Lawrence W. Wilson

Seven Things That Will Improve Our Worship Space

2009-11-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

When I became pastor at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church earlier this year, I knew that one of our challenges would be to make enhancements to the room we use for worship. We’re fortunate to have this beautiful facility here on some of the most visible real estate in one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

Yet the building is 10 years old and in need of some improvement. And the worship center, as we call it, was designed for multiple purposes and it is used multiple times nearly every day of the week. It needs a facelift.

When we gather on Sunday, we corporately connect ourselves to God through hearing the Word, singing, receiving sacraments, and other ancient rituals of the church. We still sing, preach, shake hands, and receive communion, and our room must be designed to accommodate that.

Yet there have been changes in our worship practices over the years, so our space will have some critical differences from both a performance hall or theater and a traditional church sanctuary.

Participation vs. Spectating

Theaters are designed to make people relax, disengage, and look on while others perform. But worship is a verb; it’s something we all do together. Our space should invite people to enter—both into the room and into the act of worship.

Dynamic vs. Static

In traditional churches, the furniture and décor were fixed. The pews were screwed down. The chancel furniture was not to be moved.

Our worship is more fluid, and our room has to be more versatile. It must accommodate various styles of worship music and musicians, both preaching and drama, the use of video, and creative responses to the Word.

Multipurpose vs. Single-Use

After Sunday morning, our worship center converts back a preschool nap room, an afterschool hangout for middle schoolers, and children’s ministry center. We need portability in nearly every structure.

With that in mind, I’m suggesting several enhancements that will increase the value of our room and help us enter into the experience of corporate worship.

1. Enhance the Lighting.

We need to improve our lighting to make the room more comfortable and allow us more versatile worship experiences.

Right now, our lights have two settings: Dim and Off. We need to boost the house lights so that we can have full light when needed, allowing people to see one another, read from their Bibles, and avoid the feeling that we’re gathered in a dingy space. We can still soften the lights to allow for a more intimate feel.

Also, our stage lighting casts harsh light on the speaker, creating dark shadows and making it nearly impossible for the speaker to see the audience—which is critical for communication. Some changes are needed there as well.

2. Brighten the Projection.

We need to improve the projection system so that everyone can see words and images clearly.

Our current projectors shine their images on a white wall, which makes for a rather dull image. We need to improve this by either replacing the projectors with flat-screen monitors or upgrading the projector and screen system.

3. Upgrade the Technical Equipment.

We need enough technical equipment so that our musicians can be freed from their mélange of mics and cords.

I’m thinking wireless.

Sound projection is also poor in some areas of the room. A bit of engineering, and maybe one or two more speakers, will allow everyone to hear well.

4. Eliminate Backlighting.

The stained-glass windows in our worship center are on the same wall as the stage, which, unfortunately, backlights the speakers making the lighting situation even worse. We could eliminate that easily—and aesthetically improve the exterior of our building—by adding light boxes to the windows so that the amount of light they transmit could be manually controlled. At night, this would allow illuminate our stained glass to the outside, beautifying our campus.

5. Add Artwork that Communicates Our Vision.

We have huge white spaces on our walls, which are canvasses for the creation of visual art. I envision a simple image and text on either end of the room that graphically communicate our hunger to be transformed by the power of God and multiply that transformation throughout our world.

6. Replace the rug.

If you’ve seen the carpet, not further explanation is necessary.

7. Reconstruct the Stage to Create a More Versatile Space.

The current platform is too large for a single speaker and too small for the several musicians and instruments that we now use in worship. Reconstructing the platform to slightly different specifications would improve its appearance and utility. Painting the brick behind the platform area will also brighten the room and cause worship leaders to be more visible.

If you could make one change to the worship room in our church (or yours), what would it be?

Solutions That Don't Work for Dealing with God

2009-11-11T09:14:00.001-05:00

This week I'm reflecting on the life of Jacob, that great patriarch of the faith who also happened to be a a self-motivated, manipulative jerk. In particular, I'm studying the climax of his story, his encounter with God at Peniel (Gen. 32:22-32).

Jacob's life is a study in how not to please God. He lied. He cheated. He ran away from his problems. But he wouldn’t give up. This is Jacob’s greatest quality. He hungered for God’s best, and he sought it relentlessly. Although he used every wrong means to pursue it, Jacob had the right aim at heart. He wanted the blessing of God more than anything in the world.

Finally, alone, humbled, physically and emotionally broken, he received what he had been after so long.

As I think about the life of this great but deeply flawed man, I wonder about our lives and why we, too, so often use the wrong means (selfish ingenuity) in pursuit of the right goals (joy, contentment, love, achievement). Must every person have this Jacob-like experience of wrestling with God until their will (and body?) is broken?

What about you? Have you tried solutions for dealing with God (and others) that don't work? What does--what was your breakthrough moment with God?

What experience brought you to the point of submitting your will to God's?

Ten Things I Wish I'd Known about Being a Writer

2009-11-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

My first published writing appeared in print more than 20 years ago. Since then, I've been fortunate to have consistent opportunities to write for publication, including three books, a syndicated newspaper column, and a number of articles, devotionals, and Bible studies.

Last week I had an opportunity to speak with a group of aspiring writers a the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference. I shared some of the things I wish I'd known 20 years go that would have helped me along as a young writer.

Here is the outline. CDs of the presentation are also available.

1. Commerce

Writing is art; publishing is business. I missed some early opportunities because I didn't understand that publishers were more concerned (rightly so) with making a profit that with allowing me to express my artistic desires.

2. Humility

The difference between good and great writing is the difference between the sun and moon. My early success led me to believe that I had "arrived" as a writer. How wrong I was. Learning this craft is a lifelong journey.

3. Audience

You must write for the reader and not for yourself.

4. Identity

Writers are not a special class of people. They are ordinary people who can and do write. I wish I'd owned that identity from the start; I would have had more confidence to begin writing and begin submitting.

5. Movement

It is not enough to say something true or well. You must bring people to a place they’ve not been before.

6. Dedication

The hardest part of writing is sitting down. I wrongly assumed that the hardest part of writing a book is getting a contract. The hardest part of writing a book is, well, writing the book.

7. Mission

You must understand why you write,what you hope to gain and what you hope to accomplish.

8. Originality

The sin of plagiarism is not stealing but copying. I spent too much time trying to imitate the style of others, and that hindered me in developing my own voice.

9. Passion

Your audience wants to see the human being behind the words. Readers want a connection with the author; they must feel the passion that you bring to your writing.

10. Professionalism

Learn to behave like a business partner with your publisher because that is what you are!

What advice would you give to someone who would like to begin writing?

Podcast: How to Break Free

2009-11-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

Book Review: Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir

2009-11-06T07:24:00.003-05:00

Losing Mum and Pup is Christopher Buckley's retrospective on the life and death of his famous parents, the iconic conservative intellectual William F. Buckley Jr. and his socialite wife, Pat Buckley.

I found the book interesting because it is a poignant and well-written study in the changing of generations and because it provides a glimpse into the personal lives of an iconic American family.

While the book communicates a number of unflattering details about Buckley's parents, he avoids the self-pitying plea for the reader to agree that his parents did him wrong. His motive for writing seems to be (a) that he's a writer himself and processes life on paper and (b) his parents were intensely interesting people and his relationship with them, particularly his father, is the stuff of an interesting book. How many people, for example, had friendships with Ronald Reagan, David Niven, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Gordon Liddy, and, well, nearly everybody whose name appeared in headlines from 1970 to 2009.

Christopher Buckley is a political satirist and can't help but find the ironic moments in the tragic year in which both his parents died. For example, the phone call from the mortician saying, "Your dad is looking much better now." The writing is often humorous, thought not so hilarious as his novels.

Buckley does reveal a number of negative things about his parents and himself, including Mum's penchant for telling whoppers (she invented at least 8 different reasons for her leaving college after two years) and Pup's self-medication with Ritalin and sleeping pills, and Buckley's own dilemma about whether to assist his father in suicide (he didn't and he didn't).

This book is a poignant read for baby boomers--and perhaps others--who are dealing with passing of their parents' generation. It's humorous, revealing, poignant, and very well written. Fans of either Buckley will enjoy it.
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The Opportunity

2009-11-04T10:13:00.001-05:00

I'm reflecting on the life of Abraham, that great man of faith whose life raises as many questions as it provides answers. In particular, I've been thinking about Gen. 22 and his great test of faith, the sacrifice of Isaac.

When I envision God asking me to sacrifice, it plays like a scene from Saving Private Ryan. "Sure, Lord, I'll go out in a blaze of glory for you. Count on me to become the next martyr/legend in our great cause." Then I rush off to throw my body in front of some orphans who are being gunned down by crazed rebels in some third-world genocide." Heather weeps silently, yet manages to say, "He was a good man, my husband." Others nod in sad agreement.

Abraham's final test of faith was nothing like that. He was called not to sacrifice himself but something dear to him. Abraham, if he were to commit the deed, would not die and be memorialized in legend. He would survive but be left without his greatest source of comfort, his hope for the future.

I wonder how I would respond if God asked me to sacrifice that which is dearest to me. (My bicycle, as I'm sure everyone knows.)

We conceive of faith as believing that God exists, and it is that. And we think of faith as believing that God is great, that he can perform miracles (such as the conception of Isaac), and it is that too.

Yet there is more to it. Faith is the absolute belief that God is good, that his way is best, and that wherever he directs you to go is a better place than where you are now. Faith is willingness to say "yes" to God, regardless of the question.

Abraham said yes without hesitation, and he did indeed become a man of legend.

I think of another man, a rich ruler who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life.” Jesus said, “Sell you possessions, give everything to the poor, then come follow me.” He walked away sadly, the Bible says, because he was very wealthy. We never hear of him again.

I'm praying that I may see my test of faith, when it comes, not as a sacrifice but as an opportunity that will lead me to a better place.

How would you define faith?

Book Review: The Power of Respect

2009-11-03T13:00:00.007-05:00

The Power of Respect
Benefit from the Most Forgotten Element of Success
By Deborah Norville
Hardcover; 205 pp.; $19.99
★★★☆☆

This book is somewhat interesting but by no means compelling. The central point--that our lives would be better if we showed greater respect to others--is worth hearing again, though it may have made a better magazine article than hardcover book.

Deboarah Norville, best known as a television personality, currently the host of Inside Edition, has collected an array of anecdotes and statistics that support her thesis. She applies the theme to six arenas:

Home
Relationships
School
Work
Leadership
Self

One strength of the book is the practical tips offered for cultivating respect in these areas of life; for example: Define rules for your children; Brag about your partner in front of others; and Give employees a voice in the workplace.

The weakness of the book is that there seems to be nothing new or uniquely insightful. The thesis itself is the book.

Also, the font size is particularly small making it a bit difficult to read.

I hope Norville's message succeeds, yet I rate the book itself is a so-so read. Buy it if you want a helpful reminder of our need for civility in relationships. If you're looking for a more in-depth study or a highly practical manual for relationships or leadership, take a pass.
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Podcast: How to Overcome Temptation

2009-11-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

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All Hallows Eve

2009-10-30T12:52:00.001-04:00

What's your approach to Halloween?

Halloween observance is avoided by some devout people because of its origin in the ancient festival Samhain, which was celebrated mainly in Ireland and Scotland. It was believed that the separation between the lands of the living and the dead was especially thin on this night so that spirits could pass from one world to the next. Scary masks and costumes were used to ward off evil spirits.

Halloween is also the eve of All Saints Day, a Christian holiday that commemorates the lives of godly people who have died.

Personally, I think we need a time to reflect on death and the life after. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the whole world seems to be dying at this time of year. The weather grows cold, leaves wither, and we realize that the warm days of summer are gone--as our lives will someday be.

And while they may have been wrong about many things, the ancient Gaelic people got this right--one way of dealing with the terror of death is to make light of it. It seems that we should be able to acknowledge that both good and evil spiritual beings roam the earth without being dragged into spiritism.

The older I grow, the more people I know who are now on the other side. I think it's important to acknowledge that from time to time. There is a great chasm between us and many unknown and frightening things to come. There is life there as well.

Here is my day to recall the cloud of witnesses, warn against the powers of evil, and ponder the number of my days.

Happy Halloween, everybody.

How to Overcome Temptation

2009-10-29T16:48:00.004-04:00

Why is temptation so hard to resist? Why is it that normally strong, disciplined people may occasionally be enticed to overindulge, lie, commit some sexual indiscretion or do something else that seems totally out of character for them?

Is anyone immune from temptation? Will we ever be rid of it?

This week I've been looking for answers to those questions in the ultimate self-help book on human behavior—Genesis. By examining the first recorded case study on temptation, that of Eve and Adam, here's are six insights into how temptation works and how to avoid it.

1. Recognize the deception within every temptation and assert the truth.

The serpent was the first vehicle for delivering temptation because it was "crafty." Temptation is an adversarial process in which Satan aims to convince you to do something you know is wrong. Deception is the primary tactic, which he introduced by asking, "Did God really say. . . ?"

To overcome temptation, recognize it for what it is--and attempt by Satan to manipulate you. When you start asking questions like these, realize that you're being deceived.

Is it really cheating if you don't actually have sex?
How can it be gossip if what you're saying is true?
Are you sure it's stealing if it's just office supplies?

Defeat temptation by recognizing it for what it is--a false promise--and assert the truth.

2. Minimize temptation by meeting your deepest needs in healthy ways.

Temptation is powerful because it appeals to the deepest needs we have as human beings: love, security, self-esteem, happiness, freedom. The kicker for Eve was the desire to gain knowledge. Who doesn't want to be smart, powerful, and in control?

The promise was false, of course. The essence of temptation is the belief that doing what you know to be wrong will somehow make you feel better.

What is your deepest unmet need? This is precisely where you will be most vulnerable to temptation. Recognize that need in yourself and see that it is met in healthy ways. If you do not feel important, lying about your achievements will not fill that need; creating close friendships will. If your marriage lacks intimacy, an affair will not leave you feeling valued; a deeper relationship with God will.

3. Don't rationalize.

If temptation is to become sin, your will must become involved at some point. For awhile, all Eve did was listen to the serpent. But after awhile, she too began to play the what-if game. It sure looks good, she thought. And it is getting close to lunchtime. That was the point where she lost control--when she also began listing reasons why disobedience might be a good idea.

Don't cooperate with the devil by creating a rationalization for sin, entertaining thoughts like these:

I guess one time would be okay.
I've had a tough week; I deserve this!
Actually, this might wind up helping our marriage.

4. Expose temptation by revealing it to someone.

Eve was tempted when alone. Together, they might have withstood temptation by reinforcing the truth to one another. Alone, she was easier prey. The same is always true for us. So one effective way to weaken temptation is to say it aloud. Inside your head, nearly any bizarre action can begin to sound right. In the company of others, temptation sounds more like what it is--a self-justifying rationalization to do something you know to be wrong.

Ask your wife if it's okay to cheat at golf, and see how silly it sounds. Tell your best friend you're thinking of stealing from your company and you'll be less likely to do it.

5. Walk away.

Eve could have ended this conversation after the first exchange. She knew the truth and said it aloud. But she hung around, giving the tempter another shot. The best way to overcome temptation is to avoid it entirely by making yourself absent from the people, places, and things that tempt you.

If you're tempted to overeat, stay away from the fridge.
If you have a problem with racking up debt, cut up your credit card.
If you keep drinking too much, don't drink at all.

Temptation is not an opportunity to prove yourself. It's an atom bomb sitting on your doorstep. Get the heck away from it!

6. If you fail, confess it and start again.

If you've fallen for a particular temptation repeatedly, you may have concluded that you're helpless in this area and will always fail. That's just who I am, you may think. I guess I'll never change.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Bible says that if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). Don't allow your failure to become permanent.

God does not intend for you to live a helpless, powerless life, constantly repeating the same mistakes. He wants you to live a victorious, holy life, growing more like Jesus every day. The Bible promises this:

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Cor. 10:13).

Is it possible to overcome temptation? Yes, with God's help, you can.

What about you? What have you found effective in battling temptation?

Why I Started a Podcast

2009-10-24T09:38:00.006-04:00

This weekend I launched my first podcast, which you can listen or subscribe to here.

For those who don't know, a podcast is an audio file distributed through the Internet. You can either listen online or download it to your iPod or cell phone. It's subscription based (free, of course) so that the files are automatically added to your device.

I thought about this for a long time because there is a downside. As a former syndicated columnist, I know that producing content on a regular basis can be grueling. And having done my share of speaking, including on radio and television, I've discovered that opening your mouth in public can be challenging and sometimes embarrassing.

Yet I'm willing to take the risk because I think it's important. Here's why I'm adding my voice to the 20 million or so others who are broadcasting through this medium.

I believe in what I'm doing. I left a good career in publishing to return tot he pastorate. I did so because I believe passionately in the gospel and want to declare it by preaching. I don't think I'm a great preacher, but I do have a great message and I want as many people as possible to hear it. Podcasting will get these words out to a wider audience.

It helps my congregation. Not everybody can get to church each week because of travel or other commitments, and some of my people are battling chronic illness. This helps people who can't get to church hear an encouraging message and feel connected to the body. Podcasting keep more people connected to Fall Creek, my local church.

I know the power of publishing. I've been fortunate to have a a few of my writings published, and I've often been amazed at the reach of these modest efforts. I've heard from people all over the world who have read my work. Podcasting is publishing, and it has the power to impact the world.

So what's your latest venture? What are you doing to exercise your abilities and impact the world?

The Testimony of John the Baptist

2009-10-21T19:11:00.005-04:00

The Testimony of John the Baptist
Joe Wilson
Oct. 18, 2009
Fall Creek Wesleyan Church

If You Could Ask God Anything

2009-10-21T09:49:00.008-04:00

If you could ask God one question, what would it be? I’ve heard people ask God lots of questions, and I would gather them roughly into three groups.

Curiosity

First are the simple questions that nearly everybody wonders about at some time.

• Where did the world come from?
• Why do people speak different languages?
• Is there life on other planets?

These are simple questions arising from our curiosity about the world.

Frustration

A second category of questions deals with more essential—and more painful issues.

• Why do you allow people to suffer?
• What happens when you die?
• Is heaven real?

These questions are closer to home. They rise from the disappointment and frustration that we inevitably experience with ourselves, other people, and even God.

Aspiration

A third type of question goes deeper still. It originates not with our frustration with the external world but from the hopes and aspirations of our internal life. They’re questions like these.

• Is there a greater purpose to my life?
• What will make me happy?
• Am I doing the right things with my life?

This week I’m beginning Need to Know, a preaching series based on Genesis, which is something like an owner’s manual for the human life. It contains the most basic things God has to say, and while it’s not exactly a textbook, it does contain answers to some of the basic questions we have.

As I gear up for this series, I’m wondering, seriously, if you could as God one question, what would it be?

Our Flu Precautions

2009-10-20T18:46:00.005-04:00

By now everyone realizes that influenza is expected to be especially widespread this year, because of the H1N1 virus. Here is a summary of the common-sense precautions that we're taking at Fall Creek Wesleyan Church to give all of us more freedom to be together in worship.

1. If you are sick, please stay home. If you have flu symptoms such as a cough, fever, or sore throat, it might be best to stay home until you are well rather than risk infecting others. If you’re feeling OK, please be here!

2. Use good cough and sneeze etiquette. Make sure that your cough and sneeze are well covered to prevent spreading germs.

3. Wash your hands often. This will reduce the possibility of spreading germs. Hand sanitizers have been placed in various locations at church.

4. Handshakes and hugs are optional. We will continue to exchange greetings each week, but please don’t be offended if someone doesn’t want to shake hands or receive a hug. Find a method of greeting that doesn’t require touch.

5. Keep trusting God and loving one another. Let’s not allow some risks to prevent us from being together and enjoying worship. Now, as always, we trust God for our safety and security. Our lives (and our health) are in his hands.

Some of our ministries deal with a large number of children on a daily basis. Here's what we're doing in those ministries.

Kids Express Childcare and Preschool

As a state-registered childcare ministry, Kids Express already has a very strong written policy for dealing with illness. In addition to the normal precaution stated in the handbook, parents were informed in writing on Oct. 19 that children must be fever and symptom free without the aid of fever reduction medications for 24 hours in order to return to school.

The ROCK

The is our after-school substance abuse prevention program that is currently serving 90 middle school students. The ROCK is taking the following precautions, and parents were informed by letter on Oct. 8.

1. Parents who suspect that their children are ill are urged to keep them home.
2. Children who show symptoms of cold or flu will be segregated immediately and sent home. Parents will be contacted via phone asap.
3. Children will be instructed to take precautions of covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
4. Children will be instructed to avoid physical contact.
5. Children and staff will wash hands with hands upon arrival, before eating, and after using the restroom. There will also be hand sanitizer readily available.
6. Games will avoid physical contact and touching common items such as balls.

That's what we're doing to safeguard our ministries. What flu precautions is your church taking?

Nobody's Perfect

2009-10-15T12:37:00.004-04:00

Barbie, yes, Barbie the doll, and I have something in common. We're both turning 50 this year.

Sadly, my gal has been told by her designer that her legs are too fat and she needs to get rid of those "cankles."

I feel your pain, sis. It's tough getting old.

Me? I've got six surgical scars on my legs. And, yes, I do wear shorts in public.

What's your physical flaw? And how hard do you try to hide it?

Tribute to Larry Marshall: The New Breed of Evangelical

2009-10-06T13:38:00.006-04:00

My friend Larry Marshall passed away last week, several months after being critically injured in a drilling accident. In his honor, I'm reposting this article I wrote about Larry and Cindy for the Nov. 2007 issue of Focus on the Family Magazine.

Mud and rock spew upward as the pneumatic drill carves a shaft through 80 feet of West African earth. Larry Marshall grins, wiping his forehead on the sleeve of a sweat-soaked polo shirt. “Looks like another four-shirt day,” he says over the din of the diesel rig.

The 56-year-old rancher is drilling his third well in as many weeks, this one in the outskirts of Monrovia, the impoverished capital of war-torn Liberia

Heather and I visited Larry last year and learned something about the new breed of evangelical whose faith is demonstrated by social action.

Cindy Marshall, immaculately dressed in a traditional Liberian gown, offers a bottle of water to her husband. Her pristine appearance belies the oppressive African heat and winds that fill the air with fine red dust.

“How’s it going?” she asks.

“I’m through the rock,” Larry says. “Should have water any minute.”

When finished, the well will provide clean water to a neighborhood of over 1,000 people. The existing hand-dug well had run dry, leaving residents to walk several miles for water, often infested with cholera. The couple has been in Liberia for two years, digging wells, building schools, and distributing sponsorship funds to over 150 children.

A Long Way from Rapid City

Larry and Cindy had been living in Rapid City, S.D., for eight years when they sold their 1,500-acre ranch and moved to Sierra Leone in 1980. They supported themselves from the sale of their land while raising rice, which was sold to African pastors at cost. Since then the pair has worked at building roads and planting churches in Africa, directing a men’s treatment program at Olive Branch Mission in Chicago, and distributing livestock in Mozambique.

The Marshalls represent a new strain of evangelicals who are committed to making a difference in society and around the world.

A New Kind of Evangelical

The recovery of global concern is gaining momentum in the North American church according to Jo Anne Lyon, executive director of World Hope International, a faith-based relief and development organization that operates in 31 countries. “I believe we are finally rediscovering a biblical sense of justice,” says Lyon, who notes that the majority of the health care in Africa is now provided by faith-based organizations. “There is a new wave of compassion sweeping the nation.”

This movement is especially prominent among younger Christians, who tend to see social justice as integral to faith. “To the students I teach, worldwide social action is just as much a part of being Christian as having personal devotions was to their parents,” according to Keith Drury, associate professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. “To them, social action is not an elective.”

From One to Many

The movement is driven in part by the greater value placed on community by many younger evangelicals, who see the work of God as transforming society as a whole rather than the individual alone. As a result, these believers place a greater emphasis on demonstrating God’s love through acts of compassion than on personal piety or traditional evangelism.

“My generation tends to be more aware that the good of the community ultimately leads to good for us personally,” says Jessica Petrencsik, a 33-year-old teacher serving an urban charter school in Albany, N.Y. “Ministry today is more about meeting people where they are and attending to their needs with the understanding that this witness will likely lead to a genuine thirst to know more about our God.”

Kingdom Bound

Christy Lipscomb was raised in a suburban megachurch. Yet after she and her husband, Adam, graduated from seminary in 2004, they moved to the inner city of Grand Rapids, Mich., to establish City Life, a multicultural congregation that ministers to the urban poor and recovering addicts. “We found Kingdom theology to be particularly inspiring as we began our work,” says Adam, “the knowledge that when God’s kingdom comes it will restore all creation.”

This recovery of Kingdom thinking has led to a growing emphasis on environmentalism among many evangelicals. Professor Richard Eckley ofHoughton College, explains, “We’re realizing that if people are to be ‘saved,’ that salvation must exist within the context of the world in which we live. God the Creator desires to redeem the Creation—all of it.”

‘Glocalization’

More than 1.2 million people obtained legal permanent residency in the United States in 2006, and nearly every metropolitan center contains a large immigrant population. This global-local reality causes many Christians to see global ministry not as a distinct arm of the church but as something all Christians should do.

“We’ve had a global missions pastor for years,” says Jim Garlow, senior pastor of Skyline Church in La Mesa, Calif., but we recently added a local missions pastor. We have to be both global and local when it comes to outreach.”

Alternative Values

“Younger Christians don’t have the baggage that many of their parents have regarding making a living,” according to Rich Avery, global outreach pastor at Kentwood Community Church in Kentwood, Mich. “They’d rather make their lives count for God.” Avery cites an upward trend in the number of younger Christians who take a gap year, 12 months devoted to a service project before entering college, as well as in the number of university students preparing to minister in remote and dangerous places like Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq.

Well Done

It is nearly 6:00 p.m. in Monrovia when Larry Marshall lowers a small electric pump into the new well to test the flow. A geyser of clear water erupts from the line. A group of Liberians has gathered. One of them calls out the beginning of an African song. Others answer the call, singing, clapping, and dancing. Larry grins again, his fourth shirt now drenched with sweat. “We could be here awhile,” he says. “The last time I dug a well, the people danced for twelve hours.”

When pressed, Larry and Cindy will tell of the difficulties of their work—the constant lack of funding, the scarcity of supplies, the challenge of recruiting local leaders. But noticeably absent from their conversation is any sense of regret over the life they left behind.

“I’d do it again,” Cindy says emphatically. “I know we seem different to some people, but God has given us the privilege to learn many good things from other cultures. Our lives have been changed—we’re not the same.”

Tomorrow, Larry will install a hand-pump on the new well. For now, he turns off the electric motor. The water stops flowing; the pump goes silent. Larry and Cindy sit for a moment, resisting the heat, covered with red dust, and drinking in the joyful sound of African voices.

All in all, not a bad day for two ranchers from South Dakota.

I Love the Mosaic Approach--You?

2009-10-01T06:00:00.008-04:00

Enter to win a free copy of Mosaic by posting a question or comment for general editor Keith Williams in the comments section of this post or by announcing this contest to your friends on Oct. 1. Details here.

I became a fan of the New Living Translation in 2006 when I used the NLT's One-Year Bible as my reading program for the year. I found it to be highly readable and, like its predecessor, the Living Bible, refreshing.

Also, I realized that I knew one of the translators, Dr. Joseph E. Coleson, and his comments on the translation boosted my confidence it in its reliability for general study.

MOSAIC is a new edition of the NLT that hit my desk only yesterday. Already I like five things about it.

1. Clear Reading Plan. Mosaic offers a unique Bible reading plan, and I think Christians need more of these. We want to read the Bible but don't know how to proceed. Here is a clear pathway for engaging Scripture throughout the year.

2. Emphasis on Unity. Mosaic gathers devotional thoughts from around the church and around the world. Reading the Bible alongside these thoughts will expand your view of what the church is and what it is doing in the world. We are one body, friends. One. Church. One. One. One. I think the editors at Tyndale get that.

3. Church Calendar Driven. Mosaic's devotional reading plan follows the church year. Most evangelical churches have de-emphasized liturgy and especially the church calendar. I believe this leaves many Christians hungry for a way of being connected to each other and to the larger picture. Beyond the football schedule, soccer practice, the playoffs, and bikini season, the seasons of our year recognize the movement of God into the world--and our movement toward eternity. Mosaic takes that seriously.

4. Sola Text. A gripe I've had with devotional--and even study--Bibles is that they place the "helps" material directly in the text so that it seems to nearly as important as the Word of God itself. Mosaic doesn't do that. This Bible keeps the "devo" material up front, leaving the back of the book as a clean, clear, uninterrupted copy of the Bible (with center-column references).

5. Artwork! Yes, friends, pages and pages of bright, well-reproduced, full-color works of art from all regions of the world and nearly all eras of church history. Finally! A serious attempt at manuscript illumination! The artwork is in the "Mosaic" section, not with the Bible text, and it is beautifully done. This alone makes the book a value.

So what is Mosaic? It is an NLT Bible that includes a seasonally themed Bible reading plan and devotional material that will help you know Jesus Christ better and be better connected to Christians around the world.

I can't wait to get started.

Read comments by general editor Keith Williams in the comments section of this post. Here's his video intro to Mosaic.

Win a Free Copy of MOSAIC

2009-09-30T15:11:00.006-04:00

On Oct. 1, I'll be hosting Keith Williams, general editor of the new MOSAIC version NLT Bible on my blog.

You can win a free copy of MOSAIC by doing one of the following.

(a) Visit this blog on Oct. 1, 2009, and post a question (in the comment section) for Keith Williams, or

(b) Send a message on Twitter or Facebook on Oct. 1 announces this giveaway. Use this message: "Win a free copy of the new MOSAIC Bible today. Visit http://bit.ly/1sIxj for details. @lawrencewilson"

If you send a Facebook message, you'll have to e-mail me so I can enter you to win.

I think the NLT is one of the best available translations right now, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the MOSAIC edition has to offer. I love the tagline for this edition:

On our own, we are little more than bits of stone and glass . . .

together we are the body of Christ.

Tune in on Oct. 1 to hear more about this new project.

To whet your appetite, here is an interview I did awhile ago with Dr. Joseph E. Coleson, on of the translators on the NLT team.

Life in the Slow Lane

2009-09-29T10:56:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling much better this week as I continue to heal from injuries sustained in my bike accident on Sept. 20. I have much less pain but am still unable to bear weight on my right leg. I'll be using walker for several more weeks, but my doctor believes I'll make a complete recovery with no permanent damage to my prosthetic hip. That's a relief.

My life is a lot slower right now (everything takes a long time!), and I'm not able to stand as much activity as I'd like. Hopefully, I'll be back to full strength--if not full mobility--soon.

I'm grateful for your prayers and the many tangible ways that you have supported our family--meals, rides for the kids, and building a step in the garage to accommodate a walker. The creative get-well cards from the gang at Awana and Kids Express were delightful! I don't know how we would be doing this without the support of our church. We thank you, and Heather and I continue to pray for your needs as well.

By the way, your pastor's wife has been an incredible partner to me now (as always). I'm amazed by her selflessness and energy. She needs your support and prayer more than I do.

I hope to be present with you at Fall Creek on Sunday. In the meantime, I'm getting the hang of walking with my hands and catching up on some reading.

See you soon--

Larry

Bike Accident Update

2009-09-23T13:21:00.003-04:00

Many of you know that I was injured in a bicycling accident on Sunday (Sept. 20). I arrived home from the hospital today, so here's my first chance to give a more complete update on my situation.

We enjoyed an incredibly moving worship service at Fall Creek in the morning, and Heather and I spent much of the afternoon watching football. Then we decided to beat the raindrops on a brief bike ride. We rode together for about 30 minutes, then I dropped Heather at home as a light rain was beginning to fall. “I’m not that sweet,” I joked to Heather. “A little rain won’t melt me.”

About 20 minutes later I zipped through Markleville, aiming to round one more block (in rural Indiana, a "block" is one square mile) and head home. I approached the abandoned tracks that run kitty-corner across State St. and did my best to square off so that I would cross them at a right angle. But my front tire caught the second rail and slid left. It was like hitting a patch of ice. The bike went out from under me in an instant, and I crashed on my right side. I was probably going about 14 m.p.h. at the time.

I knew immediately that this was more than the usual bump or bruise you might get by falling in the driveway; the pain in my hip was excruciating. Fortunately, an approaching motorist saw me fall and stopped to help. Other folk stopped or came out of their houses to assist.

One of them graciously offered to call Heather, but mistakenly told her that I’d been hit by a car. Heather arrived within minutes but didn’t learn until we reached the hospital that I’d simply fallen on the tracks. By then she had told several people the mistaken version of the story. Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident sounds more intriguing, but there was no motor vehicle involved. I simply slipped on the tracks and fell. Yes, I was wearing a helmet.

I was taken by ambulance to St. John’s hospital in Anderson, where initial x-rays showed two fractures in my pelvis and a possible fracture of my right femur, near my prosthetic hip. A CT scan revealed that the femur had multiple fractures and that it was unclear if my prosthetic hip had come loose from the bone. This is still a concern. The physician feels optimistic that it has not come loose, but we should know for sure in a couple weeks.

Either way, the treatment for the next month and a half will be the same—physical therapy and no weight bearing on my right side. “This is gonna hurt like heck for six weeks no matter what we do,” the doctor said. Gotta love that candor.

Obviously, my activities will be limited in the next few weeks, though I don’t yet know the extent. I’ll keep you updated on my progress; in the meantime, thanks to each of you who have responded with concern and prayer. Times like these make me deeply grateful for the communion of saints.

I'm grateful, too, to the good folk who stopped to lend a hand. I was in a great deal of pain when I fell, and couldn’t roll myself over or untangle my legs from the bike. I received help in the form of blankets prop up my aching leg, a hand to hold (literally), and even a shot of whiskey to ease the pain (which I declined :-) All of us could probably stand to open the shades a bit more often and connect with the people around us.

Those of you who know me well can affirm that I don’t jump at spiritual explanations to mundane problems. Yet while we might easily explain this accident by the ordinary factors of rain and railroad tracks, I can't help but notice the close connection between this event and the very powerful worship experiences we’ve had at Fall Creek in the last two weeks. Undoubtedly, our enemy would be delighted to see that spiritual momentum reversed. Let’s not allow that to happen. Let the Holy Spirit direct worship at Fall Creek whether or not I am there to lead or not.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more about the impact of this injury on my schedule. In the meantime, keep doing what you've been doing so well these several months--being the church.

PS: The photo is me, in the emergency room, pointing to my livestrong t-shirt. I was hoping for a phone call from @lancearmstrong. No luck so far ;-)

Your Church Is Too Small

2009-09-09T09:25:00.006-04:00

Most of us think too small about church.

You're probably hearing in that statement an echo of the church-growth language '80s/'90s, which held local churches should always be growing larger. Breaking the "200 Barrier" was the big goal of the 1980s. Nowadays 1,000 is the new 200, and the threshold for a megachurch has been notched up to 2,000.

Yet all of that is essentially small thinking because it concentrates our energy on us--the local church--and fails to connect us with the real body of Christ--the worldwide church.

Two thousand may seem like a huge crowd in a single auditorium, but it's a teeny number compared with 2,100,000,000 (that's 2.1 billion) the estimated number of Christians in the world.

This week I'm working on a message based on Eph. 4:3-6, which stresses the need for unity in the church. "There is one body." Rather than applying that thought to your local church, what if it were applied on a global scale? What would it take for us to generate unity among Christians worldwide? What could be the result?

Local to Global. We'd have to break the long habit of thinking of church as the building at 116th & Olio Rd., or even as the group of people that meets there. In our minds, church would have to become a much larger, more diverse, wider-spread concept, comprising all people who are followers of Christ--"one baptism."

Consumer to Contributor. Most of us are attracted to a local church based on what it offers to us--a good youth group for the kids, good preaching, lively music, a good location. To connect broader, we'd have to starting thinking about what we can offer to the body--both as individuals and as a local church.

Competitor to Coworker. When we think of the church as a purely local entity, we see other congregations as either competitors or consumer options. To unite broadly, we'd have to quit that. Church hopping among parishioners and one-upsmanship by leaders would have to end.

Conformity to Unity. To get any group to agree on something is difficult; to agree on everything is impossible. To unite broader, we'd have to limit our agenda to those things that really matter--in "Jesus said this" kind of way. We could still have our own preferences as a local churches, but we'd have to give up insisting that everybody do it our way.

What would result from worldwide Christian unity? Here's my short list, I'd like to hear yours.

Christians in both larger and smaller churches would be empowered as they saw themselves as part of a global Christian movement and thought less about the number of people attending their local church.

The world mission would be completed in our lifetime as every person on earth had the opportunity to hear the gospel message.

Many world conflicts would be ended as large groups of people advocated in unison for tolerance and forgiveness.

Persistent global problems would be solved, such as the lack of clean water and human trafficking, as Christians concentrated their resources, expertise, and social power.

The number of conversions would rise exponentially as nonbelievers saw the church corporately behaving like Jesus Christ and were drawn in by its authenticity, humility, and power.

So what do you think? What would it take for the church to get beyond local thinking and unite on a broader level? Is it possible? What would result?

Book Review: Fearless

2009-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Fearless
By Max Lucado
Hardcover, 224 pp., $24.99
Thomas Nelson Publishers

Fearless is a pleasant inspirational book, and if you are afflicted by feelings of anxiety, insecurity, or apprehension about your life and relationship with God, it will be of some help to you.

If you are looking for practical steps that will help you overcome fear, keep looking. This book make you feel better (which is worth something) but will not arm you with strategies for coping with anxiety.

The best thing about the book (other than Lucado’s trademark prose, chocolate-rich with misty metaphors and peek-a-boo word-pictures that dispatch their sunshiny rays of grace-infused warmth to melt the icy fingers of dread from the doubting soul), is the catalogue of real-life fears that people face, each met with the biblical advice, “Fear not.”

The author identifies 13 of the common sources of anxiety and shows how our relationship with God should replace that fear with confidence. The aim is to make the reader feel better based on biblical truths, and that works.

The book includes a group discussion guide.

I offer the same advice on this book that Lincoln is supposed to have given in a book review: "People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like." If you like Thomas Kincade paintings and songs like "Butterfly Kisses," you'll love this book.

Six Tools for Spiritual Growth

2009-09-03T08:20:00.003-04:00

Here's an interesting fact. More people believe there is a God than believe there is a devil. By the numbers, it's not even a close contest. About 96 percent of Americans believe there is a God; only 64 percent believe there is a devil.

It's the same with other aspects of spirituality. Far more people believe in heaven than in hell, and in angels than in demons. For some reason, we rather easily accept the idea that there is a warm, positive side to the spiritual world but are reluctant to believe that dark, unseen forces really exist outside of a thriller movie.

But what if they do?

What if our spiritual progress is not merely a matter of thinking more positive thoughts or gaining a bit of will power but is a struggle against an enemy who wishes to destroy us? What if we think we're on a journey but we're actually in a war?

That is, in fact, the case according to the apostle Paul.

This week I'm preparing a message based on Eph. 6:10-20, in which we learn about the Christian's "spiritual armor."

Extending the warfare theme used in this text, I'll hope to identify six areas of conflict in our spiritual lives and the spiritual disciples that are successful in defeating them.

Truth - Clarity vs. Confusion
Righteousness - Action vs. Lethargy
Witness - Boldness vs. Timidity
Faith - Resolve vs. Doubt
Salvation - Confidence vs. Fear
Scripture - Victory vs. Defeat

I've got a lot of work to do. (One of the many books on this subject, The Christian in Complete Armour, is over 1,200 pages long!) So I could use a few pointers.

What spiritual discipline is most helpful in your spiritual life?

What practical tips would you offer for overcoming doubt, temptation, or other spiritual attacks?

Beyond Winning

2009-08-26T09:37:00.005-04:00

The secret to getting along with other people is to either ignore them or to intimidate them into doing what you want.

That's not exactly biblical advice, but it's what most of us do most of the time. Figuring that polite aphorisms such as "Turn the other cheek" and "Be kind to one another" are impractical, we use conflict as a way of managing our relationships with other people.

Whether it's a husband and wife deciding how to spend their last $20 or opposing parties deciding national healthcare policy, we seem to feel that there must be a winner and a loser in every situation.

This week I'll be speaking on relational stress based on Paul's advice in Eph. 5:21. This is one of those situations where the truth sounds too simple to be true. Here's my paraphrase:

The secret to getting along with other people is to treat them with the same respect you give to Jesus Christ.

Applying that in real life is, of course, more challenging than it sounds. We see that as Paul continued his teaching by giving practical examples in three relational contexts (marriage, parenting, and slavery).

I hope to do something similar in this message, and I'm beginning by reflecting on these questions.

How do you love and respect a spouse who doesn't return those feelings?

What's the difference between respecting others and being taken advantage of by them?

How would this principle apply to people who chronically abuse your trust--such as a child who lies to you or a coworker who is lazy?

Can you give some examples of how showing respect or submission have helped you deal with a difficult relationship?

What limits should we reasonably place on this idea? For example, do you owe respect to people who are doing wrong? Who have abused you? Who are trying to kill you?

Are there some people that you simply can't be reconciled with?

Living in harmony with other human beings is perhaps the most challenging thing you can do, yet I believe it is possible when we offer others the same respect that we give to Jesus Christ.

What do you think, team? Can you offer some practical insight on these questions?

Fall Is Alive @ Fall Creek

2009-08-13T13:32:00.004-04:00

God is at work in our community, and signs of it are everywhere. This summer we had a stellar VBS program at which 31 kids made decision for Christ. Camp Dunamis and the Cincy Mission Trip were life-changing experiences for dozens of our teens.

Here are highlights of what’s happing this fall, including some important changes in our youth and children’s ministries.

Mix Moves to Sundays on Aug. 23

Our weekly youth gathering, the Mix, will move to Sunday nights beginning Aug. 23, 6:00–8:00 p.m. This move better fits with the school and sports schedules of many young people and will free up much-needed space for both the teens and our Wednesday evening children’s programs.

Teen Leadership Training Begins Aug. 30

Starting this fall, teens will have the opportunity to help with some ministries, including AWANA and Sunday morning children’s discipleship under the direction of our adult leaders. Teen leaders will meet for training on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with Scott Simmons. Students interested in this opportunity should contact Colleen Derr or Pastor John Freed.

New Preteen Ministry Begins Aug. 30

Amy Steiner and her team will head up our new preteen ministry for grades 5 & 6. This group will meet on both Sundays (10:30 a.m.) and Wednesdays (6:30–8:00 p.m.). We’re excited about this new ministry that offers age-specific discipleship (and plenty of fun!) for this transitional age group. (Note—kids will continue to attend the first portion of the worship service with their parents.)

Children’s Ministry Kicks Off Aug. 30

Sunday morning children’s ministry will be small group discipleship for children age 2 through 4th grade. August 23 is our end of summer rally for all kids (including grades 5 & 6) featuring the gospel magic of Tim Rayn. (Note—kids will continue to attend the first portion of the worship service with their parents.)

Express Children’s Check-In Begins Aug. 30

To streamline our Sunday morning process, better serve visiting families, and maintain a high level of security for our children, we’ll begin an Express Check-In procedure this fall, which will take place at the Connection Center in the main foyer. Parents will receive further details on this new system letter.

AWANA Begins Sept. 9

Kristin Hand will lead our second season of AWANA, which is a strongly Bible-based midweek program for kids age 4 years through 4th grade. Watch for registration details on at www.fallcreekonline.org.

Adult Ministries Focus on Growth, ‘Soft Start’ on Sept. 13

Adult ministries at Fall Creek happens in a variety of contexts, including men’s and women’s Bible studies, small groups, mentoring groups, and service opportunities. All of them focus on life transformation in the context of Bible learning and relationship building.

While there is no rigid start date for these various growth groups, we will showcase the entire lineup on Sunday Sept. 13.

Note—Some Bible studies are staring sooner! See www.fallcreekonline.org for details.

ROCK Expands Sept. 1

The ROCK after-school program is doubling in size to include some 90 students each semester. This state-funded drug abuse prevention program is a significant outreach for our student ministry and brings many children to the Lord each year! Fall registration is open to any student in grade 5 or 6, regardless of school. To register visit www.hserock.com.

Kids Express Underway Aug. 10

The fall term began on Monday with an increase of 25 students from the summer program. This ministry disciples children by means of early childhood education. While unseen by us on the weekends, director Kim Rhine and her dedicated staff teach and care for dozens of children every weekday. Some spots (including kindergarten) are still open.