Grumpy Old Men

18
Feb

Grumpy Old Men

Once again, I was the youngest person in the room.  My role was to serve cookies and coffee to the “grumpy old men.” A small group Billy Hornsby, my boss, is leading.

There were a few points that I really hope to never forget.

Billy’s Story

I have heard it so many times but every time I learn something new.

Today he said, “I knew that God would use me.”  He became an apprentice. For ten years he strived to live life honoring God.  He didn’t want to be anyone special. And he didn’t want to be on anyone’s band wagon.

Focus on Others

His hope was to live long enough to influence others.  I think he has more than accomplished that goal. Over 150 people have come to visit him in the last few weeks.  He has influence!

“You have the greatest joy when you live for others.” he told the Grumpy Old Men.  They all nodded in agreement.

Take Baby Steps

The other day he told Charlene, his wife, “We climbed a mountain. All we did was take baby steps our whole life and look at what God has done.”

“Little things, done deliberately at the right time, can make a big difference” -John Maxwell

Billy’s baby steps have led him to leading the church planting organization at which I am employed. I love hearing him talk about ARC.  “Leaders who are not super stars in their own eyes.”

How to Measures Wealth

How Billy measures wealth:

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Staff (often the same as above.)
  • Church

When I Die

The conversation often was thinking and talking about when “I” die…   It seems like people only think about that when they are old. Why?

“Here I am about to kick the bucket and I’m living the dream!” -Billy

At the end of the small group everyone gathered around Billy and prayed.

They came as Grumpy Old Men and left GRATEFUL!

Friday, February 18th, 2011 @ 3:00am
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Life
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As a mentor @BillyHornsby…

3
Feb

Helps you focus

While spending time & traveling with Billy, He would ask about my family.  “How is your dad/mom” he always asked.  The first few times it had been weeks since I spoke with my parents. My general response was, “they are ok .” I would have to guess because I didn’t know for sure.  “Never forget to call.”  He went on to explain how it is easy to get busy, especially when you are young.  But, “If you don’t stay close to them now you will regret it later on.”   As a mentor Billy makes sure I focus; not on work but on family.

Billy Hornsby Mentor

Helps you make your mark

The best mentors don’t tell you all the right answers instead they put you in the right environment.  You have to make your “mark” before you make your “mark.”  Using the example of Lee Iacocca, who made his “mark” with Ford Motor Company launching the Mustang, who then went on to make his “mark” as one of business history’s greatest comebacks as president at Chrysler Corporation. His success, coupled with appearances in television commercials and his best-selling book, made him one of the nation’s most known and admired businessmen.

Billy explained how Iacocca could have never been put in the position of president at Chrysler Corporation if he didn’t first launch the Mustang at Ford.  Mentors put you in position to make your mark.  I saved the picture from when Billy was explaining this to me. (Click above to see full.)

Adds value to others…

@kellencoldiron Just spent the best hour of my day with @billyhornsby. Said that time spent living for yourself is wasted. A great man.

@mattfry Landed in Birmingham. Looking forward to spending time with the “bishop” @billyhornsby So thankful for the impact he’s had on my life.

@markpettus “I don’t want anything from you, I want to add to you.” @billyhornsby

@joelhunter1 Just talked to friend and mentor @billyhornsby there is nobody on the planet I respect more! His faith, his family and his ministry!

@sean_clarke: “Believe in people and your life will be full” from @billyhornsby. Incredible leader! So blessed to know him & learn from him!

@Chris_Hodges: If you serve others, the work is always done. If you serve yourself, the work is never done. Words of wisdom from @billyhornsby

Those are a few traits that have made Billy Hornsby a great mentor.

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 @ 12:47pm
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Life
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Surprise Visit

2
Feb

Arc staff and Billy Hornsby

Billy dropped in to see us today. I feel so honored to have him in my life.  He always believes in me and speaks words of encouragement.

Here are a few quotes from Billy Hornsby’s visit:

  • Zeal with out wisdom is a disaster.
  • Always give people the benefit of the doubt
  • You don’t have to be perfect just dedicated.

It was great to have him…

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 @ 12:55pm
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Church Planting,Life
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1 Twitter Use for Pastors

5
Mar

Social Media Feedback Source

How Billy Hornsby uses twitter:

Social media gives him a chance to receive feedback almost instantly. It is especially helpful while traveling since he has to leave quickly after speaking or after long speaking engagements like church planter’s roundtables when he will have up to 8 sessions in one day.

After speaking he logs on to a popular social media site called, twitter, where he will check what people are telling their followers.

He finds quotes like this:
tweetmarkbattersontweetdavidpaynetweetmarcramero

“I can use twitter to find which examples are getting my point across. They tell me what they like,”  Billy says while we were walking through the Ronald Reagan International Airport.

Often pastors wonder what people are saying about the church when they leave.  Social media gives them a chance to

Quick Tip: Use social media as a tool. Don’t get consumed.

This hasn’t been a good thing for some church leaders as not all conversations are helpful. Unhappy church members start gossip or leave and use social media as an easy way to cut down the church. Some get bolder behind the keyboard saying things they never would face to face. Getting caught up in gossip is never helpful.

Click here to learn how to search twitter <– really helpful.  Learned a few things I didn’t know.

Like how to search emotions :)

*Sidenote: If you are Mark Batterson, everything you tweet gets retweeted (41 times the Friday i checked.) Thats right 41 RT’s in one day.

Friday, March 5th, 2010 @ 7:28am
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Life,Social Media
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Billy+ Flip Cam (London and Germany)= Funny ARC stuff on Youtube

10
Aug

Billy traveled to Europe (London & Germany) to talk about ARC Churches International.  While he was there he ask a few people about ARC.  see the videos below

This guy is passionate.


Revolutionary new thing in Britain!


ARC- Adams inspiration…

Monday, August 10th, 2009 @ 8:47am
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Church Planting,Travel,Video
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Book Review “Success for the Second in Command”

28
Apr

Tuesday Book Review 3/4

“guy_walkers_blog_second_command_bookIf You want something done right, get someone else to do it.” -Quoting the Author and my boss Billy Hornsby.  Billy is president of ARC, a network for church planters.  He loves the outdoors, blogging and traveling.

Billy gave me this book to read when I started with ARC.  It is a great book for pastors and leaders to give their 2nd level leaders.  If you are wondering what is a 2nd level leader, read about Joseph in Gen. 41.

For the new folks, I read books for the stories and if anyone can tell a story, it is Billy.  He has several good stories that teach the reader how to aquire the skills and be successful as the Second in Command.

I’m glad I read this book. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”

Just like the last few weeks, I want to give a copy of this book away. So the first person to comment on this post will get a free copy of this book in the mail from me.  Just click “comment” and type “Send me a copy.”  I need your address too! If you don’t want to make your address known you can email it to me planterguy (at) gmail (dot) com

Thanks for reading…

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 @ 8:01am
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Books
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