Saturday, August 20, 2011
September 2011 "Sketchings"
“GROWING UP!!”
“This is what God does. He gives his best – the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and the bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
In a word, what I am saying is “grow up”. You are kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” Jesus words in Matthew 5: 45 – 48 (The Message).
“Oh, grow up!” This is a phrase that youngsters often hear from adults, especially when they are trying to impress others. Having been a boy once, I can tell you that I don’t like that phrase, especially when it came with my Mom or Dad’s “parental attitude”. At the same time, I needed to be reminded that I could be something and someone better than what I was being. I needed to hear my Mom and Dad’s loving encouragement that they expected MORE from me than the bare minimum. Growing up always involves change, which is difficult and risky. But to not change is to stagnate. To stay the same is actually to go backwards.
“Oh, grow up!” God’s call, God’s invitation, to us is also an invitation to be on the road to growing into complete and whole individuals, kingdom people. God’s work has been, and always will be, to give us the best in order to nourish our growth into the people we’ve been created to be. God is always inviting us to recognize his blessings and live lives that are thankful for who we are now and graciously hopeful for what we can become through the live-giving power and promise of God’s gracious generosity and the guidance and power of God’s Holy Spirit. This kind of growth, becoming the disciples God intended us to be and becoming “kingdom subjects” that live lives that reflect God’s power, is difficult. It is risky. It involves change in our heart, our actions, our attitudes, our priorities and our lives. But if we do not grow up spiritually, we will stagnate and die. The Kingdom promise can not take root in our lives or be shared in our mission fields.
We live on a world in motion. Our culture is shifting more rapidly than we can comprehend. It seems like we just “catch a gear” for the next shift and suddenly there is another shift. Change is the common denominator.
Morning Star is a changing church. It isn’t comfortable to say that. But here again, change is necessary for a living body, for the organism that the Bible calls “The Body of Christ.” Jesus invites us to “Grow up”. Paul invites us to “grow up into Him who is the head, Jesus.” The Holy Spirit compels us to be like new plants in a freshly watered field. Everything in kingdom language is about growing, reaching a maturity of spirit. Nothing invites stagnation, even though Jesus Christ is the constant foundation forever.
Jesus says there will always be more mission we are called to do, more love we are called to experience and more growing up to do. In our growing we move to be more generous and gracious in our response to the needs of the world. As we grow God creates new opportunities and possibilities. Disciples are always ready to grow their faith to respond to the possibilities God lays in front of us.
Here are some of the places where we have opportunities to “grow up” to become like “kingdom subjects”:
In opportunities for worship and praise, learning and faith. As September comes around we will be adding a new opportunity: a worship opportunity for youth and young adults on the first Sunday evening of the month and strengthen others with music and participation of more and more folks. Our opportunities for Christian Education, available for all ages, we provide spots for youngsters, youth and adults to engage faith and grow roots of discipleship.
In opportunities for generous giving and service. The message here is that our generosity and service are simply ways to show others our confidence in a God who always provides and to tell others what the love of this god is all about. We do not give for ourselves, but for the benefit of others. We overflow our lives with the kind of love God overflows for us: undeserved, indiscriminate, surprising. Here we’re called to “grow up” from thinking that there isn’t enough, to living in our God created identity, dreaming beyond the trust that God always out gives the giver. Furthermore, in mission and ministry we are something more than “the bottom line.” God calls us to purposes that are higher, with opportunities to invest in others for the kingdom’s sake.
In opportunities to challenge “our sense of church”. God often comes into our lives disguised as a stranger asking, “What kind of a place are you runnin’ here anyway?” The stranger will probably be looking for a hospital where resources are invested in encouraging and aiding others along the road. The stranger will probably not be impressed with something that looks more like a “club” where membership has its privileges and people tend first to their own. Again we are called to “grow up”. We are to be something more, believe that we are all unworthy of grace, to understand that there are no special privileges.
By now, some are thinking, “Well, preacher, that all sounds good ... but .. it’s just not practical.” Of course it isn’t practical. Jesus’ point has always been that following him isn’t practical. Jesus point is that the law of God’s love dwelling in us compels us to stop depending on ourselves and start depending on him as we seek to grow into the people God created us to be, to go beyond what is practical and expected. Will it feel foolish at times? For sure. Will be wonder how we can meet the next need? Certainly. Will it be easy, painless comfortable? Hardly ever.
BUT, living generously and graciously toward others is a defining characteristic of those who are kingdom subjects, disciples, followers of Jesus. Our calling is to grow in his love, and connect others with the light of all creation. Our calling is to grow, grow over the long term, in the long run, even when in the short run it doesn’t look practical or seems reckless.
To do otherwise is to limit God, to ration grace into the places where it is safe and to be no different that the rest of the world.
God is calling us to “grow up”. Grow individually. Grow as a community. Grow in our generosity and in our graciousness.
What will that come to look like?
I don’t know for sure, but I can’t wait to find out.
T. O. M.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Ant and the Contact Lens:
This story from my files. Source: 1995 book “Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot in a chapter titled “Lost and Found”. Ms. Elliot attributes the story to a first person account sent to her by Brenda Foltz of Princeton, MN who maintained she wrote it based upon an event during her first rock climbing experience.
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens. "Great", she thought. "Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry." She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens.
When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?" Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can' eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You."
I think it would do all of us some good to say, "God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will."
This parable, like every testimony of the Bible reminds us of truth: God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens. "Great", she thought. "Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry." She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens.
When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth." She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?" Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, "Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can' eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You."
I think it would do all of us some good to say, "God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if you want me to carry it, I will."
This parable, like every testimony of the Bible reminds us of truth: God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Monday, August 15, 2011
We Must Forgive!
Oil and water just do not mix. You cannot have day and night at the same time. The changes of life and the changes of the seasons are something that cannot be held back.
These are just facts. We take them for granted. Because they are fact, we have learned to make some adjustments in our living. You know, for example, that if we fail to make the proper preparations for winter we’ll be found running around in the snow wishing we’d planned ahead. Facts are facts and we real have no choice in accepting them. Of course, we can deny their existence, but that doesn’t change the reality.
Jesus was a very down-to-earth factual kind of guy. He told stories taken from the every day lives of everyday people, people like us. When Jesus told stories people knew that he understood their lives and situations. When he gave advice, it was drawn from the lives that most people lived.
The most needed piece of advice Jesus ever gave was the need to forgive. It wasn’t a matter of choice. It wasn’t something Jesus saw as something that might be good to do once in a while, or if it benefited oneself, or if the circumstances were just right. Jesus spoke clearly about forgiveness, and Paul echoed his teachings. Jesus said, “forgive as you have been forgiven.” Jesus suggests some urgency in the need to forgive.
Why forgive? For one thing, forgiveness gets life off dead center. I have had occasions, and I know you have too, where I have been at odds with another person. I’ve had those instances where I’ve felt that the other person offended me first. From our experiences, we’ve all learned that as long as we hold onto that situation, as long as we hold the other person “guilty” for whatever wrong we feel they have done against us, the possibilities of a future with that person stop dead in its tracks. The possibility of clearing the air and enjoying the wonder of relationships is held hostage by a failure to forgive.
Of course, it is easy to feel justified in our anger. Of course there are those instances where it seems perfectly appropriate that the other person be made to suffer our wrath and have it tossed into their face (time and time again) that they have wronged us. But what really happens, truth be told, is that the opposite occurs. Instead of them feeling our wrath they shrug us off as a person who simply doesn’t get it. Instead of us being in control and holding the other person accountable what really happens is that we place ourselves in chains ... chains buried deep in the past.
So, if you intend to live, you must forgive. You must forgive if you hope for any newness to come into your life. You must take the first step in forgiveness if you ever hope to make amends with those who may have wronged you. You must forgive if you ever hope to be forgiven of the wrongs that are clearly of your own doing and making.
For sure, reaching out with a word of forgiveness might just be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. I know personally that it is a very humbling experience. However, following Jesus' command to forgive, in forgiving we’ll find some parts of our lives moving off dead center and a new spirit of peace emerging.
These are just facts. We take them for granted. Because they are fact, we have learned to make some adjustments in our living. You know, for example, that if we fail to make the proper preparations for winter we’ll be found running around in the snow wishing we’d planned ahead. Facts are facts and we real have no choice in accepting them. Of course, we can deny their existence, but that doesn’t change the reality.
Jesus was a very down-to-earth factual kind of guy. He told stories taken from the every day lives of everyday people, people like us. When Jesus told stories people knew that he understood their lives and situations. When he gave advice, it was drawn from the lives that most people lived.
The most needed piece of advice Jesus ever gave was the need to forgive. It wasn’t a matter of choice. It wasn’t something Jesus saw as something that might be good to do once in a while, or if it benefited oneself, or if the circumstances were just right. Jesus spoke clearly about forgiveness, and Paul echoed his teachings. Jesus said, “forgive as you have been forgiven.” Jesus suggests some urgency in the need to forgive.
Why forgive? For one thing, forgiveness gets life off dead center. I have had occasions, and I know you have too, where I have been at odds with another person. I’ve had those instances where I’ve felt that the other person offended me first. From our experiences, we’ve all learned that as long as we hold onto that situation, as long as we hold the other person “guilty” for whatever wrong we feel they have done against us, the possibilities of a future with that person stop dead in its tracks. The possibility of clearing the air and enjoying the wonder of relationships is held hostage by a failure to forgive.
Of course, it is easy to feel justified in our anger. Of course there are those instances where it seems perfectly appropriate that the other person be made to suffer our wrath and have it tossed into their face (time and time again) that they have wronged us. But what really happens, truth be told, is that the opposite occurs. Instead of them feeling our wrath they shrug us off as a person who simply doesn’t get it. Instead of us being in control and holding the other person accountable what really happens is that we place ourselves in chains ... chains buried deep in the past.
So, if you intend to live, you must forgive. You must forgive if you hope for any newness to come into your life. You must take the first step in forgiveness if you ever hope to make amends with those who may have wronged you. You must forgive if you ever hope to be forgiven of the wrongs that are clearly of your own doing and making.
For sure, reaching out with a word of forgiveness might just be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. I know personally that it is a very humbling experience. However, following Jesus' command to forgive, in forgiving we’ll find some parts of our lives moving off dead center and a new spirit of peace emerging.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
"This Road Has Potholes!!”
Around Omaha we hear a lot about potholes, especially in the spring. From what I see on a bike ride, apparently the heat has blistered a few streets and opened some bit potholes this summer.
But I want to speak about some other “potholes” in the road.
Life is a journey. There are hills and valleys, twists and curves and even a few potholes along the way. I’ve encountered a few recently myself. I’m sure you have too. The potholes can be pretty little, like a set back on a project, an unexpected change in schedule or a disagreement in a relationship. Or they can be big rim busting potholes like unemployment, having one’s car stolen or a medical diagnosis. Or they can be a variety of things in between.
What we know is that the people who find the most joy in life are the ones who can deal with the “potholes” in the journey. Temperament appears to predispose some people to see the dark side of situations and to incline toward pessimism. Certainly there are external circumstances and individuals over which one does not have control. But as humans, we are not helpless. We do have control over at least one thing.
Our ATTITUDE is within our control. Our attitude toward life is a choice. Our “self talk” to move us to place things in God’s hands, our self-conversation to “let it go to make room for a miracle” is one thing we can do/control. Negative self-talk, adopting a sense of helplessness practically guarantees a sorry outcome. Unless someone rescues us from ourselves we are likely to get swallowed up in the potholes along the journey.
Maybe you’ve heard about the jilted bride who placed an ad? "Hope Chest for Sale: brand new, half price, long story."
At quite the opposite side of “attitude” is the little boy playing right field for his Pee Wee League team. A latecomer leaned against the fence and asked, "What's the score?" When the boy answered that his team was trailing 8 to 0, the kindly fellow said, "Don't be too discouraged. Maybe your team will do better next time." The kid didn't even look up; he just said, "It's okay. We ain't been to bat yet!"
Now, don’t hear me wrong. I don’t want to say that we become naive or foolish. But, the potholes of life, as big as they might be, even if they are huge “sinkholes” in the journey, don’t have to be the end.
Believe it or not, life sometimes needs to work out the way love does. The twists and turns, the hills and valleys and even the potholes simply help us grow, learn to trust God, become more compassionate and even enjoy more fully the taste of victory and joy.
A couple of phrases of music have been rolling around in my head as some potholes loom in my journey. One goes, “...you make all things work together for my good...” The other is “...when the oceans rage, I don’t have to be afraid ...” Both are from the song” “Your Love Never Fails”. See the you-tube at
See you along the road...
"Being Faithful to Jesus"
In the interview, the Pastor was asked, “What’s your church growth plan?”
Her reply was, “All I have is a ‘Be Faithful to Jesus Plan’, which would include helping equip you to spread Christ’s grace and peace in this community. If I become your pastor, I’ll be with you for only a season. But this community is where God has called you to be the Body of Christ. This is your church, and you all know your town better than I do. There’s no way I could suggest something better than the ideas already present in your congregation.”
There is wisdom in her reply. The “rudder” of the community of faith, the Body of Christ, is Jesus Christ. As the head of his Church and the “rudder” of its mission and ministry, Jesus directs the Body to be in mission and ministry. The church is energized and motivated by a living relationship with Jesus. The claim God lays on individuals moves them toward discipleship and living like a disciple by giving generously, praying, worshiping, reading and studying the Bible, doing acts of service and sharing one’s faith.
A growing faith develops deeper understandings of how “call” brings disciples into a mutual partnership of responsibility, authority and accountability while continuing to seek the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. This deepening of faith and growth in discipleship enables the church to mutually tend to the matters entrusted by God to human hands.
One growth opportunity is coming to mutual understandings of the place the church holds in mission and ministry and the commitment to be well informed and prepared by having first tended to our personal spiritual commitments and discipleship.
Her reply was, “All I have is a ‘Be Faithful to Jesus Plan’, which would include helping equip you to spread Christ’s grace and peace in this community. If I become your pastor, I’ll be with you for only a season. But this community is where God has called you to be the Body of Christ. This is your church, and you all know your town better than I do. There’s no way I could suggest something better than the ideas already present in your congregation.”
There is wisdom in her reply. The “rudder” of the community of faith, the Body of Christ, is Jesus Christ. As the head of his Church and the “rudder” of its mission and ministry, Jesus directs the Body to be in mission and ministry. The church is energized and motivated by a living relationship with Jesus. The claim God lays on individuals moves them toward discipleship and living like a disciple by giving generously, praying, worshiping, reading and studying the Bible, doing acts of service and sharing one’s faith.
A growing faith develops deeper understandings of how “call” brings disciples into a mutual partnership of responsibility, authority and accountability while continuing to seek the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. This deepening of faith and growth in discipleship enables the church to mutually tend to the matters entrusted by God to human hands.
One growth opportunity is coming to mutual understandings of the place the church holds in mission and ministry and the commitment to be well informed and prepared by having first tended to our personal spiritual commitments and discipleship.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Finding Father Benjamin: A Fable by Max Lucado
This fable was shared at our staff meeting a couple of weeks ago. It speaks for itself.
Unfavorable winds blow the ship off course, and when they do, the sailors spot uncharted islands. They see half a dozen mounds rising out of the blue South Seas waters.
The captain orders the men to drop anchor and goes ashore. He is a robust man with a barrel chest, full beard, and curious soul.
On the first island he sees nothing but sadness. Underfed children. Tribes in conflict. No fanning or food development, no treatment for the sick, and no schools. Just simple, needy people.
The second and following islands reveal more of the same. The captain sighs at what he sees. "This is no life for these people." But what can he do?
Then he steps onto the last and largest island. The people are healthy and well fed. Irrigation systems nourish their fields, and roads connect the villages. The children have bright eyes and strong bodies. The captain asks the chief for an explanation. How has this island moved so far ahead of the others?
The chief, who is smaller than the captain but every bit his equal in confidence, gives a quick response: "Father Benjamin. He educated us in everything from agriculture to health. He built schools and clinics and dug wells."
The captain asks, "Can you take me to see him?”
The chief nods and signals for two tribesmen to join him. They guide the captain over a jungle ridge to a simple, expansive medical clinic. It is equipped with clean beds and staffed with trained caretakers. They show the captain the shelves of medicine and introduce him to the staff. The captain, though impressed, sees nothing of Father Benjamin. He repeats his request. "I would like to see Father Benjamin. Can you take me to where he lives?"
The three natives look puzzled. They confer among themselves. After several minutes the chief invites, "Follow us to the other side of the island." They walk along the shoreline until they reach a series of fishponds. Canals connect the ponds to the ocean. As the tide rises, fish pass from the ocean into the ponds. The islanders then lower canal gates and trap the fish for harvest.
Again the captain is amazed. He meets fishermen and workers, gatekeepers and net casters. But he sees nothing of Father Benjamin. He wonders if he is making himself clear.
"I don't see Father Benjamin. Please take me to where he lives."
The trio talks alone again. After some discussion the chief offers, "Let's go up the mountain." They lead the captain up a steep, narrow path. After many twists and turns the path deposits them in front of a grass-roofed chapel. The voice of the chief is soft and earnest. "He has taught us about God."
He escorts the captain inside and shows him the altar, a large wooden cross, several rows of benches, and a Bible.
"Is this where Father Benjamin lives?" the captain asks.
The men nod and smile.
"May I talk to him?"
Their faces grow suddenly serious. "Oh, that would be impossible."
“Why?”
"He died many years ago."
The bewildered captain stares at the men. "I asked to see him, and you showed me a clinic, some fish farms, and this chapel. You said nothing of his death."
"You didn't ask about his death," the chief explains. "You asked to see where he lives. We showed you."
Source
Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010, xix-xxi.
Unfavorable winds blow the ship off course, and when they do, the sailors spot uncharted islands. They see half a dozen mounds rising out of the blue South Seas waters.
The captain orders the men to drop anchor and goes ashore. He is a robust man with a barrel chest, full beard, and curious soul.
On the first island he sees nothing but sadness. Underfed children. Tribes in conflict. No fanning or food development, no treatment for the sick, and no schools. Just simple, needy people.
The second and following islands reveal more of the same. The captain sighs at what he sees. "This is no life for these people." But what can he do?
Then he steps onto the last and largest island. The people are healthy and well fed. Irrigation systems nourish their fields, and roads connect the villages. The children have bright eyes and strong bodies. The captain asks the chief for an explanation. How has this island moved so far ahead of the others?
The chief, who is smaller than the captain but every bit his equal in confidence, gives a quick response: "Father Benjamin. He educated us in everything from agriculture to health. He built schools and clinics and dug wells."
The captain asks, "Can you take me to see him?”
The chief nods and signals for two tribesmen to join him. They guide the captain over a jungle ridge to a simple, expansive medical clinic. It is equipped with clean beds and staffed with trained caretakers. They show the captain the shelves of medicine and introduce him to the staff. The captain, though impressed, sees nothing of Father Benjamin. He repeats his request. "I would like to see Father Benjamin. Can you take me to where he lives?"
The three natives look puzzled. They confer among themselves. After several minutes the chief invites, "Follow us to the other side of the island." They walk along the shoreline until they reach a series of fishponds. Canals connect the ponds to the ocean. As the tide rises, fish pass from the ocean into the ponds. The islanders then lower canal gates and trap the fish for harvest.
Again the captain is amazed. He meets fishermen and workers, gatekeepers and net casters. But he sees nothing of Father Benjamin. He wonders if he is making himself clear.
"I don't see Father Benjamin. Please take me to where he lives."
The trio talks alone again. After some discussion the chief offers, "Let's go up the mountain." They lead the captain up a steep, narrow path. After many twists and turns the path deposits them in front of a grass-roofed chapel. The voice of the chief is soft and earnest. "He has taught us about God."
He escorts the captain inside and shows him the altar, a large wooden cross, several rows of benches, and a Bible.
"Is this where Father Benjamin lives?" the captain asks.
The men nod and smile.
"May I talk to him?"
Their faces grow suddenly serious. "Oh, that would be impossible."
“Why?”
"He died many years ago."
The bewildered captain stares at the men. "I asked to see him, and you showed me a clinic, some fish farms, and this chapel. You said nothing of his death."
"You didn't ask about his death," the chief explains. "You asked to see where he lives. We showed you."
Source
Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010, xix-xxi.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Early Quotes and thoughts from our "Shared Book Reading”
The council has been reading “Power Surge” by Michael Foss. Everyone has been invited to join the reading.
Here are some quotes and thoughts from Chapters 1 – 3 for reflection.
1) In the introduction Foss discusses the “membership” model of church affiliation. Here the church lays claim to the lives of Christians. He is advocating a change to a “discipleship” model. In this model Jesus lays claim to the lives of Christians and Christian faith is demonstrated by a focus on growing discipleship. ( pg. 4 – 5)
2) “In the Protestant explosion of the 1950’s, membership implied obligation. In today’s cultural context, membership has come to imply prerogatives.” (pg. 15)
3) “Perhaps the greatest weakness of the membership model has been the loss, over time, of its vision for the mission of the church.” (pg. 16) Foss also says that “all the power the church will ever need comes from people – people whose lives are changes, people who live “in Christ”, people who live lives of disciplined discipleship. (pg. 4)
4) “Discipleship is about changing and shaping lives by the grace of God.” (pg. 20)
5) “Discipleship is a about individual Christians – and the church as a community of Christians – living in mission.” (pg. 28)
6) “Pastors are leaders, not chaplains”. (pg. 31) “Pastors become spiritual catalysts through whom the Holy Spirit encourages, equips, directs and strengthens the faith of those they serve” (pg. 32)
Here are some additional thoughts, connections:
1) On page 4 about half way down it mentions Jacob wrestling with God. The whole story is found in Genesis 32: 22 – 32. The result of this was that Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel”. A name change in Bible language means a transformation of the Spirit as well.
2) Foss speaks to the idea that "the claim of the church on people's lives" has been a standard assumption. In this new North American landscape, this claim is no longer functioning. What is needed, Foss seems to say is "the claim of Jesus on people's lives." The claim of Jesus on a life moves an individual into deeper connections with God and a discipleship style of life. I'm wondering how you might think about these two categories.
3) Over the last couple of years or so, I have been making a conscious effort to talk about “disciples” vs. “members.” I have found that effort to be quite challenging, both to my efforts at consistent language but also to my ability to be understood by a culture that largely is focused on “membership” models. I’m wondering where this language (and commitment) shift is challenging you as you read Pastor Foss’s descriptions and analysis.
If you aren’t reading “Power Surge” maybe this will give you some incentive. If you are, what thoughts are challenging your perspective of your faith? Please share you insights and growth points.
Here are some quotes and thoughts from Chapters 1 – 3 for reflection.
1) In the introduction Foss discusses the “membership” model of church affiliation. Here the church lays claim to the lives of Christians. He is advocating a change to a “discipleship” model. In this model Jesus lays claim to the lives of Christians and Christian faith is demonstrated by a focus on growing discipleship. ( pg. 4 – 5)
2) “In the Protestant explosion of the 1950’s, membership implied obligation. In today’s cultural context, membership has come to imply prerogatives.” (pg. 15)
3) “Perhaps the greatest weakness of the membership model has been the loss, over time, of its vision for the mission of the church.” (pg. 16) Foss also says that “all the power the church will ever need comes from people – people whose lives are changes, people who live “in Christ”, people who live lives of disciplined discipleship. (pg. 4)
4) “Discipleship is about changing and shaping lives by the grace of God.” (pg. 20)
5) “Discipleship is a about individual Christians – and the church as a community of Christians – living in mission.” (pg. 28)
6) “Pastors are leaders, not chaplains”. (pg. 31) “Pastors become spiritual catalysts through whom the Holy Spirit encourages, equips, directs and strengthens the faith of those they serve” (pg. 32)
Here are some additional thoughts, connections:
1) On page 4 about half way down it mentions Jacob wrestling with God. The whole story is found in Genesis 32: 22 – 32. The result of this was that Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel”. A name change in Bible language means a transformation of the Spirit as well.
2) Foss speaks to the idea that "the claim of the church on people's lives" has been a standard assumption. In this new North American landscape, this claim is no longer functioning. What is needed, Foss seems to say is "the claim of Jesus on people's lives." The claim of Jesus on a life moves an individual into deeper connections with God and a discipleship style of life. I'm wondering how you might think about these two categories.
3) Over the last couple of years or so, I have been making a conscious effort to talk about “disciples” vs. “members.” I have found that effort to be quite challenging, both to my efforts at consistent language but also to my ability to be understood by a culture that largely is focused on “membership” models. I’m wondering where this language (and commitment) shift is challenging you as you read Pastor Foss’s descriptions and analysis.
If you aren’t reading “Power Surge” maybe this will give you some incentive. If you are, what thoughts are challenging your perspective of your faith? Please share you insights and growth points.
“Why the Lutheran Message Isn’t Popular”
It is no secret that most Lutheran churches (as well as other “mainline” denominations) are not the most rapidly growing churches around. But there are many congregations that are growing rapidly.
Recently there have been questions about the type of “christianity” / ”discipleship” encountered in these “fast growing” churches. There has been a move toward changing lives, transforming faith and commitment to a discipleship walk with Jesus. Growth in depth for most Lutherans has replaced the goal of growth in numbers.
In the Lutheran tradition the gospel message is different. Instead of focusing on numbers and doing whatever it might take to appeal to large crowds of people, most Lutherans will focus on our rich tradition of preaching something called a “theology of the cross.” Martin Luther first used this phrase during the Reformation in contrast to what he called a “theology of glory.”
A “theology of glory” focuses on “me.” Jesus Christ becomes a means to our own end. It is a way to be successful, healthy, beautiful, morally superior, patriotic or even wealthy. A “theology of glory” “uses” the Bible to support our own preconceptions or ideals and provides easy answers fro some of life’s toughest questions. Jesus comes to us “prepackaged” for our convenience and people crowd in to get a piece of the action.
But a “theology of the cross” sees the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ differently. That’s why the Lutheran message isn’t so popular. At the cross, the crowds scatter and Jesus is left alone. There, on that lonely hill, God enters fully into the human experience of suffering and shame. The God of the cross is not one who magically transforms us into happy and beautiful people. Rather the cross reveals the true depth of God’s love for the world. A “theology of the cross is all about GOD. It is not about “me.’ Through the fullness of Jesus and his willingness to remain faithful even to death, sin loses its power to determine our future and by the resurrection of Jesus form the dead, hope is born into the world in the most powerful way possible. Nothing can separate us from God. We are joined to the divine life through Jesus so there is never a “God-forsaken” moment in our lives! We do not need to escape suffering ... for god provides the power and the nourishment to OUTGROW IT.
The growth we need as Christians is growth through the message of the cross. It isn’t a popular message. It doesn’t attract crowds. However, this growth is real. It is life-changing. It is powerful and real. A “theology of the cross” is brutally honest about the way life is, but it also provides a promise that sin and death and suffering will never have the last word. Our fate is not up to us. It is up to God ... and God has so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son so that we might be saved from all that we need saving from.
Claiming and receiving this Gospel into our lives provides a freedom and a power to grow in ways we never imagined.
I’m trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us all to grow deeper roots in the Gospel of Jesus. I’m praying for movement in our lives from a “theology of glory” to a “theology of the cross.” I’m trusting in the power of the Spirit to lead us to grow as people of faith in our love for others, because of our love for Jesus.
We may not attract “crowds”, but we will attract PEOPLE. People who long to know that God loves them, forgives them, frees them from the past so that they too might walk in a “newness of life” and know the joy of God’s grace.
People longing for this Gospel power will never be served by a “theology of glory.” A “theology of the cross”, though, will change their lives.
Recently there have been questions about the type of “christianity” / ”discipleship” encountered in these “fast growing” churches. There has been a move toward changing lives, transforming faith and commitment to a discipleship walk with Jesus. Growth in depth for most Lutherans has replaced the goal of growth in numbers.
In the Lutheran tradition the gospel message is different. Instead of focusing on numbers and doing whatever it might take to appeal to large crowds of people, most Lutherans will focus on our rich tradition of preaching something called a “theology of the cross.” Martin Luther first used this phrase during the Reformation in contrast to what he called a “theology of glory.”
A “theology of glory” focuses on “me.” Jesus Christ becomes a means to our own end. It is a way to be successful, healthy, beautiful, morally superior, patriotic or even wealthy. A “theology of glory” “uses” the Bible to support our own preconceptions or ideals and provides easy answers fro some of life’s toughest questions. Jesus comes to us “prepackaged” for our convenience and people crowd in to get a piece of the action.
But a “theology of the cross” sees the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ differently. That’s why the Lutheran message isn’t so popular. At the cross, the crowds scatter and Jesus is left alone. There, on that lonely hill, God enters fully into the human experience of suffering and shame. The God of the cross is not one who magically transforms us into happy and beautiful people. Rather the cross reveals the true depth of God’s love for the world. A “theology of the cross is all about GOD. It is not about “me.’ Through the fullness of Jesus and his willingness to remain faithful even to death, sin loses its power to determine our future and by the resurrection of Jesus form the dead, hope is born into the world in the most powerful way possible. Nothing can separate us from God. We are joined to the divine life through Jesus so there is never a “God-forsaken” moment in our lives! We do not need to escape suffering ... for god provides the power and the nourishment to OUTGROW IT.
The growth we need as Christians is growth through the message of the cross. It isn’t a popular message. It doesn’t attract crowds. However, this growth is real. It is life-changing. It is powerful and real. A “theology of the cross” is brutally honest about the way life is, but it also provides a promise that sin and death and suffering will never have the last word. Our fate is not up to us. It is up to God ... and God has so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son so that we might be saved from all that we need saving from.
Claiming and receiving this Gospel into our lives provides a freedom and a power to grow in ways we never imagined.
I’m trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us all to grow deeper roots in the Gospel of Jesus. I’m praying for movement in our lives from a “theology of glory” to a “theology of the cross.” I’m trusting in the power of the Spirit to lead us to grow as people of faith in our love for others, because of our love for Jesus.
We may not attract “crowds”, but we will attract PEOPLE. People who long to know that God loves them, forgives them, frees them from the past so that they too might walk in a “newness of life” and know the joy of God’s grace.
People longing for this Gospel power will never be served by a “theology of glory.” A “theology of the cross”, though, will change their lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)