and that is the power of traction. I >> and that is the power of traction. I feel like so many churches feel like so many churches feel like so many churches >> and leaders just like me have no focus.

>> and leaders just like me have no focus. >> and leaders just like me have no focus. >> And so they're doing a trillion things >> And so they're doing a trillion things >> And so they're doing a trillion things not very well instead of getting really not very well instead of getting really not very well instead of getting really really dialed in. Um I have to say one really dialed in. Um I have to say one really dialed in. Um I have to say one thing. Uh what we did in the very first thing. Uh what we did in the very first thing. Uh what we did in the very first rocks is we said should we stay rocks is we said should we stay rocks is we said should we stay multi-sight multi-sight multi-sight >> and I I was like we're going to take 90 >> and I I was like we're going to take 90 >> and I I was like we're going to take 90 days to decide that days to decide that days to decide that >> like can we just decide that in a >> like can we just decide that in a >> like can we just decide that in a meeting like why why again at first it meeting like why why again at first it meeting like why why again at first it felt horrible to a go-getter like me? felt horrible to a go-getter like me? felt horrible to a go-getter like me? I'm like, we're going to spend 90 days I'm like, we're going to spend 90 days I'm like, we're going to spend 90 days >> and and what so one of the rocks was >> and and what so one of the rocks was >> and and what so one of the rocks was we're going to interview 14 churches we're going to interview 14 churches we're going to interview 14 churches from across the country similar to us in from across the country similar to us in from across the country similar to us in similar communities just bigger and ask similar communities just bigger and ask similar communities just bigger and ask them about the strategy and whatever them about the strategy and whatever them about the strategy and whatever else. And that homework told us do not else. And that homework told us do not else. And that homework told us do not go away from multi-sight. go away from multi-sight. go away from multi-sight. >> What they said is multi-sight works. >> What they said is multi-sight works. >> What they said is multi-sight works. Crappy multi-sight doesn't work though. Crappy multi-sight doesn't work though. Crappy multi-sight doesn't work though. And that's what most churches do is And that's what most churches do is And that's what most churches do is crappy multi-sight. And so they're like crappy multi-sight. And so they're like crappy multi-sight. And so they're like if you do good multi-sight where every if you do good multi-sight where every if you do good multi-sight where every service is amazing regardless of what service is amazing regardless of what service is amazing regardless of what location. So it's not just the broadcast location. So it's not just the broadcast location. So it's not just the broadcast that's awesome and then these other that's awesome and then these other that's awesome and then these other sites are what are terrible and then sites are what are terrible and then sites are what are terrible and then you're saying it doesn't work. It's like you're saying it doesn't work. It's like you're saying it doesn't work. It's like well it doesn't work cuz it's terrible.

well it doesn't work cuz it's terrible. well it doesn't work cuz it's terrible. >> Um that was one of the initial things >> Um that was one of the initial things >> Um that was one of the initial things and it it really taught me to like if and it it really taught me to like if and it it really taught me to like if you go slower you'll actually go you go slower you'll actually go you go slower you'll actually go further. further. further. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that was the type of things that I >> And that was the type of things that I >> And that was the type of things that I needed to learn. needed to learn. needed to learn. >> Yeah. That's great. I know our friend uh >> Yeah. That's great. I know our friend uh >> Yeah. That's great. I know our friend uh Warren Bird's coming out w with a new Warren Bird's coming out w with a new Warren Bird's coming out w with a new study this fall on multi-sight and I study this fall on multi-sight and I study this fall on multi-sight and I literally we were just talking about it literally we were just talking about it literally we were just talking about it yesterday that one of the and I'm not yesterday that one of the and I'm not yesterday that one of the and I'm not preempting any of his numbers but one of preempting any of his numbers but one of preempting any of his numbers but one of the the big findings is exactly that the the big findings is exactly that the the big findings is exactly that that there's numbers backing up what that there's numbers backing up what that there's numbers backing up what you're saying there that you know you're saying there that you know you're saying there that you know there's this popular notion that like oh there's this popular notion that like oh there's this popular notion that like oh multisate's gone away and the way he multisate's gone away and the way he multisate's gone away and the way he said it was no really what it is is it's said it was no really what it is is it's said it was no really what it is is it's gone vertical when you see what's gone vertical when you see what's gone vertical when you see what's happening is there are churches like happening is there are churches like happening is there are churches like yours that are driving much deeper into yours that are driving much deeper into yours that are driving much deeper into multi-sight and you know launching more multi-sight and you know launching more multi-sight and you know launching more campuses getting better at it going you campuses getting better at it going you campuses getting better at it going you know uh spending a lot more time on know uh spending a lot more time on know uh spending a lot more time on alignment and you know that sort of alignment and you know that sort of alignment and you know that sort of thing and it's and it's having huge thing and it's and it's having huge thing and it's and it's having huge impact the impact and I have seen some impact the impact and I have seen some impact the impact and I have seen some of the numbers it's just insane to see of the numbers it's just insane to see of the numbers it's just insane to see so that's so that's so that's >> well it's it's it's scalable what I what >> well it's it's it's scalable what I what >> well it's it's it's scalable what I what I love is at our campuses people know I love is at our campuses people know I love is at our campuses people know who their pastor is who their pastor is who their pastor is >> and and they're not me >> and and they're not me >> and and they're not me >> right >> right >> right >> you know >> you know >> you know position like 500 You can't have a 5% position like 500 You can't have a 5% position like 500 You can't have a 5% vision with a single location. There vision with a single location. There vision with a single location. There isn't a building big enough in, you isn't a building big enough in, you isn't a building big enough in, you know, in town to do that. You have to know, in town to do that. You have to know, in town to do that. You have to come up with some sort of multi-sight come up with some sort of multi-sight come up with some sort of multi-sight thing that that does does that. So, thing that that does does that. So, thing that that does does that. So, >> it it's really it's really incredible.

>> it it's really it's really incredible. >> it it's really it's really incredible. So, that's great. So, that's great. So, that's great. >> That's cool. Back to the 90 days. So, >> That's cool. Back to the 90 days. So, >> That's cool. Back to the 90 days. So, um, cuz I cuz I where I think some of um, cuz I cuz I where I think some of um, cuz I cuz I where I think some of this stuff falls down with churches is, this stuff falls down with churches is, this stuff falls down with churches is, yeah, we're good at the like we're going yeah, we're good at the like we're going yeah, we're good at the like we're going to change the world and we might even be to change the world and we might even be to change the world and we might even be okay at like this year we're going to okay at like this year we're going to okay at like this year we're going to focus on these three things, but then I focus on these three things, but then I focus on these three things, but then I like to call it the youth pastor on like to call it the youth pastor on like to call it the youth pastor on Tuesday problem. The like Tuesday Tuesday problem. The like Tuesday Tuesday problem. The like Tuesday afternoon, it's like 1:00 in the afternoon, it's like 1:00 in the afternoon, it's like 1:00 in the afternoon, the youth pastor staring at afternoon, the youth pastor staring at afternoon, the youth pastor staring at the wall and they're like, I don't know the wall and they're like, I don't know the wall and they're like, I don't know what I'm supposed to be working on right what I'm supposed to be working on right what I'm supposed to be working on right now. Like I, you know, I just don't now. Like I, you know, I just don't now. Like I, you know, I just don't know. Um, that's where it starts to fall know. Um, that's where it starts to fall know. Um, that's where it starts to fall apart. So every 90 days, do you um I get apart. So every 90 days, do you um I get apart. So every 90 days, do you um I get that like the team that works directly that like the team that works directly that like the team that works directly for you, they're going to own those for you, they're going to own those for you, they're going to own those pieces and then but is there like a pieces and then but is there like a pieces and then but is there like a cascading that comes down, a cascading that comes down, a cascading that comes down, a communication that goes down? What does communication that goes down? What does communication that goes down? What does that look like? that look like? that look like? >> So cascading for sure. I mean again >> So cascading for sure. I mean again >> So cascading for sure. I mean again that's something we weren't good at. We that's something we weren't good at. We that's something we weren't good at. We would make decisions and then not tell would make decisions and then not tell would make decisions and then not tell anybody. So So I mean it's just like anybody. So So I mean it's just like anybody. So So I mean it's just like well that's unhelpful well that's unhelpful well that's unhelpful >> then be mad when they didn't do it. >> then be mad when they didn't do it. >> then be mad when they didn't do it. >> Oh 100%. And so now what's cool is our >> Oh 100%. And so now what's cool is our >> Oh 100%. And so now what's cool is our directors also have their own meeting.

directors also have their own meeting. directors also have their own meeting. We call that the S10. We call that the S10. We call that the S10. >> And so they now have their own rocks. >> And so they now have their own rocks. >> And so they now have their own rocks. And sometimes they're built off of past And sometimes they're built off of past And sometimes they're built off of past rocks from the their strategy team, but rocks from the their strategy team, but rocks from the their strategy team, but a lot of times they're not. a lot of times they're not. a lot of times they're not. >> And so they're they're setting their own >> And so they're they're setting their own >> And so they're they're setting their own goals. And and a lot of it it's so it's goals. And and a lot of it it's so it's goals. And and a lot of it it's so it's so we it's not some of it is so simple. so we it's not some of it is so simple. so we it's not some of it is so simple. What is our followup for first What is our followup for first What is our followup for first impressions? like like what like when impressions? like like what like when impressions? like like what like when someone comes what is our followup when someone comes what is our followup when someone comes what is our followup when someone wants to say they want to someone wants to say they want to someone wants to say they want to volunteer volunteer volunteer >> uh I mean it's some it's a lot of it is >> uh I mean it's some it's a lot of it is >> uh I mean it's some it's a lot of it is just systems just systems just systems >> and so for these 90 days we're going to >> and so for these 90 days we're going to >> and so for these 90 days we're going to work on this system again for any three work on this system again for any three work on this system again for any three that sounds like horrible a system why that sounds like horrible a system why that sounds like horrible a system why why do we need a system why do we need a system why do we need a system >> why are we doing that >> why are we doing that >> why are we doing that >> and so a so so that the S10 group a lot >> and so a so so that the S10 group a lot >> and so a so so that the S10 group a lot of directors is due on their own rocks of directors is due on their own rocks of directors is due on their own rocks which is which is critical, but that which is which is critical, but that which is which is critical, but that that cascading is huge. And then here's that cascading is huge. And then here's that cascading is huge. And then here's what's so cool. We just had it this last what's so cool. We just had it this last what's so cool. We just had it this last week. Uh the the L10, so the strategy week. Uh the the L10, so the strategy week. Uh the the L10, so the strategy team presented their rocks and said, team presented their rocks and said, team presented their rocks and said, "Hey guys, you've maybe noticed over the "Hey guys, you've maybe noticed over the "Hey guys, you've maybe noticed over the last couple of weeks, we've been last couple of weeks, we've been last couple of weeks, we've been focusing on this and this. Here's the focusing on this and this. Here's the focusing on this and this. Here's the full rock. And do you guys have any full rock. And do you guys have any full rock. And do you guys have any questions about it?"

questions about it?" questions about it?" >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> Yeah. Why? Why? Why do we have this >> Yeah. Why? Why? Why do we have this >> Yeah. Why? Why? Why do we have this rock? I I mean literally anybody can ask rock? I I mean literally anybody can ask rock? I I mean literally anybody can ask and they do and so like any questions on and they do and so like any questions on and they do and so like any questions on this rock and and so so them even like this rock and and so so them even like this rock and and so so them even like oh it just brings so much clarity. Oh oh it just brings so much clarity. Oh oh it just brings so much clarity. Oh that's why we're that's why we're doing that's why we're that's why we're doing that's why we're that's why we're doing this. this. this. >> Um that's huge. And then one other thing >> Um that's huge. And then one other thing >> Um that's huge. And then one other thing I would say that's been just gold and I would say that's been just gold and I would say that's been just gold and we're I'm I can't wait to get the we're I'm I can't wait to get the we're I'm I can't wait to get the results from it. As a part of traction results from it. As a part of traction results from it. As a part of traction you do a yearly survey. you do a yearly survey. you do a yearly survey. >> So you do a survey and it's very >> So you do a survey and it's very >> So you do a survey and it's very open-ended questions. you know, what are open-ended questions. you know, what are open-ended questions. you know, what are what are two or three things that you what are two or three things that you what are two or three things that you love about Embrace? What are two or love about Embrace? What are two or love about Embrace? What are two or three things that you wish Embrace would three things that you wish Embrace would three things that you wish Embrace would address? I mean, it's very and we address? I mean, it's very and we address? I mean, it's very and we encourage if you've even thought about encourage if you've even thought about encourage if you've even thought about attending Embrace, you it's not like our attending Embrace, you it's not like our attending Embrace, you it's not like our our inner like people who love Embrace. our inner like people who love Embrace. our inner like people who love Embrace. It's everybody and they give very It's everybody and they give very It's everybody and they give very unfiltered anonymous feedback, unfiltered anonymous feedback, unfiltered anonymous feedback, >> but it's and sometimes it's brutal. >> but it's and sometimes it's brutal. >> but it's and sometimes it's brutal. What's so cool is it they just there's What's so cool is it they just there's What's so cool is it they just there's such there's trends that you can get and such there's trends that you can get and such there's trends that you can get and it's gold if you want to continue loving it's gold if you want to continue loving it's gold if you want to continue loving people, serving people, caring for people, serving people, caring for people, serving people, caring for people.

people. people. >> Something in for years that we >> Something in for years that we >> Something in for years that we undervalued at Embrace. We just never undervalued at Embrace. We just never undervalued at Embrace. We just never thought about it was parking. thought about it was parking. thought about it was parking. >> And so it's just like the the tighter >> And so it's just like the the tighter >> And so it's just like the the tighter the services, the more chaos, the the services, the more chaos, the the services, the more chaos, the better. better. better. >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, it's like uh then >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, it's like uh then >> Yeah. Exactly. Well, it's like uh then we hired years ago, actually in 2018, we hired years ago, actually in 2018, we hired years ago, actually in 2018, >> we hired a a guy from Eaglebrook in >> we hired a a guy from Eaglebrook in >> we hired a a guy from Eaglebrook in Minneapolis. Eaglebrook has been a huge Minneapolis. Eaglebrook has been a huge Minneapolis. Eaglebrook has been a huge blessing to us. I'm a big time Bob blessing to us. I'm a big time Bob blessing to us. I'm a big time Bob Merritt fan, Jason Strand fan. If you Merritt fan, Jason Strand fan. If you Merritt fan, Jason Strand fan. If you haven't interviewed them, uh man, just haven't interviewed them, uh man, just haven't interviewed them, uh man, just incredible. incredible. incredible. >> But we brought him on and he's like, >> But we brought him on and he's like, >> But we brought him on and he's like, "You guys realize your parking lot "You guys realize your parking lot "You guys realize your parking lot experience is horrible here, right?" And experience is horrible here, right?" And experience is horrible here, right?" And it's like, "No, I've never even been in it's like, "No, I've never even been in it's like, "No, I've never even been in the parking lot. What are you talking the parking lot. What are you talking the parking lot. What are you talking about?" And he's like, "You realize that about?" And he's like, "You realize that about?" And he's like, "You realize that like dozens of cars are leaving because like dozens of cars are leaving because like dozens of cars are leaving because of the parking lot?" I'm like, "No, of the parking lot?" I'm like, "No, of the parking lot?" I'm like, "No, they're not. They're probably just going they're not. They're probably just going they're not. They're probably just going around the block." He's like, "No, they around the block." He's like, "No, they around the block." He's like, "No, they are leaving your church." are leaving your church." are leaving your church." >> Well, again, we So, we I got a sneak >> Well, again, we So, we I got a sneak >> Well, again, we So, we I got a sneak peek. I just jumped in the survey thing peek. I just jumped in the survey thing peek. I just jumped in the survey thing to see some. to see some. to see some. >> It's almost all parking, parking, >> It's almost all parking, parking, >> It's almost all parking, parking, parking, parking, parking. And so, parking, parking, parking. And so, parking, parking, parking. And so, again, we're like, what do we need to again, we're like, what do we need to again, we're like, what do we need to do? So, we're looking at bringing in uh do? So, we're looking at bringing in uh do? So, we're looking at bringing in uh just a shuttle system for volunteers, just a shuttle system for volunteers, just a shuttle system for volunteers, like for staff and volunteers. Let's like for staff and volunteers. Let's like for staff and volunteers. Let's park way way away. So, it's just been park way way away. So, it's just been park way way away. So, it's just been huge.

huge. huge. >> Yeah, that's so good. Love it. Well, >> Yeah, that's so good. Love it. Well, >> Yeah, that's so good. Love it. Well, that's been good. That's a great kind of that's been good. That's a great kind of that's been good. That's a great kind of under the hood look at uh traction. If under the hood look at uh traction. If under the hood look at uh traction. If you were talking to a church leader who you were talking to a church leader who you were talking to a church leader who was interested in like, hm, we need to was interested in like, hm, we need to was interested in like, hm, we need to maybe take a little step closer, take maybe take a little step closer, take maybe take a little step closer, take take a next step in this, what would you take a next step in this, what would you take a next step in this, what would you suggest kind of a first couple steps suggest kind of a first couple steps suggest kind of a first couple steps would be for them to try to begin to would be for them to try to begin to would be for them to try to begin to build a system like this? build a system like this? build a system like this? >> I would say is go to your lead team >> I would say is go to your lead team >> I would say is go to your lead team first uh or your your board. Do we know first uh or your your board. Do we know first uh or your your board. Do we know anybody who implements traction? Mhm. anybody who implements traction? Mhm. anybody who implements traction? Mhm. >> Like, do we know anybody? And if they >> Like, do we know anybody? And if they >> Like, do we know anybody? And if they don't, post it on your Facebook. Hey, don't, post it on your Facebook. Hey, don't, post it on your Facebook. Hey, this is really random. I'm wondering if this is really random. I'm wondering if this is really random. I'm wondering if there's anybody in Sou Falls, South there's anybody in Sou Falls, South there's anybody in Sou Falls, South Dakota who is an integrator, like would Dakota who is an integrator, like would Dakota who is an integrator, like would would help like implement traction. would help like implement traction. would help like implement traction. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Yeah, that's good. >> Yeah, that's good. >> I I would just love to take them out for >> I I would just love to take them out for >> I I would just love to take them out for coffee. coffee. coffee. >> That would be my initial thing. Um, and >> That would be my initial thing. Um, and >> That would be my initial thing. Um, and just just begin to see if you can find just just begin to see if you can find just just begin to see if you can find because here's what's so cool. That because here's what's so cool. That because here's what's so cool. That person, similar to Mike Ritter, again, person, similar to Mike Ritter, again, person, similar to Mike Ritter, again, Mike doesn't even attend my church. Mike Mike doesn't even attend my church. Mike Mike doesn't even attend my church. Mike just like he heard about what Embrace just like he heard about what Embrace just like he heard about what Embrace was what God was doing through Embrace was what God was doing through Embrace was what God was doing through Embrace and he's like, "Man, I would I I just and he's like, "Man, I would I I just and he's like, "Man, I would I I just want to be a part of it."

want to be a part of it." want to be a part of it." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and so what he did, he brought two >> And and so what he did, he brought two >> And and so what he did, he brought two of our lead team. He allowed like they of our lead team. He allowed like they of our lead team. He allowed like they were in the room and then he kind of were in the room and then he kind of were in the room and then he kind of equipped them and now those two guys equipped them and now those two guys equipped them and now those two guys lead the 90-day meetings for us. lead the 90-day meetings for us. lead the 90-day meetings for us. >> That's great. And so, and I feel like >> That's great. And so, and I feel like >> That's great. And so, and I feel like all three of them would say it has made all three of them would say it has made all three of them would say it has made us feel like we're so uh connected to us feel like we're so uh connected to us feel like we're so uh connected to the church and it's given us so much the church and it's given us so much the church and it's given us so much purpose and whatever else. So, you might purpose and whatever else. So, you might purpose and whatever else. So, you might just have a a business leader who is an just have a a business leader who is an just have a a business leader who is an implementer for traction that has never implementer for traction that has never implementer for traction that has never served at your church. That's like, oh served at your church. That's like, oh served at your church. That's like, oh my gosh, I would love to help the church my gosh, I would love to help the church my gosh, I would love to help the church be part of that. Yeah, that's so good. be part of that. Yeah, that's so good. be part of that. Yeah, that's so good. Great stuff. Well, this has been a great Great stuff. Well, this has been a great Great stuff. Well, this has been a great uh great conversation. I really uh great conversation. I really uh great conversation. I really appreciate you coming on today, appreciate you coming on today, appreciate you coming on today, >> Adam. This has been fantastic. Any final >> Adam. This has been fantastic. Any final >> Adam. This has been fantastic. Any final words as we wrap up today's episode? words as we wrap up today's episode? words as we wrap up today's episode? >> A couple things. I just want to just >> A couple things. I just want to just >> A couple things. I just want to just give a shout out again to you. Um, one give a shout out again to you. Um, one give a shout out again to you. Um, one of my one of my favorite things was uh I of my one of my favorite things was uh I of my one of my favorite things was uh I can't even promote it what it's about. can't even promote it what it's about. can't even promote it what it's about. Carrie posted something and then the Carrie posted something and then the Carrie posted something and then the next day you posted something that next day you posted something that next day you posted something that totally disagreed with Carrie.

totally disagreed with Carrie. totally disagreed with Carrie. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I told Carrie this too. I'm like I just >> I told Carrie this too. I'm like I just >> I told Carrie this too. I'm like I just thought, you know, Carrie's such a thought, you know, Carrie's such a thought, you know, Carrie's such a leading voice and you are as well, Rich. leading voice and you are as well, Rich. leading voice and you are as well, Rich. >> And uh so I just I just really got to >> And uh so I just I just really got to >> And uh so I just I just really got to honor you. And I love I as as pastors, honor you. And I love I as as pastors, honor you. And I love I as as pastors, we're spo we're so spoiled by the both we're spo we're so spoiled by the both we're spo we're so spoiled by the both of you. of you. of you. >> And I I thought it was so cool knowing >> And I I thought it was so cool knowing >> And I I thought it was so cool knowing that the both of you honor each other that the both of you honor each other that the both of you honor each other and yet you disagreed. I was like this and yet you disagreed. I was like this and yet you disagreed. I was like this is my favorite thing ever. I read both is my favorite thing ever. I read both is my favorite thing ever. I read both of those blog posts like 10 15 times. So of those blog posts like 10 15 times. So of those blog posts like 10 15 times. So I just need to say thank you. The second I just need to say thank you. The second I just need to say thank you. The second thing I would say is um I would just say thing I would say is um I would just say thing I would say is um I would just say to anybody in ministry whether you're to anybody in ministry whether you're to anybody in ministry whether you're full-time or you're a business leader in full-time or you're a business leader in full-time or you're a business leader in the like just thanks for serving the like just thanks for serving the like just thanks for serving >> and um I if you need if you find >> and um I if you need if you find >> and um I if you need if you find yourself at a place of rock bottom our yourself at a place of rock bottom our yourself at a place of rock bottom our God specializes in bringing dead things God specializes in bringing dead things God specializes in bringing dead things back to life and that's not just back to life and that's not just back to life and that's not just something that you and I can preach on a something that you and I can preach on a something that you and I can preach on a Sunday morning. It's something that God Sunday morning. It's something that God Sunday morning. It's something that God can do in our lives as well. can do in our lives as well. can do in our lives as well. >> Sometimes we get to be the on the >> Sometimes we get to be the on the >> Sometimes we get to be the on the receiving end of that. So, he can do receiving end of that. So, he can do receiving end of that. So, he can do that in our own personal lives if we've that in our own personal lives if we've that in our own personal lives if we've done had a moral failure even um or done had a moral failure even um or done had a moral failure even um or whatever it looks like, but he can also whatever it looks like, but he can also whatever it looks like, but he can also do that in our church. And so, you might do that in our church. And so, you might do that in our church. And so, you might say like, gosh, my my ministry is dead say like, gosh, my my ministry is dead say like, gosh, my my ministry is dead or my church just feels dead or or my church just feels dead or or my church just feels dead or whatever. That's God's specialty.

whatever. That's God's specialty. whatever. That's God's specialty. >> And so, I would just encourage you just >> And so, I would just encourage you just >> And so, I would just encourage you just to keep going. deal deal with the things to keep going. deal deal with the things to keep going. deal deal with the things inside of you that need to be dealt with inside of you that need to be dealt with inside of you that need to be dealt with as well. For the sake of your own soul, as well. For the sake of your own soul, as well. For the sake of your own soul, for the sake of your your spouse, your for the sake of your your spouse, your for the sake of your your spouse, your kids, for the sake of your ministry, do kids, for the sake of your ministry, do kids, for the sake of your ministry, do the do the hard work cuz it's worth it. the do the hard work cuz it's worth it. the do the hard work cuz it's worth it. It's it's a I always say self-awareness It's it's a I always say self-awareness It's it's a I always say self-awareness feels like your worst enemy, but it's feels like your worst enemy, but it's feels like your worst enemy, but it's actually your best friend. And so, uh, actually your best friend. And so, uh, actually your best friend. And so, uh, pursue it, pursue it, pursue it. pursue it, pursue it, pursue it. pursue it, pursue it, pursue it. >> That's a great place to end. If people >> That's a great place to end. If people >> That's a great place to end. If people want to track with you or with the want to track with you or with the want to track with you or with the church, where do we want to send them church, where do we want to send them church, where do we want to send them online? Yeah, probably the best place is online? Yeah, probably the best place is online? Yeah, probably the best place is uh either adamweber.com uh either adamweber.com uh either adamweber.com uh or Instagram, adam aweber, and then uh or Instagram, adam aweber, and then uh or Instagram, adam aweber, and then the church is uh i ambrace.com. the church is uh i ambrace.com. the church is uh i ambrace.com. We're probably most active on Instagram, We're probably most active on Instagram, We're probably most active on Instagram, our website as well. Um yeah, man. That our website as well. Um yeah, man. That our website as well. Um yeah, man. That would be it. would be it. would be it. >> Thank Thanks so much for being here >> Thank Thanks so much for being here >> Thank Thanks so much for being here today. I appreciate that. today. I appreciate that. today. I appreciate that. >> Yes. Thank you.