Thinking Out Loud

Atheist at Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I read an article this morning in the Lawton Constitution that was titled with the same title as this blog post. I read it with intrigue. From the start, I am a Christian. I have been a devoted Christian from the age of 14, and was raised in a religious family. In other words I have been in and around church my whole life. To top it off, I am a full time pastor. My belief in God is very high. But if you are not a Christian please humor me and read on...

With that said, my heart was breaking as a I read the article. I have many friends that are not Christians and a few who are atheist. The article addressed the issues an atheist faces during the overtly Christian celebration of the holidays. It explained that there are support groups that help atheists deal with holiday depression, how to avoid awkward conversations with family, and how to survive the holidays in general. CS Lewis talked of the dangers at every turn an atheist must face to protect their belief system. He would know. He called himself one of the most reluctant converts to Christianity in all of England. He was an atheist for many years.

Christmas must be an especially hard time for atheists.

I hope that families, churches, and Christians can be sensitive to the needs of those who claim there is no God. I hope that they can feel welcome in the communities they belong. I believe that any community should be a place where they can search and question all their life beliefs about family, culture, work, religion, art, and music. The church community should be open to those atheists who are looking for meaning, purpose, and hope. I say that because I notice the language of atheists, especially in the article I read.

Some of the atheists in the article celebrated the holidays by decorating tree, which I admit traces back to both pagan and Christian belief systems. They celebrate the winter solstice, another pagan belief. The argument was that Christians had stolen the celebration from pagan religions. The solutions was that pagan religions where polytheistic and thus more appropriate for atheism than Christianity and Judaism, which are monotheistic. Yet simple logic has to recognize that all are practices of people who are believing in a higher power or being. Pure atheism cannot accept any of these beliefs or practices. They are not atheists, they are confused people who are still seeking for answers. Whether they recognize it or not.

One quote from a middle age atheist was, "Food we like. Presents we like. Seeing family we like." But when it came to prayer or the family attending a worship service, he did not participate. Yet another quote by the same guy explained, "Sacred trees are an ancient custom. It's pretty, it smells nice, and it's pagan." His reasoning doesn't line up. He loves community and family. He loves celebrating. But to find reasons to do so, he accepts it by covering Christianity with paganism and calls it good. This man is not an atheist. He is an agnostic. He himself used the word sacred in a spiritual way. Think about it.

Another middle aged man expressed that he took the good and left the bad of the holiday. The good was family and friends. The bad was anything that had to do with church. Why? Because his ex-wife used the atheist argument against him in their divorce litigation because she was a devout Christian. As I read I could understand his pain. For this man to come to God he will have to go through the family issues and pain that clouds his judgement. A real pain that he lives with daily. He's not a true atheist. He is a man who is hurting and using atheism to mask his pain. I know this is true because when the family leaves after dinner to attend a mass he stays behind. In other words his only community leaves him behind in his deepest pain. Or to put it another way, this man believes that the church is a place that cannot heal him. So I asked myself if my church, no better, if I would be the kind of person that would work through his pain and help him heal. Heal his view of life, family, relationships, and hopefully of God.

The last example that caught my attention was a retired man who came out and said he told his 92 year old mom to put her own Christmas lights up because, "she believes all this crap." This man was willing to ruin the few remaining Christmases his mother, a devout Christian, had left. A 92 year old women cannot put her lights up herself. And Christmas lights don't equate to Christian faith. This man must have hurts that go deep, deep down. Words like crap and actions that demonstrate disdain to help others enjoy the holidays are tale-tale signs of that truth.

What harm besets an atheist who attends a church service or hands Christmas lights? If there is no God then the church service poses no harm. It is another meeting during a week of meetings. Maybe, just maybe their is something else keeping this man from attending a church or enjoying the holidays. What that is I will not try to guess.

The take away from my musing today may just be for me, but they ran so deep I had to write something to help work through my feelings. What are my feelings? Heartbreak. Heartbreak that people desire community, family, and robust life...but apart from God. Stop and read Psalms 16:2. Heartbreak that some people hide behind a weak form of atheism to mask their pain. A pain that only something or someone greater than them can heal. For me that person is Jesus Christ; the Christ in the word Christ-mas. Now, don't discount me now after reading the whole article. I explained at the beginning I was a Christian. I simply want you, the reader, to think about the whole of the discuss.

To be sensitive to those who believe differently.
To be sensitive to those who find the holidays painful due to their life situations or confused beliefs.
To be a healer of those who hide behind atheism or any system of belief to mask their pain.
To be the family member that stays behind when all others go to church, to simply be with the one who is left behind at home alone. I think Jesus himself told a parable about leaving the 99 for the 1.
To be bold about your faith, but without pushing others away. The goal is not conversion, that is between God and a person. The goal is conversation, relationship, and community. The rest will work itself out.

All of this is complicated, messy, and easier said then done. But if Christians will be open and atheist will be open, civilized talk can be fostered. Where the talk goes it up to each situation and individual involved.

Think about it...

Defining Goals - Creating Movement

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:50:00 +0000

I was flipping through my notes from the Leadership Summit 2007. I found some good stuff from the past hiding there.

Michael Porter did a talk on Strategy, Goals, and Planning. Here are four questions he said you must ask:

1. How do we define our goals clearly?

2. What set of community servcies and needs are we going to address?

3. How are we going to address them?

4. How do we create alignment?

Great questions to guide your strategic planning...think about it

13 Characteristics of an Effective Church Planter

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:26:00 +0000

This is a post from Dr. Charles Ridley of Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) that I believe is helpful for church leaders as well.

Take some time and think about it:

13 Characteristics of an Effective Church Planter
By Dr. Charles Ridley

What does it take to be an effective church planter? Dr. Charles Ridley conducted a study of church planters in the United States and Canada. Based upon his research and subsequent field testing, he developed a list of 13 church planter characteristics. For over a decade, these characteristics have been used to select church planters. Here is his list of characteristics and their definitions.

Visioning Capacity
· Being a person who projects into the future beyond the present.
· Developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry.
· Coping effectively with non-visioning elements.
· Not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously.
· Establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision.
· Believing in God's capacity to do great things.

Intrinsically Motivated
· Having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence.
· Stick-to-itiveness and persistence.
· Having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations.
· Having a willingness to work long and hard.
· Being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing.
· Having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina.

Creates Ownership of Ministry
· Helping people to feel responsible for the growth and success of the church.
· Gaining a commitment of the people to the vision.
· Establishing a congregational identity.
· Avoiding stereotyping of the congregation by imposing unrealistic goals.

Relates to the Unchurched
· Communicating in style that is understood by the unchurched.
· Understanding the psychology or mentality of the unchurched.
· Moving and functioning in the personal space of the unchurched without fear.
· Quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level.
· Breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched.
· Handling crises faced by the unchurched.

Spousal Cooperation
· Having an explicit agreement regarding each partner's involvement in ministry.
· Having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office.
· Evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children.
· Functioning as a team through individual and collective action.
· Having a strategy for dealing with strangers.
· Modeling wholesome family life before church and community.
· Agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision.
· Deliberately planning and protecting private family life.

Effectively Builds Relationships
· Responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people.
· Displaying Godly love and compassion to people.
· Getting to know people on a personal basis.
· Making others feel secure and comfortable in one's presence.
· Not responding judgmentally or prejudicially to new people.
· Appreciating and accepting a variety of persons.
· Spends time with present parishioners without ignoring them for new people.
Committed to Church Growth
· Believing in church growth as a theological principle.
· Appreciating steady growth without preoccupation with quick success .
· Committing to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth.
· Recognizing that non-growth is threatening and self-defeating.
· Establishing the goal of quickly becoming a financially self-supporting church.
· Not prematurely falling into a ministry of maintenance.
· Seeing the church project within the larger context of God's kingdom.

Responsive to Community
· Understanding the culture of the community.
· Identifying and assessing community needs.
· Responding to community needs on a priority basis.
· Determining successes and failures of other attempts to respond to the community.
· Not confusing what the community needs with what the church wants to offer.
· Acquiring and understanding of the character and pulse of the community.
· Adapting the philosophy of ministry to the character of the community.

Utilizes Giftedness of Others
· Understanding the culture of the community.
· Releasing and equipping people to do the task of ministry.
· Discerning of spiritual gifts in others.
· Matching the gifts of people with ministry needs and opportunities.
· Delegating effectively in areas of personal limitation.
· Avoiding personal overload by delegating effectively.
· Not prematurely assigning ministry positions before people are equipped.
· Not placing unwarranted restrictions on other's spiritual giftedness.

Flexible and Adaptable
· Coping effectively with ambiguity.
· Coping effectively with constant and abrupt change.
· Adapting oneself to the uniqueness of the particular church planting project.
· Shifting priorities and emphasis during various stages of church growth.
· Doing whatever is necessary whenever necessary.

Builds Group Cohesiveness
· Developing a nucleus group or groups as a foundation.
· Quickly incorporating newcomers into a network of relationships.
· Engaging others in meaningful church activity.
· Monitoring the morale of people.
· Utilizing groups effectively.
· Dealing with conflict assertively, constructively and tactfully.

Resilience
· Experiencing setbacks without defeat.
· Riding the ups and downs (i.e. attendance).
· Expecting the unexpected.
· Rebounding from loss, disappointments and failure.

Exercises Faith
· Possessing a conviction regarding one's call to church planting ministry.
· Believing in God's action.
· Having expectation and hope.
· Having a willingness to wait for answers to specific prayer requests.

Dr. Charles Ridley, A leading pioneer in church planting assessment, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

NEW ORU Academic Video 2009

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

This is an excellent overview of the outstanding programs offered by the one and only Oral Roberts University. Check out http://www.oru.edu for an HD quality video.

Enjoy...

Misdressed Warriors

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:52:00 +0000

In the later part of Ephesians 6, Paul begins to describe the parts of the Armor of the Christian warrior. As a kid we learn these pieces of armor and sometimes we get a gold star for all the ones we get right. Now that I am older, I am wondering if God gives us a star for each one or if he gives us a star for wearing the complete armor and using it as it was intended to be used.

What I mean by that is that we hear quite a bit about the helmet of salvation or the breastplate of righteousness and especially the sword, which is the truth. But is not the last piece the most vital of all?

What is the last piece? The piece we emphasize less? That is the shoes of the readiness of the Gospel of peace. The final part of the armor is the shoes. It is the metaphor for 1 Peter 3:15; to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have for anyone that asks you.

Stop. Think. Ask yourself, “Am I a misdressed warrior?”

Or do I look ridiculous with this massive cool armor, sword and shield and yet I am in bare feet? I don’t think a soldier would last long without good foot wear. Watch the movie Glory and you will see what a difference adequate foot wear can do for a group of soldiers.

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14-15)

You can boast about all the other pieces as much as you want, but be reminded to put on the last piece. Shoes matter. How beautiful are the feet!

Think about it…

Thoughts on Loving People from my friend, Trinity Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

In the Name of Love
Trinity Jordan, pastor, Elevation Church, Layton, Utah

The two young Mormon missionaries stood there in my living room, wide eyed, pondering what they had just heard.

I decided to repeat myself to make sure they heard me correctly, “Yes, I would like very much to go through the missionary discussions. But, before we do, can we hang out three times without talking about your beliefs or my beliefs. Tonight we will order pizza, make some lemonade, and just chat.” They nodded as if they really didn’t speak my language.

The night passed as we dove into casual conversation of where we were from, what our interests were, and where we had been in life. The next meeting brought with it a trip to a local ice cream shop to continue our conversation. As we ate our ice cream and laughed at each other’s stories, I looked down at one of the Mormon missionaries’ shoes. They were completely ripped apart.

“What is up with your shoes, bro?”

“Well, I’ve been on my mission for 10 months now and I only brought with me one pair of shoes.”

“What size do you wear? I’m sure I’ve got an old pair of shoes in my closet that are better than those.”

I was secretly plotting at this point. I had learned from the previous week that his birthday was coming up. I could make our third meeting a birthday party, complete with a gift of shoes that he desperately needed.

The balloons were in place. The cake was made. The streamers hung from the ceiling. Friends of mine that I knew would be nice to these young missionaries were hiding all over my house. The doorbell rang. I answered the door.

Surprise!

As they walked into my house like two deer in headlights. I held out my present to my new Mormon missionary friend. He slowly opened the present. He stopped as he lifted the lid of the shoebox and stared at the new pair of shoes. “Why did you do this?”

“Cause I love you, man. You are my friend.”

“No, really, why did you do this?”

“Mama said you can learn a lot about a man by the shoes he wears, bro. I’m serious; I love you.”

The gospel story is a story of love. God’s love for us. God’s love in us. God’s love changing us and God’s love flowing out of us to transform the world.

John tells us that God is love. Paul says we have died to Christ and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us.

This means we have the most amazing love in the world living in us. A love that changes lives. A love unlike what anyone in the world can offer. A selfless, gracious love.

My job as a follower of Jesus is to love. This is the characteristic that defines me as a disciple. My love for others. My job isn’t to save anyone. But, rather to be a living witness for Jesus. The job of Savior of the World is filled and He is doing a great job. I’m terrible at it.

This is why people walk away hurt from our churches. We are doing jobs that are not ours to do and we neglect what we are supposed to do. Love people. People need to feel like they belong with us before they believe like us. By loving them we let the good news of the gospel penetrate their hearts. The good news is that Jesus gives us life and hope through what He did for us on the cross. This will lead to spiritual conversations of Jesus and the life that He offers to all.

I believe in the local church. Can you imagine what we could do if we always did our job of loving people we come into contact with? Pharisees would call us friends of sinners. The drunks and prostitutes would be welcomed into our church services feeling welcomed and ready to receive Christ’s offer of redemption.

We have gotten so disconnected from a dying world around us, we are trying to perfect methods of salvation instead of working on truly loving the people we come in contact with everyday. We harm those around us when we don’t do our job and try to do God’s job. You and I are not charged with convicting the world of sin—that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Our task is to unconditionally love people.

Kathryn wants to be like Mommy!

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Here is a glimpse into the awesome world of my baby girl. Oh, and Mommy, WE LOVE YOU! Enjoy...

Contextual Theology and Being Missional

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Being missional is the buzz word that is replacing all things emerging, so I believe it is a good idea to dialog about what it means to contextualize theology. This is not only the work of a missionary in a foreign land anymore; it is now the work of local pastors and leaders in the churches of America.

Paul G. Hiebert in his book, Anthroplogical Insights for Missionaries (Baker, 1986), suggests that critical contextualization is a proactive to balance effectively the development of contextual theology. His four step concept was developed by missionaries ministering in a foreign culture to help in making sure that the development of a contextual theology remains properly balanced. Hiebert's critical contextualization encourages the participation of all the members within a church.

The first step is to recognize the need to deal biblically with all areas of life.

Step two is for the congregation to meet and analyze the cultural issues they confront from an uncritical perspective.

The third step is to conduct a Bible study that is relevant to the particular cultural issue being considered.

Finally, the congregation needs to evaluate critically their own past customs in the light of their new biblical understandings and to make a decision regarding thier use.

Although this process can be tedious, it is the new work of the local church as they seek to understand, engage, and influence today's culture with the timeless message of hope that the local church champions. Think about it...

QUESTION: What is your church or ministry doing to contextualize theology (i.e. being missional)? Is it effective? Is it worth it? Any suggestions?

The Hardest Word for Leaders: NO

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Although I have learned to do this more as time goes on, I need to hear it again from time to time. In his blog today, Seth says:

"Saying no to loud people gives you the resources to say yes to important opportunities."

I have heard Craig Groeschel say that every time you say yes to something you say no to something else.

With that said, we must protect our no's as much as we give out our yes's which can be hard in a society of "yes men." Moving beyond being mediocre doesn't mean saying yes to eveything. It means saying no when it matters, so we can say yes when it does!

Tony Morgan on Faith

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:57:00 +0000

I am reading through Tony Morgan's Killing Cockroaches and finding somekind of challenge on every page. Here is what he says on faith in his chapter on "Churchiness is Easy":

"Real faith is dynamic. It's contriversal. It's dangerous. It's constantly growing. It asks challenging quesitons. It involves mystery. You can't put it in a box. You can't keep it quiet. You can't outgrow it. You can't out dream it. It's more focused on others than on itself. Real faith gives me peace but makes me discontent to let things stay the same." (Check out Tony's blog for more insights)

I find that my faith is sometimes not even status quo. I find that I sometimes wish faith wasn't even part of the process. For to me, faith says you aren't able to do this in and of yourself...it is the beyond that is within you that will do it. Faith is about doing great things that when done can only go back to the one who placed that faith in us...namely Jesus Christ! It about bending and stretching. It's about pain and growth and turning intellect into godly wisdom. Faith is one complex and messy idea!

Think about it...

Thoughts on a Radical Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:13:00 +0000

Looking in the face of our twenty first century culture, I think it is time to embrace the radical teachings of Jesus once again. There have been times in history when this has been done. And when I say radical, I mean all that he taught and embodied. We have made Jesus into a fun and enjoyable icon, when in all reality his message is so radical it is offensive.

For this post, let’s just take one example: Luke 16:14-15

“The Pharisees, who love money, heard all that Jesus was teaching and sneered at him. Jesus said to them, ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.’”

All over the immediate context of this verse are issues that bring to light what “is detestable in God’s sight.” In chapter 14, Jesus speaks of places of honor at banquets. In chapter 15, he speaks on selfish piety of a rich, spoiled brat. In 16, he speaks of a shrewd business man and another story of the final fate of a rich man. In summary, they all deal with money and the cost of loving a lifestyle over a relationship with God.

Those values and lifestyles are detestable in God’s sight. And they are in stark contrast to what Jesus values most: the cost of a Christ-centered lifestyle and the love for seeing sinner reconciled to God.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (14:26-27)

“I tell you in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over on sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who do not.” (15:7)

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (15:10)

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and know is found.” (15:32)

In a later post, I will discuss 14:26-27, but notice the progression in chapter 15. Jesus is more concerned with a person who is truly repentant. That denies the normalcy and the culture to follow the radical message of Jesus…the message of the Kingdom of God. A kingdom that is at odds with the kingdoms of this present age.

For today, know this: We are all dead until we find Christ. We are all lost until Jesus comes and changes our status. Just as it costs big to live with the luxuries of this world, to have all the things that are in the end, “detestable to God.” The radical Jesus says that it cost much more to live out the radical-reversal message of the Kingdom of God. More on this to come. For now, think about it…

Is our Full Gospel...well...Full Gospel?

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:08:00 +0000

The odd thing about any movement is that eventually it changes from the original. Lutherans look very little like Luther. Wesleyans don’t look like Wesley. And Full Gospel believers have been morphing over the years. The one and only thing that can save us is reform.

Those of us who are Full Gospel believers need reformation of the fullness of Scripture. What I mean by that is to reform all the proof texting we do. That is taking so much of Scripture out of context to make our points to move the masses in the direction we want them to go. We must speak the truth of the Bible in the direction God want us and those who follow us to go.

For example, we often hear people make the comment for a personal salvation call like this, “The Bible paints a picture of Jesus standing at the door of our hearts and knocking.” And before I go further, I want to say that this can be a very deep and true statement, but it is not the full gospel context of the picture. This verse is actually found in the book of Revelation:

Chapter 3, verses 14-22
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 ‘Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

The idea is not presented in a setting of a personal salvation call. It is presented to a church that has become lukewarm. A church that has lost its fire and Jesus is standing outside of this place asking to come in. Get this, Jesus is asking to come into church; the cornerstone is asking to be invited into His own dwelling. These verse when put back into a full gospel approach carry a power rebuke and recommendation to dying churches today. In essence, it explains that if you take the rebuke of Jesus and hear him knocking on the door of your church, he can come back in and move just the way he did when the church was once red hot.

May verse 22 guide our lives…he who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to his church. Let us come back to a full gospel approach and stop taking verses and stories out of context and letting God once again speak for himself. May our churches once again be red hot and refined by the fire of God! Amen.

Caged vs Uncaged, part 2

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Breaking out of the cages that hold us down in life takes spiritual momentum. We must learn that the very things that are meant ti hold us back can actually be the catalyst to move us forward.

My devotional comes from Bill Hybel’s Holy Discontent:

“This (positive) energy causes you to act on the dissatisfactions that’s been brewing deep within your soul and compels you to say yes to joining forces with God so that the darkness and depravity around you gets pushed back. This supernatural energy allow you to move forward past all the natural human-nature responses and enter instead into a life viewed from God’s point of view.

In other words, your perspective shifts from that which your eyes can see to that which God tells you is true. And it is this reality that what is enslaved can still be set free, what is broken can still be mended, what is diseased can still be restored, what is hated can still be loved, what is dirty can still be made clean, and what is wrong can still be made right.” (bold words are my emphasis)

WOW!

In a nutshell, this means that God will take
our sin,
pain,
suffering,
frustrations
and dissatisfactions in life
and turn them into a powerful force to be used to expand our life and God’s kingdom!

CAGED vs UNCAGED, Part One

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. -Marianne Williamson

Sometimes we have lived in the dark so long; it feels normal. When a shimmer of light shines though we fear that which is not normal. Like a prisoner of war in solitary confinement; we fear the light and the presence behind the door. We know there is more but we chose to live in fear and darkness. These become common and normal. Yet the light was what we are created for; how we are to live.

Jesus Christ is the light. He is the light within us. The greatness of Christ is the greatness in us. We are more fearful of the greatness of God’s plan for our lives that we often chose to be bound. Some of the things that bind us are not all bad, but they keep us from the greatness of God. However, many things that bind us choke out the power and presence of Holy Spirit working in us. Christ has already freed us. He has called us to freedom (Gal 5:13). Yet, we allow our chains to cage us. Why are so many Christians living in cages today when they have been called out…they have been summoned…to freedom?

Christian, you are not inadequate and you are not powerless! You are more powerful and more blessed than you can imagine! Do not fear what is meant to free. Break the chains; live life UNCAGED! Live a life guided by the adventure of the Holy Spirit...think about it!!!

My Thoughts on Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:20:00 +0000

Here are my thought transcribed that I will share this weekend at my church on the Meaning of Christmas:

As we sing songs, buy gifts, spend time with family, and run, run, run; we can easily miss the meaning and reason of Christmas.

So for a brief moment this morning, let us refocus on what Christmas is truly about. Let us remember the meaning and reason that make this one of the most unique and celebrated holidays in the world.

The Meaning:
Luke 2:10-11 “ But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The meaning is three fold:
1. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is GOOD NEWS
2. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD brings GREAT JOY
3. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is for ALL PEOPLE

The meaning of Christmas is best understood as God revealing himself completely to us in his son, Jesus.

Just as there is a meaning to Christmas there is also a reason:

The Reason:
Matthew 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Sometimes we miss the deep value of this phrase. At the time Jesus was born, Israel had lost hope. The prophecies of the Old Testament had yet to be fulfilled. The Messiah had not yet come.

As was the history of Israel they were in a time of exile, ruled by Roman law. Caesar lorded over the people of God as supreme. Caesar Augustus was hailed by the senate as God and legend of his virgin birth and the peace and good news he would bring to Rome surrounded his life. But Jesus, not Caesar, was the true son of God. Jesus came to lead his people out of exile and bondage.

Therefore, the REASON of Christmas is the story of Reconciliation and Celebration.

Reconciliation: Through Jesus, God reconciled the world back to him. Remember, it was GOOD NEWS to ALL PEOPLE. Through Jesus, the Savior, God SAVED HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.

Jesus would break the chains of Roman domination by ushering in the Kingdom of God.

Exile would be no more, for Jesus would be King of a Kingdom that has no end (Luke 1:33).

Celebration: So, We celebrate this time of year because of that HOPE. A HOPE that springs from a life that began in a manger.

Jesus Christ’s amazing birth is the beginning of the story of HOPE. HOPE that God will restore us. HOPE that brings GOOD NEWS. HOPE that Jesus will SAVE HIS PEOPLE and welcome us into a KINGDOM that has NO END.

There is a reason we celebrate and that reason is Christ the King:

There’s a reason that the lights are shining.
There’s a reason that the wreaths are hung.

There’s a reason that songs of joy
and peace are being sung.

There’s a reason for the celebration.
There’s a reason that the silver bells ring.

There’s a reason for the season
and the reason is Christ the King.

Enjoy thinking on these things, or as Mary did...maybe pondering them in your heart. Merry Christmas to all my readers!

The Future of Pentecostalism

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:44:00 +0000

I find myself warmed on a cold winter day as I continue to read and hear about the reform of my denomination. I am an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. As a Pentecostal (and this would apply to many of my Charasmatic friends), we know that younger leadership has always played a vital role.

The YOUNGER MINISTER'S TASK FORCE report that was submitted to the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in August of this year had this as one of its many interesting focal points:

"Agnes Ozman was 30 years old when she spoke with tongues on January 1, 1901 at Charles F. Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas. Parham was 27 years old when he experienced the outpouring of the Spirit. William J. Seymour was 35 years old when the Azusa Street revival broke out in 1906. J. Roswell Flower was 25 years old when elected Secretary (General Secretary) in 1914, and Chairman (General Superintendent) E.N. Bell was 47. From the earliest stages, our Pentecostal movement engaged young people in key leadership roles."

As seasoned ministers become authentic with younger ministers, we will be able to continue the dialog about what the next generation of Pentecostal leaders will look like. I am excited for the future of a denomination that is willing to ask hard questions, seek innovative ways to train their young leaders, and reform in ways that are kingdom-minded and not just denominationally minded.

As Chris Tomlin sings, "Greater Days are yet to come; Greater things are still to be done in our cities" For this, I praise the LORD Jesus Chirst!

Thankful for Stewardship

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:03:00 +0000

As the Thanksgiving Holiday fades into the hundred-mile-an-hour rush to the next holiday, I find myself slowing down to be thankful before time slips away into another Christmas Season. One of the biggest gifts I am thankful for is stewardship.

God has called me out of darkness and into light, and has asked me to be a steward of light. God has called me to be salt to a flavorless world, and has asked me to be a steward of my talents; to add something of value to my sphere of influence. God has called me to be a minister of the Gospel, and to give my life as a steward of his Word. Basically, God has called each and eveyone of us to be stewards. Stewardship is at the core of how we should live, yet we usually push it out to the peripheral. As a leader I must learn to steward my life in a way that maximizes my time, talent, and treasure.

I say all of this because I have spent time reading, journaling, and reflecting on something Andy Stanley said at a Catalyst conference a few years back. Paraphrasing Morpheus's words to Neo, "It has been a splinter in my mind." Stanley charged, "Leadership is stewardship. It is temporary. And you are accountable." Leadership is a temporary stewardship that God holds leaders accountable to in the end. That makes me feel both highly energized and painfully nauseous all at the same time, but that is for another post someday.

If you are a leader (of any variety), then take some time and allow that quote to simmer in your spirit. Or at least take a brief moment and think about it...

Inspired by Seth Godin

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Thought I would share this leadership tip with you all from Seth Godin’s book, Tribes:

Over-the-Top Underdog Bravery
“Leadership almost always involves thinking and acting like the underdog. That’s because leaders work to change things, and the people who are winning rarely do...Ordinary thinking and ordinary effort are almost never enough to generate leadership. That’s because our inclination is to barely do enough. It takes something extraordinary, a call to action that is irresistible, and a cause worth fighting for to make people actually join in.”

Whether you are a pastor or a marketplace leader, I hope this thought inspires you to do something that no one else is doing to reach the people no one else is reaching!

So ask your self:
What am I doing now that hinders me from achieving maximum results?
What can I change now to improve on my strengths (not focus only on my weaknesses)?
What plans can I make now to set my self up for success in the future?

Think about it...

Reaching and Leading "Generation Exodus"

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:05:00 +0000

In ministry, one of the most difficult yet promising demographics to reach is 18-30 year olds. So many of them have been leaving the church that they have been labeled "generation exodus." So how do we keep those who we have and attract those who have left?

Kent Shaffer (www.churchrelevance.com) has offered this advise taken from consulting reports done earlier this year:

How to Reach the Millennial Generation

41% say participate in viral marketing and peer-to-peer recommendation sites
36% say sponsor or advertise in areas of interest to millennials(e.g., extreme sports, music
venues, chat rooms, social networking sites)
35% say deliver a great product at a great price
30% say focus on millennials’ key influencers(e.g., parents, peers)
28% say contribute to social causes that millennials support
21% say contribute to corporate or issue blogs
21% say message millennials through wireless text messaging
19% say exploit contests, promotions, and retail tie-ins
12% say develop online games for company website

Kent goes on to say, "In other words, if your church wants to reach the millennial generation, create a great church experience that is remarkable (creates word of mouth) and targets the key influencers and social catalysts of your local millennial community."

If you are a leader who is trying to reach and especially keep young professionals and twentysomethings, take careful note to what is being said here. Think about it...

Featured Blogger: Steve Furtick

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:59:00 +0000

Every once in a while you come across a blog that speaks right to you. I am talking in your face, challenging stuff. There a few of those for me and one of them is the blog of Steve Furtick, lead pastor of Elevation Church. Here is yesterdays blog. It is well worth taking some time to think about:

I used to hate to be confused…November 11th, 2008

Lately I’m learning to love the feeling.When I’m confused about something, it’s:
an opportunity to lean not on my own understanding:

a portal to a deeper understanding of the character of God
a precursor to greater faith
a great occasion to humble myself and seek the wisdom of others
a sign that my God is elevating me to another level, and my current mindset isn’t
adequate for the place God wants to take me next
a birthplace for innovative and breakthrough concepts

You can either avoid confusion because it makes you feel vulnerable-and miss the chance to upgrade your paradigm-Or lean into your confusion, admitting you don’t have the answers, and watch God expand your thinking and grow your soul.

Michael Crichton: We will miss you

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Michael Crichton, MD (1942-2008) died Tuesday, November 4 of cancer at age 66. He was an author, political/ethical activist, screenplay writer, director, producer, husband, and father. His novels have sold in the millions with Jurassic Park being one of the most recognized and his television drama ER has won acclaim across the board.

I remember being around 13 year’s old and reading Jurassic Park. I was a volunteer, aka candy striper, for a hospital where my parents worked. My first assignment was working security. Yeah that’s right. They gave a kid my age a radio and keys to doors I should never open. And yes, you guessed it, my friends and I had fun on many occasions. Maybe too much fun. So I ended up answering the phone in the security office, which was not as glamorous as finding ways to misuse power. Most days were pretty slow, so I began to bring magazines to work to read. Those got boring so I decided I would read a novel. Odd, but it was what I decided to do. So while my family was out shopping at Wal-Mart, I ask my mom to buy me Jurassic Park. The only reason I chose that one was that I was still into dinosaurs at that age and the book had a dinosaur on the cover. (I sometimes still chose books because of their covers. I mean, how can you walk by Seth Godin’s new book, Tribes, and not buy it just because the cover is intriguing?)

That began a long and rewarding reading career of Crichton’s book. I moved from Jurassic Park to a Case of Need then to The Andromeda Strain, and on and on. I couldn’t put him down. By the time books like Timeline came out, I was one of those preorders at Barnes and Noble. I fell in love with the power and dynamics of the written word at a young age because of the power and clarity of Michael Crichton. All of the electives I took in college were writing and literature classes. I have had multiple teachers at different colleges tell me that I have a gift for writing, and I always think back to the great opportunity I had at age 13, when I bought my first novel. What if it wouldn’t have grabbed my attention? I honestly believe I would be a different person. I owe Crichton for that.

So that is why I morn. We will never again have the opportunity to read a new Michael Crichton novel, but there are many that he has inspired (including myself) that will rise up to the challenge to produce dynamic literature for the next generation. Maybe it won’t be in the Sci-Fi area or politically or environmental charged or maybe not even fiction, but it will still carry a quality and clarity that made Crichton one of the most recognized writers in the world.

Today is a good day to think about who has helped inspire you, or has moved you, or has mentored you and let them know you appreciate them. Maybe you haven’t even stopped to think about such things. Today, not tomorrow, is a good day to do that…

Historic Times

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:15:00 +0000

The votes have been cast and for the first time in American History, the United States of America has a black president. I have read Facebook statuses, Twitters, texts, emails and all kinds of communications either celebrating this historic event or prophesying the down fall of America. Because I run in religious circles, I have even heard people speak of the rise of the antichrist and the end of the world. So I would like to give my take on it all (for what it is worth).

First of all, I am confident (I have a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and Languages and I have almost completed my Masters in Theological Studies) that Barack Obama is not the antichrist. Yes, he has a sketch past and oddly enough he could not even apply to be his own secret service agent because of that past, but that doesn't qualify one to be the antichrist.

Second, Christianity should not be known for casting people in the role of apocolyptic characters when we really don't know what we are talking about anyway. Honestly, biblically illiterate people (can you even quote more than 10 verses from memory or explain with clarity the purpose, themes, or theology of any given book of the Bible?) have all of the sudden become experts on the Bible and on apocolyptic literature. Why? Because a man is black, democratic, and youthful. Just a note of warning: 2 Timothy 2:15 explains that we need to show are self approved to God by rightly using the word of truth. Notice that the word truth is present. Be careful to claim something is truth by God's standards when it may just be your standards, or your cultural standrads, or even your religious/denominational standards. I am not saying these standards are not important or that somehow we can easily suspend them (we all have presuppositions and worldviews), I am simply asking you to know what they are so they do not ultimately control your views negatively. We have the ability to use better judgement when we at least know these things.

Finally, although I do not think Obama is the antichirst (or any other apocolyptic figure in the Bible) I can still disagree with his political stances on issues of abortion, taxes, socialism, etc. What that means is that I can pray for him and for his advisors, that God would guide them and help them. I can pray that God will send bold, godly men of character to work along side of him and help influence and mentor him. Let Romans 13:1-7 comfort you in the fact that God is still the designer of local and worldwide political affairs.

Throughout the book of Daniel, kings and rulers rise and fall. The book starts out explaining that God himself has ordained it to be so. Israel is in exile there. So God raises up Daniel and three of his close friends to work with these Kings. They understood that culture, even though it wasn't their first choice. Because Daniel sought to know his culture, surroundings, and situation, he was able to do amazing things for God and lead Kings to worship his God. He wasn't the head man, but he was the right hand man that changed nations. Why? Because he believed that he could make a difference through prayer and through influence.

So here is what you can do now. People can stop making comments like: It's the end of the world; Better go buy more guns; Hope the Rapture happens soon; and begin praying that God places godly men of character (like God did in the Book of Daniel) in Barack Obama's life to mentor him, encourgae him, and lead him into an even deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Oh, yes I do believe that he is already a Christian, but as I believe for every one of us, we can always grow deeper. The closer our heart is to God's the more it lines up with the heart of God. Obama needs men and women to help his heart grow closer and closer to God's every day, just as we need to pray the same for ourselves.)

Will you join with me and praying for our nation? Instead of fear (which is not of God) I have hope for a better tomorrow for America (and I don't believe that begins in 2010 either). Hope is the most important Christian characteristic we have. Make sure you wear that on your sleeves! Think about it...

Mpact Student Ministry's ONE BIG PARTY

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:08:00 +0000

I am proud to work alongside a great team of pastors. Joseph Kellogg, the student pastor at The Assembly at Broken Arrow, just had a huge event called ONE BIG PARTY. Illusionist Jim Munroe, aka MAZE, presented the gospel in one of the most innovative ways I have ever seen. Read Jim's own comments about the event below from his blog:

October 23, 2008
Broken Arrow, OK Outreach - 800 Students
I’ve just returned from Broken Arrow, OK…. a suburb of Tulsa. The Assembly Church invited us out to share our magic and the gospel at an annual event they call, “One Big Party.” Pastor Joe Kellogg, aka Big Phat Stud, coordinated an amazing event.
We started off, earlier in the day, at Broken Arrow High School, the largest senior high school in the state of Oklahoma. During three lunch periods, we performed crazy effects that gained a ton of publicity. Lots of jaws were dropping from the close-up magic, and several students made decisions to come to the event later that evening right there at the school.
At the event, later that evening, I was pumped to include Mr. Brad Fogarty on stage as the newest member of the MAZE troupe. He performed and shared the gospel powerfully. The result…. 60 students became Christians!
It was an amazing event. Next up…. ROUND ROCK TEXAS. Right near Austin, TX. HOME TO THE GREATEST SCHOOL IN THE UNIVERSE…. the LONGHORNS! Sorry Broken Arrow, OK… had to say that!2 hours ago

Love is being "Intentionally Unintentional"

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:41:00 +0000

While on vacation this week, I took advantage of not having timelines and pressures of the regular work-week-cycle. On one of those days, I sat and watched people going about their lives consuming products at a popluar outlet mall in the area. As I sat there I had no desire to consume anything, I was there to watch my baby girl as my wife visited with an old friend. It was refreshing to know that she was not going to spend money on low pirced items that we probably would never use anyway.

Nevertheless, as I observed people that day one couple caught my eye. This couple came out of a store smiling and laughing and I could tell that they were having a great time. You might say, so what I would be happy to if I was off vacationing somewhere with my family. But I am talking about the happiness that comes from really enjoying each other. Yet, the other thing that caught my eye was the way this twentysomethings couple was dressed. Why? Because clothing speaks volumes about who a person is or at least who they are trying to be...

The girl was dressed in the typical middle, to upper middle class, style. In other words, she was Hollister, Gap, or fill in any other hip (for now) clothing chain. Her hairsyle and dress code said that she was more than likely from a family that is doing well, lives in a suberb, more than likely she is in college or just graduated, and plans on having the American dream as her dream for life. So you are probably assuming already that the guy is dressed the same or maybe he is a jock that has won over the cheerleader. You would be dead wrong.

The twentysomething guy had long hair, part of which was hidden under a wornout beret. His shirt was one of those that has a hilarious, but tacky, phrase like, "Your village called and they are looking for their idiot." His shorts were tattered, fraid camouflage and his sandels dated back to the time of Jesus. He looked like a Bohemian who would fit right in at a local coffee dive quoting creative poetry.

And these two were walking hand-in-hand, laughing and simply enjoying life together. Two unlikely people from two different cultures living in community together. This made me think of the church and the major issues she faces today. Can our church welcome the Western-minded consumer and the emerging-postmodern person? I thought on that for a few days and decided that the church can do it, but the church must be "intentionally unintentional" in doing so.

Being intentionally unintentional means that we are intentional in reaching the sub-cultures in our communities and ministry contexts. But we do it in a way that is unintentional. That is to say that we do it out of love not duty. In his new book (Reverse Mentoring), Earl Creps explains that this generation can see right through someone doing something out of duty as opposed to doing it out of love. It is not our duty to save people; that's God place. God has to so saturate our lives with his love that we live out and speak out biblical truth through love.

Paul explains to the church that we need to, "speak the truth in love, being grown up in all aspects of Jesus Chirst." (Ephesians 4:15). He later explains in 1 Corinthians 13 that without love anyhting we do is like the clanging of symbols...its a bunch of noise! So we must ask ourselves continually, "Are we making Jesus Chirst known to people out of duty to our churches or pastors or are we doing it because the love of God is so rich and full in our lives that we are compelled out of the love God has for redeeming His beautiful creation?"

Love brought those two together, and love can bring people to the saving knowledge of a God who misses his prodigal children. Not programs, or lights, or videos. It takes a true love that only comes from those connected to God through Jesus Christ. Are you loving in a way that is intentionally unintentional?

I will post more of my thoughts on this througout the next week or so, but I am more curious about what those reading the blog think about this topic. Until then think on this:

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:5-6)

Understand this "You are complete in Christ"

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:53:00 +0000

In the movie, Jerry McGuire, we have the now famous line, "You complete me." (Holding back my tears...come on David; be strong). It is the dream of all romantics to find that person that completes them, but is that what Scripture tells us completeness actually is?

In Matthew 5:48 we find Jesus preaching on a mountain side and he says this curious and difficult phrase, "Be perfect for you Father in heaven is perfect." The Greek word is "teleios" and is better translated "having reached it's end" or "complete." In other words, perfect is not as good a translation as complete. Understand that through Jesus Christ we are made complete as the Father is complete (or whole to put it another way). That is why money, or fame, or material wealth, or love, or addicitve behaviors never really end that search for completeness. People, things, and lifestyles don't complete us...Jesus Christ does.

In the word "teleios" we find the root word "telos" from which it is formed. Telos means the end. As when the disciples asked Jesus to tell them about the end (the telos) of all things. Our completeness has reached its end in Jesus. We don't have to go searching anymore. We don't have to go winning God's approval. We are made complete in him.

What have you been using or seeking to find completeness? Love, material goods, addictive behaviors, trying to find new ways or ministries to please God? My suggestion for you is to meditate on Matthew 5:48. Then refelct on the newfound completeness you have in Jesus Christ. Or at least think about it...