Since I first became a part of Christendom back in ’97 I have heard over and over again how religion kills, religion is bad, and Christianity is about a relationship not a religion.

It’s rather unfortunate that in your typical Evangelical church the “R” word carries the same offensive slap that various four letter cuss words have.

Religion when viewed and participated in correctly is the manifestation of the unseen belief we call faith.

Faith is what saves us; but, it is religion that makes us.

Without an organized system of beliefs, rites, and celebrations we wouldn’t know what this life we are called to be part of would look like.

It is in the rites that we remember Christ atoning sacrifice for us.

It is in the rites that we make a public declaration of our faith to the unseen God as we emerge from the baptismal waters.

It is in our gathering together on a regular basis that we can celebrate the goodness of God and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

When God spoke with Moses on Sinai and gave him the Torah the Father instituted a religious system for the Hebrew people.

It was in Jesus that we saw the realization of what a truly religious life looks like when the commandments of God are absorbed and then made manifest through action.

Jesus was a religious Jew plain and simple… He loved the Jewish religion… He lived, breathed and worked within the boundaries of religion.

All this religion hating that continues to thrive makes no sense; it takes religion to walk this walk.

Running from correct religion leads to a lack of understanding on how to approach God.

When we get hung-up on the whole “it’s about a relationship” bit we forget that God is King and we end up only treating him as a friend.

Religion reveals to us that while God is indeed a friend he is so much more.

It’s time to embrace the reality of the situation…

               if you claim to follow Jesus and his teachings…

               if you partake of the sacrifice that Messiah made on our behalf…

               if you have died to self and rose out of the waters of baptism…

               if you gather with your brothers and sisters to worship the King…

               if you pray to the unseen in the stillness of night and the calamity of day…

                              You are Religious.

There was a time when I would have went on a rant about how I am anything but religious all the while eating my piece of communion bread and drinking from the cup… not realizing that I had become an oxymoron.

The very fact that I was denying my religiousness meant I was walking in hypocrisy… I said I wasn’t religious but my actions demonstrated that I was.

Thankfully with my introduction to Jewish roots all those years ago I have accepted and appreciate the religious life. My decision to make profession to be a third order Franciscan friar further reflects this truth.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that to truly be Christ-like I must immerse myself in religion, correct religion, but religion nonetheless.

As I said above:

Faith is what saves us; but, it is religion that makes us.

So may you evolve your thinking by realizing the futility of denying the very thing in which makes us more like Him.

Somewhere out there on Al Gore’s internet it says that when you have a blog you have to have an end of year post that reaches back covering the various posts.

That said I present to you the Biggest Bestest Most Fantasticest list of 2011.

In this post I’ll share the top three posts of 2011 for various categories – (1) most read / commented posts, (2) most read Leadership posts, (3) those hosted / posted elsewhere and my personal pick.

Most Read (and as it so happens the most commented) Posts
Questioning whether LOVE WINS based on a glimpse
Identity Crisis
The Great Church Search

Most Read Leadership Posts
Stop Dreaming
Kill Superman
Do Your Homework

Posts Hosted / Posted Elsewhere
The Great Omission (Blessed Earth)
The Great Church Search (Red Letter Christians) This re-post is a slightly modified version from the one which originally was posted here on eckSermonator.
Passover: Why Should Christians Care (Everyday Christian)

Personal Pick
Franciscan…what?!?!

Over the years my understanding of God, the Kingdom and the way to live this life has been deconstructed, rebuilt and refined; all because I’ve been willing to evolve my thinking.

My journey started as a typical American who didn’t attend church yet always believed in the “man upstairs”. For many years that worked, or so I thought, until my teenage years when I consciously became a follower of Jesus. At that time I walked the path that was before me by attending an Assemblies of God (A/G) church. I even went so far as to enroll in Ministerial Studies with an A/G correspondence school and, for a season, became a credentialed minister within the A/G denomination serving in three different A/G churches as a staff pastor.

At the beginning of 2005 while living in Arizona I was introduced to the Jewish roots of our faith predominately by Boaz Michael of the ministry First Fruits of Zion. Needless to say as I began studying the roots my theology was confronted with things I never considered, was never taught and in some cases opposed what I learned. As my understanding evolved to match what I was discovering it caused some to scratch their heads. Now nearly seven years later they realize that Jewish roots weren’t a phase but rather its part of me and my walk with Christ.

Well, it’s time to change things up yet again. If you’re a friend on Facebook then you’ve probably seen my recent status update concerning a new step in my walk. If you aren’t a friend or missed the update here it is:

Exciting news… I recently applied to join the Company of Jesus, which is a third order Franciscan / Benedictine Community. This past weekend Abbot Andrew Counts contacted me to inform me I’ve been accepted into postulancy with the Franciscan chapter. For those of you interested / intrigued hang in there… I’ll post on my blog, eckSermonator, about this journey in the near future.

As a teenager I remember watching PBS, specifically MPT, and there was a program that came on called Cadfael (starring Sir Derek Jacobi). It was about a Benedictine monk who was, in a sense, a detective. Since becoming a believer I’ve always been fascinated by the monastic life; the focus on discipline, simplicity, generosity and fervent dedication to the Gospel message that those who embark on the journey commit themselves to. Of course my childhood love of the Jedi Knight only built on the awesome-ness of those that chose a monastic walk.

In my early days of ministry I was confronted with the anti-Catholic rhetoric that to various degrees still plague the Protestant church. Being a married Protestant, specifically Assemblies of God, minister I just pushed the thought of “monkhood” out of my mind. I believed the monastic life was exclusively the realm of devout celibate Roman Catholic believers; I never knew the option for married non-Catholics existed… until I stumbled upon the Company of Jesus (CoJ).

Earlier this year I had a blog post, The Great Church Search, run on Tony Campolo’s Red Letter Christians (RLC) site it was through RLC that I found Br. Jamie Arpin-Ricci; he’s a married professed Third Order Franciscan with the CoJ.

(The Company of Jesus is a Third Order Franciscan and Benedictine community living out ancient monastic spirituality in the 21st century. CoJ is an ecumenical order anchored in the Anglican. In addition to Anglicans, members come from various Christian backgrounds – mainstream, traditional, charismatic, and independents churches.)

Upon making this discovery my previous fascination with the monastic way came back full force. It was at this time that I realized that it was possible for me to walk a monastic expression of our great faith. When you apply to join an order you don’t automatically become a full-fledged member; there is a process to walk through. I have a journey ahead of me. At this point in the process I’ve entered a period of studying. Since I have chosen to pursue admittance into the Franciscan chapter I will obviously be diving deeply into the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

As a Christian and a minister I’ve always been interested in St. Francis. We’ve all heard many times – Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words –which is ascribed to St. Francis (though he may never have actually said it exactly that way). I’ve used the quote while preaching many times and I’m sure some of you have as well. St. Francis is one of those radical examples that we don’t find within the pages of Scripture yet prove you can truly live out the teachings of Jesus.

Sometimes we see the Apostles as superheroes and therefore people of unparalleled ability; but, people like St. Francis show us that we all can become Christ to our world. We can truly live out the Sermon on the Mount, we can truly embrace the Gospel message that we see demonstrated throughout the Gospels and the book of Acts.

In 1st Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul tells the believers in Corinth to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” There is something about attaching yourself to a great man or woman of God. We don’t do this to be their disciple or to ride into heaven on their coattails. We do this because the Christ in them resonates with the Christ in us. That said I’ve chosen to attach myself to St. Francis and his rule to live a life that is radically devoted to others. While St. Francis had his issues, as did the Apostles and every other great man or woman of God, he’s a great example for us to pattern our own walk after.

St. Francis in his utter devotion to the Kingdom said: We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.

If that quote isn’t the message of Christ and the heartbeat of the Church I don’t know what is.

For my entire Christian walk until recently I didn’t pray the Daily Offices, I barely fasted, I didn’t care for the Church calendar, I ran from anything liturgical thinking it was all vain repetition. But thanks to the discovery of the Jewish roots all those years ago, and most recently the first steps down the Canterbury trail, I’ve started to see the continued validity in the ancient practices and how much these practices are needed in the Protestant side of the Church; specifically the side that has separated itself from the roots that sustained it from the times of the Master until today.

And that my readers is why I have chosen to follow Christ and live His radical message by looking to the example of the little poor man of Assisi.

Recently I’ve had to make the decision to leave my current job and return to my previous employer. It wasn’t a blind decision but one that was well thought out. Given the state of the economy, you shouldn’t just make rash decisions without a plan B.

While I appreciate what I have learned at my current job, I walk away with confidence. I believe I have made the right decision for my family and our immediate future.

Thinking about this transition has made me realize a few things:

1)      People are just that… people. You can’t claim to fully understand someone unless you attempt to walk away. It’s in those moments that true colors show through. After all, when caught off guard people have a tendency to forget about tact and just blurt things out regardless of how the other person may receive the words that are spoken.

2)      Often people you work with on a daily basis will be much more affected than those in authority over you.

3)      Not every employer may want you to be a linchpin. However, that’s no excuse to stop trying to be one.

4)      The best success is the success you build not that which is handed to you.

5)      Sometimes your ways are just not theirs ways; but you know what? That’s okay.

6)      A graceful exit, when circumstances permit, is the best exit no matter how hard it may be.

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to make this transition, but I’m even more thankful for a family who supports me in making it.

I’m thankful to have co-workers who will miss me. However, I’m encouraged by the fact that my family will get to see me a bit more each day.

Above all I’m thankful for the fact that while life is full of transitions, fresh starts and new days, as long as I aim true the sky remains the limit.

Jason Hess is an ordained minister with Next Leadership Association. He has had the opportunity to serve on staff at churches in Arizona, North Carolina and Virginia. Currently he’s furthering his education through Global University while working as a pest management professional.

For more information about Jason just explore eckSermonator.

“I’m sorry – this week is just not good for me – my schedule is full to the brim. And really, next week is not looking so good either. Perhaps I can squeeze you in next month? I have a couple days open right now. Let me know if you have any time available then and perhaps we can make it work. If not, there is always the month after that.”

Does this conversation sound familiar? If so, then you may be suffering from busyness. While it does not feel fatal and one can function in everyday life for quite a while, busyness has become an epidemic and it is killing many a leader these days.

The problem with busyness and leadership is that we have bought into the notion that the best leaders are the busiest people. The more you have on your calendar, the more you can pack into one day, the longer you work, the more stressed you are the better the leader. We have turned busyness into a badge of honor we wear with pride that allows us to complain about how we can’t do what we want because we just have so much to do! Busyness fills our time, our energy, our relationships, our homes, and our families. It is an all-consuming force that affects leaders in every sphere – for-profit, non-profit, stay-at-home parents, volunteers, ministry – you name it, busyness is there.

And the reality is busyness is addictive. There is an adrenaline rush that comes with a full calendar. There has to be, or none of us would be able to keep up with the pace of our own lives. Busyness fuels our daily lives and as well as our sense of identity. It makes us feel important and valuable – we have so much to do therefore we must matter. Busyness gets a grip on us because it provides a sense of satisfaction – at least at first.

But like any other addiction, we are in control of it, right up to the point where it gets control of us. Busyness makes us feel good in the beginning stages. But slowly it begins to drain the life out of us, until soon rather than being energized by our schedules we feel enslaved to them. Busyness has crept into our lives promising a sense of satisfaction but in reality it merely drains us of enthusiasm for the things we once felt passionate about. Not only do our obligations begin to drain us, but soon we lack the motivation even to do the things that once brought us great joy and life. Busyness comes to kill, steal, and destroy whatever is in its path.

So, what do we do? After all, as leaders we have things that need to get done. While life is more than our accomplishments, there are still things we need to accomplish. How do we remain productive members of society without becoming enslaved to busyness?

How do we live an unbusy life? Now let’s get something straight – to be unbusy does not equal being lazy. This is not about sitting around eating bon-bons and sipping coffee. To be unbusy means that we use our time intentionally and strategically, not simply saying yes to every opportunity that comes across our path.

The first thing needed to get out of the grip of busyness, as with all addictions, is to accept our finitude. There are boundaries set on us whether we wish to accept them or not. There is only so much time in a day, meaning there is only so much we can accomplish in that time, and we are beings with limited resources, so we ourselves are only capable of doing a finite amount of things well. To accept these limits means we recognize that we are not God, who is beyond time and space, who is unlimited in knowledge, perspective, resources, and ability. Our addiction to busyness is fueled by the belief that if we somehow work hard enough we can overcome these limits and eventually accomplish more than a mere mortal. However, that is what we are, mere and mortal – there is not getting around it.

Additionally we must learn that as limited, finite beings we cannot say yes to every opportunity that comes our way. We have to accept that our schedules have become unmanageable. Much like the laws of gravity – what goes must come down – so it is with the laws of schedules – when you say yes to one thing you are saying no to another. With each opportunity we take on we are eliminating another opportunity, whether we know it or not. Unfortunately the things that we inadvertently say no to are often the things we lament not having time for – eating dinner with our family, tucking children into bed, hanging out with friends, vacation, reading a good book. We say no to the things that fuel our soul, give us rest, refill our tank, and make life worth living without even realizing it.

To get out of the grip of busyness requires surrender to the reality that we cannot do everything in the limited amount of time that we are given in a day, a month, a year, a lifetime. Therefore we must learn to prioritize – meaning that everything does not get to go in the urgent bucket. We have to learn to disappoint people by saying no to the right things so we have space to say yes to the things we are meant to do. And most importantly we must find a sense of identity outside the fullness of our schedules. We need to learn to lead by setting a new example of intentional decisions that bring life to us and those around us. It is only by breaking the cycle of busyness in our own lives that we can help others to overcome it in their lives. We need to become unbusy leaders.

Meredith Dancause serves as Community Life Pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. She earned her Master of Divinity from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. Meredith is passionate about spiritual formation, discipleship, worship, and leadership development.

Blog: Finding Home

We bought my dad a jean jacket years ago. He had it tailored. His Allen Edmonds shoes are so shiny you can see your reflection and his blue pinstripe suits set him apart. He’s 79 and travels half the year speaking. Dad is particular about language, syntax, grammar and style. He believes that since communication is the most important tool we have, mastering it should be job one. But does it really matter?

Does it matter that you send a thank you note to someone who extends kindness or hospitality?

Does it matter that you do more than is expected of you?

Does it matter that you use bad grammar, double exclamation points on most writing, that you don’t know the difference between “you’re” and “your?”

Does it matter that you don’t return phone calls or keep your obligations?

Does it matter if when you walk into a room you are the leadership equivalent of a thermometer, mirroring the emotion of the room, or a thermostat, raising the tone?

Does it matter if you keep up with pop culture, leadership journals and the cultural zeitgeist? That your friendships are broad and diverse to keep you on your game?

Does it matter that if you habitually show up late and make excuses?

Does it matter if you have a sense of humor, an ability to talk someone down from the edge, a good disposition?

Leadership is about perception. Who we are and what and who we represent bleed through every pore. But does it matter if we spell it “pore” or “poor?” Most people won’t care or notice.

The truth is, none of it matters.

Unless we aren’t comfortable with mediocrity and a quick decline into irrelevance.

In which case, it all matters.

Dan Johnson writes on leadership, marketing and life improvement. He runs a marketing company, charity and is a cheerleader for Next Leadership Association.

Websites:
Dan Johnson Inc.
Girls Campaign

This month I was able to ask Nancy Sleeth, the co-founder of Blessed Earth, a few questions about the organization. With more and more people getting involved in the green movement, environmentalism and creation care efforts I just wanted to take a few moments to introduce you to a nonprofit that is worth your attention.

Blessed Earth’s focus is on the person in the pew, especially those who may not have connected their love for the Creator with caring for his creation. God has opened the door for us to speak to more church audiences than any other creation care group.

Because we are based in Kentucky, we’ve been able to share the creation care message with conservative churches in the Bible belt. The root of “conservative” is “conserve.” We need to conserve resources so that everyone around the globe can have access to clean water, clean air, and healthy soils to grow healthy foods. The Genesis 2:15 call to tend and protect the garden–this earth–crosses all political, national, and denominational lines.

Our focus is biblical rather than political. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is full of wisdom about showing our love for God and our neighbors by caring for His creation. Although we believe that government action and technological innovation will be part of the solution, Blessed Earth’s approach is to share the scriptural call. Once hearts are changed, the actions follow.

2// Last month on the Blessed Earth website it was announced that after five years of work two new programs, the Seminary Stewardship Alliance and the Church Stewardship Alliance, are taking shape. What impact would you like to see these programs have on the local church?

We expect both to have a powerful ripple effect on the local church. The Seminary Stewardship Alliance will be preparing pastors to model, teach, disciple, and preach good stewardship practices. At the local church level, this can mean significant savings on energy expenditures, freeing up more resources for individuals and the church to use for the Kingdom.

The Church Alliance will provide ten months of curricula, podcast sermons, and events that the local church can tailor. We want to make it easy for pastors, lay leaders, and “green teams” to dig in deeply and learn what scripture has to say about caring for God’s creation.

People can learn more about the two programs here:
Seminary Stewardship Alliance
Church Stewardship Alliance

3// What are two or three practical things you would recommend to someone as they begin their own Creation care journey?

First, I would suggest that they begin keeping a Sabbath. Unless we come to rest one day a week, it is very difficult to resist the bombardment of messages that build discontent. If you cannot rest for a full day, start with four hours. Be still and let God be God. Figure out what work is to you, and don’t do it. The Hebrew word for holy is kadosh, which means “set apart.” God established a rhythm of life in which we work six days, and set one day apart for Him. When we break this rhythm, our relationships with God, with our family, and with all of God’s creation suffer.

Second, I recommend that they follow the advice of Matthew 7. Instead of worrying about the log in your neighbor’s eye, take an accounting of how much energy you use and trash you produce. Then try to cut back at least ten percent each year. Here’s a tool to get you started: http://www.blessedearth.org/resources/energy-audit/

Third, examine the role of technology in your life. Do you find yourself wasting too much time on the Internet?  Are you tethered to your cell phone? Is email ruling your life? As C. S. Lewis said, the most powerful sins are good things that get twisted. Technology is not bad, but if it pulls you away from relationships with God, family, and friends, you might want to take a technology fast. Prayerfully taking a break from technology (on Sundays, for example) can ensure it retains its proper role as our servant, not our master.

4// How would you respond to someone who says “Taking care of the environment is important; however, it’s not –that– important. After all everything is going to be destroyed, so wouldn’t it be best to direct our effort to spiritual matters instead of physical one?”

Jesus often taught with questions, and so does my husband:  “If you believe in an all powerful, all knowing God—as I do—and getting to heaven is the only thing that matters, why weren’t we just born in heaven?”  You quickly come to the conclusion that this earth and this life matters.

God gave us the Genesis 2:15 task to tend and protect the planet. Dominion implies tremendous responsibility, not license to do whatever we want with no regard for the needs of our global neighbors, future generations or the rest of God’s creation.

God is in the life business. He wants us to partner in His plan for redeeming creation. God cares when a single sparrow falls from the sky. Imagine how He feels when we obliterate entire species, like the billions (yes, billion with a “b”) of passenger pigeons that we hunted to extinction.

Martin Luther once gave an “end times” sermon, urging his congregation to care for the homeless and feed the poor. Afterwards, his parish found him planting a tree. The people asked him why he was planting a tree if it was all going to end any way? His response, “I am doing exactly what I want my Father to find me doing.”

Jesus warned us that even He does not know when the end times will come. Until then we are to go about caring for His Kingdom, here on earth, as it is in heaven.

Physical and spiritual matters are interdependent. If we don’t have a viable stage–this earth–upon which we can share the love of Jesus, then how can we bring souls to Christ?

If you would like to learn more about how you can respond to common objections surrounding caring for God’s creation,  listen to Matthew’s sermon at the National Cathedral. (**You can view the twenty-minute message at the end of this post**)

5// Currently does Blessed Earth have any plans for future books and or videos?

We are always looking ahead! Right now, my husband Matthew is working on two projects—a book called 24/6 on Sabbath rest, and The Green Gospel , which is the Book of Luke with creation care commentary. The Green Gospel is intended to build bridges in two directions: for people who love the Creator but have not connected that with loving his creation, and for people who love the creation but have not connected that with the Creator.

I’m just now finishing a book called Almost Amish, which focuses on my quest for a simpler, slower, more sustainable life. Almost Amish is coming out next spring. And I love the cover!

Our daughter, Emma, wrote a terrific book called It’s Easy Being Green that was released in 2008. Zondervan is planning a big re-launch for the book next spring, with about 50 percent new material from Emma. Emma recently graduated from Asbury and is ready to go on the road to share the creation care message with youth groups and college chapels. People can book her by clicking HERE.

As for video, we hope to be filming a creation care series for TV broadcast. Beginning in fall 2012, we’re doing a whole year of creation care study at the National Cathedral in DC, with renowned national and international speakers. It would be amazing to capture Matthew having conversations with these guests on the beautiful Cathedral grounds— “the spiritual home for the nation.” Stay tuned!

6// Last question. In our social media-driven society, if someone asked you to explain Blessed Earth in 140 characters (i.e. a “Tweet”) what would you say?

The title of my husband’s first book says it best: Serve God, Save the Planet:  A Christian Call to Action.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It’s my hope that this brief question and answer will inspire and empower others to begin walking the path of creation care.

Dr. Matthew Sleeth’s sermon @ the National Cathedral.

Missional.

I’ve heard this term for sometime now but never really dug into it until this year. Back in the spring my family and I visited Eikon Community Church in Richmond Virginia; for all intent and purpose they are a Missional church. The night we attended was during one of the two monthly worship services they hold. The rest of the month is spent engaging in what they call “Missional Communities”.

Excerpt from Eikon’s website:

We have two worship services a month: We always meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month… The other 3-4 weekends a month we have groups of people meeting in Missional Communities at various points during the weekend, depending on the group. Each of these groups have different flavors, appeal to different kinds of people and are “being the church” in very different ways. These groups are made up of 20-50 people.

As we sat through the service and scribbled down notes it dawned on me that what I was hearing Ps. Doug Paul say about community and discipleship was quite refreshing and really made me think. Since attending a service at Eikon I have kept up with Doug Paul’s blog. Doug has some great stuff to say so give him a read; his blog is well worth your time.

I’ve slowly continued looking more and more into the “Missional” way of doing church and I got to admit…

If / When my wife and I plant a church it will indeed be Missional.

This past weekend I stumbled across a two-minute video called This is Discipling; I’ve embedded it below for you to see.

What’s your thought or comments?