I have been sitting here for a while compiling notes from an exciting meeting about impacting our community. My realization is, change is difficult. Change must be a long-term commitment. Impact does not come easily - or else everybody really would be doing it.
How do you change the prevailing culture? How do you battle poverty? How do you instill hope and purpose and vision into apathetic and hopeless wanderers? These are tough questions. They are very important questions.
How do you make a difference?
Pray - truly prayer brings about those things that only God could do. Then what happens when the result of prayer is an opportunity to engage?
Lots of questions. Lots of need. God help us. We need you. They need you. We all need you. Be the difference.
2.22.2008
2.21.2008
Light at the end of the tunnel
Just for the record, I'm about 9 1/2 months away from finishing my master's degree. Didn't know if you would sleep well tonight without knowing that.
By the way, when I am through with school, I am thinking about trying to recruit a little learning community. Perhaps we could read a couple books a month and converse about them? Actually it is too early to throw ideas like this out, but hey, it's on my mind. More to come on this later.
By the way, when I am through with school, I am thinking about trying to recruit a little learning community. Perhaps we could read a couple books a month and converse about them? Actually it is too early to throw ideas like this out, but hey, it's on my mind. More to come on this later.
2.19.2008
Warriors...like Jesus
Originally, I had no intention of turning "Warriors...inevitably" into a series of posts, but here goes.
A challenging and inspiring friend, for whom I am truly grateful to God, noted my use of the war metaphor in these last posts - particularly its abuse and misuse in the Christian context. Thank you, Kozy, for giving me an opportunity to clarify my own understanding of warfare and of the destiny I hope Jesus will guide my boys into:
A Warrior Like Jesus--
Culture
I am not advocating a war against culture: secularism, humanism, conservatism, liberalism, or any other ism. Jesus was not preoccupied with his culture, either for the good or for the bad. He was preoccupied neither with "secular" culture, nor religious culture (except to DEFY religious culture). The culture (behavioral standards) war was the one that the Pharisees were waging in order to protect "holiness" and "righteousness," not Jesus.
Jesus redeemed people within their cultures. He embraced prostitutes and thieves, yet shunned the religious folks. He sought the humble and rejected the proud (know-it-alls). He fellowshipped with pilgrims-of-heart and rebuked those who thought they had arrived. In practice, Jesus accepted those rejected by the religious authorities, whether "sinners" or fishermen or tax-collectors. He defied all cultural bounds and lived beyond culture.
Church
Being a Christian does not have anything to do with church services. How could it? As "little Christs", we cannot stray from our Founder who never did anything at church except throw over the offering plates and condemn the place as a bunch of thieves.
You see, in the best case scenario, the modern church has this attitude: "We have the Light. It is wonderful to live over here in the Light. Come join us in the Light."
(At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Yeah. What is your point?")
"Worldly" Christians
The alternative is to do what Jesus did - head out into the heart of the darkness in order to illuminate those who need it most. Like Jesus, we embrace the lives of those gripped by darkness in order to bring them freedom. Not freedom to come to church. Not freedom to conform to the image of church people.
What freedom then? Freedom to follow... Jesus, that is. Freedom to walk along side us as brothers and sisters and beloved friends. Freedom to be Jesus' followers. Freedom not to follow the church, but to be the church (while following Jesus).
1st Church of Isengard?
The church has long perceived itself to be much like the towering fortress of Isengard in The Lord of the Rings - impenetrable and able to keep out unwanted visitors. Like Saruman, Christians have shouted down at the world from high above. The time has come to abandon this fortress of safe irrelevancy for the fellowship of ruddy, diverse companions and journey into a dark world on the Way, in the Truth and towards the Life.
It is dangerous. It is full of enemies. It demands the fellowship of other warriors. It matters. It makes a difference. It is our destiny when we follow Jesus.
Full Circle...
And now we're back to my desire for my boys to be mighty warriors. One doesn't need to be a warrior to shout condemnation out the window to a world in darkness. But, to tread into the darkness bearing the Light demands the heart and soul of a mighty warrior - just like Jesus.
The war is treacherous. The war is tricky. The war is unlike any earthly example. The war is won not through conquering enemies, but through self-sacrifice. The war won not through witty arguments and persuasive answers, but in extending grace and love to those who may not want or deserve it. This war requires determination - people in the grip of darkness will have to be fought FOR, even as they fight against us.
Finally, this commission is difficult because the battle in the darkness for those in need of the Light is often unwelcomed by those living in darkness and condemned by those living in the Light.
Only a warrior undertakes this great commission. Only a warrior has the stomach for the fight.
So here we are again. Be strong, my sons. Be courageous - for the Lord your God is with you. (And for what it's worth, so are mommy and daddy.)
A challenging and inspiring friend, for whom I am truly grateful to God, noted my use of the war metaphor in these last posts - particularly its abuse and misuse in the Christian context. Thank you, Kozy, for giving me an opportunity to clarify my own understanding of warfare and of the destiny I hope Jesus will guide my boys into:
A Warrior Like Jesus--
Culture
I am not advocating a war against culture: secularism, humanism, conservatism, liberalism, or any other ism. Jesus was not preoccupied with his culture, either for the good or for the bad. He was preoccupied neither with "secular" culture, nor religious culture (except to DEFY religious culture). The culture (behavioral standards) war was the one that the Pharisees were waging in order to protect "holiness" and "righteousness," not Jesus.
Jesus redeemed people within their cultures. He embraced prostitutes and thieves, yet shunned the religious folks. He sought the humble and rejected the proud (know-it-alls). He fellowshipped with pilgrims-of-heart and rebuked those who thought they had arrived. In practice, Jesus accepted those rejected by the religious authorities, whether "sinners" or fishermen or tax-collectors. He defied all cultural bounds and lived beyond culture.
Church
Being a Christian does not have anything to do with church services. How could it? As "little Christs", we cannot stray from our Founder who never did anything at church except throw over the offering plates and condemn the place as a bunch of thieves.
You see, in the best case scenario, the modern church has this attitude: "We have the Light. It is wonderful to live over here in the Light. Come join us in the Light."
(At this point, you may be asking yourself, "Yeah. What is your point?")
"Worldly" Christians
The alternative is to do what Jesus did - head out into the heart of the darkness in order to illuminate those who need it most. Like Jesus, we embrace the lives of those gripped by darkness in order to bring them freedom. Not freedom to come to church. Not freedom to conform to the image of church people.
What freedom then? Freedom to follow... Jesus, that is. Freedom to walk along side us as brothers and sisters and beloved friends. Freedom to be Jesus' followers. Freedom not to follow the church, but to be the church (while following Jesus).
1st Church of Isengard?
The church has long perceived itself to be much like the towering fortress of Isengard in The Lord of the Rings - impenetrable and able to keep out unwanted visitors. Like Saruman, Christians have shouted down at the world from high above. The time has come to abandon this fortress of safe irrelevancy for the fellowship of ruddy, diverse companions and journey into a dark world on the Way, in the Truth and towards the Life.
It is dangerous. It is full of enemies. It demands the fellowship of other warriors. It matters. It makes a difference. It is our destiny when we follow Jesus.
Full Circle...
And now we're back to my desire for my boys to be mighty warriors. One doesn't need to be a warrior to shout condemnation out the window to a world in darkness. But, to tread into the darkness bearing the Light demands the heart and soul of a mighty warrior - just like Jesus.
The war is treacherous. The war is tricky. The war is unlike any earthly example. The war is won not through conquering enemies, but through self-sacrifice. The war won not through witty arguments and persuasive answers, but in extending grace and love to those who may not want or deserve it. This war requires determination - people in the grip of darkness will have to be fought FOR, even as they fight against us.
Finally, this commission is difficult because the battle in the darkness for those in need of the Light is often unwelcomed by those living in darkness and condemned by those living in the Light.
Only a warrior undertakes this great commission. Only a warrior has the stomach for the fight.
So here we are again. Be strong, my sons. Be courageous - for the Lord your God is with you. (And for what it's worth, so are mommy and daddy.)
2.13.2008
Warriors...hopefully?
As I further contemplated the notion of each generation learning to fight the good fight, in utter disregard of the best protective efforts of parents (and often times the church), something else occurred to me.
While praying with some mighty men and women of God, the subject of revival and growth came up in regards to the youth. Having been thinking recently of Joshua and the taking of the Promised Land, I put this thought together:
Taking land (seeing God's kingdom advance) is CONTRARY to safety.
Furthermore:
1. Moving forward provokes new enemies.
2. Unknown enemies reside in new territories.
3. Old (former) battle tactics are also outdated. New and unique warfare is needed.
(By the way, this all comes straight from Joshua - check it out for yourself.)
All this points towards an uncomfortable decision - build up walls to close ourselves off and try to prevent defeat, or march out to engage new enemies risking defeat for the sake of victory. (This also begs a comment on faith - if we really have it, why do we run from enemies instead of engaging them.)
I have no idea what battles my boys will face as they grow up. What I do know is that my battles today are not at all the same battles my parents or grandparents faced. I suppose my challenge is just to see that they are mighty warriors ready for whatever may come.
While praying with some mighty men and women of God, the subject of revival and growth came up in regards to the youth. Having been thinking recently of Joshua and the taking of the Promised Land, I put this thought together:
Taking land (seeing God's kingdom advance) is CONTRARY to safety.
Furthermore:
1. Moving forward provokes new enemies.
2. Unknown enemies reside in new territories.
3. Old (former) battle tactics are also outdated. New and unique warfare is needed.
(By the way, this all comes straight from Joshua - check it out for yourself.)
All this points towards an uncomfortable decision - build up walls to close ourselves off and try to prevent defeat, or march out to engage new enemies risking defeat for the sake of victory. (This also begs a comment on faith - if we really have it, why do we run from enemies instead of engaging them.)
I have no idea what battles my boys will face as they grow up. What I do know is that my battles today are not at all the same battles my parents or grandparents faced. I suppose my challenge is just to see that they are mighty warriors ready for whatever may come.
2.09.2008
Warriors...inevitably.
God does something amazing when Israel conquers the Promised Land. He doesn't allow all of the inhabitants (enemies) to be conquered. Why? Because He wants future generations to learn how to fight.
I point this out because we often forget this in practice. As a youth pastor, I talked to many parents who became greatly alarmed when the battles and decisions of life came to the doorstep of their teenagers. They invested themselves entirely in preventing such things from ever happening: avoiding public school, banning "worldly" music and entertainment, shunning non-Christian friends/fellowship. In short, parents who have come to know God don't want their children to face the same battles and struggles that they did.
God has a different plan - all people must decide who to serve. All people must learn to fight. All people must choose whether or not to give in to those things in opposition to God and His ways.
Here's the kicker. I am now a father of three amazing boys. I, like every good dad, want to fight for and protect my boys. For a season, I will do just that. However, the future of their hearts and souls is more dependent on them learning to fight for themselves. They must choose who will have their allegiance. They must learn the implements of war. They must learn to fight. They must learn that war is bloody, risky, difficult, costly... and necessary.
Most of all, it is inevitable. So, be strong my sons. Be courageous. The Lord your God will be with you. (And for whatever it's worth, so will daddy.)
I point this out because we often forget this in practice. As a youth pastor, I talked to many parents who became greatly alarmed when the battles and decisions of life came to the doorstep of their teenagers. They invested themselves entirely in preventing such things from ever happening: avoiding public school, banning "worldly" music and entertainment, shunning non-Christian friends/fellowship. In short, parents who have come to know God don't want their children to face the same battles and struggles that they did.
God has a different plan - all people must decide who to serve. All people must learn to fight. All people must choose whether or not to give in to those things in opposition to God and His ways.
Here's the kicker. I am now a father of three amazing boys. I, like every good dad, want to fight for and protect my boys. For a season, I will do just that. However, the future of their hearts and souls is more dependent on them learning to fight for themselves. They must choose who will have their allegiance. They must learn the implements of war. They must learn to fight. They must learn that war is bloody, risky, difficult, costly... and necessary.Most of all, it is inevitable. So, be strong my sons. Be courageous. The Lord your God will be with you. (And for whatever it's worth, so will daddy.)
My Friend the Catalyst
A catalyst is an amazing thing: 1. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected; 2. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
I am thankful to God for giving me catalyst friends. They ask the right questions. They provide a right perspective. They bring about growth and change in me.
The cool thing about having catalyst friends is in the relationship. Some leaders or teachers are only able to take you as far as they themselves have been. Desiring a very controlled change, they teach what they have learned and draw pupils down their own path. A catalyst inspires growth, but is never used up. It can come back to inspire growth another day. It can bring about change far bigger than itself.
In Christian community, we must be catalytic friends. After all, what God desires to do in another person will doubtlessly bigger than what we can do in them. Yes, that does mean that we are not in control of the change. But God is.
And here we are again. Back to the whole faith thing. Do you have enough faith to be a catalytic friend/parent/teacher, or are you afraid that the path God has chosen for another person is not as good an option as drawing them down your own?
I am thankful to God for giving me catalyst friends. They ask the right questions. They provide a right perspective. They bring about growth and change in me.
The cool thing about having catalyst friends is in the relationship. Some leaders or teachers are only able to take you as far as they themselves have been. Desiring a very controlled change, they teach what they have learned and draw pupils down their own path. A catalyst inspires growth, but is never used up. It can come back to inspire growth another day. It can bring about change far bigger than itself.
In Christian community, we must be catalytic friends. After all, what God desires to do in another person will doubtlessly bigger than what we can do in them. Yes, that does mean that we are not in control of the change. But God is.
And here we are again. Back to the whole faith thing. Do you have enough faith to be a catalytic friend/parent/teacher, or are you afraid that the path God has chosen for another person is not as good an option as drawing them down your own?
2.04.2008
Seeker Friendly I - Pros & Cons
Seeker friendly. Some Christians see it as redeeming a culturally disconnected religion. Some Christians see it as an indicator of the apostate church (the anti-church). Perhaps there is another alternative perspective.
Why I'm OK with a "seeker friendly" service:
The American church generally stinks at reaching new people. We can't even get the Great Commission accomplished in our own neighborhoods!
Why I'm not OK with a "seeker friendly" service:
Offering the world a non-confrontational gospel defies the nature of the gospel. True "seekers" are seeking the true and the authentic. People for whom a partial Christianity will suffice are seeking a conscious-salve that is not available in Jesus Christ. (See the story of the Rich Young Ruler.)
Why I'm OK with a "seeker friendly" service:
The American church generally stinks at reaching new people. We can't even get the Great Commission accomplished in our own neighborhoods!
Why I'm not OK with a "seeker friendly" service:
Offering the world a non-confrontational gospel defies the nature of the gospel. True "seekers" are seeking the true and the authentic. People for whom a partial Christianity will suffice are seeking a conscious-salve that is not available in Jesus Christ. (See the story of the Rich Young Ruler.)
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