Yesterday was a good day.
First, Simplify The Message; Multiply The Impact had its official release.
Second, I was able to celebrate that release by leading a Simplify The Message Workshop in Asheboro, North Carolina, for thirty-one United Methodist pastors eager to hone their skills.
The event was the brainchild of John Franklin Howard, long-time preacher friend and the senior pastor of Central UMC of Asheboro. JF was able to arrange for his District — what we call the Uwharrie District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church! — to sponsor and promote the event.
For a small fee, each of the participants received a copy of Simplify The Message as well as a catered lunch following the workshop.
The workshop itself focus on the unique power of one point sermons and as part of the presentation I shared different types of bottom lines: declarative, imperative, and inquisitive.
We also spent time talking about how to “smith” words rather than simply “using” them, and dove deep into syllable symmetry, alliteration, and the power of prepositions. The work was both detailed and exhilarating.
I drove up to Asheboro (about two hours from Charlotte) on Monday night and stayed in an area hotel. Now: almost every night, I fall asleep while reading. I take my contact lenses out, climb into bed, put a book up against my nose and read until I drift off. My most recent “bedtime” reading has been Team Of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
However, I forgot to bring that book on my trip! What would I do? How could I fall asleep?
Well, I had a few extra copies of Simplify The Message lying around, so I read it when I climbed into bed. And fell asleep.
Yes. I fell asleep reading my own book.
Simplify The Message; Narcolepse The Author.