Politics and the Church..Some Ramblings

I enjoy Facebook. I like being able to keep up with friends some close to me now and others I once enjoyed the company of on a more regular basis. One thing I am not looking forward to is the soon to be coming onslaught of political speak that is sure to increase with the upcoming Presidential election. I enjoy politics, I enjoy a healthy debate on issues, and I detest name calling and belittling over disagreements. I can say this much, there are good people on both sides of the political isle that I care very much about....with that in mind here are a few of my thoughts about politics and the church:

• My faith will NEVER be in any candidate or political party.
  
• Collectively the church, I believe, does itself a disservice by investing itself so heavily in the process during Presidential elections...these are just men (and women) as Benjamin Franklin once said "we are not demi-gods."
  
• Until hearts and minds are broken for the things of God, any victories it gets in the process are fleeting at best.
• Jesus did not come to the earth to score political victories.
  
• Will I vote? Yes, in fact, I just did in last weeks primaries...but I don't ever...ever want to get to the place where my faith, hope, and dreams rest in the hands of any politician or party.
• I will say I am praying for the country, but not for a candidate to win.
  

Just some thoughts

So I am sitting home this Friday evening and pondering a few thoughts...

• A few weeks ago I was approached by someone (with a good heart and positive motives) asking why we don't have a more formal program to go after people who have left or are on the verge of leaving the church. This person rattled off a few names of people that are no longer at our church. It's a good question and I've been tempted to think, OK...they're right, we need a program to make sure we aren't letting people slip away. Tonight, I am questioning why would we do that? Now hear me out on this...If the people in the church know someone hasn't come to church in a while...why are the people in the church not calling on them and checking up with them? IF I were away from church for a while I would much rather a friend called me to check up than someone who did it because it was their job to do it. Not that the church shouldn't call on people that they haven't seen in a while...I am just not sure a church should have a "program" for it...my mind isn't made up on this, just saying I am questioning it.
• I've been praying quite a bit about some directional things at 242. Excited about some things that I believe God has in store for us. Looking forward to the next six months as a church. I think we could see some big things happen. Not because we are doing anything special but because he is going to do something special. I am praying for God to move and for us to see some amazing things that defy explanation and can only be described as a miracle of God.
  
• I am really looking forward to getting back to teaching at church. I have a few months worth of messages ready to go (for the most part.)
  

My Current Playlist

So, anyone that knows me knows I love music. I have it blasting on my computer all day long or I am playing my guitars and rocking out to it. So, here is what is currently lighting up my playlist.

• Needtobreathe - The Outsiders....LOVE their sound. Unlike anything else out there now.
• Hillsong Live - God is Able....nothing like Hillsong when it comes to rocking out worship.
• Darius Rucker - Charleston SC, 1968...Look I know it's Hootie....but the dude can flat out rock a country song!
• Keith Urban - Get Closer....who doesn't like Keith...I wish I could play guitar half as good as him....
• Karosene Halo - Really love the stripped down versions of some cover songs. Very well done...Love Derri's voice.
  
• Lee McDermentt - I have never heard a hymn redone as well as his updated version of Go Tell It....I so want to do this song like this!

Anyone have anything else I need to be listening to? Let me know!

I'm Still Here...

So, the rapture of the church that was supposed to happen today has failed to materialize. I have restrained myself from the poking and picking that I have seen so many on the web do over the last few days. Don't get me wrong, a large part of me wanted to make fun of the notion just to make myself seem "not crazy" to my non-believing friends. I never for a second believed today was the day, not that it couldn't have been, because that's up to God. In fact, I hadn't really given the whole "rapture is May 21st" much thought at all until two days ago. That's when it hit me.....what if it is???

Now, I don't want to sound crazy because I didn't believe it was the day at all....but I just felt this overwhelming burden that said what if it is? Over the last two days, I felt the Holy Spirit begin to lay on my heart the faces and names of all the people I know that haven't yet met Jesus. Honestly, I've felt an overwhelming sense of sadness for them. What if it was today? How many family members would have missed out? How many of my friends would have missed out? What about my students? My children? I mean they accepted Christ when they were younger but are they really his?

I can say this, I don't want to make fun of the crazies that predicted the end of the world as we know it. I do however, want to use their foolish mistakes as a reminder that sometime, someday he'll come and until that day I want to reach as many people with God's love as possible. I want to be about my fathers business.

Without Him I can do nothing....with Him all things are possible.

The Power of a Connection

Just read some statistics that blow me away. If a first time visitor get's connected (makes some friends and is offered a meaningful place to serve) said visitor is 5 times more likely to stay at your church. I guess this fly's in the face of allowing first time visitors anonymity.

So, somehow churches need to find a balance and a way to allow people freedom to explore the church while at some point in the exploration meeting up with people that can befriend them.

Guilty As Charged

Doing some reading this morning and as God so often does he showed me how wrong I and perhaps to a larger extent the church as a whole has been. I have made plans, hosted events, and tried to grow a few churches by focusing on young families. In fact, if we are being honest that's what most churches focus on when they are trying to grow. Young families seem to be like the trophy of all (ok, at least most) churches these days. Yet as I read James 2 this morning, I had an overwhelming sense of conviction that I have been guilty of playing favorites with God's people.

Check this out:

James (NLT)2: 1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble namet you bear?

Dang that hits me hard.

I have often said as a prayer to God "Lord, give us the people no one else want's." Yet, my and our actions corporately as a church have been geared around reaching the group that every church wants, young families. I am not sure where I go with this, but it is giving me plenty of uneasiness as a pastor and church leader. How can I manage to have my actions, and our churches actions live up to the words of James? Right now, I just don't know. But I can tell you this stings a little.

Reflection(s)

What a difference a year makes. It just hit me that it was a year ago that we were entering our last week at Real Life. I was spent spiritually, emotionally, and physically spent. As sad as it was to close RL, I don't know how much longer I could have gone on even if we had been more solvent. We took six months and didn't do much of anything church related. We visited around and got to worship with friends that we'd been meaning to catch up with but nothing in terms of playing, teaching, leading, serving. It was a really much needed respite.

Last spring we offered to help a friend that was planting a church in the Findlay area. Originally, we were going to come and help out for the summer. The summer gradually turned into we'll stay till launch next Easter. God has a purpose and a plan in everything. Last month our friend passed away. He was only 54 and had a massive heart attack. While it's been tough for everyone, it's pretty obvious that God called us to 242 Church to help. God knew what was going to happen and he knew he needed us there. We are not called to be at 242 long term. God also had a plan and a man that he wanted to lead that church. Next week we'll get to hear from him (Craig.) We'll pray that his calling to 242 is confirmed by everyone at church.

It's been a weird year. When we closed RL I said that I was done in ministry. I meant it, I really wanted nothing to do with it anymore. I was tired of friends who loved me to my face, but spoke ill of my behind my back. I was tired of the attacks on my family. I was just plain tired. I've often said that I love God but struggled to love his people. If you've ever been in ministry, perhaps you can relate. I told God that if ever wanted me back in ministry that he'd have to come get me because I would not be looking for ministry work.

I believe God has a funny streak about him. We went to 242 just to help out with worship and I was going to coach Scott a little behind the scenes and then we'd walk away. Here I am leading a church again (although just short term.) Over the last 6 months, I have had 6 people call, email, and take me out for coffee asking if I'd be interested in helping out or taking a ministry position with their church. Small group pastor, teaching pastor, lead pastor, worship....all kinds of ministry opportunities. One very large church, and some mid to smaller sized churches...Till now, I have turned them all down and really without much thought or even prayer.....Finally, last week. I said OK God I GET IT.....You want me in ministry.

I know what my calling is. I have for a long time. When the right offer comes along. I will do it....until then I'll follow where he leads. Sometimes, I forget that my life isn't my own. In order to have a life I have to be willing to give it away. If it means taking the kind of crap (yes I just said crap) that comes with ministry I will learn to endure. I am learning that the Apostle Paul said when he said "For me to live is Christ."

What am I Praying For?

I often wonder how many Christians go through life not really knowing what they should be praying for. Do we pray for ourselves is that too selfish? Do we only pray for those we love, but not us? Or do we pray for everything and everyone? Well...I am by no means an expert on prayer so I will just tell you what I pray for nightly.

• I pray that God would bless and protect my family.
• I pray that God would bless and protect my friends.
• I pray for my church and my pastor (although that's me right now...so feel free to pray for me!)
• I pray for those I know who are enduring trials and suffering.
• I pray for anything else that God lays on my heart.

I think for most of us, if we could just start with those things....we'd be getting somewhere...I know you'd think people in ministry would be much deeper than that....but I have to confess...I have never been much of a prayer warrior....For years I felt bad about that....but a few years ago, I just felt God release me from feeling bad about something that wasn't my spiritual gift. All of us can and should pray regularly....but not all of us are going to be the kind of prayer warriors that can spend hours and hours praying down heaven and earth.....just pray and listen....be obedient to what God is leading you to become as a pray-er!

Modern Worship

Recently, we've endured some conflict over the notion of modern worship being performance based and more traditional worship being congregation centered. I certainly understand the discussion and the reasons behind it. Most traditional church music was written out of revelation with the church in mind. It was written for congregational singing. Modern worship shares some of those traits but it also ads the added element of commercial appeal. Many modern worship artists are very talented and have a commercial sound that is radio friendly.

The argument I think can best be understood and appreciated within the context of what God is doing in the midst of a generation of worshipers. In today's society, its acceptable for worship leaders to journal their personal experiences and quite often those experiences end up as songs that we sing today. Sometimes they are personal prayers that just can't be shaken. Sometimes the song stems from a message that stirs the heart of the worship leader. Sometimes the songs come from life in general and reflecting on God's goodness.

Is there a performance aspect of modern worship ABSOLUTELY. We cannot allow ourselves to be fooled into thinking there isn't. Totally removing the performance aspect of music would place us in the position of being ineffective because the music would be so bad it would actually become a turn off. We can move past the performance aspect of worship by having our hearts right during the week. Spending time in prayer, seeking God in humility, and listening to his voice. We can also eliminate some of the performance aspect of modern worship if we are well prepared. When you are so prepared you don't have to think about singing or playing your instrument you are free do what comes naturally and just worship God.

We wouldn't allow a pastor to come on stage and be a complete dud, have zero personality, and not be able to teach. Likewise, we shouldn't allow people to come on stage that God hasn't blessed to do music. With that comes a certain element of performance no doubt. But preparation and having a right heart can outweigh most of that. God has raised up some great worship leaders over the last 10 years that are not only incredible musicians but sold out to worshiping Him. Don't write that off because you see it as a performance. Think about the time and commitment to Christ these people make. Many of of the people volunteering their time to sing and play an instrument for God in our churches today could easily be making money playing and singing in clubs and bars on the weekends. Instead, they are using their talents for God. That's a great thing!

All music that is written with a humble heart and lifts up God honors him. I love having the freedom to express it. Makes me feel like writing some more songs!

Missing You Guys

The last year has without a doubt been a year of ups and downs. There have been good times and rough ones as with any year. One of the many things I am personally grateful to God for is that sometimes he brings clarity in the midst of confusion. Last fall, we were put in the position of having to close Real Life. Some agreed it was time, others wanted to find a path to stay open. I understand that. The decision I made brought with it many things, the loss of friends that I once considered close, the continued and growing friendship of others. If I had to make the same choices today, I believe I would make the exact same decision.

The last year has been good for my soul. I've had a lot of time to reflect, and quite honestly, shed many tears. I've had sleepless nights, and nights that I've slept like a baby over things. One thing that keeps coming back to me from God and some other people that I know and trust has been them asking me if I felt regret over it and the answer is still no. I just had nothing left to give. Real Life had drained me. Most of that is MY OWN FAULT. I wanted to do more than we really needed to do. I thought doing it would help create an atmosphere where people would be more inclined to invite their friends. And perhaps to some extent that was and is true. But, at the end of the day, I only had so much emotional and spiritual energy, and quite frankly April and I about went broke financing the church and paying it's debts off.

Over the last year, here is what I have come to miss and wish I could have back. Real Life was the closest thing to true Biblical fellowship I have ever been a part of. We shared meals, we laughed and cried together. When one of us hurt, we all hurt. When someone needed help, there were more people than you'd ever need showing up to help, and without resorting to shaming people into helping. People came because they wanted to, they came because they loved each other, and more than that, they genuinely cared for one another.....I haven't seen that anywhere else yet, and if there is one thing I could put in a bottle and take with me everywhere and teach other churches how to do it I would in a second.

In that way, Real Life was and is the closest thing to authentic New Testament Christianity I have ever been a part of. So when I am asked if I have any regrets, honestly, the answer is no. Could we have made a few different decisions sure, who can't say that. I am proud to have been able to be used by God to put something like that together....I miss you guys.

We're All Overdressed

I've been doing quite a bit of playing around on the internet lately before school starts again and came across a mainstream Christian band that has a new album coming out called "Over Dressed." The basic premise of the album "stems from “the idea that we’re overdressed as believers and in the church—it’s talking about sin, depravity, shame—that we’re not who we were intended to be” but tend to try to disguise it." Wow, what a beautiful word picture!

We put on fancy clothes, we speak so eloquently, we do so many things to provide the appearance that we have it all together, yet we are a sinful lot of people. We turn from God virtually every chance we get. It's almost as if we daily cheat on a very jealous mate. We act is if our unfaithfulness is going unnoticed. It's not.

God in his mercy, allows us to stumble, fall, and get back up again. My encouragement for today is in knowing I don't have to be overdressed to come to God's table. He takes me just as I am, with all my faults, all my problems, all my hang ups, and my infidelity to him. He doesn't say clean up first he simply says come.

I love that about God. He just says come. Don't worry about the way you're dressed just come. Try that at many churches in America today....We have a long way to go....Thankfully, we have a God who is long on mercy and short on judgment. I wish more of us could find our way to where God is....

Gate Keepers

Every church has gate keepers. Gate keepers are those people that are hesitant to accept new people. Gate keepers are concerned with keeping the history and traditions of the church intact over reaching out to people and bringing them into genuine community. Gate keepers are more concerned with the things they value in a church than catching on to what the Holy Spirit is doing and following His lead. Gate keepers refer to classes of people in the church. Those people who have put their time in and those who haven't. Gate keepers are good people who can be harmful to a churches growth.

I was talking with a friend last night who has been going to this church for a year. She has offered to get involved and help out with things a few times and is feeling frustrated because she wants to be a part of the community but there are a few people that are keeping her at a distance. In this case the pastors have appointed a gate keeper as the leader of a ministry further illuminating the problem. The gate keeper will say things like: you've only been here for X amount of time right? Or, we at X church prefer things this way, or any other thing that shows you are an outsider.

Gate keepers can really hamper a churches and a persons growth. Churches grow by more and more people feeling welcome enough to invite their friends and families to church. People grow through their service to God. If you can identify gate keepers and get them out of the way you can expect their to be more growth. If people feel like their friends and family are going to be genuinely welcomed into a warm and loving community of faith they'll invite. If people feel that they aren't being welcomed with open arms into the community of faith not only will they not invite their friends and family, they won't be staying long.

Sound like anyone you know?

Back To School

So, this is back to school week for me. While I love my work it always feels like I need another couple of weeks off work. I am not sure why that is but it just never feels like it's time to go back. It kinda makes me think that if the summer was extended and I had two more weeks off I'd still feel like I needed two more weeks at the end of the two more weeks.

Since I have to go back to school one thing is on the agenda today. Clothes shopping. I need some new work clothes...Yippee.

I Understand

Many people in the church just can't figure out why the rest of the world doesn't want anything to do with the church. You have to understand, it's not Jesus they dislike, it's most of us. People like Jesus, he modeled love, he modeled compassion. Jesus understood pain in a way we never will. It's not Jesus people don't like. It's you and it's me.

Why don't people like us? Look at your life. How are you living his love? How are you doing meeting people's needs? How are you loving people most of us wouldn't want to go near? My guess is most of us aren't. If you want proof of why people hate the church take the blinders off and try looking at a few of these things for starters:

• What does your facebook page say about you? Are you spewing hate? Are you bad mouthing politicians and people you don't like? Or are you praying for them as the Bible commands.
• Check your wallet. How much of your money is going to help those in need?
• Check your time. How much time are you giving towards helping people?
• Check your friends. When is the last time you had a friend who is hurting over for dinner and conversation with no strings attached?

I could go on. But each of us needs to take a hard look at our lives and ask ourselves if we are living out what we claim we believe. My guess is most of us aren't.

Death, Dying, and Time.

This year it has been ten years since my father passed from this life into eternity. It's never easy to loose someone you care about, its really hard to loose a parent. Every year it has gotten slightly easier to deal with. I just realized after going to Joe's funeral last week that it had been ten years since Dad died. Usually, I would remember the date he passed and I would think about him and get a little nostalgic. This year, I totally missed remembering his date by like three weeks.

Time, couple with a life connected to God makes the loss easier to deal with. For those that have lost someone and are still struggling understand this: There is no magic pill to take away the pain or the loss. If there were we'd all have taken it. Learning to deal with that pain and running to God in the midst of the pain is part of our growth as Christians and as people.

As tough as it is to do I say embrace the pain, turn it all over to the one who really knows and can do something about it. Turn it over to God.

Ten years later, I am thankful to have had my Dad in my life. I realize now, how much I have grown in God since he has left. Not that the two are related, but in many ways they are....

Messed Up

I have been reading Francis Chan's book The Forgotten God. There have been numerous things in that book that have just plain messed me up. Pastor Chan asked the question if you and I are so good and so right how would the kingdom of God improve if everyone (all people in the church) were just like you?

For example:

• Would there be more than enough love for God's people? Would everyone be a better friend?
  
• Would the church thrive or collapse because of your giving? Remember everyone is just like you!
• Would the hurting find love, acceptance, and help? Or would they face a world full of bitterness and fundamentalism?
• Would anyone ever teach a class, hold a Bible study, or a home group? Or would people wander through life alone without the help of a brother or sister?

Now, of course this is not a realistic picture of how God chose to inhabit the earth. It's still a great reminder though that all of us have some growing to do, cause none of us have spiritually made it yet!

Napster Playlist

Been listening to a ton of new music over the last few months. Here's the top 5 CD's on the Renner playlist

1. Robbie Seay Band-Miracle....Awesome worship CD. Very well written and thought provoking as Robbie usually is with his writing.
2. Daniel Doss Band-Love the song Great God.
3. Kari Jobe-Love the song You are For Me. So simple, so worshipful, and so darn good.
4. Danny Gokey-Yes, he was on American Idol. What can I say, the boy can flat out sing. Besides, my cousin is his keyboard player....
5. Alison Krauss-Just love that voice and the new grass sound.

I know it's an eclectic collection but hey, I can listen to what I like right?

Hurting, Forgiveness, Love, and Trust

Like most people, I have experienced my share of pain, hurt, and disappointment. I've felt let down by pastors, friends, and often those closest to me. I've often heard it said "why is it that those closest to me are the ones that hurt me the most?"

There is a simple, yet quite profound answer to that question. The simple answer is that people that aren't closest to us don't have the kind of access into our lives that is capable of causing serious pain to us. It's a tough world and sometimes people outside of our lives will say cruel things to us but we can usually just blow that off right? But I am talking about the daggers that come from those we love and care about. How do we handle that? That's a little harder to do now isn't it?

When trying to answer and deal with this question it's important to understand one principle. Hurting people do hurtful things. I have never, ever met a really well adjusted person with no axe to grind, that would live to say and do hurtful things. Never once. If someone is hurting you they are more than likely hurting themselves and displacing their unhealed hurts onto you and most likely others.

When that happens you have a choice. You can hold it in and start the process of allowing the cancer of hurt to take root in you, or you can offer forgiveness. Most likely forgiveness is the last thing you'll feel like offering but it's critical for your health. Don't hang on to other folks pain. Now that doesn't mean you have to allow them to continue to hurt you. It simply means don't hold it against them. It's for your good not theirs!

Here is a principle I have been wrestling with lately: Forgiveness is immediate and permanent. Trust is earned and re-earned over time. That means that those who have hurt you can regain your trust but it takes time.

I've got some hurts just like you. I can't and won't allow those hurts to define me, control me, or set the agenda for my life. I have to allow God to be on the throne of my life. He says forgiveness isn't optional.

Politics and the Church

Anyone that knows me knows I play around on Facebook daily. It's a cool place to keep up with friends both new and old. It's also a fun place to play games like scrabble and just plain have a laugh. One of the things that have really grated on me lately is when Christians that I know spend countless hours wrapped up in posting really hateful political statements (especially in light of the current health care debates) on social networking sites. Here are just a few of my personal thoughts and reflections:

• Why do so many of you condemn people that you disagree with politically? I have seen post after post with comments like "I hope they burn in hell for this." Where is the love of Christ anywhere in that statement?
• God isn't a conservative or a liberal. He's God. He loves and died for us all. Everything on this earth will pass away.
  
• Wondering if some of us in the church are placing our faith, even if it's just a little bit, in our country and in our politicians? Our hope has to be found in Jesus and not what any one political party can do for us or the country.
• Does posting hateful comments strengthen or weaken your witness to those you should be reaching. Studies show people know and like Jesus, he was a man of peace. What they don't like are Christians. By your words and actions are you glorifying him? Or your political agenda? By your words are you the picture of the stereotype of the angry Christian?
• I certainly have my feelings about the issues, and for the record, I am against the current health care proposal, but my hope is not found in the president, any political party, or even the USA. My hope rests squarely on the cross of Christ. I care, I vote, but I don't want to speak hate about people.
  

Sunday Thoughts

• This morning we are headed out to check out a church I have been curious about for quite some time. I actually had coffee with the pastor of the church a few years ago and he seemed like a good guy and I really liked their story and mission so this morning we are going to pay them a visit!
• Spent a little time praying for many churches and their pastors this morning. Praying they bring it and God manifests himself in their churches this morning.
• God's been working on my heart about forgiving some people this week. One thing God has been revealing to me is that forgiveness is instant and permanent. The trust that they have violated requires rebuilding on their part but that has nothing to do with the forgiveness part.
• We think we might have found a new van. Stay tuned the answer will come Monday if the price is right.
• Really enjoying playing music again.
• Been great for the last 5 months not being tied down on Sunday mornings. I have actually thought about doing some church reviews on a separate blog for people that are actively seeking a new church. Anyway, just kicking that idea around right now.
• Nice being able to catch up with old RL friends over the last few weeks. Good meals and good conversation.....nice!
• Looks like it's time to head out to check out that church. God bless!!