8 is enough

This is What I Want

2011-06-02T20:15:00.003-06:00

There are a lot of people who want or want to be a lot of things. And I am no different.

Some people want power. Some people want to be famous. While others want money and to be wealthy. I struggle with wanting these “wants” too. But for me, I have always thought they have conflicted with my faith and the teachings of Jesus. So, placing my faith first I am working on being humble, content and grateful.

Notice the lines above are written in the present tense. I am “struggling.” “I am working.” This is an almost daily battle. But I wonder if there is not a faithful and more Christ-like way to fill these same desires. I wonder if these desires themselves are not good and right, but that the most common avenue for satisfying these wants is misdirected and loaded with deception.

You see, if I had power, fame or money I would want to be different than most who possess these things. Of course my view of those who have these “resources” is skewed. I often think they are exclusive or reclusive people who don’t hang out with average (or less than average) people and they are rarely generous with what they have (except for the tax breaks). It’s as if they believe their own press releases and look to foster the hype that makes them powerful, famous or wealthy.

But instead of wanting power, fame or money, I wonder if a God honoring version of power, fame and money isn't “influence.”

Wanting to be powerful seems inherently counter to being humble and a servant.

Wanting fame smacks of selfishness and pride.

Wanting money is greed.

But what about wanting to be influential? Is there anything wrong with that? Is there anything anti-biblical with this desire?

Jesus was not powerful in the eyes of 1st century Palestinian cultrue. Although he had some notoriety, I would not call it "fame" per se, because most of it seems to have been mere curiosity or self-interested groupies. And certainly Jesus was anything but flush with cash.

All the while, no one would ever deny the influence he had on his disciples, Judea and the rest of the world.

One time while on Meet The Press Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church said, “The purpose of influence is to speak up for people who have no influence.” He says it here too.

Influence for the sake of others, for the sake of service and for the sake of the Kingdom of God?

Hmmm....

This is what I want.

The Bible and Tattoos

2011-05-16T08:21:00.000-06:00

Q: “What’s the biblical view of tattoos?”

A: Tattoos have been around longer than the biblical prohibition against them. In my opinion tattoos have suffered from “guilt by association” and poor biblical understanding for generations. At one point in American history tattoos were seen as symbols of rebellion worn only by thugs, criminals and potty mouthed sailors. No self-respecting Christian would have ever subjected themself to tattooing because of the people or segments of the counter-culture they would have been associated with.

As it turns out, this was the very reason God told his people not to get tattoos. The only direct reference to tattoos in the Bible can be found in the Old Testament.

Leviticus 19:28 "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord."

One of the main motives for God to give this command and others in the Law was to create a clear line of distinction and separation between his people (Israel) and those who were not his people (the Philistines, Canaanites, Amalekites, etc.). God wanted his people to standout, be seen as different and separated from the cultural inhabitants around them. God wanted his people to be “holy,” (Lev.19:2) which has the meaning of being unique or separate from the common for a specific purpose.

At the time, the above command about tattoos was given because pagan cultures would cut, mark and tattoo themselves as part of funeral rites. This was an almost universal practice. It was a way for the people of these nations to mourn, worship and show allegiance to their gods. Hence, the God of the Bible wanted his people to worship him and to not be mistaken for the people of their surrounding cultures.

But today the question has to be asked, “Do tattoos still have the same cultural meaning as they did in the Bible?” With tattoos being fashion statements, tributes and a form of self-expression the answer is clearly “No.” Marking one’s body through cutting or tattoos is not used by the culture at large in practices of mourning or worship of false gods. This leads me to believe the restriction on tattoos is culture bound and not universally applicable to today.

Now there are lots of things to think about when considering a tattoo that people should not take lightly. Here is a list of the things I considered before getting my tattoo:

Commitment (it will be with you for a life time.)

Design

Meaning

Accuracy (if it's a symbol or in a different language)

Placement

Artist

Cost

Safety

Remember, the Apostle Paul says our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16), so be informed and wise about how you may decorate your temple.

For further insight into tattoos and the Bible check out these links:

http://www.sacredink.net/tattoo_and_the_bible/

http://www.sacredink.net/pdf/tattoo_research.pdf

Lent Journal Entry #28: 40 Hour Retreat

2011-05-03T08:08:00.000-06:00

Psalm 103:2–5

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

who forgives all your sins,

heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things…”

“Who satisfies your desires with good things…” hmmmm. I have desires. I have wants and perceived needs.

When they arise, where do I go to have those needs met?

What is my response to those desires?

Do I stop and reflect on the origins of these desires?

Do I ask why they have arisen or what is causing this desire to show up now?

Or do I simply find the easiest and quickest way to meet my desires?

This does not mean my desires are bad, evil or selfish. They could be, but they might not be. The desires will most likely find their way out through the poor choices I make because these are the easiest and quickest kind of choices to make.

God says in Psalm 103:5 he will meet our desires with good alternatives, not empty calorie substitutes or not with surrogates which are not in my best interest. But with those that are good, wholesome, satisfying, productive and meaningful.

He meets my short comings with his goodness. He provides what I need and offers ways, roads and directions to lead me closer to him and not away. God offers good because he is good and he is good to us.

Basic Stats

2011-05-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

Here are some basic stats from Q Portland, which Jared, Brian, Phil and I attended last week:

Median Age:
37 Years Old

Channels of Cultural Influence Represented at Q:
43% Church
13% Social Sector
12% Business
11% Education
9% Media
9% Arts & Entertainment
3% Government and Politics

Lifestyle Types Represented:
49% Suburban
40% Urban/Metropolitan
9% Rural

The middle set of stats is one of the reason why the conference was so interesting and different then ones I have attended before.

Robbed Hell

2011-04-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Is this constructive?

Is this value added?

Or does it just continue to add to the polarization?

Bill Maher on Islam and Buring the Koran

2011-04-10T19:56:00.000-06:00

Would you agree with Bill Maher or not?

Two at TNL

2011-03-30T16:55:00.001-06:00

People say, ‘Time flies when you are having fun.’ If that is true I am in a time warp.

April 1 will mark my 2nd anniversary at TNL. And let me tell you it has been such a rush! Over the past two years I have laughed, cried and challenged you, and you me. Together we have shared meals, our stories and our lives. I have visited some of you in the hospital, trusted others to watch my sons, and I’ve even had to say good-bye to some in my time here.

Even with all the ups and downs, the joy and sorrow, and the critiques and compliments there is not any other church community I want to be a part of, journey with or lead. Just this morning I was thinking about how difficult it would be to find another church like TNL. I think TNL has wrecked me for other churches.

We are a community of people who are honest and messy in our faith. We are not pretentious about our successes or distraught in our failures. We are generous not only with our money, but with our lives. We hope for the best but will deal with whatever comes next. And when that “next” does comes we do not let it destroy us, but we let it shape us. Not only who we are and who we are becoming by the grace of God.

Over the past two years I have loved getting to know the people that make The Next Level Church. I am humbled by how you have impacted my journey with Jesus. I think I have underestimated how greatly you have shaped me as a Christ follower, a father, a husband and as a pastor…one of your pastors. For all of this I am grateful.

Splitting My Time

2011-03-14T18:39:00.002-06:00

The Next Level Church has it's new website up and rolling. The new site has a blog which I will regularly be contributing to. So much of my blogging will show up there, like this post from Ash Wednesday.

However, this blog will remain the place where I can shoot off my mouth without endangering the church. This is the place I will post what I think without it being edited or making it sound a certain way. This is the place where stuff will go that just rolls out of my head.

A Lot To Live Up To

2011-02-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Letter to Diognetus: 2nd Century

"Christians are not distinguished from other men by country, language, nor by the customs which they observe. They do not inhabit cities of their own, use a particular way of speaking, nor lead a life marked out by any curiosity. The course of conduct they follow has not been devised by the speculation and deliberation of inquisitive men. The do not, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of merely human doctrines.

Instead, they inhabit both Greek and barbarian cities, however things have fallen to each of them. And it is while following the customs of the natives in clothing, food, and the rest of ordinary life that they display to us their wonderful and admittedly striking way of life.

They live in their own countries, but they do so as those who are just passing through. As citizens they participate in everything with others, yet they endure everything as if they were foreigners. Every foreign land is like their homeland to them, and every land of their birth is like a land of strangers.

They marry, like everyone else, and they have children, but they do not destroy their offspring.

They share a common table, but not a common bed.

They exist in the flesh, but they do not live by the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, all the while surpassing the laws by their lives.

They love all men and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned. They are put to death and restored to life.

They are poor, yet make many rich. They lack everything, yet they overflow in everything.

They are dishonored, and yet in their very dishonor they are glorified; they are spoken ill of and yet are justified; they are reviled but bless; they are insulted and repay the insult with honor; they do good, yet are punished as evildoers; when punished, they rejoice as if raised from the dead. They are assailed by the Jews as barbarians; they are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to give any reason for their hatred.

To sum it all up in one word, what the soul is in the body, that is what Christians are in the world."

Church Advertising: What's the Difference?

2011-02-20T09:55:00.002-07:00

What is the difference between these two ADs?

Both are from churches.
Both confront a topic the church is not comfortable dealing with.
Both want people to attend the events associate with them.
Both are creative.
Both are hard to forget.

However, the second AD requires out of the box thinking. It does not rely purely on shock value. In comparison the shock value of the second AD is low. Is it head-scratching without explanation, yes (a church hosting a bra drive?), but not too shocking. The first is suggestive and the second thought provoking. The first communicates sex and the second communicates a cause and information.

The first AD is also bate and switch. The person interested in a sex life that does not suck, will go to the advertised website only to find a video filled with discouraging statistics about how society has mishandled sex, not steamy videos of the couple. The site also reveals the need for another step before you get the better sex life, "Oh yeah, we led you here to mainly tell you about our church."

Mood killer!

Now, I am all for a biblical understanding of sex and how God's version of intimacy is so much more enjoyable, satisfying and "exciting." But the first AD looks more like a Viagra AD, then a church teaching series. It mimics cultural advertising in the fact that it lacks intelligence and is aimed at a lowest common denominator audience. While the second is honest and authentic.

Then again, maybe I am just be bias.

Organized Religion Is Big Business, But Should It Be?

2011-02-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

"It's the economy, stupid . . .

Big Businesses famously roll on in this country because we're scared of letting them fail. And if there truly is an American business that's too big to send swirling down the economy's drain, it's the Organized Religion Industry (O.R.I). For an industry of which the major American branch (Christianity) uses as its mission statement the anti-materialist words of a poor carpenter, the O.R.I has done all right in the rapacious fray known as the American economy."

Pushing People Forward

2011-02-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been volunteered for something? Ever been in a line of people and had no one step forward to accept a challenge, but saw everyone step back making it look like you were the one to step up? Well, TNL has doing that to people in the past weeks.

As TNL prepares to host Denver's Biggest Bra Drive we have been purposely pushing other people, businesses and organisations into the lime light. We have not wanted to be the recipients of all the attention and focus. We have actually tried to redirect any attention to others involved in this event. People like Andrea Ball, who will be preforming. Organizations like Free The Girls, who is actually collecting and distributing the bras. Businesses like the Gothic Theater and Cafe 180, where the event is held and who are providing a pay-what-you-can dinner for the event (respectively). Not to mention, that Jesus is the sole reason for all of this.

TNL is not looking for press. We are not looking to be the center of attention. We are not looking to be seen as cool, progressive or holier-than-thou. We just want to be a community who seeks to be active in setting wrongs right, dispensing mercy and walking humbly (behind the scenes) with our God.

Why Would a Church Hold a Bra Drive?

2011-02-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Usually church is a place where you go wearing your "Sunday Best" not a place you go carrying your underwear. So, why would The Next Level Church partner with Free The Girls to host Denver's Biggest Bra Drive? Church is no place to talk about "unmentionables," right?

Wrong!

When you think about it, the church is the perfect and most appropriate place to have a bra drive when you understand:

Pound for pound bras sell for 5 times the cost of other used clothing items in Africa.

Bras are the number one demanded used clothing item in Africa. When large containers of used clothes arrive in Africa bras are always the first items taken. Followed second by shoes!

A women who wear a bra in Africa is seen as having disposable income, a job and being more self reliant. This makes her less of a target for adbuse and mistreatment. Simply put, an African women who wears a bras is less liekly to be raped!

This bra drive is about mercy, justice and love. All things the church should be about! With this in mind how could the church not host bras drives all over the US?

“Truly I tell you, whatever you

did for one of the least of these

brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

-Jesus

What Will Be The Top Religion Stories of 2012?

2011-02-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

From the Hunffington Post. Notice any trends within the trends?:

1. The only American-born world religion will have its first resident in the West Wing, as the American people will send a Republican administration to the White House that includes the country's first Mormon President or Vice-President.

2. The Book of Mormon will be on the New York Times Bestsellers list throughout the Fall '12 campaign.

3. The Chinese government will completely de-criminalize being Christian, seeing this as a necessary step towards their goal of overtaking the USA as the world's top economic superpower.

4. Fundamentalist Christians and Muslims will begin to agree on at least one thing: that the Antichrist is living among us -- as a prominent, deceptive, spiritual man who pretends to bring hope for all of humankind.

5. As Pope Benedict XVI is about to turn 85 years old, there will be rampant speculation within the Catholic Church as to his future, his effectiveness, and whether or not he may retire. Pundits will continue to compare him to Celestine V, the Pope who quit in the 13th century.

6. If a papal election happens by the end of 2012, we may see for the first time a supreme pontiff whose first language is Spanish. The Honduran cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga is a strong possibility.

7. Church and synagogue attendance will drop by a full 10 percent in 2012, after holding steady or seeing slight increases over the previous two years.

8. People will begin to distinguish between attending "brick and mortar" religious services from "virtual" attendance.

9. Ministers, priests and rabbis will begin to embrace virtual ritual and observance. You can always make a minyan on-line.

10. More than 30 million residents of the USA, on average, will attend virtual religious services at least once a week by the end of 2012. Christians will take Communion. Jews will say Kaddish.

11. The spirituality of food will burgeon, just as food shortages begin to spark regional wars and conflicts in parts of the two-thirds world. Articles, books, blogs and conferences will be held by Christians seeking to develop traditions similar to Islam's halal and Judaism's kashrut.

12. One of the world's most popular evangelical Christian preachers will launch a virtual religious service as a new aspect of his weekly electronic ministry.

13. The winter solstice -- Dec, 21, 2012 -- will come and go and the world will not end, despite weeks of intense tabloid speculation that the Mayan calendar, constructed a millennium ago, foretells the apocalypse for that day.

14. The Mayan discussion will be seen as silly by most of us, but will nevertheless fuel a desire in millions of people to re-examine the meaning of life as the Gregorian calendar turns to 2013.

And that at least -- the renewed human desire for meaning -- never changes.

Jesus, Bras and Common Grace

2011-02-06T10:06:00.002-07:00

This past December our church (The Next Level Church) was displaced from its regular meeting place. The church where we gather on Tuesdays was having a women's candle light tea, so we got bumped. Needing a place to go we hatched a crazy idea of renting the music venue right by our new offices. Seated it would hold 500, standing a 1000. But instead of just doing our thing at the Gothic Theater, we decided to partner with a charity. It seemed self serving to do otherwise. To make a long story short, the night was a great success. Not because of the number of people, but because we more than triples our goal of raising $5000 for Charity:Water.

Well, in a few weeks we are getting displaced again and guess where we are going? You got it, the Gothic. Only this time we are partnering with a organization started within our community, Free the Girls. Although, this time we are not looking to raise any money. We are collecting bras. Yes, you read correctly bras! 5000 bras to be exact. TNL is hosting Denver's Biggest Bra Dive.

So why is TNL doing this?

Are we trying to look edgy and progressive? No.

Is this a desperate attempt of a church community that has been declining for over a decade? No.

Are we hoping to look cool by jumping on the social justice band wagon? No.

The reasons are simple: People. Both locally and internationally.

We were not hoping to get more people to come to TNL, because our attendance the week after the last Gothic event was one of the lowest in a long time. We were not hoping people would give money to TNL because the last Gothic event actually cost us money. Not only did we have to pay to rent the theater, but we did not take an offering that night either. So, the event actually cost us double!

But our community made some amazing relational connections:

with the owner of the Gothic. He was SUPER skeptical of a church using his building. A place where Dimmu Borgir, Gwar and Timbaland have all played. But now he thinks we are doing some good work.
with the Gothic staff. As a staff they have "prayed" against another church in the area. Now they are promoting our event on their marque, website, Facebook page and in their AD for the Westword.
with the house production manager. He probably thought he got the sucker's end of the job having to host a "Church" group using his building, until we told him we were doing a beer tasting back at our offices! He come over for the hand crafted beer by indigenous TNL brewers (Bottom Line Brewery) and stayed until we closed the place down just before midnight!
with our neighbors. The quasi retired guy who lives across the street from our offices came last time.
with our friends, coworker and family. After the last Gothic event we heard story after story about people's atheist, agnostic and non-church going friends, coworker and family who came and supported Charity:Water.

In the end, these events common ground to foster common good and common grace. They are not just charity fundraisers.But a church community sharing the grace Jesus Christ. They are about people living what they believe to be true about God, mercy and jsutice. And that is why we are doing it all over again.

Six Big Themes of 2010

2011-01-23T09:16:00.001-07:00

Barna Research did more than 5,000 interviews in 2010 and found six big themes that were emerging in the church-at-large in 2010. See if you agree with their findings:

1. The church is becoming less theologically literate.

2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented.

3. More people are less interested in spiritual principles and more interested in pragmatic solutions.

4. More Christians are becoming more involved in community action programs

5. Tolerance is winning in the church

6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible

Here is the twist....

Politics and Religion

2011-01-20T11:51:00.001-07:00

Preach if you are going to preach.
Politic is you are going to politic.
But don't confuse the two.

"It started as a comment in local coverage of Republican Robert Bentley’s swearing-in, provoked rebuke in left-leaning commentaries, and has now gone national. Giving his Inaugural address on Martin Luther King Day, Alabama’s new chief executive left some people with the idea that only considers fellow Christians to truly be his ‘brothers’:"
Read more...

Am I wrong here?

Women and the Gospel

2011-01-16T09:43:00.001-07:00

In the past couple days I have been thinking about how the gospel affects women. This has led me to think again about women in church leadership, roles of men and women in marriage and the whole egalitarian vs. complementation discussion.

In the mists of this I made this comparison: At some point in the future this whole debate about women will be like discussion about eschatology (end times):

Both sides will be able to present their views backed by Scripture, history and opinion, but there will no be consensus.
There will always be extremists pro and con.
For the most part this discussion will become fodder for conversation and not a reason for division within the church.
The issue will move (if it has not already) from an "A" list issue to a "B" or "C" list issue, losing its intrigue, ire and staying power at the table of theological conversation.

The question then becomes, is kind of evolution of the debate good for the church or not?

Do You Believe God Exists?

2010-12-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the some current results from a poll being taken on the New York Daily News website:

Poll Results

Thank you for voting.

Do you believe God exists?

Yes.	64%
No.	28%
I am undecided.	9%

Vote if you feel so compelled.

PBS Quotes

2010-12-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Last night, while subconsciously channel surfing I heard three great quotes on PBS:

"A calling is an invitation to your own liberation."
"Those who hesitate are most lost."
"You have to live life while you are alive."

The Next Christians pt. 2

2010-12-19T10:29:00.003-07:00

For a little while I have worried that I have comprising my faith. I worried about what all the critics say about preaching today, its soft on sin, hell and the sovereignty of God (all of which I believe in). I have worried I am focusing too much on the love of God and not enough on how sinners have offended God and rebelled against him. I have worried I am not teaching all of God’s word and for the sake of being palatable, non-confrontational and easy to swallow I am skipping the hard truths of Scripture. I have worried the demographics and the open/accepting environment of our church as caused me to focus on the more accessible portions of the Bible and theology. I have worried about selling out to the culture of today instead of trying to restore the culture of the kingdom. I have worried that being in someone’s life was not as important as being in their face!

It was in this state of mind I read Gabe Lyons' newest book. And it was in his book I found consolation and encouragement. In short, it was in his book I found a place to belong, a tribe to call my own and validation of the worldview I have been using. It was confirmation of my feeling and efforts.

Even though my theology has changed little from my self-righteous, holier than thou, fundi, SBC days, my approach to ministry and church as changed a lot. What I heard in Lyons’ book was my recent approach was not compromise, but the new reality for those wanting engage culture. I understood my methodology changed not because I was infected by Post-Modernism, the emerging church (ha!) or because I was getting soft and theologically “liberal.” It was because the thinking of those who don’t know Jesus changed out from underneath me. They still need the forgivingness secured by Christ, they still need to understand him as God and they still need to acknowledge the truth of his teaching, but how they do all this, how they approach Jesus, spirituality and Christianity has all shifted.

This meant I had to change too. And that change is not bad, undesirable or compromising. It can be hopeful, beautiful and purposeful.

In the end I found a person who understood what my faith, my friends and my church are trying to do as we seek to live a vibrant, authentic and honest faith in Jesus.

Competing Billboards

2010-12-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Two billboards from my home state (New Jersey) competing for your attention.

Are religion and theme parks a good mix?

2010-12-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Are religious theme parks entertaining, good teaching tools for the faith or a hilarious waste of time and money?

"Plans for a religious theme park featuring a Noah's Ark of biblical proportions has generated controversy since it was announced that the project would receive $35 million in tax rebates."

Read more here.

The Next Christians

2010-12-13T20:22:00.002-07:00

Lyons, Gabe. The Next Christians: The Good News About The End of Christian America. New York: Double Day, 2010.

In Gabe Lyons new book he sets out to describe a new breed of Christians, the next assortment of believers. This is a group of Christ followers who have left behind the old methods and thinking of a previous generation, but not a love for Jesus or Scriptures. These Next Christians “want to be a force for restoration in a broken world even as we proclaim the Christian gospel. They want the label Christian to mean something good, intelligent, authentic, true and beautiful.”

Throughout the book Lyons reveals facts about the Next Christians as he compares them mainly with a group he calls, “Separatists.” As the name implies they are the segment of the Church who chooses to live out its faith not by engaging culture, but by condemning, being critical of and separating from it. In addition Lyons lightly compares the Next Christians to those in the church who seek to blend the church and culture together. Mainly this is done at the end of the book as Lyons reveals his views on the dangers of the church trying to be “relevant” in style and not in substance.

Lyons has learned the Next Christians are willing to do things differently than before. They are holistic, in regards to the gospel and biblical story. This story, they believe, does only have two chapters: Fall and Redemption, but several chapters: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration (in addition to Consummation). It is the restorative element of the biblical story that drives these Christians most Lyons believes. The Next Christians value:

The long view,
Relationships,
Finding the third way (see post),
People and the process of spiritual formation,
Justice (the partner to evangelism),
Getting messy with other people's dirt,
Conversations,
Believing in Jesus and being Jesus,
How the world ought to be, not simply how it is.

It is with these values Lyons sees hope for the future of the Christian church. The rapidly changing culture does not scare Lyons, knowing there are Christians seeking to proactively engage our world. These Next Christians understand the death and resurrection of Jesus was “not meant to save people from something.” But God, “wanted to save Christians to something.” Ready with the whole restorative gospel message the Next Christians have not given up on the church or culture. They are seeking authentic, true and accurate ways of awakening the mistreated, underrepresented and left behind to a newly branded and redrawn picture of faith in Jesus the Christ as seen in the Bible.

Does God Make a Difference

2010-12-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

Does God make a difference in education?

"American education proceeds on the assumption that God is either dead or irrelevant."

Read on...

Rebuttal here (although not a good one).

A One Night Stand With Jesus

2010-12-05T09:20:00.008-07:00

In a couple days I will teach from the biggest platform I have even been given. I mean this literally, the stage at the Gothic is huge. But also I will teach in front of more people than ever in my life. In the past I have taught in front of 400 or so people, but we are aiming to have 600-700 (or more) at the Gothic Tuesday night.

The other unique dynamic at the Gothic that night will be the amount of people who are interested in the charitable cause (Charity:Water) TNL is fronting, but not so interested in the spirituality or faith of TNL. This makes the night particularly significant.

Knowing this, as the teaching guy I can approach the night and my role from a few directions:

I have a large audience with a good mix of people not in the church, not Christ followers who are not religious or spiritual. I can take this opportunity to lay down the full gospel message. In short, I could evangelize the crowd at the Gothic since I have their attention. I have one shot to get it right and get these people into heaven. I could full on channel Graham, Whitefield or Edwards. This kind of rare opportunity cannot be squandered. These people need Jesus and they need him tonight
Considering the same audience, I could make the event mainly about the charitable cause and sprinkle in some Jesus for spice and flavor. It would be easy to make people feel guilty about letting this cause go unfunded. It would be easy to make people feel good about their choice to give. The night could be an emotional ride. Soft peddling Jesus would be a way to still act like a church, but make sure our donors are not turned off and our financial goal get met.

But is there was another way? A way to be faithful to our God and Savior, without wielding the gospel as a weapon? A way to create long term interaction and engagement?

What if my job was not to explain the whole gospel message to this crowd, but it was to invite their questions and investigation of the gospel. I would not try to satisfy their need or thirst by providing a fire hose for them to drink from, but to point them to the water (no pun intended). What if my tact was to open a relationship with these people who need Jesus, but to do it in a way to draws them in and not pushes them away. To be winsome, alluring and subversive. This would be more about them coming to the end of themselves and still wanting more. About them running out of answers, options and ideas, but still feeling as if there is more to be known and understood. What if my job was not to end their spiritual journeys that night with explanations, answers and solutions, but to start their journey with questions, inquests and inquires?

This third way is more of a commitment to a lasting relationship, than a one night stand with the Jesus.

A Stolen Thought

2010-12-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

During some planning for a TNL series on Spiritual growth and development, I can across this quote from James Ryle:

"Healthy things grow. Growing things change. Change challenges us. Challenges cause us to trust God. Trust leads to obedience. Obedience makes us healthy. And healthy things grow."

Forgoing the Hired Gun

2010-11-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

For a while I have thought a sign of a healthy church is when it raises up its own leadership to address the needs and issues it has. The value of hiring from within cannot be underestimated, when it comes to transformation, integration and valuation. I have seen it work and the benefits it can produce.

However, when recently faced with a transition my beliefs where put to the test for the following reasons:

There is a really good chance what the community needs the most will be what the internal hire needs or lacks as well. You can’t think a person who is part of the community, a product of the community, will not likewise lack what the community lacks. Their deficiencies will most likely be the same, unless the internal hire is a change agent, not content with things being the way they currently are. This will take maturity and experience that comes from some source outside their present environment in order for it to be compared and contrasted with their current community.

Don’t just hire a person from within because they are part of the community. There has to be intentional, proactive planning in place before the need arises in order to get the maximum impact and benefit from an internal hire. Hiring a person from within is most desirable and effective when the intent and effort has been built into the internal hire. If the hard work and effort has been invested in a person then the transition is easy and natural. If not, the community will only grow or change has fast as the internal hire does. Leadership is about being far enough ahead of the community to out point the way, but not too far as to leave them behind. There has to be some basis for leadership other than a title or history.

With this being said, I still value the DNA and ethos of an internal hire, who has been shaped and molded by the community (for good or bad) more than I do the relative ease of hiring out. I would rather work to over come any potential short falls of a internal hire, then work to acculturate the external hire and the community to each other (even though the latter describes myself ). This is not about the skill level, personality or passion of either (the internal or the external), but it is about making value driven decision that are best for the community, even if it means more work. There is just something about being and acting indigenous to your own values, culture and perspective that is beautiful and responsible.

In the end, if a church community is not making disciples (or nor even willing to make disciples) who can fill leadership voids, one has to wonder if their discipleship process is holistic, deep and intentional.

An Easy Target (journal entry 11-12-10)

2010-11-21T08:46:00.002-07:00

It's easy to speak passionately about Jesus Christ.

you can't ever over state his worth.
you can't ever over state his position.
you can't over state his power.
you can't ever build the hype too high.
you can't over promise and under deliver.
you can't push his message too far.
you can't ever say too much about him.
you can't exaggerate his love.
you can't give him too much credit.
you are not limited in superlatives.
you can't make him sound too good, too powerful or too loving.
you can't over emphasis is impact.
you can over play his glory.
you can't over use the story of his resurrection.
you can 't tells stories about him that are too over the top, that push the envelope too far or that sound too amazing.
you can't honor him enough.
you can't exhaust his teachings, character or wisdom.

You can never make too much of Jesus.

The Context of Content pt: 2

2010-11-19T09:01:00.004-07:00

5. If a book is a religious book quoting the Bible, look at the copyright information to find what version of the Bible the author is using. If there are a lot of versions used it may be an indication the author has an agenda and is using one version over another because it sounds more like what they want to say than another.

6. When was the book written? Check the copyright date. A book on the Middle East from 15 years ago may be out of date. An old medical book may not be informed of the latest research. Then again, a book on World War I written in 1920 could prove very insightful.

7. Check the authors information in the Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication (LCCP) section below the copyright, you might find some interesting information. Professor, philosopher and author J.P. Moreland writes in the area of philosophy and Christian apologetics. Ever wonder what J.P. stands for? James Porter. I found this in the LCCP. Ever wonder what N.T. stands for in N.T. Wright? New Testament? Look it up.

8. Who is the publisher? You can have certain exceptions about a book on God from Zondervan, Thomas Nelson or Westminster/John Knox, but expect something totally different from Prometheus Books. Was the book self published or did it come come from a large publishing house like HarperCollins?

9. What edition is the book? First editions may end up being worth more. If the book is an early edition, there may newer and updated editions which have more current or additional content.

10. Also, check the LCCP for the authors birthday. Sometimes its listed and some times its not. I went to check this to see how old a writer was because I thought he was about my age. I found his year of birth listed as 1956. That makes him 54!!! This is either a typo or Shane Hipps is really old.

I hope these are helpful and assist you in figuring out the context of your next book!

The Dark Side of American Politics and Religion

2010-11-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

Interesting article...

"We must improve US religious literacy. Most Americans are broadly religiously illiterate, as religion has too often become an excuse for discrimination, bigotry and hate crimes,..."

Full post here.

The Context of Content pt: 1

2010-11-14T14:31:00.002-07:00

If has to be understood that not only does the content of a book have a context, but books themselves do too. Here are some tips for exposing that context.

Who is the author? It is always good to look up a author you don't know to see what you can learn about them. What else have they written? Where do they will live? Are they married or have a family? You would expect those who write on marriage or parenting to be mar;ried or have kids, but not always. If the author has alphabet soup after their name (PhD. ThD. D.Phil, PsyD. LL.D.) what do these letter mean? Most likely they will tell you about the person education. But what do other letters or titles mean (OFM, Rt. Rev., Prioress,)?
Notice how many pages are in a book. Notice too how many chapters. Do the math and you can figure out about how many pages are in each chapter. This will help you schedule out a reading plan for the book. Short chapters makes the book more flexible since you can start and stop in only a few minutes. Longer chapters will require you to spend more time reading in a single setting if you are wanting to not break up a chapter flow.
Does a book have a forward, introduction or prologue? Read these. What about a conclusion or epilogue? Read these too! They are part of the book. If they weren't the author would not have written them or included them in the book.
Dedications. Who is the book dedicated to and why?
Does the book have footnotes or endnotes? They are both ways for the author to include tangential information they think is useful, but maybe not essential enough to included in the text itself. I am geek, so I read footnotes and endnotes. What about an index or bibliography? Again, information that you may find useful while reading the book.

More next time.

Listening to Two Voices Part 2: Philemon 6

2010-11-11T09:39:00.002-07:00

Here is the updated change to the new NIV (2011) concerning Philemon 6. The accompanying explaining is from the document "Updating the New International Version of the Bible: Notes from the Committee on Bible Translation."

1984: ‟I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding
of every good thing we have in Christ.”

Updated NIV: ‟I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening
your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”

"Paul loves to praise his addressees for qualities that he describes with a pair of nouns, the second being a subjective genitive. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 offers a classic example, in which ‟your work of faith, labor of love and endurance of hope” means ‟your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope.” That is probably what Paul is doing here, too, as he praises Philemon’s ‟fellowship [koinōnia] of faith.” In a little letter in which Paul is the one who has evangelized Onesimus (v. 10) but Philemon is known for refreshing the hearts of the Lord’s people (v.7), it is much more likely that Paul is praying for this spirit of concern to enable Philemon to welcome Onesimus back home and not punish him, rather than praying for Philemon to become an outgoing evangelist."

Listening to Two Voices

2010-11-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Translators often make important choices for us. And sometimes they confuse us.

Check out Philemon 6. Is this verse about evangelism or fellowship?

New International Version
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

New American Standard
"and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake."

English Standard Version (Greek/English Interlinear)

and

I

pray

that

the

sharing

of

your

faith

may

become

•
•
•
ὅπως₁
ἡ₂
κοινωνία₃
►4
σου₆
τῆς₄ πίστεώς₅
→
γένηται₈

hopōs
hē
koinōnia

sou
tēs pisteōs

genētai
effective

for

the

full

knowledge

of

every

good

thing

that

is

ἐνεργὴς₇
ἐν₉
→
→
ἐπιγνώσει₁₀
►12
παντὸς₁₁
ἀγαθοῦ₁₂
←
τοῦ₁₃
←
energēs
en

epignōsei

pantos
agathou

tou

in

us

for

the

sake

of

Christ
ἐν₁₄
ἡμῖν₁₅
εἰς₁₆
←
←
←
Χριστόν₁₇
en
hēmin
eis

Christon

You and Your Sin

2010-10-31T09:40:00.000-06:00

Some Sunday morning thoughts about my sin and your's.

Romans 6:12–14

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”

“Let?” Do we have a choice? Yes of course we do. We are not to be controlled by those passions that lead us away from Christ. In short this is telling us to not make ourselves slaves to sin. Don’t surrender to it. We are to not roll over and allow it subjugate us. We have the choice to obey the will of God or the orders barked at us by our sinful desires.

“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

Sin is not just something we trip into. It is something we knowingly walked (or run) to meet. We are active participants in our own sin. We call the shots here. Sin does not take us by surprised. We should never be shocked by it. (We are shocked at the effects it and how devastating they can be.) Let’s not be fooled by our own clever justification and excuses here. We need to own the power we give sin. We need to acknowledge we choose it over and against the will of God for our lives. There is no doubt about this, we present ourselves to sin for it to rule and reign over us.

“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

This is a very matter of fact statement! We will not be dominated by sin, because of God’s grace. Done. End of story. It will not have a place in our lives. This is oil and water. Sin and grace cannot cohabitate. This is not because of our own determination, but because of God’s grace and Christ love. Only when we spit on the work of Christ and chase away grace (figuratively) do we hand over controlle of our passions and desires to sin.

Off the Grid

2010-10-31T08:39:00.000-06:00

Saw this on Fast Company. This dude nails it!

Thoughts on Shared Leadership #6

2010-10-29T09:10:00.002-06:00

"Shared leadership is about accountability and not babysitting."

When I first join the staff at The Next Level Church I learned part of my job description was to be the clearing house for vacation hours/days. The other guys on staff were to report to me how they were using their vacation days and I was to keep a report or log in order to make sure they stayed within their allotted number of days.

Just about as fast as I could I dropped this responsible from the list of things I worried about. I told the guys, "We are all adults who can manage their own vacation time. Besides if you are abusing your vacation time and not getting your job done you have bigger problems than me to worry about."

I am a pastor not a babysitter.

Likewise, the Pastors around TNL don't worry if we don't see each other in the office much. I am actually in the office the most, but that does not cause me to wonder what my peers are doing with their time. Just be cause they are not in the office does not mean they are not doing what is important to God's kingdom and our community. If I ever wonder where anyone is, I just have to open Outlook which has all of our individual calendars synced together. And as always I have the freedom to ask.

This is accountability.

In the same respects there are times when life just implodes or explodes depending on how you look at it. Workload, personal health, mental health, crisis, marriages, families, friends sometimes require we retreat and recover. Extra days off, creative flexible scheduling, time away to think, pray and listen, opportunities to refresh and recharge, cutting out of church or events early are all part of the survival culture around here. Even though no one is keeping track, communication is key during these times.

This is about being a team and respecting each other.

In the end, shared leadership is about trust. Trusting that people are doing what they are called by God to do, paid to do and responsible to do. Around here we will check in with and on each other, but we refuse to babysit or handhold.

The Top 100+ Christian Blogs

2010-10-27T11:57:00.004-06:00

"There are hundreds of great church blogs and ministry blogs to read, but do you ever wonder which church blogs everyone else is reading?

I do, which is why I have compiled a list of the world’s top church blogs.
Some focus exclusively on ministry, while others are more like theology or news blogs. Regardless of how you label them, these are the world’s most popular church blogs written by many of today’s most influential church leaders, journalists, theologians, and Christ followers."

Here is the list.

Publish Post

Catholic Bloggers Aim to Purge Dissenters

2010-10-24T19:52:00.001-06:00

"Pressure is on to change the Roman Catholic Church in America, but it's not coming from the usual liberal suspects. A new breed of theological conservatives has taken to blogs and YouTube to say the church isn't Catholic enough. Enraged by dissent that they believe has gone unchecked for decades, and unafraid to say so in the starkest language, these activists are naming names and unsettling the church."

Read more here.

Personal Issues with Catalyst

2010-10-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

A comment on Out of Ur concerning the Catalyst Conference:

“It’s impossible to love people and avoid tension at the same time.”
This is good thinking and these are challenging words.

"Then, after an amazing spectacle, an audience participation exercise in percussion (think Blue Man Group with 13,000 people beating out the rhythms) and a spectacular demonstration of trampolinists reaching tremendous heights, twisting and flipping even while wearing skis and snowboards, and only after all that, did the speakers unpack the statement about tension."
This is a circus.

This is why I did not go to Catalyst, even though I had an offer of free tickets (labs included).

Who Does The Church Exist For?

2010-09-18T17:23:00.002-06:00

Since about 1995 I have been having a debate with mostly myself, but not always. I know the year because it was the year Rick Warren's Purpose Drive Church was released. Since then there have been days I have won the debate, thus settling the issue. And there have been days the debate has raged on. The debate centers around the question, “Who does the church exist for?”

Over the years my answer to this question has flipped flopped many times. Sometimes I am sure the church exists for those outside the church, the yet-to-be Christians. Sometimes I am sure the church exists for those inside the church, the all-ready-Christians.

The reason this debate continues in my head is because it has profound implication for my philosophy of ministry, the purpose of church and the way I teach Scripture.

The reasons for both answers are really simple.

If church exists for the yet-to-be Christians:

The environment needs to be non-threatening.
The teaching needs to be accessible, easily digestible and highly applicable.
The structure needs to be simple to engage with.
The motif centers more on grace than law.
The reason for church is about introductions to the faith.
The tolerance for immaturity is high.
The hope for involvement is low.
The inside church culture is almost seamless with the outside church culture.
The approach is spoon feeding.
The greatest sin is to be distasteful.
The vocabulary is common and ordinary.
The expectation is on the mechanism or institution to make converts and disciples.

If the church exists for the already Christians:

The environment is not as important has the information.
The teaching is challenging, comprehensive and direct.
The structure is true to Scripture.
The motif centers more on truth than relevance.
The reason for church is about equipping the faithful.
The tolerance for immaturity is low.
The hope for involvement is high.
The inside church culture does not need to match the outside church culture.
The approach expects self initiation.
The greatest sin is “easybelieveism.”
The vocabulary is theological and biblical.
The expectation is on the people to make converts and disciples.

However, I think for the last 15 years of ministry I have been advocating for the answer wrong (not matter if I was for the insider or the outsider.)

Q: Who does the church exist for?
A: Everyone who needs Jesus.

Debate over.

Letting Other People Speak For Me

2010-09-05T11:04:00.000-06:00

Some time last year I acknowledge that I have feeble, weak and anemic prayer life. Not a crazy or shocking revelation, but an honest one none the less. It stemmed from wanting to be more connected to God and yet not being able to talk with him or express my heart and mind to him. After reading Scot McKinght's Praying with the Church, I decided to do something to strengthen my prayer life.

The course I took was to write out and memorize some prayers. Some were Scripture (Ps. 22 and the Lord's Prayer) and some where not. The point was to have something to say to God right on the tip of my tongue and to develop a routine of regular prayer. This worked great for a while, but after losing my flash cards I fell out of practice and forgot most of what I memorized.

However, this week I picked up the practice again. I started with a prayer I wanted to pray every morning:

"Lord, God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Persevere me with your might power so that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity and in all I do direct me into the fulfilling your purpose through Jesus Christ, my Lord, Amen."

Its not long or fancy, but it has had an impact on me even though I started memorizing it just this week. Here's how:

Memorizing prayer have given me a better sense of connection with God. This prayer is better than one I could written or recited, thus allowing my heart to express, with someone else's words, what I could not pull together.
I find myself coming back to this prayer several times a day. Just in the quest to memorize it, I am practicing it when my mind has idol time or is just wandering. It is interesting, I find myself thinking more about God and talking with him than I did before.
This prayer will at some point serve as a model for me as I strengthen my prayers and and I return to freestyle prayers.
I don't know where this prayer originated, I got from a Phyllis Tickle's book The Divine Hours:Prayers for Autumn and Winter, but for some reason I feel connected to a larger community who may be praying this same prayer. I feel more connected to the history of the faith I shared with millions of people throughout the world and throughout history.
I believe this prayer is adding to spiritual development. It feels healthy to growth in that which is good and right, instead of always lamenting my arrested development and sin.

Hopefully this time I will not lose my flash cards, but continue in this discipline or prayer and memorization.

Thoughts on Shared Leadership #5

2010-08-19T18:12:00.001-06:00

You would think having several minds working in collaboration with each other there would not be anything a shared leadership team could not conquer, solve or fix. Well you are wrong!

Even though the model is useful for creating powerful synergy, it does not overcome all obstacles. Sometimes it creates them. So other “experts” are needed.

Recently, we have needed some of these experts. Those people with a skill in a clearly defined and refined area that have helped us navigate some topics and issues we are not fully equipped to handle. These experts have:

Shown us new ways of solving problems.
Helped clean up some of our past attempts of problem solving.
Given us fresh ideas and a new perspective. They have expanded our horizons and pushed us out of comfort zones.
Pointed out blind spots and potential pit falls.
Equipped us with information and resources.
Given us advice advice and warning, as we move forward with plans and visions.
Done for us would we could not do ourselves.

All of this takes a great amount of humility and the recognition of our individual and collective weaknesses. In the end shared leadership is not about having all the answers.

Another Story of Stealing and NewFound Freedom

2010-08-13T09:06:00.003-06:00

Another story from Tuesday night...

"I wanted to give you a little update on something. Last night your message was really hard for me. I have been dealing with the guilt of stealing from two long time friends for a long time. About 10 years ago I was a nanny for two different families and I stole money from both of them. Since then, I have watched their kids grow up and two of the girls were even the flower girls in my wedding. Needless to say, I am very close to these families and see them in person every so often to this day. When you asked us to go repent for what we have stolen it was like God punched me in the face and said "See! I have been putting this on your heart for 10 years to go confess what you did and ask for forgiveness, so GO DO IT NOW!" when you told us to do that last night my stomach turned to knots and I knew it was finally time to face the music of what I had done to these people who are my "friends". So when I got home from church I sat down and wrote them both letters. I guess I should have tried to tell them in person but I was already ashamed enough as it was. So I wrote both of the families letters telling them that I stole from them, asking for their forgiveness, and letting them know how horrible I felt for betraying their trust and friendship the way I did. I have never told a soul on earth that I stole from them so this was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I'm so ashamed of myself for stealing. Especially because I love their families so much. I also put a hundred dollar bill in each one of the letters. I mailed them out today so they should be receiving them soon. I have no idea what the future holds...if they will be mad, relieved that I confessed, disappointed, or just plain shocked. I'm really nervous and every time I think about the fact that they will be opening those letters in a few days I get sick to my stomach. I don't feel much relief or like the guilt has been lifted..only shame and sadness. This might seriously damage my relationship with these two families and that makes me so distraught.

Well, sorry to write a book, but you said you wanted to hear the updates if people did what you asked. Overall I'm glad I sent those letters of confession and I really hope that they can find it in their hearts to forgive me and still have a relationship with me. I guess only time will tell. Thank you for pushing me to my limit last night. Even though I did this out of guilt, I know, without a doubt, it was the right thing to do."

A Story of Stealing

2010-08-12T09:13:00.018-06:00

This past Tuesday in our series on the 10 Commandments called, "Newfound Freedom" TNL was called to make right what they turned wrong. We were challenged to not only to stop stealing, but to make any needed restitution. We were encouraged to not be restricted by our theft, but to find freedom in contentment by:

Getting rid of or paying for the music, movies or software you have burned, downloaded or pirated.
Giving back any money or property we have "illegitimately acquired."
Make proper restitution or compensation to those we have defrauded, cheated or swindled.

Here is an email story from someone who took this challenge seriously.

"So after TNL, I went over to my friends house I had sat and took care of their dog for them over last weekend. I went over to accomplish three missions.

1. was to give them back their key and garage door opener.
2. was to get paid cause they wanted to pay me for taking the trips out there to do that for them ...&
3. was to tell her I ripped a couple of CDs onto my computer and did not ask permission to do so before I did it, asked for an apology if it were stealing.

I told them the reason I was I apologizing, which was what we were asked to do from our church and second I want to make sure I am walking in God's will. I told them I feel a lot of uncertainity is in my life right now and I do not want to be doing things that are causing this for myself. In other words, I do not want bad carma coming back biting me in the rear or consequences, for that matter.

The wife told me to chill! She said to me taking the cds was okay and offered me a glass of wine!"

I am continually encouraged by people's sensitivity and obedience to God's voice in their lives.

6th Least Religious State: Colorado

2010-08-04T16:38:00.002-06:00

The Pew Research Center recently released a comprehensive survey that analyzed how religious each of the 50 states are really.

The state of Colorado may be more irreligious than others, but Colorado Springs is home to one of the biggest churches in the country. As of last year, the majority of people in Colorado were listed as unaffiliated in the religious department. And according to the Pew Research Group, less than 30 percent of people in Colorado attend religious services on a weekly basis.

Percent who say religion is very important in their lives: 44

Percent who say they attend religious services at least once a week: 29

Percent who say they pray at least once a day: 49

Percent who say they believe in God with absolute certainty: 63

See Main Street for the rest of the list including the top 10 Most Religious States.

Great Thought

2010-08-02T09:49:00.003-06:00

Here are some great thoughts from Jared Mackey, TNL's Ministry Core Pastor. He shared this with the TNL Leadership Co-Operative yesterday.

“Most organizations spend their time marketing to the crowd. Smart organizations assemble the tribe. Crowds are interesting, and they can create all sorts of worthwhile artifacts and market effects. But tribes are longer lasting and more effective.”

Tribes, Seth Godin

At the heart of The Next Level Church there is a core, the partners and shareholders; those who invest their skill, resources, time, and passions. They are the ones who cultivate and create this community. The church is, and always will be, defined by the people who initiate, invest, and invite. The known figures, the pastors or staff, may tell the stories and hold the wheel, but they are not the force or the movement.

The thing itself is you. You are the people whose lives have been changed and not only observed, but participated in the change in the lives of others. You are the people who make this a place where “you are accepted here just as you are”.

Together we are becoming the church God intends us to be. Together we want to be a source of inspiration and a place of perspiration. Together we are a place where pictures of preferable futures become practices of the present day. Together we are more than a collection of individuals with shared belief; we are a community of faith.

Being The Best

2010-07-30T21:43:00.001-06:00

Q: Is it desirable or even morally acceptable to strive to be the best of or at something?

The question is not about being the best one can be based on their own personal assets and liabilities or being the best within a certain group or set, but being the undisputed best at something. Period.

Take skateboarding, cello playing or parenting, it doesn't matter what the "something" is, the questions still stands. Is it desirable to work towards being the best skateboarder, cellist or parent in the world?

I think the issue is not so much in the quest for being the best, but in the cost one is willing to pay in order to be the best. What is an individual willing to sacrifice in order to be the best magician, chemist or sales person in the world? During this kind of pursuit the usual items placed on the altar of this desire are:

Family
Faith, belief, conviction
Health
Soul
Personal life/time
Money
Education
Friends/ social life/ community
Spiritual development and growth

One with an once or two of biblical knowledge may point to Philippians 4:11 as Paul's desire for us to be like him in our contentment. Or even Hebrews 13:5. Maybe because of these verses the answer to the posed question is, "no."

But wait, are we really to be content in all situations and circumstances? Are we to be content with:

a life of untapped or unused potential?
a marriage that is mediocre or poor?
a view of socail conditions that looks are how things could be worse and not better?
a low understanding of self worth or human value?
a job where one is under employeed?
a life that is trapped in a generational cycle of abuse, poverty or addiction?
a perspective of sin that seeks only to comapre and contrast itself to others as a form of moral superiority?

Of course not! So, at some level discontentment is OK, if not down right good and just. I believe Christ followers are allowed and instructed to strive for change and transformation. God wants and desires for people to use their skill sets (giftings) in the pursuit of changing our world to look more like his world.
A: Yes.

It is acceptable and even desirable to be the best at something, provided a proper balance and perspective are maintained. The error is not in the desire to be the best, but in the sacrifice of equilibrium to achieve this desire. An "at all costs" mentality loses sight of everything but the goal itself. A sense of contentment must be held fast when one understands the goal is not achievable without the lose of balance and sacrifice of perspective.

How To Be A Visionary In 3 (Not So Easy) Steps

2010-07-16T22:33:00.003-06:00

The other night while taking out the trash I had an epiphany! For one who does not fancy himself a visionary, I was struck by the idea of how to become a visionary.

Step #1 “Have a vision.”

Call it creativity, innovation or divine inspiration, call whatever you want, but visionaries have visions. Not revelation of the end of the world or some hallucination, but an idea. Visionaries see the world differently than most people. This can come from frustration or hope. Visionaries see possibilities where others don’t. They create paths where there are none. They are not content with the status quo. They have a desire to change the world. So, to be a visionary you have to have an idea, a suspicion or a vision.

Step #2 “Implement your vision.”

Probably the biggest difference between those who are visionaries and those who are not is action! You can have the greatest idea or the most wonderful inspiration, but if you don’t put it into action it is useless. Those who are visionaries are willing to do what it takes to see their visions become reality. It’s not that they always succeed, but they always try. Failure is actually good seed for step #1. Many people are too scared, too limited or too rigid to take their ideas and breathe life into them. Those who try may fail, but those who don’t have failed already.

Step#3 “See past your vision.”

Being a visionary is just like washing your hair, “apply, rinse and repeat.” Visionaries are not content when they have seen their vision become reality. What usually happens is through the process of implementing their vision, they have another one and the whole cycle starts all over again. To stop the process leads to creating another status quo, which really produces stagnation again. Visionary people are those who can’t leave well enough alone. Victory (or defeat) should not constipate creativity, innovation or divine inspiration, it should liberate it. Visionaries reproduce and reincarnate the cycle with further visions.

If this hold water, it is a great encouragement to me!

The World Needs Conventional Churches

2010-07-12T21:58:00.000-06:00

Play along with me here. Let's say you didn't normally go to church. Let's even say you have an aversion to church. And you wouldn't describe yourself as religious or even spiritual. OK, now answer this questions:

Q:If you wanted to find a pastor, minister or priest where would you go?
A: "A church (although these days you might say Starbucks.)"

Q: "When do religious people go to church?"
A: Mostly likely you would answer, "Sunday mornings."

Q: "What happens at most churches on a Sunday morning?"
A: You might say, "singing (whether you liked the music or not), someone would talk about the Bible, God and/or Jesus (even if you don't buy what they are selling) and there would be an ask for money (every week!).

Q: If you were to go to church what would you wear?
A: You might think, "I will dress up."

Here's my point: I think there is still a need for conventicle churches in our day and age. The reason is because there is still a stereotypical image of "church" lodged in the collective consciousness of western society.

If one Sunday morning you, as the non-religious, non-church goer decided, for whatever reason, you wanted or needed to go to church where would go?

Would you go to church I work at and attended? Nope. We meet on Tuesday nights, not on Sunday mornings.

Would you go to a movie theater, Jr. High School or even a pub? Probably not. Who would look for a church in those places.

Would you try to find a church with the coolest name (eg. Vox, Mathew's House, Quest or b2x)? Doubt it, since these don't even sound likes churches?

Would you look for a themed church to match your style (eg. Cowboys, Skater or Facebook)? Nope.

You would probably find a church like the one your grandma took you to when you were six and it was Easter.

I say this because with the push to find all kinds of ways to "do church differently" there is still a need for smart, creative and passionate people to be a church that fits some of the old clichés in order to reach people with the gospel. Its not all about the new. Its not all about the different. Its not all about chucking the past, forsaking tradition and the being "progressive." It is about caring for people and establishing bridges to met right where they are. Sometimes the old is just as good as the new. Sometimes the old is better than the new.

Care and Cure

2010-07-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

I was reading Nouwen the other day and felt a great burden fall from my shoulders, like Bunyon's lead at the foot of the cross.

I have been chewing on Nouwen's small book (lit. booklet) Out of Solitude. In the first devotional thought he talks about how we offer care and cures to those who are hurting and in need. To my great relief I understood providing care is not predicated on giving the right answers to life's hard questions, dilemmas and confusion. This would be offering a cure, but not seeking to care for people. Nouwen contrasted trying to cure poeple with the value of just being with people in their need. I would put it this way, "In the chaos of life, presence is more welcomed than solutions."

Nouwen makes the point that many great thinkers, philosophers and theologians have addressed (acknowledged) the pain, sadness and bleakness of life without trying to offer any answers them. If they did not have answers to offer, feel the need to reveal any cures they had or did think it was useful to share their homemade remdies, why should I. Its not that I don't want to, but its that I don't have to. This was a hugh releif to me to now that Nouwen and others didn't have all the answers.

Being a "fixer" I want to make everything better. I want to resolve conflicts, heal wounds and stop pain. But apparently, what is needed, what is more valuable is not to resolve conflicts, heal wounds and stop pain, but to walk with people as they go through the valley of the shadow of death.

A traveling partner is more reassuring than a know-it-all.

Hiking with Jake

2010-07-07T16:32:00.000-06:00

This past weekend "Fish" and I spent some father and son time hiking. We went into Evergreen and hike the Maxwell Falls trail. It was gorgeous and we had a great time! About four miles round trip. We did a little trail blazing and rock climbing to get to the peak of a mountain to over see the small valley that waterfall runs into.

Reasons to church plant

2010-07-07T16:16:00.000-06:00

Today I was talking with another, more experienced pastor (Tom Melton) about church structures and philosophies of ministry as found in Neil Cole’s Church 3.0. As we came across the topic of church planting (addition vs. multiplication) he had an interesting insight.

For while I have heard the best way to reach people who don’t go to church is to start a church. This gives a reason for church planting other than the, “I don’t like what’s already out there” thinking.

As I was talking to Tom, who planted the church he currently pastors nearly 20 years ago and which has since mothered 6+ church plants, he gave another viable reason for church plants. Not only are they affective at reaching people who don’t go to church, but they also provide a platform for leadership development and an arena for the exercise of spiritual gifts.

In essence a church plant can be on-the-job-training for new and current leaders, a lab for those exploring the way God has gifted them and a way of facilitating spiritual transformation.

Not only are church plants about introducing people to God and his church, but they can be about taking current Christ followers and shaping into more into the image of Jesus.

This may not a revolutionary idea to some, but a thought provoking to me.

Teaching Without A Net

2010-05-30T09:09:00.000-06:00

In the effort to achieve two things last week, I taught for the for time (EVER) without any notes! I took nothing with me when I walked up on the platform that was even without a music stand, lectern or podium.

Initially, I was hoping to create a smaller, more open and transparent feeling in the room, since TNL is in a questions and response series. I wanted to keep alive the conversational, give and take feeling from the preceding week's gathering. Over all, I want this kind of feeling to be TNL's posture and not just a gesture (read Andy Crouch to know the difference) or gimmick we use.

I was also hoping to discover some insights into how to shorten talk/sermon prepararion. I think this is going to take a lot more experimenting with to know if it will really accomplishing this goal.

However, I had no way of knowing the profound impact teaching without notes would have on the community itself. I just thought it was going aid me in my delivery and organization. Little did I know it would impack the community like a ton of bricks.

Some people where a little uneasy, because they know something was different but could not figure it out. Some picked it up right away. Others picked up on exactly what I was hoping for: transparency, honesty and and a feel of intimacy. Still others thought could unfold the entire talk to others afterwards

Out of all the comments made no one had anything negative to say. All in all, it seemed the no notes technique yielded more fruit than I would have expected. Granted, I did this one time. More time is need to see if this was a fluke or if there was some other reason for evening (eg. the Spirit of God!!!).

Even though it was not the easiest thing for me to do, nor was it as "smooth" as I would have liked, I will continue to work on this type of talk delivery.

(I am not sure if it will translate with only the audio, but here is the talk from Tuesday anyway.)

Experts Say People Don't Like Experts

2010-05-23T08:41:00.000-06:00

“They” (the experts who offer wisdom and advice) say people in postmodern culture do not want experts who offer wisdom and advice. They don't want people telling them the way things are or the way things should be. Ironic?! This is particularly true in terms of faith and spirituality. They point out that with the increase in a relativistic point of view; each person believes they are their own best expert on everything.

However, I have found this to be somewhat incorrect. People want pastors and church leaders to help them navigate the complex maze of life and faith. There are times when a voice calling into the fog cautioning them to turn left or right, to stop or start is necessary. They know they are in need of direction, validation and explanation, however not in a vacuum.

Before people are willing to allow others to speak into their lives offering knowledge and guidance there has to be a few prerequisites:

1. Input into another life is not welcome apart from community. No one, likes unsolicited advice or wisdom, not matter how good it is, from a total stranger. It is easy to discount their input by saying or feeling, “who do they think are they? They don’t know me.” A relationship offers a foundation of trust, exposure and a chance to see if the advice giver actually smokes what they sell. Community, developed over time, removes barriers and open channels for the exchange of issues and wisdom.

2. Humility needs to be added to the mix as well. Intellectual humility (“This is my experience, I don’t know everything.”), spiritual humility (“I am on a faith journey too and I have not arrived yet either.”) and relational humility (“You are free to take my advice or not, it’s your choice.”). There is nothing more repulsive than an authoritarian know-it-all.

3. In conjunction with humility, there needs to be vulnerability. People need to see and know those in or with authority are human too, fallible leaders who able to learn from their mistakes. In order for this to happen people need to see into each other’s life and know each other’s weakness. Possessing this information does not undermine the leader authority, but empowers it.

These are just a few of the necessary pieces for those in leadership to cultivate in order to hold a place of valued authority in anothers life. All of these are deposits into the “bank of permission.” By this I mean that when the time comes to make a withdrawal with the authoritative and powerful calls to action, conviction and or accountability, it does not come from out of the blue. Through these prerequisites you have been given permission by those you speak to/with to play your trump card, the “listen to me” card or the prophetic, “God’s Word has said” card.

It Should be the What Not the How

2010-05-15T22:03:00.001-06:00

Recently, Franklin Graham has been in the news, again. A few days ago he was disinvited to the Pentagon Prayer breakfast in Washington DC. The reason was that he is too divisive and not unifying enough. Graham is quoted in the current edition of Newsweek as having said Mohammad, “only leads to the grave” and that Islam is a wicked and evil religion.

Now, don't think Graham has a beef with Islam in particular because I don’t think he does. He is just an outspoken Christian and I bet he would say the exact say things about any other religion or spiritual movement that is not Christianity. Any individual, thought or religion that is not for the God of the Bible is against the same God, Graham would say.

It is not surprising Graham has received some heat these days. He is leveling some volatile condemnation upon Islam.

However, I don’t think it is just those in the “liberal media” or in those “mainline” churches that have a problem with Graham’s words. In the book of Ephesians Paul writes to the church about maturity and growing up in the faith. He writes in 4:15, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

Interesting, maturity is tied to the way we speak!

Even though what Franklin Graham has said is ultimately true, I have to think there is another way to get his point across. There has to be a way to speak the truth in love. According to Paul, being able to do so is a sign of growth and maturity.

I would rather be challenged for the things I say and not the way I say them. I would rather be persecuted, ridiculed and ostracized for the truth and accuracy of my words, then for the actual words I use. I would rather be engaging and persuasive with my words, than repulsive and repelling.

I wonder if there is a way to express disagreement and dispute with out being volatile or immature?

Upcoming TNL Series

2010-05-07T12:53:00.001-06:00

Q&R [Question and Response]
Few questions go unanswered with resources like Google and Wikipedia at our disposal. These tools work when you need to build a fence, find a recipe, or write a haiku; but what about questions of faith, God, purpose, and life? Some questions may not have an easy answer, but do require a response for those who follow the teachings of Jesus. Over the next 4 weeks TNL will be asking questions and offering responses. Tuesday, May 18 we will begin with an open forum from our community - Tuesday, June 8 will be specifically for those who have questions about spirituality and the Christian faith. Join us as together we have an honest dialogue about the questions most important to discover a response.

Follow Up

2010-04-30T08:55:00.000-06:00

"Christians must not come to church expecting the preacher to chew up their food for them. Growing and mission-focused believers are self-feeders. God has given us his word to correct, rebuke, train and reprove us- to train us for righteousness. The Word of God is given as a means of spiritual maturity and it must lead to transformation." (emphasis in original)

-Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research

At some point the growing and transforming Christ follower must take responsibility for their own development.

Get It Yourself!

2010-04-25T09:23:00.000-06:00

The statement "I need deeper teaching!" and its kissing cousin "I am not greeting fed at church" strike fear and worry in the hearts of most Pastors.

When we hear these kinds of statements pastors feel inadequate and begin to doubt their calling and abilities (OK, so maybe its just me). We rack our brains trying to think of how we have failed the communities that have entrusted us to speak to them on God's behalf. We examine our study methods to see if we have grown lazy, our theology to see if we have grown soft and our purpose to see if gone off track. We do all the work thinking, "OK, how can I step it up, so people get what they need?"

These are good thoughts, however, I think possibility misdirected. If your 2 month or year baby indicated he was hunger you would feed him, right? If your toddler wanted a snack, you would give her one, right? What if your 20 something son asked you to get him a drink or lunch? What would your reaction be? Mine would be, "get it yourself." Whats the difference? At 2 we don't have any expectation little ones are going to be able to take care of themselves. Although at 22, we have to trust he is perfectly capable of HELPING HIMSELF TO WHAT HE NEEDS! As a parent, my job is not to baby my kids there entire lives. Doing everything for then will only stunt their growth and arrest their development.

Why don't we set the same kind of expectation for people in the church?

If people need the meat of the word, if they desire deeper more substantial teaching, if they are worried they might be scripturally malnourished, if they think are ready for more mature and sound teaching, yet they are waiting and dependent on the Pastor to spoon feed it to them, they are not as mature as they think.

In most societies a major sign of maturity and independence is self sufficiency. When you can take care of yourself, provide for your own needs and solve your own problems, you are an adult and mature.

Questions about depth and needs for more "meat" should not scare pastors. It should be encouragement to them as a sign of growth in people. The need for growth is good. The desire is more is healthy. However, Pastor should not always seek to solve the issue by looking inward, but by challenging people to grow up and feed themselves. Because at some point, if we don't do this we will only create a community of spiritual infants who cannot help themselves.

Hebrews 5:11-14 By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one—baby’s milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God’s ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong.

Which are you?

2010-04-22T07:38:00.001-06:00

Why do Christians value human life?

2010-04-20T08:53:00.000-06:00

The single most direct answer to this question is that life has value because God created humanity in his image.

"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:26-27

But, this is the easy question. The harder question is, "What are the implication of being created in the image of God?"

People are different- Human beings occupy a distinctive and unique place in the created order. We are not just the smartest animals or the highest life form to have evolved as of yet and we not gods. We are the only things in the entire universe to be created in the image of God. It does not matter what that "image" actually is because what ever it is it sets humanity part. John Calvin said the end of our regeneration is " that we may be made like God, and that his glory may shine forth in us; and, on the other hand, what is the image of God…the rectitude and integrity of the whole soul, so that man reflects, like a mirror, the wisdom, righteousness, and goodness of God.” Even after the fall and eviction of Adam and Eve we still act as this kind of mirror.

Humans have intrinsic value- This ideas runs counter to our performance based culture that asks, "What can you do for me?" When your consumption becomes more than your contribution to the greater good or the collective you have over stayed your welcome and are no longer beneficial to the larger generating community. But if dignity and worth are not based in what you do or can produce and in the image of God implanted in each of us, our value is not commodity. Likewise, when our importance is not place in identifying characteristics or qualities (young or old, rich or poor, intelligent or simple, complete or missing part, male or female, black, yellow, white or brown, gay, straight married single), but on our personhood and humanity, we seek to move from extrinsic properties to an intrinsic ontology.

It provides us with a frame for interacting with each other- To devalue the imago dei in another person is to disparage the God whose image they carry. We are not to cheat, lie to, abuse or disrespect other people because they too carry the image of God in them. An extreme cause of this can be found in Genesis 9:6. I think the imago dei also provides us with the basis for Jesus new ethic found in the Sermon on the Mount:

If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…

Valuing human life then is a social ethic.

We are loved by God- The bible is replete with examples of God’s love for us. The most obvious is the coming of Christ, his death and resurrection.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 12:46 “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.
Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

What God in Christ did for us in the mist of our rejection and rebellion against him proves he loves us and sees us as valuable. What a waste it would have been for Christ to die for something God thought was worthless. If we are highly valued before the eyes of God, why would he go through so much trouble and pain to save us? This in turns models for us the value and worthy of all people, no matter if they are like you or not.

Jesus = God

2010-04-15T07:39:00.000-06:00

Take 15 minutes and read the book of Titus in the New Testament and you will find a not so subtle belief held by Paul. Among the qualifications for elders, among the thoughts of what should be taught to different groups of people and among admonishment to be subject to leaders and do what is good, Paul repeats one point to Titus three different times. Once in each chapter.

Titus 1:3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus 2:10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
Titus 3:6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Now is Paul confused about who the "savior" is and who God is, or is he trying to make a point? God the father is just as much the savior of humanity as the Jesus is. And Jesus is just as much God, as the Father is.
Jesus = God

Preaching Guidelines from Paul

2010-04-09T08:01:00.000-06:00

1 Corinthians 1:17 ...preach the gospel, not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Preach.
Gospel (good news, the message of the cross).
Not with cleverness/wisdom.
So the cross.
Would not be made powerless.

Don't teach or preach to impress other people.
Keep it simple (to teach, to listen to and to apply)
The preacher does not have anything to prove to anyone.
Allow the message of Christ to do the work.
This does not mean the preacher can be boring, lazy, lame, incorrect, sloppy or inaccurate.
The preacher should don't steal what rightfully belongs to God (glory, praise and noteriaity).
Preaching/teaching is not about the preacher. It is about the power and effectiveness of the cross.
We preach the gospel and nothing else.

Today Is My Birthday

2010-03-21T08:59:00.000-06:00

39 years ago today I was born. Here are some birthday thoughts:

I am one year away from be officailly an adult (its not about being finished with school, being married, having kids, buying a house, or about having "the" job. In my head its about being 40.)
If I can maintain this body shape for another year, I am set for life.
There is still so much to learn.
I think I have started a new spiritual journey today.
My wife is amazing.
There are so many things I have left undone and people I have neglected.
Deb will hit 40 before me (ha!).
I am fortunate to live in Colorado. The weather these past few days has been gorgeous!!!
I'll take Social Distortion over Muse.
What was it like the day I was born? (Wow, just got hammer by a wave of emotion. Never had that happen on my birthday.)
How will I grow this year?
How will I fail year?
How will I be used by God this year?
I am truly blessed.
I need to get out more.
I want to see more of the world (for leisure and for ministry).
One more year in the bag that God has allowed me to be around. (some people may not think that was such a good idea on his part.)
I still don't like coffee.
I think this next year will be even more different and stretching than the last year.
I still think I am young and inexperienced.
I have too much to do.
Its good to be alive and see the future with hopeful expectation.

Human Nature and Homosexuality

2010-02-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked my opinion on a news article where a local pastor described his churches openness to the GLBT community with these closing thoughts, "Our position is not one of lenience, but a matter of justice,"..." It's not that we don't acknowledge the reality of sin. It's not a sin to be gay or act in accordance with your nature."

Here was my response...

The question of our nature has to be asked not in context of “heterosexuals vs. homosexuals,” (because they are too limiting) but in larger context of the image of God. Our original nature, our correct and true nature and identity is as children of God. However, we are fractured icons of our Creator/Father God. We are all mutated versions of what was once perfect. So, to “act in accordance with our nature” is exactly what God wants and why Christ came to die. I honestly think once we understand God's love for us (we give this lip service, but I don’t think we really comprehend it) and that he wants to see us return to his image we will have a profoundly different understanding of God’s discipline (Heb.12 ff).

Although, Christ followers are in a process of transformation, becoming for like Jesus, we still have to deal with the fact that sin has infected our true identify. God did not create us in conflict with his nature, good pleasure or image. Sin is the cancerous growth alters our reflection of God. Yes, sin is now a reality of our DNA (literally or metaphorically, I am not sure), but it was not the intention “in the beginning.” So, I am not interested in accommodating, explaining, reconciling or indulging my brokenness (eg. my sin), but am clamoring and seeking wholeness through Christ. I want to see humanity regain its imago dei and begin to replicate the character of God we were created to echo.

Here is a thought, what is the point of reconciling one's sexuality this side of eternity? In the end there will be no sex in heaven or hell. Say someone either becomes comfortable with their same sex attraction or truly changes and goes straight, great (either way), but what have they gained? A longer perspective is in order, one that sees past this rotating mud ball, into the eternal desire of the Almighty. Please don’t think I am trivializing the pain and struggle of those who deal daily with this issue, I am not. My hearts breaks for them (and I tearing up now and am a little pissed at God over their torment). I think the bigger question is, “Where does one find their identity?” Do we find it in an earth bound concept (such as single, married, gay, straight, Black, White, La Raza, rich, poor, Chinese, Jamaican, the list can go on) or in our true nature as God’s creation? Are we trying to reclaim the imago dei in our humanity and earthly existence or are we just trying to make the best of our broken humanity? I am pushing for the former. Yes, it is harder, more frustrating and bewildering, but in the long run much more satisfying, complete and honoring to God.

In the end, we all struggle with something, some with their sexuality, me with my lust and others with anger, theft or hypocrisy. The hard work is fighting against our proclivity to allow these things to define us or actually to redefine us into something we were never meant to be.

I guess I am hoping the “macro” or “meta” discussion here transcends the usual debate and issues seeking a deeper understanding of human value and worth. This is why I pushing the imago dei, identity and an eternal perspective motifs.

You got something on your forehead...

2010-02-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Possibly, when you have something stuck to your forehead you are drunk, playing Indian Poker or drunk while playing Indian Poker. Well, today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and I have had a smudge of ash stuck to my forehead since 7:30am.

It has been a battle to not wipe it off, like I did last year. Its like having a booger hang out your nose (and you know it) or toilet paper stuck to your shoe (and you know it) or you leaving the tag on your new shirt. I have fixated on this mark for most of the day. I have battled keeping it on. I have wanted to blend in and be unnoticed. Honestly, I am uncomfortable calling attention to myself. I tried to find reasons to get rid of the ash. I avoided my own reflection in mirrors and windows. When I was conscience of it, I would try to hide my ash by looking down when I walked.

Nothing seemed to relieve the tension.

Today, I have been in two coffee shops and the lobby of a hotel meeting with people. Even though no one has pointed out the smudge or even asked about it, I have gotten some strange looks.

If I feel like I have a glowing neon zit in the center of my forehead, why haven't I wiped it off? Here is some of my thinking:

I don't want to hide what I believe is true, so I am keeping the ash.
I don't want to wuss out, so I am keeping the ash.
Last year when I saw someone else wearing ashes I admired their commitment, so I am keeping the ash.
I think there is something good, healthy and spiritually redemptive about being uncomfortable in and with my faith, so I am keeping the ash.
I enjoy participating in my faith in unfamiliar ways, so I am keeping the ash.
It has been a constant reminder (more of a annoyance) about repentance, forgiveness and sacrifice, so I am keeping the ash.
It is good to physically embody my faith, so I am keeping the ash.
I want to make a statement about my faith, so I am keeping the ash.
I think, right or wrong, this is an exercise in discipline, so I am keeping the ash.
This serves as a reminder that my faith should not always remain comfortable or easy, so I am keeping the ash.

Today, I am going to keep my ashes.

"Hey, I'm talking to you!"

2010-02-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been doing some thinking about “calling.”

You know that voice or feeling from God that leads and prompts you in a certain direction. It could be the noticed expectation that God has something in store for you. A longing. Something drawing you down a certain path or into an unplanned or unexpected journey.

That, almost physical badge, which gives us the right to do the absurd, weird and even reckless with our lives “in the name of God.” The trump card we can wield as validation in the face of criticism and questions.

Calling is a biblical idea, although I am not sure we understand it correctly. Jesus called disciples, apostles and others:

· He called to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

· He called Matthew the tax collector saying, “Follow me.”

· He called the Scribe to get his priorities straight, “Follow me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”

· He called Phillip (and Nathaniel) according to John’s gospel, “He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me.’”

· He called Saul his, “chosen instrument.”

At its core “calling” is about obedience, not license. It’s not about success (just ask Jeremiah). It’s not about comfort. It’s not about rationality (“Oh, I get that!”). It’s not even about ability?

I often question God about me calling, “Why do you make me do this!?" "If you want me to do this, why don’t you make me good at it?”I confessed to a friend this week, “I feel confident in very little I do related to my calling.”

In the end, God does not care about my level of ability, comfort, success or even confidence. The only concern to God is my obedience and faithfulness. I have to believe if I am faithful and obedient to his calling, then he will take of the rest. He will work through my inability, provide peace in discomfort, change my understanding of success and cause me to be confident in him.

“Follow me” he says. That is all he asks.

A Great Question

2010-02-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

"The US has more mega churches than ever before, but has less people attending church and calling Jesus their Lord. What does this tell us?"

--Michael Frost

Hirsch and Frost #5

2010-02-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here is central idea of the entire four days and the most critical understanding for the church:

Christological question: What is the Gospel?
Missiological question: What is the purpose of God and his people?
Ecclesiological question: What is the form and function of the God’s church?

Newbigin’s Formulation for how to accomplish the above sequence:

1. A recovery of an eschatology that recognizes that our political or religious activity cannot establish the KoG. Rather, a belief that the coming reign of God is the framework for all missionary practice.

a. It is not up to our activity, our lobbying or practices, but simply abandoning ourselves to the hope that the reign of God will prevail.

i. Stop seeing what is wrong and start seeing what is right.

1. The KoG is unfolding all around us. Cooperate with it!

2. A rediscovery of the freedom of the Christian life, based in the grace of Jesus.

a. There is too much neurosis in the church today.

i. God is present and God is good.

ii. The kingdom of light is more powerful than the kingdom of darkness.

iii. Embrace the joy of grace.

3. A “declericalising” of the church and an equal recovery of the importance of so-called lay leaders who help congregations “to share with one another the actual experience of their weekday work and to seek illumination from the gospel for their daily secular duty.”

a. This is not to do away with the clergy, but to do away with the laity.

i. Commission (ordain) the average person for the work and ministry they have been given (no matter what it is).

ii. If you ordain everyone half of our battles (women and gays) would be over (Frost).

4. A radical theological critique of the theory and practice of denominationalism, which Newbigin became famous for claiming was the religious aspect of secularization.

5. An objective and distance examination of Western culture with the help of views of those from other culture.

a. To help overcome blind spots.

6. A resolute preparedness to hold fast to the core belief of the Christian gospel bearing in mind that “(t)he gospel is not a set of beliefs that arise or could arise from empirical observation of the whole human experience. It is the announcement of a name and a fact that offer the starting point for a new and life-long enterprise of understanding and coping with experience. To accept it means a new beginning, a radical conversion.

7. A commitment to the belief that mission must proceed from a dynamic worshiping community of faith and not merely from innovations or new methods and techniques.

a. The best hermeneutic (interpretation) of the gospel is a group of man and women who believe and live by it.

Some addition ideas by Frost:

· Let Jesus be your reference point

o Evangelism is an ethical framework

§ Not just an invitation to forgiveness and heaven, but a context for a better way of living.

· Complete and total renewal and transformation.

· Nonbelievers want to participate in the KoG (without using those terms)

o Racial reconciliation

o The environment

o Human trafficking

o Social transformation- not a means to another end.

§ Cooperation

o The table (kitchen, dinner room or pub) us a primary missional zone

· Foster a radical spirituality of engagement

o Retreat=Time with God

§ Engagement= leaving God behind to serve others (incorrect)

o Retreat=Time with God

§ Engagement= time with God

· The belief that our daily lives can be illuminated by the Gospel.

· Be inspired by prevenient grace

o The understanding God is at work in everyone’s life before we get there to convene grace.

· Follow the Missio Dei into strange places.

o Listen to the rhythms of your context. Sit in local places. Hang out in local coffee shops. Talk to local people. Join community groups.

o Be employed in the neighborhood. Be free of being so driven by results. Stop measuring your success by how many people attend and start measuring it by what God is doing in your context.

o Engage in snowball research. That is, meet the community gatekeepers, the movers and shakers. Listen to them. Hear of their dreams for your neighborhood. Who knows, they may be the persons of peace referred to in Luke 10.

o Get rid of your church building (he was being tongue and cheek).

o Say, “yes” to every invitation you receive. Say yes, to every party, every meal, every committee you get invited to attend.

· Inspire others around you to do the same.

o Then ask, “What does the rule and reign of God look like in this place?”

Quote of the day: “10-12 percent of the population in Australia attends church. Less in Britain, where 2% of the population in France and .05% in Austria regularly attend church.”

Hirsch and Frost #4

2010-02-04T19:29:00.001-07:00

Continuing with Apostlic Genius Micahel Frost explains...

Missional Incarnational Impulse

Reforming the whole church around a new agenda. The problem is..

Gospel reduction is primarily information on how to go to heaven after you die.

With a footnote about increasing your personal happiness and success through God.

With a small footnote about character develop.

Smaller footnote about spiritual experience.

With a smaller footnote about social/global transformation.

Newbigin- the MII is an” invitation to join with God to bring about his transformation for the world.”
Bosch- “mission is more and different from recruitment to our brand of religion, it is alerting people to the universal reign of God through Christ.”

God’s reign and rule is complete and total!

Mission is the announcement of the universal reign of God in Christ and the demonstration of the universal reign of God in Christ.

We need to create a foretaste of this universal reign.
Demonstration is as legitimate as announcement.

Both are equal

It is the good news of God’s love incarnated in the witness of a community for the sake of the world.

The source of the MII is the Missio Dei

Mission is derived from the character of God and not what he church does.
Trinitatian
The Father sending the Son and the Father and the Son sending the Spirit and the Son sending the church with the Spirit.

The goal of Mission is salvation and justice.

The Gospel is the work of God to restore humans to union with himself and communion with others in the context of a community for the good of others and the world.
You can’t have a mission-less church or a church-less mission.

Mission is the catalyzing function of the church.

What would the church look like if mission catalyzed disciple making, community and worship

In actuality they should catalyze each other.

Evangelism is an announcement

Words are required

The message is indeed necessary. It is unique. It cannot be replaced by unexplained deeds.

Sorry St. Francis!

Words must be backed by action
Church membership cannot be the primary aim of the announcement.
There needs to be acknowledgment of the rule and reign of God in Christ.

There are no perfect set of words that capture the gospel.

Do we need to find a new entry point for the Gospel?

In this generation there is not an existential sense of shame.

Appealing to their sinfulness may not be the best inroad. Understanding sin is still an important issue, but maybe not the most effective place to start.

What if we invited them into a movement that will change the world (not to mention their lives).

Mission is the “out” and incarnation is the “in.”

There needs to be a depth in relationship.
The myth is “contact is contamination.”
Consent is condoning.
Go and serve, but live among too!

We have to reexamine Jesus

His sinlessness and his holiness

Questions Missional Churches Should Ask

To whom have we been sent?

Be focused

Neighborhoods- geographic
Subculture -affinity
Subculture- ethnicity
Subculture- socioeconomic

Home groups- to whom has God sent you?

Who will go with us?

Don’t go alone.
Go collectively
The church is a body

Where will we meet them?
First place (home)
Second place (work)
Third place (frequent interaction with the same people)

Wendell Barry- location and proximity

What does the universal reign of Christ look like here?

Communitas (Victor Turner)

Community catalyzed by ordeal
Expel- Liminal- Re/entry
Mission as a luminal experience.
The whole group is diminished or let down if one member is absent.
Leadership should model communitas as a mini version of what it expects the church at large to be.

Quote of the day: "Alcohol can be a great social lubricant for the Gospel."

Hirsch and Frost #3

2010-02-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

In order to understand what caused the explosive growth (the missional kaboom) in the 1st Christian Church and the 21st underground Chinese Church, Hirsch unpacked two components of "Apostolic Genius." In our second day he explained Apostolic Environment and Organic Systems.

Apostolic Environment

If you want a missional church there needs to be apostolic leadership.
An AE is an atmosphere where those with the gifts for generating catalytic change are free to push the church and challenge the status quo.

They are the custodians of the DNA of Christ’s gospel, the gospel of the church.
They too are the seeders of missional DNA.

This will require the release of apostolic energy/Spirit in planting churches and/or push boundaries.

Organic Systems

A simple structure of organization that develops naturally and not through force.

Not a hierarchy
No need for institutionally sanctioned professionals (seminary degrees or ordination).
The structure is an interconnected web.

So if one part fails the whole structure is not put at risk.

Decentralized.

Decentralized systems are less likely to be subject to heresy than centralized systems.

The system will self correct.

These systems seek to not manage people but the environment.

Other ideas of the day:

Discipleship: lX(little Christs) leads to embodiment (life + message) leads to spiritual authority leads to leadership.
APEST: created order not just redemptive order (G-generative/M-maintenance)

A- seeders of ideas, generators of movement, extended of kingdom (G)
P- sensitive to God, discernment, calls for repentance , challenges the status quo, speak on his behalf (G)
E- infectious recruiters to the cause. (G)
S- creators of community, vital to health and organization (M)
T- brings of wisdom, integration of ideas, creators of understanding, theologians (M)

Four Movements of a Movement
Hirsch suggested one of the reasons the 1st century church and the 21st century underground Chinese church experienced exponential growth was that they were "movements" and not institutional, bureaucratic organizations. He listed four key factors in a "movement."

Vibe/Ethos (feeling)

Starting- transformational vision for society, articulated in simple terms, early adopters are passionate, martyrs, “believers.”
Decline- “doubt”, it does not reproduce new forms, but only questions old forms, suffers from the utopian flaw (reality does not achieve vision), structures fail (we believe the message, but we can’t deliver), ideological wain (doubt of message), ethical framework slips (no belief to constrain morality), absolute end (death).
Renewal- identify factors that caused for decline, doubts and negative thinking and deal with them, sigmoid growth (up and to the right), refound and reinvent (“radical traditionalism”).

Network (structure)

individuals, cells and organization
networks within networks

Not a hierarchy, but a web of connections.
You can remove a cell and the web maintains its connections.

"Chaordic" theory- chaos and order

Order the core values of what makes us us.
Allow creative expression (chaos) of those core values.

Distribute power and function to the outer limits.
Resist centralization

Virus (spread)

"Memes" code to ideas (genes to genetics) (Dawkins)

We don’t get ideas, ideas get us. Our minds are just the expression of our genes desire to survive.
An idea infects you and you become a host.

Pay It Forward
Exponential growth

Reproducing(able)

Begin with the end in mind.
Don’t plant a church, plant a movement
Plant Jesus and that will become a movement. This will allow for creative expression.

If what we do can’t be reproduced by ordinary people it is too complex.

If it is not easily repeatable, it is not a movement.

Quote of the day: “The best way to preserve tradition is to have children, not wear your father’s hat.”

Hirsch and Frost #2

2010-02-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today we started out by buying (admitting) the problem the Western church finds itself in currently. With the world church growing (the fast growing religion in the world), the western church is presently the fast shrinking church in religion.

Knowing this we can see that something is wrong. Somehow the western church has gotten off track and lost its way.

Something has to change or the western church will soon find itself completely silent in our world. More of the same will not change anything or make any progress for the church. As of right now we are perfectly designed to achieve what we are achieving…impotence, shrinkage and irrelevance.

To affect change the church needs to change the story its telling. The church has to veer off the course it has been traveling for centuries. If we don’t tell a different story, we won’t change anything. We need to change the paradigm, the system story, the underlining foundation of why we do what we do, not the expression of paradigm (that would simply miss the point). In short we have to reorder the sequence of our groundwork. Without this lasting change will not be sustained.

To rectify the problem, Alan Hirsch proposes the adoption of “simplex” (simple/complex) 3 word worldview: “Jesus is Lord.” This kind of monotheistic theology is an integrated allegiance to God who is over all aspects of life. Thus worship/mission/discipleship is offering our world back to God. This does not allow for a sacred secular divide (Deut. 6:5). God claims everything completely. Anything that leads us away from God is evil and any that leads us to God is good.

Hirsch thinks the most primal, potent and sweetest form of the church is not the institutional church, but the church as a “movement.” A movement that is active, decentralize and organic.

The way to return Christianity to its movement roots, the way to refound the church is to return to Jesus. Hirsch would say the church’s Christology (its beliefs and view of Jesus the Christ) reveal its Missiology (its purpose) which in turn informs its Ecclesiology (its form). We have to understand the church does not have mission, but the mission of God has church. The church needs to reintegrate back into Jesus the Christ to understand the mission and expression of the church. We can’t continue allowing ecclesiology to wag the dog of Christology/theology and missiology. We have to remember the way(s) of Jesus.

From this simplex theology comes:

Apostolic Environment- recovering the apostolic ministry of catalytic change.
Organic Systems- organization as a living organism to reflect how God has structured life itself.
Discipline Making- generate authentic followers of Jesus
Communitas- the bonding together of people through ordeal, risk and threat.
Missional Incarnation Impulse- the practical out working of the mission of God (the sending God).

All of which contribute to “Apostolic Genius.”

Quote of the day: “Sex is worship, so bonk away brothers and sisters to the glory of the Lord!”

Hirsch and Frost #1

2010-02-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

I am back in the town of soap made with “vegan and cruelty free" ingredients, recycled doors and windows and grass fed ground beef. Back in the city of bicycles, craft beers and bridges. Back in PDX, Stumptown, the City of Rose. Ahhh, Portland!

Yesterday, we (the family five) had a good time hanging with people from The Evergreen Community... twice.

But for the next couple days I am in class studying with a couple of amazing thinkers/writers Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost. The title of the class is “The Forgotten Ways: Cultivating Missional Imagination and Praxis for the 21st Century Church.” This may be a bit too much to swallow, so here is the course description:

“This course will involve a comprehensive exploration into the internal and external dynamics of rapidly expanding, highly transformative, Jesus movements in history. We will explore the phenomenology of two significant movements in history (namely the Early Christian Movement and The Underground Chinese Church) in an attempt to identify what factors must come together to create catalytic, exponential, growth. This is not primarily an historical study. Emphasis will fall on the interpretation of apostolic dynamics for the missional situation of the Church in the West—particularly with implications for the Emerging Missional Church. We will explore the implications at the level of philosophical systems, theological paradigms, as well as dealing with practical issues facing local churches.”

More thoughts later...

Thoughts on Shared Leadership #4

2010-01-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Shared leadership means sometimes the many will need to submit or defer leadership to the one because something falls into their area of experience, passion or responsibility.

Otherwise, the many could rob the one of their chance, need or responsibility to lead. If this were to continue the leadership muscles of the one may atrophy and their desire to lead could diminish.

Preaching Thought: Head and Heart

2010-01-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Studying Scripture is not preaching. It is most certainly part of preaching, but not the totality of it. Those who make their study notes their manuscript fall short of preaching. Preachers who simply regurgitate in the pulpits what they have chewed up in their studies pass along information, but will not have achieved transformation.

(guilty as charged btw.)

Preaching Thought:Telling The Truth

2010-01-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Don't water down the truth, boil it down; down its simplest form. Unpack its meaning, discard its religious and cultural baggage, free it from any trappings that may hinder its acceptance.