Impactful churches

Tomorrow I will be preaching on Philippians 2:1-13 regarding what Paul had to say about what it means to be a church. I came across an article from Homiletics that discussed what a high impact church might look like. I decided to use much of what they had to say as it fit the series that I have been preaching on during the month of September. The focus has been on what it means to be a disciple and I found that this article and scripture helped bring it to an end about using all that previously was talked about and bringing to the level of what it means to use our gifts, be sincere in our love, bless others, rejoice, and not repay evil with evil, and last week was not being judgmental about others and honor the opinions of others and agree on the essentials. Now we take this to the church.
Paul writes that a church is most effective when we can be of like mind having the same love with one another, being one is spirit and purpose. As a church we have worked on reflecting on what is our purpose. Through those discussion and shared with all of the people we have decided that our purpose is to help others identify their gifts, discover their purpose, engage in mission, advance their faith, and live as a disciple. We have called this the IDEAL life. Our vision statement has been and continues to share our gifts and grow the faith. For me and often as written in the Gospels, faith is not a noun but actually in the Greek a verb. To be faithful means that we need to be willing to act on our faith. Sometimes that can be uncomfortable and can mean that we need to be willing to step out of our comfort zone.
By no means does this mean that we should not be thankful for all that we have and to enjoy our possessions. God does not mean for us to not have shelter, clothes for our children and food for our families. The concern is when we have made our possessions more important than our God or our faith. We need to be willing to take a stand and let Christ impact us, inspire us, and influence us. The importance of church is that no one can do it all. When we are able to be with others we can become more impactful in this world. Re-read Romans 12 and Romans 14. Let us be willing to be impactful as a church.

Just an update. If you have time read some of the articles from MSNBC.com regarding people's reaction to Wall Street.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded

I have been reading a new book by Thomas Friedman titled "Hot, Flat and Crowded, Why we need a green revolution and how it can renew America." He had also written "The World is Flat." This book focuses on the concerns of global warming, rapid expansion of the middle class world wide, and over population and the demands that has on resources of food, oil, and the carbon footprint of all of that. Whether or not one would agree with his ideas, he does present information that is needed to reflect on our rampant use and abuse of the world's resources. One such concern is in his chapter titled "Fill 'er up with dictators." He proposed that our dependence on oil from foreign countries actually decreases the move to freedom. He plotted the price of oil from 1979 to the lowest ebb of $16 a barrel to the increases of 2007 of $90 a barrel. He then plotted the major movements of freedom in the world. 1989 the Berlin Wall is torn down. Nigeria privatizes the first oil field in 1993, when oil was cheap Iran calls for dialogue of civilizations, and when oil was rising Iran calls for Israel's destruction. He also stated that the number one country who supports most terrorists activities is Saudi Arabia. Our dependence on oil fosters terrorists activities both in Saudi and Iran.
He also feels that we as a nation have the ability and knowledge to be a leader in addressing these problems. The premise of this would be that if we could export our knowledge we could do more to prevent further global warming, finding alternative fuels, and deal with the issues of the rapid rising of the middle class world-wide.
I am still reading this and will later write more on his proposals to deal with the problem. I find it ironic in a time when Wall Street is in crisis and our government is proposing bailing out the financial mis-management of many companies, that I am reading this book. I am also concerned that until this happened neither candidate would talk a lot about economic concerns, in fact 6 weeks ago one candidate stated that our economy was in great shape. Now we as taxpayers are supposed to pay this bill for the next several generations. It does remind me of the Enron and World communications in 2001. I also find it ironic that this is proposed by a republican administration which is supposed to support less governmental interference in business and now we have governmental control of major financial institutions. All I can say is interesting.

A-mazing journey

Last Sunday following the services at church, a group of us went to Camp Fontenelle. They had their fund raiser and BBQ along with a corn maze. Several of our youth were helping out with their sponsors. The group that I went with had a great time. The corn maze was created to be similar to Noah's ark. As we entered, we did have some guides both about leadership and scripture. Yet, even with those guides, we still had moments of feeling lost and alone. We had no ravens or doves to send out. Through often returning to the point that we got off track, we were able to find our way through the maze and finally exit safely onto the promised land. One of the people who went with us said that really we got our exercise as we probably walked through the maze twice.
As I reflect on the great time we had, there were several insights that I wanted to share. The first one was that even when we are off track and feel lost, God has a way of presented us with the opportunity to find our way home. The guides that we had were from scripture and ideas about leadership. Whenever we take a wrong turn, we always have an opportunity to return to that choice and take another turn. Scripture can help point the way for us to be able to do that. Life can be like that maze and never is a straight path but full of choices that we have to make. When we are at a crossroads in our life, not knowing which way we are to go, I would suggest that is the time to turn to scripture, prayer, and other means of grace to guide us in the decisions that we have to make.
The other insight I had was the importance of friends in times of trouble. I realize that we could never really get lost, but there were times that we were feeling like we had done all that we could. During our journey we met others who were also journeying the same paths. Working together we were more able to help one another avoid some of the wrong turns. I believe that is why having a church family is so important. We can learn from one another and through that maybe avoid some of our mistakes.
The last insight was the idea of shared leadership. I had preached that day on the idea of honoring one another's opinions and not be judgmental. During our journey, there were times we shared leadership with one another. Sometimes the choices we made turned out wrong, but we respected one another and together we were able to find the right path. Leadership is like that sharing with one another. I had also in the sermon talked about opinions are not essentials. At no time did any of us insist on having it our own way. Instead we worked together for the whole. Church needs to be the same. One can have a strong opinion on what he or she prefers, but it is important to be willing to work for the body of Christ not our own preferences.
It is a-mazing what one can learn from our experiences even ones that are fun and enjoyable.

sermon series

I have been doing a sermon series that is based on the common lectionary. I have been using Romans starting with Chapter 12 and chapter 14. Paul has a lot to say about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. As a result, I have been reflecting on what that may look like in the 21st century. I talked about how the very foundation of discipleship is Love especially the love that Jesus had for us and the love God has for us. The start was at our Fall kickoff which we called promotion commotion. I focused on the spiritual gifts that God as assigned to each person and that we are all called to ministry. One is called to use that gift for the glory of God and not for our own glory. As a community of faith, we need the gifts of all members so that we can become the body of Christ in this world. The other concern is not to think that only a few are called or that somehow what I have is not worthy. Too often in churches, one can hear that only a few families or individuals run the church. In reality, for the church to be effective in ministry, all need to participate. If only a few are running the church, then it is time to step up and share one's gift with the community of faith rather than complaining. We have different gifts that God has bestowed and each gift is valuable and needed for the community. No one gift is greater than another and we are never done sharing. No more will I have done my part and now it is another's turn. Now is our responsibility, maybe in different ways. Certainly my gifts have changed over time so have others.
Last week we talked about love, hospitality, blessing and peace. I feel that when we are able to demonstrate these four attributes to all that we meet, we come closer to the image of Christ in our lives as a community. This is especially true when we bless those who persecute us and we care for our enemies. It is equally important to be joyful and exuberant to show our praise for God's love.
This week we will be discussing the issues of judging others and being critical. This comes from Romans 14:1-13 actually. The focus will be on essentials and opinions. As John Wesley stated in essentials unity and diversity in opinions. Yet, how many battles have been fought over nothing more than opinions of what is the proper way to worship as if there is only one way of doing so. How many denominations have formed because of this very thought even those who call themselves non-dominational churches. There may be a need for like minded people to gather together so that they do not become a stumbling block or hinderance to others. At the same time, Paul reminds us that the essential aspect of a disciple is belief in Jesus the Christ and in loving God with all of your heart, mind and soul; and loving your neighbor as yourself. Rather than criticize someone's way of worshiping, it would be better to say nothing if they are worshiping God and honoring God. It matters not what music one uses, the liturgy, how often one has communion, use of technology but rather are what one does is praising God and living to the great commandments.
I do believe that Paul's time was more simple in the concerns of whether one was a vegan or a meat eater or what day one would worship. I am glad that there are many ways for like minded people to gather with one another to worship God. My prayer is that rather than being critical of the way someone else wants to worship, we be open to letting them do so. We are called, as our church sign states, to be witnesses not judges. We can be faithful in the way we have experienced God in our lives and be able to share that. Let us be careful to allow God to move others in a differing way and for God's sake.

Expectations 2

I wanted to say a few more things about expectations and how they influence what we do. Expectations develop over time based on our experiences both positive and negative. Sometimes we are well aware of our biases and at other times we are not aware of why we might do or say things. Expectations effect our beliefs and values and most of all our relationships. I guess to me that is one of the most important aspects of expectations that can either build or destroy. We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and we were discussing the passage when Jesus asked his disciples who do you think I am? Peter responds "You are the Messiah, the Son of God." Shortly thereafter as Jesus was telling the disciples that he was going to Jerusalem to be killed, Peter tries to prevent him doing so. Peter even though acknowledging that Jesus was the Messiah, his expectations prevented him from seeing what Jesus had to do. In so doing, it affected the relationship he had with Christ.
When I was a therapist, there countless times that people would come in because of relationship problems that dealt with their expectations they had regarding the other person. Often these expectations were never voiced and because of that certain assumptions were made that when brought to the light were not true. One major one was that if you loved me you would know what I want even though I have never told you. Another expectation is certain roles within the relationship. I know that in my marriage there were assumptions and expectations that I had regarding Nancy and vice verse. Again when those expectations were not met, it often ended up in an argument. Thankfully we learned together ways of voicing our expectations and opening ourselves to the possibility of changing those.
Expectations are part of any relationship not just intimate ones. Think about one's expectations regarding a doctor, a boss, a co-worker, another family member, etc. It even happens in the church. Expectations lead to judgement about what is right and wrong. If you ever had the experience of meeting someone and within a few seconds make a snap judgement about that person, expectations and anticipation is present. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is not true. That is why it is so important to be willing to openly talk about one's feelings and judgements rather than making assumptions about the person. It is when we are able to communicate those that we are able to rise above our assumptions. That means talking to the person directly and not through another person. Sometimes we do need a mediator who helps guide a person in the process but not to involve that person as a go-between which seldom works well.
The example that we have as a church is what Jesus has taught. Again from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus stated that if someone has sinned against you, you are to go to that person and to try to reconcile and restore one's relationship directly. If that does not work than to have another go with you. The purpose is not to say who is right or who is wrong but to reconcile relationships. To do that it helps to be aware of one's own expectations and assumptions.

Expectations

I wanted to write about some reflections that I have had following some conversations with members of my congregation about what I had said regarding my visit to the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. I had stated that my wife and I had gone there to attend the contemporary worship service. Prior to attending I had some expectations about what that service would consist of and was anticipating the service. When I arrived, we found out that the praise band and the minister were not going to be present. Instead there was a very wonderful traditional introit down by the organ and a hymn sing. The music was well done and spirit led though this was not what I had expected or anticipated. At first I was feeling let down, but as always God had a way of saying to me why am I there. Was I there to be entertained or to worship? My expectations gave way to God's message for me in the music, the special music of Twila Paris, and in the sermon. I left feeling uplifted. All of this to show me that sometimes one's expectations and anticipations can so influence us that we fail to open ourselves up to the experience of worship that occurred. I thank God for this experience of praise and grace that I felt.
From my conversations with others, I began to realize that sometimes expectations and anticipation of what is worship can lead one to not be open to the experience of worship and the Spirit of the moment. Having pre-conceived ideas about what a worship experience should be and how it should be organized can interfere with what God's message is to us today. I realized that in this experience I could have walked away feeling so disappointed because the worship wasn't what I thought I wanted rather than being touched by the Spirit. I realized that worship isn't about what I prefer or what I think the service should be, but be about what God prefers and what God wants. I enjoy all types of music both traditional and contemporary. I enjoy emerging worship and liturgical worship. It is not about competition between styles and preferences but about praising God for what God has done for us. Everyone has their own preferences about what makes good worship services. What is important is not making that the sole criteria of one's experiences but to remain open to hearing where God is in this moment. I know that I can continue to love God no matter what style of worship, no matter what music style is done, no matter what order of worship one has. In any worship experience, if I am able to open myself to the Spirit of the Lord, I will be fed. That is what makes diversity of experiences so important. We can have many ways of expressing our joy and praise. I am working on not letting my expectations and preferences so influence me that I do not appreciate how others want to worship. I hope that is true for you also.

The Shack

I have had many people suggest that I read the book "The Shack" as they wanted to hear what I would say about what the author had to say about God and about religion. Without going into depth about the book and I would recommend that one should read the book, there were a couple of things that I found to inspire me and to challenge me. I will tell you that I read the book in one day, really about in 3 hours, and I was moved to laughter and tears. The story itself is compelling and once I started I had to complete the book. There are only a few books that I have found that have been so moving that I wanted to complete the book in one meal. I lost time while reading.
With that said and certainly I would encourage one to read the book before continuing with this blog, there were a couple of things that I wanted to comment on. The first was the presentation of the Triune God. I found what the author had to say to match my belief about God. That God contains in the God-Self a relationship of three, as the book states Papa, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. To often we try to make God hierarchical and structured. The very process tends to limit God to some concept that we have as created beings. God is limitless and yet relational. Perhaps that is the Great Mystery of God. We cannot define God though we try. This is especially true when we use gendered language as a means of describing God. The book has a way of helping one see through the general stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. What comes out is that it matters not what God looks like, whether God is a grandfather white male or an African-American woman. What matters is that God desires to have a relationship with you and I however that would appear to us. I found that the book begins to provide some insight into what stereotypes that we have with our conception of God and how that does not limit God but does limit ourselves. I reflected on the ways that I tend to try to limit God to be something that I would feel comfortable with. Even when I attempt to do that God remains limitless and continues to reach out with us.
The other comment I wanted to reflect on was the author's opinion about Religion which was generally negative. I noticed that he tended to capitalize the word. He was raising the issues of the stereotypes that Religion tends to perpetuate. There were several ideas that he raised that I would tend to agree. One of them being so caught up in rules and rituals that one forgets that the primary reason for gathering together is to be in relationship with one another. At the same time, he fails to look at the benefits of religion as to reaching out to others and sharing God's love with one another. I came away from the book feeling that it dealt more with individual salvation rather than the salvation of the creation. He did talk about that very issue taking an almost universal salvation approach. But it seemed to focus on just what I do rather than what we can do together. We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and exploring how the Pharisees are protrayed as so caught up in rules and rituals that they fail to perceive their need for relationship with God and with one another. What I feel the author states whether he meant that or not, substitutes one form of demand for another. Though of the two, I much prefer his. I do feel there is a need to have religion if we remember that worship and liturgy means the work of the people. We gather primarily to love God and love one another as Jesus commands. When we become so concerned about who is in and who is out, we fail in our own relationship with God.
I again would encourage one to read the book if you have not. I would like to take the book and have a discussion with those who have read it. I am sure that many will be moved as I was.