Tracking the Spirit blog

We the future looks cool!

2011-03-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

How's this for the Lord's Prayer?

2011-02-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Lord's Prayer from Stewart H Redwine on Vimeo.

Simple and to the point

2010-12-13T09:33:00.001-08:00

Sometimes all the trimmings takes away from the main meal! This is it, isn't it?

A great video to watch - leadership as dream not plan!

2010-12-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have watched this short (TED talks are generally short, around 20 minutes) video a while back and kept it - why? Because it walks about one of the functions of the gift of leadership - the ability to inspire. Denny and Denny talk about this often - how easy it is to reduce ministry and Body life to a function of management instead of a releasing of a God-given and empowered purpose! I think if you take a little time and watch the video, you will understand exactly what they mean...what we need to do is to rely on the Holy Spirit to move people into action...people are not inspired into action via our plans and management "products" but rather by a dream - a dream of faithfulness to Jesus and a deliberate living out of new life in Him. In addition, to function, according to the videos language, in the "what and how" spheres essentially reduces Kingdom work to methodologies, programs and consumeristically-driven techniques where we as disciples become "peddlers of church products" not participators in a redemptive movement of God. I could go on and on about this...I have some other ideas...for now, it is best to let the video speak for itself and you "do the math"!

TEDTalks Simon Sinek-How great leaders inspire action - Simon Sinek (2009) from Roofcamp on Vimeo.

Tracking the Spirit - What the Holy Spirit is DOING!

2010-11-29T14:19:00.000-08:00

I ran into this the other day. In fact, I was so "impressed" by it, I copied it for posterity...in other words, this list works because it is true. Right from the scriptures, you and me have a chance to see just "some" of the things the Spirit is up to. Besides tracking what the Spirit is up to in our communities of faith, there are plenty of other things that the Spirit is doing:

50 Things the Holy Spirit Does - from Reimagining Church by frankaviola

1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
2. He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
3. He regenerates us (John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5).
4. He glorifies and testifies of Christ (John 15:26; 16:14).
5. He reveals Christ to us and in us (John 16:14-15).
6. He leads us (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18; Matt. 4:1; Luke 4:1).
7. He sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 5:16).
8. He empowers us (Luke 4:14; 24:49; Rom. 15:19; Acts 1:8).
9. He fills us (Eph. 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17).
10. He teaches us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27; Jude 1:20).
11. He bears witness in us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16).
12. He produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Gal. 5:22-23).
13. He distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body (1 Cor. 12:4, 8-10; Heb. 2:4).
14. He anoints us for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
15. He washes and renews us (1 Tim. 3:5).
16. He brings unity and oneness to the body (Eph. 4:3; 2:14-18). Here He plays the same role that He plays in the Godhead. The Spirit is the life that unites Father and Son. He plays the same role in the church. When He is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love. Therefore, a sure evidence of the Holy Spirit working in a group is Love and Unity.
17. He is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5).
18. He seals us unto the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
19. He sets us free from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2).
20. He quickens our mortal bodies (Rom. 8:11).
21. He reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10).
22. He reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Cor. 2:12).
23. He dwells in us (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).
24. He speaks to, in, and through us (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:11; Heb 3:7; Matt. 10:20; Acts 2:4; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12, 28; 13:2; 16:6,7; 21:4,11).
25. He is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
26. He brings liberty (2 Cor. 3:17).
27. He transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
28. He cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” (Gal. 4:6).
29. He enables us to wait (Gal. 5:5).
30. He supplies us with Christ (Phil. 1:19).
31. He grants everlasting life (Gal. 6:8).
32. He gives us access to God the Father (Eph. 2:18).
33. He makes us (corporately) God’s habitation (Eph. 2:22).
34. He reveals the mystery of God to us (Eph. 3:5).
35. He strengthens our spirits (Eph. 3:16).
36. He enables us to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22).
37. He enables us to know that Jesus abides in us (1 John 3:24; 4:13).
38. He confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:3).
39. He says “Come, Lord Jesus” along with the bride (Rev. 22:17).
40. He dispenses God’s love into our hearts (Rom. 5:5).
41. He bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Rom. 9:1).
42. He teaches us (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).
43. He gives us joy (1 Thess. 1:6).
44. He enables some to preach the gospel (1 Pet. 1:12).
45. He moves us (1 Pet. 1:21).
46. He knows the things of God (1 Cor. 2:11).
47. He casts out demons (Matt. 12:28).
48. He brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26).
49. He comforts us (Acts 9:31).
50. He makes some overseers in the church and sends some out to the work of church planting [through the body] (Acts 20:28; 13:2).
Summary: The Holy Spirit unites us to Jesus Christ and to His body. He reveals Christ to us, gives us His life, and makes Christ alive in us. The Spirit takes the experiences of Jesus … His incarnation, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension … and brings them into our own experience. Because of the Holy Spirit, the history of Jesus Christ becomes our story and experience.

Subscribing to Blogs, etc.

2010-11-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

Good resource below...if you like to read blogs and keep track of sites you frequent, this is a great and indispensable resource:

You gotta smile when you watch this...we should be showing this daily to the people who are the Church!

2010-10-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

When We Say Church from Doug Peterson on Vimeo.

Len Sweet and some thoughts on "Evangelism"...

2010-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Below is a video that I watched a bit ago - Len Sweet is someone I've followed for a long time in my journey not only as a leader but also as a follower of Jesus. I find his writings extremely exciting...he's been used by the Spirit to shape many of the aspects of life and discipleship (disciple-making as well) over the past years. This video gives you a snapshot of Len's new book on Evangelism...now, I come to that topic with a "rich history" of all sorts of different "techniques" of doing evangelism. But my heart and mind has been transformed over the years in this regard. I don't "do" anything in sharing Jesus with others...I simply try to find out what God is doing and join HIM there...I look for the fact that God is arranging Divine Appointments for me throughout my day...helping me see that there are relationship bridges that can be built...that God is already at work in the world and I attempt to do what Jesus did...join God is HIS mission of love, power and grace in the context of the world and story that He is writing in and through my life. That's a different perspective friends...that's a shifted paradigm...so I would encourage you to take a peek at the video. Then think about your life as a disciple...you live the mission of God...you join God in what He is already doing through His Holy Spirit in the lives of people you meet.

By the way, here's what my SoCal friend Spencer wrote about the video that he produced in this regard...it is a helpful intro to the video as well:

Leonard Sweet calls us to make an impression—a God impression—a nudge, a dent on everyone we meet. But how we do that is to listen to discern what the Spirit is already doing, and to nudge that person toward understanding that God is working in their life. And by doing so, by recognizing and naming those nudges, we are nudged as well. We discover incredible ways that God is working all around us. We observe His creativity and imagination in all our senses—hearing, tasting, seeing, touching, smelling.

The subtitle of Nudge is “Awakening each other to the God who is already there.” Every person you meet is a divine appointment, says Leonard Sweet as he talks about his new book, Nudge, with Spencer Burke, host of ThinkFWD. The overarching premise is that we don’t “take” Jesus anywhere, but that wherever we go, God is already there and our job is to find out what He’s doing and join in.

This thinking takes a different approach to evangelism. Rather than thinking of evangelism and discipleship as two distinct “tasks” of followers of Christ, Sweet suggests that they are bound together. Whereas in the past, evangelism was touted as “go and tell,” Sweet says we need to “shut up and listen.” Our role is not to come into a situation and tell our story, but rather to listen, to hear, to study what is happening in another person’s life, or in the community we are in. By doing this, we are recognizing that God is already there and we are following His lead. Sweet quotes John Wesley’s life-changing words, “Go and see the poor in their hovels, for Jesus is already there and He will be with you.”

Very likely, it was not just one person that helped nudge you in your journey to faith in God, but it was many people’s influence in your life. Many impressions that moved you to faith in God. And this is the part we can play for each other, awakening each other to God who is already at work all around us.

People's creativity astounds me...

2010-10-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

I think we have alot more creativity in the "church" that goes untapped. We have our ways and our traditions sometimes cherished at the expense of great ideas many of which get squelched in the name of "we've always done it that way before". Here's a video that I just watched on the blog I read daily...it is one produced by a local faith community to alert people to the teaching that is coming from the pastor in week's ahead - I don't know if it was done for JUST children (since it is one a children's ministry blog) or whether it came in the midst of an entire congregation...all I know is that it got my attention! What creativity can we unleash to not only bless those with those gifts by giving them a forum to offer their gifts to God but also by having their gifts bless others? Your call! Here's the video:

Bewitched Intro from redeemer.tv on Vimeo.

And now a moment of humility...

2010-10-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time...but how about this?

2010-10-06T10:46:00.001-07:00

Yep, even blog editors have to take some time away for real life...recently, I (Robin Dugall) moved and accepted a call to Peace in Monroe, Washington. So, give me another week or so and I'll get back to regularly posting. For now, here's a jpg/powerpoint slide that spoke to me about the type of life God is calling us to live!

Reggie McNeal and an important, thought-provoking video

2010-08-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

What is a Disciple - Video AND Audio version!

2010-08-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

See below for the description of the video - this includes the audio track of the presentation giving Robin Dugall's comments on the slides/concepts presented during the teleconference.

What is a Disciple - Video and Audio version from Robin Dugall on Vimeo.

What is a Disciple?

2010-07-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is a presentation video - this includes keynote slides and background music from a recent presentation given by Robin Dugall to a group of pastors/leaders - the teleconference was sponsored by the Tracking the Spirit initiative of the Northwest District of the LC-MS. If you want more information, downloadable version of the slides, etc. contact Robin @ rdugall@apu.edu

This is absolutely fascinating!

2010-07-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

Past, hedonistic "time" perspective vs. future-oriented time perspective. Interesting video with profound implications! Care to discuss?

"Loving your enemies"...

2010-07-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

A Canadian children's ministry pal, Henry found this video - here's what he had to say about it as well as giving an encouragement on how to use it especially with kids (although adults need to think/pray through this just as much if not more):

"thought it was pretty cool and a powerful way to jump start a conversation with children on loving your enemies. Any ideas on how you would use it? Here’s one idea that takes a transformational approach rather than an educational approach which could be easily adapted to whatever age group you might be teaching: Show the video to the kids without telling them what it is about or what topic you are talking about. After the video is done, have them tell you what it is about. Don’t correct or lead. Simply listen and allow children to give their input. Ask questions about how they felt about the video. Ask them what they thought about the person throwing stuff. Ask them what they thought about the person building the bridge. Ask them what they would have done if they were in the video. Have them imagine themselves in both roles. Read Luke 6:27-36 and/or Matthew 5:43-48 (HT:EC). Have the kids tell you what they think Jesus is saying in those verses and how those verses might relate to what they just saw. Finally, have the kids come up with ways they can follow Jesus in what he said in those verses. Have some sort of response time whether that be silence, prayer, an art project of some sort… be creative."

Bob Roberts' post on Evangelism...man, is he right!

2010-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Bob Roberts is a smart guy! He not only has invested his life in Kingdom living but also he is attempting to embrace ministry is a changing world. His books have inspired many of us to rethink ministry and mission. We (that would be the Tracking the Spirit team) would encourage you to read any of the books he's written...you can check them out by clicking HERE. Below is an article that Bob wrote for his blog...I believe it summarizes what has occurred within Western Christianity over the past decades. Although this is happening in our own back yard (European Christianity experienced this far earlier than we), it should not be a source of discouragement, fear, or yearning for the good 'ole days that never will come back...it is rather a call and challenge for a fresh expression of the Spirit's leading in our lives. So...

How Evangelism is Different in the 21st Century - By Bob Roberts Jr.

I know that many people read my blog that are not pastors and Christians, and for that reason I want to differentiate a couple of words that most of the time the media and others miss. One is “evangelism” - that is the practice of sharing your faith. It is tied to the word “evangelists” - which companies use to describe enthused salesmen - it comes from the Greek and it has to do with Christians passionately sharing what they believe in - Jesus Christ - and inviting others to follow him. The other word is “evangelical”. Notice the ending of the two words - “ism” and “cal”. The evangelical is one that is a more conservative Christian. They believe in the Divinity/Humanity of Christ and also the authority of the Bible unlike any other book. There are many other things I could say about both - but one is a practice - evangelism - that all Christians are to perform and the other is a tribe - evangelical - of conservative Christians. I’m writing today about evangelism. How is it different today than even 25 years ago?

First, evangelism was a presentation of who Jesus was. It was like giving someone their own personal “sermonette” be it the Four Spiritual Laws or the Roman Road, and at the conclusion you would ask a person to pray a prayer asking Jesus to forgive them of their sins and come into their heart. Evangelism has moved from presentation to conversation. I rarely witness (share my faith, do evangelism) the way I was trained when I was a teenager. It just doesn’t work in the current context. We talk about things, and I share Bible verses that I’ve memorized and the conversation evolves to where the person wants it to go and I attempt to answer questions to challenging things along the way.

Second, evangelism has moved from primarily a decision about eternity to a decision about a lifestyle. The objective of evangelism used to be to get people to heaven - in one sense it still is - and always will be. On the other hand, getting someone to get fire insurance (not going to Hell), is insufficient for a passionate faith. They have to love God for who he is as our Savior & Father, to live in relationship and community with him. Until people want to be transformed by Jesus, they are just being more religious - I want people to be far more than just religious - I want them to have a passionate relationship with Jesus that is changing their lives.

Third, evangelism that led to conversion was the end game of every person. Today, and in a Kingdom of God context, conversion isn’t the end game but the starting point of walking with God. There is nowhere in the Scripture it says we know that we know him because “we prayed the prayer.” But the small epistle of 1John says, we know that we know him because . . . . and he gives seven things. When you read those 7 things they all have to do with behavior, lifestyle, relationships, and servanthood. Those things don’t make a Christian, they merely point to the fact that people who have accepted Jesus - those things follow them. (It’s 5 short chapters - and in Biblical length like 3 pages - my communist and atheist and Muslim friends would like reading the little book - it’s near the back of the Bible in the New Testament - it’s 1 John, not John, look in your table of contents - it also talks about how we know that we know him because we confess that God has come in the flesh - another reason we believe Jesus is God.)

Fourth, evangelism was about the person you didn’t know. Today, evangelism is about the person you do know. All sharing of the Gospel involved knocking on doors and people waiting for us to show up and give them their own personal sermon. Our culture has changed. Relationships are the key to people coming to faith in Christ. I loved what a friend said recently at a meeting I was at, “I don’t want someone hitting me over the head with their religion. But as I’m grilling burgers with Chris I want to be able to say, hey what’s with this Trinity thing.” Recently someone asked me “why do you care about Muslims so much?” The truth of the matter is, I never did my whole life until the past few years, but then something happened I got to know a lot of them and became friends with them and they with me. What’s cool is, when you’re friends you can discuss your faith without debating it, you also listen with respect to one another even if you disagree.

Fifth, evangelism is as much about the impact it is making in the life of the one “witnessing” as it is the set of theological beliefs. You can’t just “share the presentation” anymore. The question is, “Does it work in your life?” But it isn’t enough for you to see it work in your life, do “THEY” see it work in your life. Keep in mind being called a “Christian” or being “Christ-like” was something the people in Antioch called the Christians, not a title they chose for themselves.

Sixth, evangelism was about passing on information and truth. Today, we share our faith not just with words but actions. Matthew 25 was always there! As we serve others, it opens massive doors to be able to share our beliefs. I don’t believe we should serve to convert, but those of us who are converted will serve and when people ask us why, at that point, we can tell them because of our faith.
Seventh, evangelism was about me telling and you listening. Today, evangelism is more about me listening to your story than me telling you mine, me listening to your view of God and what you believe and responding.

Eighth, evangelism is about presenting the Gospel and they accept Christ or I move on to someone else. That wasn’t the model of Jesus - but somehow we failed to realize we needed to have ongoing relationships with people. The people that I’ve seen come to faith in Christ generally had a long and ongoing relationship with them. I might add - they last as well. When we’re friends with people - and they truly accept Christ - it’s not like a fast food decision.

Good picture...not "perfect" but worth a peek!

2010-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Struggle to define "disciple"!

2010-06-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Struggle to Define what a Disciple is...

Ok - here's a good one for you...how would define the word, "Disciple"? Most of us when we think about the word "Disciple", innately click into prescriptive mode - in other words, we prescribe what a disciple is by what a disciple does. In other words, a Disciple is defined by Discipleship...the actions of a Disciple. In this instance, actions would be focused primarily on things like worship attendance in a local church, bible reading, prayer, a person's devotional life, financial giving, etc. Now, don't get me wrong - all these activities are good and can even be used as "measures" in assessing discipleship.

Yet, what is a Disciple? What is a Disciple in a descriptive perspective? Well, try this one on for size - a Disciple is one who is alive in Jesus Christ. In other words, a Disciple is a person who has the life of Jesus implanted by the Holy Spirit and manifested by the Holy Spirit in their life that they are now alive in Jesus. Again, a Disciple is defined not by what we do but by the life of Jesus in us. Before there is any "doing" as a Disciple, there is an essential "being" that comes from the life of Jesus alive in the heart.

Here's where this is all coming from...many of us have seen people come alive in Jesus Christ. Without training, extensive study, without commissioning or titles or degrees, many of us have witnessed disciples supernaturally discipling others. We have seen people transformed from being dead bystanders to being active and alive, passionately sharing the life of Jesus with all that come in contact with them. For many of these people, being a disciple is not what they are aspiring to be or trying to pull off in the habits of their life...rather, it is something they know they are because they know the life of Jesus. In this instance, the Holy Spirit is producing fruit..they are not trying to be better people, attempting to be moral and upright and loving...they just are because of the power of God residing in their lives. If you were to type their blood, they would bleed Jesus. For a disciple, Jesus is not a cause to be understood and/or represented..Jesus is life, pure and simple.

Where have many of us missed the boat? Why all the discipleship ministries and programs and studies in the local church and few actual disciples? Why do we have to do hand stands and heroic efforts to convince people to share their life, tell their God-story, live out their faith with Kingdom courage? Could it be that we are a bit confused when it comes to being a disciple? Could it be that we are finding it extremely difficult to paint a compelling picture of the experience of being a disciple? Could it be that we have succumbed to drafting a legalistic, "doing" vision of what a disciple is that has actually not brought life to people who desire to follow Jesus? Could it be that all of our efforts have led people more into sin management and shallow spirituality that remains an addendum to an already busy and culturally defined life (through narrowly defined spiritual exercises like the infamous "10 or 20 minute quiet times) than into the very life of Jesus in and through them?

I'm working on this...so allow me some latitude. The truth is that the Tracking the Spirit "staff" has rolled up sleeves and pantlegs and waded into this water intentionally. Here's what we have worked on - A Disciple is alive in Jesus...as Denny Lorenz just stated in an email yesterday, "A Disciple is one resurrected from death to life in Christ, by the Holy Spirit, and daily lives out that life." In other words, the Holy Spirit is drawing out what is true, right, holy and pure within their heart because that's where Jesus resides. Good works? They are not something that they are trying to do because they are attempting to be like Jesus...good works are what the Holy Spirit is doing through them. They are happening because of the life of Jesus in and through them. Good works happen almost effortlessly, quicker than you could have ever imagined because they happen not by sheer will power, guilt, or even training/mentoring but because they are being released through the work of the Holy Spirit. A Disciple, to allude to something I read in a new book by Len Sweet and Frank Viola, The Jesus Manifesto, doesn't ask "what would Jesus do" as if they could match up their actions with the actions of the biblical Jesus...but rather a Disciple asks and seeks to know/discern what it is that Jesus is doing and wants to do in and through their life? There is a difference! You see, the Holy Spirit wants to release what is already there in the life of Jesus in the disciple's life...in this manner, a Disciple is more than a noun - it is a verb, implying action and life.

You would think that we would have had this down...but the more I think about it, the more I feel like we need to reengage and enjoy the struggle to define what a disciple of Jesus is...any thoughts?

Don't you see a difference between these "two"?

2010-06-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

An Important Quiz for Ushers!

2010-06-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't write this...but I did rip it off from a blog that I read regularly. It brought me a smile today and as we move more and more into those "dog days of summer", smiles are coveted! Fact is, how many of us could do what we do without good ushers! Enjoy!

So You Think You Can Ush?

Are you qualified to be an usher? No, not the Usher. Those qualifications include: Is your outfit ridiculous? Are you in the club lookin’ so conspicuous? Do you refer to Hotlanta as “A-Town”? If so, you might be qualified to be Usher. If you’re wondering more about becoming an usher at church, read on.

This is a serious job in the Sunday morning volunteer lineup, and for years, I’ve lost more than a few hours of sleep pondering if push came to shove, would I have the necessary chops to get my ush on? Well, to put my mind at ease, and maybe yours too, I’ve written a guide called “So You Think You Can Ush?”

If you can simultaneously shake hands, hand out bulletins, and give Jolly Ranchers to kids (+2 points)

If you banter so well your friends call you “Banter Claus” (+5 points)

If you shake hands so strongly, guys in the WWE created a submission hold based on it called “The Usher Crusher” (-2 points)

If you have ever dislodged an offering train wreck (+3 points)

If you like to throw the offering plate like a Frisbee (-3 points)

If you have your own custom-molded earpiece for your walkie-talkie (+4 points)

If you’ve never ever looked into the offering plate to see how much your friend gives, for fear you might turn into a skeleton like in Indiana Jones with the Ark of the Covenant (+10 points)

If you can signal to the pastor he’s out of time and he wraps it up (+5 points)

If you can signal to the pastor he’s out of time and he gets his second wind (-5 points)

If you are currently keeping your points tally on last weekend’s bulletin (+3 points)

If you can simultaneously make latecomers feel guilty and welcome with one look (I’ve heard Blue Steel does the trick) (+11 points)

If you can get people to sit on the front row (I’ve heard this is just a legend, but my cousin’s good friend’s younger sister saw it happen once) (+10finity points)

If you can balance 5 trays of grape juice cups without spilling (+5 points and +1 for each extra)

If, in an effort to “go green”, you decide to re-use the tiny grape juice cups next week (-5 points)

If you stay in on Saturday nights to memorize Sunday’s bulletin (+8 points)

If you stay in on Saturday nights to draw pictures in Sunday’s bulletin (-8 points)

If you think sitting down is for wimps (+4 points)

If you fantasize about ushing on a Segway (-4 points)

If you fantasize about ushing on a horse and giving people pony rides to their seats (+16 points…I’d love to experience this firsthand…if your church does this, let me know and I’ll come)

If you make a sign that says “You must be this tall to experience big church this week” in an effort to limit the number of crying baby disruptions (-3 points, but your head’s in the right spot)

Okay, you’ve tallied your score, so let’s see how you did:

0-10 points: You probably don’t like people. You would make a disastrously bad usher even at an online church.

11-20 points: If it came down to it, you could fill in without anyone noticing, but you may want to have some hand warmers on standby.

21-30 points: The head usher should watch his back, because you’re gunning for the #1 spot. You can almost see your name embossed on a magnetic nametag with the words “LEAD WELCOMER” under it.

31+ points: You ushering would be like if Chuck Norris played soccer…totally overqualified. I mean, that guy can KICK.

What did I leave out? What are some more usher qualifications?

Lord please, don't let us do this!

2010-06-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you don't "hear" voices like this, you need to!

2010-06-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi TTS and NW district ministry partners!

There are many voices in the culture that are talking about "church". Some of simply and purely critical or cynical - they have either been hurt or are intellectually arrogant...some voices are irrelevant because they are not "insiders"...they don't have the experience, love for "the church" or interest in engaging in constructive dialog of how God can "reform" and renew what He has desired to do since the beginning of time - unite all in Christ. But occasionally there are voices that do have some credibility that need to be heard. I read this article today...read it twice before I decided to post it here...it is important. I would love to hear what you think if you choose to post a comment. Listening and entering into relationship with those who are brothers and sisters in the Lord who share similar passions but have divergent journeys is important to do..here's a voice and concerns that you and I need to know about...it isn't easy to read this at times but, trust me, I'm running into more and more people these days who feel and think of these types of things.

Dear Fellow-believer,

I do appreciate your concern for me and your willingness to raise issues that have caused you concern. I know the way I relate to the church is a bit unconventional and some even call it dangerous. Believe me, I understand that concern because I used to think that way myself and even taught others to as well.

If you are happy with the status quo of organized religion today, you may not like what you read here. My purpose is not to convince you to see this incredible church the same way I do, but to answer your questions as openly and honestly as I can. Even if we don't end up agreeing, hopefully you will understand that our differences need not estrange us as members of Christ's body.

Where do you go to church?

I have never liked this question, even when I was able to answer it with a specific organization. I know what it means culturally, but it is based on a false premise--that church is something you can go to as in a specific event, location or organized group. I think Jesus looks at the church quite differently. He didn't talk about it as a place to go to, but a way of living in relationship to him and to other followers of his.

Asking me where I go to church is like asking me where I go to Jacobsen. How do I answer that? I am a Jacobsen and where I go a Jacobsen is. 'Church' is that kind of word. It doesn't identify a location or an institution. It describes a people and how they relate to each other. If we lose sight of that, our understanding of the church will be distorted and we'll miss out on much of its joy.
Are you just trying to avoid the question?

I know it may only sound like quibbling over words, but words are important. When we only ascribe the term 'church' to weekend gatherings or institutions that have organized themselves as 'churches' we miss out on what it means to live as Christ's body. It will give us a false sense of security to think that by attending a meeting once a week we are participating in God's church. Conversely I hear people talk about 'leaving the church' when they stop attending a specific congregation.

But if the church is something we are, not someplace we go, how can we leave it unless we abandon Christ himself? And if I think only of a specific congregation as my part of the church, haven't I separated myself from a host of other brothers and sisters that do not attend the same one I do?

The idea that those who gather on Sunday mornings to watch a praise concert and listen to a teaching are part of the church and those who do not, are not, would be foreign to Jesus. The issue is not where we are at a given time during the weekend, but how we are living in him and with other believers all week long.

But don't we need regular fellowship?

I wouldn't say we need it. If we were in a place where we couldn't find other believers, Jesus certainly would be able to take care of us. Thus, I'd phrase that a bit differently: Will people who are growing to know the Living God also desire real and meaningful connections with other believers? Absolutely! The call to the kingdom is not a call to isolation. Every person I've ever met who is thriving in the life of Jesus has a desire to share authentic fellowship with other believers. They realize that whatever they know of God's life is just in part, and only the fullest revelation of him is in the church.

But sometimes that kind of fellowship is not easy to find. Periodically on this journey we may go through times when we can't seem to find any other believers who share our hunger. That's especially true for those who find that conforming to the expectations of the religious institutions around them diminishes their relationship with Jesus. They may find themselves excluded by believers with whom they've shared close friendship. But no one going through that looks on that time as a treat. It is incredibly painful and they will look for other hungry believers to share the journey with.

My favorite expression of body life is where a local group of people chooses to walk together for a bit of the journey by cultivating close friendships and learning how to listen to God together.

Shouldn't we be committed to a local fellowship?

That has been said so often today, that most of us assume it is in the Bible somewhere. I haven't found it yet. Many of us have been led to believe that we can't possibly survive without the 'covering of the body' and will either fall into error or backslide into sin. But doesn't that happen inside our local congregations as well?

I know many people who live outside those structures and find not only an ever-deepening relationship with God, but also connections with other believers that run far deeper than they found in the institution. I haven't lost any of my passion for Jesus or my affection for his church. If anything those have grown by leaps and bounds in recent years.

Scripture does encourage us to be devoted to one another not committed to an institution. Jesus indicated that whenever two or three people get together focused on him, they would experience the vitality of church life.

Is it helpful to regularly participate in a local expression of that reality? Of course. But we make a huge mistake when we assume that fellowship takes place just because we attend the same event together, even regularly, or because we belong to the same organization. Fellowship happens where people share the journey of knowing Jesus together. It consists of open, honest sharing, genuine concern about each other's spiritual well being and encouragement for people to follow Jesus however he leads them.

But don't our institutions keep us from error?

I'm sorry to burst your bubble here, but every major heresy that has been inflicted on God's people for the last 2,000 years has come from organized groups with 'leaders' who thought they knew God's mind better than anyone around them. Conversely, virtually every move of God among people hungering for him was rejected by the 'church' of that day and were excluded, excommunicated or executed for following God.

If that is where you hope to find security, I'm afraid it is sorely misplaced. Jesus didn't tell us that 'going to church' would keep us safe, but that trusting him would. He gave us an anointing of the Spirit so that we would know the difference between truth and error. That anointing is cultivated as we learn his ways in his Word and grow closer to his heart. It will help you recognize when expressions of church you share life with becomes destructive to his work in you.

So are traditional congregations wrong?

Absolutely not! I have found many of them with people who love God and are seeking to grow in his ways. I visit a couple of dozen different congregations a year that I find are far more centered on relationship than religion. Jesus is at the center of their life together, and those who act as leaders are true servants and not playing politics of leadership, so that all are encouraged to minister to one another.

I pray that even more of them are renewed in a passion for Jesus, a genuine concern for each other and a willingness to serve the world with God's love. But I think we'd have to admit that these are rare in our communities and many only last for a short span before they unwittingly look to institutional answers for the needs of the body instead of remaining dependent on Jesus. When that happens do not feel condemned if God leads you not to go along with them.

So should I stop going to church, too?

I'm afraid that question also misses the point. You see I don't believe you're going to church any more than I am. We're just part of it. Be your part, however Jesus calls you to and wherever he places you. Not all of us grow in the same environment.

If you gather with a group of believers at a specific time and place and that participation helps you grow closer to Jesus and allows you to follow his work in you, by all means don't think you have to leave. Keep in mind, however, that of itself is not the church. It is just one of many expressions of it in the place where you live.

Don't be tricked into thinking that just because you attend its meetings you are experiencing real body life. That only comes as God connects you with a handful of brothers and sisters with whom you can build close friendships and share the real ups and downs of this journey.

That can happen among traditional congregations, as it can also happen beyond them. In the last seven years I've meet hundreds if not thousands of people who have grown disillusioned with traditional congregations and are thriving spiritually as they share God's life with others, mostly in their homes.

Then meeting in homes is the answer?

Of course not. But let's be clear: as fun as it is to enjoy large group worship and even be instructed by gifted teachers, the real joy of body life can't be shared in huge groups. The church for its first 300 years found the home the perfect place to gather. They are much more suited to the dynamics of family which is how Jesus described his body.

But meeting in homes is no cure-all. I've been to some very sick home meetings and met in facilities with groups who shared an authentic body life together. But the time I spend in regular body life I want to spend face to face with a group of people. I know it isn't popular today where people find it is far easier to sit through a finely-tuned (or not so finely-tuned) service and go home without ever having to open up our life or care about another person's journey.

But ultimately what matters most to me is not where or how they meet, but whether or not people are focused on Jesus and really helping each other on the journey to becoming like him. Meetings are less the issue here than the quality of relationships. I am always looking for people like that wherever I am and always rejoice when I find it. In our new home in Oxnard, we've found a few folks and are hopeful to find even more.

Aren't you just reacting out of hurt?

I suppose that is possible and time will tell, I guess, but I honestly don't believe so. Anyone who is engaged in real body life will get hurt at times. But there are two kinds of hurt. There's the kind of pain that points to a problem that can be fixed with the right care - such as a badly sprained ankle. Then there's the kind of pain that can only be fixed by pulling away - as when you put your hand on a hot stove.

Perhaps all of us have experienced some measure of pain as we have tried to fit God's life into institutions. For a long time most of us hung in there hoping if we tweaked a few things it would get better. Though we could be successful in limited ways during moments of renewal, we also discovered that eventually the conformity an institution demands and the freedom people need to grow in Christ are at odds with one another. It has happened with virtually every group formed throughout the history of Christianity.

Are you looking for the perfect church?

No, and I don't anticipate finding one this side of eternity. Perfection is not my goal, but finding people with God's priorities. It's one thing for people to struggle toward an ideal they share together. It's another to realize that our ideals have little in common.

I make no secret of the fact that I am deeply troubled by the state of organized Christianity. Most of what we call 'church' today are nothing more than well-planned performances with little actual connection between believers. Believers are encouraged toward a growing dependency on the system or its leadership rather than on Jesus himself. We spend more energy conforming behavior to what the institution needs rather than helping people be transformed at the foot of the cross!

I'm tired of trying to fellowship with people who only view church as a two-hour a week dumping ground for guilt while they live the rest of the week with the same priorities as the world. I'm tired of those who depend on their own works of righteousness but who have no compassion for the people of the world. I'm tired of insecure people using the Body of Christ as an extension of their own ego and will manipulate it to satisfy their own needs. I'm tired of sermons more filled with the bondage of religion than the freedom of God's love and where relationships take a back seat to the demands of an efficient institution.

But don't our children need church activities?

I'd suggest that what they need most is to be integrated into God's life through relational fellowship with other believers. 92% of children who grow up in Sunday schools with all the puppets and high-powered entertainment, leave 'church' when they leave their parents' home? Instead of filling our children with ethics and rules we need to demonstrate how to live in God's life together.

Even sociologists tell us that the #1 factor in determining whether a child will thrive in society is if they have deep, personal friendships with nonrelative adults. No Sunday school can fill that role. I know of one community in Australia who after 20 years of sharing God's life together as families could say that they had not lost one child to the faith as they grew into adulthood. I know I cut across the grain here, but it is far more important that our children experience real fellowship among believers rather than the bells and whistles of a slick children's program.

What dynamics of body life do you look for?

I'm always looking for a people who are seeking to follow the Living Christ. He is at the center of their lives, their affections and their conversation. They look to be authentic and free others to hurt when they hurt, to question what they question and to follow his voice without others accusing them of being divisive or rebellious. I look for people who are not wasting their money on extravagant buildings or flashy programs; where people sitting next to each other are not strangers; and where they all participate as a priesthood to God instead of watch passively from a safe distance.

Aren't you giving people an excuse to sit home and do nothing?

I hope not, though I know it is a danger. I realize some people who leave traditional congregations end up abusing that freedom to satisfy their own desires and thus miss out on church life altogether. Neither am I a fan of 'church hoppers', who whip around to one place after another looking for the latest fad or the best opportunity to fulfill their own selfish desires.

But most of the people I meet and talk with are not outside the system because they have lost their passion for Jesus or his people, but only because the traditional congregations near them couldn't satisfy their hunger for relationship. They are seeking authentic expressions of body life and pay an incredible cost to seek it out. Believe me, we would all find it easier just to go with the flow, but once you've tasted of living fellowship between passionate believers, it is impossible to settle for anything less.

Isn't this view of church divisive?

Not of itself. People make it divisive when they demand that people conform to their revelation of truth. Most of us on the journey are accused of being divisive because freedom can be threatening to those who find their security in a religious system. But must of us aren't trying to recruit others to leave their congregations. We see the body of Christ big enough to encompass God's people however he calls them to gather.

One of the things often said about traditional church is that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in American culture. We only meet with people who look like we do and like things the way we do. I've found now that I have far more opportunity to get with people from a broader cross-section of his body. I don't demand others do it my way and I hope in time that those who see it differently will stop demanding we conform to theirs.

Where can I find that kind of fellowship?

There's no easy answer here. It might be right in front of you among the fellowship you're already in. It might be down the street in your neighborhood or across a cubicle at work. You can also get involved in compassionate outreaches to the needy and broken in your locality as a way to live out his life in you and meet others with a similar hunger.

Don't expect this kind of fellowship to fall easily into an organization. It is organic, and Jesus can lead you to it right where you are. Look for him to put a dozen or so folks around your life with whom you can share the journey. They may not even all go to the same congregation you do. They might be neighbors or coworkers who are following after God. Wouldn't that kind of interconnection among God's people yield some incredible fruit?

Don't expect it to be easy or run smoothly. It will take some specific choices on our part to be obedient to Jesus. It may take some training to shake off old habits and be free to let him build his community around you, but it is all worth it. I know it bothers some people that I don't take my regular place in a pew on Sunday morning, but I can tell you absolutely that my worst days outside organized religion are still better than my best days inside it. To me the difference is like listening to someone talk about golf or actually taking a set of clubs out to a course and playing golf. Being his church is like that. In our day we don't need more talk about the church, but people who are simply ready to live in its reality.

People all over the world are freshly discovering how to do that again. You can be one of them as you let him place you in his body as he desires.

Wayne Jacobsen is an author and publisher. He is the son of a farmer, husband of Sara, father of Julie and Andrew and grandpa to two delightful girls—Aimee and Lindsay! This article is republished by permission from Body Life, a regular collection of articles from LifeStream.

Sometimes it is just "Fun" to post something like this!

2010-06-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Eugene Peterson on "Why Pastors?"

2010-05-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Eugene Peterson continues to surprise and amaze me. Not only is his literary journey astounding (over 30 books NOT including the Message edition of the bible) but his pastoral sensitivity, spiritual depth and prophetic ministry impacts my heart and professional awareness on a regular basis. I've read most of his work...his latest series of books on spiritual theology is excellent. Below is a quote that means something to me...it seems to pierce through the confusion and the multiplicity of voices that are always out to define our lives and work in the Kingdom. See what you think!

Why pastors? by Eugene Peterson

"We are there for one reason and one reason only: to preach and to pray (the two primary modes of our address). We are there to focus the overflowing, cascading energies of joy, sorrow, delight, or appreciation, if only for a moment but for as long as we are able, on God. We are there to say 'God' personally, to say his name clearly, distinctly, unapologetically, in proclamations and in prayers. We are there to say it without hemming and hawing, without throat clearing and without shuffling, without propagandizing, proselytizing, or manipulating. We have no other task. We are not needed to add to what is there. We are required only to say the name: Father, Son, Holy Ghost. All men and women hunger for God. The hunger is masked and misinterpreted in many ways, but it is always there. Everyone is on the verge of crying out “My Lord and my God!” but the cry is drowned out by doubts or defiance, muffled by the dull ache of their routines, masked by their cozy accommodations with mediocrity. Then something happens — a word, an event, a dream — and there is a push toward awareness of an incredible Grace, a dazzling Desire, a defiant Hope, a courageous Faithfulness. But awareness, as such, is not enough. Untended, it trickles into religious sentimentalism or romantic blubbering. Or, worse, it hardens into patriotic hubris or pharisaic snobbery. The pastor is there to nudge the awareness past subjectivities and ideologies into the open and say 'God.'"

Some good "jewish" words on Pentecost...

2010-05-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is an article that I received from a "Messianic Jewish" teacher that discusses Pentecost. I not only found it interesting but inspiring:

Fire on the Mountain By D. Thomas Lancaster

Before tongues of fire ever fell upon the believers in Jerusalem, there was fire on Mount Sinai.

The ancient Jewish Sages considered the biblical feast of Shavuot--also known as Pentecost--to be the anniversary of the day God spoke the Law at Mount Sinai.

"Three times a year you shall celebrate," the Bible says. (Exodus 23:14-17) For as long as the Temple stood in Jerusalem, all the men of Israel were commanded to make pilgrimage there and worship God on the feasts of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks) and Sukkot (Tabernacles).

Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. (Deuteronomy 16:16)

This explains why there were so many Jews from all over the world in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts chapter two. They had come to celebrate the feast of Shavuot.

Shavuot, a harvest festival, was celebrated with the first fruits of the wheat harvest, brought to the Temple in Jerusalem and baked into two loaves of leavened bread. In addition to the wheat, the pilgrims celebrating Shavuot brought the first fruits of all their crops and offered them before the altar. They converged on Jerusalem from all nations, carrying baskets of their produce. Those who lived near Jerusalem brought fresh figs and grapes; those from a distance brought dried figs and raisins instead. A sacrificial ox with its horns bedecked with gold and its head crowned with olive leaves led the procession to the Temple. Walking in front of the ox, a flute player played the melodies of the psalms while the pilgrims sang along.

We can imagine the disciples and followers of Yeshua joining in the midst of this procession as they wound their way through Jerusalem's streets. The Shavuot festival already carried extra significance for these believers, because it was 50 days after Messiah had resurrected. He was the first fruits of the Resurrection, and they were the first fruits of His ministry.

Jewish tradition hails the Feast of Weeks as the anniversary of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Surely, the disciples and most of the First Century Jerusalem Jews would have known the traditional Jewish folklore of this mo'ed. They themselves would also have believed it to be the anniversary of God stepping down from the heavens and onto the top of Sinai. (Exodus 19-20) On that day there was wind; there was lighting; there was thunder; there was smoke; and there was fire. The voice of God was audibly heard by the entire nation when He spoke the Ten Commandments. According to the Rabbis, this event took place exactly 50 days after the day of the Exodus from Egypt. Historically, it was the original Shavuot.
Thunder and Lightning

The English translation concludes the Ten Commandments story, "And all the people saw the thunder and lightning." (Exodus 20:18) But the original Hebrew of Exodus 20:18 says something quite different. In the Hebrew, the verse literally reads, "And all the people saw the voices and the torches." Most translations smooth out the Hebrew by translating the word 'voices' as 'thunder,' which agrees with the context of the thunder and lightning at Mount Sinai. But the Hebrew really says, "They saw the voices and the torches." What does it mean, "...the people saw voices"? How does one see a sound? How does one see a voice? What are the torches and from where did they come?

In Deuteronomy, Moses retells the story of hearing God's voice at Sinai. In ten different passages, he reminds Israel that they heard God's voice speak to them "from out of the fire." Repeatedly he says, "You all heard the voice speaking from out of the fire." One ancient Jewish legend explains that as God's voice spoke, it split into a multitude of sparks going forth. His voice came to them as fire. Therefore, the torches of Exodus 20:18 are explained as the fiery words of God that came to each person individually. Consider the following passage about God's fiery voice from an ancient Jewish legend:

On the occasion of [the giving of] the Torah, the [Children of Israel] not only heard the Lord's voice, but actually saw the sound waves as they emerged from the Lord's mouth. They visualized them as a fiery substance. Each commandment that left the Lord's mouth traveled around the entire camp and then came back to every Jew individually...7

Careful Bible students will remember that Mount Sinai was not the first time God used heavenly torches of fire in making a covenant. When Abraham made a covenant with the Lord, God appeared to him as fiery torch. (Genesis 15:17)

Another intriguing piece of Jewish, interpretive folklore explains that Israel not only saw the voice of God, they also heard it in every language. According to that explanation, the Bible says, "All the people saw the voices..." because God's voice spoke in many different voices [languages] at Mount Sinai. It is believed that as God spoke from Mount Sinai, His voice spoke simultaneously in all the languages of the world.

The Wedding

For thousands of years the Jewish people have been celebrating the biblical feast of Shavuot as the 'Festival of the Giving of the Torah.' The remembrance of the Mount Sinai event is treated like the wedding anniversary between God and Israel. On Pentecost in the Synagogue today, a wedding contract between God and Israel is read. The actual Torah scroll is dressed in white like a bride's gown. The whole congregation recites the Ten Commandments together. The story of Exodus 19 and 20 is read aloud to the congregation. Pentecost is celebrated as a wedding anniversary for God and His bride--the anniversary of the fire on the mountain when God's voice spoke in all languages of the world and was visible as torches of fire that came to 'every Jew individually.'

The Spirit of the Law

In Acts chapter two, Peter and the other disciples were gathered to celebrate Shavuot. The Holy Spirit fell upon them in the form of flames of fire, and these torches of fire came to rest on each individual disciple. To the average Jew familiar with Jewish tradition, the miracle would clearly point to the legend of God's fiery voice at Mount Sinai! In addition, after receiving this fiery spirit, the disciples found themselves proclaiming the Gospel in every language. (In Hebrew, the same word is used for 'tongues' and for 'languages'.) The miracle of speaking in all languages is another definite allusion to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Whether or not one can prove Sinai's legendary 70 languages or the fiery words as actually happening is not important. It is important, however, to remember that Peter and the disciples and followers of Yeshua were all very aware of the Shavuot legends. They would have known the story of the giving of the Torah. They would have known the story of the words of fire resting on each individual. They would have known the story of God's voice speaking to all mankind in every language. Therefore, the miracles, signs and wonders that came upon them in Acts chapter two carried deep significance. The tongues of fire and the speaking in every tongue were both direct allusions to the Mount Sinai wedding experience and the receiving of the Torah.

Shavuot draws a line of connection between Exodus 19 and Acts chapter 2. The festival superimposes the giving of the Spirit in Jerusalem over the giving of the Torah at Sinai. The two events are forever inseparably linked. This link creates a profound theological implication for believers.

Ezekiel the prophet foresaw this when God declared through him, "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances." (Ezekiel 36:27) Jeremiah the prophet foresaw this when God declared through him, "Behold, I will make a New Covenant...I will put My Torah within them and on their heart I will write it, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33) Thus the Spirit of God within us and the Torah of God must agree. Both are from the same, unchanging God. The Holy Spirit was given to us in order to place the Torah within our hearts. He is at work within us, transforming us into a bride worthy of her betrothed. As our hearts ache for righteousness and yearn after the commandments of God, we can be confident that His Spirit is at work within us.

Another interesting article for your consideration!

2010-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

“Screwtape on Four Easy ways to kill a Church Plant” By David L. Watson
An article originally appearing on the Church Multiplication Associates Website
Adapted by Robin J. Dugall

“Ok, they are not from Screwtape, but they sure sound like they are.” That’s the opening statement of the author of this article from the CMA. “Screwtape” is a reference to CS Lewis’ masterful book, The Screwtape Letters in which a “senior tempter” gives advice to his “junior tempter nephew” on how to trip up followers of Jesus (individually and collectively). In reading this article, it occurred to me that some of the principles/truths communicated could make good fodder for contemplation and reflection in terms of how we communicate and teach disciples of Jesus about how God calls them to a lifestyle of mission. Truth is - what “kills” a church plant is what kills a church…maybe we need to take a peak at these points and take them seriously.

1. Establish a "Come To" environment, instead of a "Go To" environment.

Many church-starts (ed. Note – and churches/congregations) begin by going to a new community, but then set up a building for people "come to" in order to find God or Community or ... you fill in the blank. Going doesn't stop until we are staying in homes, transforming individuals, families and communities. See Matthew 10, Luke 9, and Luke 10.

2. Make Converts, instead of Disciples.

Most churches are concerned with convincing people to believe like they do and adopt the church's peculiar doctrine - making converts. A disciple is one who believes like Jesus does and gives his or her life to be like Jesus and help others to find Jesus and become like Him. Converts are about a brand of church or denomination. Disciples are about obediently following the Master regardless of consequences. No one wants our religion, or our style of worship, or our doctrines. Almost everyone wants to be a follower of God, a disciple of Jesus without the crud we have added in the modern church. Yes, there are some who will come to our churches. What about the 80-90% who will never darken the door of a traditional church? They will refuse to become converts. They may respond to the becoming disciples of the Creator of the Universe.

3. Grow Churches, instead of establishing new churches.

I am frequently asked to consult with churches who are interested in starting new work. The first question I ask is, "Are you interested in growing your church, or in reaching your community for Christ?" Many people see these as the same. They are not. Growing a church is about getting more people to come to the church. The reality is that no single church appeals to even a miniscule part of society. Churches have personalities, and these personalities click with only a few. So, if you start out to simply grow a church, there is a limit to how many people can be reached, simply because most people will have zero interest in the church.

On the other hand, if you start out to reach a community, regardless of whether or not the new believers will come to any particular church, numerous churches with just the right personalities for new believers will be initiated. In the course of all these new groups being starting, the catalytic church or churches will grow.

One can't reach a community by trying to grow a church. But, if one reaches the community by all means available, the church that does this will grow.

4. Teach stuff, instead of obedience to all the commands of Christ.

One of the most misquoted and misunderstood passages of the Bible is Matthew 28:18-20. Ask people, sometime, what this passage tells us to teach. I think you will be surprised by the number of people who will not say, "to obey." Most of our churches, and most of our doctrines, are about teaching facts or knowledge about the Bible or theology or doctrine, or our own particular brand of church.

We will not see significant church planting until and unless we are willing to teach everyone to obey all the commands of Christ, our Creator and God. How does one teach obedience? By being consistently obedient in public and in private, in word and in thought. Obedience is taught by an obedient life that supports daily life decisions from the principles of God's Word regardless of the consequences. A faithful life is an obedient life in all situations and circumstances regardless of the consequences of being obedient.

The Great Commission is one commission with four parts or commands. If any one of these commands is not obeyed, then the commission is broken and will not produced the fruit that God intended - obedient Disciples and Churches.

An interesting article on the "De-Churched"

2010-05-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you are curious (if not simply frustrated) about the statistics you read regarding the state of the "Church" (especially in our denomination). Numbers aren't looking good...I was told that in 2010 the NW district is anticipating the closing of 10 congregations. Most congregations are losing more members than gaining. In many of my conversations with friends, acquaintances, and people I meet in the community, I am sensing and hearing that there are more people who "confess" some level of spiritual interest (if not out and out commitment) but NO interest in the organized church. Well, many others from a plethora of Christian backgrounds are asking similar questions as we - who are these "Un-churched" types? Are there things we need to hear from them regarding how they perceive the Church? And is there critique valid?

A friend of mine from Canada is pursuing his doctorate in missiology and recently wrote an article on his blog regarding the "De-Churched". I thought you might find it interesting and that it might provoke you to some new thoughts, prayers and discussions:

“Church leavers” by Len Hjalmarson

On March 16, 2010 Skye Jethani posted at Out of Ur on the De-Churched. Who are they? What is this all about anyway? How come so many believers are suddenly not attending meetings on a Sunday morning? Are they just a bunch of self-centered, disloyal, unsubmissive, I’d-rather-watch-football, un-disciples of Jesus?

Having been a de-churched believer myself for an extended period of time, but never having stopped following Jesus, I have my own take on the answer. But I’ve also had many helpful conversations over the years, and picked up small tidbits here and there. About four years ago I met Barb Orlowski, a Jesus-follower processing her own thoughts and feelings around all this. Barb was in the doctoral cohort a year ahead of me at ACTS. It was only a year and a bit before that when I had come across Alan Jamieson’s research work on church-leavers in New Zealand.

In The Present Future, leadership and spirituality author Reggie McNeal wrote, “A growing number of people are leaving the institutional church for a new reason. They are not leaving because they have lost their faith. They are leaving to preserve their faith.”

What in the world? Talk about cognitive dissonance. Why would someone leave church to “preserve” his or her faith? In the same book McNeal opined,

“I say we have a church in North America that is more secular than the culture. Just when the church adopted a business model, the culture went looking for God. Just when the church embraced strategic planning (linear and Newtonian), the universe shifted to preparedness (loopy and quantum). Just when the church began building recreation centers, [or theaters], the culture began a search for the sacred. Church people still think that secularism holds sway and that people outside the church have trouble connecting to God. The problem is that when people come to church, expecting to find God, they often encounter a religious club holding a meeting where God is conspicuously absent. It may feel like a self-help seminar or even a political rally. But if pre-Christians came expecting to find God. sorry! They may experience more spiritual energy at a U2 concert or listening to a Creed CD.”

If this is true, then, “Houston, we have a problem!” Could it be that one of the dynamics we are seeing in this new exodus has to do with a broken human institution and many broken leaders? Could it be that our typical assumption that God is active within the fortress but absent in the culture around us was just plain mistaken? Sure it could. These are some of the dynamics operative in the huge and growing exodus. But it doesn’t fully explain what we are seeing, and it certainly doesn’t offer a clear sense of the implications. We have to scratch a bit harder to clarify this fuzzy picture.

On the “Out of Ur” blog in March and April of this year, Skye Jethani (of Leadership Journal) wrote two articles on the “De-Churched”. Skye makes a nice beginning for us in his March article. He starts out by making a critique that Tozer would have strongly approved. He uses a video clip from Matt Chandler, who attributes the exodus of young people to the proclamation (explicitly or implicitly) of a false gospel of “moralistic deism.” This is essentially the “health and wealth” gospel, but founded on moralism. If you obey God’s rules he will bless you with what you desire. But as Skye points out, this becomes a problem when the blessing doesn’t come—or doesn’t come in the form we want. Moreover, the theology here is deeply skewed. It makes God into a mechanism and faith into a technique. I do A so God will do B. No personal majestic Creator necessary in this formula.

Skye agrees with Matt, but only partly. There is at least one more group of de-churched Christians. They haven’t walked away from faith in Christ, but have lost confidence in the institutional structures and programmatic trappings of the church. For them the institutional church is distracting, a drain on time, resources, and energy better spent on mission. Instead of supporting incarnational attempts, it extracts people from their missional contexts into endless meetings and political wranglings. It provides religious goods and services (see the first complaint above) without teaching us how to really worship. It bids us come – but not come and die (Bonhoeffer).

Skye breaks this group of de-churched down into two groups. I’ll use his terms but then characterize then my own way. Skye sees the relationally de-churched (“The church is a machine; it doesn’t know what to do with people”), and the missionally de-churched (“The church bids me come when I think I’m actually supposed to be ‘going’ out on mission.”) He breaks this second group down one more time into the “transformationally de-churched.” This third group would be closer to the group that make up the urban mission that is at the core of our METRO community. We have seen the enemy, and it is us. When we get involved with people in recovery, we discovery a raw edge to faith that makes it very difficult to sit through the heavily programmed, neat and tidy, everything by the timer, sanitized approach to meetings that is typical of large western churches.

But Skye leaves out one group in his exploration and misses one of the nuances. At least one more category is needed, and Alan Jamieson supplies it in his research and interviews among de-churched believers in New Zealand. This additional category relates to the quotes from Reg McNeal, which I offered above. It has some elements in common with the relationally de-churched and the transformationally de-churched in that there is just something about the institutional and programmatic approach to meetings that has stopped working for these people. But the problems go deeper than that. Alan identifies this group as only a sociologist would (shades of the work of James Fowler) as “reflective exiles.” Here is his description.

“For this group of leavers.. leaving is typically a process which occurs over a long period of time, perhaps 18 months or more. This process of moving away from the church begins gradually with feelings of unease, a sense of irrelevancy between church and what happens in other important areas of their lives, and a reducing sense of fit and belonging to the church community and its ‘faith package’. The gateway through which this group leave the church I have called Meta-grumbles. They are [questioning] the deep rooted foundations of the faith itself. The faith of the Reflective Exiles can be characterized as counter-dependent. When I asked this group of leavers what nurtures their faith now the most common response was “It certainly isn’t . . . ” followed by some description of aspects of [established church]. Secondly, the Reflective Exiles are engaged in a deconstruction of their previous faith. That is, they are engaged in a process of taking to pieces the faith they had received, accepted and acted within for so many years. To do so is personally a very destabilizing process for them, as their faith has been an important part of their worldview, the foundation of important life decisions and an integral part of their sense of selfhood. They are involved in an ongoing reflective process which involves a reevaluation of each component of their faith.”

What is striking about this description is that it frames the church leavers as people on a journey. Historically and in the tradition of Christian spirituality, we might use the term “desert journey” or “pilgrimage” to describe the movement that has placed this group outside traditional structures. This begs the question of whether this journey is actually a response to an inner call, a response to the Spirit? (I asked Alan Roxburgh about the inner journey in its relation to disengaging from traditional forms in an interview in 2007).

Alan describes a second group that is similar to Reflective Exiles, calling this group “Transitional Explorers.” He writes that, “The transitional faith interviewees displayed an emerging sense of ownership of their faith. This is shown in a confidence of faith, a clear decision to move from a deconstruction of the received faith to an appropriation of some elements of the old faith whilst giving energy to building a new self-owned faith.”

It doesn’t take a psychologist or therapist or a Scott Peck aficionado to recognize that both the Reflective Exiles and the Transitional Explorers are on a faith journey, an individuating process that was somehow restricted by their involvement in a faith community. Like adolescents, they had to somehow “leave home” in order to make their faith and their lives their own. Some of these will complete this work in a new setting (transitions require liminal space) and then reengage at a different level. This describes my own process in the last ten years quite accurately. From here Alan describes a final category that is also part of this journey, “Integrated Wayfinders.” But it’s probably more useful for me to move on and make another connection.

One of the surprising results of the research for Alan was discovering that for the majority of leavers (65% of those interviewed) this was not a solo journey but one which involved them in groups of people in similar faith transitions. Even more interesting is the possibility that leaving church can be a step in healing and growth for some. Andrew Pritchard runs the de-churched through the grid of Fowler’s “stages of spiritual growth”.

The classic work on “spiritual stages,” (other than perhaps the Enneagram) is Fowler’s work. He describes the third stage of faith development as “Synthetic-Conventional” faith. The transition from this stage to the next, “Individuative-Reflective” faith, is described like this: “”For a genuine move to stage 4 to occur there must be an interruption of reliance on external sources of authority. The ‘tyranny of the they’- or the potential for it – must be undermined. In addition to the kind of critical reflection on one’s previous system . . . of values . . . there must be . . . a relocation of authority within the self.” According to Fowler the strength of stage 4 has to do with its capacity for critical reflection on identity (self) and outlook (ideology).

Pritchard’s article is helpful. It reframes at least some of the process of leaving church with the hope that God is active here too. God father’s us not only in traditional structures, but on the road, on the journey, wherever it takes us. As I close this short reflection, I am thinking of the wisdom of Bonhoeffer in Life Together.

“Let him who cannot be alone beware of being in community.”
“Let him who cannot be in community beware of being alone.”

New book I'm looking forward to reading...

2010-05-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is a professor at a seminary...no, not one that is located in St. Louis or Ft. Wayne...one of those "others". He told me about a new book on pastoral ministry that I've ordered and look forward to reading - he said to me, "if you are total pragmatist when it comes to ministry, you won't like this book. If you are a theologian-pastor type, you may well love Andrew Purves, The Resurrection of Ministry: Serving in the Hope of the Risen Lord." Well, that alone got me curious! He said this one takes us from Good Friday, coaxes us away from dwelling in a Holy Saturday ministry, and invites us into a Resurrection theology that can reshape ministry. Interesting! He told me, the book must be read slowly to savor the theology, but then he did me a favor and highlighted the steps that Purves walks through for the pastoral theology that dwells in the resurrection...frankly, looks like some steps that I might want to visit! What do you think? Here is the list...

Focus on Jesus
Rewrite the roadmap of ministry
Become a theologian
Learn how the Lord works
Put ascension day back in place
Sharpen the edge (use present tense for Jesus etc)
Come to terms with a risen, but hidden, Jesus
Become martyrs
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Insert Trinitarian words into your liturgical expressions
Trust in the resurrected Lord that your ministry is accepted by God
Let resurrection faith resist evil
Declare in your preaching; preach with conviction
Ministry practices the atonement
Ministry moves also from Easter into Good Friday: crucifixion is praxis.
Intentionally celebrate joyfully
Ministry is a joy
Celebrate funerals in the mood of Easter
Liturgies of forgiveness can be reshaped

And now a quote from someone you wouldn't expect...

2010-05-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

His father died of the plague during the 17th century in England...he was a leader of the "non-conformists" (a.k.a. the Puritans)...he was an ordained Presbyterian clergyman...his name is John Flavel. Here's a quote of his I ran into the other day when I was doing some reading. It is quite good and has very practical implications:

"Would you like to test whether this or that doctrine is from the Spirit of Christ or not? Examine it by this rule: whatever doctrine you find to encourage and countenance sin, to exalt self, to be accommodating to the world’s designs, and that bends to the humors and lusts of men, you may safely reject. Whatever doctrine makes those who profess it to be carnal, proud, and sensual, you may safely conclude never came from Jesus Christ. The doctrines of Christ lead to godliness; his truth sanctifies. Do not swallow anything, even if it comes ever so dearly, that does not have some relish of Christ and holiness in it."

Discipleship...read and then jump in!

2010-04-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

I think we have gotten discipleship wrong and it is time to regain and then unleash the forgotten ways of what it means to follow Jesus. When some people talk about discipleship, they define it in primarily "privatistic" terms...as if being a disciple of Jesus is epitomized in a person's life as "private territory". Some describe discipleship as something that exclusively emerges out of a person's belief system, or that which is seen solely in an individual's devotional life (prayer, bible reading, quiet times, etc.)...for others it has to do with what a person "learns" about Jesus via doctrinal, apologetic, or theological exploration as if the more knowledge one has about God the more of a disciple they become. There is a problem with that though - cognition, mental assent, and doctrinal sophistication where never meant to be measurements of discipleship. Trust me...there is nothing wrong with knowing more about God and knowing God more. That should be one of the prime passions of every Christ follower. Rather what did (at least biblically) define discipleship was how the follower of Jesus responded in and through their lifestyle to the invitation to participate in the movement of God’s life in the world. Make no mistake about it - there is a difference between being a "believer" and a "disciple"...they are not synonymous. Belief does not necessarily mean action...belief can lead and should lead to action. Discipleship assumes belief but primarily means action. Because of that, discipleship is best clarified in our lives by how much of the life and passions of Jesus are imitated in our daily experience. Jesus defines the disciple’s existence as we share in his divine nature and lifestyle. In many respects, it is the role of the Holy Spirit to call, choose, empower, "bless with every spiritual blessing" and then UNLEASH the disciple that exists within each follower of Jesus.

Below are some "ideas" of what discipleship can "live like" in someone who claims Jesus as Lord:

"So then, you will know them by their fruits" (Jesus in Matthew 7)

* Disciples don't necessarily just have principles that they are willing to die for...they also have a list of practices that mark their lives.
* Disciples see each moment as one with an opportunity to be filled by Jesus - they sacramentalize each moment.
* Disciples receive with a thankful heart and know what it means to worship God by giving things away.
* Disciples are gripped by the things that are gripped by grace.
* Disciples live out the significance Jesus placed on the gathering/community of His people, what is called the Body of Christ, as being the hope of the world.
* Disciples know the difference between a "please, God" and "please God" prayer.
* Disciples approach living for the Kingdom of God not as obligation but as an adventure.
* Disciples know the difference between their effort, knowledge, experience, and energy and the potential that fills them when they are able to tap into the ultimate power-source, gift-releaser - the Holy Spirit.
* Disciples are not into volunteerism because they know that Jesus calls them into servant leadership and dedicated, humble service to God.
* Disciples understand the mystery of God and knowing that only by living the mystery will they understand what life is all about.
* Disciples know that having "eyes to see and ears to hear" has to do with being on the lookout for the movement of God in every moment of life.
* Disciples know that Jesus calls them to be the Church more than He does to go to church.
* Disciples know that God is not through with them yet and that their life would be best lived with a sign around their neck, "under construction".
* Disciples know that listening and loving is just as powerful, if not more powerful, than sharing their faith.
* Disciples realize that prayer has more to do with their transformation than it does with getting God to do something.
* Disciples know that when they are in the presence of one or more other disciples that the power of God is waiting in the wings.
* Disciples know that there is a difference between being hearers and doers of the Word.
* Disciples know that in the midst of every human contact there is the potential of a Divine appointment.
* Disciples live out the reality that discipleship for them means discipling others who will in turn disciple others who will in turn... In other words, Disciples understand that every person they come in contact with is "fair game" for discipling.
* Disciples love expressions of worship but understand that true worship is embodied in the phrase, "living sacrifice".
* Disciples know in their heart the cost of discipleship and that discipleship continues to cost.

How about you? You have any additions? How about some phrases that YOU can add to the list? Post a comment and we'll continue to build on what it means for us to be Disciples/Followers of Jesus.

Something that can capture your heart...

2010-04-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

In the course of my journey as a leader over the past year, I have produced a number of videos that have been "executive summaries" of key texts that have shaped my thinking and heart. The video below is one that is based on Henri Nouwen's classic book, In the Name of Jesus. May this spark your imagination and capture your heart today...if you haven't read the book, get it and read it!

"Re-booting" to Jesus

2010-04-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I just had to reboot my computer...this doesn't happen too often because I'm a Mac user with a huge amount of RAM at my disposal...but it happens enough that it catches my attention. Rebooting essentially gets rid of all the stuff that is taking up your computer's usable memory. It tells the computer, "hey, I've been a bit hyper today...I've been ambitious...I tried to push you and I understand, you like things on your terms. So I'm starting out fresh..." Re-booting is wiping the slate clean; it gives you an opportunity to reexamine the reasons why you have the programs open that you do; it is in many respects an electronic cleansing of the palate so that you know you are focusing on the essentials of your work.

It shouldn't be a surprise to you when I say then that we have "way too many programs" open when it comes to how we understand faith, praxis, and life in the Church. So many things can gain our attention...so many things vie for control of our times, energy and resources. It's enough to have to our demands, visions, dreams, and emphases open on the table of our lives...but then add to them the congregation's wishes and prayers, the denomination's and District's encouragements and initiatives, and the pressures that go along with a rapidly changing culture and spiritual landscape - no wonder it is time to reboot. Truthfully, that's what we often need to do...simply stop and reboot...simply stop and reexamine what we are doing, how we are living, and rediscover a way to hold on to the essentials. That's why the following quotes caught my eye and heart this morning:

"The freedom to know God, unhindered as much as possible from religious or human discoloration, is the central joy and purpose of life. All of the rest of our journey in church-life (life with and for Jesus) is informed by our deepening friendship with God that is allowing him to be more intimately involved in our lives than ever before...The result is often a personal renewal of our own relationship with Jesus, a greater longing to understand what it is to be an uncompromising follower, to hear his voice, to respond to him, and to live out of a deep intimacy and love relationship with him that is truly center stage in our life."

Getting to the bottom line of who we are, why we do what we do, and what the purpose of life is all about is vital to the health, vitality and focus of our followership in Jesus. Disciples and leaders need rebooting often...what is it that you have lost sight of because "too many programs" are opened and you are running slow and inefficiently? How would your life and ministry change if you rebooted to Jesus?

There's been a little book that I've kept in my library for years...I read this section occassionally when I get the sense that the Spirit is calling me to reboot. See how it fits in your soul today:

"I'm only 57, and I already find myself weary of the hollow thoughts of what few accomplishments I may have mustered in my life. My failures continue to embarrass me. The inadequacies I have carried with me since my youth still frustrate me. My insecurities still trouble my soul. And the praise of others has an increasingly hollow ring I am tired of worrying about whether or not the sermon I preached was good enough or whether or not someone will pat me on the back for a job well done. I'm tired of worrying about what people think about me. I'm weary of the carnal feeling that sometimes haunts me when someone talks about his favorite preacher and it's not me. Bottom line, I just flat out get tired of me. But I never get tired of Jesus. After all these years, I still find Him more compelling, more engaging, more awesome, more surprising, more fulfilling, and more attractive than ever before. I never get tired of singing His praises or watching Him perform. I find Him to be gripping. Absorbing. Beyond comprehension. And that's why - along with Paul, my grandmother, Billy Graham, and countless others through the years - I find myself longing to know Him better. I am becoming increasingly aware that life doesn't go on forever. When we're young, we think we are bulletproof. We live like we'll never die. But when your knees protest certain movements and your eyesight and memory begin to grow fuzzy, reality sets in. I can see the day coming when there'll be another president of Moody - and a better one at that. There'll be other preachers who bless hungry hearts. And me? I'll be sitting in the corner of some nursing home waiting for them to ring the lunch bell. And if life up to that point has been all about me, that is going to be a sad and empty day - no matter what they are serving for lunch. Why? Because all I will have will be me. Which at that point won't be much. But...if my life has been about knowing Jesus and experiencing a deepening relationship with Him, as I sit in that corner of the nursing home waiting for the lunch bell to ring, He'll be there with me. The Mighty Son of God...the Bright and Morning Star...the Desire of all Nations...the Great Shepherd of the Sheep...the wondrous Creator of all...the King of Kings and Lord of Lords..." (Joe Stowell)

Responding to the Call of the Wild - Book Review of Alan and Deb Hirsch's book, Untamed

2010-04-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Book Review – Untamed-Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship, by Alan and Debra Hirsch (Published by Baker Books, 2010)

There is nothing like seeing something that is wild. Fact is, people will pay good money to see animals romp in an environment that mimics their natural setting simply because it looks wild (even though it is not, i.e. San Diego Wild Animal Park). There is something inherently exciting and dangerous about being “wild”…there is anticipation and uneasiness as well as the thrill of unpredictability. Yet, despite our fascination with the wild, we seem to be driven by our desire to cage, tame and domesticate anything that appears dangerous. Why? Because all the talk of excitement and unpredictability is so often trumped by our human and hidden need for safety, staidness, and certainty. As long as something that is wild can be caged up or fenced in we can marginalize and/or control it.

Alan and Deb Hirsch take a strong stance and make compelling arguments for regaining and remembering what it was like to be called to be “untamed” in their new book of the same title, Untamed-Reactivating a Missional form of Discipleship. When I was reading the book, it took me back to the feeling I got watching “Born Free” many years ago…now, I know that sounds absolutely childish, cliché-ish, and ridiculous…but hear me out. We were created by God, called by the Jesus Himself, empowered by the very Power of God through the Holy Spirit NOT SO THAT WE COULD BE domesticated, caged, clipped or tamed. As long as the culture can drive down streets and see churches that they assume house tamed Christians (complete with programs and activities that keep us “in” our cages, fed and satisfied) they will never know that we as followers of Jesus were not meant for domestication…and we will never realize our full potential as being inherently dangerous within our world for the Kingdom. Part of what is needed in our world from a Kingdom perspective is disciples who are invading and infiltrating the culture with the very power and presence of God. Tell you what – you get the “animals” out of the cages, convinced that being untamed is how God originally designed, saved and empowered them to be and you have a dynamic that leads to life and vibrancy. As a friend of mine has said, “unleash the disciple within”…now, that’s an adventure that many followers of Jesus really want to sign up for…many that I know, didn’t want to lay down their lives for the predictability of the cage…they don’t want to be tamed…they want to feel and experience the Kingdom thrill of being empowered by God for something that will not only change their lives, but the world!

Enough of me – the Hirsch’s take on the topic of discipleship in this new book and they do it with biblical astuteness and practical passion. Both have extensive histories in traditional and missional expressions of “Church”…so they write with a personal believability due to the fact that they have “been there, done that.” Both are committed to a historically-based, sound and orthodox Christology, as evidenced in the following:

“Jesus is the key not only because Christian discipleship is about becoming more like Jesus but also because it is only in and through Jesus that we can get the proper, truly Christ-ian understanding of God. In other words, Jesus gets defining rights in relation to life, discipleship, theology and everything in between.” (page. 35)

The Hirsch’s understand the biblical call to discipleship from a decidedly transformational perspective. They call on us to understand what it is to be “living versions of him – little Jesuses.” They warn about how easy it is to fall into lies that convince us to love, follow, and discover our identity in anything else but the true God. I loved the Hirsch’s “boldness” in discussing the Holy Spirit – taking risks of being labeled and pigeon-holed as “raving Pentecostalists”, both Alan and Deb encourage followers of Jesus in the awakening of the power of the Holy Spirit not only for life, but also for creativity, transformation, risky mission and community. This section inspired me,

“…the missional church movement in the West needs to seriously re-embrace the role of the Holy Spirit as part of the Christian experience. And if we really want to recover the lost ethos of authentic missional Christianity, we are going to have to take the risk of encountering the divine and personally experiencing god in wild and wonderful ways in order to bring the kingdom into this time and place. It’s going to take untamed disciples who, as lovers and pursuers of God, have no defenses and are willing to lay bare their hearts before him to make this happen. Amen, come Holy Spirit.” (p. 102).

All I can say is “preach it!” Discipleship is about change…and God is too much of a lover of our souls and a God of action to leave us as we are…to know God is to change (allow ourselves to be stripped of rebellion, stripped of rebellious religion, stripped of restrictive practices that prevent us from a true experience and love of God).

In addition to its theological explorations, ecclesiology and missiology are Untamed’s true call…at the “heart” of the book (literally, the center of the paperback that I have on my lap while I write this) is the pivot section on disciple-making as mission and mission as the definition of “Church”. In these sections, those of you who are familiar with Alan and his past work (Shaping of Things to Come, The Forgotten Ways, etc.) will not be surprised. The Hirsch’s make a passionate argument of the “untamedness” of the priesthood of all believers and for a recovery of understanding of the core message of the Great Commission – Discipleship and Disciple-making. They take on sacred cows…they take on old paradigms…they take on any and all comers…

“…all of us are called to disciple others-discipling is the task of every Christian….discipleship is not just for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior-it’s for everyone. We as believers are called to disciple everyone who comes into our orbit of influence-it’s that simple. If each believer understood discipleship in this way and then took their biblical mandate seriously, we would have lots of people growing and becoming more and more like Jesus – and hopefully at some point coming under His Lordship. It’s not our role to convert them, but to disciple them. Conversion is God’s business. How much better would the world be? And the fun thing is that in many cases those who haven’t accepted Jesus as Lord may have no idea that they are being discipled!” (p. 147)

That’s Untamed! Without a doubt and without apology, the Hirsch’s call for followers of Jesus to reclaim our disciple-making prowess and passion is at the heart of what it means to be “wild” for Christ. I could go on and on…as I already have for many of your tastes. My enthusiasm for this book is based on its readability, sound biblical exploration and praxis-orientation. It is inspiring and practical and is bound to help you think through how you are to be the Untamed follower of Jesus you have been called to be!

Is it a God-honoring Vision or a Burden?

2010-04-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

This cartoon by Nakedpastor.com got me thinking...I've wondered many times as a leader how much people can take of visionary language. Yes, vision empowers, motivates, gives people a "taste" of a preferable future...but how often can vision be something that does not inspire but rather becomes a burden? I was the pastor of a church in Denver years ago...it had had five different pastors over a 25 year period of time...each bringing to the congregation "their" vision...by the time I got there, the people were clear with me - we don't want to hear any more talk of "vision". One man actually said, "don't burden us with your vision, pastor...you do it and tell us how it's going...we're burned out on vision". Just because a leader has a vision does not mean that that vision is owned by the people in the movement/organization. If the vision isn't owned, isn't shared, isn't one that comes out of the heart of every person, then the vision might be one that de-motivates, discourages, or disrupts what God is really up. The dynamic of leadership that is one of the most difficult to attain and experience is how to discern vision in the context of community. Leadership isn't defined by the vision that the leader imposes on the people, or by the time it takes for the leader to convince the community that the leader's vision is worth investing in...but rather is something that is experienced when the leader senses the vision that God has for the community in the context of relationships...in other words, helping people as well as ourselves to see and sense and hear the voice/vision of God that we can all grasp on to and make our own. When the community is owning and leveraging its gifts and passions to actualize a common vision, now there's power! Any further thoughts? Comment below or email me @ rdugall@apu.edu

For how many of us who are spiritual leaders...is this true of our journey?

2010-04-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Revelation 2:4 "but I have this against you, that you have left your first love..."

An online friend "gives it up"...what do you think?

2010-04-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

A person I know through the community which is called "virtual" gave up his position as pastor the other day. Below is a part of the statement that he made on his blog that caught my attention. This is sad news to me...as it most likely will be for many of you. The issues in ministry today are complex...the ministry "playing field" has changed...Christianity is no longer in a culturally "favored" status...leaders of congregations are struggling with how to be relevant to the many circumstances that surround them...economic realities are making a huge impact...and the expectations of congregations are often out of synche with how a pastor feels about their own ministry calling. Add to that the immense pressure that is occurring as our congregations become more and more influenced by the cultural value of consumerism, people's obsession with superficial entertainment/voyuerism, the rise of mega-ministries, and a pop-cultural religious system that resembles more the classic definition of syncretism than an adherence to the familiar Judean- Christian ethos and you have a growing sense of desperation within local churches. I feel deeply for discouraged pastors...I've been there myself. If it wasn't for the encouragement that I feel from people close to me who also are "in the trenches" and the empowerment of the Spirit of God in my heart, it would be easy to join the ranks of the discouraged and "soon to be" resigning.

Read the following remarks if you have a few minutes...how would you respond to a "friend" in ministry who feels this way? What do you do to battle discouragement and fear? How do we enter into a leadership community in such a way that we become "more than conquerors" and not one more addition to a growing statistic? Let me know your thoughts...rdugall@apu.edu.

"I’ve left the professional ministry. I was ordained 25 years ago. I was a student minister before that. It has been a long hard haul. But I’ve gradually come to the realization that I can no longer work inside of the system. I no longer seem to fit within the institution. This is not to say that I don’t believe in the church. I absolutely do. But my relationship to the organization has definitely changed…I believe in the right and the importance of Christians to gather…but it’s the bad stuff that creeps in and clings to the gathering that I’ve always been critical of. One of the most deadly influences on a community is agenda. In my opinion, it should be enough to gather together to study the bible, pray, worship and fellowship. It’s when people desire more that things to go awry. To come without an agenda, without a goal, without a dream, without a vision for the church is most difficult. But this is the only way a church will live in a healthy manner. Visionary thinking, fantasizing, kills the church. Even the slightest bit of fantasizing for the church, like a little leaven, will affect the whole lump. It must be renounced entirely."

Enabling Flight or Intentionally Caging those God created to fly!

2010-04-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Parable of the Skylark and Worms

One day long ago, over the hot sands of a Middle Eastern country, a white skylark flew in joyous loops about the sky. As she swooped near the earth, she heard a merchant cry out, “Worms! Worms! Worms for feathers! Delicious Worms!” The skylark circled about the merchant, hungry at the mention of worms, but puzzled about what the merchant meant. Little did the skylark know that the merchant was the devil. And seeing the skylark was interested, the devil motioned her nearer. “Come here, my little friend. Come! See the lovely worms I have!”

Cautiously, the skylark landed and cocked her head to the merchant. “Come! Taste the juicy worms!” The skylark became aware that she was, indeed, quite hungry. And these worms looked bigger and tastier than any she had ever dug for herself out of the hardscrabble ground of the desert. The skylark hopped closer and put her beak close to the worm. “Two worms for a feather, my friend. Two worms for merely one!”

The skylark was unable to resist. And she had, after all, so many feathers. So, with the swift motion she pulled out a feather – just a small one – from beneath her wing and gave it to the merchant. “Take your pick, my little friend…any two, your heart’s desire!” The skylark quickly snatched up two of the plumpest worms and swallowed her meal with delight. Never before had she tasted such wonderful worms. With a loud chirp, she leapt into the air and resumed her joyful flight.

Day after day the skylark returned. And always the merchant had wonderful worms to offer: black ones and blue ones, red ones and green one, all fat and shiny and iridescent. But one day, after eating her fill, the skylark leapt again into the air – and to her horror, she fell to the ground with a thud. She was unable to fly!

All at once with a shock she realized what had happened. From eating the delicious worms she had grown fatter and fatter; and she had plucked her feathers one by one, first her body, then her tail, and finally her very wings had grown balder and balder. Horrified, she remembered how slowly, imperceptibly, day by day, it had been getting harder and harder to fly, and how she had told herself it was no matter. She could always stop before it was too late. Now suddenly, here she was, trapped on the ground. She looked up and saw the merchant looking at her. Was that a small, sly grin spreading across his face? He grabbed the now helpless bird, put her in a cage, and walked away laughing.

Followers of Jesus were meant to “fly”…to let the winds of the Spirit lead them to where they can love, serve and glorify God with their very lives. To “cage” a Christ-follower by keeping them “well fed” especially within the confines of church is to rob them of their created purpose and identity in Jesus. What is our intention in discipling those whom Jesus loved and empowered through His Spirit? To keep them pump and flightless or to enable them to be follow the Spirit on a spiritual quest that embodies the very dream of God?

For a fresh perspective, check out the Ideavirus!

2010-03-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

“Fact is, the first 100 years of our country’s history were about who could build the biggest, most efficient farm. And the second century focused on the race to build factories. Welcome to the third century, folks. The third century is about ideas.” Seth Godin.

I had the pleasure of reading another ebook by Seth Godin who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Seth never ceases to amaze me with his different takes on the seemingly ordinary…he looks at everything from a fresh vantage point. His books are not about theology, ecclesiology, the bible, church history, liturgy or practically anything that a "church person" would take notice of...rather he is about communication and "idea popping" something that people who lead ministries need to pay attention to...communication, shaping people's imagination, and calling people into a new way of living are all aspects of ministry to which Seth has something to say.

The book, The Ideavirus, is only available online. You can check out Seth’s website for more information. His point is clear – “the Holy Grail for anyone who traffics in ideas is this – to unleash an ideavirus….an idea that just sits there is worthless. But an idea that moves and grows and infects everyone it touches…that’s an ideavirus.”

How does an idea manifest itself? Where does it live? What does it look like? How does it grow? These are some of the things that Seth addresses. What’s an ideavirus? According to Godin, it’s a big idea that runs amok across the target audience. He writes, "It’s a fashionable idea that propagates through the section of the population, teaching and changing and influencing everyone it touches. And in our rapidly/instantly changing world, the art and science of building, launching and profiting from ideaviruses is the next frontier."

Some of the Key elements of an ideavirus:

1. Concentrating on the message. If just 1% or even 15% of a group is excited about your idea, it’s not enough. You only win when you totally dominate and amaze the group you’ve targeted.
2. People in contemporary culture are actually resisting "marketing"…Seth says, "stop marketing people"…rather create an environment where people will market to each other...basically, find ways to create movements of information.
3. Figure out how to make an idea worth spreading…spread it properly...and you will influence people.
4. Give attention to Velocity – measure how fast the idea spreads from one party to another.
5. Give attention to Smoothness – how easy is it for an end user to spread this particular ideavirus? How quickly do people get ON board with a new idea?
6. Be a person of Persistence – figure out how an idea can “bug” a person into submission.
7. Study the Vector of an idea – in other words, notice how an the idea “move” through an organization – where did the idea come from? Who resonates with it? Who and what are easy adapters to the idea?
8. Understand an ideavirus LOVES a vacuum...when something fresh hits a stagnant organization, it spreads like wildfire.

One more aspect of the book I thought was fascinating is that Seth says that the heart of an ideavirus are people he calls, "sneezers" – they are the ones who when they tell 10 or 20 or 100 people and people believe them. Sneezers are people of value in an organization...they are trustworthy and will be listened to...Seth says, "you want an idea to spread, carefully choose your sneezers and then let them loose."

Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with being a person committed to God's Kingdom and to the call of Jesus...well, aren't we trying to discover new ways to influence people? Aren't you praying, thinking, dreaming, and brainstorming of new ways that you can share a vision...a compelling picture of what God wants to do in each Christ follower's life as we live and manifest the good news of God's grace? Don't you wonder how to see paradigms shift and how to get new ideas to people that just might influence them in their desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit? You might want to check out the Ideavirus! Maybe you have a few ideas of your own that need to spread in your context to God's glory!

Moving from the Assumptions of Christendom into a Post-Christendom, Mission-focus Praxis (Part 2)

2010-03-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

In part 1 of this two-part post, I made some general comments about the realities of Post-Christendom. In sum, Post-Christendom is the culture that is emerging as the Christian story loses its primacy as that which shapes lives and institutions...Post-Christendom is a reality that includes the following transitions:

• From center to the margins – the Christian story no longer holds a preferred place in culture.
• From majority to minority – Christian population is no longer the undisputed majority of population.
• From settlers to sojourners – Post-Christendom creates a community of people who feel that they are exiles and aliens.
• From privilege to plurality – Post-Christendom sees the inclusion of other stories and faith systems as equally valid.
• From control to witness – no longer able to coerce society, Christians now influence via witness and lifestyle.
• From maintenance to mission – with the demise of the status quo, post-Christendom wrestles with a new understanding of mission.
• From institution to movement – there is a new understanding of the power of movement and the fluidity of a non-reliance on institutionalism.

I ended that initial post by writing, "Some may see these transitions are a tragedy. Others, including myself, see this age as an age of excitement and opportunity. Christ-followers have not had to deal with these dynamics since the early days of the Christian movement. It is not an easy environment to live but it does provide a chance to see faith and life from a radically new perspective. It also demands new ways of thinking about mission, discipleship, leadership development and theology as the movement of Christianity enters one of its most challenging eras in history."

Now, in this post, we are on to the “So what?” That is the question I try to pose to myself as I encounter any new information or try to learn something that could have the potential of impacting my life. If we have moved into an era of Post-Christendom, what are the “take aways”…what lessons do we need to learn as we attempt to be faithful to the call of our Lord Jesus and track His Spirit’s movement in our lives and the lives of others? Below are some "suggestions"...a place to start a dialog on how to proceed and how this "new playing field" may be that which the Holy Spirit uses to challenge the Body of Christ for a new era of ministry.

Possible Action Steps for a Movement of followers of Jesus

1. Discourse in the vernacular.

In Christendom there was little difference between the language inside and outside of the Church. In fact, because of a unified foundation of understanding/frame of reference, there was little need to engage in the language of culture. When Martin Luther himself completed his translation of the scriptures and the penning of hymnody utilizing the songs of local fare he was a full participant in the benefits of Christendom. But times have changed…in a movement of followers of Jesus in today’s culture, what appears to “us” to be common religious, theological or biblical terms must be explained and translated. The movement must avoid 'tribal' language, stylized or parochial language, and unnecessary pious jargon. The movement of mission needs to consider avoiding “we-them” language, disdainful jokes that mock divergent politics and beliefs, and dismissive discourse. The church needs to begin to avoid ever talking as if non-believing people are not present. If you speak and discourse as if your “whole neighborhood” is present (not just scattered Christians), eventually more and more of your neighborhood will find their way into relationship. As one missiologist wrote, “Unless all of the above is the outflow of a truly humble-bold gospel-changed heart, it is all just 'marketing' and 'spin.'”

2. Enter and re-tell the culture's stories with a biblical narrative perspective.

In Christendom it was entirely possible to simply exhort Christianized people to "do what they know they should" or “just be a good Baptist/Lutheran/Methodist/Catholic/etc.” in order to “correct” errant behavior or practice. There was no need for real relational engagement, listening, or persuasion. Church history is littered with communication permeated with exhortation, challenge, as well as a heavy reliance on guilt and legalism. In a Post-Christendom faith community, preaching and communication should always assume the presence of skeptical or irreligious people, and should seek to engage their stories, not simply talk about "the good ole days” when living the faith was perceived to be easier. To "enter" the story of the culture means that ministry “architects” show sympathy toward and deep acquaintance with what one author calls, “the literature, music, theater, etc. of the existing culture's hopes, dreams, 'heroic' narratives, fears.” To "re-tell" means that we take seriously how to communicate the reality of the Kingdom of God, the redemptive heart of God in Jesus, and the power and presence of God through the Spirit where the biblical narrative not only embraces and convicts but transforms the formed stories of those to whom we minister.

3. We have to intentionally “tackle” the perceive separation between the clergy and the laity. Faith Communities MUST theologically train lay people for public life and vocation.

In a Post-Christendom world, we must begin to take a “hard look” at the perception of the “ministry divide” between the clergy and laity. Not only do few people in the culture understand or appreciate the role of the clergy in the formalized Christian experience (i.e. institutional church), but there still is a void in the “ownership” of ministry by the laity. Most believe that they are not trained, called, gifted, or empowered to do the work of Jesus (like that of the pastor). We must also understand that despite all our words that highlight the biblical proclamation of the “priesthood of all believers” that the symbols, offices, roles, the public experience of most followers of Jesus within local faith communities underscore the experience of a specified “religious class” that solely handle the precious gifts of faith. In Christendom, the Church could afford to train people to be religious professionals – to see the acts of prayer, worship facilitation, Bible study, ministry leadership, even evangelism as private world skills. Christendom needed its “experts” because they are not facing radically non-Christian values in their public life…in other words, it seemed to make more sense to have a religious caste system in a world that was dominated by religious institutions and worldviews. But times have changed…in a “mission-minded” community, the laity needs to have not only access but also the permission to engage in the deep, transformational experiences of the life of faith. The culture needs to see followers of Jesus who are not being “paid” to be “professional” representatives of the Kingdom of God. Relevance, authenticity, and transparency are the call words of a new era. In order to facilitate and inform a growing experience of ownership in ministry, theological education and an intentionality of discipleship training need to be the passion of leadership in regards to the laity. All followers of Jesus need an opportunity to grow in “thinking Christianly” about everything and work/live with faithful, biblical distinctiveness. They need to how to discern cultural practices were experiences of common grace could be embraced as well as what practices are antithetical to the gospel and must be rejected. Post-Christendom marks a new day for lay people who are on the “front lines” of renewing and transforming the culture through a distinctive understanding of Christian vocation where everyone takes their place at the “table” of real “kingdom work” and ministry alongside those committed to the traditional ministry of the Word and Sacraments. Finally, Christ followers will need to learn how to use the gospel to demonstrate true love and “acceptance” in "the public square" toward those with whom we deeply differ. Acceptance should equal or exceed that which opposing views show toward the Jesus following experience.

4. Create Christian community that is counter-cultural and counter-intuitive.

In Christendom, “ekklesia” became the foundation of personal faith nurturing, support and accountability. In the 20th century, the onslaughts of the values of consumerism have further promoted the “individualistic ingestion” of the Christian experience. In a Post-Christendom culture, those dynamics continue to be a necessary aspect of the faith community. However, the realities of Post-Christendom demand that the Christian community go beyond personal encouragement and relational development. As in the book of Acts, a community of followers of Jesus must begin to embody a “counter-culture” which demonstrates to the culture at large how radically different a society transformed by the Spirit is God is. This kind of church is profoundly “counter-intuitive”to cultural observers. The community that lives the “Sermon on the Mount”, that takes seriously the “Fruit of the Holy Spirit”, and the ethic of the Kingdom of God is truly one that will stand in diametrical opposition to the culture at large. In a Post-Christendom world, followers of Jesus in community must make the faith and life of a disciple so evident that it refutes cultural dismissal and marginalization.

5. Practice and promote Christian unity as much as possible.

In Christendom, the understanding existed that “everyone was a Christian” and that “brands” of the Church could exist, on the one hand, to act as a leaven to heresy but also as unique expressions of the faith within ethnic or even personal preference boundaries and understandings. Many regarded the diversity of “church”/denominational experience as necessary as a plethora of followers of Jesus sought to define themselves and underscore their experience within the flow of history. Within the Christendom paradigm, Christian identity was clarified by denominational preference. Denominational preference led to a diversity of ekklesia that enabled people to experience “church” within theological and practical comfort zones but also led to an explosion of ecclesiastical pride and arrogance. As Christendom was falling, a once helpful diversity of religious experience in denominationalism led to public condemnations over differences, turf wars, and a radical, exclusionary differentiation of the faith journey furthering the breakdown of any understanding of Christian unity. In a Post-Christendom culture, denominational is the ecclesiastical equivalent to “white noise”. The “brands” of Christianity make no sense to the culture…those driving by buildings with a denominational or even non-denominational titles mean nothing. One religious institution equals that of another. It is past the time to call our churches to a new sense of partnership in embodying the Kingdom of God in today’s world. It is very important that we not spend our time bashing and criticizing other kinds of churches, movements, and ministries especially if those expressions of the faith fall under a commonality of understanding and passion for the truth of the Gospel. While we need to uphold some practices that align ourselves in denominations that share many of our specific distinctives, at the local level we need to incarnate a renewed passion to cooperate with, reach out to and support other congregations and faith communities. It is time we obeyed the words of Jesus who, in the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, challenged all to allow the “Lord of the Harvest” to be the One who brings any charge, condemnation, or exclusion to the fruits of the fields of life that are ultimately His.

“The church gets in trouble whenever it thinks it’s in the church business rather than the Kingdom business. In the church business people are concerned with church activities, religious behavior and spiritual things. In the Kingdom business people are concerned with Kingdom activities, all human behavior and everything God has made, visible and invisible. Kingdom people see human affairs as saturated with spiritual meaning and Kingdom significance. Church people often think about how to get people into church; Kingdom people think about how to get the church into the world. Church people worry that the world might change the church; Kingdom people work to see the church change the world. When Christians put the church ahead of the Kingdom they settle for the status quo and their own kind of people. When they catch a vision of the Kingdom of God their sights shift to the poor, the orphan, the widow, the refugee 'the wretched of the earth' and to God's future. They see the life and work of the church from the perspective of the Kingdom. If the church has one great need it is this: to be set free for the Kingdom of God, to be liberated from itself as it has become in order to be itself as God intends.” Howard Snyder

Comments or questions: rdugall@apu.edu

Another Video worth watching...

2010-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ed Stetzer is a missiologist from Lifeway Resources...this is a video from a recent conference on ministry and mission. Here's a snippet of what he says: "When we do for people what God has called them to do, everybody gets hurt...we have taught people to KNOW and not DO!" It is worth the 9 minutes of your time...

Moving from the Assumptions of Christendom into a Post-Christendom, Mission-focus Praxis (Part 1)

2010-03-16T14:32:00.001-07:00

Moving from the assumptions of Christendom into a Post-Christendom, Mission-focused praxis.

“In a London school a teenager with no church connections hears the Christmas story for the first time. His teacher tells it well and he is fascinated by this amazing story. Risking his friends’ mockery, after the lessons he thanks her for the story. One thing had disturbed him, so he asks: ‘Why did they give the baby a swear-word for his name?’”

When I was growing up in Detroit, Michigan in the 1950’s and 60’s, there were a few cultural realities on which we base the rhythm of our lives. One of which was that everything was closed on Sundays except local churches. You could not buy groceries, shop at department stores, look for a new car, or even go to the movies. Everyone assumed that it was the Sabbath day…one to keep “holy” by clearing it of the mundane. In my neighborhood, everyone made his or her way to one of two local churches. You were either Roman Catholic or Lutheran. If you did not make your way to church, you hid out in your home as to not be regarded as overtly “irreligious”. Other realities included the unchallenged habits revolving around issues of faith – the recitation of the Ten Commandments in my third grade class at Von Steuben Elementary School and the unapologetic celebration of distinctively Christian holidays. Most people that I knew could articulate a good portion of the Christian story. The meta-narrative of Christendom had been fully integrated into daily life.

Over the decades of my life, times have been changing. Christianity, though still influential in a cross-section of Western culture, is not as prevalent as it once was. The Christian story is not central in life. Christians no longer dominate the majority of people in local neighborhoods. Many people who trust and follow Jesus Christ no longer feel like they are at home in culture but now experience daily existence as more of an “exile” or aliens in a foreign land. For the first time in many centuries, Christ-followers in western culture are able to tell the story of the faith to people who have no idea of its prime content. Ignorance of Christianity is increasing and church buildings are becoming as alien as mosques or gurudwaras. This is the phenomenon that some have labeled “Post-Christendom”.

In order to understand Post-Christendom, we must at least give a brief description of the observable fact of Christendom is history. Most church historians would agree that the foundation of Christendom began with the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century A.D. Whether Constantine’s conversion to Christianity was sincere or politically motivated will be debated for centuries to come. Undoubtedly, his insistence that Christianity be adopted as the imperially favored religion of the Roman Empire made a huge impact on the Church. His reign as Emperor was long enough to establish a history sweeping solidification of Christianity’s preferred status. Even with Constantine’s influential edict thrusting Christianity to the forefront, it was not until a theologian and bishop by the name of Augustine brought theological clarity and innovation that Christendom actually took shape. Augustine wrote prolifically and defended the Church against its earliest, substantial foes. In addition to his monumental contribution to the theology of Christendom, during the time of Augustine, the western and growing eastern expression of Christianity began to institutionalize what has become known as the “Christendom shift”. Some of the factors in this shift included:

• The movement of the Church from the margins of society to the center.
• The assumption that all citizens were Christian by birth.
• The development of a society where there was no freedom of religion.
• The development of a society where political power was divinely authenticated.
• Where orthodoxy was not only protected by Church leaders but by the state.
• Where morality was legislated.
• Infant baptism became the norm for most of the population as an obligatory incorporation into society.
• Where clergy became separate and not equal from their counter-parts, the laity. Clergy were distinguished as “more faithful” and enjoyed the “highest calling”.
• No distinction between the “world” and the Church.
• No need for the world “pluralism”. Everything was united in the institution of the Church.
• “Conversion” was a term exclusive to those individuals taking monastic orders.
• “Evangelism” became that movement by which foreign cultures were coerced into the Church by whatever means necessary including “holy” war.
• The Church’s role moved quickly toward maintenance and not mission.
• Loving the enemy was replaced by the “just war” or “holy war” justification for battling the enemy.

Lesslie Newbigin, foremost theologian and missiologist, commented about the breakdown of Christendom when he stated, “in this phrase I mean Christendom’s dissolution by which Christianity had become almost the folk-religion of Western Europe.” His clarification of the influence of Christendom is helpful,

“That (Christendom) synthesis was the work of the thousand-year period during which the peoples of Western Europe, hemmed in by the power of Islam to east and south, had the Gospel wrought into the very stuff of their social and personal life, so that the whole population could be conceived of as the corpus Christianum. That conception is the background of all the Reformation theologies. They take it for granted. They are set not in a missionary situation but in this situation in which Christendom is taken for granted. This means that in their doctrines of the Church they are defining their position over against one another within the context of the corpus Christianum. They are not defusing the Church as over against a pagan world. It is not necessary to point out how profoundly this affects the structure of their thinking.”

Post-Christendom is the culture that is emerging as the Christian story loses its primacy as that which shapes lives and institutions. In societies where the Christian worldview dominated for centuries, the demise of Christendom involves dramatic changes. Power structures and mindsets are changing. Cultural shifts occur as new stories are adopted and/or as skepticism rises about any or all-explanatory or culture-shaping meta-narratives. Post-Christendom is a reality that includes the following transitions:

• From center to the margins – the Christian story no longer holds a preferred place in culture.
• From majority to minority – Christian population is no longer the undisputed majority of population.
• From settlers to sojourners – Post-Christendom creates a community of people who feel that they are exiles and aliens.
• From privilege to plurality – Post-Christendom sees the inclusion of other stories and faith systems as equally valid.
• From control to witness – no longer able to coerce society, Christians now influence via witness and lifestyle.
• From maintenance to mission – with the demise of the status quo, post-Christendom wrestles with a new understanding of mission.
• From institution to movement – there is a new understanding of the power of movement and the fluidity of a non-reliance on institutionalism.

Some may see these transitions are a tragedy. Others, including myself, see this age as an age of excitement and opportunity. Christ-followers have not had to deal with these dynamics since the early days of the Christian movement. It is not an easy environment to live but it does provide a chance to see faith and life from a radically new perspective. It also demands new ways of thinking about mission, discipleship, leadership development and theology as the movement of Christianity enters one of its most challenging eras in history.

“So what?” That is the question I try to pose to myself as I encounter any new information or try to learn something that could have the potential of impacting my life. If we have moved into an era of Post-Christendom, what are the “take aways”…what leassons do we need to learn as we attempt to be faithful to the call of our Lord Jesus and track His Spirit’s movement in our lives and the lives of others? Part 2 (practical implications) coming later this week!

Comments or questions: rdugall@apu.edu

Bibliography:

Lesslie Newbigin, "Household of God - Lectures on the Nature of the Church"
Stuart Murray, "Post-Christendom"
Rodney Clapp, "Peculiar People - The Church as Culture in a Post-Christendom Society"

Can Discipleship really be THAT simple?

2010-03-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to simplify Discipleship?
by Robin Dugall inspired by an article by Roger Thoman

At the heart of “ekklesia” and what it means to be a follower of Jesus is the lifestyle of discipleship and discipling others (who in turn disciple others…).

As Roger Thoman explains, “The difficulty is that we often make discipleship far too difficult. When we see discipleship as primarily about imparting knowledge from one to another, then we need an expert (knowledgeable) who also excels at communicating knowledge to another (teaching gift). Many people do not see themselves as qualified enough (not enough knowledge as compared to professionals or those who have attended seminary) and not gifted enough (again, comparing themselves to those with excellent teaching gifts). The result is that we have turned discipleship over to the professional teachers (pulpiteers and well-known author/teachers) and the programs that these same people develop. In the process we exclude 90% of the Body of Christ from being active disciplers which is exactly what Jesus asked each of us to do.”

It does not take any astuteness to be able to ascertain that discipleship purely in the hands of the experts does not produce any sustainable praxis that leads to reproduction. With many in Western Christianity proclaiming the increasing irrelevancy of “church” in contemporary culture, it is imperative to be able to remind ourselves of what we as followers of Jesus have been called by God to be about…and that is not a restrictive call that is only to be understood and lived out by the privileged few…it is something that every follower of Jesus must embrace as every person seeks to be faithful to the call of the Kingdom of God.

There are times in my life as a leader and fellow follower of Jesus where I wish I could snap my fingers and simply watch the paradigm shift. Yet, so much of what we know and do in these moments of our lives is dictated by preconceived notions and unchallenged ideology. As mentioned above, discipleship has been exclusively seen as being in the hands of those professionally trained. Although one could and should make an argument for the place of ordained clergy in contemporary Christianity, one cannot and should not continue a mindset and a methodology that has been proven time and again to not enhance ministry but detract from that which God wants to do in every life. In fact, I believe that the Holy Spirit is literally shouting to everyone who will listen that it is time to enable the Body of Christ to do what God designed the Body to do – equip and enable ministry that leads to reproduction. Once a disciple of Jesus not only understands but also is given the freedom to pursue the calling of God in their own lives, the potential of “life on life” transformation skyrockets. Without intentionality in ministry leadership to turn over the keys to the “car” (the excitement of living out the call of discipleship in daily life), people will continue to acquiesce their God-given responsibility to the “professionals”.

In reading several articles of late, there are some challenges that are helpful in beginning or continuing to imagine a community of followers of Jesus who take discipleship seriously in a renewed manner. Discipleship isn’t “rocket science”…it isn’t too complex for us to really comprehend. Here are a couple of keys to understanding discipleship…can discipleship really be that simple? You take a peak:

1. Discipleship can and should be discovery-based. One missiologist commented, “This means that new believers can actually discover what they need to know about God by opening the Word of God themselves while the Spirit leads and teaches them. In this case, I do not need to be highly knowledgeable nor an effective teacher to come alongside someone who is going directly to the Word to learn from God and to encounter God.” I’ve mentioned before that there is a fine line between teaching and encouraging people in their growth in Jesus AND creating a co-dependency that subtly discourages an individual from taking responsibility for their personal spiritual development and formation. Roger Thoman states, “We have put far too much effort into spoon-feeding new Christians by providing milk for them to drink through our pre-digested sermons, notes, teachings, and pre-packaged lessons. The result is that believers do not learn the basics of understanding the Word for themselves, listening to the voice of the Spirit through the Word, and applying it. This latter is the meaning of a disciple: one who hears Jesus speak and follows him.”

Make no mistake about it – there is a place for pastors, teachers, scholars and the like - each can play a helpful supportive role…an equippers role in the Body of Christ that brings support to the spiritual formation process…yet scripture is abundantly clear that the Holy Spirit is to become the primary teacher in a believer’s life (1 John 2:27). Without allowing and encouraging an individual follower of Jesus to take ownership for their own development and maturation in the faith, discipleship will be “dependent” upon the experts.

2. The second key is called by some,” obedience-based discipleship.” However, since the word “obedience” often conjures up images of legalistic adherence to rules (which is not the same as simply obeying Jesus), Roger Thoman coins the term: “active-surrender-based discipleship.” Thomas Merton who said: “we must know the truth, we must love the truth we know and we must act according to the measure of our love. Truth is God himself who cannot be known apart from love and cannot be loved apart from surrender to his will.” A disciple is one who loves and obeys. Period. Yes, that is made possible by the grace and mercy of Jesus….yes, there has been a chosenness in a disciple’s life that imparts to them a grace-filled identity that is a gift of God…yes, the Spirit enables us to be faithful as we tune into the Lord’s frequency in life….yet it is imperative that disciplers know and are committed to a focus on helping others becoming one who follows, one who walks out what God has shown, one who consistently steps into the place of “your will not my will be done.” Why does this matter? Again, one missiologist exclaims, “Because, again, knowledge is not the focus here. A new disciple will gain the knowledge that he/she needs over time if he is applying what he is hearing through obedience.”

Therefore, again, an “expert” is not necessarily needed (nor a great teacher or pastor) in order to show a new disciple the way…it is every follower of Christ’s responsibility to incarnate the person of Jesus in all we do, say and are. Now again, I am not advocating that pastors/teachers be done away with…there is an important role that sacrificial leaders can play in not only advocating, communicating and incarnating discipleship within the community of faith. Yet again, if we continue to live in a paradigm that gives exclusivity to professionals and experts within the realms of discipleship training and formation, we put a cap on the reproductive potentiality that is inherent within the economy of God. Disciples coming alongside of disciples…a fellow-Jesus-follower coming alongside other Jesus followers and pointing the way (or better, living the way) to an abundant, Spirit-filled, life-filled, adventure-filled, personally-transforming, world-impacting, miracle-walking, Jesus-following lifestyle is really what the Kingdom of God is all about and why Jesus empowers every believer/follower with His Spirit.

Obviously, discipleship cannot be seen in a purely reductionistic manner…we can’t simply say that it is “that simple”…yet, I wonder in attempting to define discipleship in complex terms whether we not only demotivate people from being who God made them and saved them to be but also whether we try to keep control of that which Jesus empowered to be viral, organic and literally out of control.

Would love to hear your thoughts – rdugall@apu.edu

Another video worth watching!

2010-03-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is a "news" spot from a television station in Nashville - it is worth taking a peak at...

WKRN News 2 Nashville Reports on Religion in America from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

A Young person explains, "why I don't believe in church?"

2010-03-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

I love the “blog-sphere”…so many great things are happening in the realm of digital interactions, engaging discourses, and sometimes, simply off-the-wall ideas. Anyone who wades into the waters of the blog-world, can’t help but being intrigued, challenged and blessed. Yeah, there are some wackos out there…but there isn’t one place in the world that is exempt from “wacko-osity”. One of the many, many blogs I follow is the Jesus Manifesto. (Jesus Manifesto blog http://www.jesusmanifesto.com/)

Here’s a synopsis of what that blog is about – “We believe that the Kingdom of God is real, not an abstraction. We believe that Jesus is our king, not our figurehead. And if we are to follow him as our king, we must embrace the way of life that he sets out for us in the gospels. The Jesus Manifesto is a clearinghouse for propaganda meant to frustrate and disrupt quaint notions of Jesus (and the even quainter notions of the religion he founded). You see, we’re convinced that what passes for Christianity in our culture has very little resemblance to the radical (and indeed political) movement Jesus started on the fringes of the Empire roughly two-thousand years ago. Most of the ways in which we’ve been taught to think about our faith get in the way of following Jesus. Some of the categories we’ve inherited—at least the ones I’ve inherited—are simply inadequate. And so, it is easy to follow our Christian convictions while being at odds with Christ. But beyond disruption and subversion, we want to proclaim something much deeper–hope. You can only challenge things for so long before you need to help create the alternative. Ultimately, this is what the Jesus Manifesto is all about. We want to captivate you with a kingdom vision and explore what it would look like to make that a tangible reality.”

Below is an article from the Jesus Manifesto blog that WILL frustrate you! Warning! This article is NOT for the faint at heart or for those who don’t like to read what you don’t automatically agree with…but here’s something you need to know – there are many, many, many people who feel this way. In fact, since this article is written by a “young” person who is questioning their faith, it is even more important to read and understand. Young people are leaving the “church” en mass…we have to hear why. It is NOT simply because they are not religious or even not interested in Jesus…what does get to them is the church. So, take a look…but again, I remind you – you’ll be bugged. Email me if you like and tell me what you think - rdugall@apu.edu. Or, better yet, post a comment below!

Why I don’t believe in “Church” by Joshua Dbau, III
Jesus Manifesto blog http://www.jesusmanifesto.com/

By ‘Church” I mean these segregated meeting halls ‘followers’ of Jesus attend for worship and a pep talk once or twice a week. I have almost completely lost my faith in their ability not only to change the world, but to impact their communities in the sorts of profound ways we read about in the New Testament or in any significant way for that matter. I cannot see in these lavish, over-produced, inauthentic temples of false hope the power and pathos that can be found in the history of the early church and many movements around the world where dedicated followers of Christ live in solidarity with the oppressed, poor and marginalized of our societies. I will here share 5 realizations I have had regarding our Sunday fragmentation’s that strike me as relevant to this post.

1. Appearance and Performance: We parade ourselves before one another without the ability to speak to one another, we are there to watch and listen, not to participate. A glorified sporting event where we are nothing but spectators despite what we might like to claim as “feeling it”. How can one actively participate in a church service anymore than one could actively participate while watching tv at home? We are not invited into the inner-circle or decision making when there are clear separations between those in charge and those who come to watch. We come to watch and agree with a band and then a pastor who perform their act, and we are entertained and possibly even moved a little. But we are not moved to lasting change, we cannot ask questions that are applicable to our own personal lives, or push back to what the performers have done, they could not possibly have any sort of interaction with each individual present at the function. We are there to bolster our own appearance to the community and to watch their performance from our seats without changing our communities or being changed ourselves.

2. Centralization of Power: How could one possibly speak for the whole? Instead of effecting change through engaging in community speech acts of mutual dialogue, a congregation tacitly consents, by their very attendance, to giving up their voice to another. And it is by giving up our voices that we also give up our participation and our quest for lasting transformation.

3. Waste of Resources: We come together in buildings that need not be constructed for the church to exist. We squander the resources God has entrusted and blessed us with not for the building of a more just and peaceful world, but for the building of more beautiful temples to be entertained in. We have the very finest sound machines, the newest electric gadgets and useless doohickeys that amplify only our entertainment, they cannot give life. We drive our SUVs from all over to hear a pastor whom we already agree with and pollute our violated world even more in the process of making ourselves feel better. We over-consume before church as we grab a latte on the way and afterward as we go out and eat at expensive restaurants, both of which cost more than what we decided to tithe in the time between before and after. And to think of all the things we could be doing in our own neighborhoods in that time on Sunday morn. We could mend relationships that started off on the wrong foot so long ago, we could plant a rose garden, we could be known by our love. Maybe rather than locking ourselves in a building on Sunday morn we could try something different next week…just a thought…

4. The Way is Narrow: Apparently Jesus didn’t mean it when He said that the way was narrow and that it would be difficult to be His followers. It is far easier to ignore this statement when we can just to listen to a pastor who is paid to be a Christian for us. A person most often a man that we have no access to, who will only be able to tell us what to think, or speak at us, but who’s words are so general that to critically look at our own existence doesn’t occur to us. Let alone being able to bring oneself before a community for a process of discerning what may not be in line with the teachings of Christ. With all this generality why would we want to get specific with a community of people that we don’t want to know our business, this sounds too hard, too uncomfortable and too boring. Why would we want to look at the ways in which we are currently living that are inconsistent with the Gospel of Christ? If we are not forced to, besides our lives are pretty easy in America, what we want when we want, as always plenty of cheap crap quick, especially from the pulpit.

I spoke to a professed Christian who is involved at his church 2 to 3 times a week about the dangers of ignorance in the ways in which we spend our money. I told him about the reality of sweatshops and the problem of our culture with any sort of responsible sustainable practices that are important for the future. And most of all that it is important for Christians to be aware of where our products come from and the legacy our consumption will leave behind. If we want to stand against oppression in this world with any sort of integrity it is important to be informed about where our material goods come from so that we can avoid the systematic oppression of peoples and the raping of our earth for quick profits.

There are many examples, the oppression of people in sweatshops for cheap jeans, slave labor used to produce chocolate, corporations and governments that take away entire under-privileged communities supplies of water, farmland and so on that are inconsistent with the Gospel of Christ and Christians are called to stand in stark contrast to. He responded to me by saying, “if people want me to act differently and to buy ethically made cloths, food or other products, they need to make it easier and cheap.” I was silent for a little while as I understood that he didn’t give a damn at all, it didn’t matter if little girls lost their eyes or hands in a Disney factory, he would still buy the cheapest crap that looked the coolest because he can. What a shame, if these are the sorts of people our churches of commodity produce, people who don’t care what Jesus said, as long as they look good at a social gathering. For them they are Christian enough, Jesus is just another tool used for hip people to get laid. If it’s too hard, most church people are simply not interested, and they get uncomfortable when you bring into question whether or not it is ethical to buy a diamond that was from a conflict region because it was an unbelievable deal. If you connect the dots it’s no wonder I have almost entirely lost my faith in organized churches and I know many others who have similar inclinations.

5. Entitlement and Self-fulfillment: Our churches reinforce the notion of our individual rights that Christians have to continue living in whatever way they choose, continuing to over-consume, over-pollute, over-simplify and under-question. With our allegiance to our own well being and our own beliefs above those of our communities, our friends, and our God it is no wonder we struggle to remain changed. If our allegiance is to the Kingdom of God our lives must bear fruit. No fruit is born out of feeling good about ourselves and being socially accepted by our fellow parishioners.

How can these sorts of churches possibly show us the Narrow way when by their very constitutions they by necessity must take the broad way. I’m not sure where most churches think they are leading their members, but is seems like they are lost in the wilderness of consumerism, self-importance above all else and fragmentation. If I weren’t already a Christian it would be impossible for these churches with names like substance, where there isn’t any, to dupe me into converting into the sort of mindless consumerism that advocates any form of the unsustainable American dream. These fragmented structures that we spend an hour or two a week in are not the answer, they are incapable of creating a lasting change in their communities when the majority of those in attendance don’t live anywhere near them in the first place.

If the Church fails time and time again to produce disciples among the professed believers, what chance does it have to produce new ones? If the church is being drowned out by the cries for more, bigger, better, newer etc. and even joining in the cry what are we to do? Many simply want what is fashionable no matter the cost. We would step on the heads of our own grandmothers to live our lives in whichever way we feel entitled, but the narrow way of Jesus calls us to renounce our rights, and give up our lives so that we might find the life that is truly life…Thus the dissonance and the reason for my unbelief.

Viral Discipleship

2010-03-04T10:51:00.001-08:00

A while ago, I read an article from a leader of the "House Church" movement in the USA - he cautioned that before we get to the point as ministry leaders and visionaries where we begin to "baptize" one particular methodology of ministry as the "it", we should pause and listen to the Spirit for there is more than meets the eye. You see, there are some misconceptions in this missional/faith communities discussion - people say, "well, you just want to put down the traditional church"...or "you are just pushing a home church/organic/small community/emergent/leader-less/you fill in the blank praxis". Like I said, it is time to step back for a minute - this "conversation" isn't about what many think it is about. See what you think about the following:

“I no longer try to start simple/house churches. I think house churches are great. They provide a place for people to experience participatory, everyone-matters church life. They provide a way for people to really connect into authentic, one-another community. They often provide a place for people to recover from some of the pains caused by institutional church life. But house churches are no longer the end game for me.”

Jesus invited us to join him, organically, in the reproduction of life. His Body is a living, thriving, reproducing organism (Mark 4) that allows life-in-the-Spirit to spread virally from one disciple to the next. His church is alive as illustrated by a seed (Mark 4) that brings forth 30, 60, or 100-fold reproduction. That is the life of the kingdom. His life in me is passed on to the life of another (2-fold) which is passed to the life of another (4-fold) which is passed to the life of another (8-fold), etc. That is the way of organic/viral life and this is what the kingdom IS. This is ultimately what Jesus invited us to become part of: discipling viral disciplers.

Kingdom life is viral, organic, and, by nature, a movement.

When we make any one particular model, even if it is house churches, the end game, we will quickly that they too can fall into the same "traps" as the institutional paradigm. As you most likely know from experience, small groups do not naturally reproduce nor become movements. In fact, some people who study these things believe that "house churches" or "home groups" or even "faith communities" have a shelf life. They may serve a purpose for a season, but when that season ends (and it will) the “movement” is over.

This explains why Jesus did not ask us to go and “make gatherings or churches.” He did not ask us to go and “make house churches.” He said, “go and make disciples.” This shift from starting gatherings to making disciples (who go and make disciples) goes to the very heart of the matter. Discipling viral disciplers is the end game. This places us squarely in the midst of reproductive life that the kingdom is intrinsically about. We become movement-starters not church-starters. We release disciples who will influence the world throughout their lifetime and beyond as those they disciple disciple still others.

Now...follow me here - when we reach and disciple a viral discipler, that person is going to gather with other viral disciplers for encouragement, and then, as each of them reaches others, still more gatherings will take place. So, along the way, small gatherings will be started. But, but rather than being the end game (where we all gather around and say "yeah, we did it"), they become a means to support the life that is being reproduced from one disciple to the next. Sustainable kingdom-life does not take place just because of the way we gather. But it does take place when we step into the role Jesus called us to: making disciples who know how to make disciples.

As Roger Thomsen wrote in the article I read, "starting house churches and discipling viral disciplers (who gather in house churches) might look very similar on the outside. But the process is very different! When we start house churches, our focus tends to be on the gathering—what to do, how to do it, what it looks like, etc. We say to ourselves that we are learning to “be” the church 24/7 (and we may even go do missional things), but often our priority remains on developing the structure/form of simple house church gatherings."

In other words, the "group" is not "it". When following Jesus and inviting others to follow him becomes our focus (discipling viral disciples), we will have to shift from the “gathering” mentality to the “lifestyle-going” mentality. This shift, Lord willing, will propel us from being church-starters to movement starters (where churches spring up along the way).

What do you think? More to come!

A good blog to follow...Hugh Halter and the Adullam community in Denver

2010-03-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite "paradigm shift" books is Hugh Halter's, Tangible Kingdom. It is the most practical "guide" that I have read concerning the missional lifestyle and theology. A year ago, I did a chapter by chapter summary of the book. You can click HERE and download a copy of those blog posts (if you want a quick take of the book, it is under, "chapter by chapter summary")...better yet, buy the book yourself and plow through it.

Today on Hugh's blog, he has a very snapshot of what appears to be blatantly obvious but is subtly challenging to all of us who see our primary spiritual journey as "inside the box". Hugh's community (Adullam in Denver) attempts to be able to live out a different type of journey. Remember, by viewing a different paradigm we are not implying that the "familiar" paradigm is wrong or bad. All the new paradigms do is to challenge us to look at people/communities that are doing what we are trying to do as followers of Christ in a "different" way...that different/unique paradigm is meant to inform and expand our horizons as well as provide a new snapshot of how faith communities and the Great Commission can be lived out in real life. Don't take my word for it...see for yourself!

Check out both!

Purpose Driven? or Purposely Driving others out of Business? The "Suicide Post"

2010-02-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Ed Stetzer is a good guy! Don't hold the fact that he is a Southern Baptist against him...I don't know the guy, but he is one of those who has attempted to creatively, passionately, and lovingly bring new paradigms of ministry into the "abyss" of contemporary churchworld. He is a visionary...he has written some good books and he still provides thoughtful ideas that are meant to spur the Church onto faithfulness.

Recently, he talked about being at Saddleback Church (you know, yes, that one!) to do some speaking...unfortunately, and unbeknowst to him, I read his post...and it touched off something inside of me that I haven't felt before. Context - I was in SoCal last weekend to speak at the retirement banquet of my friend and former ministry partner Jim Hale. During that time I was there, I had a conversation with one of the pastors of the church...he is attempting to build a ministry in a neighborhood not too far from the "main" campus of the church in Irvine. He said, with some trepidation and sorrow in his heart, "things are tough building a faith community in Orange County - but it just got tougher now that Saddleback is starting another satellite campus in the same neighborhood...how do we compete against that?" I have prayed for this sincere, passionate, and humble young leader every day since I left SoCal.

Now...back to Ed Stetzer...he made his post about his visit to Saddleback...and I felt "inspired" to email him the following:

Ed - I've never emailed you or posted on your blog though I must say that I love what God is doing in and through you as you are "used" by the Spirit in as apostolic leader. I don't see that too often in Western Christianity..you definitely have that gift! Anyway, I read your blog daily...have quoted you and copied articles you have written to pass on to the people I "disciple" in the missional project that I facilitate. I only have one thing to share about Saddleback...I have watched Saddleback, been at training sessions there as well as pastored a church in their "OC" backyard...unfortunately, the "other" side of a mega-ministry is the marketplace pressure that is put on small communities of faith in their neighborhoods. I talked to a ministry leader in Irvine the other day...he is leading a faithful missional ministry in a neighborhood...he has labored there in an attempt to shift some paradigms that will move "ekklesia" into the 21st century, postchristendom era. Unfortunately, Saddleback decided to do another of their satellite campuses right down the street from his "rented" facility. Saddleback has the money, publicity, and marketshare to kick the proverbial "a**" of any other presence in that area. Yes, it is about relationships....but when a church like Saddleback believes that "it" has the Kingdom goodies at the expense of what others are doing, I can only call it what it is - ecclesiastical bullying. I used to admire Saddleback...but if they would stay where they believe God has planted them and not take up a colonialistic mindset that hurts the broader Body of Christ because they (smaller communities and gatherings) can't compete in a consumeristically driven society/culture, then all I can say is "I'm jumping off the Saddleback bus"...Big churches, like big and powerful nations, only have a specific "shelf limit" in history...my question, when Saddleback's time in the spotlight is over, will Western Christianity really be better off? I don't think so! Anyway, had to get that off my chest...despite all that, keep up the great ministry! I can't wait to read what you will be up to next.

I'm posting this for a couple of reasons - first of all, I'm an idiot - I like to "air" my feelings and insights and put them out there for my "community" to share with me in a creative and loving conversation. I don't presume to be right...I simply have reactions to what I see when courageous ministry steps are squelched by those who have had "success" in a consumer driven, modernistically driven culture. Secondly, I'm doing this to get you involved...let's do some talking. NO, I'm not "megachurch" bashing...that's too easy of a target...what I am suggesting is that we discuss how we do minsitry in a postchristendom world where numbers (if you are a sheer numbers person) are NOT looking very favorable for the Christ-following movement.

Jump on in! You can do it via emai (rdugall@apu.edu) OR by simply posting here!

Your brother,
Robin

Adaptive Challenges and fresh expressions of ministry

2010-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

One of the realities that we confront in the book of Acts is how the word, “organic” can truly epitomize that early movement of Christ-followers. To say that they were being led by the “winds of the Spirit” would almost be an understatement of the life they lived. Jesus didn’t leave His followers with a method, a formula, or a program…He left them with the promise of His presence and power. The rest? Oh well…gotta depend on God, I guess! No guarantees…no assurances of cultural success…no glory measured out in worldly terms…only Kingdom living at its most basic, exciting, and most unpredictable.

Friends, the early followers of Jesus were encountering an Adaptive Challenge. Now, let’s step back for a moment and clarify something important - there is a HUGE difference between what some have called Technical Challenges and Adaptive Challenges. Technical challenges are those we know how to solve, they are mechanical. You have experts around who can assess situations and apply proven methodologies to the challenges. Adaptive challenges, on the other hand, require changing people’s minds and hearts. Adaptive challenges are those where there are no proven methodologies or formulas. Where, in most cases, attempts have been made to solve issues with conventional tools…the end result of those efforts? Failure and frustration. In Adaptive Challenges, people have to learn new ways and choose between what appear to be contradictory values. If you throw all the technical fixes you can at the problem and the problem persists, it’s a pretty clear signal that an underlying adaptive challenge still needs to be met . Most social problems are adaptive challenges. ALL Kingdom issues…all issues within the mission of the “ekklesia” are adaptive challenges.

Distinguishing Technical from Adaptive Challenges

What’s the work? Technical Who does the work? Authorities/Experts applying current know how
What's the work? Adaptive Who does the work? The people with the problem through learning new ways

That’s the reason why the issues we face in ministry within 21st century culture DEMANDS that we attempt fresh expressions and have the determination (courage) to experiment with any and everything that we have at our disposal in order to be faithful to the call of Jesus. Now - Fresh expressions can be an unpredictable business. Offers of help may come from surprising quarters. Opportunities may emerge that are a total surprise. Pioneers' frequent refrain, 'We are making it up as we go along' reflects the messiness that is so often part of the journey.

This doesn't mean you have to fly completely blind. There are some principles that can assist you. My advice would be to pay close attention to them. They will help you to lay in some firm foundations and avoid problems later. Unfortunately, these principles should be tailored to each situation. There is no blue print. Fresh expressions of “church” start in all sorts of different ways – some intentionally, others almost by accident. It is vital to adapt what seems to work well rather than just copy what others have done.

One person that I know who is doing some incredible ministry in another country uses the acronym, “GETON” as a reference point for a fresh expression of Kingdom living. It stands for the following processes (look it over and see what YOU think):

G - Getting together with at least one other Christian. As you check whether your expectations and understandings are on the same page, hopefully a sense of shared call will emerge.

Getting together → a shared call

E - Exploring the possibilities through '360 degrees listening' – to the people you may be called to serve, Christ-followers we are close to, the experience of the wider church and to God directly in prayer and Bible study. Hopefully a vision for what to do will be confirmed or start to emerge.

Exploring possibilities → a shared vision

T - Thinking ahead involves imagining how the venture might journey toward some sort of “ekklesia” expression. Imagination is difficult because it is our nature to snap back to familiar paradigms and what appears to be “working” methodologies. Yet, living in the flow of the Spirit in these times takes the courage to ask, “What is God doing here and now? What are the things of the Father that He is doing in our lives and in our community that I/we simply want to affirm and participate in?” Remember, God is at work in people’s lives and in your community’s life already…you don’t bring God’s presence to people…God is already there! Having an imagination to think outside of the comfortable paradigms and models we are used to depending upon may free you to be who God wants you to be in a fresh expression…

Thinking ahead → shared values

O - Organizing support – prayer support, from the people you are called to serve, permission-givers and the wider public…you must have the humility and desire to share the mission…adaptive challenges take a community to be able to address…individual ownership in the process empowers people to be who God has made them to be

Organizing support → a shared venture

N - Nurturing people through appropriate training, consistent vision-casting, making sure everyone is clear about their role, building a sense of community, etc. This is where YOU become whom God created and call you to be – you are an equipper of the “saints”. Don’t DO/BE for them what God has called them to do/be – you teach, train, pray…you do what God calls you to do with passion and let Him take care of the rest.

Nurturing the team → shared leadership

A timely reminder to all of us in ministry leadership!

2010-02-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

New Video - post a comment whatever you think!

2010-02-15T12:30:00.001-08:00

The Big Red Tractor from Jacob Lewis on Vimeo.

New Post coming on Saturday!

2010-02-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a good and long week - a group of NOW District pastors/leaders assembled in Portland in order to enter into a collaborative conversations regarding life, ministry and church.

I've taken extensive notes - will post more tomorrow (Saturday) on the second and third days. So, check back.

In the meantime, here are a couple of links:

Faith Communities Project - Robin Dugall's website that gives an overview of the Faith Communities Project as Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church in Meridian.

Robin Dugall's personal blog - sometimes reflective, sometimes goofy, sometimes...oh well...don't know what to say!

Will be providing MORE resources and a place to download docs, videos, powerpoints, etc. next week!

So check back! More to come...anticipation!

PDX Day #1 - Straight from the Notepad to you!

2010-02-09T22:23:00.000-08:00

As promised - straight from the notepad to you! Now, you would think I would have my digital act together and I would just "cut and paste"...nope, didn't work that way today...maybe tomorrow. For now, you want to know about the discussion/conversation going down at the Tracking the Spirit/Faith Communities Conversation? Here are a few insights hot of the interaction - still fresh!

Denny Langston and Denny Lorenz started the day with some reflections on the history of Tracking...what started as a church planting initiative with a series of measurables eventually became a ministry that was "highjacked" by the Holy Spirit. And I quote, "there's nothing wrong with church planting, but the Holy Spirit changed our direction - "discipling disciples who disciple others" became the new emphasis. Isn't it amazing, sometimes when you are following the Holy Spirit, you end up in a different place than you believed you were going...something about the "Spirit blows where it will" (i.e. John 3).

Dr. Paul Ford joined the conversation for a majority of the day...bringing his passions, experience, ministry perspective and wisdom to the group. A few of the highlights that I picked up:

"God is tired of our tactics"
"When you are living in the Holy Spirit there are many things that you planned to do that you discover didn't work - but then there are all sorts of things that really worked that you didn't plan"
"The ministry Leader is primarily called to be a good steward - a trustee of the collective gifts of God revealed not only within their own lives but in the lives of others"
"In Body Life - personal significance is NOT in stuff, position, money, reputation, or accomplishements - there is nothing you can do, preach, earn, write or say that will make you more significant than who you are already in Jesus Christ"
"We have a specific design to live out in the Body of Christ - in other words, you and me are not only significant but we have a significant role to play"
"Our role in ministry is NOT our salvation or our significance"
"We have ONE part to play in the drama of God - we don't multiple roles nor especially all the roles to play - when we play more than the role God has given us, we rob others of their precious significance in God's story"
"Team - God calls us to the will or desire for relationship...in other words, the Spirit moves us intentionally and dramatically from the "I" to the "we"...unity is not something we "trip" over but rather it is a choice"

Was there more shared and taught? Were there more insights? By all means...and I might have an opportunity to share more of what other people noted during today's conversation in the coming days on this blog...in the meantime, feast on these dear friends! Check out Paul's work - go to his website and see the types of things that he has dedicated his LIFE to communicate and mentor to the "Church" at large. One of the major components of the Tracking the Spirit journey is the discovery of our significance and identity in Jesus Christ through a thorough understanding and living out of our giftedness in Christ.

More to come tomorrow...

Tracking the Spirit "Conversation" begins today! PDX Day 1

2010-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Need I say more...pictures speak louder than words!

Listening and Objectives...a year ahead and steps to take

2010-02-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

You might say I have it a bit 'backwards'...but trust me, the listening has occurred and is always a vital part of my life these days. Here's a snapshot of some of the objectives I have envisioned for 2010 within the sphere of influence that God has given me. To not take the setting of objectives seriously is not to take the responsibility seriously...so these guidelines are there to map out how I spend my time and energy throughout the day and coming year. The program I use is called, NovaMind Mind Mapping. This system was originally shared with me by uber-blogger Bill Kinnon (kinnon.tv) and has proved to be very helpful in taking logical and "picture oriented" snapshots of some of the processes that are occurring in my life. I thought I would post it today for one specific reason - to "air" my plans. Sometimes, at least in my life, plans and goals can be sufficiently hidden from view and thus not available for others to push back and hold me accountable within community to be who I've been wired up to be. So, enjoy...if you want more...email and I'll give you more! If you want to push back - push away!

Asking for your opinion...

2010-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine just sent me this video...I like it (to a point)...I still think that to use the word, "church" is a bit confusing for people who have been steeped in a traditional sense of what the institutional church is all about...but the video does explain the concept of missional simply...watch it and post what you think!

Great cartoon! Look @ it - think about it - then laugh (or cry)

2010-01-28T10:04:00.001-08:00

Attractional @ it's best! Just reshuffling the deck!

Great quote from Henri Nouwen...success vs. fruitfulness

2010-01-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

No doubt about it - there are many people who are concerned with "success"...in our heart of hearts, we all are! As I told a dear friend the other day, "we all look at numbers as ONE indicator of faithfulness"...but as I also told him, there is a BIG difference between numerical success and fruitfulness. That's why I like this quote - Henri Nouwen writes in a devotional titled “fruits that grow in vulnerability”:

“there is a great difference between successfulness and fruitfulness. success comes from strength, control and respectability. a successful person has the energy to create something, to keep control over it’s development and make it available in large quantities. success brings many rewards and often fame. fruits, however, come from weakness and vulnerability. and fruits are unique. a child is conceived in vulnerability. community is the fruit born through shared brokenness. and intimacy is the fruit that grows through touching one an others wounds. let’s remind one another that what brings us joy is not success, but fruitfulness.”

Our little piece of the Kingdom pie...

2010-01-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Our little piece of the Kingdom pie...we live in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. God has called us and equipped us and invested in our lives through His Spirit. We are doing our best to be faithful to His calling. Here's a summary about what we are attempting to do:

It has been over six months since the Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church unanimously decided to support a Project to renew our identity in Jesus as well as collectively commit to exploring ways of living that will impact the Kingdom of God. In many ways, the Project isn’t anything new to the life of the church…it would be fair to say that these ways are FORGOTTEN WAYS…in other words, we need to be reminded who we are in Christ – that He has called us to GO and be disciples who disciple others. So, in an effort to provide more and more clarity, below is a list of objectives that are foundational to our Project. Clarity helps me…I hope it helps you as well!

FAITH COMMUNITY PROJECT – WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO

DISCIPLERS - We are Disciples Discipling Disciplers.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS - We are Building Relationships – through these relationships in our neighborhoods, workplaces, etc., we are able to reach people with love of Jesus.

ENGINEERS OF REDEMPTION - We are building Faith “Communities” –a Community is that which is based upon the words of Jesus, “where two or more are gathered in my name” (Matthew 18:20) – so these “communities” can pop up anywhere - these are essentially NOT communities in the strict sense of small groups…rather they are Redemptive Relationships.

SHAPERS - We are shaping “Mission-Als” and “Mission-Alices”. We are trying to teach that every follower of Jesus is ON a mission every day. We are attempting to train every person who calls FCLC his or her spiritual home.

TRAINERS - We are attempting to train every person who calls FCLC their spiritual home. We are attempting to create a movement of people in our congregation who think and act in faithful ways in regards to lifestyle and mission

EQUIPPERS - We are intentionally Training and Equipping – Ephesians 4:12 (“equipping the saints for the work of service”). We are also attempting to re-shape the mission of the Nurture Groups (2010) and influence the vision of discipleship for student ministry.

PIONEERS - We are a Pilot project of the LC-MS and the Northwest District of the LC-MS as they attempt to try new ministry ‘styles’ and paradigms to reach out to the people of the 21st century. We are also building cooperative partnerships and learning environments in with others in the Treasure Valley and the Pacific Northwest (through the Northwest District).

INSPIRERS – We are deliberately committing to living a lifestyle of intentional discipleship and faithfulness that is inspirational to other followers of Jesus as well as models of Jesus for people to witness.

I'm in Japan - reflecting and writing on what I see...here are some "take aways"

2010-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, I've been in Japan for about five days...a friend of mine at Friendship Celebration has been going to Japan twice yearly to work on a building that was built 20 years ago to "house" a major Christian ministry movement near the city of Nagano. My purpose in coming to Japan was two-fold - I was invited graciously and secondly, I felt the tug of the Spirit saying to me, "go and listen and learn". That's what I've done. I've been here for five days and I've been involved in a number of home gatherings and worship experiences...if you want to check out my blog for a day to day "journal" of my experiences, you can read them by clicking HERE.

But for now, here are some observations of the Christian movement that I've been "visiting" and spending some time with...like I said, I came to listen and learn. The following remarks I copied from my blog because I thought it might benefit YOUR journey as a spiritual leader:

"My time with Mr. and Mrs. Beck (the original missionary from Germany who was used by God to initiate this movement) was powerful. It is hard to describe being in a room with someone who truly has the gift of apostleship. Currently, there are over 40 Sunday worship locations and over 100 house meetings throughout Japan. If you let that roll around in your heart for a while...they got off a boat in Japan 57 years ago and this is the fruit of their spiritual labor. Let me remind you of something that many of us in Idaho have discussed through our Faith Communities Project - the numbers aren’t the issue...this is a very organic movement of people who love God sharing their faith and passion for Jesus with the friends and family. The truth is Mr. and Mrs. Beck are ministers “TO” the people who call this fellowship their spiritual home...they are NOT ministers “FOR” the people...in other words, they really do see their ministry as equipping the followers of Jesus for THEM TO DO THE WORK OF MINISTRY. That’s the difference - we’ve hired pastors and leaders to do the ministry FOR us...so our system of structure has actually pulled the plug on the average follower of Jesus taking full responsibility for what occurs in our sphere of influence.

Another thing - I sat in awe as the Becks told me, in response to my question about the amazing hospitality that we have experienced since we arrived in Japan, “the gift of hospitality you are experiencing only comes from the Lord”. So, I asked him point blank - “do you mean that the Japanese people are not inherently hospitable?” He said to me, “the Japanese are courteous but the loving hospitality you are experiencing is the result of what happens in each heart when the Holy Spirit transforms their life.” In other words, read Acts 2

Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Acts 2:44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
Acts 2:45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

People were transformed by the Spirit into loving community - the sense of community was a powerful testimony to the world at large of the power of Jesus. I wonder - are people “moved” or in awe about how we as followers of Jesus love one another? In light of all the inner church “bickering”...church splits...brokenness within the Body of Christ, ask yourself, “is there any difference in our fellowship together that would be the result of the transforming power of the Spirit?” Are people in the culture SEEING a difference or being moved by the incredible love we have for each other? Significant question, huh?

As promised, here are a few of the unique characteristics of this movement in Japan - it’s called Kichijoji Christian Fellowship - pronounced “key-chee-joe-jee”:

There is NO pastor - the most important thing is the Word of God and the Lord Jesus - people who are part of the fellowship (from a variety of professions and backgrounds) voluntarily take and share the responsibilities of the “movement” without any pressure or obligation (note - I hesitate using the word, “church” because of the fact that most of us still think of what church as become than what the “ekklesia” is supposed to be). There are certainly spiritual leaders in the movement (obviously Mr. Beck would be in that camp) but their role in the fellowship is to equip, disciple and support the people of the fellowship in their own ministry. I’m not saying that casually either - most pastors I know would say their job is to “equip the body”...but the reality is most pastors do the work of ministry while the congregation watches and judges.
There are no boards, councils, annual meetings, or church regulations...the most important thing is that everyone gets together to adore and worship the Lord with repentance and joy.
There is no formal membership in the movement...there is no list of members...being a part of the movement is the decision of the individual follower of Jesus and each person is completely free to “come and go”.
There is no obligation to support the movement financially - the offerings are voluntary and and NOT recorded.
Worship on Sunday: has no printed bulletin; has two parts - (1) worship/singing and bible readings, communion; (2) evangelistic teaching/message that lasts for 50 minutes; all the services are broadcast on the internet for people to hear
The distinctive aspect of their ministry are their home meetings - there are currently over 100 throughout the country. House meetings are held regularly and weekly with 50 to 200 people attending each one. Messages and testimonies and meals are shared at each. This is the FRONT LINE of ministry for this movement...people are challenged, urged, even “called on the carpet” to bring their friends and family to these meetings...they are very serious about making sure that there are new people every week in the home meetings.
Camps - the movement has a building in Myota (this is the facility that my friend, Merlyn has worked on for over 20 years) which accommodates 1000 people and can house 300 or more people for weekend camps during the summer. Food, fellowship, teaching, testimonies, singing...all are part of the camps...many families bring their friends to these camps.

So, there you go...I’m not going to editorialize here...I guess you can tell that this has been a moving experience for me to see...it is very rare to see a missional movement happening right before your eyes...I also need to warn you - this has happened over 50 years...another thing, the numbers aren’t the significant issue for this movement - the numbers are rather a “sign” of the movement’s blessing and anointing by the Lord. If we lived this way, would we see the same and bear similar fruit? Can I be bold enough to say, “you decide”? I guess I just was bold enough...more tomorrow!

You might not like the question but the challenge is good!

2010-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Patti Magoria pointed this post out to me today - it is worth a look:

by John Ortberg

I talked not long ago to a man who spends his life working with churches on stewardship. i asked him what the number one characteristic of generous churches is, and the rapidity of his answer startled me: “They have generous senior pastors.” He didn’t cite programs or teaching or systems. Just a person.

It struck me how deeply this is true of the whole area of spiritual formation. Sometimes a person will want to become a ’spiritual formation champion’ in a church. They may know a fair amount about techniques like lectio devina, they may read good writers and be able to articulate substantial ideas. But the biggest question remains: When people look at this person, do they say ‘I want to be like him or her?’

When it comes to transformation, the single most helpful gift we offer is the life we lead ourselves. If I’m leading the wrong life, if I’m becoming the wrong person, no amount of information or teaching skill can speak louder than the volume of my actual life. The foundational question around transformation is always the ancient Biblical question (found in an obscure variant text):

Am I smoking what I’m selling?

Organic Systems and Missional Living

2010-01-06T07:48:00.001-08:00

"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed...(Matthew 13)." Farming has changed over the centuries...what used to be much more organic has yielded to methods that are structured and mechanistic. In essence, that is what has occurred in much of our journey and praxis as followers of Jesus. We have yielded to formulas and specific, "proven" ministry/life strategies and have become less dependent upon the Spirit's leadership and spontaniety. I don't want to bore you with a long post...but sometimes these things are necessary to get us all thinking and praying in a new direction.

You may not know how to be able to interpret these thoughts...that’s completely acceptable because of the fact that this type of material is not often included in what we would classify as “church-material”. Even so, understanding how groups/systems/relationships work effectively, organically and transformationally can provide a critical intellectually underpinning for our lives and community practices. So, hold on tightly…and consider this:

Background – In order to begin to understand how important this is – you have to have a bit of a historical review:

Modernity/Enlightenment – brought us an analysis, understanding and articulation of reality that is:

• Linear
• Based on Cause/Effect
• Stability/Solidarity
• Mechanistic
• Based on Newtonian Physics

Postmodernity – is turning our analysis, understanding and articulation of reality upside down:

• Reality is random
• Cause/Effect not iron clad – “B” seems to be caused by “C” or “D” or maybe “X” or “Y”
• Unpredictability
• Living and Breathing and Changing – Chaos
• Based on Quantum Physics and Chaos Theory

Now, let's move on to Systems thinking - briefly, Systems analysis is a theory of analyzing human behavior (in conjunction with organizations, groups, and institutions) that views entities as a unit and uses “systems thinking” to describe the complex interactions in the unit.

Systems thinking can be defined (as an approach to problem solving) as viewing "problems" as parts of an overall system, rather than reacting to present outcomes or events and potentially contributing to further development of the undesired issue or problem. Systems thinking is a framework/paradigm that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system can best be understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather than in isolation. The only way to fully understand why a problem or element occurs and persists is to understand the part in relation to the whole. Organic Systems thinking stands in contrast to Descartes’ scientific reductionism and philosophical analysis (i.e. mechanistic systems) it proposes to view systems in a holistic, living manner.

Organic Systems are OPEN Systems – they do not have central intelligence because the intelligence is spread throughout the system. Organic Systems are also Decentralized Systems. Take a peak at the difference between the two systems below:

Now, follow me here...our lives as followers of Jesus is essentially an organic “Movement “.

Jesus calls us to be committed to building a movement of disciples/Christ-followers that are difference makers in their world to God’s glory.
Jesus invited us to join him, organically, in the reproduction of life.
His action in the world can be best said to be a living, thriving, reproducing organism (Mark 4) that allows life-in-the-Spirit to spread viraly from one disciple to the next.
His ekklesia/church is alive as illustrated by a seed (Mark 4) that brings forth 30, 60, or 100-fold reproduction.
The life of Jesus in me is passed on to the life of another (2-fold) which is passed to the life of another (4-fold) which is passed to the life of another (8-fold), etc. That is the way of organic/viral life and this is what the kingdom IS. This is ultimately what Jesus invited us to become part of: discipling viral disciplers.
Kingdom life is viral, organic, and, by nature, a movement.
That is why we need to be “careful” about defining the “end game” (what “success” looks like in ministry). Ministries (in whatever paradigm we could choose to use) do not naturally reproduce nor become movements. In fact, every “model” has a shelf life. They may serve a purpose for a season, but when that season ends (and it will) the “movement” is over.
This explains why Jesus did not ask us to go and “make gatherings or churches or home groups or…” He did not ask us to go and “make house churches.” He said, “go and make disciples.”
Discipling viral disciplers is the end game. This places YOU and ME squarely in the midst of reproductive life that the kingdom is intrinsically about. We become movement-starters not church-starters. We release disciples who will influence the world throughout their lifetime and beyond.

There is a difference in Organic Systems in this regard:

When we start “churches, communities, meetings, etc.”, our focus tends to be on the communal gathering—what to do, how to do it, what it looks like, etc. We may say to ourselves that we are learning to “be” the church but often our priority remains on developing the structure/form/institution.
When following Jesus and inviting others to follow him becomes our focus (discipling viral disciples), we have to shift from the “gathering” mentality to the “lifestyle-going” mentality. This shift will propel us from being church-starters to movement starters (where churches and gatherings spring up along the way).

Christmastide - Paradigm for Kingdom living?

2010-01-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Living for the Kingdom...living in the flow of the grace and mercy of God...living a life that is obedient and passionate to the call of Jesus - for each of us who follow the Lord God, these are challenges that we humbly embrace. Interestingly enough, we have a tendency to make this challenge and lifestyle complex and unattainable through lofty goals and unrealistic expectations. The reason I say that is simple - I've placed those demands on my own heart and life - there have been times that I have interpreted Kingdom living in such demanding terms that I have actually demotivated and discouraged myself before I took the first step. I've had the scriptural reading goals that have actually pulled the plug on my desire to read the bible...I've had the prayer goals that have brought me more guilt than intimacy with God...I've had the relational goals that have actually transformed the relationships I do have and enjoy into obligations. Don't take this wrong - there's nothing wrong with objectives. I abide by them in most every aspect of my life. What I am saying is why not look at this issue from a different perspective...one of freedom that enhances our opportunities for faithfulness instead of poisoning it.

Put it this way - aren't we close to completing the Christmastide journey? We are on the verge the the 12th day of Christmas - the celebration of Ephipany (if you don't understand Ephipany, click here). Now, for the last 12 days (or more) haven't you been a bit more hospitable? Haven't you been a bit more sensitive to the joys of this time of year? Haven't you been more apt to greet people with love and anticipation of relationship? Haven't you been more giving? More understanding? Patient? In the "churchworld", haven't you prepared specifically for people to hear the story of God's love in the new way and fresh way? In fact, you've probably struggled with the story because it is a familiar one - "how do we communicate the story of Jesus in a manner that someone far from God or confused about life/spiritual matters can hear it and respond?". You know what this time of year has done to you...heres a big but obvious question, maybe more of an insight - shouldn't Christmastide be a paradigm for all of our lives in the new year? Instead of laying new demands upon ourselves, why not just continue what we've done and how we've lived into the coming days? Makes sense, doesn't it? More to come...

Merry Christmas Friends - See you in 2010!

2009-12-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas friends! The light of the world has come near to us! Share the Kingdom of God...love as you have been loved...speak the truth in love...be bold enough to live the presence of Jesus in every moment and aspect of your life!

We will return in the new year with more posts...provocative thoughts and challenges and more sharing that will encourage us in a new age and praxis of ministry!

In Jesus, Robin

Where real life is lived

2009-12-18T12:02:00.001-08:00

It is amazing to me that so many people "outside of the walls of church-world" believe that followers of Jesus are ALWAYS on the top of the mountain. Denial IS something that is as prominent in most local churches as is the liturgical colors on the altar and lecturn. Most people believe that it is "real" to come into spiritual community and wear the Jesus smile. Unfortunately, it isn't real. And if there is one thing we are learning from the culture is that people are dying for authenticity. People are tired of lies, 1/2 truths, painted faces, hidden agendas, and smoothed over edges. Their lives are not like that and they are suspicious of anyone who projects that life can or is lived in that manner. Where is life experienced for you? As you live it, share it - knowing that the Lord Jesus is shining through you no matter where you find yourself - peak or valley. You will discover a more authentic witness in your life and that the Holy Spirit is always much more apt to use a person who is "broken", humble and real.

The Annunciation and our need for the Incarnation!

2009-12-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

I can’t say this enough during this time of year - the Annunciation is the spiritual defibrillator to an otherwise code blue time of year.

In other words, we’re all on the table, the culture and all of our lives are terminally flat-lining - the Annunciation should shock us back to reality.

Thomas Merton – in the 1960’s – was forseeing what many of us are experiencing on a day to day basis – reality of most people’s view of the world/life is one dimensional...actually a reduction of all the wonder of what God created and the power of what life actually is…

Merton wrote, “all words have become alike in our world…to say God is love is like saying eat Wheaties – no difference except that people know they are supposed to look pious when God is mentioned and not when cereal is."

Amazing isn’t it – that can't be clearer or more true than during Christmastime.

Miracles these days are reduced to diet pills, figure slimming swimsuits, wrinkle reducing lotions, garden fertilizers...did you know that close to 80 billion dollars will be spent this Xmas – we are so easily deceived aren’t we?

How can this be?

We mix the incarnation with Santa/gift giving and don’t even flinch...

If anything we live out (day by day) the proof that we haven’t bought into a different value system or worldview than anybody else – we all have a not so subtle allegiance to materialism – that stuff is all there is…we are moved more by expensive gifts and technological trinkets that by the most earth-shattering event in history of the universe. We spend more time shopping and getting all stressed out during the holidays than in quiet reflection/worship of the living God being born in a baby into our lives.

There used to be a time when Christmas meant this for alot of people – "Jesus was all you had – so essentially Jesus is all you needed"

This is not supposed to be a guilt trip but rather a call/challenge to a return to forgotten ways – for 100’s of years, people celebrated Christmas simply and the focused on the right thing – the incarnation – God’s amazing love – miracle of what God is doing in this world.

Annunciation - "Do not be afraid for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Pray with Your feet!

2009-12-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Pray With Your Feet from Recycle Your Faith on Vimeo.

Making sure we are having people SERVE the right "Lord"

2009-12-07T13:05:00.001-08:00

Some of the people in my faith journey weren't too happy when I posted this cartoon on my blog. It is drawn by a man in the UK who is involved the missional movement...he has some "pointed" comments that do make me and others uncomfortable at times.

His point though is well taken...our ministry needs to insure that people are serving the right "Lord". Questions for us to consider - Who do people really serve with their time, giftedness and treasure? Who do people look to for spiritual transformation and influence? Is people's allegiance really to Jesus or to the institution?

Here are some "notes" from the training materials that I share with people in our missional project...give them a bit of thought for today!

“A Jesus fanatic is not someone who is always going to church or at meetings but rather someone in whom the Live Truth dwells” Len Sweet

a. Dualistic Discipleship = there should not be a disconnect between what we SAY we believe/who we follow and our actual ACTIONS - if Jesus IS Lord of our life that should be apparent in everything we do.

b. The Church can no longer be a "silent partner" or a deliberate purveyor of dualistic discipleship. In spite of all the talk about Christ’s Lordship, everyone knows that the expectations of the culture and the institution come first. That is the unspoken façade of much of institutional Christianity. Christ followers tend to make decisions like everyone else NOT ON THE BASIS OF THEIR SUBMISSION TO CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM. Our ministry is to attend to people's commitment to Jesus - His will - His purposes - His leadership in our lives.

c. Following Jesus can no longer be trivialized as little more than a devotional lubricant to keep us from stripping our gears when pursuing our own lives. Following Jesus has become an exercise in “reductionism”…it has been reduced to “quiet times”, “Sunday morning worship experiences”, “committee meetings”, and religious activity separated from real living. For many, following Jesus highly privatized, spiritualized and disconnected. Modern culture still, in most cases, defines the good life.

A Value to be embraced...

2009-12-02T08:41:00.001-08:00

One of the core values in the Missional Ministry Project that we are initiating in our context has to do with embracing and cooperating with other people who follow Jesus and are aligned with the Kingdom of God. Instead of taking the posture of antagonism, suspicion, "us vs. them", or theological/practical arrogance, we understand that the "differences" between those of us who align ourselves with the "Lutheran brand" and all the "others" are insignificant when placed alongside of the call of Jesus to embody the Gospel in our time and in our place with love, grace, and spiritual integrity. Yes, there are differences that we can "discuss" and acknowledge when we are in conversation among ourselves evenso, as far as the culture is concerned arguments and debates among churches over who is "right/wrong" is purely "white noise". It is meaningless...in other words, our theological debates might be important to US but the world isn't listening. So, we take a stance seeing other followers of Jesus as allies in the battle...pure and simple, we find ways to understand and pray for those who are attempting to build up the Body of Christ and faithfully be ambassadors of the truth.

My friend, Dr. Scot McKnight, posted this on his blog today...it is important to know how other followers of Jesus "live" and understand their journey in the kingdom of God. You might not "agree" with everything that this has to say...actually, that's good if you don't. Understand though - as you enter into community with other followers of Jesus, that you grow...instead of being so busy pointing out that which separates us intellectually and doctrinally, we need to concentrate on our common Lord and our common passion to embody the grace, mercy and presence of Jesus in and through our lives. Not much is completely appreciated about Orthodox Christianity within those of us who are of the "protestant" bent...we need to know and understand more about these brothers and sisters. See what you think!

Time for you to "subscribe" to the Naked Pastor

2009-12-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Don't freak out yet! The Naked Pastor is a pastor and artist from Canada...he is theologically trained and spiritually authentic. I've been following his blog for over two years...I've laughed, been very convicted and uncomfortable and sometimes even outraged...but that is what a good artist can do to your soul. Many of his cartoons are specifically targeted for those in ministry to consider or reconsider sacred cows. Here's a sample of his work - Naked Pastor:

Communicating the Gospel WITH love...

2009-11-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a video I just watched...it is one from a professor at Salt Lake Theological Seminary concerning "loving" Mormon people. I think it is profound in the sense that it communicates HOW we embrace our culture and enter into conversations with people without "hammering" them theologically. I think it is worth the few minutes to give it some consideration! If you want, chime in some comments...I'd love to know what you think!

Going against the flow...a disciple's lifestyle?

2009-11-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Going against the flow...it seems to be a style of living and thinking for many...especially those who seems to have the most impact in any given human situation. Yep, there can be risks to that style of life...but frankly, "no risk...no glory". As Seth Godin says below, maintaining the status quo is a recipe for failure. Seth's post today is worth a quick look:

Boundary makers by Seth Godin

Some artists continually seek to tear down boundaries, to find new powder, new territory, new worlds to explore. They're the ones that hop the fence to get to places no one has ever been.

Other artists understand that they need to see the edges of the box if they're going to create work that lasts. No fence, no art.

Can't do both at the same time.

My guess is that you're already one kind of person or the other. When people present you with an opportunity/problem, what's your first reaction? Some people immediately start looking for loopholes or weak boundaries. "You didn't say we couldn't do xxx". For these people, the best and most obvious solution is to completely demolish the problem and play by different rules.

Other people, some just as successful, take a hard look at the boundaries and create something that plays within, that follows the rules, but that is likely to win because of this.

In my experience, either can work, but only by someone willing to push harder than most in their push to be remarkable. Going with the flow is a euphemism for failing...

Just a smile for you!

2009-11-25T09:19:00.001-08:00

An insightful article...

2009-11-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

A brother in the Lord by the name of Roger Thoman recently wrote an article for the Simple/House Church website that is insightful on some of the issues that any traditional “church” faces when transitions are “in the wind”. These stages are theological, biblical and “heart checks” that must be navigated for real transformation to occur. I think his list is helpful…if you want to see the entire article, click HERE.

1. Letting go of old paradigms of church life.

2. Exploring New Testament gatherings.

3. Re-boot to Jesus.

4. A new missional heart and longing.

5. Fresh discovery of our own passions, spiritual gifts, and calling.

6. Integration of an organic, fruitful lifestyle with organic gatherings that support it.

7. Our kingdom influence spreads and even becomes reproductive in its impact.

Forgiveness with an Incarnational Touch

2009-11-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

One of the values that I hold close to my heart and lifestyle as I attempt to do what I can to build a movement of followers of Jesus is a commitment to incarnational living. The fact that God incarnated Himself into the world to be able to give people an opportunity to experience the love and power of God is more than significant...it is one of the truths of the Gospel that stands out in the confusion of the religious landscape. The fact is - you and me are the contemporary incarnation of Jesus...the Spirit dwells in our hearts and lives. People need the touch of God on their hearts...but often WE bring that touch! Enjoy the video!

Are you living life IN or OUTSIDE the jar?

2009-11-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Friends, this is one of my favorite videos...why? Because it is a great discussion parable to be able to look at what has occurred in many people's experience of "church". While you watch it, ask yourself the questions - what are the implications of this parable? How has our faith journey been domesticated? Have we been trained to live and bring up future generations "in" the jar? How does that brand our identity? How does that affect our mission?

Comments from Monday's Presentations!

2009-11-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

1. A few comments on the presentation from Jerry:

Thoughts on the conference call - Today I joined the conference call feeling a bit skeptical. My skepticism came from two directions:

First, I really didn’t know what the “project” we were going to discuss was going to be or what might be asked of me. Secondly, I find myself at kind of a low point. I am less sure of myself and my work at St John than I ever have been.

The conference call really helped me deal with of this skepticism. First, I must say the call answered many of my questions. But it not only answered my questions, the presentation challenged me. I still have questions, but the questions have changed. I now have practical questions about how this works and doesn’t work. Second, the call enlightened me about some of the concerns I have about my own ministry at St John. What I heard really affirmed what I have learned through the years and the presentation helped explain some of the disappointment I am currently experiencing. It even gave me some new ideas. Prior to the call I had not made plans for the trip to Portland in February because of my questions. But now I am anxious to go and would vote for making the session a day longer. I think we have lots to do.

Some thoughts:

I realize the church has become institutionalized, but how do we deal with it? I thought the one slide about working with the church lent some insight. I have a lot of questions in this regard. I wonder if it might not be easier and more effective to start new groups alongside (or even outside) the existing church rather than try to change the people inside the church. I don’t know. I believe God’s Spirit will give direction here.

I love the concept of discipleship groups. I have come to realize long ago that discipleship is the missing concept in many LCMS churches and that it is the “powerhouse” of the church. In fact, the last couple of years I have been working with a model we call FITT for Life. FITT is “Christ For me, Christ In me, Christ working Through me as an individual and Christ working Through us together. Although I think this acronym describes the Christian life, I haven’t been very effective in selling it.

Along the same line of thought, several years ago the staff at St John began working with a new definition of Christian education. Our new model is: Christian education is accomplished best through multiple learning experiences, but education is not active until it is applied to the learner’s life and we live it together in community. The fact that education isn’t happening until it is applied to the person’s life has been something we have understood for a while, but what is new to us is that a great deal of learning occurs through life together. This last part is a key to appreciating that we are the body of Christ and the function of the Body in learning and growing.

Pastor Jerry Reinke
November 18, 2009 10:03 AM

2. Comments from Toby:

Jerry….you are not alone in the frustrations of ministry……If nothing else I pray that all of us together can encourage and help one another in discipleship ministry. We are trying some new stuff here in this very area which I can share more of later. Not sure if it will work but never throw in the towel.

Toby

Welcome to the New Adventure and Journey!

2009-11-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hi friends in Jesus -

This week, under the guidance of Denny Langston, Denny Lorenz and Patti Maggoria, we began a journey together in exploring new paradigms in ministry and mission. The great thing about this journey is that it is NOT something that we hope to guide, steer or restrain...rather we are following the Spirit in seeing how HE moves and inspires us - each in our own context, each with our own gifts, insights and passions. The beauty of it is that we are doing this IN COMMUNITY - accountable to each other for sharing what God is teaching us for the sake of the Kingdom of God!

This blog is forum for ideas...questions...insights...praxis...learning...whatever we want to make it! We'll have one rule and one rule only - we are faithful to the Spirit and open with each other based on the love that we share for Jesus Christ!

So bookmark this blog...better yet, subscribe to it via Bloglines or some other RSS tracker...that way you can check back regularly to read, respond, post, etc.

Let the journey begin!