Java Jam

Tonight I hung out a local coffee house and listened to a friend perform a collection of songs ranging from Stone Temple Pilots to Bob Dylan. The music mix was quite eclectic and the atmosphere provided a welcome respite from the outside world.

The atmosphere at a coffee house is unique. People come to the same place, but for different reasons (that is not what makes a coffee house unique). Some people come to drink a cup of mocha or to down a vanilla latte. Others come to take advantage of the free wireless internet service. And others just come to hang out. Tonight I went to listen to music.

The music was good. Not every note was nailed right on, and not every chord was played flawlessly, but the spirit fueling the music transcended any technical errors. The musician (Joel Jordan) performed songs to which he is intimately connected. He did not just sing the songs, he felt them. The passion seeped through every note he sang. The fervor encompassed every chord strummed and every string picked. In this day when commercialism runs amok over the airwaves, such a performance was indeed welcome and embraced.

As I enjoyed the performance (even without stage diving or crowd surfing) my mind began to engage in philosophical exercises. The coffee house is such an inviting setting. How come "going to church" is not more like going to see a local musician play at a coffee house?

I realize that some of you will balk at any such assertion. You will proclaim the higher purpose in our corporate worship on Sundays. And you are right about the higher purpose. But why is it that time seems irrelevant in the coffee house, but is the center of attention at church? Maybe the reason is because the passion I witnessed tonight is not always visible at church. I'm not talking about jumping up and down and shouting. Those things are signs of excitement, but not necessarily evidence of passion.

Passion is a little hard to define, but when you witness it there is no doubt about what it is. So, my few devoted readers, are we (Christians) largely without passion? If not, then where do you see or hear the passion? If so, then how do we become passionate Christ-followers?

Maybe the first step is to take in a show at the local coffee house.

Paradise Saved!

The decision came down at a meeting tonight: the field stays! Our little field of paradise will not be paved!

How refreshing to witness a church decision based on serving others rather than self!

Go do something good today!

Shrink Time

The previous post about core values was the result of some material I am working through written by Dr. Steven Stosny (shrink from D.C.). He believes the key to emotional health and stability lies in identifying and meditating on our core value.

According to Stosny, core value is defined as "the drive to create value." You might call this a heightened sense of self-worth or awareness of who you really are. Stosny believes that a person's recognition of his core value enables him to realize that no other person and no situation can reduce his value. Core value also helps a person change destructive behavior.

So, what is it that gives us value? Does our mere existence point to our value? Do our accomplishments give us value? Do our relationships assign us certain levels of value? Or does our relationship with our Creator make us valuable?

I am not sure if Stosny subscribes to any kind of religious faith, but his philosophy is interesting. Do we still have value even without any kind of faith? Or does existence = value (if so, then are the dead valueless?).

Test for Echo

"Hello ... is there anybody out there?" Okay, enough with the Pink Floyd lyrics. My main question for anyone who reads this blog is this: What are your core values? To elaborate: what things do you cherish the most?

Here is my second question: do your core values define who you are? I realize in the Good Book we read that we are known by our "fruits," but what really makes us who we are? Is it a mix of the spiritual and the carnal? Is it solely spiritual? Or could it be a creation of our own minds?

Just something to ponder when you face another sleepless night.

Paving Paradise

Today was a good day. Late this afternoon the church where my family attends had a congregational meeting to address some pressing needs. The main topics were safe transportation and parking lots. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

I agree with the safe transportation. There are too many accidents involving 15-passenger vans. Besides, our church vans are not in the best condition. Getting a "bus" will help us provide safe transportation for children, teens, adults and senior citizens. This is a "no-brainer."

The second issue was the supposed need for more parking. A proposal was presented to pave a field located behind our Family Life Center. This field is basically the only green space we have left on our property. This should be reason enough NOT to put in a parking lot. But the bigger reason is that the field is used four nights each week by soccer teams. Soccer fields are scarce in Bossier City so our field has provided at least three teams with a place to practice. The majority of the children who comprise these teams do not attend church at this location. So by providing the field for them to practice the church is letting people know that we care about our community and the activities in which the children in this community are involved.

Now I am not an expert on parking lots, but I have had my share of "ministerial training." Add to that common sense and the idea of paving the field just does not add up. Why put in a parking lot that MIGHT be used for 1-2 hours on one day of the week? Why not KEEP a field that is used 4-5 nights per week for several hours? We provide a safe place for kids to practice soccer and the only cost to us is mowing the field and getting rid of the fire ants.

Creating an asphalt jungle sends a message that we are not concerned about providing for the community, but that we are self-centered (wno matter how much we wrap the argument up in "church growth language"). Leaving the field as it is and exploring other options sends this message to the community: we want to be a part of your lives whether you attend this church each Sunday or not. That seems more in line with a Christ-like attitude of service.

My wife spoke up at the meeting today. I was so proud of her! She quoted from a rock song to make her point! Using lyrics from Joni Mitchell she said, "[Why] pave paradise and put up a parking lot?" Now please understand, the field is not what you would call "paradise." However, it is a place that means a great deal to children (mine included) and their parents who deeply appreciate a safe place to practice soccer, baseball, football and a number of other sports.

I am praying that the church where I attend will consider the needs of the community and realize that our mission is not to make ourselves bigger, but to serve others.

And I hope my daughter and son will witness a church decision based on service and not self-interest.

Noses Stuck in a Book

Throughout history, God has communicated to His creation through a wide array of avenues. He has used prophets, animals, and the written Word to help people emerge from temporary thinking to eternal thinking.

Throughout the Old Testament we have records of God speaking through prophets, judges, and kings. The people gathered at the Tabernacle and then the Temple to worship. A major aspect of this time of worship was the reading of the Law. God's words filled the ears of those gathered and they were once again recalled to the true meaning of life. The written Word took centerstage, even though the people listened to it read, rather than reading it.

Then God did something unusual. He changed the shape of His communication. The written Word remained, but then God sent Jesus. "The Word became flesh" is how the Gospel of John describes the incarnation. Suddenly the people had more than just the written word. They were able to relate to a person, and not just any person -- but the Word made flesh!

Now we once again hear God's communication through His Word. We can read it, study it, memorize it, and learn to live by it! But can we become so absorbed in the Word that we forget the person? Is it possible to be so consumed by God's Word that we never encounter the Word made flesh? If we have lost the personal aspect of the Word, then how can we regain it?

Is it possible (dare I write it) that the Bible can become another idol?

If there is no living, breathing Savior, then the Word is impotent. If there is no "Word made flesh" then the Bible belongs alongside Aesop's Fables. But the "Word did become flesh and made His dwelling among us."

Maybe we have missed Him because our noses were stuck in book. Isn't that one reason why so many religious people missed Jesus the first time?

Read the Word, study the Word, and know that the Word is so much more than just black type on white paper. The Word is a person. His name is Jesus. And He is our only hope for eternity.

Lost

"TV's coolest drama" is how Entertainment Weekly describes the show "Lost." Generally speaking, the show is about a group of people stranded on a deserted island. Although I am not an avid watcher of the show, I know something about being lost.

In 1997, I led a group of people from Ohio to Tucson, Arizona, to perform a week of community service, encourage the members of a local church, and help this local church minister to the community.

On the way back we took a "short cut" along a state highway in Colorado. Unfortunately, it was not really a "short cut." We got lost, turned around, and reached our hotel about eight hours later than originally planned.

Being "lost" is frustrating. However, knowing that someone is looking for you creates a hope that trumps any level of frustration. According to the Christian faith, God has come looking for us. And according to the official book of all Christians (the Bible), God will not hesitate to leave the "found" in order to find the "lost."

Think about that the next time you get turned around while driving around on a state highway and find yourself at such places like "Wolf Creek Pass." The good news is that the Shepherd of your soul is looking for you. Being "lost" is a state we have all passed through, but staying "lost" does not have to be a permanent condition.

You might get lost this week. Or a friend of yours might get lost. If it is you, then don't despair. If it is a friend, then go find him. No one has to stay lost.

Maybe instead of church committees, we should organize search parties. Or we could just live amoung the "found" and never go searching. I don't know about you, but if I have a friend who is lost, then finding him becomes my top priority.

And finding you is God's number one priority.

The Gospel of Pizza

Building relationships is such a key part of the growth of any type of church or religious institution. Without relationships, people become "Wal-martized," meaning that the lowest price on the desired product, and not relationships is what ultimately matters.

Lowest prices may attract us for awhile, but I still believe that relationships win the day. For example, there is a local place where I like to eat. The food is pretty good (if you like pizza), but the food is not what keeps me coming back. Actually, the food is of secondary importance. The value I receive for my meal is pretty good as well, but the value is of secondary importance also. The reason I continue to frequent this restaurant is because of the relationships I have with the people who work there. I know the names of the servers, the assistant manager, and the manager. They know my name. I know a little bit about what is going on in their lives. There is more communication than simply placing an order and answering the question, "Is everything alright?"

This relationship paradigm applies to church as well. In the town where I live there are a number of churches I could attend that believe, in large part, the things I believe. So what keeps people at one congregation instead of skipping around to the religious smorgasbord that lies before them? The answer is relationships!

Maybe if we took more time to get to know people before shoving religious ideology down their throats, then maybe we would encounter more listening ears when we talk about a relationship with Jesus.

Such an endeavor means we leave the comfort of our padded pews and "holy" sanctuaries and meet people where they are.

Even if that means eating pizza three-four times a week.

Running for the Dough

The big news in my community today is the opening of "Krispy Kreme" doughnuts. About 4:00 a.m. people began lining up at the door to get their coffee and doughnuts.

I guess this is a big deal. Maybe my prejudices are keeping me from rejoicing with the masses over the arrival of "Krispy Kreme." I grew up on "Dunkin' Donuts." Unfortunately, the closest "Dunkin' Donuts" to where I live now is just under 2 hours away. Instead of selling out to the other name brands (including "Krispy Kreme") I simply abstain from donuts until I am in the vicinity of those who truly know how to make a one

However, I also recognize that there are those who crave "Krispy Kreme." About ten years ago on a church-sponsored youth trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I gained my first insight into the "Krispy Kreme" phenomenon. As we drove out of Gatlinburg, one of the other adult chaperones spotted a small place selling "Krispy Kreme" doughnuts. As we sat at the stop light, he suddenly bolted out of the van and ran (full-speed) to get his fix. We continued to drive out of town (there was a lot of traffic). About a mile down the road I looked in the mirror to see my friend running after the van. His face had doughnut stuff all over it and he was carrying a box of "Krispy Kreme's" finest.

The intake of fried dough obviously was what his mind, body and spirit needed on this particular day. He offered to share, but who was I to take from his treasure chest of doughnuts?

My refusal to take part in this joyous moment was framed by loyalty to a company who truly knows how to make a chocolate glazed doughnut. IMHO

So what's your doughnut story?

Reasoning with Grace

One of the hallmark sayings connected with the religious movement of which I am a part is "In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things love."

Of course this saying has echoed throughout the pages of history, possibly even originating with Augustine. However, the words are frequently claimed by religious groups as a testament to their commitment to free discussion, their loyalty to explicit biblical doctrine, and their steadfastness concerning Christ's command to "love one another."

It all sounds good on the surface, but what I have found is an aversion to free discussion, an elevation of interpretation with explicit biblical doctrine, and a compulsion to extend love only when people agree with us.

This saying has broken down in my religious movement. We spend time arguing over what is essential and what is not. Many preachers have taken a rational approach to the Scriptures and in the process spoken where the Bible has not spoken (all in the name of being "reasonable"). This has led to the fracture of congregations, the exodus of Christians who have suffered through inquistions concerning their faithfulness, and the neglect of fulfilling our role as seed-planters (see post: "Taxes and Seeds").

Maybe there is something in the human psyche that causes us to lean toward drawing lines of fellowship. Maybe it is the work of the devil. Or maybe it is our own insecurity. Maybe we feel better thinking that we are better than other people of the Christian faith. Maybe we think this helps improve our chances of going to heaven.

Whatever the reasons are, one thing is clear: there is no room for grace in any of those thoughts. And if there is no grace, well, there is no salvation.

"God saved you by his special favor [grace] when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it"(Ephesians 2:8-9).

Maybe those of us who have received such grace from God, through His Son Jesus, should extend that grace to others -- even others who do not agree with us. But does that make sense? It doesn't have to make sense, that is why it is called grace.

Captive to the Wedge?

A few days ago I rented the movie Luther (actually ordered it from Blockbuster Online) and was reminded of the significant place Luther occupies in church history and the tremendous tension brought by his preaching.

Luther lived during a time when the Roman Catholic Church was heavily involved in the sale of indulgences (asking people to pay money to get family members out of Purgatory, shorten their own stay in Purgatory, or have the privilege to view church relics). Luther was appalled by such a practice. Of course the indulgences were really a fundraising campaign to build the great basilicas (such as St. Peter's).

Luther's 95 Theses was a major step in voicing his opposition. His appearance at the Diet of Worms (1521) showcased one of the most dramatic instances of integrity in the history of religion. When asked to recant his writings and teachings Luther responded that he would not and could not unless proven wrong by Scripture and reason. "Captive to the Word of God" is a phrase attributed to Luther in this episode.

I wonder if Christians today are "captive to the Word of God?" How many of us cling tightly to individual denominational traditions to the point of elevating them to (or even above) Scripture? I don't think many Christians do this intentionally, but it is certainly a temptation.

While individual traditions have some merit, they also serve as a wedge between Christian congregations. We walk a fine line in trying to balance denominational tradition and Scripture. It appears that a major struggle in Christendom is relegating tradition to a secondary place in light of Scripture.

Of course, then the question becomes whether or not Scripture can truly unite Christians of various denominations or whether our different interpretations of Scripture will forever keep us separated in our own little corners?

What does it really mean to be "captive to the Word of God?"

Taxes and Seeds

For those of you procrastinators, this is the final day to send your completed tax forms in to the Internal Revenue Service (unless you have requested an extension). If you are one of the fortunate, the government is returning some of your money. If you are one of the unfortunate, well, looks like the government needs some more of your money. After all, national deficits must be funded.

Speaking of money, it seems that everywhere you turn someone is asking for some. Almost every week my kids bring home a note from school advertising a fundraiser, school shirts, school supplies (for next year), etc. But school is not the only place where your money is solicited. If you attend church, I am sure you are asked for your "freewill offering" on a regular basis.

Now giving money is not a bad thing (especially when you have money to give), however, I wonder if we have attempted to fulfill our God-given directive via the financial route. The reasoning goes like this: "I'll give money to help someone else do a particular ministry." "Wow, look at what that person is sacrificing to do mission work. Of course, doing such a thing is not a practical idea for me so I'll just send extra monetary funds their way."

It is easy for us to disengage from the culture on a personal level and think we are involved because we are financially contributing to others who are doing what we are supposed to be doing in the first place.

If your culture each day is a school, then God has called you to interact with the people who comprise that culture (you can do it educators!). If your culture each day is a business, then God has called you to interact with the people with whom you come into contact. If your culture each day is within the confines of your home or at the grocery store or shopping mall, then God has called you to positively impact your culture.

What if we began a "seed-planting" campaign? What if each person of the Christian faith made an effort to initiate spiritual conversations throughout the week? Instead of attempting to convert people on the spot, what if we just planted a little seed through a conversation?

Very rarely does a person become a Christian because of only one person's positive influence on his life. There are many people involved and their involvement may span years. Yet each person plays a vital role. Each person takes personal responsibility to plant a seed (initiate a spiritual conversation). I realize this is not a statistic we track, but if no spiritual conversations are initiated then it is likely that no spiritual transformation will occur.

"My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. ...The one who planted and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose ... We work together as partners who belong to God. ..." (I Corinthians 3:6-9).

Of course, we could pay someone to do that for us, but that is not really what Jesus had in mind -- is it?

Extreme Interaction

Maybe the biggest struggle that a Christian faces who wants to interact with his culture is the response of other Christians. It seems that a lot of people have unwritten rules when it comes to "sharing faith." For a lot of us we think that inviting someone to "church" is the extent of sharing faith. So we meet someone, maybe even build a relationship and then invite that person to "church." We give them the time to be there, the address of the church building, and our hopeful wishes that they will come. I'm not sure this is the most effective method.

Often things happen in "church services" that we take for granted, but for which a first-time visitor quickly notices. For example, we talk one way outside of the church building and then we incorporate a new language ("church-ese") when we enter the sacred halls of our places of worship.

We also define what is spiritual and what is not. For example, if you had a choice between attending a weeknight Bible study with other Christians or spending time with people whom you are trying to reach for Christ, which choice would you make? Does something have to be marked Christian in order for God to be in it?

The well-used phrase "be in the world, but not of it" rings in our ears. We are to be in the world. Nowhere are we told to retreat into our self-created subculture. Our comfort is not God's priority. The salvation of people is His priority. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

That is extreme interaction.

Rainy Monday

The floodwaters are rising this morning! A series of storms hit the area last night and are continuing to level heavy amounts of rainfall. It is the perfect weather for a Monday! Ha!

Anyway, I realize as Christians we are not to circle the wagons, and that some of us tend to stay too close to the water after baptism. It appears that we have created a Christian subculture. On one hand, there are some benefits to this, but on the other hand, there is an inherent danger here. If we take residence in this Christian subculture, then with whom are we sharing our faith?

In his book, Fearless Faith, John Fischer writes, "We are not as concerned about the salvation of those in the world as much as we want them to behave better around us for our comfort." Fischer's book has challenged me in a way that Brian McLaren's writings do. He stretches my thinking, makes me question certain approaches, but, in the end, draws me closer to the Author of my faith.

So is the above quote by Fischer on the right track? And what are the benefits of a Christian subculture? How do we emerge from this subculture and interact with our culture?

"Optional Work"

For the past few days we have experienced slow draining toilets and tubs at our house. It really got our attention when my wife ran the washing machine and "stuff" came up out of the tub drain.

Last night I was given the charge to call the "plumber in the morning!" Well, after several hours the problem is now temporarily fixed. The plumber recommended some expensive work, which I declined at the time. Of course, he said "this work is optional, but ..."

Speaking of "optional work," I hope you are struggling with this entire Christian subculture thing. God has placed us in this world and we are not called to be salesmen, we are not given commissions on the number of people we baptize, but we are called to be followers of Christ. Yet we have created this Christian subculture and pitched our tent inside. We are not about promoting wholesome values, we are called to share Christ, to interact with our culture, and be authentic Christians. Instead of protesting every social ill, why not seek avenues to minister to those involved for the sake of simply ministering in the name of Christ? At some point the Story must be allowed to shine through us and gradually touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact. Truth be told, we spend the majority of our time ministering to ourselves, rather than ministering to those in the most desperate need of grace-filled ministry. This is not the biblical model. It certainly is not what we have learned from Jesus.

Of Soccer and Faith

For those of you who do not know, I coach a girls' soccer team (have done so for the past three years). The team is comprised of second graders who have found themselves playing in a league against fourth graders. I have to admit that my first inclination was to register my complaint with the YMCA front office. But after further review, I decided to forge forward. After all, if the young players on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team can take on the older and more experienced Soviets and win, then why not us? And then there is that biblical story of God granting the Israelites victory over the inhabitants of the land of Canaan. Hmm ... seems at first glance the Israelites were a bit frightened extremely skeptical of God's power.

Anyway, according to Hebrews 3:19, the generation of Israelites who said they could not defeat the residents of the Promised Land never entered the land because of their unbelief. What ramifications do you think this verse has for us today? Where do you see our greatest areas of unbelief in the churches of Christ?

By the way, we won the game today 2-1! The girls believed in themselves. It is amazing what a little faith can do? Wait a second, that sounds oddly familiar.

This Might Hurt a Bit

Welcome O seasoned bloggers to my so-far less than stellar attempt at blogging. The good news is that I am being helped by an experienced computer dude. The bad news is that he is a "Mac" man. Oh well, I guess there is a place in the universe for all of us.