Joel is not a television personality rather he is a man who loves Jesus and people with all his heart. He is the real deal and I thank God for him and all that he is doing in reaching people with the Message of Hope! I would ask people to continue to pray for Joel and Victoria as God is using them to reach new people for Christ.

Believe me Lakewood is all about Jesus and people. Though they are America's largest church they still love each person individually.

More to come.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Everyday I must draw definitive lines so that I don't look to men as my source of significance or to my employer as my source or even people as my enemy. When I realize I am a leader, then I take responsibility for my own life.

In the next few days, I will unpack each one of these and how we can apply them to our lives. Around our office you will hear, "God is my source, the devil is my enemy and I am a leader." Matthew 6:33 is a good verse to think about today.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

1. Late arrival. Hyatt says this behavior wastes time, forces the group to start the meeting over, and “screams, ‘I’m disorganized!’” about the perpetrator. Make sure to show up to meetings on time.

2. Taking phone calls. Calling this the most obnoxious behavior on his list, Hyatt advises meeting members to courteously excuse themselves and step out of the meeting to answer a call, waiting until they are out the door to actually answer it.

3. Checking e-mail. Similar to taking a phone call, this projects to the others in the meeting that you have something more important to do than pay attention. “Leave your laptop in your office unless you need it for a presentation...and resist the urge to pull out the Blackberry or iPhone every five minutes to check your messages.”

4. Engaging in side conversation. Good meetings have only one conversation happening at a time; side conversations are distracting and can prevent the meeting leader from maintaining full control. “If you must follow-up with someone,” Hyatt says, “write yourself a note and do it after the meeting.”

5. Not taking notes. This behavior says, “There’s nothing going on in this meeting worth remembering.”

6. Talking too much. Make sure you’re allowing others to speak, and refrain from commenting on absolutely everything that’s said.

7. Interrupting others. “The worst form of this is the person who randomly changes the subject,” says Hyatt. Wait until the person talking is finished before you interject.

8. Not coming prepared. People notice when someone comes unprepared to a meeting. The meeting members expect you to contribute to it; “if you don’t, people assume you haven’t done your homework,” says Hyatt.

9. Chasing rabbits. “The sooner you get through your agenda, the sooner you can get back to your office to get some real work done,” reminds Hyatt. “Stay focused! You can do it!”

10. Not speaking up. Hyatt encourages leaders to “speak up or bow out.” Don’t just sit quietly throughout the whole meeting; offer something of use to others.

Hyatt says all these annoying meeting behaviors stem from a lack of respect for the others. “How much more productive could we make our meetings if we all showed one another respect and eliminated these behaviors?”

Benny Perez

As an avid fan I loved being in a place where you can see so many fighters up close and personal. I went with one of my great friends Mark Schick. We had a great 2 days walking the expo and seeing so many vendors and demonstrations.

The highlight was getting to hang out with my dear friend Wanderlei Silva. He is one of the elite fighters who also loves Jesus! I have the priviledge of being his Pastor and Spiritual Mentor. He shares his faith publicly and wants to use his platform for the Glory of God. He believes that God is calling us to reach the fighters with the message of Christ. In fact many people are calling me the MMA Pastor.

I am asking all of my friends to be in prayer for us as we prayerfully consider how to reach this mission field. I believe that Jesus loves the fans and the fighters and would want us to reach them for Him. I am open to your suggestions and thoughts.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

We know God's gets all the Glory and Praise for what transpired. I also want to say a big thank you to all my Pastors, Leaders and Ministry Partners who gave so much of their time and energy to helping people here the message of Easter. Pastor Justyn and his team were world class as they ministered to nearly 3,000 kids! Thank you Pastor Mycal for leading the way with the young kids! Pastor Jabin and Pastor Rachel led the way in Worship, with Pastor Mitch and his team doing an incredible job with Media. Pastor Tom and Frontline killed it along with Pastor Henry and his team with the Egg Hunts. Pastor Paul kept the attitude positive and made sure all guests were touched. Thank you Anita for being an incredible leaders. Pastor Ivan preached his heart out to the Spanish Experience. Cassie and Stan were awesome with Pro Presenter and Ruben and his team made everything sound great. Shanen Chavez and her team were incredible with online campus, website and graphic design!

Also a big shout out to all the Ministry Partners (Volunteers) who gave up their whole Easter Weekend to reach people. Your sacrifice made it possible for us to do what we have never done before! Thank you to Dawn and Anthony McDaniel for leading the way! If I missed someone you will get the real thank you from Jesus! Know that I am so grateful to the best church in the World. I could not do ministry without all of you.

Here are the results:

10 Weekend Experiences

Weekend Total Attendance with Online Campus (790) = 9238

Total Decisions for Christ= 675

Thank You Jesus For Your Grace and for empowering your people to do the ministry.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Everyday I must draw definitive lines so that I don't look to men as my source of significance or to my employer as my source or even  people as my enemy. When I realize I am a leader, then I take responsibility for my own life.

In the next few days, I will unpack each one of these and how we can apply them to our lives. Around our office you will hear, "God is my source, the devil is my enemy and I am a leader." Matthew 6:33 is a good verse to think about today.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Also, during the 8:30 experience I felt led to buy everyone Starbucks right after the experience. Little did I know that people would take me up on it! We packed out the Starbucks as the line was out the door and wrapped around the building. There was a buzz and excitement as people were blown away at what we were doing. Guests were saying they had never been to a church that gave them something and that they were coming back after receiving such generosity. Remember, generosity is not a bucket but a lifestyle.

Then during the 11:45 worship experience, I felt led to buy ribs for everyone who would come to Lucilles's BBQ restaurant following church. Before we left we saw 25 people come to Christ and then follow us to Lucilles. I did not know that hundreds of people would show up and over run Lucille's. The management was overwhelmed but worked with us. They could not believe that I was paying for everything for everyone. When I got the bill I could not believe I was paying for it either! Then a guy stepped up and said he felt God nudge him to split the cost with me and I said Praise God!

One thing I learned is that generosity shows God is at work in all of us. The New Testament Church was known as a generous church. Believe me we did not do this as a gimmick but rather as a response to God's prompting.

I want to thank my team who stepped up to a 'Whole Nutha Level' and pulled it off. I am excited to see what happens this week in church.

Check out some of the pics.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Yet I realize that with every level there are both benefits and challenges that one must learn to navigate. One of the challenges is that not everyone has the full information about a decision that had to be made. It is amazing how easily we can make a judgment on someone without having the full scope of information. Being a leader is a great honor that one must learn how to handle the inevitable questioning that comes.

The leaders main role is to hear from their team and then make a decision based upon all the information that is given at the time. Knowing that some decisions will be better than others. I know some incredible leaders that are helping me as God is taking me and The Church to new Levels of Leadership! Hearing from seasoned leaders and then spending time in Prayer and The Word is the best way to make Godly Decisions.

My prayer is that all of us continue to Seek the Lord and Wise Counsel as we move to New Levels of Leadership. I want to be a voice to help people not hinder them as they move into new areas of influence and responsibility.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

I want to thank everybody for their view on this subject and to remind us all that we can have very passionate discussions and yet keep the unity of the Faith and not attack individual people. Alas I have found myself on the end of some very hurtful and untrue personal attacks. I would even go so far as to say blatant lies formulated to discredit the work of God here at The Church at South Las Vegas.

During this time I was reminded by the Lord that I don't have to fight my battles because the battle belongs to the Lord! I don't have a problem defending my Theological view point but I will not fight for my reputation  or respond to frivolous claims against me.

I do hope this blog will elicit deeper thought into the Sacred Scriptures and that we will continually search them diligently. Yet knowing that our Theological Beliefs will at times be different and that is okay. Look at how long we have been discussing Calvinism and Arminism and yet we can still love one another.

So to all my blog readers and friends blessing.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Also, our children's pastor, Justyn Smith has written a great response toward some of the criticism regarding the Prosperity Gospel:

So, I read these Twitters about people always knocking on the “Prosperity Gospel.” What’s up with that? Have leaders abused the Bible and Christianity to get people to give to them? Yes! Have there been some who have guilted people into giving? Yes! Let’s be clear, however, that it’s not the case with everyone who believes in the “Prosperity Gospel.”

For example, our church believes in the Prosperity Gospel. We believe that God wants to prosper people. To believe otherwise would mean that God wants us to not prosper. The Bible is very clear that God wants us bless us and that there is a gift of giving. When I hear reports, including in our own church, of people who give hundreds of thousands or millions to a church cause I don’t hear anti-prosperity people saying, “Oh no, we can’t except this because you believe in prosperity.” How in the world is the church to help nations like Haiti when they are not prospering? How can we call upon people to give thousands to stop human trafficking?

Here’s the deal. I absolutely believe God wants to prosper everyone. In fact, I pray someday I’ll have a nice house, new cars, send my kids to college and not have to worry about my future when I’m older. The issue is what are you doing with your prosperity? Are you hording it or are you giving it? And, it doesn’t mean that you can’t drive the newest Mercedes or live in—get ready for this—a multi-million dollar home. If Jesus didn’t believe in prosperity how did he support 12 disciples? Why did Jesus have what we would call today an accountant? He wasn’t poor and he wasn’t rubbing his money in faces either. Prosperity is good when you have a Kingdom of God mindset and reach out and help people.

Please, stop the prosperity attacks! If you have an issue with a certain individual or church—call them out (unless you’re chicken—oops! Did I just say that!?) Don’t paint a negative picture over my church and others like mine just because you believe we should all live in straw and mud huts and have no money to make a difference. Why don’t people pick on my heroes such as Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Jack Hayford, etc. Something tells me that these guys are prospering (and I’m glad and I pray that God prospers them even more). People only pick on the Charismatic, Pentecostal types!

By the way, it’s because people believe in prosperity that our church is able to have the only Safe Houses in Las Vegas to help prostitutes turn their life around, feed and clothe 1,800 people every 14 days and literally see at least 30-50 people saved every weekend! –Thank you Jesus for prospering us!

PJ

What are your thoughts?

--Pastor Benny

For I believe God moved upon a man to create a movement for others to follow. A movement of equality for people regardless of their skin color. For we are all created in Likeness and Image of God. His Dream for equality of all people has not been fully realized but by the Grace of God it will continue to move closer.

I believe the Dream can be fulfilled as we The Body of Christ lead the way in breaking down racial segregation in our churches! It is said that Sunday Morning is still the most segregated time in America. I say that is changing and that in Las Vegas we want to continue to lead the way with a Mult-Cultural, Multi-Generational and Multi- Economic Church coming together to worship Jesus.

So today let us all take the time to thank the Lord for Dr. Martin Luther King and His accomplishments. Then let us continue to look to the Author and Finisher of Faith Jesus who is the ONE who has broken down every wall!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

This morning I wanted to challenge every Christ Follower in their finances. I believe God is calling His Church to be more generous with their time, talent and yes even their finances. I am living in a city that has been decimated by the Recession. People have lost their jobs and homes. Many of our homes our worth less than what we owe on them. So many people have lost so much money.

However in the midst of the chaos and confusion God is still shining through His people. Many of us have chosen to do what Jesus said "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." Jesus is letting us know that Eternal Treasures should be the priority in all of our lives. We should be giving to God's Kingdom to expand it here on the earth and to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Jesus was letting us know that what we do for Him and His Kingdom will never go down in value, be stolen or go out of style. It is the only investment that will always go up and have an eternal impact.

Questions for all of us? What are you going to do for the Kingdom of God? How much are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord? I still believe all of us can do more and I pray the Lord leads and guides you to do more for Him.

For me and my family we are not only tithing but giving more to the Kingdom. We want to see more people impacted and changed by Jesus Christ. I hope this is all of our hearts as we Seek God's Kingdom First.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Jesus main point was not to put your TRUST in things. That our whole heart and devotion must be to Him and Him alone. It is only after we get the right Priority of God First that things will be added to your life. Yet so many people still are going after things.

I pray this year that all of you Seek God First and watch as the things begin to be added to your life. You see nothing is more valuable that the Presence of Jesus in your life. Putting Him first in every area will result in incredbile blessings coming your way.

What are some ways that will help you Seek First The Kingdom of God? I would love to read some of your comments.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Why is worry bad? Because it depletes you of any Hope, Energy or Joy. Worry is when you have too little faith in God's ability to take of you. What do you find yourself worrying about? I know that when I feel worry trying to control me I put my eyes back on my Heavenly Father.

Jesus said if God takes care of the birds and the flowers, He will take care of you. So today make it point to say no to worry and yes to the Father. He will take care of all your needs. Trust Him today.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Text VEGAS to 85944 to donate $10 to The Church at South Las Vegas!

Will show up on your phone bill. Make sure to confirm yes.

What things do you find yourself seeking after. I know in my life that things can get my attention very easily. You know the things of work, getting ahead, finances and even good things like family and friends.

How about you, what are some of theTHINGS you find getting ahead of God? Take heart because in this New Series we are going to get the order right in our lives. And when we get the order right we live in right order!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

While on vacation I believe God spoke to me about a simple principle called "Kingdom First." That when we choose to Seek God's Kingdom First all the other things will be added to us. This is the year for us to get things in the right order!

So for the next few weeks I will be blogging on my Kingdom First Series. I would encourage you to download the Podcasts from Itunes to stay up with what God is speaking to us here in Las Vegas.

Let all your friends know that I will be blogging regularly now and that they can get it on their Iphone or Itouch with our new app from Itunes.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Good evening Pastor Benny, I just wanted to thank you because I have been watching your services on-line for the past few months. I've heard about your store you have every other weekend. I took my Dad today so he can gather a few necessities. As I stood in line there was a family behind me and were asking me questions regarding the church. I knew enough from attending the on line services. They were so grateful to your ministry for what you are doing in the community. I didn't get their names but they were from CA. One of them lived here somewhere on Pecos & Tropicana. I can't stress how important and how much help you are providing to many people. My reason for being their was for my Dad. He is a senior and doesn't have much money for some simple poly grip. When we started the line, the first thing they gave him was sandwich bags, he was very happy for that. However, once we stepped over to the next table and they handed him that Polygrip and Fixadent and cleaning solutions for his dentures, he was sooooo happy. I didn't know this because he hadn't mentioned it to me but He had ran out of his denture stuff and could not believe this was being handed to him for free. When we got to the car he was crying all the way home because now he didn't have to spend his money on his simple necessities. Thank You, Thank You Thank You Pastor Benny for being so nice to my DAD. I love him with all my heart and I just pray I can be of more help to him. You came through for him. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you Church for being Generous

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Joel showed who he really is as he cried over the vision God has given to him. He expressed his gratitude towards all of the Pastors who were there to support him. In fact he had just come back from meeting with President Obama who watches his show every week. Imagine meeting with the President and then with Pastors and treating all the same way. This is the heart of Joel Osteen.

Some things I learned:

1. Grace is really Grace! God does things for us that we don't earn or deserve.

2. Learn to be and accept yourself. Joel said he just is being himself.

3. Believe God for Big Things and then let the Lord open the doors.

4. Connect with likeminded people who believe in the vision.

5. Help others and God will help you.

Count me in with reaching more people.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

My prayer is that God would have someone speak to and minister to him during this time. I am reminded that except it be for the Grace of God in my life, where would I be. This is the time for us to be Christian in response and actions.

I want to be clear that what he has done is wrong by his own admission, but we have to be able to respond rightly to a wrong situation. I pray Holy Spirit activity in all of our lives as well as Tiger Wood's life!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

The result was 5 fantastic messages that touched the hearts of thousands of people. Each one had their unique insights and applications. I believe the Holy Spirit led each one for each specific worship experience.

I believe that as we allow our staff to speak to the church as whole, the whole church gets ministered to in unique ways. I would encourage Lead Pastors to allow the staff to speak on certain weekends. Don't always bring in a guest speaker, allow the staff to speak and hear from the Lord from the text you give them.

One thing is for sure that you will also get blessed and get some great thoughts for future messages. The time off will help you get perspective and come back the following week rested and ready.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Vance received the gift with gladness and thanked us for being Kingdom minded. He thanked our people via video and was so moved by our generosity. Their church has blessed so many churches in our valley and now it was time for them to be blessed.

I am reminded from the scripture that it really is more blessed to give than to receive! This is going to be a great week in Jesus. Thank you Church at South Las Vegas for giving and blessing another church. You are the best!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

This church is one of the most influential and Jesus loving churches in Las Vegas. After hearing his talk via email, I knew we had to do something to help. Since we are the body of Christ and should have love for not only Jesus but other churches we decided to do something radical. As a church we prayed for the other church  and took up anoffering for them. We took in nearly $9,000 dollars and are thrilled to present it to them.

People asked me why did I do this? Because Jesus prompted me too! It also keeps me Kingdom Minded and not just thinking about my thing. I do know God loves it when His people are Generous!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

After some discussion, they are wondering about the Holy Spirit and having supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Being a charismatic church and wanting for God to move supernaturally is not ever a question. However, how and to what degree is the Holy Spirit going to move. So many churches are struggling with this question of the Holy Spirit and what is appropriate and not appropriate in a weekend service.

There have been extremes on both sides. Some are having occurrences almost every week and if one does not occur than God did not move. Others have no occurrences and like it that way. I am not opting for either, I want both/and. Yet to live in this tension is not always easy nor is it taught. I choose to look at the New Testament where they had both happening.

I would like your take on this. Please leave a response whether you are a pastor, leader or attender of a church.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

We will be talking about Angels, Demons, UFO's, Paranormal Activity. The Holy Ghost and the 9 Gifts of the Holy Ghost. I will be sharing personal encounters with the Supernatural. This is the best time to invite friends and family. If you are not in Vegas make sure you watch at our online campus at www.thechurchlv.com.

Spread the Word all over that the Supernatural is going to be talked about and experienced at The Church at South Las Vegas.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

So knowing all leaders are not the same very simply means not all churches will be the same. Some will be more contemporary while other may be more traditional. One is not necessarily better than the other, it just means they are different.

But let Me Make It Clear: All Churches should be about reaching, winning and discipling more people to Jesus Christ. The commandment is clear to go out and make disciples of all nations. Jesus look at for the fields are ripe unto harvest. Today is the day for us to reach more people.

I will be talking about this more at our Fall Church Conference October 11th - 14th. It is a free conference open to everyone. We will be having special sessions in the morning for all Pastors and Leaders. I want to impart into your lives and help you become even more effective for the Kingdom.

Expanding God's Kingdom,

Benny Perez

So many leaders label themselves as Seek Sensitive or Holy Ghost Fire Church. Why do we have to be one or the other. You see I believe when we look at the Life of Jesus he was not either/or He was both/and. We need churches that are Sensitive to the people coming but also know what the Holy Spirit wants to do in a service.

We at The Church at South Las Vegas are into both/and not either/or. We are a Charasmatic Contemporary Church that Loves people and want the Holy Spirit to move in powerful ways. Someone recently told me that we are building a new model of doing church. I don't know about a new model maybe just looking at the Life of Jesus and modeling our life and church after Him.

Don't know if this makes sense but just really feel it is time to talk about it.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Rather David looked to his True Source: The Lord God Almighty. The lesson is clear that we cannot look to our natural abilities or resources for our help. We need to focus in on Jesus and the Power He Gives Us To Overcome our challenges.

So today look to your True Source of Power. He will give you all you need to overcome any challenge.

Life Of A Pastor,

Benny Perez

When David went down into the Valley he heard Goliath taunt him and intimidate him. David did not respond like the rest of the men who ran in fear. Rather David shows us a valuable lesson turn your focus to Jesus who has already overcome all adversity.

David said to Goliath "You come to me with a sword and spear but I come to you in the NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS!" David turned his focus to the source of his overcoming Goliath and that source is the Lord.

So whatever you are facing today remember to turn your face towards the one who has overcome all adversity: Jesus.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Well last night I had the opportunity and privilege to lead my 5 year old daughter to the Lord. It was bed time and after telling the story of Harry the Hiker (I made up the story) I asked Bella if she had every accepted Jesus into her heart. She looked at me and said no. Then I asked if she would like to and she say YES! We prayed a prayer asking Jesus into her heart and she prayed with all the faith she could and asked the Lord into her heart.

It was one of the best moments of my life! I began to think how important it is for us to ask the simple questions to those that we love. You see I believe Bella just needed me to ask question, because the Holy Spirit was working on her little heart.

So today don't be afraid to ask those you love a simple question: Do you have Jesus in your heart?

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez