Tomorrow marks an official year since I have been at Bethel. The crazy thing is, it feels like I have been here forever (in a good way) but yet the time has flown by. Heather and I have made great friends and surrogate family more quickly than I ever would have imagined. It is truly amazing to be in this community. I talk about it all the time so I am sure most of you are sick of hearing it. Our community is full of truly amazing people of all walks of life. The diversity is rich: socio-economically, ethnically, sexually, and generationally. The best part of all of this is some how within our differences people have figured out how to have unity. This is the type of community I have longed to be a part of my whole adult life. In a world that is so divided around every issue imaginable. We have found a way to be connected around community, care for the world, and desire to walk in the way of Jesus.
As one of our church members has said, “we are like the island of misfit toys.” To many this may seem offensive; to me it is one of the largest compliments I could ever receive. We all have our damage, our pains, our addictions, and struggles; yet together we have become a whole body. We are a body that needs each other simply to exist. We recognize a similarity, a connection with one another that draws us in, yet at the same time it compels us out. We go out into the world seeking other “misfit toys” to find a place they can call home and connect with others. Bethel is a beautiful place that I am honored to call home….a place of unity through our diversity. Thank you for giving me the honor to serve alongside each of you for the last year. Heather and I look forward to many years to come.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Small church mentality
Small churches are great. The ability to get to know people, the chance to be as involved as you want, the ability to make decisions quickly. But with these great things come with some struggles as well. The struggles are often lumped under the category of small church mentality. In a book called unique dynamics of a small church, Dudley says this...
". . . The small church is the right size for only one function. The members can know each other personally. It is often a single-cell entity with all members somehow involved in the workings of the cell."
Single-cell means one core group, rather than many different organizations and interest groups. Parishioners feel like members of an extended family. For many people the small church can be quite comfortable and fill definite social needs. Members in such a parish tend to like things exactly the way they are.
The small church often makes it difficult for new members to enter because it is frequently subconsciously afraid it will "lose" something by being too open. Most small churches will not grow because they are already as large as they can be in order to remain what they are - a single-cell primary group that offers security with a group of people that can be trusted. Often they are ethnically or culturally oriented, which can be a hindrance to growth. For the above reasons "they also offer the most resistance to those who seek to help the small church to grow, or change, or disappear."
Like in classic science, if a church wants to grow it has to think about cell division. It must break down the small church mentality. each part of the community must begin to open itself up to others, to growth and division. This is where the concept of small groups becomes so vital. the church can divide into interest groups, age groups, value groups, groups with similar passions, etc. the difficult part of this concept is that unlike in a small church everybody won't be at everything in fact they wont even be invited to everything.
one of the struggles becomes how do we not create cliques in the process of creating small groups. i think keeping small groups from become cliques is about keeping a mentality of openness. First, all groups are also open to cell division. second, groups cant become exclusive and pull away from the overall vision and values of the church. Plus attitudes need to be right. Its not about being best or exclusive its about walking out life with others.
So how do we drop the small church mentality? Well this is something I am trying to figure out and help guide our community through. I think first and foremost it’s about extending our vision. It’s not about making people happy. Our goal should never be just to keep the people in the church pleased with what’s inside our space. Our goal should be to get outside of our walls to open ourselves up for cell division to occur. To welcome groups to form by nurturing people’s interests and ideas. We should dream huge dreams not just for our churches but for our communities, states, nation, and world. keeping an expansive vision constantly opens the community up to the vastness of god’s kingdom. Faith and the way of jesus is bigger than just us and our wants its about others…about making a difference… transforming the world…through love…liberation…and grace.
More to come….
". . . The small church is the right size for only one function. The members can know each other personally. It is often a single-cell entity with all members somehow involved in the workings of the cell."
Single-cell means one core group, rather than many different organizations and interest groups. Parishioners feel like members of an extended family. For many people the small church can be quite comfortable and fill definite social needs. Members in such a parish tend to like things exactly the way they are.
The small church often makes it difficult for new members to enter because it is frequently subconsciously afraid it will "lose" something by being too open. Most small churches will not grow because they are already as large as they can be in order to remain what they are - a single-cell primary group that offers security with a group of people that can be trusted. Often they are ethnically or culturally oriented, which can be a hindrance to growth. For the above reasons "they also offer the most resistance to those who seek to help the small church to grow, or change, or disappear."
Like in classic science, if a church wants to grow it has to think about cell division. It must break down the small church mentality. each part of the community must begin to open itself up to others, to growth and division. This is where the concept of small groups becomes so vital. the church can divide into interest groups, age groups, value groups, groups with similar passions, etc. the difficult part of this concept is that unlike in a small church everybody won't be at everything in fact they wont even be invited to everything.
one of the struggles becomes how do we not create cliques in the process of creating small groups. i think keeping small groups from become cliques is about keeping a mentality of openness. First, all groups are also open to cell division. second, groups cant become exclusive and pull away from the overall vision and values of the church. Plus attitudes need to be right. Its not about being best or exclusive its about walking out life with others.
So how do we drop the small church mentality? Well this is something I am trying to figure out and help guide our community through. I think first and foremost it’s about extending our vision. It’s not about making people happy. Our goal should never be just to keep the people in the church pleased with what’s inside our space. Our goal should be to get outside of our walls to open ourselves up for cell division to occur. To welcome groups to form by nurturing people’s interests and ideas. We should dream huge dreams not just for our churches but for our communities, states, nation, and world. keeping an expansive vision constantly opens the community up to the vastness of god’s kingdom. Faith and the way of jesus is bigger than just us and our wants its about others…about making a difference… transforming the world…through love…liberation…and grace.
More to come….
Transforming the Mainline Church: #3 chapter number 3
Chesnut talks about how many of our churches get stuck back in their history. For his church it was in the 1950’s. “Getting stuck in ones history can become a vicious self defeating cycle.” The problem is we go back to the glory days and try to recreate them but the period when those methods worked has changed so we are trying to create and archaic system in a new time. This is destined to fail.
23- “a mature society must make a particular effort to reward its innovators, because its very maturity discourages innovation….It is not so much a question of possessions as of the attitude one takes toward them. If affluent individuals commit themselves unreservedly to the conservation of their resources, affluence can be a deadening force. But if they regard their resources as providing a wide margin within which they can enjoy the luxury of creative experimentation with their environment, affluence can be a blessing…few understand how essential …flexibility is for continuous renewal. Assets committed to the goal of continuous renewal will never be a burden”
“Flexibility, creative experimentation, innovation, risk taking, continuous renewal- sounds sort of entrepreneurial, doesn’t it? Like the parable of the talents, with the same promise and the same warning.”
It is in flexbiltiy freedom and innovation that our communities will continue to exist and thrive.
23- “a mature society must make a particular effort to reward its innovators, because its very maturity discourages innovation….It is not so much a question of possessions as of the attitude one takes toward them. If affluent individuals commit themselves unreservedly to the conservation of their resources, affluence can be a deadening force. But if they regard their resources as providing a wide margin within which they can enjoy the luxury of creative experimentation with their environment, affluence can be a blessing…few understand how essential …flexibility is for continuous renewal. Assets committed to the goal of continuous renewal will never be a burden”
“Flexibility, creative experimentation, innovation, risk taking, continuous renewal- sounds sort of entrepreneurial, doesn’t it? Like the parable of the talents, with the same promise and the same warning.”
It is in flexbiltiy freedom and innovation that our communities will continue to exist and thrive.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Transforming the Mainline Church: #2
Chesnut’s 6 principles on what a city church must do to thrive and survive in a changing environment. (p.1)
‘City churches drawing their membership from the city as a whole, as well as from their immediate neighborhoods, are in a unique position to reach all sorts and conditions of people, to become diverse and inclusive communities of faith”
Churches must be ready to meet the people of their area at the people’s own level of need and understanding. This may mean, as an example, that churches of a more formal tradition of worship would be open to adopting more informal styles, including the use of gospel music and so on.
Churches must extend their outreach through the mass media, advertising, and active promotion of their programs.
Being actively involved with the church’s immediate neighborhood through cooperative, ecumenical mission outreach and community development work.
Offering holistic, seven-day-a-week programming.
Offering the lost and lonely a community of caring and sharing, of solace and healing, of values and vision for a purposeful life.
‘City churches drawing their membership from the city as a whole, as well as from their immediate neighborhoods, are in a unique position to reach all sorts and conditions of people, to become diverse and inclusive communities of faith”
Churches must be ready to meet the people of their area at the people’s own level of need and understanding. This may mean, as an example, that churches of a more formal tradition of worship would be open to adopting more informal styles, including the use of gospel music and so on.
Churches must extend their outreach through the mass media, advertising, and active promotion of their programs.
Being actively involved with the church’s immediate neighborhood through cooperative, ecumenical mission outreach and community development work.
Offering holistic, seven-day-a-week programming.
Offering the lost and lonely a community of caring and sharing, of solace and healing, of values and vision for a purposeful life.
Transforming the Mainline Church: Lessons In Change from Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Hope Robert A. Chesnut
Books on church transformation and growth tend to be from the perspective of “conservative evangelical” pastors or churches. I believe mainline congregations have a lot to learn from the successes and the failures of these churches. I have read tons of these books and in general they say similar things. Each year a new slant will garner about 100 new books on growth and transformation. At times these texts are annoying to me because having grown up in conservative evangelical churches I have intentionally left their walls for more freedom. While there is conversation about growth I often feel like the only interest of such texts is numerical growth and not growth of the person or the spirit. (I know this is my own bias but this is also my own blog so what can I say) Transforming the Mainline Church is one of the first books that I found that is written from a mainline perspective. Chesnut is a Presbyterian pastor. His book walks you though his glorious and tragic years at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.
One of the things I enjoyed this book was his scholarly perspective. He continually refers to theologians and theological perspectives that influence the decisions we make in our churches. While his book is based in his history it all flows from a paper he wrote in his undergraduate nearly 50 years previous.
Before I go any further let me tell you this is one of the most profound books I have ever read in this genre. While you will see a lot of things I have gleaned from this text in the next few posts what is most transformative for me has been Chestnut’s ability to remain through conflict. It was a few months ago that a mentor pastor (thanks sam) told me that every pastor faces deep conflict in their congregation and while I might not have experienced much of it yet I will. The question is, do you leave when conflict arises? Now I’m not talking about little conflicts that we face every day, I’m talking about the kind of conflict where your character and calling is called into question…The kind of conflict that makes you despise the church…the type of conflict where it would be clearly easier to leave than to stand strong for what is right and just.
I would like to think I would stand but you never know till the time comes…
One thing is certain my father has met this moment and continues to stand. Thanks for good examples pops and sam.
One of the things I enjoyed this book was his scholarly perspective. He continually refers to theologians and theological perspectives that influence the decisions we make in our churches. While his book is based in his history it all flows from a paper he wrote in his undergraduate nearly 50 years previous.
Before I go any further let me tell you this is one of the most profound books I have ever read in this genre. While you will see a lot of things I have gleaned from this text in the next few posts what is most transformative for me has been Chestnut’s ability to remain through conflict. It was a few months ago that a mentor pastor (thanks sam) told me that every pastor faces deep conflict in their congregation and while I might not have experienced much of it yet I will. The question is, do you leave when conflict arises? Now I’m not talking about little conflicts that we face every day, I’m talking about the kind of conflict where your character and calling is called into question…The kind of conflict that makes you despise the church…the type of conflict where it would be clearly easier to leave than to stand strong for what is right and just.
I would like to think I would stand but you never know till the time comes…
One thing is certain my father has met this moment and continues to stand. Thanks for good examples pops and sam.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
mad church disease...
I just finished reading a book called Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic by Anne Jackson. It’s an interesting book because you don’t often find books written about the propensity of pastor or ministerial burnout. It is a taboo subject. Yet I personally know more pastors who have experience burned out than I can count on all my appendages. Having experience burnout and nearly a nervous breakdown myself, I think it is about time we talk about how a pastor’s heart has a propensity to give itself into brokenness.
I appreciate the frankness of this book and the self-help concepts that can be gleaned. Anne herself has experienced burnout so she speaks from experience. The book also utilizes multiple voices. Anne interviews other people at the end of each chapter, which builds on her points.
She starts the book by comparing burnout to mad cow disease.
Mad cow disease has 4 unique characteristics.
1 The disease lies dormant for a given amount of time, going unnoticed. It can be a period of months to a few years before the disease is found.
2 Mad cow disease is cause by a mutated protein that attaches itself to the cow’s central nervous system, thus affecting the cow’s brain and responses (hence the name). Essentially, it turns the cows brain and spinal cord into a spongy-type matter. Slowly, the cow’s mental and physical health begin to deteriorate.
3 Mad cow disease is transmitted by cows eating the suspect protein. Since are often fed the remains of other cattle (something yummy called meat and bone meal), its easy for an entire herd to become infected at once if they share the same food source.
4 Mad cow disease ultimately leads to the infected cow’s death. There is no cure.
Jackson then draws on this compelling metaphor for the burnout she or we experience. By chapter six, she starts talking about getting better, something a cow infected with mad cow disease can not do.
Anne gives 5 principles of recovery
1 Accept responsibility for your decisions: “the effect of the decision you have made over time has led you now to burnout.” We are responsible for the decisions we have made. (The late nights. The double doubles (in and out speak for quick death J, the neglect of study, prayer and meditation, family time etc. These were our decisions ) One of the things I appreciate about this book is that she does take the time to address the exception to all the rules she creates. In this one she takes time out to address those that were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
2 Change you purpose: what are you chasing after? Is your purpose messed up? Jackson reiterates that the best purpose is to love God and love neighbor as yourself.
3 Make a plan: it is essential that you make plans to change and then commit to follow through with these plans.
4 Create Boundaries: even Jesus took breaks to rest and rejuvenate. What, you think your better than Jesus? Lol
5 Find accountability: we need others to hold us up, to keep us committed to our goals.
I know this seems pretty basic. The truth is, the book is pretty basic which is nice for such a topic. It gives space to ask questions and to think through her simple process.
The last part of the book she chooses to talk about spiritual, emotion, mental, physical and relational health . I like that she isn’t afraid to speak of the physical health of pastors. I can’t tell you how many overweight (fat) unhealthy pastors I know. Me included. I may not be overweight but I’m definitely not healthy. It’s about time people start talking about that our own lack of health maybe the only thing keeping us from a lifetime of service to god and humanity.
A few years ago, through yoga, I learned to start listening to my body. This has been one of the most profound lessons of my life. I need to just shut up sometimes and listen to my body. It is communicating with me what health looks like.
This is a decent book. The most compelling part is the stories of those who have faced this powerful destruction and came out on the other side. You can check out more of these stories and share your own on her website madchurchdisease.com
I appreciate the frankness of this book and the self-help concepts that can be gleaned. Anne herself has experienced burnout so she speaks from experience. The book also utilizes multiple voices. Anne interviews other people at the end of each chapter, which builds on her points.
She starts the book by comparing burnout to mad cow disease.
Mad cow disease has 4 unique characteristics.
1 The disease lies dormant for a given amount of time, going unnoticed. It can be a period of months to a few years before the disease is found.
2 Mad cow disease is cause by a mutated protein that attaches itself to the cow’s central nervous system, thus affecting the cow’s brain and responses (hence the name). Essentially, it turns the cows brain and spinal cord into a spongy-type matter. Slowly, the cow’s mental and physical health begin to deteriorate.
3 Mad cow disease is transmitted by cows eating the suspect protein. Since are often fed the remains of other cattle (something yummy called meat and bone meal), its easy for an entire herd to become infected at once if they share the same food source.
4 Mad cow disease ultimately leads to the infected cow’s death. There is no cure.
Jackson then draws on this compelling metaphor for the burnout she or we experience. By chapter six, she starts talking about getting better, something a cow infected with mad cow disease can not do.
Anne gives 5 principles of recovery
1 Accept responsibility for your decisions: “the effect of the decision you have made over time has led you now to burnout.” We are responsible for the decisions we have made. (The late nights. The double doubles (in and out speak for quick death J, the neglect of study, prayer and meditation, family time etc. These were our decisions ) One of the things I appreciate about this book is that she does take the time to address the exception to all the rules she creates. In this one she takes time out to address those that were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.
2 Change you purpose: what are you chasing after? Is your purpose messed up? Jackson reiterates that the best purpose is to love God and love neighbor as yourself.
3 Make a plan: it is essential that you make plans to change and then commit to follow through with these plans.
4 Create Boundaries: even Jesus took breaks to rest and rejuvenate. What, you think your better than Jesus? Lol
5 Find accountability: we need others to hold us up, to keep us committed to our goals.
I know this seems pretty basic. The truth is, the book is pretty basic which is nice for such a topic. It gives space to ask questions and to think through her simple process.
The last part of the book she chooses to talk about spiritual, emotion, mental, physical and relational health . I like that she isn’t afraid to speak of the physical health of pastors. I can’t tell you how many overweight (fat) unhealthy pastors I know. Me included. I may not be overweight but I’m definitely not healthy. It’s about time people start talking about that our own lack of health maybe the only thing keeping us from a lifetime of service to god and humanity.
A few years ago, through yoga, I learned to start listening to my body. This has been one of the most profound lessons of my life. I need to just shut up sometimes and listen to my body. It is communicating with me what health looks like.
This is a decent book. The most compelling part is the stories of those who have faced this powerful destruction and came out on the other side. You can check out more of these stories and share your own on her website madchurchdisease.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
architecture of worship
I’m reading this book on church architecture. It was given to me by a good friend and mentor, named Pr. Sam Platts. It’s a classic book called Architecture for Worship by E.A Sovik
He starts out by suggesting that one of the most important times to analyze in church architecture is the most often over looked: the architecture of the first church. Sovik’s thesis is that “we ought to stop building cultic buildings in favor of better alternatives.”
He states that Jesus didn’t ask his follower to build anything. In fact on the mount of transfiguration he persuaded his disciples to not build shrines that they thought were appropriate. I would argue that what Jesus wanted his followers to build was the kingdom of God here on earth to which, I don’t think Sovik would argue.
Sovik’s principle point is “worship involves persons not places.“ (10) Persons are the new temple Christ came to build. And the universality of the gospel means that the gospel was for all people, jew, gentile, rich, poor, male and female. It was about a faith committed to service not to sacrifice.
Hippolytus wrote in 230 in the Apostolic Tradition: “it is not a place that is called ‘church’ nor a house made of stones and earth…. What then is the church? It is the holy assembly of those who live in righteousness.”
He argues that as Constantine made Christianity the religion of the empire that faith had to accommodate the state. Thus swelling congregations meant that homes and ad hoc locations were no longer adequate.
I love this quote:
“The house of worship is not a shelter for an alter, it is a shelter for people. It is not the table that makes a sacrament; it is the people and what they do. “ Thus church becomes hospital… a concept I really enjoy.
Sovik continues in a vain that I have a bit of an argument with or need some further clarification.
“The place which is ultimately faithful to the Christian vision will be one in which the room is devoid of any explicitly cultic images or furnishings. “ First I am personally leery of anyone who suggest that there is one Christian vision. Second , I would question what he defines as cultic images, does this include crosses, etc. If not why wouldn’t he include those?
He makes the argument the church should be built for use by the community. We are meant to be a people of service so our buildings should be places of service, where our community can use them. I totally agree with this and am often thinking of new ways we can use our space for the benefit of the community.
I think overall this book is a powerful look at how we use the architecture of the church. It reminds us of the intentionality we should have when we think about worship space.
His challenges to connect the community in worship by how we arrange our buildings is a powerful reminder and one I think we often overlook especially in traditional architecture.
On the other hand I think people, The Church, are looking for sanctuary. This can mean a multitude of things but is something that cannot merely be replaced for function. 'Cultic' symbols may actually draw us near to god at times and have a place and purpose. To have our worship spaces look like our living rooms may draw us to worship more as we enter our own living rooms, but it may also do the opposite. I worshiped in places throughout my life that had lost all sense of transcendence. Now that I am in a building that tries to draw people toward transcendence and I see a deep value in the lofty yet simple architecture.
I wonder if there is a balance between the ways of Sovik and the classic church architecture. Is there a third way… A way that embodies usefulness, transcendence, a balance of symbol and service?
I also wonder if he were to write the book today if there would be a section on sustainability. Churches seem to be places of waste when it comes to the electric grid and water. What about the transcendence that nature provides?
He starts out by suggesting that one of the most important times to analyze in church architecture is the most often over looked: the architecture of the first church. Sovik’s thesis is that “we ought to stop building cultic buildings in favor of better alternatives.”
He states that Jesus didn’t ask his follower to build anything. In fact on the mount of transfiguration he persuaded his disciples to not build shrines that they thought were appropriate. I would argue that what Jesus wanted his followers to build was the kingdom of God here on earth to which, I don’t think Sovik would argue.
Sovik’s principle point is “worship involves persons not places.“ (10) Persons are the new temple Christ came to build. And the universality of the gospel means that the gospel was for all people, jew, gentile, rich, poor, male and female. It was about a faith committed to service not to sacrifice.
Hippolytus wrote in 230 in the Apostolic Tradition: “it is not a place that is called ‘church’ nor a house made of stones and earth…. What then is the church? It is the holy assembly of those who live in righteousness.”
He argues that as Constantine made Christianity the religion of the empire that faith had to accommodate the state. Thus swelling congregations meant that homes and ad hoc locations were no longer adequate.
I love this quote:
“The house of worship is not a shelter for an alter, it is a shelter for people. It is not the table that makes a sacrament; it is the people and what they do. “ Thus church becomes hospital… a concept I really enjoy.
Sovik continues in a vain that I have a bit of an argument with or need some further clarification.
“The place which is ultimately faithful to the Christian vision will be one in which the room is devoid of any explicitly cultic images or furnishings. “ First I am personally leery of anyone who suggest that there is one Christian vision. Second , I would question what he defines as cultic images, does this include crosses, etc. If not why wouldn’t he include those?
He makes the argument the church should be built for use by the community. We are meant to be a people of service so our buildings should be places of service, where our community can use them. I totally agree with this and am often thinking of new ways we can use our space for the benefit of the community.
I think overall this book is a powerful look at how we use the architecture of the church. It reminds us of the intentionality we should have when we think about worship space.
His challenges to connect the community in worship by how we arrange our buildings is a powerful reminder and one I think we often overlook especially in traditional architecture.
On the other hand I think people, The Church, are looking for sanctuary. This can mean a multitude of things but is something that cannot merely be replaced for function. 'Cultic' symbols may actually draw us near to god at times and have a place and purpose. To have our worship spaces look like our living rooms may draw us to worship more as we enter our own living rooms, but it may also do the opposite. I worshiped in places throughout my life that had lost all sense of transcendence. Now that I am in a building that tries to draw people toward transcendence and I see a deep value in the lofty yet simple architecture.
I wonder if there is a balance between the ways of Sovik and the classic church architecture. Is there a third way… A way that embodies usefulness, transcendence, a balance of symbol and service?
I also wonder if he were to write the book today if there would be a section on sustainability. Churches seem to be places of waste when it comes to the electric grid and water. What about the transcendence that nature provides?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
to two remarkable human beings, thank you for being our hope.
Mom and Dad, you both are remarkable! Your love for our family, the world and God's Church is profound.
Thank you for being as true, relevant, and transparent as you possibly could and can be in my life and in your relationships with all those around you. Thank you for leading thousands upon thousands of students before a God who loves them and accepts them. Thank you for being attentive to students needs, their pain, and their hopes. Thank you for listening and helping to change people's life circumstances so they can find hope for new tomorrows. Thank you for truly being God's hands and feet to a world of students who are often struggling to be more than mere vagabonds. Your example has made me and thousands of others who we are today. We are pastors, teachers, scientists, musicians, parents, government leaders, cooks, marketers, farmers, police, military men and women, social workers, laborers, contractors, and so much more because you taught us to believe in ourselves, in our families, and in a God who loves us no matter what.
As a voice for God's Church I apologize for how the "church" has hurt you in the past, in the present, and will hurt you in the future. My heart mourns due to the relational and spiritual carnage the church can and has caused. May God's church learn to again be his church; to stand for righteousness, justice, and love.
Thank you for believing in the sovereignty of God, even when He doesn't seem sovereign. thank you for remaining faithful when circumstances of life would push most to run. thank you for teaching me about a God who is full of compassion and seeks to fill the world with hope, and abundant life.
May you feel God's immense hope for tomorrow, May His peace that passes all our understanding flood your week, may you feel the love of Christ's "true community" as you walk through the week and may the God who is a righteous judge correct all of us as we fail to love the world around us.
Thank you for being as true, relevant, and transparent as you possibly could and can be in my life and in your relationships with all those around you. Thank you for leading thousands upon thousands of students before a God who loves them and accepts them. Thank you for being attentive to students needs, their pain, and their hopes. Thank you for listening and helping to change people's life circumstances so they can find hope for new tomorrows. Thank you for truly being God's hands and feet to a world of students who are often struggling to be more than mere vagabonds. Your example has made me and thousands of others who we are today. We are pastors, teachers, scientists, musicians, parents, government leaders, cooks, marketers, farmers, police, military men and women, social workers, laborers, contractors, and so much more because you taught us to believe in ourselves, in our families, and in a God who loves us no matter what.
As a voice for God's Church I apologize for how the "church" has hurt you in the past, in the present, and will hurt you in the future. My heart mourns due to the relational and spiritual carnage the church can and has caused. May God's church learn to again be his church; to stand for righteousness, justice, and love.
Thank you for believing in the sovereignty of God, even when He doesn't seem sovereign. thank you for remaining faithful when circumstances of life would push most to run. thank you for teaching me about a God who is full of compassion and seeks to fill the world with hope, and abundant life.
May you feel God's immense hope for tomorrow, May His peace that passes all our understanding flood your week, may you feel the love of Christ's "true community" as you walk through the week and may the God who is a righteous judge correct all of us as we fail to love the world around us.
Monday, August 3, 2009
being present
being present is one of the hardest things in life to do. so often we want to fix things, to make things easier or more comfortable. Yet, the reality is that often what people need is just someone to be with them in their struggle...to reside alongside them through whatever emotion might be coming up. Resting alongside another without judgment or even words is very hard.
heather is good at this... one of the characters i needed most in a partner was someone who would listen, sit, and be with me without forces me to communicate in the midst of struggle... often when i am dealing with things i don't want to speak. i want to think and be with someone while i do this. this makes many people very uncomfortable....especially since i am generally a verbal processor so this is different behaviour than normal. part of this comes from the need for confidentiality that my job requires.
thank god for heather who can come lay her head in my lap and just be. no strings attached, thank god she is open to being uncomfortable alongside my thoughts.
heather is good at this... one of the characters i needed most in a partner was someone who would listen, sit, and be with me without forces me to communicate in the midst of struggle... often when i am dealing with things i don't want to speak. i want to think and be with someone while i do this. this makes many people very uncomfortable....especially since i am generally a verbal processor so this is different behaviour than normal. part of this comes from the need for confidentiality that my job requires.
thank god for heather who can come lay her head in my lap and just be. no strings attached, thank god she is open to being uncomfortable alongside my thoughts.
Friday, July 17, 2009
sacred vs. secular
Sacred and secular: I absolutely hate this dichotomy. I know I’ve written about this before, but things have occurred this week to remind me how much I hate it. To create this dichotomy means that we are vastly limiting god, and ourselves.
It seems to me that this distinction is more about giving ourselves boundaries. If we make a separation between sacred and secular art, or music or film then we can prohibit our children from being “harmed.” We can create walls to keep ourselves, families, and churches from experiencing risk. Unfortunately what we often get instead is poorly produced “christian-ized” junk, or plagiarized products like pseudo vans shoes with jesus written on the side, vastly overpriced and made by children in the third world (I know an exaggeration). What is the matter with simply having vans. We wall ourselves up and create our own Christian ghetto and for what? What safety are we giving ourselves. People still fail, priest’s and pastor’s still destroy lives and communities, our divorce rate in the “sacred” world has more divorce than the “secular” world, and our people still hurt, suffer, and live in addiction and pain. The walls of separation between the sacred and the secular don’t work. They don’t protect our children and they don’t truly create safety.
Why because this distinction isn’t real in the way we understand it. God is present in all. God is present in the world which is profane (the actual opposite of sacred) and that which is sacred. Trying to make the world a better place shouldn’t mean we create our own ghetto. In my understanding of what the way of Jesus calls us to, we should live in the fullness of the world bringing love, hope, peace, grace, creativity, passion, vision, etc. that abiding in that which is “Wholly Other” (Eliade) draws the world to god because he makes us more creative, more loving, more hopeful, more passionate, etc.
Enough with this rant. I’m going to a “secular” restaurant tonight while driving in my “secular” car listening to “secular” music, and if you make it to church on Sunday or catch us on-line you might think I am a “secular” pastor but be careful if you hope this offends me because I might take it as a complement. :)
It seems to me that this distinction is more about giving ourselves boundaries. If we make a separation between sacred and secular art, or music or film then we can prohibit our children from being “harmed.” We can create walls to keep ourselves, families, and churches from experiencing risk. Unfortunately what we often get instead is poorly produced “christian-ized” junk, or plagiarized products like pseudo vans shoes with jesus written on the side, vastly overpriced and made by children in the third world (I know an exaggeration). What is the matter with simply having vans. We wall ourselves up and create our own Christian ghetto and for what? What safety are we giving ourselves. People still fail, priest’s and pastor’s still destroy lives and communities, our divorce rate in the “sacred” world has more divorce than the “secular” world, and our people still hurt, suffer, and live in addiction and pain. The walls of separation between the sacred and the secular don’t work. They don’t protect our children and they don’t truly create safety.
Why because this distinction isn’t real in the way we understand it. God is present in all. God is present in the world which is profane (the actual opposite of sacred) and that which is sacred. Trying to make the world a better place shouldn’t mean we create our own ghetto. In my understanding of what the way of Jesus calls us to, we should live in the fullness of the world bringing love, hope, peace, grace, creativity, passion, vision, etc. that abiding in that which is “Wholly Other” (Eliade) draws the world to god because he makes us more creative, more loving, more hopeful, more passionate, etc.
Enough with this rant. I’m going to a “secular” restaurant tonight while driving in my “secular” car listening to “secular” music, and if you make it to church on Sunday or catch us on-line you might think I am a “secular” pastor but be careful if you hope this offends me because I might take it as a complement. :)
Monday, July 13, 2009
turkey sloppyjoes
so i know all my vege-friends will find this utterly disgusting, but last night I ate something that took me back to every mission trip I ever did as a child or youth...sloppy Joes. I switched the beef for a healthier alternative (turkey), but it still tasted so good.
Isn’t it amazing how the taste or smell of something can bring us back to early memories? I was eating my sloppy Joe thinking about our mission trip to the reservation in New Mexico (i think red rock). Some of you will remember the one i was thinking about. Let me jog some memories….The trip where we were climbing the coppery red plateaus and Jacob’s sister pushed a huge sharp rock off onto his head and blood went everywhere, and Ryan and I had to carry him for about a mile back to camp. Crazy...... The same trip where we had our own church services because the church had some odd things going on but some of went to both services (a true lesson in differences within the same faith tradition)... the same one where I got in bad trouble for sticking ketchup covered maxi pads all over the girls tents (ya I know horribly immature). the same trip where we stood on top of the plateaus and showered in freezing water with the cold air ripping across our wet bodies… its amazing what we remember. I can still feel the cold air, the tiny church class rooms, the huge dirty white tent in front of the church with the fake grass carpet covering the stage, my dad and his two brothers singing songs for about and hour, the precious kids that wanted as much love as we could give. Fun times!
As I start this week of VBS, I remember countless VBSs done over the years. One thing is certain children need love. they need to be hugged, nurtured, cared for and about, they need to know that they matter.
Nothing like a sloppy joe to bring back good memories.
Isn’t it amazing how the taste or smell of something can bring us back to early memories? I was eating my sloppy Joe thinking about our mission trip to the reservation in New Mexico (i think red rock). Some of you will remember the one i was thinking about. Let me jog some memories….The trip where we were climbing the coppery red plateaus and Jacob’s sister pushed a huge sharp rock off onto his head and blood went everywhere, and Ryan and I had to carry him for about a mile back to camp. Crazy...... The same trip where we had our own church services because the church had some odd things going on but some of went to both services (a true lesson in differences within the same faith tradition)... the same one where I got in bad trouble for sticking ketchup covered maxi pads all over the girls tents (ya I know horribly immature). the same trip where we stood on top of the plateaus and showered in freezing water with the cold air ripping across our wet bodies… its amazing what we remember. I can still feel the cold air, the tiny church class rooms, the huge dirty white tent in front of the church with the fake grass carpet covering the stage, my dad and his two brothers singing songs for about and hour, the precious kids that wanted as much love as we could give. Fun times!
As I start this week of VBS, I remember countless VBSs done over the years. One thing is certain children need love. they need to be hugged, nurtured, cared for and about, they need to know that they matter.
Nothing like a sloppy joe to bring back good memories.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
coup d'etat
Coup happen all the time. Yet isn't it amazing how one's whole perspective changes when you have a good friend in a country were political unrest is happening. Most of the time i go through my life without thinking twice in a year about countries like Honduras. And i would argue that i am a person who seeks to remain politically and socially aware of the developing world especially Latin America since i hope to retire there someday. yet because heather and i have a dear friend traveling in honduras for the next three weeks i cannot get the country out of my mind.
this morning as i sit in my safe office with the warm california sunshine shining in my window illuminating the keys of my laptop my heart breaks for this country. People just like you and me who now have a curfew and are forced by martial law to be out of the streets. People who only three days ago could walk around in virtual freedom now are completely unsure what the day will bring. I am reminded again that all of life is gift. freedom is gift. and even in a country "like ours" our lives could change in a single moment.
please be in prayer for the country of Honduras, not just today because i have a friend there but everyday, may we be a community of believers who are deeply concerned about the world around us. May we be conscious of the humanity of those around us and stand against anyone who tries to violate that humanity.
and while your at it. pray for my friend Calais and her family as they do acts of love in a country that desperately needs love today.
this morning as i sit in my safe office with the warm california sunshine shining in my window illuminating the keys of my laptop my heart breaks for this country. People just like you and me who now have a curfew and are forced by martial law to be out of the streets. People who only three days ago could walk around in virtual freedom now are completely unsure what the day will bring. I am reminded again that all of life is gift. freedom is gift. and even in a country "like ours" our lives could change in a single moment.
please be in prayer for the country of Honduras, not just today because i have a friend there but everyday, may we be a community of believers who are deeply concerned about the world around us. May we be conscious of the humanity of those around us and stand against anyone who tries to violate that humanity.
and while your at it. pray for my friend Calais and her family as they do acts of love in a country that desperately needs love today.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Parents
My parents are an inspiration. My dad and mom just celebrated their 20th anniversary at First Baptist Church in Wellington Texas. I remember when we moved to Wellington from Oklahoma, as children we thought our world had fallen apart. As a child, it is hard to know what is the will of god or the whim of a parent, and either way you don't have much choice. but i can tell you this, if lives changed and impacted are the test of whether we are obedient to god or not, then my parents have been more than obedient.
Over the last 20 years my parents have seen literally hundreds of student make a decision to fall in love with God and start living in the way of Christ. They have seen many students commit to a lifetime of ministry (including me). They have helped people walk through many difficult issues including suicide, depression, addiction, divorce, death, murder, sickness and every other chaotic life-event you could possibly imagine. They have become townies in a community where that is not an easy task. They have committed to walk alongside their community longer than the majority of the other pastors in town combined. Mom and Dad have seen other pastors come and go for more money, more fame, and new callings, yet they have not wavered on the belief that god brought them to Wellington. Through struggle and triumph, sadness and joy, all the while my parents have not stopped recognizing that their time in this small, isolated community is gift. It is a gift that god has blessed them and our family with. Their calling is a gift from god, and in my humble opinion :) a gift for the town of Wellington.
For some, this may seem like a small thing, but being in ministry myself this longevity, this investment makes an enormous difference.
Therefore, I say thank you. Thank you mom and dad for not only being an example to me but being an example to a whole community. Thank you for choosing to enter my chaos and the chaos of rural America, which if statistics are true, has more chaos per capita then the largest cities in America.
You are powerful examples. So three cheers to the 'rents. Hip! Hip! Hooray! Hip! Hip! Hooray! Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Over the last 20 years my parents have seen literally hundreds of student make a decision to fall in love with God and start living in the way of Christ. They have seen many students commit to a lifetime of ministry (including me). They have helped people walk through many difficult issues including suicide, depression, addiction, divorce, death, murder, sickness and every other chaotic life-event you could possibly imagine. They have become townies in a community where that is not an easy task. They have committed to walk alongside their community longer than the majority of the other pastors in town combined. Mom and Dad have seen other pastors come and go for more money, more fame, and new callings, yet they have not wavered on the belief that god brought them to Wellington. Through struggle and triumph, sadness and joy, all the while my parents have not stopped recognizing that their time in this small, isolated community is gift. It is a gift that god has blessed them and our family with. Their calling is a gift from god, and in my humble opinion :) a gift for the town of Wellington.
For some, this may seem like a small thing, but being in ministry myself this longevity, this investment makes an enormous difference.
Therefore, I say thank you. Thank you mom and dad for not only being an example to me but being an example to a whole community. Thank you for choosing to enter my chaos and the chaos of rural America, which if statistics are true, has more chaos per capita then the largest cities in America.
You are powerful examples. So three cheers to the 'rents. Hip! Hip! Hooray! Hip! Hip! Hooray! Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
reconnection
reconnections are like reconciliation, i know that seems redundant, however i feel like i experience reconciliation the most as my human relationships find reconnection. i got to talk with a long time friend this week and to reconnect and recognize that our spirits are still so interconnected is a touch of divinity. i think this is true when we give our lives to one another. the more you give the more eternal it is. this is true as sean comes and lives with us for the summer as well. connections made 5, 6 years ago are blessing heather and i today. the love that angie and paul gave to me over ten years ago gets to be past on but at the same time it reconnects heather and i to powerful energies (angie and Paul) who continual bless us even in their absence.
today i got a phenomenal email from a dear friend that i have been away from for some time. as i read it my life grew. it was like a plant finding more light even though the plant had enough light to be healthy and because of that new light, the plant thrives even more.
with each reconnection i become even more excited about how god connects us in relationships. these relationships have deep and lasting effects even years separated don't destroy the effects, and affects of love shared.
as i read and study philippians i see this same reality in paul's words to the church in philippi. the bonds we make in love are not destroyed. not by prision, not by miles, not by conflict, or suffering love remains. As love is reconciled or reconnected healing, peace, rest, depth and hope is created.
today i got a phenomenal email from a dear friend that i have been away from for some time. as i read it my life grew. it was like a plant finding more light even though the plant had enough light to be healthy and because of that new light, the plant thrives even more.
with each reconnection i become even more excited about how god connects us in relationships. these relationships have deep and lasting effects even years separated don't destroy the effects, and affects of love shared.
as i read and study philippians i see this same reality in paul's words to the church in philippi. the bonds we make in love are not destroyed. not by prision, not by miles, not by conflict, or suffering love remains. As love is reconciled or reconnected healing, peace, rest, depth and hope is created.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
thursday..
it has been an incredibly busy but good week. We are all prepping for the easter services, the wine tasting, and the summer children's adventure. alot going on. my prayer for the day is that god would grant me wisdom, discernment, and a voice of truth. with all thats going on i need these things.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
the crack known as facebook
I have been on face book for a few months now and it is such a crazy networking system. Email, IM, a wall, etc. a million ways for someone to discover something about you. It sucks you in and before you know it, you have been on for a few hours. it is insane.
Its been a while....
i have been away from this for a while and thought it time to return. it seems to keep me balanced. so for an update... we have been in the church (bethel) for 4 months and are in love with our new world. Our home is phenomenal, our community is a place full of unconditional love, and we got a new dog. ya you heard me right. we got a greyhound that we have named gentleman. he is a great gentle guy.
school has been good this semester as well. I have been taking this great class on the prophetic voice in America. it has been a powerful voice in my life as i seek to be a spiritual leader at bethel. more of that to come.
this week we are reading the memoir of John Dear, A Jesuit activist who has stood against nuclear weaponry for most of his adult life.
heather is doing great. she still likes her job as an after school teacher, and has recently started working at bethel in the morning with the Wise Owls (older preschool.) she is a great teacher so anything that uses those gifts are good.
school has been good this semester as well. I have been taking this great class on the prophetic voice in America. it has been a powerful voice in my life as i seek to be a spiritual leader at bethel. more of that to come.
this week we are reading the memoir of John Dear, A Jesuit activist who has stood against nuclear weaponry for most of his adult life.
heather is doing great. she still likes her job as an after school teacher, and has recently started working at bethel in the morning with the Wise Owls (older preschool.) she is a great teacher so anything that uses those gifts are good.
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