tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31433381922514242302024-03-05T05:57:44.172-07:00the smallest peaceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-88283449875486839822012-04-29T07:12:00.000-06:002012-04-29T16:11:02.560-06:00Missional Studies: Cultural Investment<b>Investment in the daily life of the community. – </b>It’s not enough to be involved and work with people, a missionary (and anyone invested in community really) must be willing to interact on a personal level. In most cultures this is centered on mealtime, but it can play out in a variety of situations and venues. Intentional use of coffee shops, tea houses, and markets will greatly increase the opportunity to be a part of the culture and not simply an outside agent implanted in the culture.<br />
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<b>Investment in developing relationships. – </b>People matter. Individual relationships not only help us grow in our understanding of the world around us, they also give us insight into avenues to offer Christ as well as illuminate the gospel within us. Growing closer to people in their lives, in their businesses, and in their own spiritual experiences isn’t just an exercise in evangelism it’s a direct pattern emulating Jesus’ ministry.<br />
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<b>Open and Honest lifestyles and interactions. – </b>To show others what Christianity is all about we must be committed to the truth, not only when it agrees with us but also when it chastises and rebukes us. (Daniel 9:6) This life is meant to be lived outward toward God for the sake of others. To live this way our conversations and actions must be open to ridicule and in the open not hidden or separated from inspection.<br />
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<b>Investment in adaptation and growing with others. –</b> A missionary needs to be flexible. Political climates, cultural norms, and levels of devotion cannot be predicted; therefore reaction and adaptability can be integral to the evangelistic efforts in any region or group. Assessment of the culture requires the integration of all these separate principles. Community, relationships, openness and sacrifice play into the fluidity of any response to culture. Growing with others involves separating from the pride of “having the truth” and being willing to grow in the context of the people surrounding you. (anti-pride?) A large hindrance to progress in relationships between where people live and where revelation of Christ can bring them is our inability to grow with them. Condescension and self-righteousness is hard to find internally but easily pointed out from the outside. Being willing to simply “be” with people instead of constantly teaching or presenting is vital to integrating into the surroundings.<br />
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<b>An embrace of humility and sacrifice. –</b> Finally, a commitment to engage and redeem those far from God is ultimately a commitment to the cross. The Cross in this instance isn’t a symbol of hope or religion but a literal symbol of the level of sacrifice we are called to. If we share in his suffering we will also share in his comfort. (Rom. 8:17) The life of people exposing their beliefs in such a raw and dependant way invites a high level of ridicule and sacrifice. This embrace is beneficial in two ways: (1) it portrays a realistic and honest picture of the Christian life presented in the New Testament so that converts are not tempted into a Christless Gospel full of blessing and far from any obligation or the clear call of Jesus to abandon this life and embrace the life offered by God, and (2) it prepares the way for others who follow into the work of evangelism, so hopefully they won’t have to be distracted by the weight of sacrifice and can focus more on the actual work of pouring into ministry and others.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-30683788869448747232012-04-16T15:45:00.000-06:002012-04-29T15:55:07.817-06:00In Response: Holy Scripture<br />
In response to a question about Holy Scripture's authority:<br />
I questioned this very thing early in my faith, I felt that, while the truth could be extracted from the text, the text itself was not authoritative or reliable. Over the course of time and much study I've developed an awed reverence for the sheer magnitude and scope of scripture. A few others alluded to it in their posts but it must be mentioned that the councils were not as concerned with traditional preservation as they were with "rightly dividing the word of truth." Scholars and leaders were aware of the level of intellect and scrutiny that abounded in their time and the growing tide of apostasy that constantly stood at the door of the church. They wanted no hint of partiality or question of authenticity, that's why some books with questionable content still made it in regardless of the theological implications (Revelations, Hebrews) while others with complementary statements of faith couldn't pass the litany of authenticity. The protection of scripture throughout the ages along with the steady stream of christian study has literally elevated the conscience and the soul of humanity.<br />
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I am not one of those that proclaim that the bible is innerrant in translation, instead I proudly state that it is innerant in intent. There is always room for a more well rounded concept or idea but the heart of God from the Holy Spirit to the individual is found in those pages regardless of language and scholarship.<br />
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There is room to believe that the bible is intended for a specific audience at a specific time with a specific purpose as long as that doesn't get in the way of seeking personal truth within the text. The problem isn't what we get out of the bible, most of the time, it is what we attempt to put in that creates problems and hinders the gospel from impacting and changing lives. There is also room for the belief that divine revelation is on par with scripture (a belief that several of my closest friends have adopted) however, i would contend that this is usually a reasonable objection to alleviate the burden of holiness or "lower" the standards rather than drawing closer to the will of God. Think about it realistically, many people want "freedom" in worship and "freedom" in giving so they say the tithe is a Jewish commandment that doesn't necessarily translate into the dynamic church founded in the New Testament. However, how many of these believers go to the text to prove that they are correct in their assumption and even further how many use this principle to guide their giving beyond the tithe? To the contrary most people just want a lower and baser standard so that the requirements of a faith filled life can be comparable to a sin filled, unregenerate, unengaged, and powerless existence.<br />
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let's be honest...<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-86183077287025662532012-03-29T15:32:00.001-06:002012-04-29T16:11:45.212-06:00Insight's from Paul's Ministry<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiSaBPV_bB1TOTix797hs4LilOTLfbUdWuUxeOJCwpEGP8OO4nyG2YGHirqhDRMQXT6HdM941CulMt9MPL_7-Xwh1B9ZgHPD7MfPRJopawc5xjIg-MExazjU8s5BL2CBrfEswDbbiwq0/s1600/saint-paul-the-apostle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiSaBPV_bB1TOTix797hs4LilOTLfbUdWuUxeOJCwpEGP8OO4nyG2YGHirqhDRMQXT6HdM941CulMt9MPL_7-Xwh1B9ZgHPD7MfPRJopawc5xjIg-MExazjU8s5BL2CBrfEswDbbiwq0/s400/saint-paul-the-apostle.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul's Light and Direction from Christ</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There are many unique and noteworthy aspects of Paul’s missionary work. Paul stands out among the New Testament leaders and church fathers, not necessarily from his specific task but more for his single-minded focus on promoting the gospel and building committed communities. The following are five brief aspects that I believe are integral to the start of a movement: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">First is his concern for his countrymen and their acceptance of the risen Christ as Messiah. This focus integrated perfectly with Paul’s already astute study and breadth of knowledge founded in Hebrew scripture. As a Pharisee among Pharisees, Paul’s tie to the temple and the history of his people drove him to develop some of the most formative connections between Judaism and Christianity. His special care for theology and revelation of grace altered the core of the early church in Jerusalem and formed the majority of the non-Jewish traditions separated from temple and synagogue life. In the same way if we do not adhere to a commitment to "our" people (the socio/political/economic/classes), i automatically question the founding purpose and intent of the service.Not that I condemn it outright, I simply believe our motives need to be questioned if our outward vision is not noticeably in step with love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Secondly, Paul’s deep reliance on the Holy Spirit and submission to the call of God uniquely setup an unorthodox method of evangelism. Relying on God’s direction instead of some elaborate point-by-point program helped the “church planter” to point to God always as the originator and sustainer of His ministry. Instead of homesteading and overseeing the overarching ministry Paul seems to prefer to proclaim the Gospel message, prepare the new converts for devoted lives to Christ, build leaders, and then move on to the next mission. This allows the most use of Paul’s time as itinerate preacher and “planter of the word”, while remaining true to the initial sending out he experienced from the church in Jerusalem as apostle to the gentiles.(Galatians 2) How can we embrace a "I won't move until the Spirit leads" ministry?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Third, is an unabashed embrace of hardship and sacrifice that seems to be a landmark throughout Paul’s missionary work. Paul teaches one of the most valuable lessons anyone can learn when embarking on a mission that encompasses a lifetime, namely being content in the worst and best of circumstances. From the outside looking in Paul’s ministry appears wrought with catastrophe, abandonments, and let down. However the apostle’s letters are beaming with a hope and brightness that can’t be overcome by outer turmoil. This example of steadfast focus on the work God calls us to is one of the most valuable legacies Paul hoped to achieve, indeed it is the driving force behind countless sermons and convictions among congregations embracing a missional stance in today’s less than engaged world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The fourth aspect I feel must be addressed is Paul’s concern for the already accomplished work among churches he had left. Even though the desired road to Rome became a passion in Paul’s imprisoned years, his deep connection with church leaders, servants, and even entire households were Paul’s greatest interest. He holds the various congregations up as the crowning achievement of his work, even getting involved in the spiritual derision among the churches. He never pushes aside one ministry for the next, instead he remains connected through emissaries and servants; giving council, relaying messages, and encouraging along the way. This only affirms my belief that we don't leave anyone, we move apart and closer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Finally Paul lays out one of the hardest pictures to relay to today’s missions based mindset. The Apostle attempts to make no financial demands for His ministry, and instead appealed to the reasonable charity of helping the “struggling church in Jerusalem." While he received support in a variety of ways from the congregations his appeal is never to sustain His own journey. He worked with his hands, providing for himself and was joyed to do so. Paul relates his own work to a runner who doesn’t run for the sake of himself or even glory but for a prize that is only received upon completion of the race. And that prize isn’t financial or physical comfort, but the reception of Christ alone. This mindset would destroy the "industry" of modern church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">From his initial conversion and subsequent outreach to the larger missionary journeys with Luke and Barnabas, Paul stands out among his peers and the generations of missionaries throughout the centuries. I love the section that says, “Four major trips occupy the rest of [Paul’s] life, including hardships everywhere he goes, care and concern for the fledgling congregations planted at almost every stop along the way, and a burning desire to preach Christ where he was not known.”[1] I hope everyone can glean some passion for purpose in the Gospel through studying Paul’s example. While his method is not noticeably formulaic it is, nonetheless, marked by traits that can be applied to our own call and election within the body of Christ.</span><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-65497574097937102272012-03-05T12:09:00.003-07:002012-04-29T07:11:43.544-06:00Confession Confetti<br />
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The reward of gospel-centered community isn’t affirmation or
praise, or honor. It is a hellbore brokenness before the people (in the open).
We are free from condemnation, not the judgment of others but the self imposed
darkness of keeping up the lie that we know what we’re doing and that we are
doing it all so well.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">We must come to terms with the fact that though relief from
the pain comes from dogged honesty with our selves; our true restoration comes
from honesty with others. It is not our place to hold back and live secretly.</span> </b></h3>
A
good friend of mine says “fail publicly, restored publicly” that way God gets
the glory or a life changed and a heart renewed.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">I just want the church (God’s people) to be honest and stop
hiding behind religiosity. </span></h3>
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Our religious practice is worthless – not because we
haven’t learned how to practice correctly but because we’ve substituted
practicing it for the genuine, heart-wrenching, glory-producing power of God
through obedience. We have traded the brokering and proclamation of freedom for
gate-keeping our own bondage and holding others in the same snare. Release
yourself from the cycle of secret sin, confess them to each other, believe for
each other, and restore the weaker brother. God is good.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-60094904521330442872012-02-04T11:49:00.001-07:002012-02-04T11:49:18.534-07:00I rarely testify...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9IyJPJuFB6TNi-ryHRr3qFqUxrw9C7-iR74InZWTeiXq8RekmSAgNqnaPCXCfq4f1GbCh8iSEXhW-dV7ruZoi4aXBuWCb380PBwxe7sQRcDe9PrfI-NRX9kTjKaKT2zlHSViO0tKLxE/s1600/why.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9IyJPJuFB6TNi-ryHRr3qFqUxrw9C7-iR74InZWTeiXq8RekmSAgNqnaPCXCfq4f1GbCh8iSEXhW-dV7ruZoi4aXBuWCb380PBwxe7sQRcDe9PrfI-NRX9kTjKaKT2zlHSViO0tKLxE/s200/why.png" width="200" /></a></div>
i know this guy who pushes people, for no apparent reason other than to watch them react in a way that he can later make fun of, most people don't like this guy (secretly he doesn't want them to) but i like him. He asks hard questions, last night he asked me why i got saved.<br />
i didn't answer him, because it's not my job. However i am obligated to others to say these things and these things are not nice. <br />
I was never strung out on heroin or crack, never into gangs, and had a fairly virginal existence apart from a few stupid indiscretions. So what did i need saving from. Why did he save me?<br />
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I'm going to start at this from the angle that makes the most sense to me.<br />
I didn't get saved to (or Christ didn't die for me to):<br />
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<ul>
<li>__ live like everybody else</li>
<li>__ be better than anyone else</li>
<li>__ one day remember what god used to do in me</li>
<li>__ complain</li>
<li>__ have ministry fall through my fingers because i couldn't build up something lasting in myself</li>
<li>__ condemn others</li>
<li>__ secretly wish i had no accountability</li>
<li>__ one day remember what god used to do with me</li>
<li>__ bring dissension and division</li>
<li>__ one day remember what god used to do for me</li>
<li>__ have my marriage fall apart</li>
<li>__ lust</li>
<li>__ cry myself to sleep wondering what happened</li>
<li>__ want after this world</li>
<li>__ serve a man</li>
</ul>
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i guess i could go on but that list could get pretty drawn out and offensive. Some would say, "well duh, but get to the point.", and i would say to them, "you don't tell me..."<br />
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i remember when i first got saved it seemed unreal that God wanted to have anything to do with me, i didn't have anything to offer or bring to table and I'm not saying that to sound humble, i truly had nothing--no charisma, dim intellect, shameful heart, really, nothing. And then somebody shared with me the rumor that God was infatuated with me, that he wanted to turn what i never had into what he always wanted. I didn't really believe it at first but i thought how could it hurt (yeah i know dim intellect, it hurts). I didn't start counting the cost till a little later, and that's another story altogether.<br />
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So here i am with nothing and he promises something, so i wait and i start to see little grumblings of something on the horizon, and i start living like it. You know, "don't talk about it, be about it". And i read and i can't stop reading, i fill myself up and i didn't even know i was that empty but i keep on shoving it down-chapter by chapter, verse by verse, word by word, and then i start regurgitating it (go smith cotton bible study) and then i start getting compliments and the other christians are all into me now so i have a base to build on, and in the midst of that i get a little cocky with my "hardcore" self, and start abusing my relationship with Christ, I start using it to get something. --do you see what happened there; i went from a place where i knew i had nothing to give so he started giving, to thinking i had something and taking away from Christ. It's crazy that God works like this but bear with me.<br />
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<b>He is passionate, He's wild, Untamable, Immutable, God Most High.</b><br />
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He loved me when i had nothing and gave me something and continues to give long after, but even if I give him everything, my dreams, my hopes, my wife, my kids, my career, all i have, i would still be giving him nothing, and yet he gives. That's love, that's communion, that's acceptance. And i love Him for it. As long as i'm in that mindset where that he loves me, not my ability or my mark on this world, but truly me, i know he's close. I've lost sight of it several times; life gets in the way you know? But even then he's there.<br />
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Now on to the show. . . i read what paul said, and i have nightmares without sleeping. Paul states that he accomplished everything in his society to receive status and success, and then he turned and did everything pleasing to christians to achieve status in ministry (he single handedly saved a quarter of the known world), and then he says he counts it all as nothing (NOTHING?), to the comparison of knowing Him who called him from the darkness. And that's what i wanted, it's why i still do it, I've had plenty of let downs, a myriad of people stop pursuing this passion to give up and tell me, "<a href="http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bunyan/pilgrim.html">good luck, you won't find it in that direction</a>", I've seen people get saved, delivered, healed, and set free, only to drag the name of Christ back down to a cave deeper than the one He called them out of to begin with, and you know what, He's still waiting for them all with open arms, with bigger ministry opportunities, with a new vision and a new heart, if they would just reach out and take it. I have "reason" enough to afford me a fairly comfortable life away from His calling and I'm only just now seeing that he's still calling me higher than i thought i could go. but i don't want reason, i want to know him like paul knew him, not so i can save a quarter of the known world or so people will tremble when they hear my name, but so i can love him. He made me to serve him and he saved me to love me. I couldn't receive his love apart from Christ, it was his good pleasure to crush Christ to get to me, God traded heaven's brightest for earth's dimwit. And that's what i love, that it's so unexpected, so unwarranted and yet so perfectly simple, His loving-kindness is a gift, his priority has always been you and me. I'm feeling sick now writing about it, my worth is wrapped up in Christ's work but what a shame if my "work" is wrapped up in Christ's worth. Because my work is nothing.<br />
<br />
Who knows what makes us special, not me, not los, not james, not moses, not paul, not billy graham, only he knows, and he's not telling. I will serve, i will press on, I will find his will for me, i'm just now getting the steam for this. . .<br />
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a short word to the haters, :pbbbbt<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-46383873043990912242012-02-04T08:44:00.002-07:002012-04-07T20:56:41.568-06:00Simpler Phrases...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So there is this little thing that bothers me. I usually don’t
mind convention or quaint cliché (btw Microsoft inserts the umlaut automatically,
awesome) but the implications of ideas are usually more far reaching than people
realize. It starts with a famous phrase that goes to the effect of:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>“There’s a God shaped hole in our hearts that only God can
fill.”</b></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I get the sentiment the idea is expressing it gives a
false view of the reality of our situation. Some Christians are under the
impression that people can’t do anything fulfilling or meaningful apart from
Christ. This is simply untrue. Egyptians built the pyramids without Christ, (although
they used a lot of other Jews strangely enough), scientists construct theories
without Christ; today a mother will give birth to her daughter “without Christ”.
People will find a multitude of things to fill up their hearts with and assuage
the biting truth of mortality and many if not most will be comforted outside of
the reality of Christian truth. The more pressing issue is our devotion to
comfort and our devotion to truth. The truth is that though we may find solace
and affirmation in the things we put in our hearts (i.e. work, family, charity,
friendships, learning, religion, etc.) our purpose and value as individuals is
not tied to those things (unless you are a Marxist). A more accurate picture
that actually represents the Gospel more honestly is:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>“There is a ‘<u>you</u>’ shaped hole in the heart of God
that only you can fill”</b></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our innate value and purpose is tied to this. His love for
us is attractional and without condition. He makes room in holiness, in perfection;
in Himself (some could say that he has ‘carved us out’). He draws us in and
those who see Him as this God of love and redemption are completely reliant on
this perspective. The first sentiment is wishful thinking geared at trying to
convince people that they need God, the second is a life-changing truth revealing
that God wants us. The Christian or the Jew is not special, the individual is
special, <i>you,</i> wherever you are, whatever you are doing, however you have come to
‘be’, <b>YOU</b> have a specific place in
the heart of God, don’t let anyone tell you different.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
-these and other truths brought to you by the Bible, now in
Technicolor!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-28979252742959933632012-02-02T19:21:00.001-07:002012-04-07T21:12:43.710-06:00Deconstruction: arts and crafts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG_biP-trvYk8jEEKVvficyqWGKSvNkg2SMak2n0xz-tn8iwzmJhKNvNHgdOTywMl9TmTUGR-zUYf8vhz-KvXNQRD-IgR0LYReOWdhvVXYw8KMPJeWcwR1VSPzVqB4fmAMXxvnnMZYPQ/s1600/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG_biP-trvYk8jEEKVvficyqWGKSvNkg2SMak2n0xz-tn8iwzmJhKNvNHgdOTywMl9TmTUGR-zUYf8vhz-KvXNQRD-IgR0LYReOWdhvVXYw8KMPJeWcwR1VSPzVqB4fmAMXxvnnMZYPQ/s1600/Untitled-1.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We craft for ourselves a God we want to serve then we strive
to appease and impress this false image.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We incorporate religious exercise into our schedules to
prove devotion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We judge others on an imbalanced and sliding scale while
judging ourselves in absolutes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-We fight with our faith family and offend our real family
all the while rarely ever going out of our way to connect with others who are
in “real” need.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">“We trade intimacy for busyness and relationship for ritual.”</span></b></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In all this we set ourselves up to feel and be disappointed.
This god we’ve attempted to construct is never like the God that is; he cannot
be satisfied, he always expects more and will guilt you into a lonely,
secluded, intellectually pompous and barren grave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It starts with us being too prideful to admit that “we” honestly
have no idea who He is or what He wants. So we start to “do” things in hopes to
make up for our lack of knowledge – then we guilt others by our seeming
scholarship and devotion. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Performance is and always will be a poor substitute for living
in the will of the Father. Our expectations should give way to our desire. Our
expectation is reward and punishment but our desire is Love; overpowering,
unabashed, everlasting Love. And that’s exactly what we find when we stop
striving and allow Him to reveal Himself without our instinctive preconceptions
and limited ideas.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-88326550854152995202012-01-27T18:58:00.000-07:002012-01-27T20:30:42.787-07:00Love works, criticism is lazy.Love is the thing that motivates the heart of God toward us. That love is executed through the church. So when mistakes are made, the proper way to handle it, is in love. When we fall God responds in love, when other's don't live up to our (unfair) expectations, love will change the entire dynamic.<br />
<br />
Any other motivation is slap in the grace of God. (including getting your opinion heard and being right) Jesus was right but He didn't allow that to get in the way of redemption. He denied His "rights" to appeal, His "rights" to be heard, His "right" to be respected; to esteem others.<br />
<br />
<div>
If that attribute is being reflected in you, consider yourself the 10% of the church that get's it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
-These and other truths brought to you by. . . the Bible, now in Technicolor!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE7gnCPpoOsbNH7a9WhtzYhD1bT78-ypg9VhaE0ndV8cuVoGiWb3jtPxlj8GRfuQuJfs41oKrEnrTaxYS2fwTeSvk9X0BPPqXFVnDisRLTsY9Hm4WNEqpPBCRSyXKeju9JEQK1ewJkuY/s1600/old_scratch01_011blu.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE7gnCPpoOsbNH7a9WhtzYhD1bT78-ypg9VhaE0ndV8cuVoGiWb3jtPxlj8GRfuQuJfs41oKrEnrTaxYS2fwTeSvk9X0BPPqXFVnDisRLTsY9Hm4WNEqpPBCRSyXKeju9JEQK1ewJkuY/s1600/old_scratch01_011blu.png" /></a><br />the Devil is in the generalities and the details... <br /><br /><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 9.6pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="float: right; max-width: 180px;"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-88249967241963684962012-01-21T09:59:00.001-07:002012-01-27T20:49:03.838-07:00Grace vs. UsThe sooner we accept our ineptitude, the sooner grace changes us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUcTm4lomOIGTL3u8K2yS5Qgy4E6n0hQABfVz2KtnGs5gao95FTEF1aXmMxrUH3gBbtSVR1WggImjUapQ9EX05U_s75RhveKeGPTEt8XFGtdtmHq-IjC9lqclkx-ITq8uHcIOls8TBdg/s1600/blog-banner.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUcTm4lomOIGTL3u8K2yS5Qgy4E6n0hQABfVz2KtnGs5gao95FTEF1aXmMxrUH3gBbtSVR1WggImjUapQ9EX05U_s75RhveKeGPTEt8XFGtdtmHq-IjC9lqclkx-ITq8uHcIOls8TBdg/s1600/blog-banner.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The problem in the modern leadership paradigm that we’ve created with our modern "spectacular rock-show exhibition seeker obsessive church-plant megastar media whore-of-a-ministry" model (whew) is that even though we place an immensely weighted emphasis on the gospel (which is wholly good) we also place more and more onus on our abilities and others. <br />
<br />
If you took away all the pretense and all the glamour of your church experience could you stand to be exposed to a small room of 20 people studying and discussing the bible on its own merits and personal revelation? There is NO ability in us that transforms others, no value in our expertise; it is grace alone that changes men! Anything else is a demi-idol that threatens the true work of the gospel in men’s hearts. <br />
<br />
We cannot partially rely on grace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-42482904091701573562012-01-21T06:34:00.000-07:002012-01-21T07:00:24.194-07:00rePost from RESURGENCE:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><cite style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">from: <a href="http://theresurgence.com/authors/pastor-brad-house" style="color: #ba0000; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Brad House</a></cite><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVloNdziYrB2tXjURgaznaMZGFQsRdINLH1ufk1dbQiLs35Fdwn7K00ftodMxTWFjSqxMbgG4mE6Z6DqcdlnZ_78cY3H8i-nmEyixA8Br3vRU4oNXv_HesR5q6TAytddcS609Rcy4utY/s1600/center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVloNdziYrB2tXjURgaznaMZGFQsRdINLH1ufk1dbQiLs35Fdwn7K00ftodMxTWFjSqxMbgG4mE6Z6DqcdlnZ_78cY3H8i-nmEyixA8Br3vRU4oNXv_HesR5q6TAytddcS609Rcy4utY/s320/center.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have recently noticed a trend of churches giving up on the notion that community is an essential component of church life.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many are deciding that community is an optional experience that is helpful but not elemental to being a healthy disciple of Jesus. I think this is a significant mistake. There is no biblical support for personal, autonomous Christianity.</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> If we want to truly make disciples who advance the gospel, we must not only see the importance of community, but we must understand it to be essential to the church.</b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Community is a gift of God’s grace and essential for the Christian life. Community is not a peripheral ministry. Our communities should be the most palpable expression of the gospel within the church. As culture reflects the values of its citizens, Community Groups reflect the values of the church.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If our church does not place a high value on community, then we are already disconnected from the gospel convictions related to community.</b></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My experience has been that most churches consider community a value, but many have a hard time living out that value in a way that is visible and recognizable. The church is constantly pulled to do so many things that it can be easy to neglect or devalue Community Groups within the sea of programs churches provide.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Breathing Life Back into Your Small Group</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If, however, we are going to breathe life back into the community of the church and see it function as God designed, we need to start thinking differently. Social justice, overseas missions, youth programs, food banks, sports ministries, and so on are acceptable programs, but they are not the center of God’s mission. They are support tools through which a gospel-saturated community can intentionally engage the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If we put all our energy into the tangential and neglect the center, we have no fertile ground where people can land and grow. I have heard such tangential ministries described as a funnel, drawing people into the church as they swirl toward the center. Ignoring the visual similarity to being flushed, the problem with a funnel is that it has a hole in the center.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Similarly, this has also been my experience when we neglect building the body of Christ. In order to breathe life back into your small group ministry, you must have a clear sense of its value and importance to your church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You cannot hope to gain momentum and life in such a ministry while simultaneously marginalizing it through resource allocation or ministry dilution. Elevating Community Groups to the proper (and balanced) level of significance is critical </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-17482313573470652862012-01-19T14:24:00.000-07:002012-03-08T13:07:49.872-07:00You are the Movement<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br />
my new blog idea =/<240 words<br />
<br />
People often get the wrong impression when i say things like "we are building toward a movement", or "I don't want a ministry I want a movement." I'm guilty of a lot of things; one of my primary vices is saying the same things continuously with little (or no) exposition.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIO3xv-ymPfRE5zENPFrzf6-_9nliYI-mR0UrhcoLU6zvk8Zqn0KHTPzToG1ASGPt-X8Su6tzSOJXeENVEBBijvEP_wEhEHY2U2YrNcuesT1x6RwC90F3yG-lZp0MW9HiDs_VjonSHxQ/s1600/movement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIO3xv-ymPfRE5zENPFrzf6-_9nliYI-mR0UrhcoLU6zvk8Zqn0KHTPzToG1ASGPt-X8Su6tzSOJXeENVEBBijvEP_wEhEHY2U2YrNcuesT1x6RwC90F3yG-lZp0MW9HiDs_VjonSHxQ/s320/movement.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, it's shutterstock, So What?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is this "movement" I'm so apt to throw around in casual conversation? Well, of course we want a lasting/impacting community that is authentic, spirit-led, and reproducible, but the intent of movement (as far as I’m concerned) is not organizational, it is explicitly individual and ever-increasing in measure. I want to see movement in singular hearts that ignites faith into action and action into deeper faith. Make no mistake, there is no reproducible system that is not first individually transformative and gradually tested.<br />
<br />
That is all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-27459226592177212552011-11-23T11:21:00.001-07:002012-01-19T14:58:23.182-07:00Looking back - thinking ahead - living now<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCms95OQFCWzN16lP32titU50qYIrtC5WFSsdri6Z4YlUaG7cXV4t3sdpDsczg7dmXrfcv0ytsANmbFcLk7uIGT4QCTUYCaNY_2_qLzVfBhrdTSgKfqb-q9GNg5CpjugUxVS5cmNNaEwQ/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCms95OQFCWzN16lP32titU50qYIrtC5WFSsdri6Z4YlUaG7cXV4t3sdpDsczg7dmXrfcv0ytsANmbFcLk7uIGT4QCTUYCaNY_2_qLzVfBhrdTSgKfqb-q9GNg5CpjugUxVS5cmNNaEwQ/s200/clock.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Caught in Wash - Dry - Rinse - Repeat</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It
often feels like everything in our lives demands our attention. We are
constantly in a flux of self-doubt or self-conceit and the smallest
circumstance pulls us deeper in both extremes. Nostalgia plays a big part in
the disappointment that we often feel about our lack of involvement or the
winding down of excitement in our lives. Fear of the future is another point of
contention that drains us of the courage and fortitude to make a sound and
lasting impact in our respective communities. There is a better way, we were
made for “more than living”. </span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There
are plenty of things in my past I’m not proud of and there are even more lost
opportunities than I can count, but if I allowed those things to dictate my
destiny I would accomplish nothing from here on out. In the same way, dread of
not accomplishing anything worthwhile hinders my ability to function
accordingly in the immediate.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So
what do we do?</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We
consider all things in the past gone, the only thing the past provides is
perspective; everyday is different and poses new challenges so what could we
possibly gain from filling ourselves with sorrow over things that are “over”. I’m
not saying get over it because that is shallow, simplistic, and in a lot of
cases not the best answer. Don’t “get over it”, but allow it to be over. Confront
it, let it settle, recognize that the past is a part of you but it isn’t all of
you unless you allow it to be.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
the same way we must step into the present with fresh eyes; recognize
there is no ideal future we can plan for. It doesn’t exist, there are only the
decisions we make right now. I’m always interested in the promises that people
make to God because they often involve things that we have little to no control
over. Behavior is not entirely under our jurisdiction it’s more a matter of
self-release than self-control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow
God to be God and have jurisdiction over the past where he works, the future he
has prepared and the right now where he draws you into relationship with his
Spirit.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-88907987454474924282011-11-19T08:12:00.001-07:002011-11-19T08:15:38.072-07:006 Things I Want to Give Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURKniKLSf-ecLJdH3dTMCCU1xOKzobtHQ-FsATs75OHyzzyo7gi6dhQb3bJHhIo6JrCXTKkS-egsfiXxjyJum7Z2b6ASmxIoDGL0mcInwGyisw2p-mhNvwU1_ll8WoHNsK0J1TsKrilo/s1600/ornament2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURKniKLSf-ecLJdH3dTMCCU1xOKzobtHQ-FsATs75OHyzzyo7gi6dhQb3bJHhIo6JrCXTKkS-egsfiXxjyJum7Z2b6ASmxIoDGL0mcInwGyisw2p-mhNvwU1_ll8WoHNsK0J1TsKrilo/s400/ornament2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Had an
interesting meeting with the transit “Family/Student Ministries” team this
week. (Lots of really innovative plans coming through, btw.) A question was
asked on a specific level that I want to ask on a broad level. Namely: “What
are 5 or 6 things you want to pour into others that will be meaningful for the
rest of their lives?” On a student level this makes sense because you have a
few years of consistent teaching, so it naturally follows that we should focus
on a few specific things. In the young adult world this also makes sense. But
the thing that got my brain fixated on this idea was the application on those
we “do life” with. I asked myself a similar question in theSHIFT, but I think I
may have asked too little too late. These things should probably be considered
before we are preparing to leave.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My list
formed pretty quickly, and now I know to start implementing these insights into
the conversation a lot earlier and with more purpose.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e_VCN8n3lcNThkGRiC2YX4VAtuIHzos85iwn6zK8eglq9SNKh5POQzvsEyUmLJ2ZAlciXfQxbC3CNdKV81h7AwP5bQQHdgSgkmzwHjWGOBJEiAMN4k_iLS6lEeFfsruIDOOXb8kMXhs/s1600/mustache.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e_VCN8n3lcNThkGRiC2YX4VAtuIHzos85iwn6zK8eglq9SNKh5POQzvsEyUmLJ2ZAlciXfQxbC3CNdKV81h7AwP5bQQHdgSgkmzwHjWGOBJEiAMN4k_iLS6lEeFfsruIDOOXb8kMXhs/s1600/mustache.png" /></a>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">God
isn't about church, God is about us as individuals.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">There
is no substitution for fellowship and accountability</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Personal
devotion trumps collective devotion (every time)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">CS
Lewis knows what he's talkin about</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">We are all called to "go"
and "make disciples" (refusal to do so is a blatant disobedience)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Relationships
are God’s way of training you to be more like Jesus. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-5257438587288870452011-11-18T13:36:00.001-07:002012-04-08T06:45:52.475-06:00Some things we "DO".<br />
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In our sad and clenching attempts to follow God, we so often
destroy the very vibrant life and people he came to save.</div>
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You see it in churches where guilt and obligation continue
to be the driving force of ministry – from smiling but utterly broken group leaders, to
sweat drenched parking attendants. From tenured Sunday school teachers to empty
offering plates. We must get out of this “made up” mess of “doing church”.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn_VSfCPm5QNFhvb1a-qZxywHKQTgtPrMqcq32M0mEMIAiOP3tojeC5WONBci9L6HZz0UjEvytLYKvSDvt3fLYVG69afr9elSsy-0PVNDoyGFIOlg6ldcQgZ0nP8VwRqkiByp5sJoLoM/s1600/minist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLn_VSfCPm5QNFhvb1a-qZxywHKQTgtPrMqcq32M0mEMIAiOP3tojeC5WONBci9L6HZz0UjEvytLYKvSDvt3fLYVG69afr9elSsy-0PVNDoyGFIOlg6ldcQgZ0nP8VwRqkiByp5sJoLoM/s1600/minist.png" /></a></div>
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This isn’t my soap box, my concerns lie somewhere else entirely, but this is simple application. The Gospel is a deep exciting life of adventure and
actualization. There is nothing stale or empty about it. I’m not questioning
whether people are saved I’m questioning whether or not they realize what that
means. . .</div>
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Simply put: much of the modern church is ill equipped to
serve the world and make disciples because we have become full of programs and agendas
and empty of life giving power.</div>
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Activity cannot substitute incimacy. <a href="http://twitter.com/blenderzen">#DrawClose</a> everything else will take
care of itself.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-52472418329417088332011-08-07T08:31:00.004-06:002011-08-07T09:20:25.532-06:00the Holy Catholic Church. . . (Not that one, the other one) We are a united people. Our cause and purpose is all the same. We have a reliance on each citizen and an accountability that reinstates that reliance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJuISf7t4r1nM1BHJkzLjXWY6PPa3AitygYnKlpfjggWaW9yMSDYxzTj1mfW_a-OmZL6r3oU-YJWpT2cd2DHQ7EAcfmRsulYccvi7P1HsftGA6CGfIGk86uZHKbRXm6FcjuFAR6MjJ2Y/s1600/LinkedHands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJuISf7t4r1nM1BHJkzLjXWY6PPa3AitygYnKlpfjggWaW9yMSDYxzTj1mfW_a-OmZL6r3oU-YJWpT2cd2DHQ7EAcfmRsulYccvi7P1HsftGA6CGfIGk86uZHKbRXm6FcjuFAR6MjJ2Y/s320/LinkedHands2.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />
We are United at all times. It is a natural inclination to reject the interdependence that fuels all of Christianity, but we must grasp and come to terms with the overwhelming responsibility of standing and falling together. I know the initial reaction to this unity principle is "if they fail then they did it on their own" or even worse "They made those decisions, they deserve what they get!" Holy God, are we saved for such a disgusting spiritual state as the modern church portrays?!?<br />
<blockquote>Here's an example: I recently found out that an old friend got divorced. Apparently there were problems in the relationship for years. For a little background, this friend was a beaming example of what meant to be "radically saved"; his experience literally built my theology of God's power to change everything in a life. Knowing that God had moved so mightily in this couples lives, I was brought to instant brokenness for them. Understand that i wasn't disappointed that they brought yet another failed marriage into the forefront of the minds of unbelievers, nor was I critical of their disregard of Jesus' clear teaching that the Father hates divorce. No, my immediate concern was how have I [and by extension the entire church] failed them. I saw them both once a year for the past 8 years, did I go out of my way to connect with them, to pray with or for them, to give my heart to them. I love them both and when they fail, I fail. </blockquote>When you fail I don't want to know so I can condemn you. I need to know because we are "the body of Christ". We fail together and we will rise the same, friend! In the same way, when you triumph I don't want to puff you up or put you on a pedestal. I desperately want to share in victory because the risen Christ has made the difference for us.<br />
<br />
There isn't an option here, if you are united with Christ you are united to His people. We can't afford to keep doing it any other way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-14683970683041684442011-07-13T17:27:00.001-06:002011-11-19T09:13:24.055-07:00Curiosity killed the cat, God brought the cat from death to life. . .<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel the need to define what it is to be “missional” from a purely one-sided and personal viewpoint. Usually when we talk about missional attitudes or missional paradigms, the discussion leans heavily on the church as a whole and where we hope every disciple ends up (or at least a large community within). But today I just want to say what is pouring out of my heart as it applies to me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.joethorn.net/wp-content/uploads/Blues_Brothers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.joethorn.net/wp-content/uploads/Blues_Brothers.png" width="283" /></a>I have inside of me an ever-increasing desire to see God move. And to be perfectly honest it’s 50% selfish ambition, 50% inspired. I’ve lived a life in service to a King, I’ve seen His power manifest through great movements and through the unexpected (maybe even mundane) events of everyday life. These experiences have continually brought me back to a place where I fully admit that I have no idea what He’s up to. And still I seek out His Hand. Now, it’s not my intention to wax poetic, on the contrary, I fully intend to show the practical application of this internal compass. </div>
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While I’m under no constraint or obligation to see God “do His thing”, I’m drawn to it. I’m always curious about what He is doing in the lives of others. Not in this monumentally overshadowing (often fictional) thing we’ve affectionately term a “<a href="http://thesmallestpeace.blogspot.com/2011/07/calling-falling.html"><b>calling</b></a>”. No, I want to know what He is doing inside of others. For some it may be ministry but in most cases it’s a simple lesson that can be easily explained by open and honest communication. This is where community comes in. If I have truly connected with someone, this process is as natural as commenting on the weather. And I get excited about this stuff. To be more precise I get fueled by this “day-to-day” acting out of what God is doing in us. When I turn the spotlight around and place it on myself in this context I can see God doing the same type of thing in me. He’s teaching me (seemingly) simple lessons by the experiences I go through. In some cases I get it right away and move on to the next, at other [full disclosure=most]times I wrestle with the validity or truth of the thing that God is trying to reveal to me.</div>
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Now what does all that have to do with missional. Well, seeing the hand of God move in my own individual life (regardless of the enormity or commonality) births a greater desire to actively give myself to the community God has placed me in, which in turn fuels my passion to promote the Gospel which, of course, compels me to seek out the lost, to heal the broken, give to the poor, and love people. To me missional is this life lived toward others, giving myself away for the promotion of the Gospel. And not the Gospel as a formula, but as a redemptive story lived out by anyone turning away from darkness and embracing the light in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>any</u></i> capacity.</div>
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That’s how I see it today, it will likely evolve. I’m curious about what it looks like in the actual lives of others.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-40012844896573606492011-07-13T17:06:00.001-06:002011-11-18T23:07:04.848-07:00A Calling Falling. . .<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don’t want to be unfair to those people who feel genuinely “called” to a specific task in the Kingdom. But often when we refer to a “calling” we really mean “the thing we ought to do”. While I fully believe that God has a path laid out for each of us; we are not called to a path we are called to Christ. Put another way Christ is our goal, our milestone, and foundation of the journey (put simpler still He “is the way the truth and the life”). Those things we should be doing are simply ways of getting to him, but even in those there is failure and dependence. In those areas His grace brings the Goal to us. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZxmmpeepQ7fVBXTWGsL-snQ57cUAMYJMSkb7mLovJx6-oc3czNKAUsXu_JkLh1Yy11lq-o6YiOk7JKtT4PlI4pqUnK2gFhpKPJwLaLTqIxnpla30lTC_2ZKp8nXQ1-su2S21okUYuro/s1600/calling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZxmmpeepQ7fVBXTWGsL-snQ57cUAMYJMSkb7mLovJx6-oc3czNKAUsXu_JkLh1Yy11lq-o6YiOk7JKtT4PlI4pqUnK2gFhpKPJwLaLTqIxnpla30lTC_2ZKp8nXQ1-su2S21okUYuro/s1600/calling.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I feel like the more we over-emphasize the calling the more we exempt people from the things they ought to be doing regardless of calling. This is what brings on responses like:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b> </b><b>“I care about missions, but I’m not called to missions.”</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Really? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Seriously?!?</span> You're not called to make disciples and give yourself away? My only floored response to that backwards materialistic [reason i rant in the first place] mentality is, “When did Jesus call you to watch TV 4 hours a day, or buy your fourth vehicle? And yet you still manage to accomplish those tasks, hmmm?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204:17&version=NLT"><b>James 4:17</b></a> is a serious indictment against this attitude. Mistaking a calling for a ministry or a position is one of the leading causes of apathy and slothfulness in our modern churchscape. We must cry out, make clear, and teach sensibly that the Gospel frees us from seeking position and status and releases us to do His will and not please men.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Call to Christ is foremost; everything else is fluxing between what we should do and what we were each individually created to do.</span></blockquote>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-39696165768725412672011-07-13T16:35:00.001-06:002012-03-08T12:56:03.056-07:00The Big 3<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mission – Vision – Strategy</span></div>
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The founding of a movement should be organic.” </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwV5NTjGe6GjQppjbbSccqTOzXXA3Vc0bNiGzawBSIXb396YvyZQRaB8ZEEfHBYtHPKRg-Vd8giTqUEO-Cx1Kvzd_0DM8Gbxk0jc27cKTcDN7OIJBhTyA1jXMTFLFhfcs51ovUtxgRz8/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwV5NTjGe6GjQppjbbSccqTOzXXA3Vc0bNiGzawBSIXb396YvyZQRaB8ZEEfHBYtHPKRg-Vd8giTqUEO-Cx1Kvzd_0DM8Gbxk0jc27cKTcDN7OIJBhTyA1jXMTFLFhfcs51ovUtxgRz8/" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A valid statement, for sure, but a little muddy when it comes to the specifics. These are three general ingredients to address on the road to building community. Not 3 steps, or 3 must haves. These pieces will be confronted in the natural process of acting on the call to Christ in you, however, if we define and shape these ideas beforehand, I believe we will be in a receptive position that recognizes and acts on their approach.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Mission</span></b> – <u>the specific thing we will accomplish</u> (example: Bring salvation to the unchurched population)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Vision</span></b> – <u>what God gives us to accomplish mission</u> (example: the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Strategy</span></b> – <u>the plan we apply to the vision to accomplish mission</u> (example: draw ppl to community serve others and weekly small groups)</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They may be consecutive in application but they are definitely not consecutive in conception. Sometimes God births a vision that draws you to a mission, sometimes you get mission and nothing else, I’m my case I responded to an opportunity to develop strategy and out of that process I found a mission to invest in and God started to grow a vision in me. If starting the movement or being a catalyst to community or change is in your heart, studying these themes may be extremely beneficial.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We should not become so tied to any of the three that we get them confused with each other or the bigger picture of what God is trying to do in us. We should re-approach them at common intervals to see if we are still “in step” with what God actually wants. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have friends who experienced deep (even tragic) loss that pulled them away from ministry. At the time failure is all anyone could see, but I can say with confidence that the plan of God isn’t predictable and many times the immediate struggle is necessary to get to the place where the right mission can be accomplished effectively.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-35875214670054947222011-06-19T21:52:00.001-06:002011-06-19T21:55:34.138-06:00The Kids Are Not All Right. . .<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Starting Point<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">I believe we are facing a crucial time in history; a time that will be defined by the very act and focus of the modern church. Much like the Reformation and the Great American Awakening, the course of our societal norms will be shifted in the current generations’ response to the Gospel. As postmodernism phases into the next wave of skepticism or anti-authoritarianism, the unified body of Christ in its traditional form stands at the gates of spiritual awareness and knowledge; ready to bring in or close off the oncoming seekers of truth. There are many issues that go along with this “gatekeeper” role and, I believe, the church as a whole is going to have to bear a more intentional burden of welcoming, training, and sending out the next wave of reluctant converts. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">If we are to be effective in this new dynamic there are some communal practices that must be revised and adopted. There are modes of worship that will be adjusted and there are styles of teaching that will shake many of our traditional “senses”. But the end result will be an embracive Christianity that becomes more than a refuge for the old and fearful, more than a retreat for those abandoning a sinking ship (the world), and more than a moralistic daycare for the too-young-to-know-better. This new Christianity will stand for Christ and advance the gospel in ways that previous generations never imagined (and, disappointingly, never attempted). The church has an obligation to evaluate and restructure its priorities to accomplish this providential and awesome task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">There are four ways I believe that will make the difference when it comes to engaging the current youth paradigm. They are: making Connections, presenting Community, providing Challenge, and becoming Catalysts. [In true minister fashion alliteration is the best form of presenting concepts (Craddock, 1985)] As a program these ideals are lacking but as a baseline for reconsidering or confirming our current models they have enormous potential. It will be up to youth leaders and those that have a heart for what God might do with a generation completely given to the gospel to present these notions to congregations across the world. There are already small pockets already doing so. Reggie Joiner, Andy Stanley, and Brian Haynes are some gleaming examples of moving away from compartmentalized ministry groupings and into a more collaborative and unified pool of experiences that draw congregations into the lives of children, teenager, and young adults alike.(Haynes, 2009)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.social-engineer.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/making-connections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.social-engineer.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/making-connections.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Making Connections<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">I could never be blamed for brevity, my writing style is overly conversational, but it goes back to my years in youth ministry. I learned quickly that relating to youth meant literally having a “relationship with youth”. We must connect on a deeper-than-acknowledgement level with children. Think “family”. We are not simply content to know our brothers/sisters/parents/children/cousins (well maybe cousins) exist; we also want to know their aspirations and fears so that we can invest ourselves into their potential. That’s what children and young adults so desperately need from their peers and mentors; they must be validated by relationship and not mere association. The church has miserably attempted to associate with the youth culture while completely missing many opportunities to become part of their story. (Robbins, 2004)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Connections come in many forms; one of the cautions in making connections is attempting to strategize for numbers. There is nothing implicitly wrong with increasing numbers but the second a teenager feels that their value is diminished or manipulated, they will shut down and likely have a negative impact by the rapid fire microcosm of “word-of-mouth” advertisement. Our focus will have to be individually granted, this means larger youth teams and more relational training. Thankfully there have been amazing strides in these areas from Youth training seminars () to entire textbooks on the subject.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Presenting Community<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">After we’ve become a part of their story it is vital that we become attractional in “our story”. This requires a more directive approach on the part of the local body of Christ. We must get back to being community (tribal?) minded. (Hogan, 2011) The bible teaches that we were made to glorify God “together” as the church not alone as rigid individuals (Ephesians 3:20-4:12). The New Testament paradigm wasn’t a matter of influence and ability but more an astonishingly simple application of being there for each other in everything no matter what. Kids need to see this as a reality of church. Postmodernism has destroyed the illusion that the church is a benefit to society as a whole, it is up to the congregations of today to retake the mantle that the Holy Spirit lit in that small group of believers in Jerusalem that became the model of change and unification over the next millennia.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">Community isn’t about being “touchy feely” or ignoring critical issues. It’s about doing life together! Sharing in the joys and struggle’s of one another. This is a dynamic that a teenager is less likely to abandon in their college years (Kinnaman & Lyons, 2011). Community is a venue for revitalizing all aspects of church life not only youth, as a congregation becomes more unified and interpersonal, the experience of Christian living becomes emboldened by the power of the Holy Spirit in individual lives. Often through accountability and the mentorship/discipleship processes. (Barna, 2011)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/kotaku/2009/09/street_challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/kotaku/2009/09/street_challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Providing Challenge</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> This dynamic is the simplest to teach and the hardest to implement. Challenge involves the deeply committed aspect of our spiritual lives. In its simplest form it is a matter for devotionals. Study and meditation are foundational principles in challenging new (and old) Christians. As it applies to youth there are areas where we, as the church, can belittle and even patronize people. We must be careful not to oversimplify the Call of God and His purpose in the lives of people. We can’t force this mentality into the life of children but it is a severe mistake to not promote and emulate the spiritual disciplines (prayer, meditation, reading, fasting, fellowship, etc.). (Root, 2007)Challenge is a rite of passage (especially among young males). Creating a sense of healthy pride in accomplishment can be an intentional and spiritual experience. It is our job as leaders and Christians to create and allow that experience to take place in the individual lives of youth. This may take great patience and one-on-one attention, but the end result is integral to continual growth into the college and career ages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2364906206_5d83c22da8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2364906206_5d83c22da8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Becoming Catalysts</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> It is vital that youth leaders and workers understand the interconnected relationship of the lager Christian body and the youth programs within that body. This interrelation can then be easily bridged into the life of young people taking hold of personal relationships in Christ. It’s easy to follow the catch-phrase perspective of youth being the “church of tomorrow”, but a shift needs to be made to the church of right now. Musically inclined youth should be encouraged to worship freely (in their own modes without too many restrictions), while astute youth should be allowed to lead or teach in certain capacities; realizing it is never too early to bring kids into the process of reaching out to others in love. God desires to have an impact in elementary schools and in corporations, treating children like they’re roles are diminished is no way to prepare them for the hardship and sacrifice of the Christian life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> There is no guarantee that these processes alone will solidify or reinvigorate any youth program; however, carefully considering their implications and application within established or considered models is a step in the right direction. We must take the business of discipling youth more intentionally. There is little room for complacency if we are to be impactful in the generations present in our congregations today. I’m reminded of a simple adage from a prominent contemporary pastor, “Everybody ends up somewhere but few people end up somewhere on purpose”. (Groeshel, 2006) It is the church’s’ responsibility as a whole to put that purpose within reach of students.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-71708281438399693352011-06-19T16:31:00.000-06:002011-11-18T15:46:53.546-07:00Extended Offers. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxwOlSEpEgMArGa9gf73XmrI48KWjFr2CtQ9dvvoVGd4VIzHTC0vBy6Ynh1eiEr1F8dgXaAOPSCYSLsyS5ERtnr5VBZ0fyWhhTCHyqYIbhH6guoyh-qWhi7oSZZJnOaNEG5osPFZrzlg/s1600/Supernatural-.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxwOlSEpEgMArGa9gf73XmrI48KWjFr2CtQ9dvvoVGd4VIzHTC0vBy6Ynh1eiEr1F8dgXaAOPSCYSLsyS5ERtnr5VBZ0fyWhhTCHyqYIbhH6guoyh-qWhi7oSZZJnOaNEG5osPFZrzlg/s320/Supernatural-.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Extending relationship is what brought me into the faith.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I believe it is what Jesus gave to the disciples and what they in turn used to build that world-changing church in the first century. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">The family of God should welcome, encourage, build-up, be there for, and challenge us throughout our spiritual lives.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Salvation is not the only thing that we offer people.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">We offer them our lives along with Christ's life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">We get to be a part of what God is doing on the Earth today.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida grande', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">If that doesn't get you pumped then you don't get the Vision!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-71679628987307362322011-06-09T15:40:00.001-06:002011-11-18T14:42:27.476-07:00Modern Contrasts . . . Tribes (pt4)Recently entertaining some thoughts on tribe. . . foundational post <a href="http://thesmallestpeace.blogspot.com/2011/03/ink-and-islands-tribes-pt1.html"><b><i>here</i></b></a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Islam is right in that it embraces tribal identity and all it's requirements. But in that embrace of an ultimate good there is a rejection of an equal good; namely, progress.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Western society has embraced progress (some would say idolized) at the same level, and rejected tribe (more appropriatley, in this context, communal accountability).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Why couldn't these two things grow together? In the simplest frame, it is a matter of lazyness. Progress is easy when not "weighted" with ethical constraint (think abortion), the reverse is just as true. Tribalism is easier to manage in the familial and simplistic narrative of the dark ages but when applied to an increasingly wider scope its influence is constantly challenged in a way that undermines shaky (or, in most cases, false) authority.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To do both well requires a tremendous amount of energy and focus. So much that both societies have chosen the easy route.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A proper Christian worldview requires the application and development of both. Progress and tribe are complimenting characteristics of God's redemptive narrative. The church is still figuring this out. Be patient with us as we wander. . .</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-20375058208346345952011-06-06T13:20:00.000-06:002011-06-06T13:20:04.613-06:00Church beSchmirch<div class="MsoNormal">I’m reading “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Think-Orange-Imagine-Impact-Collide/dp/1434764834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307387900&sr=8-1">Think Orange</a>” by Reggie Joiner and came across this train of thought:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Multiple expressions of the church are important in communicating God’s story to a diverse culture.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some leaders suggest </div><div class="MsoNormal">that institutional churches can never be relational.<br />
that traditional churches can never be relevant,<br />
that megachurches can never be intimate,<br />
that attractional churches are not missional,<br />
that missional churches don’t draw people,<br />
that emergent churches never teach anything substantial,<br />
that seeker churches don’t have depth, and<br />
that organic churches don’t have any direction.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">[he goes on]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I hope whatever version of church you are leading (or for those of you who are organic, whatever nonversion of church you are not leading), that you are willing to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rethink</i>. . .”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just thought you might enjoy that.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-31485414721069571572011-05-24T22:04:00.004-06:002011-11-18T23:05:16.011-07:00The Devils in the Details . . . in general<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
let's all be honest for a second.</div>
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Love is the thing that motivates the heart of God toward us. that love is executed through us as the church. When mistakes are made, in light of this truth, the proper way to handle it is in love. When we fall God responds in love, when other's don't live up to our (unfair) expectations, love will change the entire dynamic.</div>
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Any other motivation is a slap in the grace of God. (that includes getting your opinion heard and being right) Jesus was right but He didn't allow that to get in the way of redemption. He denied His "rights" to appeal, His "rights" to be heard, His "right" to be respected. All to lift others up.</div>
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If that attribute is being reflected in your life, consider yourself the 10% of the church that get's it.</div>
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these and other truths brought to you by. . . the Bible, now in Technicolor!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-48050725494647040552011-05-19T15:54:00.001-06:002011-11-18T23:03:33.240-07:00Missional Schmishinal. . .<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ardentcries.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/missional-signs-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ardentcries.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/missional-signs-150x150.jpg" /></a>Lots of stuff to process today, I’m currently wrapping my head around (sounds better than “reading”, huh) Alan Hirsch and the Brother’s Ferguson. Of course, the overall modernist approach to ministry is the missional model, but how in the world do we bring this idea to pass in our time? It’s difficult to place a model that works, especially in the more “doctrinated” circles that exist. So what are we to do? My first response is, <b>“Start asking the questions.”</b> Now is literally the time to put ourselves to the test. Are we seeing any redemptive change in society? Put another way: <u>Is the power of redemption impacting us, those around us, and the world we interact with</u>?</div>
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Now that’s where we start, here are some thoughts that are helping me build a framework (mindset) toward action.</div>
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-Small group –What’s the point? Jesus modeled building, pouring into, doing life with (whatever else ya wanna call it), 12 guys (there were others but they were all an extension of this initial troupe). <b><u>Are we finding</u></b> like minded, appropriate to our station, <b><u>“others” to grow with</u></b>? Or are we just going through the motions of intimacy with none of the investment, pain, and true joy of intimacy</div>
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-The New Testament does not solidify or ordain an official “form” of church; allowing Christianity to integration into all levels of society and become diverse enough to build a host of traditions without apostasy or ridicule. <b>This may mean that what works for some will not work for all, and what works for most shouldn’t be pushed to all.</b> “<u>I became all things, to all men, that I might save some</u>.”.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dtBw4ejunGuwO9iTFZImBQJ3WSdM6QV9fZ1Tk0b7U3LPDqx2np1tCUOVKcnV7UPC0DJ3WccFvqMCvB0QUMNu71z_Ro7nng808E48rvTB3wu-68GxjEEq2BW1oCJ_xZ1JUbQ5WDlBd4w/s1600/missional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dtBw4ejunGuwO9iTFZImBQJ3WSdM6QV9fZ1Tk0b7U3LPDqx2np1tCUOVKcnV7UPC0DJ3WccFvqMCvB0QUMNu71z_Ro7nng808E48rvTB3wu-68GxjEEq2BW1oCJ_xZ1JUbQ5WDlBd4w/s320/missional.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="172" /></a>-I’m not looking/begging/trying/working/teaching for church growth (if that’s all I wanted there are proven models to get there). No, on the contrary (anti-growth), we are investing in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>impact</u></i>. Impact in my personal life, impact in our faith communities, and impact in the social structure. That’s where the gospel matters, that’s where God wants to bring His power to save.</div>
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-There will be a point when we have to take a side between two subtly opposing mentalities that garner two opposing approaches and results.</div>
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(1)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>I must do the best I can in spite of the evil that surrounds me and hopefully God can start to bring change and “fix” the problems here.</blockquote>
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(2)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>God placed me here with intent and purpose, orchestrated the circumstances and needs around me in such a way that would allow His glory and love to be fully given to the redemptive purposes of Jesus Christ.</blockquote>
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I’m aware that in this context, with these words, it’s easy to pick which one we should believe, but just below the surface is the subtlety that so easily lulls us into inaction and “church routine. One is a stance that says “there isn’t much we can do”; the other says “<b><u>only we can do it</u></b>”!</div>
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There is more, so much more. . . </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3143338192251424230.post-45542172933520421152011-05-16T16:06:00.001-06:002011-06-12T06:38:07.635-06:00You. . .<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">This is dedicated to C.H. Banks, a poet.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Louder than my voice, You have spoken in me</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Deeper than my longing, You have sprung eternal</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Beyond my foresight, You are prophesying to me</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">After all my reason, You are unimaginable (and speaking unimaginable things)<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Before my expectation, You've exceeded what is conceivable</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">In the most secret place, You consume me completely</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">And deep calls out to deep<br />
</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Above a kingdom's reach, Your reign overcomes</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Beneath the meaning of existence, Your laws dictate reality</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">At the moment of seeking, You have sought and found</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Greater than my strength, You uphold the infinite (and I within it more carefully)</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><br />
In the fulfillment of time, You are waiting</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">With the wisdom of the ages, Your ways are everlasting</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">And deep calls out to deep, whispering your fullness:<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">"If there is faith, You are believed."</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">"If there is hope, You are looked upon."</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">"If there is love, You are reflected."</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815765879509205862noreply@blogger.com0