Worship Leader

How Do You Do "Church?"

2011-10-25T02:18:00.000-05:00

After serving at a UMC in Virginia Beach as Worship Leader for the last 10+ years I found myself in a situation where, for financial and other reasons, I had to leave. I went into a job that I had done, and been very successful with, before I started working for that local church.

I'm now in Anchorage, Alaska doing that job and was able to attend a worship service at First UMC, Anchorage this past Sunday. I now find myself sitting in my hotel room listening to worship music on Youtube (Steve Fee, Jesus Culture, David Crowder Band, etc.) and reflecting on what worship has become within our denominational structure. And I really have to question who it's about and for.

The worship "experience" I had Sunday was structured in a traditional style, which is fine as that was how I was raised, but it didn't feel worshipful. The few people attending were very welcoming and the pastor made it a point to greet me, but it felt as though they were going through the motions without the commitment.

There has become a disconnect somehow. We've fallen in love with intellectual Christianity and have forgotten the emotional aspect. Jesus spoke two simple words, "Follow me." It didn't require a Bible study or a task force or committee to say, "Yes," drop everything and walk after Him. It required a heart open to hearing the Word and responding emotionally.

We, as Christ followers, need to make that same appeal. It's from the heart. It's one that requires us to create a relationship with the people in our lives, and to include them into our faith community with love and acceptance. It's an emotional point of connection. Once they feel safe (again emotional) they can be moved toward discipleship via teaching and making the intellectual connection.

So the question must be asked, how emotional are you in worship? Do you allow the Spirit to flow into the worship space and create those emotional responses we sometimes fight so hard to suppress? Or are we afraid to truly express that emotional aspect of worship for fear of being ridiculed by other folks? Will you give it ALL to God in worship? Every part of your being; head, heart, and spirit?

Or will you continue to live a disconnected worship life that cheats God?

Maranatha.

Pentecost

2011-06-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

Is next Sunday. The birth of the church. The time when the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit descended upon the upper room where the disciples were meeting. Tongues of fire appeared over their heads, and they went out into the streets of Jerusalem declaring the Word of the Lord.

And the first "revival service" in history happened.

My question for the church today is this: Where are the Holy Spirit great revivals happening today?
Surely not in Europe, the birthplace of the Reformation. Nor for that matter in the USA, where people refer to themselves as being "spiritual" but not really having any root in the belief of Jesus as Savior for the world. So, where are they?

In Africa, where orthodoxy is embraced and the Holy Spirit is sweeping the land.
In Korea, where literally thousands will attend worship services and then go into the world declaring that Christ is Lord.
In China, where the believers are imprisoned for just meeting together but still the church grows in numbers.
We, the church in America, have had it too good for too long. We've grown fat, dumb, and happy. We'd rather fight over what type of worship style is used or how the offering is to be spent than do what we've been called by Christ to do- make disciples.

Methodism was once the largest non-Catholic body in America. What has happened to us over the last 150 years to make this no longer true?
For one thing, we stopped going into the world. We decided that buildings and bureaucracy were the ways to spread the Gospel with the result that we ceased making an impact on the culture of this country and have, over the last few decades, come to be known among religious circles as an apostate church. We do have a "big tent," but it is filled with a lot of non-orthodox beliefs.

Question 2: How do we solve this morass we've gotten ourselves into?
I truly think we should close down a lot of worship spaces that are no longer fulfilling the mission of the church, merge those congregations with other UMC's in their community which are, and use the funds from the sell off of these properties for mission works INSIDE the USA. It's time for us to become the body of believers that John Wesley created. Going into the places where the lost and hurting are located. Being the face, feet, and hands of Jesus to the world once more.

Offering them Christ.

Wesley once said something along the lines of 'if you set yourself on fire people will come from miles around to watch you burn.'

This Pentecost may we all set ourselves on fire once more, as the Church of the Book of Acts did, and make a difference in our world.

Maranatha.

On the Road Again

2011-04-14T23:43:00.000-05:00

Well, something I really never thought I'd say again.

I'm currently out on the road with the North American tour of "Fiddler on the Roof." I was contacted last week and flew out of Virginia on Friday to the west coast where I joined the company. Their leading player (whom I'm contracted to be the standby for) has been dealing with some health issues lately. As a result the producers became concerned and sent me on the road- right as Lent was winding down and before Holy Week was to begin.

I look at this as a chance to witness about God's grace to a group of folks who might not really know anything about it. Plus the added opportunity to worship with folks on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday I might not otherwise be able to. I made it a point last Sunday to find the closest UMC and join them for worship. While the basics were there, it was still different, which was a good thing.

So, I ask that you keep me in your prayers until this adventure is over. I believe I should be back home the first week of May.
Who knows, maybe someone who doesn't know Christ will come to learn of Him.

Maranatha.

What have you done?

2011-04-04T09:33:00.000-05:00

As the season of Lent winds down it's a simple question, what have you done?

Have you done as many do, give up something such as that daily trip to Starbucks or that piece of chocolate?
Or have you decided to do something you wouldn't do, such as serve at a homeless shelter?

We often equate Lent with a time of personal sacrifice, but then "suffer" that sacrifice by giving up things in our lives that truly make no difference. How much more effective might it be to sacrifice by actually putting ourselves out there as the face of Christ? To step out in faith and give sacrificially to those who have no idea who Jesus is.

As we move toward the Passion Week of Christ, may we resolve to make a difference in the lives of others... just as Jesus did for us.

Maranatha.

Odds n' Ends

2011-02-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why February, the shortest month, takes the longest to get through?

Did you know that the Methodist Church was once the largest Protestant church in the USA?

Ever notice how churches will fight like crazy to keep things from changing from the "inside" of the body (worship styles, pastors, mission focus, etc.) but quickly embrace the latest "fad" from a nationally recognized church leader on how to "fix the church?"

Ever wonder why people will show up in large numbers on Christmas and Easter, be willing to sit on folding chairs in the aisle because the pews are full, but not wander into the church building the rest of the year when they could have their pick of the empty spaces?

Ever get the feeling that the only way to restore what we had as Methodists is to close all the buildings and return to the original Wesleyan concept of going where the people are?

Whatever happened to "offering them Christ?"

If Father John were to come back today, would he recognize what we've done with his movement of restoration?

Why is it that the older members of our congregations, the ones who built the foundation that is now crumbling, are the most vocal in opposition to trying to rebuild it with a younger generation?

And lastly, how many folks that take the time to read these thoughts will realize that I'm not talking about "another church but not mine?"

If we continue to lose members/attendees of our churches at the current rate, there won't be a Methodist church much longer. The latest information I have at hand states that 55% of the UM churches in the country have less than 50 people in attendance any given Sunday. That means that once we exclude Palm Sunday, Easter, etc. the true number is probably much lower still. What's happened to us?

Find and read the book "Restoring Methodism," it's excellent and calls us to return to the Wesleyan movement that was started a little more than 200 years ago.

Maranatha.

Christmastide

2010-12-30T10:45:00.001-05:00

Can you feel it? That special feeling one gets at Christmastide?

What? You don't know what Christmastide is? You think that since December 25 has come and gone that Christmas is over? No my friends, the 25th of December is just the beginning of what we call Christmas.

The four Sundays prior to that day are the period we call Advent, the expectation of the coming of the Christ Child. Christmas actually begins on the 25th, continues through the next 12 days (the 12 days of Christmas, get it?), and ends with Epiphany on January 6.

There's a lot of folks now-a-days who decorate their houses for Christmas on Thanksgiving Day, and then take them down Christmas afternoon. What a shame, for they truly don't know that the season of Christmas doesn't start at the end of November. For those of us in church work we, too, can get caught up in the secular rush of getting to December 25, and then letting the wonderful season of Christmastide go after the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. When was the last time you stepped into a church after December 25 and greeted someone with a hearty "Merry Christmas?" Or even heard it mentioned that Christmas was still going on?

The TV specials (Rudolph, Frosty, etc.) are all done. Families have returned from visiting relatives. The decorations are starting to sag a bit. The tree (if you've a live one) is turning brown and the needles are falling off in ever greater clumps. And we find ourselves being dragged back into the hum drum existence of day to day life.

Let me encourage you to make this year different. To make Christmastide 2010 one of rest, reflection, and joy. To remember that Emmanuel, God with us, has come down to share in our life.

And to communicate the message that there's hope in this dreary world.
Merry Christmas.

Maranatha.

Thanksgiving to Advent

2010-11-26T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when church workers, especially music makers, find themselves up to their eyeballs with stuff to do. Cantatas, special music, Christmas Eve services, etc. demand their attention. And as a result they tend to suffer burnout quickly and find themselves unable to enjoy the holiday season that begins on Thanksgiving Day.

And that's not how it should be.

What can the church do to help these selfless servants? Is there a way to take some of the stress off of them as they go into one of the busiest seasons of the church year? Or does anyone not involved with the music ministry truly understand what it takes to prepare the music offering for this special time of year?

Most, if not all, church choirs prepare their music 4-6 weeks out from when they offer it on Sunday, and with a cantata it takes even longer. It's not a "happy coincidence that the music matches the Scripture or the message the preacher gives. It's all planned out, weeks in advance. And this planning doesn't just involve the rehearsal time with the choir. The director often spends countless hours prior to that time listening to music, reading Scripture, talking with the pastor, and coordinating with the organist (if there is one) for each week's music. Add into this mix any special music offering, or a choral cantata, and the time required becomes even greater. And unless the director is a full time employee of the local church (not very often- usually part time or a volunteer) they also have an outside job that has its own requirements.

So this year ask your director of music if there's anything you can do to help take the strain off of them. Even if it's something as simple as helping set up chairs for a rehearsal. Be a servant to the music servants.

Maranatha.

Things to Ponder

2010-10-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

As we approach the middle of the month of October, knowing that this is the time of the year when many churches have their stewardship/pledge/commitment campaigns, there are several questions that we need to answer.

First- What is the church?
Seriously, for those of us in ministry we don't really need to consider this question very long. Or do we? There are those who, even after many years serving a church, don't really know what the church is.

Second- What is the church for? This is the question that often gets pastors/church leaders into trouble and conflict. Is the church for the people in the pews, the ones supporting the ministries? Or is it a hospital for soul sick people in need of the promise of salvation? Or is it simply a pleasant social club that meets once a week for some singing and a short, feel good message?

Third- How are we faithful to our vows? For those who have actually joined a congregation there are vows of membership that are taken. In the United Methodist Church there are a series of questions that are asked, and then the person vows to uphold the church by "their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness." But in truth how many actually do these things?

Fourth- How should we pray? Interesting that in all the years I've been attending a church that this question is one that I had never considered. And our churches don't really teach us HOW to pray. For myself, I used to be terrible at prayer. Especially prayer in a corporate setting that I was expected to lead. Not just the Lord's Prayer which, and let's be TOTALLY honest, most people ramble through by rote not even considering that it's a Jewish prayer (Jesus was a Jew teaching Jewish disciples how to pray), or that it gives the basic layout of how every prayer we offer should be designed.

We're about to ask our congregations for their financial support over the next year. Do they even know why they're not only expected to give, but why it's a Biblical imperative?

How would you answer these simple questions?

Maranatha.

Sharing Time

2010-10-04T11:06:00.000-05:00

I just read a very interesting blog by Tony Morgan. In it he equates quitting the bowling team to the things that we do, both as individuals and as the church. Sometimes it's just too easy to continue with what we're doing rather than finding new avenues to explore and new opportunities to step out in faith.

Here's the link to his post.
http://tonymorganlive.com/

I hope this gives you pause, and allows us to be willing to "quit the bowling team."

Maranatha.

Waiting

2010-08-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

It's amazing what God can teach you while you wait.

I have been in a "wait and see" mode for the past several weeks. The background of this story is as follows...
I received a phone call from an old friend about 3 and a half weeks ago. He and I had done a national tour of "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1998-99, and he's taking another tour of the same show out this fall. He said that they were having trouble finding someone to play the same role and function as his understudy (the lead role) which I had done before. I hadn't even thought of going back on the road as I've been working on a church staff for the past 5+ years. But John said that his wife was dealing with pancreatic cancer and that he needed someone who was capable to step on for him in a moments notice if needed. After much thought, and prayer, I finally told John a few days later that I'd do this if the producers could meet my requirements to drop everything and go.

And then the waiting started.

After many additional phone calls, the sending of pictures, resumes, and a DVD of me performing to the director, I finally spoke with the producers and they agreed to what I needed, BUT, there was a final audition pending in NYC and they were going to see who showed for that. Long story short- they told me yesterday (Wednesday) that they decided to "go in a different direction," but that if something were to happen while they are on the road they may call me to step in.

It's funny, I told everyone I work with, and the congregation I lead, that this was completely in God's hands and that I'd be fine with whatever happened. Yet when I got the word that I wasn't going to NYC for rehearsals next week I have to admit that I felt a bit let down. Waiting after all of that to be told no isn't easy. But I have to say that waiting is God's way of showing you who's in charge.

Have you ever wondered why God hasn't answered a certain prayer? Why it seems that he isn't even listening? Perhaps he's teaching you something during that time of waiting. If you're smart you'll pay attention and learn that you're not in charge as you thought.

And that's a good thing.

Maranatha.

Transitions

2010-06-26T11:05:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the end of June. The local church I serve is saying goodbye to our Associate Pastor as she's been given a new appointment with a congregation in the western part of the Virginia Conference. She'll take this new position effective July 1. Needless to say the office is a mess right now as she's trying to get everything packed up and ready to move, plus she's preaching her final message on the 27th while we celebrate our first ever "Volunteer Day" which she's organized. I hope the church she's going to is aware of the fireball they're getting. While she's been here we've added a "Blue" Christmas service, an annual service on World Aids Day, and now a recognition of all the various folks that serve our community. We'll miss her.

Who's taking her place? It's amazing how God works in situations like this. Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee decided that we'd not ask for a new Associate Pastor appointee from Conference, but hire an "Assistant" Pastor instead to be able to create the salary scale and benefits. This was a result of last year's budget crunch we experienced that saw us eliminate 4 staff positions and give the remaining staff pay cuts of either 6% or 11%. So, who'd they hire? A 25 year old woman who's just graduated from Duke Seminary. Yep, she's 25. And from everything I've heard about her she's going to be an asset to the church. For those of us hoping for renewal and rebirth we're very excited. This is a step in the right direction. Her primary focus will be youth (and most likely young adult) ministry, but I know that there will be those in our congregation who will assume she knows nothing because of her age. That's a shame, but they'll learn otherwise. Hopefully very quickly.

So, as we suffer through these unusually (for June) hot days here in Virginia, I know there's a cool breeze about to blow through our place. And I can't wait.

Maranatha.

Summer's Coming

2010-05-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

It's the middle of May, and we've already had several days where the temps have hit 90 or better. Summer's coming.

And with the coming of the summer season we find ourselves distracted with all that comes with it. Cook-outs, trips to the beach, the mountains, the whatever... vacation time, kids home from school (will Autumn ever get here and school start again?), sports events, etc. etc. etc. Maybe just staying home and doing nothing. And finding the time for going to worship services.

It's interesting that one of those areas where we seem to not worry so much in the summer months is the last one. Attendance at the vast majority of denominational churches will drop like a rock over the next several months. Other things will demand our attention, demand that we jump that way first, demand that we forget the One who made us and respond in a purely physical way to the pleasures of life.

What does devotion to the Church and God demand of us this summer of 2010? Do we assume that "God will understand" why we fail to make it to worship when we take our children to their soccer/baseball/softball game on a Sunday morning? Why do we put up with recreation leagues that schedule games on a Sundays? Has the secularization of our country won out completely with believers? Or more importantly, are we really believers? Vacations are wonderful, they're needed so that we can relax, rest, and restore ourselves both physically and mentally. But while on vacation do we sleep in on Sunday, forgoing an opportunity to experience a worship offering that might be "different" than what we are used to at home? Why does God not play into all that we say and do when the season changes?

This summer I'm taking my wife to Disney World to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We'll be there over a weekend, and for myself I plan to find a church that we can attend together. And yet while I'm a Methodist that doesn't mean I'll go to a Methodist church. I enjoy the chance to experience other churches offerings to God, and may just look for something really "exotic." But the fundamental question remains, why do we not find it important to make it to church during the summer?

If it was really important to us, we'd make the time.

Thoughts and responses are encouraged... have a great summer!
Maranatha.

It's been awhile...

2010-03-18T06:50:00.001-05:00

Since I last posted anything. Not that I haven't thought about it from time to time. But I've been so busy I haven't been able to even check here for comments on earlier posts that needed moderation.

You see, our church staff was "downsized" at the beginning of the year. We lost several people (4), the remaining staff were given salary cuts of 6% or 11% from their 2009 level, and additional duties were picked up as well. So to say that I haven't had time to breathe would be an understatement.

The economic situation is still shaky at best. But through it all we've been faithful to what God has put on our hearts to be and do. What's the result thus far? Well for the service I'm responsible for we've seen an increase in worship attendance, people have joined the church (at that service), we're seeing an incredible movement of the Holy Spirit in people's lives, and folks are re-learning what it means to be a Christ follower.

It's amazing to me how God uses our situation(s) to bring us back to Him. And how much power there is when we allow Him to enter in and use us for His glory.

May you find Him working in your life today as well.
Maranatha.

An Unexpected Sabbath

2010-01-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning I awoke to the ground covered in white, with lots more falling from the sky. The long promised snow storm had actually arrived in Virginia Beach, and we were looking at a day like I hadn't seen in years. Throughout the day we watched the snow fall covering the ground in a blanket of pure white, making everything look clean and pretty. Our Sr. Pastor called me a couple of times to discuss Sunday morning worship- would we be able to meet for all 3 services? Might we cancel the early one and have the other 2? Perhaps only meet for the 11:00? When all was said and done the decision was made to not hold worship services at all, and I was suddenly without anyplace I had to be on Sunday morning. What resulted in an unexpected Sabbath.

Now you might be thinking, wait a minute... he already was going to be celebrating a "Sabbath" at worship services. What does he mean he got an "unexpected" one? Simple, when I'm at church on Sunday morning I'm working. My time for a Sabbath isn't happening at church as it may for many other people. A time for rest and reflection. A time to concentrate on all that God has done for me, and to thank Him for His many blessings. My Sunday morning isn't always (isn't usually) like that. I'm running around, trying to insure that everything is ready for other people to experience a Sabbath, but not so much for me.

So today has been a blessing I wasn't looking for. A time to rest. I feel so much better having had this day to relax, not have to worry about anything, not run around putting out "fires." An unexpected Sabbath. And I'm ever so thankful that God allowed us to see His beauty in the snowfall, and to let us enjoy it without other stuff getting in the way.

Maranatha.

Haiti

2010-01-20T13:15:00.004-05:00

Here we are one week later. The "big one" that hit our brothers and sisters in Haiti, that 7.0 earthquake, has just given them another aftershock- this one at a magnitude of 6.1. And I just read a report that says there could be more of equal or even greater magnitude. The relief forces that are trying to reach those trapped are struggling because of the damage that had happened in the initial temblor, and the logistical issues of getting food, water, and other supplies to those in need is beyond comprehension.

The Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are but three of agencies making the effort to get help to these folks. Add to that the various worldwide governmental responses and that means there's a bunch of people with "boots on the ground" now in Haiti helping as they can. This is a very good thing. But it does beg the question... why does it take a disaster like this for the best in humanity to come out?

As Christ followers we are called to reach out to people every day. The hurt, the lost, the confused, the lonely, the seeker, and the ones who have strayed from the path. Yet we sit comfortably in our pews (or chairs) on Sunday mornings listening to a message which, and let's be honest here, often falls short of calling us to mission and service. A message that doesn't challenge us to get off our assets and go into the world and engage it with the love of Jesus Christ. We'll gladly put a few dollars into an envelope for UMCOR to help our fellow humans in Haiti, and that's good as they do need the funds to do what they do. But how many of us with skills that might make a difference in the lives of the Haitians are willing to donate that which is most important- our presence sharing our gifts.

Over the next few months (and years) the nation of Haiti will still be recovering from this event and we need to be there for them. So my challenge for you reading this is as follows- are you willing to put yourself on the line and go show the love of Jesus?

I hope and pray you do.

Maranatha.

Primal

2009-12-21T15:21:00.007-05:00

Reformation. A term that every good Protestant is familiar with. Martin Luther started the whole thing and now, almost 500 years later, we find many various and assorted denominational and non-denominational churches as the end result. But the church today fails to realize that the Reformation is not complete. As a result it has lost its way.

The post-modern church is in serious need of reformation. If the message of Christ is to truly get out into today's world there needs to be a major paradigm shift. In Mark Batterson's new book, "Primal," the solution is one of looking to the past to secure the future. In a term coined by the late Robert Webber the church today needs to be "ancient future."

Not a question of theologies or creeds, but one of being what the first century church actually was, and did. And doing it in a society that has instantaneous communication between people's of different societies. Never before in history has the church had the opportunity to reach as many people. If there was ever a time that Christ followers needed to reclaim the Great Commission, it is now.

The book most recently penned by Mr. Batterson is one that calls us to action, to reclaim the lost soul of Christianity. As such I heartily recommend it to all church leaders. While not a perfect book, none the less it is a call to action. And an action that each and every person can accomplish.

The question of whether or not we, as Christians, find our hearts broken by the things that break the heart of God is one that needs to be asked in every congregation across this land. With "Primal" as a primer for us to follow, we must be sure that the answer is yes.

The book may be purchased online at http://www.RandomHouse.com

Maranatha.

It's Here!

2009-12-10T08:44:00.003-05:00

Stay tuned... just started reading it.
A quote from the "intro" that really hit me over the head, "Does your heart break for the things that break the heart of God?"
Wow.

Maranatha.

Woo Hoo!

2009-11-23T17:54:00.002-05:00

I've been selected to be one of a group of bloggers to get an advance copy of Mark Battersons' new book to review. Here's the first part of the email I received today-

Thank you so much for your interest in participating in the upcoming blog tour for Mark Batterson’s new book Primal. Your blog has been approved and selected to participate in the tour. Here’s how this tour will work:

* I will send you 1 copy of Primal as soon as it arrives from the printer. (I expect to have it in hand by next Monday, 11/30, and will ship immediately.)
* In exchange for this free book, I ask you to do four things:
o post a blog about it between December 15 and 22
o post a review on a consumer site such as CBD.com, Amazon.com, or BarnesandNoble.com
o spread the word about the book via your facebook and/or twitter accounts if you have them
o consider if the book might be appropriate for a sermon series or small group at your church

OK gang, once I receive the book and get the chance to read it I'll let y'all know what I think.

Maranatha.

Where does tradition end and real life begin?

2009-10-22T12:50:00.002-05:00

Tradition. In the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" the leading character, Tevye, states during the opening, "Why without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof." Yet as the play continues he finds each tradition crumbling into nothing, and finally the entire group of Jews being forced out of their village.

Within the church today there are various traditions which have continued through time, many of which have both personal and sacred meaning. Yet there are those "traditions" which have no meaning in today's post modern world.

It's just a little more than month to the beginning of the Advent season. Which means Christmastide isn't far away. How many of us attend Advent and Christmas Eve services looking for the same things each year. The music, the story, the candlelight all help many of us enjoy the season, and bring back memories of our youth.

But for many people today, especially in this current economy, the message of Christmas while it brings hope is one that doesn't address their needs. The story of the babe in a manger doesn't put food on a table, it doesn't teach them how to either keep their job or find a new one, it doesn't make them a better parent or spouse, it doesn't find them someone who can share their life. In short, it doesn't come close to presenting what the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to do with their real life.

So my question today is this: How do we, the Church, reach out to folks in need? Especially as we approach this special time of year. Do we just close out eyes, do the same old things in the name of "tradition," or do we finally step out and BE the Church to a world that's hurting, lost, and confused.

Perhaps this Christmas Eve we should do something different. Thoughts?

Maranatha.

Half way through September...

2009-09-14T21:24:00.003-05:00

And the local church where I serve has already begun their Stewardship Campaign for 2010. Earliest I can recall them doing it in the 25 years I've been here. The second message will be given this coming Sunday, the 20th. And Consecration Sunday will occur on October 4. Really early.

Why mention this? Well, the folks who've been gone all summer are just now returning to their "routine" of attending church again, and they're walking in to hear people talk about giving to the church. Happens every year in the fall, usually later in the calender than now. They aren't ready yet.

The real shame of all this is that we fail to stress how important stewardship is year round, in many different ways. But on more than one occasion I've heard people say that they're tired of "hearing about money all the time." Yet true stewardship isn't about money but about our willingness to give of ourselves to honor God in Christ Jesus. What are we afraid of? That we might actually be the face of Christ to the world? That it may transform our lives to where we'll want to be involved, to share the love of God, and be His face, hands, and feet?

It's time to become what we're called to be... let's get out of our comfort zones, out of our comfortable little "faith" boxes, and be the Church.

Maranatha.

Summer's Almost Gone

2009-08-06T21:29:00.002-05:00

Here it is, the first week of August almost gone. For some places the children will be heading back to school before too much longer. For us here in Virginia Beach our students won't return until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Why? Ask the politicians.

Several years back the tourist industry lobbied for a later start date for the local schools, as they lost their college age employees in August and their High School age folks not long after. They found they weren't able to staff their businesses with all of their low paid, seasonal employees gone before Labor Day. So the state legislature enacted what's come to be known as the "King's Dominion/Busch Gardens" law. It prohibits public schools from beginning the new school year before the first Monday of September.

However, over the years, the various local school districts around the Commonwealth discovered that they were having to extend the year into late June. So they started to petition the legislature and state school board to open their schools prior to Labor Day. And more and more the state has allowed them to do so. But the Virginia Beach School Board has yet to ask. SO... our children won't return in 2009 until September 8. The Virginia Beach High School football teams (we have 11 H.S. in the city) will have already played 2 games of their regular season before the student body has even returned. And the various choral programs who wish to have their students registered for things like Sr. Honors choir, etc. will find they have to learn their students voices very quickly as the cut off date for registration is not long after school starts.

You might be wondering, what does this have to do with our lives as Christ followers and church members/attenders. Just this- imagine if we were to approach our faith the way that Virginia Beach's School Board has approached the start of the school year. Regardless of how it might affect the various activities the schools have, or how it might mean extending the school year into late June, they continue to follow the "letter of the law." How many of us have found ourselves doing the same thing with our faith?

With the Law comes death, but with Christ comes eternal life. Jesus came not to abolish but to complete. The Law is still here, but in Christ we have freedom. we have forgiveness, we have completion. In Him there is no death, but life.

How's your week been? Looking forward to fall, or sorry to see summer go?
Have you been set free? Or are you locked into what the Law says?

Maranatha.

How old (and how big) are we really?

2009-07-24T19:02:00.003-05:00

Well, it's time to reflect on another year of Annual Conferences within the UMC. If many of them were like the Virginia Conference you looked at the "numbers" and realized that you don't have as many folks as last year, and those that remain in the local churches are getting grayer each day. Also, I need to ask the question, "Did your Bishop do what ours did in 2008? Not have any churches remove folks from the roles?"

The latest information I've been able to find suggests that the average age of our congregants is somewhere between 57 and 60. This would mean, based on the average life expectancy, that within the next 15-20 years many of our local churches will cease to exist. And for some it will happen even sooner than that as the average age is, in reality, much older.

Why is it that we, a denomination that was once the largest Protestant denomination in the country, have a hard time evangelizing. Why a group of people who were known to have an evangelistic fervor, to be called the "shouting, singing Methodists" because of their being on fire for God, is now regarded as a milquetoast, quiet, sedate, "private club" who no longer steps outside the four walls of their sanctuary because the modern world is too scary. And don't get me started on resistance to using technology.

I will grant you that there are exceptions to this crowd, but truth be told it's actually more the norm that we'd like to admit. On any given Sunday more than 50% of our churches average LESS than 50 people in worship. And if we were to not include within that average places like Ginghamsburg Church and Church of the Resurrection then the number would be much lower. Within the last 6 years the church where I serve has seen the average worship attendance drop by what would be equal to 5 congregations nationwide. And while we still have more than 500 people in 3 services on Sunday morning, if we were to consolidate the 2 traditional services we could easily fit them in the sanctuary with plenty of room left over.

Evangelism. Something we can't seem to do anymore. Another example if I may. Our United Methodist Men are having a breakfast meeting tomorrow (Saturday), and the Sr. Pastor was asked to speak to them on being a "spiritual father" to the younger male members of the church. A group of (much) older guys make up this crowd, and they usually meet the 4th Monday of the month for dinner and a program of some kind. They have 30 or more guys who show up for this. How many are coming tomorrow? Ten. That's right, only 10 of the men are coming to hear what they can do to be real leaders for the next generation(s) of men. I hate to say it, but it's typical.

And still the youth and young adults continue to walk out of the doors of our local churches never to return.

May God forgive us for not answering the Great Commission.

Maranatha.

Freedom

2009-07-02T14:41:00.002-05:00

On July 2, 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress meeting in the city of Philadelphia voted on a resolution that had been brought from the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg, Virginia. Within that resolution was the sentiment that the "United Colonies" were in actuality "free and independent states." Presented to Congress on June 7, there was debate of the resolution and also the writing of a document which would state the causes for the separation from Great Britain.

That vote created the country of the United States of America and, on July 4th, the Congress adopted what had been written by a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson- the Declaration of Independence. And while the American Revolution was not yet accomplished (Washington lost New York not long after this time) the statements made clear to the rest of the world the rightness of the American cause.

233 years later we still struggle to achieve many of the the goals stated in that document; "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." In this time of economic downturn we often wonder how we can even consider pursuing happiness. Yet as followers of Jesus Christ we don't need to worry about such things, for we are promised in Scripture that once we accept Him and follow all these things will come to us in God's time.

True freedom is found with those who have nothing left to lose. If we are honest with ourselves we withhold something from God in Christ, something that we are unwilling to part with. And because of this we can never truly be free. It isn't until we have given all, sacrificed everything to Him, that we can be free people.

So this Independence Day let me challenge you- give it all, everything, to God.

And be set free...

Maranatha.

Virginia Annual Conference Votes

2009-06-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

Constitutional Amendments Ballot Results:

Total Ballots 1515
Blank Ballots 7
Ballots with Votes 1508

YES NO
Amendment 1 715 785
Amendment 2 982 520
Amendment 3 537 967
Amendment 4 537 966
Amendment 5 547 956
Amendment 6 763 730
Amendment 7 548 955
Amendment 8 1040 455
Amendment 9 911 584
Amendment 10 530 971
Amendment 11 541 961
Amendment 12 544 959
Amendment 13 536 964
Amendment 14 551 951
Amendment 15 523 977
Amendment 16 544 955
Amendment 17 757 737
Amendment 18 542 955
Amendment 19 920 584
Amendment 20 547 953
Amendment 21 556 943
Amendment 22 1091 398
Amendment 23 544 954
Amendment 24 537 965
Amendment 25 539 960
Amendment 26 545 957
Amendment 27 544 954
Amendment 28 550 952
Amendment 29 547 954
Amendment 30 553 948
Amendment 31 546 953
Amendment 32 548 948

Annual Conference Time!

2009-06-15T09:35:00.003-05:00

Well, it's that time of year once more. The Virginia Annual Conference is meeting in Norfolk this week, matter of fact they started last night (Sunday). Things really get going today though, and the big debate and vote on the amendments that has the church in a bit of an uproar will happen tomorrow (Tuesday). From what I've been able to glean thus far the vast majority of the amendments are going down to defeat throughout the various Annual Conferences in the U.S.A., with only a couple actually having approved some of them. The month of June will help to "tell the tale" as there's something like 51 conferences meeting.

As I hear (and maybe see, I'm going to try and get down there for some of it) what's happening I'll try and post what progress is being made. But, to quote my Sr. Pastor, "like a turtle moves the church of God." Sometimes I feel that we as Methodists are closer to the tail of that turtle rather than the head.

Wasn't always that way...

Maranatha.

What Church Are We?

2009-05-26T18:39:00.002-05:00

The Book of Revelation starts as a series of letters to 1st Century churches from John the Revelator. Each has it's own problems which he mentions, or strengths which he encourages. There are folks out there who study Biblical prophecy who use these letters to pronounce that they also reflect the different "ages" of the church. And they proclaim we are now in the "final age" of the church.

It's interesting, but if one looks at the current state of denominationalism, where even the Baptists are losing members, you might think that it was true. But still there is growth within the church (the Body of Christ) albeit not in the denominational structure. There are a large number of independent churches that are seeing astronomical numbers attending their worship services, and then the people getting involved with the various ministries they offer.

What is it that these independent, often mega-church in size, ministries are offering the folks who walk through their doors. And how can we, as people familiar with the Methodist Church, adopt those things that would allow us to reach some of the unchurched in our local communities?

It's a different age. Folks aren't looking for the same things our parents were when finding a church. Have any of you found new ways to reach people for Christ?

Maranatha.

15 Months in... Where are you?

2009-04-03T11:29:00.002-05:00

According to the government we began this journey into the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression in December 2007. That means we're currently 15 months into it, and it looks like things may have begun to bottom out. With that in mind I have to ask the question, "Where are you?"

Where are you personally, where is your faith community, where are your friends and neighbors? How badly has this affected all these various people in your life?

Where I'm currently serving the church council and finance committee seem to be in denial. They haven't acknowledged there's a problem yet with the church's financial picture, and have continued on as if nothing has happened. The most current information I've been able to acquire thus far dates to the end of February (check back from time to time, I'll update as I get new info). Our church leadership approved a budget for 2009 in the amount of $1,117,308 even though they knew that the pledges that had been received weren't even 90% of that amount. This made the budget line through February come to $186,218, with actual expenses at $170,135 and revenue at $151,211. Expenses were below the budget line as the staff has withheld their spending and are trying to do ministry with as little cost as possible. Even with this we aren't meeting expenses, and the congregation is being kept in the dark by the council.

Needless to say, this can't continue for very long.

The Sr. Pastor has tried to make church leadership realize they need to make adjustments and bring the congregation into the know, but to date they have refused to listen to him. So he's now worried that the church may be facing bankruptcy by the summer.

I'm curious about the rest of you out there. Are you dealing with a similar situation, or are your lay leaders taking the time to be frugal and working with your pastor(s) to help weather this storm?

Maranatha.

How Are You Dealing?

2009-02-09T23:17:00.002-05:00

With this economic downturn. You know, the one that started in December 2007 but the administration then in power refused to acknowledge until almost a year later. How has it impacted your local church, district, or conference?

If you're like us here in Virginia there have been a few changes. Budgets are being slashed, staff positions are being cut. Even big, successful churches are feeling the pinch. People (and churches/conferences) who relied on investing in the stock market to make a buck are finding out that they've trusted in mammon. And true to form, mammon has let them down once more.

People in the pews are hurting. Jobs have been lost. Donations and tithes are down. Ironically so is attendance. In a time when people have traditionally turned to the church for comfort and solace they're staying away in droves.

Why? Why in this time of economic uncertainty are people not turning to God and humbly kneeling before Him and asking forgiveness? Is the church so out of touch with the postmodern times that folks today aren't even considering it as an option? Or is it just that the church has forgotten how to reach out to people in need? That the church is so concerned with maintaining the "institution" it doesn't have a clue how to be "The Church" Jesus wants us to be?

Questions, I know... but important ones that we'd better answer quickly. For if we don't we'll be only a memory within a generation.

Or perhaps the Revelation According to John is true...

Maranatha.

The More things Change...

2009-01-22T09:47:00.002-05:00

The more they stay the same. Have you ever noticed that when a local church makes "changes" it tries to keep as much of what was the old in what is the new?

Case in point, the church where I'm currently serving.

The Trustees of the church decided to replace the original carpet in the sanctuary (in use since 1984) along with the pews. The carpet was starting to look a bit thread bare, and the pews were not in good shape either.

First problem- the older members of the church (that senior crowd I've talked about before) were up in arms as they felt the Trustees didn't have the authority to make this decision. There are still charter members (though not many) from when this congregation was founded in 1952, and there's still people ticked off from the construction of the current sanctuary which meant that "their church" (the original sanctuary) was not only no longer going to be used, but was actually torn down for the building of the new social hall and office wing in 2002. Add to that the crowd that had contributed for the original carpet and pews in the "new" sanctuary and, well, you can imagine the mess right now.

Second problem- the trustees have acquired carpet that they're trying to match to the same color as what was on the floor. Rather than going with a new color or pattern they want to put down what was there before. But we found out today that the company trying to do this is having trouble matching the color, etc. So we're now looking at a hold up on the carpet being installed. And the pews are coming Monday whether we're ready to put them in or not, which brings us to...

The third problem- the pews themselves. When the Trustees were looking at pew designs they had several examples brought into the building for consideration. Each was a very nice design, with varied colored wood (light to dark) on the ends. The pews that are being replaced were all painted white on the ends, giving a monochromatic color to the worship space (white and off white walls and wood work). Many of us were looking forward to a little color to break up the monotony. We found out this morning that the "new" pews will also be white in color, with the same squared off end pieces, just like the old ones. The examples that had been sent didn't look like that, but had rounded end pieces with "arm rests." Once more, trying to replace them with what they had before.

Change in the church? There is no such thing based on what I see happening here. Something as simple as carpet and pew replacement is but one example of what's wrong with the mindset of the people in charge. They don't want to change anything, with the result that the numbers of people in worship continue to drop, that there are fewer and fewer visitors because they're not being invited, and the Sunday School classes look more like private clubs than a place to learn about the loving grace of Jesus.

If we don't get our act together and learn that change isn't a bad word then we won't be here in the next 25 years.

Maranatha.

Happy New Year... and some changes are coming!

2009-01-01T12:53:00.004-05:00

First- Happy New Year folks! I hope that 2009 brings you all great joy and blessings in the name of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. May any hurts and disappointments you suffered in 2008 be quickly mended and forgotten. May the beginning of another 12 months called 2009 also find you in good health, financially stable, and in a position to help others find the blessings of Jesus.

Second- There's some changes coming down the road after last year's General Conference. One among them is that the Baptismal Covenant # 3 is no longer to be used. They found it to be no longer "disciplinary." Why? Not sure, but it's out.

Another is that the requirements for the membership vows has added some words. We all remember standing in front of a congregation at some point in our lives (for those who are members of the UMC) and repeating the words "...by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service." Well, that's been lengthened to include "our witness." I'd have to look it up to get the exact wording, but that's another change that takes effect this year.

There may be some others as well, but these two are the ones that most of us will notice immediately. Especially in the local church. It'll be interesting to see how we try to "enforce" the witness requirement. We don't seem to do a very good job with the other 4 areas to which we've pledged ourselves, and there seems to be no way to hold people accountable to their vows. Perhaps at the next General Conference in 2012 they can figure out a way to have this happen.

Unless they get bogged down in the whole homosexual thing again. But that's a posting for another time.

Maranatha.

Goodbye 2008

2008-12-31T10:05:00.003-05:00

Wow, how time flies. Seems like a couple days ago we were entering the year of our Lord 2008, and now we're heading out of it. A year of change, a year of surprises, a year of joy, of hurt, of fun, of pain. In short- a year like every other year.

What did you do in 2008 that made it different than any other year?

Did you donate your time to helping someone? Did you go on a mission trip? Did you increase your stewardship time to your local church? Change jobs? Lose your job? Make it a point to rejoice in God each and every day? Or was it just another year like every other... trying to get ahead (in world terms), or perhaps forgetting about family responsibilities and worrying about ol' number one.

As we reflect back over the last 12 months are we satisfied with all we've done? Could we have done it better? What mistakes, now in hindsight, might we have avoided? And what things did we intentionally do that we knew were wrong before we did them? Are we sorry, or do we figure we got away with it because no one knows about it.

WRONG! There's always the One who knows. And it's to Him that we need to apologize, along with anyone we've hurt along the way. Forgiveness- hard to do and often harder to ask for. Yet if we don't truly repent there can be no forgiving.

So, as we enter 2009 let me ask you- what do you need to do so you can greet the new year with a clean slate?

Happy New Year.
Maranatha.

Stewardship

2008-11-03T13:52:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful word! No, not the meaning that has come to be understood over the years- money, money, money- but the opportunity to serve God and His people.

When one joins the membership of a local United Methodist Church there are a series of questions that are asked. They deal with belief, faith, etc. but a set that is often overlooked or misunderstood by the person asks, "Will you be faithful to the United Methodist Church by your prayers, presence, gifts, and service." Four very important, yet very different things. Of these areas only one, gifts, can be construed as monetary donation. The others are actually much more important, and each one, believe it or not, deals with stewardship.

Prayers. The act of faith where one talks with God. A 2-way conversation if done correctly. Prayer isn't an act of reciting a laundry list of wants and needs, but a chance to talk things over with the Father of creation. And hear what He has to say about it.

Presence. Did you show up? And not just at church worship services but at various events being held by the church family. AND not only at church but in your community. Are you willing to be involved outside of your "Christian Bubble," as Dan Kimball likes to call it. To be the presence of Christ to people around you.

Service. Have you been involved? Would people know who you were if you weren't wearing a church name tag? Have they seen your face so often that they think you're part of the church staff? Does your community at large know you? How have you served your fellow man/woman/child today?

So you see, the UMC requires a little bit more than money when someone joins a local church. About 75% more as a matter of fact. So when you hear folks discussing the latest "Stewardship Campaign," when you hear fellow pew sitters complain about being preached at for money, do this. Remind them that the vows they took when they joined only asked for a 25% concentration on "gifts." Ask them if they've been fulfilling the other 75% of their stewardship requirement over the last year. They might be a little confused about what you mean, but now you've got some answers for them when they look at you and say, "Huh?"

Maranatha.

How Much More?

2008-10-17T21:04:00.002-05:00

Can we take that is. Living in Virginia, one of the "toss up states" they keep talking about on the news, we're being swamped by political ads. Not only for all of the local elections, but with the ads for the Presidential candidates as well. It's not been pretty, and someone from another country not familiar with what the US political scene has degenerated to over the years would be hard pressed to figure out what it is we're in favor of. Oh, they'd surely know what we're against... and how each candidate feels about the other. It's a wonder we're still here as a country with all the mud slinging that's been going on over the years. And it doesn't help when we have religious figures added into the mix.

Nowhere in the Bible do I see Jesus telling us to be preaching politics. But He does tell us two very important things, of which we should all be mindful: Love God, Love People. That was His response when asked about the greatest commandment of all. Never mind the flowery, poetic language which has been written in the various translations, that's the basics of what He told us to do. Where in the rhetoric over the last few months has any candidate said the same thing? At the very least the second part of what Jesus said. And have they, by how we've seen them act, lived out the first part?

As the country moves forward to November 4 and the election let me encourage all of us to pray for our country. Pray that the people chosen to lead us will be willing to listen for God's voice as they make decisions. Don't pray for any one candidate or party, for God is neither a Democrat or a Republican. But He is good, all the time.

Maranatha!

The Sky is Falling...

2008-10-06T09:47:00.004-05:00

Has it hit your local church yet? This whole fiscal, financial mess that's threatening to bring down the house of cards Wall Street built? Have your tithes and offerings tailed off to where you're not only worried about apportionments, but about making your monthly budget requirements?

What is it that God says? "Fear not, for I am with you." Yet we, as Christ followers, act like Chicken Little. Remember her? "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" But the sky wasn't falling, only her perception of events at that time made her think it was.

Have we been worse off? Better believe it. The Great Depression, which was heralded by the stock market crash of 1929, saw 25% unemployment in the U.S. and world wide hardship for those countries still recovering from the First World War. But the people turned to God in those days, knowing that like everything in life it was merely transitory. that it wouldn't last forever. The Rev. Robert Schuler had a saying a few years back that should ring even truer today, "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." The United States produced people during the 30's that is referred to today as the greatest generation. The men and women who enabled this country to go into the Second World War with an attitude that was unmatched by the enemies of freedom. They had ridden through the worst part of the storm, and not only had they survived but the country had as well.

In this election year we, too, are faced with some tough times. But the one thing that has always held true for the American people throughout our history is that we have known we could ride it out. That the fundamentals of the Republic were solid. That the free economy we established would rebound. And that if we turn our face toward God we can handle any storm that might arise. This is why it's so important for the church to reach out to those who don't know the true freedom in Christ Jesus. Why the next generation must be told about what it means to be a follower of the one God. How we, together, can make life better for one another. And be secure in the knowledge that God has not forgotten us.

"If My people will confess their sin and return to Me, I will heal their land."
Amen.

Maranatha.

Just a Quick One Right Now

2008-09-04T22:43:00.003-05:00

The new Sr. Pastor at church is having a problem right now. And it's called senior-itis. No not the kind we all experienced in high school, the kind where the older members of the local church are fighting him tooth and nail about making any changes about anything. And I do mean anything. The hymns are too new, the sermon should be given from the pulpit not from the floor of the church, can't we get rid of the modern worship service, how dare you not wear a robe when preaching, what do you mean we should invite people into OUR church, etc. etc.

He told me the other day that this is the third church he's served where he's found this to be true. He's amazed that the older members can't realize that if the church doesn't find ways to reach the next generation then there won't be a church. A story he mentioned about this situation in another church not too long ago just blew me away. The pastor was trying to get the congregation to vote in favor of selling the property to the city, (who had zoned the area for commercial development) receiving more than the value of the property, and building a new and modern building in a growing section of the city. After the congregation had voted to refuse to sell, the pastor asked one of the members why he was opposed. He stated that he'd rather have the church burn down around him than move it. As a result the church was closed by the conference within the decade.

I've been hearing from others in the UMC lately and this attitude seems to be prevalent across Methodism. No wonder we're losing members. We once had one third (33%) of citizens in this country identify themselves as Methodist. That percentage is about 2% today. What happened? Where did we lose the evangelical spirit we once had? And how do we get it back with an aging congregation who feel they've done enough and don't want to disrupt their "club?"

Maranatha.

Time marches on...

2008-08-25T19:49:00.002-05:00

Another month gone... almost sounds like the lyric of a Sondheim song, doesn't it?

As we come out of the summer months the church I serve is dealing with a lot of issues. A new Sr. Pastor who's been challenging them each and every Sunday to step outside their comfort zone and reach out to people. A group of lay leaders who are accusing the church staff of "sabotaging" the leadership because they dared to ask questions about the (alleged) vision process that didn't ask for any input from the staff. A worship band that is having issues with the music they play each week, causing dissension among themselves and with me. And the attendance at worship has been dwindling down throughout the summer as well. Will they come back after Labor Day, or have they moved on to other worship venues seeking the face of Jesus that they aren't able to find here?

I'm starting to question staying in the UMC. I don't see any change, any growth, and truly committed Christians in leadership. It's all about power and keeping it. that's not the church I read about in Acts.

And I read that a non-denominational church in South Carolina had 10,000 people in worship this past Sunday. What's happening there that's not happening in the UMC? Might it be the presence of the Holy Spirit? You know, God's always there- but He doesn't always show up.

WOW, It's been awhile...

2008-07-29T15:43:00.003-05:00

I didn't realize it's been 6 months since I last posted. Oooops! I didn't mean to have it be so long. A lot has happened in that time.

-We have a new Youth Minister
-The office staff (of which I'm part) has had almost a 100% turnover in the last 6-8 months
-My wife has completed her Doctorate
-My daughter has completed her Bachelors
-The church steeple was blown off in a severe storm (picture)
-I'm looking for a new Pastoral Mentor as mine was reassigned to Texas
-I'm about to restart my (suspended) Licensed Pastors process
-Our Senior Pastor was appointed the District Superintendent of the Norfolk District
-Our new Senior Pastor has stepped in and taken the reigns firmly and he appears to be a strong leader (something we've been missing for quite a long time)

And now we find ourselves in a bit of a dilemma. Looks like the church leadership is trying to dictate to the staff (and pastors) how things are going to be. It's not going to work, and the sooner that they all realize they aren't in control (God is) with the vision of the church the sooner we can all work together to reach the community for Christ. It's not going to be easy as there appears to be several individual agendas being promoted. Hopefully these can be expunged, and we can encourage the congregation to reach out beyond the walls of the building and bring people in.

Pray for us as we step out in faith. Heaven knows we need it...

Maranatha!

The Joy of Children

2008-01-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

Ah youth! What a pleasure it is to look at some of the younger generation and realize that there's hope for the future.

My youngest son, a very gifted musician, has started down a path that could lead to great personal fulfillment and spiritual growth. The group that he's fronting right now, "Chase the Fall," is not a Christian band, but it IS one that promotes a positive message. They've recently had their first performance opening for another group at a local venue, and have already been asked to play for two more engagements.

If you're ever in the Virginia Beach region check and see if they might be playing somewhere close by. It'll be worth the effort.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

Before it gets too late, and I'm completely snowed under by preparing four services on Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a blessed Christmastide.

May the babe of the manger bring you joy.

Maranatha!

That Time of Year, Again

2007-10-20T21:26:00.000-05:00

Stewardship Campaigns, Pledge Drives, Commitment Sundays, whatever you may call it- it's that time when the Methodist Church asks the congregation for financial backing. So my question to everyone is this: Does your pastor/church leadership gear up for one big push, or is "stewardship" something that is taught throughout the year? Does your local church have a vision of where they're going and what it is they want to do with the money raised for ministry? Or do they just kind of stumble along doing the same old stuff they've done year in and year out, regardless if it works or not.

The local church I serve has a computer program called "Shelby." This is a program that allows us to track the congregation in many ways... including breakdown by age. I ran the program this week and discovered an interesting fact: the largest group in the church is those defined as "young adults," ages 18 through 30, 621 members. This is far and away the single largest group in our church. But the leadership has done nothing to encourage them, to teach them, to support them, or for that matter listen to them. The classes offered are the same old things, which appeals to the members over 55. There isn't any outreach set up to attract them to even attend the church.

Pity, the UMC has nothing at the Conference level in Virginia for these folks and the GBOD doesn't offer much either. This group is NOT the "church of tomorrow," they're the church NOW. But the power structure that is the UMC is ineffective in reaching out to these people, with the result that they leave and don't come back. Wake up... we're dying as a denomination. Let's spend the money we ask the congregants for to actually promote the Gospel of Jesus, not the social gospel we've replaced it with. For this is what they're really looking for.

Maranatha.

Too Good Not to Share!

2007-10-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Ohio State University Marching Band singing and playing "Eternal Father, Strong to Save."

This is but one of the reasons why they have the nickname they do: TBDBITL

Headin' to "God's Country"

2007-09-18T10:08:00.000-05:00

As I sit here writing this it's only about 4 hours, give or take a few minutes, until I start driving to Ohio from Virginia for a week long vacation. I'm off to "home" to see the folks, celebrate homecoming at my old High School, play in the alumni band (sousaphone!), take my father down to Columbus to see Ohio State play Northwestern, and hear TBDBITL play.

I hope that everyone who reads this finds themselves blessed with a chance to rest and relax a little bit as we all welcome the season of Autumn, 2007.

What TBDBITL? "The Best Damned Band in the Land!"

Maranatha!

App. St. 34- U of M 32

2007-09-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

Sorry, but as a fan of Ohio State football I have to admit that I totally enjoyed the results of yesterday's game in Ann Arbor when Appalachian State "upset" Michigan. But it wasn't really an upset in that ASU played a game where, if they had lost, it would have been an upset the other way. Yes, they played that well.

Scoring 21 points in the 2nd quarter alone, they went into the locker room at half time with a healthy lead. It wasn't until the 4th quarter that Michigan seemed to wake up and get their game moving. But to be unable to convert on a 2 point try (twice), and having 2 field goals blocked (a total of 10 possible points) the Wolverines didn't deserve the victory.

Fleeting? Yes. But for those of us from Buckeye country it was sweet. Not to mention that the Buckeyes also won their game over Youngstown State.

The next post will probably deal with more faith based issues, but for now I'll savor this one.

Maranatha.

And the church splits...

2007-08-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

Might this be the face of the "new" United Methodist Church? The church that refuses to advance into the 21st century with all the problems of reaching the younger generation of youth, teens, and young (18-30 yr old) adults? The church that won't embrace the ideas of those serving in the trenches who are trying to reach the lost generation? The church structured in such a manner that incompetent, uncaring pastors continue to be placed into appointments which only further causes parishioners to leave? The church that denigrates anything that doesn't remind the congregants of the mid 1960's in style and format? The church that shuns innovation and technology that could reach those younger than the persons in the power structure within the local congregation?

Can you tell I'm a little peeved right now?

The UMC is on a course to oblivion. And I'm beginning to believe that unless things change drastically within the next year or two, that it will cease to exist as a denomination within the next 20 years. And I also know there are congregations that have already passed the point of no return. Including, I'm starting to feel, the one where I currently serve.

A quick background... on the fifth Sunday, in a month with five, we only hold one 10:30am worship service instead of three (we're what you'd call a big church). This was done to encourage the three congregations we serve to come together as one family to worship, and to expose everyone to some different ways of worshiping. For example, in April we held a VERY traditional "high" worship service. Not a word from anyone. And then in July we did a service much more contemporary in nature.

You'd have thought we stripped naked and danced on the altar.

The dinosaurs of the church, the ones that hold, have held for years, and refuse to give it up, POWER, have raised holy hell ever since. Up to and including the chairperson of the church council appearing at this past weeks staff meeting to let us know she'd been deluged with "negative comments" from the people in attendance. When asked by the Sr. Pastor how many people that was she replied, "five families." Five families out of the several hundred persons attending the service have (forgive me) bitched about what happened. And because of WHO they are in the church everybody's bending over backwards to make them feel happy again. The fact that the large majority enjoyed the chance to experience a different way to celebrate God doesn't matter. The fact that we had people kneeling in prayer, some in tears, on both sides of the altar rail during the service (something the "traditionals" have never seen at their services) didn't matter. The music was "too loud, not worshipful, too much drum," etc. etc. In other words, it wasn't the same old boring thing. (And I'm sorry, but "How Great is Our God" is very a worshipful piece of music.)

It wasn't the same old thing, and it's a shame they couldn't accept it for what it was. Truly, it is a shame, for I believe we should come before God with joy and praise. That He can deal with the music being contemporary in style, that it doesn't need to be a dirge in a minor key so the folks in the pews can feel all "holy" inside. Holiness is fine, but what's wrong with a little joy?

Maybe it's time to leave the UMC and find another place. I do know that the more I pray about my being here the more I feel it's time to be moving on and leave them to die in peace.

Maranatha.

Have you had yours yet?

2007-08-09T20:32:00.000-05:00

Vacation that is... I haven't had one in years. Literally it's been years. So many I can't tell you when I last took one. And I'm starting to experience a meltdown.

It's amazing to me how many different folks have approached me over the last couple of weeks and asked why it always seems that I'm at church. Well the simple answer is because I am, I have to be there for something or other. For example in July we had Vacation Bible School week with more than 200 kids, and followed the next week with hosting the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists convocation. Add to that all the usual things like weddings, funerals, weekly services, and helping to cover for the Sr. Pastor who's on vacation in Ecuador (I know, right?) for a couple of weeks.

I looked at the Sr. Pastor this week and told him that folks were telling me I needed to take a break for awhile. He said it was ok with him, but he still expected everything I'm responsible for to still get done. Being a part-time employee who has no help with my job area I'm curious as to how that's gonna happen if I do take a week off. But I don't think even he's aware of everything I do. I'm working in a job/ministry that's budgeted for 20 hours a week. I'm currently putting in 25-30 hours to get my work done (without compensation), often more as I'm asked to go "above and beyond," and the Staff Parish Committee, who's aware of my extra time, have not done anything to increase the hours of the position. No wonder pastoring is one of the most burn out producing jobs in the world today.

Am I complaining? Maybe a little... but I do wish that I was at least receiving something (comp time, whatever) for the extra stuff I do. But mostly I'd like to be able to take a week or so and not have to worry about what's not being handled when I was away.

And the autumn season (meteorology speaking) starts in less than a month. At least I'll get to watch college football again... even if it isn't the Buckeyes.

Maranatha.

Labels

2007-07-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

So, what's yours?

Seems that everybody has a label hung on them today. Liberal, conservative, orthodox, unorthodox, right wing, left wing, catholic, protestant, blah, blah, blah. It seems as though no matter what you do you're labeled by someone else which puts you into a nice, neat little box. But as followers of Jesus we're called to be outside the box.

That's right, OUTSIDE the box. For everyone who thinks that we're called to serve those inside the "Christian bubble" (as named by Dan Kimball) and that the folks on the outside should walk in the doors to ask about God... well, that's not what Jesus did. He walked the roads of Judea, meeting the everyday folks where they were. He associated with the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the sick and infirm, the outcasts of society. He told them that the kingdom of God was created for them, too. All they needed to do was to reach out to Him, and he would welcome them. To come to God with the unquestioning faith of a child and He would gather them in His arms. In other words, to be the faithful creation He intended.

So, 2,000 years later where are we? Sitting in buildings on Sunday morning, looking around at an ever diminishing number of people who look just like us. Leaving after the "worship" service to return to our real lives knowing we've been washed clean for another week. Standing around the coffee machine on Monday morning, sharing the off color joke we heard on Saturday night when we were sitting at a bar and leering at the wait staff in a slightly alcoholic haze. Watching that less than family friendly movie on our DVD player.

Is this what Jesus has called us to do?

Being a witness for Him requires a heart transplant. You need to ask Jesus to take yours out and put His in it's place. Then to get out and tell people about Him. We all need to stop looking at church as a building and get back to what church really is- the people who are believers and followers. It's time to return to the streets and meet people where they are.

There's a reason we now have a bad name in the world. It's because a lot of the folks that people associate with Christianity have said and done a bunch of really bad things, and the true followers have sat back and let it happen. And while we continue to pray and love them that have done this to the message of Jesus, we're to blame as well as we've not done things to counteract the other. I don't expect to be loved by everyone I meet, but I do expect to let them see the face and love of Christ in me. Jesus said we'd be hated, but we all need to be sure it's for the right reasons.

I'm a Christ follower. I wear that label with humility as I serve both Him and man.

Maranatha.

Still waiting

2007-07-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

That's right. I'm still waiting to hear all about the wonderful ideas of how to increase attendance and plant new churches. Nope, nothing yet... and still we see the numbers diminish. Where's the information that will allow the UMC to experience rebirth and revival?

It's been a month since Annual Conference, what's the plan? Or is it a big, dark, super secret that only certain members of the clergy are privy to?

I wonder how John Wesley would react to the situation we find ourselves in today. Knowing him, he'd probably start preaching in the streets... but wait, we don't do that anymore. Couldn't afford to offend someone, could we?

It's That Time of Year

2007-06-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

Annual Conference that is. For those that might not be familiar with this term, the United Methodist Church (US) is organized into conferences, often consisting of a state, parts of different states, or even by sub-dividing a state into several conferences. These conferences meet annually to do the "business" of the church. And every four years (2008 is next) the UMC holds a General Conference where delegates from around the world meet for the same purpose.

Here in Virginia conference week runs from June 10 to June 14. As a result the clergy, and lay members that comprise the other delegates, will be meeting in Roanoke this year. The logo that's shown here is the theme for this year.

Virginia's Annual Conference is in trouble. Look at the previous post to get an idea of why. For that matter, the UMC in general is having difficulty in many parts of the country. While the idea of growing the church is a good one, I'm afraid that the way in which it will be approached here will not be the manner in which the church should be making disciples. I will not be attending conference this year as I'm not a delegate (yet) and it's across the state for me. That coupled with the fact that I really can't take time away from my job here at the church since both pastors will be in attendance.

I can't wait to hear their report about the growth initiative though.

Maranatha.

How much trouble are we really in?

2007-05-28T12:52:00.000-05:00

I've come across a blog posting that discusses the proposed merger in Indiana of 2 current Annual Conferences into a single Indiana Conference. One of the questions that the bloggers listed was about the budget which is being planned. It appears that it is underfunded (they plan on spending more than is projected to come in) by $940,000, and in looking at the offerings collected so far this year they're behind current needs by more than $200,000. This doesn't speak well of the state of the church.

In the Virginia Annual Conference the 2006 attendance statistics are in. Only 100 people are in worship, and the Conference lost attendees through the year at a rate that would equal 26 churches. What would have been 26 congregations just ceased to exist. We cannot assume that it was the result of natural (death, etc.) attrition. We are losing people to either other denominations, non-denominations, or worse they're just leaving the church altogether. And Virginia is one of those conferences that has always been vibrant and thriving. This information doesn't speak well of the state of the church.

I believe either last year, or perhaps it's this year, that there was a merger of 2 Michigan conferences into a single entity. I understand that this was because the number of congregations had diminished to the point where they could no longer sustain both. So in order to maintain the conference political structure they merged. I don't know how successful they've been thus far, but the very fact that they'd shrunk to this point where a merger was needed... this doesn't speak well of the state of the church.

The Western and the Northeastern Jurisdictions are blatantly liberal in their politics and their theology. The Western Jurisdiction has fewer members than the Virginia Conference alone. That's a lot of space to not have a large number of UMC members. This doesn't speak well of the state of the church.

What have we lost? Why do we seem to have forgotten the message we've been very successful in promoting for the last 200 years? The UMC is flourishing in other countries, especially Korea. What is being done in those places that we need to bring back here to the Americas?

For myself I believe that our "social gospel" has overtaken the Gospel message itself. And because of this the people are not finding what they're all searching for- the Truth. Those congregations that are growing and reaching the masses have been willing to break the mold of business as usual, and this is another area where we have to abandon the status quo and move into the 21st century. We need to be innovators in outreach and worship styles. To be open and inviting to the post-modern generation. How many of our congregations have more persons in their membership under the age of 35 than over 35? It's time for a change, and thinking that the younger generation is actually looking for traditional models of churches and worship is a mis-placed hope for a return to the 1950's.

Those days are gone forever, and the sooner we acknowledge that the quicker we can get back to the business of the Kingdom.

Maranatha.

What a Wonderful Three Days!

2007-05-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Got back into town late Saturday afternoon after an eventful 3 day stretch in Northern Virginia. I, along with our youth minister and one of the office staff, attended the LeadNow conference that was being hosted by McLean Bible Church. Three glorious days of speakers like Mark Batterson, Dan Kimball, and Donald Miller, great praise music by the Frontline Band, awesome worship, meaningful breakout sessions, and Caedmon's Call. Boy, am I pumped!

The reality of everything is slowly taking effect, and I'm wondering how to successfully communicate what we experienced to rest of the church staff and pastors. It ain't gonna be easy.

There's some wonderful things about to happen with God's kingdom, and I want this church... no, this congregation, to be a part of that. Pray for me as I try to impart the information to people who don't understand that doing "church" is more than an hour on Sunday morning.

Maranatha.

A Day Off

2007-05-01T20:06:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's what I actually got to have on Sunday morning. How'd it happen? The simple explanation is as follows: My wife and I were at the All Virginia Chorus from Thursday through Saturday, and it being a fifth Sunday our home church holds only one service. So we were able to take the day off.

My wife decided to attend another UMC in the area, but I knew exactly where I needed to go. Wave Church.

Wave is a congregation that is multi-generational, but their worship style is distinctly "contemporary." As I entered the building I noticed how much it didn't look like a church. More like a cafe or theatre lobby. To the left of the main entrance was a coffee bar, with tables and chairs scattered around the lobby to provide seating for the customers. I entered the worship space and noticed that the front of the space was basically a stage, with folding chairs (very comfortable I might add!) all around it's front and sides. Looking at how it was set up they could probably seat about 1,000. The folks that were there for the 11:30 service numbered more than the church I serve if you were to count the total number of all 3 services we do. Very impressive.

The service started as the band took the stage and launched into music with seamless transitions between the musical numbers. Well rehearsed, yet worshipful. The ideal for any group that presents worship music. But the really amazing thing was the response they got from the congregation. There were times I couldn't hear the band because of their singing. When was the last time you attended a worship service and the congregational singing drowned out the music leader(s)? Like I said, amazing.

The pace of the service was energetic, and the pastor made sure that the congregation was engaged throughout. They had a guest preacher (the pastor of Hillsong Kiev) and his message was inspiring as he told us about his church in Russia. The emphasis was missions, and he announced what his people in Russia were doing in that regard. Made me rather ashamed to hear it. The pastor of Wave told his folks that they had given more than $540,000 towards missions last year, and that they were expecting an even better response to the request this year. Wow.

I can see why this body of believers attracts young adults, but it's obvious that what they're doing is of God. The number of more "seasoned citizens" in the congregation was proof to me that what they have is authentic Christianity. What a shame that we seem to have lost that in many of our Methodist congregations. And that is evident to me as I watch our young people leave and not return. They're looking for the real deal. We used to have it. We need to get it again.

Maranatha.

This week

2007-04-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

It has been a week of shock, pain, and grief here in Virginia.

After the shootings at Virginia Tech we've been busy at church with checking on our students that were on campus (thank God, they're all fine), quickly planning prayer services for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, preparing the church for a conference we're hosting on Saturday, holding a coffee house event Saturday evening, and having the youth of the church present the worship services this Sunday.

In the midst of all this we have taken time to ask the question I don't think many are asking. Not "why" but rather "did he really know Jesus?" And we have continued to lift up those of the Virginia Tech community with prayer.

This troubled young soul who committed these acts of violence was in need of much help. But for some reason he wasn't able to get the help he needed. The questions about gun control, response by law enforcement after the first shooting, and who's ultimately responsible have no bearing on this situation. The true question that we, as followers of the Christ, need to ask is, "Do these young people know about the saving grace of Jesus?" And if they don't, how do we communicate that message to them.

We lost 2 students in the Hampton Roads area from this incident. Both were active in their faith communities, Baptist churches I believe, and they will be greatly missed by the members of their congregations. I can't imagine the pain that the parents are feeling. I have 4 children, 2 of whom are currently in college. One of them here in Virginia, the other in Tennessee. Not close, and I know that I would have dropped everything to have gotten to them as quickly as possible should anything like this have happened. I pray God that never occurs.

But as Christians we aren't immune to suffering. Scripture says that the rain will fall on both the good and the bad but we, as the forgiven people of God through Christ, know that everything works out in the end. If the Book of Revelation does nothing else it tells us that God wins. So we need to be sure that we introduce as many people to Jesus as possible. For without Him, there is no hope.

Maranatha.

Why the cross?

2007-03-26T11:03:00.000-05:00

We come into a worship setting with symbols of great suffering. The cross alone is one such item. But how often do we, followers of Jesus the Christ, really realize the symbol before us? We treat it as a magic talisman at times, or simple ornamentation at others. We wear the cross as jewelry, not thinking of the meaning behind it. Why the cross? Why this instrument of torture and suffering?

The Roman Empire was very adept at finding ways to inflict pain and suffering to achieve it's aims and goals. For while they brought with them the benefits of "modern" living, and the Pax Romano, they were still ruthless with those that might oppose them. The whip used by them was called a flagellum, made up of strips of leather that had pieces of metal attached at various intervals. When struck with this instrument of torture it would literally remove strips of skin from the body, and often expose bone. Tradition says that the Christ received 39 lashes, but this was according to Rabbinical Law, not Roman. The Romans had no limit imposed, and a person could be beaten to death with a flagellum. This didn't occur very often though, as the "criminal" being punished still had to stand trial and be able to be crucified.

Crucifixion. Can anyone think of a more slow and lingering death than this? Struggling to force oneself up into a position where they might be able to take another breath. Crucifixion caused death by slow, painful asphyxiation. The actual nailing of the person (while being quite painful) could be survived but being forced to hang by these nails, supporting your body weight with them, was something the body was never designed to do. So as the diaphragm was slowly restricted, and the lungs were unable to totally exhale the carbon monoxide and inhale a full breath, the body would slowly start to die from a lack of oxygen. The process would take days, and often weeks, to complete. And the corpse would be left hanging after death as a warning to others about breaking the law of Rome.

So not just one painful path, but two were walked by the Savior. Which brings us back to the question: Why the cross? Why have we, His followers, chosen this symbol? The early church used the fish as a way of identifying each other. But over the centuries this direct reference to Jesus saying, "I will make you fishers of men," has fallen by the wayside. And the church looks at this emblem of pain and suffering without much thought as to the actual use of the cross. Why, as Christians, do we not use the empty tomb as our symbol? Much more hopeful, more joyful, more true to the meaning of Jesus' resurrection. But we don't do this. And I think we suffer our current identification with the secular world because of it.

When was the last time you heard a denominational church pastor, especially a Methodist pastor, proclaim the good news of Jesus resurrection outside of the Easter season? And more importantly, when have you heard the Bishops of the Annual Conferences proclaim this message to the world, rather than a political one? It is time for the church to again rise up, proclaim revival, and take the gospel message into the world once more.

No matter what the leadership may say.

Maranatha!

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

2007-02-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!

What a wonderful word of knowledge that is. And as we (collectively) take a look at our worship services the question has to be asked: Do we rejoice when in worship? I know, there's the school of thought that says that we should enter in a state of quiet contemplation, in awe-struck reverence. But take a look at our congregations... I mean take a good, hard look. Do they enter into the worship space with this attitude of awe and wonder, or is it a chance to socialize and catch up with those persons in the congregation they haven't seen since last week? Ever notice the level of conversational "buzz" before the start of the worship service?

Most traditional Methodist orders of worship have a period of prayer, confession, and assurance of pardon. And then the service usually moves into a different mode which includes music (choir anthem), offering, scripture, and the message (sermon). This is all well and good, but where does the rejoicing part come into play? I don't see anyplace that the traditional order has for a time of praise and true thanksgiving. How is it that the church has moved away from that part of the worship experience? And why are the more contemporary, for lack of a better term, services often criticized by traditional church members/clergy for their upbeat, praise-full gatherings? I've even heard the term "happy-clappy" when describing these types of worship offerings. It's funny, but I've never heard the contemporary crowd refer to traditional worshipers in a negative way. What is it that the traditional church is so afraid of?

The church where I serve has had a problem with the contemporary services I'm responsible for. They often wonder when we'll either go away, or die for lack of interest (mostly theirs). But the thing they don't realize is that what we offer to the congregations I serve is every bit as valid as what they're used to. The established church is having a real hard time with the current paradigm shift that's occuring, especially since the denominational structure is in trouble everywhere. Be you a Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Baptist, or whatever, your attendance and member numbers are dwindling.

The root cause? The reasons are many, and none easy to accept. But among them are the fact that the current post-modern generation is tired of the obvious hypocracy they see within the walls of the established church today. We speak of "just believe," they hear "don't think." We speak of peace and they point to the many wars that have been supported by the church (especially now by the fundamentalist, right wing crowd for Iraq). We talk of love and unity, they ask us "Well then, why is everybody divided into different groups?" And the idea of attending a church on Sunday morning isn't even on their radar scope.

Does it sound like the church won't be here 50 years from now? No, for those of us with the vision to know that it's time to do "church" a little differently are already reaching out with new ideas, new modes of worship, new ways to reach the current "lost" generation and bring them to the Truth of Jesus. Even if it's not in a church service on a Sunday morning. Or in a church at all. The Sunday morning model is no longer a valid outreach for today's generation.

And another one of those ways is to be authentic with our worship style, especially with being able to lift our voices in praise. The Psalms speak about praising God with musical instruments, with song and voice, to "make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord." So with this in mind let me encourage you the next time you are in worship to lift up your eyes, to raise your voice in joyful praise without caring about what others may think about you. For God loves it when we rejoice and give Him praise. After all, we used to be called the "shouting, singing Methodists."

Maranatha.

Lent fast approaches

2007-02-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

Once more we start to turn our thoughts toward the Lenten Season of the church. Ash Wednesday is but a mere 2 weeks away, and the church begins it's introspective look at itself in this season of reflection. Seems like we just had Christmastide and Epiphany, but it will have been 6 and a half weeks since then. Next year it'll come even sooner- one month after 12th Night (Jan. 6) we'll celebrate Ash Wednesday (Feb. 6). With the result that Easter will be even earlier in 2008.

What does all of this mean? The church seems to stumble along from liturgical season to liturgical season, never really paying attention to what each one truly means. And as a result we allow ourselves to get caught up in the secular rather than the sacred. Think for a moment, when was the last time you really gave thought to the miracle of Jesus' birth? Of the wonder of the shepherds as they were sitting in a dark field that suddenly was filled with angels singing. How you felt as the candles were lit to celebrate on Christmas eve during a worship service. Or on Maundy Thursday at the Table? And Good Friday.. whatever happened to the afternoon worship services that were held to remember His sacrifice? Easter seems to be about new dresses, hats, flowers blooming, and the promise of warmer temperatures as spring appears. Not about the empty tomb and His resurrection.

As far as that goes, when was the last time you truly worshiped? The way in which you celebrated and gave praise for all that God has done for you communicates more about your attitude than anything else you may do. Or has the weekly church service become just one more chore, one more thing to take care of as you live from day to day? As we enter into the next church season may we all reflect on these questions and do a deep, in depth examination of our spiritual lives. Our eternal lives might depend on what we find out about ourselves.

Maranatha.

Time for a new slogan?

2007-01-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. This is the current "slogan" of the United Methodist Church. Marketing campaign is more appropriate actually. The six words used seem to convey a spirit of "anything goes," especially the open minds part. Just the opposite is true, but the phrase doesn't really say that.

A more correct version might be something along these lines: Loving Hearts, Thinking Minds, Open Doors. This would give people unfamiliar with Methodism a better grasp of what the current church is all about.
Loving Hearts: Hearts that are willing to embrace you, that shine with the love of God through Jesus.
Thinking Minds: The mental ability to be open to new ideas, yet still able to grasp the truth of scripture.
Open Doors: Welcome! We don't care who you are or where you might be in your faith walk. Our doors are open to you to come in and explore the wonder that is God.

A slogan like this might be a little more in line with the Wesleyan quadrilateral ideas of Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience in looking at things about the church.

Any other ideas anyone? Maranatha.

I've joined the Blogging World

2007-01-05T12:08:00.000-05:00

I've oftened wondered about what it would take to create a blog. Well, now that I'm jumping into it with both feet I hope I'll be able to write current, pithy, and (hopefully) upbeat commentary about the world today; both secular and sacred. For those of you that stumble across my "hen scratchings" I welcome your comments and suggestions.

For the first topic on this site: Churches breaking away from their home denominations.

Here in Virginia there have been several Episcopal churches that have voted to leave their current affiliation with the Episcopal Church (USA) over the "left wing" direction the home denomination has taken over the last 30 years. Especially the ordination of gay clergy. There has been a similar battle ongoing since the merger of the Methodist CHurch and the EUB Church in 1968. Every 4 years at General Conference the question is brought to the floor in the manner of a resolution to change the Book of Discipline (the church "law" book) which would relax the prohibition of ordained clergy being gay. And every 4 years the resolution(s) go down to defeat by an average ratio of 2 to 1.

You'd think they'd get tired of being beaten by the majority opinion of the church, but like clockwork bring it back with each Conference. And they continue to be denied again. If this is such a big issue for this minority why don't they simply vote to leave the UMC and create their own denomination? Understand, the UMC doesn't deny the right of gay persons to participate in the local church, the church at the conference level, or any place else except for the clergy. The reason for this is simple, Scripture condemns homosexuality (as it does all sin and bad works) and the church has adopted a traditional interpretation of Scripture. Especially Leviticus 18:22, 20:13 and 1 Cor. 6:9. So while we welcome and embrace those who come, we do rebuke the sin in their lives. For it is through the love and sacrifice of Jesus that their spiritual lives are changed and made whole again.

There are several persons in the church where I currently serve who are gay. And those people do serve the ministries of the church. Several hold positions of lay leadership, bringing with them a spirit of cooperation which a model for many of us on how to live with each other. Their service is also an example to the rest of the congregation on what it means to be a follower of Christ. May this spirit of unity be felt throughout the church universal, which would quickly stop all of the "political" wranglings which are bringing schisms within the Body.

Maranatha.