I had to run into Sealy this morning to pick up another gallon of paint for the girls' room. I ran by AL&M and purchased what I needed. Since it was nearing noon, and I'm batching it right now, I decided to grab a bite to eat.
I hadn't eaten at the local Chinese/Thai restaurant in ages, so decided I'd dine there. I ordered and pulled out my phone to play a little game before my food was ready. In a few moments, my Hot and Sour Soup arrived.
As is my usual custom, I started to bow my head. Then, I stopped.
The Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven...5“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." --Matthew 6: 1, 5-6
Hastily, I picked up my spoon, said a silent blessing in my head as I was dipping the spoon in the soup, and I began to eat.
Praying before a meal is something natural and instilled in me from the time I was little. On more than one occasion, my mom and dad stopped us when we were in public to pray before eating. I've done so with my family. But, here is Jesus saying, "Don't do that. All you really are doing is saying, 'Look at me.' Pray in secret."
O.K., Lord. I'm working on it. Be patient with me. I'm having to unlearn much of what I have learned.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are You a Christian or a Disciple?
Another book which kicked me in the teeth this past vacation was Dallas Willard's book: The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship.
The excerpt which hurt exceptionally follows:
I hope my readers will chew on those words as I did, because I found a huge nugget of truth in them. I realized many of my own shortcomings as a pastor and would be disciple of Jesus. I realized my own need for spiritual growth and formation--an area I had been sorely neglecting. And I realized the disservice I had been doing in my congregation--being content to have a lot of Christians, but not willing to lead them toward discipleship.
The excerpt which hurt exceptionally follows:
Dallas Willard, The Great Omission Introduction pp. xi-xii...If we do seek him, he will certainly find us, and then we, ever more deeply find him. That is the blessed existence of the disciple of Jesus who continuously "grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
But just there is the problem. Who, among Christians today, is a disciple of Jesus, in any substantive sense of the word "disciple"? A disciple is a learner, a student, an apprentice--a practitioner, even if only a beginner. The New Testament literature, which must be allowed to define our terms if we are ever to get our bearings in the Way with Christ, makes this clear. In that context, disciples of Jesus are people who do not just profess certain views as their own but apply their growing understanding of life in the Kingdom of the Heavens to every aspect of their life on earth.
In contrast, the governing assumption today, among professing Christians, is that we can be "Christians" forever and never become disciples. Not even in heaven, it seems, for who would need it there? That is the accepted teaching now. Check it out wherever you are. And this (with its various consequences) is the Great Omission from the "Great Commission" in which the Great Disparity is firmly rooted...
Jesus told us explicitly what to do. We have a manual, just like the car owner. He told us, as disciples, to make disciples. Not converts to Christianity, nor to some particular "faith and practice." He did not tell us to arrange for people to "get in" or "make the cut" after they die, nor to eliminate the various brutal forms of injustice, nor to produce and maintain "successful" churches. These are all good things, and he had something to say about all of them. They will certainly happen if--but only if--we are (his constant apprentices) and do (make constant apprentices) what he told us to be and do. If we just do this, it will little matter what else we do or do not do.
I hope my readers will chew on those words as I did, because I found a huge nugget of truth in them. I realized many of my own shortcomings as a pastor and would be disciple of Jesus. I realized my own need for spiritual growth and formation--an area I had been sorely neglecting. And I realized the disservice I had been doing in my congregation--being content to have a lot of Christians, but not willing to lead them toward discipleship.
I also know leadership begins with my own work and attitude. I cannot force anyone to become a disciple, but I will offer opportunities. Whether anyone will take those opportunities, I do not know. But Willard's words helped show me the path I was missing for a time, and even though I'm sure I'll stumble off it from time to time, I hope I can head in that general direction.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Kicked in the Teeth
It is not a good thing to be kicked in the teeth by something you read.
My most recent moment came while reading Timothy Keller's book Counterfeit Gods.
Things started out innocuous enough. Keller talks about how to recognize your counterfeit gods by stating:
A counterfeit god is anything so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living...An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, "If I have that, then I'll feel my life has meaning, then I'll know I have value, then I'll feel significant and secure." pg. xvii
After these words in his introduction, Keller begins addressing some of the main gods our society reveres. I had no disagreement with Keller's lists, and I recognized the times when I have slipped dealing with the gods of money and sexuality. But according to Keller's definition, I have only slipped. Neither of these were things I dream about incessantly in my heart of hearts.
That was before Keller's foot met my face. Keller penned an entire chapter just for me when he spoke of the counterfeit god: success.
As I read this chapter, I knew I was meeting the proverbial hammer of the law. I realized how much I crave success. I knew this because in a conversation with a friend over lunch, I was asked about what my next dream would be.
I had recently accomplished the dream of owning a Ford Mustang GT, and I have relished driving it. My friend wondered what would be next. That's when I revealed my craving for success and what I would do with it.
I responded with something like this:
This dream is not according to God's will or His plan. It is strictly what I would like to see happen if I had my way. I'd love to see my congregation grow to over a thousand members with a worship attendance of over 500 per Sunday. I'd love to have programs and stuff galore happening all over the place, and then look at all those who told me that such things could only be done a certain way and thumb my nose at them.
(At least I had the thought to say this wasn't according to God's will to preface my "dream.")
Now, think about what I said and this quote from Keller:
More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are god, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength, and performance. To be the very best at what you do, to be at the top of the heap, means no one is like you. You are supreme. pg. 75
When I read that statement, it brought me to my knees. I came face to face with my counterfeit god. I want...I crave being a "successful" pastor. And now, I see the trap the Evil One has laid out for me.
A congregation which truly reaches out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ will find itself growing. It will find itself thriving as it seeks God's Kingdom and its implementation in this world. As a church follows the Great Commission and teaches others about Jesus Christ, mission and ministry will multiply. In our society, such a church is defined as successful. And it is a very easy thing for a pastor to cross that line and think the growth is because of him or her--especially when there are so many voices telling clergy that we must lead and offer leadership.
One can easily stop and say, "Look what my leadership did!" And Satan's trap slams shut and is complete.
I know a church does not grow because of the pastor. I know it grows because of God's Spirit working in and through it. I know without the power of God in word and deed, a church will flounder. Yet, there is part of me which wants to take credit for what is done--even if it makes success a counterfeit God.
But after getting kicked in the teeth, I'm rethinking my dream. I'm asking, "God, what is your dream for this congregation that I serve? What are we meant to do? What are we meant to be? Are we meant to continue growing? Are we meant to become a huge congregation with multiple ministries, multiple staff, and multitudes of activities? And if we do grow and burst at the seams, is there really a need to "rub noses in it"?
No, not if we are doing things to the glory of God.
Somewhere, I lost that little snippet. Somewhere in my own anger and sinfulness, I became more concerned about how others say church should be done. Somewhere in my own desire to prove myself better than the rest of those folks out there, I began worshiping a counterfeit god.
Not good. Not good at all.
So, on vacation, I began working to purge such thoughts from my mind. I began intentionally engaging in study and worship and silence and solitude. I started to focus on my relationship with God so that these desires are forced to flee.
I don't need to rub anyone's nose in anything. I need to be pointing to Jesus.
Thank you, Lord, that through Timothy Keller, you kicked me in the teeth. I needed it.
My most recent moment came while reading Timothy Keller's book Counterfeit Gods.
Things started out innocuous enough. Keller talks about how to recognize your counterfeit gods by stating:
A counterfeit god is anything so central and essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living...An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, "If I have that, then I'll feel my life has meaning, then I'll know I have value, then I'll feel significant and secure." pg. xvii
After these words in his introduction, Keller begins addressing some of the main gods our society reveres. I had no disagreement with Keller's lists, and I recognized the times when I have slipped dealing with the gods of money and sexuality. But according to Keller's definition, I have only slipped. Neither of these were things I dream about incessantly in my heart of hearts.
That was before Keller's foot met my face. Keller penned an entire chapter just for me when he spoke of the counterfeit god: success.
As I read this chapter, I knew I was meeting the proverbial hammer of the law. I realized how much I crave success. I knew this because in a conversation with a friend over lunch, I was asked about what my next dream would be.
I had recently accomplished the dream of owning a Ford Mustang GT, and I have relished driving it. My friend wondered what would be next. That's when I revealed my craving for success and what I would do with it.
I responded with something like this:
This dream is not according to God's will or His plan. It is strictly what I would like to see happen if I had my way. I'd love to see my congregation grow to over a thousand members with a worship attendance of over 500 per Sunday. I'd love to have programs and stuff galore happening all over the place, and then look at all those who told me that such things could only be done a certain way and thumb my nose at them.
(At least I had the thought to say this wasn't according to God's will to preface my "dream.")
Now, think about what I said and this quote from Keller:
More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are god, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength, and performance. To be the very best at what you do, to be at the top of the heap, means no one is like you. You are supreme. pg. 75
When I read that statement, it brought me to my knees. I came face to face with my counterfeit god. I want...I crave being a "successful" pastor. And now, I see the trap the Evil One has laid out for me.
A congregation which truly reaches out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ will find itself growing. It will find itself thriving as it seeks God's Kingdom and its implementation in this world. As a church follows the Great Commission and teaches others about Jesus Christ, mission and ministry will multiply. In our society, such a church is defined as successful. And it is a very easy thing for a pastor to cross that line and think the growth is because of him or her--especially when there are so many voices telling clergy that we must lead and offer leadership.
One can easily stop and say, "Look what my leadership did!" And Satan's trap slams shut and is complete.
I know a church does not grow because of the pastor. I know it grows because of God's Spirit working in and through it. I know without the power of God in word and deed, a church will flounder. Yet, there is part of me which wants to take credit for what is done--even if it makes success a counterfeit God.
But after getting kicked in the teeth, I'm rethinking my dream. I'm asking, "God, what is your dream for this congregation that I serve? What are we meant to do? What are we meant to be? Are we meant to continue growing? Are we meant to become a huge congregation with multiple ministries, multiple staff, and multitudes of activities? And if we do grow and burst at the seams, is there really a need to "rub noses in it"?
No, not if we are doing things to the glory of God.
Somewhere, I lost that little snippet. Somewhere in my own anger and sinfulness, I became more concerned about how others say church should be done. Somewhere in my own desire to prove myself better than the rest of those folks out there, I began worshiping a counterfeit god.
Not good. Not good at all.
So, on vacation, I began working to purge such thoughts from my mind. I began intentionally engaging in study and worship and silence and solitude. I started to focus on my relationship with God so that these desires are forced to flee.
I don't need to rub anyone's nose in anything. I need to be pointing to Jesus.
Thank you, Lord, that through Timothy Keller, you kicked me in the teeth. I needed it.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sucker!
Last night at our council meeting, I spoke at length to the congregation council about some places where I was falling short in my job as pastor. I particularly spoke about how I had been very comfortable in getting folks to become a part of the church, but I had not done a good job of offering opportunities for people to grow in faith. I had not done a very good job of urging people to grow in their walk with Jesus and become better disciples. A book that I had read during vacation was instrumental in my thoughts: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard. I will be doing some blogging about this in the future as to why.
After the meeting, my congregation president took me aside and thanked me for what I had said, and he offered a story about a friend of his who reads his Bible for 30 minutes every day at lunch. That little tidbit hit home with me because even though I spend time in sermon preparation and Bible study preparation every week, I do not spend enough time just reading the Bible. I decided right then and there the 30 minutes at lunch idea was a good one.
Today, I drove into Houston to visit a church member who is in the hospital recovering from a massive stroke. On the way back, I stopped at Taco Bell to grab a bite to eat. (Yes, I can afford better food than Taco Bell, but I like the stuff as it reminds me of the rare times my folks took my sister and I out to eat as kids.) I took my Bible with me.
Willard urges clergy to spend time reading over and over and over again the Gospels, so I began with the book of Matthew and read as I ate my Enchirito cut the onions and my bean burrito. The chapters seemed to pass by quickly, and before I knew it, I was breezing through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Got me thinking about what in the world a church looked like that actually followed this teaching. Got me thinking about what in the world a person looked like who actually followed Jesus' teaching here. I also recognized just how short I fall in living up to this ethic of living.
I read Jesus' words in chapter five verse 42, "Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."
I kid you not, less than two minutes later, I notice someone place something on my table.
Two pens.
With little signs that read, "I am deaf. Please give $2 or $3 to help me care for my family."
(From here on out, italics are the thoughts that ran through my brain.)
I looked at the pens. Scam! Don't do it.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
Noticing several within the restaurant pulling out cash. Give me a break, this guy probably pulls in more money than me in an year...TAX FREE too!
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
Remembering my training by those who work for charitable organizations who work with the poor, hungry, and homeless. He knows where he can get assistance. He's just preying on everyone's sympathy.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
It's foolish.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
and Paul: 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. --1 Corinthians 1:22-25
I reached into my wallet and pulled out a five dollar bill. I placed it under the pens and stood to leave. The man held up the pens for me to take, but I refused them.
Jesus says, "Give to everyone who begs from you..."
Why would Jesus command such a thing? Why would he knowingly tell His followers to give to EVERYONE who begs even if He knew they would be played?
I'm sure there are lots of theories. The best one I could come up with is to show just how different we Christians are called to be in the world. When we are told to be protective of what is ours--to make sure it is used wisely--to prevent ourselves from being scammed, Jesus tells us to be overly generous. Perhaps He does so to help us realize just where our cash comes from. It's not ours after all, we are simply stewards of what He gives to us.
I still feel like a sucker for giving the guy five bucks. Guess I still have a long way to go before my heart is in the right place. But, I think I made a start.
After the meeting, my congregation president took me aside and thanked me for what I had said, and he offered a story about a friend of his who reads his Bible for 30 minutes every day at lunch. That little tidbit hit home with me because even though I spend time in sermon preparation and Bible study preparation every week, I do not spend enough time just reading the Bible. I decided right then and there the 30 minutes at lunch idea was a good one.
Today, I drove into Houston to visit a church member who is in the hospital recovering from a massive stroke. On the way back, I stopped at Taco Bell to grab a bite to eat. (Yes, I can afford better food than Taco Bell, but I like the stuff as it reminds me of the rare times my folks took my sister and I out to eat as kids.) I took my Bible with me.
Willard urges clergy to spend time reading over and over and over again the Gospels, so I began with the book of Matthew and read as I ate my Enchirito cut the onions and my bean burrito. The chapters seemed to pass by quickly, and before I knew it, I was breezing through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Got me thinking about what in the world a church looked like that actually followed this teaching. Got me thinking about what in the world a person looked like who actually followed Jesus' teaching here. I also recognized just how short I fall in living up to this ethic of living.
I read Jesus' words in chapter five verse 42, "Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."
I kid you not, less than two minutes later, I notice someone place something on my table.
Two pens.
With little signs that read, "I am deaf. Please give $2 or $3 to help me care for my family."
(From here on out, italics are the thoughts that ran through my brain.)
I looked at the pens. Scam! Don't do it.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
Noticing several within the restaurant pulling out cash. Give me a break, this guy probably pulls in more money than me in an year...TAX FREE too!
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
Remembering my training by those who work for charitable organizations who work with the poor, hungry, and homeless. He knows where he can get assistance. He's just preying on everyone's sympathy.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
It's foolish.
Jesus: Give to everyone who begs from you...
and Paul: 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. --1 Corinthians 1:22-25
I reached into my wallet and pulled out a five dollar bill. I placed it under the pens and stood to leave. The man held up the pens for me to take, but I refused them.
Jesus says, "Give to everyone who begs from you..."
Why would Jesus command such a thing? Why would he knowingly tell His followers to give to EVERYONE who begs even if He knew they would be played?
I'm sure there are lots of theories. The best one I could come up with is to show just how different we Christians are called to be in the world. When we are told to be protective of what is ours--to make sure it is used wisely--to prevent ourselves from being scammed, Jesus tells us to be overly generous. Perhaps He does so to help us realize just where our cash comes from. It's not ours after all, we are simply stewards of what He gives to us.
I still feel like a sucker for giving the guy five bucks. Guess I still have a long way to go before my heart is in the right place. But, I think I made a start.
Worship from a Different Point of View
The past two weeks, I had the privilege of worshiping from a different point of view--from the view of a parishoner/visitor instead of a pastor. There were some enlightening moments, to say the least. For this blog, I will focus on the second week of worship as my family and I were in San Antonio, TX visiting my in-laws.
After eating breakfast with my in-laws, my wife, kids and I jumped into our vehicle to find a place to worship. Yeah, I know, what about looking up stuff on the internet? What about planning where you are going to go? Well, we were being a bit spontaneous, and we wanted to see where we would land.
First of all, my first bit of advice to any church leader or pastor reading: I don't give a flying flip about cutesy sayings or what the topic of the sermon is or what upcoming neat ministry you may be doing. On Sunday morning, when I am looking for a place to worship, I want to know one thing, and one thing alone: WHAT TIME DOES EVERYTHING START? Oh, and make it easy to read. Don't put your worship times in small font at the bottom of your church sign. It needs to be big and bold so that folks can read it easily as they are driving in their cars. And as for the electronic, led stuff: give your worship time more than 10 seconds to display. I'd like to actually have a chance to see it amidst all the other distractions while driving. And while I'm on this rant: if you have other things you would like to highlight, do so, but then immediately come back to your worship/Sunday School time. That's the most important stuff on Sunday morning for drive bys.
We actually drove around for about 30 minutes trying to find a church. Several of them had worship times that started later than we wanted. Several churches didn't post worship times. Others we drove away from because we weren't interested in the worship style. I'm not opposed to holiness churches, I'm just not particularly fond of worshiping at them. We finally drove past St. Matthew Episcopal Church in Universal City. After squinting as hard as we could, we saw the worship time was 10:30 a.m. Perfect!
We parked and headed into the church. We were greeted warmly and handed bulletins. Needing the facilities, we were directed toward the restrooms. As we headed that direction, a woman introduced herself to us and in a very kind way offered the services of their nursery to all of our children even to the point of telling us her child was there at that very moment. There was no hint of, "if your kids are noisy, use the nursery" in her telling which was a welcomed thing for my wife and I.
After taking care of business, we headed into the sanctuary. Before walking through the door, another lady said, "Excuse me, do you need prepared children's bags?" We graciously accepted them. Crayons, books, coloring books. Neat stuff all in a cloth bag package. Great entertainment for the kids to keep them quiet during the "boring" parts of the worship.
We sat in the last pew and began looking over the bulletin. Within moments, another woman approached us and informed us they had Children's Church during the sermon. Our kids were more than welcome to join the rest of the kids. My middle child was ready to go instantly. We had to reel her in a little and inform her it would be a little later.
The service itself was traditional in scope. No fancy bands or instruments. Organ music well done. One hymn which was unfamiliar to the congregation. All the liturgy parts unfamilar to me. Inclusive bulletin however which made following along very easy.
The kids left at the appropriat time for Children's Church, so my wife and I actually got to listen to a sermon uninterrupted. The sermon wasn't fantastic, but it was well delivered. Nothing overly heady, and not much theological jargon.
The kids came back during the sharing of the peace, and I did have one quibble--this took entirely too long. If you were a member of the church, it was no big deal because everyone had to hug and greet everyone else. If you were a visitor, after shaking the hands of those immediately around you, you ended up standing there watching everyone else greet and hug and exchange short stories. This was the only part of the service where I felt left out.
No problems receiving communion or otherwise, and we were warmly thanked for attending at the end of the service. Several folks invited us to come back. The lady who conducted Children's Church remembered all the names of our children perfectly. That was very nice and personal. We felt very comfortable there and would return in a heart beat--especially in how they welcomed and treated our children.
But here is the part that troubled me. This congregation had all the techniques down: welcoming atmosphere, genuinely hospitable folks, concern for guests and helping them learn the ropes of worship and the goings on during the service, a decent, understandable sermon even though I wouldn't call it spectacular, quality music, and some really nice singing by the congregation (particularly during the descant of Seek Ye First). Yet, despite all these techniques bascially being mastered by this congregation, it was nowhere close to being full. It was nowhere close to being packed with people gathering to worship. It was almost enough to make me scratch my head in bewilderment.
I've been doing some major thinking as to why this is so. I know the Episocopal church is a declining, mainline denomination. I know they suffer from some of the same symptoms that ail my denomination, the ELCA. But for all practical purposes, this place should have been hopping left and right with folks.
I've only worshiped there one time, and it's obvious that techniques aren't enough to produce a church packed with people. I wonder how well the church members invite others to attend worship? I wonder how deep the congregation's spiritual roots run? I wonder how often they engage the community surrounding them and are willing to lift up the needs of the surrounding community?
So many questions.
So few answers.
After eating breakfast with my in-laws, my wife, kids and I jumped into our vehicle to find a place to worship. Yeah, I know, what about looking up stuff on the internet? What about planning where you are going to go? Well, we were being a bit spontaneous, and we wanted to see where we would land.
First of all, my first bit of advice to any church leader or pastor reading: I don't give a flying flip about cutesy sayings or what the topic of the sermon is or what upcoming neat ministry you may be doing. On Sunday morning, when I am looking for a place to worship, I want to know one thing, and one thing alone: WHAT TIME DOES EVERYTHING START? Oh, and make it easy to read. Don't put your worship times in small font at the bottom of your church sign. It needs to be big and bold so that folks can read it easily as they are driving in their cars. And as for the electronic, led stuff: give your worship time more than 10 seconds to display. I'd like to actually have a chance to see it amidst all the other distractions while driving. And while I'm on this rant: if you have other things you would like to highlight, do so, but then immediately come back to your worship/Sunday School time. That's the most important stuff on Sunday morning for drive bys.
We actually drove around for about 30 minutes trying to find a church. Several of them had worship times that started later than we wanted. Several churches didn't post worship times. Others we drove away from because we weren't interested in the worship style. I'm not opposed to holiness churches, I'm just not particularly fond of worshiping at them. We finally drove past St. Matthew Episcopal Church in Universal City. After squinting as hard as we could, we saw the worship time was 10:30 a.m. Perfect!
We parked and headed into the church. We were greeted warmly and handed bulletins. Needing the facilities, we were directed toward the restrooms. As we headed that direction, a woman introduced herself to us and in a very kind way offered the services of their nursery to all of our children even to the point of telling us her child was there at that very moment. There was no hint of, "if your kids are noisy, use the nursery" in her telling which was a welcomed thing for my wife and I.
After taking care of business, we headed into the sanctuary. Before walking through the door, another lady said, "Excuse me, do you need prepared children's bags?" We graciously accepted them. Crayons, books, coloring books. Neat stuff all in a cloth bag package. Great entertainment for the kids to keep them quiet during the "boring" parts of the worship.
We sat in the last pew and began looking over the bulletin. Within moments, another woman approached us and informed us they had Children's Church during the sermon. Our kids were more than welcome to join the rest of the kids. My middle child was ready to go instantly. We had to reel her in a little and inform her it would be a little later.
The service itself was traditional in scope. No fancy bands or instruments. Organ music well done. One hymn which was unfamiliar to the congregation. All the liturgy parts unfamilar to me. Inclusive bulletin however which made following along very easy.
The kids left at the appropriat time for Children's Church, so my wife and I actually got to listen to a sermon uninterrupted. The sermon wasn't fantastic, but it was well delivered. Nothing overly heady, and not much theological jargon.
The kids came back during the sharing of the peace, and I did have one quibble--this took entirely too long. If you were a member of the church, it was no big deal because everyone had to hug and greet everyone else. If you were a visitor, after shaking the hands of those immediately around you, you ended up standing there watching everyone else greet and hug and exchange short stories. This was the only part of the service where I felt left out.
No problems receiving communion or otherwise, and we were warmly thanked for attending at the end of the service. Several folks invited us to come back. The lady who conducted Children's Church remembered all the names of our children perfectly. That was very nice and personal. We felt very comfortable there and would return in a heart beat--especially in how they welcomed and treated our children.
But here is the part that troubled me. This congregation had all the techniques down: welcoming atmosphere, genuinely hospitable folks, concern for guests and helping them learn the ropes of worship and the goings on during the service, a decent, understandable sermon even though I wouldn't call it spectacular, quality music, and some really nice singing by the congregation (particularly during the descant of Seek Ye First). Yet, despite all these techniques bascially being mastered by this congregation, it was nowhere close to being full. It was nowhere close to being packed with people gathering to worship. It was almost enough to make me scratch my head in bewilderment.
I've been doing some major thinking as to why this is so. I know the Episocopal church is a declining, mainline denomination. I know they suffer from some of the same symptoms that ail my denomination, the ELCA. But for all practical purposes, this place should have been hopping left and right with folks.
I've only worshiped there one time, and it's obvious that techniques aren't enough to produce a church packed with people. I wonder how well the church members invite others to attend worship? I wonder how deep the congregation's spiritual roots run? I wonder how often they engage the community surrounding them and are willing to lift up the needs of the surrounding community?
So many questions.
So few answers.
Monday, July 25, 2011
A Few Thoughts on the Debt Ceiling Debate
If you are looking for me to jump in with my "solution" to the current debt ceiling debate, you will be highly disappointed. There are enough pundits to go around on that one. Depending upon one's particular political persuasion or deeply held assumptions, one is either blaming Democrats, Republicans, or both parties for the impasse.
I have personally found it intriguing the tenor of negotiations at this point. Words like "heated", "walked away", "angry", "uncompromising" and "blame" are thrown around more and more as the deadline approaches.
I guess it's not too surprising considering the rhetoric each side has used in the past several years. Over time, as such rhetoric is used over and over and over, anger and resentment builds up inside. I don't care who you are, such words take their toll, until one snaps.
Perhaps one see such snapping in this debate over the debt ceiling. Neither side is really willing to budge. Neither side wants to give the other the benefit of the doubt. Each side is looking to win--in the legislation and in the public spin job. Their actions and rhetoric indicates a win at all cost attitude.
One need only to look at the actions of our elected officials to see just how far away we are from truly being a Christian nation. I challenge anyone to read the following words of Jesus, apply them to our elected officals and then call the U.S. a Christian nation:
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. --Matthew 5:22
35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” --Mark 10:35-45
And from St. Paul:
25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not make room for the devil. 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. --Ephesians 4:25-29
Do you think if we were truly a Christian nation we would have such issues among our elected leaders? And I say truly in the sense that our leaders truly acted in a Christ-like fashion.
Unfortunately, a "win at all costs" mentality along with seeing one's neighbor as an opponent and "enemy" does not allow one to seek the greater good. Self-centeredness reigns, and it is a detriment not only in the church but in society as well.
I have personally found it intriguing the tenor of negotiations at this point. Words like "heated", "walked away", "angry", "uncompromising" and "blame" are thrown around more and more as the deadline approaches.
I guess it's not too surprising considering the rhetoric each side has used in the past several years. Over time, as such rhetoric is used over and over and over, anger and resentment builds up inside. I don't care who you are, such words take their toll, until one snaps.
Perhaps one see such snapping in this debate over the debt ceiling. Neither side is really willing to budge. Neither side wants to give the other the benefit of the doubt. Each side is looking to win--in the legislation and in the public spin job. Their actions and rhetoric indicates a win at all cost attitude.
One need only to look at the actions of our elected officials to see just how far away we are from truly being a Christian nation. I challenge anyone to read the following words of Jesus, apply them to our elected officals and then call the U.S. a Christian nation:
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. --Matthew 5:22
35James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” 37And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. 42So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 43But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. 45For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” --Mark 10:35-45
And from St. Paul:
25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and do not make room for the devil. 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. --Ephesians 4:25-29
Do you think if we were truly a Christian nation we would have such issues among our elected leaders? And I say truly in the sense that our leaders truly acted in a Christ-like fashion.
Unfortunately, a "win at all costs" mentality along with seeing one's neighbor as an opponent and "enemy" does not allow one to seek the greater good. Self-centeredness reigns, and it is a detriment not only in the church but in society as well.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Using Fish to Catch Fish
I'm not much of a fisherman. I don't quite have enough patience, especially when three little kids have even less patience than I do and are running around screaming for attention while I'm trying to concentrate on being lazy with my line in the river...
But I digress.
While fishing on the Medina River I think I got a little insight into evangelism.
Numerous perch swam in the shallows as we fished for our main desire: catfish. We were using stink bait to attract the cats, but with no luck what-so-ever. That's when my father-in-law began talking about how nice it would be to use some of those perch as bait. Apparently, using fish to catch fish is a better strategy.
I undertook the task and within a few minutes had caught a couple of perch. Baiting our hooks with our new bait, we waited once again. Unfortunately, luck wasn't quite with us this go round. I think the noisiness of my children had something to do with it.
But it did get me thinking about fish catching fish.
Especially in light of Jesus' admonition to His followers to be "fishers of men."
For even as we fish for men, aren't we those who have been "caught" already?
Are we not fish who have been caught by the Great Fisherman?
And are our lives "bait" as we wade in the water of the world?
Do our lives attract other fish? Do our lives scare them away?
If we are fish catching fish, how does it behoove us to live and move and have our being?
(I realize the weakness of this analogy is trapping another person/fish unwillingly and luring them into a place they might not want to go. As Christians, I do not believe we are called to twist arms and catch folks coercively. Yet, I still think the analogy does bear some thought.)
But I digress.
While fishing on the Medina River I think I got a little insight into evangelism.
Numerous perch swam in the shallows as we fished for our main desire: catfish. We were using stink bait to attract the cats, but with no luck what-so-ever. That's when my father-in-law began talking about how nice it would be to use some of those perch as bait. Apparently, using fish to catch fish is a better strategy.
I undertook the task and within a few minutes had caught a couple of perch. Baiting our hooks with our new bait, we waited once again. Unfortunately, luck wasn't quite with us this go round. I think the noisiness of my children had something to do with it.
But it did get me thinking about fish catching fish.
Especially in light of Jesus' admonition to His followers to be "fishers of men."
For even as we fish for men, aren't we those who have been "caught" already?
Are we not fish who have been caught by the Great Fisherman?
And are our lives "bait" as we wade in the water of the world?
Do our lives attract other fish? Do our lives scare them away?
If we are fish catching fish, how does it behoove us to live and move and have our being?
(I realize the weakness of this analogy is trapping another person/fish unwillingly and luring them into a place they might not want to go. As Christians, I do not believe we are called to twist arms and catch folks coercively. Yet, I still think the analogy does bear some thought.)
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