Blog Break

Blog Break til January 5th! Happy New Year

Labor of Love

Ponder God's gift to the world through the Virgin Mary as Jill Phillips sings Andrew Peterson's "Labor of Love".

Pondering

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

Of all the verses surrounding Jesus' birth in the gospels, this one line in Luke's story shouts to me from the Word of God. Can you see her? It's hard to envision her when we're surrounded by store ads with the latest and greatest gift ideas in the newspaper and on the Internet and television. The Sony Wii is getting a lot more attention than her.

Focus. Try real hard to look through the ornaments, trees, gift wrap and endless lists of Christmas gift ideas. She's there. At the foot of a manger. She's tired, her body is depleted of blood, water and energy. She has just given birth to her salvation, and ours. She did it without a labor delivery room, doctor or even a midwife. No epidural and the smell of manure is in the air. Her husband, an honorable and faithful man who must have had as many questions as her stands by her side with a bunch of animals. Shepherds come to see the child and explain how angels told them the news.

Hearing their story and reflecting on all that has happened since the angel, Gabriel visited her with the news, she stops and ponders. She is taking it all in and she is treasuring it all in her heart. What are you thinking about? What are you pondering? In the years to follow her Son would say these words in perhaps His greatest sermon: "For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." She is treasuring this incredible story of faith and God's sovereignty. What are you treasuring this Advent? We would do well to follow her lead at Advent. She simply made herself available and willingly served God to accomplish His purpose for the world. So should we. God bless you Mary, mother of Jesus, our Savior. Thank you for your example and faithfulness even when you didn't fully understand. May we be as faithful!

A Christmas Cult Classic

Enjoy the sounds and harmonies of "Straight No Chaser", a vocal ensemble from Indiana University who sang together in the late 90's and were brought back together by popular demand from You Tube and other blog posts. They have just released their first Christmas album. Turn up your volume for the best, or at least most creative rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas you've ever heard! (Click on the song title for link)

The Kneeling Santa

A few years ago as both of our parents were preparing their wills they asked us (and our siblings) to identify any of their possessions we might want upon their passing. Yeah I know, it's kind of morbid in one respect, but in another it's really smart. I could have chosen anything, but the one item I wanted more than anything else has adorned my mother-in-law's mantel every Christmas for years. It's called the "Kneeling Santa". It's a Santa figurine kneeling in prayer at the manger. I remember when Aunt Joan gave it to Mom (her sister) one Christmas many years ago. It caught my eye and heart immediately. It still does.

Now I know there are a few "anti-Santa Claus" Christ-followers and that's okay. I respect their choice and would hope they would respect my view as well. Fantasy and innocent fun have never been a problem for me. I grew up writing letters to the North Pole and we never hesitated to get a picture of our kid's with the jolly red-suited man at the mall. But let me be clear, in my formative years and with our own children, Santa was never a substitute for Christ at Advent. For me, this figurine represents an appropriate attitude toward Advent. It conveys an attitude of humility, submission and it centers upon the Christ-child. The kneeling Santa reminds me of Paul's words at the end of his beautiful "Hymn to Christ" in Philippians:

...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I can handle a St. Nick who humbly kneels at the manger and reverently bows to pay homage to the Christ-child---the real Reason for the Season. The red-suited guy who's consumed with, or is used to peddle affluence, presents and possessions is fun, but it seems we have used him to woo our hearts from the One whose coming we celebrate. There are several websites you can browse to research the real St. Nicholas. The Bishop of Myra who came to be known as St. Nicholas embodied the ideals of Advent: charity, concern for the poor, the less fortunate and children. Now there's a Santa I can believe. I'd love to hear your views on Santa.

Stay tuned as the Advent journey continues!

Thank You

The Katinas Capture The Words We Need to Say

Confessing Sinners and Growing Saints

Our little faith community has been going through a six-week study on confession, sin, repentance, obedience, forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Our journey has taken us through tough, painful stories of willful disobedience and even rejection of God's biblical standards. We've walked down some difficult roads in words from David (Psalm 51), to the particularly difficult words and stories connected to the prophets: Amos, Joel, Jonah, Isaiah and Hosea.

We began our journey with a heart piercing video and song by Derek Webb entitled, "I Repent". Following that video in our weekly "Prayers of the People" (aka "P of P") on that first Sunday, there was brokenness, tears of confession and people crying out to God for forgiveness. It continued during the P of P each week. Different people would cry out to God in confession. Others were weeping out loud over sins. Kleenex boxes are darn near empty in the worship center. And much of this stuff was heavy, deep, dark, and even dysfunctional. Much of it would have made a tenured Baptist deacon, or Presbyterian elder blush. And frequently those confessing, or pouring their hearts out to God were surrounded by one or two, who offered a hug, a pat on the back, a touch of a hand, and often a prayer that said, "We love you. We're struggler's too. We feel your pain before God. And we want to help begin the road of repentance with you." Please understand this wasn't for show, loud or about calling attention to self. It was done quietly, reverent, sacred and holy. Sometimes the pauses between confessions were uncomfortable and long as God's Spirit quietly moved among us.

Confession is costly. Confession is risky. It's like opening the window to our soul, or pulling back the curtain on our thoughts. Confession (at least in the Bible) is not sanitary, neat, or safe. It's dirty and it's messy because our sin is dirty and messy, which is why a lot of churches never get to it in small groups, let alone in corporate worship. Yet, in 1 John 1:9 we are reminded that confession within the context of community is needful, helpful and it serves to remind all of us that we are not without sin as some in John's audience were declaring in that Early Church letter.

Not one significant revival (Welsh, Reformers, Asbury, Howard Payne and Wheaton) in history started without confession. Young Evan Roberts who God used to bring about the Welsh Revival showed us the way when he prayed, "Oh God, bend me."

Henry Blackaby put it well when he wrote: "Confession is not just for those who don't mind admitting their faults. Confession is a command given to every Christian...If confession does not come out of repentance, it is merely admission, and not true confession.....Confession is not a sign of weakness; it is evidence of your refusal to allow sing to remain in your life."

I began that series in a bidding prayer by offering my own litany of things for which I needed to repent. Sorry, but God's grace has already covered those tough, public admissions and my faith community has surrounded me, as well as others in similar fashion, with much love, encouragement and accountability. God has us working on those things together in a safe and authentic community. I've found that many want to hear the confessions of others, but the silence is deafening when they are asked to offer their own. I'm so proud of my little church because we don't go there. We're all depraved and imperfect. We understand sin and we're learning how to live out grace, even when confession is painful.

As I reflect on these powerful six-weeks and the precious things people shared and trusted within community, I'm one proud pastor. No, I'm not published, I'm not on the conference circuit, I'm not in a mega-church, my messages aren't on podcast, or video, and I don't want to beam my face to multiple campuses via video. I haven't earned a doctorate, I've got more questions than answers, and believe me, I am not even close to being as holy as some of the saints who are showing me a better way at Mosaic. And yes, I've been in a lot bigger churches with bigger budgets, higher salaries and larger facilities. However, I have never been more proud of an affiliation with a bunch of sinners, saints and fellow strugglers than I have at Mosaic Community Fellowship! Hey MCF elders, staff, members and attenders YOU ROCK!

News, Notes and Observations

Here's some news, notes and observations in no particular order:

• Outspoken NBA Dallas Maverick's owner Mark Cuban is about to sit where Martha Stewart sat, well I mean in terms of accusations in regard to "insider trading". More here at ESPN. It's America folks so remember: innocent until proven guilty.

• The majority of voters in California voted against the legalizing of gay marriage much to their governor's surprise. In 2005 he vetoed gay marriage legislation, but has since changed his stance and has vowed to fight the majority who voted it down two weeks ago. He is up for re-election. Theologian Al Mohler has an interesting post on this. Sidenote: The Episcopal Church has long had an open view in regard to homosexual couples. The Fort Worth diocese is now leaving the fold because of the denomination's stance on the ordination of homosexual clergy.
  

• Recent research indicates that 28% of American adults have left their formative faith for another one, or no religion at all. A big challenge, or opportunity for the church is the fact that among 18-29 year-old Americans, one in four say they aren't connected with any particular faith group or religion. Click on Pew Forum for more on the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey. Perhaps most troubling for Protestants in the study is:

  The Landscape Survey confirms that the United States is on the verge of becoming a minority Protestant country; the number of Americans who report that they are members of Protestant denominations now stands at barely 51%.

• Never one to avoid the "taboo" topics of church, Mars Hill pastor, Mark Driscoll has written a fantastic, transparent and very helpful book for Christian men who struggle with porn. It's a free book and you can download it by clicking on the title link that follows (warning: Driscoll states in his introduction that he wrote this specifically for a male audience!): Porn-Again Christian

• Don't laugh, a Congressional scientific panel has determined that "Gulf War Syndrome" is real. They are referring to 1/4 of the 700.000 who served in the 1991 Gulf War, not the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. See my September post concerning troubling addictions and stress plaguing Iraq/Afghanistan Vets and active soldiers. And it took a Congressional panel to figure this out 17 years later? And we wonder why Veterans have so much trouble getting help?

• Legendary college basketball coach, Pete Newell has died. Newell won Olympic gold in 1960 with the Big O in Rome. He won an NCAA title the year before. Current and aspiring coaches would do well to read about him. Basketball legends Jerry West and Bobby Knight were greatly influenced by Coach Newell. Most notably, Newell left the bench on doctors orders at the age of 44, but he beat UCLA's John Wooden the last eight times they met!
  
  

Make Those Dirty People Go Away

A recent editorial in the Greenville News entitled, City Needs to Address Begging Complaints, noted the increase of people panhandling in the downtown area:

This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by city leaders before it has a detrimental impact on downtown businesses.

In fairness the editorial noted that this should be a launch pad for discussions to determine whether there are enough services in the city to help the poor, homeless, or downtrodden during difficult times. Absent from the editorial were suggestions to help curb the problem or offer solutions. Most disturbing was the line: ...Greenville needs to ensure it is protecting the investment of time and money that it has put into making downtown the gem that it is. Translation: Make these dirty people go away, they are soiling our downtown showcase when they beg for help.

I'm still waiting on the editorial admonishing designer dog owners who drive their luxury cars, or mega SUV's downtown to walk their dogs, but fail to clean up after Fido relieves himself in the grassy areas. Or what about those cars with designer/personalized license plates who abuse the two-hour parking spots, or worse, park in spaces designated for the handicap with no handicap license plate, or rear-view mirror tag? Oops, I digress.

Panhandling is illegal in our community. It's also uncomfortable for everyone. Strangers approaching strangers asking for money is awkward. It can be intimidating and scary for the person being panhandled. You leave a downtown business and someone who is obviously down on their luck approaches you asking for money. You don't know if they are going to steal your purse, or wallet when you offer help, or how they will respond if you dismiss them and ignore the request for help. I have even noticed the increase in panhandling in retail areas away from downtown, especially when gas was above $3.50 per gallon.

Years ago in seminary I participated in an urban ministry class assignment that found ten of us on the city streets of Louisville, on a Friday evening with a quarter in our pocket (there were public phones back then) and our driver's license in our shoe. All of us had to work on our "stories" (every street person has a story) and our homeless wardrobe. The guys didn't shave for a week and several of us decided not to bathe for a few days before the drop off so we wouldn't stand out by smelling squeaky clean (homeless folks don't have the luxury of getting a shower whenever they want). It was St. Patrick's Day weekend and it was very cold. Each of us had assignments for overnight shelters (so we wouldn't overly burden one shelter), but other than that we could go anywhere we wanted. As part of the "Urban Plunge" we had to panhandle at least once.

I've never felt more ashamed, humiliated and alienated. I remember walking along the St. Patrick's Day parade route as parents would grab their children away from me. Others would see me at an intersection crossing and walk away so they didn't have to face me, or other homeless people in the crosswalk. Business owners shooed us away when we sat with other homeless folks on sidewalk sewer grates trying to warm ourselves from the steam rising from below. Panhandling was especially excruciating for me. I come from a family with a very strong work ethic. I tried several times before getting up the courage to actually approach someone. When I finally panhandled, I was rejected, cussed out, chastised, threatened by potential calls to the police, and more than anything else, rejected and ignored. We were in pairs for safety. My buddy and I earned a whopping $1.25 for our panhandling efforts. It enabled us to get off the cold streets and buy two cups of coffee and split a sandwich at White Castle. We had to add in our emergency phone call quarters to come up with enough.

Most of the people I met on the streets that weekend were battling alcoholism, addictions, mental illness and depression. I was surprised to learn how many were American veterans. Homeless families tore me up. I spent the night sleeping on the floor of a local shelter's overflow room. It's also where they put people who weren't sober enough to spend the night in the main shelter. You can imagine the sounds, smells and sights. Many on the streets had lost their jobs, or careers and were simply passing through on their way to find jobs or help in other places. It is probably not practical or safe enough, but it wouldn't hurt every middle class and above American to spend a night on the street of the largest city closest to them. Heck, I'd settle for the leadership of America's churches to do it. Things would change, things would certainly change.

I'm not saying we should legalize panhandling. I'm not saying that panhandlers can't be intimidating and scary. I'm not saying it doesn't have a negative impact on retailers, parks and visitors to our respective cities. And no, I don't want my wife or daughter opening their purse to a stranger without someone else around. I'm not saying there aren't those among the homeless who take advantage of panhandling, or worse, make their living by begging. I'm not saying you need to give or not. Kindness and charity cannot be legislated. Each person has to decide (ahead of time) what he/she will or will not do for others. At times it may make sense, and others you may feel led not to help. We could certainly use divine wisdom and discernment in this area. However, if we are Christ-followers we are accountable to Jesus for our we treat our neighbors and those in need. Remember, Jesus never owned a home, or had a place to lay his head!

It's hard for me to face Jesus after I refuse to give someone money for food, when He says in Mark 8: I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. His heart reached out to those in need, so should the hearts of His followers. From the Good Samaritan to the countless "one another" New Testament passages (e.g., John 13:34; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:2; 1 Peter 3:8, etc.), it's clear God has called and entrusted His church with the care of the hungry, homeless and needy. Perhaps the Greenville News, or media outlets in your area will sponsor a day bringing churches and community welfare leaders together to creatively tackle the problem of homlessness and poverty in our respective cities! Now there's an editorial/sermon in action and deed. We need to do more than just say, "these people have to be stopped" so "our kind" can enjoy the city amenities and public offerings.

Thank You!

Tuesday, November 11th is Veteran's Day. If you know one, live with one, or work with one, say thanks. Give em' a hug and say thanks. Never have so few (many long gone since Taps played at their funeral) risked so much and protected so many. If you think about the relative small number of veterans in terms of the total U.S. population throughout these couple hundred years you really begin to appreciate exactly what they've done for us and our country.

Within our family alone I want to thank these sailors who served and those among them who continue to serve: Dad Mills; Michelle;Dave;Lisa;Kevin; Tina and Tony. And my nephew at VMI who, like his father will soon wear the uniform. Agents of liberty all!

Our veterans deserve our gratitude, prayers and support. As a new generation of young men and women return home from Iraq and Afghanistan it's incredibly important that they know we are grateful and we care. Our veterans should have the best medical care in the world. Their pensions, education support and benefits should be the best. Our support for their return to the workforce and readjusting to civilian life should be unwavering. Their sacrifice insured our rights and privileges as citizens of the greatest country in the world. Thank you vets who wore the uniform in times of peace, conflict and war. Your willingness to serve has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated!

Go to Soldier Wall to see pictures of real life heroes and to even add some of your own. The project is a labor of love and a work in progress.

Three Really Sad Weekend Stories

Election coverage aside last weekend's news headlines were full of needless tragedy and violence. Here's three and a comment afterward.

• A convicted felon (not supposed to possess a gun) shot and killed a 12-year old trick-or-treater on Halloween in Sumter SC. The alleged shooter told authorities he thought he was being robbed when he clicked off 29 rounds with an assault rifle from inside his home. Here's the tragic story from Fox News.
  

• A Cincinnati pastor was shot and killed after arriving at a Northern Kentucky church for a funeral on Saturday. A deacon was also shot and wounded. The man charged with the murder and assault had a court order against him to stay away from the pastor. The two victims were attending the funeral at a sister church. CNN has the story.

• Pro golfer John Daly was taken into police custody in NC over the weekend. According to the AP story, police on the scene said Daly: appeared “extremely intoxicated and uncooperative” when he was found outside a Hooters restaurant early Oct. 27. With no other means of transportation, he was taken to the Forsyth County jail for 24 hours to get sober. Daly's version of the story is the usual cry of denial of the addicted. Golf Channel has his version of the tale here: Golf Channel
  

  The recovery crowd defines insanity as: doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. That said, it appears one of the greatest talents in golf is going mad. Come clean and get help John. Your public road to self-destruction is not fun to watch. You are capable of so much more. We miss that young gun who claimed PGA and British Open titles before he drank away his sponsorships.

Observations/comment:

• We live in tragic times. And people wonder why parents are paranoid?
  
• Sick people do sick things.
• Nothing is sacred anymore: church, funerals, halloween trick or treating, etc.
  
• Restraint applies to alcohol as much as it does firearms. Not every drinker is getting snockered and the majority of legal gun owners take their responsibility very seriously.
  
• Preserve and protect the memories of the victims and their stories---may they motivate our lawmakers, and educators otherwise they died in vain.
• Decency, respect, and character cannot be legislated. These things should be taught in the home long before someone is old enough to pick up a gun in anger, or take a drink.
• Personal responsibility and consequences for actions is a lesson we are failing to teach.
  
• "Revenge is mine," says the Lord.
• Lord Jesus, we still seem to be having serious trouble with your definition of neighbor, loving others as you love us, and loving our enemies.
• Forgiving those who've hurt innocent children is still a great struggle for me in my attempts to live out the words of Jesus.
  
• "Oh God, comfort the police and first responders in situations like this and give them much wisdom. Block the scenes from their minds and give them rest when they lay down."
  
• "Come quickly, Lord Jesus" is becoming my daily prayer.
  

An Open Letter to Republican & Democrats, And The Church

Dear Republicans and Democrats,

The votes have been tallied, the projections realized and the presidential race is over. We have a winner. When the dust and bull of the analysts and commentators on both sides clears one thing is true: We all win. Let me say it again. WE ALL WIN! Before Republicans get sarcastic, or defensive, and Democrats get smug, take time to think about that. On the first Tuesday in November, Americans (a record number since 1908) came out to peaceably cast votes for their respective candidate without coercion, force, or bribery. Some of us stood in long lines for two hours or more to exercise this freedom, while others braved rain, or cold weather. In my own precinct I saw more people under-25 leaving the polling place than I have in any previous presidential election in memory. That is positive and exciting! History also wins. Regardless of the button or lever we pushed, we made history. History was going to be made, regardless of which ticket won. Another first for our nation.

Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and come together. After 22 months of campaigning, debates, interviews, and those endless commercials America has spoken. Exit polls indicated that Republicans and Democrats were overwhelmingly concerned about the economy. But I believe we share many mutual concerns or ideals. Such as:
• Improving healthcare.
• Eliminating hunger and poverty.
• Protecting our citizens and keeping us safe.
• Lowering unemployment.
• Creating new jobs.
• Preventing the loss of existing jobs to foreign countries.
• Developing alternative energy sources.
• Improving education.
• Strengthening our infrastructure (airways, highways and rail).
• Supporting our military and caring for our veterans.
• Seriously accepting our leadership role in the world.
• Eliminating government waste and ridiculous earmarks.
• Demand character, integrity and honesty from our leaders.
• Promoting justice.
• Lowering crime.
• Respecting the elderly
• Lowering infant mortality and teenage pregnancy.
• Promoting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Yes, Republicans and Democrats have honest differences on how to accomplish and achieve these ideals. But don’t you think it’s time the world saw us united in purpose? Don’t you think the world has the right to see the freest, wealthiest, resourceful and prosperous nation on earth come together and put petty agendas aside in search of greater ideals echoed by the memories, words and actions of people like Lincoln, King, Jefferson, Truman, Eisenhower, Rosa Parks, Roosevelt, Franklin, Paine, Ross, Revere and others who were committed to something larger than themselves. There it is, something larger than you and me!

Elected officials please stop the divisiveness and personal attacks. Have the courage like Senator McCain did on the stump to stop untruths and rumors in their tracks even if it’s about people with whom we disagree ideologically. His refusal to let an urban myth go unchallenged over his opponent spoke volumes about his character. Stand up for what’s right and what’s true. As Senator McCain said in his concession speech: “Whatever our differences we are fellow Americans no association has ever meant more to me than that.” Members of the Congress, governors and state legislators, many of us still believe you were elected to represent us, not your personal views, or special interests and corporations with deep pockets. Some of us still believe you were not elected as much to do things right, as you were to do the right thing.

Christ-followers it’s time we quit assigning God’s presence and spirit to one particular party, candidate or another. It's time we prayed more for our leaders than criticizing them (1 Tim. 2:1-4; Romans 13:1-7). God’s Kingdom transcends governments and parties including America. His kingdom is global, “red and yellow, black and white”. It’s time we quit pronouncing judgment on people who hold different views, or even criticize our faith, and showed the world we are His by living out His commands to love God, one another, our neighbor and yes, even our enemies! It’s time to pray for our president and vice president elect, the Congress, the current administration and the peaceful transition of our government. Don’t you think it’s time we started doing what the government cannot do and that’s caring for the orphans, widows, children, and needy? It’s time we promoted justice for all and showed the world the unconditional love of our Savior and leader.

I close with a memory of my formative years growing up in the home of Bill and Ann. Not once. Not one single time in my memory can I recall my parents ever verbally insulting, or personally attacking a sitting President or governor, even those for whom they did not vote, or share their political views. We were taught as children to refer to the president as “President Johnson”, “President Nixon”, “President Ford”, “President Carter” and “President Reagan”. Even if they weren’t Mom and Dad’s pick at the poll, we knew better than to refer to the resident of the oval office by his first, or last name. Mom and Dad taught us to respect our leaders. I think I remember both Jesus and the Apostle Paul commending Christ-followers to do likewise in our submission and respect to those placed in civil authority over us. It’s time Christ-followers were known for love, mercy, action, obedience, faithfulness, prayer, and most of all, the Gospel, instead of trying to run the government. Trust me, we have a higher calling and responsibility to an eternal Kingdom!

Aren’t you glad those political ads and endless urban legend emails are over!

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden! Gratitude to Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Profound gratitude to our military. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love my country and I am proud to be an American, but I am more humbled and privileged to be a follower of Christ, and child of THE King!

Vote!

Exercise your freedom on Tuesday!

The Real Winner Didn't Come in First

Sometimes the biggest sports stories are overshadowed. It's October and that means college football, the NFL and the World Series. Easy to miss lesser sports, but despite intoxicating coverage of bigger sports an incredible act of sportsmanship and character poked through the sunny skies of Hawaii earlier this month.

The Ironman Triathlon is held each year in Kona, Hawaii. These amazing men and women swim (2.4 miles) in the Pacific, then bike (112 miles) and finish the competition with a 26.2 mile run. Britain's Chrissie Wellington won her 2nd consecutive title in the women's competition this year. But the real story is about fellow competitor, Rebekah Keat (pictured). Wellington probably wouldn't have won without the heroic and generous act of the 31-year old Australian.

On the 112 mile bike leg, Wellington was five minutes out in front of her closest competitor when she had a flat tire. Reaching for her emergency can of air she discovered the canister was empty. As competitors came racing by Wellington was soon five, then ten minutes behind the rest of the field. Keat stopped and gave Wellington her air canister. It didn't take long for the British star to get back in the race. It didn't take long for the repeat champ to blow by the field in the marathon. She crossed the finish line in 9 hours, 6 minutes and 23 seconds. She got the trophy but the real winner in this race was Rebekah Keat who finished 6th overall. Wellington noted that Keat was a "legend" and that her act of care "epitomises everything about the Ironman."

Jesus commended the charity of the least likely of helpers in Luke's gospel when he told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Remember, the priest and the rabbi (the one's His audience expected to render aid) passed by the victim, leaving the "unclean" Samaritan to help the man in need. And the rest is history, the Samaritan became "Good" and through Jesus redefined the Jewish definition of "neighbor". Pointing to the Samaritan's example, Jesus said, "You go, and do likewise."

People train all year for the Ironman competition. This is a solo sport. Don't think for a minute these athletes think about giving anything up to the competition. That's what makes Rebekah Keat's act of charity all the more extraordinary. We would do well to follow her example and help those around us who are in need. Call it "pay it forward", random acts of kindness, charity gone wild, or whatever you want, I can't help but think Jesus was smiling as Keat passed her air canister to the reigning Ironman champ and her fellow competitor. I'll bet He even whispered from heaven to the prima dona, self-centered, high drama athletes that get too much coverage and to us: "You go and do likewise."

"And a Little Child Shall Lead Them"

A friend recently sent me this video of a 12-year old, Canadian girl who was invited to speak before a United Nations Conference. It needs no commentary. Watch this video and be challenged to be a force for change. May we have the same level of courage as this child. Future generations are depending upon us to act now!

A Disturbing American Statistic: I Repent!

The United States is among the leading nations in one disturbing global statistic. Per the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), "Only two of 30 nations {Mexico and Turkey}, are ahead of the United States for income inequality and poverty rates, or the gap between rich and poor, according to a report released Tuesday.
According to the report the average income of the richest 10% of people in the U.S. is $93,000. The average for the other OECD nations was $54,000. You can read that and reason that by improving the upper income figures you increase the figures for those on the lowest part of the scale. It sure sounds good, but it's just NOT TRUE!

Continue reading the report and you'll learn: "The poorest 10 percent of Americans have an income of $5,800 per year, compared to the OECD average of $7,000. In addition, the richest 10 percent hold 71 percent of American's net worth and 28 percent of total income, leaving 90 percent of the population to split the remaining 72 percent of the nation's income. While income inequality grew worse in the U.S., it decreased in France over the past 20 years...." By the way, the U.S. wasn't piled in with a bunch of underdeveloped countries which would automatically make us look bad because of the difference in the quality of life here and the Third World.

And now the bottomline: "The OECD report found that economic growth of recent decades benefited the rich more than the poor and in Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway and the United States, the gap also increased between the rich and the middle-class."

Newsflash: If you are not a Christ-follower don't read anymore. Human decency aside, the biblical and heavenly mandate to care and help the less fortunate does not apply to you. You actually have bigger issues to settle, like the claims of Jesus Christ. However, those of us who claim all the benefits of a relationship with Jesus Christ and His church need to pony up.

Did you know both presidential candidates earned way, way more than the $93,000 average last year? If you factor in their spouses (one of them filed separately) both still earned over $4,000,000 last year. Don't get partisan here and rationalize on behalf of your candidate. Be honest with me. It's difficult for someone in the $93,000+ club to relate to the middle class, let alone those in the $5,800 per year club. Please don't tell me that by earning more you are able to give more thereby expanding the lower tier. The facts of the OECD report state otherwise. And one of the presidential running mates reported a joint income with their spouse in 2007 over $300,000 but only averaged $360.00+ in annual charitable giving! Yeah that's $360 dollars, not thousand. And they want us to sacrifice? Keep in mind as of June, over $200 million had been spent on presidential TV ads! Who knows what the total amount spent on this year's presidential election will be? The amount spent on the 2000 presidential election was $607 million. Divide the ridiculous $607 million election budget of 2000 by the lowly $5,800 poverty wage cited above and you can give 104,655 of the people in the lower tier a 100% raise. Amazing what financial stewardship and responsibility could do if we actually practiced it! Let's not even get into the area of pork barrel earmarks for ridiculous things like subsidies for wooden toy arrow manufacturers.

Sadly, many Democrats and Republicans reading this are more concerned about making strikes against the other side than they are in taking the disturbing facts of this report to heart. Let's call a truce on trying to one up each other on who has helped more, or cares more for the less fortunate. No one ever wins the compassion battle. If they did we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Can we be honest? The majority of us who have been blessed with a job to provide a steady income, a home, retirement, health care (regardless of how small those two may be at this point), transportation, clothes, food and various possessions need to repent. I need to repent. Not only do we need to repent, but we need to do something about it. Many of us have taken advantage of God's grace and live in arrogance of our called responsibility to help the hurting, broken and wounded (See James 1:27; Matthew 25:35; Luke 10:25-37;12:13-21; 16:19-31; 18:29 for starters).

We rationalize by saying we give to the church, support local school fundraisers, the volunteer fire department, Lions Club, and donate food to local pantries, or items to Good Will. But, how many of us have adopted a family, single parent, or a child in terms of helping to provide the basics of life for an extended period? How many of us have actually served meals (or prepared) to the homeless beyond the obligatory, feel-good minimum, one a month, or occasional fast food provision? How many of us have actually given a strong percentage of our income to (a church, food bank, relief agency, etc.) something greater than ourselves in hopes of improving the quality of life both in the U.S. and the world? How many of us have volunteered to help people learn to speak, write and read English so they can get jobs? How many of us purchase locally grown produce and really seek to support local farmers and make purchases from local businesses that might even be a little higher than the big box stores, but contribute directly to the local economy? You get the idea.

We are going to see more hold up's, armed robberies, home invasions, break-ins, stealing from stores, and acts of desperation to provide the basics of life as the gap increases between the have's and the have not's. And no, I'm not excusing any crimes or activity that breaks the law, only the economic policies and self-absorbed lifestyles that encourage them. Those of us who have been blessed must live grateful lives. If you feel you are already living that way then kudos and applause! But for those of who are praying through all of this and considering our biblical responsibility the words of Jesus in Luke 12:48 are still piercing: From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. I repent of anything I've done by my lifestyle, words, financial decisions, purchases, work, and attitude that have pushed anyone to that lower 10% tier. May God help me, and all of us to help raise that level significantly. And may our individual pursuits of life, liberty and happiness not be at the expense of the less fortunate (Amos 2 and 5).

America Needs More Than Obama or McCain

Let's pretend you've been in space for the last 24 months and you just returned to earth, to be more specific the United States. You turn on the television, or log onto the Internet to catch up. If you listen to the political talking-heads (media pundits, campaign spokespersons and political analysts) the presidential election is about the redemption or salvation of America. One side sees it as an opportunity to change (gotta love the way both sides have abused that word) the direction of the country and rescue it from impotent leadership and stale policies. The other sees it as an opportunity to maintain the military security and strength of the country, while seeking less government intrusion. While the two sides share some ideas and opinions, they are far apart in ideology. By now the die-hard supporters in each camp are saying I've oversimplified very complicated issues and differences. Die-hard's be careful both candidates seem to be having a little trouble with the facts. There's a whole independent, non-partisan, non-profit website dedicated to clearing the confusion BOTH candidates seem to be having with various facts in regard to policies, proposals, and examples : Factcheck.org

My point in this post is not to endorse a candidate. Sorry to disappoint those on the right or left. That's an informed decision (and prayerful one if you are a Christ-follower) you've got to make for yourself. My role as a minister is to share the Gospel, not tell people how to vote, or to make you feel less godly because of your presidential choice. I know there are plenty of other ministers who are, and will gladly do this for me.

Put both candidates aside for a moment. Heck, put both political parties aside. If you are a Christ-follower honestly answer one question for me. Do you really, in all seriousness believe the redemption and salvation of our nation lies in the hands of either candidate or party? While I still occupy some rental space in this earth suit of mine, I do not believe for one minute that my salvation, redemption, hope and future lie in either party or candidate. They are mere mortals, who are as deeply flawed as the rest of us. Study history, specifically revival history and you quickly learn that God transcends political parties and is more interested in people turning their hearts toward Him, repenting, and trying to order their lives around His Word. Party affiliation, candidate choice, skin color, education, and socioeconomic status don't even play a part in this. Those are anthropomorphic characteristics that may play well in a political stump speech, but God looks way beyond them and goes straight for the heart, motive, character and attitude.

In 1904, a 20-something, pre-ministerial student was challenged during a campus revival and moved to pray a simple prayer, "O God bend me." God used that simple, four-word prayer uttered by Evan Roberts to fan the flames of the well known Welsh Revival. It's impact on the culture is well documented. Crime dropped, alcohol-substance abuse was lowered, pubs lost business, and the gods of sport (soccer and football) saw a dramatic drop in attendance because people were more interested in gathering with other Christ-followers to worship and learn more about God's Word. Think about that last one in light of the prices we pay for our favorite college or pro team and the hours we invest as fans! Over a two-year period thousands came to Christ and sought to conform their lifestyle to His image (Ephesians 2:5-10 and Galatians 2:15-20). Lives and a culture were changed for the better because God's people got on their knees and cried out to God. If Christ-followers residing in the United States long and yearn for change we would do well to pray the prayer of Evan Roberts.

I know this is not a popular statement, but we are NOT a Christian nation. We are a secular, republic whose forefathers fled the tyranny of state imposed religion. A Christian nation is one that seeks to order its government and affairs around the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. While America invokes the name of God, we do not invoke the name of Christ in regard to our founding documents (Constitution; Bill of Rights, etc.), nor do we seek to employ His most difficult teachings (e.g., "If your enemy is hungry feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head."). The Christian nation was established by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ long before the red, white and blue, much of the known world today even existed. It is a global nation filled with color and many different languages. It's power and authority does not reside within a geographic border, document or government building, but with a Savior. Its presence resides within the hearts of those who profess and follow Christ.

I love my country and I want God's best for her, but professing Christ-followers better quit seeking our salvation, and hope in the human leaders of a secular republic. We had better get on our knees, confess all known sin, repent of our sins, seek to order our lives around Christ and the Word of God and join Him where He is working. Yes we need to be informed voters, but if we want meaningful change in our country and communities, then we (Christ-followers) are going to have to begin with ourselves and our respective churches. A country is simply a reflection of the hearts of her people. Right now that's not very pretty because it seems to be a portrait that's more self-consumed and affluence-obsessed than ever before. Call me negative, call me cynical, but I challenge anyone to read the words of Christ and look at our government and tell me we are even remotely close to emulating His teachings and life model. We're not and we should not. That's the role of the church, the bride of Christ. It's high time the church accepted her role and we got on our knees and joined Evan Roberts' prayer, "Oh Lord, Bend Me!" Our churches, communities, nation and world desperately need it.

Thankful Still

Seemed like the right time to be reminded of some things beyond our control.

Politikin' Pastors

A group of pastors supporting the Alliance Defense Fund's (a conservative legal group) "pulpit initiative" defied IRS regulations Sunday and endorsed presidential candidates from the pulpit. According to the Associated Press story, 33 pastors in 22 states made specific endorsements of presidential candidates from the pulpit Sunday in an effort to force an IRS investigation in hopes of challenging the ruling in the courts.
The group says this is a First Amendment issue and not an endorsement issue. Pastor Jody Hice of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bethlehem, Ga., was quoted in the AP story as saying, "To say the church can't deal with moral and societal issues if it enters into the political arena is just wrong, it's unconstitutional." The AP story continues:

At the independent Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond, Okla., pastor Paul Blair said he told his congregation, "As a Christian and as an American citizen, I will be voting for John McCain."

"It's absolutely vital to proclaim the truth and not be afraid to proclaim the truth from our pulpits," Blair said in an interview.

Because the pastors were speaking in their official capacity as clergy, the sermons are clear violations of IRS rules, said Robert Tuttle, a professor of law and religion at George Washington University. But even if the IRS rises to the bait and a legal fight ensues, Tuttle said there's "virtually no chance" courts will strike down the prohibition.

This is dangerous territory. I couldn't disagree more with these pastors. To stand behind the First Amendment reduces the church to the limitations of a human created document of one nation (the U.S. Constitution). I would argue that the Gospel and Christ's church transcends nations and national documents. The guiding and framing document for Christian clergy in any country should be the Bible. And the Bible is not a political document. Yes, it speaks to politics, morals, and life issues, but at its core it is a book of salvation. It is a book of faith. It's the story of God passionately pursuing humanity through a number of means (Law, judges, prophets, kings, etc.) and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ who came to save us from that which we cannot save ourselves, sin.

As far as national and historic documents go, the U.S. Constitution is a dandy. While it's not perfect, it works. But to surrender the defense of our faith (apologetics) to the Constitution is not very wise. I can hear the "endorsement preacher crowd" calling me a heretic, or liberal about now, but they would do wise to spend more time living out and preaching the gospel than making sure everyone in their respective church pews votes for the candidate they like. This is a poor theology of preaching, and at its worse, flat out spiritual manipulation. I'd rather teach and preach the Gospel as best I can, and let the Christ-followers in my church attempt to submit their lives and decisions to the authority of God through Scripture, prayer and the leadership of the Holy Spirit than to rely on me to tell them how to vote, or think. After all, they are ultimately accountable to God, not their pastor!

Undoubtedly a few of these politically charged pastors will compare their pulpit candidate endorsement to the Old Testament prophet's warnings to the people of Israel about certain disobedient kings or national leaders. That's a huge leap considering the Old Testament examples are in regard to "spiritual" Israel not a secular/civil republic that was not even on the radar during the time of the biblical narrative. Let's be honest, we are not a spiritual state or country. In other words, our government is secular, not religious. Remember, our forefathers set it up that way on purpose to prevent the church, or her clergy from telling them what they could or could not do as a country. See any parallels?

This is not to say that I'm not in agreement, or sympathetic with some of their recommendations in regard to political candidates. However, I am not called to tell people how to vote, but I am called to share and live out the Gospel. Hopefully, through the way I teach and help them experience and learn God's word, they will make prayerful, informed and Christ-led decisions in the voting booth. They will engage their heart, soul and mind with an informed faith. I guess it really comes down to trusting your preaching-teaching, the people in the pew, and ultimately God!

P.S. It's high time American conservative Christians quit casting fellow Christ-followers who happen to be members of an opposing earthly political party as not being Christian! That is very dangerous ground upon which to tread because it means that you have the ability to know someones heart, motive and will. In other words, it means they have put themselves in position or place the Bible says is exclusively reserved for God.

The Federal Bailout, Financial Security and Faith

AIG, Lehman Bros., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, IndyMac, Bear Stearns, and Merrill Lynch are just a few of the big financial names to go down on Wall Street. Some have been rescued by large banks or brokered deals between other financial giants to keep them afloat and many are sitting on pins as they await the fate of a controversial $700 billion proposed Federal buyout. The Congress is not on the same page in regard to the proposal. Members within the same political party aren't even in agreement about the bailout. In South Carolina both Republican senators are split on the proposal. Senator DeMint is opposed to the idea and Senator Graham is for it. It's hard to believe that bad mortgage debt is responsible for most of this financial crisis. A good friend is a seasoned CPA and while he doesn't like the bailout proposal, he thinks it's unavoidable. Today's editorial in the Greenville News was more like a half-hearted endorsement given the lack of a credible alternative.

I'm not a financial expert. I'm just an average person and many people like myself do not understand such complicated matters. You see, if we don't pay our bills, or we default on our loans we are responsible and no one is going to rescue us. There are consequences for our actions. In serious situations a judge will outline a payback plan and possibly give us some jail time. The question of personal responsibility and accountability for bad loans, poor financial restraint and a total lack of institutional control seems to be of little concern until the who, what, how much and when of the bailout is settled. Isn't that kind of like rewarding a teenager convicted of DUI with a brand new car? How will he ever learn to be responsible?

Giving the fund managers, loan officers and traders who contributed to this mess a pile of federal money to rescue their companies and save the economy seems absurd. Oh sure a few heads at the top will roll and be dismissed, but no one believes this giant mess was created by a handful of Wall Street top bosses on their own. So after we have the ceremonial and obligatory punishment of the tailored suit, yacht-riding crowd (and yes they need to answer for it), who do you think is going to be hired to help resuccitate these failed financial giants? ---The very financial wizards in the trenches and on the floor whose unbridled greed contributed to this mess. And let's be honest. Not every mortgage exec or loan officer is greedy and irresponsible. In fact, most of them care about their clients and abide by federal law, policies and procedures.

Long ago in a seminary leadership class my professor cited a leadership guru who said, "Managers focus on doing things right. Leaders focus on doing the right thing." Whatever the Wall Street and Washington officials decide is going to be painful for all of us. However, sometimes doing the"greater good" sacrifices things like morality, responsibility, and consequences. I sure hope succeeding generations don't follow their lead if ethics are sacrificed on the altar of financial rescue.

My 401 retirement plan is lower than what many of these wealthy execs spend in a week to maintain their private jets, yachts and homes in the Hamptons, or on Martha's Vineyard. However, if doing the right thing means my retirement fund may take a major hit so ethical business standards can be upheld, so be it. I'd rather have my future grandchildren go without an ice cream cone or two from their grandfather and be able to look back on this place in time and see a shining example of ethics bathed in corporate and personal responsibility.

Today I'm just grateful that my personal security is not found in investments, retirement funds, stocks, real estate, gold or gas futures. My security is found solely in Jesus Christ. Yes we all need to save, spend less and prepare for the future. But we need to live life now. My goal (Philippians 3:7-12) and joy in life is not dependent upon circumstances, even economic ones. And joy does not mean the absence of pain, disappointment, loss, or heartache. However, my joy, hope and future are rooted in the person of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:1-4). I'm with the Apostle Paul who said that any pain or trouble in this world (even economic loss) pales in comparison to what those who profess Christ now will receive (Romans 8:18). One day this stuff is going to matter to those who've put all their faith and energy into earthly investments. One day they will learn (way too late I fear) that life is about so much more than our personal assets. Reminds me of the line from a George Strait song, "I've never seen a hearse with a luggage rack." I really do enjoy living, but my ultimate home is not of this world and I can cry in confidence with the last human words uttered to God in Scripture: "Come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20)

The Techonology Highway: Progress or Distraction?

My friend and fellow pastor, David Head in Lexington, Kentucky provides some great commentary on his blog regarding the growing phenomenon of people texting and emailing during worship services. You can check it out at: PonderAnew

I found it sadly amusing that I caught David's blog while surfing the web with my laptop waiting on my car at a local dealership. Picture this. It's Saturday, sunny and an abnormally cool day for our part of the country. The dealership service waiting area is crowded. Only three people out of about 25 of us waiting is reading a book, or newspaper. Twenty of them are: talking/texting on a cellphone; online at one of the five computer stations provided by the dealership, while others wait to get on one; and two people are sleeping in the lounge with the television. Oh yeah, I forgot to include the three children in the area for kids watching Disney DVD's. My point? No one is relating personally to their immediate environment. We're all connected to something or someone else (via the Internet, or someone on the other end of our cell), but none of us is engaging the other in fairly close quarters.

I text. I Google. I Gmail. I surf. I blog. I travel with that geeky Verizon guy and his "network" band. Yes, I am a strong advocate of the electronic and cyber-world. However, I continue to find that instead of using electronic gadgets, they are using us. Heck, a weekly morning prayer group I attend can't make it through the ungodly early hour we gather without one of our phones vibrating, or buzzing during prayer.

It's time to unplug! I mean it. Go for a walk, mow the yard, work out, play golf, visit a coffee house, read a book, or newspaper, engage in one on one, face to face conversation with those you love, focus solely on God in a worship service, but do it all (at least once a week) without anything electronic in front of you. It will be a major challenge for many, a welcome break for others. For some it will be the first meaningful face to face conversation they've had in memory.

P.S. As I wrote this blog in an enclosed waiting room off the larger waiting area at the dealership, a very large man entered and sat down across from me and another gentleman who was reading a book. He proceeded to continue his conversation in his very loud voice. Upon leaving the room, the gentleman reading the book looked at me and we both laughed. Then he said in a beautiful African accent, "That would not happen in Europe. Only in America are people this loud, rude and self-centered." More food for thought and conversation.

Prayers for Ike Survivors

The storm surge has long passed the Texas coastline and what's left of Hurricane Ike moved through the Midwest over the weekend. However, the battle against Ike is just beginning for Gulf Coast residents. Please pray for residents in Houston, Galveston and other Gulf Coast cities. Give blood, make a donation to the Red Cross, or collect basic need items to ship to relief agencies in the Gulf.

A disruption in the flow of gasoline from Gulf Coast refineries and price increases at our pumps seems like a small inconvenience compared to the devastating losses sustained by Ike's victims!

Yellow Ribbons Aren't Enough

A disturbing statistic was released by the Pentagon this week. Al Pessin from VOA writes:

The Army says this year's suicide total among soldiers could reach 130, out of a force of about a million and a half. That would be an increase of more than 10 percent over last year and it would bring the Army above the overall suicide rate for the United States, as adjusted to reflect the Army's demographics.

According to the Center for Disease Control's (Summer 2008 Suicide bulletin): More than 32,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. This is the equivalent of 89 suicides per day; one suicide every 16 minutes or 11.01 suicides per 100,000 population. Given those statistics the soldier suicide count is outpacing the national civilian average.

Reporter Jeff Schogel of Stars and Stripes notes that 115 soldiers took their lives in 2007, which was the highest number since the Army started keeping suicide statistics in 1980. Keep in mind these statistics are for active soldiers not veterans who have returned from war. The AP's Jennifer Kerr brought this out in a May '07 story:

WASHINGTON — In the three months after Marine Maj. John Ruocco returned from Iraq feeling numb and depressed, he couldn’t sleep. He had lost weight. He had nightmares. He was distracted and withdrawn from his two young sons.

One night, he promised his wife, Kim, that he would get help. The next morning, he was dead. The 40-year-old Cobra helicopter pilot, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., had hanged himself.

There are others. Army reservist Joshua Omvig. Army Capt. Michael Pelkey. Marines Jonathan Schulze and Jeffrey Lucey. Each came home from tours in Iraq and committed suicide.

Veterans’ groups and families who have lost loved ones say the number of troops struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues is on the increase and not enough help is being provided by the Pentagon and the Veterans Affairs Department.

Nearly all suicide victims share some common feelings or behaviors before suicide. Among them: depression, despondency, profound sadness, hopelessness, and failure. More victims are male and a majority are under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they commit suicide. That is significant given a report released this summer by Naval Health Research Center that alcohol abuse is rapidly growing among veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Add in the increase of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and you have a dangerous combination.

The Pentagon and VA are instituting new measures and programs aimed at lowering the suicide rate, but more needs to be done for returning veterans. Federal, state and local mental health professionals also need help since they are usually the first line of response. The military are under exceptional pressure and stress. Stir in family, financial or marital stress and you've got a dangerous powder keg.

In this year of presidential politics, views on the war aside, it's nice to hear the leaders of both political parties pledge unwavering support for the military while stumping for votes. There is much disagreement on the war, a pullout timetable, or post-war troop levels, but there is nothing standing in the way of either party, the Congress, or the Executive Branch from doing something now! January is too late. We owe our military an incredible debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make. Parades and yellow ribbons on cars or trees are nice, but these brave men and women deserve much more from us. Why not ask every American family living above the poverty level to voluntarily donate $100 to such a cause? Yes, we need to pray, but let's raise the bar and ask our citizens to ante up for those who've offered their lives!

Does Bigger Mean More of the Same?

There are dueling churches in our area. Not really but it sure seems like it. One mega-church is located in the largest city in our area. Another is located in the largest city in an adjacent county. Each church has launched a satellite campus in the other church's back yard. Both are offering great teaching, discipleship and worship at their respective "mother church" locations, but despite it, each apparently feels the need to pipe in their pastor's message via video in the same geographic area where the other mega-church is ministering and reaching people!

This is happening all over the country. I will resist the opportunity to challenge this approach based on the biblical model of local leadership and what I believe is the autonomy of the local church. Otherwise, I will just be dismissed as a disgruntled and jealous leader of a much smaller, okay, tiny church in comparison. This isn't about these churches and their shared approach to ministry. Again, let me say that both are great churches and both have touched more lives than our little church probably ever will for the cause of Christ. But what about a mega-church offering a different approach in an age of mega-church "sameness".

David Gibbons pastors a mega-church (NewSong) in Irvine, California. However, his missional story has given birth to indigenous ministries and churches in Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, and Bangkok! This is more than the all too famliar and tiring story of a mega-church gone multi-location trying to recreate the culture and worship of the "mother" church/campus via video feeds. Keep in mind that Gibbons' missional approach was started long before missional became the latest buzzword in church leadership circles.

Gibbons was recently interviewed by Leadership Journal, a ministry trade publication produced by Christianity Today. Pastor Gibbons was already leading a church with four locations when God challenged his approach and multi-campus theology while he was in Bangkok. From the LJ interview:

(Gibbons) I saw four churches with 4,000 people versus 400 churches with the same number of people, and the question I felt God posing to me is, Who's stronger?

(LJ)So who is stronger?

(Gibbons) The four hundred churches. You could knock any one of them out, and the rest would keep going. So much of our default protocol is centralized and built around one leader.

You can read the full Leadership Journal interview here, just click on: LJ

Okay multi-location, mega-church types please don't get defensive and write an apologetic of multi-campus theology. Who would've thought going smaller means growth? It is the exact opposite of the Western mega-church model. Remember, this guy leads a mega-church too:

(Gibbons on the Bangkok approach) Smaller units. Decentralized. We ended up creating smaller units all over the city. People don't like to drive in Bangkok—it's too difficult to get across the city. So we created what we call undergrounds. They can meet in cafes, restaurants, academic buildings. They meet everywhere.

And to tell you the truth, if we had gone the megachurch direction, it would have required huge resources. Instead, now after two years, they're self-sustaining, meeting in cafes, clubs, restaurants, and homes.

(LJ)When you do church this way, it means handing off leadership into smaller groups. Do you worry about a loss of control and uneven quality?

(Gibbons) No. This is how real movements of God start. Bigness can slow you down. There's nothing wrong with bigness, by the way. I've seen beautiful whales in the ocean, man. I've seen them dance and splash in the water. Those are miraculous moments. They're magnificent creatures. But the truth is there aren't a lot of whales. But there are millions maybe billions of minnows. I like both big and small. But assuming big is better can hurt us, especially if we consider cultures, cities, and God's focus on the weak and the fringe of culture.

I don't think bigness is going to fit most people or most cultural contexts where the church needs to grow.

Local and indigenous leadership seems to be a biblical model. The New Testament Church centered around the mother church in Jerusalem, but notice how the Apostle Paul employed local leadership (elders, etc.) in the churches he started. Perhaps it's time we, like Paul, learned to trust and value indigenous leadership without feeling the need to control or manage it, or worse yet, produce church clones.

Courage + Believe = Life

18-year old John Challis died Tuesday night at his home in suburban Pittsburgh. John had an incurable form of cancer whose story became an inspiration to sports reporters and many of the professional athletes he admired. I shared John's story in my blog entry for Mother's Day 2008.

ESPN did a tear jerking story on John upon the news of his death this week. You can watch it below. WARNING: If you aren't familiar with John's story have plenty of Kleenex. If you are familiar with John's story have plenty of Kleenex. This brave kid showed the rest of us how to live and appreciate life. Any petty concerns or complaints we have buckle under the story of the way John Challis chose to live upon his diagnosis with a terminal disease. Rest well John and may God comfort your parents and sister!

A Model of Grace and Hope

In May of this year, the family of popular Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman lost their 5-year old daughter, Maria in a tragic accident. The Chapman's, long-respected for their authenticity are modeling for every Christ-follower how to grieve with hope. This touching interview on ABC's GMA reminds all of us that we have hope in Christ. Click the GMA link above to view.

Sorry Sir Your Life Isn't Valued

A recent column by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the American public, or worse, it indicates that fewer Americans value life. I'm hoping it was the former and not the latter, but when you read the article you may wonder. Here's the nuts and bolts from Thomas:

Randy Stroup is a 53-year-old Oregon man who has prostrate cancer, but no insurance to cover his medical treatment. The state pays for treatment in some cases, but it has denied help to Stroup. State officials have determined that chemotherapy would be too expensive and so they have offered him an alternative: death.

Oregon’s physician-assisted suicide law allows taxpayers to pay for someone to kill Stroup, because it’s cheaper than trying to heal him. How twisted is this? Some have called this a “chilling” corruption of medical ethics, but medical ethics have been in the deep freeze for some time. The American Medical Association, which once strongly opposed abortion, now buys into the “choice” argument despite Hippocrates’ admonition that physicians make a habit of two things — “to help, or at least to do no harm.”

How much is a human life worth? Body parts and bone marrow can fetch some pretty high prices, but a human life is more than the sum of its body parts. The reason this is important is that the federal government is now placing a price tag on individual lives and if government ever gets to run health care from Washington, bureaucrats will start making decisions similar to the one made for Randy Stroup.

I'm unashamedly prolife, but even if I wasn't this makes a complete mockery of the intent of the Oregon doctor-assisted suicide law. An Oregon medical professor interviewed by Fox News seems to think the same:

"It's chilling when you think about it," said Dr. William Toffler, a professor of family medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. "It absolutely conveys to the patient that continued living isn't worthwhile.....It corrupts the consistent medical ethic that has been in place for 2,000 years," he said. "It's absolutely breathtaking."

At least Randy Stroup didn't take the edict from state authorities lying down (sorry for the pun). Stroup fought state officials and the egg-faced, Oregon Health Plan reversed its decision and is now paying for his treatment. Given the Oregon agency's initial ruling, Stroup may want to have his chemo tested just to make sure they aren't trying to follow through on their initial decision. Imagine, a world where 53-year olds with cancer aren't valued?

Thank God those with a biblical worldview still value life and view it as a gift from God. Psalm 139:13-16:

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

A Middle-Aged Olympian

The XXIX Olympiad begins this Friday with opening ceremonies in Beijing. Every middle-aged woman and man will have their eyes on 41-year old American Olympian swimmer, Dara Torres. Her comeback story is downright Olympic! Not only did she qualify for the U.S. Swim Team, but she set a record in the process. Harry Smith of CBS News recently interviewed her regarding her appearance at a record 5th Olympic games. She was 17 when she appeared in her first Olympiad in 1984!

Go Dara, Go U.S. Team! To see the video interview just click the CBS link above. Sorry about the 30-second commercial that comes before it.