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!

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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?