Good Morning.

I find it amazing, and gratifying, to note that the number of our Creator Leadership Network members is, as I write this, essentially 2500. Any way you look at it, that's a lot of people...it is the size of a small town, or a pretty big megachurch. One of the things we don't talk about much intentionally here at Creator, and among our CLN members, is that when you have that many people gathered in community--whether it be demographically, culturally, or vocationally--there will be differences of opinion. Those differences may be about subtle things, or they may be about huge things...specks and logs...but the key to being in community is to remember what we have in common, rather than obsess about what makes us different. We have certainly had people leave the CLN community, but most often it is because they were leaving the ministry or, as a bi-vocational servant, their "day job" has just become so overwhelming that they can't keep up. I'm encouraged, however, that the number of people who have left in anger have been few and far between. Thanks, too, to all of you who have written email notes of encouragement to our Monday Morning Email writers, and to me. It helps us know we are making a difference in your ministry. And it helps us know how to serve you better.

OK...some specific things.

● Both Doug Lawrence and I will be part of the MusiCalifornia faculty again this year. We will be presenting sessions during the course of the conference. Creator will also be sponsoring a specific track of classes on Monday, April 13, before the "official" opening of the conference. Stay tuned for more details, but in the meantime, I urge you to register for this wonderful conference (and mention the code "Creator10" to get 10% off your registration fee. "Early bird" registration rates have been extended, so get the best rate by registering now....to do so, just click here.

● The economy continues to have an impact on churches across the country. The standard joke is that it is a recession when your neighbor loses their job, but it is a depression when you lose yours. Last week (again!) I heard from several people whose job had disappeared because of their church having financial difficulties. If you are looking for a new position, you can find links to a number of relevant job posting sites by going here.

Another reminder...

● Our next issue of the printed magazine should be shipping in the next week or two. It has two significant articles: one a historical look at "tradition" in worship music that I think you'll find fascinating, and another entitled Four Choices of Ministry Style. We also turn our spotlight on the ministry of Lewis Worthington, as well as chronicle the Evolution of a Megachurch.  Click here to subscribe and make sure you get this timely issue (make sure to log in first to get our best possible rate.

Now to MME...

● This week, Bob Burroughs presents his usual plethora of information, resources, and uplifting motivation. To read this week's MME, click here.

This week, pray for the people who are being displaced from their ministry by this economy...and please tell your friends and colleagues about Creator and MME too.

Blessings,

Vern Sanders
Publisher
Creator Magazine