The Right Vision for the Church

Vision is kind of important.  In a practical way, vision means seeing what's in front of you...so you don't trip and fall over it.  Anyone who has ever stumbled through the house in the middle of the night trying to find the bathroom only to stub their tow and a chair can tell you that vision is important.  One might ask, "Why not turn on the light?"  The truth is if you spend enough time in the darkness, the light becomes painful...not just to you, but to those around you.  My wife will kill me if I hit that light switch.  But also, I can actually see a little bit in the dark. Just not well enough to do it well.

Depending on what study you're looking at, anywhere from 5,000-7,000 churches close their doors every year (Check Lifeway Research).  An even greater number have plateaued or are declining.  Those established churches that are growing are largely a product of transfer growth as opposed to evangelistic growth.  "The only documentable evangelistic and congregational growth experienced by evangelicals within America's major urban areas directly traces back to newly planted churches - and replanted churches" (Mohler, in A Guide to Church Revitalization, 2015; pg. 8).  Well that's scary.  Why aren't our established churches reaching their communities with the gospel?  Well the answer is as simple as it is complicated.

It's not as much having a lack of vision as it is having the wrong vision. Proverbs 29:18 says that "where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained."  This doesn't really characterized our modern churches.  We are restrained by a lot of things: 1. tradition, 2. declining congregations, 3. declining giving.

Rather than losing vision entirely, our vision in the church has shifted away from reaching the community to simply keeping the doors open.

But we don't keep the doors of the church open, God does.  But God will only keep the doors of His church open when our vision for His church is in line with His vision for His church.

Just because you're declining doesn't mean you're vision isn't in line with God's vision.  In if many established churches got in line with God's vision, they would probably face decline.  It would be a serious time of testing in which they would wonder if God was going to show up.  But God always rewards the faithful.  My belief is that when you are obedient to God's word, eventually things will turn around.

So, how do you know when you have the wrong vision?

1. Important change is avoided for fear of losing existing members.
• Whenever a church cares more about what people think than what God thinks, that's a good sign we've gone off track.  
• Change in the church is necessary if we are to continue His work beyond this generation.
• We need not change the timeless Gospel, but our methods for reaching a community must be contextualized for that community.  
• Why is it that the contextualization of the Gospel (i.e. sharing the Gospel in a way that people in a particular community can understand) is required for oversees missions, but is often forbidden in our American churches?  If we are to carry the Gospel to the next generation, we must contextualize the gospel for the next generation.  How often does the previous generation get in the way of needed changes?
2. Policy is more important to the church than people.
• Policy is good when its purpose is to protect people, but when those policies become what we value, we've gone off track.
• Sometimes policies are put in place to keep certain people out of leadership based on age or life experience.
• Sometimes policies are put in place to discriminate against groups of people in the congregation and marginalize their influence.
• Sometimes policies are put in place to restrict what a pastor can and cannot do during his or her workday.  Pastors who spend all of their time in their office are not being effective or obedient to their calling.
3. There is no strategy for training the younger generation for present and future leadership.
• The largest generation (The Millennials) is coming of age while their parents, the second largest generation (The Baby boomers) is in the process of retiring.  Which means that communities are growing younger, while churches are growing older.  Many Millennials who grew up in the church will not be a part of the church in adulthood because they were never made to feel a part of the church in their youth.
• It might seem harsh, but eventually each generation dies.  The church doesn't have to die with each generation.  The time to train up the new leaders of the church is when they are young.  The only way to train new leaders is to give them new leadership when they are young.
• I'm always amazed at the job postings for pastoral positions.  Jesus couldn't get hired with the expectations for most churches.  Young pastors have to start somewhere.  Spurgeon started somewhere.  John MacArthur started somewhere.  Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Allister Begg, and even Billy Graham all started somewhere.  Why is your church too good for them to start there?
• A new generation brings new ideas.  A new generation brings necessary change.  And that's okay.
4. There is no strategy or concern for reaching the community.
• Every church seems to have a mission statement.  However, many churches seem to operate under the mission statement, "We exist to meet the needs of those already attending our church and keep them happy so that they'll keep coming, giving, and serving those already in our church."
• It's pretty well established that most of a church's budget is designated for meeting the needs of those already attending the church.
• Most of a pastor's time will be spent attending to the needs of the congregation.
• Most of the events will likely be meant to provide fellowship opportunities for those in the church.
• What is often overlooked will be missions, community service and outreach, personal evangelism (beyond the expected responsibility of the pastor...on his own time).

If any given church is to make it to the next generation, they must align their vision with God.  God's desire has an always will be to seek and save the lost (Isaiah 49:6; Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20).  That must be our vision as well.  And God will keep the doors open when we are obedient and faithful.  

The alternative?  Ask the 7 churches of Revelation who were warned by God to renew their vision.  How many of those churches still exist today?  None.  And Turkey is one of the least Christian nations on Earth.  What will the United States look like in 100 years?

God renew our vision!

Musings on Jesus' Letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation

I've been teaching through the book of Revelation in my Sunday school class and have noticed some very interesting insights with regard to the letters to the seven churches.

1. Of the seven churches Jesus provides no condemnation for Smyrna and Philadelphia. Good churches.
2. Jesus gives no commendation for Laodicea.  Bad church.
3. Ephesus, Pergamum, and Thyatira, are all commended for good works while being condemned for wrong motive and the tolerance of bad leaders and bad doctrine.
4. Sardis is said to have a reputation of being alive (good works) but is really dead.
5. Laodicea has allowed their wealth to get in the way of their love for Jesus.  Jesus even identifies Himself as being outside of the church knocking in order to get in.
6. Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis and half of Thyratira are called to remember and repent or else.
7. Those in Thyratira are split into 2 groups: those who've defiled themselves with Jezebel and those who have not.  Those who have are called to repent.  Those who have not are called to hold fast.  Notice they aren't called to “leave the church and find another more suitable.”
8. Laodicea is called to change everything about themselves.

While these were 1st Century churches experiencing these issues specific, there are many applications for our churches today.  Many churches today have good works, but do them for the wrong reasons (the answer is always Jesus).  Jesus is calling us to remember why we do things and repent.  Others churches have good works, but believe the wrong things and tolerate bad teachers/leaders.  Jesus is calling us to repent and remove those leaders.  Some masquerading as churches, are really country clubs whose membership is not extended to Jesus.   He stands outside and knocks, hoping we’ll invite Him in.  If we are in a church like Laodicea, how in the world are we supposed to change everything?  For starters, it would probably be a good idea to invite Jesus in.

I’m pretty sure most of us hope/assume we are like Smyrna and Philadelphia.  In reality, most of our churches fall into the other categories.  Like Thyratira, some of us are called to stay in churches we would rather leave.  Just some food for thought.

An Ethical Dilemna: Lance Armstrong

Ethical dilemma of the day:
During WWII, Nazi doctors made great leaps in medical research, diagnostics and treatment simply because they were able to do unchecked research on live people (victims).  Without going in to the gory details, Nazi doctors made advances in treatments of typhus, malaria, tuberculosis, hypothermia and female infertility to name a few.  Many scientists argue that without their research, many of these diseases would still be without cure.  Still, I'm fairly certain that no one would argue that in this case the ends justified the means.  Evil is evil.

Now fast forward to the present.  Recent events have come to light proving, almost beyond a shadow of doubt, that Lance Armstrong defrauded the world by cheating during his impressive cycling career.  However, many are willing to give him a pass on what he did because, "he helped to make great advances in cancer research."  Now it's safe to say, that without his cycling success (cheating), he would not have been able to garner the support for his foundation or cancer research.  Lance Armstrong became the face of what a cancer survivor can do.  He gave us hope.  He inspired us to give back.  However, many people are unwilling to condemn him as a cheater, simply because "he made a great contribution."  In other words (which many are still unwilling to utter...), the ends justified the means.

Now before you blast me as judgmental or unreasonable, I'm not saying that we should throw out all the research paid for by Livestrong.  Even doctors used Nazi research to cure the aforementioned diseases, but at least the struggled with it.  Nevertheless, why do we call Nazis evil while Lance Armstrong gets a pass.  No Lance Armstrong didn't kill anyone, but does that make it OK   Some argue that everyone in cycling is a cheater therefore he was just playing their game.  Will we give politicians a pass simply because every politician is a liar?  Would Nazi's also get a pass because their culture predisposed them to thing that Jews were less than human?

At this point, the evidence is so monumental that Lance Armstrong, in fact, built his entire career on lies, deceit and cheating regardless of the good that resulted.  Sure, accept the good, but what are we teaching our children if we don't condemn him as the cheater he is?  Are we not telling them, "it's ok to cheat, lie and deceive  just make sure you do something good afterward.

Join the conversation.

Musings on Turning 30

There’s a part of me that is, at the moment, a little nervous.  On Wednesday, July 4, 2012, I turn 30 years old.  Now some of you (who are over 30) are thinking, “30 is still young!”  But I can guarantee that none of us, when we were 17, thought 30 was young, nor could we envision what life would be like when we got here.  At 17, life for me revolved around high school football and my future in the NFL (dream big right?).  For my first car, all that mattered was does it run and can I afford to fill the gas tank (and if it look cool; that was a plus).  At 30 I start wondering about things like “crash-test ratings” and “latch systems.”  At 17, I wondered who I’d go to the prom with.  At 30, between working and taking care of a baby girl, I’m just hoping to find a few hours during the week to take my wife Amanda out to dinner.  At 17, I got a summer job to pay for stuff I didn’t need while at 30, things like a mortgage and health insurance are what’s important.   At 17, I knew everything I’d ever need to know (and would let you know it too).  At 30, I realize just how much I have left to learn.  At 17, 9:30 on a Friday night was party time. At 30 it’s bedtime.  At 17, I hoped by 30, I’d have no regrets.  At 30, there’s a lot about my life that I regret; mistakes I’ve made, bridges I’ve burned; things I wish I could go back and change.  But contrary to what I believed at 17, life doesn’t end at 30. And while I think about all the things I’ve failed to do like jumping out of an airplane or running a marathon, there’s a part of me that is really excited for the adventure that lay ahead.

As I reminisce about my last 30 years I’m thankful for the grace of God evident in my life.  God has brought me a long way; just ask my parents!  Now I get to look forward to the next 30 years.  Like Tim McGraw, I hope they’re “the best years of my life.”  I’ll continue to grow in the ministry to which God has entrusted me.  I’ll continue to grow older with my wife.  I’ll get to see my daughter grow into a young woman, graduate, get married, maybe even have children of her own.  I’ll even get to see her turn 30 (All of this, of course, God willing).

We spend so much of our time fearing the unknown; scared of what lay ahead.  The reality is life is exciting and is meant to be experienced.  With new experiences come greater wisdom, understanding, and the charge to pass on what we’ve learned to the next generation.  So let the “over-the-hill” jokes commence, but as I pass this milestone in life, my calling and my resolve to live everyday in light of God’s glory has never been stronger.

Mia Joy

I love to see my daughter smile (which lately is all the time).  Just the other morning, while she was still asleep, I went into her room to say goodbye before I headed off to work. She opened her eyes, looked at me and smiled.  There is nothing like that feeling. She is the happiest  baby I have ever seen and she continues to surprise me each day.  I didn't even know that an 11 week old baby could smile; I thought they just ate, slept, peed and pooped until like 6 months (I know nothing about babies).  But here she is, always smiling; so full of joy.

We named her Mia Joy because we liked the sound of it, but it's amazing how much her middle name seems to fit.  She is so full of joy and seems to bring joy to anyone who spends time with her. (especially now that she's sleeping through the night!)

The Bible talks frequently about "joy." In fact, just in the Psalms, the subject of joy comes up 45 times. In nearly all of them, the source of our joy is God Himself. For example:

-  You [God] have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
    (Psalm 4:7 HCSB)

 -  Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. (Psalm 34:5 HCSB)

 -  But the righteous are glad; they rejoice before God and celebrate with joy. (Psalm 68:3 HCSB)

When I see my daughter smile, I see a joy unhindered by this fallen and sinful world.  She doesn't worry about anything, because there's nothing for which to worry.  She is loved by her mother and me, but more than that she is loved by God.  My prayer every day is that she will never lose that joy.  Life is tough and it only gets harder as the years go on, but I want her to know that she can always find joy if she'll give her life to Jesus.

Maybe that's what Jesus was talking about when said that we should come before Him like little children.  Little Children have joy unhindered by this fallen and sinful world.  I want to be joyful like my daughter and I want to find that joy in God.  And with a God like ours, no matter what may come, why would we not be joyful?

My Name is Martha

My name is Martha.  The whole of my Christian existence has been about the business of serving Jesus.  Since I was a young child, I’ve looked for a place to serve or “get more involved.”  I volunteered on Sunday mornings to pray, read scripture, or even be an usher.  As I got older I worked with kids younger than me.  In youth group I lived for the “service projects.”   As the years went on, I knew God was calling me to be a pastor, so I got busy serving as a leader in my church’s youth group.  Eventually, I even quit my job so I could give more time to “serving Jesus.”  These days, I’m a full time youth pastor and I have the pleasure of “serving Jesus” as a career (oh wait…the Christian word is “calling”).  It’s awesome, but I’m busy.

And I wonder in the midst of my “busyness” Have I missed something? Have I missed something that could possibly change everything about how I view my relationship with God?  Where did I learn that the Christian life was about being “busy” serving Jesus?  Well…from other “Marthas” of course.  These are well-meaning people who love God and desire to bring glory to His name; they recognize that there is much work to be done and they get down to doing that work.  And “serving Jesus” is what’s important right?  Well…Martha has a sister; her name is Mary and if you know the story (Luke 10:38-42), you know that while Martha was content to stay busy, Mary was content to sit at the feet of Jesus, hanging on His every word.  Understandably, Martha is frustrated at this perceived “laziness” and complains to Jesus.  Jesus explains that Mary has chosen what’s best and it will not be taken away from her. Hmmm….

Mary who has chosen what’s best?  “What good is sitting at Jesus’ feet with all this work to be done?”  If it’s you’re propensity to ask this question, like me, you’re probably a Martha.  We are the ones who complain (i.e. take pride in the fact) that “we’re the 10% doing 90% of the work.”  After all, the church couldn’t function without us, could it? Like Martha, we have falsely convinced ourselves that Jesus needs us to serve Him.  That if we don’t keep busy, we will derail the “Great Commission,” or, to us (even worse), our church’s doors will close for good.  No, Jesus didn't need Martha’s help, nor does He need our help.  As Lord, He has everything under control.  Don’t get me wrong, there will be time to do work, but first things first; Jesus wants us to sit at His feet, be fully present, and experience a very real relationship with Him.

But sadly, I’m convinced that many of us in the church find it easier to “serve Jesus” than to sit alone in our rooms and be fully present at His feet.  But that’s what Jesus desires of us….to sit as His feet and enjoy the relationship.  While there have been countless people in my life who have taught me how to serve Jesus, I cannot recall anyone who has ever ushered me to the feet of Jesus and showed me how to simply enjoy my relationship with Him.  This is not to say that they didn’t experience their personal relationship with Jesus like Mary; they just never thought to show me.

Don’t get me wrong, "serving" Jesus is important.  It’s important to serve in the church and serve our community and world, but before we can do that, we must, first, sit at the feet of Jesus and hang on His every word.  After that, our service will be a natural overflow of our devotion to Him.  Now if, for you, like me, sitting at the feet of Jesus sounds childish; where the kids sit and listen to stories while the adults do the work; you’re right.  The Bible tells us that we should approach Jesus like a little child.  Jesus addressed this specifically by saying, “I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15 HCSB).  Children are content to sit and enjoy a good story; but we’ve convinced ourselves that adults must always “serve.”

As I’m writing this, I recognize that I truly desire to be like Mary.  Sitting at the feet of Jesus, as I hang on His every word, sounds awesome (if not insanely spiritual).  But I can’t even have a consistent quiet time.  I’ve already failed in my New Year’s resolution to follow a Bible reading plan for the entire year.  So if you are looking for a 5 step plan to become more like Mary, I don’t have it.  For a beginning, I’m simply going to start reading my Bible while sitting on the floor as a way of tangibly “sitting at the feet of Jesus” (all the while wondering if this might be too literal) because I know I have to start somewhere.  One thing I know for sure is this (and it keeps me up at night): as a youth pastor, I’m responsible for helping to train up the young people that God has put under my care.  By example, am I teaching them to be “Marthas” or “Marys?” Am I showing them only to “serve” or am I showing them how to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   I’m great at teaching these young people how to serve; at giving them something to do.  I’m even great at serving with them.  But I’m not great at leading them to the feet of Jesus, because if I’m truly honest with myself, I don’t spend a whole lot of time there.  But more and more, I’m beginning to realize, that if I truly want these students to defy statistics and stick with their faith after high school, then it’s going to take more than just being “busy.” I need to lead them to the feet of Jesus.  I need to teach them to be like Mary.  I’ve always known that a change needed to be made, but now I see that the change needs to start with me.

A Father's Love

One of the most common descriptions in the Bible for God is a “Father.” I guess I’ve always seen this, but I’ve never really understood. My “earthly” father was a good man who always strived to provide for my brother and me. I believe that he loved me even though he didn’t always say it. As a result, I spent a lot of my childhood (and adulthood) believing that I had to earn his love and favor by always being on my best behavior or by doing well in school or by succeeding on the football field. It should serve as no surprise that this mentality crept into my understanding of my “heavenly” father. I’ve always assumed that so long as I didn’t sin, prayed every day, read my Bible, went to church, etc… that I would find favor with God. In times that I failed in any of these categories, I felt guilt and shame, and I hid myself from God for fear that he was angry with me or even worse: disappointed.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve realized that I’ve had it all wrong. You see, I’m a father now. And for the first time in my entire life I understand a father’s love. Believe me; nothing could have prepared me for the emotions that I felt as I held my daughter for the first time. I just met this little girl, but it feels as though I’ve always known her and that I’ve always loved her. She is my little girl and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her and there is no length to which I wouldn’t go to protect her. She doesn’t have to earn my love; I will give it to her freely.

In the same way, I don’t need to earn God’s love and there is nothing I could do to make God not love me. The Bible tells me that God’s love for me is just like my love for my daughter only a whole lot stronger! My heart’s desire is that as Mia grows older, when she thinks of me, she will think, “wow, my dad really loves me!” And by my example, I hope she will know that she has a “heavenly father” who loves her even more!