I recently started reading Mike Foster and Judd Wilhite's book, Deadly Viper Character Assassins. This is a great devotional book for men that deals with the life issues that rob men of their integrity. I highly recommend this book for your men's gatherings and leadership training.
So far I have gotten through Chapter 1, "Character Assassin Creep."In this chapter the authors point out how little things, like the faulty rivets that sank the Titanic, can become big things if left unchecked; things like cheating on income tax, telling little white lies, stretching the truth, etc. can lead to character assassination and totally ruin a man's reputation.
An older, wiser pastor once told me, "Integrity is who you are when noone else is watching." His words came to mind as I was reading about "Character Creep."
Hats off to Mike Foster and Judd Wilhite for a great book that I will be using for our own men's gatherings.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Responding to Deadly Viper/Judd Wilhite post
I never saw the necessity for a big bang, show’em what you got event. I have seen a few new church plants take this approach; only one that pulled it off successfully. I think the draw back for me is that we would put a lot of time, money and energy into a big launch event and then not deliver thereafter. I really don’t think we need to put on a big event like that; instead, we chose to put that money into sustainable, long term ministries that will serve real needs within our community. I’d rather be known in the community as the local that loves and serves people than the local church with the next big thing. That, to me, speaks volumes to the community I’m endeavoring to reach.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Feeling the cost of following Christ
For nearly three years we have been camped out in this inner-city neighborhood, faithfully serving and waiting upon the Lord for His provision and increase. This has not been an easy road, in fact, it's been the hardest road I've walked so far. Many times I have felt like giving up. God has provided our every need and I'm trusting that he will continue to.
The source of my frustration has been the century old church building that was given to us. While the building is debt free, it is showing its age. The condition of the church building is continuing to deteriorate. With the funds we have been able to raise we've been able to do some work. However, the entire electrical service needs to be replaced, as it is very old and barely meets code. The plumbing and heating systems also need to be upgraded. There are also needed repairs of the roof, a portion of the kitchen, as well as the fellowship hall floor and walls. We would need around $50,000.00 to make the building safe and functional.
Another issue that we have struggled with is the lack of mature adult believers living in this distressed inner-city neighborhood. While some of them are believers, they are, for the most part, nominal Christians. I truly believe the church is not the building, but the people of God, living in and serving the community, and inviting people into this community of Christ followers. But what, exactly, is this community to look like? What qualifies a person for entrance? Do they have to come to the church building to be considered members of this community? We have many children coming through our old church doors, which we have welcomed and embraced. We have gotten to know some of the families of these children. While they are comfortable with their children (or grandchildren) coming to our church, and have a basic belief in God themselves, getting them to come to church has been a challenge.
I guess in some ways I'm still operating by the old school, open the doors and invite them in, approach. While we have made some great strides to intentionally do ministry outside of the four walls of the church building, there is still this facilities based mindset I am contending with.
We are at a crucial point in our ministry here where we have to decide if it is cost effective and a good use of finances and other resources to continue using our present church building or abandon it and find other suitable facilities. We also own a vacant lot, which is about one-third of an acre and large enough to accomodate an adequate ministry facility.
I am at a point where I have run out of anwers. I am totally dependent upon God and His provision. Our core team has slowly been dismantled. We have endured some fierce struggles and spiritual warfare. I have thought several times about giving up and walking away from all of this. But then I am reminded of the children who live in this neighborhood. If we pack up and go, like a few other neighborhood churches have already done over the past decade (including the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church whose facility we took over) who will be here to stand in the gap for these great kids?
I am still convinced, now more than ever, that God has sent us here. I am trusting in Him for His provision and His strength. I know He will provide where He guides. So here we will remain. We will continue to serve God and to develop a missional community that is indigenous and incarnational.
If you feel inclined by the Holy Spirit to pray for us, we would certainly appreciate it.
The source of my frustration has been the century old church building that was given to us. While the building is debt free, it is showing its age. The condition of the church building is continuing to deteriorate. With the funds we have been able to raise we've been able to do some work. However, the entire electrical service needs to be replaced, as it is very old and barely meets code. The plumbing and heating systems also need to be upgraded. There are also needed repairs of the roof, a portion of the kitchen, as well as the fellowship hall floor and walls. We would need around $50,000.00 to make the building safe and functional.
Another issue that we have struggled with is the lack of mature adult believers living in this distressed inner-city neighborhood. While some of them are believers, they are, for the most part, nominal Christians. I truly believe the church is not the building, but the people of God, living in and serving the community, and inviting people into this community of Christ followers. But what, exactly, is this community to look like? What qualifies a person for entrance? Do they have to come to the church building to be considered members of this community? We have many children coming through our old church doors, which we have welcomed and embraced. We have gotten to know some of the families of these children. While they are comfortable with their children (or grandchildren) coming to our church, and have a basic belief in God themselves, getting them to come to church has been a challenge.
I guess in some ways I'm still operating by the old school, open the doors and invite them in, approach. While we have made some great strides to intentionally do ministry outside of the four walls of the church building, there is still this facilities based mindset I am contending with.
We are at a crucial point in our ministry here where we have to decide if it is cost effective and a good use of finances and other resources to continue using our present church building or abandon it and find other suitable facilities. We also own a vacant lot, which is about one-third of an acre and large enough to accomodate an adequate ministry facility.
I am at a point where I have run out of anwers. I am totally dependent upon God and His provision. Our core team has slowly been dismantled. We have endured some fierce struggles and spiritual warfare. I have thought several times about giving up and walking away from all of this. But then I am reminded of the children who live in this neighborhood. If we pack up and go, like a few other neighborhood churches have already done over the past decade (including the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church whose facility we took over) who will be here to stand in the gap for these great kids?
I am still convinced, now more than ever, that God has sent us here. I am trusting in Him for His provision and His strength. I know He will provide where He guides. So here we will remain. We will continue to serve God and to develop a missional community that is indigenous and incarnational.
If you feel inclined by the Holy Spirit to pray for us, we would certainly appreciate it.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Suffering from "I-can-handle-it-on-my-own-itis" syndrome
Today I was twittering about my ordeal with my local Ford dealer and trying to get my wife's car inspected and the "Check Engine" light that was preventing it from passing inspection, and the mechanic's offer to run diagnostic tests and so on. Dave Webber added as few posts worth of advice. We exchanged a few posts when he had made a great point about asking someone for help, like someone in my congregation who may have the time to stop by and take a look at it. I had to admit, Dave got me!
Why don't I stop and ask others for help more often? Perhaps they're too busy with their own problems, or maybe it fails to come to mind because I'm too focused on solving my own problems. Most people would appreciate being asked to help. Have I robbed them of that opportunity to show kindness?
Maybe next time I'll think of asking a friend or neighbor for help, or maybe not if I allow my stubborn human pride to get in the way.
Why don't I stop and ask others for help more often? Perhaps they're too busy with their own problems, or maybe it fails to come to mind because I'm too focused on solving my own problems. Most people would appreciate being asked to help. Have I robbed them of that opportunity to show kindness?
Maybe next time I'll think of asking a friend or neighbor for help, or maybe not if I allow my stubborn human pride to get in the way.
So many conferences, so little time
I have attended several conferences this past year, including Exponential 2008 in Orlando and the Whiteboard Sessions in D.C. and I've received invites to at least a half dozen other conferences; Catalyst in Atlanta, SPUR Leadership conference in Austin, TX, CCDA conference, and so on; not to mention a few local and/or regional conferences. I've been to a few Promise Keepers conferences in the past and I heard about the "Manly Man" Conference, which was hosted by Celebration Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin last month. I've been tempted to register for and attend some of these conferences, but my budget just won't allow it. I was thinking of hosting a conference here in upstate New York. What should my theme be? Who should I invite to speak? Who would travel all the way to Troy, NY to attend this conference?
Don't get me wrong! I love conferences. I love the fellowship and the opportunities to meet certain leaders in ministry. I enjoy listening to top notch speakers and musicians who are invited to speak and/or play at these conferences. I can say that I've learned a thing or two from each conference I have attended. Is there such a thing as conference overload? How many freebies can I fit in my luggage? How many contact forms should I fill out? How many e-mails and phone calls will I get from conference sponsors afterward, offering me everything from free website development to coaching, printing, fund raising help and ministry marketing tools? How much will I spend on books, DVDs, CDs and other cool stuff that I can probably get through Amazon or my local Christian bookstore?
You may see me at a conference near you...or maybe not.
Don't get me wrong! I love conferences. I love the fellowship and the opportunities to meet certain leaders in ministry. I enjoy listening to top notch speakers and musicians who are invited to speak and/or play at these conferences. I can say that I've learned a thing or two from each conference I have attended. Is there such a thing as conference overload? How many freebies can I fit in my luggage? How many contact forms should I fill out? How many e-mails and phone calls will I get from conference sponsors afterward, offering me everything from free website development to coaching, printing, fund raising help and ministry marketing tools? How much will I spend on books, DVDs, CDs and other cool stuff that I can probably get through Amazon or my local Christian bookstore?
You may see me at a conference near you...or maybe not.
Friday, September 5, 2008
What does "Way outside of the box" mean?
A facebook friend sent me a wall post, stating that we, the CORE Church of Troy, are doing something "way outside of the box." I got to thinking about that. I know that this man meant it as a compliment, as if to say what we are doing is risky and on the cutting edge. Another friend, here in Troy, New York, said we're ministering "on the fringes."
While we find ourselves "way outside of the box" and "on the fringes" we have met with what seems like more than our fair share of opposition and misunderstanding along the way. Some have said that we are "to loose" and "lacking in organization."
I have found myself agreeing more and more with men like Brian McLaren, Alan Hirsch and Frank Viola (to name a few). The church as it is and has been for thousands of years has missed the mark. The church, for the most part, has left her first love in favor of forms and structures of institutional religion, which is what Jesus came to set us free from (among other things). There is no freedom in man made structures and forms. Jesus came to restore mankind's broken relationship with Almighty God and to invite each of us to enter into that personal relationship; that holy priesthood; with the living, triune God. There are many individuals who have given of themselves selflessly and sacrificially in service to God, myself included. For the most part, I would say that these same servants realize they are serving God and not an organization, yet much of that organizational structure has been ingrained into us through church tradition and culture. When I say that the church has missed the mark, I mean the church as an organization with business like structures; board of trustees, 501c not-for-profit status, etc.
What does it mean for those who choose to take Christ up on His invitation?
While we find ourselves "way outside of the box" and "on the fringes" we have met with what seems like more than our fair share of opposition and misunderstanding along the way. Some have said that we are "to loose" and "lacking in organization."
I have found myself agreeing more and more with men like Brian McLaren, Alan Hirsch and Frank Viola (to name a few). The church as it is and has been for thousands of years has missed the mark. The church, for the most part, has left her first love in favor of forms and structures of institutional religion, which is what Jesus came to set us free from (among other things). There is no freedom in man made structures and forms. Jesus came to restore mankind's broken relationship with Almighty God and to invite each of us to enter into that personal relationship; that holy priesthood; with the living, triune God. There are many individuals who have given of themselves selflessly and sacrificially in service to God, myself included. For the most part, I would say that these same servants realize they are serving God and not an organization, yet much of that organizational structure has been ingrained into us through church tradition and culture. When I say that the church has missed the mark, I mean the church as an organization with business like structures; board of trustees, 501c not-for-profit status, etc.
What does it mean for those who choose to take Christ up on His invitation?
- It means living outside of the box of religious traditions, structures, organizations, etc.
- It means living on the fringes and reaching out with the love and grace of Jesus Christ to "the least of these."
- It means that my idea of what church is and was meant to be will be radically challenged as I draw closer to the One who died to set me free.
- It means that my new life in Christ will shake other people up. Some will get me and appreciate me, while the majority will accuse me of being nuts, weak, or out of touch with reality.
So, whatever people say or do, for me or against me, let it be for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, which dwells in me.
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