Wednesday, September 4, 2013

One of My Very FAVORITE Ideas Ever!

When I was invited to be the interim worship pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY I knew there were more people involved than anywhere I'd been. I also knew there was no way I could quickly learn their names. (The choir had more people in it than the whole church I served before that!)

Since I was working with musicians, I wanted to use musical lingo to create a relational dynamic. So as I was pondering and praying, I think God graced me with an idea I called:


From Trios to Quartets

Here's what that looks like. As soon as three folks from the worship ministry signed up for a time together (a trio) I would join them for a conversation (forming a quartet). 

In those conversations I ask three questions:

1) What was it like growing up as you? (What did your parents do? Do you have siblings? Do you have children?)

2) If you could have one thing happen in the worship ministry that you are convinced would please God, what would that be? (Not a song, not a style, not a preference, but what would bring a smile to God's face?)

3) How can I pray for you? (Not for your family member or your coworker or friend at school, but for you--personally.)

What happened over breakfast meetings, lunch gatherings, or time in my office--both at Immanuel and at Woodburn--is nothing short of astounding. The four of us get to know each other in ways that would usually take years. In those 60-90 minutes sessions there is very often a sweet mixture of tears and belly-laughter.

Inevitably people who have known each other for years or decades get to know each other in new ways. Such a treasure!

And since one of my deep desires in ministry is to value people and let them know they're valued, this gives me insight into who they are and a chance to pray for them.

It really is one of my favorite ideas ever. 

I'm not sure you HAVE to be in a new context for this to work, but if you are ever in a new place of ministry, I invite you to steal this idea and claim it as your own!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Survival Kit


Several months ago I asked my Facebook friends what they might be interested in reading about on this blog. Within a few weeks I'd answered all of those requests but one. My friend Mike hit on a subject that I felt (and feel) neither equipped nor faithful enough to answer well.

That said, over the last couple of weeks I have repeatedly encountered ideas, scriptures, stories, and even a daily devotional that seem to speak to his request. Before I answer it, I'll quote him directly: 

"What I think might be an interesting subject is something we touched on in a conversation in Frankfort. Let's call it, 'How God's Servants are Tossed from Pillar to Post by Churches and Still Survive through His Grace.' I've been there and so have you. Is there a book there? Because of your continue positive, optimistic attitude you are a true survivor. You can still find upbeat themes on which to dwell and meditate." - Mike

Let's start with something those closest to me would say is obvious: my "continued positive, optimistic attitude". While it is certainly not an act, it sure had some gaps in it over these last 4 years. And those closest would also agree that being a survivor often looked like a small boat on a very big lake--trying to figure out which way to go while trying not to capsize.

You see, nearly 4 years ago I met with the Personnel Team at the church I'd been serving for 7 years. They told me that they were thrilled with the work I was doing--grateful for it--but that there was simply no money to pay me any more. So they asked for my resignation.

Then I was part of a struggling church plant, which eventually closed her doors, for about 18 months. It was one of the hardest things I've done, serving there. I have some amazing friends from those months, and am very grateful for the time. But it was hard.

Then I was interim worship guy for one of Kentucky's flagship Baptist churches. It was supposed to be 4-6 months, but I was blessed to be there for 13 months. My family and I thought maybe, just maybe, we'd spend the rest of my career there. (Or at least a long time.) That didn't happen. That was hard.

So I launched Worship Coach, a consulting business designed to help churches make worship great--connecting hearts. I had a flurry of activity, saw God do some amazing things with the churches I visited, and then the activity slowed way down. I was writing, but not enough to generate income for my family. I started substitute teaching, but that was hit-and-miss. I started a temp job with my wife's company. I was happy to be part of a business like CLS but it clearly was not what God designed me to do. I was doing interim worship-leading and that kept my heart "in the game" of ministry.

Yep. A little boat in a big lake trying to figure out which way to go and not capsize.

Some of the things that didn't make the quick narrative include serious consideration of planting a church (as pastor or partnered with some folks). Going to school to get my doctorate. Becoming a full-time author. And, of course, just giving up.

If you're wondering if I'll ever answer Mike's request, the answer is yes. But before the answer could make sense, I figured knowing the problem might help.

So here's what I think made a pretty big difference for me:

"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Did you catch the "one thing"? Forgetting the past--hard as that has been--and looking forward to what lies ahead--as hard as that has been to discern--I pressed on toward the end of the race.

A. W. Tozer wrote: "It is a simple axiom of the traveler that if he would arrive at the desired destination he must take the right road. How far a man may have traveled is not important; what matters is whether or not he is going the right way, whether the path he is following will bring him out at the right place at last."

And now, while I'm not at the end of the race, I am in a place of deep joy and delight. As Worship Pastor at Woodburn Baptist Church (10 miles south of Bowling Green, KY), I am serving with an amazing pastor and team, I am leading worship in ways I've never ever had the privilege to do before. It is simply magnificent.

So my friends, whether the path you're walking now is like a glimpse of heaven on earth or hell on earth, press on in the right direction. Look to Jesus. Don't put your faith in your church, if your job, or in yourself. Only One is worthy of our faith. And with that in mind, reach toward the end of the race. Keep the destination in full view.

And what is that destination? Our heavenly prize--unhindered, unfettered, unimaginable eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ. Oh my. Oh. My. Press on!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Like a ton of bricks

Actually, it may have felt more like a burning-hot refining fire than a ton of bricks, but it sure rocked me in the deep parts of my soul.

Let me back up.

It was my first staff meeting at Woodburn. Pastor Tim Harris was leading the devotional thought, using 1 Corinthians 3. It's a passage you probably know something about. The part that was so familiar to me that I nearly went on auto-pilot says, "After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow."

But Tim kept reading. And when he got to this part I was nearly undone:

"Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss."

I've read the Bible through more than once. I've read 1 Corinthians many times. But I don't think I've ever really seen those verses.

I was so moved that I nearly cried right there in the first 15 minutes of my first staff meeting. Looking back over the last quarter-century of ministry, how much of what I have done would be burned up in the fire? How much would survive? Far more importantly, looking ahead--will I give my attention, my time, my energy to the things that will burn up or to those that will last? 

I don't think I'm naive. We all have to do some "wood, hay or straw" in day-to-day operations. But what am I devoting myself to? 

I have a renewed commitment to make much of Jesus in worship, not just toys or tools. I have a deeper desire to develop deep relationships, not just chatter about the weather forcast. I yearn to build what endures far more than what will pass away.

I'm curious as I can be--does this connect with you? Leaders out there, does this rock your world? Or am I coming to this passage much later than you did?

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Week 1 Reflections

It has been a pretty full first few days. Now that I'm the full-time Worship Pastor at Woodburn Baptist Church, the rhythm of my days is familiar again. Sort of. Here are some brief thoughts...

I have prayed for the folks in my area of ministry. I already wish I'd done more of this, but I am grateful that I've had the honor of praying for the men and women that I'll be serving. Really grateful.

I have spent lots of time with people. This is one of the few things I've done that I know, without a doubt, is great use of my time. I'm learning about those who are serving the worship ministry, the rest of the pastoral team, and other folks who are passionate about the church. I've probably met with more than 20 people already.

I posted a question on Facebook & Twitter asking for suggestions from people about places to eat in the  area. Later I asked about other things to do. Part of that is because I really want to know those things. But the other result is simply getting to hear from people. That's always a win.

I have spent lots of time getting things in order. I don't know about you, but when I need a piece of music or a book or any other resource, I like to know where it is. So I  have organized most of my office. And have had help organizing the choir room and music library. There won't be much time to do these things after rehearsals are in full swing.

I have driven around Bowling Green and Woodburn, simply getting familiar with the major roads and the places to eat, shop, and hang out around town. It has really helped me acclimate to the culture. I was given a beautiful gem of wisdom from one of my mentors--to enter the town as an immigrant, not a tourist nor a conqueror. I'm working at this daily.

I have met deadlines. I want to be credible, a worker with integrity. Last minute planning and enlisting of musicians makes people feel pressure. I yearn for them to feel freedom instead. So I have done pretty well at getting music chosen, musicians lined up, and making the music available to those musicians. (and audio/video folks)

I have gone as deep in conversations as seemed appropriate in my initial encounters. I want to know people, not just names. I want to hear the hearts of those I serve. I want to know their dreams for this city, this church, and their own journey.

I haven't done very well at taking time off. I need to make a firmer start next week to take a Sabbath. I need to do better at turning off the technology and thinking about "work" after I'm home for the evening, even though home is (for now) a hotel room by myself. I know that good rest makes for good work. I just need to do what I know.

I also need to finish a few more tasks that are incomplete. I've made lots of progress, but need to put some things to bed so I can move on to new tasks.

And I need to constantly remind myself to listen more than I talk. This is one of my greatest challenges.

More praying. More listening. More resting.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my first week. And I'm enormously excited about the coming weeks, months and years. More about that next time.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Willing vs. Want

I am always grateful when, as a worship leader, someone is willing to do something to serve God, to build up the church, and to make much of Jesus to those in our services who are yet-to-be-redeemed.

A teenager is willing to step up and learn how to run screens. Yay!

A retirement age person is willing to use their skills to craft a piece of art to display in the lobby. Yay!

A local professional musician is willing to use her tremendous talent to be part of the worship team. For free. Yay!

But what really excites me is when someone moves beyond "willing to" and arrives at "want to."

Every person in the choir wants to stay when rehearsal is supposed to be over because they want to get that ending just right. YES!

The sound tech isn't ready to say the EQ on the worship leader's mic is set because it doesn't sound at least as good as listening without the microphone. So they ask if rehearsal can go an extra few minutes. They want to make to make it excellent. The band shouts a resounding YES!

The pastor asks how he can preach a sermon or series on the topic of worship, not because he is willing to help out the worship ministry but because he wants to make sure his congregation knows how to engage their hearts and minds fully. YES!

Something magnificent happens when the folks in our churches move from "willing to" to "want to." There's an abundance of joy. Frustration is hard to find. We celebration one another's giftedness. There's less and less envy. If everyone is doing what God created and prepared them to do, because Christ's love compels them, then commitment isn't hard to come by. Accountability is less difficult.

An unrealistic dream? Maybe, this side of heaven. But it's a dream I continue to pursue. In fact, I think it's a dream God has for His Bride.

Paid or unpaid leader, how do you foster the "want to" in your area of ministry?


2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Ephesians 2:10

Sunday, June 23, 2013

News or News?

A recent Time magazine article featured an article on a new evangelical surge among Latin Americans. There was a distinction made between these Latinos and their heavily Catholic heritage as well as the largest protestant group--Baptists.

Here's the sentence that jumped off the page at me about this new brand of churches: "Sermons aren't drawn from the headlines; instead, they often sound like news itself."

Can you imagine why it grabbed my attention?

The gospel is good news. It IS news.

It should be, anyway.

Can good news ever lose its' goodness?

Rather than the novelty being found in newspapers, it is that our God making all things new. God, through Christ and the Holy Spirit is making you and me and those around us new.

Now that's good news!

As a worshiper, a worship leader, and a guy who loves to help other people lead worship, let me say that if the news has lost its' goodness, I imagine it's because church attenders have stopped worshiping. 

I don't mean that they've stopped going to church.

I don't mean that they've stopped singing or listening to the sermon.

I mean that they've forgotten what it feels like to have their mind's attention fully focused on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

I mean they may have only faded memories of what it is like to have their heart's affection stirred by the mind boggling love of God for us, in us, through us.

Preachers, please remind us of the news. Christ died for us, all of us. Christ is risen, alive in us. And yes, Christ will come again for us!

Worship leaders, help us love Jesus Christ out loud.

Christ-followers, encourage one another. God is a God of hope. The God of The Hope. The good news is great news for all of us. Let's remind one another often.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Ever Wonder Why?

I wonder "why" a lot. I mean, like, an inordinate amount of the time. Honestly, I'm nearly why-obsesseed.

So this revelation--the connection of "why dots" that follows--really took me by surprise. I wonder if what occurred to me has ever occurred to you.

DOT 1


Consider Amos 5:21-24, God speaking:

I hate all your show and pretense--
   the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
I will not accept your burt offerings and grain offerings.
   I won't even notice all your choice peace offerings.
Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
   I will not listen to the music of your harps.
Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,
   an endless river of righteous living.

As a church musician, it strikes a bit of fear in me to hear "away with your noisy hymns of praise" from the mouth of God.

DOT 2

It is rare for me to talk to someone who has been part of a church for more than a year or two who has not been hurt by that same church. In fact, I've begun to wonder if it isn't far more "normal" (typical may be a better word) to be deeply wounded in a community of Christ-followers than in any other community. As a guy who has been part of pastoral team leadership for years and years, this makes me very sad.


But hold on. Don't write me off as too cynical yet.


DOT 3


I recently heard a brilliant insight in a sermon from Bill Hybel's daughter, Shauna Niequist. In refering to the teaching of Jesus to Peter--and to us--that we forgive our brother 490 times. Not 3. Not 7. Seventy times Seven. 490. Shauna wondered out loud for us all: could this mean that God's honest awareness of human relationships is that we might offend one other around 500 times. Maybe that should reshape our relational expectations.

DOT 4


Christianity is relationally centered. World religions are based on teaching systems or belief systems. Ours is built on a relationship with Jesus and relationships with one another. It was Jesus who said the greatest commandments were about a relationship with God and our relationships with one another. It was our Savior who said that the world would be able to point us out by the outlandish love we demonstrate for one other. Surely this includes our capacity to forgive as we've been forgiven. (Which is, of course, undeservedly and unceasingly)

CONNECTING THE DOTS


In the passage you read from Amos a minute ago, God is sick and tired of people engaging in worship enthusiastically while treating each other dreadfully. Maybe the reason God will not accept our worship celebrations apart from living out justice and righteousness is because He wants those not yet redeemed to see us as people-people even more than as Jesus-people. 

Bottom line: you and I have a responsibility to make sure we are right with people just as much as we have the responsibility to be right with God. 

ONE MORE DOT
Matthew 6:33 is a pretty popular verse. You probably know it like this: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Well, an equally accurate translation would be: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice and all these things will be added to you."

So worshipers and worship leaders, let's treat one another with lavish love, respect and honor. And let's pursue justice. After all, we aren't worshiping to justify ourselves but because we've been justified by Jesus Christ.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Forget It!

I love the whimsy of the Holy Spirit.

I love the unfathomable breadth of the Bible.

And I love to listen to great preaching.

So yesterday I was listening to some great preaching from my friend Adam Norsworthy at Versailles Baptist Church. He was taking us on a tour through the depths of Philippians 3:12-14

Adam was challenging us to let go of our past--those things we've done that we're ashamed of--due to Paul's words in verse 13: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." This is hard, isn't it? To be free from the bondage of our past sin? Adam used both Paul's story and a stunning image from the classic novel, The Scarlet Letter. I was really engaged by Adam. He's a very good communicator.

And then the whimsical Spirit took me someplace very different inside that verse.

As essential as it is that we forget the past, I was convinced that part of what God whispered to me included forgetting my successes as well as my failures. You see I can get so puffed up by past success that I can forget my need to fully rely on God.

And with that same sense of whimsy, I sensed the Spirit whisper to me that this is a danger for many of us as we yearn for the golden days of yesteryear. Maybe, my friends, it is just as essential to forget our successes as it is our failures. 

Indeed, I wonder if only then might it be possible to "press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize." 

What do you think?

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day Controversy?

I've been pondering this grand Memorial Day holiday all weekend. It isn't the first time; I usually think about such things and their connection to faith, to worship, etc.

Well today I had what may be a rather controversial thought.

Before I get there please hear me say that I am a deeply patriotic man. I sing the National Anthem at ball games--usually all by myself. It's fairly normal for me to get choked up as I sing. I am as thankful as anyone I've ever spoken with for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers that ensure freedom for millions of us. 

OK. Are you ready?

Here goes.

I don't think those who died fighting for the freedom we enjoy in America made the ultimate sacrifice.

There, I said it.

And no, I'm not going to argue that Jesus did. That's sort of obvious, I think. Jesus died for all of humanity across all of history; veterans died for one country with just over a couple hundred years of history. 

What I mean is, for those who are Christ-followers, the ultimate sacrifice is not made by the veteran but by their family. 

Let me explain.

Paul wrote that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

If we believe him, then those who are in Christ actually win by dying. We gain. We have final victory, not terminal defeat. Regardless of who wins a particular skirmish, battle or war, those who die trade in combat for heaven. They find that by losing their life they find a better life. Perfect life. Eternal life.

But the families left behind... they have yet to receive such glory. They are left here with the pain of loss. They grieve--but, if they are in Christ, as those who have great hope!

So I have to wonder... does this phrase I've seen from so many of my social media friends, that I've heard from so many people I love and respect... does it reveal that we have a hard time believing that heaven is really as good as the Bible says it is?

Or does it reveal that we think of this world as our home?

Or, to finish on a less controversial thought, does it simply reveal that we have a terrible time trying to find adequate words to express our gratitude for those who gave their lives so we could live these lives?

I suspect there's a little of all of that going on. What do you think?

Friday, May 24, 2013

A "Goodbye" Season

My interim at Woodburn Baptist Church near Bowling Green is coming to an end on Sunday (5/26). I have greatly enjoyed the 4+ months we've worshiped together.

My firstborn child, Catherine, is graduating from high school the following Sunday (6/2). She had an amazing high school career, maintaining a 4.0 while being a member of 2 dance teams, and part of a dance studio, and being involved with churches, and contributing to the family. (...and a bunch of other stuff.)

I met and led worship with a guy in Versailles last week. He's moving before I'll be back there to lead worship again. I think we'd have been friends. Instead, I just got to tell him goodbye... and Godspeed.

So I've been thinking about goodbyes a lot lately.

Do you know the background of the word? It's one of the more interesting ones, I think.

Using "King James" English, say "God be with thee" as fast as you can. It starts to resemble Goodbye. That's the etymology of the word.

So I don't like to say goodbye, but I can hardly think of a better thing to say.

God be with you.

To my friends at Woodburn, until we see each other again... God be with you.

To my daughter's classmates... God be with you.

And to all we encounter--you and I--perhaps there are few words we could say that could make more of a difference in the moments that follow a relationship than "God be with you."

So while this is, best I can tell, a looooong way from my last blog post, still I'll choose to say to my handful of readers, because I deeply desire for God to be your closest companion, Goodbye.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Key to Abundant Life?

I've been listening to and reading some wise Christian leaders over the last few months. There seems to be a healthy conversation taking place about the difference (in today's church) between converts and disciples. Of course this is not a new distinction, but it is one that seems to be getting refreshed.

And now I'm wondering. Could it be that in many parts of North America the church isn't growing in healthy ways because we are filled with converts expecting to be served rather than disciples looking for ways to serve? Do you and I expect to be waited on, expecting someone to deliver abundant and eternal life to our table on platter? Or are we increasingly becoming people who are serving others at the banquet table of our Master?

It seems to me that when we "obey all the commands Jesus has given us," (Mt 28:20) we are disciples who live abundantly and anticipate eternity.

Let me be even more concise: obedience is the path to abundance.

There is no doubt, Jesus came to bring the very opposite of what the enemy is intent on: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

Jesus takes story after story, teaching after teaching, to describe for us how to have that life--the very life He came to give us.

My concern is that we may be stuck, thinking the moment of conversion is the only key to abundant, then eternal life. But the instruction of Jesus seems to be that converts aren't entitled to abundant life, we just have access to it. The way we live abundantly is to follow the instruction of our Master.

What do you think?

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Why worship leaders should watch The Voice

I am not a regular watcher of reality television. I see enough of reality in my life. I'd prefer to use my TV viewing to escape.

But I really like The Voice.

I thought it might be interesting to share some things that make me wish worship leaders in churches are watching. Here are three.

1) The coaches keep telling their singers that they have to communicate the text. Have you noticed that? All of the coaches say it. They keep looking for different ways to get it across...like worship leaders should be doing. And they recognize it clearly when it happens. Some folks have made it past potential elimination simply because they were convincing. As I was working on my computer, I just heard Blake Shelton say, "If people don't believe you, it doesn't matter how well you sing."

Now, how much more valuable and significant is this counsel for those of us who stand on a platform in church than those who stand on a (very cool) stage on television? We have to keep finding ways to do more than "know the words." We've got to communicate those words. Clearly. Powerfully. Convincingly. The stakes are infinitely higher building God's kingdom than building the pop music kingdom.

2) The contestants work on their music before the first rehearsal, before the second rehearsal, and before the competition. Wouldn't it be fabulous if all of the musicians in our worship ministries (vocal and instrumental) would do the same?

Again, the stakes are higher in our churches than on this show. Sure, the reward for winning The Voice is a good bit of money and relative fame. But the reward for effective worship leaders is greater: a proud heavenly Father, a strengthened church family, and helping people cross from spiritual death to life!

3) The world is resonating with this show. In many ways, this is instructive for indigenous worship. I've done an entire blog post on what I mean by indigenous worship, but for now let me simply describe it as "a service in the language of a certain people group." Not just their verbiage, their entire cultural language. The Voice is, whether we like it or not, a standard by which our Sunday mornings are measured. Which reminds me of a series of blog posts: why our worship gatherings should be great.

It's why I founded Worship Coach consulting nearly a decade ago. I want to help churches make Sunday mornings great, culturally engaging, and transformative.

And all of those are things The Voice purports to be. Maybe that's why I like it so much. Maybe that's why America likes it so much!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Leadership Gem

As Jesus was leaving, he saw a tax collector named Matthew sitting at the place for paying taxes. Jesus said to him, "Come with me." Matthew got up and went with him. Later, Jesus and his disciples were having dinner at Matthew's house. (Matthew 9:9-10a)

There's a verse later in this same passage that piqued my interest in a huge way, so I backed up to see what I could discover about the context of Jesus’ words: “Go and learn what this means…” (vs. 13)

Imagine my surprise when I was stopped cold in my tracks by this simple, familiar phrase: “Jesus and his disciples were having dinner at Matthew’s house.” 

I’ve known this story since I was a kid. I’ve taught about it. I’ve pondered it. But I’ve missed the leadership gem tucked away in that phrase.

I suppose it is the immediacy of the action that grabbed me.

Jesus calls Matthew. Nothing striking so far; most of us are familiar enough with how scandalous it was for the Rabbi to invite a Roman tax collector to walk with him.

Immediately Matthew says "yes." No big surprise there, either, though it may be because we’ve grown accustomed to the lightning fast obedience of the Master’s first followers.

It’s the next line that got me. “Later, Jesus and his disciples were at Matthew’s house.” They were where?

Call me out of touch, but when I have invited folks to be part of the worship ministry, I expected them to be at my office, our worship center, and maybe even… if I was as personable as I’d like to be... invite them to my home.

But Jesus finds a follower and then follows him to his house… to be on his turf… to be with his friends... that same day!

How many times have we, have I, missed the opportunity to testify to friends or develop other leaders because I was so caught up in building my turf… my friends… my house, that I didn’t go with those I was leading.

What do you think? Strike you as significant?

Monday, April 22, 2013

At Kroger? Really?

I was checking out. Just stopped in to grab a few things, not a weekly trip. So I went to the self-checkout and all was going well 'til I scanned my daughter's eye liner. The scale wouldn't recognize that I'd put it in the bag. You've been there, right? (Maybe not with eyeliner, granted.)

Well, when the scale didn't acknowledge my item the attendant came over. I quickly imagined this was his retirement job. He was friendly enough. Joked around that "after all, it is a woman's voice in this machine." I chuckled. It was clever. No big deal. 

After he walked away I guess he felt some sort of connection, so he decided to go a couple of steps further, just doing some general woman-bashing.

Now I'm not sure why, I don't typically do stuff like this, but I happily replied, "well I sure am glad I didn't marry a woman like that." I wasn't angry about it. I wasn't condemning. I just stood up for the dignity and value of my bride. 

You might say that, for once, I loved my wife like Jesus loves the church.

So on the drive home I started pondering even more...

I also have two daughters. I really don't want the men in their lives to think of them the way that man was talking. I don't want those men even talking about women like that. I sure don't want the men they will marry to treat them that way!

And then it became even clearer as I processed it. I wonder how many of us bash the church, the bride of Christ. And I wonder how Jesus defends her. And I wonder if Jesus has ever had to defend the church--His bride--when I've said something that would trouble Him.

Just one of those brief encounters that makes me go "hmmmmmmmm."

Any thoughts?

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Not for the beginner?

From Jesus... "Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (Matthew 5:44)


From Paul... "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." (Rom 12:4)

From Rod... SERIOUSLY?

I am intrigued by this massive challenge, these land mines of love.

Let me start with this: you and I seldom choose to make someone an enemy. I get that. Our enemy is the evil one, not the person in the fourth row of the sanctuary. But the reality of doing ministry in a fallen, broken world is that others will choose to be our enemies. That makes me sad. Very sad. But it is our reality.

And let me add this: these commands from Jesus and Paul can't be done by trying harder, by willpower. I've been pondering some aspect or another of these verses for years and I am discovering that only as "Christ-in-me" grows can I begin to bless and love my enemies. As time with God through the spiritual disciplines does the work of training me in righteousness, I am in a better position to extend blessing to those who curse me.

So how do you do this?

When the driver of that car flips you off, how do you love that enemy? How do you return their curse with blessing?

Or harder, when someone in your church speaks poorly of you, how do you actively engage in enemy-love?

Harder still, if someone in your ministry circle at your church is persecuting you, what ways do you find to bless them?

I wish I had a long list of the things I've done through the years. I really do. But this is a rather recent part of my Christian journey. As of this writing I'll have to be satisfied with a measly three things to share. My great hope is that you will be able to comment with many more ideas!

First, for the guy who flips me off... I take a breath, smile back and wave happily... usually.

Second, for the church member who decides I'm the enemy... I have learned to lovingly offer relational healing. I pursue them. I want to--as far as it depends upon me--live at peace with all people.

And third, for the person in the ministry circle I'm part of leading, I pray, seek counsel from my supervisor, and show greater care and compassion for that person than I might for others.

Bottom line: we can learn to treat people because of the way WE are, rather than the way THEY behave.

OK. It's your turn. Push back for dialogue if you'd like. I'm really hoping you will be able to help all of us by tossing more ideas for enemy-love and lavish-blessing.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Preparation

I was listening to a podcast from Willow Creek Community Church. If Bill Hybels is preaching, I always listen. If someone else from their team is preaching, I usually listen. If there's a guest, I sometimes listen. This particular week they had a guest. I was intrigued by Bill's introduction, so I decided to listen to Dr Gary Burge, New Testament professor at Wheaton College. I'm glad I did. No need for me to revisit the sermon here, you can just listen for yourself. But there was one tiny phrase he used that I'd like to unpack: "Preparation shapes celebration."

Interesting, eh?

I thought of how I prepared a celebration recently--for our 25th wedding anniversary. I didn't have much of a budget, but I had some time. So I spent about a month putting it together, probably requiring more than 40 hours of my time. If you know us personally, ask Jackie about it. She'd love to tell the story. For our purposes here, though, I just want to tell you that the length of time, the depth of thought, and the attention to detail in my planning led to an amazing celebration. (Did I mention I had a very, very small budget?)

And I thought of some other celebrations I wish I'd prepared better. A birthday party here, a banquet there. My lack of significant thought, my decision not to dedicate a great deal of time, and my disregard for details is now embarrassing to remember. 

Perhaps you can identify with me?

Then another thought emerged--one of terminology. While I was serving as Pastor of Worship Arts at Memorial Baptist in Frankfort we decided to stop calling our mid-week get-together practice and started calling it preparation. Semantics? I don't think so. Consider the differences.

Practice is about accuracy. Preparation is about attitude.
Practice is about repetition. Preparation is about inspiration.
Practice is about rehearsing. Preparation is about worshiping.

And the more we were able to move from practicing on Wednesday nights to preparing on Wednesday nights, the more our preparation affected our celebration.

Sundays weren't just right, they were dynamic.
Sundays weren't just "tight," they were free.

It made a huge difference.

In other places I've served briefly--without the luxury of shaping the language of a ministry--I have simply encouraged people to practice more than music; practice worshiping... which has helped us prepare better... which has helped us celebrate better.

What do you think? Is your weekly preparation shaping your weekend celebration of Jesus?

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Is Testimony really THIS powerful?

I have had two responses to the testimonies I've heard in worship services. Perhaps yours have been the same.

a) Moved. Afftected. Inspired. Often accompanied by tears.
b) Frustrated. Distracted. Bored. Always accompanied by disappointment.

And so, as a worship designer, I have been reticent to include testimonies unless I heard them ahead of time and, if at all possible, they were on video. I can imagine how controlling and arrogant that sounds. Inasmuch as it is, I confess to you and repent.

There have been two passages of scripture that have challenged me in recent days, and which make me think maybe I (we?) should reconsider how and how often we use some sort of testimony in our worship celebrations.

First, in John 12 some folks are crashing a dinner party in Bethany because Jesus is there. No surprise, right? I imagine that was a fairly normal thing, which explains why Jesus often "withdrew" to get alone with His Father. The surprise came for me in verse 9: "Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead."

People came to see Jesus, sure, but they also came to see Lazarus... to hear the story. Can't you hear them? "Dude, what was it like to be dead, then alive?"

And honestly, isn't that was everyone's testimony is? It is sharing what it was like to be dead, then alive! If not a testimony of salvation--from spiritual death to abundant life--than in any particular part of our journey where Jesus has rescued us from our dead lives and raised us to new life. And if people would come to hear Lazarus point them to Jesus, perhaps they would come to hear those in our churches point them to Jesus too.

There's another passage that I first noticed when digging into the worship song "Overcome." It's in Revelation 12, verse 11. Oh my. The word "and" here is just astounding to me!
   They triumphed over [the accuser]
       by the blood of the Lamb
       and by the word of their testimony;
   they did not love their lives so much
       as to shrink from death.


Really? The blood of the Lamb is surely all we need for salvation. But triumph came through the blood of Jesus AND the words of testimony. Holy cow.

Powerful, isn't it?

So I have a renewed desire to dig til I find testimonies, to find ways to use them, and to watch for how God will use those words...for triumph, for making much of Jesus.

How about you? Are there some specific ways you include testimonies in your worship gatherings?

Monday, April 8, 2013

A Major Regret

I'm about halfway through my ministry career--Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.

Looking back, I have only a few regrets. Some are too personal to share in this medium. Some are too common to even mention. But there's one I'd really like to pass along.

Too many of the services I've planned (must be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 by now) have not had Jesus as the primary, over-arching, meta-narrative.

Shoot, I've even planned services about communion that weren't enough about Jesus. 

He is what makes all the difference, you know. It is the power of Jesus that breaks the power of addiction. It is the power of Jesus that rescues marriages. It is the power of Jesus that gives hope to the hopeless. It is the power of Jesus that saves.

So if you are in charge of, or part of planning the worship gatherings at your church, please consider every service to have two themes--whatever the sermon is about and Jesus. If the sermon is about Jesus, even better. But please don't plan so thematically that the theme seems like a bigger deal than Jesus. Nothing is. And if it looks that way to the worshiper, you've just fashioned a new-fangled golden calf.

This first really struck me when I was part of planning worship for a long season when my team had no clue what the sermon would be about. We just decided it would be a great time to sing about Jesus.

It has been ramped up over the last couple of years as I've sought to "make much of Jesus" in more and more ways--in conversation, in writing, in private personal times, and in planning/leading worship.

And the more I make much of Jesus, the more I'm convinced both the object and the subject of our worship should be our Triune God.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, Ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Here's a newer song (not all that new, by today's standards--written in 2007) that does a great job of making much of Jesus. If you're not in a super-contemporary worship context you might consider introducing it:


Jesus Saves

Hear the heart of heaven beating
Jesus saves Jesus saves
And the hush of mercy breathing
Jesus saves Jesus saves
Hear the host of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
And the sounding joy repeating
Jesus saves

See the humblest hearts adore Him
Jesus saves Jesus saves
And the wisest bow before Him
Jesus saves Jesus saves
See the sky alive with praise
Melting darkness in its blaze
There is light forevermore in
Jesus saves


Freedom's calling chains are falling
Hope is dawning bright and true
Day is breaking night is quaking
God is making all things new
Jesus saves

He will live our sorrow sharing
Jesus saves Jesus saves
He will die our burden bearing
Jesus saves Jesus saves
It is done will shout the cross
Christ has paid redemption's cost
While the empty tomb's declaring
Jesus saves

Oh to grace how great a debtor
Jesus saves Jesus saves
Are the saints who shout together
Jesus saves Jesus saves
Rising up so vast and strong
Lifting up salvation's song
The redeemed will sing forever
Jesus saves

CCLI Song # 5059278
David Moffitt | Travis Cottrell
© 2007 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)
First Hand Revelation Music (Admin. by The Loving Company) (Admin. by The Loving Company)