livelifetogether

When She's Gone

2012-01-27T17:24:00.002-06:00

In honor of my wife's (Amy) and daughter #3's (Abbey) trip to Ethiopia and Kenya, I offer this sentiment.

It is such a blessing to live with people who you miss when they leave. Thank you, God!

And, Lord, please go before Amy and Abbey preparing the brothers and sisters in Ethiopia and Kenya for Your leadership.

Help!

2012-01-18T21:48:00.001-06:00

Do you ever need a little help? We all do.

Why do we find it so hard to receive it?

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:15

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Every Place You Set Your Foot

2012-01-17T15:11:00.007-06:00

Taken any new ground lately?

Tried a "new dance" instead of the old one?

Intentionally stepped out, trusting God?

Risked the unknown in hope of new life?

Ventured out into unchartered terrain?

After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant. He said "Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set your foot, you will be on land I have given you--'" Joshua 1:1-3

Dream

2012-01-16T22:01:00.000-06:00

On Sunday I baptized twins. What a joy it was to participate in bringing new life through the waters of baptism. As a visible reminder of the reality of what happens in baptism we give candles to the one who is baptized. We encourage the families to light these candles every year on the baptismal anniversary.

The candle reminds the family of the biblical truth that Jesus is the light of the world. In Him there is no darkness.

We also celebrate the truth that at our baptism Jesus sets us apart to live our lives as light-bearers. Although humbled by this reality, we rejoice that God chooses us to carry His light.  From the moment that faith is delivered to us, by grace, we are given our life purpose.

On the eve of this MLK day, when we celebrate the courageous leadership of a man who "had a dream." I marvel at how many people don't have dreams! I am stunned at how many people have such small, self-focused, self-serving dreams.  (Make it a point to ask someone what their dream is sometime.)

Make no mistake, God encourages dreaming.  He establishes the dream at our baptism. Although that dream sometimes get hidden under the "basket," a little reminder like a baptismal candle can take us back to His intended purpose for us.  We are Light-of-the-world-bearers! Wow!

Jesus says: "You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16

Can you think of a greater purpose? Is there a bigger dream? How does your dream stack up?

Fences

2012-01-13T15:40:00.001-06:00

I wonder sometimes how many people think they are on the outside looking in feeling as if the freedom that Jeuss offers is not for them.

I wonder sometimes how the church, intended or not, has put up fences that contribute to this feeling.

Have we erected fences? Can you identify any?

Now, here's what happens frequently when we consider such questions. We point fingers at others and what THEY have done to put up the barriers.

So, here's my challenge today: personalize it. What have YOU done intentionally or unintentionally to erect fences?

Sustained by the Word

2012-01-12T11:27:00.000-06:00

The struggle is real. The pull is constant. The tug 'o war between living our Christian life "by the flesh" or by "being sustained by the Word" is a daily reality. (Be sure to check out John Piper's post @ Desiring God) for some practical tips on how to navigate through this tension.

Jesus was sustained by the Word. (Matthew 4) So are we. We are not just brought to faith by the Spirit, we walk by the Spirit. We keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) We are not only brought to faith by the Word, we are sustained by the Word.

It seems to me that many of us who say we are followers of Jesus somehow have bought into the lie that once heaven is secure by faith in Jesus, we can navigate through life without the daily and personal sustanence of the Word of God recorded for us in the Bible. And since we have bought into this lie, we largely seek to get our sustenance from other places. We look to and depend on this list of places for our guidance, direction, encouragement:
     personal insight/ wisdom,
     friends' advice and counsel,
     feelings,
     special visions or experiences,
     personal interpretation of circumstances,
     media,
     family of origin rules,
     denominational historical documents,
     traditions...

What others would you add to the list?

Don't misunderstand. All of these sources of sustenance alongside of and interpreted by the Word of God can be beneficial to our life in Jesus, but alone, apart from the Word of God, they can actually be damaging to our life in Jesus. Apart from the Bible they can give us a false sense of guidance and insure that we will actually be led "by the flesh."

The only sure way to be led by the Spirit; to keep in step with the Spirit, is to be sustained by the Word.

Watch Jesus in Matthew 4. What do you notice?

Shine!

2012-01-06T15:53:00.000-06:00

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Oh, how quickly the lights get put away after the holiday! I tend to resist taking them down until after today.

As my friend Dominic Rivkin posted today on Facebook:
"Today marks the official end of the Christmas season, the Feast of the Epiphany. The Light of the World, our vision of God in His Son Jesus forces every human being into a choice. Do we continue to walk in the darkness of sin toward death or in the Light of love, toward life?"

How often in this world don't we go with the flow? How many times don't we adopt the traditions of the world and simply do what everyone else does? As followers of Jesus we are to shine!

In a very real sense, the lights of Christmas should never be taken down.

2012 Is Going to Be Awesome!

2012-01-05T14:23:00.000-06:00

Here are 12 reasons why 2012 is going to be a great year for you.

#1    You are going to put aside all of the excuses why you can't gather in community with others and make a commitment to follow Jesus together with others.

#2    You are going to start sharing what Jesus has done for you with your friends who don't know the Good News about Jesus.

#3    You are going to start setting aside consistent time to reflect on where you have seen God show up.

#4    You are going to share what you are discovering in #3 with those who are with you in #1.

#5    You are going to actually be able to answer this question when someone asks you: "What has God been teaching you in His Word?"

#6    You are going to attend worship on a weekly basis because you can't wait to see what He has for you.

#7    You are going to spend more time and energy investing in your relationship with the living God of heaven and earth and less time watching TV.

#8    You are going to tell the ones who are closest to you that you love them.

#9    You are going to complain less and celebrate more.

#10 You are going to follow through when God nudges you to do something.

#11 You are going to ask for forgiveness more often.

#12 You are going to glance at your problems or difficulties and gaze at Jesus.

Would you add any to the list?

THRIVE!

2012-01-03T14:16:00.000-06:00

Jesus makes a bold promise. He asserts that He came to give people a rich and satisfying life. Jesuscame so that we might THRIVE! He also makes clear that there is an enemythat works against Jesus’ purpose. Theenemy, Jesus says, seeks to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) So, what does a rich and satisfying life look like? Would we recognize it if we saw it? Is this kind of life tangible; discernible?

Throughout 2012 we will answer these questions. We will intentionally uncover observablepractices and attitudes of a life that THRIVES. A life that THRIVES is a life that is connected to life in Jesus! At theChurch we have articulated a list of identifiable “marks” that are evidentin the life of one who follows Jesus. Wecall this list Life Marks. This list sumsup life in Jesus into something that is tangible, clear, concise andaccessible. Life Marks are like gauges ona dashboard that help us monitor progress to living a life in Jesus on purpose.

Have you ever stopped to consider how you would tangibly, clearly, and concisely describe what the Christian life looks like?

Making Every Day a Mission Trip

2012-01-02T14:18:00.001-06:00

My daughter Abbey and I were having a conversation today reflecting on her time this past week at "Fast Break" (a Student Venture conference for high schoolers over New Year's). What a blessing to talk with your kids about things that really matter. We were trying to figure out what makes the worship times and devotional times at these kinds of retreats/ conferences so inspiring and meaningful.

In addition to the awesome music, relevant lyrics that speak to kids who are immersed in music, the main discovery we made was that worship in these moments is so meaningful because the kids have been focused 24/7 on God and what He has for them.

Attentive Worshippers Yield Life-Changing Worship
One of the phrases we like to use at the Church is "Live each day like a mission trip." These conferences/ retreats are like mission trip experiences. During these extended periods of time everyone is attentive to the things of God. They are focused from start of day to end of day on the Word of God and are devoted to living in community with others who are the same journey. They check in at the end of the day and consider what God had shown them throughout the day. They pray with each other. They have extended periods of unhurried time with the ordinary distractions of life removed.

So, what I've been asking myself as a result of my conversation with Abbey is CAN WE live each day like a mission trip? Is it possible to maintain our focus and devotion on Jesus and His Kingdom throughout the entire day? Is it possible to maintain this focus over time? Or is this only doable at conferences, retreats, and mission trips?

As a Jesus-follower, what do you do that helps you "live each day as a mission trip?"

2011-12-31T21:57:00.000-06:00

On this New Year's Eve as you think about resolutions and fresh starts here's a couple of thoughts to consider:

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with yourneighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." -Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

"Souls are nade sweet not by taking [ill tempers] out, but by putting something in-a great Love, a new Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. Christ, the Spirit of Christ; interpenetrating ours, sweetens, purifies, transforms all. This only can eradicate what is wrong,...renovate and regenerate, and rehabilitate the inner self.

Henry Drummond

Will-power does not change us.

Time does not change us.

Christ does.

Therefore: 'Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.'"

              -Henry Drummond (1851-1897)
             The Greatest Thing in the World

Reflecting on 2011

2011-12-30T13:53:00.000-06:00

One of the great blessings in 2011...you can call me "Papa".

What was your great blessing of 2011?

The Gospel Is Good News!

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Gospel is good news, not advice! I am so thankful for this truth, and for Timothy Keller who shared this with me this week in his book, "King's Cross". (pg. 20)

How would you describe this good news? What words, pictures, parables would you use to help those in your life grasp the truth that the Gospel is good news?

How might you share the "same sign" of the Gospel, with "different words"?

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Matthew 5:14-16

2011-12-28T22:40:00.001-06:00

(see full image)

Living where I live you don't find many of these.

It stands out.

Makes me wonder how we stand out. Are our lives distinct?

Engage and Thrive!

2011-12-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

My friend, Dominic Rivkin posted this on Facebook today. I couldn't agree more.

"As the world returns to its pace, leaving "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" behind, my prayer is that we don't forget that christmas is just the beginning of the stroy of God's engaging love for us. From birth, we're all on this journey of life. Jesus' journey was to GIVE life, His own that we may live faitfhully engaged with God and with one another. My prayer this day after Christmas is the prayer of Psalm 145:
I will exalt you, my God and King,
      and praise your name forever and ever.
I will praise you every day;
      yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
      No one can measure his greatness.
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
      let them proclaim your power.
I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor
      and your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
      I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
      they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
      slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
      He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord,
      and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
      they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds
      and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
      You rule throughout all generations.
   The Lord always keeps his promises;
      he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
      and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope;
      you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
      you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
      he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
      yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
      he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him,
      but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord,
      and may everyone on earth bless his holy name
      forever and ever.

May the Lord move you to engage the ONE who continues to engage you.

Every day is an opportunity to live in that call, connection, and commitment of God in Jesus Christ. Engage as you have been engaged.....In Jesus' name! Amen."

Father's Day

2011-06-18T21:40:00.001-05:00

As I celebrate Father's Day in Houston away from my dad and my girls, I am so thankful for the gift of my dad! He has been and continues to be a great model of grace to me and my family!

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
~Clarence Budington Kelland

As a father myself, I hope that I can honor my father by fathering my girls with similar grace. It's still overwhelming for me to think that God has entrusted four beautiful and gifted ladies to Amy and me.

I love my girls! I love being with them, doing nothing, doing something, celebrating their accomplishments, drying their tears, encouraging them to never give up, pointing them to Jesus, challenging them to think through things, helping them think deeply about life and their place in God’s Kingdom work, hearing about their day, receiving a text, talking on the phone, Skyping when they are away, giving them gifts, holding them and letting them know it will be OK, speaking the truth, goofing around, providing for them, surprising them, worshipping with them and praying with them, talking with them about what they’re learning in God’s Word, laughing with them, and …..

Here’s something I’ve noticed lately: all these things, while they may be a blessing for my girls, really are blessings for me too! And in that respect, every day with my girls is father’s day! Could it be that this is the way our Heavenly Father designed it to be with our dads? And, could it be that this is the way He designed it to be with Him? After all, one of the identifying names given to God in the Scriptures is “Father”.

Thank you, Lord, for dads who go first; for dads who show us how to follow You; who not only tell us and instruct us on how to live, but live in obedience to You; who know that You are their perfect, everlasting Father. Thank you, Lord, for dads who are blessed with our presence, and for dads who are present with You! Amen.

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Reflect on Your Day

2011-06-15T21:25:00.001-05:00

Most days we don’t pay attention. We rush through our daily schedules with little thought of where that schedule is leading us, with little comprehension of how our daily rhythm is connected to the Holy. If this pattern continues over long periods of time, we are in danger of not seeing God at all. One of the ancient spiritual disciplines that can help us build into our day a time to reflect is the Prayer of Examen. Give it a shot. Perhaps it is a discipline that could bless you with eyes to see God. Follow these 5 steps:

First, recall that you are in the presence of God. No matter where you find yourself, you are God’s creature in the middle of his creation. We are always in God’s presence. Try to be especially attentive of God’s presence all around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with love and to recall your day with love.

Second, recall your day with gratitude. Remember the simple, small pleasures of your day: the smell of your first cup of coffee, the laughter of your children, a smile from a friend, a good night’s sleep, or beautiful weather. Take stock of what you have received and given this day. How have you used your gifts and talents to bless others and bless God today? Thank God for all of these things. Thank him for his presence in the big and small things in your life.

Third, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. In the next step, you will review your day. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to reflect on your day clearly and honestly, that you will learn and grow as you reflect. The Holy Spirit will give you the ability and freedom to look at yourself honestly, without condemnation.

Fourth, review your day. This is the longest of the steps. Recall the events of your day and your actions and thoughts in it. Allow the day to play back like a movie in your mind. The purpose of this step is to draw out the positive and negative aspects of your day. Notice habits and patterns that emerge throughout the day. Discern where you felt the most alive, and where you felt drained of life; when you felt loved, and when you felt alone; when you felt whole, and when you felt fragmented.

As you recall your day, ask God to show you where you stumbled or failed today. (Were you angry or bitter? Did you lash out at someone? Did you ignore something you shouldn’t have?) Don’t dwell on these things or try to find a resolution. Simply identify them and move on.

Next, ask God to show you when you loved today. (Did you help someone today? Did you take time to spend with your loved ones? Did you offer a word of encouragement to a friend?)

Fifth, speak with Jesus about your day. You can picture yourself sitting next to him, talking to him over a cup of coffee. If there was something in your day that you don’t feel good about, tell Jesus about your disappointment. Ask him for his guidance and presence if you face a moment like that again. You don’t have to be sad or upset about these moments – just thank Jesus for forgiving you and restoring your life. Remember all the good moments of your day and thank him for being with you in those moments. Give thanks for God’s grace.

Once you've prayed the Examen a few times, you will find your own rhythm and method. Cover all five points daily with freedom to dwell more on one than another.

Thanks to Pastor Nolan Donald and the people of WordServe Church for sharing this resource on their website (http://www.wordserve.org/prayer-of-examen/)

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ACT: Living the Gospel Life

2011-01-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Define “LIFE” using only 3 words. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

What words did you choose?

Recently my daughter (9th grader at Verona Area High School) Abbey was given this assignment; in choir! They were producing a music video. The song they performed would provide the background music for the video, and then one-by-one the students, standing on the choral risers, would hold up their definition of LIFE using three sheets of poster board: one word for each board. Abbey defined LIFE this way: “Jesus”…..”loves”……..”you!”

Those are three pretty significant words, don’t you think? Jesus loves you! Pretty much sums up LIFE!

As we begin a new year it seems appropriate that each of us would do this assignment. You can copy Abbey’s answer if you’d like! Once you have clarity on your three words ask yourself this question: “What would it look like for you to ACT on your three-word definition? “ As you think about new beginnings this New Year, What would your definition lead you to change? What would you do more of? What would you keep doing? What would you stop doing?

This is my New Year’s wish for each of you: that you would be able with clarity to define your LIFE in three words, ACT on that definition consistently, and with boldness give glory to God!

A Blessed and Christ-filled New Year!
Jesus loves you!

Homework for the New Year

2011-01-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here is a companion homework assignment to your "creation of a slogan idea" that I posted yesterday: What do you need to STOP doing, START doing, DO LESS of, and DO MORE of in 2011?

STOP doing...

START doing...

DO LESS of...

DO MORE of...

Slogans Can Fuel Change

2011-01-04T14:55:00.003-06:00

Over the past couple of years, I have adopted a “yearly slogan”. With the encouragement of my coach, Lynn Schoener, I have been blessed by this suggestion. In 2010 my slogan was “Enjoy People, Abandon Outcomes”. In 2009 my slogan was “NEXT!” These simple phrases inspired me and challenged me. My slogan for 2011 is “Change the Channel to CBS! (a Courageous and Buoyant Spirit)” Perhaps you might consider a slogan of your own for 2011. To help you grasp the concept and hopefully inspire you, I’ve attached an excerpt from an article “Soar With Slogans” written by Lynn Schoener. You can download the article at her website. www.lynnschoener.com (Lynn works with our lifeGroup Coaches as our Master Coach. She lives with husband John in Cincinnati, Ohio.)

A slogan, or motto, is “simply a word or phrase that succinctly captures what I’m ‘up to’—what the primary focus of my year will be. It must be so simple that it does not require me to write it down. It must inspire me and be memorable to others. It must serve as a template as I choose when, where, and with whom to invest my energy, time, and talents.

In 1998, my slogan was ‘Clear the Deck and Reconnect’. The ‘Clear the Deck’ part was about making room. I was transitioning from a corporate position to my own business and I had to make room—physically and mentally—for all the new learning and activities I was about to undertake. ‘Reconnect’ was about tending to valued relationships I had allowed to go dormant. It was about being a better daughter, sister, and friend. It meant initiating phone calls, answering e-mails, remembering birthdays—and actually sending a card! I committed to being more appreciative of and more available to friends and family. Eleven years later, I am amazed at how that focus set the stage for the life and work I now enjoy.

Seven years ago, my slogan was ‘Think Less, Move More’. It worked on several levels for me—it helped remind me to quit reading about exercise and actually walk a mile or two! It helped me catch myself when
I was over-analyzing a situation and take action. As a result, I became more iterative, more willing to make a mistake.

Your slogan can be borrowed from a song, like ‘Get Over It’ by the Eagles, which my former boss and mentor has adopted. You can creatively swipe from the advertising industry—Nike’s famous ‘Just Do It’ has inspired many. Or maybe there’s a memorable line from a movie that can be your beacon this year. ‘Go the Distance’ from Field of Dreams is an example of an encouraging, transformative message.”

So, as you think about your journey with God this coming year; where is He leading you? What do you sense He is “up to” in your life? What do you think He would like to do in your life in 2011? Sitting with those questions, paying attention to His Word and how that Word intersects with your life will be fertile ground for an inspiring and life-changing slogan for 2011.
Happy New Year!

Pastor Jeff

Black Friday

2010-11-26T09:14:00.001-06:00

Today is called "Black Friday". People do crazy things on this "holy" day. They get up at 3 am to stand in long lines in order to buy stuff that they somehow believe they will never be able to get at the same price in the future. It is called "Black Friday" by the retail industry because they sell so much on this one day of the year that they hope to go from "red" (in debt) to "black" (making a profit).

Knowing the real spiritual battle that goes on for our hearts, and seeing how the enemy of our souls (Satan) seeks to destroy us, I have come to understand how he works. He takes a truth and twists it a little, makes it appealing so that we actually start "buying" into it.....no pun intended.

Take this day, "Black Friday" for example. As followers of Jesus., we already have a "Black Friday", the day our Savior payed the price for us; a day we also call "Good". This is the day ouraccount went from red (debt) to black (profit) because of Jesus' sacrifice. He got us on the profit side of the ledger! We don't need another "Black Friday!"

American Consumerism is a dangerous substitute for the real thing; a subtle, yet brutal task master. And we're "buying" it....pun intended! On this day we would do well to remember: Jesus' "Black Friday" sets us free!

Remarkable Contributions

2010-11-23T09:10:00.001-06:00

Reading Luke 21:-1-4 yesterday, this thought really hit me: Jesus was totally moved by the rather unremarkable contribution of a "nobody.". In this truth is a rather remarkable mystery.

Recently I was moved as I watched a formerly homeless man bring forth an offering on our Financial Commitment Sunday.

What small, unspectacular acts of self-giving have you witnessed recently? Take some time right now and picture that person. Let it move you.

1impact: Thoughts, Tools, and Tips for Missional Living

2010-11-20T15:42:00.002-06:00

Jesus says, “And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even 1 of all those he has given me.” John 6:39

In his book, The Forgotten Ways, Alan Hirsch lists 4 dimensions that frame Jesus’ missionary (incarnational) lifestyle: (pgs. 132-134)

Presence: Jesus is the Word made flesh who made His dwelling among us. (John 1) He is God in the flesh!

Proximity: Jesus not only called the people to repentance and proclaimed the direct presence of God (Mark 1:15), but He befriended outcast people and lived in proximity with the broken and “the lost” (Luke 19:10).

Powerlessness: In becoming “one of us,” God takes the form of a servant, and lays down His life for us. (Philippians 2:6ff) He demonstrates His love for us in this: while were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Proclamation: Jesus heralded the reign of God and called the people of God to respond in repentance and faith. He initiates the gospel invitation, which is still being extended today!

Hirsch states that “The Incarnation not only qualifies God’s acts in the world, but must also qualify ours.” (pg. 133) Living our lives as missionaries, making our 1impact in our neighborhoods, in our regions, will, therefore, naturally reflect Jesus’ missionary (incarnational) lifestyle. It could be described as “Living the Gospel Life.” Here’s what it might look like:

Presence: If relationship is the key means in the transfer of the Gospel, then it simply means we are going to have to be directly present to the people in our circle. Our very lives are our message, and we cannot take ourselves out of the equation…” Remember “Jesus actually likes to hang out with the people we like to hang out with!” Imagine if, in our hanging out, people might actually get the “implied message that God likes them.” (pgs. 133-134)

How can you begin or continue to share your life, be present with the people on your impact list? What will you do to hang out with them, to be near them?

Proximity: Are we close enough to the people on our impact lists, that we are actually available? “If we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, His people will need to be directly and actively involved in the lives of the people we are seeking to reach. This assumes not only presence, but also genuine availability, which will involve spontaneity as well as regularity in the friendships and communities we inhabit.” (pg. 134)

Do you have enough margin in your life, in your schedule, that you can be spontaneous, and regular in your friendships with those on your impact list? Another way to ask this is: Do you regularly say “yes” instead of “no” to the friends on your list?

Powerlessness: As Jesus was committed to servanthood and humility, so are we. (Matthew 23:25-28) If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we will also strive to be Christlike.

What can you do today to serve those on your impact list?

Proclamation: A genuine missionary life, “a genuine incarnational approach will require that we be always willing to share the gospel story with those” on our impact list. (pg. 134) Hirsch calls us a “message tribe,” and says that we must “ensure the faithful transmission” of the message of the Gospel. (pg. 134)

What do you need in order to be prepared to faithfully share the Good News about Jesus?

Life Today in the LC-MS

2010-08-23T09:37:00.001-05:00

So, I've been spending a great deal lately thinking about my life as a pastor/leader in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. And I'm wondering a couple of things:

1) Have we completely embraced the American political system to the point that in our "election" process there is now no distinction between us and the world?

2) Why is there such a spirit of competition, criticism and control in our system?

For a church body that has Jesus and His Word at the center, these two realities seem to be out of place!

What would it look like for this church body to truly be led by the Spirit of God who blows where He pleases? What would it mean for us to interface in a world where the church no longer has center stage? What might it mean for us to proclaim and share the inerrant, infallible Word of God in all of it's truth and purity with a world and in a time where things are not so easily boxed in, easily explained, or quickly settled? What would it look like to be a church body that is more led by exegesis than by systematics?

These are just some of the questions I am wondering about.

I know in my own life that I can get anxious when I sense a loss of control. Anxiety and control result from the fact that collectively, as a church body,
we don't know how to interface in a world in which we are not in charge!

The Sheer Joy of Saving a Life!

2010-08-03T11:50:00.002-05:00

While exploring our rental place on New Smyrna Beach last week, there was this notice posted on the refrigerator:

“Here at New Smyrna Beach we have the largest population of enadangered sea turtles on the ocast. Several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles call this beech their home. Lights confuse hatchlings leading them away from the ocean toward their certain death.”

The instructions continued to inform us of a city ordinance requiring us to draw our blinds or turn off our lights by 10 p.m. every night. Needless to say to an animal lover like my youngest, Alli, this was serious business! “Leading them away from the ocean toward their certain death” got her attention. She became our night watchman! Every night at 10 p.m. she made sure the blinds were drawn and that every one of us was doing our part. There was a sense that we were doing our part to save the loggerhead sea turtles of New Smyrna Beach!

It struck me later in the week that there are a lot of “hatchlings” all around us being led away from their Creator God by substitute lights toward their certain death! Does this truth get our attention? Will we do our part? Or will we not heed the warning! As you read this issue of the Good News take time to consider the connection between loggerhead sea turtles and the mission of Jesus Christ and perhaps you will choose to experience the sheer joy of saving a life!

“And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even 1 of all those he has given me!” -Jesus (John 6:39)

Needed: Travel Guides!

2010-06-08T17:49:00.004-05:00

You, Lord, are in my heart.
Your presence fills it.
Your presence is peace.

You, Lord, are in my mind.
Your presence fills it.
Your presence is peace.

You, Lord, are in my life.
Your presence fills it.
Your presence is peace.

I love Acts 17:22-28 (Paul in Athens)

Paul is in a foreign place. But, somehow God is there too. Even before Paul showed up. Paul's not in Jerusalem, but in a foreign place...yet, God is there. In his sermon to the Athenians He points out the evidence of God's presence. It was all around them!

And then, Paul, skillfully explains to them who this God is. They knew there was a God, they could see evidence of His presence, but they could not articulate WHO this God was! They needed a guide. They needed someone to explain, to proclaim! Paul makes the connection!

This experience in Paul's ministry is so relevant for us today! God is all around the people we long to reach. He has been working in their life long before we showed up. What is desperately needed is people who KNOW GOD to SHOW GOD by PROCLAIMING the truth about His identity. Will we?

Reminds me of what Paul said, "But how can they call on him unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15

Listen to that Song

2010-06-03T15:04:00.003-05:00

Over the past few weeks we've been considering some of the "habits" of Jesus. In watching Him more closely we've noticed that Jesus allowed for interruptions and that He would also "freak people out" by asking them to do crazy sounding things; things that were out of peoples' ordinary rhythms. I love it when God's people think deeply about these things! Here's an e-mail that someone sent me today reflecting on all of this:

the whole "interruption" thing in the lifeLines a few weeks ago has really got me thinking about it a lot. I am noticing more and more God's nudges. I had said that the interruptions = God's nudges, looking at it in a positive way. this is what I've been thinking about today-

Nudge Nudge Nudge
It's like that tune that goes round and round in your head and won't stop,(for me it's usually "Paradise by the dashboard light" or "the Theme from Mr.Ed"!),You can't get away from it because it is in your head! Try to hum another annoying song so it will replace that other one. Good luck- now you have double trouble , there are 2 annoying songs going round and round in your head. Yikes.

Just give in.
Listen to that song.
Listen to God's nudge. Especially if is seems strange. Strange, in a good way is God trying to talk to us, I always think. He wants us to contemplate, submit and act. He will protect us. He'll guard our heart and protect our person.
He'll surprise us!!!!
Then we can be the surprise for someone else!

Assuming that you are being led by the Spirit of the living God, and that Jesus is your leader then, indeed.....Just give in. Listen to that song.

To Save a Life

2010-06-02T10:56:00.004-05:00

Last night I participated in a student-led event at the High School where my daughters attend. A movie was shown that deals with the problems and opportunities that are present in the lives of our youth. It was intense, challenging, and left me with a sense of hope. What if God could multiply Jakes in our high schools around the country? What if, indeed! (Jake was the main character in the movie called "To Save a Life".

Here are 3 quick observations I have been reflecting on today as I continue to process what I experienced last night:

1) Every single person matters!
How many times do I walk past people and not take the time to look into their eyes? Many times, I choose who I will hang out with, who I will spend time with, who I will invest in. In spite of this ugly tendency, every single person is precious to God. They should also be precious to me! "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus!" Ephesians 2:10

2) One person can make an eternal difference!
How often do we underestimate our contribution? How many times have we said, "I can't make a difference?" Overwhelmed by the scope of the challenge in front of us, we are petrified into inactivity. what if we just obeyed the promptings that God nudges us with, one prompting at a time, and left the results up to God? "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Eph. 2:10

3) Every moment is ripe with eternal significance.
No "good thing that God has planned for us to do" is insignificant. There are no little things from a Kingdom of God perspective! A warm smile, an invitation, eye contact, taking time to listen, dropping someone a note, turning off the TV and really giving attention....none of these are small.....each could Save a Life." We just never know what moments are ripe with opportunity. All I know is that if God prepared it for me to do, then I ought to do it!

All three of these thoughts require change in us. And change is never easy or without consequences. But, as Jake said in my favorite quote, "What's the point of all of this if we don't let it change us?"

Great question, don't you think?

A Prayer for Memorial Day

2010-05-31T13:29:00.003-05:00

This prayer was written by Mark Lamprecht as a part of a blog post at http://hereiblog.com

"Heavenly Father, as an American, thank you for this great country. I am not proud, but humbled, that in Your sovereignty I was born in such a Nation. Thank You for those serving in the military that you have used to help raise up and protect America. Thank you for those men and women in our military who were willing to give their lives and who gave their lives to fight to keep this country free. It is a great service to lay down one’s life for others. Father, as a Christian, this is a great reminder of the incomparable sacrifice of Jesus dying for sinners. I pray for the American Christian, that as their heart weeps for the American military that their hearts would weep for Jesus sacrifice, not on special occasions, but on a daily basis. I pray that those Christians serving in our military would be motivated by Jesus sacrifice to both share and live out the gospel among their fellow servicing men and women. I pray that they would serve showing the hope of Jesus Christ that is within them. Please protect all of those serving and give wisdom and guidance to our President to make proper and well informed decisions for our military. Father, help the church to not squander these freedoms You have provided. Forgive us for using these freedoms to indulge ourselves and to sin against You. Help us to use these freedoms for Your glory to carry out the Great Commission. Help us to be a light within our Nation that we me go out and be light among the Nations. I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen"

Living Life in Jesus

2010-04-28T14:14:00.004-05:00

Would you please consider answering these questions?

What would change in your life if you truly viewed yourself as a missionary sent by God to your neighborhood, to your community? What attitudinal and behavioral shifts would you need to make to be effective in showing Jesus in your neighborhood (personal mission field)?

Word of God Speak!

2010-04-27T08:38:00.003-05:00

"Word of God speak!" More than just a stirring, personal song by Mercy Me, this cry to God will transform the way we interact with others who are far from God.

It is an interesting phenomenon to watch Christians who trust in the Word of God, who rely on the Word of God, who believe in the efficacy of the Word of God, shrink back from sharing it with those they are longing to connect to life in Jesus. Why is that?

Why would we not allow the Word of God to speak? Why would we not especially share the words of Jesus with people who are intrigued by Him? Taking this approach will force people to grapple with what He says and keeps it off of a discussion about what a particular church or person says or thinks. Lifting up Jesus is always a good thing. Lifting Him up in our conversations will ultimately help people deal with the life-changing question, "What will you do with Jesus?"

This solid approach moves us from being answer people to gift-sharing people. We no longer have to press ourselves to have the right answers, we only need to share what we are learning as God teaches us through His Word!

Questions and Answers

2010-04-26T15:46:00.002-05:00

I have discovered recently that I have never seen anyone brought to faith in Jesus by winning an argument or even by answering all of their questions. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen. I've just never seen it happen.

Here's a formula that I have been considering and would love some feedback. The degree to which I can help people wrestle with questions themselves the greater the potential that the Lord can reach and transform their heart.

Many of us fail to give witness to Jesus because we think in order to share Him we have to have all of the answers. I think it is more about knowing the right questions! Think about it for a moment. If believing in Jesus and walking with Him is actually more about having a personal relationship than it is religion, then what will happen in people's lives if we become "answer people"? I suggest their impression of Jesus might be that He is more about propositional truth than truth that really sets the heart free. When we simply give answers (our answers) to people who are showing an interest in Jesus, and never allow them the space to discover Him for themselves, then we actually take away from them their own personal journey. Maybe this is why Jesus uses so many questions.

What questions have you found helpful in guiding people in their own personal journey with Jesus?

Prama or Proma

2010-04-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

I've learned a new word in the last couple of weeks.

"prama"

It's a combination of "prom" and "drama."

My wife, Amy just informed me that she has been spelling it "proma." I think you could spell it either way.

"Prama" or "proma" happens every year at this time as young ladies navigate their way through the ever changing maze of plans that emerge from answering questions like:

Will I get a date?
Should I say "yes?"
Where will we eat?
Who should we go with?
How big should our group be?
How are we going to get there?
What will I do with my hair?
Where are we taking pictures?
Which dress should I pick?
How much money am I willing to spend?
Will someone have the dress as me?
Will I be able to have a normal conversation with my date?

What fun!

Multi-Site Church Road Trip

2010-03-08T09:00:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's affirming to hear that other missional leaders are asking the same questions...and coming to the same conclusions. It's encouraging to see that God is moving ministries of all backgrounds, shapes and sizes to embrace Jesus' mission to reach the world.

I was certainly encouraged as I worked my way through "The Multi-Site Church Road Trip". As the authors shared their insights gleaned from the personal experiences in 14 multi-site churches, I found myself resonating with much of what they said. The broad look at all of these unique ministries reasserted to me the depth and breadth of the Christian Church. I look forward to the day when my church denomination will be able to contribute to a work like this!

The book was very practical, and yet never prescribed one model over the other. I appreciated the general introductions to these dynamic ministries, and yet, never felt pressured to adopt any one particular practice. In a day when individual uniqueness and clarity in the church are gaining momentum, I am grateful for authors/ speakers/ practitioners who share examples without prescription. As I read through the observations from the authors, there was one theme that consistently rose to the top: missional churches who are embracing the multi-site vision are forever in a grand experiment. This is our story too.

Here are my top 10 thoughts that I gained from reading this book:

1) Multi-site is motivated by Christ's Mission! Multi-site is a 2,000 year approach to address the challenge of reaching people and making disciples. pg. 18

2) Most multi-site churches are trading the Starbucks model (franchising) for a tour through "Legoland". Multi-site churches are "able to showcase a tremendous variety of sizes and designs, but it is still evident that everything is built from the same building blocks." pg. 29

3) If you decide to embrace multi-site you will need to decide whether you will be a church with additional sites, or one church of multiple sites. Chapter 3

4) Healthy multi-sites have developed their DNA over time. That DNA can become the engine for expansion. But the DNA must be reproducible. pg. 48

5) "Location is a means to an end." pg. 72 Multi-site flies in the face of the "irrational belief that people are in community because they show up at the same physical space each week." pg. 48

6) Make sure your model is motivated by mission, and not by growth! "Your heart cannot be, 'We want to put up another campus.' Instead your heart has to be, 'We want to reach that community.' You need to be okay with the idea that the community is worth serving even if you never open the doors to a campus there.'" pg. 79

7) Some are embracing multi-site to enter into communities where existing churches are leaving. "What would it say to the community if you moved into a neighborhood that other churches were leaving and decided to make a difference?" pg. 83

8) Embrace technology! "'What new technologies on the horizon could we harness for kingdom use within current fund limitations?'" pg. 113

9) Be willing to adapt and embrace change! "Adding sites/ locations will mean changing the way you are organized." pg. 116

10) Leadership! Leadership! Leadership! Multi-site can actually allow for more people to use their gifts. The 5-fold gifts (APEPT/ Ephesians 4:11) are seen more clearly. Intentional development and articulation of your "Leadership Greenhouse" is mandatory for replication. "Good leadership is always the key to healthy, growing churches. That need multiplies and increases in multi-site churches. Effective multi-site churches have an established culture and well-developed strategies for reproducing and growing biblical leaders." pg. 188

We have embraced the multi-site vision for one reason: it is the best way we can reach out to our neighbors, and friends and love them in the name of Jesus. We pray as this happens more and more frequently throughout our mission field that God's name would be glorified and that disciples will be made! "We must not forget that it's essential for churches to embrace a vision for replication and multiplication, fueled by the confidence that more people will come to know Christ as we bring the church to them in a way that they understand." pg. 218

If you are considering multi-site or are already multi-site, take the road trip!

Bee Barf

2010-02-19T11:12:00.003-06:00

I met the "bee lady" today. She joined us in the sauna at the health club. I was in the middle of a conversation with another gentleman. We were discussing/ comparing notes about injuries when she suggested that "honey" might help.

One thing led to another and before long she was telling me about her 10-year journey with raising bees. I was struck by her passion for this work. It really didn't seem like work to her at all. The topic just rolled off her tongue so naturally. Kind of like honey! You can check out her local business at www.beebarfhoney.com Yes, honey is bee barf! It's amazing what you can learn in the sauna.

Now, I really don't have much interest in honey, or in bees for that matter. In fact, I guess if I think about it long enough, I would say that those little creatures have really kind of annoyed me. But, as I sat in that sauna today, I must say, her passion for bees kind of rubbed off.

Have you ever noticed how contagious passion is? I love listening to people talk about something they care deeply about. It draws me in. It holds my attention.

I've been thinking alot this morning since my conversation with the "bee lady" (Sue). Do people get drawn in when I share my passion of "connecting people to life in Jesus"? Is my passion, er, God's passion for me contagious? When I talk about Jesus, does it hold people's attention?

I think I might just order some honey!

It Lingers!

2010-02-18T13:54:00.004-06:00

I am in the middle of re-doing my office. Transitions can be painful. The in-between times in life can be hard for impatient people. Vision is a lot like that! You can see the future so clearly. The reality of the future is palpable, yet you're not there. It lingers. It sits somewhere off in the distance.

The vision for my office was in my head. I could see clearly a comfortable place where I could enjoy people (My 2010 Motto is "Enjoy People-Abandon Outcomes") and be inspired to keep working toward the vision of the transformation of the spiritual landscape of Madison. I wanted my space to assist and contribute toward that vision and not hinder it.

Today I spent some time looking and re-evaluating the nearly final renderings of my office. It's a static drawing of what could be. It's still a way off. But, we're making progress. If you stopped by today for a visit, you could see evidence that the vision is becoming a reality. Yet, we're not quite there. That would be quite obvious!

It's the vision, though, that keeps me going!

What keeps you going in those in-between times?

How do you view the world?

2010-02-17T16:59:00.002-06:00

I believe in Christianity (Jesus) as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it (Him); but because by it (Him) I see everything else." CS Lewis

Now that's a woldview!

What's yours?

Doing the Work of an Evangelist

2010-01-07T16:45:00.004-06:00

"As for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:5, HCSB).

Sometimes I fear that we have lost our bearings when it comes to Christ's mission for the church. We have one mission: to make disciples. In order to fulfill this mission, Paul reminds us that we need to "do the work of an evangelist." An evangelist is one who speaks Good News, who proclaims Good News, who shares Good News. And this Good News is not just any good news, it is specifically THE Good News about Jesus!

We are to be prepared at all times to "give an account of the hope that is within us." The New Living Translation of this familiar verse says it this way: "If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:15, NLT) So, why are so many Jesus-followers today at best unprepared to "explain it" and at worst unwilling to?

I was caught off guard today when I read Ed Stetzer's column in the January/ February 2010 edition of Outreach Magazine. What I was caught off guard by was the way his words so grabbed my heart. I said to myself, "These are my observations.....exactly!" In his column entitled "The Mandate of Evangelism" he answers my question "Why are so many Jesus-followers today at best unprepared to explain their hope in Jesus and at worst unwilling to?"

He asserts that there are at least three common detriments to evangelism: Universalism, Holism, and Invitationalism.

He describes Universalism as the "Oprah-fied version of Christianity." This insidious re-creation of universalism he says asks the question, "Why evangelize those who are going to heaven anyway?" I agree with his assertion that "too many people in our churches no longer believe that people need Jesus for eternal life."

Holism, he indicates is the belief that all we need to do is take care of people's physical needs and we will never need to speak a word. He writes, "We need to be holistic and we need to do much more to serve the hurting, but we must never forget to tell people how they might be saved."

Ed states that we have excessively relied on "invitation rather than proclamation." He warns, "We must not teach people that inviting friends to church is evangelism. It can be a part of it, but evangelism necessitates more, specifically 'telling the Good News.'" People are changed by the Gospel message. At some point it needs to be spoken, shared, proclaimed. The goal for each of us is that we might do the work of an evangelist. Anything that falls short of this is ultimately buying into the third detriment Ed calls Invitationalism.

Which of these isms have you noticed in yourself, in the church?

Mission Moved to Incarnation

2009-11-30T11:44:00.003-06:00

I love what my friend Greg Finke sent me today:

"Advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. We began the season of Advent yesterday in worship with the lighting of the Advent Wreath. Some people call this four week span 'The Christmas Rush,' while others call it 'insanity."'

But Jesus followers know better.

Advent isn't so much a time for us to get ready for a holiday, religious or not, as it is a time for us to refocus on what God was actually getting started that night in Bethlehem and which now extends all the way through history and up to you and me this very morning."

God chose to do more than tell us what He was going to do. On that night in Bethlehem He did it! Mission moved to incarnation! God was moved to love with His hands and feet. He put flesh and blood to His love!

Shouldn't it be the same for you and me today; mission moved to incarnation? Shouldn't the ones who bear Jesus' name be moved to love with our hands and feet? Who can you love today? Where is God providing an opportunity today for you to put flesh and blood to the mission?

Releasing Recognition for Something Better

2009-11-10T09:56:00.003-06:00

We all like a little recognition! None of us like to be ignored, dismissed, unappreciated. Most of us want to add value, to participate, to make a difference, right?

Jesus told His disciples, "When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, 'Come in and eat with me'? No, he says, 'Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.' And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'" Luke 17:7-10

Ouch! Who would want to follow such a master? Who would treat their employees like the master in this parable? What does it feel like to be called an unworthy servant/ slave? Putting myself in the story, what do I feel like? To be honest, I would feel very uncomfortable ordering servants around like Jesus is here!

Jesus' attitude is unexpected and disturbing.

But, He is Lord! Jesus is Lord. I am His servant! This fact remains. The proper attitude toward my Lord is not to expect what He does or does not do for me. It is not to concern myself with how He treats me or responds to my efforts on His behalf. This is upside down and backwards and leads to a confusion of epic proportions. How often, when I have gotten it upside down and worried/ concerned myself with how I am being treated hasn't it messed my heart and my attitude up? It is a healthy response to say, "I am an unworthy servant, and I have simply done my duty!" I drop all claims-for I have none. Not one!

And yet...

As I look around at my life, as I dive into the words and actions of my Lord Jesus, I notice something else: Our Lord Jesus does not act like the master in this parable! (Luke 19:17, 19; Matthew 25:21, 23; John 15:15) He does reward me! He does welcome me to the table! He does serve me! He calls me friend and brother, and not servant. Oh, what a humbling service! He even forgives those who do not "simply do their duty." He goes as far as dying for the slave!What abounding grace! What generosity!

"It is because of Himself and not because of us and our work. Once for all learn: if we think we ought to receive recognition at the Lord's hands for our service, which is imperfect and poor at best and not to be compared with that of the slave in the parable, we are doing an outrageous and utterly presumptuous thing. We are then turning His wholly undeserved grace, His glorious generosity, which is so glorious just because He gives it without the least merit on our part, into nothing more than a mere payment that is coming to us by right and justice. Can the Lord consent to such a double lie?" pg. 873 "The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel" R.C.H Lenski

How freeing, then, to simply do our duty, not seeking any acknowledgement, any acclaim, any recognition, but understanding our place as servants of our Most High Lord Jesus, and in the process, receiving, gratefully, the bountiful generosity of our Savior who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for me?

From Daunting to Exciting

2009-11-06T11:35:00.002-06:00

13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:13-21

God has given us the task? We are Christ's ambassadors? God makes His appeal through......us?

What an unbelievable privilege!

Last night when I asked our Board what impact these words had on them, a couple of our leaders said that the task entrusted to us is daunting. To be sure, it is much bigger than ourselves. To think that God entrusted His mission to us can be an overwhelming thought!

So I asked this question: When would this task not be so daunting?

The answers were excellent: "It's not so daunting when I..."
1) Just get started!
There are times in live when we can get overwhelmed by the size of the task. And I don't
know about you, but when I am overwhelmed by the size of the task, I tend to
procrastinate. I push it off. I avoid it. Here's a short list...Cleaning the garage, paying the
bills, raking leaves, writing a paper, sending out Christmas cards, painting a room in your
house.

Isn't there energy that builds when we simply get started? How can you simply get
started in being Christ's ambassador today?

2) Focus on serving where I am gifted, and focus on loving those in my circle of
influence.

Thinking about reaching the world can certainly be daunting! What about my friend, my
neighbor, my community that I live in and treasure? And what about focusing on being
myself, and utilizing all of my God-gieven resources to just be me in loving those with
whom I already have a relationship?

3) Do it with others.

Face it. Life is more fun together. We can be energized, supported, encouraged,
challenged, held accountable only in community, only in relationship. One of the questions
we ask in our lifeGroups is "What kinds of conversations have you had with people who are
far from God?" It's a great question to discuss with those who are living life together with
you in authentic community. Who can you engage for support, and encouragement as you
live as Christ's ambassador?

You know, if we did these three things in carrying out the mission of connecting people to life in Jesus, we would begin to see God's hand of blessing and perhaps just enough fruit to make the task an exciting one and not so daunting!

Courageous Generosity

2009-10-22T09:35:00.004-05:00

Thanks, friend, for the push to get back at the blog!! You know who you are. Love it!!

Generosity.......courageous generosity...Who comes to mind? Who has modeled courageous generosity in your life? What stories could you share?

Here's the truth about courageous generosity:
1) God started it! (John 3:16; Romans 8:31-32)
2) Now, He invites us to join Him in His courageously generous nature and experience the
JOY of being courageously generous ourselves!

Have you ever met an unhappy, bitter, judgemental, truly, courageously generous person? Hmmm....maybe there's a connection......maybe we can experience true JOY for ourselves as we generously share our lives (every part of them...including our money!) with God and with others!

What will courageous generosity look like for you?

One final thought for today: I cannot think of one downside to generosity. But, there must be a downside; otherwise there wouldn't be all of this fear, all of this anxiety when it comes to our money!

Connecting people to life in Jesus...Real time!

2009-09-11T15:11:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you have wondered over these past several weeks as we have been spending some time considering how the unbelieving world views us: Why does it matter? Should we really care about what the world thinks about us? Here are some of the thoughts I have as I sit in the middle of these questions myself:

NO, we shouldn’t care!…Jesus promised us that the world would hate us just as it hated Him. So, on the one hand we should not care what the world thinks about us! Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and His truth, and, let the world think what they will think.

Our mission to connect people to life in Jesus can only be realized through the clear and faithful proclamation of the Word of God. Each of us needs to get to a place where we properly handle the Word of Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

On the other hand…

YES, we should be aware!…Jesus met people where they were at, and led them to truth. He didn’t embrace their sin and call it good, but He did love them where they were; He did offer them an opportunity to receive Him. Some did and others didn’t.

We also need to correctly handle that Word of Truth in time and in relationship with real people. Our mission to connect people to life in Jesus can only be realized through the timely and sensitive application of that truth in relationship with people. We need to make the most of every opportunity, giving the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Hard Evidence for Jesus' Power!

2009-09-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

If, indeed, Jesus can back up His claim in Luke 4; if He is THE ONE who has been set apart by God Himself to bring Good News to the poor, shouldn't we be able to see real people set free by Him?

What does that look like in real time?

Check this out! http://www.sarahmarkley.com/2009/08/my-new-name-part-1/

Take some time to read all 5 parts and the conclusion posted today, August 31st, 2009

"Chad said he had to forgive me.
He must.
Because Christ had forgiven him of so much. He wasn’t that different than I was, in his words, and that we all equally were in need of forgiveness. In his opinion, he didn’t want to forgive me but he had to. For the love of Christ, he forgave me. And he did so fully. And he still loved me even though I’d hurt him and ruined everything so desperately. Jesus in the mix screwed up his desire to hate me, to hold a grudge, to be bitter."

Now, that's power! Power to redeem; power to reclaim; power to rebuild; power to restore; power to renew....all on account of Jesus!

Jesus Doesn't Pull Any Punches

2009-08-31T14:11:00.003-05:00

Who releases captives?

Who gives sight to the blind?

Who sets the oppressed free?

Jesus makes a bold claim:
"Jesus unrolled the scroll of Isaiah the prophet and found the place where this was written:
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to
bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.'
He sat down. Then He began to speak to them,
'The Scriptures you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day.'" Luke 4:17-21

Who do you know that is being held captive? Anyone in your circle of influence having difficulty seeing clearly? Do you have any friends who are oppressed, burdened, weighed down?

What do you make of Jesus' claim?

What happens when you follow Jesus?

2009-08-19T10:48:00.002-05:00

As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

Come, follow me! -Jesus

Following Jesus...
Requires action Matthew got up! As a friend of mine said recently: "We need to
get our butts out of the seat. There needs to be some daylight
between the bench and our britches!"

Reorganization (disruption) of our status quo Matthew stopped collecting taxes.
Peter dropped his fishing nets.

Refocuses us constantly We are so easily distracted. We need daily refocusing. Even
Jesus got away by Himself. And think of all the times in the
three-year ministry tour with Jesus that the disciples were
forced to refocus their hearts, attitudes and actions by Jesus!

Resourced by Jesus Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you out to preach the
Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag, or
extra clothing, did you need anything?" "No," they replied.
Luke 22:35

Repetitive rhythm The learning , the growing, the stretching, the challenging takes
place as life happens. There are no 10 week discipleship classes, or
residential seminaries. There was authentic community with Jesus
at the center. Jesus takes advantage of every opportunity as they
lived life together to teach, admonish, and encourage. The rhythm
kind of goes like this: receiving from Jesus, sent by Jesus, discussing
with each other with Jesus at the center.

Replication Pass what you are learning on to reliable people who will pass it on to others.
2 Timothy 2:2

Words Create Worlds

2009-08-17T13:17:00.002-05:00

In recent days I've heard a couple of phrases that really resonated with me:

"Jesus is not battling with us over what our occupation is, but what our preoccupation is." Rev. Steve Wagner, Executive Leader, Pastoral Leadership Institute

"Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Jesus (Mark 1:38)

"Today we sailed over the edge of the map." from Christopher Columbus' diary

"Are you mistaking the edge of your rut for the horizon?" Willow Creek Leadership Conference '09

"We need to shift from the church as a what to the church as a who!" Rev. Steve Wagner

"There's bread in the wilderness and plenty to spare." from old 60's camp song (John 6)

"I can explain it to you. But, I can't understand it for you."

"You must not abandon the ship just because you cannot control the winds." Utopia-Thomas More

What has caught your attention recently?

Fear Not!

2009-08-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

Has fear ever kept you stuck? Has anxiety ever kept you from recognizing the presence or the power of God? Has worrying about the future ever kept you grounded in yuck, unable to soar in joy?

Think for a moment about what you may have missed because you gave into fear! I’ve missed out on a lot of things….joy, peace, contentment, good physical health, restful sleep, beautiful moments, surprises, watching God work, being amazed by God’s presence, answers to the dilemmas I worry about, a simpler way, happiness, confidence, being part of an exciting adventure, being a partner with God in what He’s doing….

I have missed out on all of these things, because, at times, I have been afraid. I have been anxious. I have worried. I have obsessed and spiraled. And all the while, missing out on the treasures God has for me.

How about you? Sound remotely familiar?

I love the way Jesus loves people like me who fear. He says, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.” Matthew 14:27

What are you afraid of today? What’s got you stuck? What’s keeping you from seeing the presence or power of God? What’s keeping you awake at night with worry?

“Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.” Jesus

New Name for a New Day

2009-07-27T13:15:00.010-05:00

In 1953 Christ Memorial was started with a total of 6 people as a mission outpost to Madison. 2009 marks another huge step forward in that story. It is a new day of personal ownership and individual responsibility in connecting people to life in Jesus! This new day necessitates a new name. Yesterday we were excited to share this new name. We believe it is a name that (is):

Biblical – It is a name that is rooted in Scripture.
Missional – It is a name that is intrinsically connected to our missional mandate (connecting people to life in Jesus).
Contextual – It is a name that fits our geographical context. It will resonate with the people we are trying to reach.
Marketable – It is a name that is easily marketed. It will give us a competitive edge with a creative expression. It is memorable and concise.
Portable – It is a name that will be able to migrate and expand with us as we plant additional sites.
Lasting –It is a name that will hold up over time.
Unique/ Original – It is a name that effectively communicates our uniqueness and signals that we are an original creation of God’s hand.

This proposed new name is that we would be known as …“the church at Christ Memorial.”

And, that our emerging work in Verona be named “the church in Verona”

And, as we expand our impact into other regions throughout Madison, we would also incorporate “the Church” as the identifying primary name together with the decided local name.

Every single one of us is the church. God’s name is glorified when the church shares Jesus’ transformation story as it unfolds in the lives of people everywhere, in every region, in every city, in every nation.

We rejoice that it is “God’s purpose in all of this to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety…” Ephesians 3:10

Impossibilities??

2009-07-24T14:12:00.003-05:00

Reading Exodus 14:5-18 the other morning, I got a sense of what Moses could have been feeling. OK, on a little smaller scale, but still, I could relate. I was able to enter the story.

We have been pursuing a vision to transform the spiritual landscape of Madison since the vision became clear in April of 2008. We call the vision "One Church, Regional Impact," and even though we have been making progress in so many exciting ways, daily there is this overwhelming sense of impossibility. Just like Moses and the children of Israel, there is this impossible barrier in front of us. Transform the spiritual landscape of Madison? Yeah, right!

And then, on top of the impossible barrier in front of us is the enemy bearing down on us, pursuing us, dominating the landscape--600 chariots!

Think about what it must have been like for the children of Israel, for Moses, in that moment. Put yourself there. Families all around you. Children. Helpless. Scared. No army. No defense. No escape.

Ever feel that way?

But consider this: you are there (we are here) because God has gone through considerable effort to bring you out of Egypt. You are God's people. God has promised you a new life. He has promised you a new home. And then He says, "Do not be afraid."

But it is so easy to be afraid, to fear, to become anxious, to worry, to fret, to obsess. It's so human.

And in that moment, is an opportunity to trust God and His promises!

That's where I am today. Sunday I will share the proposed new name for our ministry; a name that I believe will actually contribute toward our vision! Even the name change thing has seemed like an impossible barrier, and so my natural tendency is to worry. But, then I remember how much God has done. I remember the considerable effort He has made to bring us to this day. We are God's people. God has promised us a new life. He has promised us a new home. And He says, "Do not be afraid."

God is unchanging! God is enough! Be patient. For with God in your heart, nothing is lacking! let nothing distress you!

Clarity in Communication

2009-07-22T15:12:00.004-05:00

Reading a book called "Made to Stick"

Here's what I'm processing so far:
1) What is my core message?
2) Why isn't it already happening naturally?
3) What is the "win" in terms of my core message? And how do I make those "wins" more concrete?
4) What are our "milestone moments"?

How would you answer these questions?

Nothing Is Lacking

2009-07-20T11:04:00.003-05:00

I love what I heard this morning! I really needed to hear it!

God is unchanging. God is enough. Be patient, for with God in your heart, nothing is lacking! Let nothing distress you.

A New Name for a New Day

2009-07-08T18:25:00.003-05:00

Why would you ever consider changing the name of a church? Here's three answers that we think are worth considering:

1) God changed names to signify a New Day.

Abram to Abraham
Jacob to Israel
Simon to Peter
Saul to Paul

2) God is changing the scope of our mission.
Christ Memorial is moving from being a church that is located at 2833 Raritan Road in Fitchburg, WI to a church that is distributed into the neighborhoods, communities, and regions throughout Greater Madison. God is leading us to greater intentionality and individual ownership in "connecting people to life in Jesus" right where we live!

3) We desire to bring our name into alignment with our distinctive identity.

A New Name for a New Day --July 26th!!

2009-07-01T12:56:00.003-05:00

On July 26th we will be sharing a proposed new name for our ministry at Christ Memorial. We'll be voting on that name on August 9th. It's been quite a process that started back in September of 08.

I thought maybe we could have a little fun with this. What are some of the greatest name changes you can think of?

I'll get you started:

Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul Jabar

Do you know Jesus?

2009-06-30T13:05:00.004-05:00

Continuing my reading of "Re-Jesus: A Wild Messiah for a Missional Church" this morning waiting for my daughter Abbey as she was getting braces on her bottom teeth, I read this:

"Whether we like it or not, we carry the burden of having to live out the truth in such a way as to establish its viability among those who are watching. Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution, once surveyed a group of people who identified themselves as 'strong followers of Jesus' and asked them, 'Did Jesus spend time with the poor?' Around 80 percent replied in the affirmative, leaving a disturbing 20 percent of so-called strong followers of Jesus who think Jesus didn't spend time with the poor. That this could be the case should remind us of the levels of Christian ignorance about our founder and Lord. But the more disturbing fact is that Claiborne asked the same group, 'Do you spend time with the poor?' Only 2 percent replied that they did. There is for many an almost complete disconnect between our beliefs about Jesus and our actions." pg. 53

What impact does reading something like this have on you?

A Post-Father's Day Post

2009-06-22T08:37:00.003-05:00

I would like to thank my friend, Greg Finke (pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, TX) for his "Good Morning Church" piece I received this morning. Good stuff!

"Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Yesterday was an awesome Father's Day celebration at Gloria Dei. We talked about some simple practices that have surprising results in refreshing our lives. In marriages that are strong and spiritually vital, and in families that are full of joy and Jesus, there is a common denominator: a husband and father who is quietly taking the spiritual lead in his family. There is something about the way God designed the family that makes the husband and father's simple actions and quiet convictions very powerful for his wife and children. We can ignore this design, deny it or even rebel against it. Or we can trust it, align ourselves with it and be blessed. Your choice. So choose well. Men often get the willies when they hear that God looks to them to be the spiritual leaders of their families. And women, who have been let down or even abused by the men in their lives can easily be skeptical as well. Who could blame them? They should have been able to count on the men God placed in their lives. However, much of this confusion comes from a misunderstanding of what God had in mind when he wired men and designed their families to prosper as he humbly takes up the spiritual headship in his family.

What does it mean to be the spiritual leader in the family?
- It does not mean he knows all the right answers to Bible trivia questions.
- It does not mean he prays the most eloquent prayers.
- It does not mean he is supposed to impose his will and opinions on the rest of the family like
some kind of bully.

Being the spiritual leader of the family simply means the husband/father loves Jesus openly and does his best to follow him as a man of God. If we men do this, it blesses our families powerfully. Micah 6:8, "The Lord has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

We men have underestimated the powerful difference we could make in our families if we simply loved Jesus openly and tried our best to walk humbly with our God. Likewise, we men need to realize that we are already leading powerfully in our families, whether we acknowledge it or not. We are either leading our wives and children toward Jesus or away from Him. Our action or inaction is already having a profound effect on our families. So, by being more open in your love for Jesus and more intentional in your desire to follow Him (even though we often fall short), you will bless your family deeply.

Men, here are three simple practices that will transform your marriage and family:
1) Spend the first 15 minutes of your day being filled up with the love your Heavenly Father already has for you. Listen to Him (Bible), talk with Him (prayer), and then believe and receive Him (silence and reflection). With your heart re-filled with His love, you are ready for the next two practices.

2) Every morning, take the hand of your wife and pray for her. Keep it simple. But do it daily. Fill her up every morning with the love you have received from the Father. Ephesians 3:16, "I pray that the Father may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being..."

3) Every morning, take your children into your arms, put your hands on them, and bless them (speak life-giving words into them). No matter how old your children are, they will always long for your love and blessing. Mark 10:16, "And Jesus took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them."

The Kingdom of God is the upper room of every home. Men, open the door for your wife and children every day. Be a reason they are blessed!"

Loyalty

2009-06-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

Look at Jesus! Take some time to really consider Him today! He makes everything clear. He can be trusted. Have you ever wondered why people followed Him? Yes, indeed, the Spirit of God burned within them. Given them at Pentecost, the disciples were fully loyal....to death!

As we lead others to follow Jesus, don't we burn with a passion to see people be that loyal to Him today? Aren't we desirous to see a leadership multiplication happen in our ministries? As leaders in the kingdom of God we are not just looking for people to follow us, we are looking for people to follow Jesus. As leaders in the kingdom we are not merely looking to have people follow, we are looking to help people lead!

It may be important, then, for those of us who are called and set apart to lead to come to grips with why people follow. As a leader, what compels people to follow YOU? And what do you want to instill in others you are trying to raise up as leaders?

I'm not sure where I got this. It may have been in some of the posts or tweets from Will Mancini. Check out his blog when you get a chance.

Here's a leadership formula to consider:

Clarity (compelling vision)+ Capacity (trusted leadership)=Loyalty

What are you doing as a leader to nurture clarity? What are you doing in your leadership development to build capacity?

Missional Church Top Ten List #1

2009-06-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

The church is, by its very nature, missional. Being missional is not a part of what the church is to be about. It is what the church is! Just like we, as individual followers of Jesus are not simply to behave missionally in part, we are missional through and through because we belong to Jesus!

And #1 on my top ten list for what it would really look like to be a missional church?

#1 People who are far from God will confess Jesus as Lord and Savior! More and more people throughout our region will join us as full partners in Jesus' redemptive work. "And the Lord added daily to their number those who were being saved."

Missional Church Top Ten List #2

2009-06-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

#2 Our churches will become powerful agents of life-giving transformation in our communities. It would be true that if our churches were not in that community they would be truly missed by the community. The people of God throughout our region would be making a difference; making the community a healthier place, bringing wisdom, and adding value to the community.

Missional Church Top Ten List #3

2009-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

#3 There would be a greater focus on spiritual preparation, and less activity around planning. As we follow Jesus each of us as leaders needs to learn how to walk with Jesus, listening to Him, trusting Him to guide our steps, rather than making our plans and asking God to bless them. We cannot lead God's people if we do not know how to follow! There will be a renewed emphasis on spiritual formation and the spiritual disciplines.

Missional Church Top Ten List #4

2009-06-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

#4 There would be a new passion for the Word of God not only as a text to study, but as our life-blood for missional living. This would mean a fresh look at Jesus in the Gospels and allowing Him to not only be our substitute, but our guide and model as well. Certainly on this point, He is our substitute. Yet, in our Lutheran circles, it seems to me, that we have so elevated Him as substitute in fear of falling into "works righteousness" that we have neglected the fact that He does call us, and lead us to go, to live, as He went, as He lived! "No servant is greater than His master." "You will be blessed if you do them."

Missional Church top Ten List #5

2009-06-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

#5...

#5 We will truly believe and act as if the region we serve is a mission field in terms of how workers are trained for mission work. A move from centralized and highly controlled pastoral education to distributed, aligned, and empowered multiplication of missional leadership will be necessary. We will need to embrace the truth that the "workers are in the harvest" and need to be trained in the harvest and released back into the harvest.

Missional Church Top Ten List #6

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

If a church were really missional we would see...

#6 ...more and more people in our congregations learning how to live life together. We will begin to see all the other days of the week, just as important as Sunday morning. We will learn how to hang out more, and run around busy less. We will see the focus on nurturing healthy relationships as primary. Will this effect what we do when we gather as leaders? I believe it must. Sharing our stories, celebrating our stories, and beginning to see how they instersect with His story will become something we master!

Missional Church Top Ten List #7

2009-06-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

What would a missional church really look like? Here's #7 of my top ten:

#7 New partnerships will emerge and be celebrated. If, indeed, it is "all about the Kingdom," we will find others within the Kingdom of God who may not be a part of our section of God's kingdom to work with to reach our communities. We will also work side-by-side with those who are not yet Jesus-followers. "...rather than running around drawing lines of demarcation between those who are in the community of Christ and those who are not, we are simply to bless all those who participate with us in the work of Jesus." pg. 30 "Re-Jesus" Luke 9:49 ff

Missional Church Top Ten List #8

2009-06-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

So, what would it really look like to be a missional church? Here's #8 of my top ten:

#8 God's people would have an increasing awareness of Christ's redeeming activity in the world. More and more people will be able to recognize that Jesus is alive and well in our world, working not only in church or at church, but in the world. Our fervent prayer will be "Thy Kingdom come......on earth, as it is in Heaven." "Mission implies everything Jesus is about in the world. And this cannot be limited to merely religious concerns." pg. 29 "Re-Jesus"

Missional Church Top Ten List #9

2009-06-03T09:31:00.004-05:00

The church is, by its very nature, missional. Being missional is not a part of what the church is to be about. It is what the church is! Just like we, as individual followers of Jesus are not simply to behave missionally in part, we are missional through and through because we belong to Jesus!

So, what would it really look like to be a missional church?

#9 We would see a move from church-centered concerns to people concerns. Congregations one at a time would be concerned less and less with maintaining or growing their churches. Rather, they would be filled with a passion to grow people! This would also mean that resources (people, money, technology) would be aligned toward people development.

Missional Church Top Ten List #10

2009-06-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Much has been written about the missional church. Many have attempted to define it. I have even attempted to define "missional" myself. Some reject the term altogether. I find much of the focus on "missional" today encouraging as it grounds us again in the consideration of what the church is. The church is, by its very nature, missional. Being missional is not a part of what the church is to be about. It is what the church is! Just like we, as individual followers of Jesus are not simply to behave missionally in part, we are missional through and through because we belong to Jesus!

So, what would it really look like to be a missional church? Over the next week or so, I will share 10 thoughts on that question. Perhaps it would be considered my Top Ten List!

#10 The mission of Jesus would become the organizing principle of all we do. A concern for the preservation of our religious institutions would be replaced with a passionate and fervent, almost obsessive focus on multiplying missional leadership, thereby yielding more and more Jesus-followers in our congregations who are living missional lives.

Cell Phone or Bible

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I received this e-mail last Friday. Perhaps you've already seen it. It sure made me take notice of priorities and habits.

"Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....'hmm....where is my Bible?'"

Methodology for Remembering

2009-05-29T09:17:00.007-05:00

As a follower of Jesus, as a preacher, and as a missional leader, I am always trying to find ways to help myself and others be able to think more deeply about their life in Jesus. I am finding that our culture, and therefore many people in this culture find it difficult to reflect deeply about their faith journey. It can be hard to be introspective; harder to be self-evaluative; even harder to make changes that God is prompting us to make.

How do you create space to think about your greatest pursuit? How do you discipline yourself to be aware of God's presence, to be mindful of His Word that instructs and guides and transforms us? Or do you think that that kind of life with Jesus just kind of happens? I think it is of critical importance that we take this part of our lives seriously and devote energy to developing a "methodology for remembering." We are bombarded with so much information today. We are inundated with images all day long. And every one of them is vying for our attention. How will you, in the middle of all the noise, learn to recognize the voice, the presence of God? God frequently shows up in the moment, doesn't He? We see something, read something, experience something, and then....poof......its gone, never to be recaptured. How can we process something that disappears from our memory? This is one of the reasons, by the way, that we take time in lifeGroup to answer questions like: "Where this past week have you experienced the presence of God?" or "What has God been teaching you in His Word this week?" I think I'm beginning to understand why frequently those questions are met with silence. We haven't actually thought about it much! Imagine if you would capture those God-given insights, those God-directed thoughts somehow, and be able to reflect on them with others later? Even better, can you imagine reflecting on those thoughts in real time with others as they were happening? If you don't capture it, you will more than likely lose it. And, if you lose it, it won't become transformational. “If learning doesn’t become conviction and action, it remains only information instead of resulting in transformation.” -- Scott Rische
I have always taken notes. I carry with me a moleskin, and write down anything that strikes a chord with me. Anything that tugs at my heart or challenges my thinking, or clarifies a vague thought I've had; any experience that moves me, sight that stirs me, goes in one of those little books. Then, periodically, in my schedule, I take time to just go through my little books. I ask God how He might want me to use this in my life or how He might want me to share it with someone.

Lately, I have been using twitter in much the same way. What if we would use twitter as we listen to sermons, as we attend lifeGroups, as we go to Bible class, as we spend time in the Word? Before you dismiss it, check out this link from TIME magazine!

Missional Living as Grace

2009-05-26T10:22:00.003-05:00

Some would say that striving to follow Jesus and live missionally is a legalistic thing that none of us can achieve. Many hide behind the fact that we can do nothing, only Christ who lives in me can do it! Amen to that! But, let's not hide behind that and use it as an excuse for inactivity!

Jesus, in many places exhorts us to go! The Great Commission is such a command. He also says, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13:15 He even says, "Now that you have seen me do these things for you, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17 You will be blessed if you do them?

I was reminded this past week in spades that God works and wills where He pleases apart from me! But here's the really cool part, he lets me, He allows me to participate in His work. He lets me partner in His miracles. Now, isn't that grace?

"To do what pleases God is not simply a matter of morality (legalism) but of sharing in God's life and mission." pg. 26 "Re-Jesus" Frost and Hirsch

Attractional vs. Incarnational

2009-05-22T18:11:00.004-05:00

With the emergence of the "missional church" today, there seems to be a lively discussion pitting the "attractional" model of church against the "incarnational" model. Perhaps you have entered the debate.

Can you take both approaches? Can a church be both attractional and incarnational?

Interesting question. It certainly stimulated a great conversation recently with a couple of friends. Here's what emerged in our discussion.

Jesus was attractional & attractive. It is impossible for people not to be drawn to Him. The problem with much of the church today is that we have organized our leadership and churches around attraction at the expense of incarnation. We have attempted to attract without incarnation. We have put all of our eggs in the attractional basket and severely neglected the call to serve/ love and live in the world.

It is the incarnational lifestyle that makes us attractive.

We have built our ministries on attraction without incarnational living. This has led to many people in our churches believing that it is the staff's/ pastor's job to provide programs at the church that will yield the fruit of people reached, which has, in turn, led to people believing that it's not their job to go!

We don't have to pit attractional against incarnational. One will lead to the other. If we really want to draw people to Jesus, we are compelled to go. "No servant is greater than His master. As you have seen me wash your feet, and serve you, you will be blessed as you go and do the same." or "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13 Jesus speaks those words to every Jesus-follower today. Incarnational living is attractive!

100th Post!

2009-05-20T08:34:00.003-05:00

However unworthy or unsuitable I think I am, God has chosen me. Read John 15:12-17

On my 100th post, (can you believe it?) I thought it would be good to remember this foundational truth. It's always good to remember this foundational truth. How easily we forget. I was talking with a friend the other day who is really battling through some transitional change stuff in his congregation, and it is this truth, that God called him there to do this specific work, that is keeping him going. He will not give up because God has chosen him...not only as a leader/ missional pastor, but as his son.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you!" Jesus

...to do what?
...for what purpose?

Secret Stadium Sauce

2009-05-19T13:22:00.003-05:00

As a leader in the local ministry setting where I am privileged to serve there are a couple of challenges that I am always pushing for greater clarity around.

1) We have to differentiate our message from dozens of other churches in our area. We must stand out in people's minds. What is the "secret sauce" of our church? I think of Miller Park's "secret stadium sauce." Individuals who commit themselves to the mission of "connecting people to life in Jesus" at Christ Memorial should be able to answer the following question: At the end of the day, how does Christ Memorial leave me distinctly advantaged?

2) What is our brand promise at Christ Memorial? Our promise has to be an expression of Christ Memorial's DNA (our vision frame)--who we are; our values, our dreams and aspirations. We can't over promise and try to be something that isn't authentic. We can't promise something that isn't true Christ Memorial.

So, what is our brand promise? What is the "secret sauce" of Christ Memorial? Why would anyone want to drive by other churches to come to ours?

The Inherent Messiness of Nurturing a Missional Culture

2009-05-15T17:33:00.003-05:00

Today's missional leaders need to be able to function in an environment of uncertainty.

Roxburgh and Romanuk discuss the reality of the "experimentation stage" in their "Missional Change Model" outlined in "The Missional Leader." they illustrate the truth of this stage by taking us back to our roots as a nation.

Quoting from John Ellis's Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Roxburgh and Romanuk make the case that our country was founded using the "experimentation stage."

"He (Ellis) argues that it was neither grand vision nor a big plan that formed the American nation but a group of men who, in the exigencies of a moment filled with great stress and without any clarity of outcome, instigated a series of experiments that began to form the nascent republic: 'The real drama of the American Revolution...was its inherent messiness. This meant recovering the exciting but terrifying sense that all the major players had at the time-namely,that they were making it up as they went along, improvising on the edge of catastrophe.'" pg. 100
As a leader who is attempting to lead missional change in a local congregation, this lesson from history is profound and exhilarating. We have permission to experiment, to try, to give it a go. As we do, we learn and grow. Others watch and gain courage to try. All of this, repeated over and over again over time will yield a new life, a new missional culture.

Who have you noticed in your local context experimenting with missional living? What are you discovering? What are you learning?

Struggling to Respond to What God Is Up To

2009-05-14T10:14:00.002-05:00

Have you ever struggled to know how to respond to something God was doing in your life? It works like this: you are surprised that He shows up in a way that breaks your paradigms about how He shows up, how He works, where He works, through whom He works. And, simply put, you just don't know what to do with what your experiencing. Is it right?

Perhaps our insistence on doing things the way we have always done them keeps us from His works......His ways.

We can learn allot from those who have gone before us. Check out Acts 15:4-12. We get a glimpse of how the early church struggled to get their minds around how God was working. Non-Jews, called Gentiles were coming to Jesus, and some of the believers were convinced that they needed to become Jews first before they could become followers of Jesus. Acts 15 is the battle ground where this intense conversation took place. It's really an amazing account. Put yourself there. Feel the emotion that must have been stirred up in the room.

After all of the wrangling, and debating, and struggling, there is one final statement that I think becomes the turning point for the whole conversation:
"Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles." vs. 12

Two questions emerge for me as I think about this event in the life of the Church:

1) Our my eyes open to see God working in places I wouldn't ordinarily look, in people I wouldn't normally pay attention to?

2) Do I trust that God Himself will guide change in the Church......in my life?

Church Unique

2009-05-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

It was about two years ago. I was tired of attending conferences, weary of reading more books to get ideas. Exhausted from looking at and comparing our ministry to others. I didn't need another idea, or program, or model, or suggesation. At that point I had began to acknowledge who I was as a unique leader, what I needed was to uncover and celebrate our unique place in the body of Christ. And then, I needed to focus on executing that unique vision.

I love the way Will Mancini put in his blog "Clarity Evangelist":

Church leaders don't need more resources or motivation - they need to re-ignite their imagination!!!
1) How many events do we go to get "pumped up" and what kind of change has
that brought to our collective leadership lives?
2) How many resources has the collective church utilized that has led to only
pre-packaged thinking and photocopied vision?
3) Where and when will you as a leader engage your imagination and dream about
what God may uniquely do through your life and ministry?

Missional Roll Call

2009-05-12T08:57:00.003-05:00

The term "passion" is over-used in today's culture.

Read this:
Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas and Saul exhibit genuine passion.

There are very few names mentioned here.

Notice how personal the spread of the Gospel is here in Acts 13. There is no mass communication here, just passionate and focused communication by a few dedicated people.

It made me wonder, if I were to write an account of the spread of the Good News about Jesus in my town, in my neighborhood, in my city, which names would I write down?

The Power of One

2009-05-11T08:47:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed how new understanding can change a life, can even change the world? Maybe you've experienced this for yourself. Perhaps you have experienced the new dawn of a shattered old paradigm, the release from an old way of thinking.

In working our way through Mark 5:1-20 yesterday with my girls and my friend at what we call faithBuilders, God opened a new doorway to a deeper understanding. Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee to encounter a demon-possessed man who was living in the burial caves in the region of the Gerasenes. This is the story where Jesus casts out the demons in this man into a herd of pigs...2,000 of them....and they run themselves off a cliff. Kind of reminds me of what recently happened in Egypt. No wonder the people in the nearby villages wanted Jesus to leave them.

Something interesting happens in this reading as it relates to this man, however. He wants to go with Jesus after he was released from this torment. Quite natural, I would say. Jesus responds, "Go back to your family and to your town and tell them everything I have done for you." Amazing. Reached in his region, sent back to his region. Sounds alot like "One Church, Regional Impact."

Here's the new learning for me, the new understanding that God gave me: The Power of One. Certainly Power in Jesus, the One, without whom none of this transformation is possible. But, also Power in that one man, released from his prison and sent to his region.

We were imagining how tough it might have been for him to go back to his family and share the good news about Jesus. Perhaps the family doubted if he had really been healed. Perhaps they were hesitant to trust him again. And what of the rest of the town? He lived in the burial caves for Pete sake! He was out of his mind living in a community of freaks! And he was dangerous; supernaturally strong, filled with rage, and the strength of many demons. It couldn't have been an easy calling to go back. Maybe that's why he wanted to go with Jesus in the first place.

He went nonetheless....back to his family, and into his neighborhood. The power of one.

sometimes I look to gather a crowd to do the work. Sometimes I wait for strength in numbers before I go. There is power in one person, transformed, set free, who goes in obedience to Jesus to tell people all that He has done for them.

You who have experienced this transforming power of Jesus, where is Jesus sending you today?

Transitions

2009-05-07T20:26:00.003-05:00

At a conference the past couple of days Steve Wagner, Executive Leader for The Pastoral Leadership Institute reminded us that "people like change, it's the transitions they have trouble with."

What do you think? Where have you seen the truth of this in your life?

Rest Areas

2009-05-05T12:38:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, on my way to a conference just north of Trego, Wisconsin, I stopped at a rest area just south of Eau Claire. This was a noteworthy event. I typically will not stop unless a child of mine, or a wife of mine needs to stop. I am what you might call a "focused driver." Get to the destination as quickly as possible.

After yesterday's experience, I realized that I have most certainly missed many things along life's road becasue of my "focused driver" mindset. The joy is in the adventure. The joy is in the journey. And, some of the most meaningful and enriching times come when you take the exit off the planned path and into the rest area.

I got out of my car. Walked up a long trail to a summit overloosking the area surrounding Eau Claire. It was a glorious 45 minute interruption. Thank you, God, for the prompting. And thank you, Heavenly Father, for the lesson.

Jesus Calms the Storm

2009-05-04T08:32:00.004-05:00

Open your bibles to Mark 4. Let's journey with Jesus.

Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

What an amazing story. Can you put yourself there at that moment? Can you imagine the excitement? Here's just a couple of things we picked up yesterday during our time in the Word at Christ Memorial:

1) Jesus is taking the disciples across the Sea of Galilee into new territory, Gentile territory. Up until this point He was in territory that, at the very least, was familiar with "church ways." And, notice the enemy's response. Read a little into chapter 5. Taking any new territory with Jesus? Be alert. The enemy is stirring.

2) Storms happen. Great, unexpected storms arise, threatening to overwhelm us.

3) Jesus sleeps. Who could sleep through a storm like that? Fully trusting His Father, having no fear, He sleeps. Compare this to the disciples' reaction!

4) Why turn to Jesus for help? (vs. 38) Astounding, really. Lenski in his commentary, reminds us: "They were expert sailors & knew all about handling a boat in the fiercest storms. They were used to squalls coming up quickly on this lake. Elevated hills on both sides of the lake. Strong winds like a wind tunnel down the valley. Jesus was a carpenter from Nazareth. These disciples were completely at the end of all of their resources in which they had always taken pride. Now they throw themselves upon Jesus as their last hope."

5) Jesus words were enough. (vs. 39) The storm that was described as a "mega storm" (literally in the greek) is now stilled, and Mark describes it as a "mega calm". Mega is replaced by mega. All with a word. Same words used in Mark 1:25

6) The storm reveals the true depth of the disciples' faith. (vs. 40) I love what Lenski says in his commentary: "Jesus was not rebuking them for lack of faith because He was in the boat with them! They had no right to be afraid even if Jesus had not been in the boat. As followers of Jesus they were ever in the Father’s care, and that is so whether Jesus was physically present with them or not. (Matt. 28:20) In fact, there was no reason to fear even if they died in the storm."

7) Who is this man? Check out Mark 5:7 for the answer, and notice who gives the answer. If, even the demons know who this Jesus is, how do we so easily forget?

We received a couple of questions to ponder in response to all of this. Maybe you can process them with us.

Any storms raging with unnatural strength in your life? How will you respond? “Silence, be still!”

What new territory is God leading you into….”let’s cross to the other side of the lake!” (vs. 35)? In the name of Jesus, with Jesus, practice intentional courage. Put your full confidence in Him. Do not be afraid.

Going on Ahead

2009-05-01T15:49:00.002-05:00

It is clear that Jesus has moved into our neighborhoods as the comment on yesterday's post illustrates. Amazing! The question is: Do we understand that we are among the "72" who are sent by Jesus today to "go on ahead" (Luke 10:1), and will we actually go on ahead?

As our friend who commented yesterday helped us see: our going on ahead is not a going to a brand new place, necessarily. It is a being aware and open as we go on ahead to the places where we live and move and have our being.

Lord, open our eyes and let us see. Open our hearts and let us engage. Open our lives and let us share.

Go On Ahead...Prepare

2009-04-30T10:49:00.002-05:00

"The Lord now chose 72 other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit." Luke 10:1

Is Jesus planning to visit your neighborhood? your community?

Perhaps He has chosen YOU to go on ahead.

1 of 72

2009-04-29T13:50:00.002-05:00

I can't get this out of my head:

"The Lord now chose 72 other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit." Luke 10:1

And now, I pray, that I can get into my heart. Lord, could I be a part of the 72?

Restructuring for Effective Mission!

2009-04-28T09:38:00.005-05:00

The church body I am a part of (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) is working toward restructuring. Our denomination has established a "Blue Ribbon Task Force" to look into the issues surrounding restructuring. As a part of a recent panel discussion at our District Pastor's Conference I shared 5 broad themes that are important to me as we consider the various specific recommendations that are emerging. Some of those who were present at the Conference have asked me to share those 5 major themes again. Any structure should promote and protect these 5 major themes. So here they are:

1) Mission
The body of Christ has been given one mission. We are charged by Christ Himself to make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey everything the Lord has commanded. Our synod, our churches, every facet of this church body is to be a missional outpost in this world glorifying the name of our God! Any structure must promote and protect this ONE MISSION!

2) Unity
Jesus prays that we may be one in John 17. Any man-made structure must promote and protect this oneness we have been given in Christ Jesus!

3) Alignment
At a recent trip to my chiropractor I was reminded how crucial "alignment" is to the health, stability, and functionality of my body. Everything must work together if the body is to work efficiently. So also with our church body. Any structural change must promote and protect alignment. Our Christ-directed mission demands it!

4) Release
God has given His gifts. The Church has received various gifts, functions, callings. His gifts are given to share, to freely distribute. he has not given His gifts to hoard, to control. Ephesians 4: 11 "He has given some to be........to equip God's people for works of service." has not God given these gifts to His church? Where He has given responsibility, He has also given authority. "All authority has been given to me, Jesus said. Therefore, Go! Any structural change must promote and protect the releasing of gifts throughout the world. Any structural change must give authority to those who have been entrusted with responsibility. Any structural change must release all of God's gifts! (Ephesians 3:11-13)

5) Simple
Simplicity is one step beyond complexity. Should we celebrate complexity or strive for simplicity and clarity? Streamlined, functional, efficient are words that should describe our structure. overlap, redundancy, are things that should be eliminated. Any structural change ought to promote and protect simplicity!

Spiritual Friendship Formula

2009-04-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Proximity + Unhurried time together + fun (food) = conversations

Repeat over time and you have a friend!

Laboring in the Harvest

2009-04-24T18:50:00.003-05:00

The Lord now chose seventy-two[a] other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Luke 10:1-2

Rev. Michael Ruhl is the Executive Director for the Center for U.S. Missions. He writes this is his Mission Moments:

"The word laborers (or ergatai in the Greek text) refer to people who are actively engaged in labor and work.

It is significant to me that so few people in our culture want to do actual labor. We hire immigrant workers with strong work ethic to do much of the actual laboring for us. The cultural transition from the agricultural age to the industrial age to the information age may have contributed to this de-emphasis of labor and hard work. We call it 'working smarter instead of harder' ... but for some that mantra has become doing less and expecting more. And even in our churches, too many saints see their discipleship as being a 'consumer of religious goods and services', not working at transforming lives."

I think I am growing to understand why Jesus gave us the command to pray. It will take a move of God to move us to work hard for the harvest!

What is your work ethic in relationship to the harvest?
What one thing will you do to help your church be more effective in the harvest?

Scarcity & Clarity

2009-04-23T13:50:00.003-05:00

These days we are hearing alot about financial hardships. The church is certainly not exempt.

Yesterday I was at a pastor's conference and even participated in a panel discussion that was considering structural change in our church body (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod). The financial realities are in some ways "forcing" us to examine our values. Just today I got a message from a friend that they were cutting 15% of salaries of all full-time workers. Cettainly they will be examining their values.

I love what Dave Gibbons says: "Scarcity brings clarity-it forces you to examine your values."

Lord, raise up missional leaders throughout your church who can nurture that clarity for the sake of your kingdom's call.

What's In Your Way?

2009-04-22T22:23:00.003-05:00

I love the way "Good to Great" opens up: "Good is the enemy of great."

With so many options at every turn for us, it's really no wonder how we miss out on the real purpose for our living. With so many opportunities, many that are good, it is really not surprising that we have only left over time for the things that really bring peace and life.

This pursuit to "do it all" leads to anxiety, confusion about our life's purpose, lack of contentment, the relentless urge to acquire more and do more, and the lack of energy and intentionality in living missional lives. Indeed, good is the enemy of great!

Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." John 10:10

Relational AND Relentless

2009-04-17T10:27:00.002-05:00

I really appreciated Greg Stier's article "Does Street Evangelism Work?" Greg is the CEO of an organization called Dare2Share. Our ministry has been blessed by this organization! Greg states that the question he starts with in this article is the wrong question. He also claims that effective evangelism is both relational and relentless. I love his choice of words. Too often we make the proposition of evangelism an either/or thing. It's really a both/ and thing. I have not erred on the side of the relentless. My error has been sitting too much on the side of the relational. This is where I have been out of balance. How 'bout you? Perhaps that's why this section of the article really spoke to me.

"I think the real question is whether or not the kind of evangelism that we employ-whether it be on the beach, at the mall, on a plane, in our neighborhoods or at our jobs-is relational AND relentless.
Too often, lifestyle evangelists wave their get-out-of-jail free cards by claiming that they are earning the right to be heard. What this often leads to is never-ending relational bridge building. And once the bridge is built, it sometimes seems too awkward to cross with the precious cargo of Christ's gospel, for fear that they will catch us in our bait-and-switch trickery. Instead of being upfront and honest, we have built a relationship with secret intent. You see, the relational/relentless knife cuts both ways. And if we are honest, relational evangelism that sneaks in the back door can be just as damaging, if not more deceiving, than relentless evangelism that kicks in the front door.
The great evangelist George Whitefield used to pray, "Lord, give me the mixture of the lion and the lamb." And that's what we need, the relentless lion and the relational lamb battling it out for a holy balance in our souls as we seek to reach and rescue those around us who don't know Jesus."

If you would like to read the rest of the article, you can do that here.

Creating Reservoirs

2009-04-16T12:09:00.006-05:00

We have been struggling a little bit with the tension between gathering and being sent in our efforts to plant a presence in a new region in our community. Our vision "One Church, Regional Impact" has propelled us into Verona, a community some 7 miles from our initial site in Fitchburg. We long to see God's people live missional lives in their neighborhoods, leading to transformation of their communities. One of the things we have discovered has been the need to gather, in the process of being sent. And we have felt a little tension in what this looks like, how often, etc...

Then, last night I uncovered this beautiful word picture from Scott Downing that unlocked some things for me. Enjoy! Click here to read the whole post.

"A reservoir is intentionally created in order to provide needed resources for a thirsty population. A reservoir is intentionally created in order to provide measured, intentional releases of water for agriculture and commerce. One benefit beyond its more important functions is that of recreation. Reservoirs become gathering places for families and friends. Swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, BBQ’s – good days to be alive and enjoy one another.
A reservoir is intentionally placed where it is fed by watersheds and streams from small to large – even rivers.
Reservoirs do not exist unto themselves and for themselves. They exist to serve, to nurture; to bring health and growth. Reservoirs serve their primary purposes in two stages: gathering and releasing.
Without gathering, there can be no release. Gathering is receiving. Gathering is receiving from the source. Taking in. Being filled. From potential to realization, every aspect of gathering signals its ability to provide. The reservoir knows without gathering it cannot supply the need.
Two things direct the reservoirs release: the tension and pressure against that which restrains it and the needs of those who are recipients of the supply. There is always tension between gathering and releasing. This tension is essential for the well being of all concerned. To little release and pressure can build to the point of weakening the structures that boundary the reservoir with the result of radical rupture. Too much release and downstream channels can be flooded – again bringing destruction to that which was meant to be nourished.
While gathering is receiving, releasing is satiation. The intentional outflow of the reservoir now moves throughout the surrounding areas – bringing nurturing life to the community. Even as the tap in the kitchen or the faucet in the shower is experienced by people, the water moves to supply crops that will produce harvest months yet to come. In the foreground of life and in the backdrop of seasons and plantings – the waters make life possible in a community that often never perceives what it takes to bring such blessing.
God is sourcing his church. He carefully builds and defines its structure. He pours into it waters of life – springs that never cease – a flow of His Spirit that prepares and adorns His church with His presence.
There, in that reservoir, we gather and find fellowship and family. We recreate in the beauty of what He has made in Christ. We live in the warmth of His Son and the enjoyment of His people. Each gathering He is pouring into that reservoir, building, strengthening, and sustaining His grace.

There is a city waiting. There are a people who thirst. In our own thinking we seek release and we strain against the means of His release. But God knows the reservoir and the people. He speaks and streams of living water move throughout a city carrying life to all who live there.
Acts of mercy and kindness. Prayers over neighborhoods. Assisting the hurting and the broken. Befriending the isolated and rejected. Living our lives, as the apostle Peter puts it, in such a manner that our good works bring praise and glory to God. Streams into the desert, God spoke through Isaiah. A church carrying all its gathered grace even as it is dispersed throughout a community.
We are both: a reservoir and the streams that flow out of it.
This is the church. This is the vision, the picture, the imagination. This is the dream, the hope, the intention."

Missional Living Instructions "5 at 5"

2009-04-15T16:28:00.003-05:00

I've been processing Luke 10:1-4 this afternoon in preparation for our next Regional Impact Gathering scheduled for 10 a.m. in Verona this Sunday. Below are my "5 at 5."

1 The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. 2 These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. 3 Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

Here's what has been impressed on my heart today as the reality of our work:
1) The harvest is great!
2) Workers are few!
3) The Lord is in charge of the harvest!
4) The "fields" belong to Him.
5) The "fields" are our neighborhoods, our community.

Here's what the instructions are for us as we attempt to live missional lives:
1) Pray, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers into
Him.
2) Go...NOW!!
3) Remember, it's hard work! It's dangerous work! (lambs among wolves)
4) Think "next", not "ultimatel" Live with people one day at a time!
5) Avoid distractions and distracting acitivities.

As you process these "5 at 5" what is apparent to you? What stirs in your heart?

Missing the Point

2009-04-14T15:47:00.003-05:00

I wonder if other denominations within the Christian Church divide up their constituents into two camps: conservative and liberal, or if these labels are just ours?

I've heard other labels too: maintenance and missional ; traditional and contemporary; right and left.

Here's an interesting quote from Ed Stetzer:

"Conservatives without converts is not much better than liberals without Scripture. Both miss the point."

Belief or Faith

2009-04-13T21:03:00.002-05:00

My friend Scott Rische from San Diego posted this quote on his status update on facebook recently:

“Belief is thinking God can. Faith is living as if God has.” Bruce Biesenthal, author and speaker

As Easter people, then, let us have faith. For Christ has risen!

Where in your life today are you thinking God can? And where might God be calling you to live as if God has?

A New Command

2009-04-09T10:41:00.002-05:00

Open your bible. Go ahead, I'll wait. Open to John 13 and consider Jesus. Notice His love in two moves, two acts:

Act 1 Jesus Loves
1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

What strikes you about this first act? Is it the fact that Jesus washes feet? Is it that Peter protested? It can be difficult for us to accept love from others, from God, from Jesus. Where do you need to accept His love today?

Act 2 Jesus Sends Us To Love
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them....34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Act 1 must be completed before Act 2 is possible. To whom is God sending you? Who needs to be served in your life? Who needs the love of Jesus given specifically through you today? If you don't go and wash their feet (serve) who will?

What's your question?

2009-04-08T08:41:00.001-05:00

And, what question would you like to ask God? Go ahead...ask Him!

And God Laughs

2009-04-07T12:17:00.004-05:00

In our Connections class at Christ Memorial (a class for those who are exploring making a formal commitment to our community of faith and to our shared mission to "connect people to life in Jesus") a question that is asked of each participant in their "bio form" in which they share a little about themselves is this one: "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?"

In a recent class, one of the participants replied "God, what would You laugh at?"

I love that. It's a very thought provoking question. What do you think God would laugh at?

Life

2009-04-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I recently read this quote from Life Line, the Newsletter from Wisconsin Right to Life of Dane County, No. 17, March 2009:
"Madison Surgery Center, within the Meriter complex on south Park Street, will soon open its doors to second trimester abortions. This action comes despite a vocal pro-life march on January 31, an active letter campaign and emotional testimony at public hearings.
Doctors expect to perform 125 abortions a year at the clinic on women 19-22 weeks pregnant. Planned Parenthood will continue to conduct abortions up to 19 weeks at its eastside location.
The UW and Meriter hospitals have turned a deaf ear to the complaints of their own nurses, doctors and staff.
They were not swayed by statistics that 72% of second trimester abortions are elective, not a 'public health responsibility' as they tout; OR the fact that UW and Meriter doctors are dismembering children at the same age they're fighting to keep some alive in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)."

Here's what I don't understand. In a city where pro-life supporters are often referred to as emotional, and irrational, how cerebral and rational is it that "UW and Meriter doctors are dismembering children at the same age they're fighting to keep some alive in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)"?

Digital Readers

2009-04-03T15:40:00.001-05:00

Sony Reader Digital Book PRS-700 or Kindle 2?

Help me decide!!

The Biblical Way

2009-04-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

"For the biblical way is not so much to present us with a moral code and tell us 'live up to this', nor is it to set out a system of doctrine and say 'think like this and you will live well.' The biblical way is to tell a story and invite us, 'live into this. This is what it looks like to be human; this is what is involved in entering and maturing as human beings.' It goes on to say '...we find that we are not being led to see God in our stories, but to see our stories in God's."

Introduction to 1 Samuel "The Message"

Thank you, Dannie!