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“What Would You Do?”

Posted on March 28, 2013 // Leave a Comment

Have you seen the TV show, What Would You Do?, on ABC’s 20/20? The show usually airs on Friday night and if Lynsi and I have absolutely nothing to do on a friday night you may find us tuned in to the show. To be honest, it’s hard not to be pulled into watching human beings respond to some of the most random scenarios. I confess, I’m a people watcher.

Many times these people are placed in situations that are challenging, uncertain and unexpected. Either way, they all demand a response.

I feel the question posed to the church today is,”What Are You Going To Do?” It’s not a secret that the church (global church) is facing some challenging, uncertain and unexpected realities. Over the past 50 years the church has tried to take it’s stand on moral and political issues. The rise of evangelical conservatism over the years has had some wins but I think there have been some losses too. When the church has an “us vs. them” mentality things go bad. And for many church going Christians, this is their way of thinking. All I have to do is check my news feed and see this victim mentality from some of my Christian friends. They flood my feed with political and social jargon and are sometimes downright offensive.

Evangelical Christianity has largely played the role of victim over the last 50 years. The church growth movement was, in large part, a way for the church to come together in safety. Sure, our churches grew, but many were running away from something rather than to something. Willow Creek, one of the largest churches in Chicago, was honest enough to say they missed the mark in their church growth strategy early on. They had the guts to release their findings in their own REVEAL study.

No longer can the church can take the position of a victim. It must become the rescuer.

Church leaders are beginning to see this reality and have a renewed sense of discipleship and missional living.

These are tough challenges and each church must figure out how be a rescue center that sends out rescuers (missionaries) to their communities and around the world.

If you were positioned to make an impact in your community, I ask you, in the words of John Quiñones, “What Would You Do?”

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: discipleship, leadership, missions, personal, Uncategorized //

Disco Jesus

Posted on October 1, 2012 // Leave a Comment

I grew up with this picture of a prim and proper Jesus with flowing blonde hair, blue eyes, and a harpe. It’s probably from the flannel graph illustrations in Sunday School. (If you don’t know what a flannel graph is, it’s probably a good thing.)

I’ve been thinking lately about how diverse Jesus really was. We see Jesus bringing peace and sword. We see him in the temple reading Scripture but we also see him eating with prostitutes and sinners. Yesterday, I taught on the Parable of Prodigal son. Parables are stories which present spiritual truth. I don’t want to share everything I talked about it but I do want to highlight a few things.

First, the story is about two sons and a Father. The younger son wants his share of his Father’s inheritance (a nice way to say he wished his Father were dead) so he can be free to do his own thing. The Father gives his son his share and in return the son goes on a wild rampage and squanders his wealth. It gets so bad that he gets a job at a pig farm and almost eats pig food. So, here’s a guy who lived like a King and has now reached rock bottom. The Bible says that the young son “Came to his senses” and longed to return home.

The next scene is incredible. As the young boy is walking to his home, his Father is already looking for him! At first sight the Father runs to meet him (something that would be shameful during this time period) and places his finest robe on his son, shoes on his feet, embraces him and calls for a banquet! And I’d imagine it was a rockin’ party, Disco ball and all!

Now the older brother gets angry. He’s angered by his Fathers gesture towards his wayward brother. Why should he get a party when he took all your stuff and wasted it!? (A response many of us would have as well). But his Father seems to think differently. All he cares about is that his son has made a step home. That’s it. No conditions. And that step home is worth celebrating.

The Father obviously reflects the heart of God towards us. And we represent both of the sons. We’ve all raised our fists at God and rebelled like the younger brother did. And yet there are some who represent the older brother, the one who has all his Father’s blessings and fails to celebrate out of selfishness and pride.

The point of all this is that God celebrates any step we take towards him! No matter what it is. It could be salvation, reading your Bible, extending forgiveness, helping a friend, etc. He doesn’t care about our past. He cares about where you’re going.

This next week we are hosting a “Step Party” where we are going to celebrate the steps we’ve chosen to take. We are going all out. Balloons, cake, pizza, and all! Not only are we going to celebrate our own steps but we will celebrate the steps of others. Something the older brother failed to do. In the end, we’ll be placing our footprints on paint canvases to hang on the wall as a visual reminder of the spiritual step we’ve chosen to take.

What “step” do you need to take this week? Too many times we want to take a leap, but I’d encourage to take a step. Also, think about the people in your life who may be taking steps toward God. Maybe they are not steps you would take but it’s where they are. Think of how you can celebrate with them!

The bottom line is this: God is looking for a reason to throw a party for you!

Filed Under: discipleship, Firewheel Church, leadership, student ministry, Uncategorized // Tagged: , , ,

Sometimes GO means STAY.

Posted on May 23, 2012 // 4 Comments

This summer is shaping up to be quite eventful. Over the past few months I’ve been making plans for children’s camp, VBS, student camp and a mission trip to Colombia. These events alone had already blocked out 4 weeks of my summer. These don’t include the week to week activities and other “family ministry events” I plan to do over the next two months with our church. Last week I had to make a tough decision. I’ve chosen not to go on a mission trip this summer. This was difficult because we have some exciting things that will happen in Colombia, including a training event for 500 young Colombian students on how to lead I Am Second groups. I have such a heart for missions and I wish I could see some of these things take place first hand. However, I had this thought last week that was comforting and convicting…. “Sometimes GO means STAY.” Jesus said, “GO and make disciples…” This obviously includes foreign missions. But sometimes people are ecstatic to GO across the world, but are much less eager to GO across the street and even less excited to GO and spend quality time discipling their children.

In this season of life I feel like it would be better to put my focus on HOME. This includes my family and the ministry at Firewheel Church. Thankfully I wasn’t leading the trip and there will also be another Firewheel Pastor who will be attending.  One thing I know after 9 years of ministry is that there is always more to do than you have time available. One of my ministry hero’s is Andy Stanley from North Point in Atlanta. Andy wrote a book called, Choosing to Cheat a few years ago. The premise of the book is when church and family collide don’t cheat your family! This principle is easier said than done. Sometimes fires must be put out, a grieving family must be comforted, and some things must get done. However, the reality is that ministry can (and will) consume you if you allow it. This isn’t just limited to ministry but can also be translated into any work environment.

The battle for your child’s heart is hard enough. Be sure you are intentional at spending quality time with your children this summer. After all, if you are a parent, your primary mission field is your family anyway. Many see summer as a time to vacate but many times GO means STAY. I’m not saying not to do anything this summer. Maybe your family desperately needs a vacation. Go for it!  But no matter what you do I’d encourage you to find the time to BE PRESENT!

Filed Under: family, Firewheel Church, I am Second, leadership, missions, parent ministry, Uncategorized //

Why so many churches are in decline

Posted on April 26, 2012 // 1 Comment

There are many reasons why many churches are on the decline. Reasons include the increasing post-christian culture, churches who have not been able to effectively reach their communities, churches who are too slow to change to adapt to our rapidly changing world, etc. However, I think the number one reason why so many churches are in decline is due to a “man crisis.” We simply don’t have enough men leading in our churches. The statistics reflect this reality.  It is usually the women who initiate getting their family to church. It is predominately women who rise to the occasion when asked (60% of church volunteers are women).

We have a serious man crisis. I’ve read many books that are addressing the reality that men are extending their adolescence. No longer can we call a boy a man when he turns 18. He may not be a “man” until his late 20′s or 30′s!!  This has many implications for student ministry in churches, including why so many young adults are leaving the church after high school, but that’s another post for another time.

In 1970, 69% of 25 yr old men and 85% of 30 yr old men were married. In the year 2000, 33% of 25 yr old men and 58% of 30 yr old were married.* These numbers are only increasing. Men are not living up to their God given responsibilities to lead. This is true in the workforce, government, communities, families and the especially the church. I think this is one of the major reasons why churches are suffering. We don’t have men leading. Now there are probably many reasons for this: Increasing divorce rates where young boys haven’t seen biblical manhood modeled (I read just this morning that less than 50% of US homes are led by married couples), churches who haven’t invested in younger leaders and giving them significant responsibility, and dads not understanding their role in the home and the church. I recently came across this video by Darren Patrick who addresses this issue specifically in the church. He’s calling for more men, not boys to lead our churches. I think his message needs to be heard:

*Hymowitz, “Child-Man in the Promised Land.”

Patrick, Darrin (2010-08-12). Church Planter (p. 18). Good News Publishers/Crossway Books. Kindle Edition.

Filed Under: discipleship, family, Firewheel Church, leadership, parent ministry, student ministry, Uncategorized // Tagged: , ,

What do Jesus and Steve Jobs have in common?

Posted on October 6, 2011 // Leave a Comment

Please read before calling me a heretic…

I don’t know the spiritual status of Steve Jobs. Much of what I’ve read about his spiritual life suggests that Jobs was a Buddhist. I hope that’s not true. http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/tech/innovation/steve-jobs-philosophy/

As I was thinking about his death, I realized how much this guy has impacted my life even though I’ve never met the man personally. I then realized how this is probably true for millions of people around the world. Steve Jobs has radically changed the way many of us function every day. You can’t think of music today without thinking of iTunes or iPods. If you want to purchase a song you don’t go to a store and buy a CD, you download it from the iTunes store. Anytime. Anyplace.

I can’t think of any other person who has altered the way I live my life every day (outside of Jesus of course). Think about it. Many of you, like myself, touch an Apple product every night before you go to bed and its the first thing you touch when you wake up. I get to the office and work from a MacBook for hours and if I have a meeting at Starbucks I grab my iPad and iPhone before I head out the door. Apple products are very much a part of my life (and my kids’) for better or worse. Moderation must be kept in mind of course. Perhaps another blog topic?

As I heard the news of his death last night, I realized how much this man has actually impacted my life (even though we’ve never met). So, what do Jesus and Steve Jobs have in common? Not a whole lot. I mean, one is God, one is not. One is the Savior of the world. One is not (although some tech geeks may try to offer a case otherwise).

Despite these unmistakably differences, it is interesting to think how much influence Jobs has had in people’s lives.Both Jesus and Jobs were revolutionaries. They challenged cultural paradigms and took risks.

Could you imagine the kind of platform Steve Jobs had for the gospel? What if he was a devoted follower of Christ? Think of how many people he could have exposed to the gospel through his influence.

What if people associated the name Steve Jobs to more than the Apple symbol? What if they also associated his name to the cross?

Filed Under: leadership, Uncategorized //

5 definitions of a disciple

Posted on September 16, 2011 // 6 Comments

There seems to be confusion (even among Christians) about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. I’ve decided to start a series of blogs to address this topic and would love some feedback. I don’t have all the answers, but I think it’s a conversation worth having.

Author Michael Wilkins gives 5 possible answers to the question, “What is a disciple?”

1. Disciples are Learners

  • disciples are simply those who follow a great teacher
  • to put oneself under the teaching authority of someone else.
  • both unsaved and saved were learning from Jesus

We would all probably agree that a disciple is a student, pupil, follower of a master, but I think we would all say there is more to be a follower of Jesus than just a “learner.”

2. Disciples are Committed Believers

these people would say that believing in Jesus is entirely different than following Jesus. They argue for a 2 class system of believers. (1) those who believe for eternal life and (2) those who believe AND decide to follow Jesus’ radical claims of discipleship. Dwight Pentecost has said “there is a vast difference between being saved and being a disciple.”

My question with this view.

1. Are there 2 levels of committment to Christ? Can you be an ordinary believer and not a committed disciple?

3. Disciples Are Ministers

This view says that disciples are those who have been “called out” from among the body to minister. Basically those of us who are ministers or pastors are disciples. Everyone else can be considered as ordinary believers. The term is designated for those who are called to do the work of Jesus. This view would say, “Everyone is called to participate in the reign of God, but only some are called to be followers of Jesus.”

My questions:

  1. What is my role as a pastor with this view? Am I to make disciples of certain people only? Only those who enter “full time” ministry?? Really? I guess everyone else can take it easy.


4. Disciples Are Converts; Discipleship Comes Later

This is probably the most widespread understanding of a disciple in our American context. This view says that after one is converted they can enter a life of discipleship (following the commands of Jesus) later. You can be a believer but can choose to enter the discipleship process later. This view is similar to #2. The only difference I can see is that this view would consider every believer a disciple, but they may not be on the road of”discipleship.”

A quick theological note: This view aligns well with those who hold to the theological position that separates “justification” and “sanctification” into two different occasions. You are “justified” immediately upon salvation, but “sanctification” occurs later.

My questions:

  1. Can you be a disciple without being on the road of discipleship?
  2. Did Jesus have this in mind when he called his disciples?

5. Disciples Are Converts Who Are in the Process of Discipleship

This view is very similar to the view above, but I do think it is saying something different. Conversion is the beginning of point of a disciple, but discipleship is the natural result that occurs simultaneously. Discipleship is not a second step but rather is synonymous with the Christian life. Essentially, discipleship is not an optional second step in the Christian life.

My questions:

  1. Are the difficult discipleship demands of Jesus directed to me(hate my family, sell everything, etc.) ? Or were they directed to those individuals only?
  2. Is conversion and commitment the same thing?

I’d welcome your feedback on this!

Filed Under: discipleship, Firewheel Church, leadership, student ministry // Tagged: , ,

The Church needs Chemistry

Posted on August 2, 2011 // Leave a Comment

I remember looking forward to lab experiments in high school. We would get our lab equipment ready and put things to the test to see what would happen.

I think the church should do the same thing. We need to experiment.   I’ve been on staff at Firewheel Church for 8 months and I’m grateful that I’m serving at a church that allows for experiments.

Last May I had a vision of how our students could have a stronger presence at their schools.  After thinking about the resources that God has given Firewheel Church, I realized “I am Second” may be the venue.

I began dreaming about how we could partner with “I am Second” and use their model of discipleship with students.

I met with a few folks and we decided to do an experiment that we called the “I am Second Student XP.” XP stands for  ”experience.”

Local Churches + I am Second+ Jesus+ Students=I am Second Student XP

I called other churches and student pastors to see if they would join us and they did. It was a great night. We were able to have 200 students “experience” I am Second that night.


Since that night there have been other churches and youth pastors interested in doing an “I am Second XP” in their communities with the intention of creating Ia2 spiritual communities in local schools.  In fact, I’m going to Austin, TX next week to meet with local churches on how they can have their own “Ia2 Student XP” and create a movement in the Austin area.  Please pray this!  We are also praying about taking the “I am Second Student XP” to other countries starting with Colombia next summer!

Churches must be willing to experiment new things. The reality is that there is a risk involved.  A risk of failing and the the risk of going beyond your imagination. It seems as though this initial experiment has been a success so far and I can’t wait to see the fruit of the Ia2 XP.

Check out the Facebook page and join the movement! www.facebook.com/iamsecondgarland

Also, join us for our next regional event at Hawaiian Falls in Garland!

www.facebook.com/iamsecondHFalls

Filed Under: Firewheel Church, leadership //

Running from the Lion

Posted on June 29, 2011 // 3 Comments

I decided to go for a short jog tonight around my neighborhood. I realized two things very quickly. (1) it was hot (2) living close to the lake = bugs in face.

As I rounded the corner back to my street I noticed a few DVD’s on the street. I stopped to take a look hoping I just found a few blockbuster Blue-ray hits.  As I looked closer I realized I was in the danger zone. What was actually littering the street were hardcore pornographic movies. (the titles were quite clear).  As I stood there trying to figure out how these made their way to the road I was reminded of 1 Peter 5:8. “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking  for someone to devour.”

Sexual sin is one of the ways Satan attempts to take people out, especially those in ministry. I’ve heard countless stories of Pastors falling prey to the enticements of sexual sin and I know I’m not immune to his tactics either and I must be on guard.  I was quickly sent back in time to an eerily familiar scene.   My first exposure to pornographic material was when I was a young boy riding my bike in the streets of Cincinnati, OH.  I was cruising down the street when a magazine cover caught my eye. It was Playboy. I picked it up and admittedly I was intrigued and flipped thru the pages. However, this time my first reaction was anger. Furious that this was laying in plain sight on my street and angry that Satan was trying to attack me in this way again.

As these things were going through my mind I had this thought, “Run from the Lion!” I reminded myself that there is another Lion, the Lion of Judah aka Jesus who has and will destroy the enemy lion the devil. Revelation 5:5 says, “He (the lion) has won the victory!”

After reassuring myself of 1 John 4:4 “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world“, I continued on my jog asking God to continue to give me strength to stand against these types of attacks.

I’ll end with this. Lions are dangerous and we should run as far away from them as we can. Too many times were are tempted to get as close as we can, but the reality is that Lions bite.

Even if you do your best to run from him he is always seeking you (1 Peter 5:8). The next time you come across one of his traps, RUN!!

Filed Under: leadership, personal, Uncategorized //