Besides rain in Southern California, the news of my blog (Rich Kirkpatrick’s Weblog) winning “Best Religion Blog” from the World Media Awards was a surprise. Some of you nominated me for this and the panel of prestigious bloggers and media people who chose this blog make it a humbling and affirming moment. The real value of this blog is the fact that I get to have a conversation with real people that otherwise might not be facilitated.

Thank you readers, stalkers and fellow bloggers for being a part of this conversation on faith and culture for creatives, leaders, and influencers!

The year in review. Yes, 2011 is nearly complete. I have a had a record percentage of first-time visitors to this blog, so I think a review of some of the most popular posts makes sense. This blog is about “conversation” so the hundreds of comments, emails, Facebook likes and tweets are greatly appreciated!

Unique “visitors” to my blog this past year:
40,249

Subscribers from Networked Blogs, RSS and Email:
~1,900

5 top blog posts:

1. Love Won or Love Wins: A different take on Rob Bell, his book and Christian dialog
   While apparently “alarming” for some, I decided Rob Bell is not a heretic, but that there are other questions more obvious if we think critically about his book. It seemed that either there were blind supporters who cried foul or critics who claimed the worst. Is there a different way to look at it?
   
2. Rob Bell and Heresy: Do we have the right to use the “H” word today?
   What is being a heretic? We have expanded that word beyond its original use, perhaps. And, are we not allowed to ask questions? Is it possible to dialog about a popular author’s view of things and ask our own questions to the question asker?
3. Let’s Be Tasteful Mark Driscoll: Worship Leader & Pastor humor to poke fun at us both
   I have a huge respect of Mark Driscoll, so instead of criticizing when he misspoke I decided to poke fun further at those of us who lead worship as well as our pastors. Are we able to poke fun at ourselves?
4. STORY: Awkward gym shower encounter schools me in leadership
   This is a powerful story of how our prejudice of those we lead sometimes conflict with the reality of who they are. Awkward moments instruct us, because sometimes being caught off guard is the only way to get our attention.
5. 5 ways to leverage sensitivity, a strength & trap for the creative
   Creative leaders in ministry are different. One of the best and worst qualities for us is the empathetic and sensitive way we see and react to the world. Here are some tips to deal with that reality. If you are not a creative type, this might help you coach or support your colleagues who are.

Thanks for being part of the conversation here at RKWeblog. If you are a lurker, please come out and say “hey” or if you are a regular, leave a comment about your highlight from 2011.

Merry Christmas! My blog is closing as far as new content the next days, although I will be here to answer any comments.

I cannot wait to reconnect in some IRL (in real life) interactions over the next few days or so. I thank you my readers, lurkers and friends for being a part of the community online.

Here is a picture of my family. I send a blessing to you on your celebration of the Advent of Jesus. The Incarnation of Jesus is the greatest miracle. Without it, there is no Son of Man. There is no cross and resurrection.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.

Luke 14:18-19 (NLT)

 

What an honor to be among some very talented and thoughtful bloggers who were also nominated in the category of Worship Blogger.

Here is the list:

• DavidSantistevan.com
• Ragamuffinsoul.com
• RKWeblog.com
• Worshipmatters.com
• RobRash.us
• VickyBeeching.com

Go vote there for this category as well as others such as worship band or favorite worship song. And, thanks to you my readers for continuing the conversation about faith and culture which worship surely encompasses!

I am grateful to the editors at Worship Leader Magazine for choosing RKWeblog as a “Best of the Best 2011″ Blog with four other bloggers. (StephenBrewster.me, LarryTardy.com, DavidSantistevan.com and LoopCommunity.com/blog). Here is what they said about this blog:

Rich Kirkpatrick is a worship leader and a tech steward. Versed in social networking, music, and leading, this is a perfect place for Web savvy WLs to plug in. Rich’s podcast, Worship Mythbusters is worth a stop on your next walk through the Web, as well.

Check out the other bloggers. I recommend them as well! With so many leaders and worthy sites, it is humbling to be mentioned. Thanks to my readers for participating in the conversation here!

It has been a while since I have posted this series about our New Adventure. In fact, it has been over a year that my family has been traveling down this new path so here is an update on the life and times of the Kirkpatrick clan here in Murietta, California.

Changes: My time at Venture Christian Church has ended.

About six months ago I took an interim contract to lead worship part time at Venture Christian Church in Murietta, CA. That has now ended, with me serving my last Sunday this week. Even though we knew this was not a longterm fit for us and the church, it surely has been rewarding seeing people raised up. And, leading this group in worship these past months has been deeply meaningful. I have enjoyed this group of worshipers!

One of the most inspiring reflection about my time there was hearing my friend tell me the difference I made in the lives of the team he left me to lead there. He said people were given confidence and the ability to rise to the occasion because of my leadership. This was humbling and encouraging to hear. Most of the time when we lead people we never know what the investment truly brings to the kingdom.

Creating Music: A recording project, Fundraising, and Concerts.

Many of you have seen Emilie grow up on this blog. This little 17-year-old is nearing completion on her first profesional project: a 3-song EP to be released this fall. All the songs are hers and the process has taught her and her dad a lot about creating music. From her angle, she just recorded music with a talented producer and gifted musicians and held her own. My side of this has been the rewarding activity of coaching my own child in becoming a leader, artist who in her own right is going to make a difference with her gifts in people’s lives.

We finished the tracking of the voice and instruments. We have the mixing and mastering left as well as printing and digital distribution to get going. All of this could not have happened without family members, friends and people who we have connected with on social media pledging to help her! (We have just a day or so left, so click here to help out).

On top of this, Emilie is performing at a local worship training event, leading worship with me. And, a local fund raiser. Please check those out if here in SoCal. Or, if you want to book her, me or both of us call me or use the contact form.

Writing: Yes, I am writing…and speaking.

I am writing music, but this past year has seen some activity in writing articles and more. Here is a sample of stuff I have been doing.

• ChristianityToday.com Faith in the workplace site published this: Workplace Ethics in the Local Church: Thou Shalt Not Pray the Bills
• Stan Endicott published a devotional book called Reflect for worship leaders and worshipers which includes a chapter and story I penned.
• I am working on a book to be  published professionally… not gonna give away the details on this, but this is for real and a bit scary, too.
• There is an e-book I will self-publish soon that will aid leaders in structuring worship teams and the like.
• Blogging and blogging communities like the High Calling are still a staple for me as well as is the podcast over at WorshipMythbusters.com.
• Besides writing, I am also speaking a few times this year. Here is what I currently have on the docket.

I am still interested in church ministry, but this time of new endeavors is shaping me so I am not in a hurry. Our family, like many others, has financial strains to deal with. God is also shaping us through those. As we continue as a family to move forward I pray I can rest in all of that and be ready for this still-emerging season in my life.

Well, thanks for reading! What is up with you these days, my faithful readers?

Yes, 1,200 blog posts here on rkweblog.com! Even a golf clap done in the privacy of your cubicle or in front of your friends is in order for this feat. Celebrate with me. Here are some other fun rkweblog.com stats, stuff and facts:

• There have been 4,752 comments to posts
• I have 948 people subscribed on Facebook Networked Blogs reader app.
• I have over 600 RSS subscribers (varies daily)
• RKWeblog.com was founded orginally as Rich Kirkpatrick’s Weblog with the URL “RichKirkpatrick.com” six years ago.
• The WorshipMythbusters.com podcast started here as a conversation on my blog in January of 2006.
• My custom blog theme was created by my friend Aaron Falls (An Elephant).

OK. Come out of lurking and at least say “hey” or something!

This is my top 2010 stuff for you to peruse here at the RKWeblog. It has been a year of transition. Let’s take a look…

Top Blog Posts of 2010 (by unique visitors)

• New Adventure: week 1 “The Big News” – This is when I announced my exit from my previous church this past summer.
• Top 10 things that annoy me about modern worship recordings – A post where I pontificated with some of you about the direction modern worship has been stuck in
• John Mark McMillan VIDEO: “How He Loves” song story – this artist came to our church and I just had to share this with you guys
• CD Review & GIVE AWAY: Joe Day’s “GRACE” a refreshingly well-crafted expression of faith & art – It was a privilege to review and support Joe’s CD release.
• The Submergent Church: Top 10 WORST Ideas in growing a church – A post that delves a bit into church growth and health.
• Randy Miller (Feb 9 1971-Nov 5 2010): family man, drummer & inspiration to many – Said good bye to a good friend. Sigh.
• Worship Mythbusters: Top 10 signs that your church worship music will suck – Tongue in cheek a bit, but a Top 10 list that people liked
• The Mosque in Temecula and NYC: We can be a Christian ghetto or salt & light – This is a timely post on the Muslim population growing locally

I hope you enjoy the look back…  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Over at worshiptogether.com blog they made a list of songs to sing during trial. Songs like “You Never Let Go.” Check it out for the full list.

Did I get to meet you at the Catalyst West conference or at the tweetup of creatives? Check out the scoop at ChurchMarketingSucks.com.