Tag Archive - Dawn Carter

Michael Trent: What Are You Passionate About?

mt_blue-shirt-1It was approximately three years ago that I had a phone conversation with Michael Trent. He is the “Founder and Idea Engineer” of Third Place Consulting and my church at the time had asked me if I could work with Michael on the concept for our new church coffee shop/cafe. I was super intrigued to be working with Michael as I was just then beginning to study more about the idea of third place. I had a great time hanging with him those few days, and I introduced him to his now favorite local restaurant in Los Angeles, Beverly Glen Deli. (Tip: In my 7 years at Bel Air we would go there for breakfast a lot and to the next door Starbucks–cause it was close to church–and I never saw more stars then there each week. Great breakfast and fun, low key, off the map people watching).

Anyways, Mike and I have stayed in touch over these last few years and have been having ever increasingly phone conversations about ways that we can work together more on some projects.

Mike is a great guy (total connector) and you can follow him on Twitter and read his blog.

In His Own Words

What are you really passionate about?

Rhett, I’ve come to realize in the last few years, clearly what I am called to do: Connect People, Develop Leaders, and Fund Causes. As I look back over my life, both personally and professionally, I see how my heart, mind, and actions drive me toward one of those three no matter what. I want to see people connect to one another because ‘iron still sharpens iron’; relationships are still an essential part of human existence and God’s plan for us. On my tombstone – I want pepperoni and for it to read “Michael unlocked the potential of every person and organization he came into contact with”. That often comes at a price when you are used to push someone to another level in order to unlock their potential, but the ROI is so worth it. And as an entrepreneur I’ve become solid and comfortable with the fact that God wants to use me to generate resources that will be leveraged to fund ministries and causes that please Him.

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Jesse Phillips: What Are You Passionate About?

(Usually this series posts on Friday, but because of Easter weekend, I have posted early for tomorrow’s reflection)

jesse_colorsI first had the opportunity to meet Jesse Phillips this last January when he was in town for the Innovation3 Gathering in Dallas. He, Scott McClellan and I went to White Rock Coffee to chat, and it was one of those great conversations about the Church, ministry, culture, etc, that we all finally had to decide it was time to get back to the office for work. In fact, Scott sent out this tweet shortly after..haaaa.

I’ve had a great day hanging out with @jessephillips from Catalyst and @rhetter. Over a cup of coffee we fixed the church. Patent pending.

Jesse works for Catalyst where he is their “Special Projects Ninja and editor of Catalyst Monthly.”

Jesse is an awesome dude who is very passionate about serving God…that is obvious and comes across in the way that he serves, and in the way he interacts and warmly engages those around him. I love what Catalyst is about and I’m excited that they have someone on board like Jesse.

In His Own Words

What are you really passionate about?

I’m passionate about reforming the Church. Through my experiences in
discipleship programs, interning at a couple churches, and doing street
evangelism – I’ve met lots of outsiders who totally miss the message of
the gospel because they have a hard time looking past the terrible
reputation of Christians.

I desire so strongly that the Church would be known for our love, for
serving, for helping the poor, for self-sacrifice and generosity. I
believe if we were more like Christ, if we lived the Gospel, outsiders
would take the time to truly listen to the message of the Gospel and our
outreach efforts would improve 1 Million Percent.

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Dawn Nicole Baldwin: What Are You Passionate About?

bxw_mexico2Who is Dawn Nicole Baldwin?
Dawn is the Founder and Lead Strategist of Aspire One
, which is a firm that works with churches and nonprofits on their creative and strategic branding. You can read more about their approach and background.

I had heard a lot about Dawn through various circles, and I think the first time I remember having a conversation about her and the work she does was with Cynthia Ware. I then had the opportunity to meet Dawn briefly at Innovation3 Gathering in Dallas this last January. Though it was a brief introduction, I since then I have had the opportunity to find out more about the work that Dawn does with Aspire One, and I’m excited to see all that she does to help churches and nonprofits become more effective in their messaging.

One of the things that I tend to note about people is the company they keep and what is said about them. And Dawn keeps great company, and she is thought very highly of by her peers.  Those are good things to have.

You can find Dawn blogging here, twittering here, and her company here.

In Her Own Words

What are you really passionate about?

The thought of helping churches reach people more effectively is something that makes my heart beat fast. I grew up in a family where the Church is seen as irrelevant, legalistic and unnecessary. As a teenager, I tried going back to the little church we had attended occasionally but felt like a complete outsider. So helping churches who have a passion for reaching people who aren’t connected to God is something I’m trying to pour all of my energies into.

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Dawn Carter: What Are You Passionate About?

dec_headshot_dh01Who is Dawn Carter?
I met Dawn online about a year and a half ago, and we soon found out that some students that I had in in the college ministry I pastored in Los Angeles, she had had in her youth group. That was our connecting point, and from there we have had the opportunity to connect in person on a couple of occasions. She has always been a huge encouragement to me, especially the last time we chatted at the Innovation3 Gathering in Dallas this last January. Dawn, not only has encouraging words to share with others, but they always seem to be so timely and prophetic as well.

Dawn is the Director of Marketing for 360Hubs, which is a web tool thats “goal is to connect people, content and ideas around an affinity need.” She is also an active member of Sandals Church in Riverside, CA. You can find Dawn blogging at Chronicles of Dawnia as well as twittering away.

Dawn, I appreciate your ministry, both online and in-person. (Not that we are distinguishing between the two).

In Her Own Words

What are you really passionate about?

I am passionate about God’s love, truth and light breaking cycles of brokenness in His Bride, the Church. Although a church-attender all my life, I’ve lived so much of my life feeling distant from God’s love, but knowing it with my head. I’ve also wasted tons of years living with lies—holding onto distorted images of who He was, who I was to Him. Now, my life is a walking example that God can take anyone, no matter how messed up they are (e.g. externally religious, morally bankrupt) and use them as a “planting for the display of His splendor”. Because these two themes — head knowledge without heart and living with lies– were prevalent while I was very churched, I am really passionate about God’s people stepping out of darkness and experiencing freedom from religiosity, addictions, shame, lies and un-grieved places in their hearts. I absolutely love seeing God free captives, especially those trapped in church culture.

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