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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
“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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Take A Closer Look
On a clear evening, away from the city streetlights and glare, I witnessed a beautiful sight. Looking up into the evening sky I saw dozens of stars twinkling in the darkness. As my eyes adjusted to the light, those dozens became hundreds ... there were more stars than could be counted. Looking closely, I noticed that that the sky almost had more white than black. The beauty of the stars was dazzling.
This experience speaks to a simple but great truth about life: the closer you look the more you see. It is a principle that can be applied to the community of faith.
Take Morning Star, for example. At first glance one might see a building, and attractive building both inside and out. Looking more closely you’d notice that it is a gathering place for babies and toddlers daily in a PreSchool and Child Care Center and a place of worship on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Keeping a close eye on things, you’d soon notice that there are a variety of meetings, gathering and programs for youngsters, youth and adults. And you would notice that it is a place where laughter and tears are shared.
A close look would reveal something else. Morning Star isn’t a perfect place. Depending on your point of view it’s too small or too large, too traditional or too modern, too demanding or filled with too many sinners. If fact, some people see so much imperfection it gets written off as a bad deal altogether.
Now look closer, much closer, maybe even magnifying glass close. Morning Star is a Christian community gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the place where believers are most likely to encounter God in action. In good times, it is a place of celebration. In tougher times, it is a place of support and prayer. It tragic times, it is the only place that offers a message of true hope. The mission and ministry of Morning Star is founded on a commitment to offer something that everyone needs: a sense of God’s presence and power, forgiveness and love.
Certainly, the church has many critics. But on the other hand the Church of Jesus Christ has no rivals.
Take a closer look and you can see it for yourself.
This experience speaks to a simple but great truth about life: the closer you look the more you see. It is a principle that can be applied to the community of faith.
Take Morning Star, for example. At first glance one might see a building, and attractive building both inside and out. Looking more closely you’d notice that it is a gathering place for babies and toddlers daily in a PreSchool and Child Care Center and a place of worship on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Keeping a close eye on things, you’d soon notice that there are a variety of meetings, gathering and programs for youngsters, youth and adults. And you would notice that it is a place where laughter and tears are shared.
A close look would reveal something else. Morning Star isn’t a perfect place. Depending on your point of view it’s too small or too large, too traditional or too modern, too demanding or filled with too many sinners. If fact, some people see so much imperfection it gets written off as a bad deal altogether.
Now look closer, much closer, maybe even magnifying glass close. Morning Star is a Christian community gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the place where believers are most likely to encounter God in action. In good times, it is a place of celebration. In tougher times, it is a place of support and prayer. It tragic times, it is the only place that offers a message of true hope. The mission and ministry of Morning Star is founded on a commitment to offer something that everyone needs: a sense of God’s presence and power, forgiveness and love.
Certainly, the church has many critics. But on the other hand the Church of Jesus Christ has no rivals.
Take a closer look and you can see it for yourself.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
GOING WITH THE FLOW:
Life is a canoe trip down a rushing stream.
You can’t turn back, though you long to do so.
You can only move with the current, churning and splashing along.
But how I would like to back up stream and take another look at that breath taking view of mountain peaks, or back to that spot where the water is calm in a pond created by a family of beavers.
How I would like to get back upstream to the point before the canoe overturned and drenched me and I had to pull it up to shore and bail it out.
Back up stream, knowing in advance where the whirlpools and eddies are and the hidden rock that lie waiting to ram my shinny craft.
But life flows on.
And I must go with the flow.
Go with the openness and flexibility to what life brings.
Going with the flow is risk.
I never know when there may be another capsize.
Or even when the trip will be ended by a rock punching a hole in my craft.
But that’s the thrill of it all.
The life and death struggle to keep afloat and moving with the flow.
Moving along, the stream get broader.
I become more skillful in maneuvering the craft of life.
Going with the flow, I discover there are even more thrilling views, views never imagined.
The serendipity of it all is almost too much.
I hadn’t planned on passing through a meadow blazing with spring flowers.
Or seeing a proud buck brazing in the distance.
Or an eagle soaring overhead.
These are the extras of life.
Things I didn’t earn.
Things I didn’t count on
Things I don’t deserve.
They are gifts.
Gifts from the Giver.
I know not what lies ahead.
But I know I must go with the flow.
And I would not turn back upstream.
No. Not really, even if I had the chance.
For there are too many challenges.
Too many thrills to lure me on.
And on.
And on.
by Perry H. Biddle Jr.
You can’t turn back, though you long to do so.
You can only move with the current, churning and splashing along.
But how I would like to back up stream and take another look at that breath taking view of mountain peaks, or back to that spot where the water is calm in a pond created by a family of beavers.
How I would like to get back upstream to the point before the canoe overturned and drenched me and I had to pull it up to shore and bail it out.
Back up stream, knowing in advance where the whirlpools and eddies are and the hidden rock that lie waiting to ram my shinny craft.
But life flows on.
And I must go with the flow.
Go with the openness and flexibility to what life brings.
Going with the flow is risk.
I never know when there may be another capsize.
Or even when the trip will be ended by a rock punching a hole in my craft.
But that’s the thrill of it all.
The life and death struggle to keep afloat and moving with the flow.
Moving along, the stream get broader.
I become more skillful in maneuvering the craft of life.
Going with the flow, I discover there are even more thrilling views, views never imagined.
The serendipity of it all is almost too much.
I hadn’t planned on passing through a meadow blazing with spring flowers.
Or seeing a proud buck brazing in the distance.
Or an eagle soaring overhead.
These are the extras of life.
Things I didn’t earn.
Things I didn’t count on
Things I don’t deserve.
They are gifts.
Gifts from the Giver.
I know not what lies ahead.
But I know I must go with the flow.
And I would not turn back upstream.
No. Not really, even if I had the chance.
For there are too many challenges.
Too many thrills to lure me on.
And on.
And on.
by Perry H. Biddle Jr.
New Opportunity for "Financial Literacy":
In the middle of money meltdowns, tensions over financial policies and debt ceilings and the growing number of bankruptcies, it would appear that there is a high degree of need for personal "financial literacy."
Dave Ramsey is a well know leader in this area. He is the guy with solid information about handling money responsibly, avoiding debt, and practicing generosity. His books are New York Times bestsellers, and his radio program carries the challenge of financial accountability to millions of people every day. Some of you have studied his Financial Peace University classes - and wished you had learned the basics years ago. Before you got married. Before you bought a too-expensive car on a too-meager salary.
Some folks had a vision of presenting the Ramsey materials via qualified academics and for college credit to entice young men and women to study principles of financial management early enough in life that it will make a difference for a lifetime.
The result is that Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Personal Finance is being offered online--for college credit. The seven-week course offers three credits that can be transferred to any accredited college or university.
This concept should have an appeal to high school juniors and seniors who want to get off to an early start on college credits. It should have an appeal to bring young people who want to add to their elective credits. It should have an appeal for parents who want to equip thier children with solid information they can build on for life. For both college students and even for high school juniors and seniors who can get early college credit for their effort.
The hope is that this effort creates the potential for making a life-changing difference for thousands of young people.
Check out http://rc.edu/daveramsey.
Help someone learn financial literacy.
And, if you're interested in a Dave Ramsey Financial University at Morning Star, please let me know. We have individuals who are qualified to help us host one.
Dave Ramsey is a well know leader in this area. He is the guy with solid information about handling money responsibly, avoiding debt, and practicing generosity. His books are New York Times bestsellers, and his radio program carries the challenge of financial accountability to millions of people every day. Some of you have studied his Financial Peace University classes - and wished you had learned the basics years ago. Before you got married. Before you bought a too-expensive car on a too-meager salary.
Some folks had a vision of presenting the Ramsey materials via qualified academics and for college credit to entice young men and women to study principles of financial management early enough in life that it will make a difference for a lifetime.
The result is that Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Personal Finance is being offered online--for college credit. The seven-week course offers three credits that can be transferred to any accredited college or university.
This concept should have an appeal to high school juniors and seniors who want to get off to an early start on college credits. It should have an appeal to bring young people who want to add to their elective credits. It should have an appeal for parents who want to equip thier children with solid information they can build on for life. For both college students and even for high school juniors and seniors who can get early college credit for their effort.
The hope is that this effort creates the potential for making a life-changing difference for thousands of young people.
Check out http://rc.edu/daveramsey.
Help someone learn financial literacy.
And, if you're interested in a Dave Ramsey Financial University at Morning Star, please let me know. We have individuals who are qualified to help us host one.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Bridge to Heaven:
Several have asked for the final slide in my Sunday Sermon. Here it is. It is also in my sermon posted under "Sermons" on the Morning Star Website.
Enjoy the inspiration!
Enjoy the inspiration!
August 2011 "Sketchings"
“GOING THE DISTANCE!!”
Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? It involves a challenge thrown down by the hare for a race between himself and the tortoise. Of course, it seems like a sure bet that the rabbit is going to win. Speed is not the main asset of a turtle. So when the race begins the rabbit takes off. The hare is so far out in front. His confidence is beaming. The race surely has already been won. So the hare decides take a break, to step out of the action and to take a nap.
But things are far from over. The race hasn’t been won. The tortoise doesn’t stop but plods on with the slow, methodical, deliberate steps that are his forte. He’s in this race to win. He knows that in order to win he must plod on, step after step. You know the end of the story. The turtle proves victorious over the over-confident and foolish rabbit.
This story can be an image of our Christian walk. Our getting to the end means faithfulness in our following of Jesus Christ. It means persistence in staying in the race with our fullest effort. It means keeping our eyes on God’s vision for us and refusing to let circumstances determine the outcome.
Now let me follow that by saying that our goal as Christians is to grow our faith and confidence and trust so that we can keep going. The “prize” that we’re after is the high honor of serving our God out of the deep roots of faith that join us to Jesus, the Christ. Our dream victory is simply being faithful step by step over the long haul to the calling we have to become more and more like the Spirit of God that fills us.
If we’re intent on doing that, we have some steps to take to get going. If we’re going to move from standing still and getting this “race of faith” underway, we need to deal with those old familiar, “who, what, where, when and why” questions.
Right now, I’d say, that the most difficult of those questions before us is the “when” question. As individuals, and perhaps ever as a congregation, we have all kinds of thoughts about where to go; what to do; with whom to do it and why. But in order to get out of the box, up to the starting line and on the way, it is the “when” question that has to be figured out. When is the word of procrastination. When is the element called indecision. When, when put into motion, is the door through which we will need to pass if we are to move from where we are today to where we want to be tomorrow. When is the key question to be answered before we can be fully on the road toward the “prize” of faithfulness in our calling as children of God.
When is a serious question as we consider our relationship with Jesus the Christ. When is a serious question as we plod along step by step through life. When is a serious question in putting down deep roots of faith.
When are you going to get back to consistent regular worship with God’s family? When are you going to break the habit of sitting at home with the Sunday paper and a cup of coffee? When are you going to get things straight in terms of generosity and really being a good steward of the resources God has given you to manage? When is Christ going to truly become the captain of your life? When is prayer going to become as natural as breathing and as frequent as your next breath? When will you finally decide that you’ve waited long enough on the fringes of the Christian life (the hare’s nap???) and that it’s finally time to jump in with both feet and see what Jesus Christ wants to really do in and through you for the rest of your life? When are you going to start to take seriously the responsibility you have as a partner and member of the Body of Christ where all parts must work together for Christ’s work to be done in mission and ministry.
As far as your relationship with Jesus Christ, when is a question you need to take seriously. When is Christ going to truly become the captain of your life? When is prayer going to be something as natural as breathing and as frequent as your next breath? When will you finally decide that you’ve waited on the fringes of the Christian life long enough and that it’s finally time to jump in with both feet and see what Jesus Christ wants to really do with the rest of your life?
Answer the “when” question with Christ and you will begin to see some exciting things happen as you move faithful step by faithful step along the road St. Paul calls the “race (of faith) that is set before us.” Exciting things will start to happen for all of us because you’ve made a new commitment to the work of the Body of Christ and our movement toward the “prize” of mission and ministry. Exciting things will start to appear as we persist in not being detoured by circumstances, but only focusing on God’s work through our hands in mission and ministry.
Joining you in the race!
T. O. M.
Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? It involves a challenge thrown down by the hare for a race between himself and the tortoise. Of course, it seems like a sure bet that the rabbit is going to win. Speed is not the main asset of a turtle. So when the race begins the rabbit takes off. The hare is so far out in front. His confidence is beaming. The race surely has already been won. So the hare decides take a break, to step out of the action and to take a nap.
But things are far from over. The race hasn’t been won. The tortoise doesn’t stop but plods on with the slow, methodical, deliberate steps that are his forte. He’s in this race to win. He knows that in order to win he must plod on, step after step. You know the end of the story. The turtle proves victorious over the over-confident and foolish rabbit.
This story can be an image of our Christian walk. Our getting to the end means faithfulness in our following of Jesus Christ. It means persistence in staying in the race with our fullest effort. It means keeping our eyes on God’s vision for us and refusing to let circumstances determine the outcome.
Now let me follow that by saying that our goal as Christians is to grow our faith and confidence and trust so that we can keep going. The “prize” that we’re after is the high honor of serving our God out of the deep roots of faith that join us to Jesus, the Christ. Our dream victory is simply being faithful step by step over the long haul to the calling we have to become more and more like the Spirit of God that fills us.
If we’re intent on doing that, we have some steps to take to get going. If we’re going to move from standing still and getting this “race of faith” underway, we need to deal with those old familiar, “who, what, where, when and why” questions.
Right now, I’d say, that the most difficult of those questions before us is the “when” question. As individuals, and perhaps ever as a congregation, we have all kinds of thoughts about where to go; what to do; with whom to do it and why. But in order to get out of the box, up to the starting line and on the way, it is the “when” question that has to be figured out. When is the word of procrastination. When is the element called indecision. When, when put into motion, is the door through which we will need to pass if we are to move from where we are today to where we want to be tomorrow. When is the key question to be answered before we can be fully on the road toward the “prize” of faithfulness in our calling as children of God.
When is a serious question as we consider our relationship with Jesus the Christ. When is a serious question as we plod along step by step through life. When is a serious question in putting down deep roots of faith.
When are you going to get back to consistent regular worship with God’s family? When are you going to break the habit of sitting at home with the Sunday paper and a cup of coffee? When are you going to get things straight in terms of generosity and really being a good steward of the resources God has given you to manage? When is Christ going to truly become the captain of your life? When is prayer going to become as natural as breathing and as frequent as your next breath? When will you finally decide that you’ve waited long enough on the fringes of the Christian life (the hare’s nap???) and that it’s finally time to jump in with both feet and see what Jesus Christ wants to really do in and through you for the rest of your life? When are you going to start to take seriously the responsibility you have as a partner and member of the Body of Christ where all parts must work together for Christ’s work to be done in mission and ministry.
As far as your relationship with Jesus Christ, when is a question you need to take seriously. When is Christ going to truly become the captain of your life? When is prayer going to be something as natural as breathing and as frequent as your next breath? When will you finally decide that you’ve waited on the fringes of the Christian life long enough and that it’s finally time to jump in with both feet and see what Jesus Christ wants to really do with the rest of your life?
Answer the “when” question with Christ and you will begin to see some exciting things happen as you move faithful step by faithful step along the road St. Paul calls the “race (of faith) that is set before us.” Exciting things will start to happen for all of us because you’ve made a new commitment to the work of the Body of Christ and our movement toward the “prize” of mission and ministry. Exciting things will start to appear as we persist in not being detoured by circumstances, but only focusing on God’s work through our hands in mission and ministry.
Joining you in the race!
T. O. M.
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