GWM Blog

7 Qualities of Effective Leaders

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:07:55 CDT

Last weekend was an incredible time at our annual Staff Pray & Play Retreat. Honestly, I'm still buzzed just thinking about it. In one of our sessions together, we discussed "7 Qualities of Effective Leaders" and applied them to our lives and ministries. This is really great stuff, so I thought I'd share it here on GWM with you:

1. Effective leaders maintain a learning posture throughout life.

2. Effective leaders value spiritual authority as a primary power base.

3. Effective leaders have a dynamic (vital and changing) ministry philosophy.

4. Effective leaders view leadership selection and development as a priority function in their ministry.

5. Effective leaders see relational empowerment as both a means and a goal of ministry.

6. Effective leaders evidence a growing awareness of their sense of destiny.

7. Effective leaders view present ministry in terms of a lifelong developmental perspective.

I am blessed to be surrounded by men and women who are not only great leaders, but who are daily growing in their leadership to better serve Christ and fulfill His purpose for them in the Kingdom! If you'd like to read more, check out the chapter written by Robert and Richard Clinton in the book, "Leaders on Leadership".

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:56:13 CDT

"O Love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give thee back the life I owe
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be

O Light that foll’west all my way
I yield my flick’ring torch to thee
My heart restores its borrowed ray
That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be"

Stabilizing lines, especially for those in darkness. This is one of my favorite hymns for many years and helped to comfort me greatly many years ago when my mother died. I found the history behind this great song on the Gospel Coalition's blog recently, and thought I'd pass it on to you.

Do you know the story behind it?

At age 20 George Matheson (1842-1906) was engaged to be married but began going blind. When he broke the news to his fiancee, she decided she could not go through life with a blind husband. She left him. Before losing his sight he had written two books of theology and some feel that if he had retained his sight he could have been the greatest leader of the church of Scotland in his day.

A special providence was that George’s sister offered to care for him. With her help, George left the world of academia for pastoral ministry and wound up preaching to 1500 each week–blind.

The day came, however, in 1882, when his sister fell in love and prepared for marriage herself. The evening before the wedding, George’s whole family had left to get ready for the next day’s celebration. He was alone and facing the prospect of living the rest of his life without the one person who had come through for him. On top of this, he was doubtless reflecting on his own aborted wedding day twenty years earlier. It is not hard to imagine the fresh waves of grief washing over him that night.

In the darkness of that moment George Matheson wrote this hymn. He remarked afterward that it took him five minutes and that it was the only hymn he ever wrote that required no editing.

O love that will not let me go. Heartening hope for you and me.

Here’s the last stanza.

"O Cross that liftest up my head
I dare not ask to fly from thee
I lay in dust life’s glory dead
And from the ground there blossoms red
Life that shall endless be"

I Don't Care What Your Opinion Is

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:27:14 CDT

It seems like with the advent of facebook, twitter, blogs and the internet in general; everyone feels free to express their opinions about anything everything. Nowhere is this more evident than in the pulpit and from the mouths of pastors. Obviously, I have nothing against this practice (as you are reading my blog right now). What does seem to be disturbing, however, is how freely pastors and other spiritual leaders give their opinions about all manner of things that they shouldn't. The Bible makes it clear in the area of freedoms that we have, 'just because you can, doesn't mean you should'.

"Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims."
1 Cor. 6:12 (The Message)

I can still remember the day in Homiletics class in college when my professor said these words, "The only right you have as a pastor to stand before a congregation to speak is to answer their question, 'Do you have a word from God for us, what has God said?" The fact is, my opinion doesn't matter to anyone as much as it does to me and people don't really care what my opinion is, they want to know what God's opinion is! As a minister of the Gospel, it is of the utmost importance that I communicate GOD'S opinions not my own. My own opinion never transformed a life. My own opinion never healed a broken heart. My own opinion never delivered one in bondage. Perhaps this kind of meaningless drivel and sharing of our own opinions about everything is what the Holy Spirit had in mind when he spoke through the Apostle Paul these words:

"Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track. Apparently some people have been introducing fantasy stories and fanciful family trees that digress into silliness instead of pulling the people back into the center, deepening faith and obedience."
1 Timothy 1:4 (The Message)

The truth is; giving your opinion about everything is rooted in pride and arrogance, contrary to the humility of Christ. So what's your opinion about giving your opinions on everything as a pastor or spiritual leader? How often do you give your opinion about things that "digress into silliness instead of pulling the people back into the center, deepening faith and obedience"?

10 Sinful Responses to Sin

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:03:42 CDT

The summer is winding down and we're halfway through our summer study group of Mark Driscoll's book, "Doctrine". In the chapter titled, "Fall: God Judges", Driscoll lists 10 sinful responses to sin; it is an eye-opening experience to evaluate this list and see how many of the ten you've been guilty of yourself (No, I won't share my number here, though it is MANY). If you'd like to read more (and a fuller explaination of each, order "Doctrine" here.

1) There is a propensity to minimize a sin.

2) There is the delusional belief that my sin is different from anyone else’s because I have good reasons that legitimize my sin.

3) There is the common error of rationalizing sin as acceptable because of some extenuating circumstances.

4) There is blame shifting, where someone is blamed for the sin of another.

5) There is diversion, where we try to avoid our sin by, for example, saying we were just joking, someone misunderstood us, or the person who confronted us about our sin was not as loving as we would have liked and hurt our feelings.

6) There is partial confession, where we tell only a part of our sin.

7) There is what Paul calls “worldly grief,” where we merely regret the consequences of our sin.

8) There is victimization, where I appear helplessly pitiful and unable to have done otherwise by naming someone (e.g., parent, Satan, past abuser) or something (e.g., genes, culture, personality) as responsible for my sin.

9) There is mere confession, where I name the sin but do not repent of it and put it to death by God’s grace.

10) There is a growing tendency to speak of sin in secular counseling circles as more of a disease than an evil offense. Indeed, like an addiction or disease, sin affects our entire being; it is painful, tragic, and leads to death. Still, there are many ways in which sin is not like a disease; it is something we do rather than something we catch, and something we confess rather than treat. In the end, speaking of sin as a disease is yet another effort to excuse ourselves and shift the blame for our evil actions away from ourselves.

The Seriousness of Sin

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:59:18 CDT

In attempts to "reach out" to the unchurched in their communities, many churches today have made the conscious and deliberate decision to downplay the seriousness of sin in an individual's life, or in some cases completely dismiss any mention of sin at all. Such folly actually is constructing "a different gospel" which contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture (see 2 Cor. 11:3-4, Gal. 1:8). Recently, I was reminded of R. C. Sproul's excellent book, The Holiness of God, which I read in the first two years I was a pastor. It is a sobering and humbling book that I highly recommend for every Christian, church leader and especially pastors. Consider the following excerpt from Sproul's book as he expounds upon the seriousness of sin in the life of a Christian:

"God voluntarily created us. He gave us the highest privilege of being His image bearers. . . . We are not turtles. We are not fireflies. We are not caterpillars or coyotes. We are people. We are the image bearers of the holy and majestic King of the cosmos. We have not used the gift of life for the purpose God intended. Life on this planet has become the arena in which we daily carry out the work of cosmic treason. . . . No traitor to any king or nation has even approached the wickedness of our treason before God. . . .

When we sin as the image bearers of God, we are saying to the whole creation, to all of nature under our dominion, to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field: “This is how God is. This is how your Creator behaves. Look in his mirror; look at us, and you will see the character of the Almighty.” We say to the world, “God is covetous; God is ruthless; God is bitter; God is a murderer, a thief, a slanderer, an adulterer. God is all of these things that we are doing.”1

Perhaps, it's not our techniques that need to change as much as our character. Perhaps, it's time to take sin more seriously in our lives and in our proclamation of Christ's Gospel, believing that it is only His Gospel that contains the "power of God unto salvation" (see Rom. 1:16).

1. R. C. Sproul, The Holiness of God (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2000), 115–16.

What Does The Bible Say I Should Look For In A Future Spouse?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:40:45 CDT

Over the years, single Christian men and women alike have often asked me, “What should I look for in a future spouse”? Just the mere fact that they are asking this question means they are taking this huge lifetime decision with the seriousness that God and the Scripture requires. In order to answer this all-important question, it is first necessary to understand the Biblical roles of husband and wife. When these God-given roles are properly understood, then a devoted Christian can prayerfully seek God’s guidance and direction in finding that future spouse that God has for them.

The God-given roles for husbands and wives that the Scripture outlines for us are called, complementarianism. In the book, Doctrine, Mark Driscoll does an excellent job succinctly summarizing this biblical teaching.

“Practically speaking, this biblical teaching does not mean that a husband is in ultimate authority. God is, and other authorities are over the man, such as the state and church governments. Nor does it mean that a wife does not have independent thoughts or seek to influence her husband, or must obey her husband’s command to sin, or is less intelligent or competent than her husband. This does mean that a husband and wife are equal with complementary roles (like a left and right hand that work together, though one is dominant). It does mean that wives are to submit to their husbands like Jesus does to God the Father, that husbands are to lovingly lead their wives as Jesus does the church, that a woman should only marry a man she respects and trusts enough to follow, and that marriage is supposed to reflect something of the Trinity and the gospel, where Jesus pursues us in love and takes responsibility for us as an example to husbands and fathers.”

Driscoll goes on to elaborate on how sin has impacted the biblical teaching of husband/wife complementarianism:

“Tragically, however, sin has caused much pain and misunderstanding surrounding this teaching, culminating in what some have even called the gender wars or the battle of the sexes. God declared to our first parents that there would be conflict between men and women. God told Eve that rather than trusting and submitting to her husband, she and her daughters since would want to rule over their husbands, like sin sought to rule over Cain (the same language is used to describe both situations).1 For Adam and his sons since, it was promised that everything under their dominion would be cursed and would fight against them; providing for their families would be a cursed experience designed by God to humble men and provide insight into how difficult it is for God to be his head when he is disobedient.2”

With the biblical view of complementarianism, a Christian single can now begin to answer several questions when prayerfully considering a future spouse:

Questions a man should ask:

1. Does this woman lovingly respond to my leadership in the relationship?

2. Am I willing to remain teachable and accept God’s design to humble me through the process of being the head in this relationship?

3. Am I willing to lay down my life on a daily basis for this woman just as Christ did for the church?

4. Will I put this woman’s spiritual, physical, emotional and financial health above my own for the rest of my life?

Questions a woman should ask:

1. Will I lovingly submit to this man’s leadership in my life?

2. Are there observable actions in this man’s life of his submission to authority over him (i.e. state, church governments)?

3. Does this man solicit my input before making decisions that affect us as a couple?

4. Do I lovingly respect and trust this man enough to follow his leadership for the rest of my life?

5. Is this man a living example of Christ’s love demonstrated to me (and others) daily?

6. Will this man pursue me in love and take responsibility for me (spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially) in a Christ like way?

1Gen. 3:16; 4:7. 2Gen. 3:17–19.

Buttprints In The Sand

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:32:04 CDT

I heard this a few years ago and over the weekend shared it with some friends. I hope it brings a smile to your face and also make you think a little on a Monday. Enjoy!

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."

-Author Unknown

The Power of Positive People

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:35:55 CDT

I've been studying on the topic of honor over the last few weeks, and came across this interesting quote from Zig Ziglar:

“There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic.”

I couldn't help but think about the fact that in my own life I have continually found myself drawn to positive and encouraging people. I think all of us enjoy being in the presence of someone who builds us up instead of tearing us down. So if that's the case, why does it seem like positive people are so few? We all like them, but few of us try to be one. I've often said, "It takes no talent to point out the problems in a fallen and imperfect world full of imperfect people". Strangely, many in the Kingdom of God would agree with that statement but their actions would not.

After enjoying a 10 days in Disney World recently, I am once again amazed at what a positive environment Disney has created down in south Florida. But more than amazed, I am deeply challenged as a pastor and church leader that the Kingdom of God deserves nothing less than one experiences in the "Magic Kingdom" of Disney.

So here's my challenge for today: What can you do to make someone's day better and brighter? Maybe it's as easy as telling someone, "I believe in you".

Gearing UP For Summer -3

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:11 CDT

At VALLEY Christian Church, our "Gearing UP for Summer" approach can be summed up in three easy words, Invest, Ingest, and Divest.

INVEST - Whether it's a student "boot camp", Kid's Extreme Week or Summer Study group, we make a focused effort to "Gear UP" our investment in people over the summer months. That is not to say that we don't do that the rest of the year, but the summer seems to have a different feel to it than the rest of the year (especially here in NY where folks are out and about a lot more instead of hibernating in the Winter).

INGEST - This is where we give someone the chance to "own" what they've learned and experienced. This could be through discussion, repetition or sharing their experience with someone else. This is the step where they make it their own.

DIVEST - In this final step, we "give it away" to others. This step is all about delegation! Each year when the summer ends, we expect to have more leaders for students, kids, and small groups. We also expect to have new partners ready to join the VALLEY family and jump into one of the growth environments we've created for them to help cultivate their deepening walk with Christ. At the staff level, we expect to have clearer focus for each ministry in our church and big size goals for the coming year that can only be met through God's grace and our continued commitment to INVEST, INGEST & DIVEST!

Gearing UP For Summer -2

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:33:56 CDT

During the summer it seems like the pace of things are a little slower and the schedule is a little less cluttered, so why not make the most of it and "gear up" for discipleship? This has been a practice at VALLEY Christian Church for the past few years with amazing fruit! The summer not only finds us kicking off our summer study group (see previous "Gearing UP For Summer -1" post), but we also have an annual staff retreat, Kid's Extreme week, student mission trip and other special opportunities for the VALLEY family while the days are longer and the temp is hotter.

God created the seasons (Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall), and I believe he has a special purpose for our spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of a church in the midst of each season. It's just too easy to fall into the trap of lowering our expectations of what The Almighty has planned and purposed to do because some in the church family are away on vacation or because the kids are out of school.

What would your spiritual life look like if you set some summer goals for your spiritual growth?

What would your church family look like if it held the conviction that by the end of the summer months your church was going to be amazingly different because it made the MOST of the summer and seized these sunny months to grow closer to one another, closer to God and closer to its community?

I don't think God takes a break for the summer and I don't think he needs a vacation. He wants to work in and through you this summer no matter where you are. We're not waiting on Him. He's waiting on us!

Calling for Contextualization

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:02:16 CDT

Ed Stetzer is a prolific writer, missiologist and church planter. He is currently posting a series on his blog, "Calling for Contextualization". In the series he deals with the necessity of contextualization and the dangers of contextualization. Particularly interesting to me are his comments regarding pastors/churches that say they are "making the Bible relevant". The ignorance of this statement has alway irritated me each time I've heard it. What they actually mean is "We don't believe the Bible is relevant and timeless on it's own". DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! Personally, I wouldn't trust a leader who would make such a statement to lead me across the street, much less spiritually!

Take some time to check out Ed's posts using the links above.

Best quote from his most recent post:

"Contextualization [is] a delicate enterprise if ever there was one . . . the evangelist and mission strategist stand on a razor's edge, aware that to fall off on either side has terrible consequences . . . Fall to the right and you end in obscurantism, so attached to your conventional ways of practicing and teaching the faith that you veil its truth and power from those who are trying to see it through very different eyes. Slip to the left and you tumble into syncretism, so vulnerable to the impact of paganism in its multiplicity of forms that you compromise the uniqueness of Christ and concoct "another gospel which is not a gospel"

(Dean S. Gilliand, "Contextual Theology as Incarnational Mission," in The Word Among Us, ed. Dean S. Gilliland (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1989), 10-11.).

Gearing UP for Summer -1

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:36:15 CDT

Even though I've got a day off today, I find myself really having a tough time not jumping into study (work) for the upcoming week. Sunday (July 4th) we kick-off our summer study group and I'm totally stoked. Over the last few years, we've used Sunday nights in the summer to gear up (rather than gear down) for leadership development at VALLEY Christian Church. This year, we're even taking the bold step of starting our study group on a holiday weekend; not to be difficult, but it's the only way to fit 8 meetings in for us over the summer.

Too many churches gear down during the summer and then find themselves trying to create momentum when the fall comes around. At VALLEY, we've found nothing creates and sustains momentum in the church like making deliberate and intentional investments in people lives during the summer months!

This summer, we'll be reading and discussing Mark Driscoll's book, "Doctrine". Having just finished a verse-by verse teaching of 1&2 Timothy, it's interesting to note that in the original text, there are thirty-two references to “doctrine,” “teach,” “teacher,” “teaches,” and “teaching” in the three Pastoral Epistles (1&2 Timothy and Titus). In the early church, the believers were taught the Word of God and the meanings of basic Christian doctrines. Many churches today are places for entertainment, not enlightenment and spiritual enrichment. It is "sound doctrine" that keeps churches from chasing fads and bandwagon causes so prevalent in the church world today.

This week I'll share some more about "gearing UP" for the summer and intentionally investing in leadership development.

Powerful Preaching That Sticks

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:01:17 CDT

Since the winter, I’ve been teaching a verse-by-verse study on 1 & 2 Timothy on Wednesday nights. This past Wednesday, we were in 2 Timothy 2 and it brought me back to a message that I heard preached 24 years ago! I was a freshman at Liberty Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. We had a special fall Bible Conference and the guest speaker for the week was Kemp Holden. Miraculously, I can still vividly recall two of the four messages that he preached over 24 years later. One of those messages was from 2 Timothy 2 and it greatly impacted my life then and continues to today.

20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:20-22

Pastor Holden challenged each of us to make the commitment to be a “Vessel for honorable use” that would be “ready for every good work”. As I heard God’s Word preached that night, I committed myself once again to being “set apart as holy” for God to use in any way He desired. All of this cycled through my memory once again as I studied to teach on this same passage 24 years later.

The reason I call this memory miraculous is because I can hardly recall what I preached about just a few short months ago, but this message and one other (about forgiveness), delivered by Pastor Holden have stayed with me all this years! So I wanted to say a huge “Thank You” to Pastor Holden here on my blog for preaching with power and conviction the Word the Holy Spirit directed you to share those many years ago!

Father, may the words that I preach likewise be Your Word that it would stand the test of time and continue transform the lives of those who hear it, even decades later!

Preaching & The Emerging Church

Sat, 29 May 2010 07:28:21 CDT

There's a great new PDF book available for download from The Resurgence called, "Preaching & The Emerging Church".

The emerging church movement has significantly influenced contemporary Christianity. Evidence abounds—the creation of blogs, conferences, seminary classes, doctorate programs, and the birth of an entire class of literature. In recent years much has been written to help the church better understand this latest Christian phenomenon. However, a deficiency still exists when it comes to understanding the role of preaching within the movement. Since preaching is God’s appointed means to convert sinners and preserve the church, then an understanding of this movement’s preaching is of vital importance to the church and the culture it serves.

"Preaching & The Emerging Church" examines the preaching content of four of the founding leaders in the Emerging Church: Mark Driscoll, Dan Kimball, Brian McLaren, and Doug Pagitt. A important and insightful read for every preacher or "would be" preacher today!

Re-Entry

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:03:25 CDT

Susie, my daughter Sophia and I returned home on Monday from almost two weeks in Eastern Europe. It is very hard to communicate to all of our friends and church family all that we experienced while we were away. This is not the first time for us in the Ukraine, but it seems like "re-entry" has been harder this time than in the past. The fact is, my sleeping habits have never been the same since first traveling abroad two years ago. But sleep is not the only thing that's been a little more tricky this time.

We were not really prepared for the abject poverty that we were exposed to on this trip. We had a chance to visit some of the villages in the surrounding area around Tarispol, Transnistria, and it impacted all three of us deeply (and I'd like to think permanently). The people in the villages have an incredibly hard life (fact is, everyone there does by American standards), but they also have a grace and a generosity that we found ourselves beginning to envy. It seems like the simple life they life, as hard as it is, develops an inward strength, endurance and persistence that is rarely obvious in a typical American.

As for the believers who we found there; although we may have more knowledge of the Scripture and be more acquainted with 'Who's Who is Christian Media', their genuine faith and spiritual strength also deeply challenged us. We taught for hours, and they were still hungry to hear more, as they feverishly scribbled down page after page of notes. Some gave us simple gifts of appreciation for our time there: nuts, a piece of candy, a meal, a picture or a hand made necklace (for the ladies). Each of these gifts humbled us and made us feel unworthy, knowing we had received just as much as we had given through their love, acceptance and selflessness.

Although we've been home for a few days now, the memories and experiences burn brightly in our minds. These experiences motivate and inspire us to set our focus on the work at hand that God has placed before us here in New York and in America. As we are once again immersed in things so familiar to us, we look forward to our next opportunity to be "out of our comfort zone" again in Eastern Europe and be reunited with our wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ whom we love so much there.

Ukraine On The Brain

Fri, 07 May 2010 13:02:55 CDT

Today is my last day in the office for a few weeks. Next week, Susie and I will fly out to Kiev, Ukraine for two weeks of ministry and teaching there (and in Moldova as well). It's very humbling taking trips like these. Seeing people who have so little and are so appreciative and loving really slaps me in the face. So many of our "problems" and "stresses" are things that are totally irrelevant to the majority of people around the globe.

I'm particularly excited about this trip, as Susie and I will do some tag-team teaching about marriage for the main church in Kiev. It's always fun to teach together and we're trying to prepare for the added wrinkle of both of us speaking through a translator at the same time. While we're away, Internet connection is never a sure thing, so when you check to see if there's a new post here on GWM, say a little prayer for Susie and me while we're on the other side of the World. I'm sure I'll have LOTS to share when we return!

5 Lessons Church Leaders Can Learn from the New York Yankees - 5

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:11:59 CDT

#5 - No Name, All Game

The New York Yankees are the only team in baseball that refuses to print players names on the back of their home or away jerseys. It's not that the Yankees are against innovation, they were the first baseball team to have numbers placed on the back of players jerseys (numbers were given to coincide with batting order in the lineup; Ruth #3, Gehrig #4), it's for a greater reason, TEAM! Always seems strange to me that numbers are not enough to identify a player, names added too, then if someone has the same last name, first initials are added as well. Can't everyone tell the difference between #34 and #12? The reality is the Yankees try to put forth a consistent message, "The most important stat is not personal, it's a team and franchise stat, and that's CHAMPIONSHIPS"!

OK, some might think I'm stretching this one a bit but just give it a little thought. After 20 years of pastoring, it still turns my stomach to this day, all the grandstanding and fuss that pastors not only allow people to make over them, but expect and even demand from members of their church. Reserved parking spaces, seating and titles are just a few examples of the ego worship in many churches. What did Jesus think about that kind of fuss? He addressed it in the religious leaders of his day:

"Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.'"
Matthew 23:6-7 (The Message)

Funny thing is, I have the degrees and titles and still feel uncomfortable when people use them. My parents named me Greg. It's worked for me since the day I was born, I don't see why it needs any improvement just to puff me up with pride. Some people (out of respect I guess), don't feel comfortable calling me 'Greg' and ask what they should call me, I tell them 'Doc' is fine. I'll even settle for GW. Sadly, I know too many pastors who you'd think had their names legally changed to "Pastor". To make matters worse, their wives even call them Pastor; which is really creepy if you ask me.

There's little doubt in my mind that this is a big lesson church leaders need to learn not only from the Yankees, but much more important from Jesus. Maybe, if we stop worrying about what we're called and who gets the credit (individual achievements), we'll begin experiencing more team (Kingdom) victories for His glory and not our own!

5 Lessons Church Leaders Can Learn from the New York Yankees - 4

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:17:31 CDT

#4. Have A Great Closer

A major ingredient in the success of the New York Yankees over the last 15 years has been the dominating role of their "Closer" in their bullpen. In the the mid 90's that person was John Wettland, who later gave way to Yankee legend Mariano Rivera. Rivera now owns every post-season record for a relief pitcher to add to his five World Series Championship rings.

"How does this apply to church leaders"? I'm glad you asked. Many leaders are great visionaries. They dream big, inspire others to see the vision, and then commence pursuing that vision. The problem is, it is a lot easier to start something than it is to finish it. This can be the vision for a new ministry, a new building, or a new sermon. Introductions and easy, conclusions are not. Launching something is easy, bringing it back to a safe resting place is not. Leaders need to surround themselves with implementors; people who see all the fine details in the big picture and who work step-by-step to bring it to completion.

The Yankees have had huge success over the last 15 years because when they are ahead, they are able to stay ahead because of great closers! What about you church leader? If you're a visionary leader, who are the closers you have surrounded yourself with? How many ideas, ministries or sermons have you started off with a bang and ended with a fizzle? Go out and find a closer or two! You'll find yourself winning a whole lot more and that's a great feeling!!!

Why I Love To Preach

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:56:24 CDT

This morning, I found this great article by Joseph Stowell on SermonCentral, "Why I Love To Preach". Stowell provides incredible insights into the experience, insecurities and joys of preaching that often times are unimaginable to those who have never or will never preach. This is a heartfelt and transparent article that would benefit those who preach and those who grow through the preached Word alike.

Particularly practical insights Stowell makes in "Why I Love To Preach" are:

The Agony of Preaching
My Goal is Preaching
A Key Reason to Loving Preaching
When the Preacher Disappears

Enjoy this inspirational article and 'Preach On'!

5 Lessons Church Leaders Can Learn from the New York Yankees - 3

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:17:27 CDT

#3. Expect Haters

When it comes to the Yankees there is no middle ground: you either love them or you hate them! That kind of passion is the result of two things: conviction and consistency. The inner-locking NY on a Yankee baseball hat is the most recognizable sports logo in the world. Years ago, a Yankee hater glibly referred to the Yankees as the "Evil Empire" (from the famous Star Wars films). What did the Yankee do in response? They began playing the musical theme for "The Empire" at all of their home games as the Yankees take the field!

It's funny how Jesus also solicited this love/hate response from those who he came in contact with. He understood this was who God had called him to be when he said, "He who is not with me is against me". In contrast, many Christians leaders encounter stiff opposition and resentment not from following in Christ's steps, but when they fail to 'keep the main thing the main thing' and get off on tangents that Jesus himself did not (and would not) involve himself in (i.e. politics and personal attacks). Jesus made it very clear, if you're a leader and everyone thinks you're great and wonderful, you're not following him the way that you should. Check out his words:

²⁶Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. Luke 6:26

Maybe it's time to suck it up as a leader and stop worrying about people liking you and start leading the way that Jesus intended (by following his example). When you do, there is one thing you can count on: expect the haters.

13 Powerful Tips To Be An Effective Communicator

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:29:32 CDT

Great blog post by Scott Williams at Big Is The New Small on "13 Powerful Tips To Be An Effective Communicator". It's worth the read and consideration for any leader/preacher/communicator. Check it out here.

5 Lessons Church Leaders Can Learn from the New York Yankees - 2

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:09:11 CDT

#2. Don't Live In The Past

During spring training this year, Yankee players were assaulted with a barrage of questions about last years championship season. Each player, across the board, replied in some form or fashion, "We're grateful for last year, but this is a new season and we're looking forward, not looking back". This is the perspective that leaders in the church today must also embrace.

As Christians we are always to look back and remember Christ's death, burial and resurrection (as well as his life and teachings), church leaders, however, often live in the more recent past of their church's personal history. This can be an incredible trap that impedes progress and growth. The fond memories of "yesterday" can blind us to the incredible opportunities of today and tomorrow. This is one of the reasons why annual goals for growth, outreach, discipleship and evangelism are so important to keep leaders looking ahead and not in their rear-view mirror.

I can't finish this post without mentioning an awesome leadership example Yankee Manger Joe Girardi took in this regard. When Girardi played for the Yankees he wore #25. When he was named as Yankee manager, he requested #27. Why? Because at that point, the Yankees had already won 26 World Series Championships and Girardi wanted the number on his back to be a constant reminder of his goal; a 27th World Championship! After the Yankees won that 27th World Championship, Girardi requested #28 to wear this season; not to live in the past of #27, but to keep the objective ever before his team, "We're pursuing #28 now boys"! What a great leader!!

Check out Paul's perspective on the subject:

¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14)

5 Lessons Church Leaders Can Learn from the New York Yankees - 1

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:19:34 CDT

The New York Yankees have set a standard of excellence that is unmatched by any other sports franchise in history; winning 27 World Championships! The 2010 baseball season is just starting, so I thought I'd share a few points, as a huge Yankee fan, that might serve to challenge church leaders as well.

#1 - Develop Your "Farm System"

Everyone knows the "Core Four" (Jeter, Rivera, Pettitte and Posada), who have been the anchor for the last five Yankee World Series Championships. What many don't realize is just how many current Yankees were developed in their "farm system". Churches that really impact their community develop leadership from within their community. The New Testament church didn't have the luxury of bringing in a "hired gun" from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Apostolic leadership raised up pastors "in the house".

Although the Yanks do utilize free-angents, consider the Yankees 2010 Opening Day roster. Each of the following are "home grown" Yankees in the dugout on Opening Day:

1. Derek Jeter

2. Mariano Rivera

3. Andy Pettitte

4. Jorge Posada

5. Robinson Cano

6. Joba Chamberlain

7. Phil Hughes

8. Brett Gardner

9. Nick Johnson

10. Ramiro Pena

11. Francisco Cervelli

12. Alfredo Aceves

13. David Robertson

Coach 'Em Up!

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:20:30 CDT

Tomorrow, I'll be leaving out for a football coaching clinic at Penn State with Joe Paterno. This will be the fifth time I've attending this clinic and I look forward to it every year. There are usually about 200-250 high school coaches from around the country and the Penn State staff makes themselves completely available to help us out and answer any questions we might have. The clinic ends on Saturday with an inter-squad spring football game in the stadium and we get to walk out of the tunnel and be on the field beforehand. I love coaching! So many times, it seems that pastors could learn a few things from football coaches. Here are a few off the top of my head:

Coaches think strategically and always keep the goal in mind.
Coaches are inovative and embrace new methods and technology.
Coaches strive to put their players in the best position where they will excel and help the team with the ultimate goal.
Coaches instruct, correct, inspire and disciple players as neccessary for the "good of the team".
Coaches realize the small things make all the difference in the "big picture".
Coaches take the blame when things go wrong and deflect the praise when things go right.
Coaches love practice as much as games because there is no substitute for preparation.
Coaches never stop coaching (they coach on and off the field).

Ten Questions Unchurched People ARE NOT Asking!

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:25:42 CDT

There is much talk today in churches about reaching "unchurched" people rather than "recycling saints" from church to church. Perry Noble, Sr. Pastor of NewSpring Church, throws out 'Ten Questions That Unchurched People ARE NOT Asking'. The list will help church leaders identify who their churches are really targeting. To read more of Perry Noble, click here.

#1 – “What do you do to disciple people?” (This question is usually asked by people who want to ‘microwave” spiritually, not understand that they themselves actually became mature in the “crock pot.”)

#2 – “Who is speaking this weekend?” (They usually don’t care about the WHO…it’s the WHAT that matters to them.)

#3 – “Are you reformed in your theology?” (Most of them have no idea what in the heck this means!)

#4 – “Is your church spirit-filled?”

#5 – “What version of the Bible do you use?” (Many unchurched people don’t even really know there are different versions!)

#6 – “What denomination are you affiliated with?”

#7 – “How many different activities can I sign my family up for in order to add to the insane schedule that we already have?”

#8 – “Does your pastor teach exegetically through the Scriptures?”

#9 – “Are there lots of crosses and pictures of Jesus in your church?”

#10 – “Are you guys pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib or partial trib?”

How Do We Handle the Big Issues Facing the Church?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:47:23 CDT

Saw a great blog post today that is worth passing on. Tim Keller is one of the real thinkers in the church today, and one of its most prolific authors. His words are challenging, provocative and inspiring. Check out his answers to, "How Do We Handle the Big Issues Facing the Church?" (Here).

Holy Week With The Church Fathers - Saturday

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:08:39 CDT

Waiting - Lamentations 1:1-22, Matthew 27:64-66

Chrysostom: "What then does Pilate reply? 'You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.' Then what? 'So they went and made the sepulcher secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.' Pilate takes every precaution to ensure the seal, so that even the soldiers could not commit fraud. His orders say, 'Seal it as secure as you can, so that even you may not have it in your power to blame others.' For if the soldiers were not checked by their sealing, someone might have claimed that the soldiers themselves could have given up the body to be stolen. Although this would have been highly improbable, yet nevertheless, since they had earlier cast aside shame, so in this case they might have done so. Thus even this possibility was cut off, which might have otherwise given the disciples opportunity to feign the history concerning his resurrection. But now having themselves made it sure, they are not able to say so much as this." (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 89.1)

Holy Week With The Church Fathers - Friday

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:06:12 CDT

He Laid Down His Life - Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Matthew 27:32-56

Chrysostom: "'When Jesus cried out with a loud voice, he yielded up the spirit.' This refers to what he had earlier said: 'I have the power to lay down my life, and I have the power to take it up again,' and 'I lay it down myself (John 10:18).' So for this cause he cried with the voice, that it might be shown that the act is done by his own power." (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 88.1)

Holy Week With The Church Fathers - Thursday

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:41:07 CDT

The Meal That Says It All - Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, Luke 22:14-23

Chrysostom: "Again, in another place Christ said, 'I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you.' Why then did he say, 'this Passover' even though at other times he had observed this feast with them? Why then? Because the cross would follow the Passover. And again he said, 'Father, glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you.' To be sure, in many places we find him foretelling the Passion, desiring that it come to pass and saying that this was the reason he had come into the world." (Against The Anomoeans 7.46)

Holy Week With The Church Fathers - Wednesday

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:01:23 CDT

Betrayal - Isaiah 50:4-9, Luke 22:1-6

Cyril of Alexandia: "What was this many-headed serpent's invention? It says, "He entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.' Why did he not enter blessed Peter, James, or John, or some other of the rest of the apostles? Why Judas Iscariot? Why did Satan find him? Satan could not approach any of those we have mentioned here, because their heart was steadfast and their love for Christ immovable. There was a place for Satan in the traitor. The bitter disease of greed, which the blessed Paul says is the root of all evil, had overpowered him. Satan is crafty in working evil. Whenever he gains possession of anyone's soul, he does not attract him by means of general vice. He rather searches for that particular passion that has power over him and by its means makes him prey." (Commentary on Luke, Homily 140)

Hubris In Leadership

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:48:46 CDT

Check out this great blog post from Thom Rainer, "Hubris In Leadership". Some great points to ponder.

Thom Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Prior to LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The New Economy - 4

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:05:16 CDT

Staffing -

One of the things that desperately has to change in the New Economy is the approach that churches take regarding staffing. The reality is, most churches are run in a corporate structure rather than a Biblical one. We like to champion, "We're a Bible believing church" but the reality is we're not a Bible behaving (or functioning) church! Nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to staffing issues. At VALLEY Christian Church, we've embraced the Biblical responsibility to "Equip the saints for works of service". After all, the Scripture states this is the primary role of pastors (Eph. 4:11-12)!

In the seventeen years I've been a Senior Pastor, I've had the honor of recognizing, raising up, resourcing and releasing seven pastors (in ministry today) who got their start at VALLEY; six out of seven from within our own congregation. We have developed an incredible internship program that literally takes a person from baptism to staff pastor (and everything in between). Any Senior Pastor will tell you, one of the biggest costs in church life is adding a full-time staff member (and letting one go when it doesn't work out). Over the last three years, we have found that utilizing interns, part-time and some-time staff (paying for a specific job or project) has allowed us to significantly lower these expenses. Training staff from within our own congregation has allowed us to experience a special "grace" from God as we have made staff and leadership development a high priority.

I believe that pastors in America would do well in this New Economy to follow Paul's example to raise up spiritual "sons and daughters" as the Scripture directs (1 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4) rather than acquiesce to corporate America's model of bloated payrolls choking out valuable Kingdom resources. It's time for pastors to get back to what they were called to do in order to thrive in our present financial reality.

The New Economy - 3

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:28:40 CDT

Do It Smarter, Do It Better, Do It Cheaper.

"Is there a better way to do this that is actually cheaper?" This is the question that we (at VALLEY Christian Church) have been constantly asking ourselves over the last three years. A prime example of this is our new approach in the Kerygma Cafe. Originally, the idea behind our cafe was to create a warm and inviting space that would disarm the apprehension many people feel when visiting a church for the first time. This idea has worked incredibly well for us over the years. At VALLEY, we are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of what we are doing and how we can be more effective, so we recently turned our attention to an already potent place with a lot of pop.

THE CHANGE: We will soon unveil the New Kerygma Cafe. Every penny given in the new cafe will go to support VALLEY missions!!! One of our partners at VALLEY generously gave a contribution that covers ALL of the cost of expenses in the cafe for an entire year! Meanwhile, we ordered custom water bottles (as good or better quality than we were using) with our own Kerygma Cafe label stating, "Coffee That Cares". Custom coffee cup sleeves will communicate the same message, as well as signs that are being professionally produced sporting actually poster size pictures from past VALLEY mission trips!

THE RESULT: We will unveil the "new look" Kerygma Cafe in the next month or so; and already it is creating quite a buzz, as people are embracing the concept of "Coffee That Cares". Theses changes will enable us to even greater increase VALLEY's giving to missions, while decreasing our operating expenses and totally customizing our products to support a cause greater than just a nice welcoming place to get a 'cup of joe'.

So if you're a leader in your church today, how can you, "Do it smarter, do it better, do it cheaper"? Why not ask the Creator of Creativity (God) to give you some ideas that will help your church thrive in The New Economy?

The New Economy - 2

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:05:53 CDT

For the last 36 months at VALLEY Christian Church we have made decisions to downsize, consolidate and cut our expenses. I'd love to say that it was all because of some prophetic insight that we had into the global economy, but as a Christian, I'm not supposed to lie. Instead, each financial decision we faced we took case by case basis and seriously prayed about it. It was only when we looked back over those decisions that we realized we had actually cut our expenses by over 40%!!! It's always been curious to me, how often we believe God is directing us to expand and build bigger and bigger and rarely, if ever, do we discern that God is directing us to downsize.

With all of these changes, one would think that the ministries of the church have suffered, but nothing could be further from the truth. VALLEY is stronger, healthier and reaching more people (and nations) than ever. So, what did you cut Greg? Here are a few things:

1. Rental of office space. Funny how we don't even miss it. That alone was a 11% cut in expenses).

2. Payroll. We realized that VALLEY is called to recognize, resource and rightly release leaders instead of always looking to hire someone else to do the job for us. Leadership development has become a major thrust in my life and I have to say, as far as pastoring goes, I love it second only to preaching.

3. Debt. Bottom line: Debt chokes out destiny (for individuals and churches)! This one was long overdue, and I can't tell you what a difference it has made!

4. Increased Giving. (That is the CHURCH becoming more generous) With all of the cuts in expenses we have also increased our giving to missions and other ministries.

5. Do It Smarter, Do It Better, Do It Cheaper. It's amazing how we've been able to lower expenses simply by constantly asking the question, Is there a better way to do this that is actually cheaper?"

In my next post I'll unpack, in more detail, "Do It Smarter, Do It Better, Do It Cheaper".

Recession or The New Economy? - 1

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:59:32 CDT

Obviously, all of us are aware of the present economic conditions in our nation (USA), and the preoccupation so many have searching for any glimmer of hope that things will soon be changing. Yet, week after week, every economic indicator continues to say the same thing; no change. Turn on the news or check it out on-line and RECESSION is the most over used word in America right now.

Here's my question: What if we're not in a recession? What if this is the New Economy for the next 25-50 years? So many of us have forgotten what things were like in the 60's ans 70's. The 80's and 90's were incredible times of prosperity for most of us. The 80's were also called, "The Decade of Decadence" and the 90's weren't much different. Maybe we've gotten so spoiled by prosperity, that we've forgotten what normal life really feels like?

All of these issues have HUGE implications for ministry and the Church. Twenty to thirty years ago, a church of 1,000 would have two full-time pastors on staff. Today, a church of 1,000 is more likely to have 6-8 full-time pastors. Is the answer to pummel the people in the pew on the issues of greed and teach more often on tithing or is God leading his church toward fiscal responsibility and to practice good stewardship as much as we preach it?

These are some of the tough questions that leaders need to ask themselves in these changing economic times. For the last three years at VALLEY Christian Church, we've been downsizing, consolidating and cutting expenses preparing for what we see as, The New Economy. Over the next series of posts, I'd like to continue to share some more of the tough questions we've been asking ourselves, the answers we've come up with, and the changes we've made. If you have any questions of your own on the topic, feel free to ask away.

Following THE Leader - 8

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:04:48 CDT

7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. Mark 3:7

I've heard it said before, "A leader who keeps everyone at arms length never accomplishes the maximum". Jesus spoke and ministered to the crowd, but he invested his life and gave himself to a small core of his followers; the disciples (Apostles). They were the ones who received the maximum investment of his life. They were the ones who produced the maximum return for the Kingdom of God. Even within the disciples, Jesus had a smaller circle; Peter, James and John. These three heard words of Jesus and shared experiences with Jesus (i.e. the transfiguration), that the rest of the twelve did not.

As a wise leader follows THE Leader, they will spend more and more of their time developing these two core circles, realizing that the core can make an even greater impact on the crowd than one person ever can. So, if you're a leader, who makes up the core group that you are spending the majority of you time investing your life in today? How big is your core? Are you developing an even smaller group within your core with whom you share it all? How are you intentionally and strategically developing those in your core so that they make a greater impact on the crowd?

Following THE Leader - 7

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:56:53 CDT

21He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? Mark 4:21

Jesus' believed in the message he was sent to proclaim. He spoke with conviction and with purpose. He knew there was power in his proclamation. In an age where preaching has fallen out of vogue, a wise leader will remember it's not our words that will ever cause a human heart to be transformed, only Christ's. Many leaders in the church today have succumb to gimmicks to draw in unsuspecting outsiders so that hopefully, if all the programming goes right, they might just look under the 'bed' and accidentally stumble upon this strange thing they's rather hide called the Gospel. Just doesn't seem to jive with what Jesus was saying in Mark 4:21, does it?

Leaders who are truly following THE leader, will manifest the same conviction, compassion and commitment he had to faithfully shine forth the light of his truth into the darkness. Another leader, who really did follow Jesus' example, once put it this way, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:15).

Following THE Leader - 6

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:30:45 CDT

15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:15-17

Jesus spoke these words after vividly demonstrating for his disciples that leadership means servanthood. It's amazing to think that the one who holds all things together by his word, stooped to perform the task of a common servant; washing his disciples feet.

Jesus' words are not just suggestions for his followers, but rather a commandment. He tells us to do as we have seen him do. Too often, when it comes to leadership, those who have been given titles begin to feel like they are too good for the towel. I've encountered the shock of this prideful attitude many times disguised with words like, "My gifts just aren't being utilized" or "They're just trying to keep me down" when a leader with a title is asked to pick up a towel. Funny, how the 'Creator of the Cosmos' didn't feel like foot washing was beneath his place in the Kingdom of God.

Jesus challenges the ego of a leader and reveals the "Do as I say and not as do" mindset held by so many leaders in the church today. It has always been curious to me, not only did Jesus wash the disciples feet, but it appears he was the only one to recognize the need! Simply stated, "The default setting for a leader must always be servanthood". This was the mindset of the King of Kings. this should certainly be the mindset of those who call Him. "Master".

So what jobs or opportunities to serve do you feel like are beneath you today? How does Jesus' actions challenge your ego and excuses? What is a need that others are missing that God may be showing you to meet, personally?

Following THE Leader - 5

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:19:30 CDT

"Still other seed fell on good soil" Mark 4:8

No leader bats 100%. It's critical that a leader understands this and measures their success accordingly. The Parable of the Sower reminds us that it is our job to get the word out and the job of the hearer to prepare themselves for what they hear and respond accordingly.

I read a status update today on Facebook from a very well known pastor that went like this, "Heavy hearted today for a shepherd surrounded by wolves. If most Christians knew half of the attacks their pastor has to take & is unable to say anything about they'd pray for them more & criticize them less."

Leaders who can't handle rejection, defeat, or delay just don't last (or they are so marginalized they make little impact). Leaders must live with the understanding that according to Jesus only SOME of the 'seed' they sow will fall on good soil and will produce good things. Boy, I wish someone had told me this 20 years ago when I was in college. It would have made things a lot clearer for me and REALLY helped!

Following THE Leader - 4

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:11:58 CDT

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.
Mark 3:13

When Jesus came for humanity, he invaded time and space. Here in Mark 3, Jesus calls the twelve to himself and makes the backdrop of the event memorable. He understood that humans are multisensory creatures; when a leader really wants to make something stick, he’ll choose a setting that will leave an indelible impression on his listeners so they remember not only the sounds, but also the sights that brand that moment into their memories. It was at this time that Jesus commissioned the twelve as his ambassadors. He choose the timing and the location to reinforce what he was about to do and say to his disciples.

I remember when I proposed to my wife Susie; I took her to The Thayer Hotel in West Point, New York for an incredible dinner. After dinner, we walked around to the back of the hotel and were treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Hudson River. I got down on one knee and popped the question as I placed a ring on her finger; and the rest is our history together! There was a lot of planning that went into that moment because I wanted it to last a lifetime. Not every moment is meant to be so significant, but a wise leader understands the moment and the message and plans accordingly.

Have you ever tried communicating something of great importance to someone and it seemed to go in one ear and out the other? Next time, try giving a little more thought to the time and place and maybe it will make the words and moment more meaningful and memorable.

Following THE Leader - 3

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:04:47 CDT

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:1-3

Beside the fact that these word of Jesus bring us incredible comfort in times of distress; knowing Christ will one day return for his own, these words also give us incredible insight into the perspective of the greatest leader of all time. Leaders always have a ‘Big Picture’ perspective. The long-term is always in view for a leader. This perspective helps to frame the choices in the present in light of the potential of the future. It was this perspective that allowed Jesus to say on the cross, “It is finished”. Jesus knew from the onset what his mission was, and what he needed to do to accomplish that mission. While still on earth, he gave his followers hope that he would still be working on their behalf even after he returned to heaven.

What is the perspective that you view life through, the immediacy of the present or the “Big Picture” perspective of the future?

Following THE Leader - 2

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:05:06 CDT

22”And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins." Mark 2:22

Followers try to protect the old way of doing things. Leaders think differently. They have a different perspective and outlook on life. Throughout Jesus’ ministry he continually tried to adjust his disciples and those in the crowd to see life from a alternate vantage point; the perspective of the Kingdom of God. Listen to how these words of Christ communicate a different perspective:

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matt. 22:21

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.” John 8:7

“Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'”? Mark 2:9

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:7

"You are the salt of the earth. Matt. 5:13

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matt. 5:44

“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matt. 5:39

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other”. Matt. 6:24

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs”. Matt. 7:6

“By their fruit you will recognize them”. Matt. 7:16

Think about how you think today. Are you a protector of the 'status quo' or do you see things differently than others and come up with creative answers to challenges? I have often said, "It takes no talent to point out what is wrong". It takes leadership to point in a new direction and lead the way on how to get there!

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:51:14 CDT

Today is the first annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States.

Follow these links and become aware of the Human Trafficking problem in the US:

5 Quick Facts about Human Trafficking

3 Short True Stories of Human Trafficking

11 Practical Ideas to Combat Slavery

Following THE Leader - 1

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:13:38 CDT

I’ve been doing a lot of study lately in the Gospels focusing on Jesus approach to leadership. Of course, we’d all agree Jesus was the greatest leader ever, so I’ve really enjoyed reading his words and deeds through a new lens. Over the next few posts, I’d like to point out just a few things I’ve discovered while on this significant venture.

And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:11

This is one I still find myself in awe over. It seems like Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, needed affirmation from time to time just like every one of us does! God the Father wasn’t speaking to the crowd. He was speaking directly to Jesus for Jesus’ own benefit. This is absolutely mind-blowing to me. As with everything Christ did; he got the affirmation he needed from the right place, The Father. It seems that every great leader I know goes through a crisis in confidence from time-to-time. If someone tells you they don’t, they’re not a leader worth following. Ultimately, in these times, only hearing from the One who commissioned us is the only thing that can put a leader’s feet back on solid ground again.

How encouraging is it to know that even Jesus can relate to this need that every leader faces and only God can meet?!

Reflections On 2009 & The Close Of A Decade

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:53:40 CDT

Wow! Can it really be that another year has flown by so quickly? In many ways it seems like 2009 was a blur, in others, it seems like it was the longest year of my life! As I sit here on the eve of 2010 and a new decade, here are a few reflections on the last year and the first decade of the 21^st century:

1. God Only Knows – Although this year (and the last 10) has been filled with a fair share of surprises, nothing I’ve experienced has taken God by surprise. As I look back, it is very humbling to see how He was preparing me for the next event or experience often times, when I didn’t even realize it. It has brought me huge peace and confidence knowing my life is in the hands of the One who holds time in His hands.

2. Changed People, Change People – I’ve heard it said, “The person you are today is the person you will be ten years from now except for the friends you have and the books you read”. God has used friendships and books to change me a lot. My friends have seen the best in me, forgiven the worst and challenged me to become who God created me to be. Tonight, I’ll celebrate the ringing in of 2010 with some of the friends with whom I’ve shared the highs and lows of the last 10 years and 2009. I am richer man because of the Christ-centered friendships God has brought into my life. They have changed my life for the better and I pray God has used my life in like measure in theirs.

3. It’s Bigger Than You Think – Over the last couple of years, I’ve asked my wife Susie numerous times, “Whose life is this we’re living?” Although it’s a rhetorical question, it fills me with awe to see God’s plan and destiny for our loves unfold before us. The words of 1 Corinthians 2:9 hit me much deeper today than it did a decade ago, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”. It's been an awesome ride and the future looks so bright I need to wear sunglasses at night!

4. Family First – There is no sweeter word to me in the English language than “Daddy”! To hear that name from the mouth of one of my beautiful daughters moves my heart like few things in this world. Michaela, Brooke and Sophia are the greatest work of my and Susie’s life together. We will continue to invest our lives into theirs in the present, for the future God has planned for them, long after we have gone on to meet Him.

5. Always Save The Best for Last – She was made for me. There is no one like her. She is my wife, my life, my love, the mother of my children, my best friend, my biggest fan and worst critic all wrapped up in one. She is Susie. I wouldn’t change a thing about her and couldn’t if I tried. Though ‘the mirror tells us we’re older’ she only gets better with the years! I am a blessed man today because of her!!!

These are the sentimental ramblings of a softy on New Year’s Eve 2009. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

A Politically Correct Christmas Wish

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:22:54 CDT

I wanted to send out some sort of holiday greeting, but it is so difficult in today's world to know exactly what to say without offending someone. So I met with my attorney, and on his advice I want to say to all of you:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms:

This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher.

This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

Merry Christmas to everyone from GWM as we celebrate the birth of the King of Kings; JESUS CHRIST!

Friendship Factors (3)

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:17:22 CDT

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it in having to put your relationships first! People are more important than things. Friends are more important than tasks. For many these two simple statements are easy to acknowledge as truth, but incredibly difficult to live out. For friendship to grow and mature it takes time and prioritizing in our busy schedules. Jesus came to earth, died on the cross for people not for things or tasks. Friendships must be valued more than money, fame or accomplishments. In The Making of a Leader, Ted Engstrom puts it this way, “God does not demand of me that I accomplish great things. He does demand of me that I strive for excellence in my relationships”.

The path to the greatest life possible and the greatest joy possible is found in the priority that Jesus taught us to keep at the top of the list: Place the highest value on relationships. (See Mark 12:28-31)

How will you place the highest value on friendships/relationships and prioritize them this weekend?

Friendship Factors (2)

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:02:42 CDT

15"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

The Scripture verse above gives us some great practical wisdom about God’s plan for friendship. In this passage, Jesus’ relationship with his disciples is transitioning from Master/servant to friend/friend (an important transition that many pastors never make with those in their congregations). Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is revealing a critical aspect of friendship here; transparency in the present tense!

A real, growing, Christ-centered friendship requires frequency, proximity and transparency. Friends who are focused on Christ will learn to, “cry, laugh, learn, cheer for one another and stride side by side with their feet set upon the rock, Jesus Christ” (Thanks Leslie). In essence Jesus is explaining to his disciples,

“You are my friends because I’m not keeping you in the dark. I’m going to keep you ‘in the loop’ of what is going on in my life in the present moment, not just in the distant past. I’m not keeping anything back from you, but I’m going to truly share my life with you as we walk closer to our Heavenly Father together.”

Who are the friends you’re sharing your life with in the present tense (daily basis)? How does frequency, proximity and transparency (or the lack thereof) effect your friendships from growing closer?

The Effects of Pornography

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:49:30 CDT

A new study done by Patrick F. Fagan examines the effects of pornography on individuals, marriage, family and community. Fagan is Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Research on Marriage and Religion at the Family Research Council. He specializes in examining the relationships among family, marriage, religion, community, and America's social problems. This study is important for everyone to read as it demonstrates that it has damaging effects on individuals and families.

To read more and to download this MUST READ study, click HERE!

Friendship Factors (1)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:03:05 CDT

“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow” – Swedish Proverb

I came across the above saying this morning while doing some reading and it really summed up for me, a principal that I’ve long held to in my life and ministry; “For my own personal health and wellbeing, I have to have specific people in my life who know what’s going on in my heart”. Many Christians and pastors do not share their lives with anyone outside of perhaps their spouse and this is to their own hurt. The gift of friendship is one of the greatest gifts that God has given to us. It never ceases to amaze me, how many pastors there are who really have no true close friendships. That is not to say they don’t have hundreds of acquaintances with whom they can enjoy an outing or an occasion, but “true friends”; who really know what’s going on in your life whether it be joy or sorrow (or somewhere in-between). By “true friends”, I don’t mean someone you see once or twice a year at holidays, but friends who you are living your life with.

I’d like to start a series of posts about how to develop these types of “true friends” over the next few days. In the meantime, who are the friends in your life who you are sharing your joy and sorrow with? Can you name them?

Season of Change

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:31:00 CDT

I am a real creature of habit. I’ve worked at the same church for almost 20 years, lived in the same county for 37 years and eat the same thing for breakfast everyday for the last 2 ½ years (just to give a few examples). Habits like these are a double-edged sword. On the one hand; they bring stability and dependability. On the other hand; it’s very easy to get stuck in a rut.

Recently, I discovered myself in such a rut and knew it was time to make some changes (to form some new habits). So last week, with the help of a friend, I created a completely new weekly schedule for myself in ministry. I figured after about 20 years it was time to freshen things up a bit! Now that the week is winding down, all I can say is, “I LOVE IT”! I’ve discovered I am actually my productive and inspired than I ever dreamed possible. It seems like something been ‘released’ in me that desperately needed to be and I’m kicking myself wishing I done this a lot sooner!

I think there’s a reason why God created seasons. There’s a reasons why sports are seasonal. There’s a reason why schools are out in the summer. There’s a reason why Christmas comes only once a year. As hard as change is for many of us, it’s what keeps life fresh and exciting. It allows us to hear God out of need rather than trust in the predictability that tomorrow will be pretty much like all of the resent yesterdays. Seasons end so new ones can begin!

I once heard it said, ‘a rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out’. So what routine is God speaking to you about that needs to change? What rut are you in that you need to climb out of? If you’re like me, once you make the change, you’ll never be happy again with the status quo.

Here’s to a SEASON of CHANGE!

Notable Quotable

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:13:17 CDT

"The gospel has been described as a pool in which a toddler can wade and yet an elephant can swim. It is both simple enough to tell to a child and profound enough for the greatest minds to explore".

–Tim Keller

My Milestone

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:08:49 CDT

This past week, I passed a personal milestone; I have now been a player/coach in over 100 football games at John Jay High School. WOW! That makes me sound old. For a long time, I have seen the parallels between coaching football and pastoring; there really are hundreds. Last week, I saw something on the bulletin board in the coach's office that was another reminder of the similarities between coaching and pastoring. A coach and a pastor are often the focal point of sharp and sometimes unfair criticism. We all know that no one is perfect, but is amazing how we demand perfection from others and give ourselves tons of mercy. With that in mind, I thought I'd share the creed below with you. I think it's particularly interesting who said it and when. What do you think?

Competitor's Creed

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the enthusiasm, the great devotions, and spends himself in worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end of the triumph of high achievements; and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knows neither defeat nor victory"

Theodore Roosevelt
April 10, 1899

The Power of Song

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:25:21 CDT

Recently, I heard a new rendition of an old song by Rich Mullins called, “Hold Me Jesus”. This time the group Big Daddy Weave recorded it and they did an awesome job! It reminded me of a time when I heard the original version while going through a tough spot in my life. It’s amazing how music can capture feelings and memories so powerfully and bring peace to troubled hearts. If you get a chance to check out Big Daddy Weave’s cut let me know what you think. Meanwhile I’ve included the lyrics below:

HOLD ME JESUS – Big Daddy Weave

Well, sometimes my life
Just don’t make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It’s so hot inside my soulI swear there must be blisters on my heart

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don’t come natural to me
I’d rather fight You for something
I don’t really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I’ve beat my head against so many walls
Now I’m falling down, I’m falling on my knees

And this Salvation Army band
Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

CHORUS
So hold me Jesus, ’cause I’m shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won’t you be my Prince of Peace

(4x)
You have been King of my glory
Won’t You be my Prince of Peace

The Power of Story

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:29:03 CDT

I saw a great show on the NFL Network this morning featuring a roundtable discussion of the Harbaugh family. The Harbaughs represent two generations a football coaches as well as a son-in-law who’s the head basketball coach at Indiana. The show was humorous and heartwarming as they shared stories of competition and coaching through the years. Steve Saban, the host of the show, started the program with these words, “Tell me a fact and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. Tell me a story and it'll live in my heart forever!”

Jesus was an expert storyteller. The parables he told, communicated in few words, powerful and eternal truths. Through the years, I’ve tried to develop my storytelling as a communicator as much as any other aspect of my preaching. The amazing thing is, after almost 20 years of preaching, people rarely remember the quotes I’ve recited or the even any expository skills I may posses. It’s the stories that stick! So maybe the Master Teacher of all teachers (Jesus) knew something I’m still learning; “Tell me a story and it’ll live in my heart forever”!

How Jesus Made Disciples

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:22:18 CDT

Jesus clearly communicated the mission and purpose of His church (and His followers); to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Throughout church history, this mission has often become confused, clouded and compromised. Instead of making followers who were nice people living in nice homes with nice families, a disciple of Christ is a radical world changer. In order to make a disciple, it’s best that we follow the example and methods Jesus himself used. This is a current point of emphasis and focus for us at Valley Christian Church. There’s a great series of blog posts right now on the Resurgence blog dealing with the subject from the perspective of the Gospel of John. John reveals at least four different approaches that Jesus employed while making disciples: hospitality,mission, emotion and monologue & dialogue. For more on each of these, check out the link here.

Who Is A Good Teacher?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:10:09 CDT

Found myself reading John Piper's article The Marks of a Spiritual Leader (written in 1995) recently. It is full of incredible wisdom and insights for spiritual leaders. Here's a section where he seeks to give some of the essential characteristics of a good teacher. I couldn't agree more!

A good teacher asks himself the hardest questions, works through to answers, and then frames provocative questions for his learners to stimulate their thinking.
A good teacher analyzes his subject matter into parts and sees relationships and discovers the unity of the whole.
A good teacher knows the problems learners will have with his subject matter and encourages them and gets them over the humps of discouragement.
A good teacher foresees objections and thinks them through so that he can answer them intelligently.
A good teacher can put himself in the place of a variety of learners and therefore explain hard things in terms that are clear from their standpoint.
A good teacher is concrete, not abstract; specific, not general; precise, not vague; vulnerable, not evasive.
A good teacher always asks, "So what?" and tries to see how discoveries shape our whole system of thought. He tries to relate discoveries to life and tries to avoid compartmentalizing.
The goal of a good teacher is the transformation of all of life and thought into a Christ-honoring unity.

Tried Christ?

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:25:08 CDT

"Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried."

-G. K. Chesterton

VALLEY Staff Retreat 09

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:09:20 CDT

Last Friday and Saturday, we held our annual staff retreat and as always, it was an awesome time to shared together seeking God’s guidance and direction for the coming year for the VALLEY family. Many churches staffs have more of a corporate enviroment than a family feel. I'm thankful it's not that way at VALLEY. We (the staff) not only enjoy working together, we all really like each other too (a feeling that spills out into our whole leadership team and church family as well)!

This year, we specifically focused on answering the question, “What makes VALLEY unique from every other church in our community, nation and the world”. It is mind-blowing experience to think that God has sovereignly planned for VALLEY to exist at this time, in this location, to reach these specific people before time ever began! We took time to brainstorm and discover our; ministry concept, mission mandate, motives, strategy map, mission marks, and set milestones for the coming year. Of course, we also made time, most importantly to share what God is doing in each of our hearts today. We prayed, planned and played together and are all fired up for the year ahead.

As the lead pastor of VALLEY, I am truly amazed and humbled at the staff and leaders God has raised up in VALLEY whose hearts are so devoted to Christ and who are so dedicated to fulfilling God’s purposes for VALLEY by “Transforming Our World Through Christ-Centered Relationships”! It’s and honor to be apart of such a great church family!

Christian Oddballs

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:08:12 CDT

"A real Christian is an odd number, anyway. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen; talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see; expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another; empties himself in order to be full; admits he is wrong so he can be declared right; goes down in order to go up; is strongest when he is weakest; richest when he is poorest and happiest when he feels the worst. He dies so he can live; forsakes in order to have; gives away so he can keep; sees the invisible; hears the inaudible; and knows that which passeth knowledge."

-A. W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous

4 Types of Friends Every Pastor Needs

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:21:04 CDT

I found this great article by Ike Reighard. I met Ike about 10 years ago. He's a great pastor. The article deals with frienships just as some of my recent posts here on GWM. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. GW

Pastors may be the most well-known, loneliest men on the face of the earth. Friendship is a vital part of New Testament ministry and leadership. Without quality, biblical friendships, we are modeling a flawed Christian lifestyle for our church members. Yet, for many, the difficulties of pastoral friendships outweigh the benefits.

Most pastors find themselves in an unhealthy relationship where their wife is their only friend and counselor. If a pastor continues to project his problems onto his wife, she will grow disillusioned and desperate to leave the ministry. I believe a pastor's wife should be his best friend, but she should not be his only friend.

In my 30 years of ministry, I have learned that every pastor needs at least four types of friends:

The Developer
Your best friend will always be the person who brings out the very best in you. According to Billy Graham, he wouldn't have made it as an evangelist if he had to minister alone. Over 53 years ago, Billy Graham met his staff and best friends: Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea, and Grady Wilson. These three men protected him, strengthened him, counseled with their wisdom, and corrected him when he needed it. He is convinced that without these friends he would have burned out within a few years after his first groundbreaking crusade in 1949 (Just as I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham, pp. 125-129).

Developer friends will bring the gift of encouragement to a pastor's life and bring out the very best in him.

The Designer
We tend to think of mentors as a personal, hands-on coach. The Latin and Greek define them more as "advisors" or "wise men." Jesus was a master mentor. He ministered to thousands, trained hundreds, equipped twelve, and had an intimate friendship with three men.

The designer mentors us in our marriage, ministry, child-rearing, civic involvement, business acumen, or any area where we need a model. Designer mentors may live near or far, be acquaintances or strangers, or may even be dead. They "design" our lives through Scripture, books, tapes, articles, or seminars.

The Disturber
We need friends who will shake up our status quo. Disturbers ask us difficult questions, forcing us to take a closer look at motivations and ambitions. Disturbers know when we have retreated into our comfort zones, and they call us out to greater effectiveness. God uses disturbers in our lives to become the object of greater force that breaks inertia and propels us to greater achievement.

A biblical picture of a disturber is in Deuteronomy 32:11. In this passage the mother eagle tears up the soft nest to reveal sharp thorns that bring discomfort to the eaglets. Because of discomfort, the eaglets leave the nest and learn to fly. The mother develops her young by repeatedly pushing them out of the nest and catching them until they become skilled flyers. Eagles were never meant to stay in the nest and neither were we. The disturber pushes us to learn to fly.

The Discerner
In a lifetime of relationships, perhaps only a handful of people are willing to play this vital role because it requires mutual vulnerability. More popularly known as accountability partners, discerners bring the gift of spiritual insight into our lives. They know how to speak the truth in love. They know how to exhort and rebuke, seeking to keep their friend on the right track. They are also vulnerable--the true friends who will walk into the room of your life while everyone else is walking out.

Proverbs 27:6 reads, "The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive." Always be slow in choosing your discerners and even slower in leaving them.

If you are a typical pastor without close friendships, I urge you to seek them out. They may keep you in ministry for the long haul, and your wife will thank you.

GWM Gone Global

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:47:31 CDT

United States
Great Britain
Russian Federation
China
Ukraine
Netherlands
Mexico
Brazil
Luxembourg
Israel
Nicaragua
India
Canada
New Zealand
Poland
Moldova
Austria
Thailand
Czech Republic
Germany
Japan
South Korea
France
Singapore
Indonesia
Iraq
Bosnia-Herzegovina

Just a few months ago a module was added to the GWM site to track where readers of the blog were logging on from. Much to my surprise, it turns out GWM has readers all over the globe. The list above represents only the month of July! WOW!!!!

Friendship (3)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:02:29 CDT

"To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and the most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. The modern world, in comparison, ignores it. We admit of course that besides a wife and family a man needs a few ‘friends’. But the very tone of the admission, and the sort of acquaintanceships which those who make it would describe as ‘friendships’, show clearly that what they are talking about has very little to do with the Philia which Aristotle classified among the virtues or Amicitia on which Cicero wrote a book. It is something quite marginal; not a main course in life’s banquet; a diversion; something that fills up the chinks of one’s time."

-C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Friendship (2)

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:23:28 CDT

“For a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret Master of the Ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, ‘Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you’, can truly say to every group of Christian friends, ‘You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another’. The Friendship is no a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others. They are no greater than the beauties of a thousand other men; by Friendship God opens our eyes to them. They are, like all beauties, derived from Him, and then, in a good friendship, increased by Him through the friendship itself, so that it is His instrument for creating as well as for revealing. At this feast it is He who has spread the board and it is He who has chosen the guests. It is He, we may dare to hope, who sometimes does, and always should, preside. Let us not reckon without our Host.”

-C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Letting Loose of Control

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:28:27 CDT

“With perfect consistency of mind, help me to receive all manner of events. For we know not what we ask, and we cannot ask for one event rather than another without presumption. We cannot desire a specific action without presuming to be a judge, assuming responsibility for what in Your wisdom You may hide from me. O Lord, I know only one thing, and that is that it is good to follow You and wicked to offend You. Beyond this, I do not know what is good for me whether health or sickness, riches or poverty, or anything else in this world. This knowledge surpasses both the wisdom of men and of angels. It lies hidden in the secrets of Your providence, which I adore, and will not dare to pry open.”

-Blaise Pascal, Pensees

Friendship (1)

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:12:28 CDT

“Friendship, like the other natural loves, is unable to save itself. In reality, because it is spiritual and therefore faces a subtler enemy, it must, even more wholeheartedly than they, invoke the divine protection if it hopes to remain sweet. For consider how narrow its true path is. It must not become what the people call a ‘mutual admiration society’; yet if it is not full of mutual admiration, of Appreciative love, it is not Friendship at all . . . "

-C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

The Genesis

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:56:22 CDT

Recently, as Susie and I have been training and prepping a new staff member and his wife to step into ministry (see New Addition post on Velocity blog), I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about some of the cataclysmic changes God had directed VALLEY Christian Church through over the last decade or so. The story behind the story, that not many people know, is that it all began with a song; a U2 song no less!

I still remember exactly where I was, driving in my car, when the words of “One” by U2 seemed to penetrate deep into my heart as if it was God speaking to me through the lyrics. I had heard the song hundreds of times before, but this time was different. This time, I felt God wanted me to do something as a result of the lyrics I heard:

You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

Were we as a church asking people to enter and then making them crawl (see Matthew 23:1-4)?

Were we actually making it harder for unbelievers to access the Kingdom of God because of our Christian sub-culture than God ever intended it to be (see Matthew 23:13)?

These were some of the really hard questions I had to ask myself as a pastor. From that day, I (along with the help of many others) began to reevaluate everything we did as a church and seek to maintain the dual tension of being “Biblically Faithful & Culturally Relevant”. It has been a long and tough journey to be honest. It is so much easier to swing from one extreme to the other rather than walk the fine line and maintain the balance.

Looking back, I am so thankful for God’s grace, guidance and direction. Day in and day out I am so humbled to see what God has done since that day and the hundreds of lives he has touched since. And now, as I like to say, “The future looks so bright I need sunglasses at night”.

Thank You, Lord!

Wise Relationships

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:50:15 CDT

Anyone who has spent significant time in ministry can understand the importance and priority of relationships for fruitful service in the Kingdom of God. But it is not just relationships that are critical for a pastor (church leader), but Christ-centered relationships. Everyone has witnessed well-meaning Christians who have “reached out” to non-believers and have found in short time; their own integrity compromised and their morals corrupted. As H.B. London and Neil Wiseman write in The Heart of a Great Pastor, “The goal of the Church is enduring love, nourished by a common loyalty to the living Christ”. When the “common loyalty to the living Christ” is absent, we need not fool ourselves into thinking we are doing God’s work (Check out: 1 Cor. 15:33, 1 Cor. 5:6, Amos 3:3, 2 Cor. 6:14-15).

London and Wiseman go on to further clarify this point by stating, “Refuse to allow moral compromise or even the pastoral nitty-gritty to short-circuit your ideals. Resist relationships that hint of thwarting your vision or of undermining your awareness of God”. These words when taken to heart, truly help a pastor or church leader to navigate the relational priorities of ministry and cultivate increased fruitful for the Kingdom of God.

Liberated from Lesser Loves

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:02:12 CDT

"O God, I know that if I do not love Thee with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul and with all my strength, I shall love something else with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Grant that putting Thee first in all my lovings I may be liberated from all lesser loves and loyalties, and have Thee as my first, my chiefest good and final joy."

-George Appleton, Oxford Book of Prayer

Lessons from a Lousy Leader

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:23:07 CDT

Luke 16:1-13
Jesus’ story of an unrighteous manager teaches us lessons about shrewd business and a few subtle truths about leadership. This lousy leader . . .

1. Violated rule number one: Leadership is not to be used for personal benefit (v. 1). He forgot that leadership is about giving, not getting. Leaders lose the right to be selfish.

2. Learned that a leader cannot hide his heart (vv. 1-2) Leadership rises or falls to the level of the leader’s integrity. Leaders are vulnerable.

3. Was proactive in facing problems (v. 3). He surmised how he could address the problem. Good leaders aren’t afraid the face reality.

4. Understood the value of relationships (v. 4). He utilized the relationships he had developed already. He received a return on his investment.

5. Understood the nature of influence (vv. 4-5). Since leadership is influence, leaders know with whom they have influence – and they go there.

6. Learned the keys to motivating others (vv. 5-7). Everyone is motivated in different ways. He found ways to make friends and get results.

7. Reminds us of the value of godly leadership (vv. 8-10). In the end, his master praised his shrewdness, but Jesus has a deeper lesson for us.

*Taken from The Maxwell Leadership Bible

Post-Preaching Prayer

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:50:06 CDT

I’ve been challenged recently to begin to pray just as passionately for my sermon after I preach it, as my prayers in preparation before I preach. I have to confess, I’m more than a little embarrassed to even admit that the thought has never even crossed my mind. I had never even heard of the idea of ‘post-preaching’ prayer until a week ago. No one ever told me of the importance of private prayer for a sermon after it was delivered when I was in college, grad-school or at any conference I’ve ever attended. I’ve never heard it discussed at a leadership roundtable or even read about it in any books about prayer.

For years in ministry, every Sunday afternoon and Monday I battled with PMS (Post-Ministry Syndrome). This was particularly acute for me when I was just starting out as a Sr. Pastor (24 years old). The spiritual and emotional anguish after preaching was incredibly intense for me. Over the years, I’ve learned to combat these reactions with personal prayer, rest (nothing like a Sunday afternoon nap) and fellowship with other believers. How I wish someone, somewhere would have taken the time to tell me about the importance of post-preaching prayer. For me, the treasure chest of this idea was discovered in Charles Spurgeon’s book, Lectures to My Students. Here are some of the best quotes from the chapter, “The Preacher's Private Prayer”:

“After the sermon, how would a conscientious preacher give vent to his feelings and find solace for his soul if access to the mercy seat were denied him?”

“We must steep all our teaching in tears ‘when none but God is nigh’ and their growth will surprise and delight us.”

“When we have done with preaching, we shall not, if we are true ministers of God, have done with praying, because the whole church, with many tongues, will be crying, in the language of the Macedonian, ‘Come over and help us’ in prayer.”

“The minister who does not earnestly pray over his work must surely be a vain and conceited man.”

For those readers who are pastors, I’d love to hear your thoughts. For those of you who are not pastors, perhaps your pastor, like me, have never heard of this idea before. Prayerfully consider passing it on to him. He may just be like me, and find if makes a huge difference.

Motivational Speakers

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:28:04 CDT

Why do pastors do what we do? I came across this earthy translation of 2Corinthians 5:10-11 recently, which really sums up the role of pastors/preachers in motivating God’s people to keep in mind the ‘Big Picture’ of where we are all headed. The reality of standing face-to-face with God motivated the apostle Paul, as it should every follower of Christ.

“Sooner or later we'll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what's coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It's no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That's why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care.”

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (The Message)

The Eternal Motivator

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:29:03 CDT

"When we turn from the lures of the world to the person of Christ, we discover the magnet that draws, the anchor that steadies, the fortress that defends, the light that illumines, the treasure that enriches, the law that commands and the power that enables"

-Alexander Maclaren

Take My Life and Let It Be

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:56:02 CDT

So often in my prayers, I find myself asking God to do this for me or to give this to me. When I find myself in a rut of self-serving prayers of petition, I am often reminded of the words of one of my favorite old hymns, "Take My Life and Let It Be". Standing in contrast to "give me" preoccupied prayer, this hymn instead asks God to "take" from me. What would my life look like if everyday these words became my heartfelt prayer? That is what I am trying to live out through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take My Life and Let It Be - Frances R. Havergal 1874

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise;
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Leaders Reproduce Leaders

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:05:30 CDT

I have long been a fan and a follower of John Maxwell. A few years ago I even had the opportunity to meet him personally and have a conversation with him. If you haven’t ever read any of his books, you’re truly missing out. As we’ve probably all heard it said before, “If you want to be a leader, you have to be a reader”. I have a whole shelf in my library stocked with Maxwell books and materials. One of my favorite Maxwell books is, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Here’s a quick summary of the 13^th Law of Leadership (I've been thinking about a lot lately). It's based on 1 Chronicles 20:4-8.

The Law of Reproduction:

1. It takes one to know one. (We tend to see what we posses ourselves).

2. It takes one to show one. (We cannot model for someone what we haven’t done).

3. It takes one to grow one. (We cannot train someone until we’ve done it ourselves).

No doubt King David (in 1 Chr. 20:4-8) was an awesome example of a leader who reproduced leaders. Who are the leaders that you have personally recognized, raised up, resourced and rightly released? It’s what leaders do. Too much of the church has a 'hire in' mentality, instead of a 'raise up' mindset. If you can't think of anyone, maybe it's time to step up your game and grow as a leader. You'll be glad you did!

10 Ways to Create Margin

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:41:26 CDT

I saw the following post on a blog that I frequent by Mark Batterson. Even though it's directed at those in full-time ministry, there's a lot that can, and should, be applied to those working in the marketplace as well. If you'd like to check out Mark's blog for yourself, you can find it here.

"One of the quantum challenges leaders face is this: as the organizations they lead start experiencing organizational growth they stop experiencing personal growth. Why? Because of the demands of the organizational growth. They start leading the organization and stop leading themselves. And that is when the blessing turns into a curse. Growth will grind to a halt. In fact, it will probably implode. You lose spiritual margin. You lose intellectual margin. You lose creative margin. And you stop growing. No Margin = No Growth.

The key to continued organizational and personal growth boils down to this: margin. You need margin to think. You need margin to play. You need margin to laugh. You need margin to dream. You need margin to have impromptu conversations. You need margin to seize unanticipated opportunities. You need margin.

One of the primary responsibilities of leaders is creating margin. It almost seems selfish. But you are doing everybody you work with a disservice if you give them everything you've got. You need margin. And it starts with time management. If you don't control your calendar, your calendar will control you.

Here are a ten ways to create margin:

1) Use all of your vacation days. You owe it to yourself and your family.

2) Protect your day off religiously.

3) Don't schedule meetings on certain days or before certain hours.

4) Delegate more responsibility.

5) Only check email during designated times during the day.

6) Get up earlier in the morning.

7) Schedule meetings with God and yourself.

8) Turn off the TV.

9) Get out of your organizational context and go to a conference.

10) Hit the gym. You don't have enough time or energy NOT to work out."

Spurgeon's Simplicity

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:06:25 CDT

Charles Spurgeon was not only the best preacher in the last three centuries, but he also had a knack for clearly communicating truth in its simplest form. I came across this quote from him while studying yesterday. It has already become one of my all-time favorites:

“A minister of Christ should have his tongue, and his heart, and his hand agree.”

-Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students

Falling In Love Again!!!!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:15:24 CDT

Over the last twelve months something really significant has been happening deep inside of me. In fact, it’s been so deep that it’s only been in the month or so that I’ve even been really conscious of it, but as I look back now, I can see that God has been “up to something” for a while now and I wasn’t even aware of it. Last night, as I was reading before bed, I was finally able to put into words what’s been happening in my heart, “I’m falling in love again”! No, I’m not talking about with my wife Susie; my love for her is unstoppable. I’m talking about falling in love with ‘my calling’!!

After pastoring for nineteen years (almost a career for many), I’ve found greater passion and love in my heart for what God has called me to be than ever before. It is so easy to get off-track when it comes to passionately pursuing God as a minister, and I am thankful to God that I feel more ‘centered’ in my calling now than I did when I began as a very young man (22 years old). To this day, I am still very surprised when I run into other ministers who view pastoring as a job or what they do, rather than who they are and what God wants them to be. I’d like to say that these are just a few exceptions; however that is not the case.

God has a different standard for ministers than for other Christians (a reality that many pastors would like to deny). Their discipline must be razor sharp. Their devotion must be full-hearted. Their diligence must be seen by all. Their development must be ongoing and their destination must be focused on eternity. Over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion that real success in ministry has little to do with the size of the church one pastors, eloquence, education or elevation. Real success in ministry has to do with growing a great soul before the ever watchful eye of God. The continual challenges of ministry has shrunk the soul of too many well intentioned pastors, leaving nothing more than the shell of a man who easily disseminates lifeless talking points instead of powerful preaching flowing out of a life that is daily constrained under the transforming hand of God.

Bottom line; I love what God is doing in my heart and I love him more today than yesterday. Thank you Lord, for calling me to your service!

Under the Influence

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:48:17 CDT

"Put yourself completely under the influence of Jesus, so that He may think His thoughts in your mind, do His work through your hands, for you will be all-powerful with Him to strengthen you."

-Mother Teresa, A Gift from God, p.37

True or False? (4)

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:32:05 CDT

True or False Foundations:

The final contrast that Jesus makes in Matthew 7:13-29 is between true and false foundations. In verses 24-27 Jesus teaches:

24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

Jesus makes a HUGE point that is so simple and at the same time so profound. Hearing God’s Word is not enough! It does not benefit anyone just to hear God’s Word. God’s blessings and benefits only come to those who hear and do (obey or put into practice or live) God’s Word.

Jesus also reminds us of another very important point, “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house”. Life is NOT easy. The Scripture never makes us such a grand promise, in fact; to the contrary, the Scripture teaches us that life is very hard and difficult. This is why we all need a true foundation in our lives. That foundation is built upon not just hearing the Word, but doing the Word and putting it into practice. It is a “foolish” person who hears God’s Word preached and taught week after week and does not obey and practice what they hear. Why are they fools? Because the rain will come, the floods will rise; the winds will blow and beat on the house of every one of our lives! Those who obey the words of God will weather every storm of life. Those who don't; well, you can read it for yourself.

It is my prayer that through these four ‘True or False’ contrasts of Christ, you and I will evaluate where we are in our spiritual journey and commit to living out the rest of our lives walking in the TRUTH.

True or False? (3)

Tue, 26 May 2009 14:12:27 CDT

True and False Disciples:

The third contrast Jesus makes in Matthew chapter 7 is the difference between true and false disciples. These words of Jesus are some of the most shocking statements in the Gospels:

21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23

When thinking soberly about Christ’s words above, it should help even the most mature Christ-follower to pause and seriously consider the implications of this contrast. The words that Jesus doesn’t say are almost as alarming as what he chooses to say. Jesus doesn’t argue with those calling him ‘Lord’ as if their statements of their accomplishments weren’t true. Rather, as always, he strikes to the heart of the matter; their hearts. Notice that every accomplishment they claim is the result of giftedness (given by God and no indication of spiritual maturity), while Jesus’ words reflect the issue of character, relationship and motivation.

Whenever I hear these words of Christ, they always remind me of the day I began my relationship with Jesus. As a young boy, God didn’t call me to do something for him (like preach or teach or pastor). I felt God speak to my heart these simple words, “Greg, I want you for my own”. He called me first and foremost to himself, not to do some great work for him. Over the years, I have had to reorient myself time and time again to return to the simplicity of that original calling when the business of ministry causes me to lose sight of my primary responsibility; to daily grow in my relationship to Christ allowing him to transform my heart. It is only when I am faithful to this personal relational calling to Christ that I can ever be useful to him publically in ministry. Bottom line: I’d rather have Jesus than be a successful pastor and the scary truth is, it is possible to do one without the other.

19

Wed, 20 May 2009 14:07:20 CDT

Today marks 19 years since I was ordained as a pastor. It also marks 19 years that I’ve pastored in the same church. I’ll be the first to admit, no one is more surprised that I am still in the same place than I am. I never thought that I would return to the church that I grew up in when I graduated from college. I never thought that I’d become the Senior/Lead Pastor of that church at the age of 24 and I never imagined I’d still be here after all these years.

After graduating from college, Susie and I got married and came to New York with the idea of me serving as an associate pastor until I was really old, like 50 or something. I’ve never had big ministry ambitions; so much of what has unfolded for us over the last 19 years has really taken our breath away rather than thinking to ourselves, “Well it’s about time”. When I was asked to be the Senior/Lead Pastor when at 24, I planned on staying in that position for two or three years then moving South (where my family is originally from) the first chance I got. That was 16 years ago and much has changed in my and Susie hearts since. I’ve officiated wedding, funerals, dedicated babies and then years later attended their high school graduation parties. God has done something in my heart that has changed me through all of this. It is now Susie’s and my dream to actually impact an entire community for Christ. We understand that this is not a short term dream, but rather something we must give the best that we have to see happen. We must give our lives.

I’ve found myself thinking about Lou Gehrig and Cal Ripken lately. Their streaks of consecutive games played, is not only admirable in baseball, but also in life. The longer I’ve pastored here in New York the more opportunities I have had to leave and go somewhere else to pastor. Recently, these offers have almost been to the point of annoyance (3 or 4 offers a year). Some have been from huge churches (even 10x-15x the size of VALLEY), but it doesn’t change my answer. I keep thinking about Lou and Cal, day after day, week after week, year after year, simply because it was what was in their heart.

I updated my status of Facebook, “Greg is celebrating 19 years of pastoring at Valley Christian Church, TODAY”! I’ve been overwhelmed by not only the number of people who have taken the time to comment and offer congratulations, but the array of friends that I have heard from. People like my supervisor from Friendly’s Ice Cream store where I worked in high school, a woman who was in my homeroom in school from 7^th grade to graduation, the center from my high school football team that personally saved me more times than I can count as the quarterback, a long time friend of the family who’s known me since I was five years old, the youth pastor I interned under in college, college friends, member of the VALLEY family and loved ones who have transcended friendship and who have truly become family to me. God is allowing Susie and I to see a little taste of the fruit of our lives. All I can say is, “Thank you Lord, you have had such better plans for my life than I could ever imagine”.

This morning Susie and I began to dream together again. It went something like this: “Can you imagine when we celebrate 25 years here at VALLEY? What about 30? I’ll only be 52 on my 30^th anniversary”! This is what we want now. They say that ‘Home is where your heart is’. After 19 years, it’s great to be ‘HOME’!

Thanks!!!

True or False? (2)

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:27:15 CDT

True of False Prophets:

The second contrast Jesus makes in Matthew chapter 7 is the difference between true and false prophets.

15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20

It doesn’t seem like Jesus’ words here should be limited only to prophets, but should certainly apply to any and all spiritual leaders. In other words, it’s not just prophets that should be scrutinized by their fruit and all other leaders are to be followed blindly. So the question is, “What is the fruit we should look for in a leader”? Thankfully, the Scripture doesn’t leave us with this question but provides solid answers for us:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

It’s helpful to consider the directional aspects of the fruit of the Spirit listed below:

1. Godward – Love, joy, peace
2. Manward – patience (long-suffering), kindness, goodness
3. Selfward – faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

How many times do we judge a person’s giftedness or charisma instead of these key character issues that can only be produced in a heart that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit? Interestingly, Jesus says that false prophets (leaders) are wolves in sheep’s clothing. In other words, they appear to be apart of the ‘sheep fold’ but actually have their own selfish and destructive agendas. When we fail to “beware” and judge the fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) in a leader’s life, we can be sure that we are making the wrong choice and will experience all that Jesus said we would.

True or False? (1)

Wed, 13 May 2009 16:31:13 CDT

There’s a passage of Scripture in Matthew 7:13-29 that I’ve been studying lately. It lays out a number of true and false contrasts (i.e. True and false gates, true and false prophets, true and false disciples and true and false foundations). Jesus warned his hearers back then and us today; that every one of us must choose in each one of these four contrasts. The result of these choices we make will decide whether we are really for Christ or against him. Over the next few posts, I’d like to give a little time and thought to considering each one of theses contrasts.

True or False Gates:

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few”. Matthew 7:13-14

It seems like Jesus is making it very clear that it is never going to be easy for people to really follow him, in fact, if we’re looking for easy we’ve already made our choice and the outcome is not a good one. I once heard someone say, “In every generation there are those who preach smoother things than God would allow”. I can’t for the life of me remember who said it, but those words have stuck with me through the years. I wonder how often we “preach smoother things than God would allow” with our lives instead of recognizing “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life”. I want to be one of few that find it. How about you?

Questions for Relevant Churches

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:26:12 CDT

For sometime now I’ve had a growing concern with some growing trends in the “relevant church” movement. Since I see myself and Valley Christian Church as part of this movement, it’s really important to take some time and evaluate what is going on. On the whole it’s been an important adjustment for the church in America, but it definitely seems like some have taken it too far. Specifically, when it comes to preaching and teaching from the Scripture many have acquiesced to what a friend of mine calls, “Jesus Lite” preaching that looks more like Oprah than the Gospel.

Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.TV is doing a great series of posts this week asking some tough questions about “relevant churches” (he also pastors a relevant church). Take some time and check them out here.

Originality

Tue, 05 May 2009 16:12:05 CDT

It’s curious how history is cyclical or as some say, ‘repeats itself’. When it comes to preaching today, many find it their duty to decry those who find inspiration in the writing and preaching of others as some kind of spiritual slothfulness or compromise. They elevate “originality” in preaching to be the highest, best and most spiritual exercise of their duties. Yesterday, while reading about the life of Charles Spurgeon (called The Prince of Preachers), I stumbled across and interesting perspective that Spurgeon had on “originality” in preaching. Besides seeing it as full blown pride in the life of the preacher, he regarded the same nineteenth-century obsession with originality as a sin when it is found among the “professed custodians of the Word of God”. One day in his study he pointed a friend to shelves loaded with the works of English Puritans and said, ‘I have preached them all.’

Spurgeon, arguable the most influential preacher in the last three centuries, also said:

‘Don’t worry about originality, brethren; Christ never claimed it. He says: “The words that I speak are not mine, but His that sent me.” The Holy Spirit did not claim it, for it is written, “He shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that He will speak”.’

As for me, I don’t feel very comfortable placing my preaching above the words of Christ or the Holy Spirit. I’d rather see past and present preachers as a gift from God to His Church for all the ages.

Faith in God or Faith in Me?

Mon, 04 May 2009 11:29:04 CDT

"Sincere faith in God must treat all God's Word alike; for the faith that accepts one Word of God and rejects another is evidently not faith in God, but faith in our own judgment, faith in our own taste."

-Charles Spurgeon
Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 36, p. 303

Communicators

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:59:29 CDT

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of comparisons between preachers and communicators. This morning, someone sent me the following definition of a communicator (see below) and I thought I’d share it with you. I’m flattered that I came to mind when they read it. Thanks H.R.M.!

Communicators…

Believe in what they say = Conviction

Believe in the people to whom they say it = Expectation

Live what they say = Credibility

Know when to say it = Timing

Know how to say it = Creativity

Know why they say it = Application

Have fun saying it = Freedom

Show it as they say it = Visualization

Say it and the people own it = Identification

Couldn't Put It Any Better

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:16:24 CDT

I met Angie Sumrall many years ago when she was still in High School. I also know her two sisters and her grandparents. Richard (and Janet) Moore was her Youth Pastor in Birmingham, Alabama a long time ago. Angie’s father is going through a tough time right now physically and I’ve been keeping up-to-date with things through Facebook and praying for her and her family. She recently expressed some incredibly deep truths on her blog about what happens, or should I say what God wants to happen, in the midst of tough times like this. Angie shares from her heart something I think we all need to hear and the bottom line is; I couldn’t put it any better. So take a minute and read Angie’s post on the link here, and also take some time to pray for Angie and her whole family too!

Meaninglessness

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:23:15 CDT

“Meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain, meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure” –G.K. Chesterton

I heard this quote in a lecture last week and it’s been haunting me ever since. How many Americans have found these words to be true in their own lives today? The reality is, almost every one of us has so much more stuff than our parents and grandparents ever did, and so many more experiences too. There are two cars in the garage of a beautiful home that is decorated like a palace, and still so many have deep feelings of meaninglessness. These things in and of themselves are not wrong, but when the pursuit of the eternal is replaced with the pursuit of pleasure and that which is temporal, it is only a matter of time before the gnaw of meaninglessness is felt in one’s soul. Jesus promised something different for those who prioritize their lives around what he was doing:

Matthew 6:32-34
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It’s pretty interesting that “these things” Jesus is referring to is literally food and clothing (read the context here). Once again, it’s amazing how ALIVE the Scripture is TODAY! My prayer for you and me today is; that our lives would be filled with purpose as we put God and the pursuit of his kingdom first.

The End of Christianity in America?

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:38:06 CDT

This week, NEWSWEEK magazine’s cover story is “The End of Christian America”. I just finished reading it online and have a few thoughts. First, the article states, “The Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified.” I think this is awesome! I am so glad that I’ve invested the last 19 years of my life pastoring in the Northeast, and there’s no place I’d rather be than where the light of the gospel is the most dimly lit. When my wife and I moved back to New York after graduating from college, we adopted a “missionary” mindset for ministry. It has been God’s grace and this perspective that continues to cultivate great fruitfulness here among the “religiously unidentified”.

Secondly, the article declares, “Let's be clear: while the percentage of Christians may be shrinking, rumors of the death of Christianity are greatly exaggerated. Being less Christian does not necessarily mean that America is post-Christian.” Surprisingly, much of these exaggerations come not only from atheists and agnostics, but from those within the church seeking to “deconstruct” the faith, having declared the current condition of the Christian Church a failure. Nothing could be further from the truth. The recent statistics still show that 76% of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, this statistic seems far from failing (despite all the wishes and desires of the deconstructionists)!

Thirdly, the article assumes, “The terrible economic times have not led to an increase in church attendance.” Based on our experience at VALLEY Christian Church, I disagree. We have seen a 14% surge in attendance over the last three months! We even had to add two rows of chairs in our 11am gathering yesterday for those who were standing in the back of the auditorium (the week BEFORE Easter)!

Personally, I have never been so optimistic and hopeful about the future of the church that I pastor, the community in which I live and the condition of the Church in America. Do we have our work cut out for us? YES! Is the Church still the only plan that God has for humanity? YES! He has no plan “B”, so let’s keep busy about “our Father’s business”.

The State of the Church

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:02:02 CDT

A recent study (Notre Dame Church Study) revealed some interesting finding about the state of the church in America today. Here are a few summary points. If you’d like to read more you can do so here.

Leadership

95 percent of congregations are led by a head minister, while about 4 percent by an assembly of congregational members.
About 80 percent of head ministers are male, and 20 percent are female.
Head ministers have held their positions for an average of 8 years. Of course, some ministers have been at their congregation for a significantly longer number of years (the highest is just over 50 years), which may make the average number of years misleading. The median number of years at the congregation is 5, which essentially means that half of pastors have been at their congregation for less than 5 years and half have been at their congregation for more than 5 years. The average age of head ministers is about 52 years.

Membership

207 people regularly participate in the life of the average congregation. However, several very large congregations pull up the overall average. Interestingly, the median congregation has 77 people who regularly participate in the life of the congregation. That is, about half of congregations have less than 77 regular participants, and half have more than 77 participants.
Of course, many more people are associated with the congregation than regularly participate. On average, 522 people are associated with the congregation. Again, this is high due to a few extremely large congregations. The median congregation has 150 people who are associated with the congregation in some way.

Undo All The Wrong

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:31:01 CDT

“I always like to see a resolve to make restitution of former wrongs in people who profess to be converted. If they have taken any money wrongfully they ought to repay it; it were well if they returned it sevenfold. If we have in any way robbed or wronged another, I think the first instincts of grace in the heart will suggest compensation in all ways within our power. Do not think it is to be got over by saying, ‘God has forgiven me, and therefore I may leave it.’ No, dear friend, but insomuch as God has forgiven you, try and undo all the wrong, and prove the sincerity of your repentance by doing so.”

I came across the quote above by Charles Spurgeon while reading one of his sermons. The quote struck me because Spurgeon seems to address a problem in Christians over a hundred years ago that still lingers in the church today; Christians who willfully engage in sin with the intension of simply, “asking for forgiveness” once they have done what they wanted. It seems like the biblical idea of restitution has been totally stricken from the vocabulary of Christ followers. The Bible tells us that a heart that is truly following after God not only does all that is within their power to “undo all the wrong”, but also endeavors to make everything better than it ever was. Consider the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-9 (see also Lev. 6:2-5, Num. 5:7, Matt. 3:8, Philemon). It seems that Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ actions as the fruit of a heart in tune with God (not just his words). Would that there be more Christ followers like Zacchaeus today.

The Foolishness of Preaching - 4

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:55:30 CDT

Many years ago I heard a wise man say, “The goal of preaching is to answer the question, ‘How now shall we live’ in the mind of the listener.” Those words have stuck with me ever since. Through the years, I have found my thoughts returning again and again to this idea as I pray and prepare each week.

Yesterday, we finished up a message series at VALLEY Christian Church called, “HOME”. Over the five weeks of the series, I sought to answer the question, “Why is marriage such a big deal to God”? To be really honest with you, the series ended up far exceeding any expectations I could have had over the last five weeks. Many people in our church family commented that it was the best series they’ve ever heard at VALLEY (that’s in the 19 years I’ve been a pastor there). One gentleman mentioned something to my wife, that was especially meaningful to me. His family moved into the area a couple of years ago and has been at VALLEY for a little over one year. He told my wife, “We loved our old church back home. They were really good at giving us the ‘Why’ and the ‘What’. But here at VALLEY we so love learning the ‘How’.” WOW! Nothing could be more important in biblical preaching than giving people the “How”. It’s awesome to hear someone put into words things I’ve held in my heart about preaching that I never put into words myself. God is AWESOME!

Does Satan Exist?

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:47:27 CDT

I just finished viewing a great debate on ABC News "Face-Off" asking the question, “Does Satan Exist”. It was great because the four people were able to actually discuss each of their different perspectives (something that most Christians have difficulty doing). It was also very interesting to me for two other reasons:

(1) I have a real respect for one of the panel members, Mark Driscoll. Mark has a great church (Mars Hill) in Seattle, Washington that he founded a number of years ago. God is using him to make a huge impact in the United States today with the unchurched and from all I have seen, heard and read about him; I believe he will influence this present generation the way that Billy Graham did the previous generation.

(2) I have personally met and had dinner with one of the other panelists. Bishop Carlton Pearson spoke at the church I attended in college and I had the opportunity to share a meal with him at the home of a friend while he was in town. While I don’t agree with his opinions expressed on the video clips (which he did not hold when I had dinner with him), he does touch on a sore spot that many people hold today regarding the claims of Christian fundamentalism. I am not a fundamentalist, but cringed every time he described in general terms that perspective because it is a stereotype that many unchurched have of Christians today.

So if you have some free time and some courage, go ahead and watch the debate. I highly recommend it.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:29:24 CDT

Last week, I attended a great class in VALLEY U called, “Contemporary Theology”. It was an insightful survey of developments in theology over the last one hundred years or so. On Saturday while attending a party, someone asked me what my opinion was about the current economic crises and the future. My answer went something like this:

History is not just linear, but it is also cyclical in nature. When you look back over ebb and flow of theology over the last one hundred years, it’s interesting to watch how liberal theology comes into vogue during times of prosperity and then falls out of favor because of cataclysmic world events. Follow the cycle:

Liberal theology began to emerge in the late 19^th and early 20^th century putting forth the idea that man can achieve and create a utopian existence here on earth.

WWI plunges the planet into universal bloodshed and the horrific reality of the evil that humanity can inflict on one another.

In the aftermath of WWI, neo-liberalism again begins to rise in Europe lead by Bultmann & Tillick and in America with Fosdick and Dusden.

In 1929, the Great Depression hits followed by WWII (1939-1945) bringing even greater human atrocities (such as the Holocaust), that debunk the notions put forth by neo-liberalism a second time.

Once again, in the 1960’s to today, liberal theology sees a resurgence in many places and under many different names (liberation theology, universalism, the emergent church). Now we are experiencing economic crises not only here in America, but globally as well. Systemic genocide continues in parts of the world. The slave trade and human trafficking are once again a reality in the United States of America (as well as globally). What will be the result of such fearful and frightening realities? Is man really good at his core? Where is the hope? Can an anthropocentric theology answer these questions? I think not. Interestingly, TIME magazine recently published an issue defining “The 10 Biggest Ideas Changing the World Today”. According to TIME, the third biggest idea changing the world today is what they called, “The New Calvinism”!

Today (as in times past), people are abandoning their confidence in the human spirit and reaching out to a Sovereign God who has clearly spoken in the Scriptures what the real condition of man is, fallen and depraved. In the midst of suffering that we all see (and is likely to continue for sometime), I see God once again taking back center stage on the global scenne and in the seminary, and this is a great thing!

Unchained

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:51:19 CDT

A few nights ago, Susie and I were watching CSI:NY together. The episode ended with a song by Johnny Cash playing in the background. I’ve always been a “word” guy and have always liked Johnny Cash so I immediately perked up to listen. I jumped on iTunes and downloaded the song. It’s called, “Unchained”. The lyrics are below. Someone made a clip of it on YouTube (so you can listen to it for FREE). Check it out.

UNCHAINED

I have been ungrateful
And I have been unwise
Restless from the cradle
But now I realize
It's so hard to see the rainbow
Through glasses dark as these
Maybe I'll be able
From now on, on my knees

Oh I am weak
Oh I know I am vain
Take this weight from me
Let my spirit be unchained

Old man swearin' at the sidewalk
And I am overcome
Seems that we've both forgotten
Forgotten to go home
Have I seen an angel
Or have I seen a ghost
Where's that rock of ages
When I need it most

Oh I am weak
Oh I know I am vain
Take this weight from me
Let my spirit be unchained

The Task of the Gospel

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:26:14 CDT

“Christians in modernity thought their task was to make the Gospel intelligible to the world rather than to help the world understand why it could not be intelligible without the Gospel.”
- Stanley Hauerwas

Bonhoeffer On Prayer

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:28:14 CDT

"It matters little what form of prayer we adopt…or how many words we use. What matters is the faith which lays hold on God, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask Him. That is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty. We simply make petitions and requests to One who has the heart of a Father."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Notable Quotable

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:22:12 CDT

“In Western Christianity, we have become committed to relieving the pain behind our problems rather than using our pain to wrestle more passionately with the character and purposes of God. Feeling better has become more important than finding God. And worse, we assume that people who find God always feel better.”

From Larry Crabb in Finding God

Magnificent - U2

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:48:04 CDT

I picked up the latest CD by U2 yesterday, “No Line On the Horizon”. As a big U2 fan, I’ve been really anticipating this CD for a long time. I was not disappointed. I’m already wearing it out. So far my favorite track is “Magnificent”. Check out the lyrics below:

Magnificent
Magnificent
I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after I haven’t had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise…

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love unites our hearts

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify
The Magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent

The Foolishness of Preaching - 3

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:15:26 CDT

I just finished reading an excellent book for seminary on preaching, Preaching to a Post-Everything World, the book was named ‘2008 Book of the Year’ by PreachingToday.com. Below is just a sample of Zack Eswine’s wisdom and conviction regarding preaching today:

“Many preachers embrace the inerrancy of Scripture but doubt the sufficiency of Scripture. To say what the text says and let it stand requires faith. If we find ourselves wanting to avoid or minimize the preaching of the biblical text for our ministries, we move in a dangerous direction. The Spirit wrote the Word; the Word is his sermon. Our task is to point people to what he says.”

When You Open Your Mouth

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:39:19 CDT

James 3:1-12 (The Message)

1-2 Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you'd have a perfect person, in perfect control of life.

3-5 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

5-6 It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

7-10 This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!

10-12 My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?

Notable Quotable

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:23:16 CDT

“It’s easier to maintain character than to regain it.”

I heard this statement in a movie last night and have found myself thinking about it ever since. How many times have we witnessed people who have spent years and even decades building their character throw it all away in a fleeting moment due to fear, expediency or simply for a cheap thrill? I guess on this one, I’ll take the easy way.

Redemption

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:34:10 CDT

“Not all is right with reality. There are swaps among the sunrise. We bob until we sink. This is our consequence, but all is not lost. God is there and he is not silent. Divine voice whispers, cries out, sings. The divinity that once walked on Eden’s ground in the cool of the day now muddies his feet in the swamps of our making. The one who walks on water stands buoyant in the bog. He bends downward. He plunges hands, arms, elbows, and chest into the slop. The haunted and submerged he upheaves and the cadaverous are set upright. Mouth to mouth he breathes full into us. Our lungs expand with the puff. We cough, pull deep, and discover breath. We feel again the warm touch of the sun upon our mud-caked faces. On his knees he steadies us. His fingers slide the grimy weight off our eyes. Liberated, our eyelids rise. And there among the swamps we behold the eyes of mercy gazing into us.”

I read this in a book I’m reading for seminary. It spoke so deeply to me that I wanted to share it with you.

What Is The Christian Church? - Vintage Church

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:29:09 CDT

Mark Driscoll is one of the leading writers and thinkers in the Emerging Church movement today. He has been a part of it from the beginning and has had the courage to point out areas where the movement has drifted off course (for an example check out the video clip on the home page of GWM). Driscoll recently published a new book, “Vintage Church”. I cannot wait to read it (it’s on order), as I’ve been reading teasers from it for some time. Here is one of the best ones I’ve read so far:

“Without a definition of what a church is or does, I'm unsure how we can even deem one successful. Therefore, we will establish a definition of the local church: The local church is a community of regenerated believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. In obedience to Scripture they organize under qualified leadership, gather regularly for preaching and worship, observe the biblical sacraments of baptism and communion, are unified by the Spirit, are disciplined for holiness, and scatter to fulfill the great commandment and the great commission as missionaries to the world for God's glory and their joy. This definition is summarized from Acts 2. As we study through that text, we will see eight characteristics of the true local church, which is an incarnation of the universal church.”

Great solid Biblical stuff! If you’d like to read more from Driscoll check out his blog. He continues to be a voice of Scriptural sanity in the swirling confusion of many emerging voices.

The Foolishness of Preaching - 2

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:29:06 CDT

The only place to begin looking at preaching is with Jesus himself. "The Founder of Christianity was himself the first of its preachers. ‘Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.’ (Matt. 9:35, cf. 4:23 and Mark 1:39.) This was Jesus’ own understanding of his mission at that period. He claimed in the Nazareth synagogue that, in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 61, the Spirit of the Lord had anointed him to preach his liberating message. Consequently, he ‘must’ do so. It was ‘for this purpose’, he explained, that he had been ‘sent’ (Luke 4:18, 43, cf. Mark 1:38 ‘for that is why I have come’). John’s witness to Jesus’ self-conscious mission as preacher and teacher is similar. He accepted the title ‘Rabbi’, he claimed to have ‘spoken openly to the world’ and to have ‘said nothing secretly’, and he told Pilate he had come into the world ‘to bear witness to the truth’ (John 13:13; 18:20, 37).

The apostles after Pentecost, gave priority to the ministry of preaching is specifically stated in Acts 6. They resisted the temptation to get involved in other forms of service, in order to devote themselves ‘to prayer and to the ministry of the word’ (v.4). For it was to this that Jesus had primarily called them. During his lifetime he had sent them out to preach (Mark 3:14) (Matt. 10:5-7). After his resurrection, however, he had solemnly commissioned them to take the gospel to the nations (e.g. Matt. 28:19; Luke 24:47). According to Mark, ‘they went forth and preached everywhere.’ (16:20) They proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit the good news of the death and resurrection, or the sufferings and glory, of the Christ (1 Pet. 1:12). In the Acts we watch them doing so, first Peter and the other Jerusalem apostles who ‘spoke the word of God with boldness’ (4:31), and then Luke’s hero Paul in his three missionary expeditions, until Luke leaves him in Rome under house arrest, yet ‘preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered’ (28:31). In this Luke is faithfully reflecting Paul’s own perception of his ministry. Christ had sent him to preach the gospel, he wrote, not to baptize; so he felt a certain ‘necessity’ or compulsion to do so. Besides, preaching was God’s appointed way by which sinners would hear of the Saviour and so call on him for salvation, for ‘how are they to hear without a preacher?’ (1 Cor. 1:17; 9:16; Rom. 10:14, 15). Then at the end of his life, knowing that he had fought his fight and finished his race, he passed the commission on to his young lieutenant Timothy. In the presence of God, and in anticipation of the return of Christ to judge and to reign, he solemnly charged him, ‘Preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.’ (2 Tim. 4:1, 2)"*

With the preponderance of Scripture clearly showing the centrality of preaching in Christ’s ministry and the early church, how can it be that today some are running from preaching as if it is unable to perform the same work in our day as it has for the last 2,000 years of the church? Should we shrink back and cowardly discuss the Scriptures rather than boldly proclaim them as Christ and the apostles did? Were they wrong? Has the Word of God lost its power? In my next post we’ll take a look at the rich history of preaching over the 2,000 year history of the Church.

*John Stott, Between Two Worlds (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982), 17-18

Notable Quotable

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:13:04 CDT

I came across this quote while reading today:

“Each of us has exactly as much of a relationship with Him as we want right at this moment.” - A.W. Tozer

In an age of blame shifting and forsaking personal responsibility, what does this truth about this present moment reveal about our past choices? Care to share?

Thanks GWM Readers!

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:26:24 CDT

Before we find ourselves in February, I wanted to thank everyone who regularly stops by the GWM blog to follow what's going on in my mind, life and ministry. 2008 was a mega year for me personally as well as for GWM and many of you had a lot to do with it.

Some of the highlights of the year were:

1. Our first mission trip to Kiev, Ukraine as a family (working with church plants, visiting orphanages, teaching in CLST and preaching in Living Word Church).

2. Being the keynote speaker at the Beacon University graduation ceremony in Columbus, Georgia.

3. All the new friendship we made in Valley Christian Church, and seeing so many begin a relationship with Christ.

4. Baptizing 26 new followers of Christ.

5. Continued success as a football coach (JJHS undefeated League Champs for the second year in a row, 9-1 overall record).

I could go on and on but I won't. As far as the actual blog goes; it registered 3,070 unique visitors in 2008 (compared to 1,959 in '07) and 148,788 hits in '08 (compared to 125,608 in '07)!

Thanks to all of you who support GWM (and leave a comment next time you visit).

Builder or Destroyer?

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:16:20 CDT

“Your people will judge you on what you can build; not what you can destroy.”
-President Obama

These words from President Obama’s inauguration speech resound in my ears. I think there is more to those words than a cool turn of phrase, especially for the Christians and church leaders. It seems the ‘in’ thing to do nowadays is for Christian leaders to rip on the church. In fact, there is a whole segment of the church that enjoys telling others they are “deconstructing the faith (or church)”. I find it hard to believe that anyone could actually find anything in the Scripture that would support such a mission. The apostle Paul himself stated that God had not given him the authority to ‘tear down’ the church in 2 Corinthians 13:10,

“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.”

I have often said, “Criticism is not a spiritual gift”. Anyone can point out things that are imperfect in an imperfect world, it takes no great intelligence or Christian maturity. It does take great wisdom and maturity to build something in the Kingdom of God that will stand the test of time; to be positive instead of negative. Many Christians, and even churches today, base their whole identity and existence on what they are opposed to rather than what they are for. These ‘Anti-churches’ would not exist if they took seriously the words of God in Ephesians 4:29,

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18 that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not stand against it. Are those who are ‘deconstructing the faith (church)’ working with Christ or against him? Here’s a challenge for Christians and church leaders alike; How long can you go without saying something negative about another Christian or church? A month? A week? 24 hours?

The ability to control one's tongue is the true test of spiritual maturity and we will have to give an account to God for every word spoken (see Matthew 12:33-37, James 1:26, James 3:1-12).

Are you willing to take the challenge?

Back to School

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:09:12 CDT

This week, I'm starting back to school (seminary) again. It's been a few years since I've worn the student 'hat' and I'm jumping back in with both feet. I've enrolled in the D.Min. program at Beacon University. Although I already have a D.Min. from Christian Life School of Theology, (which has some limited accreditation) this D.Min. with Beacon has full accreditation with every accrediting agency in America. Since I was in college, I have always dreamt of teaching in college or seminary after I retire from the pastorate (in another 20 years or so). This D.Min. will be a step in that direction.

My 'spiritual papa', Dr. Ron Cottle, is not only the founder and chancellor of Beacon, but also the chairman of the D.Min. program, so it is also an awesome opportunity for me to learn under his tutelage. He has set an incredible example for me, as he is truly a 'lifetime learner', even in his 70's.

I am also psyched that Richard Moore and Karen Johnson (members of my staff) are enrolling with me and we will journey together as we apply ourselves to the discipline of study. I believe not only will we be stretched and grow spiritually, but the impact from our commitment will be felt in Valley Christian Church and beyond.

I appreciate your prayers for me and my family as my studies start again. I really desire that God would do all he desires to in me at this time as I apply myself to preparing for all that he has for me in the future.

When Cheering for the Other Side Feels Better Than Winning

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:04:07 CDT

Monday, one of my daughters came home from school with an article that her Phys. Ed. teacher gave to her to give to me. He knows I am a pastor and a high school football coach so I'd find the article interesting. Boy am I glad he thought of me. After reading the article I was moved to tears. When I jumped online I found out there was also an accompanying video to the article as well.

Whether your a football fan or not, take a minute to check this out. You won't regret it!

The Faith of a High School Football Coach

Bono on the Incarnation

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:05:07 CDT

Being a huge U2 fan, I had to post this quote from Bono (the lead singer of U2) when I found it today:

"I remember coming back from a very long tour.... On Christmas Eve I went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. ...It had dawned on me before, but it really sank in: the Christmas story. The idea that God, if there is a force of Love and Logic in the universe, that it would seek to explain itself is amazing enough. That it would seek to explain itself and describe itself by becoming a child born in straw poverty... a child, I just thought: “Wow!” Just the poetry. Unknowable love, unknowable power, describes itself as the most vulnerable. There it was. I was sitting there, and ...tears came down my face, and I saw the genius of this, utter genius of picking a particular point in time and deciding to turn on this. Because that’s exactly what we were talking about earlier: love needs to find form, intimacy needs to be whispered. To me, it makes sense. It’s actually logical. It’s pure logic. Essence has to manifest itself. It’s inevitable. Love has to become an action or something concrete. It would have to happen. There must be an incarnation. Love must be made flesh." - Bono

Blessed

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:47:31 CDT

Today is New Year's Eve and my family and I are in Atlanta to ring in the new year with each of my siblings and their families. We have been here for a few days and the fun has been non-stop (accept for the occasional nap). While here a number of things have marked my mind with the fact that I am truly a blessed man as I enter the new year.

First: We all went to church together on Sunday, all 18 of us. We took up a row and a half at Perimeter Church. The service was great. I totally felt God's presence there and so did the whole family. Perimeter is a mega church in the Atlanta area. They have about 5,000 people each week in attendance. As much of a bad wrap that many like to give mega churches, Perimeter is really making a difference and is making a big impact in their community, in my family and around the world. It's been awesome to talk with my brother Scott about his weekly discipleship meeting that he attends with several other men and the things that God is doing in him and through his family as they serve God through their local church in reaching their community.

Second: Sunday night we all gathered at my sister Becky's house and went through about 10 albums of family pictures and divided up the spoils amongst ourselves. The laughs and the stories we flying as we recalled too many crazy times growing up together.

Third: I have been humbled to see my two brothers and my sister raising incredible kids that truly love God and love others just as much. Of course, being together like this, there has been a lot of talk about my mother who passed away 12 years ago. Momma would be so proud to see her 10 grandchildren today growing up following Christ. My mother's family has been full of Christians for generations and the current generation is making sure we're not going to 'drop the ball' on the incredible inheritance we've been given.

So that's where my head is on New Year's Eve 2008. I am a blessed man and it is all because of Christ.

Happy New Year from the Williamsons!

Christmas Creed

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:55:24 CDT

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.
I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.
I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.
I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.
I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.
I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.
I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus, the son of the living
God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

~Merry Christmas from GWM

Betrayals

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:40:22 CDT

A close friend of mine sent me this email a few days ago. He's seen my wife Susie and I walk through our fair share of betrayals over the last decade or so. Having watched us walk through these tough times, he sent it to us as an encouragement. It comes from the TGIF daily devotional. If you'd like to subscribe to the devotional click here.

Betrayals
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, December 18 2008

"If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend." - Psalm 55:12-13

"You will always be attacked in the place of your inheritance," said the man sitting across the breakfast table. "God has called you to bring people together and to impact other people's lives as a result of this anointing in your life. You must make sure that you seek to maintain righteousness in all of your relationships." Those words came from someone who had the wisdom and authority to speak them to me.

I have had a number of close relationships that ended in betrayal. I am very loyal to my friends and those with whom I have covenant relationships. Yet there are times that no matter how righteous you are, when someone means to betray you, he will do it. Loving those who betray you is "graduate-level Christianity." The religious community and one of His closest friends betrayed Jesus. Those who were closest to David betrayed him. Joseph's own family betrayed him. Loving our enemies cannot be accomplished by mustering it up. It can only happen when we have come to a death in ourselves so that Christ can love through us. It is truly one of those acts of identifying with the cross.

If you are a leader, you can be sure God will allow you to experience betrayal. It is one of those courses in the Kingdom that may not be required until God has seen that you have successfully passed other tests. It is the most difficult and most gut wrenching of all tests. A godly response goes against all that is in us. Our natural response is to protect, retaliate, and retain unforgiveness and bitterness. Our natural response is satan's most powerful weapon; to overcome it requires much grace from God. Ask God to build His nature in you now so that when such attacks come, you will be aware that it is a test and you will respond in righteousness.

Notable Quotable

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:48:20 CDT

One of my former college professors and Facebook friends, Buford Lipscomb, just posted a quote by C.S. Lewis that I thought was worth passing along. Buford now pastors the church that Susie and I attended while we were in college. If you're ever in the Pensacola, Florida area, make sure to check it out.

"I believe in Christ as I believe in the Sun. For I not only see it, but by it I see everything else"

This is a great explanation for what incarnational life should really be about.

Creativity Quenchers - 7

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:05:21 CDT

We're snowed in today here in NY, so it has given me a few extra hours to catch up on some reading I've been wanting to do. I came across a quote today from Eugene Peterson that really speaks to the issue of Creativity and the recent series of posts that I wrote called, "Creativity Quenchers":

"In the life of faith each person discovers all the elements of a unique and original adventure. We are prevented from following in one another's footsteps and are called to an incomparable association with Christ. The Bible makes it clear that every time there is a story of faith, it is completely original. God's creative genius is endless. He never, fatigued and unable to maintain the rigors of creativity, resorts to mass-producing copies."

If this is true for every individual walking with Christ, how much more so for a church? Even churches today that refer to themselves as "emerging" or "missional" are falling into the same trap of resorting to another mass-produced copy of some other church somewhere else. What would your church look like if instead of seeking the next hot trend that is working somewhere else it sought the Creator who is the essence of creativity?

Now that would be something that others could copy, but no one could reproduce!

Peace On Earth - 5

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:37:13 CDT

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Philippians. It is the only epistle that Paul wrote where he is not bringing correction to one of the churches he started, but the circumstances Paul finds himself in are nothing short of heartbreaking. Paul is writing to fellow Christians in Philippi while he is imprisoned. He wasn’t sitting on the beach, or by the pool, or even sitting in a recliner in front of a big screen TV. He was being held prisoner, chained in a dirty, damp Roman prison. And from this vantage point the Holy Spirit whispers these thoughts to him and through him to the Philippians and to us today:

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

If you take a look at the headlines these days it seems like nothing could be farther from the truth than ‘peace on Earth’. Corruption, financial crisis, unemployment, war, the list goes on and on, but with all of these circumstances swirling around us, the promises of Scripture still hold true. If we will follow the instructions of Philippians 4:6-7, we will experience ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding’ and it will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

There are echoes of Jesus’ very words from Matthew 6:25-34 in Paul’s inspired thoughts. As believers, we are not to be anxious about ANYTHING, but to place our trust in the hands of our loving heavenly Father whose peace will guard us. Paul's use of “guard” may reflect his own imprisonment or the status of Philippi as a Roman colony with a military garrison. In either case, it is not Roman soldiers who guard believers—it is the peace of God Almighty. Because God is sovereign and in control, we can trust him with every difficulty we will ever face. When we pray about everything (big and small) and praise (thanksgiving) God for all that he has done and will do by his power, Philippians 4:6-7 promises us that God will set a guard from anxiety over our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus!

I can’t help thinking of how Paul was called upon to ‘practice what he was preaching’ even while he penned these very thoughts to Christians just like you in me in Philippi. Too many times, in my own life, I’ve allowed much smaller and insignificant things to rob me of the ‘peace of God, which transcends all understanding’ simply because I have not done what Philippians 4:6-7 instructed me to do. In days and times like these, how much more so, do we need to ‘get our guard on’ and live daily in the ‘peace of God’. So how about it?

GET YOUR GUARD ON!

Peace On Earth - 4

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:23:11 CDT

As followers of Christ we are to pursue peace (Psalm 34:14, Romans 14:10). When peace is absent, we should take notice of where (or when) we lost it and seek it again. Nothing in Scripture communicates this more clearly than Colossians 3:15,

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

“How can a Christian know when he is doing God’s will? One answer is: the peace of Christ in the heart and in the church. When the believer loses his inner peace, he knows that he has in some way disobeyed God.

The word translated “rule” is an athletic term. It means “to preside at the games and distribute the prizes.” Paul used a variation of this word in his Letter to the Colossians: “Let no one declare you unworthy of a prize” (literal translation, Col. 2:18). In the Greek games, there were judges (we would call them umpires) who rejected the contestants who were not qualified, and who disqualified those who broke the rules.

The peace of God is the “Umpire” in our believing hearts and our churches. When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within; but when we step out of His will (even unintentionally), we lose His peace.

We must beware, however, of a false peace in the heart. Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, yet he was able to go to sleep in the hold of a ship in a storm! “I had peace about it!” is not sufficient evidence that we are in the will of God. We must pray, surrender to His will, and seek His guidance in the Scriptures. The peace of heart alone is not always the peace of God.

Something else is involved: if we have peace in our hearts, we will be at peace with others in the church. We are called to one body, and our relationship in that body must be one of harmony and peace. If we are out of the will of God, we are certain to bring discord and disharmony to the church. Jonah thought he was at peace, when actually his sins created a storm!

When a Christian loses the peace of God, he begins to go off in directions that are out of the will of God. He turns to the things of the world and the flesh to compensate for his lack of peace within. He tries to escape, but he cannot escape himself! It is only when he confesses his sin, claims God’s forgiveness, and does God’s will that he experiences God’s peace within.

When there is peace in the heart, there will be praise on the lips: “And be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). The Christian out of God’s will is never found giving sincere praise to God. When David covered up his sins, he lost his peace and his praise (Ps. 32; 51). When he confessed his sins, then his song returned.”

Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Col 3:15

Think About It:
1. Can you remember a time when you faced a decision that seemed to be right, but you had no peace? What did you do?
2. Have you ever faced a time when you felt peace in your heart about a situation, but others in the church did not have peace? Based on Colossians 3:15, what should you do?
3. Pray and ask God to help you be more sensitive to his 'umpire' presence in your daily decisions.

Peace On Earth - 3

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:32:05 CDT

My wife, Susie, and I have always placed a premium on peace in our home. Peace is something we value in our family and peace is something we work to protect in our marriage. Not that we never have conflict or differing opinions, but our priority is always to face those situations head on, and to restore the peace as quickly as is possible. This is not an ideal that we came up with on our own, but rather the highest and best wish of God for all Christians, much less a family living under the same roof:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

These verses (as well as countless others), make it clear that peace is something that God has given to us that must be preserved and protected. If we are not experiencing the ‘bond of peace’ in our families and relationships it is because to have been negligent in our responsibility to, ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit’.

Some other verses that I’ve found myself meditating on over the last few days, present practical instructions on how to not only pursue peace but to stay at peace:

Psalm 131
1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

The writer of Psalm 131 has experienced how wonderful complete submission to God is. Submission implies an attitude of humility (Micah 6:8). The opposite of humility is “haughty eyes” and a preoccupation “with great matters” (v.1) or as I like to say, ‘things above their pay grade’.

Many of the things that steal our peace are things we are not responsible for and can do nothing about. The proud person looks, compares, competes, and is never content. He plans and schemes in his heart as to how he can outdo and outperform. The godly knows that true godliness begins in the “heart” that is not proud (Prov. 18:12), with eyes that do not envy (Prov. 16:5), and with a walk of life that is not preoccupied with “greatness” and with accomplishments.

Quieting one’s soul is not something that we can pray and ask God to do for us, but rather something that each follower of Christ must learn to do themselves on a daily basis. So here are a few questions about peace to reflect on today:

Have you ever found yourself falling into the subtle trap of concerning yourself with ‘great matters or things too wonderful’ for you? Did this add to your peace or steal it from you?
How much to you value peace in your family and in your home? Is it one of you top priorities?
What are you actively doing today, “to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”?

Peace On Earth - 2

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:29:04 CDT

The first, and probably most important, question to answer when it comes to PEACE is, “What is it”? Today, we think of PEACE much differently than in the time of Christ. We usually think of peace as the absence of war, trouble or conflict. Even though a country may be ravaged, dying of disease and starving, as long as there are no bullets flying or bombs being dropped, we think of them as a nation at PEACE.

In Jesus time, PEACE meant something much different than the absence of conflict. In the New Testament PEACE had two basic understandings:

Perfect well-being
Perfect relationships

Perfect Well-Being: This included health of spirit, soul and body. Everything that contributed to one’s personal good.

Perfect Relationships: This included intimacy, honesty, fellowship and good-will. Everything that contributed to one’s social good.

PEACE is found 88 times in the New Testament and there is no book in the New Testament that does not mention PEACE. The Apostle Paul begins every epistle he wrote with a prayer for PEACE and concludes almost every epistle with a prayer for PEACE as well.

Remember Jesus words in John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

I’ve heard John 14:27 referred to as Jesus’ last will and testament. Jesus had no worldly goods to leave, but he left us PEACE! Just like someone who has a winning lottery ticket in their hand, it does them no good until they claim what is theirs, many Christians today have never claimed the PEACE that Jesus has given them. So here is the big question for today:

What are you doing today, to receive or ‘claim’ the PEACE that Jesus gave to you as one of his followers?

Care to comment?

Peace On Earth - 1

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:52:03 CDT

This Sunday, at VALLEY I’m starting a new message series for the Christmas season, “He Will Be Called”. I love the Christmas season because people’s hearts are more open to God at this time of the year than any other. A Sunday Christmas series offers a relevant connection to everything that is going on in the lives of church attenders Monday through Saturday during the holiday.

As with every message series, I’ve tried to immerse myself in all of the applicable Scripture for the messages I’m preparing. While I’ve been studying and meditating on the primary text for the series (Isaiah 9:6), I’ve found some incredible truths about PEACE that I’d like to begin sharing here on GWM.

I was listening to MercyMe’s Christmas CD while getting ready for work one morning and the lyrics to the song, “I Heard the Bells” captured my attention regarding peace:

I Heard the Bells - MercyMe

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And thought how as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
I can hear them
I can hear them
I can hear them

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on Earth” I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men

I can hear You
I can hear You
I can hear You

I could still hear You
The World can hear You

Maybe, like the writer of the song, we fail to recognize the PEACE that God has brought to us through Christ? Perhaps the problem of ‘no peace on Earth’ is our doing as God has provided everything we need to have, “peace on Earth and good will to men” today?

Check back here throughout the month as we explore some of the 250 verses in the Bible regarding PEACE and incredible promises God has given to us. We may just discover PEACE is not what we think it is and it is so much more.

The Power of Communion

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:11:01 CDT

Yesterday, in our church gatherings at VALLEY Christian Church, we celebrated communion. It's always seems to blow me away after we come together as a church family to do as Christ commanded us and to remember his death. Yesterday seemed to be especially meaningful given the timing. Communion is the ultimate Thanksgiving feast for a follower of Christ.

It's interesting that Jesus never commanded us to celebrate his birth (Christmas), but he did command us to celebrate his death (communion) and resurrection (baptism) in these two sacraments of the church. The word sacrament comes from Latin and literally means 'pledge of allegiance'. No wonder that the Scripture instructs us, "As often as you do this". As Christ's followers, we are to regularly declare our allegiance to him above all else. Certainly there are many ways to do this, but it seems communion is one of the primary ways through which he instructed us to do so.

At VALLEY, we have chosen to celebrate communion 4x a year. We do this rather than every week or monthly as some churches do because we desperately want this remembrance of Christ's death to always be fresh and full of meaning and not become a stale rote ritual. We build our entire gathering around coming to the Lord's Table to share; from the worship songs selected, to the message given and finally to the sharing of the bread and the cup. The result is a life impacting experience that releases the full power of these great symbols in the life of a believer.

All day today, my mind has been returning over and over again to what I personally, as well as our congregation experienced yesterday through communion and my heart is full. If you're a church leader, I encourage you to seek God for creative ways to focus those who you lead on the powerful sacrament of The Lord's Supper. You'll be glad you did!

Creativity Quenchers - 6

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:16:26 CDT

Consumerism

The church in America today is consumed with consumerism (not to be repetitively redundant). When ministry places the most emphasis on ‘product’ rather then on spiritual development and discipleship, we have surely gotten our ‘eye off the ball’. Jesus gave his disciples clear instruction as to what they were to do in response to his life, death and resurrection:

Matthew 28:18-20
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The disciples in turn, did not interpret Jesus’ words to mean meander through the countryside and hope and pray that discipleship will just happen. No. They set out on a course that Christ had shown them and invited others to join with them in that process (discipleship) that Jesus had begun. Consumerism stands in stark contrast to this Biblical journey.

Consumerism places the emphasis on what people, clients or customers (or in the case of the church, members) want to see in church programming and activities with leadership trying to meet those expectations. It turns Biblical leadership top-side-down with the sheep leading the shepherds. Of course, each of these creativity quenchers (covered in this series of posts) seldom appear alone, but in tandem with each other. Therefore, a leader who is motivated by jealousy will also cater to consumerism in an attempt to compete with other churches for existing Christians rather than seeking God for specific direction and vision for reaching the unchurched in their community.

At this point, I’d like to recommend a book that I read a number of years ago that helped some of these thoughts to crystallize for me. Breaking the Missional Code is a must read for any Christian leader who takes seriously the call of Christ to reach the unchurched. While the thoughts I have shared in this series of post are original to me, Ed Stetzer does a much better job of communicating the need and necessity of following Christ commandments on this point. Jesus did not give the church options on this subject, but rather commandments to follow. In short, Consumerism compromises a church’s faithfulness to Christ’s commandments.

Questions to Consider:

As a leader, do you find yourself listening more to what the ‘sheep’ suggest than to what Christ has commanded?
When was the last time you said “no” to the suggestion of an influential member of your congregation after spending time praying about it?
In what ways do you see ‘creativity quenchers’ working in tandem in you as a leader?

Cathedrals vs. Contemporary Churches

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:03:21 CDT

LifeWay Research recently released a new study revealing unchurched people prefer cathedral architecture to contemporary church design:

"People who don’t go to church may be turned off by a recent trend toward more utilitarian church buildings. By a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option, unchurched Americans prefer churches that look more like a medieval cathedral than what most think of as a more contemporary church building.

The findings come from a recent survey conducted by LifeWay Research for the Cornerstone Knowledge Network (CKN), a group of church-focused facilities development firms. The online survey included 1,684 unchurched adults – defined as those who had not attended a church, mosque or synagogue in the past six months except for religious holidays or special events."

Could it be, that once again, the church is trying to reach the reached rather than the unreached in our communities? If you'd like to read the rest of this insightful article check it out here.

Creativity Quenchers - 5

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:44:20 CDT

Spiritual Laziness

When it comes to the issue of spiritual laziness as a creativity quencher, I love the analogy Eddie Gibbs gives in his book Leadership Next:

“The Church needs navigators tuned to the voice of God, not map-readers. Navigational skills have to be learned on the high seas and in the midst of varying conditions produced by the wind, waves, currents, fogbanks, darkness, storm clouds and perilous rocks.” (pg. 66).

I agree. The church today doesn’t need anymore map-readers, but rather navigators who can sail the high seas and forge a new way through every imaginable kind of conditions and produce REAL Kingdom stuff!

Gibbs graciously uses the term, "map-readers" when really it is nothing more than spiritual laziness. It costs a leader something to seek God, trust that he is hearing from him, then step out and take the risk knowing full well that they will personally have to pay the consequences if they are wrong. It is much easier to follow someone else's creativity and who has personally paid the price for a creative God-given vision and has the scars to prove it. Map-readers love certainty and comfort and are too fearful they will lose something so they try to limit the consequences of creativity by capitalizing on someone else's who has already paid the price.

Jesus talked about the difference between a scribe and someone who has been trained for the Kingdom of heaven:

And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." Matthew 13:52

A scribe is someone who copies another person’s creativity and inspiration. Someone who is, ‘trained for the kingdom of heaven” draws out of what God has given to them and what has already been done to create something never been seen before. Their ministry will be marked by innovation and kingdom effectiveness. Today we have too many ‘play it safe’ scribes and not enough leaders, ‘trained for the kingdom of heaven’ navigators.

Question to Consider:

1. What was the last truly original and creative thought you received from God for ministry?

2. Do you find yourself playing the 'map-reader' scribe more than the trained for the kingdom 'navigator'?

3. As a leaders, what keeps you from taking a kingdom risk that no one has taken before?

Oh How The Years Go By . . .

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:59:20 CDT

Today marks 21 years since Susie and I had our first date. Without question, Susie has been the greatest gift God has given to me in my life and since November 20, 1987, I've had no regrets. Martin Luther once said, “There is no more lovely, friendly, or charming relationship, communion, or company, than a good marriage.” After 18 years of marriage I agree with Marty.

Most mornings, when I wake up, I try to think of a soundtrack for the day that will capture what the plans or activities will hold for me and my family. This morning, I woke up with an old song by Amy Grant in my mind. It is my soundtrack for the day as I remember that first date and so many times of my life since shared with Susie.

I LOVE YOU SUSIE!

Oh How The Years Go By – Amy Grant

In our times of trouble
We only had ourselves
Nobody else
No one there to save us
We had to save ourselves
And when the storms came through
They found me and you
Back to back together
And when the sun would shine
It was yours and mine
Yours and mine forever

Chorus:
And oh how the years go by
And oh how the love brings tears to my eyes
All through the changes the soul never dies
We fight, we laugh, we cry
As the years go by

There were times we stumbled
They thought they had us down
But we came around
How we rolled and rambled
We got lost and we got found
Now were back on solid ground
We took everything
All our times would bring
In this world of dangers cause when your heart is strong
You know youre not alone
In this world of strangers

(repeat chorus)
And if we lose our way
Any night or day
Well well always be
Where we should be
Im there for you
And I know you're there for me

(repeat chorus twice)
As the years go by

Creativity Quenchers - 4

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:02:19 CDT

Although competition is part of the American way, it has very little place in the Kingdom of God. Over and over again throughout the pages of Scripture followers of Christ are reminded to recognize that we are all in this together. Look at some familiar passages of Scripture:

21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1 Corinthians 12:21-26

20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23

Sadly, many pastors and church leaders don’t want anything to do with pursuing unity in the Body of Christ or fulfilling Christ prayer that we would truly be one! I know many Christians who believe they are actually doing the work of God by tearing down other churches, criticizing other leaders and refusing to fellowship with other Christians unless they believe all of the same doctrinal positions. All of this is scandalous and shocking from a Biblical perspective. These mindsets rear their ugly heads when church splits and splinter groups are spun as ‘church plants’ recruiting Christians from existing churches rather than seeking the unchurched in a given area.

Over the summer, Ed Young, pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine Texas, did a great job in summing up this ‘competitive’ spirit so pervasive is so many churches as he addressed the staff of his church. He termed these type of people, “Church Pirates” Check out Ed’s remarks here.

Questions to Consider:

1. Have you ever witnessed ‘church pirating’ first hand? How much did it look like and sound like what Ed Young described?

2. Why do you think unity in the Body of Christ is easier at a national level rather than a local level?

3. Do you consistently meet with other churches and pastors to promote unity in the Body of Christ and take a stand when you see disunity and division when you encounter it?

In My Head & On My iPod

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:07:17 CDT

Today is a day off for me and I've had the lyrics of a U2 song going through my mind all day. It's a song that I think sums up how many unchurched people perceive the fake plasticity of so many Christians. Here are the words below. They are great food for thought:

When I Look At The World - U2

When you look at the world
What is it that you see
People find all kinds of things
That bring them to their knees

I see an expression
So clear and so true
That changes the atmosphere
When you walk to the room

So I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you its no use
I cant see what you see
When I look at the world

When the night is someone elses
And youre trying to get some sleep
When your thoughts are too expensive
To ever want to keep

When theres all kinds of chaos
And everyone is walking lame
You dont even blink now do you
Dont even look away

So I try to be like you
Try to feel it like you do
But without you its no use
I cant see what you see
When I look at the world

I cant wait any longer
I cant wait til Im stronger
Cant wait any longer
To see what you see
When I look at the world

Im in the waiting room
I cant see for the smoke
I think of you and your holy book
When the rest of us choke

Tell me tell me
What do you see
Tell me tell me
Whats wrong with me

Creativity Quencher - 3

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:57:15 CDT

Jealousy

Although God has revealed to us that one of his names is Jealous (Exodus 34:14), when it comes to leadership in the church, jealousy of how God is using other churches is clearly wrong and jealousy in the life of a Christian much less a leader is not something God approves of (Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:19-21). “Why isn’t our church growing like church ABC” or “If we only did what church ABC did, I know our church would be bigger”. These are statements I’ve heard church leaders make in the privacy of their offices as I have been called upon as a church consultant in and outside of churches in America over the last couple of years. This focus on ‘product’ rather than on the process that God has brought a specific congregation through, is the ugly reality of consumerism in the church and its pastors (as we’ll take a look at in future posts). The motivation in these cases is rarely Kingdom growth (although that is how it’s often framed), but rather personal glory. Again, the leader of a congregation must realize that the answers to plan, purpose and destiny of their local church for which they are responsible can only be answered through prayer and seeking direction from God himself.

In the consulting situations I’ve been invited into when these type of comments are made, I’ve tried to help direct the pastor or church leader to consider that what is motivating them to ask their questions (jealousy) may just be the very thing that is standing in the way of them discovering the truly unique DNA of their church and pursuing it. I am convinced that wrong motivation in the heart of a leader is often the biggest ‘cork in the bottle’ to the growth and effectiveness of the churches they lead.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 gives clear understanding to the Kingdom reality that people (and church leaders and pastors) have capacities to handle what God has entrusted into their care (or to mismanage what they are responsible for). Are all pastors meant to lead mega-churches (over 2,000 in weekly attendance)? Or to be great Christian authors? Or to lead and oversee networks of churches? Or for that matter to even be the lead pastor of a church of 120? It seems the answer to each of these questions is , “NO”, nevertheless these issues are rarely ever considered in open hearted honesty before God. Couple Matthew 25 with the analogy of the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and the Scripture puts forth the understanding that there are different roles, responsibilities, capacities and sizes of the parts of the Body of Christ.

Questions to Consider:

If you are a Sr. Pastor or Lead Pastor of a church, do you genuinely rejoice when another church in your local or community grows and has a greater impact in your community or do you find yourself pre-occupied with the need to point out what they could be doing better?
How long has it been since you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit of an attitude in the heart (like jealousy) that no one else knew was in you?
How well do you do in following the warning of Proverbs 4:23 when things are not going well in the church you lead while other churches seem to be doing well?

Creativity Quenchers -2 (Follow-up)

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:28:14 CDT

I came across an excellent blog post this morning dealing with some of the same points I raised in my last post, 'Lack of Leadership'. The post is from NextReformation. Check out the post 'space between' here.

Creativity Quenchers -2

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:22:13 CDT

Lack of Leadership

Fundamental in any understanding of leadership in the church is the fact that the leader has a sense of where the church is or should be going and leads the congregation in that direction. This comes from prayerfully seeking God’s direction and then communicating this direction and vision to the rest of the congregation. When a leader copies ideas from another church, the unique purpose and call on that specific congregation is compromised. Just as no two people are alike, no two churches are alike either from God’s perspective.

I have long held to the conviction that church architecture, design and décor say much about the ministry of a church. At VALLEY Christian Church, it was only after years of transition in ministry and understanding the distinct DNA that God had given to VALLEY that we began to renovate our facilities to match the ministry taking place inside and outside the walls of our building. Philosophy of ministry changes motivated change in facility, website even our church’s name. As the old saying goes, “Don’t put the cart before the horse”.

Much of the church world is still infected with an ‘attractional’ mindset that says people will be drawn to Jesus when they are drawn to our building or “if you build it (or renovate it), they will come”. Although this worked well in the case of a farmer in a cornfield in Iowa (the movie, Field of Dreams), it rarely works in reaching our culture today. The Scripture always sets forth and ‘incarnational’ approach to ministry, that is living the life of Christ before others and they will be drawn to the light they see in us (see Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 3:15).

Many “leaders” in the church today settle for second hand creativity which is easy to copy but over the long haul leads to spiritual schytsophrenia; a church not knowing who they are or will be from week to week, month to month or year to year.

Questions to Consider:

What unique and specific calling has God given to your congregation?
Are you as a leader, modeling and inspiring those around you to live up to what God has called them to be as a congregation?
How can you express these distinctives in your; architecture, design, décor, website, name and even church gatherings?

Creativity Quenchers 1

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:20:13 CDT

Recently, we had an event in our church facility and a number of people from other churches were in attendance. I noticed one of the ladies present was walking around taking pictures not of the people or the activities going on, but of the walls and empty classrooms. When I asked her if I could help her out she told me her church was doing some renovating of their facility and they like our church, so she was taking pictures so they could copy us. Over the years we’ve had similar situations happen to us before. The thing that shocked me this time was that their church is less than 8 miles away from us!

I have long believed that God has a unique and specific purpose for each church he has every birthed since the original church in Acts. Each church has its own DNA and ultimately finds lasting Kingdom fruitfulness when it discovers its unique God given purpose and pursues it. The Creator of the universe is the father of all creativity. His desire is that we would seek him and his creativity for our local church would be unleashed. God gives other churches creative ideas that can be ‘tailored’ to our local church as well, but when we ‘copy’ what another church is doing something is terribly short-circuited in the Kingdom of God and in our community (see Tailoring Internet Ministry 10/29 post below).

The answer to why churches copy other churches and ministries has been a puzzling one to me. Below are a few possible explanations:

1. Lack of leadership
2. Jealousy
3. Competition
4. Spiritual laziness
5. Consumerism
6. Fear

Over the next few post, I’ll be exploring each of these short-cuts and the negative result of each for the Kingdom of God.

Missional Leadership Development

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:15:54 CDT

I read a blog post today that's been going through my mind over and over again ever since. I found myself evaluating my own leadership based on the five themes listed below so, I thought I would share it with you as well. If you'd like to read the blog for yourself you can find it here.

Dr. James Choung is teaching a Bethel Seminary course this fall in San Diego on Missional Leadership Development. He introduces five themes needed for a missional leadership developer:

Theological thinker. They have the theological foundations — including their understanding of the gospel — to undergird a missional outlook in their ministries. They know that their ministries are not merely for those who are within local church structures, but beyond its walls into their surrounding communities and out into the world. They have a missional outlook.

Leadership developer. They have the skills to identify potential leaders in rising generations, and have the skills to invite them to grow in their leadership and impact to develop them into their full potential. They have a developmental outlook.

Cultural architect. They are able to identify prevailing themes in the overarching culture — and for the subcultures of rising generations — and speak relevantly and effectively into each of these cultures. They are able to describe the prevailing culture in any organization they lead, and have the skills to shape the culture to be ready for Kingdom ends. They have a communal outlook.

Spiritual mentor. They understand the necessity of spiritual formation in the development of their character and skills as well as their own leadership development. They know how to continue to develop others without ignoring their health and vitality of their entire beings. They have a transformational outlook.

Relevant communicator. They have the skills to communicate relevantly and effectively to rising generations, knowing how to speak and find other ways to connect in our over-stimulated world. They have a relevant outlook.

These themes are extremely helpful in raising missional leaders for the 21st Century. How are they expressed in your process of leadership development?

A Great Season for JJHS!

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:04:49 CDT

Last night, the John Jay High School football team completed its season with a 33-6 Bowl Game win over Ramapo High School. The win was a great end to an awesome, history making year. The Patriots ended the season 9-1 with another League Championship and ranked #18 in New York State! The 9-1 finish is the best in the 40 year history of the JJHS.

It is an incredible blessing for me to be able to coach these exceptional young men, many of whom have played for me since their freshman and sophomore years. Thanks to all the VALLEY family who have shown their support to the Patriots through the team dinner, attending so many games and helping me personally during the three hectic months of the season. Although the season just ended, I find myself looking forward to next year already. Go John Jay PATRIOTS!

Tailoring Internet Ministry

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:58:28 CDT

I came across a great post on a blog I frequent (Church Relevance) about Internet Ministry. I thought it was well worth the read. If you'd like to check out the post yourself, just click on the link above.

Ministry is exciting. I am excited and passionate about my own calling. And I get excited about other’s success stories as they pursue their own callings.

Yet with all of the excitement, I must be careful that my feelings do not make me think that what works for another ministry will automatically work for my ministry.

Just because someone else’s calling is exciting, does not mean that I should make their calling my calling.

I think we all can agree with that statement.

But unfortunately, this copying mindset often plagues ministries. I see too many churches and too many ministries pursuing the exciting, the successful, the cool, the hyped, the trendy, and any other shiny thing that catches their eye rather than pursuing something that is more aligned with their calling.

Copying is not a cure-all solution. Copying makes people say,

If we could just be like…

If our website was just like…

If our marketing was just like…

UNIQUE CALLINGS

Although there may be ministries similar to yours, keep in mind that there is no ministry that is an exact copy of your ministry. No other ministry has the same calling as your ministry. Your calling is a unique formula of your passions, gifts, values, abilities, timing, place, and people you will reach.

As 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 explains, we each have our own unique mission, our own unique role to play in the Body of Christ.

Imagine if your foot started doing the hand’s job. In the big picture, the master plan would fail because each part of the body has a specific function.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10

It does not say use someone else’s gift. It says use your gift.

3 REASONS NOT TO COPY

Copying limits you from reaching your full potential.
If you are copying, your methods are not customized to your ministry’s unique context, and consequently, you will fall short of your full potential.
Copying can misguide you to someone else’s mission.
Whether copying a church or a corporation, copying will likely give you the results for their mission. Copying something that you do not understand the reasoning behind is dangerous because you make be achieving the opposite of what you hope to achieve.
It may no longer work.
(1) It may be oversaturated. If everybody is doing it, people have probably become desensitized to it. Oversaturated methods are just clutter and noise.
(2) It may be obsolete. Because intersecting cultures create innovation which creates communication breakthroughs which creates more cultures and speeds up the evolution of cultures, what used to work may no longer work because it could be obsolete.

COPYING VS. TAILORING

Inspiration is good. But it is what you do with inspiration that matters.

You can copy what inspires you.
You can tailor what inspires you.

Some things can not be tailored. You need to understand the science behind things in order to know if it can be tailored to your ministry.

8 STEPS FOR TAILORING YOUR MINISTRY

Write your mission down.
Review your mission.
Study who God has called you to reach. (science of culture)
Determine the best ways to reach them. (science of methods)
Do it.
Reevaluate.
Tweak.
Repeat.

Chapter 5 - Worship (Part 1)

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:35:22 CDT

These are selcted notes from the excellent book, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church by Elmer Towns and Ed Stetzer. Chapter 5 on the topic of worship is so good, I've chosen to review it in two posts to do justice to the authors thoughts and commentary.

What worship magnifies God and what worship does not?

Worship is the face-to-face encounter with the living God, based on a regeneration experience, prompted by the Holy Spirit, and resulting in the exhortation of God’s glory. The word worshipcomes from the old English term “worthship”.

Simply speaking, worship is giving the worth to God that He deserves because He is the Supreme Deity. Since worship is giving all of our praise to God with all of our hearts, worship is an intense emotional, intellectual, and volitional response to the majesty of God.

Worship is not optional to a believer, nor is it simply a good discipline for a Christian to grow in grace. Worship is mandatory, because “the Father seeks” true worshippers to worship Him (John 4:23). Jesus noted that such worshippers will “worship the Father is spirit and in truth”.

Worship involves and intellectual process, but it is more than just knowledge of God where people “worship [Him] in truth.” Worship also stirs the emotions; yet it is more than passion or sensual expression. Worship comes from a person’s choice, in which the individual surrenders his will to God; but it is more than a decision. True worship is moved by biblical facts to recreate the fundamental human experience of praise, adoration, and exultation of God. It is when the human cries out, “you are worthy” (Revelation 4:11).

The measure of true worship is not about what worshippers do, because worship is measured by God’s reception of the worshipper. If God does not come to receive a person’s worship, then it is a sterile act.

Early church father Ignatius of Antioch in defining worship said, “Come together to give thanks to God, and to show forth His praise. But when ye come frequently together in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and his ‘fiery darts’ urging to sin, fall back ineffectual. For your concord and harmonious faith prove his destruction, and the torment of his assassins.”

Culture seems to be influencing the church more than the church is influencing the culture in which it is located. It’s not one single factor that is influencing the church, but rather the whole thrust of society – the thrust of consumerism – is pushing the church into a different relationship with its worshippers/customers.

Most churches have no real basis for choosing what takes place in worship. Their only thoughts are, “Will it attract people?” In other words, what will the consumer think?

Most American churches are no longer filled with doctrinal options, but with a variety of worship options. Americans go where they feel comfortable with a particular style of worship, because it reflects their inclination and temperament. Most Americans never ask when they leave a church, “What did God get out of this?” but rather they ask, “What did I get out of it?” And if they get nothing out of the service, they don’t come back to that service; they go where they get their worship appetites satisfied.

The authors then identify six styles of worship recognized within the Protestant church and then set out to answer the question, “What makes worship Christian?”

(more in next post)

Chapter 4 - Church

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:29:17 CDT

These are selcted notes from the excellent book, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church by Elmer Towns and Ed Stetzer.

What functions must be present for a church to be an authentic New Testament church?

In Chapter 4 the authors begin with Jesus words in Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission to explain the purpose of any church is to “make disciples”. From Jesus words, four basic assumptions can be drawn:

The word, “nations” means we must get the gospel into each ethnic group of people so that these people can become followers of Jesus Christ.

Since discipling is an ongoing challenge, we must get the message of Jesus Christ into the thinking, values and life of each different ethnic group of people throughout the globe and throughout the ages.

Effective evangelism implies evangelizing people as a community and baptizing them into a community, not just winning them as isolated individuals.

This challenge certainly includes evangelizing the postmoderns cross-culturally, for they represent a different ‘nation’ from previous generations. Once they are won to Christ, they are baptized according to a Trinitarian formula and then taught everything that Jesus passed on to his disciples.

Stetzer and Towns then set out to clearly articulate elements of a church.

“A church may be defined as: an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ [baptism and the Lord’s Supper], governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth”

The Biblical understanding of true churches and false churches is discussed with special emphasis being given to the fact that “…each local church maintains certain Biblical practices and functions” and “true churches present (preach) the Word of God”. At this point, the Biblical commandment to ‘preach’ the Word in Matthew 10:7, Mark 16:15, 1 Timothy 6:2, and 2 Timothy 4:2 are referenced as a another element that is distinguishes a church from a Bible study, ministry, para-church organization or other Christian gathering.

“A church must also be served by two types of leaders: pastors (elders) and deacons…God has called each local church to have pastors and deacons. The pastor is to lead the church as Christ’s representative and as an example of godly character (1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28). Deacons are called to be servants of the church so that the pastor(s) can give maximum time and energy to ministry (Acts 6:2-4). A true Biblical church of any size should have leaders functioning in these capacities.”

In the last section of Chapter 4, the authors answer the question, “When is a church not a church” with the following, “Things such as preaching, and observing the Lord’s Supper and baptism are not simply optional functions in a church. They are marks of a true church”.

Friday Night Lights

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:48:15 CDT

I am so proud to be a coach of the John Jay High School Varsity Football Team and so proud of our players! Last night, we captured our second straight League Championship and remain the only unbeaten AA team in Section 1. The game against Mahopac High School was huge with two 5-0 teams meeting head-to-head. Take a look at the articles from the game in the Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News.

Last week, JJHS was ranked #12 in the NY State poll and should go up even higher this week. What a great week for VALLEY Christian Church to host the whole team and coaching staff for our anual team dinner at the church!

Go PATRIOTS!!!!

Chapter 3 - Boundaries of Practice

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:42:22 CDT

These are selcted notes from the book, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church.

What is the perimeter between true evangelism and non-biblical evangelism?

Chapter 3 includes a great section on, “The Hughes Scale and Cultural Compromise”. Robert Hughes is professor of missions at Clear Creek Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky. The Hughes scale (difficult to reproduce here on this blog post) shows the goal of a ‘missional church’ to be committed to cultural relevance and to Biblical authority. Many Christians cannot distinguish between a Biblically sound but culturally relevant church and one that is compromised by culture. The Hughes scale help to make this distinction. Towns and Stetzer then go on to make the case for ‘the importance of proper practice’. “The Bible commands certain practices, cautions others and condemns some. Everyone would agree that at some point, too far is too far.” It’s funny how it’s always someone else who has gone too far and never us.

These issues are brought to bear on innovative practices of evangelism in emerging churches.

Innovation is good because the unchanging gospel is reintroduced in a new culture.

2. Some innovation causes the gospel to be compromised.

(The spectrum below cited in chapter 3 helps to illustrate this point)

Dead Too Traditional Just Right Too Contemporary Worldly
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance

We have an obligation to evaluate our own practices in light of Scripture.

The authors conclude Chapter 3 with a discussion of the ‘indigenous church’ citing three characteristics of an indigenous church in any culture at anytime in history. An Indigenous Church should be:

Self-Supporting
Self-Governing
Self-Propagating

It is curious how many new churches today stumble in one or more of these qualities of an indigenous church.

Chapter 2 - The Difference in Meanings and Forms

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:14:22 CDT

These are selcted notes from the book, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church.

How and why are many decisions in Christian ministry based on preference and culture instead of Biblical truth?

In this chapter the authors discuss ‘how’ to commandments of Scripture are applied from place to place, culture to culture, and generation to generation. Often times, there is an overemphasis on form in churches which causes meaning to be lost. This must be avoided. At the same time, there are many clear models of form in Scripture that should be adhered to. Church leaders must make ‘right choices’. Towns and Stetzer layout clear steps for leaders to process choices to arrive at ‘right’ Biblical conclusions rather than personal preferences. Some of these thoughts to help leaders process decisions are understanding:

God Looks At Motives

God Cares About His Glory

Avoiding Risks (That Dangerously Approach Biblical Prohibitions)

The authors conclude Chapter 2 by stating, “Our task is to find the balance between using some elements of the culture without being co-opted by the culture. We need to redeem certain cultural elements and discard others”.

Chapter 1 - What Makes Something Christian?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:38:14 CDT

These are selcted notes from the book, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church.

Chapter 1 begins by asking the question, "When does a Christian leave the edge of light and enter into the world of darkness?

This is a concept that is deeply rooted in Scripture and yet many Christians don’t ever consider the warnings God gives us to caution us of this danger. Towns and Stetzer point out the contrasts that Scripture makes between:

-Authentic Churches and Churches in word only (Matthew 16:18, Revelation 2:12-29)

-True worship and False worship (John 4:20-24, Colossians 2:16-23)

-Music that points to God and music that does not (2 Chronicles 5:11-14, Isaiah 14:11-15)

-Biblical evangelism and human evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 7:26-27)

-Giving a religious speech and preaching are not the same thing (2 Timothy 4:2).

The authors highlight the continual struggle the church has always had to remain pure (even from its inception). 2 Peter 2:1-2, 1 Timothy 4:1

One of the best quotes in Chapter 1 deals with how the current mindset some Christians bring to the Scripture asking “What does this verse or passage say to you” actually causes Christians to fall into the error of devaluing Scripture:

“The idea that the Bible can mean anything based on the response of the reader actually devalues the Word of God and destroys Christian unity. If the Bible can mean anything then it really means nothing. Instead, the authors of Scripture had specific truths in mind when they wrote the Scripture text. They are either rightfully interpreted correctly, or they are wrongfully interpreted incorrectly. Some Christians are right and some are wrong.”

On page 28, there is a great chart illustrating the ‘Edge of Truth’. It succinctly charts how a person (or group) may slide toward the edge of truth and actually leave Christian truth when they are not vigilant and diligent to follow Biblical standards and orthodox doctrine.

The authors then move into treating the challenge of remaining Biblically faithful and expressing the Gospel in context. One additional quote serves to sum up the authors conclusions in Chapter 1:

“Contextualization is a delicate enterprise if ever there was one. . . the evangelist and mission strategist stand on the razor’s edge, aware (emphasis mine) that to fall off on either side has terrible consequences . . . Fall to the right and you end in obscurantism, so attached to your conventional ways of practicing and teaching the faith that you veil its truth and power from those who are trying to see it through very different eyes. Slip to the left and you tumble into syncreticism, so venerable to the impact of paganism in its multiplicity of forms that you compromise the uniqueness of Christ and concoct “another gospel which is not a gospel”.

Chapter 2 “The Difference Between Meanings and Forms”. It asks the question, “How and why are many decisions in Christian ministry based on preference and culture instead of Biblical truth?”

Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:57:40 CDT

Because I have a vested interest in the Emerging Church, I try to read everything I can about it. I’m currently rereading a great book that came out in 2004 entitled, “Perimeters of Light, Biblical Boundaries for the Emerging Church”. It’s written by Elmer Towns and Ed Stetzer (one of my favorite authors). Towns and Stetzer do a great job pointing out some of the soft shoulders of Biblical truth that segments of the emerging church are riding on, as they seek to be more provocative than Biblically principled.

As I am reading Perimeters of Light for a second time, it is really interesting to see how some of the things I highlighted four years ago don’t seem to be that important to me anymore, while other things I passed over a few years ago seem to ‘jump off the page’ today. I’m going to start a series of posts (kind of like Cliff Notes) on the book for those of you who are too busy to take the time to read it yourself (although I’d highly recommend you take the time to read the book). I don’t want this post to get too long so check back soon for an overview of Chapter 1, “What Makes Something Christian? When does a Christian leave the edge of light and enter the world of darkness?” In the meantime, why not carve out some time and order the book for yourself?

It

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:57:42 CDT

A friend of mine emailed this quote to me from Craig Groeschel's new book, "It". I haven't had a chance to read "It" yet, but "It" is on my reading list. I hope that "It" gets you thinking about how God has uniquely gifted you to accomplish just what he wants you to do.

"IT doesn't follow a particular model. You can't copy IT. You can't ignite IT within your ministry or within yourself just by reading a book. Perhaps with a comprehensive list, some careful planning, and enough time and resources you could fake IT. But people would be able to tell. IT is real. IT is genuine. Like it or not, IT is not the result of external factors."

I am convinced that much of the stress and sometimes pain that leaders in the church experience is self-inflicted due to the fact that they are trying to be someone they are not and trying to accomplish something God has not directed them to. If only every Christian leader could discover what "It" is that God has for them, I believe our world would be a different place.

Think About It...

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:28:26 CDT

I've been working on my message for this Sunday in a series we're currently doing at VALLEY Christian Church called UNSTOPPABLE. The title of the message for this week is, "UNSTOPPABLE Idiots". Last week, while driving to football practice I was listening to sports 'talk radio' and heard a quote that I can't get out of my mind. I'll be using it in the message this week, so I thought I'd give all of you a sneak preview. Here it is:

"Never get into an argument with an idiot. They'll only drag you down to their level then beat you with experience."

I've been chuckling about how true this statement is for over a week now and also how much wisdom is contained in it. This is quickly becoming a favorite leadership quote for me. Too many times over the years I've found myself in these type of conversations. I'm sure you'd never do something so foolish, but I thought the quote was worth sharing anyway.

Give the quote some thought and then feel free to share your thoughts or maybe even one of your favorite leadership quotes.

Remembering 9/11

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:22:45 CDT

Today is the anniversary of a day that changed our country forever. it's fitting that we pause and remember not only the terror of that day, but the heroic actions of so many. With this in mind, I always make sure to listen to Bruce Springsteen's CD 'The Rising'. Springsteen wrote all of the songs within days of 9/11 and they capture the gambit of emotions and experiences of that fateful day.
Here are the lyrics to one of those songs, "Into the Fire". It tells the story of the heroics of so many firemen that day that responded to the call at the World Trade Center.

Into the Fire

The sky was falling and streaked with blood
I heard you calling me then you disappeared into the dust
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

You gave your love to see in fields of red and autumn brown
You gave your love to me and lay your young body down
Up the stairs, into the fire
Up the stairs, into the fire
I need you near but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

It was dark, too dark to see, you held me in the light you gave
You lay your hand on me
Then walked into the darkness of your smoky grave
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire
I need your kiss, but love and duty called you someplace higher
Somewhere up the stairs into the fire

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love

May your love give us love

To all of those who sacrificed so much that day; thank-you. And to all of those who lost so much that day; we will always remember.

Clearing Up 'Emerging' Confusion

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:16:57 CDT

Sunday night, our theology study group had a great discussion about the diverse (and sometimes dangerous) perspectives in emerging church circles. On Monday, a friend sent me a video clip that really clears up a lot of the confusion and bad information about the different 'lanes' in the emerging church.

Mark Driscoll (who is really becoming a hero of mine) clarifies the differences in these four lanes. Mark is the founder of Mars Hill Churchand one of the men God used to really mold and shape the emerging church movement. It is the clearest explanation I have heard of to date (having taught on the Emerging Church for the last five years). Driscoll breaks the emerging church down as follows:

1) Emerging Evangelicals

2) Emerging House Churches

3) Emerging Reformers

4) Emergent Liberals

If I had to put Valley Christian Church in one of these lanes it would fit in the 'Emerging Reformers'lane. All of this is quite helpful, as some of the leaders in our church were recently told by a well-intentioned but confused person that Valley could not be considered an 'emerging church' because we emphasize the importance of studying Systematic Theology in our leadership training. What in the world?!?!

Because I believe it is so important to really understand what's going on in the church today, I've pasted the clip on the homepage of GWM. You can view it here.

Michael Phelps INCREDIBLE!

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:45:45 CDT

Things are buzzing about the Olympics right now and in the center of it all is, of course, Michael Phelps. Tonight Phelps will go for his record 8th gold medal. INCREDIBLE!

Every night I've been glued to the TV watching this amazing run that Phelps is making, I find myself thinking of what it takes to accomplish what he has. So many times when we watch someone enjoy success we make the mistake minimizing the price they had to pay to make something so difficult look so easy. This is often the case with spiritual leadership too.

Here are a few ideas about what it takes to be an Olympic Champion like Phelps and a Spiritual Champion (leader) for Christ:

1. INCREDIBLE Passion

2. INCREDIBLE Discipline

3. INCREDIBLE Focus

4. INCREDIBLE Persistence

5. INCREDIBLE Suffering

What would you add to the list? I'd love to hear.

Young Christian Leaders & Wayne Grudem

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:48:49 CDT

Mark Driscoll (founder of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington) recently posted some excerpts from a conversation he had with Wayne Grudem, arguably one of the most influential theologians of our day. Grudem's Bible Doctrines book has been the text for the in-depth Theology Study Group I've been having such a great time leading all summer.

Mark Driscoll asked him which doctrines he would encourage young Christian leaders to devote themselves to studying as they prepare for what potentially lies ahead theologically. Below is Wayne Grudem's answers in short:

1. Scripture —He said that every issue ultimately hinges on one’s view of the inerrancy, authority, and truthfulness of Scripture in every way. He encourages all young Christian leaders to make sure that deep within them is a love for and trust in every word of Scripture as God’s perfect revelation to us.

2. Authority — He said that he sees authority as a pervasive problem in our culture. As we talked, it became clear that what he meant is that people profess to be Christians yet refuse to submit to God’s authority, including Scripture, and people God has ordained to be in loving authority, such as godly parents and pastors.

He summarized his points by saying that he aspires for Christians to believe whatever God says and obey whatever God commands.

How awesome is it to hear the wisdom from mature Christian leaders as they pass it on to the next generation (see also GWM post dated August 1). It seems to me that the biggest issue for young Christian leaders today may simply come to down having the humility to listen to those who have gone before us.

Reasons Unchurched People Choose a Church?

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:03:06 CDT

Here's a pretty interesting study that was recently sited in Thom S. Ranier's book Surprising Insights from the Unchurched:

Top 13 Reasons that Unchurched People Choose a Church
(research conducted by Ranier)

90% - Pastor/Preaching
88% - Doctrines
49% - Friendliness of Members
42% - Other Issues
41% - Someone Church Witnessed to Me
38% - Family Member
37% - Sensed God’s Presence/Atmosphere of Church
25% - Relationship Other than Family Member
25% - Sunday School Class
25% - Children’s/Youth Ministry
12% - Other Groups/Ministries
11% - Worship Style/Music
7% - Location

How do these statistics compare to your own personal experience? I'd be curious to hear from you. :)

Segregated Sundays

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:32:18 CDT

A friend sent me this article from CNN yesterday and I thought it was important to share with you and with VALLEY church family. I believe this issue may very well be THE issue for the church in our lifetime, so much so I recently made this the focus of my ONE PRAYER message, "Make Us Integrated" (you can find the audio here).

We can no longer overlook the issue of race in our churches and fool ourselves into thinking God is pleased with us. This issue affects every expression of the Christian church today in America whether they be mainline, non-denominational, Pentecostals/Charismatics, Emerging, Liturgical, established or church plant.

As you can tell, this is a passion point for me and is one I am willing to (and have already) sacrifice for. God has blessed VALLEY as a truly multi-cultural expression of the Body of Christ. This has not been by accident, but by prayerful and deliberate action based on Biblical convictions. Please take the time to read the article for yourself and listen to the voice of God as you read. Is it possible that God is trying to wake the sleeping church through the power of the press? Listen to Him as he speaks to you on this most pressing issue of our day.

Why Many Americans Prefer Their Sundays Segregated

Young Christian Leaders & J. I. Packer

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:06:39 CDT

Dr. J. I. Packer is modern day theological giant. His works have been the foundational textbooks in evangelical seminaries for decades (mine included). Recently, Mark Driscoll (founder of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington) sat down with Dr. Packer and shared much of their conversation in his blog. Mark asked him, "which theological issues he would commend young Christian leaders to study in order to be prepared for the next fifty years". Dr. Packers answers were thoughful and challenging (as usual). I've pasted his response below. If you'd like to check out Mark Driscoll's blog click here.

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1. Regeneration — He said that the doctrine of regeneration has not been fully appreciated by many who do not understand that to be born again with a new heart and new nature means that we have at our deepest level a new identity and new passionate desires for God’s Word and ways. He commended to all young Christian leaders a thorough study on the doctrine of regeneration.

2. God-Centered Theology — He said that theology today is rife with man-centered thinking so that the glory of God in all things is not the essence of what is taught to be faithfully Christian. The result, he explained, is that even Christians often live their lives for the supreme purpose of their perceived happiness, feelings, and satisfaction. Yet, biblical Christianity differs from the other religions of the world in that the desires and purposes of God override ours; we are not the number one priority, but rather God is.

3. Godliness Begins at Home — This point was both surprising and refreshing. I was expecting only weighty and complicated theological admonition from such a theological giant. However, his wise counsel on this point is well needed. Packer said that most Christians do not take seriously the biblical teaching that true Christian living begins first at home with one’s spouse, children, and grandchildren. Therefore, he implored young Christian leaders to begin their quest for maturity and holiness at home in relationship with their family.

4. Trinity — Packer stated that the fullness of the doctrine of the Trinity is not completely appreciated as it should be. The result, he said, is that some Christians have only a deep understanding of Jesus or the Holy Spirit so that they are guilty of what he called “Jesus-olatry” or “Holy Spirit-olatry” rather than a full love and worshipful appreciation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit.

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After reading J I Packer's responses it really makes me feel great about the investment I've been making this summer in the leaders of Valley Christian Church as we have committed ourselves to a summer (and a lifetime) study of Systematic Theology. WHY? We've done this to avoid many of the pitfalls Dr. Packer is speaking of here.

Voices

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:08:46 CDT

The other day I heard a new country song called, "Voices" by Chris Young. The song tells about all the practical words of wisdom he received from influential people in his life that helped shape him into the man he is today.

It got me thinking about the 'voices' I hear in my mind that have molded me into who I am today too. I thought I'd share one of them with you here:

"Don't wish your life away" -Sharon Williamson (Mom)

Mom was always great at being 100% present wherever she was. She had the ability to make the person she was speaking with feel like the absolute most important person in the world to her at the moment. She lived in the moment and seized the day. So many times we are always looking to the future, "Someday when I...". We make plans and are often stuck gazing to a week, month or even years down the road and fail to see that 'Right now is your tomorrow' (in the words of those great theologians Van Halen).

In James 4:13-15 God tells us:

13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

The reality is years ago many of us were wishing for today and what it would hold for us, but instead of celebrating today, we find ourselves today wishing for tomorrow! I can hear Momma's voice, "Don't wish your life way". My mother lived for 57 years and she was able to cram more life into those years for God's Kingdom than many people who live into their 90's.

The NFL Network currently has a new campaign of commercials running advertising the channel, "Believe in Now". I like that.

What would our lives look like today if we stopped dreaming and imagining tomorrow and did something for the Kingdom of God TODAY?

Thanks Mom!

What are some of the voices you hear in your head? Care to share some wisdom with the rest of us? Come on you silent readers! :)

Reggie McNeal and the Kingdom of God

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:41:56 CDT

WOW! I love Reggie McNeal. Recently, I viewed a video of a message Reggie gave at the Reformed Church of America's, "ONE THING: It's AD 30 All Over Again" conference. He's one of my favorite authors and I try to read everything he writes. Some of my favorites include The Present Future, Get a Life, and Practicing Greatness (this book will tear you up if you are a spiritual leader. I HIGHLY recommend it).

Here are some of the points that really jumped out at me from Reggie's message:

- The King is not waiting on the Church to keep up! The first half of the book of Acts the Church was catching up.

- The King is quite comfortable in the world. Only church people are nervous in the streets!

- The King is on the move!

- The Church counts who's there. The King counts who's missing (parables of the missing coin, missing sheep, missing son).

- The Church uses a different score card than the King. The King asks questions like, 'How many marriages are better in this town today because the church is here?"

-The Church is not the destination, it is the connector. The airport is not the destination, it's the connector to where you want to go. This is the same case with the Church.

These are a few of the 'nuggets' I've been meditating on for the last few weeks. It's so awesome to hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to the Church of America today across every and all denominational lines today!

THE KING IS ON THE MOVE

If you'd like to see Reggie's message yourself you can view it here.

Thanks Reggie!

Missional the new Emergent?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:25:12 CDT

Found this post on one of the blogs I frequent. Alan Hirsch is one of the leading writers on the subject of the missional church and wrote one of my favorite books (The Shaping of Things to Come) that I often quote in the classes I teach. Here, Alan is addressing a concern that I've also held for sometime, the overuse/misuse of terms today in the church by those who really have no idea what they are talking about. It's a long read, but I think it is worthwhile for anyone who has any leadership responsibility in the church today. If you'd like to read more from Alan's blog you can find it here.

Words carry meanings and the blurring of words leads to a blurring in clarity and understanding. Biblical truth in particular is inextricably bound to the right use of words as images are often suspect conveyors of truth in Hebraic worldview (see Ellul, The Humiliation of the Word) . Part of the role of theology is to guard the meaning of words–to maintain truthful speech in the community of faith. In light of this, the word ‘missional’ carries a very distinct, and I would argue irreplaceable, meaning/s. Why I am so fussy about this word is because I believe it carries the full weight of the hope for the church in the West. I wholeheartedly believe that the recovery of the missional idea of God and Church is critical to the survival, let alone the growth, of Christianity in the West. Much is at stake here! The reason for this is that ‘missional‘ is a word that gives us a perspective on the very nature of God. It has direct links to the doctrine of the Missio Dei…the understanding that God is a ’sent one’, a missionary–a redeemer by his very nature). This has profound implications for the Church’s fundamental stance in relation to the world in which we are called to live. Missional church requires that we, following the Missio Dei, are in turn a missionary, a ’sent’, people. The church emerges out of the mission of God in the world, not the other way around. The way I phrased this in The Forgotten Ways was to say that “…it was not so much that the church has a mission but that the mission has a church.” Another paragraph from The Forgotten Ways…

Missional church is a community of God’s people that defines itself, and organizes its life around, its real purpose of being an agent of God’s mission to the world. In other words, the church’s true and authentic organizing principle is mission. When the church is in mission, it is the true church. The church itself is not only a product of that mission but is obligated and destined to extend it by whatever means possible. The mission of God flows directly through every believer and every community of faith that adheres to Jesus. To obstruct this is to block God’s purposes in and through his people. [82]

This is clearly notthe same as the core ideas that inform the terms ‘emerging church’ or ‘Emergent’ (the organization that largely represents it in the US at least). Whilst some people in the emerging church are deeply concerned about organizing around missional ideas, And while there are certainly aspects of missional approaches throughout the movement, the same can be said for all churches, including the church growth movement which is is opposed to. in my opinion what is expressed through Emergent, the Alt-Worship movement, and what has been called Post-Evangelicalism, is not by-and-large a missionary movement, but is rather what I would call a renewalmovement. That is, as far as I can discern, its primary concerns lie largely in interpreting theology and worship for the post-modern situation. Therefore, for many who can no longer hold to modernist understandings of the faith, it is a deadly serious search for a ‘place to stand and believe’ or else abandon the faith altogether. But at bestthe emerging church movement is about contextualizing theology and spirituality for a particular cultural context at the dawn of the 21st Century. At worst, it is simply a reaction against both Evangelicalism and a Western church captive to a distinctly modernist cultural understanding of itself. And let it be said that I believe that many of its concerns ought to be heeded, although I do believe it sometimes overreaches itself and discards many hard-won, and profoundly significant, theological insights passed on to us in the historical, orthodox, understanding of faith. As for me, I am happy to call the so-called ‘emergents’ friends and fellow travelers, I personally do not feel the need to question the inherited theological tradition as many of its adherents do.

All this to say that I do not believe for a moment that “missional is the new emergent”! Emerging forms of the church must always be subservient to the missional purposes of the church. We can use the term, as I do in my writings, the “Emerging Missional Church”, but the emphasis should always fall on the term ‘missional’. Actual mission must precede any new cultural understandings that the church might develop of itself. The Emerging Church has a certain validity as a renewal movement, but renewal movements come and go, the Missio Dei however, is something that must have abiding implications for the Church’s theology, lest we lose the irreplaceable redemptive core inherent in the Christian view of the world. My advice to ‘emergents’ is therefore, don’t emerge before you have a mission.

And my advice to all you folks on both sides of the debate that mix up the term, be warned! What you are doing is only making it harder for the Church to come to grips with its deepest sense of call and purpose in this time and place–no less! You are therefore mucking around with what could be one of the most significant ideas that the Church has to grapple with if we are going to survive, let alone thrive, in the 21st Century. For God’s sake, be clear in your use of the term or can I suggest that you stop using it.

To guard against a further degrading of the word, I want to suggest (as I did in The Forgotten Ways) that we combine the term ‘missional’ with the associated term ‘incarnational’ to come up with the term missional-incarnational. Its clunky I know, but the combination of these two words I believe captures far more completely a sense of the Church’s deepest theology and missionary calling in the world. It is laden with profound theological, and therefore missiological, meanings. If ‘missional’ carries the sense of being ’sent’, then ‘incarnational’ gives definition to the nature of that ’sentness.’ If ‘missional’ means being thrust into the world as witnesses to the redemption that is in Jesus, then ‘incarnational’ shows us that we ought to engage the world in the same way that God did in and through the Incarnation of the Word in Jesus the Messiah. We must go into the world to reach people, but we ought to stay and abide in order to communicate the Gospel relationally and meaningfully in any given context. Mission always sets our Agenda and Incarnation must always describe our Way.

Call of Duty

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:55:44 CDT

I've found myself contemplating a few verses today that have helped me to keep the right perspective on success and ministry over the last 18 years. They are some of those 'red letters' that so often, strike at the heart of the matter.

Luke 17:7-10
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

Jesus is instructing his disciples (you and me included) in the true mindset we, his servants, should have when it comes to ministry and obedience in life. It's the perspective of humility of heart as we realize there is really nothing we can or will ever do in this life that will ever compare with what he has done for us!

It's often hard for us, as humans, to admit that we are really unworthy. Pride is a powerful deterrent.

Thanks for taking the time today to read the meandering of this 'unworthy servant' trying my best to do my duty.

Theology Study Group

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:10:06 CDT

I'm really loving the Theology Study Group we're having this summer (see previous June 28 post). God is blessing our group discussion big time each week as well as the personal reading and study in the book Bible Doctrine. It's become very obvious to us, after making it through only the first six chapters of the book, that about 90% of problems in churches boil down to no theology, bad theology or church attenders who really don't care what the Bible says.

Yesterday, while surfing through the blogesphere, I found this quote by Dan Kimball, "I am convinced in our culture we need to be teaching more theology and having more learning opportunities and opportunities for discussion." Dan's pastor of Vintage Faith Church, Santa Cruz, CA and author of a number of books including The Emerging Church. Pretty cool huh! I love Dan's emphasis on, "striving to become theologians' (in the non-academic sense) as the word simply means someone who takes the study of God seriously".

It never ceases to amaze me to see how BIG God is. It is so awesome to hear him speak the same thing to people by the Spirit that are separated by thousands of miles! Looks like this emphasis on Bible doctrine and theology that we've stumbled into is not just a VALLEY thing, but even bigger; it's a God thing!

If you'd like to check out Dan Kimball's blog, you can find it here.

Happy 4th America!

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:58:16 CDT

I love America and I love the 4th of July. It's always been a special day for me. A flood of childhood memories surround celebrating the birthday of America with family and friends throughout the years.

This July 4th is particularly meaningful for me as it is the first time I will celebrate the 4th having spent time outside of America in another country (Ukraine). I've always loved America, but like most Americans I think I really took for granted how incredibly blessed we are as a nation. During this election year, as the rhetoric is dialed up about how awful things are in our country, I really can't help but shake my head in disbelief when I compare my American experience with the life others live around the globe.

America is not going down the tubes (as many would like for us to believe). America is still the greatest nation in the world, perfect or not. If you doubt it, spend a few weeks in a country that has been ravaged by dictators for most of its existence. If you do, you'll find yourself truly thankful to be living here today, in the 'land of the free and the home of the brave'.

Happy Birthday America!

Systematic Theology...I Love This Stuff!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:06:30 CDT

As part of our Internship Program at Valley Christian Church, we started a Theology Study Group last week. I have a real passion to make sure potential pastors and church leaders who trained in Valley have a practical and working knowledge of sound Systematic Theology (ST) as their foundation.

When I was in college, God used my ST professor, Frank Longino, to capture my heart for the discipline and ignite passion for the Scripture in my life. Systematic Theology became the matrix through which I began to view life and I've never been the same. That being said, it's alarming to me how many non-denominational pastors and church leaders who I personally know who, if pressed to answer doctrinal questions about the essential teachings Christianity, are completely dumbfounded. This is especially the case in charismatic and emerging churches across America.

I was looking forward to meeting with our interns three hours a week for 12 weeks and thought I'd open it up to all the leaders in our church to see if anyone else wanted to join us. What I wasn't prepared for was 15 people jumping in!

Our first meeting was last week and it was electric! We are reading Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem (still the best book I've found for such a group) and gathering together prepared to discuss how each doctrine practically applies to our lives. The big moment last week (besides the prayer time), was when each person shared which specific doctrine they were the most excited about studying and why. I LOVE THIS STUFF and I am eating it up, even though it's the fifth time I'm reading this specific book.

As with any study of theology, the discussion and 'owning' of the material is almost more important than plowing through the material. This is not the first time I've ever done something like this with the leadership of Valley, but this time there seems to be a much different ethos as we gather. All week long I've heard from members of the group about what they've been reading and how they can't wait until our next group meeting. What started as an intern element is now emerging as a strategy to immerse our church family in this critical and life-giving discipline presented in a non-threatening way. Is it any wonder? The Scripture tells us in Titus 2:1, "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine".

Over the next twelve weeks I hope to share some of the highlights that come out of our Theology Study Group here on the GWM blog with the rest of you. Until then. . .

Why I Stay...

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:07:16 CDT

Last month marked 18 years for me as a pastor and as a pastor at Valley Christian Church. I also received a job offer in May to pastor a mega-church in the south. Needless to say it was a time of soul searching, prayer and much discussion with my wife Susie. I usually get 3 or 4 offers every year from other churches/ministries but this one was different. It was the kind that just doesn't happen twice in one lifetime.

Obviously we decided to stay. I had to answer a number of questions others had about why we chose to stay and I'd like to share them with you (as long as this post may become).

- The very first thing that went through my head when I heard the offer was the people of VALLEY. God has given Susie and I a love for the people here. They are our people. The relationship we've developed here over the years (I've lived in this community for 35 years) don't just happen overnight somewhere else. God called us to a people here in NY, not a place. The Valley family believed in me when no one else did (when I was a 22 year old college graduate) and has had the grace and mercy to allow me to literally 'grow-up' before them. Although there would be thousands at the other church waiting for us, Susie and I felt we would be cheating those who have believed/prayed/supported us for so long. They are truly our family.

- The second reason why we stayed was pastoring a mega-church has never been a dream or ambition of mine. From day 1 in ministry, Susie and I asked for God to send us to a people where we could invest our lives and transform a community. The Northeast is often called the 'cemetery of pastors' because so many pastors don't want to go there. It's a hard field to be planted in and Christianity is not a part of the culture of the communities. That's the place where I want to be, where it's tough, not where it's easy.

- The third reason we stayed is because VALLEY is the life work of my family for over 33 years. In many ways, it's the inheritance my father, Russ Williamson, has given to me. It's a foolish man who walks away from an inheritance to chase fame.

- The fourth reason we stayed was the money. Don't misunderstand this one. It's not because of the money here. It's because of the magnitude of the money there. Had I accepted to new job it would have tripled my salary! Susie and I have never been about the money, and we are not going to start now. I've heard it said before, "If you can be bought with a price, one day you will be". That statement was actually made in the context of ministry. I actually saw a blog about this today that I thought captured the conclusion Susie and I came to on this one. The blog is by Nelson Searcy (Show Me the Money). You can read it here.

There were actually a few other reasons why we stayed but these were the main factors. The only other reason worth mentioning is probably the biggest one; God didn't tell us to leave! God sent us here 18 years ago and we committed to be here until He told us to go. There's a big difference between asking God and Him telling you to do something. Just like there's a big difference when I tell one of my children something to do and when they ask permission to do something that's already in their heart. It's all a matter who initiates, God (in his wisdom) or me (in my limited perspective).

Twenty years from now, I don't believe we will regret the decision we made. In fact, we don't regret it right now. I am thankful for the chance Susie and I had to reflect on what's the most important to us in life and in ministry and we're fired up for the future here in New York!

Did I Mention 'Staff Stuff'?!

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:26:29 CDT

Ok...found this on Mark Batterson's blog today about the protege (intern) program National Community Church is starting. I guess VALLEY is really on the cutting edge. We've had a similar program for a year and a half. Mark does a great job explaining the reason for such a program. Check his blog here.