His Mission

I was reading "ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church" last night and was struck by one of the first points Frost and Hirsch were making.

As church leaders we spend a lot of time developing mission statements. We have taken on the business model that every organizations vision starts with a mission statement. So we pour hours of time and discussion into developing a mission statement that defines our church. We come up with catchy ways to package the mission statement so that it is easy for people to remember (then a year later we find out it was not as easy as we thought).

Frost and Hirsch began by talking about the missio dei, "the God of mission." Part of God's character is mission. We are not talking about the churches mission because the mission does not belong to the church. The mission belongs to God. The church is on mission when it becomes the image of God. This happens naturally as Jesus followers and the gathering of Jesus followers (the church)let God lead the mission.

Maybe as church leaders we should take the time spent on mission statements and use it to discover the God of mission. We should make God's mission our mission, right? When God's mission becomes our mission then several things happen:

1. We become more like the image of God
2. People far from God begin to discover God's grace
3. The church is not built on man's wisdom, it is built on God's wisdom
4. It's easier. It's easier to follow than to create.
5. We begin to understand God's will- "His good, pleasing and perfect will."

There will be unity in the Spirit if every church was on the same mission, the mission of God.

Great Day!

I have been waiting to read this book for a while. I just got it in the mail from Amazon. It is called "ReJesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church" by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch.

I will let you know what I think as I am going through it!

Also, our Advent Conspriracy Offering came in at a little over $3000. It was much more than we anticipated. I talked to Dereck Mushayamunda this morning. He was pumped. We are going to be able to provide water filters for purification, malria tablets for children and some nutritional drink (food) for children in Zimbabwe.

He told me his brother Donald is going to try to get there in January to distribute what we were able to provide. He also said Donald would put a video together for us to see exactly where the money went.

What a Great Christmas

I had a great Christmas this year. It had nothing to do with a present I received, it had to do with people.

My focus really changed this year. Instead of going into Christmas like scrooge (I did have some Scrooge moments though. When I almost got hit by a car in the mall parking lot I did let out an "I hate Christmas"), I tried really hard to see it through the eyes of a relational God. A God that gave himself at Christmas, not some obligatory gift.

Rhonda and I did not get anything for each other this year at Christmas. It was a mutual agreement. On Monday night I made sure this was what we were going to do (you know how that can be, we are not going to get each other something, but it is still expected).

Rhonda said she wished we could give people who had real needs something instead of getting each other something. We were already going to give money to our Advent Conspiracy offering at the candlelight service, but she wanted to do more. (The offering is going to buy water filter systems for people in Zimbabwe.)

I called my friend John, who is letting Pete stay at his house (Read More about Pete). I asked him if Pete could use anything for Christmas. He told me he had a coat, but it was to small.

"Perfect!"

I went to the mall again with a different attitude. I found a coat, Rhonda wrapped it and we gave it to Pete after the Christmas Candlelight service.

I handed it to him and told him he could open it now. He said he would rather put it under the tree. He now got to participate with others as they opened their gifts. He was not going to just watch this year.

God taught me how to love Christmas. Instead of being Scrooge, look for ways to give of yourself and refuse to become a part of the commercialization of Christmas. Give relationally, give of yourself and change someones life for a moment.

Drummer Boy

It is unbelievable. I have looked at bookstores, even Christian bookstores and can not find a simple traditional version of "The Little Drummer Boy." I am looking for a children's book and it is not there. But I did find the end of the movie:



Tonight is our Christmas candlelight service. We are basing the teaching around "The Little Drummer Boy." Back in September we did a series called "Radical Christianity." One of the teachings was called "Radical Christmas." I got the idea from Imago Dei in Portland,Oregon (you can read my previous blog on Advent Conspiracy for a better understanding).

The reason I like "The Little Drummer Boy," is that he gave a relational gift. He walked in and presented Jesus with the only thing he had, he played his drum as a gift.

You see, Jesus gave relationally to each of us, he gave himself. The question we are going to ask tonight is, "What are you will to give of yourself to Jesus." At the end of the service we are going to have people come to the front and take the Lord's Supper. A symbol of Jesus giving relational, a symbol of Jesus giving of himself.

We are also going to have offering plates in front. The idea is for us to give of ourselves during this Christmas season. Anyone who has participated in the Advent Conspiracy and has given relationally, saving some money in the process has been asked to give what was saved. From the offering tonight we are going to use it to buy water purification filters for people in Zimbabwe.

What are you willing to give of yourself this Christmas Season?

Saa Paper

I have a cousin who is a missionary in Thailand. He and His wife has been there for close to thirty years if not more. AIDS is a devastating disease that takes the lives of many in Thailand. Jerry is now working with people who have been diagnosed with the AIDS virus. He loves them where they are and tries to bring them hope both here on this earth and for eternity.

One of the ways he has brought hope to those he works with is by giving them purpose. Being an outcast in society they have little hope of making a living. The Mission in Thailand has developed a small business where the people in the mission get to participate and make a small living.

They produce hand crafted cards and gift bags made out of saa paper. Saa paper is made from the mulberry tree. They do not make the paper, they buy it. But they do make cards and bags from saa paper. The average cost is $1.50 an item. I am currently trying to find out how to order these items.

The great thing about buying cards handcrafted from the mission is they are helping people get out of poverty in more ways than one. First, this provides a small income for people who may not have any other way of making an income. This is not just handing money to people. Helping people get out of poverty takes more than just handing them money. It takes teaching them a way out of their poverty that can be long lasting.
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Second, they are providing a purpose for people who are in desperate need of purpose. It gives people in Thailand with AIDS a reason to get up in the morning

Finally, they are giving people hope, who are in desperate need of hope. They give them hope while they are still living here on this earth. They are also giving them hope for eternity as they get to share with them the message of eternal life through Jesus.

When I find out how to order the products I will let you know. The pictures I have provided are samples of what they can create.

Festivus

In Olympia, Washington, at the State Capitol building there is a war going on. 15 feet from a nativity scene a group of atheists and agnostics put up a sign that reads: "At this season of the winter solace, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but a myth and a superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

This battle is real and gets more intense every year. There is a movement to remove all religion from not just the public arena, but from society. The movement says it is based on reason and logic. The truth is when logic and reason are used they do not want to hear it. What this is about is pushing an agenda of secular humanism.

Well a group struck back this morning. Now in the State Capitol building there will be a display from a Fesitvus group. What is Festivus? For the Seinfeld fan this is a stupid question. For those who did not become a part of the Seinfeld movement here is a summary in their own words:



As a person who has an aluminum pole, the symbol for Festivus, let me give my "Airing of the Grievances":

Placing a Festivus display is showing how ridiculous our country is getting. In the name a free speech there is now a Festivus display that started out as a joke on a sitcom. When are our country's leaders going to get back to the basics of what this country was built upon without trying to always be politically correct. I believe I am truly living in a sitcom that is about to be taken off the air.

Any thoughts?

ChristMess

I went to my son's winter concert. As usual it was done at a very high quality, it was entertaining and the children did a fantastic job. It was held in the new auditorium at the new high school which was very nice. The music teacher at this school always does a great job and I enjoy going to the concerts he leads.

But . . .

I did not walk away merry, I walked away disturbed. Before the concert the principal of the school got up and talked about memories. He talked about how the children who were performing would look back on this night and remember it for thier lives, the same way we remember the concerts we performed as children.

Rhonda looked at me and said, "Do you remember concerts you did as a kid?" I shook my head "No."

But after the concert was over, I did reflect back on when I was in elementry school and did a winter concert. Only then it was called a "Christmas" concert. We performed at a large Baptist church across the street from the school. We sang songs like "Silent Night," "Away in the Manger," and "We wish you a Merry Christmas."
The birth of Jesus was mentioned and one could say it was a central focus of the evening.

Lastnight the focus theme was December in the world. It looked at the different celebrations that take place in different cultures in the world. There was a song about the seven disciplines of Kwanzaa. There was a song about Hanukkah. There was a song about the celebration of St. Nicholas. There was mention of Ramadan. And one time time the name of Jesus was mentioned.

It was educational to learn about the seven disciplines of Kwanzaa and the festival of lights that represent Hanukkah (something I taught about last yeat at Christmas time and something that Jesus even recognized (John 10:22-39).

I am all for my kids learning about other peoples tradtions and practices . . .

But . . .

My sons belief and practice was only mentioned as if it is something that we need to hide or be embarassed to talk about.

What amazes me is this. I live in the city of churches (more churches per capita than any other city in the country). If the question comes up in trivial pursuit the answer is Tallmadge, Ohio.

Our mascot is the Blue Devils (the devil is a fallen angel, created by God. The origen of the devil comes from the Bible). I have no problem with mascot. I even supported them painting a big blue devil on the floor of the new gym. But we couldn't because it might offend the churches in the city.

Hmm. We do not want to offend do we? Well it's to late.

I am at a loss as to how to proceed with my concerns. Any Suggestions?

I will start with this:

I want to take this moment to wish all the children and parents in Tallmadge Schools-

Merry Christmas!

Silent Night?

One of the most popular Christmas Carols starts out like this:

"Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, all is bright . . ."

Silent? Calm? The birth of Jesus was neither silent or calm. It was loud and filled with chaos. There was a census taking place in Bethlehem and thousands of people were coming to the city. All the hotels were full. There were probably people sleeping in the streets or wherever they could find a place to lay their head.

The streets were packed shoulder to shoulder with people trying to get to where they were staying. The marketplace had so many people it moved like a traffic jam in the middle of Manhattan. People trying to buy the food they needed that day or for their stay in town.

As all this was going on, a man pledged to a woman, who by the way was pregnant, very pregnant, makes his way into Bethlehem leading a donkey. I was just at the Football Hall of Fame Friday. It was kids get in free day, it was packed! Some woman tried to maneuver the stroller through the crowd. Joseph is trying to maneuver a donkey through the crowd, can you imagine.

His wife to be is about to give birth and he is trying to find a place to stay while leading a donkey. Every hotel he goes to he is told there is no vacancy. And it is calm? It is silent? Are you kidding me? It's a mess.

Christmas time can be messy. It can get chaotic. It can be tiring. It can get frustrating and complicated. That first Christmas was all of that an more. There are times during this season we turn and cry out, "God, help me!"

And in a very silent and calm way he did. You see, it was not God that made the first Christmas messy or this Christmas messy. It is us, people who do not look at the silent or calm. In a very silent way "God with us" entered into the world. He did not come with trumpets blaring, he came quietly amongst the chaos.

When he entered as a baby, when he came in the flesh, his mother and father experienced calmness in their heart as they held him for the first time. Even though it was loud and chaotic Mary and Joseph experienced peace.

I remember when all three of my boys were born. There was a lot going on in the room as Rhonda was going through labor. It was loud and in an organized way chaotic (because when a baby decides to come into the world it comes whether your ready or not).

But when the baby is born all chaos doesn't matter. There is a sense of calmness and a different kind of silence as you hold that child for the first time. The world around you stops for a moment. Your focus is on the life that has just entered the world. There is nothing like that experience.

Mary and Joseph went through that same experience I did when their son was born that loud and chaotic night. Their focus was on their baby, not everything that was going on around them.

In the messiness you may be experiencing or will experience during the Christmas season, focus on the baby. "God with us" who came to change the world. Everything else just doesn't matter. Let the prince of peace truly give you peace even if your life is messy.

Amazing Lunch

Yesterday I met some people for lunch at Luigi's in Akron. A great Italian place on N. Main Street. After lunch we walked out and saw a sign for an organic restaurant. Organic, yuck! We had just had pasta, salad with lots of cheese and bread. Who wants organic?

I walked up to the window and started reading the menu. It really didn't look so bad. A guy who worked there made his way to the door and opened it. He asked me if I was hungry and I said, "No." (I know, it is hard to believe that is what came out of my mouth).

He invited me in to see what they were serving for lunch. It looked amazing. Salisbury steak, roasted carrots, pasta with alfredo sauce. (I started getting hungry again. But I did not fall to temptation and eat again).

As I was walking out a man with a thick gray beard asked me where I was from and what I did. I hate that question sometimes because i never know how someone is going to react. I also stumble with what to say because I am not sure what to say. Do I call myself a "pastor," "minister," "preacher," or "rabbi?"

When I said I was a minister, the guy showing me the food said let's say a blessing together. He grabbed my hand along with the bearded guy and we prayed. It was awesome. I was hoping Doug and Clay would walk up at that moment to see us standing in the front window praying. They came a few minutes later while I was sitting down talking to Rockne. The Rockne. The guy Rockne's restaurant is named after. Another local restaurant chain this guy founded.

Clay, Billy and I went back today for lunch. It was incredible! Yeah, that's right I ate at an organic restaurant and liked it. I am going back once a week. I do not know what day yet, it depends on what they are serving. They took down my email address and each morning I will get the menu for that days lunch. I can't wait.

Since they are just trying to get their lunch business launched, there is hardly anyone there. So Rockne talked to us about his sausage making class he is going to teach. For $85 you get to learn the right way to sharpen a knife, get an apron/hat, 5lbs. of Hungarian Sausage and a meal. I'm in, like Kramer and Newman in Jerry's apartment.

He gave us a tour of the upstairs art gallery's. He also gave us a history of the building. The rooms artist are now using to create their art started out as rooms for workers in the rubber plants. Each room had three beds and three lockers. Each worker rotated through the rooms. They had eight hours for sleep, eight hours for work and eight hours for fun, where they may have spent their time in the pub downstairs.

Once they began building houses in Akron. The rooms were used for, well let's just say a place where ladies entertained men. That is where it gets the name "Red Light Gallery's."

I have to say it was one of the most entertaining lunches I have had lately. I learned some good history of Akron and had a great meal. If you get a chance stop by and have lunch at "The Northside," tell them Scott sent you. If they look at you with a blank face say "the preacher from Tallmadge." I am sure within the next few months they will know who you are talking about.

One last thing, they are open for dinner and have the oldest stage in Akron where local talent play just baout everynight. I am going to check this out in the near future as well.

Ain't Global Warning Great!

Well, I am sitting in my house right now looking at the snow with a forecast of more snow to come. What about my trip to West Virginia you may be asking. Canceled. It is snowing there also.

I talked to my cousin this morning and he was giving me some of the totals in the area of Monroe County, WV. There are reports in some areas of about two inches. Another area had five. Then there was one area that had close to 18. The temperatures have gotten as low as 16 degrees.

I turkey for several reasons. First, I love it. I love being in the woods. It is a challenge to even get a shot at a bird because their senses are so keen. Second, I love to eat turkey. Third, the season usually is not that cold. I have medium hunting gear not winter gear, because it is normally not like hunting in the tundra.

I thought I was safe not getting heavy hunting gear with all this global warming talk. Al Gore had me convinced that eventually I would be hunting turkeys in short sleeves come November (well not really because then I would have to tattoo camouflage on my arms, but you know what I mean).

Eventually, the nobel prize winner will have to give his medal back if this keeps up. Teachers will have to stop filling our kids the propaganda about global warming. And we will all come to the realization that climate change is cyclical and man can not control it.

Have a great day!

Twitter, Facebook and Blogs

I have signed up for Twitter and Facebook. I have no idea what I'm doing, but since everybody is doing it must be beneficial. I have now entered the hip world of technology. It's official- I am hip! Now everybody can know what I am doing and when I am doing it. That's just what I want, everybody knowing every little detail of my life. I am now the producer of my own "Truman Show."

Hold on, I need to jump over to Twitter and post that I am now blogging.

Great, twitter is down for data base maintenance (it really is!). Now people will not know what I am doing.

By the way, I will not be able to update my blog, twitter or facebook over the next few days. I am heading to West Virginia in the morning to Turkey Hunt. Where I am going not even Nextel will be able to hear me now. Maybe when I get back I will post some pictures on my face book (I guess that is what I am suppose to do). Just so you know, I will be hunting on a ridge above these falls, tomorrow evening.

I going to be in a place where life is much more simple. Technology is not something everyone thinks they need. I think, they even enjoy life more, because they know what it means to slow down.

Hold on, my cell phone is ringing (not really, I am just trying to make a point).

Look, God wants us to slow down and rest. He built it in to the top ten commandments. Jesus said, "The sabbath (day of rest) was made for man, not man for the sabbath."

Wayne Muller wrote a book called "Sabbath." In it he gives some practical ways to practice the Sabbath. He talks about some people he knows that have what they call a sabbath box. They explain, "On Friday, someone stands at the door with the Shabbos box and as people enter the house for the evening meal, they put anything they know should not be taken into sacred space. Then stripped of all our tools and machines, we can truly pray, 'God, there is nothing I can do about these concerns, so I know it is in your hands.'"

We do not rest because we can't let go of our means of communication. We have gotten to a point where we can not live without our cell phone, computer, email, facebook, twitter, blog and other media.

It is refreshing to go to Wayside, West Virginia where that stuff doesn't matter. It is just you, God and people who have learned the secret of slowing down.

How about you? How many times do you slow down and experience the presence of God?

Try it for a day. Fast from your cell phone and computer one day. If you can't, your addicted to those things and that may be cluttering your relationship with God.

Be still and know He is God!

What's with this Geneology Stuff

OK, you tell somebody who wants to know more about Jesus to read the Bible. They ask you where to start and you say, "Matthew." Great choice except it starts with genealogy. There are names like: Ram, Salmon, Bass (just kidding, but the truth is I could use it and 90% of you would not even think twice about it). How about Obed, Boaz and (Tony) Perez (who still is not in the hall of fame). Then they get harder, Sheatiel, Amminadab and Jehoshaphat.

All of us have either skipped it or skimmed through it at least ten times. We would probably even tell people to skip it and go to verse 18. It really doesn't matter, right?

I am starting to think it matters a lot. In some circles people have spent hours giving opinions as to what the genealogy means. Preachers and teachers have pulled the women out of the genealogy creating cute Christmas messages about the redemptive story.

There is a simple answer to the genealogy. Are you ready? Jesus is a human being. He is just like us and has a deep heritage that goes back for generations. Have you ever seen a baby book with a family tree in the front of it? This is the beginning of Jesus' story and here is his family tree.

This is about God in the flesh walking with men, the incarnation. Without a perfect sacrifice, a man living the law perfectly, there is no redemption story. We have to have Jesus be a human being like you and me. That is what we got.

Spend some time reflecting on the truth that Jesus was a man, with an earthly heritage and family tree. It is a truth we sometimes skip over, just like the genealogy in Matthew 1. We can't neglect the incarnation, God with us.

Why Church?

I am reading through the Book, "Breaking the Missional Code" by Ed Stetzer and David Putman. Chapter 4 starts out with this question: "Why did God create and choose this institution called 'church'?"

This was a stop you in your tracks question for me yesterday. I read that question yesterday morning. I did not read any further. And I have been thinking about it ever sense.

Every church leader needs to wrestle with this question. The answer to this question will define the purpose of every leader in the church. The answer to this question will probably be a difficult pill to swallow, because we will find out that maybe we have been doing church wrong for a very long time. The answer to this question will challenge you to rethink the role of the church in your life and in the life of the community.

Think about this question for a while. I would like to know the answer you come up.

Tomorrow is a Big Day for our Country

Today I want to spend some time thinking about tomorrows elections. I would like to share what my dream is for this country, without getting to political. I am going to do it in the format of a top ten list. I will preface my top ten lists with this statement:

I want to live in a country that . . .

10. can remain unified despite differences of opinion.

9. provides an environment where people are challenged and free to live out their
dreams.

8. does not enable people to sit back without contributing to the country, but
encourages people to be givers rather than takers.

7. is good stewards of it's finances. (Cut out wasteful spending. Using what money
that is received through taxes wisely and never driven by personal incentives).

6. is a good steward of the environment, taking care of what God has given us to
manage.

5. supports God's view of marriage. (That it is between a man and a woman).

4. protects and defends the sanctity of life. (Both for the unborn and those who
are dying throughout our world from poverty and a lack of education).

3. cherishes the freedom we have in this great country.

2. believes in absolute truth.

1. sees the phrase "In God we Trust" as more than a slogan, but a way of life.

Tomorrow is a big day. Use your right to vote. Put aside your political preferences and vote based on your core values. Put together your own list of core values, what is non-negotiable. Take an honest look at all the candidates you get to cast a vote for and vote based on your core values, not your political affiliation.

Go Vote tomorrow!

Pete

I meet with a friend of mine every other week at a local coffee house close to John's house. The neighborhood is very diverse with some pretty unique places to eat and hang out. We study the Bible a little, encourage each other and just talk about life.

God has really transformed John over the last year. He really has a heart for people who are far from God. One of those people is Pete. Pete was sleeping on the porch of an abandoned house until John invited him to stay with him. At first Pete declined, but after a cold night he changed his mind. Now Pete lives with John.

Pete has come to church with John the last four Sundays. He has been somewhat hesitant because he grew up going to a church where everyone dressed up. Pete doesn't have the resources to have a large wardrobe of clothes. John has told him to come anyway.

One of the things about Pete, is he is blind in one eye and can't see very well from the other. John did say he can recognize a 40 oz. bottle very well from a distant though. His blindness has been a benefit as well, because he can't see some of the looks he has gotten when he walked into church.

Anyway, the first Sunday as the offering plate was passed, Pete reached in and was about to take out an envelope. John stopped him, explaining that it was an offering plate. Pete thought they we were passing out envelopes for some reason to everyone (Now that would be a way to get people to come to church, give out envelopes of money). If you know Pete, you also know this was not intentional, he was not trying to be dishonest in any way.

Another Sunday, when the plate was passed, Pete dropped $1 bill in the plate. Now that may not sound like much, but when you don't have much of any income, if any at all it is a fortune. $1 is over 50% of what a 40 oz. bottle cost. $1 was all the money Pete had in life. He chose to give his last dollar to God.

This reminds me of a story in the Bible where Jesus praises a woman who gave from her poverty rather than her wealth. It is found in Mark 12:41-44. I want to retell the story from a modern day perspective.

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where offerings were being collected and watched a congregation of people put money in the church offering (you know God knows what we give). Many rich people threw in large amounts (Most of us do not think we are rich, but to most of the world we are). But a poor widower (Pete's wife died in the 90's) came and put a dollar in the plate.

Calling his followers to him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widower has put more money in the offering than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but he gave out of his poverty, put in everything--all he had to live on.'"

I think despite Pete's ability to see, he is starting to see God. He told John the other day he is getting tired of the life he has been living. The 40 oz. bottle is getting old for Pete. He is drinking it less frequently. Pete is noticing how his life is beginning to change. He is beginning to see a God who he once thought was so far away, as being a God who is present enough that he wanted to give God all he had.

This is not a story about Pete. This is a story about a real God, that is serious about reaching people who are far from Him.

Add Pete to your prayer list. Ask God to continue to reveal Himself to Him. Follow the example of John and do what you can to reach people who are far from God. They are everywhere. You work beside them, live beside them (maybe with them) and may even sit beside them at church.

"Probably" No God

The slogan that will be on the side of 30 buses in London will read, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Ariane Sherine started the campaign and raised $113,000 in donations. Included in the supporters is Richard Dawkins, who wrote the book "The God Delusion." She is producing the campaign to counter Christian and Muslim groups who have advertised on buses in the past. Read the full article here.

It's funny how the add is going to say "There's 'probably' no God." "Probably," you mean there might be a God. Wouldn't that make your group agnostic, rather than atheist?

I will give it to Dawkins, he wasn't fond of the word "probably." Sherine said it was included to keep from breaking a transit advertising regulation of offending religious people. But it did offend religious people, it offended Dawkins and his religion of atheism.

The other thing I found amusing was the second part of the statement: "Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Hmm, that's an interesting statement coming from a group of people who are consumed with their belief that there is no God. They seem to be very worried about "nothing" if you ask me. They have put up $113,000 for something that does not exist. They just spent money on nothing when you really think about it.

Maybe these so called intellectuals could use a vocabulary lesson: "worry"- mental distress or agitation resulting from concern (Webster's). It seems to me they are under mental distress and agitated over the existence of a God. They write books about it, they put up adds about it and they are agitated by those who believe in God.

I am one who is going to take their advice. I believe there probably is a God. So I won't worry like Jesus said in the Bible (Matthew 6:25-34) and I will enjoy life now and forever.

The Sent and Sending Church

I am reviewing some small group material. It is called "Sent" by Ed Stetzer. Ed Stetzer has a really strong grasp on the missional church. Check out Stetzer's blog(especially the recent blog called "When the Mission Gets Lost in the System").

In the material I am reviewing, Stetzer makes this point: "Sadly, many people's experiences with church have left them disillusioned and discouraged. It's not suppose to be that way, but ironically, at the root of much bitterness is the church's refusal to accept its role as both being sent and being a sender. Instead, many have experienced churches that did little more than take up space, not affecting any kind of difference or change in the community. If churches were engaged in the world around them, I seriously doubt so much criticism would fall their way."

As I was reading this statement something became clear to me. The church's failure is that it has not bought into it's God given role. God has established a distinct role for the church. The church is designed to be missional. Why has the church refused to get with the program?

The reason Dan Kimball can write a book called, "They Like Jesus but not the Church" is because Jesus stayed with the mission while the church has not. I wrote in an earlier post how Alan Hirsch said the church needs to rediscover Christology. Why? Because it has to recapture the mission Jesus laid out for his followers. We are sent and should be sending people to be a witness to the truth about Jesus.

What we have become is an institution with gimmicks, shows and programs that are developed to attract people. The most attractive thing the church can do is present Jesus in an authentic and practical way so that people will know we have been sent by the man Himself. The world does not need more church, it needs more Jesus. As His followers we have to get this one thing right.

When we present the real Jesus to a world that is in desperate need for Real Hope and Real Change, the world will come to Jesus once again.

So what are you waiting for-- Go! Stop reading this blog! You have been sent by God so the world can know Jesus. Introduce Him to people wherever you go-- not by what you say, but by what you do.

Your still reading-- Go!

It is all about the love

I have been reading an entry in Thomas a Kempis' book "Imitation of Christ" in the mornings I come into the office. This morning it was an entry on "Works Done in Charity." Here is a quote from the entry:

"God weighs the love with which a man acts, rather than the deed itself."

It reminded me of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:3, "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

In a church culture that places a high emphasis on serving others and giving to the poor throughout the world, it is important to stress the motivation for such charity. Kempis correctly points out that God weighs the love more than the act itself. If we are giving to and serving others for self promotion or self fulfillment, we have missed the mark.

Charity is a way to show our love for both God and others. This should be our motivation. This is what we are called to do as followers of Jesus. Jesus, surrendered his body to the flames because he loved us. He did not surrender himself for his own good. His surrender showed all humanity the weight of his love for you and me.

Teaching topics for 2009

We (the staff and myself) just spent two hours brainstorming teaching topics for Sunday morning in 2009. Some of the topics we have come up with include:

- Rediscovering Christology (a study on the life of Jesus)
- Taboo's: Topics we normally stay away from (homosexuality, Abortion, Suicide, Pornography and etc.)
- Parents role in discussing spirituality with Children
- Fire Proof, a series on marriage
- First Love: Finding it, losing it, keeping it and rediscovering it
- Discovering Rhythm with God
- Leadership Development (Heroes) - Mentoring

Any ideas? What do you think?

Shane Claiborne

I was invited to a Pastors breakfast this morning where Shane Claiborne was the guest speaker. Shane wrote "The Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical" and "Jesus for President."

I have read both books and am more fond of "The Irresistible Revolution." "Jesus for President" was a little to anti-war for my taste, yet has some good thoughts as well.

Seeing him in person was quite a treat though. He stood up with his dread-locks, black rimmed glasses and home made clothes (that's right, I said home made clothes). He spoke with a southern accent (which I love because it took me back to the mountains). Then he proceeded to talk about the kingdom of God in a way that most don't. He talked about a radical way of living that brings real hope and real change to the world.

He talked about his internship with Mother Teresa where he learned what it really meant to love people. He talked about his disenchantment with the institutional church. While he is thankful for the teaching he got growing up in a Methodist church, he still sought to discover what it means to really be a follower of Jesus. He talked about community living in the inner city of Philadelphia. He talked briefly about politics and said, "We need to stop worrying about donkeys and elephants and think about the lamb of of God."

At times in his books he has gone a little to far for my comfort, but I do not know if it is because I don't agree with him or if it is my unwillingness to give up some of the things I enjoy in life. Regardless, he makes me think about my relationship with Jesus and at times it gets a little uncomfortable. But, Jesus never called us to a life of comfortable living.

Here is my question to you: Have you gotten to comfortable in your Christian walk? What is it you can do to shake it up a little bit? Trust Jesus and he will take you places you never dreamed you could go.

"It" messed with me

Louie Weber recommended a book to me. When Louie recommends a book, I usually read it. Although we serve in two different places at two different churches, I know we are trying to pursue the same thing. Before I go on, I just want to thank Louie personally for this recommendation.

The book is called "It." The subtitle is "How Churches and Leaders Can Get 'it' and Keep 'it.'" Craig Groeschel spends time writing about churches that have it. He starts out by saying we have all been to churches that have it. You can tell pretty quickly if a church has it or not.

It is not about the quality of worship, teaching, ministry to teens and children or location (the big four in church growth). It is not about being contemporary or traditional. It is not the friendliness of the church.

So what is it? It is about having a passion for God. And this book messed me up!

Here is my confession:

In chapter 11 Craig Groeschel tells his story of how he shifted from it. My story is similar. He wrote, "It's difficult to describe, but while doing the work of God, I drifted from God. So many of us do. As pastors, we wholeheartedly believe that God exists, but we often do ministry as if he doesn't."

Let me explain. As Groeschel wrote, "I wasn't consumed by bad things; its just that I was not consumed by the best things." I began to think, if the walls are just the right color. If we have the right style of worship. If we just had more money. All these things are fine, but none of them is relying on the best thing (the best thing is God). We put our trust in so many things other than God.

You see, I often look back on my time as a student minister. We did not have the resources to have all the cool gadgets. We were not able to buy the best curriculum. We did not have a cool place for students to hang out. But the student ministry grew. Why? Because that was a time in my life that I had it.

We had to rely on God. Things were simple, but God provided.

Then something shifted. I became a senior minister. Again I really related to what Craig Groeschel said, "I was more concerned about issues that had never crossed my mind before. Instead of measuring success by my obedience to God, I measured success by how many people showed up and how many guest returned. With all my heart I wanted to be that good pastor. Since people offered more verbal feedback than God did, they became my primary audience."

I was once asked by someone to define success in ministry. After I thought about it for awhile I told the story of my father and me hiking on a small portion of the Appalachian trail. We hiked to a point called Mcafee's Knob view 1 view 2

As I look at the landscape I see a journey. A journey that changes often with the terrain. As I survey the journey I have just made, I see green valleys that remind me of the times the journey was peaceful and easy. I see hills and mountains that had to be climbed which remind me of those hard times in life. Now I stand and look at the journey and am reminded that God was there every step of the way.

My success is not built upon anything earthly, it is built on whether I relied on God. When this is our focus, we will have it. When we stop relying on things and start relying on God it is present.

I must go back to my old ways of relying on God, not men, not things and not myself.

Do you have it?

Love and Respect Conference

November 7-8 Northwest is hosting a "Love and Respect" Video conference. This conference is for married couples, couples about to get married, singles who will some day get married, people who have gone through a divorce and you.

The Love and Respect Conference is based on a book by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. The concept is from the Bible in Ephesians 5:33, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

It starts though in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This is why anyone should come. We all have relationships in which the "submit to one another out of reverence to Christ" applies.

One of the illustrations Paul uses to teach us what it means to submit to one another is the marriage covenant. So that weekend, we will learn how to love and respect each other.

If you would like to sign up, go to the Northwest's website and download a registration form and send it in today.

Awesome Video

I am reading a book by Craig Groeschel called "It" (No it is not a take on Stephen Kings book "It." I never read this one but the movie freaked me out a bit). Groeschel is the Lead Pastor at LifeChurch.tv. They have some videos posted on youtube and this one simply cleared up the concept of grace and the two choices we can make.

I loved the point that both thieves on the cross wanted to be saved, but they both had different approaches. The reality is that everyone will come to a point in life where they are confronted with the end. At this point people can not help but think about the reality of the after life (even Bill Maher).

As my friend Louie Weber says very simply to people "If you died today do you know where you will spend eternity?" Be honest with yourself as you answer that question. You have two choices- that's it. Which thief are you?

If you ask yourself this question and it moves you to want to know more about Jesus or grace email me at twochoices@nwachurch.org

Prudent Living

I am reading Thomas a Kempis' "Imitation of Christ" every morning. This morning I read an entry called, "Prudence in Action." It had such great wisdom I had to share some quotes from it.

"Do not yield to every impulse and suggestion but consider things carefully and patiently in the light of God's will."

A question to ask ourselves here is: How often do we really contemplate God's will in the decisions we make? How often does it get us in trouble when we yield to impulses and suggestions quickly?

Dave Ramsey teaches people that they should walk away and come back the next day before they make a purchase that sounds like a good deal. Most of the time when people walk away and think about it, they don't make the purchase.

This is true for every life decision we make.

"Perfect men, however, do not readily believe every talebearer, because they know that human frailty is prone to evil and is likely to appear in speech."

Wow! What a time for this quote. During this political season there are so many talebearers out there that it is hard to discern the truth. It is out there, if we're prudent and do not jump to conclusions based on our own bias.

"Not to act rashly or to cling obstinately to one's opinion, not to believe everything people say or to spread abroad the gossip one has heard, is great wisdom."

"Great wisdom" is what Thomas a Kempis calls the ability to slow down and discover God's will. How are you doing? Are you showing prudence in the decisions you are making? Are you truly seeking God's will in your decision making or are you trying to live independent from God? Independence from God is what gets us in trouble.

Are you living in such a way as to fulfill your calling?

The last two days I had the opportunity to go to South Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio to help build a community park. Scott Pugh, the lead planter at Velocity has been building a presence through service. When approached to help find volunteers to build the play ground, Scott asked those who are partnering to send people to help. Northwest and Rivertree has sent many volunteers to help with the build.

So, I got to go. I am not much of a carpenter, but I did get some on the job training. I put down decking and learned to use a router. Yesterday Billy (our worship guy), Clay (student ministry dude) and I put together some railings. I have to say, they looked pretty good.

While there I got to meet a guy who travels all over the country managing volunteers to build these giant play grounds. Next week he is going to Hawaii to build and from there to Chattanooga. He said something to me on Wednesday explaining why he liked doing this job. He said, "It is awesome watching people work together to build something."

He's right. It is awesome! I love how God works. I am currently doing a two week series called "The Mr. Potato Head Chronicles." The idea is that God has uniquely designed people and churches to build his kingdom. We either work together to build the church or we just go to church.

In the Bible, Paul urges the church (people who make up the church) to "live a life worthy of the calling they have received," We all have a calling, whether it is you as an individual or it is a church. And with that calling comes a responsibility to live our lives fulfilling that calling. Barry, the project manager, sees his calling as working with volunteers to build something for the community. What is your calling? Are you living in such a way as to fulfill that calling?

Good Things About the Pharisees

Last Thursday Alan Hirsch asked the KSP group to list the good things about the Pharisees. He said despite the bad rap they get, they did do some good things. So the group of 70 or so began to share good things about the Pharisees. Below is the list:

- Good Tithers - Students of the Word
- Good attenders - Charitable
- High moral values - Worshipers of God (prayed consistently)
- Sincere about their faith - Believed in the Resurrection
- Custodians of Israel (maintained their identity)

Then he asked this question. "Who does this sound like?"

I said, "The church."

Hirsch said, "Be more specific."

Someone said, "Christians."

Hirsch said, "Be more specific."

Finally someone said, "Us."

Isn't that list what we look for in good Christians? Someone who is a good tither, a student of the word, a good attender, has moral values, who worships God (prays and other ritualistic worship events), a believer in the resurrection, sincere, charitable and maintains the identity of the church. YES!

Here's the kicker, they are the ones who killed Jesus. The point is all those things might be important in the life of a Christian, but the most important thing is that we let Jesus lead. The most important thing is that we become more like Jesus.

Hirsch pointed out that churches need to rediscover Christology in the church. The problem is that when we bring up living more like Jesus those who are defined only by the list above try to stop this movement. Why?

Rediscovering Christology

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hear Alan Hirsch speak. I had read his book, "The Forgotten Ways" a while ago (I would strongly recommend this book). Hirsch is one of the leading thinkers on the Missional Church. There are so many things he said that were challenging, but I want to talk about the one that is the most important (I may touch on some other stuff later).

He pointed out that the western church is in decline and could be heading to where the European church is today (which is nearly non-existent). He said it is up to western Christianity to rediscover itself again. His first point of rediscovery is the "Discovery of Christology." We have to put the person of Jesus in the the Church again.

He said, "Christology lies at the heart of the renewal of the church." The question we have to ask ourselves is: "Who is our Jesus?" We have domesticated Jesus to fit our understanding of the church, rather than letting Jesus define the church. He said, "We are Christian to the degree we take Jesus seriously and how many of us take Jesus seriously?"

I know that you would be quick to say "I do. I love Jesus and he is the Lord of my life life." This may be partially true, but I would ask you to define the Jesus you love and that answer would be telling of whether he is really the Lord of your life. There is a reason why there was a book written called, "Unchristian," which is what twenty somethings say about the church. The title of Dan Kimbal's book explains it well, "They Like Jesus, but not the Church." Hirsch would say that is why we have to rediscover Christology.

I know that you are thinking, "I love Jesus, I do follow him." My challenge to you is to take a hard look at "Who is your Jesus?" Is he the domesticated Jesus or the Jesus of the gospels?

The truth is, the Jesus of the gospels would not be welcome in most of our churches today, he would be to radical. He would expect to much of people. He would make us uncomfortable. We would end up running him out of town or like in the first century, figure out a way to get rid of him for good.

As church leaders we need to figure out how to bring more of the story of Jesus into the church. We have gotten good at attracting people to our churches, but not so good at introducing them to Jesus. They have become consumers rather than disciples. WE entertain people into Christians but not Christ followers. Figuring out how to integrate Jesus into our life an the life of the church is important to reclaiming the truth.

Who is your Jesus? Join me in rediscovering the Jesus of the gospels, start reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John today.

Top Ten Places to Eat (follow up)

I got a phone call this morning and a friend of mine asked me, "Why did you post your top ten places to eat?" I did my top ten places to eat because I had not posted in a while. I decided it was time and could not think about anything to blog about. I saw a commercial for Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and thought "I am going to talk about my favorites diners, drive-ins and dives." No purpose for the blog. In reality I am jealous of Guy that he has such a great job. Some aspire to be doctors or lawyers. Me I want to be the host of Diners, Drive-in and Dives.

Anyway, back to the phone call. My friend said, "Look at your list. What do most of the places have in common?"

My first response was, "They have good food and good portions (portions are important to me).

He went on to say, "It is not just about the food, is it? Isn't it about the people you were with?"

There is truth to what he said. These places stick out because of the relational experience as much as the culinary experience. It makes sense though, God created us with the need to have authentic community with other people. In the Bible we see authentic community often happens around a common meal.

We underestimate the need to experience authentic community. There has been a lot said about the "Third Place." We have our family relationships, our work relationships and then there is a need for a third place where relationship happens. For some it is a bar, a coffee shop or a club.

Is it possible the need for a third place is God given and the church should fill that need? The problem is churches fail to see the need to create the third place where authentic community happens. Churches, Northwest, needs to take seriously the need of the third place. It is important to be intentional about small groups (not just home Bible Studies). It is more about groups of people who learn to do life together. It is about people who eat together, serve together, laugh together and cry together.

It is more about experiencing authentic community than the place.

Here is an assignment. Put together your own top ten list and see if it does not produce places where authentic community happens. Then ask yourself this, "How can I help duplicate this culture in the church?" Then do it!

I would like to thank my friend for the insight from a blog that I thought had no purpose.

The Advent Conspiracy

One of my favorite people to podcast is Rick McKinley at Imago Dei (Portland, Oregon). A couple years ago I heard him teach on The Advent Conspiracy. (If you want to hear the teaching go to itunes podcasts, search Imago Dei and listen to the 11/12/2006 teaching called "Advent")Since that teaching, Imago Dei has created what they call "The Advent Conspiracy." There is more information about "The Advent Conspiracy" here.

The idea is to limit your Christmas spending by cutting back on gifts you give this year. You know the obligatory $20 gift you give to someone. They get it, act excited while thinking, "I can give this in the next white elephant gift exchange or put it in my next garage sale." Why do we give gifts that don't mean anything?

This leads to another focus of the Advent Conspiracy. We need to learn to give more relationally. When we give a gift, it should mean something. Imago Dei puts together a catalogue of relational gifts you can give to someone. When I taught on this Sunday, I shared a cookbook my sister made for me at Christmas. It is one of the coolest gifts I have ever gotten. It was relational because she put thought into it and it was a family cookbook with pictures and stories of our family.

I had a lady come up to me on Sunday and tell me of a relational gift she gave by accident. She had gotten a gift card for a nephew to buy school clothes. His parents could not take him so this lady did. She said it was awesome to spend time with him that day. What another great example of a relational gift.

What are some relational gifts you have given or received over the years? We are going to put together our own catalogue of relational gifts. Hopefully we will be able to do a relational gift expo where people can show off examples of relational gifts. Maybe they will have people sign up for a demonstration at another time. A guy came up to me after worship and said he knew how to carve spoons out of wood. He could get some guys together one evening and help them carve their own spoons. What a way to build authentic community with other Christ followers.

Finally, with the money that is saved by cutting back and giving relational gifts the Advent Conspiracy encourages people to give those savings to a one time offering at Christmas. Half goes to build wells in countries that need fresh drinking water. The other half goes to local people who are in need. It is not about giving more, it is about redistributing money to give to someone who has a need.

I wondered how this teaching would go over. It has gone over well, with many people saying that they are going to participate in the Advent Conspiracy. How about you?

Post any relational gift giving ideas you may have and if you want to participate in the Relational Giving Expo.

Top Ten Favorite Places to Eat

One of my favorite shows to watch is Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.If you have never it seen the show it is hosted by Guy Fieri on The Food Network. Guy has a great job. He travels throughout the United States looking for unique places to eat. It is a great job. A job I think I could do. Since that is never going to happen I thought I would do my own top ten list of favorite places to eat. None of them are chains, but they all have their own character and good food.

Here are my top ten places to eat.

1. Chili Willi's(www.chiliwilli.com), Huntington, West Virginia. I use to go here when I was in college. I usually get the Cadillac Nachos and a Super Burrito. For dessert you have to get the famous Ice Cream Taco served with cinnamon ice cream.

2. Mac & Bobs (www.macandbobs.com), Salem, Virginia. This was a high school hangout. It has great pizza and calzones. Being a Roanoke College hangout the they had on the menu "The Second Semester." It was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for all those poor college students. When I use to go, it was one room, now it is huge.

3. Roanoke Weenie Stand, Roanoke, Virginia. Absolutely the best hot dog I have ever eaten. I get one or two or three almost every time I am in Roanoke.

4. Mama Santa's Pizza, Cleveland, Ohio. It is in the middle of Little Italy in Cleveland. My favorite pizza. I usually get a mushroom pizza and an order of garlic toast.

5. Frenchy's Seafood (www.frenchysonline.com), Clearwater, Florida. They specialize in grouper sandwiches. They are creative in their service. You have to try a grouper rueben.

6. Harold's Pit Barbecue, Abilene, Texas. I have only eaten there once, but I will never forget it. Plus their hot sauce is called, Harold's Damn Hot Sauce and it will light you up. Just when you taste it, you think, "That's not so hot." Then it hits you. The baked beans are the best!

7. Smokey Valley Truck Stop, Olive Hill, Kentucky. Another college hangout. This one has been on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The Smokey Burger is huge. They have great homemade pie and a great breakfast.

8. The Texas Tavern (www.texastavern-inc.com), Roanoke, Virginia. The best time to go is early morning (2am) when all the street people are out. I will order for you here- a cheesy western (burger with a fried egg and relish), bowl of chili and a coke. Don't ask for fries, they don't have them. They have a sign that says, "We serve a million people. Ten at a time." They only have ten seats, but they move people through.

9. Diamond Deli, Akron, Ohio. If I could ever own a place it would be just like this place. A New York style deli that has awesome sandwiches, soups and sides. I love the broccoli salad.

10. Lou and Bea's Diner, Greenpoint (Brooklyn), NY. This is not the name. It is owned by a couple from Greece. It is cheap! My favorite is egg salad on a grilled bagel with lettuce, tomato and onion. The egg salad is made fresh to order.

Honorable Mention:

The Oyster Shanty, Tampa, Florida. It had the best clam chowder I have ever eaten. It was also the place where I fell in love with oysters on the half-shell. Good luck finding this one though. It is no longer in existence.

Yesterdog (www.yesterdog.com), Grand Rapids, Michigan. Great atmosphere, great dog.

Firehouse (www.thefirehouse.com), Johnson City, Tenn. Great barbecue. I also use to be a cook there.

Let me know if you have been to any of these places. Let me know of some of your favorite places so I can look them up.

The Fred's Factor

I came out of Fred's Diner this afternoon after lunch. It was just before noon and the parking lot outside was full. People were beginning to park in a gravel lot across the street. There are four or five layers of shingles on the roof of this tiny white and red building. There is a sign that reads, "we have free wi-fi."

There is a car in the parking lot with so much trash that it is almost to the ceiling except for the small cleared out for the driver. There is a nice Mazda sports car parked not to far away. Eventually as the minute hand goes farther past noon, the parking lot will be filled with construction trucks, Jaguars, Lincoln's and cars filled with trash to the ceiling (you had to see it to believe it- I have got to start carrying a camera with me).

Inside you have your choice of a counter, table or booth. It does not have great decor, it is very plain. In the men's room above the urinal it reads, "Please do not put cigarette butts in the urinal. It makes them soggy and hard to light." There is a T.V. with a news network turned up loud enough for you to hear. You will find people of all different backgrounds there to experience the special of the day, if they have any left. I have gotten there before or right at noon and they were already out of the special (It happened to me twice. The first time it was Mac and Cheese. The Second it was meatloaf). I noticed on the wall today that "My Fox Cleveland" voted Fred's diner as "2008 Best Breakfast" (the corn beef hash is the best I have ever eaten).

The diner is only open for breakfast and lunch, closing at 3pm. Check out the website The site is plain and there is little information. There is very little advertising that comes from Fred's Diner, yet it is packed every time I go. Why?

Good service, great food and everyone who goes once tells someone they need to check it out. I had passed it many times until someone told me, "I went to this place yesterday and we need to eat there today" (It was Mac and Cheese day, we got there before noon, it was gone). Everything is simple and homemade.

Fred's is packed not because it is the besting looking place. It is not packed because they advertise. It is not packed because it is in the best location with the greatest parking. It is packed because they provide exactly what people want. Good service, great food and a great experience.

Sometimes I think churches and church leaders put to much emphasis in the wrong things. We think we have to have the best location, the nicest building or the best advertising. The last two questions of the simple survey asked about the building and being relevant verses the people who make up the church and building relationships. Sixteen out of seventeen stated that the people who make up the church and relationships are more important than the church building and being relevant.

Those who participated in the survey agree with me and Fred's that relationships and people are what we need to focus on the most. If you give people what they need(notice I did not say "what they want" and there is a difference), they come back. Not only that, they bring someone with them.

I know we need to do a better job at focusing on the right things at Northwest. We need to do a better job of building authentic relationships. We also need to be relevant in the right things so that people begin to see the church as essential to their lives again (idea taken from "Essential Church" by the Rainers).

When we begin to focus on what is important then maybe we will end up with a car in the parking lot filled to the top with stuff. You really needed to see this one!

Then Why Don't We

I have been looking at the results of the survey in my last blog. I know that the survey is not that great and I know that there are not enough responses (15) to give a good sample. Thanks to those of you who took the time to run through the survey.

Sometimes I will ask a question when I am teaching knowing that the answer I am going to get is going to be the "bible school answer." Meaning, the answer people are going to give is the one they think the teacher wants to hear. Now that is great, if you are taking a test.

I hope that the 15 of you who answered the survey were not just giving the "bible school answer." I hope that is what you really believe. Because 100% of you said that discipleship is more important than going to church and a church building. There was also 100% of you who thought that people who are far from God are more important than people who go to church. These are great answers considering Jesus told us to go make disciples, not go to church. It is great considering, no where in scripture do we have a mention of a church building. The church building was later in history and may be why we stopped making disciples. The answer is great because we know the mission of Jesus was to reach people who were far from God, so that should be our mission as too.

Not knowing who the 15 people were who answered this way, I hope that you're trying to make discipleship a priority and are doing everything you can to reach people who are far from God. If not, maybe you did just give the "bible school answer."

There is a big difference between giving the right answer and living out what you truly believe. In a world where people are looking for authenticity they are tired of just the right answers. They are looking for people who live out what they say they believe.

Looking back at the questions on the survey, maybe I should have put one more question at the end- "Do you live by the answers you just gave?" (yes or no)

What do you think? Do we live by that answers we give or are we just giving the "bible school answer?"

What's More Important?

Hey I am trying something new. I have created a survey through Survey Monkey. I want to see how this works for future surveys, plus I am curious as to how you respond. It is five questions, it should not take long, so do it!

I will blog about my own answers and the results of the survey.

Click Here to take survey

The Democratic Convention- "Plastic?"

Have you been watching the Democratic National Convention? I watch both conventions, I love them. I like to watch people who are good speakers communicate to a crowd. I may not agree with them, but I like to watch them. One of my favorite public speakers is Ted Kennedy. Like I said, I may not agree with him on most things, but he is a great public speaker. He does a great job of engaging a crowd.

So far my perception of the convention can be summed up in one word - "plastic." Everything seems so staged (I am sure the Republican Convention will be the same). We knew what the objective was of Michelle Obama, she came out and performed. She did not seem herself. She was different from other speeches I have seen in the past.

Hillary, she said what she needed to say, not what she wanted to say. I was hoping she would say what she wanted to say and maybe she did in a subtle way. Obama sitting in front of a TV in someone's home was nice but again it seemed stage. I mean who watches TV sitting on a foot stool in a shirt and tie? Come on, put on a pair of shorts and sit back in that recliner with an ice cold drink and some popcorn.

I am looking forward to former president Clinton tonight. Another great communicator who knows how to engage an audience. Who knows what he will say. It could be exciting. It will probably be a little plastic as well with Hillary returning the favor and mouthing "I love you" to her husband as he is on stage.

This lack of authenticity shows how out of touch the political movement in America really is when it comes to the people they represent.

Here is what I have learned so far. In a culture where people are looking for authenticity, how is it that politics on both sides seems so staged? Maybe this is why only a small percentage of the country really takes the time to go out and vote.

There is a lesson for Christ followers in all of this- Be authentic! If you are like me and you are watching the conventions thinking that it seems so plastic, take an honest look at yourself as a Christian. Are you authentic or putting on a show? How about the church you serve at, is it authentic or plastic? Authenticity really makes a difference as to whether people will be engaged in a movement or not.

Think about Jesus. He was on message. He was authentic. He was real. There was nothing plastic about Him. And people want to be like Him. And to be like Him, you have to be authentic. The world is watching and they are in desperate need of Christ followers we are authentic in their relationship with Jesus. The world is in desperate need of Christ followers who really love people. The world does not need another staged event, it does not need something staged, the world needs some that real that can change their life.

The First Missional Church - Boldness and Confidence (Part 5)

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

"They," were the Sanhedrin. The Supreme council of the Jewish people. They had questioned Peter and John as to what power they healed the a man. They told them it was by the power of Jesus, "who "they" crucified." They said that Jesus was the stone they rejected that became the capstone (the head).

Peter and John did not back down from the intimidating Sanhedrin. They stood up and defended themselves. They went against the tradition of their day. A tradition they understood because they had grown up in the same tradition. Whenever an existing church tries to make the transition into a missional church, the leaders should expect opposition. It is going to happen and the way you react to opposition will determine whether the church can make the turn to become missional.

Peter and John show great boldness by standing up to the Sanhedrin, telling them they would not stop teaching in the name of Jesus. The boldness came from the confidence they had in Jesus. It came from the confidence they had in what he taught them. It came from the confidence they had from the fulfillment of prophecy. Most of all it came from the confidence they had in the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Many church leaders ignore the Spirit's leading because of the reaction of religious people. Courage is when we stand up for the truth even in the face of opposition. The missional church stands up for truth. It is a church that is not lead by the people, it is lead by the Spirit.

Do you have the confidence and boldness that comes from the Spirit of God? Read through the book of Acts and see how many times early leaders of the church stood up for truth even if it meant they would be stoned, kicked out of a city or would cause a riot. The first missional church was made up of bold leaders. Leaders who were motivated by pleasing God not Man.

The result of this kind of leadership led to people taking note that they had been with Jesus. Missional leaders who have been with Jesus stay focused on the mission, even if it leads to persecution.

The First Missional Church - Authentic Community (Part 4)

When people live in authentic community God's kingdom is very appealing to the unchurched world. God created people to live in authentic community with Him and other believers. Jesus taught his followers the importance of creating a place where everyone could live in authentic community.

A passage in the book of Acts which is never overused that describes such a community is Acts 2:43-48: "Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the Apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread together in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

There is no doubt their number grew. God's presence was at a high level and people were entering into authentic community with Him. Part of the reasons His presence was at such a high level was because the people were in authentic community with each other.

This community was described later in Acts 4:32-35 and when the community was broken in Acts 5, two people dropped dead. God loves for His people to live in authentic community.

There is an event in the Restoration Movement which testifies to the power that is unleashed in when there is authentic community. In August of 1801, at Paris, Kentucky, 12,000 people from different denominational backgrounds came together as one. The denominational barriers were removed and a movement of God was unleashed. People came together as one and the kingdom of God was proclaimed. They came together for almost a week living in authentic community.

I sat in John Wimber's office one evening and asked him if he had heard of the Cane Ridge Revival. He responded by saying something like, "Wasn't that an awesome movement of God?" Yes it was. And I believe it was a direct result of Authentic Community.

This is one of the reasons the first missional church made such an impact in the world. With nearly 40,000 denominations world wide we need to pursue authentic community. If we could only be intentional in pursuing the same authentic community we could only imagine how God would move.

It starts with a Bicycle

Being involved with a church plant in Cleveland has given me a heart for church planting. I have come to believe that church planting is not just a cool thing to be a part of, it is a Biblical Mandate. Church planting is the most effective way of reaching people who are far from God.

The passion God has created inside of me for church planting has given me an opportunity to be a part of something that will not only reach people who are far from God, but be able to reach people who are far from God on the other side of the world.

My involvement with Round Lake Christian Assembly has introduced me to a man who is one of my favorite people in all the world, Dereck Mushayamunda. Dereck is the one who is trying to get us to take a basketball camp to Zimbabwe. But due to the current situation there, we were unable to go this year. We will get there someday. This video will at least introduce you to Dereck an Zimbabwe. It will also introduce you to another friend of mine who is the Missions minister in Winston Salem, NC. (here)

Dereck shared with me that there were other villages in the area of the Mushayamunda Village who were asking for a church. I asked him what it took to plant a church in Zimbabwe. It starts with someone to lead the church. Which they have. The next step is a bicycle (cost $100). This summer the Baker family bought a bike for a man in Zimbabwe. The cost now is $60-$80 a month to pay the leader of the church. A lady at Northwest has already spontaneously contributed to the church plant.

So for an initial cost of $100 and $720-$960 a year there can be a new church in Zimbabwe reaching people who are far from God. The area for the new plant is called Chiremwaremwa (don't ask me how to pronounce it, I am just getting use to Mushayamunda).

If you would like to contribute to this church plant let me know and I can give you the information to make that happen.

The Frist Missional Church - Pray for everything (Part 3)

The first missional church as described in the book of Acts Prayed for Everything.

They prayed for direction after Jesus ascended into heaven. (Vision and Direction)

They prayed for a person to take the place of Judas. (Leaders)

Their prayers were not just ritualistic. They were going to the temple to pray when they ran across the man who was lame. They never made their ritualistic time of prayer and it was OK.

They were committed to prayer in Acts 2:42.

One of the main jobs of the leaders of the early church was to be devoted to prayer (Acts 6:4)

Stephen prayed for the Lord not to hold his stoning against the ones throwing the stones. Jesus did say "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us."

Peter was praying on the roof when he had a vision from God that the gospel was now for the Gentiles (Acts 10) It is during times of prayer we receive direction from God. Sometimes that direction will takes us places we never thought we would go.

The church prayed for Peter while he was in prison and was amazed when God saved him from the hands of Herod. When you pray for it do not be amazed when God moves. This shows us we should pray for the impossible.

They prayed and fasted before they sent Paul and Barnabas out to the Gentiles (Acts 13:3). We should be praying for those who are ministering to people.

Paul constantly thanked the churches he went to for praying for him. They prayed for everything because it was a art of the first church's DNA.

What about you and your church? Is prayer a high priority? And I am not talking about taking prayer requests following a meeting. DO you stop and pray for everything and anything you want God to be a part of? This type of prayer life is not ritualistic, this type of prayer life requires followers to pray anytime, anywhere and for anything.

Youth Football has started

I will pick up with my study of the First Missional Church in Acts with my next post. I just had to post something about youth football practice that has started in Tallmadge.

Seth, my youngest son started his first season in pads last week. It is so funny seeing him in full pads. His pants come down to almost his ankles. It is not so bad because the pads almost completely cover his legs.

After the first day of full contact we were walking back to the cat together. he had this big smile on his face. I asked him why he was smiling. Proudly he said, "I made some kid cry." I did not see it, but evidently he had the ball and ran over some kid who was his same size. He then looked up at me and said, "I think i broke his freakin' neck." Yes, we have watched the longest yard together (T.V. version, with parents skipping some parts thanks to DVR).

Tonight I was watching practice. There is always a problem with youth football. The coaches kids usually play the skilled positions whether they are the best at that position or not. The problem with this is that it is not very good leadership. Collins in "Good to Great," says that great organizations get the right people on the right seat on the bus. This seldom happens in youth football, which can be a problem.

Last year, Cole's team would have been much better had they played some of the bigger kids on the line. Instead they had some kids in the backfield trying to run with a small line in front of them. Yesterday, they had Seth practicing with the line. He is small and the third fastest kid on the team even though he is one of the youngest. I don't expect him to start, but he should at least be put in a position where he is going to be most effective.

The first mistake is not having the right people in the right place. The second mistake is the reason for the first. They place people in position not according to their ability, but according to who they are. It's frustrating, but a great example of how the most churches operate.

Most churches do not put the right people on the right seat on the bus, they put people in positions based on the wrong motives. Like youth football, it makes the church less effective. It seems to me the most logical decision is to use the right person for the job, rather than allow our bias to dictate who goes serves where.

The First Missional Church - Missional Leaders have been with Jesus (Part 2)

Church Leaders are chosen for so many good reasons, aren't they?

Cliff is just a good guy. He would would make a good elder. He is kind of quiet, but he really is a good fella.

How about Tom, he has such a good business mind. I know he has only been here a couple years, but he could really add something to the leadership.

There is always a Dale. Dale has been a member of this church for 40 years. He knows this church well and a lot of the people. He has so much experience in the church.

Bob would be a good elder because he is a good teacher. People respect his knowledge of the Bible.

Chuck, he's been an elder for years. He really knows what being an elder is all about.

Tim he meets all the qualifications of 1 Timothy. He will make a dynamite elder. He is exactly the type of person Paul was telling Timothy to choose to be a leader in the church.

All these qualities could add to being a leader in the church. But there is one quality that is seldom taken into consideration. When the Apostles were choosing someone to replace Judas as one of the twelve Peter said, "It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."

Simply put, Leaders of Missional churches need to have been around Jesus for a long time. There is a difference between knowing Jesus and being around Jesus. Missional leaders who have been around Jesus for a long time think like Jesus. They have the same mission as Jesus. They do not bring their own incentives to the vision of the church. Jesus' vision is the churches vision.

Church leaders may be good guys, have a good business sense, have been in the church for a long time, be able to teach, have been an elder a long time and may meet all the qualities in 1 Timothy, but if they have not been around Jesus for a long time, they probably are not Missional leaders.

Missional Leaders have the same mission as Jesus- "to seek and connect the lost to the one who can save." Missional leaders live by the two greatest commands: "Love God and Love People."

If you are a leader of a church ask yourself this question: "Am I a Missional Leader?"

If you have the opportunity to have a say in selecting leaders in your church ask this question first of everyone: "Has he been around Jesus a long time?" (It will be evident by his fruit).

The First Missional Church - Led by the Spirit (Part 1)

Confidence. It is the ability to know that you can overcome the odds to be victorious. I just watched the freestyle men's relay. The French said they came to the Olympics to "smash" the United States team. There was something smashed, but it was not team USA. It was the pride of the French and the world record, by team USA. They swam with great confidence and received the gold medal- Awesome baby!

As we have been studying the book of Acts, every Life Group I am in says the same thing about the leaders of the early church. They all have a confidence as the kingdom is advanced at a rapid pace. The confidence comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 3 & 4, Peter and John stand before the leaders and confidently proclaim, "We can not stop telling people about Jesus." This came after they were told to stop.

In Acts 8, we see Stephen proclaim the gospel and confidently fall asleep as he was stoned to death by those who did not want to hear the truth.

In Acts 10 we see Peter change his paradigm and go against what he had been taught for so long concerning his association with Gentiles. He went willingly to the house of Cornelius as God showed him that the gospel was also for people not from his same heritage. We see this confidence again as he explained his actions to the church in Jerusalem in Acts 11.

Then there was Paul, who confidently told the Gentiles about Jesus. In some cities he was run out of town and then returned. He went to Rome knowing he was going to be bound and put in prison. He went before kings telling them about the grace that only comes from God. When he was shipwrecked, he didn't flinch knowing he was going to end up in Rome.

Despite persecution these men never wavered, never complained, never worried and never gave up as tey told as many people as they could about Jesus. They stood up to the traditions the religious leaders tried to impose on them. They stood up to crowds who threatened their lives. Some even died knowing that it didn't matter because there was something better for them on the other side.

Why were they so confident? They trusted the leadership of the Spirit. As long as the Spirit was doing the leading, this movement would not be stopped.

Why don't we live with the same confidence? Because we do not trust the Spirit. We don't let the Spirit lead in every situation. We trust our own understanding more than trusting the Spirit of God. We let our fears overcome us. We fear people who are led by their own selfish wants and desires. We fear our culture and what they will think if we even mention the name of Jesus. We fear stepping out of our comfort zone because we want to play it safe.

The Missional church and the leaders of the missional church put their fears aside and confidently walk with the Spirit. I have to admit, there are times I give in to my fears and my personal incentives and don't listen to the Spirit. I have a desire to walk with the same confidence found in the leaders of the first Missional church. I have the desire to walk with the confidence that only comes from allowing the Spirit to lead. How about you, do you live by the Spirit or do you live by human wisdom?

The First Missional Church

Over the last several months I have been studying the book of Acts with several different groups of people. We have been reading it as a staff and as a group of elders. I have two life groups that have been going through the book of Acts as well. In each of these groups we have been pointing out traits of the early church that made it a missional church. This series of post will describe the discoveries we have made concerning the First Missional Church.

The first thing that has to be evident in a Missional church is a mission. It can't be just any mission, it has to be one that comes from God. If it is not from God then what you may have is a religious club that you call a church.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus lays out the mission to His disciples. He says, "But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

There is our mission as Christ followers. We are to be His witnesses throughout all the earth. Notice he did not say we would go out and witness. That would be a very passive act. In Cleveland, the Cavaliers and Nike want people to come out and witness Lebron James' greatness. What they want us to do is watch. Which is what most Christ followers do. They come and watch.

To be a witness means we testify about what we know. Living our lives as a follower of Jesus is a testimony as to who he is and what he has done. The label Christian was not a self given title. They were called Christians because it was evident that they followed Jesus.

Another thing about Acts 1:8. In these various studies I am going through we refer to Acts 1:8 often. It is awesome to see the spread of the gospel first in Jerusalem, in Judea, then to Samaria and finally throughout the world. Not only did they understand the mission, the early followers of Christ focused on living out that mission. They did it by the leading of the Spirit which is the first characteristic we noticed in the First Missional Church. That is the next topic.

So here is the question: How are you a witness (or how do you testify) of Jesus? Would people call you a Christian because of a self-proclaimed title or because of how you live your life?