To read something I disagree with on the Internet is not an unusual thing. When what I disagree with comes from a source that I respect – highly respect – it makes me somewhat uncomfortable. When the source I respect seems to oppose what I hold, well that is just down-right disappointing.
But that is the experience I have had these past few days while reading 9 Marks January/February 2010 e-Journal.
The eyes of America are turned toward Haiti, and hearts are going out to that poorest country in the Western Hemishpere, too. Like many, it is with great interest I am watching the news and hearing of all the tangible aid that is going to the people who were tragically impacted by that 7.0 eathquake.
I am glad to see people moved in this way – both people of faith and faithless people. I am glad because every resident of Haiti is a creature made after the image of God – as am I, as are we all. As those made in the image of God the people of Haiti have an inherent value. Thus all attempts to alleviate their suffering is a proper response to their present plight. Their inherent value as bearers of the image of God demands it.
But one question remains in my mind: What is the objective of this relief? Are we simply trying to help these people to put thier lives back together the way they were before the earhtquake?
That hardly seems much better than their current circumstances.
If you know anything about Haiti you know it is a vivid illustration of contrasts: The natural beuaty of creation inhabited by the ugliness of humanity. Not only is it the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but it is also perhaps the most corrupt, unstable, and ungodly. By no reasonable measure was life good even before the earthquake that has rocked their world.
Here is a little background on Haiti:
Explored by Columbus on Dec. 6, 1492, Haiti’s native Arawaks fell victim to Spanish rule. In 1697, Haiti became the French colony of Saint-Dominique, which became a leading sugarcane producer dependent on slaves. In 1791, an insurrection erupted among the slave population of 480,000, resulting in a declaration of independence by Pierre-Dominique Toussaint l’Ouverture in 1801. Napoléon Bonaparte suppressed the independence movement, but it eventually triumphed in 1804 under Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who gave the new nation the Arawak name Haiti . It was the world’s first independent black republic. (Source: Countries of the World)
What is less known and less reported is that during the 1791 revolution the slaves in revolt dedicated the island to Satan. In their eyes, Satan was seen to be the opposition of the (pretense of) Christianity their oppressors instituted. Subsequently and consequently, despite a long history of being a Roman Catholic Church-State, (which ended in 1987,) Voodooism is the real religion of the island. Even 75% of the professing Catholics in Haiti practice voodoo.
With voodoo as the prevailing religon, is it any wonder that instability, injustice, and treachery are marks of this civilization?
As aid pours into Haiti, my hope is that it would be accompanied by even more prayer. Haiti needs a change at its very core. The people who live there, made after the image of God, need a major work of God. My hope is that this earthquake has prepared the people to recieve it.
Let me encourage you, each time you see Haiti on the news, in these coming days and week, in addition to any tangible assitance God may lead you to offer, take a moment to offer prayer for the transformation of that island. To aid you in aiding the people of Haiti through informed prayer check out Operation World: Haiti.
May God make beauty from the ashes of Haiti. (Isaiah 61.3)
While hearts were breaking in Tennessee on Tuesday, because a football coach bailed and jumped onto a Trojan ship, lives were being shattered in Haiti. It is amazing how such news puts things in proper perspective.
During this week friends and church members have asked if there is anything they can do to provide relief to the effected islanders, if there is any avenue through which they can contribute. There are many good organizations working through this tragedy, but I want to take a moment to highlight one: Minutemen for Missions.
Minutemen for Missions is an arm of Mission to the World. Those who sign up to be Minutemen (and women) are kept posted about disasters around the world, prayer needs, and opportunities to send support. There is no specific expectation every time there is a natural disaster, but you will be notified and kept informed about the situations. It is up to each individual to determine what, or if, they will do in response.
Minutemen is a hand of compassion as an extension of MTW’s regular, church plating, ministries.
OK. I know. A lot of people don’t like Tony Campolo. A lot of my friends don’t like Tony Campolo. I know he’s “too liberal”. I know John MacArthur flatly states that Campolo “misses the central teaching of the Bible“. I know he was once tried in ecclesaistical court for heresy.
But still, you must admit, he can tell a great story! And sometimes he makes a great point.
Watch the video above. Then tell me:
For the past couple of days I’ve been involved in a discussion on Justin Taylor’s blog, Between Two Worlds. The discussion was prompted when Justin posted a Tweeted quote from J.D. Greear:
“Preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words” is like saying: “Tell me your phone number, if necessary use digits.”
Greear’s clever and pithy defense of the importance of preaching and substantive evangelism is set up as opposite of the quote famously attributed to Francis of Assisi:
“Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.”
The original quote, whether by Francis or not, is intended to express the importance of Gospel-driven actions. However, it is also a quote that has often been associated with those who promote a Social Gospel – an attempt to meet tangible needs, often with little or no concern for regeneration, conversion, or spiritual transformation.
The conversation includes people who both agree and disagree with Greear. As one who wants to see both Word & Deed – who believes both Word & Deed are necessary to properly reflect the ministry of Christ and the Kingdom of God – I have really appreciated comments from all sides.
I will not restate my comments in this discussion in this post. If you are interested, you can check them out for yourself. But I will say, for those who choose to check it out, my comments are slanted toward one side of this discussion in a way that does not completely reflect my more holistic view. But, when I first commented, one side far out-numbered the other.
To check out or join the discussion, click: A Wordless Gospel.
So Mark McGwire has admitted to using steroids during his playing days. No! You don’t say?! Next someone will tell me that O.J. Simpson was not a Ward Cleaver-like husband. What would be next after that?
Actually I am glad McGwire finally came clean. But I don’t think I believe he has offered complete disclosure. For instance:
I am not sure I can buy as fact that his sole motive was the medicinal value. McGwire stated that he began using steroids during a stint on the DL, hoping that they would help him recover more quickly. Ostensibly he continued to use them both to recover from the nicks and pains of the long seasons and as a preventative measure against further injuries.
Even if that was the initial motive, Mark, at no time during usage did you ever consider the competitive advantages? PLEASE!
Secondly, when asked if he thought he would have hit the requisite number of homers to break Roger Maris’ single season record had he not been on steroids, McGwire offered a lame, indefinite response. In effect, he said: “I had good seasons and bad seasons when I used steroids. I had good seasons and bad seasons when I did not use steroids.”
One way to measure the effect, Mark, might be to take your 3 best HR seasons into consideration, and tell us if you were on the juice during those seasons. If the answer is “Yes”, then I think you might safely surmise that your performance was supplemented.
My questions aside, I am glad McGwire has made the admission. He has apparently got the point (needle pun intended) that American sports fans are often more willing to overlook the indiscretions of those they believe are forthcoming. Maybe Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens will soon follow.
Now, go ahead, put McGwire in the Hall of Fame. Let’s put this all behind us and move on.
There is a real sense I am not sure I care that he was on steroids. At least not from a baseball standpoint. The fact is, while people talk about his “cheating”, there was no rule against using steroids in Major League Baseball.
I am not being soft on steroids. I am glad that professional sports are cracking down on these synthetic performance enhancers. But, in short, if he didn’t break the rules, he should not be excluded from the fraternity.
While it is questionable that he would have had HOF numbers apart from the drugs, let’s get real: It is a Hall of FAME, not sacred post. And few players have ever been as famous for their play – legal play, mind you – as McGwire was during the late ’90’s.
If someone needs to be hung in effigy, it seems to me it ought to be Baseball Commish Bud Selig. He knew full well what was going on around the league, but chose to look the other way AND keep the performance enhancers legal. And more recently he has violated promised immunity to players who willingly submitted to drug tests so that MLB could ascertain the extent of the steroid epidemic.
Selig is the snake.
McGwire and the other players were just stupid.
As a pastor from a confessional denomination one of the more difficult tasks I regularly – even constantly – encounter is helping people past a distatse for doctrine.
I understand why so many are so often hesitant to embrace any system of doctrine. “Doctrine divides” is a commen lament. And, regretably, it is often an accurate one. I see many who are at odds with others over secondary principles. Another issue is that sometimes those who are the strongest proponents of sound theology carry rather “ugly” attitudes. Looking at life, and the church, with a singular perspective (as opposed to tri-perspectival) some assume that mere apprehension and submission to a system of doctrine is the only thing that matters. As one of my old pastors often said: “Their theology is dead right – but mostly dead.”
Of course there are other reasons to be considered.
The historical influence of the Second Great Awakening continues to infect large portions of the American church. One of the most significant effects is that many Christians, and a number of church traditions, are flarly anti-intellectual. Their faith is almost entirely “feelings” built aroud a few simple theological propositions.
And maybe the biggest hurdle is that developing a comprehensive understanding of a system of theology is, simply, hard work. Like learning anything, it is challenging and takes time and study.
Whatever the reasons for hesitancy, I maintain it is still important. In this brief video Tim Keller affirms the benefits of sound doctrine. In fact he asserts, I believe correctly, that everyone already lives out their theology…
If this so, it would seem important to think it all through.
Hats off to Alabama’s Crimson Tide. A dominating defense carried them to their eighth NCAA Football Championship – the first in nearly 20 years. Two 100 yard rushers on offense not only drained the clock, but in the end also drained what was left of the spirit of the out manned Texas Longhorns. Texas played a commendable second half, but the outcome was almost completely in the books before the first quarter ended.
Despite the Tide’s dominating performance Thursday night, more than one headline I have seen since has declared Alabama’s undisputed National Championship “mysterious”. What was the mystery? People can only wonder what would have been had Texas All American QB Colt McCoy not suffered a game ending shoulder injury during the first drive.
I think specualtion is good, though. Taking nothing away from Alabama, this game will be far longer remembered because of the “What If” than for any other reason. It lends an element of specualtion to non-Alabama supporters. It promotes enjoyable arguments about who was really best that will go on until the ball is teed-up next September – and maybe longer than that for Longhorns left wanting.
It also shows that college football does NOT need a playoff.
Despite the TV commentators and executives who are crying for a championship, what would that prove? If the argument is that the championship should be settled on the field because any other way leaves a shred of doubt as to who is the actual champ, this game shows that even if a game is played the outcome can still be shrouded in doubts. What will a series of such games prove – other than the networks can make a few more dollars?
But I think this “controversy” is good for the game, and for the sports fan. It gives people something to talk about. I don’t think a playoff would add anything. In fact I will hate to see it when it eventually comes to be.
Alabama is the champion. They earned it.
BUT what if…?
I’ve been a fan of Brit Hume ever since, during my college years, I saw him as a panelist of a debate for the 1984 Presidential Election. The panelist preceding Hume asked a question to one of the candidates, who then essentially filabustered – he talked in non-sensical circles until his time had elapsed. In his turn Brit Hume followed up by asking the candidate: “My first question is, Why didn’t you answer the previous question?” I liked that.
Hume’s directness has again stirred some controversy when last weekend he chimed in on the saga of Tiger Woods. Boldly and with clarity he said something I had been thinking, essentially: “If Woods would turn his life to Christ he could experience forgiveness and restoration.” (See clip above. Also watch as Hume explains his comments to Bill O’Reilly.)
Justin Taylor, at Between Two Worlds, has posted some exerpts of interviews Hume has given over the past few years that reveal a glimpse of the depths of Hume’s faith. (Click: Brit Hume, Tiger Woods, and Jesus Christ)
Despite the flack he has received for his commentary, I don’t think this journalist will be backing down.
Philippians 2.14 says: “Do everything without complaining…”
I wonder if the Apostle Paul would make any exceptions for entertainment value.
Perhaps not.
But there is a growing trend around the world that is adding creativity to complaining. They are calling themselves Complaint Choirs. Complaint Choirs are groups of people who blend their laments into humorous songs. Most are then “airing” their gripes on YouTube.
The first complaint choir was established in Birmingham, England. Since then they have spread across Europe to Canada (the above video), the US, Singanpore, etc. New choirs continue to spring up around the world.
Now a web site has been developed – Complaints Choirs Worldwide – with a locator map to track these expanding groups. The site even has a link that allows viewers to rate thier favorite choirs.
NOTE: Listen to the NPR interview with a leader of the Helsinki Complaints Choir: Voicing Displeasure
I’m in. I am taking the plunge. I am accepting the challenge.
The Lausanne Movement, which will conduct the Third Congress on World Evangelism in September 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa, is encouraging leaders and participants to “linger” in the book of Ephesians during 2010. It is part of the preparation for this world impacting event. Each month participants are asked to read and reread this short letter and then reflect on specific themes designated for each month.
While this collaborative Bible Study actually began in November, there is something stimulating about studying and refelcting along with some of the godliest men and women still on earth – even if I am joining in late.
To join me in this endeavor click: Ephesians Study Plan.
Overheard this from Scottie Smith on Facebook:
“Too many Christians try to live the Christian life by the equally destructive principles of ‘Sola-bootstrapsa’ (I must keep the law in my own strength and effort) and ‘Ego-nomianism’ (I am able to keep the law).”
Both of these contradict the gospel, by minimizing our need and marginalizing God’s grace.
There are conferences, seminars, articles, books, curricula telling us how to grow a church. It’s high time the other side of the issue be considered. While I don’t guarantee these easy-to-apply steps will always keep your church from health and vitality, they will, with proper application, certainly increase the chances of stagnation.
1. Change Pastors Every Few Years.
This will assure that no pastor gets too much “power.” It will also discourage members from committing to any long-term goals or growth efforts. And those brought into the church by the pastor’s personal ministry will feel insecure because “their” pastor may not stay more than a couple of years.
2. Don’t Allow New People to Serve.
This applies particularly to those who have never been a church member before, or who were recently converted. These people tend to identify strongly with the group from which they came and offer many unwanted suggestions for reaching others from those groups. By insisting that they serve a proper and lengthy “probationary period” before participating in church decision-making, they can be stalled until they lose their enthusiasm and relationships with the un-churched. Once this happens, THEN they can be used for church work.
3. Split Up Small Groups & Ministry Teams Regularly.
This will greatly frustrate the people who are most active in the church. They won’t have a chance to build and strngthen meaningful relationships; and they will not develop any deep sense of belonging, ownership, or empowerment.
4. Try to Reach Only People in ‘Stable’ Situations.
Since people are often more responsive to the Gospel following geographic, social, vocational, or life-situational changes, concentrate on people in stable circumstances to minimize contacts with the kind of people that often lead to responsiveness and change.
5. Don’t Send Your Pastor to Conferences or Encourage Him to Read Books on Evangelism & Mission.
If he insists on attending such a workshop, make sure no other church leaders go with him. Enthusiasm for outreach and mission can be easily squelched as long as the pastor is the only one who gets enthused.
6. Emphasize “Quality not Quantity.”
This one almost always works!
Make it sound like those who want to see new people join the church are playing the ‘numbers game’. The myth that numerical growth automatically and spontaneously comes as a result of spiritual growth – without actual outreach and evangelism – is believed by many, so take advantage of it.
Also, point to unmet needs of your own people as the only real concern of the church, and the primary concerns for the pastor.
7. Don’t Be Friendly to Visitors.
If this seems too extreme, be friendly to them at first – THEN ignore them! Don’t visit them. Don’t invite them to church activities. Don’t talk to them during the week. Above all: DON’T become friends with them!
8. Don’t Invite People to Visit or Join Your Church.
We can justify this by saying: “We don’t want to force church membership on anybody.” To neighbors and guests it says: “You don’t belong here.” But that’s all we need.
One variable to this is to allow the pastor to be the only one to do the inviting and relationship building.
9. Try to Reach Everyone In Your Community the Same Way.
Ignore racial, social, economic, linguistic, and cultural differences. Assume all people are like you – or they should be.
A church out to “reach everybody”, without considering even subtle cultural differences, using the same old strategies used in the past, often reaches nobody. Churches are effective when they recognize these distinctions, and develop relevent strategies to serve the different segments of their community.
If you don’t want to grow, don’t aim at a target.
10. Make Growth Entirely Dependent on the Holy Spirit.
This not only encourages prayerlessness and evangelistic laziness on our part, but it gives us a convenient excuse if growth doesn’t occur. We can always blame God.
11. Don’t Staff & Don’t Budget for Outreach & Mission.
Our resources are precious and limited. Staff and budget for Christian Education, Youth Ministries, etc. first. Staff and budget for outreach & mission ONLY after these priorities are perfectly met.
12. Insist on Using Evangelistic Methods That Were Used During the ‘Good Old Days’.
Don’t consider methods that God may be using today. Stick with crusades, simplistic tracts, and answering questions no one is asking.
By all means avoid meeting actual needs. A church that adresses the needs of the poor – like Jesus & Paul said we should – might be accused of Liberalism and promoting a Social Gospel.
13. Don’t Set Goals.
Say that goals produce frustration. Discourage measurement of any kind. Label statistical analysis as ‘worldly’. If that fails, label it ‘demonic and destructive’. Though that may be unfair, and UNTRUE, it will certainly discourage goal-setting and statistical analysis as a diagnostic tool.
14. Say that God Doesn’t Want the Church to Grow.
Though this statement may be false, you can dig up enough proof-texts to make it seem believable.
15. Don’t Advertise Your Church.
Any advertising should be avoided. Especially don’t let newcomers to your community know where your church is, when services are held, and what ministries might be most beneficial to them.
If you must advertise, put the ad on the church page where only those already churched are likley to see it. And put a picture of the pastor or the building on it, not something that would be of interest to anyone outside your church. And never put a picture of people enjoying themselves together in Christ. Never promote something that might connect with the un-Churched.
16. Don’t Pray for Kingdom Advancement.
Pray for people in hospitals and on sick lists. Pray for generic “spiritual blessings”. Pray for missions, but not specific prayers for individual missionaries; Not prayers informed about the challenges missionaries face in their particular locations and work. Pray only for un-named people who you will never meet. Pray only for people to be healed. NEVER pray for un-churched neighbors and friends. NEVER pray for God to change you and/or your church to become more godly.
***
This post is satirical and sarcastic. I have edited and adapted it from a chapter titled: 17 Way to Keep Your Church from Gowing. from a book by Mike Grogan, then-pastor of the Bethel Friends Church in Poland, OH. I don’t know if he is still the pastor there. Nor do I recall the title of the book.
The resounding cry of this season seems to be: “Remember what Christmas is about.” I think I’ve heard people say that, and seen people write and post that, and similar sentiments, more this year than ever before. At least, I am aware of it more this year. And I concur.
The above video, from the UK, takes us through the wide range of perspectives people have about this holiday, and presents the viewer with a penetrating proposition: Christmas is about Jesus – God becoming man, miraculously conceived in and born of a virgin, to remove all the guess-work from quizical and philosophical minds about what God is like and how God feels about humanity. It is the first observable stage of God’s plan to redeem humanity and reconcile with those that had rebelled against him and neglected to give him the honor he is due.
Christmas is not really about time with the family. It is certainly not about the gifts. It is not about a quiet day. It’s certainly not about the hubub that leads up to it. It is a time to be still and know that God is God, and he has made his dwelling among us, to deliver his people from a bondage of our own making. It is a time for reflection. (See Psalm 46.10; John 1.14) Above all it is a time to worship the God who is able and who was willing to do this for us.
In short, Christmas really points to something more. To paraphrase one writer: Christmas is God’s Good News – BUT only because we know the story of Easter.
So to all who want to remember the meaning of Christmas: Happy Easter!
There are many fights in churches these days over what kind of music to use, but I am convinced most of those fights could be avoided if we faithfully reflected upon the questions given to us by [Colossians 3.12-17]. Instead of asking what kind of music will appeal to the world around us, we must ask:
GRACE & PEACE 