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Recent Articles

How to Lead with Calm in a World Full of Chaos

by Jon Plotner | September 23, 2024 | Main | 0 Comments

In a world full of noise and uncertainty, effective leaders know the power of staying calm. Leading with a non-anxious presence helps create stability, boosts team confidence, and drives better decision-making. Learn how to cultivate inner calm and lead your team through chaos with clarity and resilience.

Transforming Teams: Essential Culture Rebuilding Strategies

by Jon Plotner | September 11, 2024 | Main | 1 Comment

Taking over a new team is never easy, especially when the culture is in shambles. Whether it’s due to previous leadership, internal conflicts, or external pressures, repairing a broken culture requires intention, patience, and perseverance. Over the years, I’ve...

The Dynamic Duo: Why Your Church Needs Both a Website and an App

by Jon Plotner | May 13, 2024 | Main | 0 Comments

In the digital era, churches must utilize both websites and apps to effectively reach and engage their congregations. Websites act as a welcoming front door, providing new visitors with an overview and access to services and information. Apps, conversely, deepen engagement for established church members, offering tailored content and resources for community involvement and spiritual growth. Together, these platforms create a vital, integrated system for newcomers and returning visitors alike, supporting a seamless transition from curiosity to committed involvement.

Unpacking Accountability vs. Ownership: Fostering an Ownership Culture in Your Workplace

by Jon Plotner | April 6, 2024 | Main | 0 Comments

Taking insights from leaders like Scott Cochrane, it’s clear that real ownership in a business goes beyond accountability. Owners foster culture, spend wisely, and act unified as “us” not “them.” They’re proactive, driving results without waiting for direction. To cultivate ownership, leaders must grant authority, allowing teams to make decisions and truly invest in the company’s success.

The Ripple Effect of Contagious Positivity in Teams

by Jon Plotner | March 24, 2024 | Main | 0 Comments

Some people possess a remarkable ability to emanate contagious positivity, uplifting their environment even amidst adversity. These ‘positive energizers’ enhance team dynamics with virtues like kindness and gratitude. Conversely, ‘de-energizers’ drain energy and morale. Successful leaders cultivate positivity, recognizing its pervasive benefits across professional and personal spheres, improving well-being, relationships, and productivity. Harvard research underscores the transformative impact of these individuals on organizational culture and resilience, advocating for leaders to nurture such an environment for greater success and fulfillment.

Unlocking Success: Investing in Your Own Growth and Development

by Jon Plotner | March 5, 2024 | Main | 0 Comments

Yesterday, I received an interesting question from one of my leaders in a large team meeting. She asked, “How much do you spend each year for your own professional development?” I quickly had an amount in my mind but also knew that that number would likely terrify...

No More Shrinking from Success — Spread Your Wings and Fly

by Jon Plotner | December 31, 2022 | Main | 0 Comments

“There’s something I haven’t told you,” said the horse. “What’s that?,” said the boy? “I can fly, but I stopped because it made other horses jealous.” (The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse, C. Mackey) Hiding. We’ve all done it. Our reasons are vast, but the...

If You Can’t Be Honest, Are You Really Loyal?

by Jon Plotner | February 4, 2022 | Main | 0 Comments

Adam Grant said in a recent post, “In toxic relationships, you're forced to choose between honesty and loyalty. You bite your tongue to protect their ego. In healthy relationships, honesty is an expression of loyalty. You speak your mind to help them grow. When you...

What Meteorology, Fog, And The Kingdom Have In Common

by Jon Plotner | January 27, 2022 | Main | 1 Comment

Recently, I was speaking to a group of interns at our church when I found myself glancing out the window briefly. It was hard not to notice that a dense fog had descended over the Pacific Northwest. Being a meteorological nerd, I’m always aware of what is...

How To Guarantee Happy Teams And Create An Amazing Culture

by Jon Plotner | July 15, 2021 | Main | 0 Comments

If you haven’t already figured it out, leaders wear lot of hats. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine which hat we should be wearing and which is the most important in the moment. Due to several team transitions, I’ve spent a lot of time recently wearing the “hiring...

My Hatred for Mistakes and My Struggle to Love Them

by Jon Plotner | December 19, 2020 | Main | 0 Comments

I have a love / hate relationship with mistake making ... errors ... failures. I try to teach others that mistake making is the only way we truly learn. Yet, I still hate making mistakes. Worse yet, I hate to admit them. But I have tried to remind myself how important...

Following a Life of Generosity

by Jon Plotner | November 23, 2020 | Main | 1 Comment

Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday. While the rest of the family favored Christmas, he always loved Thanksgiving. One of those reasons was likely rooted in his profession as a farmer, and Thanksgiving was the natural culmination of his year-long efforts. Many...

Leadership & the Enneagram

by Jon Plotner | April 22, 2020 | Main | 0 Comments

ENNEAGRAM + LEADERSHIPAPRIL 24, 2020 • 12PM PDT How do you lead others well? Especially when they are not motivated the same as you? Join us as we dive into leading with the Enneagram. Register to join us and get the Zoom link HERE.

Work and Life Free of Lanes

by Jon Plotner | April 4, 2020 | Main | 3 Comments

Over the years I’ve heard the phrase “stay in your lane” a few times. The first time was as I first sitting in the driver’s seat of my dad’s truck as he was teaching me to drive. More recently, I’ve heard it said when I’ve taught my daughters to drive ... and in the...

Bravery in the Midst of Change

by Jon Plotner | December 31, 2019 | Main | 2 Comments

As I end 2019, I am reminded of my word for 2019 — “be brave.” Little did I know that I would need that word throughout the year .... little did I know that I would pack my family and move a little further west. Little did I know that a few steps of bravery would lead...

When you’re told “you suck” … with a smile

by Jon Plotner | November 8, 2019 | Main | 0 Comments

Working in the customer service industry is one of the most challenging and most rewarding experiences. While I’ve had a lot of different roles throughout my career — from education to pastoral ministry to software and technology — they’ve all had this thread of...

Life Update: We’re Moving!

by Jon Plotner | May 11, 2019 | Main | 6 Comments

Time for another LIFE UPDATE. If you’ve stayed up to date with the Plotner Happenings, you know that I quit my job at the end of 2018 not knowing quite what the future would look like. Yet, I was confident there was something promising ahead. I was totally surprised...

Punching Fear in the Face

by Jon Plotner | January 28, 2019 | Main | 8 Comments

I was walking into the building as fear gripped me like it often has. In that moment of panic, deep within my soul, I heard this phrase . . . “Be strong and courageous.” If you’ve read the Bible you might recognize that as as scripture from the book of Joshua, Chapter...

Are You a Leader Others Will Follow?

by Jon Plotner | December 23, 2018 | Main | 0 Comments

“Our ability to be daring leaders will never be greater than our capacity for vulnerability.”Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Vulnerability … that feeling of being exposed; none of us really like it. Without vulnerability, we hold back. We protect parts of ourselves so that...

The One Thing I Hate to Admit

by Jon Plotner | September 18, 2018 | Main | 0 Comments

It happened about ten seconds after it came out of my mouth. I wish I could have grabbed the words that I had spoken and return them from whence they came. But it was too late. In front of a group of my peers I admitted, "I feel stuck." I've been leading in some...

Take a Moment and Smell the Coffee

by Jon Plotner | June 16, 2017 | Main | 1 Comment

While heading back to the office after lunch this week, I dialed Mom as I often do while driving. Sunday is Father’s Day, and I could tell that she was having a hard day thinking about another year without him. It’s been 8 years since Dad was with us. In some ways it...

Our First Ever Commercial!

by Jon Plotner | April 8, 2017 | Main | 3 Comments

Our adoption story has recently been featured as a Chick-fil-a commercial that is getting airtime as we speak. Take a look! https://youtu.be/AhK-TbISZuQ

Ten Reasons I Love My Church

by Jon Plotner | January 15, 2017 | Main | 0 Comments

This month my family and I are celebrating five years since we made the decision to leave our Indiana home and relocate to Colorado Springs. On our first Sunday here in June 2012, we attended New Life Church and have been here ever since. At that time, we had no idea...

If I Were to Assign a New Year’s Resolution

by Jon Plotner | January 3, 2017 | Main | 0 Comments

It's that time of year when New Year's resolutions are made. It's also the time of year when those same resolutions are already being broken. One of the pastors at our church made this statement on Sunday. "What if your spouse or your pastor made your New Year's...

Big Givers 2016

by Jon Plotner | November 28, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

My family and I are excited to be a part of a wonderful event this holiday season. Help a family in need by sponsoring them, shopping for their Christmas gifts, and then delivering them to their home — all in the matter of one afternoon. Watch this video and visit...

A Few Thoughts about “Anti-Social” Media

by Jon Plotner | November 10, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

If you've been on social media for more than five minutes, you know that it can be hotbed for lively discussion. Particularly in the last few weeks it seems that conversations have become more heated. More volatile. More opinionated. More political. More personal....

When It Just Doesn’t Go Your Way

by Jon Plotner | November 4, 2016 | Main | 1 Comment

Let's face it. We've all had days where things didn't go quite like we expected. We had a plan and that plan was in motion. Suddenly everything gets changed. I had a week like that recently. Things were moving along when suddenly the brakes got applied by someone else...

Flawed and Imperfect . . . but Beautiful

by Jon Plotner | August 21, 2016 | Main | 1 Comment

As summer was coming to an end, I realized that it was time for a short trip away before Charlene and the girls headed back to school. I kept postponing the planning but finally began searching for a close vacation spot that didn’t break the bank. After a few back and...

What Happens When You’re Finally Alone?

by Jon Plotner | July 13, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

This week has been like any normal week. Today was like any other normal day — a day filled with meetings, projects, and emails. Until I got home. I walked into an empty, quiet house. Even the dog seemed to recognize that something was "off." My wife left for a...

Better Together: A Reflection After a Week at Kids Camp

by Jon Plotner | July 3, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

We just finished a week of New Life's Kids Camp. It's that week-long crazy madness with kids of all ages, all kinds of activities, and sleep deprivation. As a short-term former children's pastor, I remember these weeks well. Weeks of planning finally all pays off as...

Setting Priorities in the Midst of Chaos

by Jon Plotner | March 14, 2016 | Main | 1 Comment

Life is busy, and we’re all trying to juggle work, family, finances, etc. We hear a lot about setting goals, being productive, and prioritizing work. It can get really complicated. So yesterday I felt compelled to break it down and simplify the whole process. So here...

Ski Slopes, Snow Days, and Facing Fear

by Jon Plotner | March 11, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

This week my family took a “snow day.” It wasn’t because the weather was bad, and we couldn’t get out the driveway. My niece was visiting from Indiana over her college spring break. So what does every midwesterner do when they visit Colorado in the winter? They go...

Leaders Should Make You Feel Safe

by Jon Plotner | January 8, 2016 | Main | 0 Comments

Christmas Letter 2015

by Jon Plotner | December 25, 2015 | Main | 2 Comments

It's been awhile since we've sent a family Christmas letter, but this year has been filled with so many changes that we thought we should update all of you on the latest on the Plotner's in Colorado. After almost three years working at Church Community Builder, I left...

The Game Changer in Creating Community

by Jon Plotner | April 17, 2015 | Main | 0 Comments

Community. It’s a buzz word in the church world these days. Leaders are doing everything within their power to create it. Whether it’s a small group strategy or guest follow-up, as church leaders, we are attempting to do a better job in order to make a safe place for...

The Power of a Great Question

by Jon Plotner | December 31, 2014 | Main | 2 Comments

My youngest daughter is the master of asking questions. I often find that she uses it to make conversation when she doesn’t know what else to talk about. At times, it can become annoying; however, at other times, it can be a great way for us to share our stories. She...

What Can the Church Leader Learn from Apple?

by Jon Plotner | December 4, 2014 | Main | 1 Comment

Last week, I made my latest visit to our local Apple Store here in Colorado Springs. I wasn’t there to look at the newest iPads or the oversized iPhone 6 Plus. I was there to visit a Genius. You know — those guys that are really smart and can use language that make...

Every Meeting Ever

by Jon Plotner | November 5, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

If you've been in meetings over the years, you've probably seen all of these things happen at one time or another! Enjoy this video by Tripp & Tyler.

How Millennial Are You?

by Jon Plotner | October 16, 2014 | Main | 2 Comments

If you're like me, you hear a lot about millennials these days. You hear that they are different. That they have tattoos. That they have stopped going to church. And the list goes on. However, often times when we hear things like this, we judge rather than attempt to...

Let’s Take a Journey — Are You Ready?

by Jon Plotner | September 12, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

Some of you have wondered over the last two years, "What does he do anyway?" This video, in general, pretty much summarizes it.

Are you chasing that . . . SQUIRREL!

by Jon Plotner | August 29, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

You probably can recite the scene if you’ve watched the movie, UP. It’s a classic scene where the dog is easily distracted by none other than . . . a squirrel. If you’re like me, you can be fully engaged in a conversation when someone says, “squirrel!” We all know...

Thirty-Some Years Later

by Jon Plotner | August 18, 2014 | Main | 3 Comments

I was up early that day. Putting on my new clothes while smelling the aroma of a home-cooked breakfast was part of that ritual. On this particular day in late August, my mom was up early making her usual spread of morning goodness which typically and always included...

Are You Too Busy?

by Jon Plotner | July 30, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

If you’re like my wife and I, there are events on your family calendar to which you have committed. It includes date nights, birthday parties, weddings, etc. Personally, while I see the value of these planned events, I appreciate a calendar that isn’t overwhelmingly...

Did that Worship Leader Really Say “LECHOR?”

by Jon Plotner | February 23, 2014 | Main | 1 Comment

Just last week I received a post on my Facebook timeline for someone that I spent many years with leading worship together. She said: Hi! Thinking about you this morning. I work at a place where we have chapel once a week. I think of you most weeks when we get to the...

What I Did for Myself in 2014

by Jon Plotner | February 14, 2014 | Main | 8 Comments

It was my gift to myself for the new year. I'd been wanting it for a long time. I'd talked about it with my closest friends for over a year. But I failed to take the leap, spend the money, and just do it. But when Christmas came and went and 2014 arrived without this...

Just When You Thought You Weren’t a Leader

by Jon Plotner | February 14, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

Enjoy this short video that we watched recently at our Church Community Builder staff lunch.

A Conference Call

by Jon Plotner | January 26, 2014 | Main | 0 Comments

Everyday I'm in a conference call with the churches I coach. It's not surprising that this video is all too familiar.

Let Them Do It Wrong

by Jon Plotner | February 25, 2013 | Main | 0 Comments

I just sat down in the chair with my MacBook on my lap to do my nightly installment of homework. I'm nearly finished with a two-year process of earning my master's degree so this is my typical evening agenda. However, I sometimes get a slow start as I'll begin by...

Maybe It’s Time to Layoff a Few Circus Jugglers

by Jon Plotner | February 16, 2013 | Main | 4 Comments

I am confronted with this issue every single day of my life. I have been for quite a while but this one seems to get bigger rather than smaller. Here's my observation — we're all busy; too busy. American is filled with more to do. We have endless entertainment...

My Character is More Important than my Capability

by Jon Plotner | February 8, 2013 | Main | 3 Comments

Tonight I was reading an article that I marked on my reading list several months ago. It was basically a summary of how Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs, and the majority of those reasons are based upon dissatisfaction with their boss. Upon my initially...

I’m a Good Kid — Really I Am

by Jon Plotner | January 24, 2013 | Main | 3 Comments

Well, this blog has been awhile in the making. I've thought about sitting down and writing this so many times but didn't quite know what to say or how to say it. Many of you know that a little over a year ago God began to stir something in our hearts to move to...

Leading is Letting Go

by Jon Plotner | December 22, 2012 | Main | 0 Comments

Serving in a local church for many years, I was always looking for ways to be a better leader. I was constantly in search of secret clues to uncover the mystery of what makes for a good leader. Now serving in a broader role as coach for churches, I am still looking...

We Already Do That

by Jon Plotner | October 3, 2012 | Main | 1 Comment

I've heard it what seems like a hundred times — "we already do that." In an age of leadership information overload, there is no lack of information on leadership. Simply subscribe to a dozen 'leadership gurus,' and your Twitter feed will be filled with today's list of...

Really . . . I’m Out of Control

by Jon Plotner | April 28, 2012 | Main | 1 Comment

I've often thought about it and wondered . . . what really is faith? I hear it used in so many different ways in today's culture. Yet, the Bible is pretty clear about what it is . . . it's the "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see"...

It Just Doesn’t Come Knocking on Your Door

by Jon Plotner | April 5, 2012 | Main | 0 Comments

Today I was meeting with one of students that I am teaching at Living Stones in our School of Worship Arts. This young lady is growing into becoming an amazing songwriter and worship leader. As we sat down again to discuss where this session will lead us, we...

Changing Seasons (repost)

by Jon Plotner | March 11, 2012 | Main | 0 Comments

Earlier today I happened to read a post that I wrote on this blog over a year a half ago. As I read it again, I am a bit freaked out that I actually wrote this. So much has happened since that time (including an actual trip to Maui that I referenced in the post). AND,...

Out of The Big Box

by Jon Plotner | March 8, 2012 | Main | 3 Comments

I haven't always been a Starbuck's fan but in the last year or so have grown more accustomed to hanging out there and having an occasional meeting there. It's only two blocks down the street from the church so it's a convenient alternative location to meet with people...

Are You Kidding Me?

by Jon Plotner | January 19, 2012 | Main | 4 Comments

“The ultimate reason God assigned me to any position was because he could best use that position, at that time, to accomplish his purpose of shaping me into the image of Jesus.” - Jeff Iog When I first read this, I must admit that I was a bit shellshocked. I sat there...

The Leadership Laboratory

by Jon Plotner | January 17, 2012 | Main | 2 Comments

Our leadership lifeGROUP at Living Stones recently began a new series based on a book by Jeff Iog titled The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders. I'll be sharing some of my thoughts in the coming weeks based on our series. “In my...

Crafting a Song

by Jon Plotner | January 13, 2012 | Main | 0 Comments

As I spent some time earlier today writing a song it reminded me of my youngest daughter, Samara. Samara, as my mom refers to her, is "the crafting queen." She is into anything visually artistic. One of her favorite things to do is to take ordinary, everyday things...

Stop the Madness

by Jon Plotner | December 9, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

This last week has been one of the busiest for me in a while. I've had something happening each night of the week. I try really hard to make sure this doesn't happen, but this last week I did it to myself and overcommitted myself in a couple of areas and wound up with...

It All Starts with Us

by Jon Plotner | December 2, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

Corporate culture doesn't just happen. Ultimately, someone is responsible for the cultural climate of the organization. Take Chick-fil-A, for example. There is a specific culture found within any Chick-fil-A restaurant you walk into. Who is responsible for this...

New Worship Projects to GET!!

by Jon Plotner | November 30, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

There are a couple of new worship projects that have come out in the last couple of weeks that I would highly recommend. From Elevation Worship, For the Honor. Download it here. And Jesus Culture's, Awakening. Download it here.

New Song Suggestions

by Jon Plotner | August 20, 2011 | Main | 1 Comment

I just made a quick post to Facebook and Twitter this morning that said the following: "Hey Worshiping Friends . . . what's a new worship song that you have secretly been keeping from me that you would like us to sing at Living Stones Church. Add your suggestions to...

The Sam May Documentary

by Jon Plotner | August 9, 2011 | Main | 1 Comment

Amazing story from a former Lake Station Edison student. It's well worth watching! The Sam May Documentary from The Net Church on Vimeo.

To Defend or Not to Defend

by Jon Plotner | July 31, 2011 | Main | 1 Comment

Matthew 27:12-14 (NLTSE) [12] But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. [13] “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. [14] But Jesus made no response to any of the...

New Music and Worship Teams

by Jon Plotner | May 29, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

My most recent blogs have been pretty general in nature, but this one is going to be a little more focused on my worship leading friends. Today's blog post is the result of the ongoing question about introducing new music to your congregation. Most of this I've...

Forward is Sometimes Back

by Jon Plotner | May 26, 2011 | Main | 4 Comments

We just learned a small lesson at the office today. My friend, worship leader, and office assistant, Joey, was working on our computer to get it prepped for our Sunday service. We've been having an issue with the PowerPoint files not looping for our announcements. Now...

Creativity – It’s Not All About What You Do

by Jon Plotner | May 21, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

I've being thinking about this a lot lately - creativity. That one word alone would take centuries to unlock because our lives are a mirror of the Creator. When we think and speak about being creative, we generally think about what we should do. However, this week I...

Closing the Gap

by Jon Plotner | March 29, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

Recently I gathered a group of worship leaders from Living Stones together on a Friday evening. My purpose in doing so was simple. I wanted our hearts to be united together and focus on what God has called us to do which is to lead others in worship. I've often said...

Selah @ Clark’s Got Talent

by Jon Plotner | March 5, 2011 | Main | 3 Comments

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hemIBbJPy5Q

Are You Being Followed?

by Jon Plotner | March 1, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

Last week some of the guys from my lifegroup went to Chicago to celebrate one of our members' birthday. The birthday boy picked The Cheesecake Factory in the Hancock Building to celebrate his big day. After a couple of hours of great food, fun conversation, and, of...

Assignment: Don’t Write About God, but Write About God

by Jon Plotner | February 10, 2011 | Main | 1 Comment

Here at the beginning of 2011, one of the things that I have felt compelled to do is to continue pouring into young, emerging artists and worship leaders. To that end, I have picked up three very talented young ladies (one of them being my daughter) who I am...

Red Light, Green Light

by Jon Plotner | January 28, 2011 | Main | 5 Comments

I recently posted a statement on Facebook and Twitter that read: “God is permission granting not permission withholding. Everything in life is a green light until the light turns red.” As a result of that statement, a few comments and quite a bit of discussion ensued....

Top Worship CD Picks, Part 3 of 3

by Jon Plotner | January 28, 2011 | Main | 2 Comments

Here is my final installment of my favorites worship CDs. Although I have lots of other that I love and listen to, these represent those that I enjoy most and actually pick music from to do at Living Stones. The first is one that I must include because I'm very proud...

Top Worship CD Picks, Part 2 of 3

by Jon Plotner | January 17, 2011 | Main | 0 Comments

This next installment of my favorite worship CDs are all by one of my favorite artists, Jesus Culture. Although I really do love all of them, I have put them in order of my favorites. JESUS CULTURE: Consumed JESUS CULTURE: Your Love Never Fails JESUS CULTURE: We Cry...

Top Worship CD Picks, Part 1 of 3

by Jon Plotner | January 15, 2011 | Main | 1 Comment

I always have people asking me about worship CDs and which ones I would recommend. This week I sat down and made a short list of a few of my recent favorites. So here goes. You'll find links to iTunes to purchase those CDs if you're interested. PASSION: Awakening...

Selah & the family on ABC7 News

by Jon Plotner | December 11, 2010 | Main | 2 Comments

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWF8QwVgelw

Another Random Act of Worship

by Jon Plotner | December 1, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Very inspiring once again . . . httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

Random Act of Worship

by Jon Plotner | November 13, 2010 | Main | 2 Comments

They are calling this a "Random Act of Culture." I call it a "Random Act of Worship!" Our Lord God Omnipotent is being glorified in Macy's! httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU

Changing Seasons

by Jon Plotner | November 12, 2010 | Main | 5 Comments

This morning I woke up to another dramatic change in the seasons. The calendar says it is November 12, yet the last few days have felt more like the middle of May. This morning, with the sun peering through the shades of our bedroom window, fog was lingering over the...

Sevenglory in Dyer, IN

by Jon Plotner | November 7, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

For those of you who have been asking, Sevenglory and John Staub, Gabe Johannes, an Caleb Johannes will be performing at Village Church in Dyer, IN on Sunday evening, November 21 at 7 PM. Here is the link to purchase tickets from iTickets.

Questions About Worship, Part 3

by Jon Plotner | September 28, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

5. Please describe your theology/philosophy of worship. My theology of worship has grown and developed over the years to the point that I believe that all my life is an expression of worship. I believe that we were created to worship, and everyone worships someone or...

Questions About Worship, Part 2

by Jon Plotner | September 27, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

3. Describe a healthy relationship between a senior pastor and worship leader. I think the biggest key to a healthy relationship between a senior pastor and worship leader is a strong sense of trust. I must say that my current situation with my pastor is amazing. I...

Questions About Worship, Part 1

by Jon Plotner | September 25, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Recently, I was asked some questions about worship, worship leading, ministry in the Church, etc. I spent some time answering those questions and thought that I would share my answers with you in the blogosphere. If you have any questions or comments throughout the...

Your Everyday Life

by Jon Plotner | September 24, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

Romans 12:1 (MSG) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for...

The Direction . . .

by Jon Plotner | September 21, 2010 | Main | 8 Comments

Today as I was reading, I read Proverbs 3:1-12. The verse that really jumped out at me was the following: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLTSE) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which...

Doing What You’re Called to Do

by Jon Plotner | August 26, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Many of you may know that at Living Stones Church, our Worship Arts department has a ministry known the School of Worship Arts (SOWA). The goal of SOWA is train up worshipers and worship leaders. We've been doing this for several years now and have seen some...

Christians in the Arts

by Jon Plotner | August 20, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

Artists that are Christians have a tough road ahead of them. They are misunderstood by the world because of their faith, and they are misunderstood by the church because of their art. Unfortunately, much of the Church, because of religion, has required artists to make...

Do You Have a Nathan?

by Jon Plotner | August 1, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

Tonight in our lifeGROUP lesson we read about Nathan, a prophet, sent to speak to David regarding his fallen state and his sin. The Lord sent Nathan speak correction to David. As we talked, I realized that every one of us is in need of those in our lives who will...

LIVE! Album Available on Amazon and iTunes

by Jon Plotner | July 30, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

You can download our newest album, Living Stones Worship LIVE! on iTunes and Amazon.com. If you want a physical copy with all the cool album art with pictures from the night of recording, you can buy it from CD Baby. AND if you need chord charts, go on over to...

Ordinary but Recognized

by Jon Plotner | June 22, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Acts 4:13 (NLTse) — The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. As I was...

Happy Father’s Day Cards

by Jon Plotner | June 20, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Every Father's Day is filled with cards of various kinds. Last night I got my usual three — one from Charlene and one each from Selah & Samara which are the best little girls (not so little anymore) in the entire world including all of China! Anyway, this morning...

Living in God’s House

by Jon Plotner | June 19, 2010 | Main | 1 Comment

Psalm 84:4 — What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Often when we read this verse, we can get the impression that this it is in reference to those you have the luxury of constantly living in God's presence singing and worshiping....

Worship — A Musical Style?

by Jon Plotner | June 17, 2010 | Main | 4 Comments

Tonight while driving with the family and listening to some good mainstream, Christian contemporary Christian music, I had a thought. I came to a realization while listening to the songs, music, and lyrics from the band, Sevenglory, on their CD Atmosphere. In the...

Tonight’s the Night

by Jon Plotner | May 7, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

Living Stones LIVE Recording!

by Jon Plotner | April 25, 2010 | Main | 0 Comments

From Victory not For Victory

by Jon Plotner | March 13, 2010 | Main | 3 Comments

This month at our Living Stones College, I've been teaching a course on Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance. Although I've taught this course previously, I was really excited to teach this class again. Over the last several months, God has really been teaching me so...

Revival – Easier to Bring, Harder to Sustain

by Jon Plotner | December 29, 2009 | Main | 2 Comments

Our entire family (including my mom and sister's family) is enjoying the holidays in sunny Florida for the first time ever. While all of our friends back in Indiana are experiencing snow and cold, we've been enjoying warm, sunny days by the heated pool. Like any other...

The Turning Point

by Jon Plotner | August 1, 2009 | Main | 2 Comments

“Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own.” — Romans 4:3 (MSG) I wrote this scripture down a few weeks ago when I was reading Romans from the Message...

Worship is a Response

by Jon Plotner | July 27, 2009 | Main | 2 Comments

So many times when we consider the word "worship" in the context of most contemporary churches, music is at the forefront of our minds. However, are they one in the same? When teaching about worship, I many times use the analogy I heard some time ago from a seasoned...

Preparing Yourself for Worship

by Jon Plotner | July 25, 2009 | Main | 2 Comments

As I was reading earlier in the week, I began to ponder the following question: "What am I doing to prepare myself for worship?" Some may look at that question and respond in dumbfounded bewilderment. Those with that response seem to think that corporate worship isn't...

This Aggressive Forgiveness

by Jon Plotner | July 18, 2009 | Main | 3 Comments

I just finished reading Romans 5. This particular verse really jumped out at me: Romans 5:20 (MSG) - But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. I love the way the Message Bible reads sometimes. Grace here...

Representative Randy Forbes

by Jon Plotner | July 7, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

I love men like this - a true statesman and not a politician! 🙂

Worship at the Beach

by Jon Plotner | July 2, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

I had to get away with my guitar today for a little worship at the beach. 🙂

Flying to China this Morning

by Jon Plotner | June 23, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

Thanks to technology I'm writing a short update on the bus ride to the airport this morning. We left Ulanbataar on Monday and arrived in Seoul, Korea, early Tuesday morning. Without much sleep, we spent the day shopping, sightseeing in the city, and then visiting...

Sunday in Darhan, Mongolia

by Jon Plotner | June 20, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

It's Sunday morning in Mongolia, and I'm sitting here in the church that we have been ministering in for the last few days. Our hearts have been so connected with them. I'll give a few family updates. First of all, Charlene has been assisting our children's ministry...

Thursday Update

by Jon Plotner | June 17, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

Hello from Darkhan, Mongolia. We're having a wonderful time here. The family is doing great! The girls have adapted so easily it really is amazing. They are naturals. One of my favorite moments yesterday was Selah teaching a 20-year Mongolian how to play certain parts...

Pictures from the Countryside

by Jon Plotner | June 17, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

Here are a few pictures from our trip on Monday to the countryside.

Short Update

by Jon Plotner | June 15, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

Hello from Darkhan, Mongolia. We are having an incredible time. Yesterday, we went to the countryside and rode camels and horses and chased sheep. Yes, chased sheep. I tried to catch one — but that's an entire story for another post. There's even video to prove it!...

Arrived in South Korea

by Jon Plotner | June 13, 2009 | Main | 2 Comments

We have arrived at our first destination of South Korea. We have about a four-hour layover here in the airport and then another four-hour plane ride to Ulanbataar, Mongolia. By that time we arrive there, we'll have been up for nearly 32 hours. We'll spend the night in...

Here We Go . . .

by Jon Plotner | June 12, 2009 | Main | 1 Comment

In the matter of a few hours, we'll be in the air circling the globe to the other side of the world. South Korea, Mongolia, and China are our destination. 35 other members of our church will join as we travel to Mongolia to train their worship team, do a construction...

The Trail of Our Time Leads to a Throne

by Jon Plotner | April 6, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

My heart has been awakened in the last day to something that has become revelation. Revelation is “a surprising and previously unknown fact, esp. one that is made known in a dramatic way.” If that’s not the truth — a previously unknown fact that has been made known in...

An Alive God

by Jon Plotner | April 3, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

As a child growing up, I can remember many Easter mornings. Yet, I can’t recall many of the Easter sermons. However, there is one Sunday in particular that I can distinctly remember to this day. My hometown pastor began sharing about various religions and their gods....

More Florida Photos

by Jon Plotner | April 3, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

A few thoughts on a sometimes ugly word

by Jon Plotner | March 30, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

While I was away in Florida, I woke up in the middle of the night half awake and half asleep one night. I’ve experienced times like this in the past. I had to wonder, “Am I dreaming or am I awake.” Whatever state I was in, it’s odd because when I awoke, I heard...

Recording in Progress!

by Jon Plotner | March 30, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

As I’m writing this, in the room next to me, history is being made. We’re at the next stage of recording our first ever Living Stones worship project. Rich Downing is in my office which has now become a temporary recording studio and just finished recording Great Big...

Disney World

by Jon Plotner | March 25, 2009 | Main | 0 Comments

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

SOWA Video 2009

by Jon Plotner | January 3, 2009 | Main | 3 Comments

I just finished our SOWA Promo video for our next session. Take a look . . .

Worship Team Christmas Party 2008

by Jon Plotner | December 15, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

Are You Living Your Dream?

by Jon Plotner | November 9, 2008 | Main | 3 Comments

I just finished reading an interesting blog post from Tony Morgan. In this post he talks about New Spring Church's lead pastor, Perry Noble, and a recent staff meeting. At the staff meeting, he challenged his staff with this: "If this isn't your dream job, resign...

Another worship team member expose

by Jon Plotner | October 8, 2008 | Main | 3 Comments

Recognize this one??

Recognize this worship team member??

by Jon Plotner | October 8, 2008 | Main | 1 Comment

Any clues who the masked man is??

SOWA Starts NOW!

by Jon Plotner | October 6, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

I am sitting here at home in my office tonight catching up on a few things, and my mind is racing! I haven't been this excited in a long time. This week starts another term of SOWA - the Living Stones School of Worship Arts. I'm particularly excited about this...

The Shack or NOT the Shack, that is the question

by Jon Plotner | August 27, 2008 | Main | 2 Comments

I have talked to various people as to whether or not they like the best selling book, THE SHACK. I'm not sure and wonder what some of the rest of you think. I'm not into "bashing the author" so don't leave comments with that tenor or I'll...

Vacations and Convertibles

by Jon Plotner | July 25, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

The View

by Jon Plotner | July 25, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

Sitting by the pool enjoying the ocean view.

looking good!!

by Jon Plotner | July 18, 2008 | Main | 2 Comments

Ridiculously Random Thoughts

by Jon Plotner | April 20, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

It's Sunday night and lots of thoughts . . . . What about that earthquake on Friday??? Selah had a dream about an earthquake the same night that it happened. Is my kid prophetic?? This weather is incredible. If I could move somewhere where this is as cold as...

Worship As a Lifestyle

by Jon Plotner | April 8, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

It's Sunday night and lots of thoughts . . . . What about that earthquake on Friday??? Selah had a dream about an earthquake the same night that it happened. Is my kid prophetic?? This weather is incredible. If I could move somewhere where this is as cold as...

KHOP Video

by Jon Plotner | March 26, 2008 | Main | 0 Comments

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My Daughter on Drums

by Jon Plotner | October 10, 2007 | Main | 0 Comments

My oldest daughter, Selah is taking drums from Mr. Josh in our Living Stones School of Worship Arts. She came home from drums Thursday night and showed me the following she had written on paper. This wasn't part of her assignment for her class and wasn't provoked or...

It’s Been Awhile

by Jon Plotner | September 21, 2007 | Main | 0 Comments

Well, it has been awhile since I've sat down and written an actual post. Quite frankly, it's not that there's nothing to write about. The exact opposite is the case - there is SO MUCH to write about. And then at the end of the day there is so much running through my...

Is the MUSIC too loud?

by Jon Plotner | August 23, 2007 | Main | 0 Comments

I regularly read Perry Noble's blog. He's a pastor or a booming church, NewSpring, in South Carolina. I love his honesty and real down-to-earth feel. Well, I could so relate to yesterday's blog post and loved it! Loved it, loved it! I'm passing it along to all of you...

Jesus Said “It’s Time to Dance”

by Jon Plotner | June 29, 2007 | Main | 1 Comment

This is an incredible word for us at Living Stones at such an incredible season! The writer of this article, Julie Meyer, is an incredible worship leader. I have been to Kansas City and have heard her lead worship and have ALWAYS loved her spirit. She writes the...

Missions Sunday

by Jon Plotner | June 28, 2007 | Main | 0 Comments

We often send off short-term missionaries with a special Sunday of missions-related worship songs along with themed dress - here are a few of the photos from June 17 when we sent our Asia team off.

Words by Bishop Boone

by Jon Plotner | June 15, 2007 | Main | 0 Comments

When Bishop Wellington Boone was here in early May, he had a few things to say about our worship at Living Stones and about the move of God in general that is taking place. Take a listen.[audio:http://pastorjon.com/audio/bishop.may.07.mp3]

My Hatred for Mistakes and My Struggle to Love Them

My Hatred for Mistakes and My Struggle to Love Them

Dec 19, 2020

I have a love / hate relationship with mistake making ... errors ... failures. I try to teach others that mistake making is the only way we truly learn. Yet, I still hate making mistakes. Worse yet, I hate to admit them. But I have tried to remind myself how important...

Following a Life of Generosity

Following a Life of Generosity

Nov 23, 2020

Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday. While the rest of the family favored Christmas, he always loved Thanksgiving. One of those reasons was likely rooted in his profession as a farmer, and Thanksgiving was the natural culmination of his year-long efforts. Many...

Leadership & the Enneagram

Apr 22, 2020

ENNEAGRAM + LEADERSHIPAPRIL 24, 2020 • 12PM PDT How do you lead others well? Especially when they are not motivated the same as you? Join us as we dive into leading with the Enneagram. Register to join us and get the Zoom link HERE.

Work and Life Free of Lanes

Work and Life Free of Lanes

Apr 4, 2020

Over the years I’ve heard the phrase “stay in your lane” a few times. The first time was as I first sitting in the driver’s seat of my dad’s truck as he was teaching me to drive. More recently, I’ve heard it said when I’ve taught my daughters to drive ... and in the...

Bravery in the Midst of Change

Bravery in the Midst of Change

Dec 31, 2019

As I end 2019, I am reminded of my word for 2019 — “be brave.” Little did I know that I would need that word throughout the year .... little did I know that I would pack my family and move a little further west. Little did I know that a few steps of bravery would lead...

When you’re told “you suck” … with a smile

When you’re told “you suck” … with a smile

Nov 8, 2019

Working in the customer service industry is one of the most challenging and most rewarding experiences. While I’ve had a lot of different roles throughout my career — from education to pastoral ministry to software and technology — they’ve all had this thread of...

Life Update: We’re Moving!

Life Update: We’re Moving!

May 11, 2019

Time for another LIFE UPDATE. If you’ve stayed up to date with the Plotner Happenings, you know that I quit my job at the end of 2018 not knowing quite what the future would look like. Yet, I was confident there was something promising ahead. I was totally surprised...

Punching Fear in the Face

Jan 28, 2019

I was walking into the building as fear gripped me like it often has. In that moment of panic, deep within my soul, I heard this phrase . . . “Be strong and courageous.” If you’ve read the Bible you might recognize that as as scripture from the book of Joshua, Chapter...

Are You a Leader Others Will Follow?

Dec 23, 2018

“Our ability to be daring leaders will never be greater than our capacity for vulnerability.”Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Vulnerability … that feeling of being exposed; none of us really like it. Without vulnerability, we hold back. We protect parts of ourselves so that...

The One Thing I Hate to Admit

Sep 18, 2018

It happened about ten seconds after it came out of my mouth. I wish I could have grabbed the words that I had spoken and return them from whence they came. But it was too late. In front of a group of my peers I admitted, "I feel stuck." I've been leading in some...

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