I am not sure of any one who can retell this story with greater humor and punch that my friend Rob Rufus. It is of course the account of Jesus and the storm in Mark's gospel - Mark 4:35 - 5:1.
For me it is very autobiographical...
when the evening had come - Jesus is simply not at all committed to our convenience and comfort. At the end of the day, I love gearing down, debriefing the day with M, a warm meal and a quiet drink. I am not sure I would have been a "happy camper" if I got the call from Jesus...
"Let us go across to the other side". Now most of those he was calling on assignment were fishermen. They knew this was not a business class flight across the pond. This was an evening's tough boating that lay ahead of them - even in the best of conditions, they would not get a good night's sleep. Jesus has such a way to challenge the things that we think we are entitled to.
leaving the crowd - it is often the case that the Jesus call is contrary to the way of the many, the popular way, the way most travelled. Obedience to Christ is not a once in a lifetime moment. It is a regular challenge as we are so vulnerable to popularity and applause. Therefore he has to position us perpetually to make decisions of followership over decisions of affirmation.
A great windstorm arose - when I think of wind I think of the Holy Spirit. When he comes, he comes to empower us on mission. This was a different wind. These were fishermen whom one assumes were not easily overwhelmed by storms. I wonder therefore if this was not the "anti-Holy Spirit " type storm. The enemy was seeking to destroy these disciples in death. Or if not destruction, then he would seek to create distrust in divine instruction. He put fear into their hearts. (How Jesus handles the storm seems to reiterate that it was not just "weather/weather" but "demonic weather")
The boat was already filling - dear reader, we know that chest beating anxiety that comes our way when we feel swamped, overwhelmed, out of our depth. We all know that complex confusion when we feel we are going down and yet all we have done is obey him! Pretty disorientating.
But he was in the stern, asleep - so Jesus was sleeping. Well we get a glimpse into his incarnation - fully man, tired, needing rest. We get a window into the freedom he had to rest while the others manned the boat. But we also know the deep frustration when we feel like Jesus is asleep on our watch. All around us, others are having their prayers answered, yet he is asleep on our petitions. Or is he...?
"Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" Jesus is not gentle, nursery-like in his response to his faltering disciples. This was a key moment in him preparing them for their global gospel assignments. They would face many more complex storms ahead of them (think of Peter in prison in Acts 12). This was not a moment to mollycoddle them with quiet, gentle dialogue. Their lives depended on him rebuking them, raising their understanding of his mission. Did he not say they would get to the other side? Did they not get there? They came to the other side...
Faith is a big word, a huge conversation, a most essential action if we are to step into the boat of divine assignment. It is not just word and Spirit that we need. It is also not just conversion faith that is needed. The just shall live by faith! It is an ongoing, daily reality. It is the continuos present tense. It is now. It is today, even when we think he is asleep on our watch!
Monday, September 12, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Activating God...Persistently
I love Jesus' narrative style teaching. It is such a cross cultural genius. It works everywhere, in every culture among every people group.
So he tells a story of a widow who goes to see a judge (Luke 18:1-8). Her persistence pursuance of the judge was a source of much irritation and frustration. One could imagine the judge simply wanting peace and the right to be left alone. But the widow would not. She "kept coming to him". He held his ground offering her little audience and certainly not action in response to her endless appeal.
Eventually however he relented. Her perpetual "bothering" him and fear that she would "eventually come and attack me", resulted in him giving her both an audience as well as a response.
Jesus immediately explains if a "unjust judge" grants justice, will not God bring "justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night"?
The front end of this narrative tells us this was a story "Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up". The back end of the story reads "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth".
Our theology fashions our behavior!
In our quest to build Word / Spirit churches, I am not hearing nearly enough about the power of faith in our God stories. Into the reformed subculture, an element of fatalism creeps in if we drift from faith and overly rely on our sovereignty theology. The call to strong sustained prayer, matched with growing faith is clear in this captivating little story.
I have been going through the whole of the New Testament and highlighted every time faith occurs in the text. It is invigorating and inspiring. It mobilizes and mesmerizes. It creates and catalyzes. Jesus tells us to persistent prayer matched with firing faith, moves the hand of the "unjust judge"...well what about the true, just judge?
The adventures that lie before us require growing, activating faith. Lets see what that looks like...
So he tells a story of a widow who goes to see a judge (Luke 18:1-8). Her persistence pursuance of the judge was a source of much irritation and frustration. One could imagine the judge simply wanting peace and the right to be left alone. But the widow would not. She "kept coming to him". He held his ground offering her little audience and certainly not action in response to her endless appeal.
Eventually however he relented. Her perpetual "bothering" him and fear that she would "eventually come and attack me", resulted in him giving her both an audience as well as a response.
Jesus immediately explains if a "unjust judge" grants justice, will not God bring "justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night"?
The front end of this narrative tells us this was a story "Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up". The back end of the story reads "when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth".
Our theology fashions our behavior!
In our quest to build Word / Spirit churches, I am not hearing nearly enough about the power of faith in our God stories. Into the reformed subculture, an element of fatalism creeps in if we drift from faith and overly rely on our sovereignty theology. The call to strong sustained prayer, matched with growing faith is clear in this captivating little story.
I have been going through the whole of the New Testament and highlighted every time faith occurs in the text. It is invigorating and inspiring. It mobilizes and mesmerizes. It creates and catalyzes. Jesus tells us to persistent prayer matched with firing faith, moves the hand of the "unjust judge"...well what about the true, just judge?
The adventures that lie before us require growing, activating faith. Lets see what that looks like...
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
3 SPACES
Stephen's announcement at the time of his martyrdom is profound. I guess one may speculate what one would say if facing death.
Stephen steps into the great Jewish narrative format as he leads his hearers along some of the high points of their redemptive history. The verse that caught my eye was "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt..." Acts 17.
Holding that thought for the moment, I love the notion that a healthy church lives in the width and wonder of 3 SPACES.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" Acts 1:8
1st Space - Jerusalem
That is the space where the local church fully embraces their mission and mandate to influence and impact their city. Beyond simply butts in chairs, the Jesus community seeks to let "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is is in heaven" Matt 6:10. This assignment given by Christ in the final hours of his life, requires faith-filled ownership to create a Christlike foot print in our cities.
2nd Space - Judea, Samaria
This second piece of the Christ adventure, is to reach into the "surrounding area, similar culture - surrounding area, different culture". Every Jesus church, is to step out of the boat of comfort and safety and embrace the privilege of kingdom advancing into these arenas. Whether it be social justice, multi-siting or church planting, we are called to find the grace that is ours to lovingly reach into the soul of these regions and peoples.
3rd Space - Ends of the Earth
Creating new gospel frontiers is still one of the most inspirational components of healthy church life. In a spirit of love and humility, we are to take this gospel to the furthest corners of the globe, invigorating our church communities in a unique way. Stepping outside of our culture and embracing the challenging notion of a global gospel, is so evident throughout the pages of the text.
How does this translate into our world?
1. Every church we work with, is responsible for their "Jerusalem". By serving, loving, caring, reaching, these communities find the mind of the Lord for the city they live and minister in - creating fresh, fun and faith-filled ways to shine the Christ light into a very dark and broken world.
2. For us the 2nd space is expressed in Genesis Collective. This is a group of friends who partner together as the relational vehicle that the Father has given us, to enlarge, empower, equip and encourage the churches in North America. I love these leaders and their churches. By swimming upstream, we are seeking to obey the text as we want to create Christlike communities that will authentically represent Him into the 21st Century.
3. The 3rd space is our collaboration with others to reach the uttermost parts of the world. We still believe that our relationships are enough to glue us together for this mammoth mountain to climb. Under the casual banner of Global Assignment, we are seeking to facilitate new gospel frontiers, help establish indigenous apostolic households in every region we are working in, planting churches into these new cultures, holding some training gatherings, to empower the churches we are partnering with.
Back to Stephen. I love him repeating the mantra of Genesis 1 - "increase, multiply, in Egypt". There the idea of the 3 Spaces is repeated. By increase we seek to reach our city. By multiplying we want to reach beyond our immediate world into a broader story. Through "Egypt", we are able to go to the uttermost, doing life with mates, as we just can't do it alone.
Stephen steps into the great Jewish narrative format as he leads his hearers along some of the high points of their redemptive history. The verse that caught my eye was "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt..." Acts 17.
Holding that thought for the moment, I love the notion that a healthy church lives in the width and wonder of 3 SPACES.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" Acts 1:8
1st Space - Jerusalem
That is the space where the local church fully embraces their mission and mandate to influence and impact their city. Beyond simply butts in chairs, the Jesus community seeks to let "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is is in heaven" Matt 6:10. This assignment given by Christ in the final hours of his life, requires faith-filled ownership to create a Christlike foot print in our cities.
2nd Space - Judea, Samaria
This second piece of the Christ adventure, is to reach into the "surrounding area, similar culture - surrounding area, different culture". Every Jesus church, is to step out of the boat of comfort and safety and embrace the privilege of kingdom advancing into these arenas. Whether it be social justice, multi-siting or church planting, we are called to find the grace that is ours to lovingly reach into the soul of these regions and peoples.
3rd Space - Ends of the Earth
Creating new gospel frontiers is still one of the most inspirational components of healthy church life. In a spirit of love and humility, we are to take this gospel to the furthest corners of the globe, invigorating our church communities in a unique way. Stepping outside of our culture and embracing the challenging notion of a global gospel, is so evident throughout the pages of the text.
How does this translate into our world?
1. Every church we work with, is responsible for their "Jerusalem". By serving, loving, caring, reaching, these communities find the mind of the Lord for the city they live and minister in - creating fresh, fun and faith-filled ways to shine the Christ light into a very dark and broken world.
2. For us the 2nd space is expressed in Genesis Collective. This is a group of friends who partner together as the relational vehicle that the Father has given us, to enlarge, empower, equip and encourage the churches in North America. I love these leaders and their churches. By swimming upstream, we are seeking to obey the text as we want to create Christlike communities that will authentically represent Him into the 21st Century.
3. The 3rd space is our collaboration with others to reach the uttermost parts of the world. We still believe that our relationships are enough to glue us together for this mammoth mountain to climb. Under the casual banner of Global Assignment, we are seeking to facilitate new gospel frontiers, help establish indigenous apostolic households in every region we are working in, planting churches into these new cultures, holding some training gatherings, to empower the churches we are partnering with.
Back to Stephen. I love him repeating the mantra of Genesis 1 - "increase, multiply, in Egypt". There the idea of the 3 Spaces is repeated. By increase we seek to reach our city. By multiplying we want to reach beyond our immediate world into a broader story. Through "Egypt", we are able to go to the uttermost, doing life with mates, as we just can't do it alone.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Activating God...really?
This is the first time in a year that I have blogged.
It has been a deep year. I am not sure how else to put it. I think the Father tucked me away in the shadows as he did some pretty weighty work in me. It was not an easy time but I trust the Father. I guess he knew what he was doing. If he can still use an "old crusty" like me, then I am most certainly available.
This blog was actually born two years ago, this month. There is a story in the bible about the rabbi Jesus, his 12 apprentices, a fig tree and a mountain. It is a simple story, yet the more I reflected on it simplicity, the more captivating it became.
Amidst the many various ways one can teach this text, what if a major component looks like this: Jesus wants to eat from the fig tree, but there is no fruit. This is just too great a moment for him to teach his apprentices (I do like that word).
My read on this account (Matt 21:18 - 22; Mark 11:12 - 25) had an air of empowering faith... Don't keep looking for last season's fruit, it is done. It completed its assignment. Turn around, look at the mountain I am placing before you...and speak to it...nope don't look at it. Speak to it! "Have faith in God...speak to the mountain ...believe and forgive" Mark 11: 22 - 25.
That was the textual catapult that empowered Meryl and I to partner together to get her to complete her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. That was her mountain. As a grandma who had not formally studied for 32 years, she went back to university. That is what she had to face and speak to every day. That was her mountain. That was where she had to lay her doubts and moments of vulnerability down. We kept saying to each other..."this was God's idea, so He will get you through"
It has been a journey of faith rediscovered. A deeper faith, a bigger mountain, a great challenge, but it was his idea.
This blog series will journey you through a review of the wonder and catalytic nature of faith. "The just shall live by faith" was not simply a reformational revelation. It is the daily reality of each Jesus follower, where the Father places us in assignments beyond our wildest dreams and natural abilities.
It has been a deep year. I am not sure how else to put it. I think the Father tucked me away in the shadows as he did some pretty weighty work in me. It was not an easy time but I trust the Father. I guess he knew what he was doing. If he can still use an "old crusty" like me, then I am most certainly available.
This blog was actually born two years ago, this month. There is a story in the bible about the rabbi Jesus, his 12 apprentices, a fig tree and a mountain. It is a simple story, yet the more I reflected on it simplicity, the more captivating it became.
Amidst the many various ways one can teach this text, what if a major component looks like this: Jesus wants to eat from the fig tree, but there is no fruit. This is just too great a moment for him to teach his apprentices (I do like that word).
My read on this account (Matt 21:18 - 22; Mark 11:12 - 25) had an air of empowering faith... Don't keep looking for last season's fruit, it is done. It completed its assignment. Turn around, look at the mountain I am placing before you...and speak to it...nope don't look at it. Speak to it! "Have faith in God...speak to the mountain ...believe and forgive" Mark 11: 22 - 25.
That was the textual catapult that empowered Meryl and I to partner together to get her to complete her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. That was her mountain. As a grandma who had not formally studied for 32 years, she went back to university. That is what she had to face and speak to every day. That was her mountain. That was where she had to lay her doubts and moments of vulnerability down. We kept saying to each other..."this was God's idea, so He will get you through"
It has been a journey of faith rediscovered. A deeper faith, a bigger mountain, a great challenge, but it was his idea.
This blog series will journey you through a review of the wonder and catalytic nature of faith. "The just shall live by faith" was not simply a reformational revelation. It is the daily reality of each Jesus follower, where the Father places us in assignments beyond our wildest dreams and natural abilities.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Catalytic Prophetic Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur is not easy.
There are times when I want to rush out the door as the sun comes up and change the world. Then there are other times when it feels like I want to put up the shutters, lock the door, turn on the TV and forget there is a world out there. The collision of our soul and mind at times create sheer pandemonium within us.
Being a prophetic entrepreneur is even more soul stirring.
In 1984 I visited the UK for the first time. I met a man called Colin Henderson. In our brief corridor conversation, I asked him what he did and he replied "prophetic administrator". This was a phrase I had never heard nor a role I had ever seen practiced.
In my years of serving with the NCMI guys, I found myself stepping into the space often. Seeking to serve Dudley and the movement, I found great pleasure in taking a God idea and architecturally shaping it into form and content - when we found that we were planting churches with guys who were theologically light, we started the International Theological Correspondence Course. When we realized that communication was sorely needed as the ministry grew, we started Letstalk magazine. When we saw that some planters were going out to plant with insufficient training, we started the Church Planters Training course.
We lean into the future, seeking to be those who are seeing it, preparing for it, becoming it. (To quote Dudley).
Being a catalytic prophetic entrepreneur is a road less travelled.
This poorly understood role is essential to keep a movement in its tippey toes, moving forward. Over the last three decades I have seen movements come and go. It has been tragic to see movements drift from their apostolic prophetic moorings to becoming wonderful pastoral gatherings. And some great moves of God have become denominations, primarily now focussed on defending their past.
Living every day with the vulnerable, uncertainty of unchartered waters is both exciting, fun, exhilarating and also scary, challenging and confusing. In the smallest of ways it is both Abrahamic and Moses-like. It is going not knowing. It is looking each day to see what the cloud will do or what the pillar of fire will point to.
It is holding in tension the note of doing the basics well, as well as, leaning into the winds of change. It is not an easy road to travel on for we see through the mists dimly. At times it can make us seem confused, uncertain and changing.
When I look over our years of the Invisible Church, the Glenridge plant, helping launch NCMI, helping pioneer this story in many nations and then replanting Southlands Church in LA, Genesis and the rest, each of these has been the road less travelled. Not the normal, predictable, repetitive or routine, simply seeking to do the old better.
This is not a journey for everyone, I do get that - not by calling or by personality. This is not better than or worse than what others do. It is just different. It is God authored and God empowered. I am grateful God has used us in this journey. We have made way too many mistakes, but as we get older, I guess we are far better at dealing with this roller coaster ride. Sola gratia
There are times when I want to rush out the door as the sun comes up and change the world. Then there are other times when it feels like I want to put up the shutters, lock the door, turn on the TV and forget there is a world out there. The collision of our soul and mind at times create sheer pandemonium within us.
Being a prophetic entrepreneur is even more soul stirring.
In 1984 I visited the UK for the first time. I met a man called Colin Henderson. In our brief corridor conversation, I asked him what he did and he replied "prophetic administrator". This was a phrase I had never heard nor a role I had ever seen practiced.
In my years of serving with the NCMI guys, I found myself stepping into the space often. Seeking to serve Dudley and the movement, I found great pleasure in taking a God idea and architecturally shaping it into form and content - when we found that we were planting churches with guys who were theologically light, we started the International Theological Correspondence Course. When we realized that communication was sorely needed as the ministry grew, we started Letstalk magazine. When we saw that some planters were going out to plant with insufficient training, we started the Church Planters Training course.
We lean into the future, seeking to be those who are seeing it, preparing for it, becoming it. (To quote Dudley).
Being a catalytic prophetic entrepreneur is a road less travelled.
This poorly understood role is essential to keep a movement in its tippey toes, moving forward. Over the last three decades I have seen movements come and go. It has been tragic to see movements drift from their apostolic prophetic moorings to becoming wonderful pastoral gatherings. And some great moves of God have become denominations, primarily now focussed on defending their past.
Living every day with the vulnerable, uncertainty of unchartered waters is both exciting, fun, exhilarating and also scary, challenging and confusing. In the smallest of ways it is both Abrahamic and Moses-like. It is going not knowing. It is looking each day to see what the cloud will do or what the pillar of fire will point to.
It is holding in tension the note of doing the basics well, as well as, leaning into the winds of change. It is not an easy road to travel on for we see through the mists dimly. At times it can make us seem confused, uncertain and changing.
When I look over our years of the Invisible Church, the Glenridge plant, helping launch NCMI, helping pioneer this story in many nations and then replanting Southlands Church in LA, Genesis and the rest, each of these has been the road less travelled. Not the normal, predictable, repetitive or routine, simply seeking to do the old better.
This is not a journey for everyone, I do get that - not by calling or by personality. This is not better than or worse than what others do. It is just different. It is God authored and God empowered. I am grateful God has used us in this journey. We have made way too many mistakes, but as we get older, I guess we are far better at dealing with this roller coaster ride. Sola gratia
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Malibu - our annual gathering for USA planters
Malibu 2015
Engaging Mission
A Conversation for Churches around an Incarnational Life
Tuesday 6 October 2015
10:00 Mission: A Military Metaphor Chris Wienand (Mercytown)
Worship: The Soul of Mission Daena Dooley (Redemption, Costa Mesa)
11:30 Church on Mission - A Theology John Mark Comer (A Jesus Church, Portland)
2:00 Breakouts:
Developing a Missional Leadership Culture Chris Wienand (Mercytown)
Children on Mission Marci Yu (Southlands Church, Brea )
3:30 Soccer and Softball (All souls)
6:30 Mission: Reaching those far from God Tony Rainbow (Victory, Adelaide Oz)
Wednesday 7 October 2015
9:30 Mission: Making Wholistic Disciples Andy Rogers (Restored, San Diego)
Keeping the Community Moving Forward Phil Wood (Redemption, Costa Mesa)
11:30 Church on Mission - Practice John Mark Comer
(We will talk around their approach to missional communities and membership)
2:00 Breakouts:
Marriage - The Foundation for Mission Meryl Wienand (Mercytown)
Thrift Stores - A new Frontier for Immigrant Mission George King (Thrift2gift)
6:30 Mission: What America Needs Matt Larson (Anthem, LA)
Thursday
As we desire to be a crew joined together relationally, we have planned to give Thursday to having fun on the beach at Malibu from 9:00 till 2:00 (children most welcome). Surfboards, SUP, volleyballs will be provided. you bring the fun
Friday
“Church Planting Cohort Day” Hosted by Anthem Church, Led by Matt Larson & Andy Rogers, from 10:00 until 4:00. Accommodation is provided if needed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Church Planting #5 Partnership
The Tour de France finished on Sunday.
My love for the race started when we were vacationing in Mauritius many years ago. Not being much of a cyclist myself, I had no affection for the race. However being in this little cabin with one grainy TV in French, M and I tried to decipher what was going on with the different colored journeys, tactics and the sheer French countryside beauty.
This 2015 race will probably go down as one for the ages. What caught my attention was the intent of the riders who were lying in second, third, fourth, fifth place to isolate the leader, Chris Froome, from his Sky team. The tactic was "isolation" in order to defeat. It was fascinating and captivating, but they were not able to split the team. Sky held together and Froome won.
The church planting parallel was obvious to me. We were never created to be alone. From the garden, through the Abrahamic call to faith, we have been called to a glorious "togetherness". At the first level it is in marriage, then the family as a planting team, then a core group and then lastly with apostles.
I am not sure we can do this "church planting thing"without all these "togethernesses". The mistake the planter makes is to think that some of these "togethernesses" are optional. But they are not. If Froome got split from the Sky team he simply would not have won.
Paul writes of the partnership the plant needs with apostles "because of our partnership in the gospel" Phil 1:5 and then again "... church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving..." Phil 4:15. Lest we think it is simply one man's perspectives, John also writes "I John your brother and partner in the tribulation" Rev 1:9. There is a simplicity to this, that is so empowering. It is relational, it is ongoing, it is personal, it is intimate. The church plant needs the foundation of the apostle (as we saw last time). But there are other times when the plant needs the personal touch - especially in times of tribulation (like trouble with a leader, divisiveness with a congregant, poor doctrine leaking into the community, bombastic leadership styles, moral failure...)
Unfortunately, the church is fond of surrogates. We let scripture slide for personal and cultural preferences, hence the high degree of plant implosion.
These surrogates include, joining an organization, denomination or a planting network, working with sister church models or simply being on our own. Whatever the alternative, if it is not in the text, we are ignoring a huge cornerstone of the partnerships we need to get that plant of ours powering.
Who is the apostle you are journeying with?
When and how do they engage the community personally, intimately, affectionately?
What the dirt starts flying, who will get on the plane and come and walk you through the pain of your tribulation?
Jesus loves his bride. He has thought of every eventuality. We are simply foolish to think we can improve on his design.
My love for the race started when we were vacationing in Mauritius many years ago. Not being much of a cyclist myself, I had no affection for the race. However being in this little cabin with one grainy TV in French, M and I tried to decipher what was going on with the different colored journeys, tactics and the sheer French countryside beauty.
This 2015 race will probably go down as one for the ages. What caught my attention was the intent of the riders who were lying in second, third, fourth, fifth place to isolate the leader, Chris Froome, from his Sky team. The tactic was "isolation" in order to defeat. It was fascinating and captivating, but they were not able to split the team. Sky held together and Froome won.
The church planting parallel was obvious to me. We were never created to be alone. From the garden, through the Abrahamic call to faith, we have been called to a glorious "togetherness". At the first level it is in marriage, then the family as a planting team, then a core group and then lastly with apostles.
I am not sure we can do this "church planting thing"without all these "togethernesses". The mistake the planter makes is to think that some of these "togethernesses" are optional. But they are not. If Froome got split from the Sky team he simply would not have won.
Paul writes of the partnership the plant needs with apostles "because of our partnership in the gospel" Phil 1:5 and then again "... church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving..." Phil 4:15. Lest we think it is simply one man's perspectives, John also writes "I John your brother and partner in the tribulation" Rev 1:9. There is a simplicity to this, that is so empowering. It is relational, it is ongoing, it is personal, it is intimate. The church plant needs the foundation of the apostle (as we saw last time). But there are other times when the plant needs the personal touch - especially in times of tribulation (like trouble with a leader, divisiveness with a congregant, poor doctrine leaking into the community, bombastic leadership styles, moral failure...)
Unfortunately, the church is fond of surrogates. We let scripture slide for personal and cultural preferences, hence the high degree of plant implosion.
These surrogates include, joining an organization, denomination or a planting network, working with sister church models or simply being on our own. Whatever the alternative, if it is not in the text, we are ignoring a huge cornerstone of the partnerships we need to get that plant of ours powering.
Who is the apostle you are journeying with?
When and how do they engage the community personally, intimately, affectionately?
What the dirt starts flying, who will get on the plane and come and walk you through the pain of your tribulation?
Jesus loves his bride. He has thought of every eventuality. We are simply foolish to think we can improve on his design.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Church Planting Mistakes #4 Evangelism
I was sitting shooting the breeze with a church planter recently. We were sharing stories, when he told me of THAT Sunday when they gathered and there him, his wife, and his children were the sole worshippers. That was that. We laughed together and he added: "You haven't planted until you have had THAT Sunday". The laughter that ensued veiled the deep memory that can break the church planter.
Church planting is the great divine vehicle to establish new gospel frontiers, seeing men, women, boys and girls hear the gospel of grace as many times as possible.
However, the pressure to 'succeed' is overwhelming. The internal pressure that does attach itself to the planter, is way too much. To measure one's self worth and value to the number of people who gather in a room on a Sunday is a very dangerous and fickle traveling companion.
There is pressure from the sending church. The questions that are asked tend to add to this weight - "how many people were there Sunday?", "have you got a cool venue?", "do you have a good worship team?", "and children's ministry?"...
These are not good questions in those early years.
These plants are firstly there to make His name great, by seeing many come into a living faith in Christ. This evangelistic priority should drive the planter. The pressure to 'grow' often leads to the gathering of those who have left other churches with a limp. Now, of course we love the local church and we want to see every believer find a spiritual home. Even with David, those who joined him were disillusioned, discontented, in debit. We do want to give all a second chance.
However, there also needs to be significant wisdom and discernment. Too many church planters have been dashed by the arrival of a newbie, who says that this is the "best church ever". Soon their own disgruntlement become evident and they leave loudly, destructively and painfully. Often the desperate planter will try anything to grow - including marketing strategies. Please don't be seduced by the short sighted surrogate growth.
Establishing a community is first and best built, on those who come to redemption in this house. These sons and daughters tend to buy into the story and sacrifice for the journey. We always remind ourselves: "And God added to their number those who were being saved" Acts 2:47.
Dear planter as Paul said to Timothy: "For this time, do the work of the evangelist" 2 Tim 4:5. Ask God for that mantle. Secondly there is a grace gift called "evangelist" Eph 4:11 who can come into your church to stir your folks to develop an evangelistic culture {Alpha has proven to be a huge tool for developing a culture of evangelism - thanks Nicky Gumble and all at HTB}
Church planting is not defined by how many people we get into a room. It is seeing many come into an exquisite faith story with the giver of grace, the dispenser of redemption. Jesus is his name. That is what we do.
Church planting is the great divine vehicle to establish new gospel frontiers, seeing men, women, boys and girls hear the gospel of grace as many times as possible.
However, the pressure to 'succeed' is overwhelming. The internal pressure that does attach itself to the planter, is way too much. To measure one's self worth and value to the number of people who gather in a room on a Sunday is a very dangerous and fickle traveling companion.
There is pressure from the sending church. The questions that are asked tend to add to this weight - "how many people were there Sunday?", "have you got a cool venue?", "do you have a good worship team?", "and children's ministry?"...
These are not good questions in those early years.
These plants are firstly there to make His name great, by seeing many come into a living faith in Christ. This evangelistic priority should drive the planter. The pressure to 'grow' often leads to the gathering of those who have left other churches with a limp. Now, of course we love the local church and we want to see every believer find a spiritual home. Even with David, those who joined him were disillusioned, discontented, in debit. We do want to give all a second chance.
However, there also needs to be significant wisdom and discernment. Too many church planters have been dashed by the arrival of a newbie, who says that this is the "best church ever". Soon their own disgruntlement become evident and they leave loudly, destructively and painfully. Often the desperate planter will try anything to grow - including marketing strategies. Please don't be seduced by the short sighted surrogate growth.
Establishing a community is first and best built, on those who come to redemption in this house. These sons and daughters tend to buy into the story and sacrifice for the journey. We always remind ourselves: "And God added to their number those who were being saved" Acts 2:47.
Dear planter as Paul said to Timothy: "For this time, do the work of the evangelist" 2 Tim 4:5. Ask God for that mantle. Secondly there is a grace gift called "evangelist" Eph 4:11 who can come into your church to stir your folks to develop an evangelistic culture {Alpha has proven to be a huge tool for developing a culture of evangelism - thanks Nicky Gumble and all at HTB}
Church planting is not defined by how many people we get into a room. It is seeing many come into an exquisite faith story with the giver of grace, the dispenser of redemption. Jesus is his name. That is what we do.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Church Planting Mistakes #3 Foundations
I love the book of Ephesians. It is this exquisite letter written by a planter Paul, writing back to the church he helped plant in Acts 19. He is writing back with affection, intimacy, and fatherly passion.
In one of the weighty moments he writes: "apostles and prophets lay foundations" Eph2:20
What does that mean? How does that work? Who can I get?
The statistics point to many churches folding within the first year, then more in the next three years and certainly by five years, there is evidence that most church plants have folded. What are these mistakes and why are they repeated?
One of the prevalent reasons is the absence of solid a/p foundations. Foundations are needed for every building / temple to stand firm, strong, solid and essential for healthy church. In God's architected design, he crafted a skill set within the apostles and prophets to ensure that the correct foundations are laid. There are some foundational pieces that pastors, teachers, evangelists and the priesthood simply cannot lay. That is not my crazy idea. That is what the text teaches and what I have seen and experienced over almost 40 years of doing church planting.
It is pretty clear that the "apostle and prophet foundations" are grace gifts as seen in Ephesians 4. They are not the Old and New Testament. Jesus called the old "the law and the prophets" and the new was not even written. We need these gifts coming and digging the trenches alongside us, on the ground, understanding our story - not professionals watching and commenting from a distance.
At the risk of being simplistic let me suggest the foundations are made up of four cornerstones:
1. Theology - a strong Christocentric matrix, rich in Trinitarian application, kingdom advancing and all bible instruction;
2. Missiology - a clear sense of what God calls the church to be and do generically and specifically. Each church have a deep desire to see men and women, boys and girls come to a living and rich faith in Christ as well as embrace the specific mandate the Father has given them;
3. Ecclesiology - help process what is truly biblically prescriptive, prophetically essential and culturally necessary;
4. Leadership - as seen in Acts 20, there is a clear textual yardstick for who qualify for leadership, what their roles are and how they are to lead. Why too many mistakes are made with leadership matters, is that the business model is used way more than the biblical approach.
Buildings collapse because they have inappropriately weak foundations. Lets get this one right to stop the implosions that are causing so much pain.
In one of the weighty moments he writes: "apostles and prophets lay foundations" Eph2:20
What does that mean? How does that work? Who can I get?
The statistics point to many churches folding within the first year, then more in the next three years and certainly by five years, there is evidence that most church plants have folded. What are these mistakes and why are they repeated?
One of the prevalent reasons is the absence of solid a/p foundations. Foundations are needed for every building / temple to stand firm, strong, solid and essential for healthy church. In God's architected design, he crafted a skill set within the apostles and prophets to ensure that the correct foundations are laid. There are some foundational pieces that pastors, teachers, evangelists and the priesthood simply cannot lay. That is not my crazy idea. That is what the text teaches and what I have seen and experienced over almost 40 years of doing church planting.
It is pretty clear that the "apostle and prophet foundations" are grace gifts as seen in Ephesians 4. They are not the Old and New Testament. Jesus called the old "the law and the prophets" and the new was not even written. We need these gifts coming and digging the trenches alongside us, on the ground, understanding our story - not professionals watching and commenting from a distance.
At the risk of being simplistic let me suggest the foundations are made up of four cornerstones:
1. Theology - a strong Christocentric matrix, rich in Trinitarian application, kingdom advancing and all bible instruction;
2. Missiology - a clear sense of what God calls the church to be and do generically and specifically. Each church have a deep desire to see men and women, boys and girls come to a living and rich faith in Christ as well as embrace the specific mandate the Father has given them;
3. Ecclesiology - help process what is truly biblically prescriptive, prophetically essential and culturally necessary;
4. Leadership - as seen in Acts 20, there is a clear textual yardstick for who qualify for leadership, what their roles are and how they are to lead. Why too many mistakes are made with leadership matters, is that the business model is used way more than the biblical approach.
Buildings collapse because they have inappropriately weak foundations. Lets get this one right to stop the implosions that are causing so much pain.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Church Planting Mistake #2 Mission
Paul Johnson gives a great description for the mobilization of young Europeans to discover the lands beyond. He wrote "As Christopher Columbus said, men crossed the Atlantic primarily in search of gold. But they were also idealists. These adventurous young men thought they could transform the world for the better. Europe was too small for them - for their energies, their ambitions and their visions... the mixture of religious zeal, personal ambition and the lust for adventure which inspired generations of Crusaders was the prototype for the enterprise of the Americas" [A History of the American People pg3]
We are created to be adventurers. When God spoke life into our DNA to "increase, multiply, fill the earth, subdue" there was an accompanying spirit of adventure loaded into us.
Making sure our mission is clear, is essential. When we listen carefully to most young planters, they speak of how they are going to run a gathering - what kind of venue they have rented, who the musos are, who will run kids ministry...
But is that church planting? Each church plant needs to embrace the generic and the specific - the generic what all churches have as a base mission. The specific - what the Father specifically wants our plant to become / to do.
These are such large conversations so forgive my brevity - each church exists as a catalytic, strategic piece to "disciple all nations". That is a hugely exciting, expansive sense of mission. It is NOT to run a great gathering, OR to develop some cool programs, OR get a cool building OR to accumulate the floating mass who will make me look good in the short term. It is NOT to simply be a fellowship forum, spot to debate philosophies or trends OR a platform for social justice OR a political voice.
At its base, we want to see the gospel preached to bring every man, woman and child come into a living and vital relationship with Christ. We want to see them discipled then embrace the advancing of the kingdom. Every plant lives to be an example of the "kingdom come, your will be done"
But then, every church plant needs to have a clear sense of personal mission beyond that generic obedience. Just as the Lord spoke to the Ephesians church to change or they will have their lamp stand removed, so it is that every plant has a very specific and unique assignment. Here are some modern metaphors that may help.
We exist because, God has called us to be a:
1. Lighthouse to serve and empower the other churches in the area with a large light
2. Harbor to be a safe haven for ships to come to port to heal up, but then they get back to the high seas where they belong,
3. Hospital to be a community of healing - body and soul, so catalyze them back into their Jesus story,
4. Bootcamp to get the new recruits in and to ready them for their divine assignments,
5. Family to raise and release folks to multiply new communities, just like our children leave home to start new families - something desired and celebrated...
Lacking to define our mission clearly, is to call folks to a misty mission - one that will lead to frustration, miscommunication and often splits. In business terms, we are called to answer the 5 whys... Why are we planting a church?... Why?... Why?... Why?... Why? That should get us closer to clarity, which will lead to ownership and in turn lead to sacrifice.
We are created to be adventurers. When God spoke life into our DNA to "increase, multiply, fill the earth, subdue" there was an accompanying spirit of adventure loaded into us.
Making sure our mission is clear, is essential. When we listen carefully to most young planters, they speak of how they are going to run a gathering - what kind of venue they have rented, who the musos are, who will run kids ministry...
But is that church planting? Each church plant needs to embrace the generic and the specific - the generic what all churches have as a base mission. The specific - what the Father specifically wants our plant to become / to do.
These are such large conversations so forgive my brevity - each church exists as a catalytic, strategic piece to "disciple all nations". That is a hugely exciting, expansive sense of mission. It is NOT to run a great gathering, OR to develop some cool programs, OR get a cool building OR to accumulate the floating mass who will make me look good in the short term. It is NOT to simply be a fellowship forum, spot to debate philosophies or trends OR a platform for social justice OR a political voice.
At its base, we want to see the gospel preached to bring every man, woman and child come into a living and vital relationship with Christ. We want to see them discipled then embrace the advancing of the kingdom. Every plant lives to be an example of the "kingdom come, your will be done"
But then, every church plant needs to have a clear sense of personal mission beyond that generic obedience. Just as the Lord spoke to the Ephesians church to change or they will have their lamp stand removed, so it is that every plant has a very specific and unique assignment. Here are some modern metaphors that may help.
We exist because, God has called us to be a:
1. Lighthouse to serve and empower the other churches in the area with a large light
2. Harbor to be a safe haven for ships to come to port to heal up, but then they get back to the high seas where they belong,
3. Hospital to be a community of healing - body and soul, so catalyze them back into their Jesus story,
4. Bootcamp to get the new recruits in and to ready them for their divine assignments,
5. Family to raise and release folks to multiply new communities, just like our children leave home to start new families - something desired and celebrated...
Lacking to define our mission clearly, is to call folks to a misty mission - one that will lead to frustration, miscommunication and often splits. In business terms, we are called to answer the 5 whys... Why are we planting a church?... Why?... Why?... Why?... Why? That should get us closer to clarity, which will lead to ownership and in turn lead to sacrifice.
Church Planting Mistakes #1 Motive
I love church planters and church planting.
The stats of lasting church plants are mixed, varied and not always encouraging. That smell and taste of new "church planting trenches," is my delight, yet we have to reflect with sober faith, on how we can do this great gospel assignment far better.
So, it is a good exercise to ponder on the mistakes that do lead to stumbling or even failure.
It would seem to be true, that one of the big reasons for stumbling is motive - why guys go out to plant. Here are a few really poor reasons.
1. "It is the cool thing to do right now" - as with other societal groupings, the church is not devoid of trends and peer pressures. As much as the hipster styles as replicating themselves across the western globe, so too church planting can be the new adventure that seems tantalizing and exciting. Not a good reason.
2. "I want my own story" - in the late 1800's in England, the older son tended to get the family business and estate. The young brothers went to the military or ministry to carve out a good socially reputable career. Simply wanting to craft your own story is not a good reason. When the bullets start flying, we certainly need more than ambition to stand strong.
3. "We can't see eye to eye, so lets plant out with you" - this "splant" appears to be a face saving way to detract from the brewing conflict that cannot be resolved, so planting seems an honorable alternative. Oh dear. This is a recipe for more pain and anger than resolution at home base.
4. "We plant churches" - whilst I would love this culture to permeate through more churches, it does not erase the notion that one only goes to plant because the Father has clearly spoken. It is not "the thing to do," nor is it "multiplying a brand" with all the support that that brings, nor is it "the next step in a career in ministry". That rank corporate influence has done the church more harm than good.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it does facilitate a conversation for potential planters that can be helpful
The stats of lasting church plants are mixed, varied and not always encouraging. That smell and taste of new "church planting trenches," is my delight, yet we have to reflect with sober faith, on how we can do this great gospel assignment far better.
So, it is a good exercise to ponder on the mistakes that do lead to stumbling or even failure.
It would seem to be true, that one of the big reasons for stumbling is motive - why guys go out to plant. Here are a few really poor reasons.
1. "It is the cool thing to do right now" - as with other societal groupings, the church is not devoid of trends and peer pressures. As much as the hipster styles as replicating themselves across the western globe, so too church planting can be the new adventure that seems tantalizing and exciting. Not a good reason.
2. "I want my own story" - in the late 1800's in England, the older son tended to get the family business and estate. The young brothers went to the military or ministry to carve out a good socially reputable career. Simply wanting to craft your own story is not a good reason. When the bullets start flying, we certainly need more than ambition to stand strong.
3. "We can't see eye to eye, so lets plant out with you" - this "splant" appears to be a face saving way to detract from the brewing conflict that cannot be resolved, so planting seems an honorable alternative. Oh dear. This is a recipe for more pain and anger than resolution at home base.
4. "We plant churches" - whilst I would love this culture to permeate through more churches, it does not erase the notion that one only goes to plant because the Father has clearly spoken. It is not "the thing to do," nor is it "multiplying a brand" with all the support that that brings, nor is it "the next step in a career in ministry". That rank corporate influence has done the church more harm than good.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it does facilitate a conversation for potential planters that can be helpful
Monday, July 20, 2015
Praying perfect peace
Love this early Monday morning.
This was a big weekend. At many levels, one has to remain in His presence, even when the hustle and bustle of life demands more than you feel you can give. Or, when the enemy sneaks in like a flood and we have just had some big LA rains), the battle still belongs to the Lord.
"You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock"
Is 26:3 - 4
This is an exquisitely intimate and affectionate text.
There is so much that demands our minds focus and priority. But the prophet knew something. He knew that we all long for peace. We all deeply desire that inner rest no matter what turbulence around us, seeks to overwhelm us. That anchor is only found in one place. That courage is found only in one person - Jesus our rabbi redeemer.
Trust in him as the uncertainty of political fragility, economic volatility, relational mediocrity, squeezes in on us. Our trust, daily, verbally, mentally, emotionally is simply placed in that one man, the God - man Jesus, our everlasting Rock. He is the giver of peace, perfect peace.
This was a big weekend. At many levels, one has to remain in His presence, even when the hustle and bustle of life demands more than you feel you can give. Or, when the enemy sneaks in like a flood and we have just had some big LA rains), the battle still belongs to the Lord.
"You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock"
Is 26:3 - 4
This is an exquisitely intimate and affectionate text.
There is so much that demands our minds focus and priority. But the prophet knew something. He knew that we all long for peace. We all deeply desire that inner rest no matter what turbulence around us, seeks to overwhelm us. That anchor is only found in one place. That courage is found only in one person - Jesus our rabbi redeemer.
Trust in him as the uncertainty of political fragility, economic volatility, relational mediocrity, squeezes in on us. Our trust, daily, verbally, mentally, emotionally is simply placed in that one man, the God - man Jesus, our everlasting Rock. He is the giver of peace, perfect peace.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Next Generation
I had the huge privilege of being back in Portland this last weekend.
Now, I don't know if I take good weather, or if good weather follows me, but Portland was exquisite. The warm summer weather, seemed to make the city come alive. The Sunday afternoon was abuzz with people. In downtown, every cafe, restaurant and eatery was filled with very happy people spilling onto the sidewalk. Alex, Kate and I ate a most outstanding pasta restaurant, who make the pasta onsite. Simply delicious.
But my true privilege was staying with John Mark and Tammy Comer, their 3 amazing children and ministering in this impressive "A Jesus Church - Bridgetown".
I am always nervous to flatter - as that corrupts. However, we do need to celebrate what and where the favor of God rests. At any moment of our 2000 year journey, God uses both the old war horses but is also readying the next generation of leaders in the wings. Some will try to grab the headlines early - and there is always a price tag for that (remember the prodigal son's initial mistake was simply wanting to take his inheritance early...) Others will endeavor to step out of the lonely, places and spaces before the Father has fully readied them ( like Elijah we have to be OK with the loneliness that is God authored. Ravens will feed us and the brook will nourish us as God forges us in the isolated places - we can't bypass that moment in our story.)
However, we will err greatly if we are not watching to see who God is nourishing at the brook... what their message is, as it will most definitely challenge us... how God is teaching them and developing their journey.
There are about 20 or so essential emerging ministries in the nation right now. They are humble, and highly intentional grace gifts. They are staying out of the limelight and will not be seduced into celebrity status. They are deep thinkers with a passionate love for the text. They are hungry for more of the Holy Spirit and are forging some strategic architectural pieces for an unfolding ecclesiology.
They will catalyze the church in this nation over the next 25 years. We ignore them at our loss. We criticize them at our foolishness. We embrace them as the future demands it.
Now, I don't know if I take good weather, or if good weather follows me, but Portland was exquisite. The warm summer weather, seemed to make the city come alive. The Sunday afternoon was abuzz with people. In downtown, every cafe, restaurant and eatery was filled with very happy people spilling onto the sidewalk. Alex, Kate and I ate a most outstanding pasta restaurant, who make the pasta onsite. Simply delicious.
But my true privilege was staying with John Mark and Tammy Comer, their 3 amazing children and ministering in this impressive "A Jesus Church - Bridgetown".
I am always nervous to flatter - as that corrupts. However, we do need to celebrate what and where the favor of God rests. At any moment of our 2000 year journey, God uses both the old war horses but is also readying the next generation of leaders in the wings. Some will try to grab the headlines early - and there is always a price tag for that (remember the prodigal son's initial mistake was simply wanting to take his inheritance early...) Others will endeavor to step out of the lonely, places and spaces before the Father has fully readied them ( like Elijah we have to be OK with the loneliness that is God authored. Ravens will feed us and the brook will nourish us as God forges us in the isolated places - we can't bypass that moment in our story.)
However, we will err greatly if we are not watching to see who God is nourishing at the brook... what their message is, as it will most definitely challenge us... how God is teaching them and developing their journey.
There are about 20 or so essential emerging ministries in the nation right now. They are humble, and highly intentional grace gifts. They are staying out of the limelight and will not be seduced into celebrity status. They are deep thinkers with a passionate love for the text. They are hungry for more of the Holy Spirit and are forging some strategic architectural pieces for an unfolding ecclesiology.
They will catalyze the church in this nation over the next 25 years. We ignore them at our loss. We criticize them at our foolishness. We embrace them as the future demands it.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Persevering Prayer
The call to prayer is clear and loud.
Of course that always remains essential for the church, but this time it is not normal. There is a deeper more sublime and urgent call coming from heaven.
I gave this talk at Mercy Town Church last Sunday.
Hopefully you will listen, enjoy and be empowered by it:
http://www.mercytown.com/summer-of-prayer
Of course that always remains essential for the church, but this time it is not normal. There is a deeper more sublime and urgent call coming from heaven.
I gave this talk at Mercy Town Church last Sunday.
Hopefully you will listen, enjoy and be empowered by it:
http://www.mercytown.com/summer-of-prayer
Monday, June 15, 2015
Prayer II - Abide
"Abide" is such a fabulous old fashioned word.
There are some words that get lost in the folds of time. Their original punch seems forgotten in the modern vernacular. "Abide" is such a powerful bible word that is worthy of rediscovery. Its call is deeper than at first read. Jesus uses it eleven times in this text, so it is a big word in this teaching. (John 15)
John's gospel is loaded with the "I am's". He has an amazing ability to take us on a journey of the depth of his Jesus. He seems to highlight and draw attention to aspects of Jesus that the other authors are less focussed on.
John seems to have been the "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20). This remarkable intimacy is further reflected when, at the last supper, John was "leaning against Jesus" (John 13:25). Surely then, this is the disciple we want to learn from. John's clear special place with Jesus, draws us close to hear about "abiding".
"Abide" is translated "Remain with me" (NIV), "Stay with me" (Aramaic Bible in Plain English), "Live in me" (God's Word), "Continue in me" (Weymouth New Testament).
I suspect prayer starts here. Before we get into the world of wonder and complexity of the various prayer forms, we are to engage in the simplicity of being "attached to the vine". Finding myself grafted in Jesus as the vine, is not simply a one off affair. Yes in salvation, being born again, happens once at the point of repentance and redemption. However, keeping my life flourishing in the vine, is a daily space of drinking and drawing from Jesus our source of God life.
Daily we can hear his voice. Daily we delight to sing his praise. Daily we can reflect on his scriptures. Daily we are privileged to remind ourselves of his promises. Daily we can enjoy the Father's presence of comfort, assurance, correction and affirmation. Daily the Holy Spirit can teach us, revealing the transformative truths of the text in our lives.
This is not a demand or a law, but a glorious privilege to spend time with the only true God, the All Mighty, Omnipotent God who is personal, intimate and who speaks to us! This is an honor we simply cannot ignore.
We all develop a unique devotional journey. Here is mine, if it helps:
For some 40 years now,
I wake up before the family,
Get my Espresso and Banana (I know, such a sentimental traditionalist)
Open my Journal and Write
(Record what he has done, what I have done - good or bad, what I need him to speak into)
Read 3 chapters - 1 x The Law, The Prophets, The New Testament
I document the big verses / phrases that the Holy Spirit highlights - I am expecting the Father to speak to me - personal, family, pastoral, leadership, surprises, prophetically, correction, global gospel focus,
Then I pray... firstly for my family, then my community, followed by my global brotherhood and the church plants I have the privilege of working with, and the areas where I am weak and need him,
Then I praise... I do fall short on this one sometimes - busyness, distraction can keep my personal worship a little light, but I love worship. It refreshes me, restores and washes my soul and strengthens my spirit - making much of him and so much less of me.
I hope this helps.
"Abiding could really mean being totally devoted to him!"
There are some words that get lost in the folds of time. Their original punch seems forgotten in the modern vernacular. "Abide" is such a powerful bible word that is worthy of rediscovery. Its call is deeper than at first read. Jesus uses it eleven times in this text, so it is a big word in this teaching. (John 15)
John's gospel is loaded with the "I am's". He has an amazing ability to take us on a journey of the depth of his Jesus. He seems to highlight and draw attention to aspects of Jesus that the other authors are less focussed on.
John seems to have been the "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20). This remarkable intimacy is further reflected when, at the last supper, John was "leaning against Jesus" (John 13:25). Surely then, this is the disciple we want to learn from. John's clear special place with Jesus, draws us close to hear about "abiding".
"Abide" is translated "Remain with me" (NIV), "Stay with me" (Aramaic Bible in Plain English), "Live in me" (God's Word), "Continue in me" (Weymouth New Testament).
I suspect prayer starts here. Before we get into the world of wonder and complexity of the various prayer forms, we are to engage in the simplicity of being "attached to the vine". Finding myself grafted in Jesus as the vine, is not simply a one off affair. Yes in salvation, being born again, happens once at the point of repentance and redemption. However, keeping my life flourishing in the vine, is a daily space of drinking and drawing from Jesus our source of God life.
Daily we can hear his voice. Daily we delight to sing his praise. Daily we can reflect on his scriptures. Daily we are privileged to remind ourselves of his promises. Daily we can enjoy the Father's presence of comfort, assurance, correction and affirmation. Daily the Holy Spirit can teach us, revealing the transformative truths of the text in our lives.
This is not a demand or a law, but a glorious privilege to spend time with the only true God, the All Mighty, Omnipotent God who is personal, intimate and who speaks to us! This is an honor we simply cannot ignore.
We all develop a unique devotional journey. Here is mine, if it helps:
For some 40 years now,
I wake up before the family,
Get my Espresso and Banana (I know, such a sentimental traditionalist)
Open my Journal and Write
(Record what he has done, what I have done - good or bad, what I need him to speak into)
Read 3 chapters - 1 x The Law, The Prophets, The New Testament
I document the big verses / phrases that the Holy Spirit highlights - I am expecting the Father to speak to me - personal, family, pastoral, leadership, surprises, prophetically, correction, global gospel focus,
Then I pray... firstly for my family, then my community, followed by my global brotherhood and the church plants I have the privilege of working with, and the areas where I am weak and need him,
Then I praise... I do fall short on this one sometimes - busyness, distraction can keep my personal worship a little light, but I love worship. It refreshes me, restores and washes my soul and strengthens my spirit - making much of him and so much less of me.
I hope this helps.
"Abiding could really mean being totally devoted to him!"
Friday, June 12, 2015
Raising the tide of Prayer I
I have loved the last few months.
God is so incredibly kind. He is ever teaching us, transforming us into his likeness and into his deeds, so we can partner with Him in these gospel adventures.
Prayer. A simple word that most of us limp with. It is a word that creates in us a reminder of what we don't do enough of or well enough. Yet it is a beautiful word. It speaks of a God who is not a distant deity, disengaged from our world, challenges and celebrations. It speaks of a redemption story that allows us to be reconciled to a loving, caring God who is intimate, who speaks and who is passionate about our life's journey.
A small group of us prayed together on Wednesday night. We framed our time of prayer around the Lord's Prayer - no, not the one He uses to teach us to pray. Rather, the one He actually prays. (John 17)
Here are our pointers:
1. Glorify! Amazing how the text always points to Jesus. It is humbling to start our prayer like this. It will then follow with "not my will but yours be done". It is worship that captives us. It is adulation that declares His wonder and majesty. It is reverence that reminds us just how holy and all powerful he truly is.
2. Know you! The early church revealed remarkable community. As they found their God life, it was loaded with meals, fun, laughter, discipleship, teaching and prayer. Yet, the load punchline was "and the Lord added to their number daily, those who are being saved". A truly healthy church is a church that 'increases' through men and women, boys and girls coming into a revelation of a living Jesus faith. So, we prayed passionately for unsaved family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, coaches of children's activities... Oh Jesus that 'they may know you, the only true God'
3. I have kept them! Jesus is very passionate in crying out to the Father for those that He has loved, taught and discipled. 'Keep them from the evil one' was His cry. In our community, there has been such an assault against marriages. The enemy has snuck in and tried to bully the marriages into destruction. We are pounding the throne of grace for the sake of our marriages. Some have stood strong. Some have teetered on the brink of defeat. Others have not made it. But we will not give up for these marriages. Jesus was and is praying for them. And so will we.
4. They may all be one! Disunity, divisiveness and the community's demise is always on the radar of the enemy's devices. Over her history, our community has had two splits. The enemy got it right. We cannot be 'unaware of the devil's devices'. If a strategy has worked before, he will try it again. Jesus models this beautifully. He does not become a 'ghost buster' looking for demons around every corner. Rather, he prays, petitions and pleads for unity. We know, this brings such a smile to the Lord's face that he cannot help himself but 'commands a blessing'. Make us one oh Lord!
5. I have sent them into the world! Mission, oh what a sweet word. What a privilege that we are now to sent into the world to complete the great Jesus assignment - 'greater works than these will he do'. Jesus did not isolate us into monastic communities, closeted away from the world. Rather He catapults us to the frontline of new gospel frontiers to bring a broken world His extraordinary grace. Each believer on assignment, with the joy of being an ambassador of the most High in our world.
These are prayers worth praying...
God is so incredibly kind. He is ever teaching us, transforming us into his likeness and into his deeds, so we can partner with Him in these gospel adventures.
Prayer. A simple word that most of us limp with. It is a word that creates in us a reminder of what we don't do enough of or well enough. Yet it is a beautiful word. It speaks of a God who is not a distant deity, disengaged from our world, challenges and celebrations. It speaks of a redemption story that allows us to be reconciled to a loving, caring God who is intimate, who speaks and who is passionate about our life's journey.
A small group of us prayed together on Wednesday night. We framed our time of prayer around the Lord's Prayer - no, not the one He uses to teach us to pray. Rather, the one He actually prays. (John 17)
Here are our pointers:
1. Glorify! Amazing how the text always points to Jesus. It is humbling to start our prayer like this. It will then follow with "not my will but yours be done". It is worship that captives us. It is adulation that declares His wonder and majesty. It is reverence that reminds us just how holy and all powerful he truly is.
2. Know you! The early church revealed remarkable community. As they found their God life, it was loaded with meals, fun, laughter, discipleship, teaching and prayer. Yet, the load punchline was "and the Lord added to their number daily, those who are being saved". A truly healthy church is a church that 'increases' through men and women, boys and girls coming into a revelation of a living Jesus faith. So, we prayed passionately for unsaved family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, coaches of children's activities... Oh Jesus that 'they may know you, the only true God'
3. I have kept them! Jesus is very passionate in crying out to the Father for those that He has loved, taught and discipled. 'Keep them from the evil one' was His cry. In our community, there has been such an assault against marriages. The enemy has snuck in and tried to bully the marriages into destruction. We are pounding the throne of grace for the sake of our marriages. Some have stood strong. Some have teetered on the brink of defeat. Others have not made it. But we will not give up for these marriages. Jesus was and is praying for them. And so will we.
4. They may all be one! Disunity, divisiveness and the community's demise is always on the radar of the enemy's devices. Over her history, our community has had two splits. The enemy got it right. We cannot be 'unaware of the devil's devices'. If a strategy has worked before, he will try it again. Jesus models this beautifully. He does not become a 'ghost buster' looking for demons around every corner. Rather, he prays, petitions and pleads for unity. We know, this brings such a smile to the Lord's face that he cannot help himself but 'commands a blessing'. Make us one oh Lord!
5. I have sent them into the world! Mission, oh what a sweet word. What a privilege that we are now to sent into the world to complete the great Jesus assignment - 'greater works than these will he do'. Jesus did not isolate us into monastic communities, closeted away from the world. Rather He catapults us to the frontline of new gospel frontiers to bring a broken world His extraordinary grace. Each believer on assignment, with the joy of being an ambassador of the most High in our world.
These are prayers worth praying...
Friday, February 6, 2015
Mercy Town Morning
The new adventure has begun.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of contributing for the first time as part of the Mercy Town community. So I have to be honest and say, it was a rather vulnerable morning. We were in a new hall, with new layout, and for some of the folks it was vulnerable having a new member of the team who was going to provide some leadership, adding to what has been laid in to the foundation of the community for the last few years.
I saw eyes looking at me - some delighted for the new adventure; some intrigued by what the future may look like; and I think some were close to fearful - 'to what extend is our world about to change?'
The answer to all those questions is simply "We do not know? God rarely does things our way". It is such a privilege to join in such a wonderful God story with an established, raw, naked, honest sense of community.
Maybe one of the most obvious questions I asked myself the week before was: "Who was God going to send us?"
That was not very difficult to answer. The community was already full of "dones" & "nones".
"Dones" are those who are "done with church". whatever their experience may be, they love Jesus but have often been deeply disillusioned by the excessive professionalistic, corporate nature of the church. Added to this they may have had some relational experiences that have damaged their weary souls. David Kinnaman calls them the "Nomads and Exiles". But the Spirit of God has drawn many of them them back to this authentic community. More of them are coming!
"Nones" are those who have no or little Jesus or church exposure. They are wonderfully real, raw and often aggressively anti. Their language is crusty. Their perceptions are in no way biblical and their questions are deeply truthful, without Christianizing them. Many more of these are on their way to us. Are we OK with that?
That is who we believe will come into our world. Are we ready for more just like us to join the journey? We have been faithful with the little, now the Father will afford us the opportunity to be faithful with the many.
Fun times at the frontline of LA urban evolution.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of contributing for the first time as part of the Mercy Town community. So I have to be honest and say, it was a rather vulnerable morning. We were in a new hall, with new layout, and for some of the folks it was vulnerable having a new member of the team who was going to provide some leadership, adding to what has been laid in to the foundation of the community for the last few years.
I saw eyes looking at me - some delighted for the new adventure; some intrigued by what the future may look like; and I think some were close to fearful - 'to what extend is our world about to change?'
The answer to all those questions is simply "We do not know? God rarely does things our way". It is such a privilege to join in such a wonderful God story with an established, raw, naked, honest sense of community.
Maybe one of the most obvious questions I asked myself the week before was: "Who was God going to send us?"
That was not very difficult to answer. The community was already full of "dones" & "nones".
"Dones" are those who are "done with church". whatever their experience may be, they love Jesus but have often been deeply disillusioned by the excessive professionalistic, corporate nature of the church. Added to this they may have had some relational experiences that have damaged their weary souls. David Kinnaman calls them the "Nomads and Exiles". But the Spirit of God has drawn many of them them back to this authentic community. More of them are coming!
"Nones" are those who have no or little Jesus or church exposure. They are wonderfully real, raw and often aggressively anti. Their language is crusty. Their perceptions are in no way biblical and their questions are deeply truthful, without Christianizing them. Many more of these are on their way to us. Are we OK with that?
That is who we believe will come into our world. Are we ready for more just like us to join the journey? We have been faithful with the little, now the Father will afford us the opportunity to be faithful with the many.
Fun times at the frontline of LA urban evolution.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Some Missional Thoughts
Some of my thoughts on being ‘missional’:
- The Gospel centrality has to be the hub around which every thing spins – that means:
- Understanding the full width the
- Creation,
- Rebellion,
- Redemption,
- Consummation,
- Land all our preaching in the gospel – to provide meaning, clarity, liberty,
- The key to our discipleship,
- The Priesthood Priority - of all believers must find expression both inside and outside the community,
- The Family Model – this mindset requires us to see healthy kingdom minded families as the foundation for all missional activities,
- The Missionary Mindset - Every believer should see themselves as being both incarnational [to serve their community] as well as missional [to save their community]
- The Zip code Ownership - Missional believers see that God has ‘ordained the time and places where they should live’ – this means that the perfect storm in their lives take place where talents, giftings, relationships, vocation, the gospel and context come together,
- The Cobbler Connection - Every person’s spiritual journey is valid and essential. The attractional model empowers the superstars to great acts of faith. The missional revelation empowers all believers to do ‘good works God has prepared in advance for us to do’ Eph 2,
- The Cultural Conversation - Exegeting culture is the second language of this missionary – there is an understanding that I must adjust to impact my world but never at the expense of scripture,
- The Contextual Evolution - A missional mind is never stagnant. By its very foundation it is adjusting as the people, context and situation requires… the wineskin changes to accommodate the wine,
- The Poor Partnership - They never forget the poor…it is a matter of continual kingdom focus,
- The Prayer Passion – It is impossible to enter the world of missional impact without a weighty theology of prayer, matched with a sustained lifestyle of prayer and fasting with appropriate spiritual warfare,
- The Ant Trail – we need both observer sharpness matched with revelatory edginess to discern where the flow trails of city life is,
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Cultural Questions we must answer
As we step into the Mercy Town story tomorrow, [very excited ] I am busy reading much on the question of mission, culture, context and the sacred text.
Here is a summary that Ed Stetzer uses of the questions we have to ask stepping into a new cultural context:
Here is a summary that Ed Stetzer uses of the questions we have to ask stepping into a new cultural context:
Ed Stetzer quotes Steffen on the list of question that we need to ask when entering a culture:
- What is the worldview of the target audience?
- What is the culture’s decision-making pattern?
- What does it cost a person in this culture to become a Christian?
- What redemptive analogy is best for this culture?
- How does the culture view Christianity?
- What does the culture understand about the basic components of the gospel story?
- Is this culture based on shame or guilt?
- How will culture understand Christian rituals?
- What is the best delivery system for exposing the people of this culture to the gospel?
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Mercy Town - The Church Plant
It was a most wonderful Sunday ministering to the Bridgetown Church in Portland. John Mark Comer and the crew are doing a truly remarkable job at engaging a very disinterested Pacific North West with the gospel of Jesus. Their ability to live in both the large crowd space as well as the small intimate, missional space, is a testimony of their tenacity to favor neither, over the other.
This Sunday M and I will be prayerfully released from Southlands Church - a community we led for 14 years and have loosely been based out of for the last 4 years. When we were flying over the Atlantic to come and lead her back in 1996, I felt the Lord say to me "It would be very hard to leave... when the time comes". I never knew what that meant until now. For various reasons reasons it has been one of the most difficult things to do.
Then Sunday night we will be set in to Mercy Town church in the Pasadena area of LA. Choosing our language very wisely, we are joining the MT story, as we are added to the elder / pastoral team bringing our gifts and contributions - leadership, vision casting, a global gospel story and teaching.
Jesus said: "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up" Matt 15:13.
I would love to blog you through our journey. This is a remarkable community, planted around 4 years ago. They have some huge muscle groups - like doing life together, a love for the sacred text, worship that fills my life, servant hearted, generosity. But they also lack some key ingredients to be a truly healthy New Testament church.
It is a huge privilege to come into this amazing family and to help "set in order that which is lacking" Tit 1:5. What they have is beautiful. We will add to the story without dispensing with what already exists.
Over the next months I will blog around the story. With Glenridge Church we planted back in the 80's, with a small group of friends. With Southlands Church we replanted, taking an existing but broken church on a journey back to health and multiplication. Now we are so privileged to listen, learn and lead as we help build Mercy Town into a growing, multiplying, mature, beautiful community.
She is planted by the Lord. Of that we are certain. Now the next chapter in the adventure begins.
This Sunday M and I will be prayerfully released from Southlands Church - a community we led for 14 years and have loosely been based out of for the last 4 years. When we were flying over the Atlantic to come and lead her back in 1996, I felt the Lord say to me "It would be very hard to leave... when the time comes". I never knew what that meant until now. For various reasons reasons it has been one of the most difficult things to do.
Then Sunday night we will be set in to Mercy Town church in the Pasadena area of LA. Choosing our language very wisely, we are joining the MT story, as we are added to the elder / pastoral team bringing our gifts and contributions - leadership, vision casting, a global gospel story and teaching.
Jesus said: "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up" Matt 15:13.
I would love to blog you through our journey. This is a remarkable community, planted around 4 years ago. They have some huge muscle groups - like doing life together, a love for the sacred text, worship that fills my life, servant hearted, generosity. But they also lack some key ingredients to be a truly healthy New Testament church.
It is a huge privilege to come into this amazing family and to help "set in order that which is lacking" Tit 1:5. What they have is beautiful. We will add to the story without dispensing with what already exists.
Over the next months I will blog around the story. With Glenridge Church we planted back in the 80's, with a small group of friends. With Southlands Church we replanted, taking an existing but broken church on a journey back to health and multiplication. Now we are so privileged to listen, learn and lead as we help build Mercy Town into a growing, multiplying, mature, beautiful community.
She is planted by the Lord. Of that we are certain. Now the next chapter in the adventure begins.
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