provoking thoughts on life and leadership.

Values before vision.

2012-05-17T10:52:00.003-04:00

Values, more than vision shape a culture.

Having a lack of vision is bad, really bad. Without vision people are stuck, literally immobilized and eventually perish.

Having skill and competency is so important. Without a skillset matching your role you and those around you will be frustrated and ineffective.

Having the wrong values is deadly to a culture.

Every leader is a “cultural architect”, one who actually shapes external environments by their internal reality.

Cultural architects without vision are stuck. Cultural architects without the right skill set are ineffective. Cultural architects without an aligned value system are destructive.

It is one thing to be ineffective and a totally another thing to be destructive to the environment that is being built. Misaligned values bring toxic emotions and cancerous growth to a culture.

Values, more than vision or skills is what shapes a culture.

an equation for innovation.

2012-02-20T05:23:00.001-05:00

image from techmoola.com

Talking with a close friend recently the thought occurred to me...there actually is an equation to innovation.

My friend had just come back from a scientific research conference.

This gathering was made up of some of the brightest scientists from all over the globe who want to cross pollinate their findings with each other. I can't even spell his area of expertise, he's that smart!

On the surface you may say, "That's great, so what." But when you step back to think about what they are actually trying to accomplish it will cause Kingdom minded people to sit up and take notice.

Besides money, hours of hard work, laboratories, bright minds, etc. Innovation requires two things: generosity and humility.

Innovation requires generosity because I have to be willing to share with you my findings, research, experiences, anointing, knowledge, etc. Generosity serves as a catalyst, building block, and key ingredient to creativity.

Humility must also enter the equation because I have to honor you and what you carry otherwise I will not value what you are offering me. WOW. Creativity flourishes in an environment of honor.

generosity + humility= innovative creativity

If we could grab ahold of these truths it would help churches, businesses, and families go further, faster.

In nature, we see that cross-pollination brings fruit.

Apparently God wanted to get the message across to us that cross-pollination feeds fruitful innovation.

Nineveh vs Nazareth.

2012-02-17T14:21:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what the major difference between Nineveh and Nazareth was?

Nineveh experienced one of the greatest city-wide revivals in history. (Jonah 3:3-10)

Nineveh was filled with savage, Gentile warriors and hard core heathens.

Nazareth, however, was primarily filled with well behaved religious Jews.
Yet, they never did get to experience a major move of God.

Was it a lack of good preaching???
I'm pretty confident that wasn't the problem.

Jesus was sent to preach to His home town of Nazareth and Jonah was sent to preach to Nineveh. I don't think anyone would argue that Nazareth got the better prophet and preacher and yet they ended up with a worse result.

"Maybe God is not just looking for great preachers and prophets to preach but a people who will listen!" -Glen Bert-eau

I couldn't agree more.

I am beginning to see how listening is the primary skill needed in the Kingdom of God.

Matthew, the converted tax collector who followed closely the life and ministry of Jesus gives us more parables in one chapter (Matthew 13) on the Kingdom of God than any other in the Bible.

In this chapter Jesus exhorts us to "listen" more than anything else. Well over a dozen times in one chapter.

Becoming a better listener is the one focus God has given me for 2012.

We will never rise above the level of our listening.

"So pay attention to how you hear." -the Son of God (Luke 8:18)

stairway to heaven?

2012-01-28T03:21:00.001-05:00

I grew up listening to all kinds of rock music.

My older brother Michael loved it...and when you share a room with your older brother who is stronger than you, you listen to what he likes:)

"Stairway to heaven" by the British Rock Band Led Zeppelin is considered my many as one of the best rock n roll songs of all time.

Released in 1971 (10 years before I was born).
The most requested song to be played on the radio in the 1970s.
By the year 2000 the song had been broadcast over the US radio waves over 3 million times.
The song's sheet music is #1 in sales, selling over 15,000 copies annually.
Today, when I googled a youtube recording of the song there were 48,656,953 views....41 years after it's release!

Clearly this song struck a chord in the hearts of many people. Isn't it interesting though, that most songs like this are filled with more questions than answers?

People are so desperately looking for a spiritual experience as they get lost in the music, but often find themselves more depressed than when they first hit "play."

Even the band's lead vocalist Robert Plant once said, "I'd break out in hives if I had to sing ("Stairway to Heaven") in every show. I wrote those lyrics and found that song to be of some importance and consequence in 1971, but 17 years later, I don't know. It's just not for me."

My intention with this post is not to slam this song or any other form of art. The ability to create and appreciate art is an amazing gift given to us by God Himself.

My thought here is on the simple fact that art, beauty, music, and anything that catches your heart but does not lead you to the source of all beauty, creation, and wonderment (Jesus), will in the end leave you depressed, jaded, cynical and self absorbed.

Take a look at a few words penned by a guy named John about 2,000 years before Led Zeppelin was inspired to write their classic piece...

Jesus is quoted here talking to a new friend named Nathaniel about His true identity.
“I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth." John 1:51

There is only one true stairway to heaven.

I'm just so glad Jesus came down here to show all of us the way!

embracing my echo.

2012-01-19T08:36:00.000-05:00

Today it is easy to become focused on finding and maximizing your "platform."

Platform, is the level of influence a person gains through their integrity, reputation, career, relationships, products, social media, twitter followers, etc.

Going hand in hand with the desire to establish your platform is the call to "find your voice." Your voice is the message you have that can add to the global "conversation."

Maximizing your platform, finding your voice, and adding to the conversation are all buzz phrases in our culture. Each of these have their place and should be utilized by Kingdom influencers. After all, John the Baptist's life and ministry was summed up as being was known for being "a voice."

Yet, the interesting thing we see in the life of Jesus is His whole life was focused not on building His platform, finding His Voice, or adding to the conversation.

Jesus leveraged His whole life around His Father's voice.

Jesus lived His life to embrace His echo.
“My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me." John 7:16 NLT

I'm not suggesting losing your creativity or just parroting someone else's passions, but if it worked for Jesus it is definitely worth investigating.

Embrace your echo..say what the Father is saying and you will definitely have a voice worth adding to the global conversation.

*echo image created by echo hub a division of RT Creative Group. See echo hub.com for more info.

integrity invites scrutiny.

2011-11-15T05:42:00.001-05:00

Erwin McManus' words came to mind as I read a portion of the Old Testament recently, “The world doesn’t need more great leaders, it needs more great people who lead.”

The life of Samuel is provoking on so many different levels. He maintained his integrity even being around men with serious deficiencies in this area like a priest named Eli and a King named Saul.

Samuel almost single handedly had to lead Israel during a dark time spiritually and yet he was able to finish strong. (I Samuel 12:1-5)

To be able to stand up at the end of his life and invite scrutiny from the very people he spent the past few decades leading is an amazing statement to his character and integrity.

The responses of his followers found in I Samuel 12:4 are incredibly helpful for any parent or person serving in leadership.

#1 “You have not defrauded us.”
For this group of people to never have felt misled or falsely guided by Samuel is an amazing statement. Samuel never made empty promises and never led the people down a path leading to a dead end. He never led them for his own benefit.

#2 “You have not oppressed us.”
It’s been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Samuel never abused his spiritual leadership. He never developed the poor practice of resorting to fear, control or manipulation even when the people of Israel would not respond to the Word of God!

#3 “You have not taken anything from any man’s hand.”
Samuel never stole or accepted a bride to sway his influence. A person that cannot be bought, no matter what the price is what our world is looking for. With our current crisis of credibility happening all around us, a look at the life of Samuel is incredibly refreshing. William Shakespeare could have easily used the prophet Samuel for the poster child of his famous quote, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

Radical Focus

2011-10-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

This week we wrapped up our Radical Series talking about what it means not to just consider yourself religious, moral, or even a Christian, but what it looks like to live the lifestyle of a Christ-follower. We looked at some pretty provoking ideas and the book we read through by David Platt was no easy read for sure.

Throughout the series we challenged one another to make practical plans to go along with our radical convictions. We encouraged each other to be involved in multiplying community, sacrificially giving our money for God's global purposes, serving in another context, reading through the entire Word of God, and praying for the entire world.

As a pastor, many times it is difficult to challenge your people (or yourself for that fact) at such a level because you know that many people already hook up the daily "kicking machine" and feel swallowed by guilt and self condemnation thinking they don't measure up. This is why it is imperative that each of us keeps coming back to the love of God.

The ONLY reason we even love Him or anyone else is because He first loved us.

The ONLY way that we can let this series be more than a "motivated moment" or a "convicting chapter" that easily fades away, is to remember that anything sustainably fruitful in our lives must be grace saturated and love motivated.

I've heard it said, "Successful people do daily what unsuccessful people do occasionally." In many ways that is so true. In this series context, the only way we can live radically is to have a regular radical focus; a focus on the incomparable love of God and the ever-empowering Gospel!

The answer to growing stronger and more radical in our Christianity is not found in fixing all of our weaknesses. We must not make "them" our focus but rather Him!

"Focusing on what we ought to do for God creates only frustration and exhaustion. Focusing on what Jesus has done for us produces abundant fruit. Resting in what Jesus has done for us releases the revolutionary power of the gospel." J.D. Greear

May you today embrace a radical focus that will naturally feed a radical lifestyle for the Son of God.

- This blog was written by Josh Finley as part of the Radical Series. Pastor Josh is the Lead Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Reverence

2011-10-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Many moons ago when people used to actually go to the video store to rent DVDs, I walked into a place to grab a movie and the guy behind the counter had a shirt on that said, "Jesus is my homeboy."

Jesus is a lot of things to us (Elder brother, High Priest, Lord, Savior, Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Judge, etc.) but I don't think one of them is "homeboy."

This week as I was reading through my Bible, I came across the story of when David longed to return the Ark of God back to Jerusalem after it had been taken by Israel's enemies the Philistines. No one had moved the Ark in quite some time and apparently the guys in charge of transporting it had become a little too familiar with this sacred box that housed the very presence of Almighty God. (2 Samuel 6)

All of this led up to a young guy named Uzzah loosing his life as he reached out to stabilize the Ark as it was about to fall off the cart being pulled along a bumpy road by some oxen. Uzzah apparently became too familiar with the sacred presence of God.

Protocol was broken and people started dying...wow! (Ex. 25:12-15, Num. 4:15)

We see examples like this all throughout the Scriptures (Aaron's sons, Eli's boys, Samuel's kids, Ananias & Saphira to name a few). David learned something that day and did things differently the next time he attempted to bring the Ark back. Every six steps, priests would sacrifice oxen and fattened calves; every six steps on trek that was over six miles long from Obed-Edom to Jerusalem!!!

Today, we have access to the presence of God on a regular basis because of the blood that is so much more precious than that of bulls and sheep. The blood of Jesus was poured out to give us access into the very presence of God...we should never take this privilege lightly.

David shows us a beautiful thing as the Ark is finally being brought back into Jerusalem: reverential love is not religious, stuffy, rigid, timid, or reserved. He danced his pants off (literally) in the presence of God with joy, thanksgiving, AND reverential love. He was intimate with God, while maintaining a position and perspective of honor. Moses made it quite clear that it's the FEAR of God that keeps us from sinning (Ex. 20) and Jesus teaches us that if we LOVE Him, we will automatically keep His commands (John 15).

It is the love of God and the Fear of God that keep me on the narrow, radical path called discipleship. Walking in Reverential love is the goal.

Make it personal...

• In what ways have you grown flippant or too familiar with the Presence of God?
• Which side of the narrow path to you more easily lean towards; the love of God or the fear of God?

- This blog was written by Pastor Joshua Finley for the Radical Series. Pastor Josh is the Lead Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

The Great Invitation

2011-10-26T16:15:00.002-04:00

I often ask people, “What is your purpose? Why are you breathing air on this planet?”

“To please God,” “To bring glory to Jesus,” and “To save souls!” are responses that I often hear. Each of us has a different view of our God as he reveals different facets of His infinite nature to us. Our individual relationships with him are incredibly unique. Our perspectives of purpose reflect this.

Is one better than the other? I can’t answer that. Each individual is called to walk in the unique measure of Grace given to them (Romans 12:3). But it is clear in scripture that there are foundational truths of being a child of God and things that build upon that foundation (1 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 5). The point is that we must be willing for our perspective on God’s nature and our purpose as His creation to be “under construction.”

I know that I am much more comfortable embracing a constant: something unvarying, something to which I don’t have to adapt. “But wait!” you may say. “God’s nature is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever!” You are absolutely right. God will never contradict his nature or his word. But what I found is that he will often contradict our understanding of his nature and his word. “WHY IS THIS? I thought I could just read the Bible and figure God out!”

Throughout my life, there have been many of these times where God’s methods and his very heart seemed clouded from view. Unanswered questions would arise in my heart. Contradictions and confusion would crowd what I saw in life and even what I read in the Bible. “Why, God? What’s going on?”

These questions drove my quest to know the heart of God, motivated by desperation. There I discovered the great invitation: to know Him intimately, to feel the vastness of His affection and the infinite glory of His presence. What would have happened if there were no questions to drive me deeper? What if there was no inner conflict or contradiction as I studied the word? What if I could have learned everything from diligent study and righteous living? I would have sat, faithfully doing the work of God and never been near Him.

This search brought me to the true nature of my purpose as God's son: to intimately know my creator; to be loved by Him, and to love on Him. That may offend you. You may be thinking of how irreverent I am, how I am sensationalizing Christianity, or how I am discarding the full nature of God’s holiness. The reality is that every single move God has made in the history of mankind was to bring us back to His love and intimacy. I’m not going to try to prove that to you. That’s your journey to make. Maybe God is birthing in you a crisis invitation of your own. I encourage you to accept.

- This blog was written by Nate Hinton as part of the Radical Series. Nate is the Worship Director at Elim Gospel Church.

New way of thinking

2011-10-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

I was in a hotel room in Pennsylvania with several men of God when one of them spoke something that readjusted my thinking forever. You see, I have a natural tendency to strive to work hard to be a man of God, a good husband, and a good father; so when this phrase was spoken it literally took me a moment to get it. Leif Hetlund said, "There is something in the nothing." Leif was saying that we all long to see the fruit of what we do, but there are times when we have to trust that God is doing a work even when we can't feel it, hear it, smell it or see it quite yet.

It's the principal of seed + time = harvest. We wish that every time we open the Bible that things would jump out at us, but in reality we may read a verse a hundred times and the first time may have been the planting of the seed and finally it was time to gather the harvest. Did you waste your time reading it the other 99 times, no? We wish every time we sit before God He would take out the things in our lives that are hindering us or that He would speak so clear to us, did you waste your time if it doesn't happen? No! There is something in the nothing. Something is happening even though we feel nothing is happening.

A farmer plants a seed and sees nothing happen for days and at times weeks but something is happening below the surface. My challenge for us today is don't get frustrated that there has not been a harvest on the seeds of prayer, reading your word, evangelism but trust the the God of the Harvest is not mocked you will reap what you sow and harvest time is coming. (Gal 6:7-10)

- This blog was written by Pastor Seth Goodson for the Radical Series. Seth is the Youth Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Perseverance

2011-10-17T06:11:00.000-04:00

I read a blog the other day by Michael Hyatt called, “The Power of Incremental Change Over Time.” While the title is certainly a mouthful, his thoughts about pacing ourselves were a great reminder to me about the power of perseverance.

When we talk about anything “radical”, our mind often jumps to one big moment of 180 degree change that significantly and permanently alters a certain habit or broken area of our lives. While this type of change does happen periodically, it is the exception, rather than the rule.

A few people win the lottery, but the rest of us build wealth slowly and steadily. How many of us have responded to altar call after altar call hoping to hit the spiritual jackpot, waiting to have that “moment” when everything changes? I think many of us have, and yet many of us still see the same issues popping up again and again.

In Hebrews chapter 12, Paul encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and… run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Radical change and breakthrough come by walking with Jesus and daily making small decisions to throw off the things that hold us captive. Instead of searching for the “aha” moment, let’s make daily choices and allow the grace of God to move in our lives.

That is perseverance… that is Radical.

- This blog was written by Dan Freda as part of the Radical Series. Dan is the Young Adult Director at Elim Gospel Church.

Popcorn

2011-10-15T06:51:00.001-04:00

We were just going out to visit friends who had recently returned from an overseas mission field. Earlier that day, we had shopped at the discount club and purchased a large 50-pound bag of popping corn. On the way out the door, the thought hit me to bring along a bag of the popcorn kernels as a welcome home gift to this family.

The Danley’s were a large family. With their six kids, we knew they would need a few pans of popcorn so we packed a decent sized plastic bag with the un-popped kernels to take as our gift.

When we arrived and offered this bag of popcorn, we thought we were simply sharing out of the abundance in our kitchen. Little did we expect the reaction to our gift. Kids started jumping up and down with joy! The parents were laughing!

You see, the Danley children, used to the meager stuff of a foreign mission field, had prayed just the night before – and asked God to provide some popcorn for them! I wish I could say that I felt some sort of spiritual impulse to take along the popcorn. But I didn’t – it was just a thought that hit my mind. But when I learned that this was an answer to prayer, my first thought was, “God, how wonderful You are. You knew what they wanted and what we had to give, so You just used us to provide it!” We had been blessed as much as those children were.

Hearing God speaking is many times just following simple thoughts and impulses to do good things – to be generous, to help out, to serve in some way that might be a little different than my normal routine.

Lord, let my thoughts be in tune with Yours. Let my feelings and impulses bring honor to Your Name. May the meditations of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to You, my Lord.

- This blog was written by Jerry Warsaw for the Radical Series. Jerry is a pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

You Can't Slide Into Home From 2nd Base!

2011-10-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

Throughout this Radical Series, I can begin to sense a shift in our church atmosphere. It's not a comfortable atmosphere, but it is a God-inspired atmosphere that seems to be asking us the question, "What is the Father asking you to invest in?" This question causes us to become alert to Him and to also realize we are not close to home plate yet. Let me explain what I mean.

Church history gives us many indications that the days we are now living in are crucial days with watershed moments seemingly occurring on a daily basis. However, using a baseball analogy, we have really only turned around 2nd base and we're headed for third base with Father God cheering us on from home plate - empowering us forward. Unfortunately, my sense is that many of us are already sliding into home plate, but you can't slide into home plate from 2nd base! Let me share a Biblical example.

Please take a moment and read Joshua 7:1-26. This chapter from Israel's history recounts how Israel was beaten in war by the city of Ai after God had promised that Israel would prosper under Joshua wherever he set his foot in the promised land (Joshua 1:7). After Israel is defeated by Ai Joshua falls on his face, tears his clothes and complains to God, "Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan!" This was the equivalent of saying, "Haven't we done enough God? Can't this just be over?" In a sense Joshua wanted to slide into home from 2nd base, but God had only just begun with Joshua. In fact, a couple chapters later we see a tally of all the kings God empowered Joshua to defeat - 31 of them! So, when God finds Joshua on his face complaining, He has a simple directive and a question, "Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face?" God then explains that someone in Israel's army sinned against Him by taking valuables that God commanded to be set aside to Him. This was the reason for their defeat at the hands of Ai. Once this was dealt with Joshua’s conquests continued.

What about you? What about me? Are we just trying to slide into heaven from 2nd base? Let's listen to the Father and get up and get on with investing our lives into Kingdom activity. It's not time to slide. It will be one day, but not today.

- This blog was written by Eric Scott as a part of the Radical Series. Eric is the Care Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Your New Face

2011-10-09T06:41:00.003-04:00

In mid-August, most news outlets carried a story about an amazing medical marvel. A woman who had been mauled by a friend's chimpanzee so badly that her face was completely disfigured had been given a full face transplant. Before the transplant, she wore a cloth over her face to cover up the disfigurement of her face. Now she has an almost completely normal looking face, but it looks nothing like it did before the attack.

Can you imagine receiving an entirely new face?

We are so accustomed to identifying ourselves by our own appearance that even a haircut can make us look twice in the mirror to make sure we are looking at ourselves and not someone else. It would be quite shocking to see a brand new face when you looked in the mirror!

You may not realize it, but if you are a Christian, you have already received a complete face transplant. Sin had disfigured your soul beyond recognition, and if you're like most people, you tried to cover it up as much as possible so that others didn't see it. But now, Christ has redefined your identity and you are made completely new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Are you getting adjusted to your new face?

You have a beautiful new identity, but are you living like the saint that God has turned you into? It’s not a matter of acting like something you are not, because God has made you holy and redefined your identity. When we sin, we are actually breaking with our new identity that Christ bought for us with his blood.

Be who you are. Be loving. Be generous. Be pure. Be kind. Be courageous. Be full of faith.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” -- Ephesians 5:8

- This blog was written by Josh Cummings for the Radical Series. Josh is the Technical Director at Elim Gospel Church.

The American Scam

2011-10-07T06:54:00.001-04:00

A big house with a white picket fence, 2 cars, and a garage. They call it the “American Dream” and many Americans have been deceived by the race to the top. We’re told by advertising everywhere we go that we’re not content, but if we just get this next “big thing” we will be happier. The thing is, no matter how many times I read the Bible I can’t find this attitude encouraged. American Capitalism doesn’t line up with what Jesus preached.

What did He teach? Your treasure equals your heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and dust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If your treasure is in material things your heart will be wrapped up in the things of this world, but if your treasure is in God your heart will long for the things of the Kingdom. Servanthood equals greatness.

In Matthew 20:26-27 Jesus said, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” The only time Jesus talked about setting an example in the Bible was when He did the job of a servant and washed His disciples’ feet. Sacrifice equals eternal glory.

In Matthew 19:29-30 Jesus says to His disciples, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Many people sought after Jesus - He was constantly surrounded by crowds, but few stayed with Him as followers because that meant taking what He said seriously. It meant making sacrifices.

Will you choose to live in a way that goes against the grain of our society? Will you choose to be radical?

- This blog was written by Chris Zeigler for the Radical Series. Chris serves on the staff of BASIC College Ministries.

When I Don’t Want to Obey

2011-10-05T06:47:00.001-04:00

The truth is, we are incapable of following Jesus in our own strength.

One of the concepts that has most transformed my walk with Christ is described in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

God is working in you and me to change our hearts’ desires and to give us the strength to obey Him. Our obedience isn’t rooted in our own strength; it’s found in the grace He gives us. Because of this, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to be ashamed to tell the Lord when I don’t feel like obeying. He expects it… and He’s committed to helping me! My commitment as a disciple is to refuse to settle for disobedience. Even when my heart is hard and I don’t want to obey, I must be committed to persist in prayer until I receive the strength I need to obey.

This understanding birthed a new category of prayers in my life – the “I want to want to” prayer: “Lord, I just don’t feel like forgiving so-and-so… but I know you want me to, and I want to want to obey you. Help me!”

“Lord, I want to want to read my Bible. Please change my heart.”

“Lord, I want to want to share the gospel with my coworkers. Please help!”

I have found that the raw honesty of these simple prayers is all God needs to come soften my heart and give me the grace I need to obey.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

- This blog was written by Tom Warsaw for the Radical Series. Tom serves as an elder at Elim Gospel Church.

And then there is God

2011-10-03T06:40:00.003-04:00

"And then there is God"- Pastor Melvin Good

I was not going to be one of "those people"; one of those who went from one local church to another. I made a promise that there was no way I would leave the church I grew up in. The Lord had great things for me in this box and I needed to stay in it to remain in the Lord's will.

In 1998, the Lord had opened the door for me to reach out to youth at a local Mennonite Church. At the beginning I made it clear that if I ever had any thoughts of leaving my home church, I would immediately stop because I was leaving my “box.” After about nine months the thoughts of leaving my church came and I knew I had to stop, because I had made a promise.

There was no way the Lord would have me move out of a non-denominational congregation where I regularly played drums, led worship, and was a small group leader. It scared me to think about joining a denominational structure because of my false understanding of how it worked. I was unwilling to lay down the drums and leading worship regularly and enter into what I thought was a “religious” environment.

Nine months after my "righteous" decision to stop leading the youth, the Lord did something that I have never experienced before or since that day. During a time of prayer in the most unlikely of places (work) the Lord spoke to me in a way that was so clear it was as if I heard His audible voice. He wanted me to make a radical move and leave my box. At that moment I knew exactly what it meant and the purpose for it. This has led to a series of God directed decisions that has placed me in my current position at Elim Gospel Church.

James 4:13-17 cautions us not to make plans without the Lord's leading. I had great intentions to support the church that laid a firm foundation in my life and desired to help them and their vision. Unfortunately this would have been at the expense of the vision that God had for my life.

- This blog was written by Shawn Neitz for the Radical Series. Shawn is the Facilities Manager at Elim Gospel Church.

Radical Hope

2011-10-01T06:34:00.001-04:00

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. -Philippians 1:4-6 NIV

I once heard a pastor say “Any area in your life that is not infused with hope, you believe a lie in that area.” That’s a tough statement. There are many times every day when I look at my own life and I don’t jump for joy. Does that mean I believe a ton of lies?! Let me explain it like this.

Our little, finite brains cannot grasp the all-encompassing goodness of God on their own. When we see a hopeless situation, we see it as it is: a hopeless situation. But The Holy Spirit wants to change the lenses through which we view hopelessness. God is bringing a new revelation of how He sees the "hopeless" situations of our lives and the lives of those around us.

I have seen many situations where someone makes a mistake and those closest to them wield fear instead of hope. Their actions towards that wayward person are birthed out of genuine concern and biblical principles; but eventually, they let fear overcome them, and they are no longer able to love. For them, it is all on their shoulders to “bring them back to the truth.” Here’s truth for you: God’s redemptive plan for every person spans beyond your comprehension and beyond that person’s mistakes. God WILL carry that good work on to completion. Yes, be used by the Holy Spirit to confront sin and spur one another on, but do so from a foundation of hope. Yes, it won’t usually make sense to have hope; but that is the definition of RADICAL HOPE.

- This blog was written by Nate Hinton as part of the Radical Series. Nate is the Worship Director at Elim Gospel Church.

A Rebuke from Jesus

2011-09-29T08:31:00.001-04:00

“. . . but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them . . .” Luke 9:51-56

I don’t know what’s more intriguing, the fact that James & John wanted to call fire down from heaven or the fact that they actually believed they could. That said, I am also curious what “Jesus turned and rebuked them” actually looked, sounded and felt like. What would it be like to receive a rebuke from Jesus? What exactly did he say? How did he say it? Did he explain ‘why’ calling down fire wasn’t appropriate or did he assume that they should ‘know by now’?

So here’s a radical question: Does Jesus still rebuke his disciples today?

Is it possible that He still gives correction to those who follow him? Does he do so for you and me? I would hope so. I believe so too.

A few months ago our family was in the car together while driving through Avon when we noticed a woman parked at McDonalds with her hood open and on the cell phone. The thought crossed my mind that we should stop and offer to help. I quickly countered that prompting with the many reasons why I didn’t need to: I was late for a meeting at the church, I had my whole family in the car, she had a cell phone and probably had help on the way, etc. Later that day I can honestly say I received a rebuke. I knew in my heart that I had missed an opportunity to encourage and help someone in need and I sensed the Lord challenging me, even correcting me on it. I know what that felt like. It hurt. It was humbling. I was wrong.

How about you? What correction has God been giving to strengthen and ‘disciple’ you? (See also 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 12:7-11)

- This blog was written by Pastor Wayne Hedlund for the Radical Series. Pastor Wayne has recently transitioned out of his role as the Executive Pastor at Elim Gospel Church and now works in the US Ministries office of Elim Fellowship.

2011-09-20T14:28:00.001-04:00

One of the commentaries I read on Radical stated, “This is a book you will want to put down.” Now, that is an unusual comment, right? Most authors would not even want something like this published for the public to read because it just does not sell books! However, the author (David Platt) had no problem putting this comment alongside some of the other glowing comments he received on his book. Why?

I can’t tell you his specific reasoning as to why he allowed that comment to be published, but I can tell you my thoughts about it. First, it’s simply true! There are portions of this book that make you flat out uncomfortable. Second, I know of another book I (at times) want to put down. Yes, you guessed it – the Bible. It too makes me terribly uncomfortable. However, I am not going to put that book down, nor did I leave David’s book sitting long. There is no doubt about it, both books will make you uncomfortable, but as Peter once said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the Holy One of God.”

So, go on, pick it up! Yes, it will cost you everything, but ask yourself this question, “What was really mine to begin with?”

- This blog was written by Eric Scott as part of the Radical Series. Eric is the Care Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Have You Ever Had a Dream?

2011-09-18T11:38:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a radical dream (not the kind where you are asleep and imagine yourself flying to Antarctica on a liger, but the kind where you envision yourself doing the next-to-impossible 10 years from the present)?

Yeah, me too. I remember in high school dreaming of speaking to crowds in other languages, organizing conference where people encountered Jesus, and discipling people.

In David Platt's book, Radical, he talks about how it takes complete abandonment of ourselves to be a disciple of Jesus. He mentions how the disciples reoriented “their entire life's work around discipleship to Jesus.” They abandoned their possession, their careers, their families, and even themselves. Their dreams were swallowed up in His dreams. Those dreams I had in high school were not the common dreams of an awkward 16 year old with braces and frizzy hair. But somehow I dared to dream what seemed impossible to me at that time. I dared to leave my family, my job and everything that I knew to go to Mexico and pursue those dreams.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

While some may think that this is the magic trick to getting what you want, it isn't that simple. You see, when we delight ourselves in the Lord, the desires of His heart become the desires of our heart. So by daring to racially delight in the Lord, we are daring to accept the radical dreams that He has for us. In order to be radical, a true disciple of Jesus, we must dream big—bigger than ourselves. And in order dream outside ourselves, we need to radically delight in Him.

I dare you to dare to be radically intimate with Jesus...to delight yourself in Him...to let your dreams become radical dreams, because only when your dreams are swallowed up by His will you dare to truly be radical.

- This blog was written by Traci Cavanaugh for the Radical Series. Traci is the Executive Secretary at Elim Gospel Church.

2011-09-15T13:07:00.002-04:00

A few months ago a good friend gave me a special "tactical bracelet." He made it himself, put time and energy into it, and then gave it to me as a gift. Whenever I am around him he always asks me where it is, and why I'm not wearing it. The way he asks about it all the time, it's really more of a "friendship bracelet." Often I just forget (being a guy in my mid twenties), and remembering to wear my friendship bracelet is not usually the first thing on my mind. Yet he keeps asking, and I keep forgetting. The bracelet is really a sign of our relationship, almost like wedding rings for husband and wife, only this is totally cool and macho.

We don't often think about it, but God has also given us a sign of our relationship with Him. Ephesians 1 says that we have been given the Holy Spirit as a mark, a seal and special identification that shows we are in Christ. The Holy Spirit is what empowers us to live as a child of God. While we don't need to remember to put Him on every morning like a friendship bracelet, often we forget that He is in us and that He is empowering us to live a supernatural life.

Is God asking you where your seal is, where your mark is? Like my friend asks me about my bracelet? Can the people around you tell that you are in a special, growing relationship with God because the mark of the Holy Spirit in you?

Are you remembering to wear your friendship bracelet?

- This blog was written by Andrew Danglis as part of the Radical Series. Andrew is on staff at Elim Gospel Church as a creative visual artist and designer.

The Great Saboteur

2011-09-12T12:02:00.000-04:00

I believe with all my heart that if you asked every Christian about wanting to live a Radical Life for God they would say yes. The question is, why don’t we? Many who read David Platt’s book “Radical” will even attempt it. Maybe you heard a great sermon, went to camp, or went on a mission trip and you left there wanting to change your school, neighborhood, family or workplace, only to have your passion fizzle quickly.

I know from my own pursuit of a “Radical” life that my thoughts and heart are way more radical than my actions. What is this Great Saboteur of “Radical” life? A saboteur is someone who commits sabotage. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know that, I had to look it up too. I believe we find the answer in John 12:42-43.

“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”

The love of human praise is also known as the fear of man. We are often more concerned with what others think of us than with doing what we see the father doing. Living a Radical life is not about being crazy and wild just for the sake of being crazy and wild; that actually gives the church and God a bad rep. Living a Radical life is doing what we see God doing and saying what we hear God saying, just like Jesus did (John 5:19). The fear of man wants to keep us from doing just that.

I remember a time in Wal-Mart when I overcame my fear and prayed for a lady with back pains; it was an awesome experience. I walked away pumped and asked God to show me who else needed prayer. I saw a lady checking her blood pressure by the pharmacy and knew she was the one. As I was getting ready to pray, I notice that she had her grandchild with her. I thought, “What will this kid think about me?” I ended up walking away because of what I imagined a little child would think about me. I valued her approval more than a smile from Heaven.

The praise of man does not dictate my value, God does. He approved my value with His sacrificed Son. Understanding God’s love for us increases our ability to live a Radical life.

I have two challenges for you today: 1. Ask God to give you a greater understanding of His love and 2. Step out and do one thing that you see your Father doing today. Force yourself to put aside the praise of man for the smile of Heaven.

- This blog was written by Pastor Seth Goodson as part of the Radical Series. Seth is the Youth Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

Impact What's Eternal

2011-09-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had a moment in life when something occurs to you that almost sounds insultingly simple but you realize that you never intentionally thought of or inquired about it until that moment? I don't know if it had to do with me growing up in a Christian environment, or because my personality is fairly easy going, but one day I had this type of "moment of clarity".

Several years ago I was sitting in a class at EBI during the last semester, and maybe even the last month of my senior year. My instructor was talking about purpose and creating foundations around our calling so that when times get tough we could have a place to come back and say "I know God lead me here because He spoke this in my past." I realized at that moment that I couldn't really clarify or define what "my calling" was. So I took that moment to ask God, "Lord what is my calling?"

I doubt that I paid much attention to the rest of the class, but God began to give me and understanding of what He created me for and what my calling is. He spoke to me of the importance of human souls as one of the few things that are eternal. As I reflected on the words of Solomon, "meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless, what do people gain from all their labors..." God spoke to me about the the value of spending my life pouring into other people and the eternal benefits that would bring. He gave me Ephesians 4:12 as a guide and clarified what seemed liked such a common question, but with one of the most profound outcomes.

I encourage and even challenge you to ask God what your calling is and keep in mind that we are living out an eternal existence. He has created us to be eternal beings and there are countless ways to to accomplish the meaningless, but very specific ways to have an impact on eternity.

- This blog was written by Rob Hagstrom as a part of the Radical Series. Rob is the Children's Pastor at Elim Gospel Church.

When I don’t Want to Obey

2011-09-07T13:28:00.000-04:00

The commitment of a disciple is to listen to Jesus, believe Him, and obey whatever He says. But what about when He asks something that we don’t feel like doing? What do we do when he tells us to do things like giving up everything to follow Him, walking in purity, and loving our enemies?

The truth is, we are incapable of following Jesus in our own strength.

One of the concepts that has most transformed my walk with Christ is described in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”

God is working in you and me to change our hearts’ desires and to give us the strength to obey Him. Our obedience isn’t rooted in our own strength, it’s found in the grace He gives us.

Because of this, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to be ashamed to tell the Lord when I don’t feel like obeying. He expects it, and He’s committed to helping me!

My commitment as a disciple is to refuse to settle for disobedience. Even when my heart is hard and I don’t want to obey, I must be committed to persist in prayer until I receive the strength I need to obey.

This understanding birthed a new category of prayers in my life, the “I want to want to” prayer:

“Lord, I just don’t feel like forgiving so-and-so, but I know you want me to and I want to want to obey you. Help me!”

“Lord, I want to want to read my Bible. Please change my heart.”

“Lord, I want to want to share the gospel with my coworkers. Please help!”

I have found that the raw honesty of these simple prayers is all God needs to come soften my heart and give me the grace I need to obey.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

- This post was written by Tom Warsaw for the Radical Series. Tom is an elder of Elim Gospel Church.