Echo Conference and Pictures of Watermark

A few of the guys in my Community Group work at Igniter Media Group & Worshiphouse Media. They are helping to host the upcoming Echo Conference. Echo will encompass all things media - visual, web, music, technology - and hopes to resound the truth of Christ through the power of media and technology. It should be cool and very necessary for many...so check it out.

On a side note, Echo will be held at Watermark in Dallas and their echo blog has some cool images of our church. Here are my favorites:


Outside Worship Center / Baptismal


Worship Center Lobby


Worship Center (Seats 2,200)


"The Deck" Lobby (Student Ministry)
I'm pretty pumped about this space. I'm very proud to say that I was a part of the design process from conception to completion. We still have one round table we're waiting to be delivered!


"The Deck" Assembly Room (Student Ministry - Seats 300)

That's What Christmas Is All About Charlie Brown

Tired of hearing "Happy Holidays" or "Holiday Shopping" every time you turn on the television? Wouldn't it be refreshing to hear the words "Merry Christmas" on the TV? Or better yet, when is the last time you heard the gospel presented during primetime network programming? I present to you A Charlie Brown Christmas. Watch. Get Chills. Smile. Merry Christmas!

Chuck Norris Goes to Our Church!

Okay, so maybe I'm the millionth person to blog this Mike Huckabee/Chuck Norris (Huckachuck) Youtube ad...but I bet I'm the first blogger who has seen Chuck Norris walk down the halls of his church with kids in tow. Word.





Speak Out Reader:
Is there anyone at your church with more clout than Chuck Norris?
Didn't think so.

Top 10 Songs of the 90s (Rico Suave Not Included)

Sitting around the house over Christmas break, you no doubt noticed that VH1 has compiled their "100 Greatest songs of the 90s" list (See the Comments of this post for their complete list). I grew up in the 90s so I was interested and obviously had my own opinion. Gerardo's "Rico Suave" made their list...It wouldn't make mine. I now submit to you "David Penuel's Top 10 Songs From the 90s".

Click any song title to find in iTunes.

1. Hanson - MMMBop
2. Boys II Men - End of the Road
3. Spin Doctors - Two Princes
4. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations
5. Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
6. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories - Stay
7. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
8. Green Day - Basket Case
9. Kris Kross - Jump
10. Alanis Morissette - Head Over Feet

* Bonus: Guns N Roses - November Rain

I also listened to tons of Christian music in the 90s so I think couldn't help but tag on "David Penuel's Top 10 CCM Songs from the 90s".

1. Steven Curtis Chapman - The Great Adventure
2. DC Talk - Jesus Freak
3. Newsboys - Shine
4. Audio Adrenaline - Big House
5. Jars of Clay - Love Song For a Savior
6. Caedmon's Call - My Calm // Your Storm
7. Shane & Caleb - Breath of God
8. Jaci Velasquez - If This World
9. Crystal Lewis - People Get Ready...Jesus is Coming
10. Chris Rice - Clumsy

Speak Out Reader:
What songs make your list?

Merry Christmas World!

Here is the ultimate gift from the Watermark Student Ministries staff to the world. I know that everyone who views this post will feel greatly rewarded as a recipient of this gift. Click the link below and enjoy the wonder of Christmas!

Merry Christmas World!



Speak Out Reader:
Who needs to keep their thighs covered next time?

3 Ways to Finish Strong

Student Ministry is great because the seasons of ministry are clearly laid out for you...Fall Semester, Spring Semester, and Summer. We encourage our volunteers towards the end of each season to "finish strong" in the work the Lord has given for that moment. Here are some tips and resources we periodically use to encourage our volunteers.

1. Evaluate Your Semester
Look back and assess what you have accomplished as a group and as a leader. Be encouraged where you should be encouraged and be challenged where you need to be challenged. Click HERE for a great Group Evaluation resource.

2. Celebrate Your Year
Commemorate the highlights and reward the faithful students who were consistent to the end. Take the group for a special outing, host a sleepover, plan a cookout, get everyone a little gift...Just do something special that communicates the value of the last few months spent together studying God's word, talking about real life, and enjoying each others company.

3. Plan For Next Year
Based on your evaluation, think about what you can do to take your Small Group to the next level in the next semester. Prepare your group now to re-engage when you get back together. Review and sign a Small Group Covenant that will stand as a form of accountability for the next year. Maybe even have students write a letter to themselves with some encouragement about being faithful to their pursuit of spiritual growth.



Speak Out Reader:
What are the things you do to finish each season on a high note?

How To Accumulate 75,000+ Views on YouTube in 2 Weeks

Step 1:
Create fakejonasbrothers.com using Blogger (free) & NameSecure ($9)

Step 2:
Dress up like the Jonas Brothers and head down to the Studio at Las Colinas where the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show airs

Step 3:
Videotape yourself interviewing Jonas Brothers fans and hand out some cards with the newly created url

Step 4:
Do some clever editing and post the footage on YouTube



Speak out reader:
Speechless? Thought so.

More About David Penuel

A long time ago, I told God that I wanted His will more than my own. I've got a wonderful wife named Alli who is also my best friend. We have a son named Chapman who is the coolest little dude on the planet by merit of his hair alone. We also have a family blog. I've always loved Christian music, things that are funny, being alone, efficiency, organization, and design. I direct the Junior High Ministry at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX and looking back at God's faithfulness and provision in my life is one of my favorite things to do.


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dpenuel@watermark.org

More About Mike Shelton

Mike grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and is addicted to the Jayhawks. Especially now since they are the National Champions in Basketball. He is married to the most amazing girl ever, and has the most incredible two little girls. I lead High School ministries at Watermark Church and love my job.







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mshelton@watermark.org