A Few of Your Favorite Things?

Most of you who read this blog know that I have spent my entire life as a part of the churches of Christ. Most of you also know that I love the history of the churches of Christ, especially the beginnings of this Movement. And, most of you know that I have issues with the attitudes and actions of some people in the churches of Christ.

But, since it's Friday, let's ponder the positive. Here is a question for those of you who are currently a part of the churches of Christ or who have been in the past. Ready?

What are your favorite things about the churches of Christ?

Neighbors

Dude, the storm has passed.

Is it over?

No.

How long will it last?

I don't know.

What are you going to do?

Something ... anything ...

Today at the church where I attend a family services group called to asked if we could help transport a family from a city several hours away from us to a city in another state. We were delighted to help, but wanted to check with a congregation located in that city. We called them, explained the situation and emphasized that we would pay the bus fare for this family. We simply asked this congregation to provide them with transportation to the bus station.

The response one of the secretaries received was this (no embellishment). "All of our efforts are concentrated south of here, we are not doing anything locally."

Come again?

The floodwaters send people into our communities, but we are too busy helping the cleaning and reconstruction efforts down south to help any evacuees residing next door to us?

Granted, there is a need for an incredible amount of help in the areas hardest hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. There is much cleanup to do and the reconstruction efforts will take years.

However, it seems odd at best, and wrong at worst, to ignore the plight of those uprooted by the storms and deposited in our communities?

Aren't they our neighbors as well?

Ready for the Storm

Waiting for the storm to hit. So far, we still have electricity, but the winds are picking up. The city where we live welcomed Hurricane Rita evacuees to go along with the Hurricane Katrina evacuees who have spent several weeks here already.

The weather dude says we could get 10-15 inches of rain by Sunday. Not good. If the hurricane stalls over this area, the rainfall amount will be drastically higher.

So, here we wait. Supplies gathered. Preparations made. Will the floods come? Will the winds rage?

Regardless, we are, to quote a line from Rich Mullins, "ready for the storm."

The Catholicity of the Church

Carl's answer to the question in the last blog was pretty astute. There is a sense that there is one Church (in fact, Paul makes this point in Ephesians). So, the catholicity (universality) of the church is without question.

And, as Carl pointed out, the churches of Christ (that title sure sounds like a denomination), have taken an exclusivist attitude based on a certain method of biblical interpretation.

In mulling all of this over, I have begun to wonder why many denominations cannot be part of the one Church established by Jesus. Granted, doctrinal differences abound throughout Christendom, but why can't congregations of Christ-followers have doctrinal differences and still be a part of one another.

The body of Christ is as diverse as the parts of your own body. Aren't you glad your whole body is not a nose? The churches of Christ are a part of the body of Christ, but not the sum of it. The sum is the Church of Christ, and those who comprise it are not only "members" in the churches of Christ.

This morning, my daughter hit it on the head. After hearing a commercial on the radio for a local church she asked, "Daddy, why do churches try to get people to come to their churches?" Before I could answer, she said, "This is not a competition. Don't we want all people to just go to church and follow Jesus?" Astounded by this commetnt I prepared to reply, but my son quickly interjected to his sister, "Shh ... You're not the preacher!"

Differences?

After having considered the ramifications of such a question, and the potential for misunderstanding, here it comes anyway:

What are the differences between the Church of Christ and the churches of Christ?

Differences?

After having considered the ramifications of such a question, and the potential for misunderstanding, here it comes anyway:

What are the differences between the Church of Christ and the churches of Christ?

Deep Thoughts

A thought came to me today concerning the relativity of a relevant existence in relation to an irrelevant worldview.

Ah, forget it. ...

The Evil That Churches Do

Today in class she broke down.

At the age of 83, she has spent her life serving God. She vividly remembers her baptism, she candidly talks about her faith, and she can count the years she has given in service to God.

Yet today she broke down when talking about her salvation. She mentioned that some people from another congregation have called her several times out of "concern for her soul." They have questioned her salvation. The reason is because of the congregation where this faithful woman attends and because of who her minister is.

As I listened and watched the tears form in her eyes, I became angry. What kind of people would question the salvation of such a woman? What right have they to do such a thing? What manner of evil drives a person to do such a divisive and hurtful thing?

We talked for awhile. I reminded her of her baptism and the years she has spent doing her very best to serve God. Her salvation is secure.

However, for those who choose to render such harsh judgment I can only say I am grateful to not be in their shoes. Scripture plainly says there is "one judge." The notion that our mission involves rewarding salvation and issuing eternal condemnation is simply not biblical.

Because the congregation where I attend will not pass judgment on those who think differently, we are portrayed as somehow fallen away from the truth. It is not what we teach, it is our refusal to judge that rankles this particular congregation.

As much as I wish this were not the case, I can say -- with great pain -- that there is a day of reckoning coming. There is a day when those who have played the judge finally stand before the Judge. And as Scripture plainly teaches, "you reap what you sow."

Take heart, Ruth, you are a faithful daughter of God. The opinions and actions of others can never separate you from His love. You belong to Him.

Four Years Later

9.11.01

We will always remember.

We will carry on.

We will persevere.

When the towers fall, and when the hurricane hits, we will remain steadfast in faith, love, and in the truth that God is actively involved in our pain and sufferings.

Clean Underwear

“Is there any clean underwear?”

In most cases such a question is unusual to say the least. To someone evacuated from a hurricane ravaged-area and taken to a shelter several hours away, the question is a reminder of the minor things that we often take for granted.

The man was looking for clean underwear. As we fumbled through some of the boxes looking for new underwear, I looked at the man and said, “This really sucks, doesn’t it?” He shook his head in agreement. “The whole thing sucks,” he said. “We’re taken to different places, told we’re going to get certain things, and then it all changes.” All I could say in reply was, “I’m sorry.”

This past Tuesday morning I received a phone call from the assistant chief of police in the Louisiana city where I live. He asked me to come to the shelter at the Century Tel Center (our major arena in town, which seats 13,000 +). Inviting another staff member to accompany me, we arrived at the shelter in a matter of minutes. One of the police officers took us to the assistant chief and then we were given a tour of the operation. We met with the director of the shelter operations, logistical coordinators, food service managers, and other police and fire personnel. As we surveyed the 1,000 evacuees from command central, the director of the shelter commented about the plight of the people who filled the arena floor.

We pledged our support via finances and volunteers. Our final meeting was with two staff members from a local Baptist church who are very involved in addressing the many needs embodied in the many faces of those in the shelter. We recognized that even though we have differences, we can come together to help so many people devastated through no fault of their own. Then we prayed together.

This morning, I spent several more hours at the shelter. Sorting through the mounds of donated clothing and other items, I met several more people. The looks on the faces revealed hurting souls and broken hearts.

Just this week in the Lunch Kitchen our church operates, the number of people needing a meal increased. Each day more than 100 people came through our doors, many of them evacuees living in hotels and running out of funds.

The needs of people are becoming more specific and continue to increase. I am heartened by the fact that at least two churches in the Dayton, Ohio-area where I used to live have taken up special contributions. I am inspired by local churches and other organizations that have filled a 24-foot truck that will be at our church building this coming Monday. People are responding. Yesterday, we received a check for $5,000 from a couple in Alaska who wants to help. We also received word from churches in Oregon and Texas that are collecting funds to send.

Just remember that all the gloom and doom presented by TV journalists looking for a “hot” angle, is not the entire picture of truth. Much good is being done. People are being helped. Generosity abounds. God’s people are rising to the occasion.

The hurricane destroyed a city, but it cannot shatter the hope, faith and love of those people who call themselves Christ-followers.

Yes, providing clean underwear is the least we can do.

Embracing the unknown

Another day separates those of us in Louisiana from the actual moment of Hurricane Katrina's impact on New Orleans. Another day takes us one step farther away from that horrific space in time.

It was a cruel twist of fate. The reports that New Orleans was in the path of a category 5 hurricane caused fear to ripple throughout the Pelican State. The news changed, however, with the report that Hurricane Katrina was downgraded to a category 4 hurricane, and then when Katrina spared New Orleans its full fury, nervous citizens across the state breathed a sigh of relief. Then, disaster struck. One of the levees separating New Orleans and Lake Pontchatrain broke. Flooding ensued. Calls for evacuation came too late. Many people fled. Some stayed. Lives were lost. The floodwaters unmercilessly consumed the city.

So here I sit typing this, almost one week removed from the initial chaos. Like you, the images of human suffering and the pictures of New Orleans underwater will not leave my memory bank anytime soon.

This past Sunday created new images. It is one thing to see the video and pictures on TV or the internet. It is an entirely different thing to see the New Orleans evacuees face-to-face. This past Sunday, there was a large group of people from New Orleans at church. They shared their stories of loss and suffering. They rejoiced at the safety of their families. They even thanked God for His faithfulness. This, in spite of the fact that they have lost almost all of their possessions. Their homes are gone. Their jobs are in limbo and will remain so for quite some time. Their children are entering new and unfamiliar schools. They are starting over.

And so I sit and stare at this computer screen as I fight the tears that fill my eyes. My faith is flooded with questions. Despite my failure to find answers, I cannot let go. I cannot deny God.

What will come of this disaster I do not know. So many people are suffering, yet so many people are helping in absolutely incredible ways. There is good in the midst of destruction. Is this the reason for the destruction? I think not. Is there a reason? I do not know. As trite as it may sound, I am able to embrace the unknown in light of the Known.

And right now, that is all that sustains us.

Hurricane Thoughts

What has happened this past week in Louisiana is unprecedented. An entire city lies in ruins from Hurricane Katrina and the crime spree that followed the disaster.

The death toll continues to rise. Evacuees continue to arrive in our part of the state. Other states are taking in evacuees as well. This is indeed a national tragedy.

I have received numerous calls from friends, family and other concerned individuals. It seems as though everyone wants to help in some way. This helps remind me that despite the evil actions of evil people, there is still a compassionate heart that beats in America.

The church where I attend is giving $23,000 to the relief efforts. This fact makes me proud. I am thankful that the church where I attend is committed to "being the church."

Recently, a very good friend of mine, who is a police officer, traveled to New Orleans to help bring back busloads of evacuees. He talked about the destruction, the hurting people, and how this disaster will affect the state of Louisiana. I am grateful that he was able to help people. I am grateful for his safety.

This is only the beginning. This disaster will not end in a week or two. We must all commit ourselves for the long haul. We can, with God's help, triumph over this horrific event. We can show compassion and mercy and extend a helping hand to our neighbors in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Continue to passionately pray for those who have lost so much. Continue to pray that God's people will take the lead in ministering to the victims of the hurricane.