USA TODAY had an article about people being restless in the church they are attending that made me think. You can check this out here.
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
20 April 2007
good news for a change
There's an article in the Oakland Press this morning about the clean-up effort that took place last Saturday at WCC. It's nice to read a story that reports good news as this one does. The reporter, Carol Hopkins, was very nice. When we spoke on Monday, she was delighted to hear all of the good things that so many people did in response to so many bad things done by just a couple of guys. In fact, we calculate 484 man-hours of labor were donated Saturday! A few of the facts are slightly off--several pizzas were more like 30! A few of the quotes are loose--one of which I'd clarify: God is the One who used this event to accomplish good through bad. We give Him all the credit, and thank Him for what He's done.
And, we pray that it would continue. Later today I'll be meeting with some family members of one of the young men who were involved. And, when able, I'll be trying to meet with the two young men directly. This has been good in the life of our church family. I hope it will be as good for both of them and their extended family.
And, we pray that it would continue. Later today I'll be meeting with some family members of one of the young men who were involved. And, when able, I'll be trying to meet with the two young men directly. This has been good in the life of our church family. I hope it will be as good for both of them and their extended family.
17 April 2007
Vandalism/Recovery Photos
We've been compiling photos from this past week and weekend to give a quick look at what's taken place. You can view these photos here.
15 April 2007
Transformation
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were remarkable days for Waterford Community Church. Let me share at least a few of the cool things that happened.On Friday, Montgomery & Sons Restoration Company went to town on this place with 30 very professional and friendly people doing amazing work. By the end of the day, most of the replacement glass had already been installed--amazing! Meanwhile, we fielded tons of phone calls expressing concern, offering help from individuals, businesses, and churches, as well as making calls ourselves to coordinate restoration efforts. The news reporters and camera crews really kept us hopping. We appreciated their coverage. Once that hit the airwaves (noon, evening, and night news) the website (www.waterfordwired.org) was also innundated with 400 hits. This blog got about 300.
Also on Friday, I got a call from an extended family member of one of the guys who did this. They had been under arrest since the day before when crime scene fingerprints were matched in the computer system. Both had confessed and given us the location of stolen property hidden in garbage bags outside in the woods by the train tracks which we were able to recover. They were arraigned on Friday. Each was charged with three felony counts of breaking and entering, malicious destruction of property, and (I think) intent to commit a felony. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. This family member tearfully told me that the entire family was very sorry. They explained that this was completely random--neither guy had had any prior interaction with our church that we know of. Both were crystal-meth addicts who had also gotten drunk that night. They were high, hungry, and bored. In talking, this church-going relative also gave some backround on one of the boys that helped me understand that long before he ever became a victimizer, he'd been a victim. Though we recognize that there are appropriate consequences for their actions, we forgive both of them, holding no ill-will and hoping that this will be the wake-up call that they need. Saturday morning, the restoration people were back in full-force. Joining them were approximately 130 volunters from our church, other area churches (special thanks goes to the men's group from Clarkston Community Church and their Pastor Dan Whiting, as well as the Brethren Church here in Waterford), the neighborhood, and friends (Mark Ballard and Shawn (Shellnut) Spry were alums from Southfield Christian that showed-up--THANK YOU!). We dispatched teams to rooms hoping to cover 10 key areas that would make the facility functional enough for Sunday. We had so many hard-working people that we were able to wipe-down virtually the whole building.
The work really was meticulous. I watched the restoration people wipe down each individual CD in our Creative Arts Director's heavily fire extinguisher-sprayed office. In children's rooms, plastic toys were run through the big kitchen's industrial dishwasher. Carpet was stripped in rooms used by small children were there was heavy glass breakage. The techie guys went through all of the damaged electronic components establishing their condition, salvaging key components like hard drives, and disposing of broken stuff. In the midst of all this, one family from church donated 30 pizzas to feed people. Another family donated beverages for the day. A donated dumpster sat outside in the back from a business in the community. And, throughout the day, people stopped-by to make donations ranging in size from $100 from an elderly lady in a rusted-out car to $500 from a family here at church, to $700 the Restoration Church (?) in Pontiac. People brought cleaning supplies from home. One family got our tax-exempt ID certificates and went to local stores to see if they'd be willing to donate toys to our nurseries. A group of Middle School kids got the idea to write thank-you notes for everyone who came to help work. They sat there and industriously wrote all of them!We started at 8:30 am. At 10, I raced over to Community Prebyterian Church to conduct a funeral for Sherrie Lee Carlton--a 25 year attender at WCC who has been homebound and suffering with COPD/severe emphysema for years. She was a beautiful loving woman who left her own words for me to share--a true privilege. Her husband Fred is a prince of a guy--nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. Our prayers go out to them, and the rest of their family throughout these coming weeks. Not only was the church nice enough to let us use their santuary for the service, but they let our team use their kitchen for the meal afterwards too. They had five or six of their members there to help cook and serve! After a graveside interment at White Chapel Cemetary, I headed back to the clean-up effort winding down. The place looked and smelled great! Only two rooms were out of commission--rooms we could work around.
Throughout the end of the week, I kept thinking how awesome it would be if we could have this kind of connectedness as believers, this kind of coordination working together for a common purpose, this kind of freely expressed care and concern for others in our communities on the normal days where there is no crisis to galvanize us to action. I'm still thinking about that. It felt like the kingdom of God kept making itself known in powerful and creative ways. I'd love to have that sense more often!
On Sunday, 387 of us gathered--many in the building for the first time since all of this happened. We studied Luke 9:18-50 as had been planned, as the passage speaks about what the core identity and destiny of a disciple of Jesus is: to follow, to take up your cross daily, and to deny yourself. It seemed appropriate. Then, we spent some time talking about what had happened--the bad, and the even greater good--while we showed before and after photos. You can listen-in if you like at this link that takes you to the church website (link will be active once message is posted). We're compiling a photo album that I'll post a link for when it's completed.
While work will go on this week, and the focus will shift to working with our insurance company on ruined or damaged contents, our church wasn't hurt this week, only a building was. If anything, our church was strengthened and improved--"an Extreme Church Makeover" as Kellie Rittenhouse termed it-- as we came together in unity, had our faith deepened out of necessity and our character made more Christlike in the process. Through all of this, we are grateful to our God who didn't let it be any worse, and who led us through the worst. Thank you so very much to all of you who were a part of helping Him do just that. May He get all the credit, even as we give you our thanks.
13 April 2007
Additional Media Coverage
Restoration Underway
Dear WCC & Visitors,
Our sincerest thanks to everyone for their concern and offers of assistance over the last couple of days. It has been overwhelming. People we don't know calling or stopping-in offering their labor or services. What a great thing to be able to say. It gives you something to ponder: What if we were all like this to each other in the normal everyday times, not just in times of crisis--what a world THAT would be! Nonetheless, it is fabulous to receive all of these kind expressions--from within and without our congregation. On behalf of the entire Waterford Community Church family: THANK YOU!
There's a front page article in the Oakland Press giving some information on what's happened. And, we just finished interviews with Fox News (Channel 2) that will likely air during the 11:00 broadcast and later during the day.
As I write, there are 8 big Montgomery & Sons restoration trucks outside, 3 Aladdin Carpet trucks in front, approximately 30 people all over the building cleaning, and replacement glass deliveries anticipated later today. Honestly, for those who come to help tomorrow, you're going to be disappointed in how little of the damage and mess that were visible just yesterday is left. Our biggest ongoing clean-up item will be the fire extinguisher exhaust residue that is very fine and acrid. It keeps reappearing everywhere even after being cleaned.
Late this afternoon, we'll be assessing our need and work assignments for tomorrow morning (see the post below for general information on Saturday morning's work day). If there's anything specific to report, we'll post again (along with an all-church email) sometime during the 4:00 pm hour.
Pastor Chris
12 April 2007
Critical WCC Newsflash Update
Dear WCC,
The last twenty-four hours have been a whirlwind!
Following yesterday’s crime scene investigation (which took most of the day), we’ve met with our insurance adjustor to begin documenting damage and losses. Montgomery & Sons Restoration Company has been busy, boarding up broken exterior windows, removing all broken glass inside, ordering replacement glass and doors, and making the logistical arrangements for further clean-up. First thing tomorrow morning, a twenty man crew will be on-site to continue the initial phase of clean-up.
Though things have moved quickly, WE WILL NOT BE HAVING A CLEAN-UP TIME ON FRIDAY! We’re grateful for any of you whom may have been planning on coming, but we’re simply not going to be ready for that. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. PLEASE CONSIDER THE BUILDING CLOSED UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING unless you absolutely need to be there for some reason.
WE WILL HAVE A CLEAN-UP TIME ON SATURDAY FROM 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. We’ll be working alongside of the crew from Montgomery & Sons on areas of the building that are safe and clean enough for us to do further clean-up. If you can be there, the help will be great!
Here are a few important points to keep in-mind for Saturday:
-- DO NOT BRING YOUNG KIDS (mature teens are welcomed to come and help)
-- NO ARRIVALS AFTER 12:00 PM (everyone will be sent to a specific area to work on specific tasks)
-- LOG IN & OUT so that we can get monetary credit for the labor we’ve provided to offset our deductible
-- Wear clothes that can get dirty
-- Bring a mask or bandana if airborne dust bothers you
-- Bring any cleaning supplies that may be helpful for wiping surfaces such as walls or cabinets or disinfecting surfaces
With all of this help, we expect to be able to run a safe, clean, normal Sunday morning (all three hours) with only a few minor room location changes (we’ll be talking to these teachers tomorrow). Repairs and deeper cleaning will occur over the next couple of weeks.
All of this activity has also included cooperating with the Waterford Police Department Detectives handling the investigation and has resulted early this morning in the arrest and confession of the two individuals who did this. They will be arraigned before the end of the week. I’ll let you know what we can Sunday about any association with WCC or motive behind this vandalism. Thank you to all of you who made suggestions about possible perpetrators to consider.
One additional note: the funeral for Sherrie Carlton, which was supposed to be at WCC Saturday at 10:30 am, will instead be held at Community Presbyterian Church of Drayton Plains on Sashabaw Road (directly across the street from Coats Funeral Home). The meal, following interment at White Chapel Cemetery, will also be there as well. Since Coats was busy, we appreciate the church’s gracious use of their facility.
The damage to our building was extensive (initial educated guesstimates place it at or near $200,000). But, the damage to our church? . . . . Well, if we respond the right way, it may have even made our church—the people who are in-fact WCC—even better, as our character is refined, our trust deepened, and our unity increased. May God make it so! May you be a willing part of that!
Don’t forget, all updates are available at www.waterfordwired.org or on Pastor Chris’ blog OUT OF MY MIND (http://outofmymind-etocspace.blogspot.com/), as well as email updates we have been sending. If you know someone at church that doesn’t have or use email, please pass the word!
In His hands,
c2
The last twenty-four hours have been a whirlwind!
Following yesterday’s crime scene investigation (which took most of the day), we’ve met with our insurance adjustor to begin documenting damage and losses. Montgomery & Sons Restoration Company has been busy, boarding up broken exterior windows, removing all broken glass inside, ordering replacement glass and doors, and making the logistical arrangements for further clean-up. First thing tomorrow morning, a twenty man crew will be on-site to continue the initial phase of clean-up.Though things have moved quickly, WE WILL NOT BE HAVING A CLEAN-UP TIME ON FRIDAY! We’re grateful for any of you whom may have been planning on coming, but we’re simply not going to be ready for that. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. PLEASE CONSIDER THE BUILDING CLOSED UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING unless you absolutely need to be there for some reason.WE WILL HAVE A CLEAN-UP TIME ON SATURDAY FROM 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. We’ll be working alongside of the crew from Montgomery & Sons on areas of the building that are safe and clean enough for us to do further clean-up. If you can be there, the help will be great!
Here are a few important points to keep in-mind for Saturday:
-- DO NOT BRING YOUNG KIDS (mature teens are welcomed to come and help)
-- NO ARRIVALS AFTER 12:00 PM (everyone will be sent to a specific area to work on specific tasks)
-- LOG IN & OUT so that we can get monetary credit for the labor we’ve provided to offset our deductible
-- Wear clothes that can get dirty
-- Bring a mask or bandana if airborne dust bothers you
-- Bring any cleaning supplies that may be helpful for wiping surfaces such as walls or cabinets or disinfecting surfaces
With all of this help, we expect to be able to run a safe, clean, normal Sunday morning (all three hours) with only a few minor room location changes (we’ll be talking to these teachers tomorrow). Repairs and deeper cleaning will occur over the next couple of weeks.
All of this activity has also included cooperating with the Waterford Police Department Detectives handling the investigation and has resulted early this morning in the arrest and confession of the two individuals who did this. They will be arraigned before the end of the week. I’ll let you know what we can Sunday about any association with WCC or motive behind this vandalism. Thank you to all of you who made suggestions about possible perpetrators to consider.One additional note: the funeral for Sherrie Carlton, which was supposed to be at WCC Saturday at 10:30 am, will instead be held at Community Presbyterian Church of Drayton Plains on Sashabaw Road (directly across the street from Coats Funeral Home). The meal, following interment at White Chapel Cemetery, will also be there as well. Since Coats was busy, we appreciate the church’s gracious use of their facility.
The damage to our building was extensive (initial educated guesstimates place it at or near $200,000). But, the damage to our church? . . . . Well, if we respond the right way, it may have even made our church—the people who are in-fact WCC—even better, as our character is refined, our trust deepened, and our unity increased. May God make it so! May you be a willing part of that!
Don’t forget, all updates are available at www.waterfordwired.org or on Pastor Chris’ blog OUT OF MY MIND (http://outofmymind-etocspace.blogspot.com/), as well as email updates we have been sending. If you know someone at church that doesn’t have or use email, please pass the word!
In His hands,
c2
11 April 2007
Critical WCC Newsflash
Dear WCC,
Some time after midnight last night, the building was broken-into and heavily vandalized throughout the entire facility. Waterford Police, along with the K-9 and Crime Scene Units from the Oakland County Sherriff’s Department are processing the scene. The building is closed to the public and the staff is confined to an unaffected office.
We have been in contact with church leadership, our insurance company, and a restoration company that will come to remove all of the dangerous broken and hanging class as soon as the police are done. But, we’re going to need to do further clean-up later in the week. Virtually every surface in every room will need to be wiped down, and there is a lot of debris that will need to be disposed of. Timelines hinge on these companies we’re working with, but to ready the facility for Sunday, we’re anticipating having a work time on Friday and/or Saturday. If you have the ability to be here, we’re going to need a LOT of people to deal with this.
Here’s how you can help:
- Don’t come to the church or call unless you absolutely need to until Thursday or Friday
- Help-out this Friday or Saturday cleaning (NO young kids!)
- If you have cleaning supplies (dusters, mops, brooms, shop-vacs) bring them Friday or Saturday
- Let us know if you’ve had a bad/difficult interaction with someone recently that might have prompted this
- Keep your ears open—especially if you have teenagers—and let us know if you hear anything. We have reason to think that this was likely someone young.
- Pray for the investigators—that they’d be able to identify who did this
- Pray for the people who did this—you don’t do something like this unless you’re hurting or angry inside
We’ll be sending another email as soon as we’ve confirmed days and times. Thanks for your concern!
Pastor Chris
29 March 2007
weekend happenings
A quick couple of notes about what's been happening at WCC over the weekend:
- Saturday morning we had almost all of the Cell Group Leaders get together for training by Mike Workman, the Cell Group Coordinator. Mike did some great teaching about how to effectively use questions to further group discussion. And, he had a large assortment of study resources for everyone to checkout. To you leaders: thanks for investing the time to improve your ability to effectively lead. To you Cell Group members: your leaders care enough about you to invest themselves in this!
- Sunday night we had 13 people (2 adults and 11 kids) in our first youth-focused Roadmap Class. Kind of funny to have a kid who's been here 17 years and an adult who's been here two months talking about being a church together. Thanks to all of you students who participated. Thanks for laughing at Mr. Bean, even if it was just to humor me!
22 March 2007
global God, global Christians
Dr. Ben Witherington III is a New Testament Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. On Monday, Ben posted on the importance of remembering that we are global, not tribal, Christians because we serve a global, not tribal God. It’s a great post that is worth reading to remind yourself that as Christians we’re first and foremost the worldwide family of God. Everything else is secondary.
16 March 2007
but don't ever take sides with anyone against the family again ... ever.
A friend from seminary, Eric Hartman, the Pastor of Providence Church in Garland, Texas, has posted these great thoughts about how the family and church are increasingly at war with each other in believers' priorities on His blog SEMPER REFORMANDA (always reforming). I completely share his thoughts. It's a good read that I encourage you to checkout--especially you parents. Click here for the post. (By the way, before you dismiss him because of the picture, I will confess that I too wore bow ties in seminary and may have even led him into such folly).09 March 2007
Leaders Discuss Broken Plaster
Last night approximately 30 leaders (board & committee members + ministry leaders) participated in a Leadership Workshop that was hosted by the elders as part of our effort to have mechanisms to identify potential leaders and enhance the abilities of our leaders. The evening centered around role-playing a problem (fictional of course and involving broken plaster in the sanctuary. We were attempting to problem-solve, but as is often the case, we were creating greater problems as we acted dysfunctionally. In our big group session, Gary Johnson led us into an exploration of the relationships between leaders and the trust issues that are present. Back to our small groups, we explored the biblical guidance that relates to these issues. It was an educational night that actually proved to be enjoyable too. My thanks and gratitude go to Gary for shepherding this, and to the elders who participated in leading small groups in effective discussion. If you heard about it, maybe even got an invitation, but did not go, it was your loss. I hope you'll make it a higher priority to be there next time.07 March 2007
Ordinary Attempts by Exceptional Students
I want to tell you about two young WCC adults who are worth looking to as role models for how they’re making ORDINARY ATTEMPTS to actively live-out their faith. Both of you have encouraged me to do the same. I know all about Darfur, but can’t say that I’ve done anything. Lois’ passionate response is convicting. And, I’m already looking to see what cycling events I could participate in as fundraisers. Imagine that—something that you enjoy being good for others too! Thanks Mike!LOIS SIMILUK
While visiting Georgetown University last summer, this Oakland Christian School Senior was struck by the conversation taking place about the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. “It’s so dire there and it’s so obviously evil,” Lois said. Her outrage over the deaths of as many as 400,000 people and the displacement of as many as 2.5 million people led her to mobilize others at OCS to sponsor a fundraiser, with proceeds going to World Vision’s work in Darfur.
If you’d like to support Lois’ efforts in response to what she learned about the crisis in Darfur, here are five ways to do so:
1- EDUCATE yourself on the tragic situation in Darfur, Sudan by clicking here
2- CONSIDER prayerfully whether God wants you to do something in response
3- PARTICIPATE in Lois and OCS’s fundraiser (6 pm, March 17 at Petruzzello’s in Troy. For $35 you will have a 3-course dinner and have the chance to listen to Mindy Belz, World Magazine journalist. Contact OCS at 248.373.2700 or info@oaklandchristian.com for more info.
4- CONTRIBUTE directly to the effort by sending a check to OCS (Payable to: “Oakland Christian School, Student Council” – Darfur, 3075 Shimmons Road, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326) or by donating directly to World Vision (info here).
MIKE WILLISON
Mike is attending Kettering University where he is studying to be a mechanical engineer. He is raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by participating in a triathlon on June 24th in Philadelphia through Team in Training (a fundraising sister offshoot). What’s really cool is that completing a triathlon started out merely as a personal goal for Mike. But, he realized that it could be about others and something more important. In his own words: “I hope not only to raise the money and get in better shape, but also to learn that I should not always to things just because I want to but look at the bigger picture of how it affects other around me.” Mike is working to raise $3,900 to participate in the triathlon.
If you’d like to support Mike’s efforts to accomplish a personal goal in a way that benefits others, here are ways to do that
1- EDUCATE yourself about Leukemia and Lymphoma by clicking here
2- CONSIDER prayerfully whether God wants you to do something in response.
3- PARTICIPATE in Mike’s efforts by praying for his safety in training and racing
4- CONTRIBUTE directly to Mike’s effort by clicking here
01 March 2007
What is a mature Christian or a successful church?
Lately, as a result of some conversations and reading, I’ve been giving a lot of thought and prayer to these two questions that I think really point to one reality:
First, how do you know when a church is successfully being a church?
Second, what do we really mean, or how do we know, when a Christian should be called mature?
Willow Creek Community Church recently did an exhaustive survey of their church that mirrors what I’ve heard from other churches (not seeker sensitive) and experienced myself. The finding of this survey? “What they found was the most satisfied church members were those who were new believers or early in their faith--and the least satisfied were those who were more "mature" in their faith.” Bill Hybel’s assessment was that Willow had really missed the goal which is to slowly (ultimately?) make believers independent. Not independent of a relationship with a church or other believers altogether. Not independent in the sense of going off and doing your own thing. But independent in the sense that they are self-feeding and self-regulating in their spiritual growth and life, allowing them to transition from being a “consumer” of the church’s resources to become one of the church’s resources that introduce unbelievers to Christ and help them grow into mature independence. Independent in the same sense that a grown child is still part of an extended family, but no longer relies on mom and dad, but can lead and support a family of their own.
I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment. And, I think we’d find similar results in our own church. Part of what I think this means is that we have to be clearer about the goal. We need to help “right-size” people’s expectations for what they should expect from the church--about where this is all going. The reason that “mature,” seasoned believers are often more dissatisfied with the church is that they are still expecting it to feed them, rather than having accepted the responsibility and grown to a sufficient degree that they have the ability to do it for themselves and others (cf. Heb. 5:12-6:3 and Rom. 14).
There are a lot of different opinions on this out there. There are a number of different ways that you can approach this.
Here’s the framework I’m wrestling with so far that I think addresses both (I’ll be writing about this more in the future):
We gather people together as new Christians into a church around our DEPENDENT need. People become Christians when they recognize their dependence on God for forgiveness and life. They become a part of a church when they realize that their sustenance and growth is dependent on a community that God has created. Worship is an acknowledgment of this dependence.
As individual Christians and together as a church, we grow through our INTERDEPENDENT interactions with each other. Growth through discipleship, encouragement from our fellowship, service expressed through our ministry to each other is necessary because we need each other and God working through each other. There is an interdependence that is at the heart of our interaction together.
The measure of a mature Christian and a successful church is INDEPENDENT believers who are able to feed themselves, others, and self-regulate their spiritual lives as they evidence the fruit of the Spirit. We exist to bring others into a relationship with Jesus (evangelism/outreach, missions) that is like the relationship we have. That implies that we can personally, directly, engage in that relationship without the help we needed at first when we were young, immature believers.
What do you think? Does this framework make sense? Is this the goal of personal maturity and corporate ministry that you share? That you’ve been taught? That you’re working towards?
First, how do you know when a church is successfully being a church?
Second, what do we really mean, or how do we know, when a Christian should be called mature?
Willow Creek Community Church recently did an exhaustive survey of their church that mirrors what I’ve heard from other churches (not seeker sensitive) and experienced myself. The finding of this survey? “What they found was the most satisfied church members were those who were new believers or early in their faith--and the least satisfied were those who were more "mature" in their faith.” Bill Hybel’s assessment was that Willow had really missed the goal which is to slowly (ultimately?) make believers independent. Not independent of a relationship with a church or other believers altogether. Not independent in the sense of going off and doing your own thing. But independent in the sense that they are self-feeding and self-regulating in their spiritual growth and life, allowing them to transition from being a “consumer” of the church’s resources to become one of the church’s resources that introduce unbelievers to Christ and help them grow into mature independence. Independent in the same sense that a grown child is still part of an extended family, but no longer relies on mom and dad, but can lead and support a family of their own.
I agree wholeheartedly with this assessment. And, I think we’d find similar results in our own church. Part of what I think this means is that we have to be clearer about the goal. We need to help “right-size” people’s expectations for what they should expect from the church--about where this is all going. The reason that “mature,” seasoned believers are often more dissatisfied with the church is that they are still expecting it to feed them, rather than having accepted the responsibility and grown to a sufficient degree that they have the ability to do it for themselves and others (cf. Heb. 5:12-6:3 and Rom. 14).
There are a lot of different opinions on this out there. There are a number of different ways that you can approach this.
Here’s the framework I’m wrestling with so far that I think addresses both (I’ll be writing about this more in the future):
We gather people together as new Christians into a church around our DEPENDENT need. People become Christians when they recognize their dependence on God for forgiveness and life. They become a part of a church when they realize that their sustenance and growth is dependent on a community that God has created. Worship is an acknowledgment of this dependence.
As individual Christians and together as a church, we grow through our INTERDEPENDENT interactions with each other. Growth through discipleship, encouragement from our fellowship, service expressed through our ministry to each other is necessary because we need each other and God working through each other. There is an interdependence that is at the heart of our interaction together.
The measure of a mature Christian and a successful church is INDEPENDENT believers who are able to feed themselves, others, and self-regulate their spiritual lives as they evidence the fruit of the Spirit. We exist to bring others into a relationship with Jesus (evangelism/outreach, missions) that is like the relationship we have. That implies that we can personally, directly, engage in that relationship without the help we needed at first when we were young, immature believers.
What do you think? Does this framework make sense? Is this the goal of personal maturity and corporate ministry that you share? That you’ve been taught? That you’re working towards?
09 February 2007
Go Sell Shoes?
Recently, Senator Chuck Hegel of Nebraska criticized his fellow Republicans on the Foreign Relations Committee for opposing President Bush’s war plan, but not having the political courage to cast a vote against it and risk their constituents’ support. “Why were you elected? If you want a safe job, go sell shoes.” That quip may capture the realities of political courage for a politician. It definitely describes the reality of a Christian who seeks to live love as Jesus commands.I’ve spent my weekly study time for Sunday (as opposed to my long-term study time—currently devoted to Luke 10:2-24 for 04.29.07) focusing on what love involves. It really is an elusive word to capture. There is so much that the Bible says about it, yet never altogether and never in a way that is really concise, save one illustration—the cross. Like Jesus talking about what the Kingdom of God is like, the emphasis seems to be little snapshots that reveal aspects of love, rather than trying to develop a comprehensive definition or description.
At the heart of love is action. Love has to do something. It is not content to be a mere affection or attitude. Not one to frequently (ever!) quote Michael W. Smith, I have to on this topic: “Love isn’t love ‘til you give it away” (“Give it Away” from the album Change Your World, 1993, For all you country music fans, I note that this was “stolen” from Reba McEntire’s 1983 song “Love isn’t Love” (‘Til You Give It Away) from her Behind the Scene Album). Love requires initiative, effort, energy, sacrifice, risk, and the potential for pain. The real test of our spiritual health, the true measure of our religious life, is whether or not it compels us to love. Jesus’ statement that “all of the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Mat. 22:40) makes this precise point. The author Jonathan Swift, best know for Gulliver’s Travels, said essentially the same thing in a different way: “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.”
God has elected (or chosen) you to be a people who actively love. Paul puts it this way, “…we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). The writer of Hebrews reminds us that this is our task together, to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). Without love, for both God and others, we are only noise…we are nothing…we can gain nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
God has elected you to be a people who actively love. This is why you were elected. But, it is a dangerous, hard, costly calling. “If you want a safe job, go sell shoes.” Many of you could be content with the callings you have from 9-5 Monday through Friday, making sales, designing parts, writing code, raising kids, running a home. Yet, many of you make the choice to do more and enter into the real vocation of your life—expressing your love to God by loving others. You get involved in relationships that add to the demands on your life for their sake. You help others in their marital struggles while you try to find the way through your own. You pour yourself into shaping other people’s children when you’ve already spent a lifetime doing that for your own. You meet other people’s material needs when you likely don’t feel like you have enough for your needs. You do what it takes to make love an action.
I have to say that I’m awed by that—by your many examples of love acting, for that is what love truly is. Seeing these good deeds definitely causes me to praise our Father in heaven. Thanks to all of you who set the example Jesus set of not being content with just selling shoes.
27 January 2007
The EDGE Inaugural Event
Today, 68 guys met for the inaugural event put-on by The EDGE men’s ministry. Of these, 15 arrived an hour early to do the cooking. Members from two different Cell Groups had joined together the night before to complete the set-up that our custodian Brad McKay had done. We had a great man’s breakfast—eggs, pancakes, sausage, sausage gravy and biscuits (pretty darn good in the taste of this man with family in Kentucky), and coffee. That alone would have been enough, but there was more.
Mike Hall, Jamie Twigg, and Eric Schermerhorn led us in some acoustic guitar worship. Jim
Bedor served as emcee. The guest speaker was Tom Harmon. Tom’s message was about The Profile of a Godly Man. What does a godly man look like? The description was pretty simple: “He’s TRYING to be godly. Don’t try, and you’ll certainly accomplish it. Try, and you may fail. But, at least you were trying. You can always try again!” The application he offered was equally straightforward: “Do SOMETHING!” Offering a range of options that marked his own attempts—failures and successes—there was something that everyone could try.
Tom’s energy was contagious. And, the whole day went smoothly thanks the leadership of Tony Callan & Jeff Majchrzak. In addition, Steve Johns and Jim Bedor helped to execute plans for this event.
This was a good challenge at any point in-time, especially at the beginning of a year. And, especially at the beginning of this ministry to men that aims to cut men to the core. I hope you can’t wait for the next quarterly breakfast. Next time, consider bringing a friend or getting-involved making the event happen.
Thanks to Rick Sotolongo's photography, you can checkout these photos.
Mike Hall, Jamie Twigg, and Eric Schermerhorn led us in some acoustic guitar worship. Jim
Bedor served as emcee. The guest speaker was Tom Harmon. Tom’s message was about The Profile of a Godly Man. What does a godly man look like? The description was pretty simple: “He’s TRYING to be godly. Don’t try, and you’ll certainly accomplish it. Try, and you may fail. But, at least you were trying. You can always try again!” The application he offered was equally straightforward: “Do SOMETHING!” Offering a range of options that marked his own attempts—failures and successes—there was something that everyone could try.Tom’s energy was contagious. And, the whole day went smoothly thanks the leadership of Tony Callan & Jeff Majchrzak. In addition, Steve Johns and Jim Bedor helped to execute plans for this event.
This was a good challenge at any point in-time, especially at the beginning of a year. And, especially at the beginning of this ministry to men that aims to cut men to the core. I hope you can’t wait for the next quarterly breakfast. Next time, consider bringing a friend or getting-involved making the event happen.
Thanks to Rick Sotolongo's photography, you can checkout these photos.
19 January 2007
Why Jesus Could Not Have Been A Pastor in Many of Today's Churches
Perry Noble is the Pastor of Newspring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He recently included this funny post on his blog. In addition to being funny, it rings true. You’ll no doubt note Perry’s combative outspoken style--maybe even to the point of taking offense. But don’t let that distract you from the substance behind some of the good points that he raises. It’s a good exercise in using Jesus as a reference point. Are we acting in the same way that He acted? The fact that many churches would likely not accept Jesus as their Pastor (a proposition that I think has some merit) should probably make us stop and think.
#1 - He Obviously Cared About Numbers!
In reading the Gospels it does not take a rocket scientist to discover that “great crowds” were always gathering around Him…there are even instances where the crowds nearly crushed Him…and not once did He ever get mad about it & tell those people to go to hell so that He could “go deep” with those closest to Him.
At the end of every Gospel He tells His apostles to go and tell people about Him (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:48, John 20:21)…and upon a casual reading of the book of Acts one can discover that this happened…and God was involved. (Acts 2:42 - Acts 4:4) By the way…God never seems to be truly involved in churches that don’t reach people…because people are too involved!
Yep–Jesus cared too much about people…and that just would not fly in some places.
#2 - He Was Not An Expository Preacher!
Jesus simply did not preach line by line, verse by verse, through the Old Testament. There are SOME instances where He uses Scripture; however, the overwhelming majority of the time He tells stories…in other words–He was a creative communicator!!! (I am so sure the bloggers of that time period probably accused Him of watering down God’s word!)
#3 - He Offended Religious People!
Yep–the personal committee would have dismissed Jesus quickly–and probably without any severance. You see–He kept asking them insulting questions like, “Haven’t you read…”, which REALLY insulted their intelligence because He was referring to the Torah…which most of them had memorized.
There are instances where He calls religious people sons of their father the devil…and even calls them things like snakes, vipers and white washed tombs. Obviously Jesus didn’t give a rip about what people thought about Him…and most pastors know that if you are going to be “successful” in ministry you HAVE to keep the influencers and big givers happy & try hard not to offend them.
#4 - He Was Not Issue Oriented!
Not once did Jesus ever organize a group to protest the illegal occupation by the Romans. Nor did He became an advocate for private school, gun control, or animal rights! AND…He also refused to be interviewed by Fox News or endorse Al Franken!
AND…He never seemingly would take a stand on predestination or free will - the rapture - speaking in tongues - or can women wear make-up, you know–things that REALLY matter to people who are lost.
No–He had this passion about one thing–the Kingdom of God…and He was dedicated to it in a relentless way. I know of too many pastors that are focused on many issues…but “the issue” that NEEDS to be focused on is JESUS CHRIST...making HIM famous…and NOT a particular political party or a particular brand of theology. (Oh boy…I can feel the temperature rising!)
#5 - He Liked To Have Fun!
Where was His first miracle performed? Answer…A PARTY!!! I know, I know–technically it was a wedding…but a casual study of that culture in that particular time period will show that wedding were a HUGE deal…many times lasting for three days.
And get this–Jesus made the list!!! Someone evidently thought Jesus was cool enough to invite to the wedding. (And they were so glad they did when they ran out of wine.) Folks–it is in the Bible–John 2, read it for yourself!!!
And in Matthew 14 where the Bible talks about Jesus walking on the water…and the disciples cried out in fear. Now guys…stop and think for a second…don’t you think He had a HUGE smile on His face when He did this?
#6 - He Hung Out With The Wrong Types Of People!
Jesus never seemed to be caught up in hanging out with people who seemed to think just like Him…you see, that would have been way too safe. Nope–He was always hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and “sinners.” And He hung out with them so much that He was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton!!! The thing is–He just didn’t seem to let that bother Him.
You see, in order to be “successful” as a pastor today you MUST hang out with people who talk, think, and act JUST LIKE YOU! For God’s sake don’t get near someone who might believe differently than you…OR have a different skin color than you…that might CHANGE the way you think…and that just wouldn’t be good in someone’s goal to please people.
#7 - He Was A Prophet…And Not A Prostitute.
A prostitute is for sale…they get paid for a service in order to make someone feel better about themselves. Many pastors today are simply prostitutes–for sale–and threatened and intimated by the loudest and most controlling person in their church.
BUT…a prophet speaks the truth…and does so not caring what might happen to Him. This was Jesus…if He desired to play it safe He could have probably avoided the whole crucifixion thing. BUT He was WAY more concerned with offending His Father than He was offending people…and that just would not fly in the modern day church.
I have heard pastors who say they like to “tell it like it is.” I agree…but telling it like it is does not mean that we yell at people who are far from God that they are “going to go to hell and fry like bacon.” Nor does it mean that we spend the majority of our time trying to tell the already convinced how good they are!
Nope–it is up to us to tell those who are far from God that they need to come near to Him through Jesus…and it is also up to us to tell those who are “in Christ” to live like it…and that means calling those IN the kingdom to repentance from time to time…both on a corporate and a private level.
Nope–Jesus simply could not have served as a pastor in many churches…but He did what He was called and instructed to do…which should be the goal of EVERY pastor and church leader all around the world. If we would all focus on pleasing Jesus and advancing His kingdom rather than pleasing people and catering to the need of immature Christians then our churches would be a lot better off!
Thank you Jesus for setting an awesome example!!!
#1 - He Obviously Cared About Numbers!
In reading the Gospels it does not take a rocket scientist to discover that “great crowds” were always gathering around Him…there are even instances where the crowds nearly crushed Him…and not once did He ever get mad about it & tell those people to go to hell so that He could “go deep” with those closest to Him.
At the end of every Gospel He tells His apostles to go and tell people about Him (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:48, John 20:21)…and upon a casual reading of the book of Acts one can discover that this happened…and God was involved. (Acts 2:42 - Acts 4:4) By the way…God never seems to be truly involved in churches that don’t reach people…because people are too involved!
Yep–Jesus cared too much about people…and that just would not fly in some places.
#2 - He Was Not An Expository Preacher!
Jesus simply did not preach line by line, verse by verse, through the Old Testament. There are SOME instances where He uses Scripture; however, the overwhelming majority of the time He tells stories…in other words–He was a creative communicator!!! (I am so sure the bloggers of that time period probably accused Him of watering down God’s word!)
#3 - He Offended Religious People!
Yep–the personal committee would have dismissed Jesus quickly–and probably without any severance. You see–He kept asking them insulting questions like, “Haven’t you read…”, which REALLY insulted their intelligence because He was referring to the Torah…which most of them had memorized.
There are instances where He calls religious people sons of their father the devil…and even calls them things like snakes, vipers and white washed tombs. Obviously Jesus didn’t give a rip about what people thought about Him…and most pastors know that if you are going to be “successful” in ministry you HAVE to keep the influencers and big givers happy & try hard not to offend them.
#4 - He Was Not Issue Oriented!
Not once did Jesus ever organize a group to protest the illegal occupation by the Romans. Nor did He became an advocate for private school, gun control, or animal rights! AND…He also refused to be interviewed by Fox News or endorse Al Franken!
AND…He never seemingly would take a stand on predestination or free will - the rapture - speaking in tongues - or can women wear make-up, you know–things that REALLY matter to people who are lost.
No–He had this passion about one thing–the Kingdom of God…and He was dedicated to it in a relentless way. I know of too many pastors that are focused on many issues…but “the issue” that NEEDS to be focused on is JESUS CHRIST...making HIM famous…and NOT a particular political party or a particular brand of theology. (Oh boy…I can feel the temperature rising!)
#5 - He Liked To Have Fun!
Where was His first miracle performed? Answer…A PARTY!!! I know, I know–technically it was a wedding…but a casual study of that culture in that particular time period will show that wedding were a HUGE deal…many times lasting for three days.
And get this–Jesus made the list!!! Someone evidently thought Jesus was cool enough to invite to the wedding. (And they were so glad they did when they ran out of wine.) Folks–it is in the Bible–John 2, read it for yourself!!!
And in Matthew 14 where the Bible talks about Jesus walking on the water…and the disciples cried out in fear. Now guys…stop and think for a second…don’t you think He had a HUGE smile on His face when He did this?
#6 - He Hung Out With The Wrong Types Of People!
Jesus never seemed to be caught up in hanging out with people who seemed to think just like Him…you see, that would have been way too safe. Nope–He was always hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and “sinners.” And He hung out with them so much that He was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton!!! The thing is–He just didn’t seem to let that bother Him.
You see, in order to be “successful” as a pastor today you MUST hang out with people who talk, think, and act JUST LIKE YOU! For God’s sake don’t get near someone who might believe differently than you…OR have a different skin color than you…that might CHANGE the way you think…and that just wouldn’t be good in someone’s goal to please people.
#7 - He Was A Prophet…And Not A Prostitute.
A prostitute is for sale…they get paid for a service in order to make someone feel better about themselves. Many pastors today are simply prostitutes–for sale–and threatened and intimated by the loudest and most controlling person in their church.
BUT…a prophet speaks the truth…and does so not caring what might happen to Him. This was Jesus…if He desired to play it safe He could have probably avoided the whole crucifixion thing. BUT He was WAY more concerned with offending His Father than He was offending people…and that just would not fly in the modern day church.
I have heard pastors who say they like to “tell it like it is.” I agree…but telling it like it is does not mean that we yell at people who are far from God that they are “going to go to hell and fry like bacon.” Nor does it mean that we spend the majority of our time trying to tell the already convinced how good they are!
Nope–it is up to us to tell those who are far from God that they need to come near to Him through Jesus…and it is also up to us to tell those who are “in Christ” to live like it…and that means calling those IN the kingdom to repentance from time to time…both on a corporate and a private level.
Nope–Jesus simply could not have served as a pastor in many churches…but He did what He was called and instructed to do…which should be the goal of EVERY pastor and church leader all around the world. If we would all focus on pleasing Jesus and advancing His kingdom rather than pleasing people and catering to the need of immature Christians then our churches would be a lot better off!
Thank you Jesus for setting an awesome example!!!
15 January 2007
Building or Wrecking Crew?
I’m normally off Mondays. But, I’m going to the auto show tomorrow so I’m working today. Since no one expects me to be here, I’m taking advantage of the opportunity to cleanout my filing cabinet sort through my files. While sheer drudgery, one of the benefits is finding stuff I remember that I’d forgotten about.
The cheesy poem that follows is nonetheless one that I love for the truth it communicates. God is building His house—us (Eph. 1:19-21). The question is whether we’re working with Him as the building crew or against Him as the wrecking crew. Our vision of the future depends on whether or not the vision is in you and you are in the vision. Are you building the vision, or wrecking it? WCC has two radically different futures depending on the choices each one of us makes.
Ten little Christians, standing in a line
One disliked the pastor....
Then there were nine.
Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
One slept too late on Sunday....
And then there were eight.
Seven little Christians, chirping like some chicks,
One disliked the music....
Then there were six.
Six little Christians, seemed very much alive,
But one lost his interest....
Then there were five.
Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,
One got her feelings hurt....
Then there were only three.
Three little Christians, knew not what to do,
One joined the sporting crowd....
Then there were two.
Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
Differed with each other....
And then there was just one.
One little Christian, can't do much, 'tis true,
Brought his friend to Bible Study....
Then there were two.
Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
That doubled the number....
And then there were four..
Four sincere Christians, worked early and worked late,
Each won another....
And then there were eight.
Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In just a few short weeks we'd have........
ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR!
In this little jingle,
There is a lesson true...
You either belong to the "Building Crew",
Or to the "Wrecking Crew"!
The cheesy poem that follows is nonetheless one that I love for the truth it communicates. God is building His house—us (Eph. 1:19-21). The question is whether we’re working with Him as the building crew or against Him as the wrecking crew. Our vision of the future depends on whether or not the vision is in you and you are in the vision. Are you building the vision, or wrecking it? WCC has two radically different futures depending on the choices each one of us makes.
Ten little Christians, standing in a line
One disliked the pastor....
Then there were nine.
Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
One slept too late on Sunday....
And then there were eight.
Seven little Christians, chirping like some chicks,
One disliked the music....
Then there were six.
Six little Christians, seemed very much alive,
But one lost his interest....
Then there were five.
Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,
One got her feelings hurt....
Then there were only three.
Three little Christians, knew not what to do,
One joined the sporting crowd....
Then there were two.
Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
Differed with each other....
And then there was just one.
One little Christian, can't do much, 'tis true,
Brought his friend to Bible Study....
Then there were two.
Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
That doubled the number....
And then there were four..
Four sincere Christians, worked early and worked late,
Each won another....
And then there were eight.
Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In just a few short weeks we'd have........
ONE THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR!
In this little jingle,
There is a lesson true...
You either belong to the "Building Crew",
Or to the "Wrecking Crew"!
Three Celebrities and a Funeral
Here's another post from Out of Ur that's worth thinking about in regard to a church that "cultivates and blesses the culture, rather than criticizing and cursing it." Click here to read "Three Celebrities and a Funeral."
Are you using real words?
During our first series on our vision of being "God's expanding influence" when I talked about us having a "functional unity," Steve Ross questioned whether "missional" was really a word. Good question Steve! An even harder question is: what does it mean? I ran across a post on Out of Ur (the blog of Leadership Journal) that attempts to answer both questions. Go here to read "Missional Buzz."
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