culchur

Variance #7 or diamonds on the inside

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-04:00

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you," Matthew 7:1-2

Last Friday was like a warp zone. Eight years after graduating from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, I had the unique privilege of speaking at one of their chapel services. In the eight years since I've been a student the buildings have changed, some of the faces have changed, and it's all too wonderfully evident to me that the chapel gathering has not changed.

Early in my time at Bethel I mocked chapel, I sat in my perch and waited for material. What a turn of events that a ten year journey placed me on the stage that I once made a parody. I told the students about the morning when (as Brennan Manning would say) I was ambushed by Jesus of Nazareth. He liberated me from the labels I was clinging to, and gave me the only one that really mattered, "Beloved."

In the fishbowl that is a small college campus, labels become a clean and easy way to not really get to know anyone. It becomes all too easy to find value on the surface. So we know and become known by arbitrary things like physical characteristics, fashion sense, athletic ability, test scores, and the ability to make other people laugh. They become the name-tags we where; some we give to ourselves, others are projected upon us. When Matthew was ambushed by Jesus in the middle of the daily grind, he left the labels of "tax-collector" and "sinner" and found his identity in the unrelenting love of Christ, removing all name-tags but one: "Beloved."

Jesus says do not judge, or you too will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. I think it's far too easy for me to read these words and neglect their gravity. Residing in a culture that so quickly stamps a label on one and quickly moves to the other, it is often difficult not to weigh the value of others by this twisted standard. It's so simple to declare superficial sentences on people based on appearance alone, without ever...you know, talking to them.

I love that Jesus talks about the measure we use in our judgments. It provides some perspective on the depth of love He is inviting us to. So, if you want people to love you for external nonsense like your hair or your ability to play a guitar or tell a joke - welcome to the kiddie pool, it's shallow here. The depth of this love you look for from others will only enable you to love others at the same depth. The older we get the more awkward it gets to be hanging out in the kiddie pool. It's uncomfortable to see mature people doing immature things for shallow depths of love.

The deep end is scary because it requires a full plunge - an uninhibited leap of faith. But once your immersed in the depth of this kind of love, you can truly love others at the same depth. This is the water Jesus invites us to because it is the kind of love He gives and wants to receive. Jesus wants us to know others and be known simply as sons and daughters of God, loved by the King. It's so simple and incredibly deep.

Ben Harper sings a beautiful song that I heard driving home yesterday. These words stood out to me...

A candle throws its light into the darkness
In a nasty world so shines a good deed
Make sure the fortune that you seek
Is the fortune that you need
....
She has diamonds on the inside
She has diamonds on the inside
She wore diamonds on the inside

Variance #6 or all that glitters is not gold

2011-09-28T10:45:00.000-04:00

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth

Do not worry about your life

The origin of our worries reveals what matters most to us.

Jesus talked about treasure and then he talked about worry. The more we have of one, the more we have of the other. Jesus asks us to take a brutally honest look at the things we worry about, and then He invites us to trace them back; when we discover the root we also discover a treasure. In this case, however, all that glitters is not gold.

When I manage to budge my own pride enough to get a more forthright look at my heart, I find that the list of worries that consume my thoughts are no different from the list Jesus presents in Matthew 6. I would prefer to overlook this, and continue reading this passage in a very condescending way, pointing my finger with broad sweeping generalities about consumerism, image, and the American dream. But truth isn't always discovered as much as it is revealed. This is variance in its most raw form.

As I think about the thoughts that consume my brain; the first contemplation of each morning, the last reflection of each night, they carry with them a very distinct directional arrow pointing right back at me. I know that some of that is so unfortunately natural, but it bothers me. Jesus was filled with compassion because he saw the people and he knew they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. He was deeply moved when He thought about Lazarus. He was troubled when He thought about the reality that one of His closest followers would betray Him. His thoughts also carried with them very distinct directional arrows and they were flying all over the place. His treasure, revealed by tracing back these concerns to their roots, well...it looks an awful lot like you and like me.

In working through this variance series, I'm finding the gap to be vast; almost tangibly vast today. Out of His infinite grace Jesus doesn't see the chasm I see. He simply sees this moment, this opportunity to be faithful. He doesn't look at the previous thirty-two years or the thirty-two years that may lie ahead. In this moment He says your Heavenly Father knows what you need, and He is willing and able to provide - so seek first His kingdom, and all of this will be taken care of as well. Don't worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble of its own.

Today is calling, trouble is in the forecast...so is grace.

Variance #5 or how presidential debates are like dog shows

2011-09-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others

When you give to the needy do not announce it with trumpets

When you pray do not be like the hypocrites who do it to be seen by others

When you fast do not disfigure your face to show others you are fasting (Matthew 6:1,2,5,16).

Presidential debates are comical. They begin so dignified, and it only takes about five minutes to feel exactly like high school. I didn't watch much of last night's debate, but I caught enough of it to see that Mitt Romney thinks Rick Perry needs to read his book. Meanwhile in a twist of stunning irony, Perry actually thinks that Romney needs to read his book...captivating. I'm pretty sure Gary Johnson has been saving his "neighbor's dog" joke for probably at least three years.

Well played former Governor Johnson.Well played.

I actually love the concept of the presidential debate. I just wish the candidates actually had to answer the questions. Instead we're given a couple hours of something akin to the Westminster Dog Show...everyone trots around saying "look at me, look at me" and we just wait for one of the dogs to do something woefully uncouth.

The truth is we all like to be seen, but few of us really want to be known. This is just as true in the "Pastors Breed" category as it is in the Republican party. We live in a culture of snap judgments and shallow relationships, where first impressions often become only impressions. Image is everything, thus we all wrestle regularly with the image the mirror returns to us. You may not think this is an issue with pastors but it is, especially when deciding to go with the "Rob Bell glasses," or "Rick Warren goatee" or perhaps the dangerous combination of the two. Decisions, decisions.

This is a such a fine line it's often difficult to decipher where it is drawn. For example, I want you to read my blog. I hope it is encouraging to you. I hope it inspires. Beneath those hopes do others exist? The hope of being seen? The hope of recognition? The hope of applause?

I'm quite certain they are there too.

Truly knowing someone beyond the superficial is deep and dangerous water. Being truly known by others beyond the cosmetics is deeper still. This is the water Jesus calls us to. Curtains pulled, masks removed, Jesus call us to know every chapter of each other's stories instead of categorizing by covers. This is our invitation to life in God's kingdom. A place where God sees us as we really are, and filled with love, He calls us His sons and daughters. Jesus knew that if we went through our lives without really knowing anyone and without allowing ourselves to be known in the process...well, we'd be incredibly insecure, lonely, downright miserable people.

Dog shows and debates reveal just enough to not really know anything about the participants. The truth of the matter is that in either case we'd know a lot more about our decision if we had to take one of those things home.

One of the great promises of the sermon on the mount is that the Heavenly Father sees what is done in secret, and loves us still.

Variance #4 or the baggage of "born again"

2011-09-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

"If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away"

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"

Matthew 5:29, 44

We began a series at the Orchards on Sunday called "Born Again." The genesis of this series came from a conversation. The discussion centered around the thought that through varying circumstances and often abuse the use of the description "born again" has by and large left the vernacular of our churches. We came to the conclusion that this is really sad, because the debated description originated from the lips of Jesus. If this is how Jesus communicated the transformation he was inviting Nicodemus and the entire world to, who are we to modify that? Our goal in the eight-week series is to, in some sense, reclaim the description -back to its original form...at least in our community of faith. We're asking the question: What did Jesus really mean when he said, "you must be born again."

It seems we have a way of often reducing the whole of Jesus' teaching and God's word in order to make it more palatable. This is often done with good intentions, with the stated desire to create a compact, clear, and concise understanding of who Jesus was and is. In the palatable-making process it is far too easy to make the mistake of reduction. In our desire to reveal the light we have the tendency to turn off other lights to make one stand out, but at what risk? One of the questions we discussed this weekend was this: Have we reduced following Jesus to a prayer, an aisle, the shedding of a tear? When we understand surrender to Christ as a point rather than a process we reduce the invitation of Jesus, and as a result, we reduce the potential impact for the Kingdom of God.

In going back again to the sermon on the mount over the last couple of weeks I am stunned by how much I have reduced the raw and radical nature of Jesus' call. Jesus raised the conversation and the bar, pushing dramatically against standards that were in place before His arrival. He cuts directly to the condition of the heart as it is revealed in our attitudes toward others, lust, telling the truth, revenge, and treatment of our enemies. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. Really? How does a statement like this one come to be understood as a call for sin modification? How could we ever believe that all is really need is a tweak here and there instead of the massive overhaul and about-face that is clearly demanded?

As I think of the "variance" in my own life there are a couple of ways that this happens in my life

...

Corporate Relativism - This first one may initially appear as a proverbial passing of the buck, and to a certain extent it is. Having said that, I wrestle regularly with the holy by comparison scale. I think we all do. If we all reduce the teaching of Jesus, it makes it a lot more comfortable to read the Gospels in community. As long as I have it a little more together than the alleged majority, I can have peace of mind. This has long been identified as an enemy of holiness in the church and yet it is pervasive still. There are people in my life that I can sometimes be uncomfortable around because of their proximity to Jesus. I think this needs to be the norm. I don't think people were ever really comfortable around Jesus, but deep down they possessed this incredible peace because they knew that He loved them more than anyone ever could. I want this to be true in my life. Others might be uncomfortable, but deep down I want them to have a peace when they are with me and know that I love them and would give my life for them.

Reality Reduction - The question the enemy uses most often in my life is one of the first asked of Adam and Eve..."did He really say that?" This comes to me again and again, and not in the sense of "is that actually in the Bible," but in the sense of "did He really mean that?" Cut out my eye, hate my family in comparison, sell everything to the poor, take up your cross - So often I take the role of Bible commentator and begin my sentence with; what he really means is this. It is way easier to reduce what Jesus said then to take it as the life-altering truth that it is in its purest form. I do this because I don't want to do what Jesus said. This isn't rocket science. We only believe the parts of the Bible that we do. Reducing the truth of Christ's words with a chisel instead of allowing the words to be the chisel - reducing us to what He always intended us to be.

...

So, writing my way through the sermon on the mount has been uncomfortable and invigorating all at once...both painful and peaceful, full of love and confrontation. Safe? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe, but He's good.

Variance #3 or "this little light of mine"

2011-09-16T10:14:00.001-04:00

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

..........

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven"

A really nice old couple knocked on my door earlier this week on my day off. My dog, Chauncey, went ballistic...he's seven years old now and he is still greeting people at the door the same way every time. With two kids-a-playing and one dog-a-barking inside, I stepped outside. The moment I stepped out it felt like a program had commenced. Methodically they asked me some leading questions about whom I believe controls the world and if God hears my prayers. The husband slowly located a passage in Isaiah chapter one which he read to me and then, as if he'd already done it thirty times that morning, he pulled out a "Watchtower" pamphlet and began to make his case. They were so sweet it felt like there was no appropriate time to step in, but when I felt the moment was right I shared with them my concern that they were picking verses out of the Bible without trying to fully understand them in the context of the whole of God's story in scripture. Unhindered by my concern they moved to point number two in the pamphlet. This time I had to interrupt them. I tried to go back to my previous thought, but seeing where this conversation was going they kindly began to close their pamphlets and Bibles. I told them that my trust was in Jesus and I hoped they would find their hope in Him. They agreed with me as they walked toward their car. I thanked them for stopping by.

As they drove away my thoughts raced. They were really gentle and kind. The presentation they made to me felt so sterile and lifeless. I felt a little hurt - was I too harsh? And I thought about my faith...should I be doing what these people are doing today? I spent three years working with Adventures in Missions where we led groups of teens on missions trips domestically and out of country. We would do door-to-door evangelism on these trips, and my soul would wrestle with it. The good news is incredibly good news but it sometimes seemed so out of context when there was clearly no relationship present. Often I would train the teams that I led to begin by getting to know the people first, caring for them, praying for them. Within the context of that kind of love we can effectively share the greatest story of love this world has known. It didn't bother me if we spent all two hours of our door-to-door evangelism at one door.

Jesus looks at me and says "You are the light of the world; like a town on a hill you stand and shine. The purpose of light is to shine and provide sight to those in darkness, why would you ever conceal your purpose?"

A few paragraphs later in Matthew's account Jesus says "be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to by seen by them. If you do, you will have nor reward from your Father in heaven."

Where do the two meet?

Jesus said that we should seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given as well. He said that a good tree bears good fruit, and that the good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. Jesus said that we need to remain in Him like a branch must remain in the vain, and apart from Him we can do nothing. He says take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yours souls.

So here's where I'm at...it's so easy for me to forget that Jesus said "Let your light shine." He didn't say "Shine your light." You may think this is negligible, to me it is essential. In my relationship with Jesus I am so inclined to "do," I totally miss out on the "let." Our first priority in following Jesus is being close to Him, remaining in Him, abiding in Him. When we sell out to seek Him first we can't help but to shine like stars, or maybe more apropos - the moon.

A city on a hill has nowhere to hide, neither can a light on a stand, so they shine on.

I'm still grappling with these thoughts, but I can't help but think that in our haste to "shine our lights" we run the great risk of losing proximity to the source, and the light that we so securely believe is light isn't actually light at all. Letting our light shine before others begins with a full surrender and recognition of who the author of light is to begin with. The closer we are to the inception, the brighter we shine.

Have you wrestled with this? What have you learned in the struggle?

Variance #2 or "what I learned at the rescue mission about salt"

2011-09-14T09:18:00.001-04:00

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything..." (Matthew 5:13).

I was sitting around a table in Detroit yesterday afternoon, having lunch at one of the Detroit Rescue Mission sites. Seven of us had driven down for the day to do some painting around the facility and clean some walls that had apparently become a booming metropolis for that area's spider population (after reading some of "Charlotte's Web" to my son at bedtime last night, I was kind of sad about changing their world so dramatically). We were there for the day so they insisted we eat. Most of the guys who work there are living breathing success stories of the power of what the Detroit Rescue Mission does every single day. It's one of the many things I love about spending time there. Steak wraps were on the menu for the men yesterday so our group sat down around a table and enjoyed them. A couple of us were still a little hungry afterward and as we talked about possibly running out to pick-up a couple things for the rest of the day, the cook came into the cafeteria... "you guys want some wings?" A couple of moments later we were eating chicken wings fresh out of the fryer. The salty flavor lavished and lingered. We didn't need to go out and pick up anything else.

I've heard these words of Jesus used again and again in a myriad of contexts with seemingly endless applications. I like to think that Jesus meant it to be understood quite simply. What does salt do? Salt preserves. Salt provides flavor. I am a follower of Jesus. He turns to me, looks me in the eye and says "you are the salt of the earth."
I am urged to preserve. I am inspired to flavor.

I have found that spending time at the mission is a necessary thing for me to do. It helps me see reality a little clearer, putting a thousand things into perspective every time I go. As I scrubbed a wall yesterday I thought a lot about what was taking place there. Each moment of every day they preserve hope for people who thought all hope was gone. They provide flavor to people's lives in small ways - the words they choose and the manner in which they speak them; and large ways - giving them the opportunity for a greater purpose.

No one eats a pile of salt. Salt, in and of itself will not satisfy.
No, salt gives its value away - It brings preservation, flavor, and life.

When I live for myself I am no longer good for anything. I bring nothing to the table. It's like placing a bowl of salt in front of a hungry child...useless. When I join Jesus in His mission I become useful in the kingdom - preserving hope, providing flavor.

Variance #1 or "the Bible as an owner's manual"

2011-09-07T10:48:00.002-04:00

The "Variance" series of posts is an attempt to place Jesus' words in a 2011 context. In the process I hope to identify where my life is at variance... this in response to a challenge from this one pastor I know.
This is bound to be painful.

Matthew 5:3 "He said blessed are the poor in Spirit
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

If you haven't read "The Divine Conspiracy" by Dallas Willard, stop reading this blog and go do that. Thank me later. Willard has a beautiful take on the famed beatitudes, and their stunning declaration of a readily available kingdom way of life that has come near to all of us in the person of Jesus. He reads the above statement of Jesus in this way:

“Blessed are the spiritual zeros—the spiritually bankrupt, deprived and deficient, the spiritual beggars, those without a wisp of ‘religion’—when the kingdom of the heavens comes upon them.”

My finely tuned American mind has trained me to read my Bible like an owner's manual. If there's a deficiency in my system the solution is only a well-constructed index away. Just let me leaf through the pages until I come to the "poor in spirit" section...aha...these three steps will provide the solution. Let's get to work.

What makes the sermon on the mount so staggering is that Jesus does not begin with a litmus test to identify who's on the invitation list to his kingdom. Like any great host he just starts inviting everyone to the party - literally everyone, an unmitigated open-door policy to the unqualified. This is so wonderful. It was wonderful when it was spoken centuries ago, it is no less wonderful today.

In the midst of times where the phenomenal chasm grows between the poor and the rich, where the qualified and unqualified struggle to "earn" their way through this upside down world, this is just astonishing news.

I'm so preconditioned to earn that it's often difficult to embrace anything that does not come to me as the fruit of my effort. This invitation to a person, to a Savior, is something that could never be earned. Why does it feel like it will take a lifetime to understand this?

There is work involved in becoming more like Jesus, but his yoke is easy and his burden is light. When we are all wrapped up in love his commands are not burdensome, within this context obligation is not understood.

It is a good practice to just dwell in the folly that no resume is required to be invited to live in his kingdom. If we could embrace this as a culture I imagine things would slow down drastically. Join me today in taking the lead foot off the gas, let the speed of life wane to the point where you can see the details of the days so quickly passing us by. Abide in him...abide.

Wake me up when September begins

2011-09-06T14:56:00.001-04:00

gratuitous clip art for your viewing pleasure

The feeling is new and familiar all at once...

September is a month that comes with the tag: "transition." When Labor Day comes around I start talking about school despite the fact it doesn't really affect me all that much personally. I start looking at the leaves a little closer, knowing their days are numbered. I keep the windows rolled up, think about the health of our furnace, and repeatedly look for socks.
And I blog.

There's a myriad of reasons that it makes sense, but it's also sometimes strange to think about how much the typical church schedule is found to be in sync with the school's:

* January brings a lot of cold and a lot of gray and the occasional snow day on Sundays

* March and April bring Easter and the new life that accompanies it, we're often a little early with our optimism on the weather and the upcoming baseball season.

* June seems endlessly liberating as schedules change dramatically. Schools close and so do small groups. Families and youth groups go camping. And flip-flops...just flip flops.

* Of course December is a really hopeful time the Advent of Christmas Break, the peace on earth and goodwill toward teachers, the magic of a King born in a manger.

* And there is this present reality known as September where footballs fly, Kids are movin' on up in the grand hierarchy of children's church, patterns are re-established and sermon series' begin. And I blog.

It seems every September I find the necessary time and space to write again. I begin with gusto and zeal aplenty, but like the wave at the ballgame I've failed to make it all the way around the first few tries. Perhaps this is the year where the momentum will carry me through (as John Mayer sings in my head "I'll be alright if it was just till St. Patrick's Day").

So here's to my own mythical new year's day: September 6. Resolutions abound, and high on my list is to write here three days a week...back at it again, dissecting the intersection. When I read the words of Jesus I am amazed by his deep understanding of the culture in which he resided. He was fully in-tune with the daily realities of His audience. This is a great challenge for any pastor to follow His lead. I have the highest of hopes that Jesus' words, which were spoken on this earth generations ago, have pin-point relevance in 2011, and will continue to carry such weight for generations to come. So at least for a few months, until I flame out of course, I will be working through things that Jesus said and exploring the endless connections to our culture* here and now (*insert disclaimer/joke on being from the Midwest here).

And so I fully plan on writing again tomorrow, and I fully plan on starting with "blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," (Matthew 5:3). I also fully know myself, and will be pleasantly surprised if I do. So here's to September resolutions and the start of a new year. Cheers (cue: Auld Lane Syne)

Bit-o-Bonhoeffer

2011-06-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

I'm in the midst of three books right now: "The Words of Jesus," by Phyllis Tickle, "The Pursuit of God," by AW Tozer, and "Bonhoeffer," by Eric Metaxas. "Bonhoeffer," is quite the endeavor for yours truly...I don't normally tackle books of its ilk (I'm 151 pages in, so only 500 left). As a quick overview, these are all great reads, but I'm really digging in deep with the biography of the German theologian who was killed for his role in a plot to bring down Adolf Hitler. I think it's the crossroads of my German heritage and the growing desire to make my life count in a concerted effort to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God. I find myself identifying with Dietrich as I learn about his childhood, teenage years, and early years of ministry. This morning I read a portion of Metaxas' brilliant biography that included an excerpt from a letter Bonhoeffer wrote to his brother-in-law in 1936. Really, the only reason I'm including it into my blog is for journaling purposes as this little corner of the internet has become a place for me to keep things on record. The more I think about it though these words carry significant relevance to the intersection of the church and culture:

"If it is I who determine where God is to be found, then I shall always find a God who corresponds to me in some way, who is obliging, who is connected with my own nature. But if God determines where He is to be found, then it will be in a place which is not immediately pleasing to my nature and which is not at all congenial to me. This place is the Cross of Christ. And whoever would find him must go to the foot of the Cross, as the Sermon on the Mount commands. This is not according to our nature at all, it is entirely contrary to it..."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Parenting a Socially Networked Generation

2011-05-25T11:53:00.002-04:00

I am stealing an idea from Mark Holman this weekend, and taking our students on a retreat called DKSS (Dating, Kissing, Sex, & Stuff). We added our own tag to the end of the acronym: w/o the awkwardness. I'm indebted to Holman; the design of the retreat is excellent, and easy to transition into any student ministry. We are going to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual ramifications of each choice the students will make in this area of their lives, but the quint essential moment of the weekend has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with the parents. The parents are coming to our retreat at the end of the weekend to do a letter exchange with their students. When unveiled to my students, the thought of this produced sheer terror in some of their eyes. I get that. Nevertheless, I hope to show them by the end of this weekend why this thing just would not be complete without that element.

It's a bit cliche to say that parenting is more challenging now than ever, but sometimes cliches hold water, and I think this one certainly does. Over the last decade the prominence of cell phones, social networking, and the general proximity of technology has led to raised stakes and stress levels. Parents need to be friends with their kids on facebook, follow them on twitter, keep an eye on their texts, and be wary of their ipods. I have a four-year-old son and a nine-month-old daughter...I'm convinced that this post will be woefully outdated one year from now, let alone ten. The task before parents is not easy, but it is worthy. Every parent should take the time to learn how to communicate with their kids in every area they communicate with their peers. While this is important, what is continually reinforced to me is that nothing can replace the voice (no, not the tv show...it is an interesting show though, right? ...I digress).

When parents share with me that their kids don't listen to them the way they listen to me, I say that's completely normal. I went through the same thing, and a large majority of kids do. The crux of the matter is that coming to this realization does not translate to raising the white flag. What I tell parents is that no matter how much kick-back you get, no matter how painful it is, you simply cannot remove your voice from their lives. It may feel like shouting into the abyss or like your speaking an unintelligible dialect...keep talking.
This my agitate some of my younger readership. If so know this: you may think you want the opposite, but in the long-run you don't want dis-engaged parents. You're going to have to trust me on that one.

To bottom line this post: Parents, there are two things you can't take from your kids: your love and your voice. The two are deeply intertwined - love means never losing your voice, and as the pendulum swings in the other direction, your voice should never go where love doesn't take it.

Communicating with teens is a difficult path to tread...even more treacherous is a teen treading a path without your guidance.
Don't lose your voice.

Choosing Trust in an Anti-Risk Society

2011-05-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

In His book “Prayer is a Hunger” Edward Farrell says that the 3 greatest obstacles to trust are amnesia, inertia, and manana…we are all subject to forgetting God’s faithfulness in the past, laziness to act on the divine promise, and postponing until tomorrow what Jesus is asking of us today: childlike abandonment in trust

Some people consistently connected with amnesia, especially related to God’s faithfulness are found in the stories of the Old Testament and the children of Israel. Delivered from the tyranny of Egypt through miraculous signs and wonders, an entire sea parting to make clear their path, a cloud to lead them by day and a pillar of fire to lead them by night, manna and meat to feed them, water from a rock to quench their thirst…they arrived at the brink of the promised land.

In Numbers 13-14 the story is told of twelve spies who went in to scout the land before the others would enter. Upon their return we found that 10 were scared grasshoppers, and 2 were brave in their trust. I remember hearing this story in Sunday School and thinking that the ten grasshoppers were weak, soft, gutless. I'd like to think I would have sided with Caleb and Joshua. I’m not really sure

Trust in hindsight ceases to be trust

When I look at my life, and how an unexpected expense clouds my certainty of making the next mortgage payment. Recalling the times of knowing God is leading me to do something, speak to someone, and being terrified of the potential outcomes that I play out in my mind. I’m just going to speak for myself here: I’m convinced that living in this culture, in this time period, has had the unfortunate impact of enabling me to go through my life and not really trust God for anything. And that absolutely terrifies me. Because, when I look at all of the people in God's story, the exact inverse was true of them, they basically did everything as a total act of trust. Whether it was an army of a couple hundred defeating thousands, people yelling at the top of their lungs to see walls fall, a kid with a sling defying a Giant, a step out of the boat onto the surface of the water, an unrelenting soul that though every thing he ever had in life was taken away he said – though he slay me, yet will I trust in HIM.

Every time I allow fear to trump trust. God looks at me and says – You don’t get it. It’s not about money, it’s not about perception, and it’s not about positions or paychecks or status. It’s about trust.

Some of the most beautiful words of Christ that I think were ever recorded are found at the outset of John 14. I think of these words often: "Don’t let your hearts be troubled, Trust in God, Trust in Me."

This is why Jesus says seek the Kingdom of God first and all of these things will be taken care of. He doesn’t even dignify them by naming them, in a passing reference he says all these things – money, clothes, food, etc…
God meeting these needs pales in comparison to Him meeting the single most important need in our life: relationship with our creator. God offers Himself: that’s it, that’s enough. In turn, the greatest gift we can offer the world is our intimacy with Him.

The Bible says that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. That sounds equally exciting and terrifying to me. As joyous as that moment will be, I don’t want to reach it and look back on the time I had on this earth and think, Oh God, I wish I would have trusted you more.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him – How I’ve proved Him over and over

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus – O for grace to trust to Him more

Fortunate Son

2011-03-23T10:33:00.003-04:00

I have a friend who calls Kid Rock, "Bobby." Kid Rock attended Romeo High School which is just around the block from my house. Romeo isn't known for many things...the Peach Festival is great, the apple orchards in the area are quite popular in the fall, but being Kid Rock's hometown probably ranks ahead of the aforementioned attractions, depending on who you ask of course. Kid Rock's image relates well to Detroit and he sings about being "straight out of the trailer," but he'll tell you the truth: his dad owned a car dealership, and his mom made his lunch. I believe Kid Rock really cares about Detroit, and I think his music has gotten better over the years...it's interesting to think of him as a middle-class kid from Romeo High School named Bobby.

Sometimes I really think I'm just a poser. I wrestle daily with just being plain selfish, struggling with sin, and fighting the natural impulses inside to walk away from God instead of toward Him. I think two of the most amazing promises of God are related to the morning. Sorrow lasts for the night, joy comes in the morning...and His mercies are new every morning. As I lay awake in my bed last night I thought that while it is definitely true that love wins, I am so filled with gratitude that grace wins. God's never-ending supply of grace baffles me. It is total folly. So I come to him feeling a lot like "Kid Rock," but inside I know I'm really "Bobby."
I am a Fortunate Son. I was born into a pastor's home, and into a deep and beautiful heritage of faith. I like to think of myself as a ragamuffin, but I know the truth that to whom much is given - much is required.

This is the joy of grace...our pasts are irrelevant, our weaknesses and deficiencies become undeniable strengths when seen in partnership with the Savior who is limitless in power and love. Come and die He bids unto me. His cross a declaration of mercy and liberty - there is beauty in the shame.

As I make my way toward His house, He sprints down the path to embrace me, puts a ring on my finger and declares me His son.
A very fortunate son indeed. Grace wins

Farewell Jeff Aupperle

2011-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

A couple of years ago I traveled across the state to Grandville, MI to take in a conference at Mars Hill Bible Church. The conference was called "She's Beautiful," in reference to the Church, and Rob Bell did the majority of teaching and speaking throughout. One of the first things I noticed in listening to Rob was the way he used questions as he taught. We live in a culture where questions abound everywhere, and we attend churches where most people are seemingly terrified by them, especially in the realm of theology. "I don't know" is not normally the correct answer in Sunday School, and it most certainly isn't in the regular repertoire of most pastors. When I attended the conference I was in a cage-match with my vocation, and the conference left me strong and courageous...resolved to love the Church with all of her flaws because she was, in fact, quite beautiful and worth dying for. In recent days that resolve has faded.

Toward the end of the conference Rob shared with us some scathing emails and reviews he had received for his work on his first book "Velvet Elvis." Thinking back on those painful examples I realized there is truth in the statement that there is no one quite as cruel as the Christian who is defending their doctrine. I can only imagine the words being chosen now as the "digital stoning" of the last couple of weeks has been so sad to witness. I believe this to be true regardless if you agree with him or not. As Rob read these reviews and messages to the conference it became abundantly clear how much they hurt him and only reaffirmed what we all know so well - words hold great ability to cut others deeply.

The internet is a terrible way to communicate criticism. This doesn't seem to stop anyone. I've read more blogs on "Love Wins" than any other topic I can remember. The most disturbing to me is any blog that claims that it is merely "defending the truth." As well intentioned as they may be, many other well-intentioned "truth defenders" have led crusades and genocides. I'm just not sure how anyone arrives at a point, especially in the well-versed tradition of theology, where they honestly feel they have arrived, and everyone else is just, well...wrong. In my pursuit of Christ I have found myself to be very wrong many times...perhaps I'm alone on that one. The only absolute is that God is so much stronger, so much more loving, so much wiser, so much bigger than any of us can possibly imagine or attain to. And this is where Rob ends up as he writes "Love Wins," ... In the end God gets what He wants, His arm is not too short...love wins.

I read "Love Wins" yesterday and I'm going to read it again. What Rob presents about heaven and hell are not in line with the tradition in which I was raised and trained. Do I disagree with him? I don't know. He's inspired me to search, to think, and to dig deeper - these are good things right? Am I allowed to say I don't know? Perhaps John Piper will find my blog and tweet to those over whom he has massive influence: "Farewell Jeff Aupperle." Having said that, I find saying "I don't know," to be like a burden released - when I was in Mexico this summer we carried food baskets for what seemed like miles. It felt so good on a number of levels to give them away...so it's a lot like that.

Here's what I do know. I'm a 31 year-old pastor who is learning that what really moves the needle for me as a follower of Christ has very little to do with what I mentally agree to or accept in theory. What truly inspires me are books, messages, and conversations that actually change me. Do I mentally agree or accept in theory everything I read in "Love Wins" - I don't know, my first reaction is probably not. However, I'm indebted to Rob Bell for writing this book because it has effected change in my life in at least three ways already:

1) Participating in Heaven here...now. Bell writes about heaven: "Around a billion people in the world today do not have access to clean water. People will have access to clean water in the age to come, and so working for clean-water access for all is participating now in the life of the age to come." I'm deeply moved to live in a way that brings heaven on earth now...longing for moments where God's will is done here and now just as it is in heaven.

2) Confronting Hell here...now. Bell writes about hell: "Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death...There is hell now and there is hell later and Jesus teaches us to take both seriously." I'm "hell-bent" on crucifying the hell in my life and destroying the hell in my community and in this world. The other side of this is how it only increases my desire to invite others to see there's something so much more...the way of Jesus is life-giving and the only real hope in this world.

3) Trusting God here...now. Bell writes about how the gates of the city in the new world (as described in Revelation) will never shut: "But gates, gates are for keeping people in and keeping people out. If the gates are never shut, then people are free to come and go." It's God's clearly stated desire that all will be saved...Will God get what He wants and allow some to choose Him even after life on this earth? I don't know. Does the magnitude of God's holiness allow us only to choose Him in the time we have on this earth, and eternal conscious punishment awaits those who do not? I don't know. I'm not scared of the questions or the answers. I am more trusting than ever before in the sovereignty, power, and love of God. I understand Jesus' command to go and make disciples of all nations to be of the greatest sense of urgency in either of these scenarios...His mandate and call on my life does not change. If He chooses to get what He wants in the end, I will not be pointing out in my theology book that He's not allowed to do that.

A final note-
I would highly recommend reading the book for yourself before you read any blogs or reviews. I made the mistake of reading too much before I read what Rob had to say. Seriously, just read the book

After you read the book here are some well written reviews and thoughts from very different perspectives:
Rich Mouw - President Fuller Theological Seminary
Kevin DeYoung - Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church - East Lansing, MI
Red Letter Christians

I'm looking for friends who want to read the book and discuss - let me know. Peace

Restoration

2011-02-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

I was up at 2 AM this morning spreading polyurethane in my living room. Our house is roughly sixty years old and we've known about the hardwood floors since its purchase, but have lacked the courage or ambition to see what was lurking below the brown carpet. Over the last two days I've pulled carpet, foam, and an abundance of staples. Last night we sanded out the imperfections, removing the old varnish and more until we got down to the pure and unadulterated wood. We sealed it...it looks quite beautiful.

There is a very tangible gap between new and restored. We had the option of laminate flooring, tile, or carpet. But there is something special about restoration. Taking the imperfections and sometimes ugliness of the old and transforming it to the radiance of what it was designed to be. Restoration isn't easy work, it can be a long and arduous road...but, if you stay the course, the pay-off in the end far outweighs the pain of the process.

We live in a culture that moves at a blinding pace. As residents of the madness we are often enticed with abandoning the old for the new du jour. Nearly everything is disposable in our culture...even churches. I believe in church planting and fully grasp the weight of its merit. And yet, there is something to be said about restoration in our churches. It's easy for us to gravitate toward the new and shiny. Character is required to make the sacrifice, and take the time to work out the imperfections. It can take months, even years, to get down to the foundation from which to start again, but as the song goes: every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

God has placed us at this place in history to be restorers. It is the path less traveled. But the finished product is worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears required to reach the goal.

Power of Image

2011-02-10T10:17:00.000-05:00

The conversation emanating from our house church's common interest: "The Next Christians," by Gabe Lyons was so inspiring last night. Really great discussion about the marriage of social justice to following Jesus, and declaring the entire gospel narrative in what we teach, and even more pressing - how we live. Since reviewing the book here at culchur, it has not disappointed in the hopes I had for it and our group.

Kari is one of our friends who comes over on Wednesday nights. She is in advertising, and is really great at what she does. The agency she works for had produced a spot for one of their clients for the super bowl, so our conversation turned to the highs and lows of this year's super bowl commercials. As a side note- we had the privilege of celebrating with Kari as she had just found out they would be working with this really amazing children's hospital. As she described the hospital I imagined it would be a lot easier to get out of bed tomorrow morning knowing she was working with such a redeeming cause, and this made me very happy for her.

The commercial that has certainly generated the most buzz in our community (and nationally for that matter) came from Chrysler. Chrysler's two-minute spot not only did a brilliant job of branding their product, it created a very stunning and resonating image of the city of Detroit. Whether it's our monthly trips to serve at the rescue mission or taking in a Tigers or Red Wings game, I spend a lot of time in the city and have an equal love and burden for it. Detroit rarely gets mentioned in a positive manner...wait that's a brutal understatement - Detroit gets pummeled by everyone - from national talking-heads to comedians looking for a cheap joke. In a two-minute advertisement during the super bowl Chrysler galvanized a community. No one is so blindly naive to believe that a commercial solves anything, but how do you quantify an intangible like pride?

There is so much power in image. Genesis tells us that we were created in God's image - I'm pretty sure we have no idea how wonderful that truth is. This brings me full circle to the conversation we had last night. The next Christians, as Lyons describes, need to be restorers of the imago dei in every human being. I'm currently reading "Generous Justice" by Timothy Keller (review coming). Keller is the kind of person/pastor I want to be. In this book he makes the argument that experiencing God's grace and doing justice are so intertwined, it's impossible to separate the two. As I think about the crater like impact Chrysler left on the city of Detroit, I can only imagine the exponential impact of restoring the image of God in every one of his children. As I let the passages of Scripture that deal with orphans, widows, and the oppressed marinate, I can't help but think the injustice we see originates in a great deficit of that blessed image in which we were all created to live and move, and have our being. When we do justice, we are doing repair-work on the imago dei within those God has entrusted to our care.

Image restoration: liberating people from the image given to them by society, and replacing it with the pride that comes with their true image as sons and daughters of God. How do you quantify an intangible like pride?

Life without Labels

2011-01-10T13:40:00.001-05:00

What happened in Arizona on Saturday was a tragedy. When something of this nature comes to pass in our culture we find people responding to it in very different ways. Some basically ignore it - as it doesn't affect the framing question of their life: how does this affect me? Some bring healing through prayers and support of all kinds. Others physically help those affected. Still others commit their lives to the prevention of such tragic events in the future. Finally, some choose to add pain to pain. They may think they are justified in their response, but simply don't realize they are actually making the cut deeper and adding salt to it in the process.

It's 2011. I first heard of what took place via trending topics on twitter. In pursuing the story I was met with hundreds of responses that almost instantaneously placed blame on Sarah Palin for her ill-advised cross-hairs campaign propaganda. Palin may certainly share some semblance of blame in this matter, but the truth is we all do.

Right or Left, Republican or Democrat, Gay or Straight, Hot or Not, we are quick to label people in our culture. Labels are easier than love.

If we can successfully label people all around us, it makes it much simpler to not care about them. I'm guilty of this. I hope you would find the courage to admit your fault here too. Six people lost their lives Saturday. Fourteen others are wounded. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, just hours later stones were being cast across party lines.

In following Jesus, I'm inspired by his refusal to label others. We aren't creators of this problem, just not-so-early adopters. The culture of Jesus' day had their share of labels: Prostitutes and Promiscuous, Tax-Collectors and Sinners, Lepers and Losers. What is incredibly challenging about the imitation of Christ is that he not only refused to condone such labels, his reputation was defined by spending a great deal of time with them. It's one thing to write on a little known blog about the atrocities of labels, it's a very much different thing to hold a reputation as one who hangs out with the labeled.

As more information comes out about the young man who is responsible for the tragedy in Arizona, labels are being prepared and produced to explain his horrendous act. Jesus died for him too. Life without labels may seem like a pipe-dream to some, but I find it to be of utmost importance for the name of Jesus as revealed by those who claim to follow Him. Labels are a lot easier than love. Choose love.

a book worth reading

2011-01-06T09:56:00.002-05:00

Perceptions and perspectives about the Church's place in our society are radically changing. "Christian America," a descriptive phrase with a million interpretations is a fading concept.

If you're feeling a little lost in identifying your place as a follower of Christ in today's chaotic culture, Gabe Lyons is one of the guys with a compass. In his latest work: The Next Christians, Lyon's baseline assertion is that there is good news attached to the "End of Christian America."

Lyons previously contributed to a book that was incredibly helpful to me: Unchristian - What a New Generation really thinks about Christianity. Unchristian was a research based, fact-driven analysis that in many ways affirmed what I believed, and in other ways opened my eyes and heart to the incredible challenge churches are facing. This challenge which seems daunting now will only grow exponentially if ignored. What I've come to appreciate about Gabe Lyons is not only his willingness to provide research based reality on the issues, but his insatiable desire to provide solutions. That's what this book is all about.

Lyons provides six characteristics that set apart "the next Christians"

Provoked, not offended
Creators, not critics
Called, not employed
In community, not alone
Counter-cultural, not relevant

This was a really refreshing read and a source of motivation for me. I'm grateful to Gabe for not merely pointing fingers or identifying problems which is all too easy to do and not really helpful to anyone. This is a book about following Jesus, and taking his grace, mercy, and love to bring about change in our neighborhoods. Lyons not only provides the framework to accomplish the goal, he provides real flesh and blood examples of how people are living it out - right here, right now.

We're going to work through this book together with the group that meets in my house every Wednesday. I have high hopes for how it will inspire us and challenges us to act. That's what a good book does right?

what's on?

2011-01-05T15:14:00.001-05:00

So yesterday was a long day. As it was coming to a close, my wife Rachel left to play volleyball and I was on the couch reading "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear?" A truly inspiring read with a surprise twist at the end. My ~~personal ball of pure unmitigated energy~~ four-year-old son was on my right, falling asleep and crying at the same time - which is truly one of life's great mysteries to witness. As he began to give up the fight and succumb to sleep, his four-month-old sister decided it was now upon her shoulders to carry the vaunted sleep/cry performance to completion. As Reid fell asleep on my shoulder, I managed to use my left foot to rock Jaelynn, sitting in her bouncy seat (when do they create an adult model for these things?) to join her brother in the land of dreams.

With the day nearly over and two sleeping kids, Rachel returned and we tuned in to a show we rarely miss. NBC's "Parenthood." Parenthood is a one hour, weekly program that airs on Tuesday nights. It's all about the Braverman family and the drama/challenges/joy/pain/comedy that is...family. What truly makes any on-screen production gold is the viewer's ability to identify with what is taking place before their eyes. This is Parenthood's forte. My younger sister recently identified me as Adam Braverman (the oldest brother). It came a compliment to me as I had made that connection from the beginning. The redeeming value that Parenthood champions is the redeeming value we all connect with at some level - our family. After last night's episode, Rachel and I talked about how Adam and his wife Christina handled their daughter dating someone that was more mature than she. It was a good conversation for a couple of people who will most likely be having the same conversation "for reals" in the future. This is not the Waltons or the Bradys...Like anything, we as followers of Jesus need to sift through what's presented and hold to that which is redeeming. Parenthood is not perfect by any means, but the conversation it started was special - so there's that.

What shows do you make time for? Are there any programs you'd like me to write about here at culchur? Let me know in the comments below. I seriously want an adult-sized bouncy seat

Let's try this again

2011-01-05T11:16:00.002-05:00

Irregular. Erratic. Totally Random
These are a few words that cross my mind when I reflect on my writing habits. I woke up today with the realization that I truly love to write, and I have nothing solid in the excuse department this time. This may be an errant diagnosis, but I've managed to convince myself that I would be the complete opposite of the aforementioned description if I had a stable theme to house my online thoughts. If I ever wrote something more substantial, I'm sure it would be about Jesus. I would write about the interesting, depressing, and often funny ways that living in this culture and following Him intersect. So I'm going that direction...come with me?
Cheers to regularity

Wrecked by Numbers

2010-10-13T10:31:00.001-04:00

written with the accompaniment of "The Giving" by Michael W Smith

I stumbled out of bed this morning to make a pot of coffee for myself and pancakes for my son. The morning never abides it always advances. So we joined it, getting on with getting dressed and preparing for the day. I took out the dog and the trash (in that order). I said goodbye to my one month-old daughter Jaelynn and my wife Rachel, and drove Reid to preschool. I drove down the familiar dirt road to the Orchards. I eased into my office chair, chose the music for the morning, and began to read.

My house church is reading a book together from Max Lucado... Outlive Your Life. Max has always been a personal preference, and one of a few strong influences on my own love for communicating via the written word. Max is a maestro of the message. He has an extraordinary way with words. However, he didn't need eloquence or style to connect with me this morning:

"These are devastating times: 1.75 billion people are desperately poor. 1 billion are hungry, millions are trafficked in slavery, and pandemic diseases are gouging entire nations. Each year nearly 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. And in the five minutes it took you to read these pages almost ninety children died of preventable diseases. More than half of all Africans do not have access to modern health facilities. As a result, 10 million of them die each year from diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, malaria, and measles. Many of those deaths could be prevented by one shot."

I've heard these and related statistics so many times before, but this morning I'm wrecked by the numbers. It is our great hope as a house church that this book will literally move us to do something close to God's heart - together. As I sit here this morning, I simply cannot wait to be a part of that. And on a an even greater scale, I wonder if God's consistent whisper - calling me, moment by moment, to live in His 2:5 reality is preparing me for something that is so much more. As Max would say... "Heaven knows I hope so."

Stagnant Sundays

2010-10-12T13:40:00.005-04:00

today's post accompanied by the tones of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Rut is a funny word. I find myself using it for lack of a better term, or simply lack of imagination. Sometimes when Jeff (lead pastor at the Orchards) and I chat about the status of things at the Orchards we look at our Sunday morning gatherings and find ourselves in a rut. Some ruts have been traversed lightly and are easy to get out of. Others, more deeply ingrained ruts, can be a more difficult escape.

I spent a good portion of this morning freezing because my office is really cold today. To offset losing feeling in my toes I drank coffee to stay warm and re-read a book... Emerging Worship by Dan Kimball. I don't know Dan, but I've come to appreciate him through his writing and his taste in music. Dan has epic hair:

As I flipped through the pages again today, I was reminded of a truth that I value immensely, but don't implement enough. God is wildly creative in the methods and measures he employs in reaching people with His love. Our Sunday mornings should be a reflection of His artistry.

I lead worship and help design the times we have together as a Church. I have the freedom and challenge to avoid ruts. If I want to live in a 2:5 reality as a worship leader I need to spend more time in God's presence, more time dreaming of creative ways to demonstrate and display His love through all kinds of wonderful mediums, and less time in the monotony of the ordinary.

Feedback? Anyone? Bueller? In the immortal words of Pat Benatar..."Hit me with your best shot." (My deepest apologies to anyone who finds this song on a relentless repeat in their mind because of this reference).

Orchards Community People: What about our time together on Sunday? Does it feel like a rut for you? What ideas do you have to help make us a more creative people in how we're connecting with our community on Sunday mornings?

If you don't go to the Orchards... What does your Church do? What are some creative expressions of God's love that you have seen or experienced in the context of a Sunday morning gathering?

How can we creatively communicate Jesus as the centerpiece of every single thing we do on Sunday mornings?

wednesday musings - volume control

2010-10-06T11:06:00.001-04:00

today's post accompanied by "The Shins" station via pandora.com

"What does this mean?" - double complete rainbow guy

So I've been wrestling with this question...What does this really look like? If I want to live in a 2:5 reality - where my perspective sheds the tendency to default to my own wisdom and instead finds its foundation in God's power - how will it change my days? Well, I don't know. Brilliant post so far right?

I honestly can't tell you how it will change my days. I can tell you how it changed my Tuesday.
My conclusion yesterday that the only logical place for this journey to start (and stop ironically) is in God's presence. My struggles with remaining in God's presence are multiple, but one of the heavyweights is volume control. I have found in this life that God is often speaking to me, He is simply drown out on the mixer. Candidly, there is way too much noise in my life. My astute solution to unwanted noise is often turning something else up to quell the undesired, and amplify the diversion. Man, it's really comical to take an honest look at yourself sometimes...comical ninety percent of the time and downright depressing the other ten.

So last night I became a mix-master and changed the game. This was as simple as tv volume gone - music volume up. As we prepared dinner, and cleaned up afterward JJ Heller and Ray LaMontagne sang to us. I think it took my stress level down eleventy-billion notches. And in turn, it made me even more grateful for my amazing wife, kids, food on my plate, and table to sit around. Gratitude is a wonderful way to hang around in God's presence.

Eventually we did watch a little tv. Amongst the cornucopia of options on the tube, a couple of our favorites fall on Tuesday - "Glee" & "Parenthood." I especially enjoy Parenthood. I think it's because I see myself on the screen, and when it comes down to it, that's what hooks us in the first place.

God's voice wasn't in the raging storm...it wasn't in the earthquake...it wasn't in the flames - it was in the whisper. I often wish he'd just yell it me, but I guess that's not His style. Forced love is not love at all. And it is entirely possible to push through this life and work the mixer in such a way to never hear God's voice at all.

to everything there is a season

2010-10-05T14:31:00.006-04:00

"How we live our days, is how we live our lives," Annie Dillard.

If the weight of our lives is measured in the economy of our days, the next logical step is the prodigious significance our choices have in determining those days. It really is a wonder how so much of the impact we will have in this world comes down to simple choices made every hour of every day. I love to write. Writing energizes and inspires me. Check my blog archive. This is my first entry in three months...ergo...I'm often shifting this fancy of mine down the priority list. I don't know why.

I spoke on 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 to the Orchards Community on Sunday morning. 1 Corinthians 2:5 is a pretty stunning verse..."so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom - but God's power."

I confessed that most of my decisions fall under the label of human wisdom, and how very little I find myself free-falling in trust of God's power. When I reach the end of my days I don't want to look back on a life that followed the tattered pages of the boring and worn handbook of conventional wisdom. I have high hopes for a life that makes no sense outside of unmitigated trust in my Creator.

This is ridiculously hard. The last thing desired is crazy for the sake of crazy. The only way this works is actual consistency in the presence of God. So that, from my potentially warped perspective, is where it starts.

So this blog used to be called "ideas, dreams, and confessions of a 30 year-old pastor." In content, it remains the same - outside of the fact that I gracefully aged to 31 in the lull. The Utopian version of this blog moving forward would be a regularly updated and painfully public journal of my struggle to live in a 2:5 reality. Perhaps it will inspire conversation... perhaps. When I wrote the "She's Beautiful" series this little blog had a nice little readership. Here's to hoping some of you might still be out there (echo...echo...echo).

I have many favorite things, but conversation ranks near or at the top. So I'm asking you to comment. We may find strength in our victories together, although I'm almost certain we'll learn more from our failures.

To everything there is a season. It's time for me to choose to write again. Perhaps the most comforting thought is that it will be worth it even if it's never read.

next post's arrival...Wednesday morning

She's Beautiful #12.... Final Chapter

2010-07-07T11:46:00.003-04:00

One of my mentors through words on a page, Brennan Manning, has written these words that challenge me daily:

“According to the Evangelical criterion for Holiness, the person closest to the heart of Christ is not the one who prays the most, studies scripture the most, or the one who has the most important position of spiritual responsibility entrusted to his/her care. It is the one who loves the most. And that is not my opinion. It is the Word who will judge us.”

I want so desperately, really more than anything, for these words of mine to be an extension of my love for others. And in that love it is my hope that this little blog will accomplish something that truly resonates. I hope it inspires you to invest yourself in others through participation in a local church. There are a million reasons why you might have given up on her already, but I’m asking you to suck it up and go back. I hope it motivates you to redefine the roles of your pastors and leaders and care for them – treating them as the heroes they are. If you’re a pastor I pray these words have built up and not torn down, challenged and given hope. Hold on

To finish up the "She's Beautiful" series...This is my parting inspiration:
Work toward actual and measurable change. Every community and every neighborhood needs one less…One less hungry, one less homeless, one less hopeless. The Church must lead the way. Rediscover creativity, art, and imagination in our methods and messages. Our gatherings should be beautiful outpourings of love to God and one another, may we never lose our edge in innovating all kinds of amazing ways to connect people to Christ.

Dive into deep waters of Community with one another, drinking deeply from the fountain God created us for. Share your homes, meals, highs and lows. Share life. Tell beautiful stories of transformation again and again, make them the centerpiece of your churches and find special ways to convey them.

O Christ, come and be the center. We wrap our lives around you, and thank you for being the image of the invisible God that our souls starve to see. Your love for us is more than enough and often more than our finite minds can handle. Above and beyond all that is written here may you stand alone as the groom who calls for his bride.

If you’ve come this far with me, I hope you’ve found new reason to hope and believe in the bride of Christ. If you’ve been cut deeply by people who claim to follow Jesus, I hope you know that isn’t Jesus, and I hope you’ll find the courage to try again. The church does not exist for the good of its members – it exists for the good of the world, and each one of us need to always ask what role we are playing in that endeavor. May we find ourselves enriched and encouraged by a community of faith that courageously embraces Justice, Mercy, and Humility. May we truly be the bride that Jesus deemed worthy to die for and the one he’s returning to take home.

She’s Beautiful.

BURN-OUT...(She's Beautiful #11)

2010-05-25T09:34:00.004-04:00

It's going to be over eighty degrees in Romeo today...the calendar tells me it's May...we'll take it. Memorial Day Weekend is the gateway to the summer. I'm convinced that we "northerners" appreciate days like these more than anyone else - there's nothing like a summer day in Michigan. This kind of weather ushers in some wonderful changes for me... I'm outside as much as I can be, the grill is used as often as possible, softball games become a part of my schedule, and for some reason I listen to a lot more country music during this time of year. The summer months come as sure as the tide, and I am resolved not to repeat what happened last summer: The heat came and brought with it an awful burn, and I'm not talking about my skin.

On June 25 I flew out with a group of 23 to lead a mission team to Queretaro, Mexico. We had some personal connection there within our community at the Orchards and wanted to see some measurable change, bringing hope to as many as we could. There is an amazing couple on a mission there – Saul and Soraya. I've never been around someone whose star shines quite as bright as Saul's. He is on fire in his passion for knowing Jesus and wants the entire city of Queretaro to know Christ. Saul sent us his plan for our schedule in May. We looked at it and ambitiously thought “why are we starting so late in the morning – there must be more we can do”…so honorable, and yet, so utterly foolish. I’ve been on roughly 14-15 mission trips, but I’ve never met one quite like this. It was a relentless schedule, and we concluded that perhaps Saul knew what he was doing when he sent us the original plan.

Having said that, we got to take food to a lot of people that didn't know where the next meal was coming from, we spent time in communities that really needed reason for hope, and saw so many make the decision to follow Jesus – each one followed up with personally by Saul and Soraya in the days, weeks, and months that followed. Of course we missed a connection on our way back because of this incredible logjam at customs. We blitzed “Home Alone style” to our boarding gate and arrived exactly one minute before the plane was schedule to leave, and yes…it was gone. I have this growing disdain for airports as it seems that every plane I have ever needed to be on time was not, and every one I so desperately needed to be late was also stubborn in conforming to my schedule. By some strange miracle we were able to get nineteen people onto a plane returning to Detroit – with eight in first class to boot. The warm cloth for my hands and face was like an hour-long massage by that point on the journey. And then, it was like it was meant to be, as we glided down over Motown at dusk and saw this brilliant display of fireworks exploding all across the horizon.
It was the 4th of July and I was so tired.

I pulled my body out of bed and led worship the next morning, and we promptly left three days later for a youth camping trip on the coast of Lake Michigan. My body clearly had not recovered from the Mexico trip in a lot of ways, but most noticeably in the area of food processing. I spent the nights of that trip getting up from the back seat of the van where I was attempting sleep to make the emergency sprint to the beautiful confines of the public bathrooms at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. A youth group camping menu isn’t exactly the best remedy for such a predicament as you might guess. Nevertheless, it was a great trip, with a lot of meaningful time together, and I was tired.

Four days later we packed up and went to the General Conference of our denomination in Indiana. What a fantastic week. Things that our speaker, Jim Cymbala, said still rock me to this day. We got to spend a ton of time with our families who were near. Rachel’s family lives close to the conference site. To add to this, it is one of the perks of working in the same denomination as my dad that we are together often for these types of gatherings. Overall, I felt that we made some really great decisions as a conference, and even though it seemed everyone (as always) had to say their peace, I was proud of our denomination when it was all said and done. Friday came, it was over, and I was still tired.

Two days later Vacation Bible School began and I was slated to be the goofy game show host who emceed the thing. I had the most amazing hair ever (picture above). It was like Donald Trump meets David Crowder. I told the worst jokes, and in the process attained rock star status with the kids. It was so much fun, and it was incredible to see our church absolutely packed with kids who were soaking up so much good stuff like cute little sponges. At the end of the week the winning team (who brought in the most change which provided gifts through Samaritan’s Purse amazing outfit: Operation Christmas Child) got to throw balls to sink me into a cold dunk tank. I taunted the kids for a solid five minutes before the wig and I went down in a blaze of glory – it was absolutely hilarious, it was over, and I was beat.

Three days later I left with my wife and son for nearly a two week vacation on the beach in Newport, R.I. Rachel’s mom grew up there, and her family has been going every summer since she was a little girl. It is an excellent vacation in my book, because the beach is the boss as far as I’m concerned and I don’t have to make any decisions on what we’ll do or where we’ll go while we’re there. The trip was exactly what we needed, and I loved every moment of it. I came back and I was still so very tired.

I can’t tell you how many times I was warned from the start… don’t get burnt out. Then I promptly went out and did. And here is what I learned about burn-out along the way:

Somewhere along the way I did a really selfish thing and started to believe that I had to do all of these things. I thought I was certain to earn a merit badge with God if I could pull it off. I found out God doesn’t give merit badges, and he doesn’t ever check our time cards. But God does give rest.

One of the first signs of burn-out for me was feeling the pressure of having so much to do – like the weight of the world rested squarely on my shoulders – even though I really didn’t have that much to do. It becomes a perception problem, and it was really hard to shake the notion that it isn’t okay to stop.

I think my dad’s health has been affected at times over the years because he’s a pastor. I think most of us who get into this ministry greatly underestimate the physical toll it can take on our bodies. It is the most rewarding and most frustrating thing I can ever imagine doing, and those who do it are heroes. If you’re not treating your pastor like a hero, maybe you need to go and pick out a new cape for them, or perhaps say thank you every once in a while.

Burn-out is clearly not just a ministry phenomenon. It happens to people in every line of work. And for me, it was this belief that I could be wildly productive if I did it all myself. I shudder when I think about what more could have been accomplished in that same time frame if I hadn’t been so selfish. How many more people could have been impacted? How many more gain valuable ministry experience by stepping up into the void that I could have left. I was so afraid of things not happening, I most likely prevented even more. This is the reality of running too hard. “U2” tells me that “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own,” and I know now more than ever, Bono’s right.

But, in the midst of that chaotic tailspin I saw an amazing development: I came to know Jesus most personally through His invitation to find rest in Him. It is a promise that I could not truly appreciate until I reached the end of my rope, and to this day I cannot find anything more beautiful in all of Scripture.

2010 looks a lot like 2009...the summer schedule taunts me and reminds me of where it left me the last time it came around. We're going to Mexico again to pick up where we left off and see measurable change. We're going camping again, and another family vacation is set for August. I've learned my lesson...
I'm not the leader of this year's mission team, I have some really amazing college students in the yoke with me for our youth events, and most radically - I honestly know everyone will be better off if I don't do it all on my own.

If you're reading this and feeling charred yourself, try this: Close your eyes, picture open arms and hands extended toward you and repeat Matthew 11:28 again and again and again. And when you're done stop doing everything by yourself...seriously let it go. You'll be amazed at what God can do when you loosen your grip.

Stories of Transformation (She's Beautiful #10)

2010-04-27T13:07:00.003-04:00

For me there is no better game than the game of Baseball. Warm summer days, the crack of the bat, the smell of the grass, watching a perfectly executed 6-4-3 double play...Baseball is a feast for the senses. As has been mentioned quite often on this blog, I am die-hard fan of the Detroit Tigers. Standing with my family on the Corner of Michigan and Trumbull as the last out was recorded in Old Tiger Stadium and taking my one month old son to Comerica Park to see the Tigers eliminate the Yankees in 2006 are amongst the best days in the picture album that is my memory.

One particular Tiger has been through it all. Brandon Inge came up through the Tiger's system as a catcher and was one of the many unproven youngsters that suffered through the worst season in American League History back in 2003. Things came full circle for him in 2006 as he was the starting third baseman on the American League Champion version of the Tigers. This past fall I was home early on a Wednesday, pushing things under the bed and cleaning the toilet so that the house looked quite presentable to our host church guests. I had the television on because playoff baseball was happening and I was keeping an eye on one of the games. Without warning I was taken completely off guard by this amazing story about Brandon.

Inge is a freakishly talented athlete. He makes plays at third that taunt the limits of human physics. Brandon hits a lot of home runs, and he strikes out a lot – most of the time on check-swings. Inge is known as one of the most polarizing sports figures in Detroit. Many people love him for his character on and off the field, but a lot of fans think he makes too much money to hit .230. The Tigers had just completed a collapse that saw them fall from seven games up in the American League Central Division on September 7 to losing a twelve inning one game playoff to those stinkin’ Twins. Those boys broke my heart. And then this story comes on…it shows Inge and how much time he devotes off the field to visiting really sick kids at the Mott’s Children’s Hospital. It profiled how he told two different kids he would do his best to hit home runs for them in the game that night, and low and behold, he came through. Here’s the best part - this story had nothing to do with home runs. When asked why he gave his time, he didn’t really have an answer other than that he knew it would mean so much to these kids. He paused and looked away from the camera, and then he said that these kids didn’t ask for cancer or leukemia or whatever they were battling. To him it was the least of what he might offer to kids that are living in a very literal and physical battle on a daily basis.

I really can’t do the story justice only to tell you that I couldn’t hold back the tears by the time it was over. My first thought as I sat there was that I wondered if all those angry people who whine and complain about Brandon’s batting average saw it. I hoped they did, and yet, I realized with dejection that even if they saw it, it probably didn’t change anything because it didn’t affect them personally all that much anyway…they still think he makes too many errors at third.

This baseball’s player heroism which he achieved without the aid of his glove or bat reminded me of the never-ending power of story. Voices from all across the beautiful landscape that is the church are leading the way in re-awakening us to this power. God is telling a true epic and we’re all written into the script.

The story we believe about ourselves can determine so much about who we are, our self-esteem, and hope for a brighter day. All across our post-modern culture, people are realizing the power of story…this is what makes reality television the raging, self-indulgent success that it is – we wrap ourselves up in other people’s stories. The other day I was in line at the store and saw Kate Gosselin on the cover of four out of five magazines. Story, whether good or bad, carries the day in reaching the masses.

At the Orchards we have put a ton of emphasis on the concept of “life transformation.” This happens, (according to our mission statement) when we bring people into relationships with God and each other. So I’m always looking for stories of transformation because without them we are really far off in hitting the mark for what we’re called to be, and I’m getting up way too early on Sunday mornings.

It is stories of transformation that keep me going. They are the lifeblood of what makes us go at the Orchards. Not too long ago we had someone from within our community who gathered enough courage to tell his story. I think I would have to live one hundred lives to experience what he has gone through, but God has clearly revealed his love, forgiveness, and acceptance to this man, and his story rocked our Sunday morning. Jeff said after the testimony that his story is our story, and ultimately it is God’s story. I love that. It rings so true, right down to the core of my being. It is stories like that one and so many others that fill my heart with joy…Stories of transformation come from our children ministry almost every week, stories that I witness so often as I work with our students, stories that happen right before our eyes in the sacred gathering we know as the church service.

We can have the best programs in the world, the best facilities around, the most talented staff and breath-taking music, but if our churches are void of stories of transformation we’re wasting our time. This challenges me, haunts me, and encourages me. It is the thermometer by which we gauge our temp, and the only statistic that truly matters.

Stories like these need to be told and told again. They need to be showcased in our gatherings and shared in our books.

We don’t know everything that was going on in the Church of Laodicea. But, I think this is certainly one of the indicators of the “lukewarm” church. It is the kind that goes through the motions with great ease, meets budget, and compliments well-spoken sermons, but in the final analysis finds itself void of stories of transformation…not much really happening there – neither hot nor cold.

I wake up everyday and hope that I’m living a story of transformation, and that I’m helping others do the same. It’s the story God has been telling from the beginning of time, and it’s the story He will continue to tell through the invitation He has extended to each of us through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. These stories are the kind that are only possible through that kind of love, and the kind that find their foundation and purpose in Christ alone.

Brandon Inge might strike out 150 times this year. He might not hit another thirty homers and appear in another all-star game as he did in 2009. And if Brandon hits .188, I’ll still go down to Comerica Park and clap my hands when they call his name. I’ll do this because I’ve been given a sneak peak into the larger story that far outweighs whatever production he achieves or lacks on the field. Ultimately, his story is a lot bigger than what happens between the lines each summer.

This is a generation that is longing for a better story; A longing to find itself written into the script. We hold great hope for a story to give purpose to our existence. What if that story is found in our churches? May we be the greatest of all story-tellers as we each live out our role in God’s grand script. May stories of transformation be witnessed, told, and told again, using every resource within our grasp to tell them well.

Justice, Mercy, Humility (She's Beautiful #9)

2010-03-31T09:46:00.002-04:00

There are so many authors that inspire me. I love works that are honest, personal, and real. I love Anne Lamott, I love Brennan Manning, and one of the reasons I believe in writing is Donald Miller. Miller’s “Blue like Jazz,” opened up so many great conversations for me, and I’m indebted to Don for that. A certain passage of this book has stuck with me from the moment I first read it...Miller shares the story of the confession booth he and his friends opened on a nearby college campus. The purpose wasn’t for people to make confessions, but to hear confessions from followers of Jesus who were so sorry that the Church that bore His name had gone so far awry...

“It would feel so good to apologize, to apologize for the crusades, to apologize for Columbus and the genocide he committed in the Bahamas in the name of God, apologize for the missionaries who landed in Mexico and came up through the West slaughtering Indians in the name of Christ. I wanted so desperately to say that none of this was Jesus, and I wanted so desperately to apologize for the many ways I had misrepresented the Lord.”

Indulgences and Crusades, Telemarketing and Televangelists, Hiding and Hypocrisy, finger pointing, judging, and using the Bible in all kinds of wrong ways… The Bullhorn and the Hellfire signs, the high horses and holier than though… None of this was or is Jesus.

The reality of 2010 is that most people have given up on the bride of Christ, relegating it to one pocket of an ever-changing culture. The truth we must face is that this has a lot less to do with liberal politicians, perverted media, public schools, or online social networks. It has a lot more to do with what we see in the mirror each day. The reason people write off Jesus is His followers, and this is not ground-breaking stuff here.

In the face of this, there is hope rising. Churches everywhere are waking up to the reality that if they want things to be different in their community it begins with them. There is so much richness in the Word of God to provide every church in every neighborhood with a purpose and a plan.

In my opinion no passage captures the essence of this more than this… “He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” (Micah 6:8 TNIV)

She has seen good, bad, and ugly, and there is hope to see so much good again...As churches of every size and every culture embrace Micah 6:8 and bring justice, mercy, and humility to the people within their grasp, thousands can be added to our number again daily.

JUSTICE – giving shelter, water, and food to those who have none, those with excess sharing with those who have little, & taking care of the created world God has provided for us

MERCY – grace for every man, woman, and child, extending mercy and a message of hope to those caught in the chains of slavery to addictions of every kind…people finding a new start and a new purpose through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus

HUMILITY – walking with God with a clear view of who we are and who He is, finding our worth and value not in the numbers of our attendance or square feet, but in measurable change in our communities and peoples' lives genuinely changed forever by the relentless love of God.

My generation is one that is far less concerned with the music selection and message production of any given church. We want to be a part of a revolution – a movement that actually produces measurable change in a community. We desperately want things that are real, tangible, and cut straight to the point.

When no one else steps up to meet the clearly evident needs of every community, the church must stand and be the city on a hill that Jesus declared it to be. When she does this, I believe people will come and begin to believe in the church again. As every member is given opportunity to join Jesus in His work of seeing God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

Justice, Mercy, and Humility – and the belief that what was once so beautiful can be beautiful again. The Savior of the world still feeds the thousands, gives hope to the prostitutes and the outcasts, provides sight to the blind, and gives life to the dead. His hands and feet are multiple and they look an awful lot like mine and yours…

Book I Liked...

2010-03-24T11:09:00.001-04:00

There are multitudes of reviews available for any given book - some by those who are paid to do so, and many by people who think they should be paid to do so. I find the soap-box reviews submitted by random readers on amazon and the like to be a little indulgent on their part so I will not be using this here blog to "review" anything. That's a round-about way of saying "Book I Liked" is the best second-grade book report name I could think of to keep this as simple as possible.

I have read Mitch Albom as long as I've been able to read. Any Michigan/Detroit sports enthusiast would at least be familiar with his work. "BO" (written about Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler) and "FAB FIVE" were two of the first books I remember actually independently choosing to read on my own, which was rarity in the early days of my adolescence.

Albom's career has taken him beyond the realm of sports (not completely) in recent years. I absolutely loved "Tuesdays with Morrie," I honestly couldn't really get into "The Five People you Meet in Heaven," but because of my love for the Detroit Rescue Mission, and because I'm convinced Mitch Albom has had an indelible impact on my own writing style I eagerly anticipated cracking open his latest...

"HAVE A LITTLE FAITH...a true story"

So yeah, I really liked this book. I read it in about three or four sittings. I laughed, I cried, and I closed it feeling inspired. Growing up a pastor's kid, and now filling the role myself, this book revealed to me a little bit of what the rest of the world sees from the outside looking in. I hope I can scratch the surface of being as faithful as the two men he wrote of so beautifully.

There are probably a million other things to say about this work, but like I said...that's not my bag. Instead, I would say this - go pick it up, read it, and then let's get some coffee and talk about it. I would really enjoy that.

Book I Liked...

2010-03-23T16:40:00.004-04:00

In addition to finishing "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom this weekend, I also finished "Cash - the Autobiography of Johnny Cash" on my day off Monday. Admittedly, I've never been much of a country music connoisseur, but something about the Man in Black has always been intriguing to me.

I think Johnny Cash might have been one of the most interesting people of the last 100 years. Reading his book was like sitting down at his house at Cinnamon Hill and listening to him tell stories and sing his favorite gospel songs. It seemed like he knew everyone, and had a story for every encounter. I especially liked his stories about Billy Graham (another man I'm really intrigued by). I got the impression that in his later years, Johnny was pretty comfortable in his own skin and was rarely influenced by much of anything other than God's Word, His awe-inspiring love for June, and "real" country music. If I would have had the chance I would have loved to have met Johnny, and known him better. I suppose that's the best compliment you could give to any autobiography.

INFOMERCIALS! (She's Beautiful #8)

2010-03-23T15:23:00.005-04:00

I have a bad reputation in my family when it comes to my use of the remote control. I might be a little possessive. Ok, I hoard the thing. Once it is in my hands I feel the responsibility of finding out every single option available to me. My best man Zach used to have us over to his family's house during college, and his entirely cool parents (amazing people) used to mute the commercials. It was inner turmoil inside of me as I scoffed at what might have been missed. The older I get the more I realize that muting the commercials is actually something I should probably do a lot more often.

I was in all out surf-mode the other day when I came across an infomercial. These things never cease to amaze me…a set of knives, a food processor, or a singing fish. They are so happy and convinced and I’m not sure if they pay their studio audience, but those people sell the thing like it is their job. I love the climactic moment when the price is announced and pandemonium breaks loose.

My wife Rachel is an amazing person… really, really amazing. She is ridiculously creative and does more with less than anyone I know. My ipod carrying case is the top half of one of my soccer socks, our home is decorated with the works of her hands, most people are really jealous of these abilities she possesses. One of the things that I think is really funny about her is this affinity she has for infomercials. They drop the bait, set the cast, and in she comes. To be fair, nine times out of ten she does not give in and make the call, but it has definitely happened a few times. I really like our Magic Bullet – and our baby really can read.

Infomercials are amazing because they all offer something that is either new or improved and often both. I need a blanket, I need my hands – thus, I need a Snuggie. And look I can wear it to my son’s soccer game, and by the looks of it I probably should, because everyone else is wearing one there too! That’s right!

The church is really good at infomercials too. There is always a new and improved way of doing things – and there should be. We should never stop re-creating ourselves and how we reach the world with the message of Jesus.

When something works, it can be extremely dangerous territory. I’ve done this myself, and seen it many times…Because it works in our context it will work in yours; Because it worked with this person it will work with that one; Because it worked when “Pastor Amazing” was here you have to be some kind of natural born fool to abandon it.

I love to read. I love to read about Church. Nothing gets me to put a book down sooner though than the insistence that “we’ve discovered THE way, and your way is wrong.” Do we really think God is that boring? My library is composed of a cornucopia of authors, topics, and types. It also has a section of books that I read a couple of chapters and gave up. I have a friend named Dave. Dave is the best kind of friend and I like to call him my brother from another mother. Dave told me he won’t buy a book that has the author’s face on the cover. I concurred and revealed that I won’t buy books that start with a numerical number of steps and end in a desired result…and this is nothing personal, it’s just that my brain doesn’t work that way. I believe in the power of the written word to communicate and connect, networking us all a bit closer together in a world that is shrinking by the minute. We have to use this medium to innovate and inspire.

One of the wonderful things about God’s Word is that it gives us an endless amount of ways God works in the hearts of people: A talking donkey (Shrek!), a floating ax, a wet (and dry) fleece, a crumbling wall, and a parted sea…just to name a few. And then Jesus comes onto the scene and he has a whole new repertoire: writing in the sand, healing the sick, raising the dead, flipping tables, and feeding 5000 hungry people with a little bit of bread and a few fish.

If it is abundantly clear that we have an eternally creative God with an incomprehensible imagination when it comes to connecting with people, how could we be so sure that a certain kind of music is the only kind to be used in the Church? How can we say that one translation of His Word is the best? …House Churches vs. Big Church, Hymns vs. Chorus, inclusion of pop culture, multiple services, multiple sites, Starbucks in the foyer, chairs vs. pews, order of service, offering bags or plates or none at all… it’s exhausting just to write it down – what’s even more exhausting is that list is just the very, very, beginning of it all.

When I worked for AIM, I attended some conventions as a rep for the organization. We would get to the conference early and set up a booth amidst a couple other hundred organizations and share our ministry with those who were willing to listen. This was a very difficult job for me, because I lack the skill set of a salesman. So I would find different pockets of time which allowed me to wander the aisles collecting what “Michael Scott” of “The Office” would term SWAG (Stuff We All Get).

I never tired of the tasty treats that were offered, but I probably wore out my welcome with those who offered them. In many ways the endless rows of booths exemplified all that is good and bad about this “new and improved” discussion. The bad reared its head when there seemed to be a very competitive nature to it all, and everyone seemed to “market” their “product” against the others who would be in their basic genre of ministry. The good, well the good really outweighed the bad because there was innovation and creativity oozing out of these booths – all kinds of brilliant ways to connect people to the message of Jesus.

This is what we so badly need. We need new and improved ways to be (warning: buzz word) relevant in our neighborhoods. These are the types of “new and improved” that really matter. One of the most selfish things I can do as a pastor is use something for the sole reason that it worked before. Have you seen Hubble Telescope Images? Have you been to a beach at sunset recently? We serve a God that is unbound in His creativity, unlimited in His love for us, and unhindered by our new and improved ways to “do church.”

So let’s stay creative, let’s be innovative, let’s try new things and fall flat on our faces. The Church should be the most creative place in the world, because of the creative One she worships. The message we carry requires that of us.

She's Beautiful #7 - Measureable Change

2010-03-10T11:33:00.009-05:00

I’m a bit of a sports junkie. Alright, check that – I have a problem. I can watch ESPN for hours. There’s something about sports that draws me in...something about them that is more raw and real. I suppose the number one distinction is that a game has no script, no pre-determined finish (some might argue here), and because of that we get front row seats to myriad of emotions that accompany the joy of victory and the devastation of defeat.

So there was a press conference a few years ago where a coach was clearly done with working with the media. He stood in front of a room full of cameras and reporters and kept saying… “You play to win the game.” His frustration reached its crescendo as he said – “HELLO! YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!” He said it again and again for emphasis… I’m sure the media deserved it to a certain extent, sometimes the questions they come up with for these guys lack creativity to say the least.

Do Churches play to win the game? If so, how do they win? Look, I know that what we’re dealing with is not a game, but we have to ask ourselves from time to time how we are going to reach our desired result. It’s a question that has been answered a thousand times, with probably the same amount of different answers. I was at Rob Bell’s Church in Grand Rapids a couple of years ago. They had a conference about the Church called “Isn’t She Beautiful?” One of the most deeply impacting thoughts that came out of that experience was this concept of measurable change. Mars Hill Bible Church has actual measurable goals to see the impact they are having in their neighborhood. They have set actual numbers and percentages of people fed, literacy rates rising, homes built, kids mentored, etc… to track their progress. I remember thinking that this is what every Church is probably equally terrified and challenged to do. If we’re not really changing anything in the communities where we exist do we really exist? And even scarier - are we really changed to begin with?

Butts, Budgets, and Buildings have long been the measuring stick of the local church. I do think the “butts” thing really does matter. A lot of people say it doesn’t matter how big a church is, but in some ways I really think it’s a cop-out. If people don’t want to come to your church, something’s going on right? I’m not talking about every church being big either – just growing. The Church is a living organism it’s only natural for it to grow… whether it’s by one person or one thousand.

I took another team down to the Detroit Rescue Mission last night…another incredible night. Every time I’m there I’m happy…It was probably like 90 degrees in the room where we served the meal last night, I was sweating through my hairnet, dishing out gravy onto full plates, and then cleaning that same gravy off of the tables and floors later on – and it was just awesome.

After a night of serving a couple of months ago, I was walking out with Kay and Pat from our Church. Pat is our secretary at the Church. She wants to go on every mission trip she hears about, and gives all of her spare change to support every mission our Church takes on. Kay is one of my heroes: A loving mother and wife who cannot shake the need for each of us to share God’s heart for justice. Impacted greatly by a mission trip to Detroit, Kay called the Rescue Mission and asked what one person could do. They told her they really needed socks. This hits me as such a sobering thought as I have never thought once about not having socks. So 12 years ago Kay started collecting socks every fall. Over the years she has collected thousands of socks, gloves, and a lot of other needed things. Basic things that you and I take for granted on what is probably a daily basis.

As we walked out on this particular night one of the full-time workers there tracked us down. He wanted to say thank you. We stood on a street filled with abandoned buildings that tell a story of affluence that once was. On this night the street that was cold and gray and void of hope. We talked a bit about the mission and serving there. The place is basically a detox/counseling place, helping guys through the initial and most painful days of desperate withdrawal...cleaning up from an all consuming addiction, and helping them get back on their feet. It used to be a nursing home of some sort when the city was a much different place – it’s the kind of place that almost haunts you a little when you’re in it. As we shared a conversation, something was said to us that broke my heart. The worker said that there are over a hundred guys in the place, but probably less than 10 of them actually have any connection outside those walls. Sometimes, I think I know what loneliness is like, but I have never experienced a moment of my life where I felt that there was no one else who even cared that I was alive. I can’t even imagine that pain.

It feels like we don’t do much when we go down there – help serve a meal, do some cleaning, spend some time with the guys. I think I could serve there everyday and it would never seem like enough – the need is so great. But there’s a measurable change when we’re done. The meal is served, the guys are full, the place is clean…it’s different from when we came…even if just a little…so very little.

The question every church knows it should ask (again, not ground-breaking stuff here) is: If we were uprooted and gone by tomorrow – would anyone notice? That can be a scary question, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are working toward measurable change, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you would be missed if you were gone. As you read this page 1.02 Billion people are hungry…Billion. Every six seconds a child dies because they lack food and clean water. I don’t have to quote the stats for you here; you’ve heard them and know them well.

Measurable change starts with one less: one less hungry home, one less community without a source for clean water, one less homeless family in your community, one less child without some form of health care, one less drug addicted mother, one less lonely person.
One less…

I’m overwhelmed and overcome by the reality of needs of the world, but I know it starts with one less. So we sponsor a child through compassion, and volunteer once a month at the Detroit rescue mission, we go on mission trips to feed people that are hungry, and send hundreds of boxes of hope through Operation Christmas Child. This past Christmas we were able to raise enough money to install two wells in Africa. We do sock drives, food drives, and coat drives. All of this and it still often feels like throwing a bucket on a wildfire. But its change and it’s measurable. And it’s one less.

When I look at the life of Jesus, I see evidence of measurable change everywhere He went: People who were blind could see, lame could walk, mute could speak, and the deaf could hear. And they used those eyes, legs, tongues, and ears that Jesus gave them to make the choice to follow Him. What if every Church set measurable goals in their communities? Could you imagine the impact it would have on the world if even fifty percent of those goals were met? You’re going to tell me those communities wouldn’t be listening to what you had to say about Jesus afterward? HELLO, YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME.

Miracle

2010-03-03T09:46:00.004-05:00

We're working our way through the Book of John at the Orchards these days and it was my turn on Sunday. As I looked at the miracle of Jesus healing the official's son, I came to that all too familiar feeling of reading a miracle and having very little ability to grasp the flesh and blood historical reality of what actually transpired. So I took a pretty different approach and wrote a letter - a first person account from the official who experienced this miracle. I read this letter on Sunday morning at the Orchards...

A couple of things before...
* This post is going to be really looooooong - sorry
* Read John 4:43-54 before you read this letter and if possible have it open as you go for tracking and cross-reference kind of stuff
* obviously I had to include some fictional stuff to bring this story to life - I don't think it stretches too far...but just remember this came from my head, which admittedly is a very scary source

Without further adieu...

It’s been many years since it happened, but in one defining moment the course of my life and many lives were forever changed. There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t think of that one encounter with Jesus of Nazareth. Every moment with my son serves as a reminder, every laugh we share, every smile, and the peaks and valleys we have experienced along the way. Every second with my child is a precious gift, I see it this way clearly, because I remember (even as if they were a present reality) the days where I was certain I was going to lose him. This is my story, as best as I can remember…I share it with you that you may also come to know and believe in this man Jesus – the one I know as friend, Savior, and the Son of God.

My name is Aurelius. I am a Roman Citizen, and official in the service of Herod Antipas. Early in my service I believed Rome to be the greatest good and greatest force in the known world. That was until the days that I witnessed that all the power of the entire Roman army was not enough to save the one life that I wanted so desperately to protect.

The day my son Augustus was born my life was changed. Augustus has always brought an indescribable joy to our lives, the kind of joy that only a parent can know. If you’re a parent you know this joy well. The love we have for our children is a love that cannot be explained or described – even when they cause us grief to the point of pulling the very hairs out of our heads, our love for them remains. When I look into my son’s eyes I know that our creator is good.

The downside of such a great love is the pain our hearts must endure when our children suffer. As parents we would do anything to protect our children, and there is no darkness quite like the hopelessness of seeing your child in pain and having no ability to help.

Augustus is a wonderfully wild son – who lives with a zest for life. He always loved to play games, laugh, and spend time with his friends. So we knew something was very wrong the first morning he did not get out of his bed. The color had left his face, and the joy that was almost always on display was nowhere to be found. My wife and I were concerned to be sure, but we believed with time and care that he would be back on his feet in no time. Hours turned into days and days turned into weeks, and Augustus’ condition only seemed to worsen with time. We had every medical mind within a day’s journey to our home to see him, varying doctors provided varying prognosis, and we tried every solution they offered – but to no effect.

As I sit and write this now my mind transports me to those hopeless days. I slept very little and became less effective in my work. Nothing, it seemed to me, was important unless Augustus was okay. Our household was always a place of joy, but those were very different times. Meals became a task instead of a celebration, the halls that once we’re a place of laughter and conversations were now filled with a thick and eerie silence. I was never a very religious man, but I had now resorted to seek out any and every religion for an answer to my son’s sickness. Again we found that varying religions offered varying solutions, but nothing changed. What I had feared the most now seemed inevitable. I began to believe that there was nothing I could do to prevent my precious son from death.

The first time I heard anyone mention the name Jesus came shortly thereafter. Good stories have a way of traveling fast in Galilee and people could not stop talking about what had recently happened in Cana. Supposedly this man, Jesus, had somehow turned water into choice wine. Now this story came with its obligatory amount of bad jokes from men who all wanted to learn that trick, but there was something different about this story. The eyewitness accounts that were being told and told again said that there was something very different about this man. That is was more than just an illusion, but that this man had a way about him unlike any other. Word also began to spread that this was just the beginning of what He was doing throughout all of Galilee. Perhaps the most intriguing of these reports was the story of what happened in an interaction with a Samaritan woman. A Jewish teacher interacting with a Samaritan woman was strange to say the least, and reports were also surfacing that He was frustrating the very religious leaders whom we all considered him to be in agreement with. Who was this man?

As I heard these stories that day I quickly brushed him off as another fanatic. The Jews were notorious for looking for their Messiah for hundreds of years now, and every once a while they believe they had found him – only to be disappointed time and time again. Was there really any reason to believe that this story would end any differently? Nevertheless, I couldn’t shake the notion that this one seems so very different. Why is he interacting with Samaritans, and angering the Jewish religious leaders? Who does He believe himself to be? As the day moved on I became distracted by the tasks of my work and quickly forgot about this Nazarene. That all changed when I arrived at home. Augustus had taken an awful turn for the worse and it now appeared that he was coming to the end.

I entered his room and could not hold back the tears as I saw him so vividly wrestling with pain. This sickness had robbed him of so much. He was a shell of his former self. Even so, his demeanor changed when he saw me come in. Father, he whispered to me, and a smile came to his face – masking the reality of his current state. As I looked into my son’s eyes I came to the realization that I cannot sit back and accept his passing. My heart began to pound as I thought of the stories I heard earlier in the day about this man named Jesus. I kissed my son on the forehead and told him how much I loved him recognizing that this may be my last chance to do so. I found my wife and told her about Jesus. I admitted to her that I had no reason why, but something inside of me told me that He could help Augustus. She was reluctant to allow me to go during the present crisis, but I’m certain that something in my eyes convinced her that this was something I needed to do, and that I was not going to be persuaded otherwise.

I called to my servants to prepare for immediate departure – I vowed that I would not rest until I found this man, Jesus, and asked him to help my son. Every step in that journey was filled with a myriad of emotions. The lasting image of the pain my son was enduring with such grace and courage, the tired and sleepless face of my precious wife, and the small glimmer of hope that was embedded deep within that Jesus would know what to do. The journey seemed to take much longer than it ever had before…as we approached Cana my heart began to race as I played out what I would say in my head over and over again. Questions filled my soul… How do I approach this man? What do I say? What if he ignores me or mocks me? What if he can’t be found?

It was morning when we arrived in Cana…a day like any other day as people went about their business there. I was surprised and most overjoyed as it didn’t take long to find people talking about Jesus. More and more stories were surfacing about the way he teaches and the miracles he was capable of. It seemed that many people were absolutely thrilled about the possibility of who this might be, but even so they’re excitement came in hushed tones as if not to upset the local authorities on Jewish scripture. The word on the street that day was that Jesus was indeed here and could be found in a certain part of town. We immediately made our way to that place…each step seemed to fortify my faith that this was no ordinary man.

I remember so clearly the first time I actually saw Jesus. Surrounded by his followers he was teaching about the kingdom of God, and speaking of work that His father had given him. My first inclination was to wait for him to complete his teaching, but in that moment I thought of Augustus. I clumsily burst onto the scene and interrupted the rabbi. All of my practiced speeches went out the window as I fell at his feet and simply asked…Jesus please help me. As he turned his attention to me I told him my story, I told him about my son, I knew he had many things to do, but asked him desperately to come to my home and see Augustus. It was silent for a moment, and I noticed for the first time the intensity of the sun that day as the coolness of tears refreshed my face. Jesus looked at the large and still growing crowd that surrounded him. He told them that He wanted them to believe, and that they would not unless they saw signs and wonders. In that moment all I could think of was Augustus as I asked again, Sir…please, my son is going to die.

I don’t think there are any words in any language to accurately describe what happened next. My head was fixed downcast as I had fallen at Jesus’ feet. He touched my chin and turned my face upward so that my eyes would meet his. In that moment I felt a peace that I had never experienced to that point and have never experienced since. There was such great love in His eyes. He didn’t have to say another word, I knew this man was the Son of God. To this day I have no concept of time regarding that moment, it was just an overwhelming sense that this is what I was created for. Then Jesus spoke the five words that I will never forget… “Go, Your Son will live.” As he spoke those words I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was true. As I look back on that moment I wish I would have taken more time to express my gratitude, but I had to get back to Capernaum. I had to see my son. I do so wish I would have said more, but I think there will be time for that in the future when we’re all together again.

The adrenaline in my body drove me home…it mattered not that I had not slept or eaten in hours, maybe days – who knows? Every moment of that journey was filled with anticipation and excitement. I could not contain the emotions, how much longer is the journey? And then, as we were approaching our city familiar faces appeared in the distance. Some of my servants from home were coming down the road in the opposite direction and joy was in their eyes. When we finally came together their happiness made it difficult for them to spit the words out…the message was finally conveyed. Augustus is recovering, his health has returned. We embraced, we cried, we laughed. My thoughts went to my encounter with Jesus, and I had to ask them…what time did Augustus begin to feel better…and they told me that it was yesterday at the seventh hour. It was the exact moment where I had been crumbled down before Christ the day before…I believe to this day that the fever left my son the very moment Jesus said those wonderful five words.

If you think I was joyful in my journey home so far, you would have probably thought I was literally out of my mind as I completed my trip. The town has probably never seen a man so deliriously joyful! I burst into the door and found my wife smiling…I took a closer look to see her eyes red and heavy from tears, she was weary as if from battle but a familiar peace had returned to her that had been absent for so long. Where is he? I asked? Where is my son? At that moment Augustus came tearing around the corner and threw himself into my arms. Father! He shouted with joy! Father, I am healed!

Up to that moment I had come to believe I had probably used up my entire reserve of tears, but as I embraced my son, I could not hold back the force of tears that now flowed like a river. We embraced for what seemed like years…I was so happy I just simply refused to let him go.

At that outset of this story I told you that every moment with my son serves as a reminder – every second a precious gift. I hope you have a better picture of that now. I hope it serves as a reminder to you to cherish the relationships in your lives – make sure that they know how much you love them today.

But even more importantly than that, I hope my story causes you to fix your eyes on Jesus. In the days following the miracle I shared the story in great detail. As a result my entire household put their hope and confidence in Jesus. We knew that this man was exactly who he said he was – the Son of God – the Savior of the World.

I haven’t stopped telling my story to anyone that will listen. In my opinion, if Jesus has changed your life as he has changed mine – How can you hold that kind of good news in? – How can you keep such an incredible story to yourself? I hope this story renews your faith and restores your hope in this man named Jesus. One encounter with this man and your life will never be the same.

Community (She's Beautiful #6)

2010-02-26T14:32:00.003-05:00

Francis Chan kicks my butt. Since September I have been leading our house church through his books: CRAZY LOVE and FORGOTTEN GOD. I've mentioned them on this blog before as I was coming to the realization that it is a lot easier to read his books on my own as opposed to reading them in community with accountability built in. We had a big group this past Wednesday...my buddy Noel brought a 50 pack of chicken nuggets (score) and we took in a heart-wrenching teaching from the dvd that accompanies FORGOTTEN GOD which led to another great night of one of God's greatest creations - the conversation. It was another awesome night at the Aupperle house

I love Wednesday nights. Over the last four years we have hosted what we call house church at our place – 7 PM on Wednesdays. You might call it small group, or cell group, or bible study, or whatever… We call it house church because we didn’t have enough leaders to enable literal “small groups,” and house churches allowed for the concept of a larger group (12-15) to gather in homes for the purpose of sharing life.

There are a couple of people that have been coming to our home for every meeting over the last four years – these are some of my deepest relationships in the church. The faces have changed a little bit every year. It’s basically a book club with prayer: we read, we talk, we share, we disagree, we laugh, we listen to each other, and there isn’t anything superficial about it. I usually drink more coffee than I should, eating together is high priority, and we usually catch the tail end of whoever might be in action on that night – be it the Red Wings, Pistons, or Tigers.

We’ve had nights where we’ve gone into some pretty deep water and talked about some things that we wouldn’t in any other environment. It is a wonderful thing when you sit in the midst of care and trust. It doesn’t happen in one night either. It is a loving commitment to each one in our group to create the kind of atmosphere where we can say anything and everything that’s weighing on our heavy hearts. On so many of these Wednesday nights, as I walk out onto our driveway and say goodbye, I am filled with this overwhelming feeling of family and home and…this is the way it should be. It’s like Switchfoot is constantly singing “This is Home,” as the official soundtrack of Wednesday night...but in a cheesy kind of way like the end of a Grey's Anatomy episode or something.

Community...a basic need of the Christian life…completely normal and necessary for the strength to face each tomorrow. It’s how we’re wired and our souls are desperate for it.

it should be different here (SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #5)

2010-02-18T11:21:00.004-05:00

The video above features one of my favorite students...It was Valentine's Day and Adam was chosen to drop his favorite pick-up line on a couple of our young ladies. Little did he know, the only thing dropping would be him. I love Adam. The kid is brilliant and has limitless potential. He's one of anywhere from 30-40 students I get the ridiculously great opportunity to lead every Sunday night. There's something I say often with my students (probably to the broken record degree) Adam would be the first to recite...
"It should be different here."
The most popular conversation at Church on Sunday goes like this…

Hey Joe, good to see you – how are you doing?
Hey Bob, great to see you too – doing well, and you?
Great….Great….Great.

I’m ok, you’re ok, everybody’s ok

Not long ago on a random day in the office, the wind was blowing something fierce outside and knocked the power out at the Church. So I’m sitting at a local coffee shop, and the day seemed to require a straight, tall, black coffee. I’m listening to Jack Johnson and the conversations around me. There was a group of guys sitting around a table they were too big for when I came in. I wasn’t trying to listen to their conversation, but couldn’t help when one of the guys piped up… “Where can I find a wife like that? One that doesn’t say anything, makes me dinner, and brings me drinks? Hardy Har Har…” Even in a coffee shop people are a lot more honest than they are at Church. Because whether I like the truth or not, the reality is that of the 250 people or so that might walk through our doors this Sunday there is bound to be a significant percentage of them who are asking the same thing – where can I find a wife like that…or a husband like that.

I never wanted to be a youth pastor, I remember what I was like at that age and the thought of being with that, multiplied, was a scary one. But, necessity is the mother of most responsibilities in the local church, and so I found myself with the students. This was one of the best accidents to ever happen to me. I love these kids….Seriously, love them. They make me laugh, tell me what apps to download for my ipod touch, and never let me get away with mediocrity. We call it Youth @ 6:01 because we meet at 6:01 PM (we actually start around 6:25) and Hebrews 6:1 is at the heart of what we are about. The Message translation says something like “leaving the finger-paintings behind and moving toward maturity.” So Sunday nights at 6:01 has become a very special time in my week.

One of the things that I always tell my youth group is “It should be different here.” Because if it isn’t, what’s the point? We talk about the way people treat each other, the way the world tells you what’s important, the way everything seems upside down and everyone is seemingly ok with it – and to all of it we say – Well, at least it should be different here. This should be the one place where we can really be honest with each other changing the aforementioned conversation to something that goes more like this:

Hey, Joe great to see you, how are you?
You know what Bob – I’m pretty crappy right now. Things aren’t good.
Great! … Wait, did you say things aren’t good?
Yeah Bob, I did – can we go get some coffee and talk about it sometime?
Yeah Joe, let’s do that…How about tomorrow?
Yeah tomorrow’s ok
Bob, can I pray with you right now
Joe… that would be really great

If Church is merely a social club to dress up for and play a role…wow, what a great delusion and total waste of time. When people come to Church they should say – “It’s different here. People really care about me – they want to help me with my addiction – they want to help me get things right with my family – they want to challenge me to live for something bigger than myself – get off my butt and do something. This is a pretty great place.”

We’re learning what this looks like at our Church. It is tough to break the “everyone’s ok” routine, because that is way easier, and a lot less is required. Little things have revealed progress… Confession is contagious. When you know you’re in a safe place it sure makes it easier.

In these times it is easier than ever to get addicted to something… television, money, sex, alcohol, drugs, approval, and so many others. If the Church is not a safe place to go and deal with this kind of stuff – I ask the same question as before – What’s the point?

It should be different here. The Church should be the one place where you can say what you need to say, deal with what you need to deal with, and find grace from a merciful God and the same from His followers. The Cross doesn’t allow any of us a pedestal. It is the universal place where all of us – no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been -find common ground.

I'll take His Voice (SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #4)

2010-02-05T11:38:00.007-05:00

SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #4 - 1 Hour on Sunday - Part 2...
Listening to my own voice makes me cringe...every time. I had the privilege of speaking to my community of faith at Orchards again last Sunday. I talked about Jesus and John the Baptist's crazy get-up. And how maybe John the Baptist's wild nature gives us a better picture of who Jesus is. So I was listening to a portion of it on our website and wondering where that voice comes from, and why it doesn't sound more like Clint Eastwood's...or maybe...Tom Brokaw's...hmm?

Whether you’re an expositor or topical type, an emergent or “preservant,” a fireball or sitting on a stool with a cup of coffee kind, a sweater or a spitter…none of that is what really matters. When we preach, we’re charged with the enormous responsibility of carrying God’s heart and message to our community. How many times are we guilty of sprinkling in our own message…or worse sprinkling in God’s message to support our own agenda?

When I decided to change majors (again) to ministry, I was met with the very unfortunate circumstance that very few of my credits earned toward a sports management degree would cross over to a Christian ministry degree…fancy that. The summer between my first and second senior year I did what was termed “an unofficial internship” with Jeff at the Redeemer Missionary Church of South Bend, Indiana. Unofficial basically means that “valuable experience” was the only paycheck I would be receiving, and I was totally ok with that. They put me up with a wonderful family from the church and their dog, “Disney.” It was a great summer.

At the end of the proverbial internship, I had the opportunity to preach for the first time. I geared up in my suit that my parents bought me to escort the homecoming queen my senior year of high school, and it’s still the only suit that I own – it makes a rare appearance from time to time (it’s a little outdated). Five minutes into my message I asked the congregation, “is it hot in here?”

I took off my suit coat and proceeded to talk for the next half of an hour about Jesus.

When I first knew that I would have the chance to speak I got all fired up about this one verse…1 Corinthians 4:20… “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but power.” I thought I would deliver this earth-shattering homily that blew the minds of my listeners and made them realize that they talk too much and don’t rely on God’s power enough. Thankfully, I also had something that resembled a mentoring relationship with one of the most amazing people in the world at that time, Dr. Robert Laurent…or as he prefers…Dr. Bob. Dr. Bob said that anytime he gets a chance to talk he talks about Jesus, he can’t think of anything more important or relevant. So three days before I spoke I changed everything and just talked about Jesus and how when he entered Jerusalem for the Passover feast, everyone just asked… “Who is this man?” I said it’s a question everyone who walks this earth has to answer at some point. It’s a question we should ask ourselves everyday.

I resolved from that point forward when I have the opportunity to talk, that I will always talk about Jesus…
............................................................
In Recap:
One hour on Sunday should be like a fireworks display of all these things that are going on inside of us that are expressed in song, and art, and the spoken word. Most importantly all of this is marked with the defining presence of the Triune God who promises that He is there when we come together. And some Sundays it all comes together like the most beautiful of symphonies played by the most talented of hands.

And then there are Sundays when the music is just really bad and there are all kinds of distractions…a pew breaks, or an usher trips, or a baby cries relentlessly. Those are hard days. And yet, even in the midst of those awkward moments that seem to last for days instead of minutes, God’s promised presence remains.
Sometimes the greatest joys we find as a community are the pains we experience in the process. Sometimes these are the Sundays that really bring us together.

One Hour on Sunday...Holding within the impact of eternity

SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #3 (1 hour on Sunday: the Music)

2010-02-03T09:40:00.007-05:00

(pictured above...my compadre...the Taylor 714ce)
The practice of the regular meeting for Church has evolved over time, and I’m not the historian who can provide you with every detail along the way. The fact is, Sunday mornings are still at least recognized (maybe not attended, but recognized) as Church Sundays for the majority of our society. We have this hour (maybe more or less depending on a whole host of factors)

So the question becomes…What are we doing with our hour?

I lead the worship at the Orchards, but I still sometimes find it somewhat surreal that we stand together and sing songs when we gather. Where else in our lives do we do this? I have never been at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and burst into song (as tempting as that sounds) or shared a tune with others in the line at the grocery store…awkward.

Having said that, I believe it is the worship through song that can be the most powerful moments in our gatherings… both for the seasoned church-goer, and the newbie. What’s amazing about the act of worship through song is the communal aspect. We stand and join our voices, however good or bad they are, and unite to share one song in praise to God. The Bible talks about singing songs to God all throughout. As I often share with our community songs have always had the power to share something that we can’t communicate with just spoken words. Paul Baloche recently tweeted something along the lines that our job as worship leaders is to sing the sermons our pastors will preach...well said Paul.

There is something moving and spiritual and amazing about joining together in song. And while these may be very awkward moments within a service for someone who is new to the community, how awkward it becomes is clearly informed by how we go about it. We need to relax and reflect, and sometimes rock-out. Music provides us an opportunity to express gratitude, praise, and faith to our God in a way that we can’t otherwise engage.

Music by its very nature is a raw expression of emotion whether it’s a symphony orchestra or Green Day...Norah Jones or James Brown. So it should be in our gatherings. I was unfortunately only able to hit two shows last year and was confused to see the emotional response to the music at the Coldplay show far out-shone the Mercyme/Jeremy Camp/Tenth Avenue North gig.

I was at a quintessential youth event a few months back...A pizza feed and a stand-up comedian. It was a great night with my youth – I ate too much pizza, laughed a lot, and listened to really bad jokes from the all-guy-van I inherited. Upon our arrival we walked into the main room at the event, and what else would be playing than the Newsboys? It caused my buddy Nathan and I to reflect on the wonderful evolution of Christian music over the last twenty-five years…a renaissance. Nathan’s a little bit older than me so he was into Rush when he was younger. I talked about the sounds that emanated from Seattle and elsewhere in the early nineties: Pearl Jam, Green Day, and Nirvana… and then…The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Simon and Garfunkel, Coldplay and U2. My “iTunes” is like this strange melting pot (a shuffled playlist might bring you anything from Jack Johnson to Stevie Wonder or Rascal Flatts to Kirk Franklin). My music collection in its own way tells my story. You can tell so much about someone by the music they listen to. Anyway, we looked back on how it was so very difficult to find Christian music at that time that sounded like what we were into. It just lacked the “it” factor, and as Nathan put it – it just didn’t have “the sound.”

When I listen to the kind of music that the industry is creating today I am blown away. Oh how far we’ve come! I don’t single some artists out to lessen the contribution of others, but thank you Jon Foreman, Robbie Seay, David Crowder, and so many others for not checking your creativity at the door. May it only inspire so many others to do the same.

When the Orchards community gathers, we sing songs that are thousands of years old and songs that were written last year. We sing songs written by Chris Tomlin and Charles Wesley – even songs that were written right within the context of our own community (some of the most powerful songs a community can sing are those that rise from the hearts of the people within it).We incorporate sweet riffs, strong electric leads, and pounding drums - in balance with - gentle piano intros, reflective ballads, and simple acoustic sets. We sing songs that help us to remember what’s been done for us, songs that express what we’ve always wanted to say, and songs that challenge us - calling for us to go.

Because it’s not just another hour on a Sunday morning – it’s the gathering of His Church, and it’s the expectation of another great gathering when the King comes. Music is sometimes the only way we know to really express what’s going on inside.

We share a common song as a community, just as we share a common path on this common journey.

For the remainder of that hour we sit and listen to a message. Depending on your church experience, this can be absolutely captivating or remarkably boring...
(part two coming on Friday)

*note...just for kicks - here's what we're singing at the Orchards this weekend:
O Praise Him (Crowder)
Doxology/Forever (Crowder/Tomlin)
Heart of Worship (Redman)
The Wonderful Cross (Redman)
Desert Song (Fraser)
All Creatures of our God and King...

What songs are you singing these days?
What are your best Christian music memories of yesteryear? (i.e. Petra means Rock!)

SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #2 (Sub-Culture)

2010-01-26T11:08:00.002-05:00

Facebook is stalking me. This social network phenomenon that has swept the world over has become the unquestioned leader in my endless search for ways to effectively communicate to students (Don’t tell facebook, but I’m spending a lot more time with Twitter these days). One of the things that those of us who indulge in the facebook fad have recently come to realize is that our advertisements appear to be quite personal. It seems as though advertisers have found some “key words” in our profiles or status updates and used them to tug away at our heart strings. I guess they haven’t read the part on my profile where I clearly mention I’m married. Seriously, I even have a direct link to my wife’s profile… So why do they keep asking me if I want to meet Christian singles in my area?

Somewhere on a college campus near you, minds are being molded. I’m pretty sure they teach bright young college marketing students that if you add “Christian” to the beginning of your product, it’s the equivalent to striking gold. The “Christian Vote” is in a very oxymoronic sense – coveted every four years. The title of a “Christian Nation” finds its way into arguments all across the spectrum and ironically into a lot of email forwards that sneak their way into my inbox. The question that has been asked for years now is this: Has the Church become a “Sub-Culture?”

There are certainly moments in my life where I have found this to be so true - We appear to have "Christian" Everything - even mints...
If it’s true that we are to be “in but not of” the world, it is my experience that we major on the “not of” part of that equation. Jesus sent the seventy-two out to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. I have the innocent dove thing down pat, but I can’t remember the last time I was shrewd as a snake in working for advancing the kingdom of God.

The “Sub-Culture” phenomenon rears its ugly head when we take a step back and look at our schedules…When we take a really close look at who we spend nearly all of our time with. This is especially true of pastors. Pastors can develop the type of schedule in which the only meaningful interaction they have is with church people doing church related activity. In a very gut-wrenching contrast, Jesus had the reputation of hanging with the tax collectors and sinners.

Many of these things that consume our schedules are really good things, but so often it is the good things that ruin us for the best. We have to be very careful to not “retreat” from the culture but it engage it with wisdom and courage. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a gathering of Christians and thought to myself – what we’re doing, how we’re talking, what’s going on here would make absolutely no sense to someone who is on the outside looking in. We as churches and Christ followers must commit to asking ourselves those critical questions: Would this service connect with someone who is coming through our doors for the first time? Would this event have relevance to my neighbor? Would this conversation make sense to someone who doesn’t go to church?

What haunts me is that I may stand before my Savior some day as he looks at the story that is my life and finds that I spent almost all of my time with his followers. How painful it would be to look into the eyes of the one who would always leave the ninety-nine to find the one and hold such great regret. The truth is that when we allow ourselves into the comfort of the bubble we miss our opportunity to meet Zaccheus… We miss the woman at the well and the rich young ruler, and blind man on the side of the road and so many others.

Honestly, I don’t think the “sub-culture” label is one we have to fight. It’s going to be given to the church, fairly or unfairly. The fight is found in the constant battle of finding the right balance in time we spend within a Christian context and time we courageously and willingly choose to spend outside of that environment in the direct obedience of following closely in the footsteps of Jesus.

SHE'S BEAUTIFUL #1 (job description)

2010-01-22T12:15:00.010-05:00

I have often wondered what to do with this little blog. I'm not naive enough to believe that is oft-read by many, but it has been a helpful place over the last couple of years to journal, share, and think.

So I have this storehouse of thoughts and musings about church...from thirty years of life spent in the shadow of a steeple. Over the course of the next whatever (weeks, months, year) I want to share some of these reflections/dreams/frustrations via this chosen medium. As you can see the regularity of my blogging in recent months has been erratic at best. So hopefully this keeps me on a more 2-3 times a week track, periodically stepping out of the SHE's BEAUTIFUL stuff for whatever random thing might be on my heart on my mind...ah, the tyranny of the urgent. So without further adieu...I'll start with something I wrestle with on a regular basis: the job description of a pastor

I was driving in to the Church this morning and Matt Costa was singing in my speakers, but in a very random twist I was thinking about how I might want to be more like Johnny Cash. His music, steady like a train, sharp like a razor has a nice home in the neighborhood that is my Ipod. I really enjoyed the film recently made about his life and consider his life to be one of the truly great stories of a truly great generation. Anyway, I think we all go through life wanting to be someone else. In reality, I wouldn’t make a very good Johnny Cash – I don’t think my pale skin and red hair would go over well as the man in black.

I still look too much like a kid… a few weeks ago I was at the local barber shop and the lady cutting my hair freaked out when I said I had a kid (not another teen pregnancy!) She thought I was a lot closer to 20 than 30… and wow, I get that all the time. I almost had to get out my drivers license to validate my claim– as she asked everyone else in the place for confirmation. So I grew a beard for the holidays and it came in sort of patchy…Maybe not Johnny Cash…but somebody other than me.

I was pretty fortunate as a pastor’s kid in that I grew up in one town. Depending on whom you ask a pastor usually sticks at a church for what comes out to an average of seven to eight years. My dad was at the church I grew up in from the time I was two years old until the month that I graduated from high school. It was a great way to grow up really, I’m grateful to my father for that and the community of faith he served in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Stability is often an underrated thing, and I’ll always remember that for the good of my own family.

I will never forget the last Sunday there. We knew it was going to be difficult, but I don’t think I could have imagined how hard it really would be. My dad gave this amazing final charge to the people (it felt like the end of a really good movie). At the conclusion of the service they asked our family to come to the front of the room. I stood there for roughly three seconds before I started to cry. I thought I was getting tough after taking weightlifting my senior year of high school. I was eighteen years old and graduating from high school, and in every other area of my life I was “too cool for school,” but what started as a few drops become an unstoppable force, a river of tears that ran relentlessly as I stood there between my two sisters. We let it out together, and it seemed like everyone else in the room was crying too. I’m having a really hard time seeing my computer screen as the tears come along with the memory that plays in my head like a movie I’ve seen a hundred times.

“Time of Your Life,” by Green Day was hugely popular at the time, and it felt like the song was written for me. Every time it played my mind raced through memories of my childhood… still to this day that song sets off a physical response in my body. It’s amazing the way music can do that – capture something like nothing else can, and transport us back to the exact moment in time.

So we cried…and we got it – this is what being a pastor is about. I looked out across the room and saw people who had all shared in shaping me into who I had become. They saw me start to walk and talk and go through awkward mullet hairstyles and cumbersome wire frame glasses. They saw me star in the Christmas play in fifth grade, and play my dented coronet for Sunday night special music even as my face took on a magenta type hue. They saw me mature and become passionate about sports and youth group and even girls. This is how a pastor’s family should feel when they leave. This is what a relationship between a pastor and his community should be. Not to say there weren’t really hard times and disappointments along the way – there were – and probably far more than I’ll ever realize. But the good far outweighed the bad.

I remember exactly what I was wearing that day, and exactly what I was feeling. I learned so much that day about this difficult and wonderful job called… Pastor.

There have been a few times within the context of my ministry that people have asked the question – “so what do you do all week?” If you’re a pastor, you’ve probably been asked this before, and I’m guessing the question bothered you as much as it bothers me. The fact that it bothers me as much as it does most likely says quite a bit about me. My initial response is to say “are you kidding me?” But maybe it’s more of a legitimate question than I want to admit. I mean, maybe God is asking us the same thing.

I’ve never felt comfortable being called “pastor.” I’m not sure if it makes me feel old, or if I’m not comfortable with the expectations that come with the title. It’s not the biblical expectations that I’m uncomfortable with either. The challenge to be a shepherd is an incredible one that I embrace completely. If only every pastor’s job description matched what Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus:
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”(Ephesians 4:11-13).
I’m not sure what you get out of this, but my understanding is that as a pastor, I’m in the business of mobilization: filling up and sending out. What an incredible thought. As I look back on my few short years of ministry it is no mystery to me why these are the most fulfilling of moments: Going out with teams to New Orleans in relief of the devastation of Katrina, to the kids in Dublin, to the hungry in Mexico, and (most fulfilling of all) down the road to the homeless in Detroit…Preparing people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up...Mobilizing the Mass

Crazy Crazy Love

2009-12-16T10:49:00.001-05:00

So tonight our group finishes "Crazy Love." A few observations...
Leading a group through a book that was so personally challenging is amplified when you build in the accountability of going through it in community. Every week we've said the same things... "this is so counter culture," "am I lukewarm?" "this is so challenging..." It's been stretching to say the least, and I'm grateful for my Wednesday nights - I look forward to them every week.

It's been amazing how our discussions have connected with where we are as a church. This Sunday we will be taking a special offering - we've asked our people to give out of what they set aside for Christmas to help install a well through CHARITY:WATER to provide clean water to a village that desperately needs it.... MOVING from consumption to compassion. The youth group is spending our last youth night together before Christmas to go shopping for a family that is going through a terrible stretch and needs some hope. Something about this year is so special - giving this Christmas away

Oswald Chambers is quotable...he definitely had a way with words. This one was perfect for me this morning... "Never make a principle out of your experience; let God be as original with other people as he is with you."

The next 17 days bring the Charity:Water Sunday, the youth giving their Christmas away, a day at the Detroit Rescue Mission, a ton of time with family, Christmas Eve and Day, 3 days at epic conference with thirty students, and back to more time with family bringing in 2010. Looking forward to a different pace...

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning I will wake up pre-six-0'clock...not normal. I can't wait. The time honored family tradition of the Turkey Trot in downtown Motown awaits, and I'm reminded again how important traditions are in making celebrations special. I've downloaded the Rocky Balboa soundtrack to my ipod, and will carb-load later with some spaghetti and bread - the training is done, the registration is complete, the only thing left to do is run.

I think the reason I eagerly await the arrival of the Turkey Trot has a lot more to do with what happens afterward than the actual race. More importantly, it's the people I get a chance to run with that make it what it is. Tomorrow I'll run with my dad (as always) and my younger sister Jill and her husband Josh. it won't be the same this year without Jenny, my older sister...her bubbly morning smile and enthusiasm for the run will be missed more than she could know. We'll be joined by some cousins, and some close friends from the Orchards Community. Afterward we'll gather as one big extended family in a house that barely fits us all to cram our faces with everything that makes Thanksgiving great. Everything just tastes a little better after the morning run.

We'll complain about the Lions, we'll tell the same stories, with the same jokes, and resume the same arguments and debates.
And in all of this, I will give thanks. Give thanks to God for providing me with the best of families, the health to run the race, the food He has provided, and most significantly the love that will mark our time together.

So bring on the race.
I'll never be more excited to hear my alarm clock...

Morning

2009-10-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

the radiant colors of the autumn leaves stood out in stark contrast against the gray misty morning background as I fought the lazy man inside and got out for a morning run. It was an incredible experience to mix morning worship with a morning run as Mercyme accompanied my journey down Sisson Street, around the block down Main Street, and ultimately back up Sisson. I'm not sure what the casual observer might have thought about me as I ran by with a smile and occassionally extending my hands (psycho, maybe?)

I haven't contributed much to the ol' blog lately, but I've been thinking and writing often. I'll do my best to add more frequently to this medium that I enjoy using so much. Blessings...

In Position...

2009-09-11T08:32:00.001-04:00

I've been working my way through the Book of Acts this week... I'm blown away by the work of the Holy Spirit through the early church. What has jumped off the pages at me is that in every passage that the Holy Spirit works through someone, they had previously "positioned" themselves to hear, receive, and respond. It's been pretty convicting to me as I've often asked why doesn't the Holy Spirit work through me and my ministry in this way - only to realize that I haven't positioned myself to receive what He is saying to me.

On Wednesday I listened almost all day to "the nines." The nines was an online conference where Church leaders from all over had 9 minutes each to speak...One of the most refreshing things about "the nines" presentations was that in so many cases these guys and girls were using their "9 minutes to say anything to Church leaders" to challenge us to as Scott Hodge put it: "Stay close to Jesus son." Time and time again their challenge came down to the question - how's your relationship with Jesus? How do you order your life to make time to really listen to God's voice? How much time do you devote to getting away from everything to be with Him?

obviously so much has changed in Church leadership over the 2000+ years from the days of Acts. As much as things have changed, these clearly remain: Living the kind of life that allows the Holy Spirit to lead... Listening for God's voice and direction and obeying courageously... Stay close to Jesus son...

Sad News Today

2009-09-04T08:53:00.000-04:00

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana my dad taught me well - I learned to love the Detroit Tigers from the beginning. I remember staying with Grandma and Grandpa during the 1984 World Series...Watching Frank Tanana spin a masterpiece against the Jays in 87...the awful teams in the late 90s culminating in the 2003 disaster...and of course the magic of 2006. I'll never forget the last game in the old park on Michigan and Trumbull - it seemed as every grown man had tears in his eyes as Legends from Tiger's lore came running in from centerfield. The Bird, Willie Horton, Al Kaline and so many others. What a day - the memories re-run in my mind like a movie in HD.

The news this morning that legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell had incurable cancer hit hard. Even in Fort Wayne the massive signal sent out from 760 WJR could reach my house. I used to look forward to the Tiger's heading west... It meant I could fall asleep listening to Ernie. So many great memories of listening to beautiful pictures painted with words - "long gone" ... "he stood there like a house by the side of the road and watched it go by" ... and "two for the price of one" stand out as I think back.

Today Ernie was quoted about the challenge of facing terminal cancer...
"We don't know how long this lasts. It could be a year, it could be much less than a year, much less than a half a year. Who knows? Whatever's in store, I'm ready for a new adventure. That's the way I look at it. And also, I think that when I heard the news, that I had this cancer, that I had a feeling of security and serenity ... but I had a feeling of acceptance because of my belief in Jesus."

That's peace. That's hope. God Bless you Ernie...

So this is 30

2009-08-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

30 years old... Still coming to terms with that

A few changes made on the blog to celebrate my exit from the 20's and my entrance into the great unknown. Now that the craziest summer of my life is coming to an end there will be blogging! I hope to blog a couple of times a week from here on out on these topics and more:

I'm taking the youth group through the Spiritual Disciplines right now and realizing they have no idea what they are or where they come from. Actual Quote: "Solitude, isn't that some kind of punishment in prison"

the fall brings House Church, an exciting new series at the Orchards, and so much more

In the mean time I'm enjoying the Tiger's run at the AL Central immensely... Baseball is a beautiful game

2009-07-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

what a ride...

2009-07-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

It's been a month since I've had the time to sit and write... and what a month it has been. Our time in Queretaro was incredibly stretching, fulfilling, and exhausting. It's hard to remember a time of feeling so physically depleted, and so spiritually charged. There is something that goes right to your core when you give food to a family that admittedly had no idea where food was coming from that week. Our team did justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are all believing that this is just chapter one of a beautiful partnership with Saul and Soraya and the entire Mexico Vive dream.

When we returned, I have to confess - I crashed hard. The adrenaline that I fed off of for the entire mission was gone, and my body reaped what it sowed. I thank God for the health and "just enough" energy to take the youth camping the week we returned. It was a worthwhile venture, and we had a blast. I regret not being more prepared for the students. I wish I had more for them - but it was definitely a great relationship-building time for the 20 kids that came. Lake Michigan was absolutely frigid - but we had a great trip, no doubt.

After the camping trip it was off to General Conference located this summer at Bethel College. It was refreshing time and a recharge time. Great moments of worship, unforgettable challenges - especially from Jim Cymbala - whose books I have really enjoyed - is even more impacting in person. God used him to really speak into my life, and my understanding of ministry. We got some work done as a denomination and I'm excited for the days ahead. As I hung out with some of the younger guys, I have high hopes for where God will take us as a denomination in the days ahead.

And now, this week... I've been moonlighting as "Wade Winalot" the goofball gameshow host of STUDIO GO VBS at Orchards Community - with quite possibly the greatest hairstlye of all time. It has been fun - It has been an amazing week so far - seeing so many kids, so many families, impacted through the ministry of an army of fearless volunteers. It gives me huge hope and big dreams for the kind of influence and impact Orchards Community can have on its neighborhood in the coming days.

Next week - Vacation comes - the ocean is calling, and I can already feel the sand between my toes. What a ride...

Mission

2009-06-24T15:22:00.000-04:00

23 people...a shared heart...a dream for Queretaro...
let the adventure begin

Pastor Hossler...the Gymnast

2009-06-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

reflections on colossians

2009-05-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

Colossians 1:15-20 has been on the brain for a while now... such an incredible description of Jesus:

¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

This is going to be a central part of the devotional time we spend together as a team in Mexico... Meditating on this passage is the beginning of an attempt to keep Christ at the center of each moment.

ready for a ride

2009-05-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

I am in the midst of one of the busiest stretches I've known... And this is still calm in comparison to the storm that the summer will bring. I'm hoping I can ride the wave, and not be overwhelmed in it. It is the kind of stuff that energizes me: missions, times with the youth, family vacation, vbs, conferences, and camps... but I'm going to do my best to take it one moment at a time, and really live that moment for what it's worth. It's May 22... and I'm ready for the ride... I think.

2009-05-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

"It is our task to create foretastes of the Kingdom of God on this planet - living glimpses of what life is meant to be, which include art and music and poetry and shared laughter and picnics and politics and moral outrage and special privileges for children only and wonder and humor and endless love," Robert McAfee Brown.

Fourth Circle Questions

2009-05-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

What does it mean to be... "Sent together to Heal" ???

I think I've experienced it in a wide variety of ways, some of these moments that I recall are some of the most inspiring and energizing moments of my life...

Serving Dinner to the Homeless in Detroit

Mudding Out Homes in New Orleans in Katrina's aftermath

Singing Songs with the kids of Ballymun, Ireland

Playing 3 on 3 Hoops with some new friends on a Navajo Reservation in New Mexico

Leading Worship for mission teams in Atlanta, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and of course - Detroit.

these all came in the context of mission experiences... but I'm challenged this week to be "sent to heal" right here and now in my relationships - caught between the eyes with James' indicting words:

"take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

How are you challenged by the "fourth circle?"

How have you been "sent to heal?"

Mexico

2009-04-30T13:57:00.000-04:00

In the last seven days the landscape of our Mexico Mission has changed... The swine flu situation, which some are labeling pandemic has raised some legitimate questions and concerns. I generally try to avoid most news outlets...we don't often agree on what is actually "news." It's frustrating when something like this comes through like an unannounced storm, it becomes the only thing that many deem important enough to report on, and in the process dominates any news broadcast locally, nationally, and worldwide.

Our response? As of now, nothing has changed. We will do our best to stay on top of the stuff that is actually relevant, try to ignore the prognostications, and proceed with caution. In the midst of all of this, some pretty amazing opportunities have opened for our Queretaro bound team, we have significant capacity to meet needs there, feed hungry people, build meaningful relationships and lay the foundation for teams to come after us.

So we pray, and read, and pray some more. I hope it galvanizes us as a team, and prepares us for our time in Mexico together. We'll keep you posted on everything, especially if things don't get any better there soon. Will you pray for us?

blogger note... I'm officially "twittering" now... jeffaupperle@twitter.com - not really sure what I'm doing yet, but that's what makes it great

2009-04-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a long day... what is normally a two-day district conference was condensed into one day - it was good, but it was long, and as is the norm - dragged a little at times. It was a two-hour drive to get there and back, and when we returned to Romeo, we were less than 30 minutes away from the next event... "Town Hall for Hope," a simulcast by Dave Ramsey that we hosted at Orchards Community. I was tired heading in, but I left energized.

Dave Ramsey has what appears to be an infinite amount of one liners - he's funny, he's fast, he's well-versed, and informative. He was an antidote for hope, greatly needed in the midst of a sky-is-falling media driven frenzy. I left Orchards hopeful, informed, and inspired...

In the middle of his presentation, I looked across our worship center and saw the 70-80 that gathered for this, knowing that thousands, even millions were tuning in across the world. It was a suspended moment in time for me, an event that marked the times. Years from now, when this recession is referenced, I'll remember the long day that ended at Orchards Community, the laughs, and inspiration provided by Dave Ramsey...but above all this I'll remember the sense of hope that stood out - it was almost tangible.

The only real and lasting hope according to Ramsey... "the nail-scarred hands of Jesus Christ."

LOVE WINS

2009-04-14T15:08:00.000-04:00

What an incredible day Sunday was... There are days when it feels as if God is far off, and there are moments when His presence can seem so real in our midst. God is so incredibly faithful, and we stand amazed and blown away at His life transforming work amongst us. I believe God has greater things yet to come, and greater things still to be done for us as a community of faith. No matter what comes our way, we know how the story ends... LOVE WINS.

taken, blessed, broken, given

2009-04-08T13:20:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday I shared with the Orchards Community something that has been immensely helpful to me in understanding Jesus' Way... That when he said He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we weren't just to understand that as a prescription for salvation, but as a very literal "way" of living that permeates everything we do. Matthew 26:26 says that Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples. These four actions also found in the feeding of the 5,000 and the Road to Emmaus stories are a summary or microcosm of the life of Christ. He was taken, blessed, broken for us, and given. In following Him, we also need to understand that we are taken in by God - loved by our creator, blessed by Him - God says good things about us, broken - the challenge is to embrace our brokenness, given to the world - God wants to take us in, bless us, and in our brokenness...distribute us to the world. I am greatly indebted to Henri Nouwen for His wisdom on all of this expounded upon in His book... "The Life of the Beloved."

As Easter Sunday approaches may we know we are taken in by the King, blessed by Him, may we embrace our brokenness, so that God may give us away as we join Him in His work.

We're so excited about this weekend... LOVE WINS

better now

2009-03-29T18:35:00.000-04:00

I just realized it's probably not a good thing to leave my most recent post up as my lasting impression... things have certainly gotten better. There's still a hole in my gas tank, but a little time with family over the weekend, and another incredible morning at the Orchards are the kind of things that help to keep the big picture in focus...we weren't created to sweat the small stuff.

a bad week

2009-03-25T09:22:00.001-04:00

I recognize some of this post will only be relevant to those of you who faithfully travel down McKay (I know it is called a road, but I'm having trouble calling it that these days). The road the Orchards is located on can be absolutely treacherous at times... yesterday, as I was cruising home for lunch, the newly graded road was left with a few, what can only be described as mini-boulders, in the road. So, one of them found it's way under my little civic and ripped a hole in the gas tank... Nice.

The night before this we had played another game in our indoor soccer league... the game started at 11 PM, which after taking a group down to the rescue mission earlier in the day, I was really in no mindset to compete. Towards the end of the game an opposing player absolutely drilled the ball, it wasn't in the air long before it found the right side of my face. I can still feel where it hit me this morning - two days later

This feels like a bad week... but...
let's keep it all in perspective - God has blessed me beyond belief...and in this same "bad" week, I find myself so excited about what God is doing at Orchards Community. I'm overwhelmed by His willingness to work through (sometimes - in spite of) me. So, it's really not that bad... then again it's only Wednesday morning...
How's your week going?

surely we can change...something

2009-03-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago in my B-League, over-30, indoor soccer game (yeah, I'm not 30 yet, but will be this year, so I'm good) one of our opponents got pretty angry at the ref - that's an extremely mild description. It's not the first time I've seen it, we've seen our share of fits of rage out on the B-League co-ed softball field too...so I'm pretty much a B-League level athlete - no jokes please.

We had a smaller group than usual last night at our House Church, but we had a great discussion about anger. I've always appreciated the NOOMA dvds that Rob Bell uses to deliver teaching on Scripture. In "Store" he makes this comment that stuck to me like a bad stain on my favorite shirt... "some people are looking for a fight, because they are not in one." He goes on to say that the people he knows who are most deeply involved in big, beautiful causes are the ones who handle their emotions the best. They don't get angry about the small things, because of their greater discontent with how far the world is from how God created it to be.

After some really honest discussion, I left with the thought that the next time I find myself angry about something petty, I should probably question myself... am I looking for a fight, or might I find that I'm really not in one?

This morning has been a quiet one here at Orchards, David Crowder is playing through my computer speakers, "Surely we can change...something." There are so many worthy fights in our world...I hope the next time I find myself feeling anger, it really means something, and I do what I can to change... something.

Bless You Boys

2009-02-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in my office, working on pulling together all the chord charts and sheet music for Sunday, and listening to Tiger Baseball. There is snow on the ground outside, our driveway should have been cleared off days ago, my mailbox sits in a bucket of concrete (after being hammered by the snow plow) and in midst of all that - Granderson leads off with a single, and Polanco follows him with one of his own. It's the first sign of spring, and I'm grateful.

confession: I still watch American Idol

2009-02-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

I like "American Idol" ... (pictured right: my sister Jill and I playing American Idol on playstation this summer) I have liked it from the beginning, despite it being fodder for tabloids and the "E!" Channel with drama seemingly surrounding every contestant from every season. AI would probably point to Carrie Underwood or Chris Daughtry to show what they can do for its contestants, but as I watched a bit of it last night (mixed in with some college basketball and primetime..."what would you do") I wondered... what ever happened to Taylor Hicks?

The variety of music draws me in...last night there were mostly uninspired and unimpressive performances of Michael Jackson, The Police, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, and even a little Elvis. I still feel really uncomfortable watching a performance go south in a hurry on national television, and that happened more than once. It has never truly been a "singing competition" as the judges incessantly insist - it's a popularity contest, and the last one in the "lifeboat" wins.

With this knowledge, why can't I quit watching this consistent re-run of a high-school homecoming vote? The answer is found in the stories. I love to hear people's stories... One of my favorite things about my wife Rachel is how she shares my affinity for stories - she puts up with my sports watching issues more than she should and it never fails - when they run an inspirational story about a player who has overcome adversity, she immediately wants to cheer for that team - This is especially fun around March Madness time.

What I'm getting to is this - I've blogged recently about "story" and "stories of transformation" that serve as incredible motivation for why I do what I do. American Idol wraps you up in people's stories, compelling you to come back for more. In sharing the message of Jesus, we do well when we share our stories and other's stories of transformation too. It can be deeply impactful to others, and this is evident by the survival of "reality television" like American Idol - but in Christ it transcends to actually changing lives...and stories of changed lives by the Way, Truth, and Life - Jesus - are some of the best stories ever told.

note - you can pick up your copy of "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul" in stores today... no I'm not joking... no I don't own it, and don't intend to!

story

2009-02-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

seeing God's word as "story" i.e. narrative theology has been immensely helpful to me in my understanding of not only scripture but my life and calling...my role in God's beautiful script. I've heard it described in this way by a number of pastors, teachers, and writers that I really respect, but I'm not sure anyone has "put their finger on it" quite like Scot McKnight. Confession...I'm beginning to form an interesting habit of blogging about books before I've read them entirely - I digress...in the midst of the Blue Parakeet, I've found a lot of practical, really useful material in understanding God's word, and it's been really good to help drive me back to scripture. One of the threads weaved throughout the whole of the Bible is relationship... As God intended it to be in the beginning, then broken, leading to God's covenants and acts of sacrifice and unconditional love to restore oneness between Him and His created ones. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fathom why the God of the entire universe desires relationship with me, but I do not doubt it, and do my best to live within it every day... “An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others,” A.W. Tozer.

transformation

2009-01-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

"we exist for the purpose of bringing people into relationships with God and each other for the purpose of life transformation." last night I sat in the back of our worship center listening to the prayers of our people as our annual meeting came to a crescendo conclusion...this happens when we start by talking about a budget...and end in multiple offerings of prayers. It's a good thing in my life when I'm able to remember why I do what I do...life transformation...the kind only God can bring about...the old is gone the new has come type. I'm in my office now, Nichole Noordeman is on my radio singing about seasons and the renewal we see in spring - "so it is with you, and how you make me new..."
It seems like every week we hear another story of transformation in our community at Orchards...these stories are what makes every investment of time, energy, and resources worth it all. As we look to what 2009 might bring at Orchards Community - we may see harder times...a broken economy, lost jobs, sinking markets... and yet, in the midst of that we have a new song - it's redemption's melody and it's author and composer is God. Stories of transformation...may we hear them louder and clearer in every coming day.

no more snow...please

2009-01-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

as my lil' civic slid off the drive and into the deep stuff, the prevailing thought was... ok, no more snow. In Michigan, we pride ourselves in our steel resolve - we're not afraid of the elements. "Bring it, we can take it...and drive in it too." Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be anywhere else...but I think we've had enough snow for this winter...

how many days till baseball season?

burned in

2009-01-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

sometimes words have a way of burning into my mind and heart...after completing "Crazy Love" not long ago, there are two prevailing thoughts or quotes that remain at the forefront of my thinking... Chan says that Joy is a choice that we must make and discipline ourselves for. I need to discipline myself for Joy. The other thought that has made a deep impact is a quote he attributes to Annie Dillard - "How we live our days is how we live our lives." It's way too easy to believe that someday I will do this or change that...how about today?

2009

2009-01-13T14:32:00.000-05:00

2009 is on...
After Christmas celebrations, a lot of driving, youth convention, and bringing in the new year... Life has returned to a familiar pace. 2009 brings with it more dreams for the Orchards Community, renewed hope for the Tigers, my 30th birthday (yeah, I'll change the blog name) and the hope to be a better person in the calendar year before me - more patience, more discipline, more compassion, more listening, more following

Life has a way of spinning us all around from time to time, but Sunday was good for my orientation. Baptism is really an amazing thing - there's so much depth to what is happening in that dunk, but what sets my heart ablaze are the unashamed declarations of those being baptized that they have resolved to follow Jesus all of their days. As a Church we have responsibility to celebrate such a declaration, and in the days ahead, help to hold them to their word. We always talk about transformation at Orchards...sometimes it really helps to see outward evidence of inward change.

Amidst the whirlwind of the last few weeks, I have found Aaron Niequist's music to be most inspiring. He led worship at our convention and I had the chance to chat really briefly with him. His songs say a lot of things that I resonate with, and the youth that were with me loved him. His latest album- "With Broken Fists" is definitely good stuff.
I'm so ready for everything to thaw out, maybe by May? Ah Michigan

Silent Night

2008-12-24T16:09:00.001-05:00

It's the afternoon of Christmas Eve... the Church is quiet. I'm really looking forward to tonight. The Christmas Eve service is such a great time to quiet the soul and reflect on the miracle of God coming to this earth as a baby. Tomorrow will be special, but tonight carries with it a very special meaning to me. Gathering together with loved ones, lighting the candles, and singing the gentle and thoughtful lyrics of "Silent Night." What an amazing thing we celebrate...Blessings to you and Merry Christmas

gee the traffic is terrific...

2008-12-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

It's days like this one when you hear the smooth melodic tone of Karen Carpenter's voice singing "from Atlantic to Pacific, gee the traffic is terrific," and then you look outside. Not today Karen... thankfully we were able to sneak out last night after Rachel and Reid performed in the first act of the Christmas program - we were able to stay ahead of the storm - and this icy, snowy mess hit while we slept. We're in Bluffton, Indiana this morning - rehearsal comes tonight, and tomorrow my little sister gets married. The mention of Karen Carpenter brings back memories of sitting in between two sisters and listening to the entire Carpenter Christmas album in stereo...literally. Ah family, what a great gift. (Cue Music). "Oh there's no place like home for the holidays, and no matter how far away you roam - if you want to be happy in a million ways for the holidays you can't beat home sweet home."

smiling's my favorite

2008-12-12T10:18:00.001-05:00

I think I laugh harder at "Elf" every Christmas - It has become a classic at our house...
It's good to remember...
"Treat everyday like Christmas"
"There's room for everyone on the "Nice List"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer...
is singing loud for all to hear"

crazy love

2008-12-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

I love quiet mornings here at the Orchards. Silence, a book, some coffee... This morning I stole (borrowed) another book from Hossler's library... it's a book I've been wanting to read for a while, and now, after starting it today, it feels like maybe there was purpose in the delay as if this was what I needed specifically for this day and this time. The book is called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Admittedly, I'm only a couple of chapters in, but I'm indebted to Francis Chan - if only for this morning and the reminder of who God is, and who I am. This morning also finds me grateful to Chan for opening my eyes and heart to the book of Revelation - it is too narrow to view it as a book to unlock the secrets of the end-times (as it is often viewed), it is a book which clearly reveals the Holiness of God. Let us lay our crowns before the Lord and say "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being," Revelation 4:11.

living for the city

2008-12-03T14:23:00.001-05:00

On Monday, I had the privilege to take a group from Orchards Community to serve at two different Detroit Rescue Mission locations downtown. We loaded up the boxes of hygiene items donated and headed south - 18 of us all together... teenagers and adults, parents and kids... serving together. As a pastor it was truly a special moment - seeing our people serve in a city that needs people of love to rise and serve. Detroit is still a great city - and it is a blessing to serve there. I have come to realize that we, at Orchards Community, can never be what the Detroit Rescue Mission is, but we can absolutely do our part in joining them in their work, hopefully encouraging them along the way. It was a great night...two days later I still have a little more jump in my step because of it.

commercials...continued

2008-12-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

just a quick add-on to my previous note on "commercials."
Yesterday, Reid and I were out picking up a couple of things from the store. As we came to the check-out lane, amidst "tabloid central," Reid said something that sounded like... "Rock Your Momma." Confused, I asked him to repeat, he pointed to a picture of our President-elect and said again - "Rock Your Momma." Rachel tells me that He's been known to mention the name John McCain around the house as well. We're almost a month removed from the hoopla, and my 2 year old is practicing bi-partisan politics... sponges

Every Song you Hear Seems to Say...

2008-11-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

At the outset of this blog, I promised: Ideas, Dreams, and Confessions... So, ok, here's a confession. I've been listening to Christmas music for like a week already.

I'm usually pretty staunch in holding out until after I've had my Thanksgiving turkey before listening to Harry Connick Jr., Karen Carpenter, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and all their Christmas Cronies. As I'm writing now I'm listening to the aforementioned Connick Jr.'s "O Holy Night." Maybe it's the snow on the ground, the chill in the air, or the early prep work that needs to be done here at Orchards Community on Christmas music, series, programs, and the like. I don't know, but if listening to it this early is wrong, I don't want to be right.

To be serious, I think that Christmas music carries with it a special magic... it's like nostalgia mixed with hope, and a hint of peppermint. It serves as a reminder of the God who took on flesh out of His great love for you and for me. "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared, and the soul felt its worth... A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices..."

So there's my confession...
certainly not all that significant or heart-wrenching, but a confession nonetheless. Have you started listening yet?

Fiction...Again

2008-11-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

I love the bookstore... I could spend hours at Barnes, Borders, and the like. Throw in a hot venti cup in my hand, and I just may spend the night. One section that you'll rarely find me in though is the area marked... "Fiction." I'm really not opposed to it at all, I just seem to be inclined to pick up something else first. Along came "The Shack." A work of fiction (sometimes forgotten) that has brought my smaller community (our House Church) to life in ways that I have not experienced with other books of the same general ilk. My last trip to the bookstore led me to a book recommended by a close friend - "Who Stole my Church," by Gordon MacDonald. I made my purchase and left the store, with what I thought was a return to the norm in my reading habits. Four or Five pages in, I found myself...again... wrapped up deeply in a fiction. This book was written, in part, to bridge the generational gap in our churches - that there is common ground... and that ground is found when we give up our own desires for the good of others....especially those who are outside of relationship with Jesus.

These works of fiction have served as fuel for the fire in regard to my love for story. There is great power in narrative...and great potential in story.

The concept of "story" emanates from the Father - and it is within His story of love we find truth, meaning, and purpose.

So the next time you see me in a bookstore, will you find me in the fiction section? To be completely honest - probably not... but maybe. In the grand scheme of things no matter what I'm reading I hope it helps me understand God's story with greater challenge and purpose - and I hope I'm able to communicate how beautiful His story really is - and how we're all written into the script.

commercials

2008-11-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

my son Reid (2) is a officially a sponge...

last night as we built things together with blocks, a commercial came on the tv - at the end of the advertisement came the all important tag line... "Live Better... Wal-mart"

A few minutes later, while we were building something that kind of resembled a train, Reid casually mentioned to me - "live better...wal-mart." An hour or so passed, and as we munched on our pretzel sticks - he looked over at me and repeated his mantra for the night. Later when Rachel got home and held Reid on her lap, he shared with his mother his new found slogan.

It was hilarious and wildly disturbing...an excellent reminder that communication is constant and it matters. We receive and send messages all the time in all kinds of ways. What am I saying today? How am I saying it? What mantra will others repeat after hearing my message? I hope it's centered around love - the love I have received from God, the love I give - the love that serves as a foundation for hope, faith, and trust. Hopefully as Reid grows and watches me, he hears that message, and as he does we can only hope that messages like... "live better...wal-mart" fade into oblivion.

real change...real hope

2008-11-05T09:05:00.000-05:00

I took in all of the election coverage last night, right down to Obama's victory speech in Chicago. I watched CNN, Fox News, NBC, ABC, and a little CBS... as I blogged before, I have had a hard time really getting to the core of the character of the two candidates. One thing is certain, Barack Obama can deliver a speech. As I listened to him last night, I wondered if he could possibly deliver on everything he has promised. I did not vote for him, will he really listen to me? Having said that - here are a few more thoughts

We have an African-American president - whether we agree with his policies or not, this should be celebrated. We do hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal...we must seek to continue the progress where people are judged solely by content of character

I wrestled with this election, I read so much, I tried to see things from both sides - in the end, the issue of life for an unborn child overwhelms my heart and conscience. Science has revealed so much to us since Roe v. Wade... the freedom of choice act is a concept I'm not willing to embrace. Many followers of Jesus have made the case for Obama as a pro-life candidate - that abortions will be drastically reduced under his leadership... I disagree with their conclusions, but hold out great hope that years from now we look back and see that they were right.

I am at peace with Barack Obama as my president. I will embrace him as our leader and pray for him... regardless of your opinions this man now carries a great burden of leading this country of ours - we do not always agree with our leaders, but our prayers for them should never cease.

This morning, as the dust settles, I can't help but think about the money - over one billion - spent on the two campaigns. If we really believed in being a beacon of hope - how many hungry stomachs could have been filled, how many inner-city homeless centers could have been renovated, how much real "change" could have been effected through that amount?

In 2012 we will know so much more about what happened last night... in the final analysis - we must learn that if we place our hope in politicians and policies we will no doubt be disappointed in the end - our trust must be in the one who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. It is the revolution that began in a manger, went to the cross, and vacated a tomb that remains as the only true hope of the world - Jesus.

a night with coldplay

2008-11-04T15:25:00.000-05:00

Sunday night I was given the invitation to go see coldplay... no charge for the ticket - just go... so, of course, I was in. And hours later, I was in.
The show was phenomenal from an audio/visual perspective - the creativity in lighting, atmosphere, art, and sound was unlike anything I've seen live, save U2. There were absolutely some surreal moments within the two hour set...

Coldplay is incredibly innovative in the "sound" they have created and owned in their reign spanning at least the last five years. The music combined with the "raw" nature of their expression in performance is a combination that provides a very unique experience. Yeah, I just really enjoyed the show.

As I took it all in, I found myself thinking deeply, and asking a few questions - at the outset of this blog I promised thoughts, some random, some not - with no further adieu...

Coldplay's songs are filled with spiritual themes...throughout their litany of lyrics they ask deep questions and have inspiring thoughts: songs like "Viva La Vida," "The Scientist," "Fix You," "Death and all of his Friends," "42," and "Cemeteries of London" amongst so many others, have some thought provoking stuff to say the least. Having said that, it's pretty clear to me that their intent has been and will remain to ask the questions not answer them... I think the songs represent the questions they have been asking in their own journey.
I have to say - It's breath-taking to see thousands of people join together in song, many of these also expressed themselves in ways that I have come to know as expressions of worship...closed eyes, the clapping and lifting of their hands, dancing freely to the melodic riffs and rhythms. As I watched all of this I thought about everyone who, like me, was taking this in. The important questions that are asked...about life and death, about meaning, about purpose - "am I part of the cure, or part of the disease..." all of these questions - where do the thousands go to get their answers? Or is it just a concert, nothing more, nothing less - life goes on, status quo- tomorrow.
I guess what I love about coldplay is that they challenge us to think with conviction - not only this but to act with conviction, as they challenge their listeners to get involved in the fight against poverty and injustice. Asking the questions humans have asked in the best and worst of times (and everything in between) is inspiring and no doubt, important. But as much as that inspires me, it scares me - there is great power in asking questions...there is so much more in finding an answer. I still ask some the questions they inspire - and yet I have found Jesus to be the only real hope of the world... He is the remedy. The members of the band called coldplay may very well share these sentiments - I hope so - I don't know

an amazing show, wow -the music was so good...and I left with more questions than answers - but I didn't come seeking answers - and the impetus was not on coldplay to provide them

I walked away from a jammed arena with great hope that those who asked those questions, wouldn't stop there...but seek the answer - and find it in the one who called himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life. ... I'm haunted by the thought that so many who find themselves deeply inspired by coldplay, never become part of the cure, and end up wrapped in the confusion of a disease-ridden world where their questions are never really answered.

"No I don't want to battle from beginning to end,"
"I don't want a cylce of recycled revenge,"
"I don't want to follow death and all of his friends,"
"And in the end, we lie awake, and we dream of making our escape."

podcasts...

2008-10-28T16:46:00.000-04:00

podcasts are awesome... through the magic of the "interweb" we are so connected. I love to hear from a variety of voices - For those of us in Church leadership I think it is important, even crucial - for us to listen to and read everything we can, chew on it, and check it with God's Word.

I just finished listening to a message from Greg Boyd at Mars Hill Bible from this past weekend. I'm just getting to know Greg - through the pages of his books, blogs, and now this... I'm not sure we agree on everything... in fact, I know we don't - and that's ok. I'm with Him on this:

"The only gain is Christ, the only thing that matters is Christ, to be in Christ is to participate in His resurrection power, participate in the love of the Father, and also to participate in His kingdom building activity in this world, which means living a crucified life...
and that's not bad news, that's good news," Greg Boyd 10.26.08

I love this guy...

2008-10-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

As I listen again to "Only You" by Crowder, a few thoughts come to mind: The scene of Christian music has changed dramatically in the last 10 years... when I was a senior in high school, I had so much trouble finding something of high quality that I could really connect with... I'm amazed by the music... especially the worship music that is being made today.
The most recent Passion World Tour: God of this City is just awesome. What I love about these guys in particular is their accessibility - they are totally rock stars, and totally humble - is that possible? Thanks David, Chris, Matt, Charlie, Tim, and so many others for helping me to express my love for Jesus, and lead others to do the same.

a few thoughts on songwriting

2008-10-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

after recently writing a song, finishing it, presenting it, and then hearing our people sing it - a few thoughts come to mind

writing a song is an outward demonstration of something inward

songs that have risen from within a community or church can hold such deeper meaning than those that come from outside said groups

I dream of a day when we are singing songs at Orchards that come directly from what God is doing in and through us as His people... songs of transformation

I have a lot to learn about song writing... a lot

goldmine in merton

2008-10-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

after recently reading "The Shack" and while in the middle of "Letters from a Skeptic," I felt a strong desire to tip the balance a bit with something... different. I left the bookstore with "No Man is an Island," from Thomas Merton. I've read Merton before and some Nouwen as well (it seems those two are always mentioned together, so I'll follow suit). I'm not sure I was ready for it before... I'm finding that I need to read Merton differently than I would read other authors - it's enjoyed best when I read slowly and savor each word, kind of like a really good cup of coffee. In the midst of everything I'm trying to read, I'm glad I came across this book at this time...

"Our love for one another must be rooted in a deep devotion to Divine Providence, a devotion that abandons our own limited plans into the hands of God and seeks only to enter into the invisible work that builds His kingdom," Thomas Merton.

ORDAINED

2008-10-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

I was ordained on Sunday... "to designate, appoint, or place the pastor as a trusted overseer in the body of Christ." Trusted overseer... given much - much responsibility.

In retrospect it was a pretty amazing day - even surreal at times - Surrounded by family, friends, and a community of faith that I have come to love so much. There was laughter, tears, embraces, prayers, and a clear challenge - to live for God's purpose in my generation.

I'm still processing it all, but a few things were so crystal clear to me:
we were given life - we need to give it away
relationships are truly what matter
the message of Jesus is supreme to all other forms of "good news"
the commitment to ministry is extreme and worth everything that comes with it - good and bad
and - the Orchards Community is not your "run of the mill" community of faith

...
"Do you feel inwardly persuaded and led by the Holy Spirit to take upon you the office of the ministry of the Gospel, to serve God in the Church of Christ, to the honor and glory of His Holy name?
...

Of this I am persuaded

signs, signs, everywhere signs

2008-10-02T09:01:00.000-04:00

here are a few observations from my drive into the office this morning:
- fall in Michigan is absolutely breath-taking - the air was so crisp this morning, the colors radiant, the sky so incredibly blue... just awesome
- I probably need to cut my grass
- on my street alone I discovered a 50/50 distribution of signs in dedication of allegiance to Obama and McCain. In some ways, it didn't surprise me... and in some ways it really did. I guess I'd like to ask them what qualities about their chosen candidate have given them so much confidence in their ability to lead the country. I'm honestly doing my best to keep an open mind and listen to both candidates, but it's so cluttered and confused by the spin of talking heads everywhere. I wish I could have Barack and John over for a cookout and just talk... but I'm not sure that even an environment as simple as that would change them much. It's good to keep our heads up and ears open in times like these... having said that I'm still convinced that the love of Jesus is the only thing that truly brings about a change that I can believe in.

a sad year to be a Tiger Fan

2008-09-30T13:11:00.000-04:00

It was a tough year to be such a die-hard Tiger fan... high expectations - low return. As disappointing as this season was, I'll be back next April - sky high with expecation - hoping it will be "the year." The consistent hope that tomorrow will be better than today - one of the best of many ways baseball mirrors life...

"read with discernment"

2008-09-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

just as a tag to what I wrote earlier this week on "The Shack" ... I heard from a friend who was working at a Christian bookstore at the time of its release... after a few days, panic set in and they pulled it from the shelves with a disclaimer... wait for it... "Read with Discernment." While they were at it they added this disclaimer to everything written by Donald Miller and Rob Bell too.

How funny is that? As my friend pointed out, wouldn't you want that disclaimer on everything in a Christian bookstore... in fact, I think it might serve as an excellent pre-purchase primer for every Bible they have, in every translation - especially the message ;)

on a side note - I can't wait to be together again with the Orchards Community. There has been an even keener sense of expecation building inside as we approach the weekend.
May His Kingdom come, May His Will be done

welcome back Michael Scott

2008-09-25T09:48:00.000-04:00

I've been finding less and less time to watch tv in recent days, but I will block out some time tonight for the return of Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Kevin, and everyone else from Dunder Mifflin and the Scranton Branch... I'm not sure if it is just the way I'm wired, but there are very few things that make me laugh out loud, "the office" is one... here's to laughter

check out the video...let's boogie

2008-09-24T11:17:00.000-04:00

I found this amazing video (in my video bar on the right) on Dan Kimball's blog... I could not contain my laughter
Watch it and wait for the key word... "zap"

our own worst critics

2008-09-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

I'm taking my house church through "The Shack" by William Young... I have found this book to be a great source of inspiration, thought provoking, and even a bit tear jerking. Admidittedly the portrayals of the members of the Trinity are far from what I was taught in earning my degree in Christian Ministry, I guess I just never had the problem with seeing this as a beautiful work of fiction... not "A Weslyan Holiness Tradition," part deux. I'm looking forward to hearing from my group on what it brings out in them... maybe inspiration - maybe disgust. The most important thing in all of this is the conversation - that might seem to be a dangerous concept to some - but I think it can be an incredible thing, as long as we do not compromise on the foundation and truth of God's Word.

Some people that I have respect for have warned against reading the Shack... (colson, driscoll, to name a couple)... To me, it's just another case of us being our own worst critics - shutting out what may be exactly what someone needs to trust God or maybe trust Him again.

The saddest thing is that we spend so much time biting at each other, the world continues to turn... and the deep problems we face - which I believe are answered in Jesus - go another day no closer to solution.

Maybe I'll regret choosing the Shack as a discussion point for our group... I don't think so - But I can tell you this, I will not regret reading it or sharing it. And I refuse to put harsh limits on what God might use to bring people to Himself... There are so many who need to hear about His great love for them which was and is most definitively manifested in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazereth.

I hope I will continue to read books that I might disagree with, and books that challege me, in addition to some that reinforce my current understanding of the amazing God I live for and serve. I hope and pray I can limit my biting, and open myself more and more to the transforming work of God through any author, song, story, or medium He chooses.