I really need to do a better job of keeping the blog updated! More news on that front later. For the last week (July 17 - 22) I have been blessed to have been at Pilot Lake Regular Baptist Camp as part of the annual Teen Camp activities. What follows is a summary of our week.
Monday: Denise and I left Hayward early and arrived at camp by 1 PM. We had a wonderful time travelling together to camp for the first time ever. In previous years we have either not gone together or have travelled in separate vehicles. God provided great travelling conditions and as we pulled into the camp 'driveway' (1.5 miles of bumpy dirt road) I felt the feeling in the pit of my stomach that I only feel when arriving at my parents' home in PA. I looked my wife square in the eye and said "Honey, now I know it's summer. We're at camp. We're home!" A great time of reunion was had as we settled into our accomodations (lodge for me, a cabin as girl's counselor for Denise) and visited with the arriving campers. Added blessing: our attendance this year was higher than expected (92) but God provided sleeping places for all. It was especially good to see the group from our former church ministry arrive. I had the privilege of speaking Monday night on the topic of "Our Response to the Light" from John 6. I tried to set the tone for the week by reminding the teens that when God's word is preached it is not to be passed on, or played with, but to be personalized. All went to bed anticipating an exciting week.
Tuesday: Tuesday was spent preparing for the annual cardboard boat race. This year's entries all had a common theme: they turned into submarines very quickly after leaving shore. But the campers were troopers, and earned points for their teams by swimming with their sodden boats trailing behind them! Tuesday night I spoke on "The Difference Jesus Makes" to the sinful and the searching from John 8. Music this year was expertly handled by Rick and Mick Vigneulle.
Wednesday: The week definitely got exciting early Wednesday morning! It seems that a curious bear decided to make the rounds of the woods surrounding the camp facility and couldn't help but notice that lots of food seemed to be stored in the cabins. As God would have it, the Camp Dean, Jon Cook, was in the right place at the right time to prevent any close encounters between the campers and nature! After rounding up almost 25# of snack food from the cabins, the night progressed without incident. The camp nurse is also getting a work-out! With so many campers, the bumps and bruises customary to camp seem to be in large number; but they are not out of the ordinary. A first-aid / CPR class was held on Tuesday; several of us have put our first-aid skills to good use already! I spoke this evening on "The Marks of Genuine Disciples" from John 8:31 - 59.
Thursday: What a day this turned out to be! I don't recall many of the events of the day because of the amazing service we had in the evening. After speaking on "When the Light Shines" from John 9, Pastor Roger McCarty from First Baptist Community Church shared a brief presentation on the brevity of life and the seriousness of eternity using photographs from the December 26 Indonesian tsunami. The response to the invitation was overwhelming to say the least, as teens seemed to seriously grasp the fact that long life was not guaranteed to them. Many decisions were made. Oh, the bear was sighted again on the property adjoining the camp; but we were nowhere near the area - we were doing business with God!
Friday: Last day of camp already? I had the extreme pleasurable opportunity to fill in for game director Ben Lunsford by leading the teens in a 4-way Steal the Bacon competition! Lots of fun for everyone! I spoke on "The Good Shepherd" from John 10 in the evening service and highlighted the fact that when camp is over the lessons are meant to remain. After having spent a week listening intently to the voice of the Good Shepherd, why go home and be distracted by all that was left behind? The campfire service was an excellent time of testimony and sharing of what God had done in lives.
Saturday: We packed up and headed home. It was good to pull into our own driveway (although it was very HOT here in the Bay Area) and be home. we already miss our new friends; but are praying that the work God did in lives will continue to bear fruit for His glory.
Thanks: I wanted to be sure to thank all the folks that made camp such a wonderful experience. Several were already mentioned, but to make sure no one is left out: David & Lorilynne Steenfott and Bill & Sharon Cleveland provided childcare for our boys while Denise and I were at camp. Thanks are due to them in great quantities; without them our ministry would not have been possible! Jon Cook did a great job leading the camp. Tom and Kate Veneman were their usual wonderful selves and made us feel welcome at their camp facility. The kitchen staff did an excellent job keeping us well fed and satisfied. The Counsellors (Josh, Nicole, Aaron, Denise, Tiger, Loetta, Ryan, Tim, Anita, Gloria, Ben) were great examples to the young people and tirelessly gave of themselves to provide an enjoyable camping experience. Ben Lunsford did a terrific job leading the games; a duty he did not expect but ably performed. The Speakers (Gary Barker, Craig Morrison, Roger McCarty, Mark Worrell, Denise Eldred and Ben Lunsford) used great skill to communicate God's word in a way that teens could grasp. The Safety Crew (Nurses Frank, Anita and Carmen, as well as Lifeguards Kyle and Andrea) kept us safe while having fun. Our Musicians (Rick and Mick, and Rick's son Brandon) provided top-notch music that drew our hearts into focus on God's Word. Last, but certainly not least, the campers (sorry, no list of all 92 names) gave us a reason to gather together.
I look forward to next year's camping season (July 16 - 21) already!
Oh, I promised news about keeping up to date a little better. Monday saw the addition of a new laptop to our family. This replaces the one my sons "experimented" with in February. We'll see how this helps me stay more connected to cyberspace!
Wednesday, July 26
Wednesday, July 5
Thoughts from John 14:15
"If you love Me, keep My commandments " says Jesus. We need to realize that our obedience to the commands, words and teachings of Jesus is not a means to garner God's love. Rather, it is the proof that we fully realize His love for us and our own love for Him. We love Him, therefore we keep His commands. His love is not some prize to be won by good behavior or abstinence from poor behavior. Our behavior is a response to the great love freely demonstrated to us by a loving merciful heavenly Father.
Friday, June 23
"Adelphos mou"
Yesterday, heaven became that much sweeter to me. A long time friend and fellow Pennsylvanian, Bob Kramp, passed away at the age of 77. The newpaper has many statistics about his life; but that is not the Bob I will remember.
The Bob of my eternal memory will always have on a bright red blazer, a very brilliant necktie and a smile that could light a small village for weeks on end. His hand will always be stretched out towards mine; but not for a traditional handshake. No, Bob always seemed to end up with one hand clasping yours and the other around your shoulder. "It's good to see you!" was always said in a way that communicated so much more than the trite phrase others have turned it into.
For years, Bob and I would greet each other uniquely: "Adelphos mou!" While I was studying Greek in seminary, Bob's first question was how to say 'my brother' in Greek. From then on it became our greeting to each other.
I spoke with Bob a few months ago, right before Easter. He called just to let me know he was praying for me and my ministry. I cannot tell you how honored I was to receive that phone call. He asked what books I had been reading; we discussed what our minds had been pondering, and then he asked if I had read a particular book that he had just finished. "No, Bob, I haven't read that one yet" was my reply. "That's OK. I'll send you a copy. It is a good one!" Sure enough the book arrived about a week later. I've thumbed through several pages, but haven't jumped in with the ferocity I should. Now representing my last contact with "adelphos mou", it has become one of my prized possessions.
In Greenville, SC today a wife misses her husband of 37 years and 3 children terribly miss their dad. I join them in grief because he was also my friend. I can't wait to meet him in glory and hear the streets of Heaven ring when we recognize each other and echo through the hallways of eternity "Adelphos mou! It's good to see you!"
The Bob of my eternal memory will always have on a bright red blazer, a very brilliant necktie and a smile that could light a small village for weeks on end. His hand will always be stretched out towards mine; but not for a traditional handshake. No, Bob always seemed to end up with one hand clasping yours and the other around your shoulder. "It's good to see you!" was always said in a way that communicated so much more than the trite phrase others have turned it into.
For years, Bob and I would greet each other uniquely: "Adelphos mou!" While I was studying Greek in seminary, Bob's first question was how to say 'my brother' in Greek. From then on it became our greeting to each other.
I spoke with Bob a few months ago, right before Easter. He called just to let me know he was praying for me and my ministry. I cannot tell you how honored I was to receive that phone call. He asked what books I had been reading; we discussed what our minds had been pondering, and then he asked if I had read a particular book that he had just finished. "No, Bob, I haven't read that one yet" was my reply. "That's OK. I'll send you a copy. It is a good one!" Sure enough the book arrived about a week later. I've thumbed through several pages, but haven't jumped in with the ferocity I should. Now representing my last contact with "adelphos mou", it has become one of my prized possessions.
In Greenville, SC today a wife misses her husband of 37 years and 3 children terribly miss their dad. I join them in grief because he was also my friend. I can't wait to meet him in glory and hear the streets of Heaven ring when we recognize each other and echo through the hallways of eternity "Adelphos mou! It's good to see you!"
Interesting quote
In researching for Sunday's sermon on John 13, I found this quote describing Judas. More to the point, it may describe any one of us from time to time:
"When men can sin knowing that God sees it all, it shows that the heart is fully set in them to do evil and that nothing will restrain them." - Albert Barnes
Judas was made aware of the fact that Jesus knew of his plans to betray Him, yet decided to continue with his plans. How often are we guilty of the same practice: knowing full well that God is not pleased with our plans, yet not allowing that fact to deter us from our 'freedom of choice' to act against the Almighty.
"When men can sin knowing that God sees it all, it shows that the heart is fully set in them to do evil and that nothing will restrain them." - Albert Barnes
Judas was made aware of the fact that Jesus knew of his plans to betray Him, yet decided to continue with his plans. How often are we guilty of the same practice: knowing full well that God is not pleased with our plans, yet not allowing that fact to deter us from our 'freedom of choice' to act against the Almighty.
Friday, June 16
Light in the Darkness
It has been my extreme pleasure to take part in the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International national conference this week. Meeting for the "first time in a long time" (if ever) on the West Coast, the weather and seismics cooperated wonderfully to give East Coasters a taste of ministry in the West, California, and San Francisco. It was my joy to re-connect to friends I hadn't seen in years, and especially to learn that several of them live a lot closer than I ever imagined.
By far, the blessing of the conference was the preaching. I am still digesting Chuck Phelps' exposition from Acts 7 on "Bringing Joy to the City" and it will impact my ministry for a long time to come. An additional 'pick-me-up' was to hear so many preacher's voices singing enthusiastically. The rafters of our host church were almost in danger of parting company with the rest of the building! Perhaps my favorite quote of the conference came after a soul-stirring singing of "How Great Thou Art" when the host pastor stepped to the microphone and exclaimed "The wonder of it all is that we serve One Who is deserving of exactly this kind of praise!"
But for the story of the incredible behind the scenes San Francisco experience, you will have to ask Tim Sneeden! His reward for being a faithful reader of this blog (and how hard can that be, considering how often I post? Really, folks, Tim is setting the bar here!) is that he gets to tell his story in his way and in his time. It's a great story - full of ups and downs, but not necessarily in that order.
Tuesday, May 16
A thought on John 11:25 - 26
"Faith in Jesus does not make humans immortal. What it does bring about is that from this moment on they no longer live under the power of death. Resurrection is therefore not a matter of the 'last day' but of now, of listening in faith to the Son of God." (The Gospel of John, Herman Ridderbos, page 397)
What a transforming event faith in Jesus Christ becomes! It truly does pass one from death into life! To quote the Master, "Believest thou this?"
What a transforming event faith in Jesus Christ becomes! It truly does pass one from death into life! To quote the Master, "Believest thou this?"
Wednesday, May 3
The Shepherd's Voice
John 10 records Jesus' illustration of the shepherd, as well as His identification of himself as the Good Shepherd. Tucked away in those verses are phrases referring to 'his voice' that the sheep recognize. In fact, the voice of a stranger (anyone who is not the shepherd of a particular sheep) is said to cause panic and the dispersal of the sheep. The application seems clear: sheep always follow the shepherd to whom they belong.
What about the sheep who claims to belong to one shepherd who ends up following another shepherd? Something clearly has gone wrong. Either the sheep never belonged to the flock of which they claimed to be part, or they forgot what the voice of thier shepherd sounded like. This "other" voice may have had the same tenor or pitch or volume, but it was not the voice of the right shepherd.
I say all this in light of the recent release of the Gospel of Judas and the soon theatrical release of The DaVinci Code. Many who claim to follow Jesus will listen to the voices of 'scholarship' and 'reason' and conclude that perhaps the material presented by DaVinci Code, Holy Blood ~ Holy Grail and others have merit afterall. Some will even embrace the teachings fostered by the movie and book and adjust their thinking to reflect such insights. This is most dangerous!
The DaVinci Code and other materials of its ilk are nothing more than the voice of a strange shepherd! This is not the voice of the Good Shepherd; the teaching ought to cause every follower of Jesus Christ to respond in revulsion. This is not scholarship to be considered; it is heresy to be refuted!
I am not advocating that we stick our collective heads into the proverbial sand and ignore the issue. On the contrary, we need to be ready to defend our position for a historical and Biblical Jesus. The "facts" of Dan Brown's case do not hold up to any reasonable scrutiny. They are a modern retelling of an ages-old heretical position that seeks to distort one's view of Jesus Christ.
We as sheep following our Great Shepherd need to be intimately aware of His voice; and other voices (such as the ones we just discussed) ought to cause us to run for safety - not nibble for curiosity.
What about the sheep who claims to belong to one shepherd who ends up following another shepherd? Something clearly has gone wrong. Either the sheep never belonged to the flock of which they claimed to be part, or they forgot what the voice of thier shepherd sounded like. This "other" voice may have had the same tenor or pitch or volume, but it was not the voice of the right shepherd.
I say all this in light of the recent release of the Gospel of Judas and the soon theatrical release of The DaVinci Code. Many who claim to follow Jesus will listen to the voices of 'scholarship' and 'reason' and conclude that perhaps the material presented by DaVinci Code, Holy Blood ~ Holy Grail and others have merit afterall. Some will even embrace the teachings fostered by the movie and book and adjust their thinking to reflect such insights. This is most dangerous!
The DaVinci Code and other materials of its ilk are nothing more than the voice of a strange shepherd! This is not the voice of the Good Shepherd; the teaching ought to cause every follower of Jesus Christ to respond in revulsion. This is not scholarship to be considered; it is heresy to be refuted!
I am not advocating that we stick our collective heads into the proverbial sand and ignore the issue. On the contrary, we need to be ready to defend our position for a historical and Biblical Jesus. The "facts" of Dan Brown's case do not hold up to any reasonable scrutiny. They are a modern retelling of an ages-old heretical position that seeks to distort one's view of Jesus Christ.
We as sheep following our Great Shepherd need to be intimately aware of His voice; and other voices (such as the ones we just discussed) ought to cause us to run for safety - not nibble for curiosity.
Friday, April 14
A Very Good Friday
The bulk of my time during the "6 hours" of this particular Good Friday were spent with two gifted individuals - Des and Linda. They were able to encourage me and give me great insight into what this day truly means in the life of a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. You see, Des and Linda are piano tuners.
My piano, no joke, has not been tuned in a l-o-n-g time. It has only been my piano for 3 years, and in that time no tuner was consulted. Previously owned by my in-laws, they confessed to me that it was probably the late 70s when my beloved instrument was last serviced. "Criminal!" I hear piano police muttering under their collective breath; and they are correct. What now sits in my living room is drastically different from the instrument I walked past last night on my way to bed. The case is the same, the strings the same, the keys are the same; and yet there is a profound difference that has been effected by an encounter with a maestro.
History tells us that two millenia ago this weekend Jesus died (as the Scripture said he would), was buried and rose again (as Scripture said). One of the practical results of that event is that lives are capable of being drastically changed. When my life encountered that Babe born in Bethlehem, that Teacher of the Twelve, that Christ of the Cross, that Maestro of majesty a profound difference was made - immediately. To borrow the musical metaphor, my flattened notes were tuned to perfect pitch by Him. My discordant strings were brought into unity with His standard of beauty and harmony. My case, with all its nicks and dents, was polished into a gleaming display of His craftsmanship. Only the most careless observer would miss the obvious transformation that has taken place.
At least that is how it is supposed to be. I was impressed by Des and Linda's obvious love and care for musical instruments. Their appreciation and total service of my instrument (they took it apart and cleaned and polished every surface - using tools as small as tiny brushes) made me think twice about using the piano as an end table. Their loving care made me value my possession after seeing how well they treated it.
Thinking back to the event this Good Friday commemorates, how ought I treat my salvation, after observing the loving care that provided it for me? O God, I've treated Your Son's sacrifice too lightly, I'm afraid. This life that was purchased and polished for Your glory has been turned into an end table, a place where odds and ends collect and dust easily accumulates. Today, as I remember the price paid for my sin, give me a greater appreciation for Your sacrifice; one that transfers into the daily living of my life in a way that pleases and brings glory to You alone. May the notes of my life's song be music - true music - in Your ears.
My piano, no joke, has not been tuned in a l-o-n-g time. It has only been my piano for 3 years, and in that time no tuner was consulted. Previously owned by my in-laws, they confessed to me that it was probably the late 70s when my beloved instrument was last serviced. "Criminal!" I hear piano police muttering under their collective breath; and they are correct. What now sits in my living room is drastically different from the instrument I walked past last night on my way to bed. The case is the same, the strings the same, the keys are the same; and yet there is a profound difference that has been effected by an encounter with a maestro.
History tells us that two millenia ago this weekend Jesus died (as the Scripture said he would), was buried and rose again (as Scripture said). One of the practical results of that event is that lives are capable of being drastically changed. When my life encountered that Babe born in Bethlehem, that Teacher of the Twelve, that Christ of the Cross, that Maestro of majesty a profound difference was made - immediately. To borrow the musical metaphor, my flattened notes were tuned to perfect pitch by Him. My discordant strings were brought into unity with His standard of beauty and harmony. My case, with all its nicks and dents, was polished into a gleaming display of His craftsmanship. Only the most careless observer would miss the obvious transformation that has taken place.
At least that is how it is supposed to be. I was impressed by Des and Linda's obvious love and care for musical instruments. Their appreciation and total service of my instrument (they took it apart and cleaned and polished every surface - using tools as small as tiny brushes) made me think twice about using the piano as an end table. Their loving care made me value my possession after seeing how well they treated it.
Thinking back to the event this Good Friday commemorates, how ought I treat my salvation, after observing the loving care that provided it for me? O God, I've treated Your Son's sacrifice too lightly, I'm afraid. This life that was purchased and polished for Your glory has been turned into an end table, a place where odds and ends collect and dust easily accumulates. Today, as I remember the price paid for my sin, give me a greater appreciation for Your sacrifice; one that transfers into the daily living of my life in a way that pleases and brings glory to You alone. May the notes of my life's song be music - true music - in Your ears.
Thursday, March 30
"Program complete . . . you may enter when ready."
The finishing touches have been put on the re-release of the church website. It is not in its finished state; but it is ready for public consumption. Check out the link in the sidebar, or if you don't feel like wandering that far with your mouse, just click this link right here.
Friday, March 24
The Family Circle is Complete!
One of the joys of raising a family is watching them reach important milestones. Our family reached a very significant milestone today.
When the phone rings and the voice on the other end is your eldest son (7 years old), your heart tends to flutter - especially when he says "Brother needs to talk to you!" Oh no, what went wrong?
Imagine my joy to hear my youngest son (5 years old next month) report "Guess what, Dad? I just asked Jesus to forgive my sins and make me part of His family. I am a Christian now!"
It seems that my oldest has been praying for his younger brother. Today he asked "When are you going to become a Christian?" Younger sibling replied "When I am ready." causing his older brother to ask "Well, are you ready?" After a few moments thought, the answer came, "Yes, I am ready today!" So two small boys knelt at the side of their bunkbeds and soon found their mother. "Good news, Mom! Our family is all Christians now!"
Just when one thinks life cannot possibly get any better, God shows just how wonderful HE can make life.
When the phone rings and the voice on the other end is your eldest son (7 years old), your heart tends to flutter - especially when he says "Brother needs to talk to you!" Oh no, what went wrong?
Imagine my joy to hear my youngest son (5 years old next month) report "Guess what, Dad? I just asked Jesus to forgive my sins and make me part of His family. I am a Christian now!"
It seems that my oldest has been praying for his younger brother. Today he asked "When are you going to become a Christian?" Younger sibling replied "When I am ready." causing his older brother to ask "Well, are you ready?" After a few moments thought, the answer came, "Yes, I am ready today!" So two small boys knelt at the side of their bunkbeds and soon found their mother. "Good news, Mom! Our family is all Christians now!"
Just when one thinks life cannot possibly get any better, God shows just how wonderful HE can make life.
Sunday, March 19
A Step back in Time
Tomorrow I have the extreme privelege of revisiting a former ministry. The pastor and people of Grace Baptist Church in Sonora, CA, have graciously invited me to preach as part of their "Shepherds' Conference." This yearly conference is a time when various pastors come and preach to the congregation. The emphasis this year is on pastors who have previously ministered at Grace.
I look forward to seeing the people and the ministry again. But the greatest aspect of the day will be opening God's Word again with these dear folks.
I look forward to seeing the people and the ministry again. But the greatest aspect of the day will be opening God's Word again with these dear folks.
Monday, March 13
An update
Final touches are being put on the re-release of our church's website. Many thanks are due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Larry Vanerwegen, who is voluntarily taking on the "joy" of turning my design dreams and ideas into bits and pixels of Internet reality. Stay tuned for the Grand Re-Opening!
Wednesday, March 1
The Revolution will NOT be televised!
Please understand as you read that I am fully aware of the fact that I am a relative newcomer to the ministry scene. I am in my first year of the senior pastorate and have only served seven years prior to this in youth ministry. HOWEVER, my 24-year relationship with Jesus as my Lord and Savior gives me more than enough backing on the subject I approach today.
While in training (both undergraduate and seminary), I recall hearing again and again of the importance of knowing one's audience. This is good advice! Paul (Acts 17) first understood the background of his audience before addressing them on Mars Hill. In recent years, many companies and service providers have brought their unique talents to bear in ministry related areas. But what happens when the researchers do more than gather the data and report the trends? What happens when the pollsters begin making the decisions for you? Can the right data lead to the wrong conclusions?
The answer to the last question is a definite "yes" and is graphically illustrated in a recent book published by George Barna titled Revolution. In this treatise he shares insight into a growing crowd of 'revolutionaries' (his term) that will overtake the church scene in the next 20 years or so. These revolutionaries find spiritual fulfillment outside the walls of traditional church ministry; and have forsaken the local church to better identify with the Church (the global body of believers). Barna's conclusion is that within 20 years, Christians will only find 30% of their Christian activity taking place within church walls (down from it's current 70%). He uses this statistic and the personal experiences of others to advocate a serious shift in thinking - one that calls for believers to join the revolution and leave the local church.
Wait a minute! This is throwing out the baby with the bath water! Let's accept for a moment that what Barna is saying is true about current trends among Christians. If the next two decades will find believers spending less time within the church walls, this is not a reason to abandon the local church - it is a call to make the most of every opportunity those believers are in church! A shift in thinking needs to take place between the pastor's ears. He must strive to not only show the relevance of what he preaches and teaches, but show how that relevance must be acted out in daily life.
To be honest, much of Barna's book left me upset. One who had done seemingly so much to advance the cause of Christ is now advocating the abandonment of the church. To be sure, we cannot continue to minister to a 21st century culture with a 20th century model; but the solution is to change models, not abandon the product line completely. (A mixed metaphor to be sure, but I hope you understand the point.)
The revolution Barna predicts will happen. My prayer is that it will not happen as he sees it; but that we as a local church will realize that "church as it's always been" cannot continue.
While in training (both undergraduate and seminary), I recall hearing again and again of the importance of knowing one's audience. This is good advice! Paul (Acts 17) first understood the background of his audience before addressing them on Mars Hill. In recent years, many companies and service providers have brought their unique talents to bear in ministry related areas. But what happens when the researchers do more than gather the data and report the trends? What happens when the pollsters begin making the decisions for you? Can the right data lead to the wrong conclusions?
The answer to the last question is a definite "yes" and is graphically illustrated in a recent book published by George Barna titled Revolution. In this treatise he shares insight into a growing crowd of 'revolutionaries' (his term) that will overtake the church scene in the next 20 years or so. These revolutionaries find spiritual fulfillment outside the walls of traditional church ministry; and have forsaken the local church to better identify with the Church (the global body of believers). Barna's conclusion is that within 20 years, Christians will only find 30% of their Christian activity taking place within church walls (down from it's current 70%). He uses this statistic and the personal experiences of others to advocate a serious shift in thinking - one that calls for believers to join the revolution and leave the local church.
Wait a minute! This is throwing out the baby with the bath water! Let's accept for a moment that what Barna is saying is true about current trends among Christians. If the next two decades will find believers spending less time within the church walls, this is not a reason to abandon the local church - it is a call to make the most of every opportunity those believers are in church! A shift in thinking needs to take place between the pastor's ears. He must strive to not only show the relevance of what he preaches and teaches, but show how that relevance must be acted out in daily life.
To be honest, much of Barna's book left me upset. One who had done seemingly so much to advance the cause of Christ is now advocating the abandonment of the church. To be sure, we cannot continue to minister to a 21st century culture with a 20th century model; but the solution is to change models, not abandon the product line completely. (A mixed metaphor to be sure, but I hope you understand the point.)
The revolution Barna predicts will happen. My prayer is that it will not happen as he sees it; but that we as a local church will realize that "church as it's always been" cannot continue.
Friday, February 17
Olympic-style living
This week has been spent trying to squeeze as much time viewing the Olympics as my schedule will allow (and sleep will permit). I am still not sure why I need to wait for 8 hours after the event to watch it on television; VCRs and TIVO were invented for a reason!
Last night, watching the men's free-style skating competition, I got into a discussion about the "new" scoring system being used at this Olympiad. The skaters are attempting increasingly difficult maneuvers - which is good; but they are not able to complete them - which is bad. However, they are being scored in a manner allowing them to receive credit for the portions of the element that were completed - which is good for the skater, but bad for the sport. By following this logic, all a skater need do is attempt 3 or 4 quad-jump combinations and hope that they can stick the landing one of them. The scoring will credit them for all that they actually accomplish and they should walk out with a medal. The folks in the stands and at home will watch them slide across the rink on their posterior; but hey, they tried right? What's next: giving out medals for how the athlete wishes they had skated? Absurd, you say? Quite right! We ought not award medals on an "outcome based" formula. If the skater cannot complete the element, then the element has not been done.
Apply that logic to life and living, and especially to the Christian life. Please follow my logic through to its conclusion before passing judgment on it. I am not saying we ought not attempt great things, nor am I saying we should only stick to what we know we can do. What I am saying is this: When we allow our lives to be lived in a way that states "Oh well, I guess I couldn't do all that. Give me credit for trying." it smacks others of falseness and hypocrisy. Let me reduce this to absurdity. If I promise to lead the singing on a Sunday Morning; but leave after the opening hymn - I don't get credit for leading one song, I get (rightly) accused of not leading the song service. Until it's finished, I have not done it. If I only give the introduction to my sermon - I haven't preached. (Again, don't misunderstand; some sermons take a LONG time to introduce and I have sat through some 45 minute introductions before. I am talking about just telling a story or two for 8 minutes and calling it a wrap)
The Christian life is more important than an ice skating competition. We need to "score" it much more differently, too. I am afraid, though, that too often we grade on the Olympic scale. Folks will fail and fall, best laid plans will not be completed as planned, injuries occur, the great plans may not materialize as planned when planned. However, is the public arena the place to try out "something new"?
Last night, watching the men's free-style skating competition, I got into a discussion about the "new" scoring system being used at this Olympiad. The skaters are attempting increasingly difficult maneuvers - which is good; but they are not able to complete them - which is bad. However, they are being scored in a manner allowing them to receive credit for the portions of the element that were completed - which is good for the skater, but bad for the sport. By following this logic, all a skater need do is attempt 3 or 4 quad-jump combinations and hope that they can stick the landing one of them. The scoring will credit them for all that they actually accomplish and they should walk out with a medal. The folks in the stands and at home will watch them slide across the rink on their posterior; but hey, they tried right? What's next: giving out medals for how the athlete wishes they had skated? Absurd, you say? Quite right! We ought not award medals on an "outcome based" formula. If the skater cannot complete the element, then the element has not been done.
Apply that logic to life and living, and especially to the Christian life. Please follow my logic through to its conclusion before passing judgment on it. I am not saying we ought not attempt great things, nor am I saying we should only stick to what we know we can do. What I am saying is this: When we allow our lives to be lived in a way that states "Oh well, I guess I couldn't do all that. Give me credit for trying." it smacks others of falseness and hypocrisy. Let me reduce this to absurdity. If I promise to lead the singing on a Sunday Morning; but leave after the opening hymn - I don't get credit for leading one song, I get (rightly) accused of not leading the song service. Until it's finished, I have not done it. If I only give the introduction to my sermon - I haven't preached. (Again, don't misunderstand; some sermons take a LONG time to introduce and I have sat through some 45 minute introductions before. I am talking about just telling a story or two for 8 minutes and calling it a wrap)
The Christian life is more important than an ice skating competition. We need to "score" it much more differently, too. I am afraid, though, that too often we grade on the Olympic scale. Folks will fail and fall, best laid plans will not be completed as planned, injuries occur, the great plans may not materialize as planned when planned. However, is the public arena the place to try out "something new"?
Wednesday, February 8
Are we ready?
A friend has been challenging my thinking lately. He is part of a church that is re-organizing and trying to reach out in new and meaningful ways to his community. Amid all the questions of "How will we...?" and "What will we...?" he is challenging church members with the question "Are we ready to...?"
Are we ready to see things drastically different from what we have always known?
Are we ready to see a great influx of new faces, cultures, backgrounds?
Are we ready to accept folks as they are while we lovingly show them what God wants them to be?
Are we ready to reach out to those everyone else misunderstands and wishes "would just go away"?
Are we ready to accept the skateboarders as a ministry opportunity instead of a nuisance?
Are we ready to grow?
These are great questions. Ones that should be asked and must be answered. One cannot assume that everyone will come to the same conclusion on these matters. But, as a church seeks to reach out to its community, they are necessary questions to be asking.
So now I am asking them of myself! Some of the answers I already have; some I am still working on answering.
What other questions might be asked in this context? Are we ready to . . .
Are we ready to see things drastically different from what we have always known?
Are we ready to see a great influx of new faces, cultures, backgrounds?
Are we ready to accept folks as they are while we lovingly show them what God wants them to be?
Are we ready to reach out to those everyone else misunderstands and wishes "would just go away"?
Are we ready to accept the skateboarders as a ministry opportunity instead of a nuisance?
Are we ready to grow?
These are great questions. Ones that should be asked and must be answered. One cannot assume that everyone will come to the same conclusion on these matters. But, as a church seeks to reach out to its community, they are necessary questions to be asking.
So now I am asking them of myself! Some of the answers I already have; some I am still working on answering.
What other questions might be asked in this context? Are we ready to . . .
Thursday, February 2
I'm one of THEM now!
Back in a former life (ok, really just a few months ago, when I was a pastor primarily to young people) there was a phrase that many in my professional circles liked to use: The Jones Memorial Carpet. This term was coined, I believe, by the late Mike Yaconelli; it represented the "sacred cows" and limits placed on youth ministry. Many youth workers could and can regale you with tales from their ministry where something wonderful happened; only to meet with the ire of the church family because, in the process, The Jones Memorial Carpet was soiled.
I often laughed at the concept of the JMC, largely because I was blessed to be involved in churches where ministry took precedence over the condition of the room or the resulting aftermath. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't leading marauding bands wielding grape juice-filled Super Soakers through the sanctuary. I was, however, allowed the opportunity to make messes and repair the aftermath without incurring the wrath of "the Jones family" who had donated whatever it was that got used in a less-than-what-they-had-intended fashion.
All that changed two months ago.
Now I'm "one of the Joneses."
When a family member passed away recently, much was made by members of their immediate family about how the estate would / should be divided. During the course of the last few weeks these same members are discovering just how generous Loved One was to their church. This person was very giving of their finances and time to the cause of Christ's church - too much so, if you ask certain people. After finding out that a substantial portion of the estate would be given to the church, there was much grumbling about how the church should have to earn it, show appreciation for it, erect something to honor the gift, etc. Interestingly enough, the last project this family member contributed towards was, you guessed it, new carpeting for the main auditorium. There were family members who attended the memorial service for Loved One "just to see what kind of carpet [donation amount] gets you these days."
I am trying hard to maintain a sense of balance with family on the one hand, and knowing what I know about ministry on the other. A large part of me wants to say "But look at what can be done in this room, now that it is carpeted! Look at how effective ministry can be - and [the dearly departed] made that happen!" But it would be pointless, because that carpet - in their eyes - has dollar signs for its pattern. They don't understand the reasons their loved one gave; they don't know the One their loved one was demonstrating love towards; they just see a carpet as a "lasting" tribute, and they know that it will be a fleeting memorial at best.
Where am I going with all this? I think the response I should have had back in my youth ministry days was one of thankfulness to the Jones family for letting me in the room with their "carpet" (even though it may not have been actual carpet - you know what I mean, right?). Maybe I should have written them a note, explaining to them how glad we were to not only enjoy the carpet, but explain that the wear and tear - and even stains - were also a fitting tribute to their loved one.
Now that I'm "one of the Joneses" through no fault of my own; that's how I want to proceed in the future.
I often laughed at the concept of the JMC, largely because I was blessed to be involved in churches where ministry took precedence over the condition of the room or the resulting aftermath. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't leading marauding bands wielding grape juice-filled Super Soakers through the sanctuary. I was, however, allowed the opportunity to make messes and repair the aftermath without incurring the wrath of "the Jones family" who had donated whatever it was that got used in a less-than-what-they-had-intended fashion.
All that changed two months ago.
Now I'm "one of the Joneses."
When a family member passed away recently, much was made by members of their immediate family about how the estate would / should be divided. During the course of the last few weeks these same members are discovering just how generous Loved One was to their church. This person was very giving of their finances and time to the cause of Christ's church - too much so, if you ask certain people. After finding out that a substantial portion of the estate would be given to the church, there was much grumbling about how the church should have to earn it, show appreciation for it, erect something to honor the gift, etc. Interestingly enough, the last project this family member contributed towards was, you guessed it, new carpeting for the main auditorium. There were family members who attended the memorial service for Loved One "just to see what kind of carpet [donation amount] gets you these days."
I am trying hard to maintain a sense of balance with family on the one hand, and knowing what I know about ministry on the other. A large part of me wants to say "But look at what can be done in this room, now that it is carpeted! Look at how effective ministry can be - and [the dearly departed] made that happen!" But it would be pointless, because that carpet - in their eyes - has dollar signs for its pattern. They don't understand the reasons their loved one gave; they don't know the One their loved one was demonstrating love towards; they just see a carpet as a "lasting" tribute, and they know that it will be a fleeting memorial at best.
Where am I going with all this? I think the response I should have had back in my youth ministry days was one of thankfulness to the Jones family for letting me in the room with their "carpet" (even though it may not have been actual carpet - you know what I mean, right?). Maybe I should have written them a note, explaining to them how glad we were to not only enjoy the carpet, but explain that the wear and tear - and even stains - were also a fitting tribute to their loved one.
Now that I'm "one of the Joneses" through no fault of my own; that's how I want to proceed in the future.
Contact lenses and salvation?
Yesterday, February 1st, was a monumental day. The beginning of the month marks the time when I change my contacts! I began this habit so that I will remember when it is time (was it the 14th of the month, or the 23rd? No. It is the 1st!).
Each month I marvel at how easily the contacts go onto my eye; and the clarity they provide for my sight. No matter how much I scrub and clean my old lenses, they have to be replaced each month; and each month, I can tell the difference between a new pair and the old. Psalm 51:10 - 12 was ringing in my thoughts yesterday after I put my "new" lenses into use.
Putting a new set of lenses on my eyes reminds me of just how good the new pair is. God, today, keep me mindful and aware of just how good my salvation is compared to the life I lived before!
Each month I marvel at how easily the contacts go onto my eye; and the clarity they provide for my sight. No matter how much I scrub and clean my old lenses, they have to be replaced each month; and each month, I can tell the difference between a new pair and the old. Psalm 51:10 - 12 was ringing in my thoughts yesterday after I put my "new" lenses into use.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.How often do I allow myself to relive the joy of when salvation was brand new? The fact "all things have been made new" does not always bring corresponding feelings of the "joy of Your salvation." This may be due to many factors; but could it be simply the fact that we just don't remind ourselves?
Putting a new set of lenses on my eyes reminds me of just how good the new pair is. God, today, keep me mindful and aware of just how good my salvation is compared to the life I lived before!
Wednesday, January 11
New Year Resolutions
There is something cleansing about the month of January. Opening a new calendar, staring at all the blank boxes filled with promise and unseen opportunities, feeling the exhilarating rush of anticipation at all that can be accomplished in a NEW year, one is often tempted to set goals, list expectations and begin the process of completing those tasks.
Then comes the month of February. Many of January's promises and commitments have been tossed aside, written off as the overworked imagination of fancy. The one or two items still on the list are often given half-hearted attempts at completion - more to keep from admitting total failure than to actually accomplish the goal. Maybe February is too late; perhaps the items on the list were abandoned in mid-January.
Is all lost?
No.
But it all needs to be restarted. That's right, totally stopped, rethought, reworked and then restarted. So take your list of "resolutions" and put them down
and
just
walk
away.
The fact of the matter is that you will never keep them anyway. Your own strength is far to feeble to accomplish anything of value. This is a job for not super-human strength, but for superior to super-human strength. The goals you would like to set for your life need to be filtered through the sieve of God's thinking.
Try it! Does God want you to [here's where you fill in the blank with what you want to accomplish this year]? How will that make you more like Jesus Christ? How will that influence others to desire a relationship with Him? Face it; God probably does not want you to quit your job to go to all 162 baseball games of your favorite team. He may not even desire for you to go to the gym 6 days a week. Get His perspective on your resolutions - then revise them accordingly!
Now you are ready to restart! "But," I can hear you say "this list looks so hard!" It may very well be the most difficult task you have ever faced! That is exactly why you were never meant to accomplish it on your own. Ask God for His divine help, strength, guidance and direction. Enlist others to hold you accountable, pray for you, rejoice at your progress and weep at your setbacks. Don't expect everything to happen overnight. The only things that happen overnight are FedEx deliveries; and, unless you work for FedEx, God doesn't expect you to deliver FedEx results!
This is a new year. There are still 354 days left to accomplish great things. Ask God to determine what great things He would like for you to accomplish this year; and then ask His help as you move toward accomplishing them.
Then comes the month of February. Many of January's promises and commitments have been tossed aside, written off as the overworked imagination of fancy. The one or two items still on the list are often given half-hearted attempts at completion - more to keep from admitting total failure than to actually accomplish the goal. Maybe February is too late; perhaps the items on the list were abandoned in mid-January.
Is all lost?
No.
But it all needs to be restarted. That's right, totally stopped, rethought, reworked and then restarted. So take your list of "resolutions" and put them down
and
just
walk
away.
The fact of the matter is that you will never keep them anyway. Your own strength is far to feeble to accomplish anything of value. This is a job for not super-human strength, but for superior to super-human strength. The goals you would like to set for your life need to be filtered through the sieve of God's thinking.
Try it! Does God want you to [here's where you fill in the blank with what you want to accomplish this year]? How will that make you more like Jesus Christ? How will that influence others to desire a relationship with Him? Face it; God probably does not want you to quit your job to go to all 162 baseball games of your favorite team. He may not even desire for you to go to the gym 6 days a week. Get His perspective on your resolutions - then revise them accordingly!
Now you are ready to restart! "But," I can hear you say "this list looks so hard!" It may very well be the most difficult task you have ever faced! That is exactly why you were never meant to accomplish it on your own. Ask God for His divine help, strength, guidance and direction. Enlist others to hold you accountable, pray for you, rejoice at your progress and weep at your setbacks. Don't expect everything to happen overnight. The only things that happen overnight are FedEx deliveries; and, unless you work for FedEx, God doesn't expect you to deliver FedEx results!
This is a new year. There are still 354 days left to accomplish great things. Ask God to determine what great things He would like for you to accomplish this year; and then ask His help as you move toward accomplishing them.
Friday, December 23
You came from Heaven to earth . . .
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
Not a startling revelation; but one that has grasped me in a profound way. As a child, I was counting the days, hours, and minutes until the arrival of Christmas. The usual "first snow" in the Novembers of my Pennsylvania youth brought the realization that Christmas would soon be here.
Those days were literally a lifetime ago. Now twice as old as I was then, living at the opposite end of both the country and the climate scale, I can't depend on weather conditions to signal Christmas' impending arrival. Other events are vying for my attention. The "big countdown" now seems to focus on "how long until payday?" or "when is our next big church function?"
Here's what a friend of mine wrote as his Christmas prayer:
It’s all about smelly shepherds surrounding a musty manger in a tiny town. It’s about two tired travelers witnessing the birth of a baby boy. It’s about the miracle of seeing the tiny fingers of a newborn and realizing that those hands formed mountains and valleys and described the course of rivers with those very same miniature fingers. It’s realizing the voice that would summon the power of heaven and command the dead to raise back to life was the same voice gurgling and cooing at the sight, sound and smells of a feeding trough. It’s becoming fully aware that the eyes that watch over Israel, that “neither slumber nor sleep” are now closed in the fitful rest of an infant. It’s about God having kept His promise!
And this weekend has been set aside to commemorate that birth.
Forget running to the malls, the shops, the outlets, the airports and bus stations. Those wishing to be fully prepared for this holiday season should run right to the manger and find there reminders of what has been provided.
So, I’m off to prepare for Christmas. I’ll meet you at the manger.
Not a startling revelation; but one that has grasped me in a profound way. As a child, I was counting the days, hours, and minutes until the arrival of Christmas. The usual "first snow" in the Novembers of my Pennsylvania youth brought the realization that Christmas would soon be here.
Those days were literally a lifetime ago. Now twice as old as I was then, living at the opposite end of both the country and the climate scale, I can't depend on weather conditions to signal Christmas' impending arrival. Other events are vying for my attention. The "big countdown" now seems to focus on "how long until payday?" or "when is our next big church function?"
Here's what a friend of mine wrote as his Christmas prayer:
See, it's not about the bank account, the number of presents under the tree, the presence or lack thereof of decorations, the number of dishes weighing down the banquet table, the family members (or lack thereof) around the room.Dear Heavenly Father,
It's that time of year again, isn't it?
The time of year when we sometimes struggle to say "Oh wow! It's THAT TIME OF YEAR!!!!" with any excitement.By now, the musicals are done, the cards are mailed, the parties are planned, the worship preparations have been set, and the planning for the new year is underway. So now, we actually have time to reflect on our own lives at this time of year.
And then it hits us.
It hits us about the family member who is struggling.
It hits us about the loved one whose seat will be empty this Christmas.
It hits us about our financial struggles.
It hits us about bad memories we associate with what should be a joyous occasion.
It hits us about employment (or lack thereof) situations.
It hits us about how this season drains us so quickly.
It hits us about recent work issues.Lord, we answered Your call.
We strive so hard every day for you. In all this madness and surrounded by all these hurts in our lives, help us to dig.And find the joys.
And to constantly be thankful for them.Let there be peace where there is strife.
Let there be consolation where there is grief.
Let there be healing where there is pain.
Let there be light where there is darkness.
Let there be hope where there is despair.
Let there be joy where there is sadness.
Let there be You.And thank You for letting us be Yours.
Thank You, Father.
Thank You for all that we have.
Thank You for all that we are.
Thank You for all that we are going to be.And thank You for the Son.
It’s all about smelly shepherds surrounding a musty manger in a tiny town. It’s about two tired travelers witnessing the birth of a baby boy. It’s about the miracle of seeing the tiny fingers of a newborn and realizing that those hands formed mountains and valleys and described the course of rivers with those very same miniature fingers. It’s realizing the voice that would summon the power of heaven and command the dead to raise back to life was the same voice gurgling and cooing at the sight, sound and smells of a feeding trough. It’s becoming fully aware that the eyes that watch over Israel, that “neither slumber nor sleep” are now closed in the fitful rest of an infant. It’s about God having kept His promise!
And this weekend has been set aside to commemorate that birth.
Forget running to the malls, the shops, the outlets, the airports and bus stations. Those wishing to be fully prepared for this holiday season should run right to the manger and find there reminders of what has been provided.
So, I’m off to prepare for Christmas. I’ll meet you at the manger.
Tuesday, December 13
Moving
"Man, you've got to hate moving right around the holidays." was the response I heard from the man servicing my van recently. After telling him about my upcoming move to Hayward, he started listing all the troubles a person could encounter while moving - especially during the holiday season.
It wasn't long before I began agreeing with him. Really, who wants to put aside all the celebration preparations, miss out on some gatherings or parties, just to be inconvenienced with the packing, sorting, loading, unloading, transferring, etc. of a move?
But wait! That's exactly what took place this season. Jesus left heaven - the site of phenomenal praise, celebration and gatherings - to endure the inconveniences of relocating to earth.
Isn't that also what took place with Mary and Joseph? They set aside their plans for an upcoming wedding and an impending birth to travel to a city on the other side of the nation - and became part of the history of the holiday we now celebrate.
Moving during the holidays? I can't think of a better way to celebrate and commemorate the season!
It wasn't long before I began agreeing with him. Really, who wants to put aside all the celebration preparations, miss out on some gatherings or parties, just to be inconvenienced with the packing, sorting, loading, unloading, transferring, etc. of a move?
But wait! That's exactly what took place this season. Jesus left heaven - the site of phenomenal praise, celebration and gatherings - to endure the inconveniences of relocating to earth.
Isn't that also what took place with Mary and Joseph? They set aside their plans for an upcoming wedding and an impending birth to travel to a city on the other side of the nation - and became part of the history of the holiday we now celebrate.
Moving during the holidays? I can't think of a better way to celebrate and commemorate the season!
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