I cannot even begin to write about how much I miss being a local PASTOR. I loved being a missionary, and I love being an institutional Chaplain, but there is nothing like being a Pastor.
What excites me is the experience to connect with people in daily life. It's cool to kick out a sermon, get a response on social media, or pioneer a new 'thing,' but what really gets me revved up is sharing experiences with others. I love that!; and for me, that's what pastoring is all about. When I was serving in NYC, I got to live in my community and I got to live with my church family. It was crazy hard...and miserable at times, but overall it is was fulfilling and meaningful.
In truth, I do get to do some of this with my current gig as an institutional chaplain. And in the near future, I will certainly be doing day-to-day with my community and 'friends;' but, it isn't/won't be the same. The shared FAITH component is missing, and that so is very much needed.
Faith cannot be something that is simply 'believed' or affirmed through religious creeds or ceremonies. Faith requires an existential element and incorporation into the wholeness of a life. If I have faith that God creates and rules over everything, then how can I simply ignore the consequences and consideration of such in every aspect of my day to day life? That would be foolish and disingenuous. The same for my particular beliefs in Jesus' resurrection and the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. I can't really believe these things if they are not a part of my day to day worldview or interpretive process. And as such, my most deeply satisfying relationships are with those who share this faith. We learn from one another. Encourage one another. And find the realization of our faith in each other.
Now, you don't have to be a Pastor to have this kind of relationship. I think EVERYONE in every occupation or existence should find people of shared faith and engage it. But, for me, being a Pastor involved MAJORING in this way of life and encouraging and multiplying it amongst a community. Again, something everyone can/should do; but, it is also something only a pastor can do uniquely. Pastors go deeper.
-----
After writing the above, I spent some time reflecting on it and here is what I got in response:
1 - I confess this is only my interpretation of Pastoring. There are many different ways and types of Pastors, and I do not think they are wrong or lesser if they are not exactly as I describe above. However, after 15 years of vocational ministry in a variety of leadership forms, Pastoring means doing life with his sheep in a foreign and sometimes hostile world.
2 - Missionaries and Pastors are different, even when they are doing the same thing. Again, this is my interpretation based on personal experience in both roles, and as a member of the Christian church for many decades. They require different motivations, goals, and interpretations.
3 - Not being a Pastor does not mean that I am currently miserable or that all else is lesser. Nothing could be further from the truth. I will write later about the joy and fulfillment of institutional chaplaincy later, but suffice it say here that I would not want to be doing anything else in right now with my life. I write this post simply because of my deep appreciation and hope for the ministry that is Pastoring.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Sunday, August 27, 2017
If you could be happier...Part 2
So, this current assignment is more of a 'job' than a final destination. I get it, and I hope that those who are reading this, as well as those are being ministered to through my efforts at this stage, understand that this lack of fulfillment is not a suggestion of meaninglessness, indifference, or apathy. I truly enjoy the ministry I am engaged in and I am seeing 'fruit' in my efforts.
As I stated before, I think that part of the reason why I am serving where I am now, is because both I and the mission field are not let ready for harvest. I spoke at length about the current conditions of the fields and contemporary church, and now I would like to share my observations about God's timing in my life.
Timing is everything. We see this over and over again in Scripture. God states His desire and plan, and then says, "Net yet." From Abraham's gifting of the Promised Land to the Eschaton: God's timing is always perfect and almost always a step ahead from where we currently find ourselves. My life and calling is no different.
God told me I was going to be a 'missionary' at the age of 7, and again, at 17. However, He first required me to go to college, then come home for almost 3 years and work absent from vocational ministry before I would become a full-time 'missionary assistant.' And even then, I wasn't fully living out the calling God gave me at the beginning. I felt called to overseas missions and there I was working in the US and operating on college campuses in parachurch evangelism. Not bad, but not the destination that I first received.
Two years later, and now almost 10 years from my teenage revelation, I finally became a full fledged missionary, but still, it was to those living within the US and not overseas. But, I was independent and planting in the confines of the most international city within the United States, and one of only 4 Alpha cities globally. Was this now God's full plan revealed? Nope. I thought so for a while, but then He called out once again and said, "Not yet."
Here I am in my current vocation, serving full-time in ministry, in a non-orthodox, internally-based, mission environment. I have privilege and access of a unique and dynamic capacity, and am pulling on every experience and learning that I have received to this point in my life...and I am excelling in it. I am not perfect or setting records, but there is certainly the acknowledgment of others that my ministry is meaningful, needed and exceptional. Cool; but, in light of my journey so far, I know enough to know that this is but another step in reaching the revelation of that first calling.
Each previous experience was just that, a 'step.' It wasn't wrong, wasted, or mis-informed; it was perfect and necessary. I needed to learn to trust God incrementally in the unique and challenging scenarios that each moment provided. I've grown in doubt, hurt, and confusion, but more importantly, in trust, confidence, and security. I don't fear God failing to provide. I no longer live so desperately for the approval of man or his understanding of 'success.' (Yes, I still struggle with this, but not in the same way or to the same degree.) I know what it means to be a Christian, and it's something that books and churches can't teach (not trying to be mystic or sacrilegious). I know with greater clarity who I am and how I am, and nothing good will come from anyone until this truth is realized. Above all, I know that there is much to learn in this moment and place of ministry, and much to do before going forward to the next place, whenever that is.
I know that this period will require me to learn what it means to be a husband, father, and spiritual leader. I also know that this period will give me opportunity to grow in my understanding of worship, evangelism, and 'church.' Again, I don't know that the 'next step' is, but I know that it will depend on me learning these things now. It's not easy, and quite frankly, it sucks, because the 'classroom' here is vague, the experiments extreme, and the classmates are few and far between. But, so were the learning environments of most of God's people. Jacob lived with crooked Laban. The Israelites wandered in the desert. David was hunted like a dog. Babylon, anyone? Jesus was entertained by the devil for 40 days without food, and Paul lived in Arabia for several year and was never fully-accepted by his peers during his life (...and he may have never made it to Spain, after all).
Following God's call is a journey, and it is full of season, steps, and moments of fulfillment before being fully realized. It is so important to remember this and accept it; both for those starting out in ministry, and also for those who are decades into it. I know far too many who are trying to force God's calling into immediate fulfillment without any opportunity for God to lead or supply in means beyond their own understanding. Sadly, I know just as many who are well into their vocational callings, but have simply relieved themselves to accept that where they are, is where they are meant to be...forever. They are still occupying positions that they were called to years ago, but not where they are called to be today or tomorrow. I won't speculate as to 'why' in either case, but it is tragic for both them and those they serve.
I'm an American. I like everything 'hot' and 'now.' I don't a journey, I want a destination. But, God is dynamic and He cares as much about His minister as those who he ministers to. This necessitates a 'journey' approach: a process of revelation and transformation for all those who are called. I can't afford to skip it or blow it, and I can't afford to simply quit because its exhausting.
Three years into this current gig, and still three more to go. Three more years to learn, prepare, and intercede for what's next. But, just as importantly, three more years to minister, accomplish and care for the unique people who will only be in my life for a moment over these next three years. Nothing is ever wasted with God.
So, if you could be happier doing something else...then do it; but, do it with the knowledge gleaned from today and with a sense of God's timing guiding all things.
As I stated before, I think that part of the reason why I am serving where I am now, is because both I and the mission field are not let ready for harvest. I spoke at length about the current conditions of the fields and contemporary church, and now I would like to share my observations about God's timing in my life.
Timing is everything. We see this over and over again in Scripture. God states His desire and plan, and then says, "Net yet." From Abraham's gifting of the Promised Land to the Eschaton: God's timing is always perfect and almost always a step ahead from where we currently find ourselves. My life and calling is no different.
God told me I was going to be a 'missionary' at the age of 7, and again, at 17. However, He first required me to go to college, then come home for almost 3 years and work absent from vocational ministry before I would become a full-time 'missionary assistant.' And even then, I wasn't fully living out the calling God gave me at the beginning. I felt called to overseas missions and there I was working in the US and operating on college campuses in parachurch evangelism. Not bad, but not the destination that I first received.
Two years later, and now almost 10 years from my teenage revelation, I finally became a full fledged missionary, but still, it was to those living within the US and not overseas. But, I was independent and planting in the confines of the most international city within the United States, and one of only 4 Alpha cities globally. Was this now God's full plan revealed? Nope. I thought so for a while, but then He called out once again and said, "Not yet."
Here I am in my current vocation, serving full-time in ministry, in a non-orthodox, internally-based, mission environment. I have privilege and access of a unique and dynamic capacity, and am pulling on every experience and learning that I have received to this point in my life...and I am excelling in it. I am not perfect or setting records, but there is certainly the acknowledgment of others that my ministry is meaningful, needed and exceptional. Cool; but, in light of my journey so far, I know enough to know that this is but another step in reaching the revelation of that first calling.
Each previous experience was just that, a 'step.' It wasn't wrong, wasted, or mis-informed; it was perfect and necessary. I needed to learn to trust God incrementally in the unique and challenging scenarios that each moment provided. I've grown in doubt, hurt, and confusion, but more importantly, in trust, confidence, and security. I don't fear God failing to provide. I no longer live so desperately for the approval of man or his understanding of 'success.' (Yes, I still struggle with this, but not in the same way or to the same degree.) I know what it means to be a Christian, and it's something that books and churches can't teach (not trying to be mystic or sacrilegious). I know with greater clarity who I am and how I am, and nothing good will come from anyone until this truth is realized. Above all, I know that there is much to learn in this moment and place of ministry, and much to do before going forward to the next place, whenever that is.
I know that this period will require me to learn what it means to be a husband, father, and spiritual leader. I also know that this period will give me opportunity to grow in my understanding of worship, evangelism, and 'church.' Again, I don't know that the 'next step' is, but I know that it will depend on me learning these things now. It's not easy, and quite frankly, it sucks, because the 'classroom' here is vague, the experiments extreme, and the classmates are few and far between. But, so were the learning environments of most of God's people. Jacob lived with crooked Laban. The Israelites wandered in the desert. David was hunted like a dog. Babylon, anyone? Jesus was entertained by the devil for 40 days without food, and Paul lived in Arabia for several year and was never fully-accepted by his peers during his life (...and he may have never made it to Spain, after all).
Following God's call is a journey, and it is full of season, steps, and moments of fulfillment before being fully realized. It is so important to remember this and accept it; both for those starting out in ministry, and also for those who are decades into it. I know far too many who are trying to force God's calling into immediate fulfillment without any opportunity for God to lead or supply in means beyond their own understanding. Sadly, I know just as many who are well into their vocational callings, but have simply relieved themselves to accept that where they are, is where they are meant to be...forever. They are still occupying positions that they were called to years ago, but not where they are called to be today or tomorrow. I won't speculate as to 'why' in either case, but it is tragic for both them and those they serve.
I'm an American. I like everything 'hot' and 'now.' I don't a journey, I want a destination. But, God is dynamic and He cares as much about His minister as those who he ministers to. This necessitates a 'journey' approach: a process of revelation and transformation for all those who are called. I can't afford to skip it or blow it, and I can't afford to simply quit because its exhausting.
Three years into this current gig, and still three more to go. Three more years to learn, prepare, and intercede for what's next. But, just as importantly, three more years to minister, accomplish and care for the unique people who will only be in my life for a moment over these next three years. Nothing is ever wasted with God.
So, if you could be happier doing something else...then do it; but, do it with the knowledge gleaned from today and with a sense of God's timing guiding all things.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
If you could be happier...Part I
I've heard it said, and I've said it myself..."If you could be happier doing something else, then do something else." I believe in this saying with all my heart, and I believe it has been the sovereign tool of the Lord to guide me to where I am today. However, I also understand that the application of this truth is also something to consider.
In short, I am a mil chaplain because God wants me to be one at this point in time. Yes, I think the job is cool and meaningful, but it does not consume me with a sense of 'eternality.' It is what I must do now; but, I know I won't do it forever (and how could I since the mil eventually kicks everyone out at some point).
When I left NYC, I believed God was calling me to mil chaplaincy, but I also knew that my heart was full of other vocational passions...including ones that were not full-time ministry oriented. I pursued the possibility of some while also pursuing the chaplaincy, but, in the end, I knew that the chaplaincy was our 'next step.' There was a passion, a clear equipping in my personality, giftings and relationships, and I knew I would not be truly happy doing anything else at that moment. But, again, it was not the only passion in my heart. I still loved church planting; specifically, the simply community of faith. No, I didn't love the admin, the movement's expectations of what a church should be, do or say, or the bandwagon that church planting had become (which is not always a good thing, BTW), but I truly loved the intimate relationships that only come when you plant a church from scratch. I loved it then and I love it still to this day...
I think I'm in exile just like the Israelites in Babylon. Hopefully, I am not here because of my sin but, rather, like Jeremiah and Daniel (and perhaps Ezra & Nehemiah depending on when they were born), I am where I am now because the American church needs to go through a sifting of sorts and I need to be outside the church reaching, learning and planting in a present and expectant sort of way.
First, in light of recent events, I simply couldn't be a pastor of a local church. I would be lynched, alone, or have my ordination stripped. Not because I would be in sin, but simply because I cannot simply adapt, placate or ignore the craziness that is taking place in modern Christianity or Western society. Everyone has lost their mind because everything has radically changed. FINALLY, the Christian church is realizing that it truly is the minority in present age. The majority do not share their common beliefs or convictions, including the notion of a singular God. This has caused some churches to double-down and become so 'fundamental' that they have lost even more common ground with society, or back-off their traditional practices and beliefs and become so much like the world in thinking and practice that one wonders if they are still even a 'church' in the Christian sense.
But, it is not just the church that is going crazy with recent cultural changes. For a very long time, society has been drifting towards a more liberal, progressive, re-interpretative existence. There are times when this drift speeds up, slows down, and sometime even appears to be in retreat, but it has never really gone away...and I fear it won't ever. But, in the last 10-15 years, the brakes have come off the movement and it has enjoyed rapid progression, acceptance and implementation. Perhaps this change has happened too fast, because there now seems to be a complete loss of reason and appreciation for past and present. It is now "change for the sake of change" and no one can truly live in this kind of environment, devoid of significant meaning and reason (currently, I assess all reason being only 1-level deep (superficial, emotional)). For all the things social media sucks at, it is a great way to gauge the rationale of the current society, and right now it is telling us that we are lost and without an identity. For some, this might be a great time to plant a church, but I certainly do not thing it a great time for the majority to plant.
You may now be thinking or crying out: HOW CAN I POSSIBLY SUGGEST THIS HERESY? Well, as I look over the 5k year history of God's involvement in the Biblical characters lives, I see times where He is planting, nurturing, trimming, uprooting, and even 'absent' from explicit evangelism and church ministry. It is not what He ever withdrawals His Spirit or leaves the earth without a witness or presence, please do not misunderstand. But, it is clear that there are seasons (dispensations, for some of you) where He "pulls back" and let's the world shift and reframe. There are great gaps in the timeline of Genesis, the hundreds of years between the OT and NT, and even within the Church Age (ever heard of the Dark Ages...there was more than academic illiteracy taking place during this time). And isn't because of these periods of silence/absence/passivity that we, therefore, recognize and proclaim revivals, awakenings and illumination? Of course, so please do not think of me as a complete heretic.
I believe, for these and other reasons, that we are in a period where church growth and planting is not ideal. It is NOT that God is not still desiring for all to be saved, or that He cannot overcome the particulars of the present age. It is simply that the ark has not yet settled on Mount Ararat; the church has not yet learned its new identity and language in Babylon; and/or that those who are/will be saved are not yet sure what they are/will be saved from (sin is a great term and principle, but it needs a context).
Again, I am not saying that God is absent, that those who are planting and serving in a church context are without hope or legitimacy, or that we are should hold out for the 'ideal time' to evangelize and minister. Nothing could be further from the truth! I am only saying that the current age is dark, shifting, undefined, difficult and without an existential meaning, which makes it more difficult than in recent ages. And, please also remember that I began this post with reasons why I believe that God has not yet released me to that singular and powerful passion that I still carry to pastor. But, more on this more personal note later...
In short, I am a mil chaplain because God wants me to be one at this point in time. Yes, I think the job is cool and meaningful, but it does not consume me with a sense of 'eternality.' It is what I must do now; but, I know I won't do it forever (and how could I since the mil eventually kicks everyone out at some point).
When I left NYC, I believed God was calling me to mil chaplaincy, but I also knew that my heart was full of other vocational passions...including ones that were not full-time ministry oriented. I pursued the possibility of some while also pursuing the chaplaincy, but, in the end, I knew that the chaplaincy was our 'next step.' There was a passion, a clear equipping in my personality, giftings and relationships, and I knew I would not be truly happy doing anything else at that moment. But, again, it was not the only passion in my heart. I still loved church planting; specifically, the simply community of faith. No, I didn't love the admin, the movement's expectations of what a church should be, do or say, or the bandwagon that church planting had become (which is not always a good thing, BTW), but I truly loved the intimate relationships that only come when you plant a church from scratch. I loved it then and I love it still to this day...
I think I'm in exile just like the Israelites in Babylon. Hopefully, I am not here because of my sin but, rather, like Jeremiah and Daniel (and perhaps Ezra & Nehemiah depending on when they were born), I am where I am now because the American church needs to go through a sifting of sorts and I need to be outside the church reaching, learning and planting in a present and expectant sort of way.
First, in light of recent events, I simply couldn't be a pastor of a local church. I would be lynched, alone, or have my ordination stripped. Not because I would be in sin, but simply because I cannot simply adapt, placate or ignore the craziness that is taking place in modern Christianity or Western society. Everyone has lost their mind because everything has radically changed. FINALLY, the Christian church is realizing that it truly is the minority in present age. The majority do not share their common beliefs or convictions, including the notion of a singular God. This has caused some churches to double-down and become so 'fundamental' that they have lost even more common ground with society, or back-off their traditional practices and beliefs and become so much like the world in thinking and practice that one wonders if they are still even a 'church' in the Christian sense.
But, it is not just the church that is going crazy with recent cultural changes. For a very long time, society has been drifting towards a more liberal, progressive, re-interpretative existence. There are times when this drift speeds up, slows down, and sometime even appears to be in retreat, but it has never really gone away...and I fear it won't ever. But, in the last 10-15 years, the brakes have come off the movement and it has enjoyed rapid progression, acceptance and implementation. Perhaps this change has happened too fast, because there now seems to be a complete loss of reason and appreciation for past and present. It is now "change for the sake of change" and no one can truly live in this kind of environment, devoid of significant meaning and reason (currently, I assess all reason being only 1-level deep (superficial, emotional)). For all the things social media sucks at, it is a great way to gauge the rationale of the current society, and right now it is telling us that we are lost and without an identity. For some, this might be a great time to plant a church, but I certainly do not thing it a great time for the majority to plant.
You may now be thinking or crying out: HOW CAN I POSSIBLY SUGGEST THIS HERESY? Well, as I look over the 5k year history of God's involvement in the Biblical characters lives, I see times where He is planting, nurturing, trimming, uprooting, and even 'absent' from explicit evangelism and church ministry. It is not what He ever withdrawals His Spirit or leaves the earth without a witness or presence, please do not misunderstand. But, it is clear that there are seasons (dispensations, for some of you) where He "pulls back" and let's the world shift and reframe. There are great gaps in the timeline of Genesis, the hundreds of years between the OT and NT, and even within the Church Age (ever heard of the Dark Ages...there was more than academic illiteracy taking place during this time). And isn't because of these periods of silence/absence/passivity that we, therefore, recognize and proclaim revivals, awakenings and illumination? Of course, so please do not think of me as a complete heretic.
I believe, for these and other reasons, that we are in a period where church growth and planting is not ideal. It is NOT that God is not still desiring for all to be saved, or that He cannot overcome the particulars of the present age. It is simply that the ark has not yet settled on Mount Ararat; the church has not yet learned its new identity and language in Babylon; and/or that those who are/will be saved are not yet sure what they are/will be saved from (sin is a great term and principle, but it needs a context).
Again, I am not saying that God is absent, that those who are planting and serving in a church context are without hope or legitimacy, or that we are should hold out for the 'ideal time' to evangelize and minister. Nothing could be further from the truth! I am only saying that the current age is dark, shifting, undefined, difficult and without an existential meaning, which makes it more difficult than in recent ages. And, please also remember that I began this post with reasons why I believe that God has not yet released me to that singular and powerful passion that I still carry to pastor. But, more on this more personal note later...
Static Spirituality and the Cross
What are we to make of the Cross?
As has already been noted, the cross is only mentioned 13 times in the Epistles (Pauline or otherwise); yet, you would think it is main idea of every paragraph in the Christian text according to church tradition, worship songs, sermon pleas, imagery, etc. Ask anyone (Christian or otherwise) for a symbol or teaching on Christianity, and I'm pretty sure they are going to cite/reference the cross. But is this right, good, and/or proper? What's going on here? The simple answer is that Christian theology has been hijacked by bad theology going all the way back to the Patristics (early church Fathers) and no one has really attempted to right the course (IMO).
In the early days of the Church (from the NT to the time of Constantine (300s)), its followers needed a means of identification. They couldn't cite Jewish imagery since the majority of Jews were very hostile to the Christian teachings and followers. They couldn't cite any of their former religious ways or teachings, because they had no common ground or relevance. They needed a distinguishing mark from their new faith story, and they found a perfect symbol in the image of the cross. Why? Because, for many, this was the sole understanding of their faith. Look at the Gospel of Mark, long believed to be the first NT book written. Mark's story doesn't mention Christmas, it just jumps right in to Jesus being baptized and appointing disciples. The story then moves quickly to a central event: the crucifixion, and then just about ends. Why? Because the point being conveyed is that Jesus came to die and pronounce the Kingdom via His cross. Boom. But, there is further evidence for why the church choose to make much of the cross.
Acts and the Epistles: Jesus is always referenced via His cross. Yes, there are a few passages that speak to His incarnation...and occasionally, His teachings...but, Jesus is always tied (proverbially) to His cross. Why? Again, because it was through His cross that man receives forgiveness and acceptance into the Kingdom of God. No cross, no salvation. No cross, no acceptance from God or His blessings. Seems to me that choosing the cross as the image of the faith makes a lot of good sense (and, additionally, the cross was a grotesque symbol in those days and the Church didn't have to worry about anyone else hijacking their chosen branding). But, such an understanding did not remain the understanding of the church for very long... Here is where the bad theology comes into play.
As the church gets older and goes farther out into the world, away from it's Jewish roots, less and less people begin identifying with its teachings. They think their versions of faith and worship of god(s) is OK by them, and they are not looking for a replacement since they any need of a replacement. Additionally, those who were Christians, now 2nd-, 3rd-, or even 4th-generation Believers, are established in their faith and practice and some have even begun to loose some of their zeal. (Can you imagine??) In short, the Church found itself in a bit of a plateau and struggling for relevancy. What to do about such things? Compromise and adopt synergistic (blended) approach to the faith? Heck no! Christianity just became a nationally accepted religion under Constantine and now the Church is freely unifying within the Empire. The Church went bold and attempted to guilt-trip everyone into the faith. Rather than see participation in the Christian faith as a means of participating in the Kingdom of God, and, thus, elevating the privilege of man, Church leaders decided to de-emphasize man by highlighting his sinful, unworthiness. In this instance, the cross becomes not only man's hope, but purpose. Instead of seeing the cross as a means of salvation, the cross becomes salvation. But, "What's wrong with that?," you may ask. Everything.
Bad Theology
Man is a wretched mess because of sin. Apart from God, man sins freely and damns himself to the consequences of death, pain, isolation, and the like. Yes, man sucks because of sin. However, if you take sin out of the equation, man is quite the elevated being (Psalms 8 and Hebrews 2). Bad theology crept in when the Church began making too much of man's sin, and not enough about God's desire to place His glory in and through mankind.
I know that some think that by emphasizing the crappiness of man and his sin, they promote in contrast the glory of God and His forgiveness. I understand this, and agree to a certain extent. However, if we spend all our time talking about man, then the emphasis is still on man...and merely saving man! This leads to people running to the cross to be forgiven, but not much else. Believe it or not, the message of the Bible is NOT the salvation of man, but the GLORY of GOD.
Good Theology
God does not save us so that we can merely be 'forgiven.' Genesis to Revelation informs us that man is created to DO the will of God. In other words: our purpose is to bring forth His glory, which in the collective form is His Kingdom. The cross makes this possible, but it is the means, not the end. We are saved to DO the good works He prepared in advance (of our Fall and His cross) to do (Ephesians 2:8-10)!
It is time that we stop singing and preaching about the Cross as the sole purpose of our faith. Rather, may we return to the Biblical message and declare with WORDs and DEEDs that our purpose is enjoying the Kingdom of God here and now because of the cross. We who believe are now free from death, isolation and damnation. We have been restored and adopted as heirs with Christ. We have been raised to His life and given His Spirit so that we may live as He lived (Romans 6 and 8), enjoying and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
When we adopt bad theology and see the means of God (cross or otherwise) as the end, we are left with a very static spirituality. There is nothing left for us to do but idolize rote traditions and acts. BUT, if we see the living, expressive, and communal God as our aim, and pursue Him through His appoints means, then we are free to worship Him in new, dynamic and creative ways that are never dull, 1-dimensional, or static. Like a friend to a friend; a bride to her groom; or, a son to his father, when living persons walk in relationship and seek the personhood, not the acts of another, there is love and there is power. This is our calling. This is our message. And, this must be our identity, regardless of what image we use to declare it.
As has already been noted, the cross is only mentioned 13 times in the Epistles (Pauline or otherwise); yet, you would think it is main idea of every paragraph in the Christian text according to church tradition, worship songs, sermon pleas, imagery, etc. Ask anyone (Christian or otherwise) for a symbol or teaching on Christianity, and I'm pretty sure they are going to cite/reference the cross. But is this right, good, and/or proper? What's going on here? The simple answer is that Christian theology has been hijacked by bad theology going all the way back to the Patristics (early church Fathers) and no one has really attempted to right the course (IMO).
In the early days of the Church (from the NT to the time of Constantine (300s)), its followers needed a means of identification. They couldn't cite Jewish imagery since the majority of Jews were very hostile to the Christian teachings and followers. They couldn't cite any of their former religious ways or teachings, because they had no common ground or relevance. They needed a distinguishing mark from their new faith story, and they found a perfect symbol in the image of the cross. Why? Because, for many, this was the sole understanding of their faith. Look at the Gospel of Mark, long believed to be the first NT book written. Mark's story doesn't mention Christmas, it just jumps right in to Jesus being baptized and appointing disciples. The story then moves quickly to a central event: the crucifixion, and then just about ends. Why? Because the point being conveyed is that Jesus came to die and pronounce the Kingdom via His cross. Boom. But, there is further evidence for why the church choose to make much of the cross.
Acts and the Epistles: Jesus is always referenced via His cross. Yes, there are a few passages that speak to His incarnation...and occasionally, His teachings...but, Jesus is always tied (proverbially) to His cross. Why? Again, because it was through His cross that man receives forgiveness and acceptance into the Kingdom of God. No cross, no salvation. No cross, no acceptance from God or His blessings. Seems to me that choosing the cross as the image of the faith makes a lot of good sense (and, additionally, the cross was a grotesque symbol in those days and the Church didn't have to worry about anyone else hijacking their chosen branding). But, such an understanding did not remain the understanding of the church for very long... Here is where the bad theology comes into play.
As the church gets older and goes farther out into the world, away from it's Jewish roots, less and less people begin identifying with its teachings. They think their versions of faith and worship of god(s) is OK by them, and they are not looking for a replacement since they any need of a replacement. Additionally, those who were Christians, now 2nd-, 3rd-, or even 4th-generation Believers, are established in their faith and practice and some have even begun to loose some of their zeal. (Can you imagine??) In short, the Church found itself in a bit of a plateau and struggling for relevancy. What to do about such things? Compromise and adopt synergistic (blended) approach to the faith? Heck no! Christianity just became a nationally accepted religion under Constantine and now the Church is freely unifying within the Empire. The Church went bold and attempted to guilt-trip everyone into the faith. Rather than see participation in the Christian faith as a means of participating in the Kingdom of God, and, thus, elevating the privilege of man, Church leaders decided to de-emphasize man by highlighting his sinful, unworthiness. In this instance, the cross becomes not only man's hope, but purpose. Instead of seeing the cross as a means of salvation, the cross becomes salvation. But, "What's wrong with that?," you may ask. Everything.
Bad Theology
Man is a wretched mess because of sin. Apart from God, man sins freely and damns himself to the consequences of death, pain, isolation, and the like. Yes, man sucks because of sin. However, if you take sin out of the equation, man is quite the elevated being (Psalms 8 and Hebrews 2). Bad theology crept in when the Church began making too much of man's sin, and not enough about God's desire to place His glory in and through mankind.
I know that some think that by emphasizing the crappiness of man and his sin, they promote in contrast the glory of God and His forgiveness. I understand this, and agree to a certain extent. However, if we spend all our time talking about man, then the emphasis is still on man...and merely saving man! This leads to people running to the cross to be forgiven, but not much else. Believe it or not, the message of the Bible is NOT the salvation of man, but the GLORY of GOD.
Good Theology
God does not save us so that we can merely be 'forgiven.' Genesis to Revelation informs us that man is created to DO the will of God. In other words: our purpose is to bring forth His glory, which in the collective form is His Kingdom. The cross makes this possible, but it is the means, not the end. We are saved to DO the good works He prepared in advance (of our Fall and His cross) to do (Ephesians 2:8-10)!
It is time that we stop singing and preaching about the Cross as the sole purpose of our faith. Rather, may we return to the Biblical message and declare with WORDs and DEEDs that our purpose is enjoying the Kingdom of God here and now because of the cross. We who believe are now free from death, isolation and damnation. We have been restored and adopted as heirs with Christ. We have been raised to His life and given His Spirit so that we may live as He lived (Romans 6 and 8), enjoying and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
When we adopt bad theology and see the means of God (cross or otherwise) as the end, we are left with a very static spirituality. There is nothing left for us to do but idolize rote traditions and acts. BUT, if we see the living, expressive, and communal God as our aim, and pursue Him through His appoints means, then we are free to worship Him in new, dynamic and creative ways that are never dull, 1-dimensional, or static. Like a friend to a friend; a bride to her groom; or, a son to his father, when living persons walk in relationship and seek the personhood, not the acts of another, there is love and there is power. This is our calling. This is our message. And, this must be our identity, regardless of what image we use to declare it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Devotional Books...and Static Spirituality
I was recently invited a Men's Devotional, but I didn't know it was a devotional. I thought I was going to hang out with a bunch of guys and do a particular activity. But, after everyone arrived, and before anything began, the leader of the group called out for the reading of a devotional. Immediately, several in the group started shouting, "Our Daily Bread," "My Utmost for His Highest," and several other well known daily devotionals, and then they began loading the day's content on their phones. A minute later, one guy just started reading off his phone...and then the next guy...and then the next guy. Big huge words and ideas were thrown around and the Apostle Paul was reference more than any other biblical character. No matter what the starting/prompting text was in any of these devotionals, the concluding idea was the same: awe of the Cross. When the readings finally concluded, the leader of the group said a prayer and we went about with the scheduled and expected activity. I was left confused and wondering, "What the heck was that?"
I have a really hard time watching well meaning people, with a great deal of awe, respect and love for the Christian faith and Scriptures, settle for such rote practices and worship. It was literally as if they were all about checking the proverbial box. Again, I am not supposing that each person there did not consider the words and message being conveyed to them, but where was the engagement? Where was the tie in to daily details of these men's lives? Did anyone have a question? Did anyone feel challenged, or want to challenge the ideas being presented? I know I did. And what about "the Cross (a word that appears only 13 times in the Epistles)?" How are we understanding the salvation of God, today?
Here is what I don't understand: Reverence without Engagement. How is this even possible; and, why is it so widely practiced...particularly among the Evangelicals who so often accuse all other expressions of being 'empty?'
I think that there are a lot of reasons for this, and for why the "cross" has turned into what it is today, but for now, I just want to focus on Static Spirituality. Why have we become so 1-dimensional? And, again, I'm not just talking about the 'religious' crowd. You know, the ones who have a 'traditional' faith and do not use electric guitars and light shows for worship. Sadly, the light show crowd may be the most 1-dimensional of us all.
Here is the deal: no matter how hard we try, we really are lazy creatures. We do just enough to plateau, "arrive," whatever, and then we rest on our laurels. We see people do it in sports, in their careers, and even in their spirituality. They are so passionate, dedicated, sacrificing, etc. when they first begin, but then they arrive at a place where they 'know' they are secure and it's cruise-control from here on out. Knowing these men that I was with on this most recent occasion, and from what I have observed in my own life and pastorate, I know this all to be true. Well intentioned and sincere, but the 'engagement' (again, not the passion) has receded, because it is no longer necessary. They know they are 'saved,' they know the Bible narrative, and they know their faith's baseline. Ugh!
This is why communal engagement is so vitally important! Community challenges us because it forces interaction with others: their behaviors, thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Community not only provides us an opportunity to be affirmed, but to simultaneously have our forms and beliefs considered against another's. But you say, "Aren't these men engaging in community? Are not the Sunday worship services 'communal?'" They are, but only in the sense that their is a community present. There is no ENGAGEMENT. Come in, sit down, show up, listen and leave. The only interaction I ever see is personal worship and listening without questioning or response. That is NOT community, that's a 'drive thru.'
One of the best parts of being a pastor is having people talk to you after the service. Sure, it sucks when a person only wants to tell you that all your points were crap or that they didn't like the songs, but in almost every occasion there was an opportunity for me to learn, grow and affirm my faith and duties as a Christian. (Let's not forget that to be a Christian means to be a contributing member of the Church.) I love engaging with others, especially when the subject is my faith and relationship with the "Lover of my soul." And, man, if you can't handle that...then how 'saved' are you?
Again, I am quite sure there are many reasons for a static (1-dimensional) spirituality, but from my vantage point, the #1 reason is certainly individualism. Do not hide your life, beliefs and practices under a bushel. Do not hide them under the guise of church, small groups, or 'dynamic' worship. If you are not engaging with others, and if your faith is not permeating every aspect of your being then you are truly 1-dimensional, and at odds with the very Text you claim to adore:
Hebrews 10:23-25..
I have a really hard time watching well meaning people, with a great deal of awe, respect and love for the Christian faith and Scriptures, settle for such rote practices and worship. It was literally as if they were all about checking the proverbial box. Again, I am not supposing that each person there did not consider the words and message being conveyed to them, but where was the engagement? Where was the tie in to daily details of these men's lives? Did anyone have a question? Did anyone feel challenged, or want to challenge the ideas being presented? I know I did. And what about "the Cross (a word that appears only 13 times in the Epistles)?" How are we understanding the salvation of God, today?
Here is what I don't understand: Reverence without Engagement. How is this even possible; and, why is it so widely practiced...particularly among the Evangelicals who so often accuse all other expressions of being 'empty?'
I think that there are a lot of reasons for this, and for why the "cross" has turned into what it is today, but for now, I just want to focus on Static Spirituality. Why have we become so 1-dimensional? And, again, I'm not just talking about the 'religious' crowd. You know, the ones who have a 'traditional' faith and do not use electric guitars and light shows for worship. Sadly, the light show crowd may be the most 1-dimensional of us all.
Here is the deal: no matter how hard we try, we really are lazy creatures. We do just enough to plateau, "arrive," whatever, and then we rest on our laurels. We see people do it in sports, in their careers, and even in their spirituality. They are so passionate, dedicated, sacrificing, etc. when they first begin, but then they arrive at a place where they 'know' they are secure and it's cruise-control from here on out. Knowing these men that I was with on this most recent occasion, and from what I have observed in my own life and pastorate, I know this all to be true. Well intentioned and sincere, but the 'engagement' (again, not the passion) has receded, because it is no longer necessary. They know they are 'saved,' they know the Bible narrative, and they know their faith's baseline. Ugh!
This is why communal engagement is so vitally important! Community challenges us because it forces interaction with others: their behaviors, thoughts, opinions, and experiences. Community not only provides us an opportunity to be affirmed, but to simultaneously have our forms and beliefs considered against another's. But you say, "Aren't these men engaging in community? Are not the Sunday worship services 'communal?'" They are, but only in the sense that their is a community present. There is no ENGAGEMENT. Come in, sit down, show up, listen and leave. The only interaction I ever see is personal worship and listening without questioning or response. That is NOT community, that's a 'drive thru.'
One of the best parts of being a pastor is having people talk to you after the service. Sure, it sucks when a person only wants to tell you that all your points were crap or that they didn't like the songs, but in almost every occasion there was an opportunity for me to learn, grow and affirm my faith and duties as a Christian. (Let's not forget that to be a Christian means to be a contributing member of the Church.) I love engaging with others, especially when the subject is my faith and relationship with the "Lover of my soul." And, man, if you can't handle that...then how 'saved' are you?
Again, I am quite sure there are many reasons for a static (1-dimensional) spirituality, but from my vantage point, the #1 reason is certainly individualism. Do not hide your life, beliefs and practices under a bushel. Do not hide them under the guise of church, small groups, or 'dynamic' worship. If you are not engaging with others, and if your faith is not permeating every aspect of your being then you are truly 1-dimensional, and at odds with the very Text you claim to adore:
Hebrews 10:23-25..
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Spirit Matters: Worship and The Other(s)
Our spirit needs to engage with His Spirit. He needs to break through our theology, our limitations and emotions, and permeate the deepness of our being. If He doesn't, then do we really belong to Him? Is He really our Lord and Savior? If He hasn't saved all of us, have we experienced His presence in any of us? Deep, but true.
I love being a part of the Evangelical church, and, specifically, the Pentecostal community. As I have already stated in a previous post, there is something about this particular expression of Christianity that innately understands and attempts to encourage spirit-worship. We intentionally create atmospheres of intimacy with God, speak of God in very personal and individual analogies and teachings, and we praise and highlight 'heroes of the faith' who have notably connected with the Spirit in a very deep and existential way. (Just go to your local Christian bookstore and note all the Christian books. They are about individuals with passionate, all encompassing engagements with God.) It's all good, but only to a point....
I can't seem to worship at my local church. The worship team is great. The atmosphere is relevant and engaging. The song selections are good, and where I find it lacking they always make up for it in their creative use of 'space.' But, ultimately, I'm just stuck standing there and maybe singing to myself. Why is this? Is it because I have a bad attitude? Perhaps (and this is what my wife thinks). Is it because no matter how hard I try, I still find myself in every church service thinking..."this is what I would do..." Again, perhaps. But, even when I eventually get over myself and look to engage, I find myself with no one to engage with.
"Engage with God" you might say. But is that really the only point? A vertical relationship between He and I. If that's the case, then why even go to church? I can just slam on a Praise and Worship CD and do that in my own time...which I already do. But "nothing beats live worship." Really. Again, that's what really saying/expressing? Why do we go to church and sing in corporate worship?
The answer should be (I believe) because we are One, and we affirm our faith and experience as One. And this is why I struggle in my local church, because I don't feel at one with the congregation. The church is a great church, but it's just like every other church in the USA. It's a group of individuals getting together for an hour a week to listen to someone preach to them and affirm their presuppositions. It is almost entirely vertically arranged: music - He and I, sermon - He and I, church - He and I. I get it, because this is how the church has been doing church since the Enlightenment, but that doesn't make it right or adequate...especially since most of the other elements of Christianity that existed in the past are no longer present today.
Today, we are a more individualistic and 'cut off' from community than at any other point in history. Few families eat a meal together, and the ones that do are joined with TVs and iPhones. Schools are babysitters, not places where local families gather for the education of their children. Kids are dropped off and that's that. America's favorite pastime currently is Facebook and YouTube...individual efforts in a psuedo-community. I could go on, but I bet you get my point. The present church is an individual experience, and so is its worship, which isn't good enough no matter how good our theology.
I long to worship God in both the vertical and the horizontal...during the sermon, after the weekly meeting, and, especially, in corporate worship. I want to affirm my faith and understanding with those who are physically able, and present, to accommodate, aid, correct and enhance my understanding and experience with God. Does this mean that I want to go 'old school' and do away with choruses, intimate lighting, and 'free expression.' Not at all. I don't think that ANYTHING needs to GO AWAY from what is currently being offered. Instead, I am merely suggesting that we ADD to our worship a horizontal dimension. We need to engage with the Christ and Spirit who is in US (plural, collective). And this requires a complete rewrite of how we understand and do church in America.
If we really want a living Christian church that is more than a building or social construct, then we need to embrace the presence and ministry of God in both the vertical and horizontal relationships. Yes, the church will be more social, but not socialist. Yes, the church will experience more of the miraculous, but more will come through the tangible. Yes, church services may become more frequent, but they will also become more meaningful and essential. And Yes, worship will become more dynamic and Spirit-ual, as both the fullness of the person's being and community are engaged in the influence of the Spirit.
I love being a part of the Evangelical church, and, specifically, the Pentecostal community. As I have already stated in a previous post, there is something about this particular expression of Christianity that innately understands and attempts to encourage spirit-worship. We intentionally create atmospheres of intimacy with God, speak of God in very personal and individual analogies and teachings, and we praise and highlight 'heroes of the faith' who have notably connected with the Spirit in a very deep and existential way. (Just go to your local Christian bookstore and note all the Christian books. They are about individuals with passionate, all encompassing engagements with God.) It's all good, but only to a point....
I can't seem to worship at my local church. The worship team is great. The atmosphere is relevant and engaging. The song selections are good, and where I find it lacking they always make up for it in their creative use of 'space.' But, ultimately, I'm just stuck standing there and maybe singing to myself. Why is this? Is it because I have a bad attitude? Perhaps (and this is what my wife thinks). Is it because no matter how hard I try, I still find myself in every church service thinking..."this is what I would do..." Again, perhaps. But, even when I eventually get over myself and look to engage, I find myself with no one to engage with.
"Engage with God" you might say. But is that really the only point? A vertical relationship between He and I. If that's the case, then why even go to church? I can just slam on a Praise and Worship CD and do that in my own time...which I already do. But "nothing beats live worship." Really. Again, that's what really saying/expressing? Why do we go to church and sing in corporate worship?
The answer should be (I believe) because we are One, and we affirm our faith and experience as One. And this is why I struggle in my local church, because I don't feel at one with the congregation. The church is a great church, but it's just like every other church in the USA. It's a group of individuals getting together for an hour a week to listen to someone preach to them and affirm their presuppositions. It is almost entirely vertically arranged: music - He and I, sermon - He and I, church - He and I. I get it, because this is how the church has been doing church since the Enlightenment, but that doesn't make it right or adequate...especially since most of the other elements of Christianity that existed in the past are no longer present today.
Today, we are a more individualistic and 'cut off' from community than at any other point in history. Few families eat a meal together, and the ones that do are joined with TVs and iPhones. Schools are babysitters, not places where local families gather for the education of their children. Kids are dropped off and that's that. America's favorite pastime currently is Facebook and YouTube...individual efforts in a psuedo-community. I could go on, but I bet you get my point. The present church is an individual experience, and so is its worship, which isn't good enough no matter how good our theology.
I long to worship God in both the vertical and the horizontal...during the sermon, after the weekly meeting, and, especially, in corporate worship. I want to affirm my faith and understanding with those who are physically able, and present, to accommodate, aid, correct and enhance my understanding and experience with God. Does this mean that I want to go 'old school' and do away with choruses, intimate lighting, and 'free expression.' Not at all. I don't think that ANYTHING needs to GO AWAY from what is currently being offered. Instead, I am merely suggesting that we ADD to our worship a horizontal dimension. We need to engage with the Christ and Spirit who is in US (plural, collective). And this requires a complete rewrite of how we understand and do church in America.
If we really want a living Christian church that is more than a building or social construct, then we need to embrace the presence and ministry of God in both the vertical and horizontal relationships. Yes, the church will be more social, but not socialist. Yes, the church will experience more of the miraculous, but more will come through the tangible. Yes, church services may become more frequent, but they will also become more meaningful and essential. And Yes, worship will become more dynamic and Spirit-ual, as both the fullness of the person's being and community are engaged in the influence of the Spirit.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Spirit Matters: Loving Worship, but having a hard time doing it
This is not going to be an 'excuse' post. I promise.
So, if you know me, then you know that I can be a little emotionally-driven, as well as intellectually critical. It's a rare gift, but it suits me just fine. I love to look at the things of this world with a healthy cynicism and then deconstruct and reconstruct in an effort to get the most meaningful, purposeful, and 'pure' experience. And I take this approach to just about everything, which is perhaps why I am so deeply into the things of God and the 'spirit,' since this approach demands an existential ("Must go deeper!") understanding and interaction.
Now, on to the matter at hand, and the thing that occupies much of my thoughts lately: worship. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the church's fundamental incorporation of a given time to worship God through music in every gathering. I've been to other religions' corporate worship experiences, and despite being meaningful, I always found the lack of music and explicit 1-1 "free" interaction with God to be a fundamental 'mistake.' Religions have always had a musical element, because it not only helped tell (and remember the story/beliefs), but it also allowed an emotional element to come forward within the faith and the individual. And, Christianity has always excelled in this area...even more so then our Jewish/Catholic forefathers (past and present)...and maybe it's because of our doctrine on the 'Spirit.'
Orthodox Christianity affirms not only the presence of the Holy Spirit, but also the spirit/soul of man. We confess that man is not merely flesh and bones, but something more. Now, some say we are a dichotomy of flesh and spirit, while others argue that we are "three:" body, mind and spirit, and, still, others go all "Jesus" and say that persons are body, mind, soul and spirit. Whatever. The point is that we are more than matter...gray or otherwise. We have a spirit (soul, whatever) and it operates both with, and independent, of the flesh. While the Jewish scriptures affirm this notion and the practice of 'spirit worship' (see the Psalms), the idea and practice really took off with the aid of Greek philosophy and the Jesus story (and the two need each other).
According to the NT account, Jesus was a man empowered by, and interacting with, God's Spirit from within His spirit. And, because of such, His experience with God can/should become our experience. He said as much (especially in John), as do the other NT writers. Paul really nails this idea in Romans 8, where he tells us that our spirits have not only been set free from sin to be empowered by the Spirit to do good works, but also that this interaction with the Spirit will also allow our spirit to cry out 'Abba Father' in worship and submission to God. Hence, Christianity is not be understood as fundamentally philosophical or law-driven, but willful/soulful submission/adoration of God in all things and expressions. That's a big deal!...and, because of such, we (the Church) have excelled in 'spirit' worship, and have gotten even better with time and dispensations both inside and outside the church(the Reformation, the Enlightenment/Modernism, the Great Awakening, the Holiness Movement, and...even the Charismatic Renewal/Postmodernism).
Almost all churches today invoke the use of technology and contemporary music in an effort to not appeal to culture, but also the doctrine of the Spirit. It's good, right, and proper, and, yes, some do it better than others. But, this is not my problem. The church I attend with my family has a dynamic and genuine worship team that produces quality sound, a meaningful 'set' each week that conveys our Christian beliefs, and even allows opportunity for 'free' worship (you know, when the musicians just play a few riffs over and over to allow you the opportunity to talk to God on your own). It's legit and its of high quality without being a freakin' production. But, I still can't worship...and there's a reason, I fear, that is beyond the surface elements...
So, if you know me, then you know that I can be a little emotionally-driven, as well as intellectually critical. It's a rare gift, but it suits me just fine. I love to look at the things of this world with a healthy cynicism and then deconstruct and reconstruct in an effort to get the most meaningful, purposeful, and 'pure' experience. And I take this approach to just about everything, which is perhaps why I am so deeply into the things of God and the 'spirit,' since this approach demands an existential ("Must go deeper!") understanding and interaction.
Now, on to the matter at hand, and the thing that occupies much of my thoughts lately: worship. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the church's fundamental incorporation of a given time to worship God through music in every gathering. I've been to other religions' corporate worship experiences, and despite being meaningful, I always found the lack of music and explicit 1-1 "free" interaction with God to be a fundamental 'mistake.' Religions have always had a musical element, because it not only helped tell (and remember the story/beliefs), but it also allowed an emotional element to come forward within the faith and the individual. And, Christianity has always excelled in this area...even more so then our Jewish/Catholic forefathers (past and present)...and maybe it's because of our doctrine on the 'Spirit.'
Orthodox Christianity affirms not only the presence of the Holy Spirit, but also the spirit/soul of man. We confess that man is not merely flesh and bones, but something more. Now, some say we are a dichotomy of flesh and spirit, while others argue that we are "three:" body, mind and spirit, and, still, others go all "Jesus" and say that persons are body, mind, soul and spirit. Whatever. The point is that we are more than matter...gray or otherwise. We have a spirit (soul, whatever) and it operates both with, and independent, of the flesh. While the Jewish scriptures affirm this notion and the practice of 'spirit worship' (see the Psalms), the idea and practice really took off with the aid of Greek philosophy and the Jesus story (and the two need each other).
According to the NT account, Jesus was a man empowered by, and interacting with, God's Spirit from within His spirit. And, because of such, His experience with God can/should become our experience. He said as much (especially in John), as do the other NT writers. Paul really nails this idea in Romans 8, where he tells us that our spirits have not only been set free from sin to be empowered by the Spirit to do good works, but also that this interaction with the Spirit will also allow our spirit to cry out 'Abba Father' in worship and submission to God. Hence, Christianity is not be understood as fundamentally philosophical or law-driven, but willful/soulful submission/adoration of God in all things and expressions. That's a big deal!...and, because of such, we (the Church) have excelled in 'spirit' worship, and have gotten even better with time and dispensations both inside and outside the church(the Reformation, the Enlightenment/Modernism, the Great Awakening, the Holiness Movement, and...even the Charismatic Renewal/Postmodernism).
Almost all churches today invoke the use of technology and contemporary music in an effort to not appeal to culture, but also the doctrine of the Spirit. It's good, right, and proper, and, yes, some do it better than others. But, this is not my problem. The church I attend with my family has a dynamic and genuine worship team that produces quality sound, a meaningful 'set' each week that conveys our Christian beliefs, and even allows opportunity for 'free' worship (you know, when the musicians just play a few riffs over and over to allow you the opportunity to talk to God on your own). It's legit and its of high quality without being a freakin' production. But, I still can't worship...and there's a reason, I fear, that is beyond the surface elements...
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Immanent and Immediate God...in Context
Following up from the last post, we need to clear up what exactly we are suggesting when we affirm that God is both immanent and immediate. In other words, if God is with me in every situation, then why doesn't every situation immediately change, experience an encounter, or improve through His uninterrupted/non-mediated means? (Good question, by the way!) What I would like to suggest is that God is with us, but His method and intentions are often misunderstood or completely ignored.
God is Communal
First, we need to understand that God is communal. This means that the God of the universe is not only sovereign and perfect (without need or weakness), but He exists in community with His creation (everything other than Him, which includes angels and the like). God doesn't need to be with us or anything else, but He does want to be with us. Perhaps (no, definitely), this is why God is said to be revealed through LOVE (I John 4:8). Love requires (cannot exist) without an object to love and a source that gives love. The trinity affirms this notion, and so does the Bible narrative of God and His interaction with creation. From the beginning (Genesis), God shows up without invitation or prompting to interact with His creation. Pretty cool, and pretty encouraging...for us.
So, not only can we rightfully affirm that God is, in fact, with us, but also that His doing so is not only a result of His will, but also His love for us. BUT, then why doesn't He perfectly fix every problem immediately, if at all? Crappy (lazy) theologians have suggested this is because God doesn't want to fix every problem, but wants us to know pain/suffering so we might learn from it...or at least know His perfect goodness. That's dumb. I don't allow my kids to play with fire so they can know the pain of a burn. That's abuse. God is not an abuser. If we look a little more comprehensively at the Bible, instead of simply looking at an isolated verse or passage, we will find the answer is quite clear.
We are Communal
Almost every scientist agrees that human beings are social creatures. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, we need the interaction of another human being. (I know there are a few people who live and think otherwise, but the very fact that they tell people they don't need people is evidence that that they need other people in their life.) As a Christian, we can also easily affirm this truth because our Bible tells us that human beings are all created in the 'image of God.' This means that we share some of God's qualities...which, includes the capacity to love and be loved, want and need community.
Since Genesis 2, man has been seeking out a community and object/source of his love. This takes place in marriage, family, nationhood and, ultimately, in and through the church. But what about God? Exactly. You see, Biblically speaking, all of the examples and means of man's loving community (marriage, family, nationhood and church) are derived from God. He gave Adam, Eve; Abraham, Isaac; Jacob, the Nation of Israel; and, the world, the Church. These are all God's gifts to us so that we might know love, satisfy our need for love, and, in no small feat, live an immediately improved life. But, there is an even better truth...
God exists in Community
God not only gives us community, He exists within the chosen community. God declares that He is present in the community, and this is to be understood both literally and representatively. When the tabernacle was present before the nation of Israel, God was with them. When the ark occupied the Temple, God was with them. When Jesus walked the earth and ministered to the people, God was with them. Where the church is present today, God is with us. This is consistent, this is content, this is truth. God is immanently with us in all of our situations and, therefore, He is immediately available to meet our needs, directly and through the community.
I believe that God not only dwells with us, but that He also wants to aid us in every situation. He may not deliver us from every situation, but He does want to aid and comfort us. Yes, we should expect help, and immediate help, when we pray. God may directly intervene, but from the Scriptures and church history, His primary means of presence and aid is His representative 'body,' the Church. That means that you and I, as Believers and representatives, need to make ourselves available as the literal 'hands, feet, expression' of God's power, aid and presence to those in need. People may be looking 'up' for their solution, but, according to the context of Scripture, you and I should be looking to our left and right.
God is Communal
First, we need to understand that God is communal. This means that the God of the universe is not only sovereign and perfect (without need or weakness), but He exists in community with His creation (everything other than Him, which includes angels and the like). God doesn't need to be with us or anything else, but He does want to be with us. Perhaps (no, definitely), this is why God is said to be revealed through LOVE (I John 4:8). Love requires (cannot exist) without an object to love and a source that gives love. The trinity affirms this notion, and so does the Bible narrative of God and His interaction with creation. From the beginning (Genesis), God shows up without invitation or prompting to interact with His creation. Pretty cool, and pretty encouraging...for us.
So, not only can we rightfully affirm that God is, in fact, with us, but also that His doing so is not only a result of His will, but also His love for us. BUT, then why doesn't He perfectly fix every problem immediately, if at all? Crappy (lazy) theologians have suggested this is because God doesn't want to fix every problem, but wants us to know pain/suffering so we might learn from it...or at least know His perfect goodness. That's dumb. I don't allow my kids to play with fire so they can know the pain of a burn. That's abuse. God is not an abuser. If we look a little more comprehensively at the Bible, instead of simply looking at an isolated verse or passage, we will find the answer is quite clear.
We are Communal
Almost every scientist agrees that human beings are social creatures. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically, we need the interaction of another human being. (I know there are a few people who live and think otherwise, but the very fact that they tell people they don't need people is evidence that that they need other people in their life.) As a Christian, we can also easily affirm this truth because our Bible tells us that human beings are all created in the 'image of God.' This means that we share some of God's qualities...which, includes the capacity to love and be loved, want and need community.
Since Genesis 2, man has been seeking out a community and object/source of his love. This takes place in marriage, family, nationhood and, ultimately, in and through the church. But what about God? Exactly. You see, Biblically speaking, all of the examples and means of man's loving community (marriage, family, nationhood and church) are derived from God. He gave Adam, Eve; Abraham, Isaac; Jacob, the Nation of Israel; and, the world, the Church. These are all God's gifts to us so that we might know love, satisfy our need for love, and, in no small feat, live an immediately improved life. But, there is an even better truth...
God exists in Community
God not only gives us community, He exists within the chosen community. God declares that He is present in the community, and this is to be understood both literally and representatively. When the tabernacle was present before the nation of Israel, God was with them. When the ark occupied the Temple, God was with them. When Jesus walked the earth and ministered to the people, God was with them. Where the church is present today, God is with us. This is consistent, this is content, this is truth. God is immanently with us in all of our situations and, therefore, He is immediately available to meet our needs, directly and through the community.
I believe that God not only dwells with us, but that He also wants to aid us in every situation. He may not deliver us from every situation, but He does want to aid and comfort us. Yes, we should expect help, and immediate help, when we pray. God may directly intervene, but from the Scriptures and church history, His primary means of presence and aid is His representative 'body,' the Church. That means that you and I, as Believers and representatives, need to make ourselves available as the literal 'hands, feet, expression' of God's power, aid and presence to those in need. People may be looking 'up' for their solution, but, according to the context of Scripture, you and I should be looking to our left and right.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Immanent or Immediate God
I've been thinking a lot lately about the term, 'immanent.' It is one of our hallmark beliefs and hope as Christians. We affirm a sovereign being who created everything, and is above and outside of everything. We are not pantheists (meaning that God IS in everything); nor, are we deists (a God who is absent from His creation), either. We equally affirm a Creator and Sovereign who is present and involved in our world and His creation. But, what exactly should be we expect in terms of His immanence (presence)?
For the past century, the Evangelical camp has taken a uniform position, if not a hyper-position. In short, Christians have come to believe that the immanent God is right here in the room and is involved in every detail of his/her personal life, thought, and emotion. So far, so good; but, we've applied this belief to mean that God is ready to make an immediate difference in every aspect, thought, and emotion, directly. If we pray for it, and because God is immanently present, then He should, therefore, be willing and able to change everything in an instant. Or so, at least, our present thinking goes. There is Biblical ground for this belief (miracles), but does the text and our experience actually affirm this position and expectancy? Maybe, maybe not.
Maybe we've gone too far in understanding and interpreting God's immanence and, perhaps, we've confused it with the idea of God as 'immediate?'
Biblically-Speaking
Often, the best passage for God's immanence is Psalm 139, particularly verses 7-12. As a whole the Psalmist affirms that no matter where he goes, God and His Spirit are already there...with him, preemptively, and with complete foreknowledge. But, that is the point: God is with Him via His concern, care and interest, not that He will change the psalmist's conditions or immediately respond to them with an intervention. God is immanent (with him), and that is the miracle and hope.
But, what about the miracles passages and stories within the Old and New Testament? Don't they suggest an immanent God who responds immediately? Does not the Bible command us to pray with a sense of expectancy (Matthew 7:7-8)? Absolutely it does, but it is also telling us a lot more than this.
In a follow-up Post, I will suggest that what God has promised to do in His immanence, He may do in the immediate, but, He will certainly do in His appointed context. (Just a 'head's up,' I PROMISE this explanation will not be Christian voodoo or 'mystery.' In fact, the answer will be so obvious that it is precisely why we so often miss it.)
For the past century, the Evangelical camp has taken a uniform position, if not a hyper-position. In short, Christians have come to believe that the immanent God is right here in the room and is involved in every detail of his/her personal life, thought, and emotion. So far, so good; but, we've applied this belief to mean that God is ready to make an immediate difference in every aspect, thought, and emotion, directly. If we pray for it, and because God is immanently present, then He should, therefore, be willing and able to change everything in an instant. Or so, at least, our present thinking goes. There is Biblical ground for this belief (miracles), but does the text and our experience actually affirm this position and expectancy? Maybe, maybe not.
Maybe we've gone too far in understanding and interpreting God's immanence and, perhaps, we've confused it with the idea of God as 'immediate?'
Biblically-Speaking
Often, the best passage for God's immanence is Psalm 139, particularly verses 7-12. As a whole the Psalmist affirms that no matter where he goes, God and His Spirit are already there...with him, preemptively, and with complete foreknowledge. But, that is the point: God is with Him via His concern, care and interest, not that He will change the psalmist's conditions or immediately respond to them with an intervention. God is immanent (with him), and that is the miracle and hope.
But, what about the miracles passages and stories within the Old and New Testament? Don't they suggest an immanent God who responds immediately? Does not the Bible command us to pray with a sense of expectancy (Matthew 7:7-8)? Absolutely it does, but it is also telling us a lot more than this.
In a follow-up Post, I will suggest that what God has promised to do in His immanence, He may do in the immediate, but, He will certainly do in His appointed context. (Just a 'head's up,' I PROMISE this explanation will not be Christian voodoo or 'mystery.' In fact, the answer will be so obvious that it is precisely why we so often miss it.)
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Why I Don't Post Bible Versus (and I don't think you should either)
I hate seeing Bible verses on bumper stickers, Facebook posts, tweets, desktops, etc. And it's not because I hate the Bible or I'm embarrassed to share my Christian faith. On the contrary, it is because I LOVE the Bible and I LOVE my Christian faith.
You see, here is the problem...
(1) The Bible is Contextual
The Bible is a literary form of language, which means that is not only conveys an idea from a particular person/culture/vantage-point, but it also can be translated by a different person/culture/vantage-point in a way completely different from the original intention of the transmitter and still be "true." This is a great feature because it ensures the legitimacy and relevancy of the Bible for eternity, so long as people read it and attempt to adapt and apply what they interpret. However, on the flip-side, this ability to be contextualized also makes the Bible susceptible to abuse, misinterpretation (different, and sometimes even contrary to the author's intent), and idolatry (psuedo-absoluteness, i.e. "The Bible says so...").
(2) The Bible has been Given Away
You might be saying, and rightfully so, "Well, Jesus, Paul, John the Baptist, and all the other NT guys quoted Scripture. Why can't I?" First of all, "You can," but if you don't do it like they did, then you've lost your argument. The NT characters, and the NT writers, understood that their audience was a particular audience. They were not writing for "all the world to hear" without a very specific presupposition regarding the ownership and intention of their writings. Their story was, in fact, their community's story. In our day, we've given ownership and the intention of the Bible away to "whosoever." This is wrong, in my opinion, and for good reason.
OK, so here is the deal....
(1) The Bible needs the Bible
Because the Bible can be contextualized to mean anything a particular interpreter wants it to mean, the best way to guard against this is to only attempt interpretation of a verse, chapter, story, in light of the whole. John 3:17 is great, but it means something completely different when you interpret in light of John 3:18...and the difference is huge! (The same for Romans 10:13 in light of Romans chapter 11.)
But what about the Psalms and Proverbs? They're one-liners. Surely, I can post those by themselves, right? No.
(2) The Bible Needs a Specific Audience
Here is where you might get upset, but that's OK. The Bible is a specific story, written by a specific group, to achieve a specific result - a shared faith. When the Bible story was being transmitted orally (Old and New Testament times), it was being shared by people who shared the same presupposition that the stories were true and were to be used to confirm and enrich an already intended faith. When it came time to write these stories down, the intentions remained the same: this is OUR story. There existed an shared and intended filter for all interpretation, single verse or complete story.
Evidence of this exists throughout both history and the Bible. (a) Internal evidence: the Gospels and the Book of Acts. "These things are written that you may believe..." John 20:31; Mark 1 gives no evidence on who or why Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, or what the Gospel is. He just assumes the reader already knows and believes.; Acts 8:30-31 tells of an unbelieving Eunuch who cannot interpret the Scriptures, despite being a learned man. Only Phillip, who believes, can give him the answer!; The missions of Paul in Acts consistently demonstrate that despite all of Paul's genius reasoning, the unbelievers still don't get it. The point is that you must FIRST believe in order to understand!
Now, I know this irritates all of us Western Enlightened folks, but get over it. We all would be just as irritated if someone from another family came to our house for Thanksgiving and began interpreting our family stories, traditions and behavior's in light of their own. Rightfully, we would refute their interpretations with our own shared and presupposed intentions/meanings. The point is that only the Bible community can rightfully interpret. Outsides might have clever insights and interpretations, but they will never fully replace the proper interpretation of the intended community.
So, how can we share our faith and the Bible? Easy. Tell the whole story with the specific intention of a shared, historical (meaning agreeing with all believers of the past), and active faith! In other words, live it out in community and express it in community. Invite people INTO your faith and story....don't broadcast generic quips.
You see, here is the problem...
(1) The Bible is Contextual
The Bible is a literary form of language, which means that is not only conveys an idea from a particular person/culture/vantage-point, but it also can be translated by a different person/culture/vantage-point in a way completely different from the original intention of the transmitter and still be "true." This is a great feature because it ensures the legitimacy and relevancy of the Bible for eternity, so long as people read it and attempt to adapt and apply what they interpret. However, on the flip-side, this ability to be contextualized also makes the Bible susceptible to abuse, misinterpretation (different, and sometimes even contrary to the author's intent), and idolatry (psuedo-absoluteness, i.e. "The Bible says so...").
(2) The Bible has been Given Away
You might be saying, and rightfully so, "Well, Jesus, Paul, John the Baptist, and all the other NT guys quoted Scripture. Why can't I?" First of all, "You can," but if you don't do it like they did, then you've lost your argument. The NT characters, and the NT writers, understood that their audience was a particular audience. They were not writing for "all the world to hear" without a very specific presupposition regarding the ownership and intention of their writings. Their story was, in fact, their community's story. In our day, we've given ownership and the intention of the Bible away to "whosoever." This is wrong, in my opinion, and for good reason.
OK, so here is the deal....
(1) The Bible needs the Bible
Because the Bible can be contextualized to mean anything a particular interpreter wants it to mean, the best way to guard against this is to only attempt interpretation of a verse, chapter, story, in light of the whole. John 3:17 is great, but it means something completely different when you interpret in light of John 3:18...and the difference is huge! (The same for Romans 10:13 in light of Romans chapter 11.)
But what about the Psalms and Proverbs? They're one-liners. Surely, I can post those by themselves, right? No.
(2) The Bible Needs a Specific Audience
Here is where you might get upset, but that's OK. The Bible is a specific story, written by a specific group, to achieve a specific result - a shared faith. When the Bible story was being transmitted orally (Old and New Testament times), it was being shared by people who shared the same presupposition that the stories were true and were to be used to confirm and enrich an already intended faith. When it came time to write these stories down, the intentions remained the same: this is OUR story. There existed an shared and intended filter for all interpretation, single verse or complete story.
Evidence of this exists throughout both history and the Bible. (a) Internal evidence: the Gospels and the Book of Acts. "These things are written that you may believe..." John 20:31; Mark 1 gives no evidence on who or why Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, or what the Gospel is. He just assumes the reader already knows and believes.; Acts 8:30-31 tells of an unbelieving Eunuch who cannot interpret the Scriptures, despite being a learned man. Only Phillip, who believes, can give him the answer!; The missions of Paul in Acts consistently demonstrate that despite all of Paul's genius reasoning, the unbelievers still don't get it. The point is that you must FIRST believe in order to understand!
Now, I know this irritates all of us Western Enlightened folks, but get over it. We all would be just as irritated if someone from another family came to our house for Thanksgiving and began interpreting our family stories, traditions and behavior's in light of their own. Rightfully, we would refute their interpretations with our own shared and presupposed intentions/meanings. The point is that only the Bible community can rightfully interpret. Outsides might have clever insights and interpretations, but they will never fully replace the proper interpretation of the intended community.
So, how can we share our faith and the Bible? Easy. Tell the whole story with the specific intention of a shared, historical (meaning agreeing with all believers of the past), and active faith! In other words, live it out in community and express it in community. Invite people INTO your faith and story....don't broadcast generic quips.
The Election and the Church's Response: An Open Letter
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CHURCH: To my fellow ministers, I greatly appreciate the challenges you face as a local minister and pastor in today's age. The culture continues to shift, and we are tasked with the burden of remaining faithful to our tradition while still finding relevance and opportunityin light of our context. It is not an easy task, especially with increasing social pressures, expectations and budgets. However, I am disheartened by how so many of chosen to respo...nd to these circumstances.
While I could cite various specifics, i will stick to the one most relevant and immediate: the present election. I do not care your politics, and I applaud you for not allowing your personal opinion to overide your responsibility as minister of the independent Gospel. What troubles me, however, is how many of you either stayed silent on our civic responsibility to vote or downplayed the implications of voting or the election, in general. I do believe that the Bible calls to not only be engaged in the religious community, but also the community as large. The majority of us are not Mennonite/Anabaptist.
But perhaps the greatest offense I have witnessed, from so many, is your, again, those who have attempted to downplay the implications of elections and human choices. Your "prophecy" to predict months in advance "what will happen on Nov 9" were trivial and dangerous. Of course, "God will still be on the throne. The Bible will still be true. And we, the church, will still need to proclaim the Gospel in an uncompromising way with 'Truth and Love.'" Amen. But, there will be a host of other 'truths' tomorrow, and some not so pleasant.
If I may...on Jan 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. I'm pretty sure all your prophecies will still true on Jan 31, 1933, but life and society took a drastic downward spiral, too, and the consequences were horrific for generations! I am not comparing the present election of 2016 with 1933, completely. My point and emphasis is that ELECTIONS and human behavior do have consequences...and sometimes those consequences are huge! Do not downplay or dismiss them. You are called to be leaders, influencers, and persons who contribute to a better society. What do you appear to compromise or shy away from your task?
For the love of the Gospel and your calling, and for the sake of the people you have been appointed to care for, correct, build up, and affirm, do not compromise, my friends. Stay strong. Preach the Word. Hold true. Live out the faith of martyrs. Make a difference.
We are all counting on you.
VR,
JS
While I could cite various specifics, i will stick to the one most relevant and immediate: the present election. I do not care your politics, and I applaud you for not allowing your personal opinion to overide your responsibility as minister of the independent Gospel. What troubles me, however, is how many of you either stayed silent on our civic responsibility to vote or downplayed the implications of voting or the election, in general. I do believe that the Bible calls to not only be engaged in the religious community, but also the community as large. The majority of us are not Mennonite/Anabaptist.
But perhaps the greatest offense I have witnessed, from so many, is your, again, those who have attempted to downplay the implications of elections and human choices. Your "prophecy" to predict months in advance "what will happen on Nov 9" were trivial and dangerous. Of course, "God will still be on the throne. The Bible will still be true. And we, the church, will still need to proclaim the Gospel in an uncompromising way with 'Truth and Love.'" Amen. But, there will be a host of other 'truths' tomorrow, and some not so pleasant.
If I may...on Jan 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. I'm pretty sure all your prophecies will still true on Jan 31, 1933, but life and society took a drastic downward spiral, too, and the consequences were horrific for generations! I am not comparing the present election of 2016 with 1933, completely. My point and emphasis is that ELECTIONS and human behavior do have consequences...and sometimes those consequences are huge! Do not downplay or dismiss them. You are called to be leaders, influencers, and persons who contribute to a better society. What do you appear to compromise or shy away from your task?
For the love of the Gospel and your calling, and for the sake of the people you have been appointed to care for, correct, build up, and affirm, do not compromise, my friends. Stay strong. Preach the Word. Hold true. Live out the faith of martyrs. Make a difference.
We are all counting on you.
VR,
JS
Friday, November 4, 2016
Pop Culture Christianity
"Pop Culture Christianity" is a term I use a lot, because I think it is the perfect term for what Christianity is today. It is a hyper-contextualized demographic that has bought into a mainline, non-Christian specific, ideology. Seriously. When you hear how Christians describe their faith and practice, it is very different than how any other person of a different faith would describe their belief system.
Examples:
- I'm not perfect, I'm a sinner.
(May, or may not, include "saved by grace," but that doesn't matter. The point is simply that they are justifying their 'normal' flaws and mistakes without distinction.)
- I'm not religious.
(In other words, "Don't count me in with those people who follow rules and identify with other groups. I want to be identified with all of "you.")
- I believe in "love."
(This sounds so good, but so does everyone else. There is nothing distinguishing about this statement. In fact, it doesn't even attempt to define this 'love' as Divine, or as coming from God. To simply believe in 'love' is to believe in the world's demonstration and practice of love, which has little in common with the Biblical example and proclamation.)
Listen, Christianity has, and will, always be contextualized in its current culture and language. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it's necessary and ensures the faith will continue! The problem is that rather than distinguish, or proclaim, its message and identity to the world, today's Christianity is seeking the world's approval. Rather than calling people "out," Christians are trying to run "into" the identity of the world. It's really pathetic.
Christianity is about being different - completely different. It's not about defensiveness and cowering for easy acceptance. Historically, Christianity has been about triumphant declaration of a 'better' way of living than what the world has to offer! (Now, truthfully, this has also led to radical moments of 'triumphant-ism' that has played out in empiricism and the 'Prosperity Gospel.' That's not what we are shooting for either.) We are a faith that believes in the redemption of man, both eternally and instantaneously. Yes, we will sin, but we will NOT make excuses for it and we give our every efforts to cease from it (including appealing to the residing Holy Spirit)! We do believe in a living relationship with God, rather than rote functions and empty words; but, we are a RELIGION, and a really good one at that! We proudly identify with over 2,000years of people following Jesus the Messiah and believing in the message and practice of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If we are not a religion, then we are nothing! And, Yes, we believe in 'Love,' but our love is divine and holy. It does not compromise because it is pure and sacred. It clings to what is good and hates what is evil. It is not neutral, because real love and can never be neutral. Christianity is distinct. It is real. It is better. And, it is transcendent and permeable to every culture.
Please stop selling out. Pop-culture always has an expiration date. Don't let your faith expire, too.
Examples:
- I'm not perfect, I'm a sinner.
(May, or may not, include "saved by grace," but that doesn't matter. The point is simply that they are justifying their 'normal' flaws and mistakes without distinction.)
- I'm not religious.
(In other words, "Don't count me in with those people who follow rules and identify with other groups. I want to be identified with all of "you.")
- I believe in "love."
(This sounds so good, but so does everyone else. There is nothing distinguishing about this statement. In fact, it doesn't even attempt to define this 'love' as Divine, or as coming from God. To simply believe in 'love' is to believe in the world's demonstration and practice of love, which has little in common with the Biblical example and proclamation.)
Listen, Christianity has, and will, always be contextualized in its current culture and language. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it's necessary and ensures the faith will continue! The problem is that rather than distinguish, or proclaim, its message and identity to the world, today's Christianity is seeking the world's approval. Rather than calling people "out," Christians are trying to run "into" the identity of the world. It's really pathetic.
Christianity is about being different - completely different. It's not about defensiveness and cowering for easy acceptance. Historically, Christianity has been about triumphant declaration of a 'better' way of living than what the world has to offer! (Now, truthfully, this has also led to radical moments of 'triumphant-ism' that has played out in empiricism and the 'Prosperity Gospel.' That's not what we are shooting for either.) We are a faith that believes in the redemption of man, both eternally and instantaneously. Yes, we will sin, but we will NOT make excuses for it and we give our every efforts to cease from it (including appealing to the residing Holy Spirit)! We do believe in a living relationship with God, rather than rote functions and empty words; but, we are a RELIGION, and a really good one at that! We proudly identify with over 2,000years of people following Jesus the Messiah and believing in the message and practice of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If we are not a religion, then we are nothing! And, Yes, we believe in 'Love,' but our love is divine and holy. It does not compromise because it is pure and sacred. It clings to what is good and hates what is evil. It is not neutral, because real love and can never be neutral. Christianity is distinct. It is real. It is better. And, it is transcendent and permeable to every culture.
Please stop selling out. Pop-culture always has an expiration date. Don't let your faith expire, too.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
What motivates me?
I was thumbing through a recent minister's magazine and came across an advertisement for missionary activity. The headline was "blah, blah, blah...so all can hear." The point was being made that we, as Christians, will do anything for someone to hear the Gospel. And while that is true, the headline/tagline did not resonate with me the way I think it was supposed to.
Honestly, I am not motivated by a compelling/urgent emphasis of preaching a sermon or telling a Jesus story to a stranger so that they can 'hear' before they die. I know this was the understanding of early Evangelicalism, and I shared it pretty early on in my ministry years. I was motivated by the thought (presupposition) that the people of the world were in desperate need to hear and respond to the "Sinner's Prayer." There was this narrow, passionate belief in this 'silver bullet' approach to missions/ministry...and it drove our practice of missions/ministry.
Whether it was formal sermons, street preaching, humanitarian aid, etc., Evangelicalism's approach has been, and continues to be, driven by doing whatever is necessary to get people to hear and respond to the 'altar call' or 'Sinner's prayer.' But, I'm not on that bus anymore....
Sometime during the later part of our church planting years in NYC, I noticed a slight shift in my theology on salvation. Reading through the Bible (Old and New Testament), I noticed that salvation was not a single-moment event. Yes, it had a beginning, but it was hard to define and there certainly wasn't a moment of completion this side of eternity. Those who were 'saved' in Scripture, knew it; but, they didn't take it for granted or assume that the privilege was without consequence or commitment. Those who did make that mistake, always suffered and lost. In short, I came to understand that 'salvation' in Scripture was the gift and ministry of the church: the covenant community of God. Salvation 'began' with participation/identification in the local body of believers, and was enjoyed so long as the members maintained right relationship with God's law and each other. A sermon or prayer might get you in, but it was certainly not the 'end' by any stretch.
The result of this understanding changed everything for me. Instead of preaching or teaching to lead people to a point of individualism, every message and event was geared to an invitation to join the church community. Yes, repentance was the first and major emphasis, but I didn't end with 'REPENT!' It was more like "Leave that, and join this." And the effects of this were awesome! Now, instead of preaching or doing outreaches only for the "lost," we were doing things that spoke to both the Lost and the Saved (the church). Everyone was being called into, encouraged, corrected, and given opportunity to respond to our message. Additionally, people understood that 'church' was no longer an option, but the means of their salvation! You couldn't say to yourself, "Well, I prayed a prayer; Repented and asked Jesus in my heart; so, I'm good," cause that wasn't the message or evidence of what we were saying or doing. People knew that if they wanted to 'do' Christianity, then they had to join with the "Christians" in worship, life and practice.
As a minister, I'm still motivated by the understanding, need, and burden to proclaim the Gospel to the world around me; but, how I interpret the words, "so all can hear," is radically different than what it once was. I'm no longer motivated by individualism, but by the opportunity and reward of community. And I am so very, very glad for the change.
Honestly, I am not motivated by a compelling/urgent emphasis of preaching a sermon or telling a Jesus story to a stranger so that they can 'hear' before they die. I know this was the understanding of early Evangelicalism, and I shared it pretty early on in my ministry years. I was motivated by the thought (presupposition) that the people of the world were in desperate need to hear and respond to the "Sinner's Prayer." There was this narrow, passionate belief in this 'silver bullet' approach to missions/ministry...and it drove our practice of missions/ministry.
Whether it was formal sermons, street preaching, humanitarian aid, etc., Evangelicalism's approach has been, and continues to be, driven by doing whatever is necessary to get people to hear and respond to the 'altar call' or 'Sinner's prayer.' But, I'm not on that bus anymore....
Sometime during the later part of our church planting years in NYC, I noticed a slight shift in my theology on salvation. Reading through the Bible (Old and New Testament), I noticed that salvation was not a single-moment event. Yes, it had a beginning, but it was hard to define and there certainly wasn't a moment of completion this side of eternity. Those who were 'saved' in Scripture, knew it; but, they didn't take it for granted or assume that the privilege was without consequence or commitment. Those who did make that mistake, always suffered and lost. In short, I came to understand that 'salvation' in Scripture was the gift and ministry of the church: the covenant community of God. Salvation 'began' with participation/identification in the local body of believers, and was enjoyed so long as the members maintained right relationship with God's law and each other. A sermon or prayer might get you in, but it was certainly not the 'end' by any stretch.
The result of this understanding changed everything for me. Instead of preaching or teaching to lead people to a point of individualism, every message and event was geared to an invitation to join the church community. Yes, repentance was the first and major emphasis, but I didn't end with 'REPENT!' It was more like "Leave that, and join this." And the effects of this were awesome! Now, instead of preaching or doing outreaches only for the "lost," we were doing things that spoke to both the Lost and the Saved (the church). Everyone was being called into, encouraged, corrected, and given opportunity to respond to our message. Additionally, people understood that 'church' was no longer an option, but the means of their salvation! You couldn't say to yourself, "Well, I prayed a prayer; Repented and asked Jesus in my heart; so, I'm good," cause that wasn't the message or evidence of what we were saying or doing. People knew that if they wanted to 'do' Christianity, then they had to join with the "Christians" in worship, life and practice.
As a minister, I'm still motivated by the understanding, need, and burden to proclaim the Gospel to the world around me; but, how I interpret the words, "so all can hear," is radically different than what it once was. I'm no longer motivated by individualism, but by the opportunity and reward of community. And I am so very, very glad for the change.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Introducing Theology in 60
My hope is to draw us all closer to a more practical and legitimate understanding of what it means to 'believe.' I do not attempt to presume to have it all figured out, all I hope to accomplish through this series is to spark ideas, share observations, and get each of us (self included) toward a better "Belief.'
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Thursday, September 3, 2015
I Must If I Can
So, the other day I was wrapping up an otherwise normal day at the hospital. I was on one of my favorite wards and had just finished seeing my last patient before returning to my office to chart, change into my cycling gear and then ride home to my beautiful family. I love the end of the day.
However, as I was walking out of the ward past the nurses' station, I noticed a bouquet of flowers laying unattended. Having a great relationship with my corpsmen and nurse team, I asked where the flowers came from and what they were doing laying on the counter in such a sorry state. A young corpsmen replied that the flowers were left behind by one of the patients and given as a gift to the staff. Unfortunately, no one had taken the time to accept or care for the flowers so they had just been laying on the counter all afternoon.
So, I asked the corpsman why he didn't take the time to care for the flowers, and he responded, "Because they're cheap, I don't really care about flowers, and they are going to die anyway."
Hmmm...a teachable moment had arrived.
"Brother, you are a corpsman! Your job is to bring life and hope to the dying and sickly! What do you mean 'you don't care?' The flowers are literally right in front of you. In fact, they were given as a gift to you and your team because someone actually liked the care you provided to them. But, beyond this emotional provocation, you should care for these flowers because you can. Look! The flowers even come with a little 'fertilizer pack' attached to the stems. Get a glass of water, dump the pack into the water, and 'Viola!,' you've saved the flowers, honored those who gave the flowers to you, accomplished something meaningful, and perhaps even brightened up the entire ward. Come on, man; you're a corpsman!"
His response: "Sorry, Chaps. Not happening. They are just flowers."
Oh, well...I tried. Now, off to the bike, wife, kids and puppy at home.
However, as I took the first step toward the door and out of the ward, the conviction of the Spirit fell on me. If he wouldn't, then I must. How can I walk away when I have just as much ability as the corpsman? If I can, then I must!
I turned around, grabbed the bouquet, and went into the break room in the back of the ward. I found an old sports bottle (with the Navy logo branded on it!), filled it with water, put the fertilizer in, mixed it up, gave the stems a fresh cut with a butter knife, ripped the plastic wrapper off the bouquet and dropped the flowers in the bottle. It took a whopping 90sec.
Without saying a word, I walked back out to the nurses' station, set the flowers on the corner, and kept on walking. It's approximately 12' from the nurses' desk to the entry doors to the ward/hallway. Before I could hit the doors, the whole place was commenting on how beautiful the flowers were and how great it was to have some color and life in the place. Someone even commented kindly on the patient who had donated them earlier in the day.
I just kept on walking...
I don't always do things because I want to. I certainly don't do things because I think the task/person itself is 'worth it.' (I'm way too cynical & Calvinistic for that!) I've learned that the praise of man and self if way too fleeting and often leads to negative consequences, so I typically do not do things to be recognized. For me, it simply comes down to: If I can, then I must.
As a Christian, I know that my life is not my own. Nothing that I possess ultimately belongs to me; it's all on loan from God. I am 100% accountable to Him for everything: every breath, every conversation, every thought, every penny in my account, every relationship, every desire and every act. I belong to Him and He is not only holding me accountable, but He is also providing me with every opportunity and resource to meet that opportunity. How, then, can I pass these divine moments by or squander them for the weak and worthless impulses of my own will and desire? That's ridiculous.
Some of you religious types right now might be criticizing me now because I just revealed that my motivation is not completely grounded in 'love' for God or others. Sorry. I wish it was, and I'm striving everyday to love God and those around more and more, but sometimes I'm just not there. However, in all things I am constantly aware of God's sovereignty and my duty to Him. For me, this is a 'first motivation,' which leads to right action, which, in turn, reminds me of God's worth and love for me and my love for Him. Duty before Love.
We can't always be motivated by whether not something is 'worth it.' And we certainly cannot be motivated to act simply because we 'feel' like it. If we can, then we must. And since everything comes from Him in abundance, then we always can and we always must. And in doing so, the world is made better, lives are renewed with purpose, and God is ultimately glorified.
Go and Do.
However, as I was walking out of the ward past the nurses' station, I noticed a bouquet of flowers laying unattended. Having a great relationship with my corpsmen and nurse team, I asked where the flowers came from and what they were doing laying on the counter in such a sorry state. A young corpsmen replied that the flowers were left behind by one of the patients and given as a gift to the staff. Unfortunately, no one had taken the time to accept or care for the flowers so they had just been laying on the counter all afternoon.
So, I asked the corpsman why he didn't take the time to care for the flowers, and he responded, "Because they're cheap, I don't really care about flowers, and they are going to die anyway."
Hmmm...a teachable moment had arrived.
"Brother, you are a corpsman! Your job is to bring life and hope to the dying and sickly! What do you mean 'you don't care?' The flowers are literally right in front of you. In fact, they were given as a gift to you and your team because someone actually liked the care you provided to them. But, beyond this emotional provocation, you should care for these flowers because you can. Look! The flowers even come with a little 'fertilizer pack' attached to the stems. Get a glass of water, dump the pack into the water, and 'Viola!,' you've saved the flowers, honored those who gave the flowers to you, accomplished something meaningful, and perhaps even brightened up the entire ward. Come on, man; you're a corpsman!"
His response: "Sorry, Chaps. Not happening. They are just flowers."
Oh, well...I tried. Now, off to the bike, wife, kids and puppy at home.
However, as I took the first step toward the door and out of the ward, the conviction of the Spirit fell on me. If he wouldn't, then I must. How can I walk away when I have just as much ability as the corpsman? If I can, then I must!
I turned around, grabbed the bouquet, and went into the break room in the back of the ward. I found an old sports bottle (with the Navy logo branded on it!), filled it with water, put the fertilizer in, mixed it up, gave the stems a fresh cut with a butter knife, ripped the plastic wrapper off the bouquet and dropped the flowers in the bottle. It took a whopping 90sec.
Without saying a word, I walked back out to the nurses' station, set the flowers on the corner, and kept on walking. It's approximately 12' from the nurses' desk to the entry doors to the ward/hallway. Before I could hit the doors, the whole place was commenting on how beautiful the flowers were and how great it was to have some color and life in the place. Someone even commented kindly on the patient who had donated them earlier in the day.
I just kept on walking...
I don't always do things because I want to. I certainly don't do things because I think the task/person itself is 'worth it.' (I'm way too cynical & Calvinistic for that!) I've learned that the praise of man and self if way too fleeting and often leads to negative consequences, so I typically do not do things to be recognized. For me, it simply comes down to: If I can, then I must.
As a Christian, I know that my life is not my own. Nothing that I possess ultimately belongs to me; it's all on loan from God. I am 100% accountable to Him for everything: every breath, every conversation, every thought, every penny in my account, every relationship, every desire and every act. I belong to Him and He is not only holding me accountable, but He is also providing me with every opportunity and resource to meet that opportunity. How, then, can I pass these divine moments by or squander them for the weak and worthless impulses of my own will and desire? That's ridiculous.
Some of you religious types right now might be criticizing me now because I just revealed that my motivation is not completely grounded in 'love' for God or others. Sorry. I wish it was, and I'm striving everyday to love God and those around more and more, but sometimes I'm just not there. However, in all things I am constantly aware of God's sovereignty and my duty to Him. For me, this is a 'first motivation,' which leads to right action, which, in turn, reminds me of God's worth and love for me and my love for Him. Duty before Love.
We can't always be motivated by whether not something is 'worth it.' And we certainly cannot be motivated to act simply because we 'feel' like it. If we can, then we must. And since everything comes from Him in abundance, then we always can and we always must. And in doing so, the world is made better, lives are renewed with purpose, and God is ultimately glorified.
Go and Do.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Unintentional Intentional Encounters
My job routinely puts me in contact with persons who are not looking for me or my profession. It is on the rare occasion that I get people seeking appointments. Instead, it is often those who are being forced by their superiors as a 'last ditch,' or, what is even more common, a tragedy has taken over their life and I just so 'happen' to wonder into their path...or they into mine. Which is more true is precisely the point on this post. For as much as I can assume and surmise that people are not looking for me, I cannot say that I am always looking for them. It is not that I am avoiding people or those in need; in fact, it is quite the opposite. I hate my office and am always out on the streets and wards looking for opportunity to minister or come alongside someone else. However, even when out 'seeking,' I am never really seeking a particular person or situation, and in this, I can say that I am seek those who I encounter.
A great example of this miracle and mystery occurred recently while assigned to 'duty.' When on call as the 'duty,' my job is to respond to every and all requests at any and all hours of the week...not just day. As it happened during this recent stint, calls for my service always came when I was either asleep or with my family doing something far and removed from work. And, YES, while happy to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of others at any time, I can always say with certainty that whenever the phone request would come in, I was must definitely NOT looking for be pulled into work of service for others! I must confess that the ride into work is not the most holy of times in my life...
However, in every instance during my recent duty watch, the people I have had the opportunity to minister to have been remarkable! In each case, they were initially very hesitant to see me, and, in some cases, had no intentional use for me because I was not of their faith group or expectations. Yet, pushing care and desire aside, when left to only each other and the circumstances we found ourselves in, our need and what we had to offer could not have been more perfect or compensating.
The best example was an elderly woman who had just brought her husband of many years into the ER for emergency surgery in the middle of the night. He was very, very sick and non-responsive. She was alone and she had no one to comfort her. I was called in because there simply was no one else to call.
When I arrived, she was gone. None of the staff knew where she went and a search took place around the building via me and a few corpsmen. Eventually, we spotted her walker in the moonlight next to a bench out by the curb. She was smoking a cigarette, hunched over and talking on her cell phone. Never saying a word or trying to interrupt, I only joined her on the bench and waited. When she completed her call, she looked the other way and only acknowledged my presence with an apology for smoking. I told her I was a chaplain and was only here to take care of her. Dismissing my ministry instantaneously as 'not for her,' she told me how she was a former Christian and now practicing Buddhist because it was for her, after all, the only logical step. She was gracious in her explanation, but it was still innately rejecting. I responded with only, "Tell me your story. How did all of this come about?"
For the next hour she shared her life, her marriage, her family, and ultimately her journey through faith. At each point, I stayed with her and only listened. Sure, there were points where I wanted to correct of sound off from my experience or understanding, but I wasn't there for me, I was there for her. And the more I listened, the more she opened up, and the more her demeanor went from despair to hope. After two hours, it was like a lifetime had passed from the horror of bringing her husband to the ER and suffering alone to now sitting with me on a bench in the middle of the night.
But, guess who else had undergone a deep and lasting change? Me! I found myself not only happy to be with her, but longing for the conversation to continue on. As she shared her story, I not only connected with her experiences, but I found myself learning and observing the hand of God working through this encounter with her and into my soul and understanding. Being there for her, and not for me, changed everything. And when it finally came time for me to depart and for her to care for other matters related to her husband, guess who was all to eager to have me pray with her? And guess what else? All the preconceived ideas and prayers I thought I was going to pray went right out the window at that point. Through our unintentional intentional encounter, God showed up and revealed His will, ministry and peace to both of us.
Let us never assume that we are 'in charge,' 'complete,' or 'knowing' what it is we think we need. Instead, let us remain ever open to the Spirit, humble before His direction, and quite in His midst. A life led by the Spirit is always a life used and filled.
A great example of this miracle and mystery occurred recently while assigned to 'duty.' When on call as the 'duty,' my job is to respond to every and all requests at any and all hours of the week...not just day. As it happened during this recent stint, calls for my service always came when I was either asleep or with my family doing something far and removed from work. And, YES, while happy to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of others at any time, I can always say with certainty that whenever the phone request would come in, I was must definitely NOT looking for be pulled into work of service for others! I must confess that the ride into work is not the most holy of times in my life...
However, in every instance during my recent duty watch, the people I have had the opportunity to minister to have been remarkable! In each case, they were initially very hesitant to see me, and, in some cases, had no intentional use for me because I was not of their faith group or expectations. Yet, pushing care and desire aside, when left to only each other and the circumstances we found ourselves in, our need and what we had to offer could not have been more perfect or compensating.
The best example was an elderly woman who had just brought her husband of many years into the ER for emergency surgery in the middle of the night. He was very, very sick and non-responsive. She was alone and she had no one to comfort her. I was called in because there simply was no one else to call.
When I arrived, she was gone. None of the staff knew where she went and a search took place around the building via me and a few corpsmen. Eventually, we spotted her walker in the moonlight next to a bench out by the curb. She was smoking a cigarette, hunched over and talking on her cell phone. Never saying a word or trying to interrupt, I only joined her on the bench and waited. When she completed her call, she looked the other way and only acknowledged my presence with an apology for smoking. I told her I was a chaplain and was only here to take care of her. Dismissing my ministry instantaneously as 'not for her,' she told me how she was a former Christian and now practicing Buddhist because it was for her, after all, the only logical step. She was gracious in her explanation, but it was still innately rejecting. I responded with only, "Tell me your story. How did all of this come about?"
For the next hour she shared her life, her marriage, her family, and ultimately her journey through faith. At each point, I stayed with her and only listened. Sure, there were points where I wanted to correct of sound off from my experience or understanding, but I wasn't there for me, I was there for her. And the more I listened, the more she opened up, and the more her demeanor went from despair to hope. After two hours, it was like a lifetime had passed from the horror of bringing her husband to the ER and suffering alone to now sitting with me on a bench in the middle of the night.
But, guess who else had undergone a deep and lasting change? Me! I found myself not only happy to be with her, but longing for the conversation to continue on. As she shared her story, I not only connected with her experiences, but I found myself learning and observing the hand of God working through this encounter with her and into my soul and understanding. Being there for her, and not for me, changed everything. And when it finally came time for me to depart and for her to care for other matters related to her husband, guess who was all to eager to have me pray with her? And guess what else? All the preconceived ideas and prayers I thought I was going to pray went right out the window at that point. Through our unintentional intentional encounter, God showed up and revealed His will, ministry and peace to both of us.
Let us never assume that we are 'in charge,' 'complete,' or 'knowing' what it is we think we need. Instead, let us remain ever open to the Spirit, humble before His direction, and quite in His midst. A life led by the Spirit is always a life used and filled.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
I Might Be Crazy, but..
The past two weeks have been incredible. They been filled with great moments of encouragement and equal parts disappointment. Just before leaving for a 10-day work/play-cation in FL, I received news that a coworker and close friend was undergoing a horrific drawn-out tragedy. Despite being mentally 'checked out' and eager to do nothing more than get out of San Diego and play with my family, I found myself compelled to spend every possible moment before boarding the plane with my friend in the hospital room. I didn't have words, healing or expectations of my presence being "what was needed" to change this person's life or situation, I just knew that I had to be there for my friend.
When it came time to arrive in FL for the work portion of my trip, I thought I knew what I was going to expect, experience, and feel in regards to people, subjects and events that often accompany 'church meetings.' There would be the hyper-zealots, the 'too cools,' the 'old guard,' and the vast array of ministers trying so hard to communicate their worth through their performance and results. This is always the case, and I've been a part of each group at one point in my ministry career. This time, however, was going to be different. I told myself that I had matured, that I was more confident and secure than before, and that having already experienced these types of events that I would be prepared to see past the silliness and just have a good time. Well, that kinda happened...
For the first couple of days, everything was great. All the stereotypes and gimmicks were on display, I was able to connect with some great friends, and I was even finding myself thinking and preparing for new and future ministry endeavors, both in San Diego and beyond. But, then that 'moment' happened when all my triggers were tripped at the same time.
It happened in a way that I wasn't expecting, even though I was fully prepared for the vehicle by which the moment came forth. Without revealing the details, it is necessary to disclose that the events that led to my 'meltdown' took place in rapid succession during a moment that could describe most Sunday morning church services. Everyone gathers, gets caught up in emotion rather than substance, affirms self or others at the expense of the One, and then walks away with an elevated opinion or quite arrogance that what they have just experienced or affirmed is the best and truest truth. It's crazy and it's the sole result of the human ego...not simply American spirituality. I see the same thing at political rallies, business meetings and even within our military institutions (all places which you would hope 'self' would never be a factor).
I snapped. I threw my hands in the air and walked out of the convention center, not only not caring if people saw me, but, to some degree, hoping that they would see me! It was a bit of a tantrum, but why? Why was something that I knew and expected would happen, planned on responding to, now causing me to go into a mini-tailspin? I had a couple of service answers in my head: because I'm right, they are wrong; they are doing it all wrong; this is what is wrong with the world, etc. But, these knee-jerk and surface-level explanations were not the true cause. Something else was going on inside of me. Something was being provoked that caused me to respond deeply and passionately, and at my own expense.
I survived the event and went on to have a great convention with the church. I moved past the moment described above and put all my attention to the remaining days away. Now, with the church business portion completed, I could have uninterrupted fun with my family at our favorite vacation spot! Our bodies were adjusted to the weather and time zone, the trip was all-inclusive, so there was literally no real reason for anything to spoil our final days together. But, then that moment came...
After a great day of playing and eating our body weight in food, I woke up from a dead sleep with this unprovoked question piercing my consciousness: Why are you doing this [ministry]? It's not at all what you expected and it is more often than not at complete odds with what you want. Why are you doing this? I didn't have an answer at the time. I tried reminding myself that it was because I felt a certain way at a certain time; heard/felt God's calling at one point; or, because somebody needed to do it. All good answers, but they didn't satisfy the question. So, then I tried this response: Because I screwed up and called myself into ministry because of a response to some other event or belief in my life. That, too, proved insufficient and unsatisfying. At this point, I did what any wise soul would do, I went back to bed, ignored the question and events of the week, and had a great vacation.
Sure enough, however, the next day back at work, it all came together. In a simple discussion with my colleagues, the motives and desires of our lives were revealed and discussed openly. Each one talked about his/her passions, plans and experiences, and in doing so, revealed a lot about their deep-seated motives and reasons for who they are and what they do (even if not consciously aware of such). I found myself almost completely at odds with what my peers were saying. It wasn't that their reasons or values were wrong or lesser than my own, they just simply were not my reasons and values. No big deal, expect that in some instances the reasons they described I did once consider my own! This apparent and unexpected change caught me off guard and really put a kink in my day. I was frustrated, irritated, bored and anxious. I was all the things I had experienced previously at the church convention and the middle-of-the-night crisis at one time. Unable to run out, quit the job, or take a nap, I buried my frustration and went back to work visiting hospital staff and patients.
As I got ready to make my first rounds, I received several notes from our receptionist. In addition to my normal rounds and patients, their were people requesting my ministry and service. A nice compliment, but one that would make my work day longer and certainly more complicated. Surprisingly, I didn't mind. Then, when I entered my first ward, a sailor was standing in the hallway waiting for me. "Sir, I need to schedule a time to speak with you," she said. "Get in line, Sister," I thought in my head, but what I actually said was, "OK, great. What would be a good time for you? Actually, are you free now?" We talked for over an hour and witnessed God's healing and presence in a very unique and unexpected way!
With my day and schedule now completely messed up, I just kept on hitting my rounds. And, sure enough, it was one crisis and miracle after another! What should have been an easy and short day, turned into one of constant interruption and personal frustration, except for the fact that at the end of the day I felt completely FULFILLED.
I don't know exactly why I respond the way I do the things of life. One minute I think I'm driven by a particular passion, and then in an instant I discover that it's either not true or certainly not the sole contributor. I didn't know why it came so easy for me to disrupt my life and schedule and go beyond what was expected of me to be with my friend in the hospital. Sure, it was 'compassion,' but what drove the 'compassion' component at that moment? Why did I go bananas when everything that I had already known was going to happen, happened in a crazy church convention? Sure, I was frustrated (and largely disgusted), but so what? People do dumb things for the wrong reasons all the time. It doesn't have to affect me. Why did I wake up with such a nagging and seemingly unanswerable question for no apparent reason? Because I was subconsciously still dealing with it? Sure; but why?
Here it is, folks. As far as I can tell...at this point..my life is simply not my own. I am fully aware of what I want, need, expect and believe, but it is not the ultimate driving force in my daily life. I do perform a lot of actions and make a lot of decisions on what I want or what I think is best, but I would be completely wrong to think that I, alone, am in the driver's seat. As I look back over the events of these past two weeks, I see the presence, voice, and action of the Spirit influencing my life. He is the one driving my life, leading me into these situations, and causing me to fulfill the occupational and existential qualities of my existence. I know this may seem like a trite or "Sunday School" answer, but I can't think of one more true. I simply cannot contribute the trajectory of my life to my own desires or passions, nor can I take any credit for its relative success in drawing me or others to God. IT's ALL Him, and it is why that at the end of the day, I am only fulfilled when He has shown up and displayed His qualities and values!
So, where do I go from here? How should I respond to such a conclusion? No clue, other than I plan to simply continue to get out of the way (decrease) so that He can increase. I have no problem simply being 'along for the ride,' IF He is the one leading.
When it came time to arrive in FL for the work portion of my trip, I thought I knew what I was going to expect, experience, and feel in regards to people, subjects and events that often accompany 'church meetings.' There would be the hyper-zealots, the 'too cools,' the 'old guard,' and the vast array of ministers trying so hard to communicate their worth through their performance and results. This is always the case, and I've been a part of each group at one point in my ministry career. This time, however, was going to be different. I told myself that I had matured, that I was more confident and secure than before, and that having already experienced these types of events that I would be prepared to see past the silliness and just have a good time. Well, that kinda happened...
For the first couple of days, everything was great. All the stereotypes and gimmicks were on display, I was able to connect with some great friends, and I was even finding myself thinking and preparing for new and future ministry endeavors, both in San Diego and beyond. But, then that 'moment' happened when all my triggers were tripped at the same time.
It happened in a way that I wasn't expecting, even though I was fully prepared for the vehicle by which the moment came forth. Without revealing the details, it is necessary to disclose that the events that led to my 'meltdown' took place in rapid succession during a moment that could describe most Sunday morning church services. Everyone gathers, gets caught up in emotion rather than substance, affirms self or others at the expense of the One, and then walks away with an elevated opinion or quite arrogance that what they have just experienced or affirmed is the best and truest truth. It's crazy and it's the sole result of the human ego...not simply American spirituality. I see the same thing at political rallies, business meetings and even within our military institutions (all places which you would hope 'self' would never be a factor).
I snapped. I threw my hands in the air and walked out of the convention center, not only not caring if people saw me, but, to some degree, hoping that they would see me! It was a bit of a tantrum, but why? Why was something that I knew and expected would happen, planned on responding to, now causing me to go into a mini-tailspin? I had a couple of service answers in my head: because I'm right, they are wrong; they are doing it all wrong; this is what is wrong with the world, etc. But, these knee-jerk and surface-level explanations were not the true cause. Something else was going on inside of me. Something was being provoked that caused me to respond deeply and passionately, and at my own expense.
I survived the event and went on to have a great convention with the church. I moved past the moment described above and put all my attention to the remaining days away. Now, with the church business portion completed, I could have uninterrupted fun with my family at our favorite vacation spot! Our bodies were adjusted to the weather and time zone, the trip was all-inclusive, so there was literally no real reason for anything to spoil our final days together. But, then that moment came...
After a great day of playing and eating our body weight in food, I woke up from a dead sleep with this unprovoked question piercing my consciousness: Why are you doing this [ministry]? It's not at all what you expected and it is more often than not at complete odds with what you want. Why are you doing this? I didn't have an answer at the time. I tried reminding myself that it was because I felt a certain way at a certain time; heard/felt God's calling at one point; or, because somebody needed to do it. All good answers, but they didn't satisfy the question. So, then I tried this response: Because I screwed up and called myself into ministry because of a response to some other event or belief in my life. That, too, proved insufficient and unsatisfying. At this point, I did what any wise soul would do, I went back to bed, ignored the question and events of the week, and had a great vacation.
Sure enough, however, the next day back at work, it all came together. In a simple discussion with my colleagues, the motives and desires of our lives were revealed and discussed openly. Each one talked about his/her passions, plans and experiences, and in doing so, revealed a lot about their deep-seated motives and reasons for who they are and what they do (even if not consciously aware of such). I found myself almost completely at odds with what my peers were saying. It wasn't that their reasons or values were wrong or lesser than my own, they just simply were not my reasons and values. No big deal, expect that in some instances the reasons they described I did once consider my own! This apparent and unexpected change caught me off guard and really put a kink in my day. I was frustrated, irritated, bored and anxious. I was all the things I had experienced previously at the church convention and the middle-of-the-night crisis at one time. Unable to run out, quit the job, or take a nap, I buried my frustration and went back to work visiting hospital staff and patients.
As I got ready to make my first rounds, I received several notes from our receptionist. In addition to my normal rounds and patients, their were people requesting my ministry and service. A nice compliment, but one that would make my work day longer and certainly more complicated. Surprisingly, I didn't mind. Then, when I entered my first ward, a sailor was standing in the hallway waiting for me. "Sir, I need to schedule a time to speak with you," she said. "Get in line, Sister," I thought in my head, but what I actually said was, "OK, great. What would be a good time for you? Actually, are you free now?" We talked for over an hour and witnessed God's healing and presence in a very unique and unexpected way!
With my day and schedule now completely messed up, I just kept on hitting my rounds. And, sure enough, it was one crisis and miracle after another! What should have been an easy and short day, turned into one of constant interruption and personal frustration, except for the fact that at the end of the day I felt completely FULFILLED.
I don't know exactly why I respond the way I do the things of life. One minute I think I'm driven by a particular passion, and then in an instant I discover that it's either not true or certainly not the sole contributor. I didn't know why it came so easy for me to disrupt my life and schedule and go beyond what was expected of me to be with my friend in the hospital. Sure, it was 'compassion,' but what drove the 'compassion' component at that moment? Why did I go bananas when everything that I had already known was going to happen, happened in a crazy church convention? Sure, I was frustrated (and largely disgusted), but so what? People do dumb things for the wrong reasons all the time. It doesn't have to affect me. Why did I wake up with such a nagging and seemingly unanswerable question for no apparent reason? Because I was subconsciously still dealing with it? Sure; but why?
Here it is, folks. As far as I can tell...at this point..my life is simply not my own. I am fully aware of what I want, need, expect and believe, but it is not the ultimate driving force in my daily life. I do perform a lot of actions and make a lot of decisions on what I want or what I think is best, but I would be completely wrong to think that I, alone, am in the driver's seat. As I look back over the events of these past two weeks, I see the presence, voice, and action of the Spirit influencing my life. He is the one driving my life, leading me into these situations, and causing me to fulfill the occupational and existential qualities of my existence. I know this may seem like a trite or "Sunday School" answer, but I can't think of one more true. I simply cannot contribute the trajectory of my life to my own desires or passions, nor can I take any credit for its relative success in drawing me or others to God. IT's ALL Him, and it is why that at the end of the day, I am only fulfilled when He has shown up and displayed His qualities and values!
So, where do I go from here? How should I respond to such a conclusion? No clue, other than I plan to simply continue to get out of the way (decrease) so that He can increase. I have no problem simply being 'along for the ride,' IF He is the one leading.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Why I am Assembly of God
This week, my family and I will travel to our denomination’s
biannual (every two year) conference.
It’s a full-on church gathering with evening services, prayer meetings,
business sessions and tons of opportunities to eat while learning about
missionaries and ministries. It’s
a weeklong event and I am honored to be a part of it…even if it does drive me
insane at times and cost a small fortune to attend! In a day and age where the most popular churches and
Christian speakers are non-denominational, I feel it important for me to share my main reason for why I am not only “pro-“ denomination, but, in particular, a member of the
Assemblies of God (A/G).
For starters, I grew up in an Assemblies of God church, and
for four brief years of my early life, I was also a Methodist. I’ve always known denominations and
“groupings” and growing up I never saw any negatives to being associated with
them. In fact, as far as I could
tell, “Assembly of God” was simply a title you put after your church name. I had no idea about corporate
doctrines, bylaws, governance, etc.
In my home church, everything was handled internally and the local
pastor and his board ruled the roost.
No one told us what to preach, when to preach, how we were to conduct
church policy or even who would be our pastor. It wasn’t until I went off to an Assemblies of God Bible
College that I actually learned the full potential and capabilities of being in
a denomination. But, even then, it
wasn’t something I viewed as intrinsically evil or damning but, rather, quite
the opposite. I liked the idea of
being a part of something bigger than myself and having a network of
like-minded people to interact with and find support. Upon graduating from Bible College, I became a proud
licensed minister and tithing member of the team!
Things did change, however, while I was serving as church
planter in NYC. Being a
denominational minister is pretty easy. You affirm the church’s doctrines, mail
in a few bucks every year, and stay out of trouble with other people’s money
and/or body parts. There really
isn’t much to it. Being a church
leader, however, is a completely other story. You see, according to federal law and the Internal Revenue
System, there are many legal implications that churches must adhere in order to
enjoy all the benefits of being a legal church. If you are a denominational church, the number of laws you
must adhere to doubles, because now you not only have to play by the Fed’s
rules but also that of the denomination.
The trouble with this, however, is that no two churches are ever
alike. Personalities, practices,
cultures, economic demographics and a whole hosts of other realities complicate
the establishment of local church governance and policy, and sometimes the
rules (and rulers) of a denomination can really make compliance and success
nearly impossible. There were
many, many days (years) while serving in Queens that I was seriously considering
leaving the A/G and doing the ‘non-denom’ thing, but God wouldn’t let me. It’s not because God is loyal to the
A/G but, rather, because God knew that His church in Queens was bigger than the
A/G and certainly a lot bigger than me!
The church needed the freedom to discern it’s own identity and function,
but it also needed to do so free from my personal (and limited) perspective and
personality. Here is where
denominationalism, and, in particular, the Assemblies of God, shines.
The beauty of the Assemblies of God isn’t its doctrine
(although it is good and strong), but its freedom of expression/interpretation. The Assemblies defines itself as a
“cooperative fellowship,” which means that it not only fully understands the
uniqueness of each local church, but that it also affirms its autonomy. Rather than producing or mandating
principles and practices, the A/G strives to only enforce the principle while
leaving the interpretation and practice up to the local church. This single aspect of the A/G literally
saved our church plant from long-term failure in Queens and me from
insanity! There was no way that
our church was going to be able to successfully conform to the habits and particular policies of other established churches, even within the denomination and the
local geography. But the A/G district
and national leadership didn’t panic or give an ultimatum, they simply
considered our uniqueness, compared it to other complying and successful A/G
churches and then aided us in finding a personal solution. They were patient, understanding, and empowering
and it resulted in a legally compliant church with members who now can now
positively identify their faith and church with other Believers across the
country and globe. But more than
the ability to identify with the larger church, I believe what my story, and
that of denominations, in general, affirm is the biblical principle of
accountability. No one should be
free of authority and oversight…in any area of their life.
All Are to Live Under Authority
Jesus was God in the flesh, yet He submitted every thought, action and word to the authority and will of the Father. Let us never forget, it wasn’t the will of Jesus to go to the cross, it was the will of the Father (Luke 22:42). Likewise, Paul was not a disciple of Jesus nor was he friends with His disciples when he became a Christian. Nevertheless, upon conversion and appointment for ministry, the very first thing he does is return to Jerusalem to receive the blessing and accountability of the church leadership. And in each and every church he establishes, he ties its membership in both faith (doctrine) and finances back to the Jerusalem church and leadership. Individuals and churches need to be under formal authority at all times; it’s good and it’s biblical!
Jesus was God in the flesh, yet He submitted every thought, action and word to the authority and will of the Father. Let us never forget, it wasn’t the will of Jesus to go to the cross, it was the will of the Father (Luke 22:42). Likewise, Paul was not a disciple of Jesus nor was he friends with His disciples when he became a Christian. Nevertheless, upon conversion and appointment for ministry, the very first thing he does is return to Jerusalem to receive the blessing and accountability of the church leadership. And in each and every church he establishes, he ties its membership in both faith (doctrine) and finances back to the Jerusalem church and leadership. Individuals and churches need to be under formal authority at all times; it’s good and it’s biblical!
I love being a part of God’s larger church and I love being
a part of the Assemblies of God. Do I agree with all that the Assemblies of God says and does?
Of course not! But differences in opinion and practice do not mean that
individual parties cannot still serve one another or submit to a common
authority. As demonstrated in my story above, these variations can actually
make each member and the larger group stronger and more effective! I choose to be Assemblies of God because we not only affirm authority, but we celebrate individual uniqueness and expression.
So, off I go to meet with thousands of other ministers who
are as diverse and particular as I am, and who’s church may look in every way
very different than the one I would pastor. I am sure that there will be plenty
of ‘eye rolls’ out of all of us for the things we say and do, but at the end of
the day, we will all rejoice and praise God for the singular identity and
mission to which He has called us and that we are fulfilling together!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
From NYC to the Navy
Perhaps the biggest question I am often asked is “Why did you join the
Navy?” This is a very fair
question, especially in light of the fact that since I was 7 years old, I’ve
always said that I felt called to be a missionary. So, how does one go from pursuing a life of overseas
mission, to becoming a church planter in NYC, to now occupying the role of a US
Navy chaplain? Well, in all
honesty, it’s quite simple.
When I was young, I was heavily involved in my local church,
specifically, the Kids Church program.
Three times as week (4, if you include Sunday School), there were
age-specific classes designed for kids to learn about their faith, church, and
evangelism. It was great fun even
if I didn’t always want to attend or support the lesson (or teacher). Hanging out with kids my own age,
learning at my own level of understanding and seeing my church friends so many
times a week was a very good thing.
And, apparently, even if I was only attending because I was either (a)
drug to church by my parents or (b) simply there to play with my buddies and
screw off, the lessons and message of the church were seeping into my life and
understanding. I know this because
my very first year at summer church camp, and without provocation or my
parents’ presence, I sought God on my own and experienced His voice and
presence in an unprecedented way.
When the preacher asked people to ‘come down and seek God’ that night, I
knew what he meant. I figured out
how to pray and when God responded, I knew it was Him. And what He said to me that night was
also in line with what I was being taught and experiencing every week in
church. God was asking me to be a
missionary: to go and tell people in other parts of the world about Him, His
church, and His return. I didn’t
have to ask anyone to explaining anything to me and simply understood the
fulfillment of that call as me going forth and spending my life traveling
abroad and telling people about Jesus.
At that point in my life, I understood Missionary = Travel.
In my teenage years, and following a time of adolescent
rebellion, I remained active in my local church youth group and began
participating in oversea mission trips.
It was great fun, but it was also deeply, deeply satisfying because I
was doing for the first-time what I understood God had called me to as a
child. I was traveling abroad and
telling people about God’s Truth.
This eventually led me to Bible College, where I continued to travel
abroad and learn more about the Bible and ministry. It was also at college where I was given a unique
opportunity to travel for an extended period of time. Seeking God’s direction for where I was to go, He instead
put a people on my heart. While
serving in Israel, God gave me a deep and heavenly love for Jewish people and I
knew that my calling as a missionary was more than a call to travel, it was a
call to love people. Therefore,
when I left Bible College, I didn’t pursue ministry overseas, I pursued a
people wherever they happened to be.
Turns out, lots of them were here in the U.S! There were thousands of Jewish people on American college
campuses, so my wife and I partnered with Chi Alpha as US Missionaries and
aided Christian students in understanding and blessing their Jewish
friends. We were fulfilling the
call in our understanding: Missionary = Travel, People Group, Evangelism. But it was also during these years
where some deep-seated questions began to arise. Namely, where does the Church fit into all of this?
Up to this point, I had only understood the Church as the
‘sending’ part of missions.
Missionaries ‘go’ because they are ‘sent’ through prayer and finances
from the larger church. This was
all good, but it seemed incomplete in light of the many people we were reaching
as missionaries. Our presence and
ministry blessed people, but we were not sufficiently getting them grounded in
the work and ministry of faith, God, or a local community. I started to see myself as a traveling
act. We roll in, draw a crowd,
have some great moments, and then roll out hoping it meant something to
someone. It kinda sucked.
It was at this point that God, once again, expanded my
understanding of the call to be a missionary. It was not just about itinerate ministry to a specific
people group; it was about doing these things with the aim of establishing an
indigenous and lasting community wherever we are sent. This became especially evident while I
studying the great missionary book of Acts. The apostles didn’t just roll in, bless a community, and
then roll out. They traveled,
lingered for years at a time, adopted the local culture and customs and worked
extensively to build a unique community of faith. In the Bible, missionaries were, more often than not, church
planters.
So, in 2005, my family and I began the journey to NYC. We left our home in PA (traveled) to
bless the Jews and Gentiles of Queens (specific people group) with the message
of God (evangelism) and the single intention of establishing a church
(community). It turned out that
the more God honed our calling as missionaries, the more we understood the
challenge and blessing of being missionaries. Raising money and traveling is a little tricky. Raising money, traveling and learning
to love an entirely different group of people is tough. Raising money, traveling, loving an entirely
different people and then serving them with the knowledge and discipline of God
while striving to establish these people into a community of God and each
other...wow. It is safe to say
that I got my butt kicked in NYC.
Not by NYC itself, but by the incredible challenge that is inherent to
church planting. What we came to
realize is that unless the missionary becomes ‘one’ with the people and culture
he/she is trying to love and serve, the mission is a bust! Yes, we saw good and
lasting ‘fruit’ during the early years of ministry, but, in hindsight, all of
these were the results of either us (unintentionally, in most cases) building
deep relationship with these individuals or someone else. The missionaries of Scripture not only
went out and established communities of faith, they first sought to identify
with the people. This is hard, and
it involves so much more than learning a few Yiddish phrases, rooting for the
Yankees, or complaining about the subway system. Identifying means to bear one another’s burdens as your own,
to see and feel the challenges through their eyes, and to see each other as
equals, even if you do possess ‘the cure’ of Truth. The last years of our ministry in NYC were amazing because
we were growing closer and closer to both the ones inside the Church and those
who were still yet to come in. I
cannot say that I became a NYer, but I certainly do hope that those who we
served would say that I was ‘one’ with them (John 17:15-17).
Now, all of this may explain how a boy with dreams of moving
to Europe eventually landed him in NYC, but where does the Navy fit in? Good question. In addition to teaching us how to be
more effective missionaries, NYC also allowed my wife and I the opportunity to
discern our core values, interests and burdens. We like the hard stuff. We know who we are, who we need each other to be, and that
our ministry gifting is found in the deep crisis of life. We have deep, deep convictions on
matters of faith, family, and sacrifice, and the closest parallel to these is
found within the military ideals (notice: ideals). I love my country and am proud to serve in its defense, but
that is not the primary reason I am serving (which is good because the law
forbids me to pick up a gun, move ammo, or report military activity). We are serving because I have been
divinely burdened to love, identify with, and care for men and servicewomen and
their families in their context…under oath.
In conclusion, let me end by saying this…as you can see,
this was all a process. There is
no way we could have fulfilled this call, up to this point, in any other way. It took time, experience, success and
failure, deep conversations with God and His people, and lots and lots of
humility. I do not believe that ‘coming
to faith’ is a journey, but I do believe that growing in, understanding and
experiencing that faith is a life-long pursuit. We still haven’t figured out the fullness of the calling He
placed on me (or my wife) at a very young age. But, our eyes, ears and hearts are open and being in the
Navy is clearly a part of it.
Anchors aweigh…
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