My wife was interviewed today for an article in an upcoming edition of the Northwest Baptist Witness. Don't know when it will be printed, but as I listened to her answer the questions I was reminded of something I've been thinking about - and meaning to post about.
How many congregations make up your church? I have several. First, there are those core believers- many of whom have been believers at least as long as I've been alive- and some a few years longer. There are a few in my age range as well- these are the folks that attend every time the doors are open- Sunday after Sunday they are faithful and can be counted on to do just about whatever needs to be done.
Then there are Sunday only folks. Some are older adults- and it is all they can do to attend Sunday morning worship. Many of them were core leaders in younger years, but because of physical challenges, they just can't get around much any more.
Then there are the semi-regular attenders. We have some who attend twice a month or so...work schedules and family challenges hinder them from being every Sunday type of folks. Most of these are my age or younger- and their family challenges are huge.
Then there are a few who attend just a few times a year- five or six times. Lot's of reasons they don't attend.
Finally, at least in my ministry, I have a congregation of community leaders, community folk who attend no church. Many of these have tenuous connections with the church. Some have given up on the church, but have not given up on God. Some are searching for God's presence and are just not ready to attend a 'worship' service. Some are just un-churched- and were raised in an unchurched family setting.Some are just totally unacquainted with God as He is revealed in Scripture. Their understanding of the nature and character of God is shaped more by the surrounding culture than the truth of God's Word.
It is easy to neglect any one of these groups. It is hard to balance the competing needs of these groups. Yet, part of the reason I stick around is the undying faith that God will use me to see some from the farthest out begin to move towards the center.
Part of the challenge we face as a congregation is developing an intentional strategy to engage each group and provide resources and assistance and understanding as they grow in Christ. So, pray for us that we can discover meaningful ways to (to borrow a booik title by an author whose name escapes me) unleash the church- i.e. those committed followers who are well along the path of becoming fully formed followers- to penetrate the culture in which we live. Pray that we might have the courage to share our faith in meaningful ways with those farthest from the center, and then pray that we who live in that center group will be willing to help teach and disciple new believers who move in towards the center.
I hope this make sense. I've been helping my daughter move from one apartment to another in Salem- and I'm tired...So, I'll close and return to this idea later.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Compelling
One of the challenges I think about regularly is why even believers no longer feel compelled to participate in regular attendance at worship and discipleship events. Now, I realize it is summer and people are scheduled to be on vacation- I certainly welcome my opportunity to be away for a few days here and there. So, let go of the guilt- I'm not trying to catch those who have been away for a vacation or family reasons.
No, what concerns me is the attitude that has been growing over the past few decades (I've been at this since the late 1970's- so I have a few decades of experience) that tends to make attendance at worship optional. It seems that every time a new believer looks around- or when some who are seriously contemplating the faith- they see the halfhearted attempts made by believers in attending corporate worship and they often see those who are there make a halfhearted attempt at genuine and heartfelt worship.
Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate.For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). It is so much easier to go with the flow than to move against it. The disciplines of the Christian life are easily put on hold for other 'important' events and responsibilities. Putting off attendance is an easy first step in getting caught in the current of life. Then it becomes easier next week to find a reason- and the reason's I've heard are all legitimate and important. If regular attendance at the gathering of God's people is any indication of the depth of discipleship then there are two conclusions I'd like to draw:
a). There are indeed few who are pressing into the narrow way. Thank God for those committed, devoted to God believers who attend our worship and discipleship gatherings regularly. They are often the only source of encouragement for a single staff pastor like myself. I often tell my folks I'd rather have a few who are truly devoted to following Jesus daily than hundreds who are just living around the edges of faith. I am learning to celebrate the few and to rejoice with them as they experience growth and as they develop into fully formed followers of Jesus Christ.
b). This narrow gate and difficult road are not impossible. Jonathan Edwards, one of the greatest theological minds in American history, in a message titled, "Pressing into the Kingdom of God" notes, "By pressing into the kingdom of God is denoted a breaking through opposition and difficulties. There is in the expression a plain intimation of difficulty. If there were no opposition, but the way was all clear and open, there would be no need of pressing to get along. They therefore that are pressing into the kingdom of God, go on with such engagedness, that they break through the difficulties that are in their way. They are so set for salvation, that those things by which others are discouraged, and stopped, and turned back, do not stop them, but they press through them. Persons ought to be so resolved for heaven, that if by any means they can obtain, they will obtain. Whether those means be difficult or easy, cross or agreeable, if they are requisite means of salvation, they should be complied with. When any thing is presented to be done, the question should not be, Is it easy or hard? is it agreeable to my carnal inclinations or interest, or against them? But is it a required means of my obtaining an interest in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation? "
So, thank God for those few who are pressing into the kingdom. May our lives be such compelling and persuasive examples of kingdom living that the world around us must notice-and by our lives may we testigfy to God's unsearchable riches!
No, what concerns me is the attitude that has been growing over the past few decades (I've been at this since the late 1970's- so I have a few decades of experience) that tends to make attendance at worship optional. It seems that every time a new believer looks around- or when some who are seriously contemplating the faith- they see the halfhearted attempts made by believers in attending corporate worship and they often see those who are there make a halfhearted attempt at genuine and heartfelt worship.
Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate.For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). It is so much easier to go with the flow than to move against it. The disciplines of the Christian life are easily put on hold for other 'important' events and responsibilities. Putting off attendance is an easy first step in getting caught in the current of life. Then it becomes easier next week to find a reason- and the reason's I've heard are all legitimate and important. If regular attendance at the gathering of God's people is any indication of the depth of discipleship then there are two conclusions I'd like to draw:
a). There are indeed few who are pressing into the narrow way. Thank God for those committed, devoted to God believers who attend our worship and discipleship gatherings regularly. They are often the only source of encouragement for a single staff pastor like myself. I often tell my folks I'd rather have a few who are truly devoted to following Jesus daily than hundreds who are just living around the edges of faith. I am learning to celebrate the few and to rejoice with them as they experience growth and as they develop into fully formed followers of Jesus Christ.
b). This narrow gate and difficult road are not impossible. Jonathan Edwards, one of the greatest theological minds in American history, in a message titled, "Pressing into the Kingdom of God" notes, "By pressing into the kingdom of God is denoted a breaking through opposition and difficulties. There is in the expression a plain intimation of difficulty. If there were no opposition, but the way was all clear and open, there would be no need of pressing to get along. They therefore that are pressing into the kingdom of God, go on with such engagedness, that they break through the difficulties that are in their way. They are so set for salvation, that those things by which others are discouraged, and stopped, and turned back, do not stop them, but they press through them. Persons ought to be so resolved for heaven, that if by any means they can obtain, they will obtain. Whether those means be difficult or easy, cross or agreeable, if they are requisite means of salvation, they should be complied with. When any thing is presented to be done, the question should not be, Is it easy or hard? is it agreeable to my carnal inclinations or interest, or against them? But is it a required means of my obtaining an interest in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation? "
So, thank God for those few who are pressing into the kingdom. May our lives be such compelling and persuasive examples of kingdom living that the world around us must notice-and by our lives may we testigfy to God's unsearchable riches!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Leadership
Earlier this week a friend who is a leader of a large public sector agency in our community and I were comparing leading our organizations. I made the ages old reference to leading a church like being on the Titanic-trying to turn a massive ship is a time consuming process. He likened his job to being the captain of the Exxon Valdez...trying to navigate the waterway's around Alaska- surrounded on both sides by glaciers and other unmovable land masses. like trying to thread a needle in the dark. Of course he also suggested that leading his organization has a huge challenge-keeping the cargo on board! While our organizations are as different as night and day, there is a similarity between us. Both of us are trying to navigate in uncharted waters. Recently there have been a deluge of articles suggesting that the Southern Baptist Convention is in decline and a series of rebuttal arguments suggesting that things are really better than they appear. From where I sit- on the left coast, in a highly unchurched population- both sides may be missing the point. We've never been here before. So, the past- while instructive- cannot be a guide for the present. We can learn lessons from our past, but it may be time to look to the present and intermediate future.
As pastors we need to ask, "What changes/adjustments do we need to make as believers, families, churches, and denominational agencies to respond to the opportunities God presents us with?" God is opening doors for service- they don't always look like they did in the past. God is leading individuals and churches to respond to their communities in fresh ways. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another let's focus on where God has placed us, stay planted, and stay focused on the larger objective. Do we need a Great Commission Resurgence. Yes. Do we need a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit? Yes. Do we need to constantly be evaluating our strategies. Yes. Too much of what I've read and listened to tends to suggest an either or type of response. What about both/and responses? Are we in decline? Numerically, yes. But maybe that's healthy. I know even in my small church we still have people on our rolls we can't find. A decline in numbers from where we are may mean drawing closer to identifying those for whom we are truly spiritually responsible. Are we baptizing as many as we have? No. But again, how many adults have we re-baptized because we failed to do an adequate job of discipleship? Far too many. I know these are old arguments and probably cliche's by now....
I won't be attending the SBC this year- too far, too costly, I choose to use my limited travel expenses for meetings closer to home. My prayer is that the meeting won't devolve into an us vs them, or a past or present or future orientation, but that God will move- and like neither the Titanic or the Exxon Valdez our denomination will allow God to lead on a path that continues to advance the Kingdom of God!
As pastors we need to ask, "What changes/adjustments do we need to make as believers, families, churches, and denominational agencies to respond to the opportunities God presents us with?" God is opening doors for service- they don't always look like they did in the past. God is leading individuals and churches to respond to their communities in fresh ways. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another let's focus on where God has placed us, stay planted, and stay focused on the larger objective. Do we need a Great Commission Resurgence. Yes. Do we need a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit? Yes. Do we need to constantly be evaluating our strategies. Yes. Too much of what I've read and listened to tends to suggest an either or type of response. What about both/and responses? Are we in decline? Numerically, yes. But maybe that's healthy. I know even in my small church we still have people on our rolls we can't find. A decline in numbers from where we are may mean drawing closer to identifying those for whom we are truly spiritually responsible. Are we baptizing as many as we have? No. But again, how many adults have we re-baptized because we failed to do an adequate job of discipleship? Far too many. I know these are old arguments and probably cliche's by now....
I won't be attending the SBC this year- too far, too costly, I choose to use my limited travel expenses for meetings closer to home. My prayer is that the meeting won't devolve into an us vs them, or a past or present or future orientation, but that God will move- and like neither the Titanic or the Exxon Valdez our denomination will allow God to lead on a path that continues to advance the Kingdom of God!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What did you just say?
I'm a little hesitant about this subject, but passionate as well. A couple of caveats-I have a degree in music education from Western Washington University; I served several churches early in my career in leading worship as minister of music or associate pastor; and finally, as a single staff pastor I do most of the worship planning for our church- and have at times led the entire worship service- including playing a guitar or keyboards for the musical segments. So, with that out of the way...when will we stop segmenting worship and preaching? I still hear and read of worship that prepares for preaching, or worship that enhances preaching. Is preaching something different than worship? I would say NO. As the Spirit functions to make much of Jesus (see John 14-16) as the Incarnate Word, I would suggest that the Spirit functions to make much of the written, revealed Word of God- which has as its subject from beginning to end, Jesus! Since preaching is part of worship we as pastors and those who plan and prepare to lead worship services, let's be very careful with our words. Worship and preaching are not two distinct activities that occur whenever our people meet for gathered services. Rather, worship encompasses singing, praying, meditation, hearing the Word read, and hearing the Word proclaimed.
Well, at least that's off my chest for now...thanks for listening.
Well, at least that's off my chest for now...thanks for listening.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Another Class I Missed in Seminary...
Apparently I missed a lot of classes in seminary. For example, the day I was supposed to learn to read a blueprint for a new building or a remodel- I missed that day. Another day I missed- how to help the mentally ill. I am currently working with some that have been diagnosed as bi-polar. I have read some of the literature and have some understanding of the disease. But where was I the day my professors discussed how to share my faith with folks who are afflicted with this disease? Where was I the day my professors talked about helping these people deal with the side effects of the potent drugs they often are prescribed?
These past few days I have been privileged to work with some mentally ill folk. Helping them is exhausting. They are under a doctor's care, though like many, they insist on self-medicating. It is wearying work.
I must have missed the day the class discussed leading a church in transition. My people are wonderful and they have put up with several false starts on my part. Trying to chart a course through the cultural environment must have been covered on one of those days I missed.
Now, I am not complaining about my seminary education (well, just a little perhaps). I received an excellent education at Golden Gate and am learning more than I ever wanted to know about Turabian at Southern Seminary (honestly, I have enjoyed my interaction with my professors and staff at Southern and have learned much about my self and the field of study represented in my doctoral project). I do wonder sometimes if we as Southern Baptists are adequately preparing men and women for ministry in the real world. I know a couple of the presidents of our seminary's personally and truly believe that they have a genuine passion to help students learn of God and His ways. I also realize that no seminary education can truly prepare one for all that a person might encounter along life's path.
The longer I am in ministry the more I realize I have yet to learn. At least my seminary education taught me how to be a life long learner. So, I've got some catching up to do on mental illness...(that which others have...my own mental state is a perpetual state of confusion...!)
Steve
These past few days I have been privileged to work with some mentally ill folk. Helping them is exhausting. They are under a doctor's care, though like many, they insist on self-medicating. It is wearying work.
I must have missed the day the class discussed leading a church in transition. My people are wonderful and they have put up with several false starts on my part. Trying to chart a course through the cultural environment must have been covered on one of those days I missed.
Now, I am not complaining about my seminary education (well, just a little perhaps). I received an excellent education at Golden Gate and am learning more than I ever wanted to know about Turabian at Southern Seminary (honestly, I have enjoyed my interaction with my professors and staff at Southern and have learned much about my self and the field of study represented in my doctoral project). I do wonder sometimes if we as Southern Baptists are adequately preparing men and women for ministry in the real world. I know a couple of the presidents of our seminary's personally and truly believe that they have a genuine passion to help students learn of God and His ways. I also realize that no seminary education can truly prepare one for all that a person might encounter along life's path.
The longer I am in ministry the more I realize I have yet to learn. At least my seminary education taught me how to be a life long learner. So, I've got some catching up to do on mental illness...(that which others have...my own mental state is a perpetual state of confusion...!)
Steve
Friday, June 5, 2009
You may have seen this on HB London's email, The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
(June 5) and I thought it was worth sharing:
ONE LONE VOICE
From a chaplain in Iraq:
LSA Anaconda I attended a showing at LSA Anaconda (Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad). We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through, when the National Anthem music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22-year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments and everyone would sit down and call for the movie.
Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Every soldier continued to stand at attention.
Suddenly, there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.' It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq.
I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here and in Afghanistan. Remember them as they fight for you. Be in prayer for all our soldiers at home and abroad.
— Chaplain Jim Higgins (now senior pastor of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church in Powder Springs, Ga.)
My son is a Staff Sgt in the USAir Force, proudly serving his country. He and has sqaudron have done two 6 month tours overseas at a base in Southeast Asia in the past 24 months. But there were two other headlines in the Pastor's Weekly Briefing that troubled me...Homosexual Activist Appointed to Education Department; and June Declared 'LGBT Pride Month.' Which America are our armed services supporting? The one defined by the current political culture? The one where sexual orientation is truly immaterial- where eventually we will see marriages between men and children? between women, men, and women? Is the America that our men and women are fighting to defend really a place where one can be proud to flaunt God's laws? I tremble with fear when I think through the implications of how our courts are redefining rights based on their own personal experience rather than commonly accepted definitions and historically sound interpretations of the Constitution. I tremble with fear when I hear churches- those who claim the name of Christ- affirming people's preferences for sexuality, for personal convenience, and for personal priority.
May God remind us again of the cost of being His disciple- to surrender everything for the awesome privilege of knowing JEsus Christ- the suffering of His crucifixion as we take our cross daily, and the power of His resurrection as the Holy Spirit indwells us!
(June 5) and I thought it was worth sharing:
ONE LONE VOICE
From a chaplain in Iraq:
LSA Anaconda I attended a showing at LSA Anaconda (Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad). We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through, when the National Anthem music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22-year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments and everyone would sit down and call for the movie.
Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Every soldier continued to stand at attention.
Suddenly, there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: 'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.' It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq.
I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here and in Afghanistan. Remember them as they fight for you. Be in prayer for all our soldiers at home and abroad.
— Chaplain Jim Higgins (now senior pastor of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church in Powder Springs, Ga.)
My son is a Staff Sgt in the USAir Force, proudly serving his country. He and has sqaudron have done two 6 month tours overseas at a base in Southeast Asia in the past 24 months. But there were two other headlines in the Pastor's Weekly Briefing that troubled me...Homosexual Activist Appointed to Education Department; and June Declared 'LGBT Pride Month.' Which America are our armed services supporting? The one defined by the current political culture? The one where sexual orientation is truly immaterial- where eventually we will see marriages between men and children? between women, men, and women? Is the America that our men and women are fighting to defend really a place where one can be proud to flaunt God's laws? I tremble with fear when I think through the implications of how our courts are redefining rights based on their own personal experience rather than commonly accepted definitions and historically sound interpretations of the Constitution. I tremble with fear when I hear churches- those who claim the name of Christ- affirming people's preferences for sexuality, for personal convenience, and for personal priority.
May God remind us again of the cost of being His disciple- to surrender everything for the awesome privilege of knowing JEsus Christ- the suffering of His crucifixion as we take our cross daily, and the power of His resurrection as the Holy Spirit indwells us!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Crumbling Foundations
On Mother's Day I began a series of messages based loosely on the biblical principles from Tom Eliff's book, Unbreakable. These biblical pillars define kingdom families. Since I began, it seems that literally all hell has broken loose against many of the families in our church. Earlier this week a young person in our church narrowly escaped a potential date-rape experience. Two of the young men I recently baptized are being used by their dad as pawns in a significant power struggle with his ex-wife- their mom. Several of the older couples and elderly widows have shared with me some troubling developments between their children- jealousies, some life-threatening health concerns and the like. Just from observation I can see some of the families in our fellowship struggling- carrying some sort of weight in regards to their family.I'm not certain that there is a direct correlation, but I do know that in the midst of this series I have become more aware of some of the weight of these issues.
As I've observed these stresses and strains I have been leading our leadership team to rethink and refocus our ministry. We are asking one question of everything we do- What adjustments is God asking us to make to more effectively be His people in our community and in our world? I can't help but wonder if what some of these families are experiencing are results of asking that question in their own lives? In my reading of God's Word this morning I came across this: "But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself (Psalm 4:3, ESV). Are these circumstances God's work in setting these individuals apart for Himself? As pastor how can I be of more assistance to the families in our church? And if these are the kinds of experiences families in our church are living through, what is happening in those families who are unsaved and unchurched? How can we as a people of God be available for God to use in strengthening and supporting those around us?
All of these are difficult questions. Listening to God's answers is the next step.
As I've observed these stresses and strains I have been leading our leadership team to rethink and refocus our ministry. We are asking one question of everything we do- What adjustments is God asking us to make to more effectively be His people in our community and in our world? I can't help but wonder if what some of these families are experiencing are results of asking that question in their own lives? In my reading of God's Word this morning I came across this: "But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself (Psalm 4:3, ESV). Are these circumstances God's work in setting these individuals apart for Himself? As pastor how can I be of more assistance to the families in our church? And if these are the kinds of experiences families in our church are living through, what is happening in those families who are unsaved and unchurched? How can we as a people of God be available for God to use in strengthening and supporting those around us?
All of these are difficult questions. Listening to God's answers is the next step.
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