February Update

M and I will be involved in the following situations this month:

In Sacramento CA with Rick and Cath as they set out on their multi-site journey;

Exploration - 'Pastoring Pastors and Wives' is our current conversation - we are chatting around "Marriage and Ministry", here in Orange County CA;

In Rock Harbor, working with Todd Proctor on many fronts, but the exiting pilot happening, is "The Timothy Project" - an intro to leadership we are holding monthly for the next few months to see the emergence of the next wave of RH leaders;

In Dubai UAE, M and I are honored to be with Mike and Charmaine and the whole Well of Life crew, both in the local community as well as speaking at their church planting conference;

On the way back from the Middle East, we will spend a few days with Sean and Nola and their community in Reading UK, as they explore the 'missional community' route, as well as the pastors that they are journeying with.

Added to this, I am trying to finish my book on 'Replanting', as I write "The Timothy Project" curriculum... oh for more time to write.

Just how biblical... ?

"How biblical do you want to be?" - is a strange question to ask pastors and leaders but never the less one of the most important ones we need to enter any conversation. I hope I am not a pedantic legalist, nor a culturally insensitive bigot, however I simply cannot escape the sheer wonder and mystery of seeking to find God's architectural design for our evolving conversations.

Having been through 3 'revivals' and having savored the richness of 2 church planting stories, I am amazed at what we defined as 'biblical' and therefore essential. Without the slightest ounce of judgement on those days, we were all learning as we leant into the God story as we understood it at the time.

What is imperative is that we use this matrix in our conversations:

• What is biblically / theologically imperative,
• What is prophetically strategic,
• What is culturally essential,

This gives us much space to explore the direction of the Spirit within the integrity of the text. Whatever is not clearly biblical we now examine as:

• Is this 'biblical'?
• Is this 'unbiblical'?
• Is this abiblical [meaning is the bible fairly silent on the matter, so we use other realted pieces to evaluate its legitimacy]?

The use of scaffolding then comes into play. Where there is an 'abiblical' quotient to the conversation, we realize this now enters the scaffolding component. This is not a heaven or hell piece. This is not a 'hill to die on' piece. This is not a 'Paul and Barnabas parted' piece. All that we are talking about here is a seasonal element that we help to put up the building, but that must come down when the structure is up.

Of course there are several things that do get in the way of us fully pursuing a fully biblical form:

• Personal preference,
• Tradition or a reaction to it,
• Culture or subculture,
• History,
• Fear,
• Habit,
• Absence of debriefing / critique,
• Pride,
• Defense of the previous generation / leaders,
• Peer pressure...

I know this is quite elementary, but as we enter the beginning of the year, it is good to honestly matrix ourselves again through the lenses of scripture to ensure we keep shaping our journey through the essence of the biblical text. All else are helpful but seasonal, if it is not unbiblical.

For example:

• Service length and scripting is diverse and creative in the text - one liturgy cannot be seen as 'the' biblical way or being more biblical than any other,
• There is no word to describe the title of the guy who leads the elders. Now we now that there is no leadership egalitarianism either in God or in the text, but there is no defined role for such a person on the E team, so we have to be comfortable with scaffolding of 'senior pastor' [not one I like], 'visionary pastor' [not one I am comfortable with as it implies that all vision comes from them and that is simply not true], 'lead pastor' [one I do like as it speaks of the Rom 12:8 gift that this person seems to have to catalyze the team], 'lead elder' [is good but in some countries this implies a bivocational person who is part of the church's management team rather than the biblical picture of pastoring as well]...

I hope this helps... keep the conversations going - for through them we will find the mind of the Lord 'It seems good to us and the Holy Spirit".

5 Lessons my mother taught me

Welcome back to the new year. It certainly stirs the juices as we engage in a new calender chapter of our lives. The new year often, and rightly I think, gives me permission to revisit my life - what am I doing well, what am I letting slip, what and where should I focus and then of course the most beautiful of all questions: What does the Lord require of me?

My mother is a remarkable woman. She was not born into wealth, nobility or education. However, one would find it difficult to find a more regal, dignified honorable woman. The nature of this honest blog, is not to divulge the private stories of my family. Those we live with. Rather, this about about this amazing woman who refused to lower her head, nor surrender her dignity even in the deepest of life's challenges that were thrown at her. Her story would require another blog to fully account for her journey of faith.

However, her lessons to us were impacting and powerful:

1. "Laugh first" - I am sure why she acquired this gift, but she gave it to us. I am not even sure that she connected it to the text which reads: 'The joy of the Lord is my strength', but her commitment to show us how to laugh as a first response to all situations, was a remarkable act of kindness. When the scripture says that: 'In His presence there is fullness of joy', we realize that laughter overwhelms the gloom of defeat. I have invested that into my children. Now we attach that to Jesus and his victory. There is little else that can so readily defeat the devil than the laughter that comes because of an 'empty tomb' - a true Jesus victory.
2. "Honor your father" - As your read in my last blog, you will know that I have a deep love and admiration about my pops. However there were periods of his life, and therefore ours as a family, that were extremely hard. The weight of life's challenges resulted in stuff that went down that was very difficult. However, no matter what was done or said, my mother simply would not let us speak of nor act in a way that was dishonoring of my father. Here she did quote the scripture - "honor your father and mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you." You don't have to agree with your parent; they do not even have to be good parents, but we were to honor them in simple bible obedience.
3. "Face your failings" - I must have been about 8 years old, when I left my cardigan at the bank where my mum had gone to attend to business. We got home when I realized the error and promptly told 'Oums'. She got me back in the car and off to the bank we went. Upon arrival, she told me to get out and go in an ask for it. I was distraught. No amount of tears or 'I can't' would convince her to feel sorry for me. I had erred and I had to face up to my mistake. Oh am I grateful for this lesson. Not blame others. Simply acknowledge the mistake, take it on the chin, and fix it.
4. "Get on the stage and sing" - Music was very important to my mother. She used to sing over us babies. She used to sing with us at home and in the car. Later worship filled our world because music was such a natural traveling companion. I loved that. The love for music was a very generous gift. However the related gift that my mum gave me, was that I was not to pander to my moods, emotions, or doing only what I felt like. From an early age she got us onto the stage... whether it was singing in a choir, then singing in solo competitions, she simply would not let us surrender to fragile feelings. We were taught to be confident to get on the stage, to sing because had given us the gift and find the courage to take on challenges even if we were tempted to back away. " No" was simply not an option.
5. "Forgiveness" - There were several key moments in 'Oumie's' life that were painful and damaging. To a lesser woman, these moments, seasons and encounters would have been very destructive. But 'Oumie' forgave. Somehow she found the grace to forgive. I am sure in her humanity, it was not always easy, but most times she valued freedom more important than vengeance, contempt or anger. During some of my ministry years, I have found deep grace and encouragement by her story. How could I who have experienced such little pain, carry unforgiveness, when she who carried much had found her true gospel component?

These are key cornerstone of my life - and for that I am very grateful.

5 Lessons my father taught me

As 2011 draws to a close, one of the best things we can do is reflect, simply ponder another year that has raced by.

In fact, as I sit and write this in the crisp early morning of a wintery LA, I begin to think about my pops. Although I am a father of 3 wonderful children, and three amazing grandchildren, I do know that I owe so much of my life's journey to the foundational impact that my dad had on my life.

Pat Wienand's life was not easy. When, as a 12 year old, his father died in his arms, it was a prophetic announcement that this was not going to be an easy journey. One of 8 kids, he was sent from Johannesburg to the coast where his mid teens were spent working as a postman by day and going to night school to finish his education. I guess 'Oups' never had his teenage years. They were taken from him as he was taught to survive.

Through the tough years of apprenticeship to the harsh lessons of starting several construction companies, he was schooled out there on his own, where a friend sometimes turned foe and where trust was sometimes ill-founded.

This rough, tough construction pioneer, taught me some of life's most invaluable lessons. Of course he was a strong uncompromising dad, but set a standard that he lived by that he imprinted in our lives. Here are some of these lessons:

1. "Never give up" - "Oups' was not a man of many words. When they came they were weighty and to be headed. When I was benched from the starter role in the High School Rugby team [unfairly I thought, especially as the captain in the first game], I was devastated. In the emotional anger of a 17 year old, I was ready to be done with this mismanagement. Not with Oups. He gave me the 'never give up' speech. You get back on the bicycle and ride again. No matter what life throws at you, you simply do not give up. You fight your way back, no matter the pain or trauma. It came back to stand me in good stead all those years later...

2. "The world does not owe you a living. You have to get out there and take it" - 'Oups' really wrestled with God about the death of his dad. So there was never any sense of 'entitlement'. The world owed you nothing! There was no sense of being owed anything. It was all by the sweat of your brow that you took on the challenge of life. You have one life, make it work. What you get is what you labor for. Work hard, work long and work sacrificially.

3. "Your sisters are going to get married and have kids but you need to get yourself ready to provide for a family." - To many today that does not sound very PC. Our parents were from a different era. They emerged out of the post-war tough times. This comment was not intended to demean women but to empower men. I remember these talks well. I was an educational minimalist. I was comfortable with the grades that kept my parents happy. Every now and again, the grades fell and I got the 'you must take responsibility for your family' speech. Today I am the one who gives it. In an age of egalitarianism, many men have stepped away from responsibility and let the women carry them, as they bask in their selfish ways. I never was allowed to consider that. For that I am truly grateful.

4. "Live by your convictions, no matter what the cost" - 'Oups' was and is, a man of convictions. He was not swayed by the opinions of the crowd but held firmly to his convictions even if they were not popular. That was drilled into me. I am so grateful that popularity was never the highest value to which we aspired. Truth was [well at least our perception of truth]. For some 27 years I have led 2 churches. I cannot tell you how often I had to strengthen myself with these words. Popular opinion falters at the altar of the moment. Convictions are a life time traveling companions. Find them, hold them, lead with them.

5. "Live generously, especially be aware of the plight of the poor" - maybe its because he came from such poverty, but 'Oups' was always very sensitive of the plight of the poor. Sometimes mercy overwhelmed wisdom, but he always cared for those who had less. When I was young, we were very middle class, yet there was a spirit of giving that filled the family. There was not much money to give, but there was always a meal to offer, a ride to give, a bed to sleep on, an act of kindness to offer. I hope I am a generous man. To give is better than to receive. The bible teaches me that - and 'Oups' showed me how it works.

There are many more that these 5 things that come to mind immediately. I salute a gift from God - my dad whose foundation has fashioned me, formed me and forged my life ahead of me.

Thanksgiving

This is a most remarkable time of the year. As the winter chill begins to knock on our door, and the sounds of Christmas are matched with the smells of Thanksgiving, I am so glad to be living in America.

Thanks giving is my favorite American Holiday. M and I love being around a table, well presented, with oodles of food - each masterly 'chef-ed' to family perfection. Of course, the music has to be elegantly celebratory. The lights need to soften the corners of the room with regal ambiance. The cutlery and crockery has to presented with motherly affection and the wines chosen with fatherly revelation [OK that was a little dramatic!]

Tomorrow my family will sit around the table and we will thank the Lord - what a story! What a privilege! What a life! We will savor the moment. The palates will be satisfied. The eyes a little tender with gratitude but the hands will be steady as we toast...

An amazing God whose kindness has enveloped us;

A wondrous gospel that never ceases to surprise us;

Family who have journeyed on several continents together;

Friends who have stood with us in some of the darkest moments of our lives;

Strangers who have stepped into a space of our lives thru divine generosity;

Community that remains God's loudest redemption trumpet call;

A limping world that still breaks our heart, but we will continue to give ourselves away to love you.

Have a reflective thanksgiving, never losing its sheer beauty.

Muchos gracias

November Update

What a wild couple of weeks.

I loved the time in the UK. Traveling with Brian Barr and Phil Woods was sheer, raw fun. From the endless banter, tireless sense of adventure, and hilarious and passionate theological debate was deeply refreshing.

Having a closer peep into the Soul Survivor story with Mike Pilavachi was a great honor as they have been a rare nursery that has discipled so many remarkable worship leaders. This friendship has been brewing for a while.

Our invasion of the Dooley home in Reading UK, was due to Sean and Nola's kindness. The three "Mouseketeers" hopefully brought love, energy, and humor into their lives - nothing like traveling across London for several hours, late on a Sunday night, to go and connect with Mark and Lizzie who are planting "Reality London". Fell in love with them. The plant is struggling to gain traction as they seek to cross the great hurdles of US to UK culture / from LA to London context. Our dinner in the pub after the evening gathering, is one of those Holy Spirit moments that will remain in my mind for a long time.

The couple of days that we went away with a collage of pastors was a rare treat. With my desire being to bring some of the young UK pastors into the room with some of the young USA pastors, I had prayerfully hoped that their would be journey's shared, lessons learnt exchanged, and friendships established. I think this happened. Of course being away with a group of young guns, there will invariably be combat and competition — a created game being the center piece of international rivalry. Who would have thought that Readers Digest can provide such an international incident! Thanks to the Virgo boys and their mates... you guys are remarkable.

The last weekend was with our dear friends at Kingsgate Church in Kingston. M and I feel so privileged to have been in this story from before the beginning — as the seed of the plant was sown, to 2 handovers, through to their name change and new city. They are doing so well and I am so proud of them. A visit there is always a huge treat for us.

Yesterday I spent time with an event called "Exponential LA". The idea was to take the annual large church planting event and earth it in smaller gatherings around the USA. I felt very honored to walk these delightful planters through Heb 12:1 - 2 [although we rarely exegeted the text — we got into many and diverse convos... which I hope was helpful]

Getting ready for the last trip of the year. M and I are off to New York. The leadership transition from Deryck and Cath to John and Jenna Starke is going to be a very weighty and grace-filled moment. I have watched a group of Jesus following, gospel loving, church engaging folks take on the great NYC challenge. Their journey is to be mightily applauded. Sunday will be very special for all of us involved.

Next week I will start blogging again as the year draws to a close. Thank you.

Update

Off to London in an hour. [Friday 4 Nov]

Will not be blogging much while I am on the road... will keep you posted via twitter

Back Monday 14th November.

Big conversations with the London Reality guys, Mike Pilavachi [Soul Survivor], Steve Timmis, Keath and the crew at Kingsgate as well as a few days bringing together young US pastors and young British pastors...

Keep you posted