I hope you'll be part of this

Here's part one of what I'm up to

For the last several months I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying about the focus and purpose of my life’s work. What is it? What am I wanting to actually accomplish? And am I doing so effectively – or at least as effectively as I can?

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me (and that includes most of you who have been faithfully subscribed to this Memo since the beginning, and who have been reading and watching my work for even longer than that) that I’m spread pretty thin. Between teaching full-time, preparing a weekly message to preach at my home church, writing and recording videos for Not the Bee, and maintaining a limited speaking ministry, not to mention trying to fulfill the most important role of being a husband to Jenny and a dad to three kids, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for me to produce a quality podcast and Memo.

I want that to change. I want to be more intentional about what I know is my ultimate objective in this life – to draw people closer to the Father by making them stronger disciples of Jesus. As I mentioned in a recent Memo and podcast, the events at that grocery store in Buffalo lit a fire under me to stop just thinking about taking this step, and actually do it. So here we are.

Now, the logical question is what this means, practically speaking? Well, that’s what I’ve been working on for the better part of a week now, and so here is the first half of what I’m announcing (the second half will come after I get this first half going):

For the first time ever, I’m going to introduce an option for readers/listeners to support my work financially. Other than tangible products like DVDs, CDs, and books, I’ve always given away my videos, podcasts, and writing for free. There will still be some free content made possible by generous sponsors.

But for those who want in on something a little extra, there is now an option to be a paid subscriber to the Memo. What will it entail? For either $10 a month or $100 a year (save $20 by doing yearly), you will receive these 3 things:

A weekly “paid subscriber-only” Memo

My intent with this is that you’re not just getting ideas, you’ll get me, for whatever that’s worth. Conversational, personal, real. You’re paying for access to a unique worldview, expertise, and style. Making sense out of the world around us, seeing it through the eyes of faith.

A weekly “paid-subscriber-only” VidCast

This is what I’m most anxious about. The old, free Heck Podcast will still have a Monday/Friday offering for everyone. But for paying subscribers, this new VidCast will break down an issue of current events through the eyes of Scripture. It’s all about discipleship – learning together how to apply Scriptural truth to the very events we see happening around us. It will be available in audio and video form – meaning I will video myself as I record the podcast. Think Rush Limbaugh’s “Dittocam,” except for a podcast. That will provide you a window into the official HeckHole, and the opportunity for a more interactive experience. I honestly don’t know of any other place where you can go and get what we’ll be doing: a Bible study centering around what is happening around us.

A monthly “paid-subscribers-only” Q&A

We’ll do a video/audio Q&A that will feature your best questions and my best answers. These can be biblical, cultural, serious, or funny. The length of the session will be based on how many you submit and how long I decide to talk about them!

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So, when does it all start? June 1. I want to hit the ground running on June 1, and so if you sign up to be a paid subscriber before June 1, you’ll get 20% off. That’s my way of enticing you – do you feel enticed? If so, don’t wait, just do it now:

Between now and June 1, I will be sending some samples and teasers of what we’ll be doing for subscribers, so keep your eyes open for that.

I’m really excited about putting together this new venture for people who are wanting to grow deeper in their faith, apply it to the world they’re living in, and are willing to invest in my work to get it. Of course, I understand that not everyone will want to, or will see much of a benefit in paying for my content. So, for those who stay at the free level, here’s what you’ll continue to receive:

• An occasional, periodic Memo. I’d love to still be able to guarantee one of these per week, but I will obviously be placing top priority on this new subscriber content.

• Two free Heck Podcasts a week. Monday’s will become the “Monday Message” featuring a recent message I shared with our congregation, and Friday’s will become the “Weekend Wrap-Up,” featuring an analysis of the week’s top stories.

Now, a moment of self-doubt: there’s an element of all this that seems presumptuous and even egotistical to me. Presumptuous that there are any folks out there that would be blessed enough by God’s work through me that they would consider it worthy of investing their own money to support. Egotistical to think that with all the writers and resources out there that my efforts are even financially marketable.

But I’m reminded of three things.

1. First, I know very well that one of Satan’s most effective ways of attacking me is through doubt. So I’m going to ignore him this time.

2. I’m mindful of the time and effort that is going into my Memo, podcasts, and all the things that I do. To be blunt, I feel a sense of duty to my family to redeem that time I invest to produce it all. I’ve got to pay for Addie’s braces somehow.

3. I have been blessed by more than a few of you through the years that have voluntarily supported me financially, and have even asked occasionally what more you could do. Well, now here’s a great way to support if you’re still interested.

I’m excited about this, even though I have no idea what to expect as far as response. I’m trusting God, and really hoping you’ll be part of this new venture. Here’s that link one more time:

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