What God Cares Most About

12 10 2008

Some days, I just feel waves of gratitude wash over me.  Why?  Because of the people I work with.  Our team at North Point, the Lead Pastors of our Partners and their staffs, and the amazing volunteers who help with 15, mostly setup/teardown churches.  I honestly cannot believe I get to do what I get to do, and it all contain so much meaning and sheer joy.  I’ve laughed and celebrated more over the last 7 years on staff than my previous 30 years of life.

Can you say the same?  Do you really appreciate the people around you?  Especially, if you’re involved in the church?  Do you laugh, celebrate and cheer on your peers?  The people you lead?  The people who lead you?

Guess what?  If you can’t honestly say that you do, or argue that your work is full of important tasks or that what you’re striving for matters more to God than those people you make the journey with, you are missing the entire point!  God gave everything for relationships - ours to Him and us to others.  When it’s all said and done for you and I, the measure of our worth isn’t in tasks or accomplishments, but in the impact we made upon the lives of those around us.  Make sure you’re pouring your best efforts into the thing God cares most about.


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Pulpit & Politics

29 09 2008

You may have heard about the handful of pastors over the weekend who decided to defy IRS regulations and use their pulpits to publicly endorse candidates

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/29/pub-pastors-participate-pulpit-freedom-sunday/

For those unfamiliar with what this can do to a church, it has been IRS policy that a church risks losing its tax-exempt status if the pulpit is used for this purpose.  I’ve typically been of the mindset that the Church has too embedded itself into politics in general, believing in effect that we unwittingly communicate a message that our faith is more based upon legislating morality and values through politics than making known the life-changing truth of Jesus and the character of God.  (See my earlier post on the Church and politics, if you’re interested.)

What do you think about this stance over the weekend?  I can see some valid arguments from both sides, but I’m curious as to how you see it.


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Proximity?

7 09 2008

In Dan Kimball’s book, They Like Jesus, But Not The Church, he has this great question - If Jesus sent us on a mission to be his salt and light to others, why is it that we have basically set up our church systems and subcultures to remove maturing people from relationships with people outside the church?

Love it!  Love it!  Love it!  And, I even feel convicted by it, so I’m not railing against anyone.  I know that after 7 years on a church staff, I have way fewer, WAY FEWER, relationships with non-believers and the unchurched than I did years ago.  Now, I would argue culturally that church folks aren’t unlike everyone else in this regard - we naturally gravitate towards those who share similar values and interests.  But, in my post from months ago, “The Responsibility That Comes With Our Tribe”, I mentioned that as Christians we really aren’t afforded the opportunity to just sit back and surround ourselves with everyone who agrees with us.  We have to go out. But the great thing about Dan’s question is that is recognizes that in most churches, the “spiritually mature” are sequestered in church business meetings, elders meetings, Christian education classes, etc.  They’re not often on the front lines in close proximity to very folks Jesus hung out with.  And most of the “spiritually mature” get very angry and defensive when they get within 10 feet of someone who doesn’t profess Jesus as Lord.  Heck, all they really need is a handed down story to condemn someone as “that poor lost sinner”.  Makes you wonder how “spiritually mature” they really are?

Anyway, I’m looking at my hobbies and interests as a way to fight back and get closer to those outside the Church.  I’m playing softball again.  In a city league, not a church league.  I’m thinking about some photography classes to accompany my new digital SLR, and my wife’s an artist, so we have great opportunities there.  For those of you buried in church staffs and activities, I hope you too will think of ways to intentionally put yourself in situations where you can make friendships with those outside the church.  It will be so rewarding.


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Saddleback Presidential Forum

17 08 2008

I only got to catch parts of the forum between Obama and McCain last night (darn Olympics will suck you in!), but I was impressed with the format and questions. I liked the fact that each candidate got an individual slot to answer questions with Rick Warren. That cut down on the typical forum backbiting where a large component of many answers is simply criticizing your opponent. For a change, I learned more about why I should vote for someone versus vote against someone else. That was refreshing.

I also liked the fact that the questions weren’t prefaced with a whole lot of hullabaloo on the church’s official position on a matter. Typically, we are so well known for what we’re against and a closed-mindedness for discussion/debate that repeatedly hurts the Church. There are serious issues and 300 million people in this country. We are NOT going to agree on everything. And Christians shouldn’t expect non-Christians to arrive at the same conclusions we do, but if you come to the table realizing that we share 80-90% of life in common, well, that’s a whole different mindset that allows for a lot of agreement and progress.

Good job Saddleback! You did us proud and helped the country in this process.


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What will make them care?

13 07 2008

I have a favorite line that I repeat often, “It’s not like unchurched people don’t know churches are there. They just don’t care.” I say that a lot because I’m always intrigued by how to make them care.

Let’s face it, the world is getting smaller. We’re not just our city, our state, our country anymore. It’s becoming a 6 billion people + melting pot of busyness. And when you’re swimming in a bigger ocean, you’d darn sure better have your act together in order to make anyone notice. You certainly can’t depend on “tradition” because the majority don’t share that tradition, so it never occurs to them to have a reason to care.

So, what is it? What are you doing at church to make someone who doesn’t know Jesus have the slightest bit of interest that you’re gathering and, coincidentally, praying to God that others would come to know Him?

I’m not being critical. I’m seriously interested. We’ve got marketing down to those who already believe the same as we do. We change our programs, music, pastors, etc. all the time to appeal to them. But, that’s not adding anyone and it’s what God cares most about. So, let’s help each other out with ideas. What will make them care?


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The responsibility that comes with our “tribe”

21 05 2008

Read a little bit more of “UnChristian” over lunch today. (I know, I know. Shouldn’t I be through with that book by now. Do I still read by putting my finger under the line I’m reading like when I was a kid? ;-) Actually, it’s just wrestling with reading 4-5 books at a time.)

Loved the implications that came from one excerpt noting American society today and how Christians can still exert influence:

In thinking through how God wants to use his people, consider one of the most fascinating phenomena of our society: America is fragmenting into diverse subcultures. The “mainstream” experience, if there ever was such a thing, has now surrendered virtually all of its gravitational pull. These days most Americans take their cues from a unique subculture, deriving meaning, values, heroes, self-expression, identity, and viewpoints form a unique segment of society.

Though we frequently wish for the perceived shared American identity that nostalgia says was strongest during the 50’s, we, in the Church, have to deal in present reality. During times of crisis, i.e. 9/11, there’s probably a strong sense of shared national identity, but in the day-to-day experience for Americans, we’re usually more defined by the certain subculture or “tribe” we belong to than a collective moral mindset. (Tribe examples would be occupation, “I’m a scientist, consultant, student, etc.”, or seasons of life, “I’m in my 30’s, 40’s, I’m an empty-nester, etc”, or especially in America, our socioeconomic status.)

The challenge is, that being our nature - to group up with others that share our beliefs, experiences, etc. - that we as Christians fight against our tendency to create our own Church tribe or subculture (sounding familiar?) and separate ourselves from others who don’t ascribe to our beliefs. It’s natural to do so. It’s just that our tribe isn’t afforded that luxury.

In becoming Christian we can’t join the tribe and then expect people in other tribes to have to move towards us before we accept them. Everybody else can do that, but we can’t. We have to go out and plant ourselves in their realm, while still maintaining our main identity in who Christ has called us to be. So, be smart! If you’re a Christian AND a scientist, consultant, student, etc. recognize where God has planted you, and fight against the natural inertia to just move towards your huddle of Christian friends.

I could write a book on this, but it’s already been done - Ch. 6 of UnChristian. ;-)


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Favorite part of Drive ‘08

6 05 2008

Our staff is in the midst of a lot of long days serving and hosting over 2300 people at Drive ‘08.  Aside from my allergies kicking in full force over last weekend and making me sound like Barry White Jr., I love what happens when so many people eager to make church more about God and less about playing religion converge in one place.  It gives me a lot of hope for how the Church could be affected over the next few decades.

The days are really long for us on the staff side, but when it’s all over, I actually miss it.  Not just the encouragement I get from the attendees and their passion, but it’s a real joy serving with our staff during this time.  It always reminds me of the health around this place.  I really look forward to spending long hours with others on our staff.   There’s actually joy in it.  Hmm, think of that.  Church staff + long hours = joy.  I’m so thankful for that.


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Keepin’ it real

12 02 2008

So, I’m accelerating on the highway on-ramp today with my 39-week pregnant wife and this guy whips around me into the right lane of the on-ramp and punches his truck to get around me. Now, for those who know me or my driving style, you know I’m no wallflower. Probably has something to do with the fact that my mom would have chosen “race car driver” for her profession, if she’d had her druthers, and I have those same genes. So, I’m immediately ticked off and thinking, “Who the heck is this guy and where’s the fire?”.

And then I recognized it! That little spot in my heart where I pass judgment on anything that doesn’t jibe with what I think is right or appropriate. That’s exactly the spot where all the venom from the conversation on “franchise” church spews forth. I just needed to be transparent and fess up when I saw it in myself. The difference I think though, is being aware enough to recognize it and check yourself before spewing off at the mouth, ESPECIALLY in the name of Christ and within the Church.

It’s far too simple to use the pulpit, blogs, billboards and whatever else to communicate condemnation, judgment, etc. and springboard it all from a little verse that seems to illustrate the point. You know why that’s so easy? Because it originates from us, in our sinfulness. It comes naturally, and it’s not from God. You know why it’s so prevalent? Because it makes all the attenders feel a little bit better than all the “lost folks” who didn’t make it to church that day. And the pastor gets a handshake and “nice message, pastor” on the way out the door. Really? Seriously? Is that all church is supposed to be? Jesus went to the cross for that?

I don’t think so and it pains me when we get so off-mission within the Church. There are enough people and resources within the Church today to affect real change on a national and global level. But, we won’t get there when we keep backbiting at ourselves within the Chuch and spewing forth judgment on those outside of it. Leave the judging to God and recognize like I did in myself today that there’s a part of my heart that wants to justify my right to do that and act out of it. Nothing good will come from that. All the divisive issues within the Church, witness our little discussion about franchise over the last week :-), and the way we in the Church have polarized ourselves against those outside of it, should melt away if just recall our true standing before God without Christ and His grace and mercy - lost, hopeless, and justifiably condemned. When we realize the depth of the forgiveness we’ve received, why would we ever quibble over whether large church or small church is right? Whether Sunday School or small groups are correct? Which discipleship study is best? Who cares! Are you moving people towards God and finding ways to connect the lost to their Heavenly Father? That’s it! Keep doing that by whatever methods or systems help that happen. Go get ‘em Church!


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And we’re representing Christ?

11 02 2008

I was third-party to a passionate discussion last week over the use of the word “franchise” and church. Eddie Johnson, who leads our partner church in Nashville, was using the word to paint an analogy of how systems can benefit the Church. He’s stated before that he proudly runs the North Point franchise in Nashville. And I’ve told him how the word always makes me shudder because it brings all the wrong connotations to mind. Like we’re just opening up little outlets to “sell” Jesus, promulgate Andy and send profits back to headquarters. I stated in an earlier post that I’d quit if there was any semblance of that around me. That’s not what Eddie is about either.

What’s most troubling though is looking at the comments people from the Church have posted in various threads as the discussion moved around the Web. Aside from not taking the time to actually consider the analogy - that systems are great ways to produce intended results, in this case introducing people to God, life change, discipleship, evangelism, etc., people inside the Body once again took the bait this world offers and came down in judgment upon Eddie personally and North Point as a church.

COME ON PEOPLE! With reactions like that, you really wonder why there are such large factions of culture arrayed against us? Unfortunately, there’s such a pervasive subculture within the Church that has been around since, oh, the days of Jesus himself, that has crowned itself the “Church Intelligencia”, destined to sit and pass judgment on all those who rankle the court. They are experts in quoting the Word, yet affect almost no lives positively. They can readily respond with biting commentary, yet have encouraged no one in long time. They claim to be close to Christ, yet probably have no friends outside the faith, lest they mingle with “sinners”. P-R-I-D-E abounds!

It’s really pretty disgusting to see the condemnation, judgment and personal attacks in their language. Why are you so threatened? Afraid someone will pierce the veil and discover there’s not a whole lot going on upstairs or in your heart? Oh, and why is every church that attracts people lambasted for being “consumerist”. Hmm, for some reason I remember great crowds following Jesus around to hear what he had to say. If consumerism, is week after week of people re-ordering their lives to live for Christ not themselves, people seeing past religion to discover that their Heavenly Father desires relationship with them, and the hopeless finding hope, go ahead and indict me because that’s what we’re “selling”.

Thanks to those of you who investigated what Eddie actually meant, and even in disagreement, engaged in healthy conversation on the topic. Gee, I wonder how the cause of Christ could be furthered if the Church were known more for its ability to actually welcome conversation and invite detractors into the discussion? Folks remember, we have TRUTH on our side and we know how the story ends. What can threaten that? Lay down the small-mindedness.


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If people think God is like your church…

26 01 2008

…is that a good thing? Read recently where one of the most common perceptions of those who visit a church is that they perceive God’s character to be like the people and service they experienced. I don’t know about you, but that worries me. That means everything at the church is important - the look and feel, the music, the demeanor of those serving, the sermon, etc. If it’s boring, they think God’s boring. If it’s irrelevant and useless for their daily life, so is God. If it’s creepy and judgmental, guess what? Yep, they think God is too.

Why that worries me so much is because I think the vast majority of churches are just going through the motions. Everything that happens on Sunday and all the programming is simply a repeat of inherited tradition. It’s like there’s this big pattern book on “How to do Church” and we’re just mindlessly implementing it. It may have been decades since someone’s asked, “Is this effective anymore?”, “How do we know?”, “Is there a steady stream of people flowing into our church and meeting Jesus?” Complacency is probably the #1 crippler of every church. That’s not unique to churches. It’s just our human nature. But, we have to know what’s at stake and that every service, every program and environment has the possibility to be someone’s first experience and form their first impressions about God. I don’t know about you, but the God I know is dynamic, challenging, full of grace, loving discipline, and is more encouraging and uplifting the closer I get to Him. Is that the impression people get at your church and the closer they get to your people?

If the Church is His representative to the world, what are we presenting? If people think God is like your church, is that a good thing?


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