One of the things I most appreciate about the Word of God is the honesty of the various authors. No one tried to hide the truth; David was an adulterer, murderer, a lousy father, and struggled with the events surrounding his life. Elijah was so depressed that he wanted to die under a broom tree. Paul struggled with sin, doing things he knew he should not do and not doing what he was supposed to do. Job had his trials and questioned God. Even Jesus cried out from the cross about being forsaken by the Father. (I recognize that these words were for those within ear shot so that they would finish the Messianic 22nd Psalm). Still the writers of the gospels shared the sighs of Jesus, his frustration at times with the people, and even asking God to take away the cup of affliction. The psalmist share their struggles with God and life's deepest questions. Jonah complained about the mission field to which God sent him. Nothing is hidden from our sight because God is the God of truth. The people of the Bible had real struggles and real doubts. While in prison John the Baptist asked if Jesus were truly the promised one, that is real life. You get the idea, the Bible is honest about life and our relationship with God.
Yet, in the church today we put on fake smiles and tell others how blessed and highly favored we are when in actuality we are hurting, struggling, and unsure where God is in the midst of our storm. Unfortunately, today honesty is missing in many of our churches. Job's friends are quick to show up in the form of well meaning saints who instead of bearing with us in our time of need are quick to point out all that we have done wrong. If we share our concerns, struggles, and even doubts someone will tell us if we just had faith or if we would just pray more or if we would just sow more than we could reap more things and life would go better for us. I believe all of these things because I have seen them in action but it does not make the struggle any easier. We live by pithy idioms or as I call them, bumper sticker theology. Life is more than about easy words or catchy phrases. You cannot just smile your troubles away. Life is about a relationship with a Heavenly Father and in any relationship there will be some struggles. Even Jacob wrestled with God. Because we cannot be honest with one another little true ministry is actually being done in our churches. People are afraid of being honest in the one place that it should be safe to be honest, the church. We are afraid of what people will think or say about our struggle or even our questioning of God. We are worried that we will be thought less of because of our struggles. Yet, it is in the midst of the struggle that we often find God. It as we are crying out to Him that He will answer. It is in the midst of the dark night that we discover the truths of God's Word. It is as if the deep calls unto the deep and God will once again assure of His sovereignty and love for us. Let us be honest with one another as we walk in grace and truth with one another, loving each as a fellow traveller along the road of life.
Yet, it is in these places of strife that we truly encounter the living God. God showed up to answer Job and explained his actions to Jonah. Again, it is about the relationship. Struggle brings us closer to God because we are being honest about where we are and what we wrestling with. God knows our thoughts so we just need to be honest with ourselves and others. So many struggling people are being pushed out of the church because there must be something wrong with them if they are questioning or having difficulties. There is nothing wrong with these people, they are just being honest in where they are with God. I am like the man in the book of Mark, Lord I believe but help me in my unbelief.
May we bear with one another in love and grace as we struggle with the things of life.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Maintaining Balance
Throughout the Bible you notice balance in the counsel of Scripture. God worked six days and rested one. There is balance between ceremonial laws and social justice. Jesus exhibited balance in that He came in the fullness of grace and truth. Even the earth is perfectly balanced, tilted at just the right angle, at just the right distance from the sun, with just the right mass so that it stays in the proper orbit. Whole ecosystems must be in balance or they will collapse. Yet, balance is often missing in the church and in the lives of believers. I have always struggled with trying to maintain balance in my own life. Even before ministry the balance of career and family was a weakness on my part. In the beginning of my time as a pastor the Holy Spirit strongly impressed upon my heart that I had forsaken the two I loved the most, the Father and my wife. I was so busy doing ministry and working that I was not spending the time I should have with either God or my wife and my relationship with both suffered. My life was out of balance diminishing my effectiveness for the kingdom, harming my family, and effecting my health.
In the church today there is a lack of balance in the teaching and ministry emphasis of many churches. It is as if the church has developed the corporate mentality of specialization or worse, marketing a product. If you are into faith then this is the church for you. If you are more into grace then this church is for you. The church down the street is really into social justice but rarely teaches on repentance. This church is known for it's music but does little or no outreach so you won't be made to feel uncomfortable. Choose the church which fits your individual preferences and if you cannot find just the right church, just wait and one will started with you in mind. While I am being somewhat facetious, there is a lot of truth in this observation. Early in my ministry I had a person tell me the best services took place when the preacher never preached and people just praised God in song (lack of balance). Somewhere along the way we have forgotten about the whole counsel of God. Yet, Paul told the elders of Ephesus that he had shared with them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
In order for disciples to be raised-up and communities transformed we need for the church to be balanced in all of it's teaching. Yes, there are different gifts and different anointings but they should be working together and not competing against one another through specialization and marketing. With balance comes the tools for a person to develop from being an infant believer to being a disciple of Jesus. The full counsel of God will challenge how we view ourselves and others. The whole counsel of God is a must as we seek to see lives transformed and communities won over to Christ. Let us pray for more wisdom and greater revelation in this time of turmoil and uncertainty in our land. The church and the world will need the full counsel of God in the days ahead.
In the church today there is a lack of balance in the teaching and ministry emphasis of many churches. It is as if the church has developed the corporate mentality of specialization or worse, marketing a product. If you are into faith then this is the church for you. If you are more into grace then this church is for you. The church down the street is really into social justice but rarely teaches on repentance. This church is known for it's music but does little or no outreach so you won't be made to feel uncomfortable. Choose the church which fits your individual preferences and if you cannot find just the right church, just wait and one will started with you in mind. While I am being somewhat facetious, there is a lot of truth in this observation. Early in my ministry I had a person tell me the best services took place when the preacher never preached and people just praised God in song (lack of balance). Somewhere along the way we have forgotten about the whole counsel of God. Yet, Paul told the elders of Ephesus that he had shared with them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
In order for disciples to be raised-up and communities transformed we need for the church to be balanced in all of it's teaching. Yes, there are different gifts and different anointings but they should be working together and not competing against one another through specialization and marketing. With balance comes the tools for a person to develop from being an infant believer to being a disciple of Jesus. The full counsel of God will challenge how we view ourselves and others. The whole counsel of God is a must as we seek to see lives transformed and communities won over to Christ. Let us pray for more wisdom and greater revelation in this time of turmoil and uncertainty in our land. The church and the world will need the full counsel of God in the days ahead.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Market Place Ministry
Recently I was blessed with a temporary job for which I was very thankful. The job itself was very menial and required no skills because all I had to do was scan badges. For a period of eight very chilly days I stood at the back of two buildings greeting people as they came and went scanning their badges. All types of people attend this event from all over the world and the experience was wonderful because during that time the Holy Spirit either taught me something or reminded me of a truth.
The first lesson was to learn to be content in everything. Because I viewed this job as a blessing it kept me from thinking, "here I am with all this education doing a job anyone could do." Someone made the comment to me about how boring the job must be and I responded it was like watching paint dry except for the people. As I stood at my post for those eight days I watched the world walk by me. There were those that were obviously affluent, others just getting by, and others were very poor looking for help. This is a reminder that Jesus came for all people and not just some. For eight days I had the opportunity to truly watch the leaves of the trees across the street change colors which was a reminder of how everything praises God and daily his paint brush is actively at work in creation. For eight days I was content because God's hand was in that place.
Second, I had the blessing of seeing the goodness of people in action towards me. On one particularly chilly morning one gentleman offered me his overcoat because he thought I looked cold. Each day one of the ladies who was working would bring me pecan pastries from her company to drink with the coffee that a caterer would give me to warm me up. If there was left over food the same caterer would bring me a plate that had been served to customers and sales staff. Different ones offered to get me a drink or told me to help myself to a cup of coffee or water any time I wanted. Most people are good hearted.
Even though it was a temporary job this place where God placed me turned into a ministry. It was not a matter of telling anyone that I was a minister or a follower of Jesus, it was just loving and respecting each person regardless of their station in life or even their lifestyle. We do not have to be religious, yuck, we just have to follow Jesus and love people. People will know that you are different not because of a cross you wear but because of the peace, joy, and love they see in you. As I was standing there each day the Holy Spirit would whisper, "I want you to pray this way for this person or this is the need in that person's life". Nothing more profound other than listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being obedient. In that time God even would give me a word for someone that I was able to bring forth in a non-threatening over spiritualized way that was accurate and received, that brought glory to God. There were others that I would have the opportunity to pray with as I developed relationships by being friendly, holding doors, and being of help beyond what the job required. As I was being friendly every day and just being me, finding common ground with different people regardless of position, from janitors to company owners and presidents, it created an opportunity for me to share my story, not because I forced it because they asked. There were multiple people who would share the problems their pastor or church faced and I was able to share some wisdom and suggest ways how they could help their church or pastor. This only happened after a number of days of being friendly and helpful to every person I saw. By the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony Satan is overcome (Rev 12:11 my translation). I found that my story ministered to individuals and often times would bless them. One gentleman after hearing my story and heart for those in need gave me a check to be used as I saw fit. This money was forwarded to a local ministry that feeds the hungry. I share this because each of us have a story and ministry is far beyond the walls of the church.
Finally, this job was a reminder that there are no insignificant people in God's kingdom. I had no authority, no title, and no status. Some people would look past me as if I did not exist, did not matter, and they wanted to act if I was a non-entity, ignoring me. This did not keep me from speaking to them or being helpful each time I saw them but rather gave me the opportunity to pray blessings for them in my spirit. These folks were definitely in the minority and need a touch of heaven. In the Father's world everyone is significant and is created in His image. There is no one who should be ignored and brushed past. How easy is it in the church to ignore the least of these? Scripture exhorts us time and time again to treat each person with dignity and respect, to submit to one another, and to love each person. Yet, even in the church, we show preferential treatment. Let us begin to have the eyes of Jesus and the heart of the Father to see each person as special in God's sight.
The first lesson was to learn to be content in everything. Because I viewed this job as a blessing it kept me from thinking, "here I am with all this education doing a job anyone could do." Someone made the comment to me about how boring the job must be and I responded it was like watching paint dry except for the people. As I stood at my post for those eight days I watched the world walk by me. There were those that were obviously affluent, others just getting by, and others were very poor looking for help. This is a reminder that Jesus came for all people and not just some. For eight days I had the opportunity to truly watch the leaves of the trees across the street change colors which was a reminder of how everything praises God and daily his paint brush is actively at work in creation. For eight days I was content because God's hand was in that place.
Second, I had the blessing of seeing the goodness of people in action towards me. On one particularly chilly morning one gentleman offered me his overcoat because he thought I looked cold. Each day one of the ladies who was working would bring me pecan pastries from her company to drink with the coffee that a caterer would give me to warm me up. If there was left over food the same caterer would bring me a plate that had been served to customers and sales staff. Different ones offered to get me a drink or told me to help myself to a cup of coffee or water any time I wanted. Most people are good hearted.
Even though it was a temporary job this place where God placed me turned into a ministry. It was not a matter of telling anyone that I was a minister or a follower of Jesus, it was just loving and respecting each person regardless of their station in life or even their lifestyle. We do not have to be religious, yuck, we just have to follow Jesus and love people. People will know that you are different not because of a cross you wear but because of the peace, joy, and love they see in you. As I was standing there each day the Holy Spirit would whisper, "I want you to pray this way for this person or this is the need in that person's life". Nothing more profound other than listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being obedient. In that time God even would give me a word for someone that I was able to bring forth in a non-threatening over spiritualized way that was accurate and received, that brought glory to God. There were others that I would have the opportunity to pray with as I developed relationships by being friendly, holding doors, and being of help beyond what the job required. As I was being friendly every day and just being me, finding common ground with different people regardless of position, from janitors to company owners and presidents, it created an opportunity for me to share my story, not because I forced it because they asked. There were multiple people who would share the problems their pastor or church faced and I was able to share some wisdom and suggest ways how they could help their church or pastor. This only happened after a number of days of being friendly and helpful to every person I saw. By the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony Satan is overcome (Rev 12:11 my translation). I found that my story ministered to individuals and often times would bless them. One gentleman after hearing my story and heart for those in need gave me a check to be used as I saw fit. This money was forwarded to a local ministry that feeds the hungry. I share this because each of us have a story and ministry is far beyond the walls of the church.
Finally, this job was a reminder that there are no insignificant people in God's kingdom. I had no authority, no title, and no status. Some people would look past me as if I did not exist, did not matter, and they wanted to act if I was a non-entity, ignoring me. This did not keep me from speaking to them or being helpful each time I saw them but rather gave me the opportunity to pray blessings for them in my spirit. These folks were definitely in the minority and need a touch of heaven. In the Father's world everyone is significant and is created in His image. There is no one who should be ignored and brushed past. How easy is it in the church to ignore the least of these? Scripture exhorts us time and time again to treat each person with dignity and respect, to submit to one another, and to love each person. Yet, even in the church, we show preferential treatment. Let us begin to have the eyes of Jesus and the heart of the Father to see each person as special in God's sight.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Pastor Appreciation-Beyond Pastor Appreciation Month
Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:41 that we will receive a prophet's reward when we receive the prophet and we will receive the righteous man's reward when we receive a righteous man. These are powerful words for the church to live by in regard to their pastor. If a pastor is seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in his ministry and is sharing the Word of God as directed by the Spirit then he is a prophet, revealing the things of God. If this same pastor is walking in the way of righteousness then he is a righteous man. So often churches are bankrupt spiritually and financially because they are not receiving-honoring-the prophet that Jesus has placed before them in the person of their pastor. Below are some suggestions on how to honor and support your pastor.
First and foremost, pray for your pastor, his ministry, his marriage, his family, and his health. Pastors are under constant spiritual attack by the enemy. Scripture tells us that if you strike the pastor the sheep will flee (Mark 14:27). Pastors are very human with feet of clay and have the same struggles as everyone else. No, their marriages are not perfect and they have rough times like others sitting in the pew. Statistics show that 50% of all pastors marriages will end in divorce with approximately 40% of them having an affair at some point in their ministry. A pastor's child/PK will get in trouble and will not always be the little angel that everyone dreams of having. Often times they get in trouble because of the youth in their own church. Pray against discouragement and that you pastor will be filled with joy and wisdom. Pray for your pastor's health and well being. Just as you are praying blessings there are others praying curses upon the pastor.
Second, honor your pastor's time as he prepares for Sunday and spends time with his family. Many pastoral families miss their dad or mom being at events or even family meals because of emergencies and church obligations. The time with family is precious because children spell love-TIME. Encourage your pastor to take vacations and time off from ministry obligations. As a bi-vocational pastor my average week between my work and the church was ninety hours a week. Even after leaving my career I would average over sixty hours per week doing ministry. To prepare a good sermon can take as much time as twenty hours a week by the time you consider the prayer time, research, preparation, and more time of prayer. Once while at another church I heard someone tell their pastor that all they had to do was work three hours a week what was the big deal. Being a pastor goes way beyond the Sunday morning service into the dark hours of the laboring in prayer for the flock. Pastors are on call twenty-four hours a day every day.
Third, honor your commitments to the church and the pastor. If you say that you are going to do something then follow through and do not leave the pastor holding the bag. One of the things I have noticed as a follower of Jesus is that promises are often hollow and of little value among believers. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Fourth, submit to your pastor so that his work may not be a burden but rather a joy (Heb 13:17). None of us agree totally with those that are over us yet we are to submit to their leadership. If you have a problem with something your pastor is doing or has said, then go and talk with him. We may not agree with their rational or methods but we are to support them unless it is against Scripture. Then, if it is a matter of Scripture, then we deal with the issue with grace and love. Too often we share our discontent with others instead of going to the source, which leads to seeds of strife being sown. The lack of submission is one reason we have so many church splits and we are not one as Jesus prayed we should be (John 17).
Finally, be that mighty person of valor for your pastor. Stand in the gap when they are weary and discouraged. Protect them from the daggers of hurtful words. Rebuke those that speak ill of the pastor and his family. Above all love them and show them the same grace Jesus has shown towards each of us. They are men and women that Jesus has given as a gift to the local church, honor them
There are many other things I could write about how to honor and support your pastor. Most of all love them, show grace at all times, pray for them, and stand with them as they participate with you in the expansion of God's kingdom.
If you would like more information on how to honor your pastor please feel free to contact me.
First and foremost, pray for your pastor, his ministry, his marriage, his family, and his health. Pastors are under constant spiritual attack by the enemy. Scripture tells us that if you strike the pastor the sheep will flee (Mark 14:27). Pastors are very human with feet of clay and have the same struggles as everyone else. No, their marriages are not perfect and they have rough times like others sitting in the pew. Statistics show that 50% of all pastors marriages will end in divorce with approximately 40% of them having an affair at some point in their ministry. A pastor's child/PK will get in trouble and will not always be the little angel that everyone dreams of having. Often times they get in trouble because of the youth in their own church. Pray against discouragement and that you pastor will be filled with joy and wisdom. Pray for your pastor's health and well being. Just as you are praying blessings there are others praying curses upon the pastor.
Second, honor your pastor's time as he prepares for Sunday and spends time with his family. Many pastoral families miss their dad or mom being at events or even family meals because of emergencies and church obligations. The time with family is precious because children spell love-TIME. Encourage your pastor to take vacations and time off from ministry obligations. As a bi-vocational pastor my average week between my work and the church was ninety hours a week. Even after leaving my career I would average over sixty hours per week doing ministry. To prepare a good sermon can take as much time as twenty hours a week by the time you consider the prayer time, research, preparation, and more time of prayer. Once while at another church I heard someone tell their pastor that all they had to do was work three hours a week what was the big deal. Being a pastor goes way beyond the Sunday morning service into the dark hours of the laboring in prayer for the flock. Pastors are on call twenty-four hours a day every day.
Third, honor your commitments to the church and the pastor. If you say that you are going to do something then follow through and do not leave the pastor holding the bag. One of the things I have noticed as a follower of Jesus is that promises are often hollow and of little value among believers. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Fourth, submit to your pastor so that his work may not be a burden but rather a joy (Heb 13:17). None of us agree totally with those that are over us yet we are to submit to their leadership. If you have a problem with something your pastor is doing or has said, then go and talk with him. We may not agree with their rational or methods but we are to support them unless it is against Scripture. Then, if it is a matter of Scripture, then we deal with the issue with grace and love. Too often we share our discontent with others instead of going to the source, which leads to seeds of strife being sown. The lack of submission is one reason we have so many church splits and we are not one as Jesus prayed we should be (John 17).
Finally, be that mighty person of valor for your pastor. Stand in the gap when they are weary and discouraged. Protect them from the daggers of hurtful words. Rebuke those that speak ill of the pastor and his family. Above all love them and show them the same grace Jesus has shown towards each of us. They are men and women that Jesus has given as a gift to the local church, honor them
There are many other things I could write about how to honor and support your pastor. Most of all love them, show grace at all times, pray for them, and stand with them as they participate with you in the expansion of God's kingdom.
If you would like more information on how to honor your pastor please feel free to contact me.
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